bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐income mothers' feeding goals predict observed home mealtime and child feeding practices
Authors: Pesch M. H. , Miller A. L. , Appugliese D. P. , Kaciroti N. , Rosenblum K. L. , Lumeng J. C.
Published: August 2016

Background

Mothers' goals are important for health behavior change, and engagement in child obesity interventions. It is unknown if maternal feeding goals are associated with observed home mealtime or feeding practices. The objective of this study was to examine the association of four common feeding goals (restrict junk food, promote fruit or vegetable intake, promote autonomy in eating and prevent obesity) with mothers' observed home mealtime and feeding practices.

Methods

Low‐income mothers (N = 265) of children (mean child age 70.8 months) participated in a semi‐structured interview about child feeding. A coding scheme was developed and reliably applied to identify mothers' feeding goals from transcripts. Mothers' observed home mealtime and feeding practices were reliably coded from home mealtimes and a laboratory eating protocol. Mothers completed a questionnaire and reported demographics. Participant weights and heights were obtained. Regression models were used to test the association of each feeding goal with observed maternal practices, controlling for covariates.

Results

The goal of restricting junk food was associated with the child always eating at a table (OR 2.87, 95% CI (1.39–5.96) p = 0.005), but not with the mother restricting junk food. The goal of promoting fruit or vegetable intake was associated with observationally promoting vegetables (OR 1.41, 95% CI (1.09–1.84), p = 0.01). The goals of promoting autonomy and preventing obesity were not associated with any observed maternal home mealtime or feeding practices.

Conclusions

While mothers' goals to restrict junk food and promote fruit or vegetable intake were associated with observed home mealtime and feeding practices, promoting autonomy and preventing obesity were not. Increased understanding of why low‐income mothers may not translate certain feeding goals into practices may inform childhood obesity interventions.
Following My Head and My Heart: Integrating Preschoolers' Empathy, Theory of Mind, and Moral Judgments
Authors: Ball Courtney L. , Smetana Judith G. , Sturge‐Apple Melissa L.
Published: August 2016

Associations among hypothetical, prototypic moral, and conventional judgments; theory of mind (ToM); empathy; and personal distress were examined in 108 socioeconomically diverse preschoolers (Mage = 42.94 months, SD = 1.42). Repeated measures analysis of covariance with empathy, false beliefs, and their interaction as covariates indicated that empathy was significantly associated with judgments of greater moral but not conventional transgression severity, particularly for psychological harm, and with deserved punishment for unfairness. False beliefs were associated with (combined) moral criterion judgments of rule and authority independence and inalterability. Empathy also was positively associated with criterion judgments but only for children low in ToM. Personal distress was unrelated to judgments. Results demonstrate the importance of both affective and cognitive processes in preschoolers' moral judgments.
Racial/Ethnic Discrimination and Adolescents’ Well‐Being: The Role of Cross‐Ethnic Friendships and Friends’ Experiences of Discrimination
Authors: Benner Aprile D. , Wang Yijie
Published: August 2016

There is an extensive body of work documenting the negative socioemotional and academic consequences of perceiving racial/ethnic discrimination during adolescence, but little is known about how the larger peer context conditions such effects. Using peer network data from 252 eighth graders (85% Latino, 11% African American, 5% other race/ethnicity), the present study examined the moderating role of cross‐ethnic friendships and close friends’ experiences of discrimination in the link between adolescents’ perceptions of discrimination and well‐being. Cross‐ethnic friendships and friends’ experiences of discrimination generally served a protective role, buffering the negative effects of discrimination on both socioemotional well‐being and school outcomes. Overall, results highlight the importance of considering racial/ethnic‐related aspects of adolescents’ friendships when studying interpersonal processes closely tied to race/ethnicity.
The importance of agricultural lands for Himalayan birds in winter
Authors: Elsen Paul R. , Kalyanaraman Ramnarayan , Ramesh Krishnamurthy , Wilcove David S.
Published: August 2016

The impacts of land‐use change on biodiversity in the Himalayas are poorly known, notwithstanding widespread deforestation and agricultural intensification in this highly biodiverse region. Although intact primary forests harbor many Himalayan birds during breeding, a large number of bird species use agricultural lands during winter. We assessed how Himalayan bird species richness, abundance, and composition during winter are affected by forest loss stemming from agriculture and grazing. Bird surveys along 12 elevational transects within primary forest, low‐intensity agriculture, mixed subsistence agriculture, and intensively grazed pastures in winter revealed that bird species richness and abundance were greatest in low‐intensity and mixed agriculture, intermediate in grazed pastures, and lowest in primary forest at both local and landscape scales; over twice as many species and individuals were recorded in low‐intensity agriculture than in primary forest. Bird communities in primary forests were distinct from those in all other land‐use classes, but only 4 species were unique to primary forests. Low‐, medium‐, and high‐intensity agriculture harbored 32 unique species. Of the species observed in primary forest, 80% had equal or greater abundance in low‐intensity agricultural lands, underscoring the value of these lands in retaining diverse community assemblages at high densities in winter. Among disturbed landscapes, bird species richness and abundance declined as land‐use intensity increased, especially in high‐intensity pastures. Our results suggest that agricultural landscapes are important for most Himalayan bird species in winter. But agricultural intensification—especially increased grazing—will likely result in biodiversity losses. Given that forest reserves alone may inadequately conserve Himalayan birds in winter, comprehensive conservation strategies in the region must go beyond protecting intact primary forests and ensure that low‐intensity agricultural lands are not extensively converted to high‐intensity pastures.
Alien Pathogens on the Horizon: Opportunities for Predicting their Threat to Wildlife
Authors: Roy Helen E. , Hesketh Helen , Purse Bethan V. , Eilenberg Jørgen , Santini Alberto , Scalera Riccardo , Stentiford Grant D. , Adriaens Tim , Bacela‐Spychalska Karolina , Bass David , Beckmann Katie M. , Bessell Paul , Bojko Jamie , Booy Olaf , Cardoso Ana Cristina , Essl Franz , Groom Quentin , Harrower Colin , Kleespies Regina , Martinou Angeliki F. , van Oers Monique M. , Peeler Edmund J. , Pergl Jan , Rabitsch Wolfgang , Roques Alain , Schaffner Francis , Schindler Stefan , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Schönrogge Karsten , Smith Jonathan , Solarz Wojciech , Stewart Alan , Stroo Arjan , Tricarico Elena , Turvey Katharine M.A. , Vannini Andrea , Vilà Montserrat , Woodward Stephen , Wynns Anja Amtoft , Dunn Alison M.
Published: August 2016

According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, by 2020 invasive alien species (IAS) should be identified and their impacts assessed, so that species can be prioritized for implementation of appropriate control strategies and measures put in place to manage invasion pathways. For one quarter of the IAS listed as the “100 of the world's worst” environmental impacts are linked to diseases of wildlife (undomesticated plants and animals). Moreover, IAS are a significant source of “pathogen pollution” defined as the human‐mediated introduction of a pathogen to a new host or region. Despite this, little is known about the biology of alien pathogens and their biodiversity impacts after introduction into new regions. We argue that the threats posed by alien pathogens to endangered species, ecosystems, and ecosystem services should receive greater attention through legislation, policy, and management. We identify 10 key areas for research and action, including those relevant to the processes of introduction and establishment of an alien pathogen and to prediction of the spread and associated impact of an alien pathogen on native biota and ecosystems. The development of interdisciplinary capacity, expertise, and coordination to identify and manage threats was seen as critical to address knowledge gaps.
Immediate termination of electrical status epilepticus in sleep after hemispherotomy is associated with significant progress in language development
Authors: Gröppel Gudrun , Dorfer Christian , Dressler Anastasia , Mühlebner Angelika , Porsche Barbara , Hainfellner Johann A , Czech Thomas , Feucht Martha
Published: August 2016

Aim

To study the effect of hemispherotomy on electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) and language development.

Method

Children with a confirmed diagnosis of ESES prior to surgery and a minimum of 24 months of developmental follow‐up data were compared with age‐matched controls without ESES. Language quotients (LQs) were calculated before and after surgery.

Results

Eleven patients (five females, six males) and 21 controls (11 females, 10 males) were included. Before surgery a significantly higher number of children in the study group (n=9) demonstrated severe developmental delay compared with children in the control group (n=13; p=0.015). In the study group ESES remitted immediately after surgery in 10 children, and a significant catch‐up in LQs was observed in this group (preoperative mean 40.0 [standard deviation (SD) 22.2, interquartile range (IQR) 30.0–62.0]; postoperative mean 73.0 [SD 33.5, IQR 41.0–97.0]; p=0.037). There was no significant difference compared with controls at last follow‐up after surgery (study group: five with severe impairment; control group: eight with severe impairment [p=0.971]). Overall, a favourable developmental outcome was associated with freedom from seizures (seizure‐free group: median preoperative LQ 61.5, median postoperative LQ 78.0 [p=0.017]; seizure group: median preoperative LQ 35.5, median postoperative LQ 56.5 [p=0.273]) and antiepileptic drug withdrawal (off medication: median preoperative LQ 49.5, median postoperative LQ 78.0 [p=0.011]; on medication: median preoperative LQ 78.0, median postoperative LQ 83.5 [p=0.889]).

Interpretation

Children with ESES showed significantly lower preoperative language abilities than children without ESES. In cases with remission of ESES after surgery, marked improvement in LQs was noticed. This improvement cannot be fully explained by seizure‐freedom alone as seizure‐free children without preoperative ESES showed less improvement.
Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of ceftolozane/tazobactam in healthy Japanese, Chinese, and white subjects
Authors: Aiudi Anthony , Miller Benjamin , Krishna Gopal , Adedoyin Adedayo , Xiao Alan
Published: August 2016

Ceftolozane/tazobactam, a novel antibacterial with potent activity against Gram‐negative pathogens, was developed for treatment of complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis, and intra‐abdominal infections. A phase 1 pharmacokinetic (PK) study of ceftolozane/tazobactam in healthy Japanese, Chinese, and white volunteers was conducted to assess the potential effect of ethnicity on PK. The PK of ceftolozane, tazobactam, and tazobactam metabolite M1 was compared after single 1.5‐ and 3‐g intravenous doses of ceftolozane/tazobactam. Ten Japanese, nine Chinese, and ten white subjects were enrolled, and 27 completed all doses of study medication. Dose‐normalized PK parameters for ceftolozane and tazobactam were similar among Japanese, Chinese, and white subjects (at 1.5‐g and 3‐g doses, ceftolozane area under the plasma concentration–time curve from zero to infinity [AUC0–∞] = 166.3, 165.9, and 185.5 h μg/mL, respectively, and 157.7, 158.5, and 181.2 h μg/mL, respectively; tazobactam AUC0–∞ = 48.5, 43.2, and 50.1 h μg/mL, respectively, and 47.3, 43.7, and 50.0 h μg/mL, respectively. The 90% CIs of their ratio estimates were within the range 0.80 to 1.25 with the exception of AUC0–∞ for ceftolozane after the 3‐g dose (0.79). The cumulative amount of ceftolozane and tazobactam excreted in urine was similar among ethnic groups. For all groups, treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs) were mild; no deaths or serious AEs were reported. The PK of ceftolozane/tazobactam was approximately dose proportional (i.e. doubling the dose approximately doubles the exposure) and similar among the groups. No dosage adjustment is needed for ceftolozane/tazobactam in Japanese and Chinese patients.
Micropapillary colorectal carcinoma: clinical, pathological and molecular properties, including evidence of epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Gonzalez Raul S , Huh Won Jae , Cates Justin M M , Washington Kay , Beauchamp R Daniel , Coffey Robert J , Shi Chanjuan
Published: August 2016

Aims

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) with micropapillary (MP) features has only been described recently and is still being characterized.

Methods and results

We reviewed the clinicopathological and molecular features of 42 CRC with MP features. Twenty‐nine cases were also evaluated for immunohistochemical evidence of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The extent of MP features within our cohort ranged from 5% (13 cases) to 100% (one case). Twenty‐seven cases featured prominent cribriforming with dirty necrosis in the non‐MP component; nine displayed mucinous features. Twenty‐four of 29 cases (83%) demonstrated evidence of EMT. Thirty‐six cases (86%) showed advanced T‐category (pT3 or pT4), 31 (74%) had lymph node metastases and 23 (55%) had distant metastases. Median overall follow‐up was 36 months. Seventeen patients (40%) died of disease, with median survival of 23 months. Mutations were seen in 17 of 31 tested cases (55%), including 11 KRAS mutations and four BRAF V600E mutations. Microsatellite instability testing was performed on 21 cases; all were microsatellite‐stable. Compared to a cohort of 972 conventional CRC, MP CRC was more likely to present as stage IV disease (P < 0.001), but patients with MP CRC showed no significant differences in overall survival after adjusting for stage.

Conclusions

Micropapillary features in CRC portend a high likelihood of advanced local disease and distant metastases. MP CRC is often associated with a cribriform pattern elsewhere in the tumour and cystic nodal metastases with prominent necrosis. They also show frequent mutations in KRAS and BRAF. Immunohistochemical evidence of EMT is common in MP CRC.
Granulopoiesis and granules of human neutrophils
Authors: Cowland Jack B. , Borregaard Niels
Published: August 2016

Granules are essential for the ability of neutrophils to fulfill their role in innate immunity. Granule membranes contain proteins that react to environmental cues directing neutrophils to sites of infection and initiate generation of bactericidal oxygen species. Granules are densely packed with proteins that contribute to microbial killing when liberated to the phagosome or extracellularly. Granules are, however, highly heterogeneous and are traditionally subdivided into azurophil granules, specific granules, and gelatinase granules in addition to secretory vesicles. This review will address issues pertinent to formation of granules, which is a process intimately connected to maturation of neutrophils from their precursors in the bone marrow. We further discuss possible mechanisms by which decisions are made regarding sorting of proteins to constitutive secretion or storage in granules and how degranulation of granule subsets is regulated.
Transendothelial migration: unifying principles from the endothelial perspective
Authors: Muller William A.
Published: August 2016

Transendothelial migration (TEM) of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) involves a carefully orchestrated dialog of adhesion and signaling events between leukocyte and endothelial cell. This article focuses on the contribution of endothelial cells to transmigration. The initiation of TEM itself generally requires interaction of PECAM on the leukocyte with PECAM at the endothelial cell border. This is responsible for the transient elevation of cytosolic‐free calcium ions in endothelium that is required for TEM and for recruitment of membrane from the lateral border recycling compartment (LBRC). TEM requires LBRC to move to the site at which TEM will take place and for VE‐cadherin to move away. Targeting of the LBRC to this site likely precedes movement of VE‐cadherin and may play a role in clearing VE‐cadherin from the site of TEM. The process of TEM can be dissected into steps mediated by distinct pairs of PMN/endothelial interacting molecules. CD99 regulates a step at or close to the end of TEM. CD99 signals through soluble adenylyl cyclase to activate PKA to trigger ongoing targeted recycling of the LBRC. Paracellular transmigration predominates (≥90% of events) in the cremaster muscle circulation, but transcellular migration may be more important at sites such as the blood‐brain barrier. Both processes involve many of the same molecules and recruitment of the LBRC.
Priming of the neutrophil respiratory burst: role in host defense and inflammation
Authors: El‐Benna Jamel , Hurtado‐Nedelec Margarita , Marzaioli Viviana  , Marie Jean‐Claude , Gougerot‐Pocidalo Marie‐Anne , Dang Pham My‐Chan
Published: August 2016

Neutrophils are the major circulating white blood cells in humans. They play an essential role in host defense against pathogens. In healthy individuals, circulating neutrophils are in a dormant state with very low efficiency of capture and arrest on the quiescent endothelium. Upon infection and subsequent release of pro‐inflammatory mediators, the vascular endothelium signals to circulating neutrophils to roll, adhere, and cross the endothelial barrier. Neutrophils migrate toward the infection site along a gradient of chemo‐attractants, then recognize and engulf the pathogen. To kill this pathogen entrapped inside the vacuole, neutrophils produce and release high quantities of antibacterial peptides, proteases, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The robust ROS production is also called ‘the respiratory burst’, and the NADPH oxidase or NOX2 is the enzyme responsible for the production of superoxide anion, leading to other ROS. In vitro, several soluble and particulate agonists induce neutrophil ROS production. This process can be enhanced by prior neutrophil treatment with ‘priming’ agents, which alone do not induce a respiratory burst. In this review, we will describe the priming process and discuss the beneficial role of controlled neutrophil priming in host defense and the detrimental effect of excessive neutrophil priming in inflammatory diseases.
Human neutrophils in the saga of cellular heterogeneity: insights and open questions
Authors: Scapini Patrizia , Marini Olivia , Tecchio Cristina , Cassatella Marco A.
Published: August 2016

Recent findings have uncovered novel fascinating aspects of the biology of neutrophils, which ultimately attribute to these cells a broader role in inflammation and immunity. One aspect that is currently under intensive investigation is the notion of neutrophil ‘heterogeneity’. Studies examining neutrophils in a variety of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions report, in fact, the recovery of CD66b+ cells displaying neutrophil‐like morphology at different degrees of maturation/activation, able to exert either immunosuppressive or proinflammatory properties. These heterogeneous populations of mature and immature neutrophils are indicated with a variety of names, including ‘low density neutrophils (LDNs)’, ‘low density granulocytes (LDGs)’, ‘granulocytic‐myeloid derived suppressor cells (G‐MDSCs)’, and immunosuppressive neutrophils. However, due to the lack of discrete markers that can unequivocally allow their specific identification and isolation, the precise phenotype and function of all these presumably novel, neutrophil‐like, populations have not been correctly defined yet. Aim of this article is to summarize current knowledge on the mature and immature neutrophil populations described to date, featuring immunosuppressive or proinflammatory properties, often defined as ‘subsets’, as well as to critically discuss unresolved issues in the field.
International study on nurses’ views and experiences of compassion
Authors: Papadopoulos I. , Zorba A. , Koulouglioti C. , Ali S. , Aagard M. , Akman O. , Alpers L.‐M. , Apostolara P. , Biles J. , Martín‐García Á. , González‐Gil T. , Kouta C. , Krepinska R. , Kumar B.N. , Lesińska‐Sawicka M. , Lopez L. , Malliarou M. , Nagórska M. , Nissim S. , Nortvedt L. , Oter‐Quintana C. , Ozturk C. , Pangilinan S.B. , Papp K. , Eldar Regev O. , Rubiano F.O. , Tolentino Diaz M.Y. , Tóthová V. , Vasiliou M.
Published: August 2016

Background

Compassion is considered the cornerstone of nursing practice. However, the recent failures in delivering high‐quality compassionate nursing care in the UK's National Health Service have brought the topic of compassion to the attention of the public, service providers, policy makers and academics.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the nurses’ views and experiences of a number of compassion‐related issues in nursing and describe similarities and differences at an international level as well as from the different nursing roles of the participating nurses.

Methods

An exploratory, cross‐sectional descriptive study, using the International Online Compassion Questionnaire. A total of 1323 nurses from 15 countries completed the questionnaire.

Results

The majority of participants (59.5%) defined compassion as “Deep awareness of the suffering of others and wish to alleviate it” but definitions of compassion varied by country. Of participants, 69.6% thought compassion was very important in nursing and more than half (59.6%) of them argued that compassion could be taught. However, only 26.8% reported that the correct amount and level of teaching is provided. The majority of the participants (82.6%) stated that their patients prefer knowledgeable nurses with good interpersonal skills. Only 4.3% noted that they are receiving compassion from their managers. A significant relationship was found between nurses’ experiences of compassion and their views about teaching of compassion.

Conclusion

Our study is unique in identifying the views and experiences of nurses from 15 different countries worldwide. The findings reveal that compassion is neither addressed adequately in nursing education nor supported in the practice environment by managers.

Limitations

Self‐report bias was inherent to our survey study design. Furthermore, the individual cultural differences and similarities in the findings are difficult to extrapolate owing to the fact that our analysis was at country level, as well as at the level of the participating nurses.

Implications for nursing policy

Understanding the influence of culture on nurses’ views about compassion is critical in the current multicultural healthcare environment and merits further research. This will potentially drive changes in nursing education (ensuring that compassion is taught to nurses) and in the way healthcare leaders and managers foster a compassionate culture within their organizations (e.g. by leading by example and compassionate to their staff).
Strategies of burrowing in soft muddy sediments by diverse polychaetes
Authors: Dorgan Kelly M. , D'Amelio Catherine , Lindsay Sara M.
Published: August 2016

Muddy sediments are elastic solids through which morphologically diverse animals extend burrows by fracture. Muddy sediments inhabited by burrowing infauna vary considerably in mechanical properties, however, and at high enough porosities, muds can be fluidized. In this study, we examined burrowing behaviors and mechanisms of burrow extension for three morphologically diverse polychaete species inhabiting soft muddy sediments. Worms burrowed in gelatin, a transparent analog for muddy sediments, and in natural sediments in a novel viewing box enabling visualization of behaviors and sediment responses. Individuals of Scalibregma inflatum and Sternaspis scutata can extend burrows by fracture, but both also extended burrows by plastic deformation and by combinations of fracture and plastic deformation. Mechanical responses of sediments corresponded to different burrowing behaviors in Scalibregma; direct peristalsis was used to extend burrows by fracture or a combination of plastic deformation and fracture, whereas a retrograde expansive peristaltic wave extended burrows by plastic deformation. Burrowing speeds differed between behaviors and sediment mechanical responses, with slower burrowing associated with plastic deformation. Sternaspis exhibited less variability in behavior and burrowing speed but did extend burrows by different mechanisms consistent with observations of Scalibregma. Individuals of Ophelina acuminata did not extend burrows by fracture; rather individuals plastically deformed sediments similarly to individuals of the related Armandia brevis. Our results extend the range of natural sediments in which burrowing by fracture has been observed, but the dependence of burrow extension mechanism on species, burrowing behavior, and burrowing speed highlights the need for better understanding of mechanical responses of sediments to burrowers.
miRNAs Regulate hERG
Authors: LIAN JIANGFANG , GUO JIAN , HUANG XIAOYAN , YANG XI , HUANG GUOCHANG , MAO HAIYAN , SUN HUAN HUAN , BA YANNA , ZHOU JIANQING
Published: August 2016

miRNAs Regulate hERG

Background

The human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG) is the major molecular component of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (Ikr). Impairment of hERG function is believed to be a mechanism causing long‐QT syndromes (LQTS). Growing evidences have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in functional modulation of the hERG pathway. The purpose of this study was to screen and validate miRNAs that regulate the hERG pathway. The miRNAs identified in this study will provide new tools to assess the mechanism of LQTS.

Methods

Six miRNAs were selected by algorithm predictions based on potential interaction with hERG. The effects of each miRNA on hERG were assessed by use of the Dual‐Luciferase Reporter assay system, qRT‐PCR, Western blotting, and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, whole‐cell patch clamp technique was used to validate the effect of miR‐103a‐1 on the electrophysiological characteristic of the Ikr of the hERG protein channel.

Results

miR‐134, miR‐103a‐1, miR‐143, and miR‐3619 significantly downregulated luciferase activity (P < 0.05) in a reporter test system. These 4 miRNAs significantly suppressed expression of hERG mRNA and protein in U2OS cells (P < 0.05).Corresponding AMOs rescued expression of hERG mRNA and protein. Confocal microscopy showed that all 4 miRNAs reduced the expression of both immature and mature hERG protein. miR‐103a‐1 decreased the maximum current and tail current amplitudes of hERG channel.

Conclusions

Expression and functions of hERG are regulated by specific miRNAs.
Prohibitin involvement in the generation of mitochondrial superoxide at complex I in human sperm
Authors: Chai Ran‐Ran , Chen Guo‐Wu , Shi Hui‐Juan , O Wai‐Sum , Martin‐DeLeon Patricia A. , Chen Hong
Published: August 2016

Prohibitin (PHB), a major mitochondrial membrane protein, has been shown earlier in our laboratoryto regulate sperm motility via an alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in infertile men with poor sperm quality. To test if PHB expression is associated with sperm mitochondrial superoxide (mROS) levels, here we examined sperm mROS levels, high MMP and lipid peroxidation in infertile men with poor sperm motility (asthenospermia, A) and/or low sperm concentrations (oligoasthenospermia, OA). The diaphorase‐type activity of sperm mitochondrial complex I (MCI) and PHB expression were also determined. We demonstrate that mROS and lipid peroxidation levels are significantly higher in sperm from A and OA subjects than in normospermic subjects, whereas high MMP and PHB expression are significantly lower. A positive correlation between mROS and lipid peroxidation and a negative correlation of mROS with PHB expression, high MMP, and sperm motility were found in these subjects. The finding of similar diaphorase‐type activity levels of sperm MCI in the three groups studied suggests that the catalytic subunits of MCI in the matrix arm may produce mROS on its own. There may be a dysfunction of electron transport at MCI associated with decreased expression of PHB in sperm with poor quality. We conclude that mROS level is increased and associated with decreased PHB expression, and it may regulate sperm motility via increases in low MMP and lipid peroxidation. This is the first report on the involvement of PHB in human sperm motility loss associated with increased generation of mROS at MCI.
Insulin degludec/insulin aspart vs biphasic insulin aspart 30 twice daily in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Onishi Yukiko , Yamada Kenichi , Zacho Jeppe , Ekelund Jan , Iwamoto Yasuhiko
Published: August 2016

Aims/Introduction

Insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is a soluble combination of insulin degludec (70%) and insulin aspart (30%). The present exploratory trial investigated the safety of switching unit‐to‐unit from twice‐daily basal or pre‐mix insulin to twice‐daily IDegAsp in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

In this 6‐week, open‐label, parallel‐group, controlled trial, 66 participants were randomized (1:1) to receive either IDegAsp or biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) twice daily at the same total daily dose as pre‐trial insulin. During the trial, insulin doses were adjusted according to a pre‐specified algorithm to achieve pre‐breakfast and pre‐dinner plasma glucose of 4.4–7.2 mmol/L.

Results

No severe hypoglycemic episodes occurred. There were no statistically significant differences in rates of confirmed hypoglycemia (rate ratio IDegAsp/BIAsp 30: 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.31–1.30) and confirmed nocturnal hypoglycemia (rate ratio: 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.10–2.38) for IDegAsp vs BIAsp 30. The hypoglycemia rate for IDegAsp was constant over the 6 weeks of treatment. IDegAsp and BIAsp 30 were both safe and well tolerated. Reduction in fasting plasma glucose was statistically significantly greater for IDegAsp than for BIAsp 30 (estimated treatment difference, IDegAsp‐BIAsp 30: −1.6 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval: −2.4 to −0.8). The apparent decrease in mean postprandial plasma glucose increment (IDegAsp: 4.2–3.8 mmol/L; BIAsp 30: 4.5–2.8 mmol/L) was not statistically significantly different between treatments (estimated treatment difference: 1.0 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval: −0.1 to 2.2).

Conclusions

Switching unit‐to‐unit from basal or pre‐mix insulin to IDegAsp seems not to be associated with any concerns related to hypoglycemia or general safety in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.
Convergent evolutionary reduction of atrial septation in lungless salamanders
Authors: Lewis Zachary R. , Hanken James
Published: August 2016

Nearly two thirds of the approximately 700 species of living salamanders are lungless. These species respire entirely through the skin and buccopharyngeal mucosa. Lung loss dramatically impacts the configuration of the circulatory system but the effects of evolutionary lung loss on cardiac morphology have long been controversial. For example, there is presumably little need for an atrial septum in lungless salamanders due to the absence of pulmonary veins and the presence of a single source of mixed blood flowing into the heart, but whether lungless salamanders possess an atrial septum and whether the sinoatrial aperture is located in the left or right atrium are unresolved; authors have stated opposing claims since the late 1800s. Here, we use micro‐computed tomography (μ‐CT) imaging, gross dissection and histological reconstruction to compare cardiac morphology among lungless plethodontid salamanders (Plethodontidae), salamanders with lungs, and the convergently lungless species Onychodactylus japonicus (Hynobiidae). Plethodontid salamanders have partial atrial septa and incomplete separation of the atrium into left and right halves. Partial septation is also seen in O. japonicus. Hence, lungless salamanders from two lineages convergently evolved similar morphology of the atrial septum. The partial septum in lungless salamanders can make it appear that the sinoatrial aperture is in the left atrium, but this interpretation is incorrect. Outgroup comparisons demonstrate that the aperture is located in a posterodorsal extension of the right atrium into the left side of the heart. Independent evolutionary losses of the atrial septum may have a similar developmental basis. In mammals, the lungs induce formation of the atrial septum by secreting morphogens to neighboring mesenchyme. We hypothesize that the lungs induce atrial septum development in amphibians in a similar fashion to mammals, and that atrial septum reduction in lungless salamanders is a direct result of lunglessness.
Repeated use of mifepristone and levonorgestrel and their effect on the ovarian function in mice
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Shi Xiaobo
Published: August 2016

Aim

To investigate the effects of repeated mifepristone and levonorgestrel use on estrous cycle and expression of ovarian follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) in mice.

Methods

Ovarian FSHR and LHR mRNA expression was measured using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, while the protein levels were measured using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Repeated use of mifepristone and levonorgestrel significantly lengthened the estrous cycle and decreased FSHR and LHR mRNA and protein expression in the ovaries of mice at 4, 24, and 48 days after discontinuing drug use. Repeated use of mifepristone and levonorgestrel had significant main effects on estrous cycle length and the mRNA expression and protein level of ovarian FSHR and LHR. Repeated mifepristone and levonorgestrel use and withdrawal time had a significant interaction with mouse estrous cycle (F = 16.65, P < 0.05), ovarian LHR and FSHR mRNA expression (F = 563.072, P < 0.05), and protein level (F = 6.536, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Repeated use of mifepristone and levonorgestrel can lead to sustained damage to ovarian function through inhibition of ovarian FSHR and LHR expression in mice.
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin as a diagnostic marker of acute kidney injury in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Moyake Naledi , Buchmann Eckhart , Crowther Nigel J.
Published: August 2016

Aim

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is an emerging biomarker for early diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI). This study investigated the use of urinary NGAL as a marker of AKI in women with pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

Urine and serum samples were collected over 24 h from 78 healthy and 109 pre‐eclamptic women, with baseline samples taken at admission to the maternity unit; NGAL was assayed in serial urine samples.

Results

Baseline neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin did not differ significantly between women who were healthy, those with pre‐eclampsia, or with AKI (P = 0.55 for trend). When the pre‐eclamptic group was divided into those with eclampsia (median, 60.5 ng/mL; IQR, 23.4–173 ng/mL; n = 19), uncomplicated pre‐eclampsia (median, 18.8 ng/mL; IQR, 7.5–52.8 ng/mL; n = 48; P < 0.05 vs eclampsia), imminent eclampsia (median, 30.7 ng/mL; IQR, 13.9–49.3 ng/mL; n = 22) and pre‐eclampsia with acute kidney injury (median, 60.3 ng/mL; IQR, 23.5–159 ng/mL, n = 14), however, NGAL level did differ. On multivariate regression analysis, the only significant correlate of NGAL level was the presence of eclampsia (beta = 0.22, P < 0.05). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, baseline NGAL did not discriminate between subjects with or without AKI (area under the curve, 0.61; 95%CI: 0.43–0.78; P = 0.12).

Conclusion

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin level at baseline and over a 24‐h period does not provide a suitable diagnostic test for AKI in pre‐eclamptic subjects.
Optimal fiscal policy in sunspot‐driven oligopolistic economies
Authors: Dos Santos Ferreira Rodolphe , Dufourt Frédéric
Published: August 2016

Economies with oligopolistic markets are prone to inefficient sunspot fluctuations triggered by autonomous changes in firms equilibrium conjectures. A well‐designed taxation‐subsidization scheme can eliminate these fluctuations by coordinating firms in each sector on a single equilibrium, left unaffected. The optimal taxation scheme must select the number of active firms that makes the best trade‐off (in terms of consumer welfare) between the markup and the scale inefficiency distortions. Implementing such stabilization policy leads to significant welfare gains, attributable to an “efficient stabilization effect,” typically ignored in usual computations of the welfare costs of fluctuations.
Clinical course and short‐term mortality of cirrhotic patients with infections other than spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Fernández Javier , Acevedo Juan , Prado Verónica , Mercado Mario , Castro Miriam , Pavesi Marco , Arteaga Mireya , Sastre Lydia , Juanola Adria , Ginès Pere , Arroyo Vicente
Published: August 2016

Background & Aims

Clinical course and risk factors of death in non‐spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) infections are poorly known. We assessed the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and type‐1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), hospital, 30‐day and 90‐day mortality and risk factors of death in 441 decompensated patients.

Methods

Analysis of 615 non‐SBP infections (161 urinary infections (UTI), 95 cellulitis, 92 suspected infections, 92 bacteraemias, 84 pneumonias, 21 bronchitis, 18 cholangitis, 15 spontaneous empyema, 13 secondary peritonitis, 24 other).

Results

Ninety‐six percent of infections solved. AKI and type‐1 HRS were developed in 37% and 9% of infections respectively. Overall hospital, 30‐day and 90‐day mortality rates were 11%, 12% and 18% respectively. Clinical course and mortality differed markedly across infections. Endocarditis, osteoarticular infections, pneumonia, spontaneous bacteraemia, cholangitis, secondary peritonitis and UTI showed higher rates of AKI. Prevalence of type‐1 HRS was not significantly different among infections. Endocarditis, secondary peritonitis, pneumonia and bacteraemia showed lower rates of renal impairment resolution and higher hospital mortality associated with AKI (42% vs 12%, P<.0001) or type‐1 HRS (71% vs 27%, P=.003) than the rest of infections. Age (HR: 1.04), serum sodium (HR: 0.91), serum bilirubin (HR: 1.06), INR (HR: 1.91), hepatic encephalopathy (HR: 2.44), ascites (HR: 3.06) and multidrug‐resistant isolation (HR: 2.27) at infection diagnosis were independent predictors of death during hospitalization.

Conclusions

Non‐SBP infections constitute a heterogeneous group regarding clinical course and prognosis. Endocarditis, secondary peritonitis, pneumonia and bacteraemia show worse prognosis. The combination of data of liver and renal dysfunction and of the type of infection allows the identification of patients with poor prognosis.
Culture and Comorbidity: Intimate Partner Violence as a Common Risk Factor for Maternal Mental Illness and Reproductive Health Problems among Former Child Soldiers in Nepal
Authors: Kohrt Brandon A. , Bourey Christine
Published: August 2016

Our objective was to elucidate how culture influences internal (psychological), external (social), institutional (structural), and health care (medical) processes, which, taken together, create differential risk of comorbidity across contexts. To develop a conceptual model, we conducted qualitative research with 13 female child soldiers in Nepal. Participants gave open‐ended responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) vignettes (marital rape, emotional abuse, violence during pregnancy). Twelve participants (92%) endorsed personal responses (remaining silent, enduring violence, forgiving the husband). Twelve participants endorsed communication with one's husband. Only four participants (31%) sought family support, and three contacted police. Ultimately, 12 participants left the relationship, but the majority (nine) only left after the final IPV experience, which was preceded by prolonged psychological suffering and pregnancy endangerment. In conclusion, comorbidity risks are increased in cultural context that rely on individual or couples‐only behavior, lack external social engagement, have weak law and justice institutions, and have limited health services.
Murdannia nampyana (Commelinaceae) sp. nov. from Kerala, India
Authors: Joby Paul , Rogimon P. Thomas , Nisha P.
Published: August 2016

Murdannia nampyana sp. nov. (Commelinaceae), collected from a marshy riparian area by the Kadambrayar River, near Bhramapuram Diesel Power Project, Kakkanad, Ernakulam district, Kerala is described. The new species can be distinguished from the similar species M. spirata G.Brückn. by its creeping habit, up to 1.5 m long with no definite base (vs erect, ascending, decumbent habit, with or without definite base), 1.1–2.2 cm wide flower diameter (vs 0.65–0.80 cm), petals 1.1 × 0.5–0.7 cm (vs 0.35–0.40 × 0.25–0.35 cm), 0.6–0.5–0.9 cm long stamen filaments (vs 0.06–0.15 cm), 0.20–0.25 cm long staminode filaments, (vs 0.06–0.15 cm), 2–3 smooth seeds per locule, with ridges and furrows and 1–2 small ventral depression on both side of the linear hilum and dorsal embryotega (vs 3–4 verrucose seeds per locule, with ridges and warts, 1–3 deep ventral pits on both side of elliptic hilum, edges of pits surrounded by warts, brownish powdery material in the testa and semidorsal embryotega).
Aspicilia goettweigensis (Megasporaceae, lichenized Ascomycetes) – a poorly known and overlooked species in Europe and Russia
Authors: Paukov Alexander , Nordin Anders , Tibell Leif , Frolov Ivan , Vondrák Jan
Published: August 2016

Aspicilia goettweigensis is a poorly known species from xerothermic siliceous rocks in Europe. It is considered to be common in the Czech Republic and it is new to Hungary and Russia. The main diagnostic character is formation of cracked, popcorn‐like, areoles in the central parts of the thalli. Analysis of nrITS sequences revealed its close relationship to Aspicilia subdepressa and A. volcanica. TLC revealed stictic acid in analysed A. goettweigensis samples. A key to non‐lobate Aspicilia with stictic acid known from Europe is provided.
Fine with heat, problems with water: microclimate alters water loss in a thermally adapted insular lizard
Authors: Belasen Anat , Brock Kinsey , Li Binbin , Chremou Dimitra , Valakos Efstratios , Pafilis Panayiotis , Sinervo Barry , Foufopoulos Johannes
Published: August 2016

Global change, including habitat isolation and climate change, has both short‐ and long‐term impacts on wildlife populations. For example, genetic drift and inbreeding result in genetic impoverishment in small, isolated populations, while species undergo range shifts or adaptive phenotypic change in response to shifts in environmental temperatures. In this study, we utilize a model system in which Holocene landscape changes have occurred to examine long‐term effects of population isolation. To examine how isolation may constrain responses to climate change, we characterized ecophysiology across land‐bridge island populations of Erhard's wall lizard Podarcis erhardii. We hypothesized that 1) small, isolated populations that are likely genetically depauperate would exhibit lower phenotypic variability; and 2) populations would be adapted to local microhabitat conditions. We compared a population at a low elevation site on the large island of Naxos with two small populations on nearby islets to determine the effects of population fragmentation. We further compared the low elevation Naxos population with two high elevation sites characterized by disparate microclimates to examine the effects of microclimate. To assess the thermal biology and ecophysiological limits of the study species we measured operative body temperatures (Te), field body temperatures (Tb), preferred temperatures (Tp), thermal tolerances (CTmax and CTmin), and evaporative water loss (EWL). Our results indicate that small, isolated populations did not exhibit thermal biology or evaporative water loss, while EWL and thermoregulatory effort varied according to microhabitat characteristics. This study integrates fine‐scale measurements with environmental data to provide a holistic view of the relationships between ecophysiology, fragmentation, and microclimate. Our methods can be applied to other ectotherms to gain a better understanding of potential impacts of global change on natural populations.
Control of rubus stunt and stolbur diseases in Madagascar periwinkle with mycorrhizae and a synthetic antibacterial peptide
Authors: Rufo R. , Batlle A. , Camprubi A. , Montesinos E. , Calvet C.
Published: August 2016

Three experimental treatments consisting of inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, application of a synthetic antimicrobial peptide or application of a resistance inducer, were evaluated in Madagascar periwinkle as control methods for rubus stunt and stolbur diseases caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma rubi’ and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’, respectively. Two experiments were conducted under controlled environment conditions. In the first experiment, 4 months after graft‐inoculating the phytoplasmas, the root colonization achieved by Rhizophagus irregularis significantly reduced both disease symptoms and the frequency of detection of the pathogens by real‐time PCR. In the second experiment, the antimicrobial peptide BP100 totally prevented disease symptoms, despite the molecular detection of the phytoplasmas in 75% and 50% of the plants inoculated with ‘Ca. Phytoplasma rubi’ and ‘Ca. Phytoplasma solani’, respectively, and was more effective than benzothiadiazole (BTH) at increasing resistance against the pathogenic infections. A potential combination of early mycorrhizal inoculation and BP100 antimicrobial peptide application is envisaged as a future control strategy for phytoplasma diseases.
Changes in plastid proteome and structure in arbuscular mycorrhizal roots display a nutrient starvation signature
Authors: Daher Zeina , Recorbet Ghislaine , Solymosi Katalin , Wienkoop Stefanie , Mounier Arnaud , Morandi Dominique , Lherminier Jeannine , Wipf Daniel , Dumas‐Gaudot Eliane , Schoefs Benoît
Published: August 2016

During arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, arbuscule‐containing root cortex cells display a proliferation of plastids, a feature usually ascribed to an increased plant anabolism despite the lack of studies focusing on purified root plastids. In this study, we investigated mycorrhiza‐induced changes in plastidic pathways by performing a label‐free comparative subcellular quantitative proteomic analysis targeted on plastid‐enriched fractions isolated from Medicago truncatula roots, coupled to a cytological analysis of plastid structure. We identified 490 root plastid protein candidates, among which 79 changed in abundance upon mycorrhization, as inferred from spectral counting. According to cross‐species sequence homology searches, the mycorrhiza‐responsive proteome was enriched in proteins experimentally localized in thylakoids, whereas it was depleted of proteins ascribed predominantly to amyloplasts. Consistently, the analysis of plastid morphology using transmission electron microscopy indicated that starch depletion associated with the proliferation of membrane‐free and tubular membrane‐containing plastids was a feature specific to arbusculated cells. The loss of enzymes involved in carbon/nitrogen assimilation and provision of reducing power, coupled to macromolecule degradation events in the plastid‐enriched fraction of mycorrhizal roots that paralleled lack of starch accumulation in arbusculated cells, lead us to propose that arbuscule functioning elicits a nutrient starvation and an oxidative stress signature that may prime arbuscule breakdown.