bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimorphism of right–left asymmetry in the female genitalia of the brachypterous grasshopper Parapodisma mikado (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Shimizu Daisuke , Sugano Yoshikazu C. , Tsuchiya‐Suzuki Kaori , Ito Gen , Akimoto Shin‐ichi
Published: July 2016

Several insects exhibit morphological asymmetry in the mouthparts or genitalia. In a part of species with asymmetric genitalia, two mirror‐image forms of the genitalia are reported to occur in a population. This dimorphism, called chiral dimorphism, is usually observed in male genitalia, but its examples in female genitalia are very limited. Here, we report that the females of the brachypterous grasshopper Parapodisma mikado are equipped with an asymmetric sclerite in the copulatory bursa, and that two mirror‐image forms of the sclerite occur in local populations. This dimorphism was detected in all of seven populations examined, and the ratio of the two forms was approximately 2:1 for the right : left forms. In one population, the ratio of the two forms did not vary among three consecutive years. Thus, chiral dimorphism in the female genitalia is kept almost constant spatiotemporally. Mating experiments indicated that the direction of female genitalia did not affect the direction to which the males twist their abdomen (right or left side) during mating or the duration of mating. We propose two hypotheses, a neutral developmental mechanism and sexual conflict, for the maintenance of chiral dimorphism in the genitalia of P. mikado females.
Free Amino Acids Mediate Association Preferences in Fish
Authors: Kleinhappel Tanja K. , Burman Oliver H. P. , John Elizabeth A. , Wilkinson Anna , Pike Thomas W.
Published: July 2016

Chemical information is used in a variety of contexts including habitat recognition, foraging and predator avoidance, and a plethora of studies have shown that an individual's distinct chemical profile can mediate interactions with conspecifics. Interestingly, recent work has revealed that diet alone is sufficient to change the chemical profile of individuals, and with it, the way other individuals perceive and interact with them. Free amino acids are known to be utilised across species in a range of contexts, including during predator–prey and host–parasite interactions, and have been widely postulated to underpin diet‐mediated social interactions, especially in fish. However, so far no empirical evidence has been presented to support this suggestion. Using an established behavioural assay in three‐spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), we aimed to assess association preferences in groups of fish fed experimental diets which differed by a single free amino acid. Our results demonstrate that free amino acids alone are sufficient to mediate interindividual association preferences, raising the possibility that such a mechanism may be widespread among aquatic animals.
Does Interspecific Eavesdropping Promote Aerial Aggregations in European Pipistrelle Bats During Autumn?
Authors: Voigt‐Heucke Silke L. , Zimmer Stefanie , Kipper Silke
Published: July 2016

Eavesdropping is a widespread strategy to optimize decision‐making. Bats are interesting models for investigating acoustic information transfer, as they possess a broad vocalization repertoire of echolocation and social calls. Yet, the knowledge of the extent to which eavesdropping plays a role in bat communication is scarce. Here, we examined the vocal and spatial activity patterns of three congeneric bat species (Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. pygmaeus, P. nathusii, hereafter called pipistrelles) during autumn – their migration and mating season. We hypothesized that pipistrelles utilize information of conspecifics and congenerics to localize stopover sites for mating or other information purposes during migration. We found that bats formed small multispecies aggregations on the wing, suggesting interspecific eavesdropping on feeding buzzes and/or courtship calls could occur among these species. Pipistrelles produced similar proportions of feeding buzzes and social calls at aggregation sites. To test whether pipistrelles respond to the courtship vocalizations of conspecifics and congenerics, we conducted a playback experiment with P. pipistrellus where we presented courtship vocalizations of the three pipistrelle species and as a control, a motif of the noctule bat's song (Nyctalus noctula). Pipistrellus pipistrellus decreased the rate of social calls in response to the broadcast of songs of P. nathusii, yet they tended to increase the rate in response to the playback of their own species. We conclude that interspecific eavesdropping occurs at least between P. pipistrellus and P. nathusii and might thus favour the formation of multispecies aggregations. Our findings provide novel insights into the social behaviour and interspecific communication of a bat community during the season of migration and mating.
Environmental Parasitism Risk and Host Infection Status Affect Patch Use in Foraging Wild Mice
Authors: Hou Ching‐Ho , Shaner Pei‐Jen L. , Hsiao Chun‐Jui , Lin Yu‐Teh K.
Published: July 2016

Foraging host individuals can defend against fecal–orally transmitted parasites by avoiding feces‐contaminated patches, which has been widely documented among ungulates. However, it remains unclear whether smaller‐sized hosts (e.g., mice), with their high metabolism and constant needs for energy acquisition, can afford the same behavioral strategy. In this study, we used laboratory and field experiments to test whether feces‐contaminated patches are avoided by the Taiwan field mice Apodemus semotus. In the laboratory experiment, wild‐caught mice whose parasitic infection was not manipulated were given two options to forage from feces‐contaminated and uncontaminated patches. These naturally infected mice spent less time in feces‐contaminated than uncontaminated patches. In the field experiment, we reduced gastrointestinal parasite load of randomly chosen mice via anthelmintic treatment. Whereas the untreated mice did not discriminate among food patches with different levels of parasitism risk (i.e., high‐ or low‐risk patches containing conspecific feces of high or low parasite egg counts, no‐feces patches containing no feces), the treated mice spent less time in feces‐contaminated patches than in no‐feces patches. Similar to the larger‐sized ungulates, we demonstrated here that small mammals can also exhibit fecal‐avoidance foraging. Furthermore, such behavior may be influenced by both environmental parasitism risk and host infection status, which has implications in host–parasite transmission dynamics, namely the selective use of uncontaminated patches by the less‐infected (treated) mice may drive parasites to aggregate within the infected portion of a host population.
Prospective cohort study evaluating risk factors for the development of pasture‐associated laminitis in the United Kingdom
Authors: Menzies‐Gow N. J. , Harris P. A. , Elliott J.
Published: July 2016

Background

Certain individuals appear to be predisposed to recurrent pasture‐associated laminitis. Previous studies have predominantly investigated risk factors only after disease occurrence.

Objectives

To investigate risk factors for pasture‐associated laminitis prior to disease occurrence.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Non‐laminitic ponies aged ≥7 years were recruited. Body condition score (BCS), height, weight, crest height and thickness were measured and an overnight dexamethasone suppression test performed. Plasma or serum adiponectin, leptin, triglyceride, basal insulin, insulin post‐dexamethasone, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1),IGFbinding protein 1 (IGFBP‐1),IGFBP‐3, C‐reactive protein, von Willebrand's factor, soluble E‐selectin and P‐selectin concentrations were assayed. Follow‐up data were obtained from owners annually for 3 years to ascertain occurrences of veterinarian‐diagnosed pasture‐associated laminitis. Data were analysed by multivariate logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was performed for significant risk factors and cut‐off values determined.

Results

A total of 446 animals with a median (interquartile range) age of 15 (10–20) years were recruited. Of these, 50.4% were mares and 49.6% were geldings. The most common breeds were Welsh (36.4%), Shetland (17.0%) and cob (9.4%). Overall, 72.2% of animals were overweight/obese (BCS7–9/9), 27.3% were of ideal weight (BCS4–6/9) and 0.5% were underweight (BCS1–3/9). After 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively, 18 (4.0%), 30 (6.7%) and 44 (9.9%) animals were reported to have had laminitis. Plasma adiponectin, and serum basal (insulin) and (insulin) post‐dexamethasone levels were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) associated with laminitis occurrence cumulatively after 1, 2 and 3 years. Use of the area under theROCcurves to distinguish animals that did and did not develop laminitis showed good (basal [insulin] after 1 year), fair (all others) or poor ([insulin] post‐dexamethasone) levels of accuracy.

Main limitations

Animals were evaluated at a single time point and biomarkers were assayed using single assays.

Conclusions

Risk factors for future laminitis prior to disease occurrence include low plasma adiponectin and high serum basal insulin or insulin post‐dexamethasone concentrations.
Precarious Investments and Blame Gaming – Adverse Effects and the Inherent Danger of Simplification
Authors: Gårseth‐Nesbakk Levi , Kjærland Frode
Published: July 2016

This blame game study reports on attempts by eight municipalities to recover money in the wake of financial losses resulting from the financial crisis. Actor‐network theory helps unravel which actors were involved in creating the blame game and those who were mobilized to facilitate it, which resulted in judicial losses and substantial advisory service fees. The evidence suggests that punctualization can be costly when dealing with precarious investments and engaging in blame gaming, as simplifications might evoke adverse effects. Contributions relate to group formation and the use of experts in blame gaming and addressing related strategies as heterogeneous network effects.
Solution structure of the microtubule‐targeting COS domain of MID1
Authors: Wright Katharine M. , Du Haijuan , Dagnachew Mesgana , Massiah Michael A.
Published: July 2016

The human MID1 protein is required for the proper development during embryogenesis. Mutations of MID1 are associated with X‐linked Opitz G syndrome, characterized by midline anomalies. MID1 associates with the microtubules and functions as an ubiquitin E3 ligase, targeting protein phosphatase 2A for ubiquitin‐mediated regulation. The mechanism of microtubule association is not known. Recently, a 60‐amino acid region termed the C‐terminal subgroup One Signature (COS) box/domain was identified at the C‐terminal end of the coiled‐coil (CC) domain that facilitates microtubule localization. Insertion of the MID1 COS domain at the C‐terminal end of the CC domain of a nonmicrotubule‐associated TRIM protein confers microtubule localization. Here, we report the solution structure of the COS domain of MID1. The domain adopts a helix‐loop‐helix structure in which the N‐ and C‐terminal ends are in close proximity. Hydrophobic residues stabilizing the interaction of the two α‐helices form a central hydrophobic core. The loop separating the α‐helices is structured, with two of its hydrophobic residues making contact with the central core. On the outer surface, positively charged residues form a distinct basic patch near the termini that we postulate is important for microtubule binding. A model of the structure of the preceding coiled‐coil and COS domains (CC‐COS) show that the COS domain forms a helical bundle at the C‐terminal end of the CC domain similar to the spectrin‐like fold observed with some known microtubule‐binding proteins. Interestingly, the CC‐COS domains bind to microtubules, demonstrating for the first time that MID1 can directly associate with the microtubules.

Database

Structural data are available in PDB database under the accession number 5IM8.
Effects of tagging on migration behaviour, survival and growth of hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon smolts
Authors: Huusko R. , Huusko A. , Mäki‐Petäys A. , Orell P. , Erkinaro J.
Published: July 2016

The effects of four different tagging methods (PIT, anchor T‐tag, Carlin tag and dummy radio transmitter) on survival, behaviour and growth of Atlantic salmon smolts during their downstream migration were examined in semi‐natural circular channels during a natural migration period in spring. Survival of smolts was high and tagging wounds healed well in all tagging groups. Tag loss rates were generally low, being the highest (2.5%) in the dummy radio transmitter group. Total length and body mass of the tagged and untagged smolts did not differ at the end of the experiment. Migration activity of smolts generally showed similar patterns among the treatments. However, Carlin‐tagged smolts started their migration slightly later than the PIT‐tagged fish, and smolts tagged with Carlin tag or dummy radio transmitter showed less overall migration activity than fish with PIT tag.
TargetingID2expression triggers a more differentiated phenotype and reduces aggressiveness in human salivary gland cancer cells
Authors: Sumida Tomoki , Ishikawa Akiko , Nakano Hiroyuki , Yamada Tomohiro , Mori Yoshihide , Desprez Pierre‐Yves
Published: July 2016

Inhibitors of DNA‐binding (ID) proteins are negative regulators of basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors and generally stimulate cell proliferation and inhibit differentiation. We previously determined thatID1was highly expressed in aggressive salivary gland cancer (SGC) cells in culture. Here, we show thatID2is also expressed in aggressive SGC cells.ID2knockdown triggers important changes in cell behavior,that is, it significantly reduces the expression of N‐cadherin, vimentin and Snail, induces E‐cadherin expression and leads to a more differentiated phenotype exemplified by changes in cell shape. Moreover,ID2knockdown almost completely suppresses invasion and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9. In conclusion,ID2expression maintains an aggressive phenotype in SGC cells, andID2repression triggers a reduction in cell aggressiveness.ID2therefore represents a potential therapeutic target during SGC progression. ID proteins are negative regulators of basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors and generally stimulate cell proliferation and inhibit differentiation. ID2 knockdown triggers important changes in cell behavior, that is, it significantly reduces the expression of N‐cadherin, vimentin and Snail, induces E‐cadherin expression and leads to a more differentiated phenotype exemplified by changes in cell shape. ID2 therefore represents a potential therapeutic target during SGC progression.
Prevalence of hypothyroidism and thyroid nodule in chronic hemodialysis Iranian patients
Authors: Pakfetrat Maryam , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , Karimi Zahed , Rasekhi Alireza , Malekmakan Leila , Hossein Nikoo Mohammad
Published: July 2016

Introduction: End stage renal disease (ESRD) reasons several changes in the function of thyroid gland as; lower levels of thyroid hormones, altered hormone metabolism, and increased iodine storage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of nodular goiter and hypothyroidism in hemodialysis (HD) patients compared with normal population. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted among HD patients and healthy people as the control group for thyroid function evaluation. Thyroid gland was evaluated by physical examination and ultrasonography. Blood level of FT3, FT4, TSH, TPO Ab, and urinary iodine excretion were checked in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS‐17 and P‐value less than 0.05 was considered as the significance level. Findings: Eighty six HD patients (57.2 ± 17.2 mean age, 48 men) and 86 healthy people (56.6 ± 16.8 mean age, 48 men) were enrolled in this study. Goiter was confirmed by physical examination in 29.0% of the HD patients and 12.8% of the control group (P = 0.04). Nodular goiter that was shown by ultrasonography was found in 27.9% and 3.5% of the HD and control groups, respectively (P = 0.01). HD patients had a higher frequency of reduced FT3 (40.9% vs. 4.6%, P < 0.01) and increased TSH (18.6% vs. 8.1%, P < 0.03(. TPO Ab was positive in 15.1% of the HD and 11.6% of the control groups (P = 0.14). Discussion: The high incidence of nodular goiter and hypothyroidism in ESRD patients shows that screening for thyroid dysfunction and goiter, using appropriate laboratory tests, should be considered in evaluations of ESRD patients.
The Utility of Scandal: Examples across Disciplines from Europe and India
Authors: Cohen Benjamin B.
Published: July 2016

Historians and sociologists of Europe have explored the role of events, incidents, and scandals in time. Yet, historians of India have less explored the study of scandal. The reason for this is the relative dominance of certain topics – colonial subjugation, the nationalist movement, independence, and partition of the subcontinent – among historians of India. However, scandals in particular – and events and incidents more generally – offer scholars insight and utility into particular times and places.
Misgendering and Its Moral Contestability
Authors: Julia Kapusta Stephanie
Published: July 2016

In this article, I consider the harms inflicted upon transgender persons through “misgendering,” that is, such deployments of gender terms that diminish transgender persons' self‐respect, limit the discursive resources at their disposal to define their own gender, and cause them microaggressive psychological harms. Such deployments are morally contestable, that is, they can be challenged on ethical or political grounds. Two characterizations of “woman” proposed in the feminist literature are critiqued from this perspective. When we consider what would happen to transgender women upon the broad implementation of these characterizations within transgender women's social context, we discover that they suffer from two defects: they either exclude at least some transgender women, or else they implicitly foster hierarchies among women, marginalizing transgender women in particular. In conclusion, I claim that the moral contestability of gender‐term deployments acts as a stimulus to regularly consider the provisionality and revisability of our deployments of the term “woman.”
Gender Justice v. The “Invisible Hand” of Gender Bias in Law and Society
Authors: Beaumont Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

How does so much gender inequality endure in an era when many laws and policies endorse principles of gender equality? This essay examines this dilemma by considering Susan Moller Okin's criticism of “false gender neutrality,” research on implicit bias, and the shifting relation of gender bias to American law. I argue that these are crucial elements of the modern cycle of gender inequality, enabling it to operate through a perverse “invisible‐hand” mechanism. This framework helps convey how underlying gender bias influences individual behaviors that generate, legitimate, and mask broad patterns of inequality. Contemporary legal conflicts reflect many of these dynamics, which appear in controversies over gender‐based violence (U.S. v. Morrison 2000), gender discrimination in pay and promotion (Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire 2007), and women's reproductive health care benefits (Burwell v. Hobby Lobby 2014). This analysis advances our understanding of how the contemporary cycle of gender inequality operates, the complex links between individual behavior and structural bias, and the difficulty of pursuing gender justice through prevailing frameworks of law and liberalism. It also underscores the continued importance of feminists' collective work to address “invisible” as well as visible biases.
Witnessing Animal Others: Bearing Witness, Grief, and the Political Function of Emotion
Authors: Gillespie Kathryn
Published: July 2016

This article theorizes the politics of witnessing and grief in the context of the embodied experience of cows raised for dairy in the Pacific Northwestern United States. Bearing witness to the mundane features of dairy production and their impact on cows' physical and emotional worlds enables us to understand the violence of commodification and the political dimensions of witnessing the suffering of an Other. I argue that greater attention should be paid to the uneven hierarchies of power in the act of bearing witness. Centering the animal as a subject of witnessing allows us to see with particular clarity the ethical ambiguities at work in witnessing while at the same time attending to the importance of witnessing‐as‐politics. My project here is to lay bare moments of emotional and physical turmoil not seen as such—the lives that are rendered ungrievable—and examine how we can and should respond to them. Thus, this article contributes to feminist conversations about witnessing, grief, and the political function of emotion.
How intervention can empower children as consumers in dealing with advertising
Authors: del Mar Pàmies Maria , Ryan Gerard , Valverde Mireia
Published: July 2016

In today's society, children are surrounded by advertising. Within this context, this paper presents a set of activities designed to make children aware of various marketing tactics, mainly related to advertising, so that they become empowered to make informed consumer choices. The design of the intervention and the evaluation of its effectiveness make a number of contributions to current research. Firstly, teachers carried out the activities, a role traditionally assigned to parents or researchers in previous literature. Secondly, we broaden the scope of indicators measuring the effectiveness of the activities by including the evaluation of changes not only in advertising literacy, but also in attitudes towards advertising and in children's behaviours. Results show the effectiveness of the intervention in preparing children to better deal with advertising. Suggestions for further research and the design of this type of interventions are presented.
How has the Relevance of Institutional Brokerage Changed?
Authors: Fong Kingsley Y. L. , Foster F. Douglas , Gallagher David R. , Lee Adrian D.
Published: July 2016

Institutional brokerage rates have been in decline. We investigate whether this reduction has coincided with a fall in benefits provided by brokers to institutional asset managers. We use trade packages from both active and passive equity funds from 1995 to 2001 and active equity funds from 2002 to 2010. We find that later period active funds recoup a combined 1.75 basis point benefit (from price impact cost recovery and short‐term alpha) per basis point of brokerage cost. Later period active investors saw improved trade price impact and shorter‐term alpha net benefits, relative to earlier period active investors. These results are robust after controlling for trade characteristics and cross‐sectional variation over time. Our findings suggest that brokers innovate to provide valuable services in the subsequent, lower brokerage environment.
Fiduciary Duties and Moral Blackmail
Authors: Keller Simon
Published: July 2016

In meeting legal or professional fiduciary obligations, a fiduciary can sometimes come to share a special moral relationship with her beneficiary. Special moral relationships produce special moral obligations. Sometimes the obligations faced by a fiduciary as a result of her moral relationship with her beneficiary go beyond the obligations involved in the initial fiduciary relationship. How such moral obligations develop is sometimes under the control of the beneficiary, or of an outside party. As a result, the fiduciary can be the target of a distinctive kind of moral manipulation; it is sometimes possible to force a fiduciary to perform a particular act by placing her into circumstances under which she is morally obliged to perform it, because all her other options are morally unacceptable. This is moral blackmail. Moral blackmail is a powerful force within many sorts of human interactions. By understanding the ways in which fiduciaries become vulnerable to moral blackmail, we can better understand the pressures faced by fiduciaries in keeping their personal and professional lives separate, the dynamics of certain kinds of employment negotiations, and the injustice that results when women take on the bulk of the work within caring professions.
SPRINT: The Study Nephrologists Might Take With a Grain of Salt
Authors: Covic Adrian , Apetrii Mugurel , Goldsmith David , Kanbay Mehmet
Published: July 2016

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience several comorbidities, one of the most important being cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). For example, patients with stage IIIa/b CKD are more likely to die from CVD than to survive to reach end‐stage renal disease. Management of hypertension, a major determinant of CV outcomes and progressive renal dysfunction, remains elusively controversial in the CKD population. In an effort to clarify this, the National Institutes of Health–funded Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) compared the traditional systolic 140 mm Hg goal with a more aggressive systolic goal of 120 mm Hg in a cohort of nondiabetic patients at elevated CV risk. SPRINT showed statistically significant reductions in combined CV events across all prespecified subgroups, including patients with CKD. However, SPRINT did not systematically include CKD patients, and the CKD data are merely offered as a convenience sampling. This directly limits external generalizability to CKD patients since only approximately 30% of SPRINT patients in the 120 mm Hg arm had CKD. SPRINT reaffirms the need for blood pressure control, especially in CKD patients, but is not a sufficient standalone guideline for nephrologists treating CKD in the community. A SPRINT‐style study dedicated to the CKD population would be more appropriate if traditional CKD guidelines are to be challenged conclusively.
Prevention of Hospital‐Acquired Adverse Drug Reactions in Older People Using Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions and Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment Criteria: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: O'Connor Marie N. , O'Sullivan David , Gallagher Paul F. , Eustace Joseph , Byrne Stephen , O'Mahony Denis
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To determine whether use of the Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions (STOPP) and Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment (START) criteria reduces incident hospital‐acquired adverse drug reactions (ADRs), 28‐day medication costs, and median length of hospital stay in older adults admitted with acute illness.

Design

Single‐blind cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of unselected older adults hospitalized over a 13‐month period.

Setting

Tertiary referral hospital in southern Ireland.

Participants

Consecutively admitted individuals aged 65 and older (N = 732).

Intervention

Single time point presentation to attending physicians of potentially inappropriate medications according to the STOPP/START criteria.

Measurements

The primary outcome was the proportion of participants experiencing one or more ADRs during the index hospitalization. Secondary outcomes were median length of stay (LOS) and 28‐day total medication cost.

Results

One or more ADRs occurred in 78 of the 372 control participants (21.0%; median age 78, interquartile range (IQR) 72–84) and in 42 of the 360 intervention participants (11.7%; median age 80, IQR 73–85) (absolute risk reduction = 9.3%, number needed to treat = 11). The median LOS in the hospital was 8 days (IQR 4–14 days) in both groups. At discharge, median medication cost was significantly lower in the intervention group (€73.16, IQR €38.68–121.72) than in the control group (€90.62, IQR €49.38–162.53) (Wilcoxon rank test Z statistic = −3.274, P < .001).

Conclusion

Application of STOPP/START criteria resulted in significant reductions in ADR incidence and medication costs in acutely ill older adults but did not affect median LOS.
How does adenosine control neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration?
Authors: Cunha Rodrigo A.
Published: July 2016

The adenosine modulation system mostly operates through inhibitory A1 (A1R) and facilitatory A2A receptors (A2AR) in the brain. The activity‐dependent release of adenosine acts as a brake of excitatory transmission through A1R, which are enriched in glutamatergic terminals. Adenosine sharpens salience of information encoding in neuronal circuits: high‐frequency stimulation triggers ATP release in the ‘activated’ synapse, which is locally converted by ecto‐nucleotidases into adenosine to selectively activate A2AR; A2AR switch off A1R and CB1 receptors, bolster glutamate release and NMDA receptors to assist increasing synaptic plasticity in the ‘activated’ synapse; the parallel engagement of the astrocytic syncytium releases adenosine further inhibiting neighboring synapses, thus sharpening the encoded plastic change. Brain insults trigger a large outflow of adenosine and ATP, as a danger signal. A1R are a hurdle for damage initiation, but they desensitize upon prolonged activation. However, if the insult is near‐threshold and/or of short‐duration, A1R trigger preconditioning, which may limit the spread of damage. Brain insults also up‐regulate A2AR, probably to bolster adaptive changes, but this heightens brain damage since A2AR blockade affords neuroprotection in models of epilepsy, depression, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's disease. This initially involves a control of synaptotoxicity by neuronal A2AR, whereas astrocytic and microglia A2AR might control the spread of damage. The A2AR signaling mechanisms are largely unknown since A2AR are pleiotropic, coupling to different G proteins and non‐canonical pathways to control the viability of glutamatergic synapses, neuroinflammation, mitochondria function, and cytoskeleton dynamics. Thus, simultaneously bolstering A1R preconditioning and preventing excessive A2AR function might afford maximal neuroprotection.

image

The main physiological role of the adenosine modulation system is to sharp the salience of information encoding through a combined action of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) in the synapse undergoing an alteration of synaptic efficiency with an increased inhibitory action of A1R in all surrounding synapses. Brain insults trigger an up‐regulation of A2AR in an attempt to bolster adaptive plasticity together with adenosine release and A1R desensitization; this favors synaptotocity (increased A2AR) and decreases the hurdle to undergo degeneration (decreased A1R). Maximal neuroprotection is expected to result from a combined A2AR blockade and increased A1R activation.

This article is part of a mini review series: “Synaptic Function and Dysfunction in Brain Diseases”.
Australian general practice nurse's knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding influenza vaccination: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Smith Sarah , Sim Jenny , Halcomb Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Australian general practice nurses (GPNs) regarding influenza vaccination.

Background

Despite the evidence for the benefits of influenza vaccination, vaccination rates remain sub‐optimal. The knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses both affects vaccination rates and the advice given to consumers. Given their significant role in opportunistic and planned vaccinations, GPNs are in an optimal position to positively influence vaccination rates.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional survey was used.

Methods

GPNs were recruited by email to complete an online survey. The survey tool comprised the King's College Nurses' Influenza Vaccination Questionnaire and adapted demographic items. Data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics. Open‐ended questions were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Most of the 85 respondents had received the seasonal influenza vaccination in the last year (n = 67; 78·8%); fewer received the H1N1 vaccination (n = 54; 63·5%). Intention to receive vaccination was affected by previous vaccination. Those who had received the seasonal influenza vaccine in the last year had a higher total knowledge score. The seasonal and total influenza knowledge score was high, with lower scores on the H1N1 sub‐scale. A positive correlation was identified between influenza knowledge and risk perception.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the high level of knowledge amongst GPNs related to seasonal influenza, whilst identifying a knowledge deficit around the H1N1 items. It demonstrated that GPN's knowledge of seasonal influenza was related to vaccination status and risk perception. Further research is required to explore how this translates into the advice GPNs give to consumers.

Relevance to clinical practice

Influenza vaccination should be considered as a key topic for GPNs ongoing professional development. The evidence for links between education and vaccination uptake should encourage employers to facilitate opportunities for this training. Future efforts to increase vaccination uptake in nurses should promote the benefits of vaccination in protecting the individual rather than as a professional responsibility.
Cultural and Intellectual Openness Differentially Relate to Social Judgments of Potential Work Partners
Authors: Porter Caitlin M. , Parrigon Scott E. , Woo Sang Eun , Saef Rachel M. , Tay Louis
Published: July 2016

Objective

This study investigates the differential functioning of cultural and intellectual openness (the two aspects of Openness to Experience) in relation to social cognitive processes by examining how they influence people's perceptions and interpretations of social information when deciding to initiate working relationships.

Method

Using a policy‐capturing design, 681 adult participants were asked to rate their similarity to and preference to work with potential work partners characterized by varying nationalities and levels of work‐related competence. Multilevel moderated mediation was conducted to simultaneously evaluate whether the indirect effects of potential work partners’ characteristics (i.e., nationalities and levels of work‐related competence) on work partner preference through perceived similarity were moderated by cultural and intellectual openness.

Results

Perceived similarity mediated the relationships between work partner nationality and work‐related competence and participants’ work partner preferences. Furthermore, the negative indirect effect of work partner nationality on work partner preference via perceived similarity was attenuated by cultural openness, and the positive indirect effect of work partner work‐related competence on work partner preference via perceived similarity was strengthened by intellectual openness.

Conclusions

Cultural and intellectual openness may have distinct functions that influence how people perceive, evaluate, and appreciate social information when making social judgments.
Seasonal and decadal patterns in Discostella (Bacillariophyceae) species from bi‐weekly records of two boreal lakes (Experimental Lakes Area, Ontario, Canada)
Authors: Wiltse Brendan , Paterson Andrew M. , Findlay David L. , Cumming Brian F.
Published: July 2016

A recent rise in the relative abundance of Discostella species (D. stelligera and D. pseudostelligera) has been well documented from sedimentary diatom assemblages across the Northern Hemisphere. This unprecedented change over the last ~150 years has been linked to rises in atmospheric temperatures, changes in ice cover, and/or increases in thermal stability, among other factors. The bi‐weekly monitoring data from two boreal lakes at the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) in northwestern Ontario were analyzed across seasons (spring, summer, and fall) and decades (1970s–2000s). We found that Discostella species are primarily spring/early summer bloomers (i.e., late April to June) in these lakes and changes in concentrations of Discostella over time were most pronounced in the spring or early summer months. Increases in Discostella abundance over time may be linked to earlier ice‐off and a longer period of spring turnover, resulting from increased winter and spring temperatures. It is also possible that a trophic mismatch between the spring diatom bloom and zooplankton is occurring, thus reducing diatom loss rates, and resulting in greater overall abundance. Moreover, the spring dominance of Discostella in our study lakes occurred at a time of the year when nutrient concentrations were at their highest seasonally, suggesting that these taxa are neither limited directly by nutrients, nor responding to enhanced stratification during the summer months in these lakes.
Wnt activity is associated with cementum‐type transition
Authors: Bae C.‐H. , Choi H. , You H.‐K. , Cho E.‐S.
Published: July 2016

Background and Objective

Cellular and acellular cementum and the cells that form them are postulated to have different characteristics, and the relationship between these two tissues is not well understood. Based on the hypothesis that Wnt signaling is involved in the determination of cementum type, we examined Wnt activity along the tooth root and analyzed cementum formation in genetic mutant models.

Material and Methods

We generated mutant models with Wnt signaling upregulation (OCCatnblox(ex3)/+), downregulation (OCWlsfl/fl), and a compound mutant (Enpp1asj/asj;OCCatnblox(ex3)/+) to compare cementum apposition patterns of ectonucleotide diphosphatase/phosphodiesterase (Enpp1) mutant (Enpp1asj/asj). The analysis of structural morphology and histology was performed with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

The cementum type of upper apical region of tooth roots in the molar is altered from the cellular form at the initial stage to the acellular form at the late stage of cementum formation. However, the basal part of this apical region is not altered and retains cellular cementum characters with strong Wnt activity. In the genetic mutant models for Wnt upregulation, cellular cementum is formed at the cervical region instead of acellular cementum. However, Enpp1 mutant mice have clearly different characteristics with cellular‐type cementum even with dramatically increased cervical cementum matrix. In addition, we found that acellular‐type formation could be altered into cellular‐type formation by analyzing Wnt upregulation and compound mutant models.

Conclusions

Cementum type is not determined by its specific location and could be transformed with Wnt activity during cementum formation.
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection and the risk for diabetes: a community‐based prospective study
Authors: Lin Yu‐Ju , Shaw Tzun‐Wen G. , Yang Hwai‐I , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Jen Chin‐Lan , Wang Li‐Yu , Wong Kang‐Hsuan , Chan Soa‐Yu , Yuan Yong , L'Italien Gilber , Chen Chien‐Jen , Lee Mei‐Hsuan ,   the R.E.V.E.A.L.‐HCV Study Group
Published: July 2016

Background

The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the occurrence of type II diabetes remains controversial. Prospective studies are needed to assess its causal temporality.

Methods

A cohort of 21 559 adults enrolled from seven townships in Taiwan during 1991–1992 and followed till the end of 2010. Incident diabetes over a study time period from 2000 to 2010 was ascertained through computerized linkage with the National Health Insurance database and the National Death Certification profiles. Cox's proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Antibodies against HCV (anti‐HCV) were tested for all participants, and serum HCV RNA levels were measured for anti‐HCV seropositives.

Results

During 180 244 person‐years of follow‐up, there were 1917 incident diabetes cases recorded. The cumulative risk for diabetes was 10.9% for anti‐HCV seronegatives and 16.7% for anti‐HCV seropositives respectively. The HR for diabetes of anti‐HCV seropositivity was 1.53 (95% CI: 1.29–1.81) compared with anti‐HCV seronegatives after adjustment for risk predictors. The adjusted HRs were 1.63 (1.31–2.02) for anti‐HCV seropositives with positive HCV RNA compared to anti‐HCV seronegatives (P<.001).

Conclusion

Chronic HCV infection was associated with an increased risk for diabetes after adjustment for other risk predictors.
Role of Bladder Dysfunction in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Refractory to Alpha‐blocker Therapy: A Video‐urodynamic Analysis
Authors: JIANG Yuan‐Hong , LIAO Chun‐Hou , KUO Hann‐Chorng
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men result from a complex interplay of pathophysiology, including bladder and bladder outlet dysfunction. This study retrospectively analyzed bladder dysfunction in men with LUTS based on the results of video‐urodynamic studies (VUDS).

Methods

Male patients (aged ≥40 years), with LUTS and an International Prostate Symptom Score of 8 or more, who were refractory to alpha‐blocker treatment were retrospectively recruited and evaluated with VUDS and total prostate volume (TPV). Patients were further divided into subgroups of bladder dysfunction and bladder outlet dysfunction according to characteristic VUDS findings. Age, TPV and VUDS findings were compared among different subgroups.

Results

After VUDS, bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was only noted in 48.6% of men. Of patients, 919 of 2991 (30.7%) had bladder dysfunction including detrusor underactivity (DU, 5.1%), detrusor overactivity and inadequate contractility (DHIC, 5.3%), detrusor overactivity (DO, 17%) and hypersensitive bladder (HSB, 3.3%). In addition, 1941 (64.9%) had bladder outlet dysfunction including BOO + DO (33.8%), BOO alone (14.8%), and poor urethral sphincter relaxation (PRES, 16.3%). Among the 1519 patients with DO, 66.6% (1012) had BOO while, among 1454 patients with BOO, 69.5% (1010) had DO. Patients with DHIC, DU and DO were 5 years older than patients with HSB and normal men. TPV was significantly smaller in patients with DHIC, DU and DO as compared with BOO + DO.

Conclusion

Approximately one‐third of male LUTS was due to bladder dysfunction. A man older than 70 years with LUTS and TPV less than 30 mL usually indicates the presence of bladder dysfunction rather than BOO.
Comorbidities in difficult asthma are independent risk factors for frequent exacerbations, poor control and diminished quality of life
Authors: Tay Tunn Ren , Radhakrishna Naghmeh , Hore‐Lacy Fiona , Smith Catherine , Hoy Ryan , Dabscheck Eli , Hew Mark
Published: July 2016

Background and objective

Little is known about how comorbidities affect difficult asthma patients across different domains of asthma outcomes. We hypothesized that comorbidities in difficult asthma significantly influence asthma outcomes.

Methods

We analysed 90 consecutive patients who underwent systematic assessment at our hospital's difficult asthma clinic. Eight comorbidities were assessed in all patients. They were allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), gastroesophageal reflux disease, obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea, anxiety or depression, dysfunctional breathing (DB) and vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). Asthma outcomes examined were exacerbation frequency (≥3/year vs <3/year), asthma control using the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and quality of life using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Multivariate logistic regression was performed for dichotomous outcomes and linear regression for continuous outcomes. Analyses were adjusted for lung function and absolute blood eosinophils.

Results

Increasing BMI was an independent risk factor for exacerbations (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1–1.1, P = 0.042), lower ACT score (β coefficient: −0.25, 95% CI: −0.37 to −0.12, P < 0.001) and poorer AQLQ (β coefficient: −0.05, 95% CI: −0.09 to −0.02, P = 0.006). DB predicted lower ACT (β coefficient: −2.85, 95% CI: −5 to −0.7, P = 0.01) and AQLQ scores (β coefficient: −0.73, 95% CI: −1.34 to −0.12, P = 0.02). Patients with CRS had more exacerbations (OR: 4, 95% CI: 1.5–10.9, P = 0.006). Patients with VCD had lower AQLQ scores (β coefficient: −0.78, 95% CI: −1.38 to −0.18, P = 0.012).

Conclusion

Comorbidities independently impact a broad spectrum of outcomes in difficult asthma. Systematic evaluation of these conditions is essential in difficult asthma.
Forced oscillation: A poorly exploited tool for simply assessing respiratory function in children
Authors: Farré Ramon , Navajas Daniel
Published: July 2016

See article, page 1134
Construction of a Consumption Aggregate Based on Information from POF 2008‐2009 and Its Use in the Measurement of Welfare, Poverty, Inequality and Vulnerability of Families
Authors: Oliveira Leonardo S. , De Souza Debora F. , Dos Santos Luciana A. , Antunes Marta , Brendolin Nícia C. H. , Quintaes Viviane C. C.
Published: July 2016

Given the complexity of family and individual welfare, this study aims to explain the construction of a family consumption aggregate, using data from Brazilian Family Expenditure Survey (2008–2009), and also to measure and analyze welfare, poverty, inequality and vulnerability. Following the literature, some aspects were considered: the selection of expenditures, the analysis of extreme values, the imputation of food consumption, the user cost of durable goods and a spatial price deflator. After the definition of the family consumption aggregate, we analyzed the Generalized Lorenz Curves, social welfare functions and inequality measures. Then we presented the sensitivity of the identification exercise to different poverty lines and analyzed the severity of poverty. Finally, based on Chaudhuri et al. (2002) and Elbers et al. (2002), the vulnerability to poverty was studied taking account of area (clusters) effects. In this last exercise, the poverty line was based on half the minimum wage in 2008.
The Invisible Hand of Rain in Spending: Effect of Rainfall‐Driven Agricultural Income on Per Capita Expenditure in Ghana
Authors: Akobeng Eric
Published: July 2016

This paper uses a nationally representative household pseudo‐panel dataset for Ghana, a rain‐fed agriculture economy, to investigate whether there is a positive relationship between rainfall‐driven agricultural income and household per capita expenditure. By using the Two Stage Least Squares Instrumental Variable (2SLS‐IV) estimator, it is found that a fall in rainfall‐driven agricultural income leads to a decrease in per capita expenditure. The results show that the gender and the locality of the household head matter in the response of per capita expenditures to rainfall‐driven agricultural income. Female‐headed and rural households are more vulnerable to rainfall‐driven agricultural income changes. The expenditure disaggregation indicates that female‐headed households significantly reduce per capita non‐food expenditure in times of rainfall‐induced agricultural income decrease whilst the response of male‐headed households focuses more on reducing per capita food and remittance expenditures.
Trade Effects of the East African Community Customs Union: Hype Versus Reality
Authors: Buigut Steven
Published: July 2016

This study uses a theoretically consistent gravity model to assess the average trade effect of the East African Community customs union implemented in 2005. The estimation is carried out using a framework that controls for endogeneity. Country‐pair fixed effects are included to control for time constant factors while importer‐year and exporter‐year fixed effects account for time varying multilateral resistance variables. To check for robustness a Poisson pseudo‐maximum likelihood estimation is used. The study covers the period 2000 to 2013 with a total of forty nine trading partners. The results suggest that the EAC customs union has produced a moderate positive effect on intra‐EAC trade of about 22.1%.