bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic β‐cell identity in diabetes
Authors: Remedi M. S. , Emfinger C.
Published: September 2016

Recovery of functional β‐cell mass continues to be an ongoing challenge in treating diabetes. Initial work studying β‐cells suggested apoptotic β‐cell death as a main contributor for the loss of β‐cell mass in diabetes. Restoration of β‐cells either by transplant or stimulating proliferation of remaining β‐cells or precursors would then logically be a viable therapeutic option for diabetes. However, recent work has highlighted the inherent β‐cell plasticity and the critical role of loss of β‐cell identity in diabetes, and has suggested that β‐cells fail to maintain a fully differentiated glucose‐responsive and drug‐responsive state, particularly in diabetic individuals with poorly controlled, long‐lasting periods of hyperglycaemia. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of loss of β‐cell identity and conversion in other cell types, as well as how to regain their mature differentiated functional state, is critical to develop novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse these processes. In this review, we discuss the role of plasticity and loss of β‐cell identity in diabetes, the current understanding of mechanisms involved in altering this mature functional β‐cell state and potential progresses to identify novel therapeutic targets providing better opportunities for slowing or preventing diabetes progression.
Utility of speckle tracking echocardiography imaging in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Alizade Elnur , Yesin Mahmut , Tabakci Mehmet Mustafa , Avci Anıl , Bulut Mustafa , Acar Göksel , Şimşek Zeki , Izci Servet , Barutçu Süleyman , Pala Selçuk
Published: September 2016

Background

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is characterized by the progressive replacement of ventricular myocytes with variable amounts of fibrous and adipose tissue. Several studies have suggested that speckle tracking echocardiographic (STE) parameters such as strain (S) and strain rate (SR) may prove useful in the early detection of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate RV myocardial function using the STE method in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with ARVD and to assess its potential role in the differential diagnosis of these two presentations.

Methods

We recruited 34 patients with ARVD. Seventeen patients were symptomatic, and seventeen were asymptomatic.

Results

The RV free wall global longitudinal S and SR were significantly lower in symptomatic patients with ARVD than in asymptomatic patients. According to a cutoff value of 1.35 per seconds for RV global SR, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting ARVD were 88% and 77%, respectively. According to a cutoff value of 17.3% for RV S, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting ARVD were 82% and 77%, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we present strong evidence that STE‐derived global S and SR in the RV free wall are decreased in symptomatic patients with ARVD compared with asymptomatic patients.
Diabetic cardiomyopathy: a clinical entity or a cluster of molecular heart changes?
Authors: Mizamtsidi Maria , Paschou Stavroula A. , Grapsa Julia , Vryonidou Andromachi
Published: September 2016

Background

Although the increasing rate of cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes is thought to be due to the coronary atherosclerosis caused mainly by compounding factors such as dyslipidaemia and hypertension, it is now well documented that diabetes alone can lead to a vast array of molecular changes in the heart.

Design

The aim of this article was to comprehensively review the pathophysiological and molecular changes leading to diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), as well as to critically analyse the literature that offers evidence in favour and against the existence of the overt clinical expression of this entity.

Results

We included in the discussion studies that have revealed the existence of diabetic cardiomyopathy with unique remodelling pattern when compared to other types of cardiomyopathies. On the other hand, several studies debate the existence of clinically discernible cardiomyopathy caused only by diabetes and were also presented and discussed in details.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of DCM when facing patients with diabetes in order both to recognize on time relevant symptoms and to intensively look for and treat other compounding factors, apart from optimal glucose control. Furthermore, the elucidation of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to DCM could provide new therapeutic targets for heart disease, which will be wonderful for the good of our patients.
Mast cells are not associated with systemic insulin resistance
Authors: Einwallner Elisa , Kiefer Florian W. , Di Caro Giuseppe , Orthofer Michael , Witzeneder Nadine , Hörmann Gregor , Itariu Bianca , Zeyda Maximilian , Penninger Josef M. , Stulnig Thomas M. , Esterbauer Harald , Todoric Jelena
Published: September 2016

Background

Infiltration of white adipose tissue (WAT) by inflammatory cells in obesity is considered to be a key event in the development of insulin resistance. Recently, mast cells (MCs) have been identified as new players in the pathogenesis of obesity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between MCs and various inflammatory markers in serum and WAT and to determine the role of MCs in the aetiology of insulin resistance.

Materials and methods

Gene expression was measured in WAT from 20 morbidly obese patients and 20 nonobese control subjects. Homoeostasis Model of Assessment‐Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR) was used to estimate insulin sensitivity. In addition, wild‐type and mast cell‐deficient mice were fed a high‐fat or low‐fat diet to study mast cell influence on inflammatory cell polarization in WAT and overall metabolic changes.

Results

WAT levels of MC‐specific TPSb2 transcript were increased in obesity and significantly positively correlated with TNF, CCL2, CCL5 and CD68 gene expression levels in our study subjects after adjustment for sex, age and BMI. Accordingly, MC deficiency abrogated increase in expression of pro‐inflammatory M1 macrophage marker genes in mouse WAT upon high‐fat diet feeding. However, MCs accumulated in obese human WAT independent of insulin resistance and systemic changes in inflammatory mediators.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that MCs contribute to the local pro‐inflammatory state within WAT in obesity but do not play a primary role in causing insulin resistance.
Review of glucocorticoid therapy in horses. Part 2: Clinical use of systemic glucocorticoids in horses
Authors: Mora Pereira M. , Groover E. , Wooldridge A. , Caldwell F.
Published: September 2016

This article is the second in a review series about the use of glucocorticoids to treat medical and musculoskeletal conditions in horses. This segment in the series summarises reported dosages, methods of administration and the efficacy of glucocorticoids for various systemic diseases in equids. The most common use of systemic glucocorticoids reported in the literature for management and treatment of alterations of the respiratory, integumentary, immune and neurological systems are included.
Ant assemblages have darker and larger members in cold environments
Authors: Bishop Tom R. , Robertson Mark P. , Gibb Heloise , van Rensburg Berndt J. , Braschler Brigitte , Chown Steven L. , Foord Stefan H. , Munyai Thinandavha C. , Okey Iona , Tshivhandekano Pfarelo G. , Werenkraut Victoria , Parr Catherine L.
Published: September 2016

Aim

In ectotherms, the colour of an individual's cuticle may have important thermoregulatory and protective consequences. In cool environments, ectotherms should be darker, to maximize heat gain, and larger, to minimize heat loss. Dark colours should also predominate under high UV‐B conditions because melanin offers protection. We test these predictions in ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) across space and through time based on a new, spatially and temporally explicit, global‐scale combination of assemblage‐level and environmental data.

Location

Africa, Australia and South America.

Methods

We sampled ant assemblages (n = 274) along 14 elevational transects on three continents. Individual assemblages ranged from 250 to 3000 m a.s.l. (minimum to maximum range in summer temperature of 0.5–35 °C). We used mixed‐effects models to explain variation in assemblage cuticle lightness. Explanatory variables were average assemblage body size, temperature and UV‐B irradiation. Annual temporal changes in lightness were examined for a subset of the data.

Results

Assemblages with large average body sizes were darker in colour than those with small body sizes. Assemblages became lighter in colour with increasing temperature, but darkened again at the highest temperatures when there were high levels of UV‐B. Through time, temperature and body size explained variation in lightness. Both the spatial and temporal models explained c. 50% of the variation in lightness.

Main conclusions

Our results are consistent with the thermal melanism hypothesis, and demonstrate the importance of considering body size and UV‐B radiation exposure in explaining the colour of insect cuticle. Crucially, this finding is at the assemblage level. Consequently, the relative abundances and identities of ant species that are present in an assemblage can change in accordance with environmental conditions over elevation, latitude and relatively short time spans. These findings suggest that there are important constraints on how ectotherm assemblages may be able to respond to rapidly changing environmental conditions.
Effect of Intermittent Hemodialysis Frequency on Metabolic Control in Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Clark William R.
Published: September 2016

Quantification of the prescribed and delivered doses of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is now commonly performed, since recent data demonstrate a clear relationship between dialysis dose and outcome. In recent years, some of the quantification techniques developed for ESRD patients have been extended to the acute renal failure (ARF) setting. This extension has allowed the assessment of the specific effect of the frequency of intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) on delivered dialysis dose and metabolic control. In this review, after a discussion of the manner in which therapy prescription factors differ in the ARF and ESRD settings, the issue of the frequency of IHD in the ARF setting is explored.
Is social partnership the way forward for Indian trade unions? Evidence from public services
Authors: BADIGANNAVAR Vidu
Published: September 2016

Since the start of economic reforms in 1991, India's trade unions have found themselves increasingly excluded from the political process and marginalized in collective bargaining. Using survey and interview data from the Maharashtra affiliates of two national union federations, this article examines whether social partnership with employers is a viable option for Indian unions to regain influence and protect workers' interests, as some analysts have advocated. Its findings indicate that despite Maharashtra's supportive regulatory framework, which in theory should facilitate cooperative industrial relations, the realities of workplace employment relations – coupled with state indifference and adverse judicial interventions – weaken labour's prospects for meaningful social partnership.
Impact of providing patients with copies of their medical correspondence: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Fenton C. , Al‐Ani A. , Trinh A. , Srinivasan A. , Marion K. , Hebbard G.
Published: September 2016

Background

In Australia, correspondence is routinely sent to general practitioners following a specialist consultation. Written communication is an important way to enhance patient experiences and understanding, yet most patients do not receive copies of their medical correspondence.

Aims

To determine whether providing clinic correspondence and endoscopy reports to patients leads to improved understanding, satisfaction or anxiety.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomised controlled study conducted at an Australian tertiary hospital from October 2013 to February 2015. New adult referrals to the general gastroenterology clinic requiring an urgent endoscopic procedure were eligible for the study. The intervention group received a copy of their clinic correspondence and endoscopy report, while the control group received neither. Participants completed questionnaires, including visual analogue scales and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, at three time points. Primary outcomes were patient understanding, anxiety and satisfaction.

Results

A total of 70 participants was included in the study. There was no reduction in anxiety levels (P = 0.52), no increase in understanding (P = 0.73) or any increase in satisfaction (P = 0.33) in participants receiving correspondence. However, 97% of participants indicated that they wished to receive correspondence in the future, and 94% of participants in the correspondence group reported that receiving correspondence had helped them to understand their medical condition.

Conclusion

Patients wish to receive copies of their correspondence and feel it improves their understanding of their medical condition. Although we were unable to demonstrate a measurable reduction in anxiety, increase in understanding or satisfaction, we recommend that patients be offered the choice of receiving copies of their clinic correspondence and endoscopy reports.
Amelioration of experimental colitis after short‐term therapy with glucocorticoid and its relationship to the induction of different regulatory markers
Authors: Sales‐Campos Helioswilton , de Souza Patrícia R. , Basso Paulo J. , Nardini Viviani , Silva Angelica , Banquieri Fernanda , Alves Vanessa B. F. , Chica Javier E. L. , Nomizo Auro , Cardoso Cristina R. B.
Published: September 2016

The clinical benefits of short‐term therapy with glucocorticoids (GC) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are widely known. However, the effects of this treatment towards the re‐establishment of the regulatory network in IBD are not fully explored. We have evaluated the immunological effects of the abbreviated GC therapy in experimental colitis induced by 3% dextran sulphate sodium in C57BL/6 mice. Treatment with GC improved disease outcome, constrained circulating leucocytes and ameliorated intestinal inflammation. The control of the local inflammatory responses involved a reduction in the expression of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐1β, associated with augmented mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (α and γ) in intestine. Furthermore, there was a reduction of CD4+ T cells producing interferon‐γ, together with an increased frequency of the putative regulatory population of T cells producing interleukin‐10, in spleen. These systemic alterations were accompanied by a decrease in the proliferative potential of splenocytes of mice treated in vivo with GC. Notably, treatment with GC also led to an increase in the frequency of the regulatory markers GITR, CTLA‐4, PD‐1, CD73 and FoxP3, more prominently in spleen. Taken together, our results pointed to a role of GC in the control of leucocyte responsiveness and re‐establishment of a regulatory system, which probably contributed to disease control and the restoration of immune balance. Finally, this is the first time that GC treatment was associated with the modulation of a broad number of regulatory markers in an experimental model of colitis.
An exploratory investigation of sexual health screening in the first 12 weeks of case management in populations with severe mental illness
Authors: Corbett Rebecca , Elsom Stephen , Sands Natisha , Prematunga Roshani
Published: September 2016

The sexual health of people with mental illness is commonly overlooked, neglected or inadequately addressed in mental health care, despite evidence showing that people with severe mental illness are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), sexual side‐effects, and sexual dysfunction than the general population. This article reports a study that investigated sexual health screening in five community mental health clinics within a large a regional health service in Victoria, Australia. The aim of the study was to examine the extent to which sexual health screening is currently undertaken on newly admitted case‐managed consumers, and to identify the types of screening undertaken. An exploratory design using retrospective file audit was used in the study. A total of 186 medical records met the study inclusion criteria. The study found that less than 40% of consumers were provided with sexual health screening during their first 12 weeks of case management. The study also found that sexual side‐effects, issues of fertility, sexual self‐esteem, safe sexual practices, and sexual dysfunction were rarely screened for. Poor sexual health screening has implications for the safety and quality of mental health care and requires targeted research to improve understandings and approaches to care.
Glass Dielectrics in Extreme High‐Temperature Environment
Authors: Gao Jun , Kwon Do‐Kyun , Perini Steven , Long Jeffery , Zhang Shihai , Lanagan Michael T.
Published: September 2016

Thin and flexible glass ribbons can be rolled into a film capacitor structures for power electronic circuits. Glass has excellent electrical properties and is a leading candidate to replace polymer films for high‐temperature applications. The dielectric properties of a low‐alkali aluminoborosilicate glass were characterized up to temperatures of 400°C. Low‐field permittivity values of 6 with dielectric loss below 0.01 were found for temperatures below 300°C. The dielectric breakdown strength exceeded 5 MV/cm for temperature of 400°C and high‐field polarization measurements showed that glass has over 95% energy efficiency at temperatures of 200°C, which is a target temperature for high‐temperature power electronic circuits driven by wide bandgap semiconductor devices.
Variation in common preschool sleep problems as an early predictor for depression and anxiety symptom severity across time
Authors: Whalen Diana J. , Gilbert Kirsten E. , Barch Deanna M. , Luby Joan L. , Belden Andy C.
Published: September 2016

Background

Child and adolescent psychopathology has been linked to increased sleep problems, but there has been less investigation of this relationship in younger samples with early‐onset psychopathology. This study examined three specific but commonly observed aspects of sleep behaviors in young children – (i) Sleep onset latency, (ii) Refusal to sleep alone, and (iii) Nighttime awakenings – measured during preschool, and investigated whether these sleep problems predicted anxiety and/or depression across the next 6 years until school age (ages 9–13).

Methods

Data were analyzed from N = 292 participants from a prospective longitudinal study of preschool‐age children (ages 3–6). At baseline, parent‐reported clinical interviews of psychiatric symptoms, as well as sleep problems were conducted using the Preschool‐Age Psychiatric Assessment (PAPA). Follow‐up clinical interviews were also conducted annually through school age using the Childhood and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment (CAPA).

Results

Parent‐reported sleep onset latency and refusal to sleep alone were significant independent predictors of MDD and anxiety severity, but not ADHD severity across time, even after controlling for family income‐to‐needs ratio and maternal internalizing psychopathology. In exploratory analyses using only healthy preschoolers, parent‐reported sleep onset latency and refusal to sleep alone also predicted anxiety severity.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that specific, yet relatively common sleep problems predict diagnostic severity of depression and anxiety across time, but not ADHD. Increased clinical attention to and screening for sleep onset latency and refusal to sleep alone during preschool may be warranted.
Successful monotherapy of pemphigus vegetans with minocycline and nicotinamide
Authors: von Köckritz A. , Ständer S. , Zeidler C. , Metze D. , Luger T. , Bonsmann G.
Published: September 2016

Background

Pemphigus vegetans is a rare variant of pemphigus vulgaris, accounting for 1–2% of all pemphigus diseases. Systemic corticosteroids are the therapy of first choice in combination with immunosuppressants as steroid‐sparing agents.

Objective

To highlight the exceptional but successful use of minocycline/nicotinamide monotherapy in pemphigus vegetans.

Methods

A review of the literature to date about pemphigus vegetans with special emphasis on therapy was performed. Due to its rarity, multiple anecdotal reports without long‐term follow‐up are available and prospective controlled trials are lacking. Only one retrospective study from Tunisia includes 17 patients with pemphigus vegetans.

Results

We present a 76‐year‐old woman with pemphigus vegetans achieving complete response to a minocycline/nicotinamide monotherapy at onset and at relapse of the disease. Treatment has been discontinued after repeated direct immunofluorescence (DIF) of previously affected normal skin and anti‐desmoglein 3 antibodies had become negative. In addition, DIF of previously involved oral mucosa was negative. During long‐term follow‐up clinical remission has been maintained for more than 5 years. Up to now, negative results of serial performed indirect immunofluorescence and desmoglein ELISA testing also predict immunological remission.

Conclusion

In our patient and in a case with oesophageal involvement, published more than 20 years ago, clearly the benefit of minocycline/nicotinamide monotherapy was demonstrated. We propose to consider minocycline/nicotinamide as first‐line monotherapy in pemphigus vegetans, especially in elderly patients with comorbidities and contraindications to standard therapy, as it avoids the toxicities of systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
Effect of tofacitinib withdrawal and re‐treatment on patient‐reported outcomes: results from a Phase 3 study in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Griffiths C.E.M. , Vender R. , Sofen H. , Kircik L. , Tan H. , Rottinghaus S.T. , Bachinsky M. , Mallbris L. , Mamolo C.
Published: September 2016

Background

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor being investigated for psoriasis. A Phase 3 withdrawal/re‐treatment study (NCT01186744; OPT Retreatment) showed tofacitinib re‐treatment was effective in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.

Objectives

To describe the effects of tofacitinib withdrawal/re‐treatment on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and disease symptoms measured by patient‐reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods

The study was divided into initial treatment, treatment withdrawal, and re‐treatment periods. Initial treatment: patients were randomized to receive tofacitinib 5 (n = 331) or 10 mg (n = 335) BID for 24 weeks. Treatment withdrawal: patients who achieved both ≥ 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score from baseline and Physician's Global Assessment of ‘clear’/‘almost clear’ at Week (W)24 received placebo (withdrawal) or the previous dose (continuous treatment). Re‐treatment: at relapse (> 50% loss of W24 PASI response) or at W40, patients received their initial tofacitinib dose. PROs included: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Itch Severity Item (ISI), Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) and Patient's Global Assessment (PtGA).

Results

After initial treatment with tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID, substantial and significant improvements were reported for mean DLQI (baseline: 12.6 and 12.6; W24: 5.1 and 2.6) and ISI (baseline: 6.7 and 6.9; W24: 2.9 and 1.6). Patients continuously treated with tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID maintained those improvements through Week 56 (DLQI: 3.0 and 2.1; ISI: 2.3 and 1.4). By W40, patients withdrawn from tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID showed worsening in DLQI (5.0 and 6.2) and ISI (3.7 and 4.0) scores; improvements were regained upon re‐treatment (W56, DLQI: 3.4 and 2.4; ISI: 2.2 and 1.6). Similar results were reported for PtGA and SF‐36.

Conclusion

Continuous tofacitinib treatment provided sustained improvement in HRQoL and disease symptoms. Patients randomized to treatment withdrawal lost initial improvements. Upon re‐treatment, improvements were recaptured to levels comparable to those seen with continuous treatment.
Top‐100 cited articles on Guillain‐Barré syndrome: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kim Jee‐Eun , Kim Jong Kuk , Park Kang Min , Kim Yerim , Yoon Dae Young , Bae Jong Seok
Published: September 2016

Since the first description of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) 100 years ago, the concept of this syndrome has changed remarkably. The purpose of our study was to identify and characterize the most‐cited articles that have contributed to advancing the understanding of GBS. Based on the database of Journal Citation Reports, we selected 554 journals that were considered as potential sources of reports on studies related to clinical neurology and general medicine. The Web of Science search tools were used to identify the most‐cited articles relevant to GBS or other variants in the selected journals. Of the selected articles, 18 were review articles and the remainder were original articles or included only a few case series. Among the original articles, 13 described basic research associated with immunological pathogenesis involving anti‐ganglioside antibodies. Most of the original studies (42/64, 66%) published after 1990 evaluated anti‐ganglioside antibodies that mediated axonal GBS or Miller Fisher syndrome, with only a small number of the papers involving electrodiagnostic medicine (n = 4). Our bibliometric analysis has yielded a detailed list of the top‐100 cited articles in the field of GBS.
Guillain‐Barré syndrome in Bangladesh: validation of Brighton criteria
Authors: Islam Mohammad B. , Islam Zhahirul , Farzana Kaniz S. , Sarker Sumit K. , Endtz Hubert P. , Mohammad Quazi D. , Jacobs Bart C.
Published: September 2016

Guillain‐Barré syndrome has a diverse clinical phenotype related to geographical origin. To date, the majority of large‐scale studies on Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) have been conducted in developed countries. We aimed to evaluate the key diagnostic features and assess the suitability of the Brighton criteria in 344 adult GBS patients from Bangladesh. All patients fulfilled the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke (NINDS) diagnostic criteria. Standardized data on demographic characteristics and clinical features, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and nerve conduction study (NCS) results were elaborated to measure the sensitivity of Brighton criteria. Most patients (88%) were admitted to hospital after the nadir weakness. Symmetrical weakness and reduced reflexes were found in 98% of patients. CSF albuminocytologic dissociation was detected in 238/269 (89%) cases and abnormal nerve physiology in 258/259 (>99%) cases. Only 27 (8%) patients received either intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasmapheresis. In total, 200 (58%) patients met level 1 of the Brighton criteria; 97 (28%) patients met level 2; 42 (12%) patients met level 3; and 5 (2%) patients met level 4. This analysis showed that despite the heterogeneity of GBS in Bangladesh, the Brighton criteria showed a high sensitivity in the diagnosis of GBS.
Chemical composition of alfalfa silage with waste date and its feeding effect on ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial protein synthesis in sheep
Authors: Rajabi R. , Tahmasbi R. , Dayani O. , Khezri A.
Published: September 2016

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding ensiled alfalfa with waste date on ruminal fermentation characteristics, microbial protein synthesis, protozoa population and blood parameters in sheep. Eight rams were used in a 2 × 2 change over design. Each experimental period consisted of 21 days including 16 days for adaptation and 5 days for sampling. For ensiling, fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with different levels of waste date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) were mixed together and ensiled in 100‐l containers for 45 days. Chemical composition of silages such as dry matter (DM), crude protein, NH3‐N, organic matter, NDF, ADF and pH were determined. Then, it was used as 30% (DM basis) in diets. The experimental diets were as follows: (i) control (diet containing alfalfa silage without waste date), (ii) diet containing alfalfa silage with 5 g waste date/95 g DM, (iii) diet containing alfalfa silage with 10 g waste date/90 g DM, and (iv) diet containing alfalfa silage with 15 g waste date/85 g DM. The results of this experiment showed that adding waste date to alfalfa during ensiling, improved silage quality, DM and energy level. Total protozoa population and all of holotrich, cellulolytic and entodinia in rumen fluid were increased linearly by increasing the level of waste date. Nitrogen (N) intake, urinary N excretion and nitrogen retention were affected by dietary treatments. Also, allantoin, uric acid, total purine derivatives, microbial protein synthesis, cholesterol level and blood urea nitrogen were significantly different. In conclusion, direct ensilage of alfalfa can be attained by mixing 15 g waste date/85 g DM and positive associative effects such as increased metabolizable energy (ME) and silage quality occurred.
Clinical and Diagnostic Imaging Features of Brain Herniation in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Lewis M.J. , Olby N.J. , Early P.J. , Mariani C.L. , Muñana K.R. , Seiler G.S. , Griffith E.H.
Published: September 2016

Background

Quantification of brain herniation on MRI and its immediate clinical implications are poorly described.

Objectives

Define the normal position of caudal fossa structures on brain MRIs in dogs and cats utilizing morphometry, compare this to dogs and cats with caudal transtentorial herniation (CTH), foramen magnum herniation (FMH) or both identified on MRI, and investigate associations between herniation severity, clinical signs, and 24‐hour outcome.

Animals

Ninety‐two controls (66 dogs, 26 cats), 119 cases with herniation (88 dogs, 31 cats).

Methods

Retrospective case series. The MRI database was searched for controls with normal brain anatomy and cases with brain herniation. Morphometry in controls established TTX (transtentorial to rostroventral cerebellum) to quantify CTH and FMX (caudoventral cerebellum to foramen magnum) to quantify FMH. Measurements were compared between cases and controls. Correlations with specific clinical variables and outcome were investigated.

Results

Measurements in medium/large control dogs versus small dog and cat controls were significantly different (P < .001, TTX: −0.46, −0.305, −0.3, FMX: 0.695, 0.27, 0.25, respectively). 119/1564 (7.6%) cases that underwent brain imaging had brain herniation. TTX and FMX were significantly different between controls and cases with CTH or FMH (P < .001). 67/89 (75%) cases with supratentorial lesions had no signs directly attributable to herniation. 71/119 (60%) had a normal anesthetic recovery. TTX was significantly associated with 24‐hour survival (P < .001).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Brain herniation can be quantified on MRI. Clinical signs directly attributable to brain herniation commonly are absent, and more severe CTH based on TTX is associated with a worse short‐term outcome.
Distributional Effects and Individual Differences in L2 Morphology Learning
Authors: Brooks Patricia J. , Kwoka Nicole , Kempe Vera
Published: September 2016

Second language (L2) learning outcomes may depend on the structure of the input and learners’ cognitive abilities. This study tested whether less predictable input might facilitate learning and generalization of L2 morphology while evaluating contributions of statistical learning ability, nonverbal intelligence, phonological short‐term memory, and verbal working memory. Over three sessions, 54 adults were exposed to a Russian case‐marking paradigm with a balanced or skewed item distribution in the input. Whereas statistical learning ability and nonverbal intelligence predicted learning of trained items, only nonverbal intelligence also predicted generalization of case‐marking inflections to new vocabulary. Neither measure of temporary storage capacity predicted learning. Balanced, less predictable input was associated with higher accuracy in generalization but only in the initial test session. These results suggest that individual differences in pattern extraction play a more sustained role in L2 acquisition than instructional manipulations that vary the predictability of lexical items in the input.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded Open Materials and Open Data badges. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/n8spz. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Hydrogen isotopic composition of the Martian mantle inferred from the newest Martian meteorite fall, Tissint
Authors: Mane P. , Hervig R. , Wadhwa M. , Garvie L. A. J. , Balta J. B. , McSween H. Y.
Published: September 2016

The hydrogen isotopic composition of planetary reservoirs can provide key constraints on the origin and history of water on planets. The sources of water and the hydrological evolution of Mars may be inferred from the hydrogen isotopic compositions of mineral phases in Martian meteorites, which are currently the only samples of Mars available for Earth‐based laboratory investigations. Previous studies have shown that δD values in minerals in the Martian meteorites span a large range of −250 to +6000‰. The highest hydrogen isotope ratios likely represent a Martian atmospheric component: either interaction with a reservoir in equilibrium with the Martian atmosphere (such as crustal water), or direct incorporation of the Martian atmosphere due to shock processes. The lowest δD values may represent those of the Martian mantle, but it has also been suggested that these values may represent terrestrial contamination in Martian meteorites. Here we report the hydrogen isotopic compositions and water contents of a variety of phases (merrillites, maskelynites, olivines, and an olivine‐hosted melt inclusion) in Tissint, the latest Martian meteorite fall that was minimally exposed to the terrestrial environment. We compared traditional sample preparation techniques with anhydrous sample preparation methods, to evaluate their effects on hydrogen isotopes, and find that for severely shocked meteorites like Tissint, the traditional sample preparation techniques increase water content and alter the D/H ratios toward more terrestrial‐like values. In the anhydrously prepared Tissint sample, we see a large range of δD values, most likely resulting from a combination of processes including magmatic degassing, secondary alteration by crustal fluids, shock‐related fractionation, and implantation of Martian atmosphere. Based on these data, our best estimate of the δD value for the Martian depleted mantle is −116 ± 94‰, which is the lowest value measured in a phase in the anhydrously prepared section of Tissint. This value is similar to that of the terrestrial upper mantle, suggesting that water on Mars and Earth was derived from similar sources. The water contents of phases in Tissint are highly variable, and have been affected by secondary processes. Considering the H2O abundances reported here in the driest phases (most likely representing primary igneous compositions) and appropriate partition coefficients, we estimate the H2O content of the Tissint parent magma to be ≤0.2 wt%.
Shift of grey seal subspecies boundaries in response to climate, culling and conservation
Authors: Fietz Katharina , Galatius Anders , Teilmann Jonas , Dietz Rune , Frie Anne Kristine , Klimova Anastasia , Palsbøll Per J. , Jensen Lasse F. , Graves Jeff A. , Hoffman Joseph I. , Olsen Morten Tange
Published: September 2016

Identifying the processes that drive changes in the abundance and distribution of natural populations is a central theme in ecology and evolution. Many species of marine mammals have experienced dramatic changes in abundance and distribution due to climatic fluctuations and anthropogenic impacts. However, thanks to conservation efforts, some of these species have shown remarkable population recovery and are now recolonizing their former ranges. Here, we use zooarchaeological, demographic and genetic data to examine processes of colonization, local extinction and recolonization of the two northern European grey seal subspecies inhabiting the Baltic Sea and North Sea. The zooarchaeological and genetic data suggest that the two subspecies diverged shortly after the formation of the Baltic Sea approximately 4200 years bp, probably through a gradual shift to different breeding habitats and phenologies. By comparing genetic data from 19th century pre‐extinction material with that from seals currently recolonizing their past range, we observed a marked spatiotemporal shift in subspecies boundaries, with increasing encroachment of North Sea seals on areas previously occupied by the Baltic Sea subspecies. Further, both demographic and genetic data indicate that the two subspecies have begun to overlap geographically and are hybridizing in a narrow contact zone. Our findings provide new insights into the processes of colonization, extinction and recolonization and have important implications for the management of grey seals across northern Europe.
Atypical modes of bacterial histidine kinase signaling
Authors: Willett Jonathan W. , Crosson Sean
Published: September 2016

The environment of a cell has a profound influence on its physiology, development and evolution. Accordingly, the capacity to sense and respond to physical and chemical signals in the environment is an important feature of cellular biology. In bacteria, environmental sensory perception is often regulated by two‐component signal transduction systems (TCSTs). Canonical TCST entails signal‐induced autophosphorylation of a sensor histidine kinase (HK) followed by phosphoryl transfer to a cognate response regulator (RR) protein, which may affect gene expression at multiple levels. Recent studies provide evidence for systems that do not adhere to this archetypal TCST signaling model. We present selected examples of atypical modes of signal transduction including inactivation of HK activity via homo‐ and hetero oligomerization, and cross‐phosphorylation between HKs. These examples highlight mechanisms bacteria use to integrate environmental signals to control complex adaptive processes.
Revisiting the role of environmental and climate factors on the epidemiology of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Rodó Xavier , Ballester Joan , Curcoll Roger , Boyard‐Micheau Joseph , Borràs Sílvia , Morguí Josep‐Anton
Published: September 2016

Can environmental factors, such as air‐transported preformed toxins, be of key relevance to the health outcomes of poorly understood human ailments (e.g., rheumatic diseases such as vasculitides, some inflammatory diseases, or even severe childhood acquired heart diseases)? Can the physical, chemical, or biological features of air masses be linked to the emergence of diseases such as Kawasaki disease (KD), Henoch–Schönlein purpura, Takayasu's aortitis, and ANCA‐associated vasculitis? These diseases surprisingly share some common epidemiological features. For example, they tend to appear as clusters of cases grouped geographically and temporarily progress in nonrandom sequences that repeat every year in a similar way. They also show concurrent trend changes within regions in countries and among different world regions. In this paper, we revisit transdisciplinary research on the role of environmental and climate factors in the epidemiology of KD as a paradigmatic example of this group of diseases. Early‐warning systems based on environmental alerts, if successful, could be implemented as a way to better inform patients who are predisposed to, or at risk for, developing KD. Further research on the etiology of KD could facilitate the development of vaccines and specific medical therapies.
Mental‐health‐related stigma among Japanese children and their parents and impact of renaming of schizophrenia
Authors: Koike Shinsuke , Yamaguchi Sosei , Ohta Kazusa , Ojio Yasutaka , Watanabe Kei‐ichiro , Ando Shuntaro
Published: September 2016

Aim

Mental‐health‐related stigma affects help‐seeking behavior and service utilization among young people. Whether mental‐health‐related stigma is different or correlated between parents and their children is unknown. It is also unknown whether the name change of schizophrenia in 2002 has had long‐term effects on reducing stigma for adults in the general population.

Methods

We recruited 143 parent–child pairs (mean ages [SD]: 51.5 [3.6] and 21.2 [1.2] years, respectively) to complete self‐report questionnaires regarding mental‐health‐related stigma and experience. We also assessed negative stereotypes for three psychiatric disease names (old and new names of schizophrenia, and depression), and for diabetes mellitus as a physical illness comparison. The questionnaires also asked respondents to identify the old and new names of schizophrenia and dementia, respectively, among 10 names for mental and physical illnesses and conditions.

Results

Parents showed lower stigma levels toward mental illness and diabetes mellitus, but similar or greater stigma levels toward schizophrenia, compared with their children. Stigma levels toward mental illness in parents and their children were significantly correlated. The rate of correct identification of the old and new names for schizophrenia was higher in parents than in their children (64.7% vs 41.4%, P < 0.001). Parents who responded correctly endorsed more negative stereotypes toward the new name of schizophrenia compared with those who responded incorrectly (P = 0.049).

Conclusion

The present findings suggest that stigma toward mental illness is shared between family members, and the name change of schizophrenia has effectively reduced stigma levels toward this disorder in adults of various ages.
The Logical Problem and the Theoretician's Dilemma
Authors: Clatterbuck Hayley
Published: September 2016

The theory‐theory of human uniqueness posits that the capacity to theorize, in a way strongly analogous to theorizing in scientific practice, was a key innovation in the hominid lineage and was responsible for many of our unique cognitive traits. One of the central arguments that its proponents have used to support the claim that animals are not theorists, the logical problem, bears strong similarities to Hempel's theoretician's dilemma, which purports to show that theories are unnecessary. This similarity threatens to undermine both the claim that theorizing serves a unique, adaptive role in human cognition and our ability to test for the presence of theories. I examine two historical responses to the theoretician's dilemma and argue that they open up strategies for experimentally testing for theoretical ability in other animals.
Reduced germination success of temperate grassland seeds sown in dung: consequences for post‐dispersal seed fate
Authors: Milotić T. , Hoffmann M.
Published: September 2016

Endozoochory is one of the main drivers shaping temperate grassland communities by maintaining plant populations of its constituents and enabling plants to colonize new habitats. Successful endozoochorous dispersal implies that seeds not only get consumed and survive the digestive tract but are also able to develop into viable seedlings in a dung environment.

We experimentally assessed the germination probability and timing of 15 annual and perennial temperate European grassland species in cattle and horse dung and in different climatic conditions (greenhouse and outdoor conditions).

Interspecific variation in germinability and germination timing are found, while life strategy had only an effect on germination timing. We found adverse effects of both cattle and horse dung on the germination characteristics of all tested grassland species, but the effects of cattle dung were more pronounced. In comparison with the control treatment, fewer seeds emerged in dung and more time was needed to germinate. Also, germination metrics clearly differed between the artificial greenhouse and outdoor conditions, with generally a lower germinability in outdoor conditions.

According to our results, a large cost seems to be associated with endozoochorous dispersal in this stage of the life cycle, as seed dispersal effectiveness strongly depends on the quality of the deposition site with a lowered survival and germination probability when seeds are deposited in dung.
Temperature‐responsive genetic loci in pectinolytic plant pathogenic Dickeya solani
Authors: Czajkowski R. , Kaczyńska N. , Jafra S. , Narajczyk M. , Lojkowska E.
Published: September 2016

Fifty‐four Dickeya solani thermoregulated genes were identified using Tn5 transposon mutagenesis with an inducible gusA reporter system; 45 genes were up‐regulated at 37 °C, whereas nine were up‐regulated at 18 °C. The relative level of gene up‐regulation ranged from 2–1200 and 5–650 U/mg total proteins at 18 and 37 °C, respectively. Among the temperature‐regulated loci, genes coding for proteins involved in fundamental bacterial metabolism, membrane‐related proteins and pathogenicity‐corresponding factors and several hypothetical unknown proteins were found. The mutants were tested for their pathogenicity in planta and for features known to be important for D. solani virulence viz. production of pectinolytic enzymes, cellulases, proteases, siderophores and auxins as well as for motility and the ability to form a biofilm. Eight Tn5 mutants, four up‐regulated at high and four up‐regulated at low temperature, expressed visible phenotypes including the decreased ability to cause symptoms on potato tubers and chicory leaves, impairment in phospholipase production and/or deficiency in biofilm formation. The implications of environmental temperature on the ability of D. solani to cause disease symptoms in potato are discussed.
Lipid compositions in diatom Conticribra weissflogii under static and aerated culture conditions
Authors: Li Yanrong , Ye Mengwei , Zhang Runtao , Xu Jilin , Zhou Chengxu , Yan Xiaojun
Published: September 2016

The diatom Conticribra weissflogii is a microalga with high nutrition value, rich in docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA). In order to study the effect of culture conditions on the changes of lipid compositions, the intact lipid structural profiles and fatty acids in C. weissflogii were monitored under static and aerated culture conditions. The results showed that, lipids identified in C. weissflogii were neutral lipid triacylglycerols (TAG), betaine lipid diacylglycerylcarboxy‐N‐hydroxymethyl‐choline (DGCC), phosphatidylcholine (PC) and four classes of photosynthetic glycerolipids. The profiles of lipid metabolites of
C. weissflogii
were different between two culture modes, with the following characteristics under aerated conditions: TAGs increased significantly, whereas the levels of sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG), monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), and DGCC decreased. Furthermore, higher contents of EPA‐rich TAG and EPA/DHA‐rich DGCC were detected at the end of stationary phase, while EPA/DHA‐rich PC, EPA‐rich MGDG and EPA‐rich digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) were obtained in the exponential phase under static conditions. Meanwhile, the contents of almost all classes of the essential fatty acids (EFAs)‐enriched lipids increased at onset of stationary phase under aerated conditions. Taken together, given that the high levels of EFAs are required for artificial rearing of marine organisms, aeration is critically important for increasing the production rate and the contents of EFA molecules and therefore increasing the nutritional value of the microalgae.