bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiating spatial from environmental effects on foliar fungal communities of Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Barge Edward G. , Leopold Devin R. , Peay Kabir G. , Newcombe George , Busby Posy E.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Foliar fungi – pathogens, endophytes, epiphytes – form taxonomically diverse communities that affect plant health and productivity. The composition of foliar fungal communities is variable at spatial scales both small (e.g. individual plants) and large (e.g. continents), yet few studies have attempted to tease apart spatial from climatic factors influencing these communities. Moreover, few studies have sampled in more than 1 year to gauge interannual variation in community structure.

Location

The Pacific Northwest of western North America.

Taxon

Foliar fungi associated with the deciduous tree Populus trichocarpa.

Methods

In two consecutive years, we used DNA metabarcoding to characterize foliar fungal communities of Populus trichocarpa across its geographic range, which encompasses a sharp climatic transition as it crosses the Cascade Mountain Range. We used multivariate analyses to (a) test for and differentiate spatial and environmental factors affecting community composition and (b) test for temporal variation in community composition across spatial and environmental gradients.

Results

In both study years, we found that foliar fungal community composition varied among sites and between regions (east vs. west of the Cascades). We found that climate explained more variation in community composition than geographic distance, although the majority of variation explained by each was shared. We also found that interannual variation in community composition depended on environmental context: communities located in the dry, eastern portion of the tree's geographic range varied more between study years than those located in the wet, western portion of the tree's range.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that the environment plays a greater role in structuring foliar fungal communities than dispersal limitation.
Aquatic ecosystem changes in a global biodiversity hotspot: Evidence from the Albertine Rift, central Africa
Authors: McGlynn Gayle , Lejju Julius , Dalton Catherine , Mooney Scott D. , Rose Neil L. , Tompkins Adrian M. , Bannister Wayne , Tan Zu D. , Zheng Xianglin , Rühland Katherine M. , Taylor David
Published: June 2019

Aim

Determine the extent to which remote, high‐altitude (Afroalpine) aquatic ecosystems in tropical Africa have been impacted by global and regional‐scale environmental change processes.

Location

Two volcanic crater lakes (Bisoke and Muhavura) in the Afroalpine zone, Albertine (Western) Rift, central Africa.

Methods

Sediment cores were collected from Bisoke and Muhavura lakes and dated using radiometric techniques. A range of sediment‐based proxies was extracted from the cores and quantified. Sedimentary data were subjected to statistical analyses that contributed to the identification of influential environmental variables and their effects on diatom assemblages, the determination of variations in spatial beta diversity and estimates of the rate of compositional turnover over the last c. 1,200 years.

Results

Sediments from the two sites provide evidence of the sensitivity of remote, Afroalpine aquatic ecosystems to perturbation. Climate variability has been a major driver of ecological change, particularly at Bisoke Lake, throughout the c. 1,200‐year‐long record, while Muhavura Lake has been directly impacted by and recovered from at least one volcanic eruption during this time. The effects of climatic warming from the mid‐ to late 19th century and especially from the late 20th century, possibly accentuated by atmospheric deposition‐driven nutrient enrichment, appear increasingly in lockstep. Effects include changes in diatom community composition, increased productivity and compositional turnover, and biotic homogenization (reduced spatial beta diversity) between the two sites.

Main conclusions

The two Afroalpine sites record changes in atmospheric conditions and their effects on diatom assemblage composition, particularly over the last c. 150 years. Drivers of these changes have the potential to disrupt ecosystems at lower altitudes in the Albertine Rift, including biodiverse areas of forest, and across tropical Africa more widely.
Evaluation of a new algorithm for tracking activation during atrial fibrillation using multipolar catheters in humans
Authors: Mann Ian , Coyle Clare , Qureshi Norman , Nagy Szabolcs Z , Koa‐Wing Michael , Lim Phang Boon , Francis Darrel P , Whinnett Zachary , Peters Nicholas S , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Linton Nick W.F.
Published: June 2019

Background

Conventional mapping techniques during atrial fibrillation (AF) are difficult to apply because of cycle length irregularity. Mapping studies are usually restricted to short durations of AF in limited regions because of the laborious manual annotation of local activation time (LAT). The purpose of this study was to test an automated algorithm to map activation during AF, with comparable accuracy to manual annotation.

Methods

Left atrial (LA) mapping was performed using a 20‐pole double loop catheter (AFocusII) in 30‐second data segments from 16 patients. The new algorithm (RETRO‐Mapping) was designed to detect wavefront propagation between electrodes, and display activating wavefronts on a two‐dimensional representation of the catheter. Activation patterns were validated against their bipolar electrograms and with isochronal maps. The mapping protocol was approved by the research ethics committee (13/LO1169 and 14/LO1367).

Results

During AF, uniform wavefront activation direction (mean ± SD, degrees) from manually constructed isochronal maps was comparable to RETRO‐Propagation Map (RETRO‐PM) and RETRO‐Automated Direction (RETRO‐AD): 1 ± 6.9 for RETRO‐PM; and 2 ± 6.6 for RETRO‐AD. There was no significant difference in activation direction assigned to 1373 uniform wavefronts during AF when comparing RETRO‐PM with RETRO‐AD (Bland‐Altman mean difference: −0.1 degrees; limits of agreement: −8.0 to 8.3; 95% CI −0.4 to 0.2; (r = 0.01) R2 = < 0.005; P = .77).

Conclusion

We have developed and validated a new technique to map activation during AF. This technique shows comparable accuracy to that of conventional isochronal mapping with careful manual adjustment of LAT.
Long term outcomes in patients with chronic right ventricular pacing upgraded to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Rickard John , Gorodeski Eiran Z. , Patel Divyang , Hussein Ayman , Moennich Laurie Anne , Cantillon Daniel , Trulock Kevin , Toro Saleem , Niebauer Mark , Varma Niraj , Wilkoff Bruce L.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

In patients with chronic systolic heart failure and frequent right ventricular pacing (RVP), upgrade to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become common practice despite a lack of randomized clinical trials. We aimed to evaluate long term outcomes in patients upgraded to CRT from chronic RVP compared with de novo CRT implants.

Methods and results

We reviewed medical charts on consecutive patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% and a QRSd ≥ 120 ms undergoing CRT. Survival free of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and a heart transplant was compared amongst patients on the basis of pre‐CRT QRS morphology. Improvement in LVEF was also compared across groups. A total of 1260 patients met inclusion criteria of whom 233 were upgraded from chronic RVP. Over a mean follow up 6.5 ± 4.0 years there were 821 endpoints (27 LVAD, 30 heart transplants, and 764 deaths). In a multivariate Cox regression model, upgraded patients had worse outcomes (HR 1.3(1.1‐1.7) P = .007) compared with those with native LBBB and similar outcomes to patients with non‐LBBB(HR 0.96(0.76‐1.21) P = .7). The survival curve for chronic RVP parallels native LBBB for approximately 2.5 years before dropping sharply. Patients with chronic RVP derive similar improvements in LVEF compared with those with LBBB and superior improvements compared with those with non‐LBBB.

Conclusions

Despite achieving similar levels of LVEF improvement, patients with systolic heart failure with chronic RVP undergoing upgrade to CRT have inferior long term outcomes compared with patients with native LBBB. Long term outcomes with CRT in patients with chronic RVP, RBBB, and IVCD are similar.
Neutrophil activation in systemic capillary leak syndrome (Clarkson disease)
Authors: Xie Zhihui , Kuhns Douglas B. , Gu Xuesong , Otu Hasan H. , Libermann Towia A. , Gallin John I. , Parikh Samir M. , Druey Kirk M.
Published: June 2019

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS; Clarkson disease) is a rare orphan disorder characterized by transient yet recurrent episodes of hypotension and peripheral oedema due to diffuse vascular leakage of fluids and proteins into soft tissues. Humoral mediators, cellular responses and genetic features accounting for the clinical phenotype of SCLS are virtually unknown. Here, we searched for factors altered in acute SCLS plasma relative to matched convalescent samples using multiplexed aptamer‐based proteomic screening. Relative amounts of 612 proteins were changed greater than twofold and 81 proteins were changed at least threefold. Among the most enriched proteins in acute SCLS plasma were neutrophil granule components including bactericidal permeability inducing protein, myeloperoxidase and matrix metalloproteinase 8. Neutrophils isolated from blood of subjects with SCLS or healthy controls responded similarly to routine pro‐inflammatory mediators. However, acute SCLS sera activated neutrophils relative to remission sera. Activated neutrophil supernatants increased permeability of endothelial cells from both controls and SCLS subjects equivalently. Our results suggest systemic neutrophil degranulation during SCLS acute flares, which may contribute to the clinical manifestations of acute vascular leak.
A novel myeloid cell in murine spleen defined through gene profiling
Authors: Hey Ying‐Ying , O’Neill Terence J. , O’Neill Helen C.
Published: June 2019

A novel myeloid antigen presenting cell can be generated through in vitro haematopoiesis in long‐term splenic stromal cocultures. The in vivo equivalent subset was recently identified as phenotypically and functionally distinct from the spleen subsets of macrophages, conventional (c) dendritic cells (DC), resident monocytes, inflammatory monocytes and eosinophils. This novel subset which is myeloid on the basis of cell surface phenotype, but dendritic‐like on the basis of cell surface marker expression and antigen presenting function, has been tentatively labelled “L‐DC.” Transcriptome analysis has now been employed to determine the lineage relationship of this cell type with known splenic cDC and monocyte subsets. Principal components analysis showed separation of “L‐DC” and monocytes from cDC subsets in the second principal component. Hierarchical clustering then indicated a close lineage relationship between this novel subset, resident monocytes and inflammatory monocytes. Resident monocytes were the most closely aligned, with no genes specifically expressed by the novel subset. This subset, however, showed upregulation of genes reflecting both dendritic and myeloid lineages, with strong upregulation of several genes, particularly CD300e. While resident monocytes were found to be dependent on Toll‐like receptor signalling for development and were reduced in number in Myd88‐/‐ and Trif‐/‐ mutant mice, both the novel subset and inflammatory monocytes were unaffected. Here, we describe a novel myeloid cell type closely aligned with resident monocytes in terms of lineage but distinct in terms of development and functional capacity.
EIF2A promotes cell survival during paclitaxel treatment in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chen Lin , He Jiang , Zhou Jianhua , Xiao Zhi , Ding Nianhua , Duan Yumei , Li Wenzheng , Sun Lun‐Quan
Published: June 2019

The integrated stress response (ISR) is critical for cancer cell survival during stress stimuli and has been implicated in the resistance to cancer therapeutics, in which the mechanism, however, is poorly understood. Here, we showed that paclitaxel, the major chemotherapy drug for breast cancer, induced ISR and phosphorylated ser51 residue of EIF2S1 by EIF2AK3 and EIF2AK4. When exposed to paclitaxel, cancer cells activated the EIF2AK3/EIF2AK4‐pEIF2S1‐ATF4 axis and maintained redox homoeostasis by inducing expression of the major antioxidant enzymes HMOX1, SHMT2 and SLC7A11. Paclitaxel‐mediated cell death was significantly increased following loss of ISR or ATF4 expression. This sensitizing effect could be partially rescued by Trolox, a ROS scavenger. We demonstrated that the alternative initiation factor EIF2A was essential for cancer cell survival after paclitaxel‐mediated ISR both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, patients with breast cancer exhibited higher ISR after chemotherapy, and the elevated mRNA levels of HMOX1, SHMT2 and EIF2A were correlated with poor prognosis. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel mechanism for paclitaxel resistance and suggest that targeting EIF2A combined with ISR agonist may be a potential treatment regimen to overcome drug resistance for breast cancer.
Differences in smolt status affect the resistance of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) against infectious pancreatic necrosis, while vaccine‐mediated protection is unaffected
Authors: Jensen Ingvill , Overrein Mathias C. , Fredriksen Børge N. , Strandskog Guro , Seternes Tore
Published: June 2019

In today's aquaculture of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.), a majority of viral disease outbreaks occur after seawater transfer. A relevant question is how the parr–smolt transformation influences the efficacy of viral vaccines and the innate resistance against viral diseases. In this study, vaccinated and unvaccinated A. salmon parr were exposed to different photoperiodic regimens (1‐, 3‐ or 6‐week continuous light—WCL). Fish groups at different stages in the smoltification process were induced, as demonstrated by differences in morphological and physiological smolt parameters. At the time of seawater transfer, the 6‐WCL group had reached a more pronounced stage in the smoltification process than the 1‐WCL group. In unvaccinated fish, the subsequent cohabitation challenge with infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) gave a significantly higher accumulated mortality in the 6‐WCL group (87%) compared to the 1‐WCL group (39%). In the vaccinated groups, this effect was not apparent and there were no differences in accumulated mortality between the 1 WCL, 3 WCL and 6‐WCL groups. These data suggest that the resistance to IPN in A. salmon was negatively influenced by smoltification, while vaccine‐mediated protection to IPN was maintained equally well irrespective of smolt status.
Joint AGS‐CCEHI Survey Offers Insights into Patient Engagement in Geriatric Clinical Settings
Authors: Hwang Ann , Warshaw Gregg
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES

Many clinical practices and health systems are increasingly interested in adopting structures for consumer engagement to inform organizational policies and programs. These structures can include patient and family advisory committees, patient representation on an organization's board of directors, or inclusion of patients and family members in quality improvement activities. However, to date only limited information has been available on the uptake of patient engagement strategies and structures, and none specific to geriatrics. We surveyed American Geriatrics Society (AGS) members to ascertain how and when consumer engagement is occurring in the clinical settings where AGS members provide care, and to identify opportunities to improve engagement.

DESIGN

Descriptive survey.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 20% (829) of eligible AGS members responded to this section of the survey.

MEASUREMENTS

Respondents’ primary work site, methods and staffing of patient and family engagement, barriers to engagement, and strategies to improve engagement.

RESULTS

The most common methods of engagement were through advisory committees (28%), quality improvement and program evaluations (27%), and focus groups (21%). However, more than one‐third of respondents (35%) said they were not sure whether their clinical setting had any structures or strategies in place for consumer engagement. Respondents identified barriers to engagement as well as the tools and information that would help improve engagement.

CONCLUSION

The survey findings provide insight into what patient engagement looks like in the hospitals, health systems, and other clinical settings where geriatrics health professionals work. Making structures for patient and family engagement more widespread in geriatric practice settings will require addressing the barriers identified by survey respondents including the need for funding and staff time, transportation, and training and supports for participating patients and caregivers. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1791–1794, 2019
Effect of Vitamin K2 on Postural Sway in Older People Who Fall: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Witham Miles D. , Price Rosemary J. G. , Band Margaret M. , Hannah Michael S. , Fulton Roberta L. , Clarke Clare L. , Donnan Peter T. , McNamee Paul , Cvoro Vera , Soiza Roy L.
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES

Vitamin K is thought to be involved in both bone health and maintenance of neuromuscular function. We tested the effect of vitamin K2 supplementation on postural sway, falls, healthcare costs, and indices of physical function in older people at risk of falls.

DESIGN

Parallel‐group double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial.

SETTING

Fourteen primary care practices in Scotland, UK.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 95 community‐dwelling participants aged 65 and older with at least two falls, or one injurious fall, in the previous year.

INTERVENTION

Once/day placebo, 200 μg or 400 μg of oral vitamin K2 for 1 year.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was anteroposterior sway measured using sway plates at 12 months, adjusted for baseline. Secondary outcomes included the Short Physical Performance Battery, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go Test, quality of life, health and social care costs, falls, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Mean participant age was 75 (standard deviation [SD] = 7) years. Overall, 58 of 95 (61%) were female; 77 of 95 (81%) attended the 12‐month visit. No significant effect of either vitamin K2 dose was seen on the primary outcome of anteroposterior sway (200 μg vs placebo: −.19 cm [95% confidence interval [CI] −.68 to .30; P = .44]; 400 μg vs placebo: .17 cm [95% CI −.33 to .66; P = .50]; or 400 μg vs 200 μg: .36 cm [95% CI −.11 to .83; P = .14]). Adjusted falls rates were similar in each group. No significant treatment effects were seen for other measures of sway or secondary outcomes. Costs were higher in both vitamin K2 arms than in the placebo arm.

CONCLUSION

Oral vitamin K2 supplementation did not improve postural sway or physical function in older people at risk of falls. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2102–2107, 2019
Predicting Risk of Potentially Preventable Hospitalization in Older Adults with Dementia
Authors: Maust Donovan T. , Kim H. Myra , Chiang Claire , Langa Kenneth M. , Kales Helen C.
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES

Reducing potentially preventable hospitalization (PPH) among older adults with dementia is a goal of Healthy People 2020, yet no tools specifically identify patients with dementia at highest risk. The objective was to develop a risk prediction model to identify older adults with dementia at high imminent risk of PPH.

DESIGN

A 30‐day risk prediction model was developed using multivariable logistic regression. Patients from fiscal years (FY) 2009 to 2011 were split into development and validation cohorts; FY2012 was used for prediction.

SETTING

Community‐dwelling older adults (≥65 years of age) with dementia who received care through the Veterans Health Administration.

PARTICIPANTS

There were 1 793 783 participants.

MEASUREMENTS

Characteristics associated with hospitalization risk were (1) age and other demographic factors; (2) outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient utilization; (3) medical and psychiatric diagnoses; and (4) prescribed medication use including changes to psychotropic medications (eg, initiation or dosage increase). Model discrimination was determined by the C statistic for each of the three cohorts. Finally, to determine whether predicted 30‐day risk strata were stable over time, the observed PPH rate was calculated out to 1 year.

RESULTS

In the development cohort, .6% of patients experienced PPH within 30 days. The C statistic for the development cohort was .83 (95% confidence interval [CI] = .83‐.84) and .83 in the prediction cohort (95% CI = .82‐.84). Patients in the top 10% of predicted 30‐day PPH risk accounted for more than 50% of 30‐day PPH admissions in all three cohorts. In addition, those predicted to be at elevated 30‐day risk remained at higher risk throughout a year of follow‐up.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to identify older adults with dementia at high risk of imminent PPH, and their risk remains elevated for an entire year. Given the negative outcomes associated with acute hospitalization for those with dementia, healthcare systems and providers may be able to engage these high‐risk patients proactively to avoid unnecessary hospitalization. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2077–2084, 2019
A Practical Two‐Stage Frailty Assessment for Older Adults Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Hosler Quinn P. , Maltagliati Anthony J. , Shi Sandra M. , Afilalo Jonathan , Popma Jeffrey J. , Khabbaz Kamal R. , Laham Roger J. , Guibone Kimberly , Kim Dae Hyun
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Despite evidence, frailty is not routinely assessed before cardiac surgery. We compared five brief frailty tests for predicting poor outcomes after aortic valve replacement and evaluated a strategy of performing comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in screen‐positive patients.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

A single academic center.

Participants

Patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) (n = 91; mean age = 77.8 y) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) (n = 137; mean age = 84.5 y) from February 2014 to June 2017.

Measurements

Brief frailty tests (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, and Loss of weight [FRAIL] scale; Clinical Frailty Scale; grip strength; gait speed; and chair rise) and a deficit‐accumulation frailty index based on CGA (CGA‐FI) were measured at baseline. A composite of death or functional decline and severe symptoms at 6 months was assessed.

Results

The outcome occurred in 8.8% (n = 8) after SAVR and 24.8% (n = 34) after TAVR. The chair rise test showed the highest discrimination in the SAVR (C statistic = .76) and TAVR cohorts (C statistic = .63). When the chair rise test was chosen as a screening test (≥17 s for SAVR and ≥23 s for TAVR), the incidence of outcome for screen‐negative patients, screen‐positive patients with CGA‐FI of .34 or lower, and screen‐positive patients with CGA‐FI higher than .34 were 1.9% (n = 1/54), 5.3% (n = 1/19), and 33.3% (n = 6/18) after SAVR, respectively, and 15.0% (n = 9/60), 14.3% (n = 3/21), and 38.3% (n = 22/56) after TAVR, respectively. Compared with routinely performing CGA, targeting CGA to screen‐positive patients would result in 54 fewer CGAs, without compromising sensitivity (routine vs targeted: .75 vs .75; P = 1.00) and specificity (.84 vs .86; P = 1.00) in the SAVR cohort; and 60 fewer CGAs with lower sensitivity (.82 vs.65; P = .03) and higher specificity (.50 vs .67; P < .01) in the TAVR cohort.

Conclusions

The chair rise test with targeted CGA may be a practical strategy to identify older patients at high risk for mortality and poor recovery after SAVR and TAVR in whom individualized care management should be considered. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2031–2037, 2019
Chronic Acquired Polyneuropathy Patient Reported Index (CAPPRI) in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Bjelica Bogdan , Peric Stojan , Gwathmey Kelly , Sadjadi Reza , Bozovic Ivo , Burns Ted M. , Basta Ivana
Published: June 2019

To date there are only two validations on the Chronic Acquired Polyneuropathy Patient‐Reported Index (CAPPRI) questionnaire, both originated from the North America. We sought to translate and validate CAPPRI for use in Serbian patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). We included 109 CIDP patients. CAPPRI, short form (36) health survey (SF‐36), Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRC‐SS), Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) sensory and disability scores, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Krupp's Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used. Serbian CAPPRI questionnaire was understandable and the language was appropriate and simple. Calculation demonstrated good person (0.9) and item (0.9) reliability with adequate item (4.1), and person (2.9) separation indices. There was a minor floor effect (13.8%), and no ceiling effect. All items had good fit, except items 2 (pain), 5 (sleeping), and 14 (eating) to some degree. Category responses were well ordered and organized, except item 14 (eating). The CAPPRI score did not vary regarding gender, age, or education. Patients with worse scores on MRC‐SS, INCAT sensory score, INCAT disability score, FSS, and BDI had worse scores on CAPPRI (P < .01). The CAPPRI score showed strong correlation with the SF‐36 score (rho = −0.76, P < .01). The Serbian version of the CAPPRI is reliable and valid patient‐reported index for patients with CIDP, able to differentiate between levels of impairment and disability in this disease.
Regeneration characteristics of different dental derived stem cell sheets
Authors: Hu Lei , Zhao Bin , Gao Zhenhua , Xu Junji , Fan Zhipeng , Zhang Chunmei , Wang Jinsong , Wang Songlin
Published: June 2019

Background

Although cell sheets have gained much interest as a non‐scaffold strategy for tissue regeneration, the regenerative features of different cell sheets remain unclear.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to compare the regeneration characteristics of cell sheets derived from dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAPs).

Methods

Dental pulp stem cells, PDLSCs and SCAPs from the same individual were acquired and induced to form sheets using 20 μg/mL vitamin C. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of collagen I, fibronectin, integrin β1 and vimentin. Real‐time PCR was used to determine NANOG, OCT4, SOX2 and TERT gene expression. The cell sheets with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate were transplanted into nude mice subcutaneously to evaluate tissue regeneration characteristics.

Results

No obvious differences were found in the histological structure and extracellular matrix protein expression between DPSC, PDLSC and SCAP sheets. Dental pulp stem cell sheet showed higher expression of OCT4 and TERT than PDLSC and SCAP sheets. All three cell sheets displayed the ability of mineral tissue formation and highly expressed periostin. The tissue derived from DPSC sheet showed higher CD31 expression and porous fibres compared with that from the others. The tissue fibres formed from PDLSC sheet were directionally arranged, while the tissue derived from SCAP sheet showed highest mineral tissue formation.

Conclusion

Although in vitro DPSC, PDLSC and SCAP cell sheets have similar characteristics, their regenerative characteristics in vivo are different, with each showing potential application for regeneration of different tissues.
Probiotics protect against tenofovir‐induced mandibular bone loss in mice by rescuing mandible‐derived mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Liu Hao , Gu Ranli , Li Wei , Xue Jing , Cong Zhe , Wei Qiang , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: June 2019

Background

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), a primary antiretroviral agent used to treat AIDS, triggers systematic bone loss. However, the effect of TDF on osteopenia or osteoporosis in the jaw remains unclear. TDF‐induced bone loss in the jaw, if any, likely involves mandible‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MMSCs), which play a key role in jawbone metabolism. Probiotics prevent long bone loss, and could prove efficacious in treating TDF‐induced mandibular bone loss.

Objectives

To determine whether TDF triggers mandibular bone loss, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and study the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on TDF‐induced bone loss in the jaw.

Methods

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was administered orally daily and LGG semiweekly from eight weeks to the end of the study (LGG group) to male C57BL6/J mice. The mice were sacrificed, and body weight (BW) and serum Ca and P were measured. Mandibular histomorphometry was evaluated by micro‐CT. MMSCs and LGG culture supernatants were isolated, and MMSC proliferation and ALP production when treated with different concentrations of LGG supernatant and/or TDF were measured. Relative abundance of osteogenic markers was assessed by qPCR.

Results

Orally administered LGG protected against bone mass loss and deterioration of bone microarchitecture and increased serum P levels. The BW of the TDF group was highest among the study groups. TDF partially impaired osteogenesis and proliferation of MMSCs. LGG culture supernatant rescued MMSC osteogenesis and proliferation, and osteogenic gene expression.

Conclusions

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG protected against tenofovir‐induced mandibular bone loss in mice by rescuing MMSC proliferation and osteogenesis.
Burnout within forensic psychiatric nursing: Its relationship with ward environment and effective clinical supervision?
Authors: Berry Suzanne , Robertson Noelle
Published: June 2019

Accessible summary

What is known about this subject?

Burnout is a prominent issue in psychiatric nursing and associated with significant adverse consequences for staff, service users and at an organizational level.

Exploration of the extent and predictors of burnout in secure settings has received little research attention. It is not fully understood why prevalence rates of burnout in forensic settings are not elevated in comparison to other settings, despite the presence of known risk‐related correlates.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

In contrast to previous research, findings suggest that clinical supervision may not be an effective, stand‐alone intervention to support staff experiencing burnout. Thus, the current focus on clinical supervision to mitigate burnout may be insufficient in forensic services.

The ward environment (specifically how safe staff feel, how therapeutic the ward feels and how well service users relate to one another) was found to be more important than clinical supervision in terms of burnout for forensic psychiatric nursing staff.

What are the implications for practice?

Policies regarding staff health and well‐being should be developed with due consideration given to the association between burnout and the working environment.

It should not be assumed that clinical supervision is sufficient to mitigate burnout in practice. Further research assessing all types of support and the ward environment is needed to gain a better understanding of its relationship to burnout.

Introduction

Despite extensive research examining burnout in psychiatric nursing staff, literature exploring key predictors of burnout in secure psychiatric settings has been relatively neglected. Research has yet to explore burnout in these settings by adopting previously identified predictors such as support or the ward environment.

Aim

The current study aimed to reduce this gap by exploring burnout, the perceived effectiveness of clinical supervision and ward environment.

Method

In 2014, nursing staff working in a medium secure forensic psychiatric unit in the United Kingdom (N = 137) provided demographic information and completed the measures assessing: Burnout, clinical supervision and the ward environment.

Results

Approximately 10% of nursing staff could be classed as “burnt‐out”. The main predictors of burnout were age and ward environment. Clinical supervision had minimal association with burnout.

Discussion

The current study sheds doubt on clinical supervision as a potential intervention for burnout and results appear comparable to research within other settings. The implications of the ward environment, supervision and burnout are discussed herein.

Implication for Practice

Interventions may need to focus on a positive ward environment (including patient cohesion, experienced safety and enhancing the therapeutic atmosphere). Organizations should support younger nursing staff as they appear particularly vulnerable to burnout.
Geoclimatic factors influence the population genetic connectivity of Incarvillea arguta (Bignoniaceae) in the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Rana Santosh Kumar , Luo Dong , Rana Hum Kala , O'Neill Alexander Robert , Sun Hang
Published: June 2019

Geoclimatic factors related to the uplift of the Himalaya and the Quaternary climatic oscillations influence the population genetic connectivity in the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains (HHM) biodiversity hotspot. Therefore, to explore the relative roles played by these two factors, we examined the population dynamics and dispersal corridors of Incarvillea arguta (Royle) Royle incorporating ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM).

Thirty‐seven populations were genotyped using plastid chloroplast DNA and low copy nuclear gene (ncpGS) sequences. Phylogeographic analysis was carried out to reveal the genetic structure and lineage differentiation. Ensemble SDMs were carried out for distributional change in the last glacial maximum, present, and future. Finally, the least cost path method was used to trace out possible dispersal corridors.

The haplotypes were divided into four clades with strong geographical structure. The late Miocene origin of I. arguta in the western Himalaya ca. 7.92 Ma indicates lineage diversification related to the uplift of the HHM. The variability in habitat connectivity revealed by SDM is due to change in suitability since the Pleistocene. A putative dispersal corridor was detected along the drainage systems and river valleys, with strong support in the eastern Hengduan Mountains group.

Our results support the signature of geoclimatic influence on population genetic connectivity of I. arguta in the HHM. We proposed that the major drainage systems might have assisted the rapid dispersal of isolated riverine plant species I. arguta in the HHM. The population genetic connectivity, using the fine‐tuned ensemble SDMs, enables scientists and policymakers to develop conservation strategies for the species gene pool in the HHM biodiversity hotspots.
Multifaceted role of geminivirus associated betasatellite in pathogenesis
Authors: Gnanasekaran Prabu , KishoreKumar Reddy , Bhattacharyya Dhriti , Vinoth Kumar R. , Chakraborty Supriya
Published: June 2019

Begomoviruses have emerged as a group of plant pathogens that cause devastating diseases in a wide range of crops in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Betasatellites, the circular single‐stranded DNA molecules with the size of almost half of that of the associated helper begomoviruses, are often essential for the production of typical disease symptoms in several virus‐host systems. Association of betasatellites with begomoviruses results in more severe symptoms in the plants and affects the yield of numerous crops leading to huge agroeconomic losses. βC1, the only protein encoded by betasatellites, plays a multifaceted role in the successful establishment of infection. This protein counteracts the innate defence mechanisms of the host, like RNA silencing, ubiquitin‐proteasome system and defence responsive hormones. In the last two decades, the molecular aspect of betasatellite pathogenesis has attracted much attention from the researchers worldwide, and reports have shown that βC1 protein aggravates the helper begomovirus disease complex by modulating specific host factors. This review discusses the molecular aspects of the pathogenesis of betasatellites, including various βC1‐host factor interactions and their effects on the suppression of defence responses of the plants.
DNA ploidy in Salix retusa agg. only partly in line with its morphology and taxonomy
Authors: Kosiński Piotr , Sliwinska Elwira , Hilpold Andreas , Boratyński Adam
Published: June 2019

Salix retusa agg. encompasses small, prostrate willows occurring in the subalpine and alpine zones of European mountains. Karyological relationships among taxa in this group remain unclear. In this study, DNA ploidy was estimated using flow cytometry of silica‐dried specimens, covering the entire distribution area of the species. As a result, the presence of two main lineages was revealed: the exclusively diploid S. serpillifolia and the predominantly octoploid S. retusa s.l. Only at the western and eastern limits of the distributional range of the latter species different levels of DNA ploidy occurred: hexaploidy in the western Pyrenees, and up to decaploidy in the southern Carpathians. These results were compared with leaf morphology analyses presented in the work of Kosiński et al. (2017). In the western Pyrenean populations, the lower ploidy corresponded to smaller leaf sizes as compared to other populations of S. retusa s.l. The elevated ploidy in the southern Carpathian populations did not translate into bigger dimensions of plants in this area. However, the populations from the northern part of the Carpathian arc, distinguished by larger leaves and sometimes considered as a distinct taxon (S. kitaibeliana), consisted mainly of octoploid individuals. Thus, DNA ploidy estimations did not confirm the separate taxonomic status of S. kitaibeliana.
Curculigo sabui sp. nov. (Hypoxidaceae), a new species from Balaghat Ranges of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Gaikwad Sayajirao P. , Gore Ramchandra D. , Garad Krushnadeoray U. , Gholave Avinash R.
Published: June 2019

A new species, Curculigo sabui S.P.Gaikwad & Gore is described from margins of temporary fresh water streams in Yedshi‐Ramling Wild Life Sanctuary of Balaghat Ranges of Maharashtra, India. Morphologically it resembles Curculigo janarthanamii Gore & S.P.Gaikwad and C. multiflora Zimudzi but differs in having elliptic‐lanceolate to obovate (20–52 × 3.0–4.5 cm) leaf lamina, flowers three to five in umbel‐like racemes or sometimes solitary, seed coat with irregular striations and somatic chromosome number 2n = 36. A detailed morphological description with line drawings, photographs and comparative account of the species is provided here.
Legacy effects of tree mortality mediated by ectomycorrhizal fungal communities
Authors: Mueller Rebecca C. , Scudder Crescent M. , Whitham Thomas G. , Gehring Catherine A.
Published: June 2019

Successive droughts have resulted in extensive tree mortality in the southwestern United States. Recovery of these areas is dependent on the survival and recruitment of young trees. For trees that rely on ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) for survival and growth, changes in soil fungal communities following tree mortality could negatively affect seedling establishment.

We used tree‐focused and stand‐scale measurements to examine the impact of pinyon pine mortality on the performance of surviving juvenile trees and the potential for mutualism limitation of seedling establishment via altered EMF communities.

Mature pinyon mortality did not affect the survival of juvenile pinyons, but increased their growth. At both tree and stand scales, high pinyon mortality had no effect on the abundance of EMF inocula, but led to altered EMF community composition including increased abundance of Geopora and reduced abundance of Tuber. Seedling biomass was strongly positively associated with Tuber abundance, suggesting that reductions in this genus with pinyon mortality could have negative consequences for establishing seedlings.

These findings suggest that whereas mature pinyon mortality led to competitive release for established juvenile pinyons, changes in EMF community composition with mortality could limit successful seedling establishment and growth in high‐mortality sites.
Nature and timing of biotic recovery in Antarctic benthic marine ecosystems following the Cretaceous–Palaeogene mass extinction
Authors: Whittle Rowan J. , Witts James D. , Bowman Vanessa C. , Crame J. Alistair , Francis Jane E. , Ineson Jon
Published: June 2019

Taxonomic and ecological recovery from the Cretaceous–Palaeogene (K–Pg) mass extinction 66 million years ago shaped the composition and structure of modern ecosystems. The timing and nature of recovery has been linked to many factors including palaeolatitude, geographical range, the ecology of survivors, incumbency and palaeoenvironmental setting. Using a temporally constrained fossil dataset from one of the most expanded K–Pg successions in the world, integrated with palaeoenvironmental information, we provide the most detailed examination of the patterns and timing of recovery from the K–Pg mass extinction event in the high southern latitudes of Antarctica. The timing of biotic recovery was influenced by global stabilization of the wider Earth system following severe environmental perturbations, apparently regardless of latitude or local environment. Extinction intensity and ecological change were decoupled, with community scale ecological change less distinct compared to other locations, even if the taxonomic severity of the extinction was the same as at lower latitudes. This is consistent with a degree of geographical heterogeneity in the recovery from the K–Pg mass extinction. Recovery in Antarctica was influenced by local factors (such as water depth changes, local volcanism, and possibly incumbency and pre‐adaptation to seasonality of the local benthic molluscan population), and also showed global signals, for example the radiation of the Neogastropoda within the first million years of the Danian, and a shift in dominance between bivalves and gastropods.
Cardiac and lung point‐of‐care ultrasound in pediatric anesthesia and critical care medicine: Uses, pitfalls, and future directions to optimize pediatric care
Authors: Adler Adam C. , Brown Kyle A. , Conlin Frederick T. , Thammasitboon Satid , Chandrakantan Arvind
Published: June 2019

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) has found many relevant applications in pediatric anesthesia and critical care medicine. Specifically, the cardiac and pulmonary POCUS examinations provide a wealth of information from physical examination assistance to diagnostic evaluation and assessment of treatment response. However, as with any adjunct, potentially dangerous pitfalls exist when POCUS is performed, interpreted, and applied by the novice sonographer. Using case illustrations, we highlight the clinical application of POCUS in addition to potential dangers. Additionally, suggestions for learning POCUS, assessing competency and credentialing are reviewed.
Romantic attachment, dyadic coping, and parental adjustment across the transition to parenthood
Authors: Alves Stephanie , Milek Anne , Bodenmann Guy , Fonseca Ana , Canavarro Maria C. , Pereira Marco
Published: June 2019

This study explored the mediating role of common dyadic coping (common DC) on the longitudinal associations between attachment‐related anxiety and avoidance and parental adjustment to the first year postpartum. A total of 92 Portuguese couples completed self‐report questionnaires of romantic attachment, common DC, parenting stress, and parental confidence. Results showed that more avoidant parents (at mid‐pregnancy) engaged less in common DC (at 6 weeks postpartum), which consequently increased their partner's parenting stress (only in mothers) and decreased their partner's parental confidence (in both parents) at 6–9 months postpartum. Anxious attachment did not predict parents' adjustment directly or indirectly. Interventions aimed at preventing adjustment difficulties to early parenthood in more avoidant parents should focus on enhancing their common DC strategies soon after childbirth.
Patient‐reported outcome measures within pediatric solid organ transplantation: A systematic review
Authors: Anthony Samantha J. , Stinson Hayley , Lazor Tanya , Young Katarina , Hundert Amos , Santana Maria J. , Stinson Jennifer , West Lori
Published: June 2019

Subjective evaluation of medical care and disease outcomes from patients' perspectives has become increasingly important. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) play a prominent role in engaging patients, capturing their experiences and improving patient care. This systematic review sought to identify PROMs that are used in the field of pediatric solid organ transplantation, with the aim to inform the implementation of PROMs into clinical practice for this population. A systematic review of English language, peer‐reviewed articles was performed on key health science databases to identify publications using PROMs in pediatric solid organ transplantation. The search yielded 3670 articles, with a final data set of 62 articles that included 47 different PROMs. The three most frequently used PROMs included the following: (a) PedsQL™ Generic Core Scales (n = 25); (b) Children's Depression Inventory (n = 6); and (c) Child Health Questionnaire (n = 6). Of the 47 PROMs, 42 were generic and five were disease‐specific; only six PROMS had a documented psychometric evaluation within a pediatric solid organ transplant population. This review outlines the attributes of the instruments (eg, domains captured), as well as the psychometric properties of those evaluated. PROMs are increasingly used in the field of pediatric transplantation; however, there are limited details in the current literature about their conceptual underpinnings and psychometric properties. This review highlights the need for additional psychometric evaluation of identified measures to establish the necessary foundation to inform the implementation of PROMs into clinical care for pediatric solid organ transplant patients.
Safety of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in beta‐thalassemia patients with chronic hepatitis C infections treated at a pediatric center
Authors: Ramgopal Archana , Lauko Adam , Rotz Seth , Hanna Rabi
Published: June 2019

The outcome of allogeneic HCT in patients previously infected with HCV is a widely debated topic and rarely reported in the pediatric and young adult age group given the small population of affected patients. New medications directly targeting HCV have induced virologic cures for over 90% of patients, and their use in the pretransplant setting may improve outcomes for patients infected with HCV. We describe two patients with transfusion‐dependent beta‐thalassemia major who underwent matched sibling donor bone marrow transplantation, one with a myeloablative regimen and one with a reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen. Allogeneic HCT appears feasible in patients with HCV infection that clear viremia prior to conditioning therapy and with a reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen. Further investigation is warranted to better define transplant risks in this population.