bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co‐expression of NF‐κB‐p65 and phosphorylated NF‐κB‐p105 is associated with poor prognosis in surgically resectable non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lin Gen , Li Chao , Huang Cheng , Zhuang Wu , Huang Yunjian , Xu Haipeng , Miao Qian , Hu Dan
Published: January 2018

Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) as a prognostic marker remains unclear in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we studied NF‐κB‐p65 (p65) expression and phosphorylated NF‐κB‐p105 (p‐p105) expression in NSCLC and correlated the finding with overall survival (OS) and clinicopathological features. A total of 186 archival samples from patients with surgically resectable NSCLC were probed with p65 and p‐p105 (Ser 932). The p65‐positive expression and p‐p105‐positive expression were defined as distinct nuclear p65 and cytoplasmic p‐p105 labelling in at least 1% of tumour cells, respectively. The positive staining of p65 alone, p‐p105 alone and co‐expression of p65 and p‐p105 were observed in 61 (32.8%), 90 (48.4%) and 35 (18.8%) patients, respectively. Co‐expression of p65 and p‐p105 but not of either p65 or p‐p105 alone was associated with a poor prognosis. Patients with co‐expression of p65 and p‐p105 had a shorter OS than others, median OS 26.5 months versus 64.1 months, HR 1.85 (95% CI: 1.18–2.91), P = 0.007. There was no statistically significant association between clinicopathological characteristics and either p65 or p‐p105 alone or co‐expression of p65 and p‐p105. This indicates that co‐expression of p65 and p‐p105 was a poor prognostic factor, and pathologic studies of NF‐κB expression could include multiple pathway components in NSCLC.
Genetic polymorphisms of GPR126 are functionally associated with PUMC classifications of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in a Northern Han population
Authors: Liu Gang , Liu Sen , Lin Mao , Li Xiaoxin , Chen Weisheng , Zuo Yuzhi , Liu Jiaqi , Niu Yuchen , Zhao Sen , Long Bo , Wu Zhihong , Wu Nan , Qiu Guixing
Published: January 2018

GPR126 has been identified to be associated with AIS (Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis) in different populations, but data on the northern Chinese population are unavailable. Additionally, it is important to know the exact clinical phenotypes associated with specific genetic polymorphisms. Fourteen SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) loci in GPR126 were genotyped in 480 northern Chinese Han AIS patients and 841 controls. These patients were classified into three types based on the PUMC classification system. Luciferase assays were used to investigate their regulation of GPR126 transcription activity. Combined and stratified genotype–phenotype association analyses were conducted. The alleles rs225694, rs7774095 and rs2294773 were significantly associated with AIS (P = 0.021, 0.048 and 0.023, respectively). rs225694 and rs7774095 potentially have regulatory functions for the GRP126 gene. Correlation analysis revealed that allele A of rs225694 was a risk allele only for PUMC type II AIS (P = 0.036) and allele G of rs2294773 was a risk allele only for PUMC type I AIS (P = 0.018). In summary, rs225694, rs7774095 and rs2294773 are significantly associated with disease in northern Chinese Han AIS patients. The SNPs rs225694 and rs2294773 are associated with different AIS PUMC classifications.
Genome‐wide identification of urinary cell‐free microRNAs for non‐invasive detection of bladder cancer
Authors: Juracek Jaroslav , Peltanova Barbora , Dolezel Jan , Fedorko Michal , Pacik Dalibor , Radova Lenka , Vesela Petra , Svoboda Marek , Slaby Ondrej , Stanik Michal
Published: January 2018

Urinary microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as clinically useful tool for early and non‐invasive detection of various types of cancer including bladder cancer (BCA). In this study, 205 patients with BCA and 99 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Expression profiles of urinary miRNAs were obtained using Affymetrix miRNA microarrays (2578 miRNAs) and candidate miRNAs further validated in independent cohorts using qRT‐PCR. Whole‐genome profiling identified 76 miRNAs with significantly different concentrations in urine of BCA compared to controls (P < 0.01). In the training and independent validation phase of the study, miR‐31‐5p, miR‐93‐5p and miR‐191‐5p were confirmed to have significantly higher levels in urine of patients with BCA in comparison with controls (P < 0.01). We further established 2‐miRNA‐based urinary DxScore (miR‐93‐5p, miR‐31‐5p) enabling sensitive BCA detection with AUC being 0.84 and 0.81 in the training and validation phase, respectively. Moreover, DxScore significantly differed in the various histopathological subgroups of BCA and decreased post‐operatively. In conclusion, we identified and independently validated cell‐free urinary miRNAs as promising biomarkers enabling non‐invasive detection of BCA.
Microbiological safety and quality of Italian donkey milk
Authors: Mottola Anna , Alberghini Leonardo , Giaccone Valerio , Marchetti Patrizia , Tantillo Giuseppina , Di Pinto Angela
Published: January 2018

Considering that few data are currently available about donkey milk microbiological quality and given the spread of food‐borne outbreaks strongly linked with the consumption of raw milk, the aim of the present study was to investigate the microbiological quality and the food safety of Italian donkey milk. Total viable count (TVC) and coagulase‐positive Staphylococcus were evaluated to verify the process hygiene criteria for donkey's milk. The presence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Cronobacter sakazakii, E. coli O157, and Campylobacter spp. were evaluated to estimate its food safety criteria. The study revealed that the TVC values were compliant with European legislation. Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Coagulase‐positive Staphylococcus and Cronobacter sakazakii were not detected. However, the presence of E. coli O157 and Campylobacter coli was observed, highlighting an important health‐related issue, underlining the need to implement an adequate control plan by performing intensive and continuous monitoring in order to guarantee human health.

Practical applications

Donkey's milk is considered a “pharmafood” due to its nutritional, nutraceutical, and functional properties. Indeed, it has been configured as a valid alternative foodstuff for children affected by cow's milk protein allergy, atopic, and inflammatory diseases due to its distinct chemical composition and consequently particular nutritional properties. However, undesirable pathogens responsible for food‐borne diseases harmful to humans have been detected. High hygiene standards should be followed along raw milk chain to avoid potential hazardous pathogenic bacteria spreading to consumers and microbiological parameters and criteria need to be established in raw donkey milk for human consumption. Specific sanitary control plans are required for authorized dairy donkey farms.
The use of natural ingredients in innovative Korean cosmeceuticals
Authors: Juhász Margit LW , Levin Melissa K , Marmur Ellen S
Published: January 2018

Background

The cosmeceutical industry is an ever‐growing and in demand market, especially in Asia. Korea has been on the forefront of creating the newest generation and most innovative cosmeceuticals products including ingredients such as snail secretions, starfish powder, botanical extracts, green tea, and red ginseng. Given their increasing prevalence in the cosmeceutical industry, scientists have been conducting investigations into these extracts and their properties.

Objective

To summarize the current literature surrounding multiple natural ingredients found in Korean cosmeceutical products.

Methods

A review of the literature surrounding natural ingredients found in Korean cosmeceuticals was conducted using PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).

Results

Multiple natural extracts have been found to have antiaging, antitumor, and antimelanogenic effects making them useful additives in current cosmeceutical products.

Conclusion

With the public's increasing awareness of cosmeceutical products, it is important for physicians to understand the properties of these extracts in order to inform patients correctly and ensure patient safety.
Investigation of the HotDog patient warming system: detection of thermal gradients
Authors: McCarthy D. , Matz B. , Wright J. , Moore L.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To assess the performance of an active patient‐warming device.

Materials and Methods

Temperatures of an active patient‐warming device (HotDog system) were measured at various time points using an infrared thermometer. The study was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 compared temperatures among four different areas of the warming blanket. Phase 2 compared conditions simulating different scenarios using a weighted patient simulator.

Results

Phase 1: Three out of four positions on the warming blanket had significantly different temperature measurements. Phase 2: Temperature output by the warming blanket was reduced: (1) in the absence of the patient simulator placed across the blanket (−1·9°C, P=0·013); (2) if the patient simulator was placed away from the blanket sensor (−2·0°C, P=0·009); and (3) if there was fluid between the patient simulator and warming blanket (−2·2°C, P=0·004). In a majority of measurements (95%), the set temperature of 43°C on the control unit was not reached (range, 29·8 to 42·9°C) and 2·3% of measurements were higher (range, 43·1 to 45·8°C) than the control unit set temperature of 43°C.

Clinical Significance

Measured temperatures on the active warming blanket did not reflect control unit settings. This could result in the potential for hyperthermic injury, ineffectual heating and uneven heat distribution.
Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: Women's Collaboration in US State Legislatures
Authors: Holman Mirya R. , Mahoney Anna
Published: January 2018

Collaboration plays a key role in crafting good public policy. We use a novel data set of over 140,000 pieces of legislation considered in US state legislatures in 2015 to examine the factors associated with women's collaboration with each other. We articulate a theory that women's collaboration arises from opportunity structures, dictated by an interaction of individual and institutional characteristics. Examining the effect of a combination of characteristics, we find support for an interactive view of institutions, where women's caucuses accelerate collaboration in Democratic‐controlled bodies and as the share of women increases. Collaboration between women also continues in the face of increased polarization in the presence of a caucus, but not absent one. Our findings speak to the long‐term consequences of electing women to political office, the importance of institutions and organizations in shaping legislative behavior, and the institutionalization of gender in politics.
Land carrying capacity in rural settlements of three gorges reservoir based on the system dynamic model
Authors: Guo Shili , Li Chunjie , Liu Shaoquan , Zhou Kui
Published: January 2018

To explore the land carry capacity of the rural settlements in Three Gorges reservoir area, this study evaluates the carrying capacity of agricultural products, economic output of the land resource, and their changing trend based on the system dynamics model by using the 2003–2012 data. The results show that: (1) in the aspect of the economic output, the population is overloaded, (2) in the aspect of the agricultural products, the population is not overloaded; and (3) under the four control scenarios, it can been found that the coordinated development program, which is the optimal solution integrating the first, second, and third programs' advantages, makes the land resources protection and economic and social development coordinated. According to the results, several strategies are put forward to improve the economic carrying capacity.

Summary for Managers

The problem of economic overloading is serious for the land resources in the rural settlements of Three Gorges reservoir area.

In order to improve the economic carrying capacity, four control plans have been worked out, out of which an optimized plan has been selected on the basis of the coordination of social and economy development.

Several strategies for improving the economic carrying capacity are to develop efficient ecological agriculture and special tourism, increase investment in science and technology, and adopt pro‐active policies to encourage the migrants to move out.
An imbalance between regulatory T cells and T helper 17 cells in acetylcholine receptor–positive myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Villegas Jose Adolfo , Van Wassenhove Jérôme , Le Panse Rozen , Berrih‐Aknin Sonia , Dragin Nadine
Published: January 2018

A chronic autoimmune disease, myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized in 85% of patients by antibodies directed against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) located at the neuromuscular junction. The functional and effective balance between regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and effector T cells (Teff cells) is lost in the hyperplastic thymus of MG patients with antibodies specific for the AChR (AChR+ MG patients). The objective of this review is to describe how Treg cells and inflammatory T cells participate in this imbalance and contribute to induce a chronic inflammatory state in the MG thymus. We discuss the origins and characteristics of Treg cells and their reported dysfunctions in AChR+ MG patients. We also review the inflammatory condition observed in MG thymus, including overexpression of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐23, cytokines that promote the differentiation of T helper 17 (TH17) cells and the expression of IL‐17. We summarize the preclinical models used to determine the implication of expression of cytokines, such as IL‐6, IL‐12 (IL‐23 subunit), IL‐17, and interferon γ to the development of experimental autoimmune MG. Finally, we suggest that biological agents, such as humanized monoclonal antibodies that target the IL‐23/TH17 pathway, should be investigated in the context of MG, as they have proven efficiency in other autoimmune diseases.
Staff personhood in dementia care settings: “Do they care about me?”
Authors: Cooke Heather A.
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectives

This article aims to examine RCAs’ own experiences of personhood in dementia care settings.

Background

Conceptually, person‐centred care entails fostering the personhood of residents and the residential care aides (RCAs) who provide much of their hands‐on care. To date, however, staff personhood has been overlooked in the empirical literature.

Design

The study was part of a larger focused ethnographic project exploring how the organisational care environment impedes or facilitates the provision of quality dementia care.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 23 RCAs and more than 230 hours of participant observation were conducted in two nursing homes with specialised dementia units in British Columbia, Canada.

Results

Two overarching themes, “personhood undermined—management‐staff relations” and “personhood undermined—workplace policies and practices” emerged, illustrating how, despite exposure to features believed beneficial to their working environment (e.g., favourable staffing ratios, relatively good remuneration), RCAs encountered repeated affronts to their personhood. The first theme encompasses the importance of being known (i.e., as persons and of their job demands) and valued (i.e., appreciated for their work in non‐monetary terms). The second highlights the salience of work‐life balance, full‐staffing coverage and supportive human resource practices.

Conclusions

RCAs’ experiences reveal how the ongoing search for cost‐efficiencies, cost‐containment and cost‐accountability overshadows their individuality, indicating a key disconnect between conceptual ideals and workplace realities.

Implications for practice

Organisations are encouraged to consider creating person‐centred management and workplace practices that provide tangible evidence that RCAs, and their work, matter.
Older people's perceptions of the quality of oral care in short‐term care units: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Andersson Maria , Wilde‐Larsson Bodil , Carlsson Eva , Persenius Mona
Published: January 2018

Background

There is a lack of knowledge about oral care among older people living in short‐term care (STC) units and how the quality of oral care provided by nursing staff is perceived by the older people.

Aim

To (i) describe person‐related conditions among older people in STC, (ii) describe and compare perceptions of the quality of oral care (including perceptions of care received and the subjective importance of such care), within and between older people who have the ability to perform oral self‐care and those who are dependent on help with oral care and (iii) examine the relationship between person‐related conditions and the quality of oral care.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 391 older people in STC units in Sweden based on self‐reported questionnaire and clinical assessments.

Results

The older people were assessed as having normal oral health (2%), moderate oral health problems (78%) or severe oral health problems (20%). When comparing older people's perceptions of quality of oral care in terms of perceived reality and subjective importance, significant differences appeared within and between groups. Psychological well‐being had a significant relationship with perception of the quality of oral care (both perceived reality and subjective importance), and gender and oral health status had a significant relationship with subjective importance.

Conclusions

Older people's perceptions of areas for improvement regarding quality of oral care is a new and important knowledge for nursing staff in STC units. Older people want personalised information regarding oral health and oral care. Registered Nurses who take the responsibility in nursing care for older people's oral health may avoid unnecessary suffering by older people caused by oral health problems.

Implications for practice

Older people's perspective is an important component for quality work and might lead to improvements in the quality of oral care in STC.
Art, music, story: The evaluation of a person‐centred arts in health programme in an acute care older persons’ unit
Authors: Ford Karen , Tesch Leigh , Dawborn Jacqueline , Courtney‐Pratt Helen
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the impact of an arts in health programme delivered by a specialised artist within an acute older person's unit.

Background

Acute hospitals must meet the increasingly complex needs of older people who experience multiple comorbidities, often including cognitive impairment, either directly related to their admission or longer term conditions, including dementia. A focus on physical illness, efficiency and tasks within an acute care environment can all divert attention from the psychosocial well‐being of patients. This focus also decreases capacity for person‐centred approaches that acknowledge and value the older person, their life story, relationships and the care context. The importance of arts for health and wellness, including responsiveness to individual need, is well established: however, there is little evidence about its effectiveness for older people in acute hospital settings. We report on a collaborative arts in health programme on an acute medical ward for older people.

Design

The qualitative study used collaborative enquiry underpinned by a constructivist approach to evaluate an arts programme that involved participatory art‐making activities, customised music, song and illustration work, and enlivening the unit environment.

Methods

Data sources included observation of art activities, semi‐structured interviews with patients and family members, and focus groups with staff. Data were transcribed and thematically analysed using a line by line approach.

Results

The programme had positive impacts for the environment, patients, families and staff. The environment exhibited changes as a result of programme outputs; patients and families were engaged and enjoyed activities that aided recovery from illness; and staff also enjoyed activities and importantly learnt new ways of working with patients.

Conclusions

An acute care arts in health programme is a carefully nuanced programme where the skills of the arts health worker are critical to success. Utilising such skill, continued focus on person‐centeredness and openness to creativity demonstrated positive impacts for patients, families, staff and the ward environment.

Implications for practice

This study affirms the contribution of an arts in health program for older persons in an acute care setting in challenging the dominance of a task based medical model and emphasising person‐centred care and outcomes.
A New Way Forward: Rebalancing the U.S. Security Cooperation with Greece in a Fast Changing Geostrategic Environment
Authors: Ploumis Michail
Published: January 2018

The Hellenic National Defense Forces (HNDF) modernization is at a crossroads because of the current and persistent Greek economic and fiscal crisis. After WW II until today, Greece benefitted from the U.S. security assistance and cooperation programs. Meanwhile, the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean regions geostrategic environment is changing fast to an unpredictable future. That said, Greece, and the U.S.A. under rebalanced approaches, should consider the U.S. security assistance and defense cooperation programs to meet HNDF modernization requirements and current security challenges for both countries in the region. A new framework of cooperation would serve common national security interest of both Greece and the United States in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean regions.
Investigating the Impact of Internet Dependency on Student-Teachers' Loneliness of Adiyaman University
Authors: Aytaç Kürşat Yusuf
Published: January 2018

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of internet dependency on student- teachers’ loneliness of Admiyaman University. The study also examined the differences in internet dependency and loneliness among students and teachers of Adiyaman University of Turkey. The standard questionnaire of Jung (1996) was used to measure the internet dependency. Also, to measure the sense of loneliness variable, the standard questionnaire of Rosell et al. (1980) was used. The reliability of the questionnaires was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha test, which included: Internet addiction questionnaire 0.91 and loneliness questionnaire 0.86. Questionnaires were distributed among the subjects (172 student- teachers of Adiyaman University). The results showed that internet dependency on student- teachers’ loneliness of Adiyaman University had a significant positive effect (beta = 0.898). There was also a significant difference between the dependence on the internet and the feelings of the student- teachers of Adiyaman University of Turkey. Male student- teachers were more dependent on the internet, and female student- teachers also felt more lonely.
Analysis of Self-Esteem Levels of Students in Physical Education and Sports High School
Authors: Akçakoyun Fahri
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the self-esteem levels of the students at Balikesir University Physical Education and Sports High School according to the variables such; gender, age, body-mass index (BMI), education department, class, sporting situation and sport branch (individual sport-team sport). While the universe of the study has been formed by students in Balikesir physical education and sports high school, the sample group has been consisted of a total of 292 students; 108 of whom are female and 184 male, who have been randomly selected from these students. In this study Rosenberg self-esteem scale, developed by Rosenberg (1965) and adapted to Turkish language by Cuhadaroglu (1986) has been used. Kolmogorov- Smirnov normality test, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal- Wallis test has been used in the analysis of the data obtained from study. Self Esteem Score (SES) is calculated for each individual. As a result of the study, it has been found that the self-esteem averages of the physical education and sports high school students are very close to each other in gender and sport branch factors, and no significant change has been seen (p>0,05) however according to variable; whether they do sport or not; those who perpetually do sport have higher self-esteem than those who do not, and this change is statistically significant (p<0.05) and according to age, class and body-mass index there is no significant difference (p>0,05); and in the comparison among the departments; the average scores of the students of physical education and sports teaching department are higher than the average scores of the students of sports administration department, however this difference is not significant. It has been also understood that the average scores of the physical education and sports teaching students is higher than the students of coaching department and this change is statistically significant (p<0,05.).
Application of Raman spectroscopy to analyse lignin/cellulose ratio in Norway spruce tree rings
Authors: Vítek Petr , Klem Karel , Urban Otmar
Published: January 2018

Tree cores of Picea abies trees (>75 years old) from two different elevations (400 and 1100 m a.s.l.) in the Jeseníky Mountains were examined. Raman spectroscopy was used to analyse lignin/cellulose ratio in the latewood of individual tree rings from the last 35 years. The ratio was calculated based on the Raman intensity of the lignin band at ~1600 cm–1 assigned to phenyl groups and cellulose band at ~1096 cm–1 based on a vibration of glycosidic bonds. The results show a clear difference in lignin/cellulose ratios in trees from high and low elevations, while similar trends in lignin/cellulose ratios were found in tree cores originating from the same tree but different directions. Higher lignin/cellulose ratios were found at high elevation as compared to low elevation. The wood of spruces grown at high elevation also exhibited greater variability of lignin/cellulose ratios among individual tree rings as compared to trees from low elevation. A negative correlation between lignin/cellulose ratio and mean annual temperature was revealed. A weak positive correlation between lignin/cellulose ratio and total annual precipitation was also found. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed a pronounced influence of precipitation in June. The results show great potential for Raman spectroscopy in tree-ring analysis.
Seasonal courses of photosynthetic parameters in sun- and shade-acclimated spruce shoots
Authors: Urban Otmar , Holub Petr , Klem Karel
Published: January 2018

Exponential attenuation of light intensity passing through forest canopies leads to the formation of sun- and shade-acclimated leaves contributing to overall canopy carbon gain. Using a gas-exchange technique, seasonal changes in photosynthetic parameters were investigated in situ to test the hypothesis that the relative contributions of sun- and shade-acclimated Norway spruce shoots to total carbon gain vary during the growing season and that the contribution of sun-acclimated shoots to total carbon uptake may be reduced during the hot and dry summer season. In agreement with the tested hypothesis, we found reduced photosynthetic capacity as well as reduced light-use efficiency for carbon assimilation in sun-acclimated shoots during summer months while these remained almost unchanged in shade-acclimated shoots. Reduction of photosynthetic capacity was primarily associated with reduced stomatal conductance. On the other hand, seasonal courses of mitochondrial dark respiration, quantum efficiency of photosynthetic reactions, and compensation irradiance were primarily driven by changes in temperature. Accordingly, the photosynthetic characteristics of sun- and shade-acclimated shoots tended to converge in early spring and late autumn when temperature was low. Such seasonal dynamics result in an increased contribution of shade-acclimated shoots to total carbon uptake at the beginning and end of the growing season as well as during hot and dry summer periods.
Norway spruce (Picea abies/L./Karst.) health status on various forest soil ecological series in Silesian Beskids obtained by grid or selective survey
Authors: Samec Pavel , Edwards-Jonášová Magda , Cudlín Pavel
Published: January 2018

The values of characteristics of forest health status (FHS) depend on design of monitoring plot selection. The aim of the work was to compare the dependence of FHS on various ecological site conditions on research plots with different selection designs. The differences of Norway spruce (Picea abies/L./Karst.) defoliation, discoloration and total damage variance were investigated in the Silesian Beskids (Czech Republic; 297 km2; 304–1067 m a. s.l.) during 1999–2008. FHS results on 187 plots at 400×400 m grid were obtained through routine methods according to EMEP-LRTAP. In addition, forest health status on 18 plots of selective survey design was obtained by estimation of defoliation and crown structure transformation. The comparison of ecological series proportion in individual survey designs was carried out through Mann-Whitney U-test, the comparison of health status feature occurrence in ecological series between different survey designs through analysis of variance. The survey design did not influence ecological series proportion, but influenced FHS feature variance. FHS features on sites of various ecological series have different rate of tree damage in individual survey designs. The selective survey significantly decreased data variance in contrast to low plot frequency.
Elevated CO2 concentration affects vertical distribution of photosynthetic activity in Calamagrostis arundinacea (L.) Roth
Authors: Klem Karel , Holub Petr , Urban Otmar
Published: January 2018

An understanding of photosynthetic responses to elevated CO2concentration (EC) across the entire vertical canopy profile will help to achieve more proper simulation of ecosystem responses to expected climate change. Accordingly, we studied changes in vertical gradients of photosynthetic parameters in the grass speciesCalamagrostis arundinaceaunder EC at the time of anthesis. Plants were transplanted and grown for 3 years under ambient (385 ppm; AC) and elevated (700 ppm; EC) atmospheric CO2concentrations in experimental glass domes. In general, EC reduced the variability of photosynthetic activity within the vertical profile of plants. Such changes also altered the differences between AC and EC in the vertical profile. While EC led to greater accumulation of chlorophylls, CO2assimilation rate, and efficiency of photochemical processes in lower leaves, EC primarily reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration rate in upper leaves. These changes resulted in higher water-use efficiency in lower leaves. On the other hand, we found slightly greater down-regulation of photosynthesis under EC in lower leaves indicated as theA700/A385ratio. Such knowledge may be important in upscaling EC effects from leaves to the canopy level and modelling impacts of expected climate change on grassland ecosystems.
ToF-SIMS and other surface spectroscopies applied to the study of ancient artifacts: Preliminary investigation of a tetradrachm of Claudius
Authors: Sodhi Rana N. S. , Brodersen Peter , Boccia Sal , Anastassiades Amandina , Zaccagnino Cristiana
Published: January 2018

A group of ancient coins is among the Diniacopoulos collection of Central and Eastern Mediterranean antiquities housed at Queen's University. At first glance, nine coins in the collection appear to be billon tetradrachms minted in Alexandria, Egypt, dating to the period of the Emperor Claudius (41–54 AD). On the obverse, there is a portrait of the Emperor Claudius, on the reverse his wife Messalina is holding their two children. A closer examination reveals, however, that each of these coins weighs substantially less than the majority of specimens belonging to the same issues. All of the coins appear to have silver-rich plated surfaces with copper-rich cores. Questions are raised, therefore, about their authenticity and methods of manufacture. The surfaces display a variety of corrosion products, some of which may also indicate past restoration treatments. A single coin was selected for time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) analyses to investigate the viability of utilizing these combined techniques in the study of ancient coins. In order to gain information on the composition and distribution of the various chemical components present at the surface and into the bulk, it is necessary to profile into the sample, which by definition is destructive. Thus, it is important to identify areas of interest for further analysis so that the amount of damage can be minimized while maximizing the information obtained. To accomplish this, large area imaging ToF-SIMS has been performed using the stage-raster option in an IonTOF ToF-SIMS V. Bi3++ primary ions were used to map the surface and the positive secondary ion distribution images were obtained. Because of the varying topography of the sample, delayed onset of the generated secondary ion had to be used. Four areas were identified for further analysis, namely: (1) a Ag rich (minimal Cu content) area; (2) an area showing the presence of both Cu and Ag; (3) an area displaying visibly different surface characteristics, and finally, (4) a Cu rich (minimal Ag content) area. Chemical composition was obtained from these areas using XPS. To obtain further (nondestructive) depth information, EDX images were obtained, which would arise from a deeper sampling depth. In this case Ag was seen to be more dominant except for region (4). This implies a Cu enrichment at the surface as observed by the ToF-SIMS except for region (1). In this paper, the results of depth profiles in the bulk of the chosen areas are presented in order to ascertain the distribution of the various chemical components. This will allow future investigation on how the coins were manufactured.
Effects of Kinesiology Taping on Scapular Reposition Accuracy, Kinematics, and Muscle Activity in Athletes With Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Shih Yi-Fen , Lee Ya-Fang , Chen Wen-Yin
Published: January 2018

Context: Scapular proprioception is a key concern in managing shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). However, no study has examined the effect of elastic taping on scapular proprioception performance. Objective: To investigate the immediate effect of kinesiology taping (KT) on scapular reposition accuracy, kinematics, and muscle activation in individuals with SIS. Design: Randomized controlled study. Setting: Musculoskeletal laboratory, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan. Participants: Thirty overhead athletes with SIS. Interventions: KT or placebo taping over the upper and lower trapezius muscles. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measures were scapular joint position sense, measured as the reposition errors, in the direction of scapular elevation and protraction. The secondary outcomes were scapular kinematics and muscle activity of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior during arm elevation in the scapular plane (scaption). Results: Compared with placebo taping, KT significantly decreased the reposition errors of upward/downward rotation (P = .04) and anterior/posterior tilt (P = .04) during scapular protraction. KT also improved scapular kinematics (significant group by taping effect for posterior tilt, P = .03) during scaption. Kinesiology and placebo tapings had a similar effect on upper trapezius muscle activation (significant taping effect, P = .003) during scaption. Conclusions: Our study identified the positive effects of KT on scapular joint position sense and movement control. Future studies with a longer period of follow-up and clinical measurement might help to clarify the clinical effect and mechanisms of elastic taping in individuals with SIS.
Physical Training and Upper-Limb Strength of People With Paraplegia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Melo Flávia Cavalcante Monteiro , de Lima Kátia Kamila Félix , Silveira Ana Paula Knackfuss Freitas , de Azevedo Kesley Pablo Morais , dos Santos Isis Kelly , de Medeiros Humberto Jefferson , Leitão José Carlos , Knackfuss Maria Irany
Published: January 2018

Context: Physical training improves the strength of upper limbs, contributing directly to the performance of activities of daily life, confirming one more time that the strengthened muscle is imperative for a rapid rehabilitation. Objective: To investigate the scientific implications of the impact of physical training on the strength of the upper limbs of people with paraplegias. Evidence Acquisition: The search strategy with truncations and Boolean operator was defined as: (spinal cord inju* OR traumatic myelopat* OR paraplegi*) AND (physical exercise OR strength training OR resisted training) AND (upper limb* OR arm OR armrest), for all of the databases. There were included experimental and quasi-experimental studies, published in the English language and with the complete text available, with at least 1 physical exercise that worked with the strength of the upper limbs. Two independent evaluators extracted from each article data on study characteristics (publishing year, country of origin, and study design), of the subjects (gender and age), and of the disability (level of lesion and cause). Evidence Synthesis: Seven articles were included in the systematic revision. The procedure used the most for measuring the maximum strength was the 1-repetition maximum test, followed by the isokinetic dynamometer and Quantitative Muscle Testing System. Furthermore, the most commonly associated variables in the included studies were pain in the shoulder, cardiorespiratory capacity, and functionality, respectively. The results showed that all of the variables improved because of the training. Conclusions: The training improved the strength, the functionality, and reduced the pain in the shoulder of the people with paraplegia.
Medial Unloader Braces and Lateral Heel Wedges Do not Alter Gait Biomechanics in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Goodwin Jonathan S. , Creighton Robert A. , Pietrosimone Brian G. , Spang Jeffery T. , Blackburn J. Troy
Published: January 2018

Context: Orthotic devices such as medial unloader knee braces and lateral heel wedges may limit cartilage loading following trauma or surgical repair. However, little is known regarding their effects on gait biomechanics in young, healthy individuals who are at risk of cartilage injury during physical activity due to greater athletic exposure compared with older adults. Objective: Determine the effect of medial unloader braces and lateral heel wedges on lower-extremity kinematics and kinetics in healthy, young adults. Design: Cross-sectional crossover design. Setting: Laboratory setting. Patients: Healthy, young adults who were recreationally active (30 min/d for 3 d/wk) between 18 and 35 years of age, who were free from orthopedic injury for at least 6 months, and with no history of lower-extremity orthopedic surgery. Interventions: All subjects completed normal over ground walking with a medial unloader brace at 2 different tension settings and a lateral heel wedge for a total of 4 separate walking conditions. Main Outcome Measures: Frontal plane knee angle at heel strike, peak varus angle, peak internal knee valgus moment, and frontal plane angular impulse were compared across conditions. Results: The medial unloader brace at 50% (−2.04° [3.53°]) and 100% (−1.80° [3.63°]) maximum load placed the knee in a significantly more valgus orientation at heel strike compared with the lateral heel wedge condition (−0.05° [2.85°]). However, this difference has minimal clinical relevance. Neither of the orthotic devices altered knee kinematics or kinetics relative to the control condition. Conclusions: Although effective in older adults and individuals with varus knee alignment, medial unloader braces and lateral heel wedges do not influence gait biomechanics in young, healthy individuals.
Biased signaling by thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor–specific antibodies determines thyrocyte survival in autoimmunity
Authors: Morshed Syed A. , Ma Risheng , Latif Rauf , Davies Terry F.
Published: January 2018

Different autoantibodies against the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor have distinct effects on receptor trafficking and thyrocyte survival.
Importance of Site of Infection and Antibiotic Selection in the Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sepsis
Authors: Britt Nicholas S. , Ritchie David J. , Kollef Marin H. , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Durkin Michael J. , Hampton Nicholas B. , Micek Scott T.
Published: January 2018

In a retrospective analysis of 215 patients with carbapenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
sepsis, we observed a significantly higher risk of mortality associated with respiratory tract infection (risk ratio [RR], 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.39;
P
= 0.010) and lower risk with urinary tract infection (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.90;
P
= 0.004). Aminoglycoside monotherapy was associated with increased mortality, even after adjusting for confounders (adjusted RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.85;
P
= 0.037), consistent across multiple sites of infection.
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of a Novel Hibiscus-Infecting Cilevirus from Florida and Its Relationship with Closely Associated Cileviruses
Authors: Roy Avijit , Stone A. L. , Melzer Michael J. , Shao Jonathan , Hartung John S. , Mavrodieva Vessela , Nakhla Mark K. , Brlansky R. H. , Schneider W. L.
Published: January 2018

The complete nucleotide sequence of a recently discovered Florida (FL) isolate of hibiscus-infecting cilevirus (HiCV) was determined by Sanger sequencing. The movement and coat protein gene sequences of the HiCV-FL isolate are more divergent than other genes of the previously sequenced HiCV-HI (Hawaii) isolate.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Antimycin-Producing Bacterium
Streptomyces
sp. Strain SM8, Isolated from the Marine Sponge
Haliclona simulans
Authors: Almeida Eduardo L. , Margassery Lekha M. , Kennedy Jonathan , Dobson Alan D. W.
Published: January 2018

Streptomyces
sp. strain SM8, isolated from
Haliclona simulans
, possesses antifungal and antibacterial activities and inhibits the calcineurin pathway in yeast. The draft genome sequence is 7,145,211 bp, containing 5,929 predicted coding sequences. Several secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters are present, encoding known and novel metabolites, including antimycin.
Genome Sequence of a Rabies Virus Isolated from a Dog in Chiapas, Mexico, 2013
Authors: Pérez-Agüeros Sandra , Ortiz-Alcántara Joanna María , Garcés-Ayala Fabiola , Mendieta-Condado Edgar , González-Durán Elizabeth , Aréchiga-Ceballos Nidia , Melo-Munguía Martin , Chávez-López Susana , Sandoval-Borja Albert , Gómez-Sierra Mauricio , Terán-Toledo Rita , Martínez-Solís David , Animas-Vargas Israel , Escamilla-Ríos Beatriz , Torres-Longoria Belem , López-Martínez Irma , Hernández-Rivas Lucía , Díaz-Quiñonez José Alberto , Ramírez-González José Ernesto
Published: January 2018

Rabies virus (RABV), a member of the genus
Lyssavirus
, causes encephalitis that is almost always fatal following the onset of clinical signs. Here, we report the complete codifying sequence of an RABV isolated from a dog in Mexico. Molecular data showed that this strain belongs to the Chiapas lineage.
Distinct Regulatory Role of Carbon Catabolite Protein A (CcpA) in Oral Streptococcal
spxB
Expression
Authors: Redanz Sylvio , Masilamani Revathi , Cullin Nyssa , Giacaman Rodrigo A. , Merritt Justin , Kreth Jens
Published: January 2018

Pyruvate oxidase (SpxB)-dependent H
2
O
2
production is under the control of carbon catabolite protein A (CcpA) in the oral species
Streptococcus sanguinis
and
Streptococcus gordonii
. Interestingly, both species react differently to the presence of the preferred carbohydrate source glucose.
S. gordonii
CcpA-dependent regulation of
spxB
follows classical carbon catabolite repression. Conversely,
spxB
expression in
S. sanguinis
is not influenced by glucose but is repressed by CcpA. Here, we constructed strains expressing the heterologous versions of CcpA or the
spxB
promoter region to learn if the distinct regulation of
spxB
expression is transferable from
S. gordonii
to
S. sanguinis
and vice versa. While cross-species binding of CcpA to the
spxB
promoter is conserved
in vitro
, we were unable to swap the species-specific regulation. This suggests that a regulatory mechanism upstream of CcpA most likely is responsible for the observed difference in
spxB
expression. Moreover, the overall ecological significance of differential
spxB
regulation in the presence of various glucose concentrations was tested with additional oral streptococcus isolates and demonstrated that carbohydrate-dependent and carbohydrate-independent mechanisms exist to control expression of
spxB
in the oral biofilm. Overall, our data demonstrate the unexpected finding that metabolic pathways between two closely related oral streptococcal species can be regulated differently despite an exceptionally high DNA sequence identity.

IMPORTANCE
Polymicrobial diseases are the result of interactions among the residential microbes, which can lead to a dysbiotic community.
Streptococcus sanguinis
and
Streptococcus gordonii
are considered commensal species that are present in the healthy dental biofilm. Both species are able to produce significant amounts of H
2
O
2
via the enzymatic action of the pyruvate oxidase SpxB. H
2
O
2
is able to inhibit species associated with oral diseases. SpxB and its gene-regulatory elements present in both species are highly conserved. Nonetheless, a differential response to the presence of glucose was observed. Here, we investigate the mechanisms that lead to this differential response. Detailed knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms will aid in a better understanding of oral disease development and how to prevent dysbiosis.
Sulfur isotope evidence for transient marine-shelf oxidation during the Ediacaran Shuram Excursion
Authors: Shi Wei , Li Chao , Luo Genming , Huang Junhua , Algeo Thomas J. , Jin Chengsheng , Zhang Zihu , Cheng Meng
Published: January 2018

The Ediacaran Shuram Excursion (SE) was a major negative δ13Ccarb excursion (to −12‰) thought to reflect significant atmospheric-oceanic oxidation, although direct evidence is limited. Here, we model changes in seawater sulfate concentrations ([SO42−]sw) during the SE by using paired S-isotope data of cogenetic sedimentary pyrite and carbonate-associated sulfate from the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation (South China), making independent calculations for inner-shelf and upper-slope sections. Our results show a significant increase of [SO42−]sw toward the peak of the SE and a large proximal-to-distal gradient across the Yangtze Platform. Our findings provide direct evidence for transient oxidation of marine-shelf water masses during the SE, providing insights into Ediacaran oceanic oxygenation, the origin of the SE, and contemporaneous bioevolutionary events.