bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exhaled breath condensate hydrogen peroxide, pH and leukotriene B4 are associated with lower airway inflammation and airway cytology in the horse
Authors: du Preez S. , Raidal S. L. , Doran G. S. , Prescott M. , Hughes K. J.
Published: June 2018

Background

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) analysis is a noninvasive method to assess the lower respiratory tract. In human subjects, EBC hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), pH and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) are useful for detection and monitoring of inflammatory lung diseases, including asthma.

Objectives

To determine associations between EBC biomarkers and cytological and endoscopic definitions of lower airway inflammation (LAI) while controlling for sampling and environmental variables.

Study design

Prospective, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Clinical, endoscopic and airway cytological findings from 47 horses were compared with EBC pH and concentrations of H2O2 and LTB4 by univariate and multivariable analyses. Dichotomous (presence/absence of airway inflammation) and continuous outcome variables (differential cell counts in tracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, BALF) were evaluated and potential effects of collection and methodological factors were included.

Results

EBC pH and H2O2 concentrations were higher in horses with LAI and both were positively associated with the percentage of neutrophils in BALF (P<0.05). Mast cell percentage in BALF was negatively associated with EBC pH, and BALF eosinophil percentage was positively associated with EBC LTB4 (P<0.05). Ambient temperature, relative humidity and assay methodology significantly impacted some analytes.

Main limitations

LAI is challenging to categorise due to a variety of clinical and cytological phenotypes. Although the study was designed to overcome this limitation, numbers of horses were small in some categories.

Conclusions

EBC pH and H2O2 concentrations are altered by airway inflammation, suggesting a role for these biomarkers in the diagnosis and monitoring of airway disease. Environmental and methodological factors can influence these biomarkers and should be considered in the interpretation of results.
Differences in third metacarpal trabecular microarchitecture between the parasagittal groove and condyle at birth and in adult racehorses
Authors: Anne‐Archard N. , Martel G. , Fogarty U. , Richard H. , Beauchamp G. , Laverty S.
Published: June 2018

Background

The aetiology of equine metacarpal condylar fractures is not completely understood and a developmental cause has been postulated.

Objectives

To investigate the subchondral bone trabecular microarchitecture of the lateral parasagittal groove and condyle in equine neonates and its adaptation with maturation and athletic activity.

Study design

Ex vivo observational study.

Methods

Distal metacarpi of neonates, yearlings and adult racehorses (n = 24) were harvested. Dorsal and palmar frontal histological sections, containing the lateral parasagittal groove and condyle, were studied. The sections were digitalised and subchondral trabecular bone quantity and quality parameters and trabecular orientation in the frontal plane were measured.

Results

Trabecular spacing and length were greater (P = 0.004 and P = 0.0005 respectively) whereas bone fraction, trabecular number and connectivity were all lower (P = 0.0004, P = 0.0001 and P = 0.001 respectively) in the lateral parasagittal groove compared with the condyle in neonatal foals. Trabecular thickness and bone fraction increased with age in racehorses and trabecular spacing decreased. The predominant trabecular orientation had a consistent pattern in neonates and it changed with maturity and the cumulative effect of racing at all the ROIs except for the palmar lateral parasagittal groove that retained a more ‘immature’ pattern.

Main limitations

Samples were investigated in 2D. 3D processing could have provided more information.

Conclusions

Already at birth there are striking differences in the subchondral bone trabecular microarchitecture between the lateral parasagittal groove and condyle in foals. Adaptation of trabeculae is confirmed with maturity in racehorses, with the greatest adaptation measured in bone quantity parameters. The trabecular orientation had a unique and more immature orientation pattern in the lateral palmar parasagittal grooves in adult racehorses and may reflect a weaker structure at this site.
Differences in substrate specificity of V. cholerae FabH enzymes suggest new approaches for the development of novel antibiotics and biofuels
Authors: Hou Jing , Zheng Heping , Tzou Wen‐Shyong , Cooper David R. , Chruszcz Maksymilian , Chordia Mahendra D. , Kwon Keehwan , Grabowski Marek , Minor Wladek
Published: June 2018

Vibrio cholerae, the causative pathogen of the life‐threatening infection cholera, encodes two copies of β‐ketoacyl‐acyl carrier protein synthase III (vcFabH1 and vcFabH2). vcFabH1 and vcFabH2 are pathogenic proteins associated with fatty acid synthesis, lipid metabolism, and potential applications in biofuel production. Our biochemical assays characterize vcFabH1 as exhibiting specificity for acetyl‐CoA and CoA thioesters with short acyl chains, similar to that observed for FabH homologs found in most gram‐negative bacteria. vcFabH2 prefers medium chain‐length acyl‐CoA thioesters, particularly octanoyl‐CoA, which is a pattern of specificity rarely seen in bacteria. Structural characterization of one vcFabH1 and six vcFabH2 structures determined in either apo form or in complex with acetyl‐CoA/octanoyl‐CoA indicate that the substrate‐binding pockets of vcFabH1 and vcFabH2 are of different sizes, accounting for variations in substrate chain‐length specificity. An unusual and unique feature of vcFabH2 is its C‐terminal fragment that interacts with both the substrate‐entrance loop and the dimer interface of the enzyme. Our discovery of the pattern of substrate specificity of both vcFabH1 and vcFabH2 can potentially aid the development of novel antibacterial agents against V. cholerae. Additionally, the distinctive substrate preference of FabH2 in V. cholerae and related facultative anaerobes conceivably make it an attractive component of genetically engineered bacteria used for commercial biofuel production.
Capture versus tagging impacts on chum salmon freshwater spawning migration travel times
Authors: Sethi Suresh Andrew , Bradley Catherine , Harris Frank
Published: June 2018

The spawning migration travel times of chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta (Walbaum), fitted with gastrically implanted radio tags vs external spaghetti tags were tested for a short [≈60 river km (rkm)] and long migration route (≈730 rkm) on the Koyukuk River, Alaska, USA. Using a novel application of statistical arrival curve models to infer travel times for uncaptured fish, migrations by chum salmon not directly handled during the study were also assessed. Results demonstrated negligible differences in travel times within migration routes between fish fitted only with spaghetti tags and fish fitted with radio tags, indicating low impacts on migration travel behaviour associated with gastric tags once deployed. Conversely, travel times for unhandled fish as inferred by statistical arrival models may have been 12%–24% shorter than those for fish captured with gillnets for tagging. These results suggest that, if present, chum salmon migration behaviour impacts may be more strongly associated with fish capture than tag deployment.
Opportunistic citizen science data transform understanding of species distributions, phenology, and diversity gradients for global change research
Authors: Soroye Peter , Ahmed Najeeba , Kerr Jeremy T.
Published: June 2018

Opportunistic citizen science (CS) programs allow volunteers to report species observations from anywhere, at any time, and can assemble large volumes of historic and current data at faster rates than more coordinated programs with standardized data collection. This can quickly provide large amounts of species distributional data, but whether this focus on participation comes at a cost in data quality is not clear. Although automated and expert vetting can increase data reliability, there is no guarantee that opportunistic data will do anything more than confirm information from professional surveys. Here, we use eButterfly, an opportunistic CS program, and a comparable dataset of professionally collected observations, to measure the amount of new distributional species information that opportunistic CS generates. We also test how well opportunistic CS can estimate regional species richness for a large group of taxa (>300 butterfly species) across a broad area. We find that eButterfly contributes new distributional information for >80% of species, and that opportunistically submitting observations allowed volunteers to spot species ~35 days earlier than professionals. Although eButterfly did a relatively poor job at predicting regional species richness by itself (detecting only about 35–57% of species per region), it significantly contributed to regional species richness when used with the professional dataset (adding ~3 species that had gone undetected in professional surveys per region). Overall, we find that the opportunistic CS model can provide substantial complementary species information when used alongside professional survey data. Our results suggest that data from opportunistic CS programs in conjunction with professional datasets can strongly increase the capacity of researchers to estimate species richness, and provide unique information on species distributions and phenologies that are relevant to the detection of the biological consequences of global change.
A wide variety of Mitf transcript variants are expressed in the Xenopus laevis periodic albino mutant
Authors: Fukuzawa Toshihiko
Published: June 2018

The periodic albino mutant of Xenopus laevis has been used to study the development of pigment cells because both the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and melanophores are affected. In this mutant, “white pigment cells” containing both melanophore‐specific and iridophore‐specific pigment organelles appear. The present experiments were designed to investigate the structural organization and expression of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (Mitf) in the mutant since Mitf is known to regulate the development of melanocytes and RPE. The exon structures of X. laevis mitf genes (mitf.L and mitf.S) were defined using newly obtained Mitf transcripts and X. laevis genomic data. Compared to mouse mitf, exons 3 and 6a were absent in X. laevis mitf. The four exons between exons 4 and 6b in X. laevis mitf were named 5α, 5β, 5γ, and 5δ. Exons 5α and 5δ were specific to X. laevis mitf, whereas the continuous exons 5β/γ were identical to exon 5 of mouse mitf. A wide variety of A‐Mitf and M‐Mitf transcript variants lacking one or more exons were found in X. laevis; however, different types of Mitf transcripts were expressed in the mutant. In addition, white pigment cells and melanophores expressed both the mitf and dopachrome tautomerase (dct) genes.
Reappraisal of the genetic heterogeneity of sessile serrated adenoma/polyp
Authors: Cho Hourin , Hashimoto Taiki , Yoshida Hiroshi , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Ogawa Reiko , Mori Taisuke , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Saito Yutaka , Sekine Shigeki
Published: June 2018

Aims

Sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) is regarded as a genetically homogeneous entity, with most lesions harbouring the BRAF V600E mutation. The present study aimed to reappraise the genetic heterogeneity of SSA/Ps and its clinicopathological significance.

Methods and results

We performed next‐generation sequencing of 272 SSA/Ps without dysplasia and evaluated morphological and molecular features associated with the respective genotypes. BRAF V600E, BRAF non‐V600E, KRAS and NRAS mutations were found in 223 (82.0%), three (1.2%), 28 (10.3%) and one lesion (0.4%), respectively. Notably, all lesions with BRAF non‐V600E mutations had either KRAS or NRAS mutations concurrently. Twenty SSA/Ps (7.4%) were negative for these mutations. KRAS‐mutated SSA/Ps were located more often in the distal colon (42%) compared to those with the BRAF V600E mutation (14%). Histologically, minimally serrated crypts and goblet cell‐rich crypts were more common in KRAS‐mutated and mutation‐negative SSA/Ps. However, in most instances, SSA/Ps lacking the BRAF V600E mutation were indistinguishable morphologically from those with the BRAF V600E mutation. MUC5AC and MUC6 expression was common regardless of the mutation status, but more extensive in SSA/Ps with the BRAF V600E mutation. CpG island methylator phenotype‐high was more frequent in SSA/Ps with the BRAF V600E mutation (60%), followed by mutation‐negative SSA/Ps (40%) and KRAS‐mutated SSA/Ps (16%).

Conclusions

The present study confirmed the common presence of the BRAF V600E mutation in SSA/Ps, but also demonstrated a degree of molecular heterogeneity of SSA/Ps. SSA/Ps with and without the BRAF V600E mutation showed slightly different but overlapping histological and molecular features.
Evaluation of a new commercial method for von Willebrand factor multimeric analysis
Authors: Crist R. A. , Heikal N. M. , Rodgers G. M. , Grenache D. G. , Smock K. J.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Evaluation of von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimeric distribution is useful for subclassification of von Willebrand disease (VWD). Multimer analysis has historically been a manual, labor‐intensive laboratory‐developed test. The first commercial method for multimeric analysis was recently developed that utilizes a single instrument for gel electrophoresis, staining, and densitometry. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the performance characteristics of the new commercial method.

Methods

Studies performed with the commercial method included evaluation of accuracy (method comparison), reference intervals (establishment of normal migration patterns in normal donor specimens), precision (multimer pattern reproducibility), and analytical sensitivity.

Results

In the method comparison studies, concordant interpretations were obtained in 19 of 24 comparisons, including normal and abnormal specimens. The 5 specimens with discordant interpretations all involved slight differences and none were considered clinically significant. Thirty‐eight normal donor specimens demonstrated normal multimer patterns. Multimer pattern reproducibility was demonstrated in normal and abnormal controls tested on each gel. In the sensitivity studies, adequate visualization of multimers was determined to require VWF protein concentrations of approximately 5%‐10% of normal.

Conclusion

The commercial multimer method is a streamlined test that demonstrates comparable performance characteristics to our current laboratory‐developed method and that provides the advantage of both electrophoresis gels and densitometry scans to aid interpretation.
Differential chemokine receptor expression and usage by pre‐cDC1 and pre‐cDC2
Authors: Cook Stuart J , Lee Quintin , Wong Alex CH , Spann Benjamin C , Vincent Jonathan N , Wong Justin JL , Schlitzer Andreas , Gorrell Mark D , Weninger Wolfgang , Roediger Ben
Published: June 2018

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are continuously replenished by bone marrow‐derived precursors called pre‐DCs, which traffic through the blood to peripheral tissues. Pre‐DCs are a heterogeneous population that includes cDC subset‐committed progenitors, namely pre‐cDC1 and pre‐cDC2, which give rise to mature cDC1 and cDC2, respectively. Regulation of pre‐DC subset trafficking is thought to aid the host response to immune challenge. However, the molecular cues regulating pre‐cDC1 versus pre‐cDC2 trafficking toward peripheral sites during homeostasis and disease remain elusive. Here, we report that pre‐cDC1 but not pre‐cDC2 express the T helper type 1‐associated chemokine receptor CXCR3. Moreover, we identify a cell‐intrinsic role for CXCR3 in the trafficking of pre‐cDC1 to melanoma tumors but not to non‐inflamed organs. We also show that tumor cDC1 numbers can be increased pharmacologically by targeting dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (CD26), a negative regulator of CXCR3 ligands. Our findings demonstrate that pre‐cDC1 trafficking is regulated distinctly from pre‐cDC2, which is relevant for our understanding of the DC lineage in the context of cancer and inflammation.
Mental health service users’ experiences of an education intervention based on a European Union project: A comparison between nine European countries
Authors: Nieminen Irja , Kaunonen Marja
Published: June 2018

Mental health service users (MHSUs) often face difficulties in achieving successful participation in education; however, the tools that could help them succeed are rarely investigated. This study aimed to illuminate the experiences ofMHSUs in an education intervention based on a European Union (EU) project. Their experiences are compared across nineEUcountries. The data were collected through individual interviews withMHSUs (n = 47) at day activity centres that provide mental health services. An inductive content analysis was used as the method of analysis. Three main categories, which include seven subcategories, are revealed by the analysis. The main categories are as follows: (i) the factors related toMHSUs’ educational preparedness, (ii) the dimensions of the learning environment, and (iii) the effects of training intervention. TheMHSUs’ experiences with the education intervention were similar across all countries. The findings showed that this education intervention is a multidimensional process. It contains social, mental, and physical dimensions linked to a learner and learning environment. These dimensions influence theMHSUs’ ability to participate in the education process. At its best, the education intervention supports the personal growth ofMHSUs and prepares them for social integration. An education intervention can be a usable tool in the rehabilitation ofMHSUs if the multidimensional nature of education is taken into consideration. Therefore, designing and executing education interventions requires the attendance of theMHSUs in cooperation with mental health and education professionals. Our findings suggest a tentative framework that can be used in designing and executing education forMHSUs.
Modeling frameworks for the multi‐skill resource‐constrained project scheduling problem: a theoretical and empirical comparison
Authors: Almeida Bernardo F. , Correia Isabel , Saldanha‐da‐Gama Francisco
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we study and compare several integer and mixed‐integer linear programming formulations for the multi‐skill resource‐constrained project scheduling problem. This is a problem characterized by a set of activities to be executed that in addition to the usual precedence constraints require several resources for each skill needed for their execution. A set of multi‐skill resources is assumed. The objective is to minimize the project's makespan. We revisit two existing models for the problem and propose two new ones. Additionally, we perform a theoretical comparison between the lower bounds provided by the linear programming relaxations of the models. Furthermore, a numerical experiment is performed on a set of instances from the literature to evaluate the suitability of an off‐the‐shelf solver to compute optimal solutions and lower bounds to the studied problem, using the aforementioned models.
Sintering aid (ZnO) effect on proton transport in BaCe0.35Zr0.5Y0.15O3‐δ and electrode phenomena studied by distribution function of relaxation times
Authors: Baral Ashok Kumar , Tsur Yoed
Published: June 2018

In this work, we have employed an evolutionary programming technique to analyse the impedance spectroscopy (IS) of a ceramic proton conductor BaCe0.35Zr0.5Y0.15O3‐δ (BCZY) to study its proton transport properties as well as the electrode reactions kinetics at the Pt|BCZY interface. The distribution functions of relaxation times (DFRT) obtained from the impedance analysis were used to evaluate the physical parameters such as relaxation time constant, resistance, reactance/capacitance, conductivities, activation energies, grain‐boundary space charge potential Φ(0, T), and electrode polarization resistance. The effect of ZnO sintering aid (2 wt%) on charge‐transfer processes at bulk, grain boundaries and Pt|BCZY interface were thoroughly studied. Φ(0, T) is increased and grain‐boundary conductivity (σgb) is decreased by an order of magnitude due to the presence of Zn at the grain boundaries, whereas bulk properties appear to be unchanged. Variation in σgb with temperature is explained by correlating the grain‐boundary capacitance (Cgb), relaxation time (τgb), space charge effect, and the defect associations (eg, Y‐OH). The anodic functions, for example, hydrogen oxidation kinetics at the electrode (Pt) surface and Pt‐BCZY interface, are explained through the symmetrical cell study and the behavior of relaxation time constants (τ) with temperature.
An avatar‐based education application to improve patients’ knowledge of and response to heart attack symptoms: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Tongpeth Jintana , Du Huiyun , Clark Robyn A.
Published: June 2018

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive, avatar‐based education application to improve knowledge of and response to heart attack symptoms in people who are at risk of a heart attack.

Background

Poor knowledge of heart attack symptoms is recognized as a significant barrier to timely medical treatment. Numerous studies have demonstrated that technology can assist in patient education to improve knowledge and self‐care.

Design

A single‐center, non‐blinded, two parallel groups, pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Seventy patients will be recruited from the coronary care unit of a public hospital. Eligible participants will be randomized to either the usual care or the intervention group (usual care plus avatar‐based heart attack education app). The primary outcome of this study is knowledge. Secondary outcomes include response to heart attack symptoms, health service use and satisfaction. Study participants will be followed up for 6 months.

Discussion

This study will evaluate the avatar‐based education app as a method to deliver vital information to patients. Participants’ knowledge of and response to heart attack symptoms, and their health service use, will be assessed to evaluate the intervention effectiveness.
The moderating role of the amount of caregiving tasks on the relationships between dementia caregivers’ characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Kang Youngmi , Choe Kwisoon , Yu Jinna
Published: June 2018

Aim

This study identified the moderating role of the amount of caregiving tasks on relationships between dementia family caregivers’ characteristics (age, education, etc.) and outcomes (burden, etc.).

Design

A cross‐sectional analysis of surveyed data.

Method

A convenience sample of 369 family caregivers (151 males, 218 females) aged 20 years or older was recruited from 10 cities in the southern area of South Korea. Data were collected from November–December 2011. Measures of caregiver burden, perceived health status and emotional distress of caregivers related to the memory‐behaviour problems of the care recipient were used to assess the outcomes of family caregivers of older adults with dementia.

Results

The amount of caregiving tasks has a moderating effect on the relationships between caregivers’ characteristics (such as living with the recipient and duration of caregiving) and the caregiver burden. The interaction between the amount of caregiving tasks and status of living with recipient was significant in relation to the emotional distress of caregivers related to the memory‐behaviour problems of the care recipient with dementia; however, there was no effect of the amount of caregiving tasks on the relationships between caregivers’ characteristics and perceived health status.

Conclusion

The amount of caregiving tasks can have a moderating role in the caregiving stress model. Intervention programs need to be developed and implemented to reduce negative outcomes of family caregivers, particularly those living with older adults with dementia.
Cardioprotection of ischaemic preconditioning is associated with inhibition of translocation of MLKL within the plasma membrane
Authors: Szobi Adrián , Farkašová‐Ledvényiová Veronika , Lichý Martin , Muráriková Martina , Čarnická Slávka , Ravingerová Tatiana , Adameová Adriana
Published: June 2018

Necroptosis, a form of cell loss involving the RIP1‐RIP3‐MLKL axis, has been identified in cardiac pathologies while its inhibition is cardioprotective. We investigated whether the improvement of heart function because of ischaemic preconditioning is associated with mitigation of necroptotic signaling, and these effects were compared with a pharmacological antinecroptotic approach targeting RIP1. Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts were subjected to ischaemic preconditioning with or without a RIP1 inhibitor (Nec‐1s). Necroptotic signaling and the assessment of oxidative damage and a putative involvement of CaMKII in this process were analysed in whole tissue and subcellular fractions. Ischaemic preconditioning, Nec‐1s and their combination improved postischaemic heart function recovery and reduced infarct size to a similar degree what was in line with the prevention of MLKL oligomerization and translocation to the membrane. On the other hand, membrane peroxidation and apoptosis were unchanged by either approach. Ischaemic preconditioning failed to ameliorate ischaemia–reperfusion‐induced increase in RIP1 and RIP3 while pSer229‐RIP3 levels were reduced only by Nec‐1s. In spite of the additive phosphorylation of CaMKII and PLN because of ditherapy, the postischaemic contractile force and relaxation was comparably improved in all the intervention groups while antiarrhythmic effects were observed in the ischaemic preconditioning group only. Necroptosis inhibition seems to be involved in cardioprotection of ischaemic preconditioning and is comparable but not intensified by an anti‐RIP1 agent. Changes in oxidative stress nor CaMKII signaling are unlikely to explain the beneficial effects.
Identification of new biophysical markers for pathological ventricular remodelling in tachycardia‐induced dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Benitez‐Amaro Aleyda , Samouillan Valerie , Jorge Esther , Dandurand Jany , Nasarre Laura , de Gonzalo‐Calvo David , Bornachea Olga , Amoros‐Figueras Gerard , Lacabanne Colette , Vilades David , Leta Ruben , Carreras Francesc , Gallardo Alberto , Lerma Enrique , Cinca Juan , Guerra Jose M. , Llorente‐Cortés Vicenta
Published: June 2018

Our aim was to identify biophysical biomarkers of ventricular remodelling in tachycardia‐induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Our study includes healthy controls (N = 7) and DCM pigs (N = 10). Molecular analysis showed global myocardial metabolic abnormalities, some of them related to myocardial hibernation in failing hearts, supporting the translationality of our model to study cardiac remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy. Histological analysis showed unorganized and agglomerated collagen accumulation in the dilated ventricles and a higher percentage of fibrosis in the right (RV) than in the left (LV) ventricle (P = .016). The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) 1st and 2nd indicators, which are markers of the myofiber/collagen ratio, were reduced in dilated hearts, with the 1st indicator reduced by 45% and 53% in the RV and LV, respectively, and the 2nd indicator reduced by 25% in the RV. The 3rd FTIR indicator, a marker of the carbohydrate/lipid ratio, was up‐regulated in the right and left dilated ventricles but to a greater extent in the RV (2.60‐fold vs 1.61‐fold, P = .049). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed a depression of the freezable water melting point in DCM ventricles – indicating structural changes in the tissue architecture – and lower protein stability. Our results suggest that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd FTIR indicators are useful markers of cardiac remodelling. Moreover, the 2nd and 3rd FITR indicators, which are altered to a greater extent in the right ventricle, are associated with greater fibrosis.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors‐associated bullous pemphigoid: A retrospective study of 168 pemphigoid and 9,304 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Kawaguchi Yohei , Shimauchi Risa , Nishibori Nobuhiro , Kawashima Kiyohito , Oshitani So , Fujiya Atsushi , Shibata Taiga , Ohashi Norimi , Izumi Kentaro , Nishie Wataru , Shimizu Hiroshi , Arima Hiroshi , Sobajima Hiroshi
Published: June 2018

Aims/Introduction

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) might be drug‐induced. The present study evaluated the relationship between BP and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4Is).

Materials and Methods

We recruited patients diagnosed with BP at Ogaki Municipal Hospital from 1 December 2009 through 31 December 2017. We retrospectively collected data from medical records and divided patients into two groups based on whether they received DPP4Is. Additionally, we determined the incidence of BP in patients who were first prescribed DPP4Is at our hospital during the study period.

Results

Of 168 patients diagnosed with BP, 133 (79.1%) were positive for anti‐BP180NC16a antibody. A total of 32 (19.0%) patients had been prescribed a DPP4I, 21 of whom (65.6%) were positive for anti‐BP180NC16a antibody; this rate was lower than that in patients not receiving a DPP4I (82.3%; P = 0.0360). A total of 16 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus had not been prescribed a DPP4I; only one (6.3%) was positive for anti‐BP180NC16a antibody (P = 0.0339). During the study period, 9,304 patients were prescribed DPP4Is, eight of whom developed BP; six (75.0%) had non‐inflammatory BP, and five of the six (83.3%) were negative for anti‐BP180NC16a antibody.

Conclusions

The positive rate of anti‐BP180NC16a antibody was lower in BP patients with DPP4I than without DPP4I, regardless of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The antibody titer was low in both the overall and type 2 diabetes mellitus populations. The prevalence of BP in 9,304 patients receiving DPP4Is was 0.0859%, which is higher than that in the general population. As DPP4Is are common diabetes treatments, we must be aware of the risk of BP.
Influence of composite type and light irradiance on color stability after immersion in different beverages
Authors: Alberton Da Silva Victória , Alberton Da Silva Simone , Pecho Oscar E. , Bacchi Atais
Published: June 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the color stability of two resin‐based composites photo‐activated by two light curing units (LCU) with different irradiances.

Materials and Methods

Hundred disc‐shaped specimens (2‐mm thick) of a nanofilled (FZ‐ FiltekTM Z350 XT, 3M ESPE) and a microhybrid (ED—Empress® Direct, Ivoclar Vivadent) composites were photo‐activated with two LCU: Valo® Cordless, Ultradent (VA—1800 mW/cm2) or Radii‐cal, SDI (RA—900 mW/cm2). Samples (n = 5) were immersed during 12 days in distilled water (WT), orange juice (OJ), red wine (RW), coffee (CF), or Brazilian tea (BT). CIELAB coordinates were obtained using a spectrophotometer (Easyshade 4.0, Vita Zahnfabrik) before (T0) and after (T1) immersion. CIEDE2000 color difference (ΔE00) and whiteness index for dentistry (WID) were calculated. Data was analyzed by two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05%).

Results

FZ light‐activated by VA showed higher L* and WID values (T0) and lower ΔE00 values after immersion in WT, OJ, and RW. However, there was no effect of both factors on ΔE00 when samples were immersed in BT and CF. ED light‐activated by RA showed significant higher C* values (p ≤ .05).

Conclusions

The nanofilled composite photo‐activated with higher irradiance showed greater L* and WID values and better color stability. However, all samples immersed in colored beverages showed ΔE00 values above the acceptability threshold.

Clinical Significance

Initial color of resin‐based composites can change after immersion in staining beverages. However, the best color stability was obtained by the nanocomposite photo‐activated by a light‐curing unit of higher irradiance.
Bottom‐up citizen initiatives as emergent actors in flood risk management: Mapping roles, relations and limitations
Authors: Seebauer Sebastian , Ortner Stefan , Babcicky Philipp , Thaler Thomas
Published: June 2018

The recent shift to individualisation of flood risk calls for a stronger involvement of private actors. Bottom‐up citizen initiatives (BUIs) may bring together governmental bodies with people at risk. Drawing on a screening of existing BUIs in Europe, North America, and Australia and an in‐depth analysis of three study sites, this paper maps BUI activities to stages in the risk management cycle and discusses the institutional, relational and social proximity between BUIs and other stakeholders. Flood BUIs often take over roles that the authorities are not willing or able to fulfil. BUIs emerge out of frustration with current risk policies, after a catastrophic flood event, government‐initiated engagement projects or targeted funding opportunities. BUIs can take different forms, ranging from oppositional pressure groups, self‐help movements for disaster response and recovery, to initiatives formally installed by law. While self‐organised BUIs benefit from high proximity to their home communities, formalised BUIs are deeper embedded in existing institutional structures. In order to gain a stronger voice in the risk debate, BUIs need to expand from the local level to catchment areas and exchange expertise and resources in nationwide or cross‐border networks. However, BUIs may create parallel political structures that are not democratically legitimised.
Mayors and “their” land: Revealing approaches to flood risk management in small municipalities
Authors: Slavíková Lenka , Raška Pavel , Kopáček Miroslav
Published: June 2018

The multilevel adaptive governance of flood risk reduction has been emphasised in the last decades and supported by the requirements of European Flood Directive (EC, 2007), while assigning an increasingly important role to municipalities. By contrast, only fragmented efforts have addressed the personal (expert knowledge), financial, and institutional limits of municipalities to achieve the flood risk management (FRM) goals. Starting with thorough literature review, we emphasise the key gaps in current understanding of municipal FRM and note that scarce attention has been paid to small‐sized municipalities (both in area and population). Next, we present an empirical case study based on semi‐structured interviews with 17 mayors of small municipalities in a flood‐prone area of northern Czechia. The aggregation of the mayors' opinions about flood threat and current and planned FRM measures as well as the perceived barriers in their implementation enabled the classification of different FRM strategies at a municipal level (herein referred to as “self‐confidence,” “fatalism,” and “active scepticism”). These strategies are then discussed in terms of the mayors' leadership styles and the significant consequences on the effectiveness and efficiency of FRM at a municipal level.
Tobacco product use and smoking frequency among US adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Eisenbaum E.
Published: June 2018

Background

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have been overlooked in tobacco use research although they are likely to experience tobacco‐related health disparities. This study examined tobacco product use and smoking frequency and amount among a sample of US Special Olympics athletes with IDD.

Methods

Multiple regression analysis was used to test whether age, gender, body mass index, blood pressure, bone density, eating fruits and vegetables and family member tobacco use were correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked per day.

Results

The sample of people with IDD who used tobacco (n = 501) were aged 18–75 (M = 33.37) and 76.4% were male. About 73.6% reported cigarette use only, 10.6% reported dual or poly use of cigarettes and other tobacco products (cigars, pipe, and chewing tobacco) and 15.8% reported using only tobacco products other than cigarettes. Men were more likely than women to use tobacco products other than cigarettes. Of the cigarette smokers, 79.6% were daily smokers, and their mean cigarettes per day was 10.08 (SD = 9.50). Special Olympics athletes who did not have low bone density and those who consumed fruits and vegetables less than daily reported higher numbers of cigarettes per day.

Conclusions

Although people with IDD are less likely to use tobacco than the general population, study results suggest that people with IDD who smoke cigarettes are just as likely as smokers in the general US population to smoke daily. Improving overall health behaviours may be important in helping smokers with IDD to reduce their tobacco use. Research is needed to understand longitudinal patterns of tobacco use and how to prevent tobacco use among people with IDD.
Ectopic positioning of Bergmann glia and impaired cerebellar wiring in Mlc1‐over‐expressing mice
Authors: Kikuchihara Saori , Sugio Shouta , Tanaka Kenji F. , Watanabe Takaki , Kano Masanobu , Yamazaki Yoshihiko , Watanabe Masahiko , Ikenaka Kazuhiro
Published: June 2018

Mlc1 is a causative gene for megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts, and is expressed in astrocytes. Mlc1‐over‐expressing mice represent an animal model of early‐onset leukoencephalopathy, which manifests as astrocytic swelling followed by myelin membrane splitting in the white matter. It has been previously reported that Mlc1 is highly expressed in Bergmann glia, while the cerebellar phenotypes of Mlc1‐over‐expressing mouse have not been characterized. Here, we examined the cerebellum of Mlc1‐over‐expressing mouse and found that the distribution of Bergmann glia (BG) was normally compacted along the Purkinje cell (PC) layer until postnatal day 10 (P10), while most BG were dispersed throughout the molecular layer by P28. Ectopic BG were poorly wrapped around somatodendritic elements of PCs and exhibited reduced expression of the glutamate transporter glutamate‐aspartate transporter. Extraordinarily slow and small climbing fiber (CF)‐mediated excitatory post‐synaptic currents, which are known to be elicited under accelerated glutamate spillover, emerged at P20‐P28 when BG ectopia was severe, but not at P9‐P12 when ectopia was mild. Furthermore, maturation of CF wiring, which translocates the site of innervation from somata to proximal dendrites, was also impaired. Manipulations that restricted the Mlc1‐over‐expressing period successfully generated mice with and without BG ectopia, depending on the over‐expressing period. Together, these findings suggest that there is a critical time window for mechanisms that promote the positioning of BG in the PC layer. Once normal positioning of BG is affected, the differentiation of BG is impaired, leading to insufficient glial wrapping, exacerbated glutamate spillover, and aberrant synaptic wiring in PCs.

Open Practices

Open Science: This manuscript was awarded with the Open Materials Badge.

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Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14199.
Neuritin promotes neurite and spine growth in rat cerebellar granule cells via L‐type calcium channel‐mediated calcium influx
Authors: Zhao Qian‐Ru , Lu Jun‐Mei , Li Zhao‐Yang , Mei Yan‐Ai
Published: June 2018

Neuritin is a neurotrophic factor that is activated by neural activity and neurotrophins. Its major function is to promote neurite growth and branching; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. To address this issue, this study investigated the effects of neuritin on neurite and spine growth and intracellular Ca2+ concentration in rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Incubation of CGNs for 24 h with neuritin increased neurite length and spine density; this effect was mimicked by insulin and abolished by inhibiting insulin receptor (IR) or mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) activity. Calcium imaging and western blot analysis revealed that neuritin enhanced the increase in intracellular Ca2+ level induced by high K+, and stimulated the cell surface expression of CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 α subunits of the L‐type calcium channel, which was suppressed by inhibition of IR or mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase/ERK. Treatment with inhibitors of L‐type calcium channels, calmodulin, and calcineurin (CaN) abrogated the effects of neuritin on neurite length and spine density. A similar result was obtained by silencing nuclear factor of activated T cells c4, which is known to be activated by neuritin in CGNs. These results indicate that IR and ERK signaling as well as the Ca2+/CaN/nuclear factor of activated T cells c4 axis mediate the effects of neuritin on neurite and spine growth in CGNs.

Open science badges

This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

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Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14195.
Gene expression profiling in human corticotroph tumours reveals distinct, neuroendocrine profiles
Authors: Cassarino Maria Francesca , Ambrogio Alberto G. , Cassarino Andrea , Terreni Maria Rosa , Gentilini Davide , Sesta Antonella , Cavagnini Francesco , Losa Marco , Pecori Giraldi Francesca
Published: June 2018

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)‐secreting pituitary adenomas give rise to a severe endocrinological disorder, comprising Cushing's disease, with multifaceted clinical presentation and treatment outcomes. Experimental studies suggest that the disease variability is inherent to the pituitary tumour, thus indicating the need for further studies into tumour biology. The present study evaluated transcriptome expression pattern in a large series of ACTH‐secreting pituitary adenoma specimens in order to identify molecular signatures of these tumours. Gene expression profiling of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens from 40 human ACTH‐secreting pituitary adenomas revealed the significant expression of genes involved in protein biosynthesis and ribosomal function, in keeping with the neuroendocrine cell profile. Unsupervised cluster analysis identified 3 distinct gene profile clusters and several genes were uniquely overexpressed in a given cluster, accounting for different molecular signatures. Of note, gene expression profiles were associated with clinical features, such as the age and size of the tumour. Altogether, the findings of the present study show that corticotroph tumours are characterised by a neuroendocrine gene expression profile and present subgroup‐specific molecular features.
Care Complexity Individual Factors Associated With Hospital Readmission: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Adamuz Jordi , González‐Samartino Maribel , Jiménez‐Martínez Emilio , Tapia‐Pérez Marta , López‐Jiménez María‐Magdalena , Ruiz‐Martínez María‐José , Rodríguez‐Fernández Hugo , Delgado‐Hito Pilar , Juvé‐Udina Maria‐Eulàlia
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To determine the frequency of care complexity individual factors documented in the nursing assessment and to identify the risk factors associated with hospital readmission within 30 days of hospital discharge.

Design

Observational analysis of a retrospective cohort at a 700‐bed university hospital in Barcelona, Spain. A total of 16,925 adult patient admissions to a ward or intermediate care units were evaluated from January to December 2016. Most patients were admitted due to cardiocirculatory and respiratory disorders (29.3%), musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders (21.8%), digestive and hepatobiliary conditions (17.9%), and kidney or urinary disorders (11.2%).

Methods

Readmission was defined as rehospitalization for any reason within 30 days of discharge. Patients who required hospital readmission were compared with those who did not. The individual factors of care complexity included five domains (developmental, mental‐cognitive, psycho‐emotional, sociocultural, and comorbidity or complications) and were reviewed using the electronic nursing assessment records. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to determine factors associated with readmission.

Findings

A total of 1,052 patients (6.4%) were readmitted within 30 days of hospital discharge. Care complexity individual factors from the comorbidity or complications domain were found to be the most frequently e‐charted (88.3%). Care complexity individual factors from developmental (33.2%), psycho‐emotional (13.2%), mental‐cognitive (7.2%), and sociocultural (0.7%) domains were less frequently documented. Independent factors associated with hospital readmission were old age (≥75 years), duration of first hospitalization, admission to a nonsurgical ward, major chronic disease, hemodynamic instability, immunosuppression, and relative weight of diagnosis‐related group.

Conclusions

A substantial number of patients required readmission within 30 days after discharge. The most frequent care complexity individual factors recorded in the nursing assessment at index admission were related to comorbidity or complications, developmental, and psycho‐emotional domains. Strategies related to transition of care that include clinical characteristics and comorbidity or complications factors should be a priority at hospital discharge and after leaving hospital, but other factors related to developmental and psycho‐emotional domains could have an important effect on the use of healthcare resources.

Clinical Relevance

Nurses should identify patients with comorbidity or complications, developmental, and psycho‐emotional complexity factors during the index admission in order to be able to implement an effective discharge process of care.
Robotics in Nursing: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Carter‐Templeton Heather , Frazier Rachel M. , Wu Lin , H. Wyatt Tami
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the current evidence found in the nursing literature about robotics used to assist or augment nursing care.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis of published research focused on robotics in nursing care was conducted to analyze the trends of publications. A search of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database was conducted. This analysis was used to determine the types and extent of robotic research presented in nursing and allied health literature, journals that publish robotic research, and the origins of the study.

Findings

Twenty‐one articles met inclusion criteria and spanned the years 2004 to 2016. The main disciplines represented by first authors in these 21 articles were medicine (n = 4, 9%), nursing (n = 4, 9%), and psychiatric medicine (n = 4, 9%). Nine countries were represented by the first author. The majority of the specific studies reported using qualitative research methods (n = 4, 19%) with reports of other research designs being used. Further analysis of subsequent citations found that 248 subsequent citations were generated from these articles.

Conclusions

The application of robots has been used beyond typical physical day‐to‐day processes as many definitions of robotics suggest. Eleven (52%) of the 21 articles described the use of robots with aged patients. In some cases, robots were used as companions for older adults, as opposed to replacing mechanical and repetitive motions.

Clinical Relevance

Robotics are being used globally in nursing care areas. While a limited amount of research on this topic in nursing exists, this study of the literature offers reports of applications of robots within nursing care areas.