bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The scaffold protein calcium/calmodulin‐dependent serine protein kinase controls ATP release in sensory ganglia upon P2X3 receptor activation and is part of an ATP keeper complex
Authors: Bele Tanja , Fabbretti Elsa
Published: May 2016

P2X3 receptors, gated by extracellular ATP, are expressed by sensory neurons and are involved in peripheral nociception and pain sensitization. The ability of P2X3 receptors to transduce extracellular stimuli into neuronal signals critically depends on the dynamic molecular partnership with the calcium/calmodulin‐dependent serine protein kinase (CASK). The present work used trigeminal sensory neurons to study the impact that activation of P2X3 receptors (evoked by the agonist α,β‐meATP) has on the release of endogenous ATP and how CASK modulates this phenomenon. P2X3 receptor function was followed by ATP efflux via Pannexin1 (Panx1) hemichannels, a mechanism that was blocked by the P2X3 receptor antagonist A‐317491, and by P2X3 silencing. ATP efflux was enhanced by nerve growth factor, a treatment known to potentiate P2X3 receptor function. Basal ATP efflux was not controlled by CASK, and carbenoxolone or Pannexin silencing reduced ATP release upon P2X3 receptor function. CASK‐controlled ATP efflux followed P2X3 receptor activity, but not depolarization‐evoked ATP release. Molecular biology experiments showed that CASK was essential for the transactivation of Panx1 upon P2X3 receptor activation. These data suggest that P2X3 receptor function controls a new type of feed‐forward purinergic signaling on surrounding cells, with consequences at peripheral and spinal cord level. Thus, P2X3 receptor‐mediated ATP efflux may be considered for the future development of pharmacological strategies aimed at containing neuronal sensitization.

image

P2X3 receptors are involved in sensory transduction and associate to CASK. We have studied in primary sensory neurons the molecular mechanisms downstream P2X3 receptor activation, namely ATP release and partnership with CASK or Panx1. Our data suggest that CASK and P2X3 receptors are part of an ATP keeper complex, with important feed‐forward consequences at peripheral and central level.
Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Horses Presented for Coggins Testing in Southwest Virginia and Change in Positive Test Results Approximately 1 Year Later
Authors: Funk R.A. , Pleasant R.S. , Witonsky S.G. , Reeder D.S. , Werre S.R. , Hodgson D.R.
Published: May 2016

Background

Lyme disease can affect people, dogs, and horses, but it remains poorly understood, especially in the horse. Determining the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in horses in different geographic areas will enable better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease, thus improving diagnosis and treatment of affected animals.

Hypothesis

To determine the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi in horses in southwest Virginia.

Animals

Horses presented for routine Coggins testing from January 2013 to January 2014 had additional blood drawn for Lyme Multiplex Assay testing.

Methods

Of 492 samples collected, 250 samples were analyzed using the Lyme Multiplex Assay. Of the 83 horses that had positive test results to at least 1 outer surface protein (Osp), 63 were available for follow‐up testing 5–17 months later (June 2014).

Results

Thirty‐three percent of horses had positive results for antibodies to at least 1 Osp. Horses with a positive outer surface protein F (OspF) result were older (14.5 ± 0.79) than horses with a negative OspF result (11.6 ± 0.53). Of the horses available for follow‐up testing, 63% had the same result as that of the initial test. There was no difference in test result between initial and follow‐up testing.

Conclusions

Horses seropositive to B. burgdorferi are common in Virginia, and older horses are more likely to have a positive test result for OspF than younger horses. Follow‐up testing indicated that the majority of horses that were positive on initial testing did not have a different test result 5–17 months later.
Polyphenols from Silybum marianum inhibit in vitro the oxidant response of equine neutrophils and myeloperoxidase activity
Authors: Zholobenko A. , Mouithys‐Mickalad A. , Modriansky M. , Serteyn D. , Franck T.
Published: May 2016

A recent study showed that silymarin, a standardized extract of S. marianum might be used in the prevention of equine laminitis. We investigated the effects of quercetin and some compounds found in silymarin (silybin, taxifolin and dehydrosilybin) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and myeloperoxidase (MPO) release by stimulated equine neutrophils (PMNs) and on MPO activity. All compounds (tested between 100 nm and 100 μm) inhibited superoxide anion production by stimulated PMNs in a dose‐dependent manner. Dehydrosilybin and quercetin inhibited superoxide production and MPO release from 10 μm. Classical MPO assay showed quercetin as the most potent inhibitor, followed by taxifolin, dehydrosilybin and silybin. SIEFED MPO assay highlighting the binding of tested compounds to MPO showed that only quercetin and taxifolin maintained an efficient inhibition above 90% at 10 μm. Altogether, our results showed a strong inhibition of PMN activation by planar compounds such as quercetin and dehydrosilybin and a strong inhibition of MPO activity by the smallest molecules, quercetin and taxifolin. In conclusion, the compounds from silymarin may be useful for modulating the oxidative response of PMNs, involved in the pathogenesis of laminitis, but further in vivo studies are needed.
Congressional Elections in Presidential Years: Presidential Coattails and Strategic Voting
Authors: Erikson Robert S.
Published: May 2016

This article analyzes voting for Congress in presidential election years. The national Democratic vote for the House increases with the Democratic vote for president but decreases with the Democrats' perceived chances of winning the presidency (anticipatory balancing). The evidence for coattails and for balancing become visible only when statistically controlling for the other. The aggregate evidence for coattails and balancing in presidential years is reinforced by the analysis of National Election Studies (NES) survey respondents. That analysis shows that politically informed voters are more likely to vote for Congress against the party that they believe will win the presidency.
The Role of Statistical Learning and Working Memory in L2 Speakers’ Pattern Learning
Authors: MCDONOUGH KIM , TROFIMOVICH PAVEL
Published: May 2016

This study investigated whether second language (L2) speakers’ morphosyntactic pattern learning was predicted by their statistical learning and working memory abilities. Across three experiments, Thai English as a Foreign Language (EFL) university students (N = 140) were exposed to either the transitive construction in Esperanto (e.g., tauro batas cevalon, “bull hits horse”) or the nonprototypical English double‐object dative construction (e.g., John built the table a leg). They also completed an aural test of statistical learning and a spoken backward digit‐span test of working memory. In Experiment 1, only statistical learning was predictive of Esperanto pattern learning. Experiment 2 targeted pattern learning of the English nonprototypical double‐object dative construction. Although working memory was associated with performance in the exposure phase, only statistical learning predicted test performance, as in Experiment 1. Finally, Experiment 3 served as a control condition in which participants were exposed to prototypical datives only during the exposure phase. This experiment showed that neither statistical learning nor working memory were associated with exposure or test performance. The findings are discussed in terms of the engagement of statistical learning and working memory during L2 pattern learning.
Effects of kinetics of light‐induced stomatal responses on photosynthesis and water‐use efficiency
Authors: McAusland Lorna , Vialet‐Chabrand Silvère , Davey Philip , Baker Neil R. , Brendel Oliver , Lawson Tracy
Published: May 2016

Both photosynthesis (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) respond to changing irradiance, yet stomatal responses are an order of magnitude slower than photosynthesis, resulting in noncoordination between A and gs in dynamic light environments.

Infrared gas exchange analysis was used to examine the temporal responses and coordination of A and gs to a step increase and decrease in light in a range of different species, and the impact on intrinsic water use efficiency was evaluated.

The temporal responses revealed a large range of strategies to save water or maximize photosynthesis in the different species used in this study but also displayed an uncoupling of A and gs in most of the species. The shape of the guard cells influenced the rapidity of response and the overall gs values achieved, with different impacts on A and Wi. The rapidity of gs in dumbbell‐shaped guard cells could be attributed to size, whilst in elliptical‐shaped guard cells features other than anatomy were more important for kinetics.

Our findings suggest significant variation in the rapidity of stomatal responses amongst species, providing a novel target for improving photosynthesis and water use.
Hybridization and hybrid speciation under global change
Authors: Vallejo‐Marín Mario , Hiscock Simon J.
Published: May 2016

An unintended consequence of global change is an increase in opportunities for hybridization among previously isolated lineages. Here we illustrate how global change can facilitate the breakdown of reproductive barriers and the formation of hybrids, drawing on the flora of the British Isles for insight. Although global change may ameliorate some of the barriers preventing hybrid establishment, for example by providing new ecological niches for hybrids, it will have limited effects on environment‐independent post‐zygotic barriers. For example, genic incompatibilities and differences in chromosome numbers and structure within hybrid genomes are unlikely to be affected by global change. We thus speculate that global change will have a larger effect on eroding pre‐zygotic barriers (eco‐geographical isolation and phenology) than post‐zygotic barriers, shifting the relative importance of these two classes of reproductive barriers from what is usually seen in naturally produced hybrids where pre‐zygotic barriers are the largest contributors to reproductive isolation. Although the long‐term fate of neo‐hybrids is still to be determined, the massive impact of global change on the dynamics and distribution of biodiversity generates an unprecedented opportunity to study large numbers of unpredicted, and often replicated, hybridization ‘experiments’, allowing us to peer into the birth and death of evolutionary lineages.

ContentsSummary1170I.Introduction1170II.Hybrid formation1172III.Hybrid establishment: overcoming intrinsic and extrinsic post‐zygotic barriers1175IV.Outcomes of hybridization1180V.Outlook1183Acknowledgements1184References1184
Effects of root decomposition on plant–soil feedback of early‐ and mid‐successional plant species
Authors: Zhang Naili , Van der Putten Wim H. , Veen G. F. (Ciska)
Published: May 2016

Plant–soil feedback (PSF) is an important driver of plant community dynamics. Many studies have emphasized the role of pathogens and symbiotic mutualists inPSFs; however, less is known about the contribution of decomposing litter, especially that of roots.

We conducted aPSFexperiment, where soils were conditioned by living early‐ and mid‐successional grasses and forbs with and without decomposing roots of conspecific species (conditioning phase). These soils were used to test growth responses of conspecific and heterospecific plant species (feedback phase).

The addition of the roots of conspecifics decreased the biomass of both early‐ and mid‐successional plant species in the conditioning phase. In the feedback phase, root addition had positive effects on the biomass of early‐successional species and neutral effects on mid‐successional species, except when mid‐successional grasses were grown in soils conditioned by conspecifics, where effects were negative. Biomass of early‐ and mid‐successional forbs was generally reduced in soils conditioned by conspecifics.

We conclude that root decomposition may increase short‐term negativePSFeffects, but that the effects can become neutral to positive over time, thereby counteracting negative components ofPSF. This implies that root decomposition is a key element ofPSFand needs to be included in future studies.
No evidence of general CO2 insensitivity in ferns: one stomatal control mechanism for all land plants?
Authors: Franks Peter J. , Britton‐Harper Zoe J.
Published: May 2016

Stomatal regulation of plant carbon uptake and water loss under changing environmental conditions was a crucial evolutionary step in the colonization of land by plants. There are currently two conflicting models describing the nature of stomatal regulation across terrestrial vascular plants: the first is characterized by a fundamental mechanistic similarity across all lineages, and the second is characterized by the evolution of major differences in angiosperms compared with more ancient lineages. Specifically, the second model posits that stomata of ferns lack a response to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (ca) and therefore cannot regulate leaf intercellular CO2 concentration (ci).

We compared stomatal sensitivity to changes in ca in three distantly related fern species and a representative angiosperm species.

Fern and angiosperm stomata responded strongly and similarly to changes in ca. As a result, ci/ca was maintained within narrow limits during ca changes.

Our results challenge the model in which stomata of ferns generally lack a response to elevated ca and that angiosperms evolved new dynamic mechanisms for regulating leaf gas exchange that differ fundamentally from ferns. Instead, the results are consistent with a universal stomatal control mechanism that is fundamentally conserved across ferns and angiosperms, and therefore likely all vascular plant divisions.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis on the effects of exercise training versus hypocaloric diet: distinct effects on body weight and visceral adipose tissue
Authors: Verheggen R. J. H. M. , Maessen M. F. H. , Green D. J. , Hermus A. R. M. M. , Hopman M. T. E. , Thijssen D. H. T.
Published: May 2016

Exercise training (‘exercise’) and hypocaloric diet (‘diet’) are frequently prescribed for weight loss in obesity. Whilst body weight changes are commonly used to evaluate lifestyle interventions, visceral adiposity (VAT) is a more relevant and stronger predictor for morbidity and mortality. A meta‐analysis was performed to assess the effects of exercise or diet on VAT (quantified by radiographic imaging). Relevant databases were searched through May 2014. One hundred seventeen studies (n = 4,815) were included. We found that both exercise and diet cause VAT loss (P < 0.0001). When comparing diet versus training, diet caused a larger weight loss (P = 0.04). In contrast, a trend was observed towards a larger VAT decrease in exercise (P = 0.08). Changes in weight and VAT showed a strong correlation after diet (R2 = 0.737, P < 0.001), and a modest correlation after exercise (R2 = 0.451, P < 0.001). In the absence of weight loss, exercise is related to 6.1% decrease in VAT, whilst diet showed virtually no change (1.1%). In conclusion, both exercise and diet reduce VAT. Despite a larger effect of diet on total body weight loss, exercise tends to have superior effects in reducing VAT. Finally, total body weight loss does not necessarily reflect changes in VAT and may represent a poor marker when evaluating benefits of lifestyle‐interventions.
Survival of a very low‐birthweight infant with Potter sequence on long‐term hemodialysis
Authors: Miyahara Jun , Yamamoto Masaki , Motoshige Kyoko , Fujita Naoya , Ohki Shigeru
Published: May 2016

Recent advances in neonatal cardiorespiratory management and neonatal renal replacement therapy have led to occasional reports of favorable short‐term and long‐term outcomes for Potter sequence, once thought to be fatal. The present patient was a girl born at a gestational age of 34 weeks 4 days with a birthweight of 1398 g. She was diagnosed with Potter sequence complicated by pulmonary hypoplasia due to left renal agenesis and small right kidney. Hemodialysis was started because anuria persisted even after persistent pulmonary hypertension receded and cardiorespiratory status improved. Peritoneal dialysis during the clinical course failed to achieve stability because of pericatheter leakage and frequent obstruction of the peritoneal dialysis catheter; in the meantime, hemodialysis was also performed. Once bodyweight passed 3.5 kg, peritoneal dialysis became more feasible with stability; the patient was discharged at 9 months and at the time of writing was on peritoneal dialysis at home, and renal transplantation was planned.
Dose and number of applications that maximize fungicide effective life exemplified by Zymoseptoria tritici on wheat – a model analysis
Authors: van den Berg F. , Paveley N. D. , van den Bosch F.
Published: May 2016

Two key decisions that need to be taken about a fungicide treatment programme are (i) the number of applications that should be used per crop growing season, and (ii) the dosage that should be used in each application. There are two opposing considerations, with control efficacy improved by a higher number of applications and higher dose, and resistance management improved by a lower number of applications and lower dose. Resistance management aims to prolong the effective life of the fungicide, defined as the time between its introduction onto the market for use on the target pathogen, and the moment when effective control is lost due to a build‐up of fungicide resistance. Thus, the question is whether there are optimal combinations of dose rate and number of applications that both provide effective control and lead to a longer effective life. In this paper, it is shown how a range of spray programmes can be compared and optimal programmes selected. This is explored with Zymoseptoria tritici on wheat and a quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicide. For this pathogen–fungicide combination, a single treatment provided effective control under the simulated disease pressure, but only if the application timing was optimal and the dose was close to the maximum permitted. Programmes with three applications were generally not optimal as they exerted too much selection for resistance. Two‐application fungicide programmes balanced effective control with reasonable flexibility of dose and application timing, and low resistance selection, leading to long effective lives of the fungicide.
Freedom of Conscience and the Value of Personal Integrity
Authors: Lenta Patrick
Published: May 2016

Certain philosophers have argued in favour of recognising a (moral and legal) right to freedom of conscience that includes a defeasible right of individuals to live in accordance with their perceived moral duties. This right requires the government to exempt people from general laws or regulations that prevent them from acting consistently with their perceived moral duties. The importance of protecting individuals’ integrity is sometimes invoked in favour of accommodating conscience. I argue that personal integrity is valuable since autonomy, identity (selfhood) and self‐respect are all dependent on the preservation of personal integrity. I respond to two objections, one pressed by Andrew Koppelman and the other by Richard Arneson, to the claim that personal integrity is valuable, and to a further argument by Arneson to the effect that it is unfair to others claiming accommodations to exempt those with conscience‐based claims.
Total Economic Consequences of an Influenza Outbreak in the United States
Authors: Prager Fynnwin , Wei Dan , Rose Adam
Published: May 2016

Pandemic influenza represents a serious threat not only to the population of the United States, but also to its economy. In this study, we analyze the total economic consequences of potential influenza outbreaks in the United States for four cases based on the distinctions between disease severity and the presence/absence of vaccinations. The analysis is based on data and parameters on influenza obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and the general literature. A state‐of‐the‐art economic impact modeling approach, computable general equilibrium, is applied to analyze a wide range of potential impacts stemming from the outbreaks. This study examines the economic impacts from changes in medical expenditures and workforce participation, and also takes into consideration different types of avoidance behavior and resilience actions not previously fully studied. Our results indicate that, in the absence of avoidance and resilience effects, a pandemic influenza outbreak could result in a loss in U.S. GDP of $25.4 billion, but that vaccination could reduce the losses to $19.9 billion. When behavioral and resilience factors are taken into account, a pandemic influenza outbreak could result in GDP losses of $45.3 billion without vaccination and $34.4 billion with vaccination. These results indicate the importance of including a broader set of causal factors to achieve more accurate estimates of the total economic impacts of not just pandemic influenza but biothreats in general. The results also highlight a number of actionable items that government policymakers and public health officials can use to help reduce potential economic losses from the outbreaks.
Repeasantisation in The United States
Authors: Nelson Jon , Stock Paul
Published: May 2016

This article adopts Van der Ploeg's theory of repeasantisation to demonstrate that, even in the largely industrialised agricultural state of Kansas, USA, there are unexpected interstices within neoliberalised agriculture where industrial farmers can exercise and produce autonomy. This study draws from interviews across a range of production strategies including conventional industrial farmers, entrepreneurial, and self‐styled organic farmers. A central claim of this article is that entrepreneurial farmers demonstrate peasant principle practices and therefore a process of repeasantisation is occurring in the USA. Most importantly, this emerging repeasantisation offers a glimpse at the kinds of sustainable agriculture that might be possible in the future. The article concludes that repesantisation strategies may offer hope for societal and ecological repair.
Sustainable management of biosolid phosphorus: a field study
Authors: Withers P. J. A. , Flynn N. J. , Warren G. P. , Taylor M. , Chambers B. J.
Published: May 2016

Stabilized wastewater biosolids are a renewable resource for improving soil and crop quality, but their regular application can rapidly elevate soil available phosphorus (P) (e.g. Olsen‐P[OP]) leading to increased transfer of soluble reactive P (SRP) in land run‐off causing eutrophication. To assess the eutrophication risk of biosolid P recycling, 143 arable fields with different biosolid P input histories, and representing different soil type and biosolid type combinations, were sampled and their P chemistry determined. Differences in soil total P between the surveyed fields were used as the best measure of net biosolid P inputs. Rates of soil OP increase (range 3–11% of soil total P, mean 7%) were lowest on a P‐fixing soil and tended to increase more on sandy soils (6–9%) and on loamy soils receiving biosolids dosed with both iron (Fe) and lime (9–11%). Potential release of SRP to run‐off was measured as water‐extractable P (WEP) and varied widely (6–52% of soil OP). WEP concentrations were lowest on clayey soils, and where biosolids containing P‐binding elements [calcium (Ca) or Fe, but not together] were applied. The relationship between OP and WEP was therefore highly dependent on both soil type and biosolid type. However, analysis of soil P sorption parameters indicated that eutrophication risk on loamy and clayey soils was significantly reduced when OP represented <20% of the soil P sorption capacity. Our results suggest that biosolids could be more sustainably managed by matching biosolid type to soil type and P fertility status.
A method‐centric ‘User Manual’ for the mitigation of diffuse water pollution from agriculture
Authors: Cuttle S. P. , Newell‐Price J. P. , Harris D. , Chadwick D. R. , Shepherd M. A. , Anthony S. G. A. , Macleod C. J. A. , Haygarth P. M. , Chambers B. J.
Published: May 2016

We describe the development of a manual of methods for mitigating diffuse water pollution from agriculture and its important influence on policy and practice in England and Wales. The objective of the ‘User Manual’ was to provide policy makers and those implementing policies with information about the cost, effectiveness and applicability of potential methods in a form that would be readily understood by non‐specialists. The ‘User Manual’ was based on earlier reports synthesizing available research data and, where data were unavailable, used expert elicitation. The outcome generated 44 potential methods (under the broad categories of land use, soil management, livestock management, fertilizer management, manure management and farm infrastructure) and described the simultaneous impact of applying each method on losses of nitrate, phosphorus and faecal indicator organisms relative to baseline losses. Estimates of cost and effectiveness were presented at the whole‐farm level for seven model farm types. Methods differed widely in their cost‐effectiveness and applicability to the different model farms. Advantages and limitations of the approach are discussed and subsequent developments of the original ‘User Manual’ are described, together with the opinions of catchment officers who have used the ‘User Manual’ to implement mitigation methods on farms.
Use of farm survey returns from the Demonstration Test Catchments to update modelled predictions of sediment and total phosphorus loadings from subsurface drains across England and Wales
Authors: Zhang Y. , Collins A. L. , Hodgkinson R.
Published: May 2016

Both experimental and monitoring studies have underscored the importance of the agricultural subsurface drain delivery pathway for sediment and phosphorus in England and Wales. Modelling studies to date using the Phosphorus and Sediment Yield CHaracterisation In Catchments (PSYCHIC) model have included a default drain connectivity coefficient of 0.9. Recent telephone and field‐based surveys in three Demonstration Test Catchments of farmer attitudes towards field drains and their maintenance have provided new data on the presence of permeable backfill, the frequency of subsoiling, mole draining and maintenance of the freeboard at drain outfalls. These survey returns have therefore been used to revise the default drain connectivity coefficient in PSYCHIC. Revised subsurface drain connectivity at the Water Management Catchment scale ranges from 0.52 to 0.89 with a median of 0.75. Relative to modelled baseline (2010) data using the default drain connectivity of 0.9, the revised estimates of connectivity resulted in a reduction in the prediction of relative contributions from the subsurface drain pathway at national scale of 8.1% for sediment and 6.8% for total phosphorus.
Late‐onset severe pneumonia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: prognostic factors and treatments
Authors: Mo X.‐D. , Zhang X.‐H. , Xu L.‐P. , Wang Y. , Yan C.‐H. , Chen H. , Chen Y.‐H. , Han W. , Wang F.‐R. , Wang J.‐Z. , Liu K.‐Y. , Huang X.‐J.
Published: May 2016

Background

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors associated with and treatments for late‐onset severe pneumonia (LOSP) in patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT).

Methods

Fifty consecutive patients who underwent non‐T‐cell‐depleted allo‐HSCT at the Peking University Institute of Hematology and met the criterion of LOSP after allo‐HSCT were enrolled.

Results

The median time from allo‐HSCT to the occurrence of LOSP was 231 (90–1487) days. Twenty‐eight patients harbored 1 or more pathogens (infectious LOSP, I‐LOSP), whereas 22 did not harbor any pathogens (non‐infectious LOSP, NI‐LOSP). The 100‐day survival rate of LOSP patients was 31.1%. Patients smoking before allo‐HSCT (0% vs. 35.4%, P = 0.002) and male gender (20.0% vs. 61.9%, P = 0.026) had lower 100‐day survival rate. Patients with a lower bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) neutrophil percentage had higher 100‐day survival rate relative to those with higher BALF neutrophil percentage (45.5% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.012). The 100‐day survival rate of patients with I‐LOSP was lower than that of patients with NI‐LOSP (19.1% vs. 46.9%, P = 0.043). Patients given late (≥1 week after LOSP diagnosis) and low‐dose methylprednisolone (MP) therapy (≤2 mg/kg/day) had the best 100‐day survival rate. In the multivariate analysis, nonsmoking before allo‐HSCT and late and low‐dose MP therapy were significantly associated with a better survival after LOSP.

Conclusion

LOSP is a severe complication after allo‐HSCT. The correct timing and corticosteroid dosage in the context of broad‐spectrum antimicrobial therapy might further improve the outcomes of patients with LOSP.
Clinical use of blood and blood components in post‐abortion care in Botswana
Authors: Tsima B. M. , Melese T. , Mogobe K. D. , Chabaesele K. , Rankgoane G. , Nassali M. , Habte D.
Published: May 2016

Background

Understanding the pattern and gaps in blood product utilisation in post‐abortion care is crucial for evidence‐based planning and priority setting.

Objective

To describe the current use of blood and blood components in post‐abortion care in Botswana.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross‐sectional study across four hospitals in Botswana using routine patients' records. We included all patients admitted for an abortion between January and August 2014. Descriptive statistics are used to report the results.

Results

Whole blood and red cell concentrates were used in 59/619 (9·5%) of patients. Plasma and platelet use was 1·3 and 0·7%, respectively. The mean admission haemoglobin level was 10·07 g dL−1 (SD 2·69) and differed significantly between referral and district hospitals. The mean number of blood units transfused per patient was 2·23 (standard deviation (SD) 1·23), with 15/55 (27·3%) receiving a single unit. A total of 43/288 (14·9%) of the patients had haemoglobin levels below 7 g dL−1 but did not receive any transfusion. There was a moderate positive correlation between admission haemoglobin level and time to transfusion (Spearman's rho = 0·37, P = 0·01). The number of blood units given increased with decreasing admission haemoglobin level. The strength of this association was moderate (Spearman's rho = −0·48, P < 0·001).

Conclusion

There is a relatively low utilisation of blood and blood components in post‐abortion care in Botswana despite an apparent clinical need in some instances. The reason for this shortfall, as well as its impact on morbidity and mortality, needs to be explored and be a focus of health systems research in Botswana.
Serine and threonine residues of plant STN7 kinase are differentially phosphorylated upon changing light conditions and specifically influence the activity and stability of the kinase
Authors: Trotta Andrea , Suorsa Marjaana , Rantala Marjaana , Lundin Björn , Aro Eva‐Mari
Published: May 2016

STN7 kinase catalyzes the phosphorylation of the globally most common membrane proteins, the light‐harvesting complex II (LHCII) in plant chloroplasts. STN7 itself possesses one serine (Ser) and two threonine (Thr) phosphosites. We show that phosphorylation of the Thr residues protects STN7 against degradation in darkness, low light and red light, whereas increasing light intensity and far red illumination decrease phosphorylation and induce STN7 degradation. Ser phosphorylation, in turn, occurs under red and low intensity white light, coinciding with the client protein (LHCII) phosphorylation. Through analysis of the counteracting LHCII phosphatase mutant tap38/pph1, we show that Ser phosphorylation and activation of the STN7 kinase for subsequent LHCII phosphorylation are heavily affected by pre‐illumination conditions. Transitions between the three activity states of the STN7 kinase (deactivated in darkness and far red light, activated in low and red light, inhibited in high light) are shown to modulate the phosphorylation of the STN7 Ser and Thr residues independently of each other. Such dynamic regulation of STN7 kinase phosphorylation is crucial for plant growth and environmental acclimation.
Low Occurrence of Extended‐Spectrum β‐lactamase‐Producing Escherichia coli in Finnish Food‐Producing Animals
Authors: Päivärinta M. , Pohjola L. , Fredriksson‐Ahomaa M. , Heikinheimo A.
Published: May 2016

ESBL/AmpC‐producing Escherichia coli is increasingly isolated from humans and animals worldwide. The occurrence of ESBL/AmpC‐producing E. coli was studied in food‐producing animals in Finland, a country with a low and controlled use of antimicrobials in meat production chain. A total of 648 cattle, 531 pig, 495 broiler and 35 turkey faecal samples were collected from four Finnish slaughterhouses to determine the presence of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL/AmpC)‐producing E. coli. In addition, 260 broiler and 15 turkey samples were screened for carbapenemase‐producing E. coli. Susceptibility to different class of cephalosporins and meropenem was determined with disc diffusion tests according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Determination of ESBL/AmpC production was performed with a combination disc diffusion test according to the recommendations of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Plasmidic blaESBL/AmpC genes were characterized by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. A collection of isolates producing AmpC enzyme but not carrying plasmidic blaAmpC was analysed by PCR and sequencing for possible chromosomal ampC promoter area mutations. Altogether ESBL/AmpC‐producing E. coli was recovered from five cattle (0.8%), eight pig (1.5%) and 40 broiler samples (8.1%). No ESBL/AmpC‐producing E. coli was found in turkey samples. Carbapenem resistance was not detected. Altogether ESBL/AmpC‐producing E. coli was found on 4 (2.0%), 3 (4.5%) and 14 (25%) cattle, pig and broiler farms, respectively. From cattle samples 3 (27%) blaCTX‐M‐1 and from broiler samples 13 (33%) blaCTX‐M‐1 and 22 (55%) blaCMY‐2 gene‐carrying isolates were detected. In pigs, no plasmidic blaESBL/AmpC gene‐carrying isolates were found. In all analysed isolates, the same mutations in the promoter region of chromosomal ampC were detected. The results showed low occurrence of ESBL/AmpC‐producing E. coli in Finnish food‐producing animals. In pigs, plasmidic blaESBL/AmpC‐carrying E. coli was not detected at all.
Training improves the oxidative phenotype of muscle during the transition from cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure without altering MyoD and myogenin
Authors: Pacagnelli Francis Lopes , Aguiar Andreo Fernando , Campos Dijon Henrique S. , Castan Eduardo Paulino , de Souza Rodrigo Wagner Alves , de Almeida Fernanda Losi Alves , Carani Fernanda , Carvalho Robson Francisco , Cicogna Antonio Carlos , Silva Maeli Dal Pai
Published: May 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We investigated the effects of physical training on phenotypic (fibre‐type content) and myogenic features (MyoD and myogenin expression) in skeletal muscle during the transition from cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We provide new insight into skeletal muscle adaptations by showing that physical training increases the type I fibre content during the transition from cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure, without altering MyoD and myogenin expression. These results have important clinical implications for patients with heart failure, because this population has reduced muscle oxidative capacity.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of physical training (PT) on phenotypic features (fibre‐type content) and myogenic regulatory factors (MyoD and myogenin) in rat skeletal muscle during the transition from cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure. We used the model of ascending aortic stenosis (AS) to induce heart failure in male Wistar rats. Sham‐operated animals were used as age‐matched controls. At 18 weeks after surgery, rats with ventricular dysfunction were randomized into the following four groups: sham‐operated, untrained (Sham‐U; n = 8); sham‐operated, trained (Sham‐T; n = 6); aortic stenosis, untrained (AS‐U; n = 6); and aortic stenosis, trained (AS‐T; n = 8). The AS‐T and Sham‐T groups were submitted to a 10 week aerobic PT programme, while the AS‐U and Sham‐U groups remained untrained for the same period of time. After the PT programme, the animals were killed and the soleus muscles collected for phenotypic and molecular analyses. Physical training promoted type IIa‐to‐I fibre conversion in the trained groups (Sham‐T and AS‐T) compared with the untrained groups (Sham‐U and AS‐U). No significant (P > 0.05) differences were found in type I or IIa fibre content in the AS‐U group compared with the Sham‐U group. Additionally, there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and myogenin (gene and protein) expression between the groups. Therefore, our results indicate that PT may be a suitable strategy to improve the oxidative phenotype in skeletal muscle during the transition from cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure, without altering MyoD and myogenin.
Error signals driving locomotor adaptation: cutaneous feedback from the foot is used to adapt movement during perturbed walking
Authors: Choi Julia T. , Jensen Peter , Nielsen Jens Bo , Bouyer Laurent J.
Published: May 2016

Key points

Sensory input from peripheral receptors are important for the regulation of walking patterns.

Cutaneous input mediates muscle responses to deal with immediate external perturbations.

In this study we focused on the role of cutaneous feedback in locomotor adaptation that takes place over minutes of training.

We show that interfering with cutaneous feedback reduced adaptation to ankle perturbations during walking.

These results help us understand the neural mechanisms underlying walking adaptation, and have clinical implications for treating walking impairments after neurological injuries.

Locomotor patterns must be adapted to external forces encountered during daily activities. The contribution of different sensory inputs to detecting perturbations and adapting movements during walking is unclear. In the present study, we examined the role of cutaneous feedback in adapting walking patterns to force perturbations. Forces were applied to the ankle joint during the early swing phase using an electrohydraulic ankle–foot orthosis. Repetitive 80 Hz electrical stimulation was applied to disrupt cutaneous feedback from the superficial peroneal nerve (foot dorsum) and medial plantar nerve (foot sole) during walking (Choi et al. 2013). Sensory tests were performed to measure the cutaneous touch threshold and perceptual threshold of force perturbations. Ankle movement were measured when the subjects walked on the treadmill over three periods: baseline (1 min), adaptation (1 min) and post‐adaptation (3 min). Subjects (n = 10) showed increased touch thresholds measured with Von Frey monofilaments and increased force perception thresholds with stimulation. Stimulation reduced the magnitude of walking adaptation to force perturbation. In addition, we compared the effects of interrupting cutaneous feedback using anaesthesia (n = 5) instead of repetitive nerve stimulation. Foot anaesthesia reduced ankle adaptation to external force perturbations during walking. The results of the present study suggest that cutaneous input plays a role in force perception, and may contribute to the ‘error’ signal involved in driving walking adaptation when there is a mismatch between expected and actual force.
Performance characteristics of dedicated molecular breast imaging systems at low doses
Authors: Long Zaiyang , Conners Amy L. , Hunt Katie N. , Hruska Carrie B. , O'Connor Michael K.
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare the system performance characteristics and lesion detection capability of two molecular breast imaging (MBI) systems: a multicrystal sodium iodide (NaI)‐based single‐head system and a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT)‐based dual‐head system at low administered doses (150–300 MBq) of Tc‐99m sestamibi.

Methods:

System performance characteristics including count sensitivity, uniformity, energy resolution, and spatial resolution were measured using standard NEMA methods, or a modified version thereof in cases where the standard NEMA protocol could not be applied. A contrast‐detail phantom with 48 lesions at varying depths from the collimator surface was used to assess lesion contrast‐to‐noise‐ratio (CNR) using background count densities comparable to those observed in patient studies performed with administered doses of 150 MBq Tc‐99m sestamibi. Lesions with CNR >3 were deemed to be detectable. Thirty patients undergoing MBI examinations with administered doses of 150–300 MBq were scanned for an additional view on the pixelated NaI system. CNR was calculated for lesions observed on patient images. Background count densities of patient images were measured and compared between the two systems.

Results:

Over the central field of view, integral and differential uniformity were 6.1% and 4.2%, respectively, for the pixelated NaI system, and 3.8% and 2.7%, respectively, for the CZT system. Count sensitivity was 10.8 kcts/min/MBq for the NaI system and 32.9 kcts/min/MBq for the CZT system. Energy resolution was 13.5% on the pixelated NaI system and 4.5% on the CZT system. Spatial resolution (full‐width at half‐maximum) for the pixelated NaI detector was 4.2 mm at a distance of 1.2 cm from the collimator and 5.2 mm at 3.1 cm. Spatial resolution of a single CZT detector was 2.9 mm at a distance of 1.2 cm from the collimator and 4.7 mm at 3.1 cm. Effective spatial resolution obtained with dual‐head CZT was below 4.7 mm throughout a simulated breast thickness of 6 cm. From contrast‐detail phantom images of lesions at distances of 1.5–4.5 cm from the collimator face, the CZT system detected 124 of 144 (86%) of lesions compared to 97 of 144 (67%) with the NaI system. In patient studies, from comparison of the same view with both systems, a total of 7 breast lesions were identified on CZT system in seven patients, and 4 of 7 (57%) were detected on NaI system. Patient image background count densities on the CZT system were on average 3.4 times higher than those on the NaI system.

Conclusions:

The CZT system demonstrated better uniformity, count sensitivity, spatial resolution, energy resolution, and lesion detection in phantom and patient studies compared to the NaI system. At administered doses of 150–300 MBq Tc‐99m sestamibi, patient results obtained with CZT systems may not be directly translatable to NaI systems.
Simultaneous Turn and Step Task for Investigating Control Strategies in Healthy Young and Community Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Huntley Andrew H. , Zettel John L. , Vallis Lori Ann
Published: May 2016

A simultaneous turn and step motion is a vital component of many complex movements and may provide insight into age related balance and stability deficits during a weight transfer task. In this study, nine young adults and ten healthy, community dwelling older adults performed a simultaneous “turn and step” task from a quiet standing position under two self-selected speeds, self-paced and as quickly and efficiently as possible. Whole-body center of mass was estimated to investigate stability, segmental coordination, and variability. Older adults performed the task with greater variability, however they were unable to alter stability nor segmental coordination across the self-selected speeds; absence of this modulation portrays a trade-off between stability and manoeuvrability. An increase in variability with no observed directional differences suggests that the simultaneous turn and step task may be a sensitive discriminatory motor task helpful in elucidating the adoption of altered control strategies used by elderly populations.
The Influence of the Aquatic Environment on Gait Initiation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Marinho-Buzelli Andresa R. , Barela Ana Maria Forti , Barela Jose Angelo , Celestino Melissa Leandro , Popovic Milos R. , Verrier Mary
Published: May 2016

Aquatic therapies are used to restore step initiation in people with locomotor disabilities. However, there is lack of evidence of underlining mechanisms of gait initiation in water. We investigated center of pressure (CoP), vertical and anterior-posterior impulse forces, and kinematics of the first step performed in water in comparison with overground walking. The peaks of anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) and the sections of CoP trajectories were longer in water than on land. Impulse forces were increased in water compared with land. Range of motion (ROM) of ankle joint increased in water while knee joint ROM did not change. We suggest that the aquatic environment may facilitate gait initiation training by allowing a longer step execution with greater stimuli and imposed resistance for the phases of gait initiation.
Modeling Meropenem Treatment, Alone and in Combination with Daptomycin, for KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains with Unusually Low Carbapenem MICs
Authors: Gagetti P. , Pasteran F. , Martinez M. P. , Fatouraei M. , Gu J. , Fernandez R. , Paz L. , Rose W. E. , Corso A. , Rosato A. E.
Published: May 2016

Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains producing
K. pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC) cause serious infections in debilitated and immunocompromised patients and are associated with prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality rates. Daptomycin is a lipopeptide used against
Staphylococcus aureus
infection and considered inactive against Gram-negative bacteria. We investigated the effectiveness of a daptomycin-meropenem combination by synergy kill curve and a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model. The combination may represent a novel therapeutic strategy against infections caused by KPC-producing
K. pneumoniae
strains.