bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public library mobile apps in Scotland: views from the local authorities and the public
Authors: Kerr Alan , Pennington Diane Rasmussen
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine current public library apps in Scotland and assess Scottish public library users’ opinions of those apps.

Design/methodology/approach

Two qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted. One survey was distributed to each Scottish local authority, the entities responsible for public libraries and Scotland. The second survey was made available to the public. The results were analysed with nonparametric statistics and content analysis.

Findings

All 32 authorities responded. In all, 17 authorities had an app, two had one in development, and 13 had none. Offering an alternative means of communication to patrons was the main reason for providing an app, while cost and low priority were the main reasons provided against app provision. Authorities were satisfied with the core services offered in their apps, but less so with others. No authorities had consulted the public regarding app provision. The public (n=185), while satisfied with current library apps, criticised the complex procedures required to access external services. Patrons from authorities without an app stated interest in apps.

Research limitations/implications

It is vital for public libraries to implement at least core services that are optimised for mobile devices. They should consult with the public before and throughout the development process to ensure they are happy with the implementation.

Originality/value

This is the first known study to explore public library app use in Scotland as well as one of the first in public library app use worldwide.
Planners and aging professionals collaborate for livable communities
Authors: Firestone Stephanie Krone , Keyes Laura , Greenhouse Esther
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the findings from a learning intervention aimed at facilitating more regular and effective collaboration across the planning and aging sectors in order to advance Livable Communities for All Ages (LCA).

Design/methodology/approach

A half-day summit that convened over 250 aging sector professionals and planners. Data from these conversations, as well as a pre-event survey, post-event evaluations, and a six-month post-event follow-up survey provide the findings for the discussion.

Findings

The results revealed that the participants increasingly recognized the value of cross-sector relationships to their work on LCA. Further, the success on current projects was highly attributed to the trust gained from a previous experience of aging and planning professionals working together.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers relied on a purposive sample of respondents already registered to attend the Livable Communities Summit, who were likely to be somewhat knowledgeable about the topic of age-friendly planning. While not generalizable to the broader professional fields of the aging and planning sectors, the results inform on the importance of cross-sector collaboration in the context of planning communities supportive of individuals across the lifespan.

Practical implications

Existing challenges to the local residents in a broad swath of areas including housing, transportation, social isolation, purpose and more, are exacerbated in a rapidly aging world that does not advance policies, practices, and built environments to make communities more livable for residents of all ages.

Originality/value

The intention of this research is to contribute to the limited existing literature on collaboration between professionals in the planning and aging fields and to stimulate the increased and improved cross-sector relationships.
What is needed to prepare speech pathologists to work in adult palliative care?
Authors: Pascoe Ashleigh , Breen Lauren J. , Cocks Naomi
Published: January 2018

Background

Speech pathologists have a pivotal role in palliative care, assisting patients with swallowing and communication disorders, yet very little is known about the preparedness of speech pathologists to work in this field.

Aims

To investigate the preparedness of speech pathologists for working in palliative care. The term ‘palliative care’ was viewed as an encompassing umbrella term incorporating the management/reduction of symptoms and improvement in a person's quality of life at any point of the disease progression.

Methods & Procedures

Participants were Australian‐trained speech pathologists who provided adult palliative care services. An online questionnaire was used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data from practising speech pathologists. Qualitative data were analysed and interpreted using conventional content analysis. Descriptive statistics were analysed via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows Version 22. Non‐parametric tests (chi‐square and Mann–Whitney U‐test) were used for further analysis.

Outcomes & Results

The majority (70%) of participants indicated that their university training did not prepare them to practice in palliative care. Participants who received palliative care education at the tertiary level were significantly more prepared to work with palliative patients than those who had not; however, only a minority (27%) had received such training. Just over half (57%) reported having completed post‐university professional development in palliative care. The speech pathologist's role in palliative care was also highlighted, with speech pathologists outlining their contribution to the assessment of patients’ communication and swallowing abilities. In addition, recommendations for palliative care content to be incorporated into university curriculum were suggested.

Conclusions & Implications

Speech pathologists can make important contributions to end‐of‐life care, but there is much scope for improving the availability and quality of university and post‐university palliative care training opportunities so that people receiving palliative care are best supported.
Proton‐pumping rhodopsins are abundantly expressed by microbial eukaryotes in a high‐Arctic fjord
Authors: Vader Anna , Laughinghouse Haywood D. , Griffiths Colin , Jakobsen Kjetill S. , Gabrielsen Tove M.
Published: January 2018

Proton‐pumping rhodopsins provide an alternative pathway to photosynthesis by which solar energy can enter the marine food web. Rhodopsin genes are widely found in marine bacteria, also in the Arctic, and were recently reported from several eukaryotic lineages. So far, little is known about rhodopsin expression in Arctic eukaryotes. In this study, we used metatranscriptomics and 18S rDNA tag sequencing to examine the mid‐summer function and composition of marine protists (size 0.45–10 µm) in the high‐Arctic Billefjorden (Spitsbergen), especially focussing on the expression of microbial proton‐pumping rhodopsins. Rhodopsin transcripts were highly abundant, at a level similar to that of genes involved in photosynthesis. Phylogenetic analyses placed the environmental rhodopsins within disparate eukaryotic lineages, including dinoflagellates, stramenopiles, haptophytes and cryptophytes. Sequence comparison indicated the presence of several functional types, including xanthorhodopsins and a eukaryotic clade of proteorhodopsin. Transcripts belonging to the proteorhodopsin clade were also abundant in published metatranscriptomes from other oceanic regions, suggesting a global distribution. The diversity and abundance of rhodopsins show that these light‐driven proton pumps play an important role in Arctic microbial eukaryotes. Understanding this role is imperative to predicting the future of the Arctic marine ecosystem faced by a changing light climate due to diminishing sea‐ice.
Genomic insights into the Acidobacteria reveal strategies for their success in terrestrial environments
Authors: Eichorst Stephanie A. , Trojan Daniela , Roux Simon , Herbold Craig , Rattei Thomas , Woebken Dagmar
Published: January 2018

Members of the phylum Acidobacteria are abundant and ubiquitous across soils. We performed a large‐scale comparative genome analysis spanning subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 23 (n = 24) with the goal to identify features to help explain their prevalence in soils and understand their ecophysiology. Our analysis revealed that bacteriophage integration events along with transposable and mobile elements influenced the structure and plasticity of these genomes. Low‐ and high‐affinity respiratory oxygen reductases were detected in multiple genomes, suggesting the capacity for growing across different oxygen gradients. Among many genomes, the capacity to use a diverse collection of carbohydrates, as well as inorganic and organic nitrogen sources (such as via extracellular peptidases), was detected – both advantageous traits in environments with fluctuating nutrient environments. We also identified multiple soil acidobacteria with the potential to scavenge atmospheric concentrations of H2, now encompassing mesophilic soil strains within the subdivision 1 and 3, in addition to a previously identified thermophilic strain in subdivision 4. This large‐scale acidobacteria genome analysis reveal traits that provide genomic, physiological and metabolic versatility, presumably allowing flexibility and versatility in the challenging and fluctuating soil environment.
Fresh‐Cut Onion: A Review on Processing, Health Benefits, and Shelf‐Life
Authors: Bahram‐Parvar Maryam , Lim Loong‐Tak
Published: January 2018

The ready‐to‐eat produce market has grown rapidly because of the health benefits and convenience associated with these products. Onion is widely used as an ingredient in an extensive range of recipes from breakfast to dinner and in nearly every ethnic cuisine. However, cutting/chopping of onion is a nuisance to many consumers due to the lachrymatory properties of the volatiles generated that bring tears to eyes and leave a distinct odor on hands. As a result, there is now an increasing demand for fresh‐cut, value‐added, and ready‐to‐eat onion in households, as well as large‐scale uses in retail, food service, and various food industries, mainly due to the end‐use convenience. Despite these benefits, fresh‐cut onion products present considerable challenges due to tissue damage, resulting in chemical and physiological reactions that limit product shelf‐life. Intensive discoloration, microbial growth, softening, and off‐odor are the typical deteriorations that need to be controlled through the application of suitable preservation methods. This article reviews the literature related to the fresh‐cut onion, focusing on its constituents, nutritional and health benefits, production methods, quality changes throughout storage, and technologies available to increase product shelf‐life.
Don't just do something, stand there! The value and art of deliberate clinical inertia
Authors: Keijzers Gerben , Cullen Louise , Egerton‐Warburton Diana , Fatovich Daniel M
Published: January 2018

It can be difficult to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments, which are a form of low‐value care. Yet every intervention in medicine has potential harms, which may outweigh the potential benefits. Deliberate clinical inertia is the art of doing nothing as a positive response. This paper provides suggestions on how to incorporate deliberate clinical inertia into our daily clinical practice, and gives an overview of current initiatives such as ‘Choosing Wisely’ and the ‘Right Care Alliance’. The decision to ‘do nothing’ can be complex due to competing factors, and barriers to implementation are highlighted. Several strategies to promote deliberate clinical inertia are outlined, with an emphasis on shared decision‐making. Preventing medical harm must become one of the pillars of modern health care and the art of not intervening, that is, deliberate clinical inertia, can be a novel patient‐centred quality indicator to promote harm reduction.
Iron Encapsulation in Water‐in‐Oil Emulsions: Effect of Ferrous Sulfate Concentration and Fat Crystal Formation on Oxidative Stability
Authors: Prichapan Nattapong , McClements David Julian , Klinkesorn Utai
Published: January 2018

Iron deficiency is a major global human health concern. Encapsulation of iron in functional food products may help to solve this problem. However, iron is highly reactive and may promote rapid lipid oxidation in fatty foods. In this study, the effect of ferrous sulfate (0.1 to 0.5 wt%) and rice bran stearin (0 or 30 wt%) on the physical properties, oxidative stability, and encapsulation efficiency of 20 wt% water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsions stabilized with polyglycerol polyricinoleate was investigated. In the presence of rice bran stearin crystals in the continuous oil phase, W/O emulsions had smaller mean droplet diameters (d∼ 250 nm) and better physical stability than its absence (d∼ 330 nm). An increase in the ferrous sulfate concentration in the water droplets led to a decrease in the oxidative stability of the W/O emulsions. However, the presence of rice bran stearin significantly (P≤ 0.05) improved their oxidative stability. Moreover, addition of rice bran stearin also significantly (P≤ 0.05) improved the encapsulation efficiency and delayed ferrous sulfate release from the W/O emulsions. The impact of pH and ionic strength on the encapsulation efficiency of the W/O emulsion was also investigated. Ionic strength affected the encapsulation efficiency much more than pH. The W/O emulsions created in the present study may be useful for the encapsulation and delivery of iron and other water‐soluble nutrients into food products.

Practical Application

Water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsions may be used to encapsulate, protect, and deliver water‐soluble bioactive compounds or nutrients into food products. In this study, W/O emulsions stabilized using an oil‐soluble surfactant (polyglycerol polyricinoleate, PGPR) and fat crystal network (rice bran stearin) were shown to be useful for encapsulation and delivery of iron into foods. This strategy may be a promising approach to reduce iron deficiency, a major nutritional deficiency for people with inadequate food supplies.
Cross‐Mapping of Nursing Care Terms Recorded in Italian Hospitals into the Standardized NNN Terminology
Authors: D'Agostino Fabio , Zeffiro Valentina , Vellone Ercole , Ausili Davide , Belsito Romina , Leto Antonella , Alvaro Rosaria
Published: January 2018

PURPOSE

To evaluate if nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes, as recorded by nurses in Italian hospitals, were semantically equivalent to the NANDA‐I, NIC, and NOC (NNN) terminology.

METHODS

A cross‐mapping study using a multicenter design. Terms indicating nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes were collected using the D‐Catch instrument. Cross‐mapping of these terms with NNN terminology was performed.

FINDINGS

A sample of 137 nursing documentations was included. Over 80% of nursing diagnostic terms, interventions, and outcomes were cross‐mapped into NNN terminology.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that most of the natural terms used by nurses were semantically equivalent to the standardized terms of NNN terminology.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

In Italy, the use of NNN terminology is recommended; however, further development of this terminology is needed.
Complications in obstetric anaesthesia
Authors: Maronge L. , Bogod D.
Published: January 2018

‘Obstetric anaesthesia is a litigious area of medical practice – patient expectations are high, and many of the interventions undertaken by anaesthetists are performed urgently or emergently, frequently out of hours. The complications that occur during obstetric practice are not unique to this area of anaesthesia, but some of the physiological and anatomical changes that take place during pregnancy can affect the frequency with which these happen. In this narrative review, we hope to cover a few of the more common complications in obstetric anaesthesia, as well as some of the more severe, yet less frequently occurring problems.
Peri‐operative neurological complications
Authors: Hood R. , Budd A. , Sorond F. A. , Hogue C. W.
Published: January 2018

Brain injury from cardiac surgery is an important source of patient morbidity and mortality. The relationship between risk of brain injury and advanced age portends a rising frequency of these complications due to an increasing proportion of elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This review will explore the aetiology and risk factors for peri‐operative stroke, postoperative cognitive dysfunction and postoperative delirium. The prevention of each of these conditions will also be discussed, with a focus on brain protection strategies and the avoidance of cerebral embolism and hypoperfusion.
Opioid medication use in patients with gastrointestinal diagnoses vs unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms in the US Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Sayuk G. S. , Kanuri N. , Gyawali C. P. , Gott B. M. , Nix B. D. , Rosenheck R. A.
Published: January 2018

Background

While opioid prescriptions have increased alarmingly in the United States (US), their use for unexplained chronic gastrointestinal (GI) pain (eg, irritable bowel syndrome) carries an especially high risk for adverse effects and questionable benefit.

Aim

To compare opioid use among US veterans with structural GI diagnoses (SGID) and those with unexplained GI symptoms or functional GI diagnoses (FGID), a group for whom opioids have no accepted role.

Methods

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) administrative data from fiscal year 2012 were used to identify veterans with diagnostic codes recorded for SGID and FGID. This cohort study examined VHA pharmacy data to compare groups receiving ≥ 1 opioid prescription during the year and number of prescriptions filled. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounding factors (demographics, medical diagnoses, social factors) and identified potential mediators (service use, psychiatric comorbidity) of opioid use in these groups.

Results

A greater proportion of veterans with FGID received an opioid prescription during fiscal year 2012 (36.0% of 272 431) compared to only 28.9% of 1 223 744 in the SGID group (Relative Risk [RR] = 1.25). In multivariate logistic regression, personality disorders and drug abuse (OR 1.23 for each group), recent homelessness (OR 1.22), psychotropic medication fills (OR 1.55) and emergency department encounters (OR 1.21) were independently associated with opioid prescription use.

Conclusions

Despite the potential for adverse consequences, opioids more often are prescribed for veterans with chronic, unexplained GI symptoms compared to those with structural diagnoses. Psychiatric comorbidities and frequent healthcare encounters mediate some of the opioid use risk.
Effects of traditional Chinese medicine formula on ruminal fermentation, enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility of beef cattle
Authors: Zhu Zhi , Song Zhen‐hui , Cao Li‐ting , Wang Yong , Zhou Wen‐zhang , Zhou Pei , Zuo Fu‐yuan
Published: January 2018

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of traditional Chinese medicine formula (TCMF) combined with several herbs on ruminal fermentation, enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility. Twenty finishing bulls were assigned to control or different TCMFs (Yufeisan‐1, ‐2, ‐3; 2.5% dry matter (DM) in concentrate). Results showed that DM intake was higher (P < 0.05) in the Yufeisan‐3 group than others. Compared to control, apparent digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber were increased (P < 0.05) by Yufeisan‐3. No changes were observed in ruminal pH, concentrations of ammonia‐N, microbial crude protein and total volatile fatty acid, whereas ratio of acetate to propionate was lower (P < 0.05) and propionate proportion tended to be higher (P < 0.1) in three TCMFs than control. Ruminal xylanase (P = 0.061) and carboxymethylcellulase (P < 0.05) activities were higher in Yufeisan‐3 than control. No changes were observed in abundance of total bacteria, fungi and protozoa, whereas Fibrobacter succinogenes (P = 0.062) and Ruminococcus flavefaciens (P < 0.05) were increased and total methanogens was reduced (P = 0.069) by Yufeisan‐3 compared to control. Yufeisan‐3 improved nutrient digestibility and ruminal enzyme activity, and modified fermentation and microbial community, maybe due to the presence of Herba agastaches, Cortex phellodendri and Gypsum fibrosum.
Protocadherin‐8 promotes invasion and metastasis via laminin subunit γ2 in gastric cancer
Authors: Lin Ying , Ge Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xiaofei , Wu Zheng , Liu Kaiyi , Lin Fengjuan , Dai Congqi , Guo Weijian , Li Jin
Published: January 2018

Growing evidence suggests that protocadherins (PCDH) play crucial roles in pathogenesis and progression of cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). Protocadherin‐8 (PCDH8) was previously reported to be involved in metastasis of GC, but functional studies yielded inconsistent results and the molecular mechanism remained unknown. The present study aimed to explore the clinical relevance, function and molecular mechanism of PCDH8 in GC. Data from the GEPIA and Kaplan–Meier plotter databases showed that high expression of PCDH8 was significantly correlated with poorer prognosis in GC. Ectopic expression of PCDH8 in GC cells promoted invasion and migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo, and knockdown of PCDH8 inhibited invasion and migration in vitro. RNA sequencing followed by gene set enrichment analysis found a remarkable enrichment in the extracellular matrix receptor interaction pathway, with the expression of laminin subunit γ2 (LAMC2) being significantly increased in the PCDH8‐overexpressing group. High expression of LAMC2 was significantly correlated to poor prognosis in GC in GEPIA database. Upregulation of LAMC2 following PCDH8 overexpression was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry in liver metastatic lesions of nude mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the metastasis‐enhancing property and molecular mechanism through upregulation of LAMC2 of PCDH8 in cancer. High expression of PCDH8 could be used as a biomarker for poor prognosis in clinical practice.
Hereditary kidney cancer syndromes: Genetic disorders driven by alterations in metabolism and epigenome regulation
Authors: Hasumi Hisashi , Yao Masahiro
Published: January 2018

Although hereditary kidney cancer syndrome accounts for approximately five percent of all kidney cancers, the mechanistic insight into tumor development in these rare conditions has provided the foundation for the development of molecular targeting agents currently used for sporadic kidney cancer. In the late 1980s, the comprehensive study for hereditary kidney cancer syndrome was launched in the National Cancer Institute, USA and the first kidney cancer‐associated gene, VHL, was identified through kindred analysis of von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) syndrome in 1993. Subsequent molecular studies on VHL function have elucidated that the VHL protein is a component of E3 ubiquitin ligase complex for hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF), which provided the basis for the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the HIF‐VEGF/PDGF pathway. Recent whole‐exome sequencing analysis of sporadic kidney cancer exhibited the recurrent mutations in chromatin remodeling genes and the later study has revealed that several chromatin remodeling genes are altered in kidney cancer kindred at the germline level. To date, more than 10 hereditary kidney cancer syndromes together with each responsible gene have been characterized and most of the causative genes for these genetic disorders are associated with either metabolism or epigenome regulation. In this review article, we describe the molecular mechanisms of how an alteration of each kidney cancer‐associated gene leads to renal tumorigenesis as well as denote therapeutic targets elicited by studies on hereditary kidney cancer.
Genetics of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases
Authors: David T , Ling S F , Barton A
Published: January 2018

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are characterized by dysregulation of the normal immune response, which leads to inflammation. Together, they account for a high disease burden in the population, given that they are usually chronic conditions with associated co-morbidities. Examples include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and type 1 diabetes. Since the advent of genome-wide association studies, evidence of considerable genetic overlap in the loci predisposing to a wide range of IMIDs has emerged. Understanding the genetic risk and extent of genetic overlap between IMIDs may help to determine which genes control which aspects of the different diseases; it may identify potential novel therapeutic targets for a number of these conditions, and/or it may facilitate repurposing existing therapies developed originally for different conditions. The findings show that autoantibody-mediated autoimmune diseases cluster more closely with each other than autoantibody-negative diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ankylosing spondylitis which, instead, form a seronegative genetic cluster. The genetic clustering largely mirrors the known response to existing biological therapies, but apparent anomalies in treatment response are discussed.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Issues in Supply Chain Competition: Should Greenwashing Be Regulated?
Authors: Lee Ho Cheung Brian , Cruz Jose M. , Shankar Ramesh
Published: January 2018

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been treated as an instrument to differentiate firms in a competitive market. However, due to the credence good nature of CSR, when considering product quality dimension, firms can only signal their quality through advertising or labeling. These signaling mechanisms may be exploited by some dishonest firms who claim to be green (“greenwashing”). Many critics argue that greenwashing needs to be regulated because it deceives the market and discourages firms from going genuinely green. In this article, instead of focusing on the ethical side of this issue, we try to explore the market outcome from an economic perspective. We show that regulating greenwashing may not necessarily increase the positive environmental externality of green products. In particular, even if greenwashing is regulated, firms may not act green when the additional CSR cost is too high or when the corresponding CSR issue is not as important. On the other hand, we find that allowing greenwashing may incentivize some firms to go genuinely green as long as there are some informed customers in the market.
Electronic registry for the management of childhood obesity in Greece
Authors: Kassari Penio , Papaioannou Panagiotis , Billiris Antonis , Karanikas Haralampos , Eleftheriou Stergiani , Thireos Eleftherios , Manios Yannis , Chrousos George P. , Charmandari Evangelia
Published: January 2018

Background

Obesity in childhood and adolescence represents a major health problem in our century. In Greece, more than 30%‐35% of children and adolescents are either overweight or obese.

Materials and methods

Using information and communication technologies, we developed a “National Registry for the Prevention and Management of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence” for guidance and training of Pediatricians and General Practitioners. The application supports interoperability with other national infrastructures and multi‐layered security spanning preventive, detective and administrative controls. The Patient Summary Dataset includes information on medical history, family history, medications, immunizations, clinical examination and laboratory findings and appointment booking service.

Results

The application was launched in September 2015 and is accessible by: http://app.childhood-obesity.gr/. Based on the data that the doctor registers, the system calculates a personalized therapeutic algorithm that provides information on diet, physical exercise and sleep, as well as guidance on laboratory investigations and referral to specialized centres. A pilot study performed in 1270 children and adolescents indicated that using this system resulted in a reduction in obesity rates by 30% and overweight rates by 35% within 1 year.

Conclusions

This National e‐Health System appears to be effective in the management of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence.
Nudging using the ‘dish of the day’ strategy does not work for plant‐based meals in a Danish sample of adolescent and older people
Authors: dos Santos Quenia , Nogueira Bárbara Melo , Rodrigues Vanessa Mello , Hartwell Heather , Giboreau Agnes , Monteleone Erminio , Dinnella Caterina , Perez‐Cueto Federico Ja
Published: January 2018

Adequate nutrition is an important factor for health and well‐being in adolescents and later years. Fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet as important source of nutrients, but their intakes are lower than the recommendations in European countries. This study aimed to compare the choices made by adolescents and older people between three similar dishes, one based on meat, one on fish and one on vegetables, in two different conditions: a neutral (control) situation and an intervention situation in which the vegetable‐based meal was designated ‘dish of the day’. The comparisons of choices will be made within the same age group (adolescents in the control group vs. adolescents in the intervention group; older people in the control group vs. older people in the intervention group). A quasi‐randomised field trial design was used with a sample of 94 adolescents (aged 10–19 years) and 97 older people (aged ≥65 years), who were randomly allocated to intervention or control groups. In the control situation participants were asked to choose between three similar meals, one meat, one fish and one the VeggiEat dish. In the intervention, the VeggiEat dish was labelled the ‘Dish of the day’. All dishes were provided free of charge, displayed side by side in the same order and served in same portions. The dish choices showed no differences between the control and intervention groups in both age groups, and no differences were found among the other variables analysed. This nudging strategy, ‘dish of the day’, seems not to work for the Danish sample of adolescents and older people. Future nudging studies with these populations are needed in order to find the best strategy to move adolescents' and older people's food habits toward a healthier pattern.
HLA‐DR+ NK cells are mostly characterized by less mature phenotype and high functional activity
Authors: Erokhina Sofya A , Streltsova Maria A , Kanevskiy Leonid M , Telford William G , Sapozhnikov Alexander M , Kovalenko Elena I
Published: January 2018

NK cells change their phenotype and functional characteristics during activation. In this work, we searched for a relationship of HLA‐DR expression with differentiation stages and functional activity of NK cells ex vivo and stimulated in vitro with IL‐2 challenged with gene modified feeder K562 cells expressing membrane‐bound IL‐21 (K562‐mbIL21). This stimulation technique has been described for NK cell expansion in clinical use. We have observed that HLA‐DR expression in freshly isolated circulating NK cells was mostly associated with less differentiated CD56brightCD57– cells, although in some individuals it could also be found in terminally differentiated CD57+ cells. Ex vivo HLA‐DR+ NK cells possessed better capacity to produce IFN‐γ in response to cytokine stimulation compared to their HLA‐DR– counterparts. In vitro activation with IL‐2 and K562‐mbIL21 induces an increase in HLA‐DR‐positive NK cell proportion, again mostly among CD56brightCD57– NK cells. This happened in particular due to appearance of HLA‐DR+ expression de novo in HLA‐DR‐negative cells. Acquired in vitro HLA‐DR expression was associated with NK cell proliferation activity, more intense cytokine‐induced IFN‐γ production, increased degranulation toward feeder cells, and higher expression of CD86 and NKG2D. Thus, stimulation with IL‐2/K562‐mbIL21 causes a significant phenotype and functional shift during NK cell activation and expansion.
Separate roles of IL‐6 and oncostatin M in mouse macrophage polarization in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Dubey Anisha , Izakelian Laura , Ayaub Ehab A , Ho Lilian , Stephenson Kyle , Wong Steven , Kwofie Karen , Austin Richard C , Botelho Fernando , Ask Kjetil , Richards Carl D
Published: January 2018

Arginase‐1 (Arg‐1)‐expressing M2‐like macrophages are associated with Th2‐skewed immune responses, allergic airway pathology, ectopic B16 melanoma cancer growth in murine models, and can be induced by Oncostatin M (OSM) transient overexpression in vivo. Here, we compare OSM to the gp130‐cytokine IL‐6 in mediating macrophage polarization, and find that IL‐6 overexpression alone (Ad vector, AdIL‐6) did not induce Arg‐1 protein in mouse lungs at day 7, nor ectopic melanoma tumor growth at day 14, in contrast to overexpression of OSM (AdOSM). AdOSM elevated levels of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, whereas AdIL‐6 did not. Bone marrow‐derived macrophages respond with Arg‐1 enzymatic activity to M2 stimuli (IL‐4/IL‐13), which was further elevated in combination with IL‐6 stimulation; however, OSM or LIF had no detectable activity in vitro. Arg‐1 mRNA expression induced by AdOSM was attenuated in IL‐6‐/‐ and STAT6‐/‐ mice, suggesting requirements for both IL‐6 and IL‐4/IL‐13 signaling in vivo. Ectopic B16 tumor burden was also reduced in IL‐6‐/‐ mice. Thus, OSM induces Arg‐1+ macrophage accumulation indirectly through elevation of Th2 cytokines and IL‐6 in vivo, whereas IL‐6 acts directly on macrophages but requires a Th2 microenvironment, demonstrating distinct roles for OSM and IL‐6 in M2 macrophage polarization.
Intestinal overexpression of interleukin (IL)‐15 promotes tissue eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia
Authors: Mussarat Ahad , Manohar Murli , Verma Alok K , Upparahalli Venkateshaiah Sathisha , Zaidi Asifa , Sanders Nathan L , Zhu Xiang , Mishra Anil
Published: January 2018

Interleukin (IL)‐15 overexpression in eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders is reported, but IL‐15′s role in promoting eosinophilic gastroenteritis is largely unknown. Therefore, we generated enterocyte‐overexpressed IL‐15 transgenic mice using Fabpi promoter. The Fabpi‐IL‐15 (iIL‐15) transgenic mice showed induced IL‐15 levels in the jejunum with a marked increase in jejunum eosinophils. However, no induction of eosinophilia in the blood or any other gastrointestinal segment was observed. Eosinophilia in the jejunum villus was substantially higher in iIL‐15 mice compared to wild‐type mice. In addition, goblet cell hyperplasia was also observed in the jejunum of iIL‐15 mice. Furthermore, a significant correlation between induced IL‐15 transcript and the IL‐18 transcripts was observed. Therefore, to further understand the role of IL‐18 in IL‐15 mice associated gastrointestinal disorders, we generated iIL‐15/IL‐18Rα−/− mice. Using these mice, we found that IL‐18 has an important role in promoting IL‐15‐induced eosinophilia. As intestinal IL‐15 overexpression is reported in food intolerance, we examined OVA intolerance in iIL‐15 mice. The OVA‐sensitized and challenged iIL‐15 mice experienced weight loss, diarrhea and eosinophilia in the jejunum. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that intestinal IL‐15 overexpression induces IL‐18‐dependent eosinophilia and immunoglobulins in the intestine that promotes food allergic responses.
The anti‐inflammatory IFITM genes ameliorate colitis and partially protect from tumorigenesis by changing immunity and microbiota
Authors: Alteber Zoya , Sharbi‐Yunger Adi , Pevsner‐Fischer Meirav , Blat Dan , Roitman Lior , Tzehoval Esther , Elinav Eran , Eisenbach Lea
Published: January 2018

Inflammation plays pivotal roles in different stages of tumor development. Screening for predisposing genetic abnormalities and understanding the roles these genes play in the crosstalk between immune and cancer cells will provide new targets for cancer therapy and prevention. The interferon inducible transmembrane (IFITM) genes are involved in pathogenesis of the gastro‐intestinal tract. We aimed at delineating the role of IFITM3 in colonic epithelial homeostasis, inflammation and colitis‐associated tumorigenesis using IFITM3‐deficient mice. Chemical induction of colitis in IFITM3‐deficient mice results in significantly increased clinical signs of inflammation and induction of invasive tumorigenesis. Bone marrow transplantation showed that cells of the hematopoietic system are responsible for colitis deterioration. In these mice, impaired cytokine expression skewed inflammatory response toward pathogenic Th17 with reduced expression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL10 during the recovery phase. Intriguingly, mice lacking the entire IFITM locus developed spontaneous chronic colitis from the age of 14 weeks. Sequencing the 16S rRNA of naïve mice lacking IFITM3 gene, or the entire locus containing five IFITM genes, revealed these mice had significant bacterial differences from their wild‐type littermates. Our novel results provide strong evidence for the essential role of IFITM genes in ameliorating colitis and colitis‐associated tumorigenesis.
Non‐immediate heparin and heparinoid cutaneous allergic reactions: a role for fondaparinux
Authors: Tan Elina , Thompson Grace , Ekstrom Charlotta , Lucas Michaela
Published: January 2018

Non‐immediate allergic cutaneous reactions to heparins have been increasingly reported, typically manifesting as large, eczematous plaques at sites of subcutaneous injection. Patients may demonstrate cross‐reactivity between unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin and semi‐synthetic heparinoids, making finding an alternative difficult. Fondaparinux has been identified as a useful alternative in such patients; here we present the first two documented cases in Australia and a literature review.
Southcare Geriatric Flying Squad: an innovative Australian model providing acute care in residential aged care facilities
Authors: Jain Shikha , Gonski Peter N. , Jarick Jeannette , Frese Sandra , Gerrard Sheena
Published: January 2018

This study reviews the outcomes of a model developed to improve the quality of care of residents living within residential aged care facilities (RACF). The Southcare Geriatric Flying Squad saw a total of 640 acutely unwell RACF residents over an 18‐month period. Of these, 578 (90.3%) were managed in the RACF avoiding emergency department. Only 35 (5.5%) patients required emergency department transfer and 27 (4.2%) were directly admitted to a medical ward. The service may have reduced emergency presentations by offering rapid assessment and management, choice in place of treatment and level of interventions.
Combined experimental and ab initio based determination of the thermal expansion of La0.5Sr0.5Co0.25Fe0.75O3
Authors: Yin Xiaoyan , Beez Alexander , Menzler Norbert H. , Spatschek Robert
Published: January 2018

The thermal expansion of La0.5Sr0.5Co0.25Fe0.75O3 (LSCF55) is investigated both by first principles phonon calculations combined with the quasi‐harmonic approximation (QHA) and by experimental approaches. Within the framework of the QHA, the volumetric thermal expansion coefficient of rhombohedral LSCF55 is calculated as αV,GGA = 50.34 × 10−6 K−1. For comparison, the lattice expansion and the volume expansion of LSCF55 grain are measured by in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffractometer (HT‐XRD). An anisotropic thermal expansion of rhombohedral LSCF55 with αa,hex = 10.89 × 10−6 K−1 and αc,hex = 21.18 × 10−6 K−1 is obtained. The volumetric thermal expansion coefficient is measured as αV,HT‐XRD = 43.17 × 10−6 K−1. In addition, the effectively isotropic expansion coefficients of a polycrystalline LSCF55 bar specimen are measured using a vertical high‐performance thermo‐mechanical analyzer and yield αl,bar specimen = 17.37 × 10−6 K−1 and αV,bar specimen = 52.11 × 10−6 K−1.
Feeling Stares: Places, Persons, and Pets
Authors: Staats Sara , Ross Tyra , Irmscher Krista , Rada Kelly
Published: January 2018

The belief that one can feel others staring without actually seeing them look is a common social phenomenon. From a comparative viewpoint, staring is associated with dominance behavior or aggression. In humans, staring is often viewed as a negative behavior. Thus, being the object of a stare is potentially dangerous. We predicted that persons in vulnerable circumstances (e.g., an unfamiliar situation) or with strangers rather than with friends would be sensitized to detect signals or stimuli associated with danger. We also hypothesized that persons high in self‐consciousness or who were in a negative mood would have an increased bias toward detecting stares. The situational‐context hypotheses received higher support than did the dispositional hypotheses. Beliefs concerning animals and stare perception were explored.
Hyper‐acetylation contributes to the sensitivity of chemo‐resistant prostate cancer cells to histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A
Authors: Xu Qingqing , Liu Xiaofei , Zhu Shiqin , Hu Xuelei , Niu Huanmin , Zhang Xiulei , Zhu Deyu , Nesa Effat Un , Tian Keli , Yuan Huiqing
Published: January 2018

Therapeutic agents are urgently needed for treating metastatic castration‐refractory prostate cancer (mCRPC) that is unresponsive to androgen deprivation and chemotherapy. Our screening assays demonstrated that chemotherapy‐resistant prostate cancer (PCa) cells are more sensitive to HDAC inhibitors than paired sensitive PCa cells, as demonstrated by cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Kinetic study revealed that TSA‐induced apoptosis was significantly dependent on enhanced transcription and protein synthesis in an early stage, which subsequently caused ER stress and apoptosis. ChIP analysis indicated that TSA increased H4K16 acetylation, promoting ER stress gene transcription. The changes in Ac‐H4K16, ATF3 and ATF4 were also validated in TSA‐treated animals. Further study revealed the higher enzyme activity of HDACs and an increase in acetylated proteins in resistant cells. The higher nucleocytoplasmic acetyl‐CoA in resistant cells was responsible for elevated acetylation status of protein and a more vigorous growth state. These results strongly support the pre‐clinical application of HDAC inhibitors for treating chemotherapy‐resistant mCRPC.
Association between hedonic hunger and glycemic control in non‐obese and obese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Cheung Lorena Tsui Fun , Ko Gary Tin Choi , Chow Francis Chun Chung , Kong Alice Pik Shan
Published: January 2018

Aims/Introduction

Higher hedonic hunger has been observed in obese individuals compared with those without obesity, but little is known about its association with glycemic management. We aimed to examine the association between hedonic hunger and glycemic control in non‐obese and obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Between April and November 2016, a total of 211 type 2 diabetes patients who underwent comprehensive diabetes assessments at a university‐affiliated hospital were recruited into two groups according to body mass index: non‐obese (body mass index 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) groups. All participants completed the Chinese version of the Power of Food Scale (PFS) for assessment of hedonic hunger. Good glycemic control was defined as glycated hemoglobin <7.0%.

Results

Compared with the non‐obese group, the obese group showed higher PFS aggregated and subscale ‘food available’ scores (both P < 0.05). After adjustment for age, sex, disease duration of diabetes and insulin use, there were positive associations of glycated hemoglobin with PFS aggregated, subscale ‘food available’ and ‘food present’ scores in the obese group (all P for trend <0.05). The PFS aggregated score was negatively associated with good glycemic control in obese type 2 diabetes patients after adjustment using logistic regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.20–0.91, P = 0.027). By contrast, such associations were not observed in non‐obese type 2 diabetes patients.

Conclusions

Hedonic hunger had an independent and inverse association with good glycemic control in obese Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes, but not in their counterparts without obesity.
Emboli shower: Beware of the catastrophe!!
Authors: Kumar Gurinder , Airon Nitin , Sohal Aman PS
Published: January 2018

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Effect of Dietary Essential Oils Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Protein Digestibility of Juvenile Gilthead Seabream Fed a Low‐Fishmeal Diet
Authors: Rodrigues Vera , Colen Rita , Ribeiro Laura , Santos Gonçalo , Gonçalves Rui A. , Dias Jorge
Published: January 2018

The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of supplemental plant essential oils (PEOs) on the growth performance and digestive processes of juvenile gilthead seabream. Three experimental diets were tested: (1) a control (CTRL) diet formulated with low marine‐derived protein level (19%); (2) CTRL diet supplemented with a blend of anise, citrus, and oregano essential oils at 1.2 g/kg (diet Phyto C); and (3) CTRL diet supplemented with a similar blend at 0.2 g/kg, but in encapsulated form (diet Phyto E). Triplicate groups of 20 fish (mean initial body weight = 27.9 ± 2.1 g) were fed the experimental diets over 63 d. Results showed that specific growth rate, voluntary feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio were not significantly affected by the two dietary supplements. The commercial blend of PEOs tested here can be successfully incorporated into a low‐fishmeal diet to maximize protein and fat retention and to minimize nitrogenous losses in seabream juveniles. Phyto E presented a decrease in nitrogenous metabolic and fecal losses. The practical implications of including this plant‐based blend in aquafeeds can potentially include faster fish growth and improved production time, but these remain to be tested in a longer experimental trial.
Streptococcus oralis maintains homeostasis in oral biofilms by antagonizing the cariogenic pathogen Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Thurnheer T. , Belibasakis G.N.
Published: January 2018

Bacteria residing in oral biofilms live in a state of dynamic equilibrium with one another. The intricate synergistic or antagonistic interactions between them are crucial for determining this balance. Using the six‐species Zürich “supragingival” biofilm model, this study aimed to investigate interactions regarding growth and localization of the constituent species. As control, an inoculum containing all six strains was used, whereas in each of the further five inocula one of the bacterial species was alternately absent, and in the last, both streptococci were absent. Biofilms were grown anaerobically on hydroxyapatite disks, and after 64 h they were harvested and quantified by culture analyses. For visualization, fluorescence in situ hybridization and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used. Compared with the control, no statistically significant difference of total colony‐forming units was observed in the absence of any of the biofilm species, except for Fusobacterium nucleatum, whose absence caused a significant decrease in total bacterial numbers. Absence of Streptococcus oralis resulted in a significant decrease in Actinomyces oris, and increase in Streptococcus mutans (P < .001). Absence of A. oris, Veillonella dispar or S. mutans did not cause any changes. The structure of the biofilm with regards to the localization of the species did not result in observable changes. In summary, the most striking observation of the present study was that absence of S. oralis resulted in limited growth of commensal A. oris and overgrowth of S. mutans. These data establish highlight S. oralis as commensal keeper of homeostasis in the biofilm by antagonizing S. mutans, so preventing a caries‐favoring dysbiotic state.