bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BSEP and MDR3
Authors: Fujikura Kohei , Yamasaki Takashi , Otani Kyoko , Kanzawa Maki , Fukumoto Takumi , Ku Yonson , Hirose Takanori , Itoh Tomoo , Zen Yoh
Published: January 2016

We herein examined the immunohistochemical expression of 2 hepatocyte-specific transporters (bile salt export pump [BSEP] and multidrug-resistance protein 3 [MDR3]) in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs, n=54), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (n=34), combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinomas (n=23), and hepatoid carcinomas originated from extrahepatic organs (n=27) to compare their diagnostic values with those of arginase-1 (ARG1) and hepatocyte paraffin-1 (HepPar-1). BSEP was expressed in 91% of HCCs and MDR3 in 83%. Although their sensitivities were slightly lower than those of ARG1 (96%) and HepPar-1 (93%), the 2 transporters appeared to be more specific for HCCs. ARG1 and HepPar-1 were expressed in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (9% and 6%) and hepatoid carcinomas (22% and 44%, respectively), whereas BSEP and MDR3 were entirely negative in these neoplasms, except for 1 case of BSEP-positive hepatoid carcinoma of the esophagus. The highly specific expression of BSEP and MDR3 in hepatocytes was recapitulated in additional examinations of combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinomas, in which the expression of the transporters was restricted to morphologically hepatocellular areas. In contrast, ARG1 and HepPar-1 were also variably positive in areas of biliary or indeterminate differentiation. We also applied BSEP and MDR3 immunohistochemistry to 8 biopsy cases of poorly differentiated primary liver cancer, in which the original diagnosis was not conclusive. The diagnosis of HCC was retrospectively suggested in 2 cases expressing both BSEP and MDR3. In conclusion, given the highly specific expression of BSEP and MDR3 in HCCs, immunohistochemistry for these transporters will be useful not only for determining hepatocellular differentiation in primary liver cancers but also for discriminating HCCs from hepatoid carcinomas.
Renal risk‐benefit determinants of recombinant human erythropoietin therapy in the remnant kidney rat model – hypertension, anaemia, inflammation and drug dose
Authors: Ribeiro Sandra , Garrido Patrícia , Fernandes João , Vala Helena , Rocha‐Pereira Petronila , Costa Elísio , Belo Luís , Reis Flávio , Santos‐Silva Alice
Published: January 2016

Clinical studies showed that high doses of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) used to correct anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) hyporesponsive patients may lead to deleterious effects. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of rHuEPO in doses usually used to correct CKD‐anaemia (100, 200 IU/kg body weight (BW) per week) and in higher doses used in the treatment of hyporesponsive patients (400, 600 IU/kg BW per week), focusing on renal damage, hypoxia, inflammation and fibrosis. Male Wistar rats with chronic renal failure (CRF) induced by 5/6 nephrectomy were treated with rHuEPO or with vehicle, over a 3‐week period. Haematological, biochemical and renal function analyses were performed. Kidney and liver mRNA levels were evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and protein expression by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Kidney histopathological evaluations were also performed. The CRF group developed anaemia, hypertension and a high score of renal histopathologic lesions. Correction of anaemia was achieved with all rHuEPO doses, with improvement in hypertension, renal function and renal lesions. In addition, the higher rHuEPO doses also improved inflammation. Blood pressure was reduced in all rHuEPO‐treated groups, compared to the CRF group, but increased in a dose‐dependent manner. The current study showed that rHuEPO treatment corrected anaemia and improved urinary albumin excretion, particularly at lower doses. In addition, it is suggested that a short‐term treatment with high doses, used to overcome an episode of hyporesponsiveness to rHuEPO therapy, can present benefits by reducing inflammation, without worsening of renal lesions; however, the pro‐hypertensive effect should be considered, and carefully managed to avoid a negative cardiorenal impact.
An Examination of the Sequence of Intersecting Lines using Microspectrophotometry
Authors: Li Biao
Published: January 2016

The potential of microspectrophotometry as a technique to determine the sequence of intersecting lines was examined. The technique was used to determine the sequence of heterogeneous line intersections produced using inkpad, stamp‐pad ink and ballpoint pens, gel pens, fountain pens, laser and ink‐jet printers. The study was carried out with an assumption that the peak characteristics of spectra from the point of intersection should correspond to the peak characteristics of pure ink which was executed later. According to spectral reflectance curves, microspectrophotometry was possible to determine whether the ink was above or below the inkpad/stamp‐pad ink seals. In blind testing, microspectrophotometry technique results were directly compared to those obtained by five experienced forensic document examiners using optical microscopy regularly employed in casework. As the results obtained from the study were positive, microspectrophotometry technique was found to be very successful in determining the sequence of heterogeneous line intersections under some conditions.
SNP Miniplexes for Individual Identification of Random‐Bred Domestic Cats
Authors: Brooks Ashley , Creighton Erica K. , Gandolfi Barbara , Khan Razib , Grahn Robert A. , Lyons Leslie A.
Published: January 2016

Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the cat can be obtained from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analyses of fur. This study developed miniplexes using SNPs with high discriminating power for random‐bred domestic cats, focusing on individual and phenotypic identification. Seventy‐eight SNPs were investigated using a multiplex PCR followed by a fluorescently labeled single base extension (SBE) technique (SNaPshot®). The SNP miniplexes were evaluated for reliability, reproducibility, sensitivity, species specificity, detection limitations, and assignment accuracy. Six SNPplexes were developed containing 39 intergenic SNPs and 26 phenotypic SNPs, including a sex identification marker, ZFXY. The combined random match probability (cRMP) was 6.58 × 10−19 across all Western cat populations and the likelihood ratio was 1.52 × 1018. These SNPplexes can distinguish individual cats and their phenotypic traits, which could provide insight into crime reconstructions. A SNP database of 237 cats from 13 worldwide populations is now available for forensic applications.
Influence of various stressors on the expression of core genes of the small interfering RNA pathway in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Xie Yi‐Fei , Niu Jin‐Zhi , Jiang Xuan‐Zhao , Yang Wen‐Jia , Shen Guang‐Mao , Wei Dong , Smagghe Guy , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: January 2016

RNA interference (RNAi)‐based technology has emerged as a potential tool for controlling insect pests, however, previous studies found that the efficiency of RNAi in Bactrocera dorsalis was variable. In nature, insects often meet various challenges, such as pathogen infections, extreme temperatures, lack of nutrition and heavy metals. To better understand the association of the stressors with efficiency of RNAi, in the current study we tested the expression of three core genes, dicer2 (Bddcr2), r2d2 (Bdr2d2) and argonaute2 (Bdago2), of the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway of B. dorsalis upon various stressors. Our results showed that all three genes were upregulated by the infection of invertebrate iridescent virus 6, which suggested a function of the siRNA pathway against viral infection. The loading of FeCl3 could also increase the expression of Bddcr2. The treatments of Escherichia coli, extremely high (40°C) and low (0°C) temperatures, as well as starvation, could negatively influence the expression of Bddcr2 and/or Bdago2. In total, our results showed that various stressors could influence the expression of core components of B. dorsalis siRNA pathway. This highlights further speculation on the RNAi efficiency upon these stressors. Considering the complexity and variation of RNAi efficiency in different conditions, these results provide initial aspects in possible environmental stressors to influence the activity of the siRNA pathway, but the real impact of RNAi efficiency posed by these stressors requires further studies.
Mass‐forming type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hoshimoto Sojun , Aiura Koichi , Tanaka Motomu , Shito Masaya , Kakefuda Toshihiro , Sugiura Hitoshi
Published: January 2016

We reported three cases of mass‐forming type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) that were preoperatively suspected to be pancreatic cancer, and reviewed their clinicopathological features. Radiological findings in the patients revealed hypoattenuating masses in the early phase or a stricture of the main pancreatic duct with upstream dilatation, which was consistent with the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Histopathologically, the lesions were well demarcated and met all diagnostic criteria for immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related AIP, including the presence of periductal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, obliterative phlebitis, storiform fibrosis and abundant IgG4‐positive plasma cells. However, the adjacent uninvolved pancreatic duct and lobular structures were well preserved. And in all patients, none or some of the aforementioned characteristics were observed. We suggest that some cases of focal AIP may progress to more severe grades and exhibit mass formation, although remaining localized. These focal cases of AIP are difficult to distinguish from pancreatic cancer. To our knowledge, this report is the first to present a histopathological comparison of mass‐forming AIP with the adjacent uninvolved pancreatic tissues.
Erratum
Authors: Munk‐Jørgensen P.
Published: January 2016

This issue corrects: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acps.2015.132.issue-6/issuetoc
Activation of the ventral and dorsal striatum during cue reactivity in Internet gaming disorder
Authors: Liu Lu , Yip Sarah W. , Zhang Jin‐Tao , Wang Ling‐Jiao , Shen Zi‐Jiao , Liu Ben , Ma Shan‐Shan , Yao Yuan‐Wei , Fang Xiao‐Yi
Published: January 2016

Studies conducted in drug addiction suggest a transition in processing of drug‐related cues from the ventral to the dorsal component of the striatum. However, this process has not been studied in a behavioral addiction. Assessment of this process in a non‐drug addiction can provide insight into the pathophysiology of both substance and behavioral addictions. Thirty‐nine male Internet gaming disorder (IGD) subjects and 23 male matched healthy controls (HCs) participated in functional magnetic resonance imaging during performance of a cue‐reactivity task involving alternating presentation of Internet gaming‐related stimuli (game cues) and general Internet surfing‐related stimuli (control cues). Cue‐induced neural activations in the ventral and dorsal striatum (DS) were compared between IGD and HC participants. Associations between cue‐reactivity within these regions and cue‐induced craving and severity and duration of IGD were also explored. IGD participants exhibited higher cue‐induced activations within both the ventral and DS when compared with HCs. Within the IGD group, activity within the left ventral striatum (VS) was correlated negatively with cue‐induced craving; positive associations were found between activations within the DS (right putamen, pallidum and left caudate) and duration of IGD. Cue‐induced activity within the left putamen was negatively associated with right VS volumes among IGD participants. Consistent with studies in substance addictions, our results suggest that a transition from ventral to dorsal striatal processing may occur among individuals with IGD, a condition without the impact of substance intake.
Human Trafficking and Online Networks: Policy, Analysis, and Ignorance
Authors: Mendel Jonathan , Sharapov Kiril
Published: January 2016

Dominant anti‐trafficking policy discourses represent trafficking as an issue of crime, “illegal” migration, victimhood and humanitarianism. Such a narrow focus is not an adequate response to the interplay between technology, trafficking and anti‐trafficking. This article explores different levels of analysis and the interplay between human trafficking and technology. We argue for a shift from policy discourses with a very limited focus on crime and victimisation to more systemic understandings of trafficking and more robust micro‐analyses of trafficking and everyday life. The article calls for an agnotological understanding of policy responses to trafficking and technology: these depend upon the production of ignorance. We critique limitations in policy understandings of trafficking‐related aspects of online spaces, and argue for better engagement with online networks. We conclude that there is a need to move beyond a focus on “new” technology and exceptionalist claims about “modern slavery” towards greater attention to everyday exploitation within neoliberalism.
Enhancing Beyond What Ought to be the Case ‐ A Conceptual Clarification
Authors: Van Riel Raphael
Published: January 2016

In order to do justice to the intuition that medical treatments as such do not form proper instances of bio‐enhancement, as the notion is employed in the ethical debate, we should construe bio‐enhancements as interventions, which do not aim at states that, other things being equal, ought to obtain. In the light of this clarification, we come to see that cases of moral enhancement are not covered by the notion of bio‐enhancement, properly construed.
Clinicopathological significance of TERT promoter mutation in papillary thyroid carcinomas: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yin De‐tao , Yu Kun , Lu Run‐qing , Li Xianghua , Xu Jianhui , Lei Mengyuan , Li Hongqiang , Wang Yongfei , Liu Zhen
Published: January 2016

Background

The prognostic value of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation, resulting in poor clinical outcomes of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), has been generally confirmed. To data, there is no high‐level evidence approving the association of TERT promoter mutation and aggressive clinical behaviours in PTC. To systematically evaluate it, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the published literatures were carried out.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, OVID and Web of Science databases for relevant studies. We selected all the studies that reported clinicopathological features of PTC patients with information available on TERT promoter mutation status. Individual study‐specific odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, as were Mantel–Haenszel pooled odds ratios for the combined studies.

Results

Eight eligible trials involved 2035 patients were included in the analysis. The average prevalence of the TERT promoter mutation was 10·32%. Compared with the wild‐type TERT promoter gene, the TERT promoter mutation was associated with male gender, lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension, distant metastasis, advanced TNM stage III/IV, poor clinical outcome (persistence or recurrence) and mortality. The associations were generally consistent across the different study populations.

Conclusions

Thus, our findings from this large meta‐analysis definitively demonstrate that TERT promoter mutation‐positive PTC is more likely to manifest with aggressive clinicopathological characteristics. In appropriate clinical settings, testing for the TERT promoter mutation is likely to be useful in assisting the risk stratification and management of PTC.
Temperature effects on egg and larval development and phenological forecasting of the smaller fruit tortrix, Grapholita lobarzewskii
Authors: Graf B. , Höpli H. U. , Höhn H. , Samietz J.
Published: January 2016

The effects of temperature on egg and larval development of Grapholita lobarzewskii Nowicki (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) were studied under controlled conditions to complement the basis for phenological forecasting and thus to optimize the timing of monitoring and control measures with respect to sustainable pest management. Egg development lasted on average 28.1 days at 12.7 °C and 5.5 days at 26.1 °C. Egg mortality was generally low, varying between 12 and 14% within a temperature range of 12.7–22.0 °C, but slightly increased to 20% at 26.1 °C. For egg development, a lower thermal threshold of 9.7 °C and a thermal constant of 90.6 degree days were established. Larval development took on average 76.0 days at 12.7 °C and 21.5 days at 26.1 °C. Larval mortality was 51% at 12.7 °C but only 6–12% at temperatures above 17 °C. The lower thermal threshold and the thermal constant for larval development were 7.6 °C and 389.2 degree days, respectively. Final larval weight increased with temperature from 18.6 mg at 12.7 °C to a maximum of 23.9 mg at 22.0 °C. Based on mortality rates, the optimal temperature range was between 12.7 and 22.0 °C for egg development and between 17.1 and 22.0 °C for larval development, which was confirmed based on the weight of fully grown larvae. These biological parameters of egg and larval development enabled us to parameterise a phenology model for G. lobarzewskii, which was incorporated into an existing decision support system for fruit pests. Precise forecasts of pest phenology facilitate the optimal timing of monitoring and control measures, improve their efficiency, and thereby contribute to sustainable crop protection.
Absence of Mate Choice and Postcopulatory Benefits in a Species with Extreme Sexual Size Dimorphism
Authors: Chelini Marie‐Claire , Hebets Eileen A.
Published: January 2016

Most hypotheses related to the evolution of female‐biased extreme sexual size dimorphism (SSD) attribute the differences in the size of each sex to selection for reproduction, either through selection for increased female fecundity or selection for male increased mobility and faster development. Very few studies, however, have tested for direct fitness benefits associated with the latter – small male size. Mecaphesa celer is a crab spider with extreme SSD, whose males are less than half the size of females and often weigh 10 times less. Here, we test the hypotheses that larger size in females and smaller size in males are sexually selected through differential pre‐ and postcopulatory reproductive benefits. To do so, we tested the following predictions: matings between small males and large females are more likely to occur due to mate choice; females mated to small males are less likely to accept second copulation attempts; and matings between small males and large females will result in larger clutches of longer‐lived offspring. Following staged mating trials in the laboratory, we found no support for any of our predictions, suggesting that SSD in M. celer may not be driven by pre‐ or post‐reproductive fitness benefits to small males.
Phenotype Matching and Early Social Conditions Affect Shoaling and Exploration Decisions
Authors: Barbosa Miguel , Camacho‐Cervantes Morelia , Ojanguren Alfredo F.
Published: January 2016

Early social conditions are vital for the establishment of future social interactions. Less, however, is known about how differences in early social conditions contribute to the process of individual recognition and subsequently in the decision of associating and exploring behaviours. In this study, we address this gap in the Trinidadian guppy Poecilia reticulata and test the prediction that fish would show a higher tendency to recognize and associate with individuals of similar phenotype. This prediction was tested by comparing the likelihood of association and latency to explore a novel area in males and females when in the presence of individuals that were familiar (reared together but from different populations), from the same population of origin (from the same population but deprived of interaction with each other), or were unfamiliar (different population and have never interacted). Both early social conditions and population of origin (phenotype matching) affected the tendency to shoal and explore. Females, but not males, exhibited identical preference to associate either with unfamiliar females as with familiar females from a different population. Importantly, female preference did not occur with unfamiliar individuals from a different population. In contrast with our prediction, tendency to shoal did not predict exploration propensity. Males always start exploration before the group whenever unfamiliar males composed the group. Females on the other hand only moved to the novel area after seeing the group doing so, revealing sexual dimorphism in exploratory behaviour. Our results provide evidence for a familiarity and phenotypic matching recognition mechanism at the population level and also highlight the importance of accounting for differences between sexes when investigating the effects of early social conditions.
Constraining future terrestrial carbon cycle projections using observation‐based water and carbon flux estimates
Authors: Mystakidis Stefanos , Davin Edouard L. , Gruber Nicolas , Seneviratne Sonia I.
Published: January 2016

The terrestrial biosphere is currently acting as a sink for about a third of the total anthropogenic CO2 emissions. However, the future fate of this sink in the coming decades is very uncertain, as current earth system models (ESMs) simulate diverging responses of the terrestrial carbon cycle to upcoming climate change. Here, we use observation‐based constraints of water and carbon fluxes to reduce uncertainties in the projected terrestrial carbon cycle response derived from simulations of ESMs conducted as part of the 5th phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). We find in the ESMs a clear linear relationship between present‐day evapotranspiration (ET) and gross primary productivity (GPP), as well as between these present‐day fluxes and projected changes in GPP, thus providing an emergent constraint on projected GPP. Constraining the ESMs based on their ability to simulate present‐day ET and GPP leads to a substantial decrease in the projected GPP and to a ca. 50% reduction in the associated model spread in GPP by the end of the century. Given the strong correlation between projected changes in GPP and in NBP in the ESMs, applying the constraints on net biome productivity (NBP) reduces the model spread in the projected land sink by more than 30% by 2100. Moreover, the projected decline in the land sink is at least doubled in the constrained ensembles and the probability that the terrestrial biosphere is turned into a net carbon source by the end of the century is strongly increased. This indicates that the decline in the future land carbon uptake might be stronger than previously thought, which would have important implications for the rate of increase in the atmospheric CO2 concentration and for future climate change.
Bioenergy production and sustainable development: science base for policymaking remains limited
Authors: Robledo‐Abad Carmenza , Althaus Hans‐Jörg , Berndes Göran , Bolwig Simon , Corbera Esteve , Creutzig Felix , Garcia‐Ulloa John , Geddes Anna , Gregg Jay S. , Haberl Helmut , Hanger Susanne , Harper Richard J. , Hunsberger Carol , Larsen Rasmus K. , Lauk Christian , Leitner Stefan , Lilliestam Johan , Lotze‐Campen Hermann , Muys Bart , Nordborg Maria , Ölund Maria , Orlowsky Boris , Popp Alexander , Portugal‐Pereira Joana , Reinhard Jürgen , Scheiffle Lena , Smith Pete
Published: January 2016

The possibility of using bioenergy as a climate change mitigation measure has sparked a discussion of whether and how bioenergy production contributes to sustainable development. We undertook a systematic review of the scientific literature to illuminate this relationship and found a limited scientific basis for policymaking. Our results indicate that knowledge on the sustainable development impacts of bioenergy production is concentrated in a few well‐studied countries, focuses on environmental and economic impacts, and mostly relates to dedicated agricultural biomass plantations. The scope and methodological approaches in studies differ widely and only a small share of the studies sufficiently reports on context and/or baseline conditions, which makes it difficult to get a general understanding of the attribution of impacts. Nevertheless, we identified regional patterns of positive or negative impacts for all categories – environmental, economic, institutional, social and technological. In general, economic and technological impacts were more frequently reported as positive, while social and environmental impacts were more frequently reported as negative (with the exception of impacts on direct substitution of GHG emission from fossil fuel). More focused and transparent research is needed to validate these patterns and develop a strong science underpinning for establishing policies and governance agreements that prevent/mitigate negative and promote positive impacts from bioenergy production.
Histopathology of breast cancer after magnetic resonance‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound and radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Knuttel Floortje M , Waaijer Laurien , Merckel Laura G , van den Bosch Maurice A A J , Witkamp Arjen J , Deckers Roel , van Diest Paul J
Published: January 2016

Aims

Magnetic resonance‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound (MR‐HIFU) ablation and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are being researched as possible substitutes for surgery in breast cancer patients. The histopathological appearance of ablated tissue has not been studied in great detail. This study aimed to compare histopathological features of breast cancer after MR‐HIFU ablation and RFA.

Methods and results

MR‐HIFU ablation and RFA were performed in‐ and ex‐vivo. Tumours in six mastectomy specimens were partially ablated with RFA or MR‐HIFU. In‐vivo MR‐HIFU ablation was performed 3–6 days before excision; RFA was performed in the operation room. Tissue was fixed in formalin and processed to haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and cytokeratin‐8 (CK‐8)‐stained slides. Morphology and cell viability were assessed. Ex‐vivo ablation resulted in clear morphological changes after RFA versus subtle differences after MR‐HIFU. CK‐8 staining was decreased or absent. H&E tended to underestimate the size of thermal damage. In‐vivo MR‐HIFU resulted in necrotic‐like changes. Surprisingly, some ablated lesions were CK‐8‐positive. Histopathology after in‐vivo RFA resembled ex‐vivo RFA, with hyper‐eosinophilic stroma and elongated nuclei. Lesion borders were sharp after MR‐HIFU and indistinct after RFA.

Conclusion

Histopathological differences between MR‐HIFU‐ablated tissue and RF‐ablated tissue were demonstrated. CK‐8 was more reliable for cell viability assessment than H&E when used directly after ablation, while H&E was more reliable in ablated tissue left in situ for a few days. Our results contribute to improved understanding of histopathological features in breast cancer lesions treated with minimally invasive ablative techniques.
Mental health consumers' with medical co‐morbidity experience of the transition through tertiary medical services to primary care
Authors: Cranwell Kate , Polacsek Meg , McCann Terence V.
Published: January 2016

Medical comorbidity in people with long‐term mental illness is common and often undetected; however, these consumers frequently experience problems accessing and receiving appropriate treatment in public health‐care services. The aim of the present study was to understand the lived experience of mental health consumers with medical comorbidity and their carers transitioning through tertiary medical to primary care services. An interpretative, phenomenological analysis approach was used, and semistructured, video‐recorded, qualitative interviews were used with 12 consumers and four primary caregivers. Four main themes and related subthemes were abstracted from the data, highlighting consumer's and carers’ experience of transition through tertiary medical to primary care services: (i) accessing tertiary services is difficult and time consuming; (ii) contrasting experiences of clinician engagement and support; (iii) lack of continuity between tertiary medical and primary care services; and (iv) Mental Health Hospital Admission Reduction Programme (MH HARP) clinicians facilitating transition. Our findings have implications for organisational change, expanding the role of MH HARP clinicians (whose primary role is to provide consumers with intensive support and care coordination to prevent avoidable tertiary medical hospital use), and the employment of consumer and carer consultants in tertiary medical settings, especially emergency departments.
Exploring the role of content knowledge in teacher design conversations
Authors: Boschman F. , McKenney S. , Pieters J. , Voogt J.
Published: January 2016

This study investigated the role of content knowledge in conversations of kindergarten teachers during collaborative curriculum design of learning material for technology‐enhanced learning. Two teams of teachers received support from an early literacy expert during these design activities. Resulting conversations were analyzed on technological pedagogical content knowledge, explicated reasoning, and the contributions of expert support. This study found that in explicating content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge, teachers set goals and deliberated on strategies and activities that would be most appropriate for their students. Technological content knowledge and technological pedagogical content knowledge were explicated most during deliberations on practical concerns; these mainly revolved around optimizing the affordances of technology. This study contributes to understanding and supporting the pedagogical design capacity of teachers.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Relieves Intractable Angina Due to Exercise‐Induced Left Bundle Branch Block Without Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction: A Detailed Case Study
Authors: CZURIGA DANIEL , LIM PITT O.
Published: January 2016

Exercise‐Induced Left Bundle Branch Block Related Angina

Exercise‐induced left bundle branch block is rare and can be demonstrated with exercise testing. When the heart rate reaches a certain threshold, the QRS widens into left bundle branch block. This paper describes a patient with exercise‐induced left bundle branch block related angina and dyspnea, who responded to cardiac resynchronization therapy. We documented the potential benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy with a left ventricular rapid pacing study prior to its implantation. Although exercise‐induced left bundle branch block is not a current indication for cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients such as ours, it could be considered when conventional drug therapy fails.
Spatial Relationship of Focal Impulses, Rotors and Low Voltage Zones in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SCHADE ANJA , NENTWICH KARIN , COSTELLO‐BOERRIGTER LISA C. , HALBFASS PHILIPP , MUELLER PATRICK , ROOS MARKUS , BARTH SEBASTIAN , KRUG JOACHIM , SZOELLOESI GEZA‐ATILLA , LAPP HARALD , DENEKE THOMAS
Published: January 2016

Relationship of Rotors and Low Voltage Zones

Introduction

Focal impulses (FI) and rotors are sources associated with the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Their ablation results in a lower recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to characterize for the first time the spatial relationship between such sources and atrial low voltage zones (LVZ) representing fibrosis.

Methods

Twenty‐five consecutive patients undergoing their first ablation for persistent AF were included. Voltage mapping of both atria was done during AF. Endocardial mapping of FI and rotors (sources) was performed using a basket catheter and displayed using RhythmViewTM (Topera Inc.) before ablation. Spatial relationship of LVZ and sources was analyzed.

Results

LVZs covered 13 ± 12% of right atrial (RA) endocardial surface and 33 ± 25% of left atrial (LA) endocardial surface. The median number of sources was 1 [1–3] in RA and 3 [1–4] in LA. Of LA sources, 18 (30%) were definitely not associated with LVZs or pulmonary vein (PV) antra. Of RA sources, 32 (84%) were remote from LVZ. During ablation of such sources substantial cycle length (CL) prolongation or AF conversion occurred in 11/23 patients (48%). Altogether, 8/11 (73%) of these pertinent sources were located remotely from LVZ and PV antra.

Conclusions

There is a wide discrepancy in distribution of LVZ areas and sites of identified rotors. Site and incidence of FIRM sources appear to be unpredictable with atrial substrate mapping. Further prospective, randomized studies are necessary to elucidate the impact of additional ablation of such sources in patients with persistent or longstanding persistent AF.
Effect of Intensive Salt‐Restriction Education on Clinic, Home, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Levels in Treated Hypertensive Patients During a 3‐Month Education Period
Authors: Nakano Masahiro , Eguchi Kazuo , Sato Toshiko , Onoguchi Atsuko , Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: January 2016

The authors tested the hypothesis that low‐salt diet education by nutritionists would lower blood pressure (BP) levels in treated hypertensive patients. The amount of urinary salt excretion and clinic, home, and ambulatory BP values at baseline and at 3 months were measured in 95 patients with hypertension. After randomization to a nutritional education group (E group, n=51) or a control group (C group, n=44), the C group received conventional salt‐restriction education and the E group received intensive nutritional education aimed at salt restriction to 6 g/d by nutritionists. From baseline to the end of the study, 24‐hour urinary sodium excretion was significantly lowered in the E group compared with the C group (6.8±2.9 g/24 h vs 8.6±3.4 g/24 h, P<.01). Morning home systolic BP tended to be lowered in the E group (P=.051), and ambulatory 24‐hour systolic BP was significantly lowered in the E group (−4.5±1.3 mm Hg) compared with the C group (2.8±1.3 mm Hg, P<.001). Intensive nutritional education by nutritionists was shown to be effective in lowering BP in treated hypertensive patients.
Impact of Career Paths on MEPs’ Activities
Authors: van Geffen Robert
Published: January 2016

The increasing powers of the European Parliament in recent decades have made it a more attractive institution for ambitious politicians keen to build their political career in the EU's multi‐level system. A key contribution to the debate about the career paths of MEPs is made by Scarrow (). Her work, which identified three different career paths taken by MEPs, has been widely cited and used as a basis for other studies on this topic. Building on Scarrow's work, this paper describes two additional categories of MEPs – former national politicians and ‘one‐off’ MEPs – and links MEPs’ careers with their activities in Parliament. It finds that over and above the factors that have previously been identified as influential on an MEP's behaviour, his or her career path and ambitions are relevant in explaining certain legislative behaviour across Member States and party groups.
Annual Research Review: Neural contributions to risk‐taking in adolescence – developmental changes and individual differences
Authors: Crone Eveline A. , van Duijvenvoorde Anna C. K. , Peper Jiska S.
Published: January 2016

Background

Risk‐taking, which involves voluntary choices for behaviors where outcomes remain uncertain, undergoes considerable developmental changes during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. In addition, risk‐taking is thought to be a key element of many externalizing disorders, such as ADHD, delinquency, conduct disorder, and substance abuse. In this review, we will discuss the potential adaptive and nonadaptive properties of risk‐taking in childhood and adolescence.

Findings

We propose that the changes in brain architecture and function are a crucial element underlying these developmental trajectories. We first identify how subcortical and cortical interactions are important for understanding risk‐taking behavior in adults. Next, we show how developmental changes in this network underlie changes in risk‐taking behavior. Finally, we explore how these differences can be important for understanding externalizing behavioral disorders in childhood and adolescence.

Conclusions

We conclude that longitudinal studies are of crucial importance for understanding these developmental trajectories, and many of these studies are currently underway.
Annual Research Review: Discovery science strategies in studies of the pathophysiology of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders ‐ promises and limitations
Authors: Zhao Yihong , Castellanos F. Xavier
Published: January 2016

Background

Psychiatric science remains descriptive, with a categorical nosology intended to enhance interobserver reliability. Increased awareness of the mismatch between categorical classifications and the complexity of biological systems drives the search for novel frameworks including discovery science in Big Data. In this review, we provide an overview of incipient approaches, primarily focused on classically categorical diagnoses such as schizophrenia (SZ), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but also reference convincing, if focal, advances in cancer biology, to describe the challenges of Big Data and discovery science, and outline approaches being formulated to overcome existing obstacles.

Findings

A paradigm shift from categorical diagnoses to a domain/structure‐based nosology and from linear causal chains to complex causal network models of brain–behavior relationship is ongoing. This (r)evolution involves appreciating the complexity, dimensionality, and heterogeneity of neuropsychiatric data collected from multiple sources (‘broad’ data) along with data obtained at multiple levels of analysis, ranging from genes to molecules, cells, circuits, and behaviors (‘deep’ data). Both of these types of Big Data landscapes require the use and development of robust and powerful informatics and statistical approaches. Thus, we describe Big Data analysis pipelines and the promise and potential limitations in using Big Data approaches to study psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions

We highlight key resources available for psychopathological studies and call for the application and development of Big Data approaches to dissect the causes and mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders and identify corresponding biomarkers for early diagnosis.
Comparisons of body sizes at sexual maturity and at sex change in the parrotfishes of Hawaii: input needed for management regulations and stock assessments
Authors: DeMartini E. E. , Howard K. G.
Published: January 2016

First estimates of sex allocation patterns and body size‐at‐sexual maturity and at protogynous sex change are presented for the five major (including one endemic) species of parrotfishes of Hawaii. Median body size at initial maturation as a female (LM50) and at protogynous sex change from adult female to adult male (LΔ50) varied greatly among the five species. Estimates of LM50 were about 14, 17, 24, 34 and 35 cm fork length (LF) in palenose Scarus psittacus, Pacific bullethead Chlorurus spilurus, stareye Calotomus carolinus, spectacled Chlorurus perspicillatus and redlip parrotfish Scarus rubroviolaceus. Values of LΔ50 were c. 23, 27, 37, 46 and 47 cm LF in the respective species. Length at female maturation was proportional to maximum body size (Lmax) of the respective species, ranging from 50 to 72% and averaging 62% of Lmax across species. LΔ50 was also proportional to Lmax, ranging from 82 to 97% and averaging 92%. Males of both pairs of Scarus and Chlorurus spp. reported here are diandric. Only one of the five major species (C. carolinus) is functionally monandric, with either all or nearly all males secondarily derived from adult females. The broadly differing absolute body sizes at sexual maturation and at sex change among the five species have important implications for improving regulatory size limits for parrotfishes in the State of Hawaii, where parrotfish species have historically been managed based on a single minimum size limit of 30·5 cm LF. This study provides a model demonstration of why catch data for parrotfishes, and other size‐structured reef‐fish populations, should be recorded either by species or by functional size‐groups of species that allow setting more meaningful minimum size limits.
Fish species from a micro‐tidal delta in the Caribbean Sea
Authors: Correa‐Herrera T. , Jiménez‐Segura L. F. , Barletta M.
Published: January 2016

A total of 66 fish species belonging to 32 families were recorded between November 2012 and April 2014 in the southern arm of the delta to the Atrato River. Total length (LT; range: 1·7–48 cm), total mass (MT), LT and MT relationships (b values ranged from 1·8 to 3·7, mostly with negative allometric growth), and LT frequency (for 25 species) were estimated for freshwater, estuarine and marine species. LT and MT of Porichthys pauciradiatus and Membras argentea are given for the first time and maximum LT records for 14 species exceed those in the literature.
Experiencing Couple Relationships in the Line of Fire
Authors: Shamai Michal , Fogel Saray , Gilad Dvorit
Published: January 2016

The study aims to explore the way civilians living in the line of fire experience the impact of exposure to warfare on their couple relationships. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 couples living on the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip. Four themes emerged: Overall perception of the security situation's impact on the dyadic relationships, dyadic intimacy, role division and decision‐making, and Couple's emotional coping: partnership versus separateness. The findings were organized along a continuum between impacted and not‐impacted relationships. Couple's position on this continuum was not fixed and could change as a result of to the security situation or marital therapy. The findings were framed in concepts from Dialectic Theory and from the Family Adaptation Models. Implications for couple therapy in these situations were specified.
Associations among temporomandibular disorders, chronic neck pain and neck pain disability in computer office workers: a pilot study
Authors: Bragatto M. M. , Bevilaqua‐Grossi D. , Regalo S. C. H. , Sousa J. D. , Chaves T. C.
Published: January 2016

Neck pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint among computer office workers. There are several reports about the coexistence of neck pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, there are no studies investigating this association in the context of work involving computers. The purpose of this study was to verify the association between TMD and neck pain in computer office workers. Fifty‐two female computer workers who were divided into two groups: (i) those with self‐reported chronic neck pain and disability (WNP) (n = 26) and (ii) those without self‐reported neck pain (WONP) (n = 26), and a control group (CG) consisting of 26 women who did not work with computers participated in this study. Clinical assessments were performed to establish a diagnosis of TMD, and craniocervical mechanical pain was assessed using manual palpation and pressure pain threshold (PPT). The results of this study showed that the WNP group had a higher percentage of participants with TMD than the WONP group (42·30% vs. 23·07%, χ2 = 5·70, P = 0·02). PPTs in all cervical sites were significantly lower in the groups WNP and WONP compared to the CG. Regression analysis revealed TMD, neck pain and work‐related factors to be good predictors of disability (R2 = 0·93, P < 0·001). These results highlighted the importance of considering the work conditions of patients with TMD, as neck disability in computer workers is explained by the association among neck pain, TMD and unfavourable workplace conditions. Consequently, this study attempted to emphasise the importance of considering work activity for minimising neck pain‐related disability.
Adenosine triphosphate inhibits melatonin synthesis in the rat pineal gland
Authors: Souza‐Teodoro Luis Henrique , Dargenio‐Garcia Letícia , Petrilli‐Lapa Camila Lopes , Souza Ewerton da Silva , Fernandes Pedro A. C. M. , Markus Regina P. , Ferreira Zulma S.
Published: January 2016

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is released onto the pinealocyte, along with noradrenaline, from sympathetic neurons and triggers P2Y1 receptors that enhance β‐adrenergic‐induced N‐acetylserotonin (NAS) synthesis. Nevertheless, the biotransformation of NAS into melatonin, which occurs due to the subsequent methylation by acetylserotonin O‐methyltransferase (ASMT; EC 2.1.1.4), has not yet been evaluated in the presence of purinergic stimulation. We therefore evaluated the effects of purinergic signaling on melatonin synthesis induced by β‐adrenergic stimulation. ATP increased NAS levels, but, surprisingly, inhibited melatonin synthesis in an inverse, concentration‐dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that enhanced NAS levels, which depend on phospholipase C (PLC) activity (but not the induction of gene transcription), are a post‐translational effect. By contrast, melatonin reduction is related to an ASMT inhibition of expression at both the gene transcription and protein levels. These results were independent of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐kB) translocation. Neither the P2Y1 receptor activation nor the PLC‐mediated pathway was involved in the decrease in melatonin, indicating that ATP regulates pineal metabolism through different mechanisms. Taken together, our data demonstrate that purinergic signaling differentially modulates NAS and melatonin synthesis and point to a regulatory role for ATP as a cotransmitter in the control of ASMT, the rate‐limiting enzyme in melatonin synthesis. The endogenous production of melatonin regulates defense responses; therefore, understanding the mechanisms involving ASMT regulation might provide novel insights into the development and progression of neurological disorders since melatonin presents anti‐inflammatory, neuroprotective, and neurogenic effects.