bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of short‐term re‐presentations to a regional emergency department
Authors: Millhouse Madison GE , Davies Matthew J , Tankel Alan S
Published: March 2019

Objective

The present study aims to describe the characteristics of early ED re‐presentations in a regional hospital in New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all patients re‐presenting within 72 h of discharge from Coffs Harbour Base Hospital ED, a regional ED, for the 2016–2017 financial year. Presentations were categorised according to their diagnosis and cause for re‐presentation.

Results

Of the 38 986 presentations to the ED within the study period, 2125 patients met re‐presentation inclusion criteria (5.45%). Diagnoses most likely to re‐present were injury/trauma (18.8%), gastrointestinal (14.8%) and psychiatric (12.5%). The most common cause for re‐presentation was disease progression (32.7%). Patients aged over 66 were the most likely to be admitted on re‐presentation (35.8%) followed by the 17–65 age group (24.2%) and the <16 age group (18.7%).

Conclusions

Re‐presentations were common, but did not lead to increased admissions. The regional hospital in the present study had a higher 72 h ED re‐presentation rate than the comparative major city hospital. In particular, paediatric and psychiatric re‐presentations were a greater burden to the regional ED. This may be secondary to a lack of alternative services, particularly for these patient groups. Improving these outpatient services may help to reduce the burden of 72 h ED re‐presentations.
The changing role of the state in industrial relations since Vietnam's reform
Authors: Collins Ngan , Ren Shuang , Warner Malcolm
Published: March 2019

Historical, socio‐cultural, ideological and political factors have long shaped Vietnam's formal industrial relations system. This has led to the development of a state‐centred structure in which the official trade union has a high level of formal status but little real influence in an economy whose primary employer was the state. Since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, the country has experienced a gradual shift towards a market economy through its policy of economic reform (doi moi). Although there is evidence of escalating divisions between workers and managers, the communist government continues to maintain a direct and dominant influence on the industrial relations system. Such influence highlights questions about the legitimacy of institutional and governmental control over formal labour representatives. In this article, we hope to offer a theory‐based explanation of this phenomenon.
On the importance of accounting for intraspecific genomic relatedness in multi‐species studies
Authors: Joly Simon , Flynn Dan F. B. , Wolkovich Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2019

Analyses in many fields of ecology are increasingly considering multiple species and multiple individuals per species. Premises of statistical tests are often violated with such datasets because of the non‐independence of residuals due to phylogenetic relationships or intraspecific population structure. If comparative approaches that account for the phylogenetic relationships of species are well developed and their benefits demonstrated, the importance of considering the intraspecific genetic structure, especially in combination with the phylogenetic structure, has rarely been addressed.

We investigated whether it is beneficial to account for intraspecific genomic relatedness in multi‐species studies. For this, we used a phylogenetic mixed model to analyse first a suite of simulated data and then results from one example ecological study—a budburst experiment where clippings of 10 tree and shrub species were subjected to different temperatures and photoperiods.

We found that accounting for intraspecific genetic structure yields more accurate and precise fixed effects as well as increased statistical power, but more so when the relative importance of the intraspecific to the phylogenetic genetic structure is greater. Analysis of the budburst experiment further showed that accounting for intraspecific and phylogenetic structures yields improved estimates of warming and photoperiod effects and their interaction in explaining the time to budburst.

Our results show that statistical gains can be made by incorporating information on the intraspecific genomic relatedness of individuals in multi‐species studies. This is relevant to investigations that are interested in intraspecific variation and that plan to include such observations in statistical tests.
Nursing home resident deaths due to road trauma and the potential roles for nursing home providers to promote public safety
Authors: Lee Hui‐Ching , Ibrahim Joseph E. , Koppel Sjaan , Johnson Marilyn , Bugeja Lyndal
Published: March 2019

Objective

This commentary aimed to determine whether nursing home (NH) providers have a responsibility for the safe mobility of residents outside the facility.

Methods

The Safe System approach was applied to NH resident road safety, and fatality crash data involving NH residents were reviewed, to identify potential countermeasures to prevent injurious road crashes for older people living in a NH.

Results

Viewing NH resident road safety through the Safe System approach identified actions that NH providers can take to actively contribute to: safe roads/roadsides for residents by better land use, infrastructure and design improvements; ensuring vehicles purchased and used for transporting residents have safety features; safe speed zones within and on nearby streets to NH; and safer road user behaviour through ensuring travel care plans for each resident.

Conclusion

Applying the Safe System approach has provided new and innovative insights into how road safety can be improved for NH residents.
Nine genes abundantly expressed in the epididymis are not essential for male fecundity in mice
Authors: Noda T. , Sakurai N. , Nozawa K. , Kobayashi S. , Devlin D. J. , Matzuk M. M. , Ikawa M.
Published: March 2019

Background

Spermatozoa become competent for fertilization during transit through the epididymis. As spermatozoa from the proximal caudal epididymis can fertilize eggs, proteins from the caput and corpus epididymis are required for sperm maturation.

Objectives

Microarray analysis identified that more than 17,000 genes are expressed in the epididymis; however, few of these genes demonstrate expression restricted to the epididymis. To analyze epididymis‐enriched gene function in vivo, we generated knockout (KO) mutations in nine genes that are abundantly expressed in the caput and corpus region of the epididymis.

Materials and methods

KO mice were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The histology of the epididymis was observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. KO males were caged with wild‐type females for 3–6 months to check fertility.

Results

We generated individual mutant mouse lines having indel mutations in Pate1, Pate2, or Pate3. We also deleted the coding regions of Clpsl2, Epp13, and Rnase13, independently. Finally, the 150 kb region encoding Gm1110, Glb1l2, and Glb1l3 was deleted to generate a triple KO mouse line. Histology of the epididymis and sperm morphology of all KO lines were comparable to control males. The females mated with these KO males delivered pups at comparable numbers as control males.

Discussion and conclusion

We revealed that nine genes abundantly expressed in the caput and corpus epididymis are dispensable for sperm function and male fecundity. CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated KO mice generation accelerates the screening of epididymis‐enriched genes for potential functions in reproduction.
Dried blood samples can support monitoring of infliximab concentrations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A clinical validation
Authors: Berends Sophie E. , D'Haens Geert R. A. M. , Schaap Tiny , de Vries Annick , Rispens Theo , Bloem Karien , Mathôt Ron A. A.
Published: March 2019

Aims

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) can optimize the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Because of the delay between blood samples taken at trough and availability of results, dose adjustments can only be carried out at the next infusion, typically 8 weeks later. Dried blood samples (DBS) performed at home to measure IFX concentrations can reduce the time to adapt dose/dosing interval. Here, we aimed to validate the clinical application of DBS for IFX in IBD patients and to evaluate the feasibility of home sampling.

Methods

DBS results from 40 IBD patients on IFX treatment were compared to serum sample results at trough, peak, and 3–5 weeks after IFX infusion. Subsequently, patients performed DBS home sampling one week before the next IFX infusion. These were compared to serum concentrations as predicted by Bayesian analysis.

Results

IFX concentrations from finger prick and venous puncture correlate well. DBS IFX concentrations showed high correlation with serum IFX concentrations (Spearman correlation: ≥0.965), without bias. Passing‐Bablok regression for IFX concentrations in DBS from home sampling also showed no bias (intercept: 1.02 mg L−1 (95% CI −1.77–2.04 mg L−1), slope: 0.82 (95% CI 0.63–1.40)), with reasonable correlation (Spearman correlation: 0.671).

Conclusions

Timely adjustment of IFX dose/dosing interval can be facilitated by IFX concentration measurement in home‐sampled DBS. DBS is a reliable method to measure IFX and can be used to predict IFX trough concentrations.
The role of optimism, self‐esteem, and self‐efficacy in moderating the relation between health comparisons and subjective well‐being: Results of a nationally representative longitudinal study among older adults
Authors: Hajek André , König Hans‐Helmut
Published: March 2019

Objectives

It has been shown that negative health comparisons (i.e., when one's health is viewed as worse than the health of relevant others) are associated with subjective well‐being (SWB). However, it remains an open question whether negative consequences of health comparisons on SWB might be attenuated by moderating resilience factors. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether optimism, self‐esteem, and self‐efficacy moderate the relationship between health comparisons and SWB using a longitudinal approach.

Design

Data from wave 3 (2008) to wave 5 (2014) of the German Ageing Survey which is a representative sample of community‐dwelling individuals in Germany (≥40 years) were investigated.

Methods

Validated scales were used to measure optimism, self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, and SWB. Linear fixed effects regressions were used (with n = 17,136 observations).

Results

Regressions revealed that optimism moderates the relationship between negative health comparisons and negative as well as positive affect. Furthermore, self‐efficacy moderates the relationship between negative health comparisons and life satisfaction as well as negative affect. Self‐esteem moderates the relationship between health comparisons and negative as well as positive affect.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that the negative consequences of negative health comparisons might be attenuated by optimism, self‐esteem, and self‐efficacy. Thus, programs aiming at increasing optimism, self‐esteem, and self‐efficacy might be helpful to maintain SWB.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

One recent study has investigated the relation between health comparisons and subjective well‐being (SWB).

Longitudinal studies are missing investigating the moderating factors in this relation.

What does this study add?

Our longitudinal study examined whether resilience factors moderate the relationship between health comparisons and SWB.

Optimism moderates the relationship between health comparisons and negative as well as positive affect.

Self‐efficacy moderates the relation between health comparisons and cognitive well‐being and negative affect.
Analgesic transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1‐active compounds inhibit native and recombinant T‐type calcium channels
Authors: McArthur Jeffrey R. , Finol‐Urdaneta Rocio K. , Adams David J.
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

T‐type calcium (Cav3) and transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1) channels play central roles in the control of excitability in the peripheral nervous system and are regarded as potential therapeutic pain targets. Modulators that either activate or inhibit TRPV1‐mediated currents display analgesic properties in various pain models despite opposing effects on their connate target, TRPV1. We explored the effects of TRPV1‐active compounds on Cav3‐mediated currents.

Experimental Approach

Whole‐cell patch clamp recordings were used to examine the effects of TRPV1‐active compounds on rat dorsal root ganglion low voltage‐activated calcium currents and recombinant Cav3 isoforms in expression systems.

Key Results

The classical TRPV1 agonist capsaicin as well as TRPV1 antagonists A‐889425, BCTC, and capsazepine directly inhibited Cav3 channels. These compounds altered the voltage‐dependence of activation and inactivation of Cav3 channels and delayed their recovery from inactivation, leading to a concomitant decrease in T‐type current availability. The TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine potently inhibited Cav3.1 and 3.2 channels (KD < 120 nM), as demonstrated by its slow off rate. In contrast, neither the TRPV1 agonists, Palvanil and resiniferatoxin, nor the TRPV1 antagonist AMG9810 modulated Cav3‐mediated currents.

Conclusions and Implications

Analgesic TRPV1‐active compounds inhibit Cav3 currents in native and heterologous systems. Hence, their analgesic effects may not be exclusively attributed to their actions on TRPV1, which has important implications in the current understanding of nociceptive pathways. Importantly, our results highlight the need for attention in the experimental design used to address the analgesic properties of Cav3 channel inhibitors.
Action of MK‐7264 (gefapixant) at human P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors and in vivo efficacy in models of sensitisation
Authors: Richards David , Gever Joel R. , Ford Anthony P. , Fountain Samuel J.
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

The P2X3 receptor is an ATP‐gated ion channel expressed by sensory afferent neurons and is used as a target to treat chronic sensitisation conditions. The first‐in‐class, selective P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptor antagonist, the diaminopyrimidine MK‐7264 (gefapixant), has progressed to Phase III trials for refractory or unexplained chronic cough. We used patch clamp to elucidate the pharmacology and kinetics of MK‐7264 and rat models of hypersensitivity and hyperalgesia to test its efficacy on these conditions.

Experimental Approach

Whole‐cell patch clamp of 1321N1 cells expressing human P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors was used to determine mode of MK‐7264 action, potency, and kinetics. The analgesic efficacy was assessed using paw withdrawal threshold and limb weight distribution in rat models of inflammatory, osteoarthritic, and neuropathic sensitisation.

Key Results

MK‐7264 is a reversible allosteric antagonist at human P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors. Experiments with the slowly desensitising P2X2/3 heteromer revealed concentration‐ and state‐dependency to wash‐on, with faster rates and greater inhibition when applied before agonist compared to during agonist application. The wash‐on rate (τ value) for MK‐7264 at maximal concentrations was much lower when applied before compared to during agonist application. In vivo, MK‐7264 displayed efficacy comparable to naproxen in inflammatory and osteoarthritic sensitisation models and gabapentin in neuropathic sensitisation models, increasing paw withdrawal threshold and decreasing weight‐bearing discomfort.

Conclusions and Implications

MK‐7264 is a reversible and selective P2X3 and P2X2/3 antagonist, exerting allosteric antagonism via preferential activity at closed channels. Its efficacy in rat models supports its clinical investigation for chronic sensitisation conditions.
Oral administration of a new HRI activator as a new strategy to improve high‐fat‐diet‐induced glucose intolerance, hepatic steatosis, and hypertriglyceridaemia through FGF21
Authors: Zarei Mohammad , Pujol Eugènia , Quesada‐López Tania , Villarroya Francesc , Barroso Emma , Vázquez Santiago , Pizarro‐Delgado Javier , Palomer Xavier , Vázquez‐Carrera Manuel
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

FGF21 has emerged as a therapeutic strategy for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus due to its antidiabetic effects, and this has led to the development of long‐acting analogues of FGF21. However, these compounds have some limitations, including a need to be administered by s.c. injection and their prolonged pharmacodynamic effect compared with native FGF21, which might be responsible for their reported side effects.

Experimental Approach

We have previously demonstrated that i.p. administration of haem‐regulated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α kinase (HRI) activators increases hepatic and circulating levels of FGF21. In this study, we examined the effects of p.o. administration of a new HRI activator, EPB‐53, on high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced glucose intolerance, hepatic steatosis, and hypertriglyceridaemia, and compared them with those of metformin.

Key Results

EPB‐53 administration for the last 2 weeks, to mice fed a HFD for 10 weeks, reduced body weight gain, improved glucose intolerance, and prevented hepatic steatosis and hypertriglyceridaemia, whereas metformin only ameliorated glucose intolerance. Moreover, EPB‐53, similar to the reported effects of FGF21, reduced lipogenesis in cultured human hepatocytes and in the liver of mice fed a HFD. Administration of EPB‐53 to Fgf21‐knockout mice had no effects, demonstrating that its efficacy is dependent on this hormone.

Conclusions and Implications

Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that p.o. administration of HRI activators, by increasing FGF21, is a promising strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Trust and Discipline: Adolescents’ Institutional and Teacher Trust Predict Classroom Behavioral Engagement following Teacher Discipline
Authors: Amemiya Jamie , Fine Adam , Wang Ming‐Te
Published: March 2019

This daily diary study examined how adolescents’ institutional and teacher‐specific trust predicted classroom behavioral engagement the day after being disciplined by that teacher. Within mathematics classrooms, adolescents (N = 190; Mage = 14 years) reported institutional and teacher‐specific trust and then completed a 15‐day diary assessing teacher discipline and behavioral engagement. The results indicated that, among adolescents with low teacher trust, discipline was unrelated to next‐day behavior. Contrastingly, adolescents with high teacher but low institutional trust became less engaged following discipline, whereas those with high teacher and institutional trust became more engaged. These findings suggest that adolescents interpret discipline within the social context of trust, and adolescents’ trust in the institution and teacher are important for discipline to improve behavior.
Transactional Links Between Social Anxiety Symptoms and Parenting Across Adolescence: Between‐ and Within‐Person Associations
Authors: Nelemans Stefanie A. , Keijsers Loes , Colpin Hilde , van Leeuwen Karla , Bijttebier Patricia , Verschueren Karine , Goossens Luc
Published: March 2019

This 4‐year longitudinal multi‐informant study examined between‐ and within‐person associations between adolescent social anxiety symptoms and parenting (parental psychological control and autonomy support). A community sample of 819 adolescents (46.1% girls; MageT1 = 13.4 years) reported annually on social anxiety symptoms and both adolescents and mothers reported on parenting. Between‐person associations suggested that adolescent social anxiety symptoms were associated with higher adolescent‐ and mother‐reported psychological control and lower mother‐reported autonomy support. At the within‐person level, however, mothers reported lower psychological control and higher autonomy support after periods with higher adolescent social anxiety symptoms. Our findings illustrate the importance of distinguishing among between‐person and within‐person associations and including perceptions of both dyad members in longitudinal research concerning parenting and adolescent mental health.
Age‐specific foraging strategies among pumas, and its implications for aiding ungulate populations through carnivore control
Authors: Elbroch L. Mark , Quigley Howard
Published: March 2019

Humans have been controlling carnivore numbers for centuries. Predator hunting, however, may indirectly influence predator‐prey dynamics unintentionally by influencing the age‐ and sex‐structure of predator populations that exhibit intraspecific (IS) variation in prey selection. We tested for IS in a small population of pumas in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, United States, and identified foraging strategies shared by multiple individuals. Further, we tested extrinsic and intrinsic variables that explained differences in foraging strategy. Our top model was composed of a single intrinsic characteristic, Age. In short, the older the animal, the larger the prey it specialized upon. Our provocative results suggest that the current controversial strategy of increasing puma culling to aid mule deer, as currently underway in Colorado, may in fact exacerbate problems for mule deer by changing the age‐structure of the puma population to predominantly younger animals that are more likely to hunt deer over elk.
Patterns of daily activity among young people with epilepsy
Authors: Ronen Gabriel M , Janssen Ian
Published: March 2019

Aim

To: (1) explore how young people with epilepsy spend time on physical activity, screen‐time, and sleep in a 24‐hour period; (2) compare these findings to young people without epilepsy; and (3) evaluate the findings relative to the Canadian 24‐hour movement guidelines for children and youth.

Method

The study is based on Canadian data from the 2013 to 2014 ‘Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children study’ (HBSC), a cross‐sectional sample of young people aged 10 to 17 years. Three groups participated: 163 young people with epilepsy, 3613 young people with non‐neurological conditions, and 18 339 population norms. Self‐reported activity data were compared across groups.

Results

Demographics were similar across groups. Young people with epilepsy spent 5.8 hours per week on moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity versus 5.6 hours per week in population norms; 32% met the recommended 1 hour or more per day. Screen‐time was 8.7 hours per day versus 7.4 hours per day in population norms; only 5.4% met the 2 hours or less per day recommendation. Sleep duration was 10.2 hours per day versus 9.8 hours per day in population norms, and 50.7% met the recommendation. Overall, 25.7% of young people with epilepsy did not meet any of the guidelines, 60.5% met one, 13.5% met two, and 0.3% met all three recommendations; whereas 2.8% of population norms and 2% of young people with non‐neurological conditions met all three recommendations.

Interpretation

These data could inform future interventions and alert policy‐makers, health care professionals, parents, educators, and advocacy‐groups to the low adherence of young people with epilepsy with Canadian guidelines and their risk for poor health.

What this paper adds

Young people with epilepsy adhere poorly to Canadian guidelines for daily sleep duration, physical activity, and sedentary screen time.

Young people with epilepsy accumulate more screen‐time than those with non‐neurological conditions or population norms.
Anthropometric measurements to identify undernutrition in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Duran Ibrahim , Martakis Kyriakos , Rehberg Mirko , Semler Oliver , Schoenau Eckhard
Published: March 2019

Aim

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of anthropometric indicators to identify undernutrition in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

The present study was a monocentric retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data among children and adolescents with CP participating in a rehabilitation program. Undernutrition was defined as a z‐score for dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) determined body fat percentage less or equal to −2.0. The cut‐off values for body mass index (BMI) of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the cut‐off values for BMI and height for age of the Robert Koch Institut (RKI) were evaluated.

Results

In total, 329 children with CP (181 males, 148 females, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–V) were eligible for analysis. The mean age was 12 years 4 months (SD 2y 9mo). The BMI cut‐off values showed the following sensitivities and specificities: WHO, sensitivity of 0.474 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.244–0.711), specificity of 0.897 (95% CI: 0.857–0.928); CDC, sensitivity of 0.632 (95% CI: 0.384–0.837), specificity of 0.819 (95% CI: 0.772–0.861); RKI, sensitivity of 0.789 (95% CI: 0.544–0.939), specificity of 0.732 (95% CI: 0.679–0.781); and for height for age, sensitivity of 0.263 (95% CI: 0.091–0.512), specificity of 0.668 (95% CI: 0.612–0.720).

Interpretation

BMI had a high specificity but very low sensitivity in identifying undernutrition in children with CP. Z‐scores for height for age had even lower specificity and sensitivity and seemed not to be appropriate for predicting undernutrition in children with CP.

What this paper adds

Body mass index (BMI) z‐scores had a high specificity but very low sensitivity in identifying undernutrition in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Height z‐scores were not appropriate for predicting undernutrition in children with CP.

Undernutrition assessed by BMI was overestimated in children with CP versus when assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Modeling spatial dependence and economic hotspots in landowners’ willingness to supply bioenergy crops in the northeastern United States
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zipp Katherine Y. , Langholtz Matthew H. , Jacobson Michael G.
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates the spatial heterogeneity of landowners’ willingness to supply three bioenergy crops: switchgrass, Miscanthus, and willow, in the northeastern United States. Spatial heterogeneity might arise for several reasons. For example, landowners closer to bioenergy processing plants might be more likely to be willing to supply bioenergy crops, and landowners who are more willing to supply bioenergy crops may be spatially clustered because they share similar land attributes, demographics, experiences, and/or values. Using high‐resolution GIS data related to the location of pellet plants utilizing bioenergy crops and survey data related to landowners’ characteristics including spatial location, we estimate a spatial probit model to explain the variation in individual‐specific reservation prices (RPs)—the feedstock price at which landowners become willing to supply a bioenergy crop. We find that respondents’ RP is lower the closer they live to their nearest pellet plant and spatial dependency is only present for switchgrass supply. We also identify three economic hotspots (areas with high potential supply and low RPs) for each bioenergy crop. We believe that bioenergy supply chains could be developed around these hotspots.
“About sixty per cent I want to do it”: Health researchers’ attitudes to, and experiences of, patient and public involvement (PPI)—A qualitative interview study
Authors: Boylan Anne‐Marie , Locock Louise , Thomson Richard , Staniszewska Sophie
Published: March 2019

Background

Funders, policy‐makers and research organizations increasingly expect health researchers in the UK to involve patients and members of the public in research. It has been stated that it makes research “more effective, more credible and often more cost efficient.” However, the evidence base for this assertion is evolving and can be limited. There has been little research into how health researchers feel about involving people, how they go about it, how they manage formal policy rhetoric, and what happens in practice.

Objective

To explore researchers’ experiences and perceptions of patient and public involvement (PPI).

Methods

Semi‐structured interview study of 36 health researchers (both clinical and non‐clinical), with data collection and thematic analysis informed by the theoretical domains framework.

Results

In the course of our analysis, we developed four themes that encapsulate the participants’ experiences and perceptions of PPI. Participants expressed ambivalence, cynicism and enthusiasm about PPI, an activity that creates emotional labour, which is both rewarding and burdensome and requires practical and social support. It is operationalized in an academic context influenced by power and incentives.

Discussion and conclusions

Researchers’ experiences and attitudes towards patient and public involvement are a key factor in the successful embedding of involvement within the wider research culture. We call for a culture change that supports the development of effective organizational approach to support involvement.
Thin variant of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion – relationship with high‐risk and possibly carcinogenic human papilloma virus subtypes and somatic cancer gene mutations
Authors: Regauer Sigrid , Reich Olaf , Kashofer Karl
Published: March 2019

Aim

To further characterise the thin variant of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) of the cervix defined by the World Health Organization as full‐thickness HSILs with nine or fewer cell layers.

Methods and results

We examined 31 excisional cervical specimens featuring exclusively p16INK4a‐overexpressing thin HSILs with respect to size, location at the squamocolumnar junction or endocervical mucosa, human papilloma virus (HPV) subtypes (pretherapeutic clinical HPV tests and HPV genotyping on lesional tissue after excision), and somatic mutations in 50 cancer genes. Thin HSILs were typically solitary lesions, located at the squamocolumnar junction (20/31; 65%), in the endocervical columnar epithelium (6/31; 19%), and in both locations (5/31; 16%). The horizontal extension of thin HSILs ranged from 100 µm to 8 mm, with 30% being <1 mm. HPV data were available for 27 specimens. Twenty of 27 (74%) thin HSILs showed high‐risk HPV subtypes: HPV16 (n = 8), HPV16 with coinfection (n = 2), HPV18 (n = 1), HPV31 (n = 1), HPV33 (n = 2), HPV52/58 (n = 2), and ‘other’ high‐risk HPV genotypes (n = 4). Five of 27 (19%) thin HSILs showed possibly carcinogenic subtypes: HPV53 (n = 3), HPV73 (n = 1), and HPV82 (n = 1). One thin HSIL was induced by low‐risk HPV6 and one by the unclassified subtype HPV44. Somatic gene mutations were not identified.

Conclusion

Thin HSILs were typically small lesions without somatic gene mutations. Two‐thirds of thin HSILs developed after a transforming infection with high‐risk HPV subtypes, and one‐third were induced by non‐high‐risk HPV subtypes. If cervical cancer screening relies solely on presently available clinical HPV DNA tests, a significant percentage of women with HSIL will be missed.
Quality and antioxidant properties of functional rice muffins enriched with shiitake mushroom and carrot pomace
Authors: Olawuyi Ibukunoluwa Fola , Lee Won Young
Published: March 2019

This study developed functional muffin by incorporating bioactive‐rich food materials into rice muffin formulation. Rice flour was progressively replaced with shiitake mushroom powder (MP) and carrot pomace powder (CP) and effects on pasting, physical and textural properties, as well as the antioxidant activity and consumer acceptability, were evaluated. The pasting properties of rice flour were significantly influenced (P < 0.05) by MP and CP incorporation. The additional increase in the levels of MP and CP decreased the volume of enriched muffins with a subsequent increase in weight and hardness. Higher polyphenol and carotenoid contents were observed in enriched muffins, exhibiting higher 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant activity compared to rice muffins. Sensory result revealed enriched muffins to have comparable and better consumer acceptability than rice muffin. Improvement in antioxidant properties of the developed functional rice muffins by MP and CP incorporation makes it a potential snack, suitable for consumption for its health benefits.
Modification of rice protein with glutaminase for improved structural and sensory properties
Authors: Hu Yang , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Liu Peng‐zhan , Cui Chun , Wang Wei
Published: March 2019

Rice protein is highly nutritive and hypoallergenic but certain physicochemical properties restrict its applications in beverages. This study aimed to tackle this issue by modifying rice endosperm protein with glutaminase via deamidation. Glutaminase treatment facilitated an increase in deamidation degree and mean particle size of rice protein and a continuing decrease in turbidity with time. Favourable changes induced in sensory properties included: improved suspendability (increased by 81.25%), lumpiness (decreased by 84.78%), grittiness (decreased by 72.34%) and overall taste liking (improved by 12.24%). Visual observations of rice protein dispersions and turbidity measurements further confirmed the improved suspendability in water. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that the action of glutaminase did not remarkably change the protein structure, but slightly reduced α‐helical conformation whilst increased β‐sheet and β‐turn structures. Glutaminase could be useful for deamidation modification of products with high content of glutamine residues (like rice protein), through inducing the breakdown of some intermolecular and intramolecular bonds including hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding without serious cleavage of the peptide bonds, allowing protein rearrangements to more flexible or extended forms. As a result of protein unfolding with more hydrophobic clusters exposed, certain physicochemical properties of rice protein were improved.
Effect of superheated steam inactivation on naturally existent microorganisms and enzymes of highland barley
Authors: Wang Haoran , Wang Lili , Tong Litao , Li Zaigui
Published: March 2019

Superheated steam (SS) processing displayed noticeable effects on both microbial inactivation, including total bacterial count, Bacillus spp. and molds, and enzyme inactivation. Moisture content affected decontamination efficiency and recommendable moisture was 20%. Moisture adjusting method of spraying just before SS treatment was better than tempering. Molds were totally decontaminated by SS processing at 200 °C for 90 s and 120 °C for 180 s respectively. At 200 °C for 180 s, 99.98% of bacteria and 95.21% of Bacillus spp. were inactivated by spraying, while 99.95% of bacteria and 92.59% of Bacillus spp. were inactivated by tempering. The enzyme activity in highland barley processed with SS was decreased as processing time and temperature increased. Lipase showed better thermal resistance than peroxidase. Tempering was better in enzyme inactivation. SS treatment was effective in inactivating microorganisms and enzymes of highland barley, and could bring significant economic benefits to the highland barley industry.
Establishment of a method for the simultaneous detection of four foodborne pathogens using high‐throughput suspension array xTAG technology
Authors: Shi Yunxue , Wang Yan , Tian Yufei , Liu Wensen , Zhu Wenhe , Sun Chengbiao , Wang Xin , Xu Na , Shen Minghao
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study is to establish a rapid and accurate method based on multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with suspension array xTAG (Flexible Sequence‐tagged, xTAG) technology to simultaneously detect Salmonella Typhimurium, Brucella spp., Bacillus cereus and Shigella spp. in raw milk. The primers were designed based on the specific target gene of the four pathogenic bacteria, and then the TAG sequence was used to modify the primers. First, the products of PCR were hybridised with microspheres labelled with anti‐TAG, and then they were conjugated to streptavidin phycoerythrin. Finally, the products were detected on a Luminex 200 analyser. The results showed that the detection of milk samples demonstrated 100% specificity. The hybridisation conditions were successfully optimised. We successfully constructed a rapid, simple and high‐throughput method to detect four foodborne pathogens. In conclusion, the established xTAG detection method provides a highly specific and reliable way to detect four kinds of foodborne pathogens in milk products.
Fat‐specific protein 27α inhibits autophagy‐dependent lipid droplet breakdown in white adipocytes
Authors: Nakajima Shinsuke , Nishimoto Yuki , Tateya Sanshiro , Iwahashi Yasuyuki , Okamatsu‐Ogura Yuko , Saito Masayuki , Ogawa Wataru , Tamori Yoshikazu
Published: March 2019

Aims/Introduction

Fat‐specific protein 27 (FSP27) α is the major isoform of FSP27 in white adipose tissue (WAT), and is essential for large unilocular lipid droplet (LD) formation in white adipocytes. In contrast, FSP27β is abundantly expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT), and plays an important role in small multilocular LD formation. In FSP27 KO mice in which FSP27α and β are both depleted, WAT is characterized by multilocular LD formation, and by increased mitochondrial abundance and energy expenditure, whereas BAT conversely manifests large oligolocular LDs and reduced energy expenditure.

Materials and Methods

We investigated the effects of autophagy in WAT and BAT of wild type (WT) and FSP27 knockout (KO) mice. In addition, we examined the effects of FSP27α and FSP27β to the induction of autophagy in COS cells.

Results

Food deprivation induced autophagy in BAT of WT mice, as well as in WAT of FSP27 KO mice, suggesting that enhanced autophagy is characteristic of adipocytes with small multilocular LDs. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy attenuated the fasting‐induced loss of LD area in adipocytes with small multilocular LDs (BAT of WT mice and WAT of FSP27 KO mice), without affecting that in adipocytes with large unilocular or oligolocular LDs (WAT of WT mice or in BAT of FSP27 KO mice). Overexpression of FSP27α inhibited autophagy induction by serum deprivation in COS cells, whereas that of FSP27β had no such effect.

Conclusions

The present results thus showed that FSP27α inhibits autophagy and might thereby contribute to the energy‐storage function of WAT.
High social motivation induces deficits in maternal behaviour but not plasticity of the subventricular zone in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: Lumineau Sophie , Pawluski Jodi L. , Charlier Thierry D. , Beylard Amandine , Aigueperse Nadège , Bertin Aline , Lévy Frédéric
Published: March 2019

Maternal behaviour develops differently depending on the characteristics of an individual, such as age or emotional reactivity. Social motivation, defined as the propensity to establish social contact, has received little attention in relation to maternal behaviour in birds. In addition, the transition to motherhood is a time of plasticity in the brain of the new mother in mammals. However, it remains to be determined how maternal brain plasticity is affected in avian species. The present study investigated how a the social motivation of a mother alters maternal behaviour and brain plasticity of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Adult females from lines selected for high and low social motivation were exposed to chicks for 11 days. After maternal care testing, and at matched time points in controls, the brains of females were perfused for assessment of doublecortin‐immunoreactive staining, a marker of neurogenesis, in the subventricular zone (SVZ), a neurogenic niche. The results obtained showed that high socially motivated female quail spent significantly less time performing maternal behaviour when exposed to chicks compared to low socially motivated females. Moreover, the warming of chicks by high socially motivated females involved less covering postures and mothers were more rejecting of chicks. Interestingly, the plasticity indicators in the SVZ did not differ between low and high socially motivated females and were not associated with differences in maternal caregiving when using doublecortin‐immunoreactive staining. Thus, high social motivation in this avian species does not favour maternal behaviour and this level of motivation to the mother is not related to changes in neuroplasticity in the SVZ of the female quail.
Depressive symptoms and deficits in stress‐reactive negative, positive, and within‐emotion‐category differentiation: A daily diary study
Authors: Willroth Emily C. , Flett Jayde A. M. , Mauss Iris B.
Published: March 2019

Objective

The present research aimed to better understand deficits in emotion differentiation that accompany depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms have been associated with more undifferentiated negative emotion experiences—experiencing multiple negative emotions simultaneously. We extend previous research by asking: (a) Are depressive symptoms and negative and positive emotion differentiation related above and beyond emotion intensity? (b) Are deficits in negative emotion differentiation specific to distinct categories of negative emotions (sadness, guilt, anger, and anxiety)? and (c) Do age or gender predict emotion differentiation or its associations with depressive symptoms?

Method

In 220 community participants (59% female; 21–60 years), we assessed depressive symptoms using surveys and emotion differentiation using daily diary emotion ratings in response to daily stressful events.

Results

Greater depressive symptoms were associated with lower negative, but not positive, emotion differentiation, above and beyond emotion intensity. Depressive symptoms were specifically related to lower differentiation among sadness‐related emotions, and this sadness‐specific deficit accounted for the deficit in negative emotion differentiation. Age and gender did not predict or moderate associations with emotion differentiation.

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms are associated with undifferentiated negative emotions above and beyond emotion intensity, and this association appears to be driven by undifferentiated sadness‐related emotions, across gender and age.
Disparities in Persistent Victimization and Associated Internalizing Symptoms for Heterosexual Versus Sexual Minority Youth
Authors: Kaufman Tessa M. L. , Baams Laura , Veenstra René
Published: March 2019

This study investigated whether lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents were at higher risk for persistent victimization of bullying compared to heterosexual adolescents, and how victimization trajectories were associated with internalizing symptom development across LGB and heterosexual adolescents. Data came from a five‐wave study (MageT1 = 11.1 to MageT5 = 22.3; n = 151 LGB; n = 1,275 heterosexual) and informants were adolescents and their parents. Adolescents were classified in three victimization trajectories: persistent (5.6%), decreasing (28.1%) or low (66.3%) victimization. LGB adolescents reported more persistent victimization, relative to no (OR = 6.79, 95% CI [3.52, 13.13]) or decreasing victimization (OR = 3.09, 95% CI [1.53, 6.24]), compared to heterosexual peers. Further, persistent victimization was more strongly associated with anxiety among LGB than among heterosexual adolescents.
Sequential changes in urine production, glomerular filtration rate, and electrolyte excretion after mannitol administration
Authors: Segev Gilad , Stafford Cheryl , Kirby John , Cowgill Larry D.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) leading to severe uremia is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic, widely used in the management of AKI, both as a bolus injection and as a constant rate infusion (CRI).

Objectives

To determine the plasma concentration of mannitol after a bolus injection and CRI at the recommended dosages, and to assess the effect of mannitol on renal function variables including urine production, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and solute excretion.

Methods

Prospective cross‐over design study, using 6 healthy dogs. Each dog underwent 3 protocols with at least a 7‐day washout period between protocols. The first protocol included bolus injection of mannitol, the second protocol included bolus injection followed by CRI of mannitol and the third protocol (control) included injection of 5% dextrose in water (D5W). Urine production, GFR, and fractional excretion (FE) of solutes were measured for 10 hours.

Results

For all protocols, urine production significantly (P < .001) increased after bolus injection, but no significant difference in urine production or GFR was observed among the treatment groups. Mannitol injection increased the FE of sodium and urea nitrogen, but these effects were short‐lived.

Conclusions

Mannitol has minimal effect on urine production and GFR but does increase FE of urea nitrogen and sodium, immediately after bolus injection. Constant rate infusion at a conventional dosage of 1 mg/kg/min cannot maintain these effects in dogs with normal renal function, because mannitol concentration decreases rapidly.
Risk balancing through selective use of social and physical information: a case study in the humbug damselfish
Authors: Kent M. I. A. , Burns A. L. , Figueira W. F. , Mazue G. P. F. , Porter A. G. , Wilson A. D. M. , Ward A. J. W.
Published: March 2019

To effectively balance the need to forage against the need to avoid predation, animals should utilize information from both their physical and social environments. However, most studies have considered these factors in isolation and few have investigated how animals change the use of these cues temporally. Using novel 3D modeling of the environment and 3D observations of fish movement, we investigated how local abiotic and biotic features of the environment, along with tidal patterns, impacted risk‐related behaviors using humbug damselfish,Dascyllus aruanus,in coral reef habitats as a model system. We found that damselfish balance risk by utilizing cues from both the physical and the social environment, although the relative importance of these cues changes according to tide. At flowing tide, when food resources are typically more abundant, damselfish increased their foraging behavior, but only when their external social environment offered protection from predation. At slack tide, when food resources are typically less abundant, damselfish were not responsive to their external social environment. Regardless of tide, damselfish living in smaller corals showed more risk‐averse behavior, emphasizing the importance of local refuge availability on risk perception. Our results underscore the flexible use of social and physical information along temporal scales and how both biotic and abiotic features influence the trade‐off adopted between foraging and refuging behavior.