bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histological long‐term outcomes from acute antibody‐mediated rejection following ABO‐compatible liver transplantation
Authors: Del Bello Arnaud , Danjoux Marie , Congy‐Jolivet Nicolas , Lavayssière Laurence , Esposito Laure , Muscari Fabrice , Kamar Nassim
Published: October 2016

Background and Aim

Acute antibody‐mediated rejection (aAMR) is an unusual complication after orthotopic ABO‐compatible liver transplantation. To date, the clinical and histological long‐term outcomes after aAMR are not well known.

Method

Herein, we describe nine cases of aAMR that occurred in our liver‐transplant center between 2008 and 2016, with an initial and reevaluation liver biopsy available for reexamination.

Results

Two patients presented with aAMR at 10.5 (10, 11) days post‐transplantation, caused by preformed donor‐specific antibodies. Seven other recipients developed de novo donor‐specific antibodies and aAMR at 11.2 (3–24) months post‐transplantation. Eight of the nine patients received a B‐cell targeting agent (rituximab, with or without plasma exchange), associated with polyclonal antibodies (three patients) or intravenous immunoglobulins (three patients). At the last follow up (i.e. 21 [4–90] months post‐aAMR), seven patients were alive, including two patients with normal liver tests. Grafts' survival was 66%. A liver biopsy performed at 11.5 (5–48.5) months after the first biopsy showed no significant improvement in aAMR score (from 2 ± 1.3 to 1.6 ± 1.5, P = 0.6), a significant improvement in chronic AMR score (from 37 ± 9 to 25 ± 8, P = 0.003) and an increase in the Metavir score (1.2 ± 0.6 to 2.1 ± 0.9, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

In this study, a B‐cell‐depleting agent seemed to improve the prognosis of aAMR in selected cases, but several patients kept active lesions antibody‐mediated rejection.
Narratives of Self‐Neglect: Patterns of Traumatic Personal Experiences and Maladaptive Behaviors in Cognitively Intact Older Adults
Authors: Lien Cynthia , Rosen Tony , Bloemen Elizabeth M. , Abrams Robert C. , Pavlou Maria , Lachs Mark S.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To identify patterns of personal experience or behavior in self‐neglect by exploring narratives of cognitively intact older adults.

Design

Descriptive study involving semistructured interviews and unstructured narratives.

Setting

A parent study of self‐neglect characteristics.

Participants

Cognitively intact, self‐neglecting older adults referred from 11 community‐based senior services agencies (N = 69).

Measurements

Interviews included a comprehensive psychiatric assessment using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Axis‐I and II Disorders and an unstructured interview that allowed subjects to describe important elements of their life stories. Content analysis was used to identify personal experiences and behavior patterns in each subject's narrative.

Results

Four types of traumatic personal experiences (psychologically traumatic loss, separation or abandonment (29%); violent victimization, physical trauma, or sexual abuse (19%); exposure to war or political violence (9%); prolonged mourning (7%)) and five behavior patterns (significant financial instability (23%), severe lifelong mental illness (16%), mistrust of people or paranoia (13%), distrust and avoidance of the medical establishment (13%), substance abuse or dependence (13%)) were identified in the life stories.

Conclusion

Patterns of traumatic personal experiences and maladaptive behaviors that self‐neglecters frequently report were identified. Experiences, perceptions, and behaviors developed over a lifetime may contribute to elder self‐neglect. Further exploration and better understanding of these patterns may identify potential risk factors and areas for future targeted screening, intervention, and prevention.
Uncovering the Fate of Critical Metals: Tracking Dissipative Losses along the Product Life Cycle
Authors: Zimmermann Till
Published: October 2016

An increasing number of elements from the periodic table are being used in a growing number of products, enabling new material and product functionalities. Materials of high importance and high supply risks are usually referred to as critical materials. Many materials that are often considered critical are used in ways leading to their dissipative loss along the product life cycle. So far, the issue of material dissipation has been dealt with mainly on a rather aggregated level. Detailed knowledge on the occurrence and amount of dissipative losses in the life cycle of specific products is only scarcely available. Addressing this, a substance flow analysis of different critical metals along the life cycle of selected products is presented in this article. With regard to products used in Germany, the flows of indium and gallium used in copper‐indium‐gallium‐selenide (CIGS) photovoltaic cells, germanium used in polymerization catalysts, and yttrium used in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have been analyzed. The results comprise detailed knowledge about the life cycle stages in which dissipative losses occur and about the receiving media. In all case studies, a complete or almost complete dissipative loss can be observed, mainly to landfills and other material flows. In all case studies, material production can be identified as hotspots for dissipative losses. In two case studies fabrication and manufacturing (F&M for CIGS and TBCs) and in one case study end of life (polymerization catalysts) can be identified as further hotspots for dissipative losses. In addition, actions for reducing dissipation along the life cycle are discussed, targeting aspects such as the recovery of critical metals as by‐products, efficiency in F&M processes, and lack of recycling processes. Lack of economic incentives to apply more‐efficient technologies and processes already available is a key aspect in this regard.
Measuring the Environmental Footprint of Leather Processing Technologies
Authors: Laurenti Rafael , Redwood Michael , Puig Rita , Frostell Björn
Published: October 2016

The selection of materials and manufacturing processes often determines most of the environmental impact that a product will have during its life cycle. In directing consumption toward products with the least impact on the environment, measuring and comparing material alternatives with site‐specific data is a fundamental prerequisite. Within the apparel and footwear industry, some famous brands have recently been basing their advertising on the claim that vegetable‐tanned leather is more environmentally friendly than chromium‐tanned leather. However, there is a lack of scientific research assessing and comparing vegetable‐ and chromium‐tanned leather in a wider context than the toxicity of chromium. To fill this gap, this study measured and compared the carbon, water, and energy footprint of vegetable and chromium leather processing technology and intermediate processing stages in 12 selected tanneries in seven different countries worldwide. Each tannery proved to be very individual, and therefore attempting to perform this type of analysis without simply producing meaningless generalities is a challenge for companies, researchers, and regulators. The variability in results demonstrates that secondary data for the tanning phase should be utilized with caution in a decision‐making context. The use of primary data would be advisable for life cycle assessment studies of leather goods. No significant differences were found in the footprint of vegetable and chromium leather processes, but these are only indicative findings and need confirmation in further studies. An important area needing investigation is then how a fair comparison can be made between renewable natural materials and nonrenewable materials used in both leather‐processing technologies.
Racial Discrimination and Adverse Birth Outcomes: An Integrative Review
Authors: Alhusen Jeanne L. , Bower Kelly M. , Epstein Elizabeth , Sharps Phyllis
Published: October 2016

Introduction

This article presents an integrative review of the literature examining the relationship between racial discrimination and adverse birth outcomes.

Methods

Searches for research studies published from 2009 to 2015 were conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Embase. Articles were assessed for potential inclusion using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) 2009 framework.

Results

Fifteen studies met criteria for review. The majority of the studies found a significant relationship between racial discrimination and low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age. Each of the studies that examined more proximal variables related to birth outcomes such as entry into prenatal care, employment opportunities, neighborhood characteristics, or inflammatory markers found significant associations between the specific variables examined and racial discrimination. Participants in qualitative studies discussed experiences of institutional racism with regard to several components of prenatal care including access and quality of care.

Discussion

Racial discrimination is a significant risk factor for adverse birth outcomes. To best understand the mechanisms by which racial discrimination impacts birth outcomes, and to inform the development of effective interventions that eliminate its harmful effects on health, longitudinal research that incorporates comprehensive measures of racial discrimination is needed. Health care providers must fully acknowledge and address the psychosocial factors that impact health outcomes in minority racial/ethnic women.
Employment and Wage Disparities for Nurses With Activity Limitations
Authors: Wilson Barbara L. , Butler Richard J. , Butler Matthew J.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

No studies quantify the labor market disparities between nurses with and without activity difficulties (physical impairment or disability). We explore disparate treatment of nurses with activity difficulties at three margins of the labor market: the ability to get a job, the relative wage rate offered once a nurse has a job, and the annual hours of work given that wage rate.

Design

Key variables from the American Community Survey (ACS) were analyzed, including basic demographic information, wages, hours of work, and employment status of registered nurses from 2006 to 2014.

Findings

Although there is relatively little disparity in hourly wages, there is enormous disparity in the disabled's employment and hours of work opportunities, and hence a moderate amount of disparity in annual wages.

Conclusions

This has significant implications for the nursing labor force, particularly as the nursing workforce continues to age and physical limitations or disabilities increase by 15‐fold from 25 to 65 years of age.

Clinical Relevance

 Physical or psychological difficulties increase sharply over the course of a nurse's career, and employers must heighten efforts to facilitate an aging workforce and provide appropriate job accommodations for nurses with activity limitations.
Using human genetics to discover new therapeutic targets for plasma lipids
Authors: Cohen J. C.
Published: October 2016

Genetic variation arises through multiple different alleles that vary in frequency and severity of effect. Mutations that give rise to Mendelian disorders, such as the LDL receptor (LDLR) mutations that result in familial hypercholesterolaemia, are efficiently winnowed from the population by purifying selection and are almost inevitably rare. Conversely, alleles that are common in the population (such that homozygotes for the minor allele are present even in modest sample sizes) typically have very modest phenotypic effects. Mutations in the gene for proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) represent an unusual but informative exception in that they are relatively common but have large effects on phenotype. Loss‐of‐function mutations in PCSK9 occur in ~2.5% of African Americans and are associated with large reductions in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. The development of agents to inhibit PCSK9 demonstrates the utility of translating genetics into clinical therapeutics. Attempts to identify genes responsible for hypercholesterolaemia have used traditional linkage analysis, which requires samples collected from multiple families with defects in the same gene, or genome‐wide association, which requires thousands of samples from the population. More recently, whole‐exome sequencing studies have revealed loss‐of‐function mutations in ANGPTL3 associated with pan‐hypolipidemia, and in APOC3 that confer protection against CHD. The application of whole‐exome sequencing to large populations or to carefully selected patients can streamline the discovery of causal genetic mutations.
Bariatric surgery and type 2 diabetes: are there weight loss‐independent therapeutic effects of upper gastrointestinal bypass?
Authors: Chondronikola M. , Harris L. L. S. , Klein S.
Published: October 2016

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major worldwide public health concern. Despite a large armamentarium of T2D medications, a large proportion of patients fail to achieve recommended treatment goals for glycemic control. Weight loss has profound beneficial effects on the metabolic abnormalities involved in the pathogenesis of T2D. Accordingly, bariatric surgery, which is the most effective available weight loss therapy, is also the most effective therapy for treating patients with T2D. Surgical procedures that bypass the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract are particularly effective in achieving partial and even complete remission of T2D, suggesting that UGI bypass has weight loss‐independent effects on glycemic control. Although a number of hypotheses (e.g. a role for multiorgan insulin sensitivity, β‐cell function, incretin response, the gut microbiome, bile acid metabolism, intestinal glucose metabolism and browning of adipose tissue) have been proposed to explain the potential unique effects of UGI tract bypass surgery, none has yet been adequately evaluated to determine therapeutic importance in patients with T2D. Here, we review the efficacy of UGI bypass surgery in treating T2D and the mechanisms that have been proposed to explain its potential weight loss‐independent therapeutic effects.
Insulin signalling in Alzheimer′s disease and diabetes: from epidemiology to molecular links
Authors: Ribe E. M. , Lovestone S.
Published: October 2016

As populations across the world both age and become more obese, the numbers of individuals with Alzheimer′s disease and diabetes are increasing; posing enormous challenges for society and consequently becoming priorities for governments and global organizations. These issues, an ageing population at risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer′s disease and an increasingly obese population at risk of metabolic alterations such as type 2 diabetes, are usually considered as independent conditions, but increasing evidence from both epidemiological and molecular studies link these disorders. The aim of this review was to highlight these multifactorial links. We will discuss the impact of direct links between insulin and IGF‐1 signalling and the Alzheimer′s disease‐associated pathological events as well as the impact of other processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction either common to both conditions or perhaps responsible for a mechanistic link between metabolic and neurodegenerative disease. An understanding of such associations might be of importance not only in the understanding of disease mechanisms but also in the search for novel therapeutic options.
Epigenomic and transcriptional control of insulin resistance
Authors: Rosen E. D.
Published: October 2016

Insulin resistance is one of the defining features of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome and accompanies many other clinical conditions, ranging from obesity to lipodystrophy to glucocorticoid excess. Extraordinary efforts have gone into defining the mechanisms that underlie insulin resistance, with most attention focused on altered signalling as well as mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Here, nuclear mechanisms of insulin resistance, including transcriptional and epigenomic effects, will be discussed. Three levels of control involving transcription factors, transcriptional cofactors, and chromatin‐modifying enzymes will be considered. Well‐studied examples of the first include PPAR‐γ in adipose tissue and the glucocorticoid receptor and FoxO1 in a variety of insulin‐sensitive tissues. These proteins work in concert with cofactors such as PGC‐1α and CRTC2, and chromatin‐modifying enzymes including DNA methyltransferases and histone acetyltransferases, to regulate key genes that promote insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake, gluconeogenesis or other pathways that affect systemic insulin action. Furthermore, genetic variation associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes is often related to altered transcription factor binding, either by affecting the transcription factor itself, or more commonly by changing the binding affinity of a noncoding regulatory region. Finally, several avenues for therapeutic exploitation in the battle against metabolic disease will be discussed, including small‐molecule inhibitors and activators of these factors and their related pathways.
Effect of experimental anterior temporalis muscle pain on jaw movements
Authors: Amhamed M. , Whittle T. , Maulina T. , Gal J. , Akhter R. , Murray G. M.
Published: October 2016

To test the hypotheses that experimental noxious stimulation of the anterior temporalis muscle results in significant decreases in jaw movement amplitude and velocity, and there are significant correlations between scores of mood or pain‐related cognitions and amplitude and velocity. The jaw movements of 14 asymptomatic participants were recorded during standardised open/close jaw movements and free and standardised chewing tasks. Tonic infusion of hypertonic saline into the right anterior temporalis muscle maintained pain intensity between 40 and 60 mm on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale. Tasks were performed in a single session in the following sequence: baseline condition, test 1 condition (during hypertonic or isotonic saline infusion), test 2 condition (during saline infusion) (10‐min rest between conditions). Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS‐21) and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Amplitude and velocity of opening and closing were compared between conditions with a repeated‐measures analysis of variance (anova), and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient explored correlations; statistical significance: P < 0·05. For any of the three tasks, there were no significant differences in kinematic variables between any condition and no significant correlations between DASS‐21 or PCS scores and kinematic variables during hypertonic saline infusion. The absence of a significant reduction in velocity or amplitude of open/close or chewing jaw movements during experimental temporalis muscle pain is not consistent with the Pain Adaptation Model proposing decreases in kinematic measures in pain. The lack of significant correlations between psychological variables and measures of jaw movement may reflect the low scores reported by our study sample.
Nanostructured hybrids for the improvement of folic acid biopharmaceutical properties
Authors: Pagano Cinzia , Tiralti Maria Cristina , Perioli Luana
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Folic acid (FA) is an important source for the prevention of many diseases. However, its use is limited because the very low solubility (<10 mg/l particularly in the gastric environment) responsible for the incomplete adsorption of the administered dose. This study proposes a technological strategy to overcome this problem enhancing FA dissolution rate by means of a formulation able to make completely bioavailable the whole administered dose.

Methods

Folic acid was intercalated in the layered double hydroxides (LDHs) MgAl-LDH and ZnAl-LDH. The obtained inorganic–organic nanostructured hybrids MgAl-LDH-FA and ZnAl-LDH-FA were deeply characterized and used to prepare immediate release tablets presenting very simple compositions. The hybrids, both as simple powders and as tablets, were submitted to in-vitro release studies mimic the gastric environment conducted both in sink and non-sink conditions.

Key findings

Folic acid release from hybrids, as single powders or as tablets, resulted enhanced in both experiments in comparison with crystalline FA.

Conclusions

Obtained results showed that FA-LDH nanostructured hybrids are a promising strategy able to enhance the active ingredient dissolution at low pH values representing a promising approach suitable to realize innovative and effective nutraceutical products.
Pirfenidone ameliorates concanavalin A-induced hepatitis in mice via modulation of reactive oxygen species/nuclear factor kappa B signalling pathways
Authors: El-Agamy Dina S
Published: October 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of pirfenidone (PFD) against concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatitis in mice.

Methods

Autoimmune model of hepatitis was established using single intravenous injection of Con A. Mice were randomly assigned into four groups as follows: control group; Con A group; and two groups, receiving PFD in two dose levels (200, 300 mg/kg) for 5 days before Con A administration. Extent of hepatitis was studied using biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical estimations.

Key findings

Hepatitis was clearly evident through extensive hepatocellular lesions and elevated levels of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. Con A induced an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant status in the hepatic tissue. Furthermore, Con A significantly elevated hepatic nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression and inflammatory cytokines levels (tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and nitric oxide). PFD pretreatment potently ameliorated all these pathological changes.

Conclusions

Pirfenidone hepatoprotective activity may be mediated through its antioxidant ability that suppresses NF-κB activation signalling pathways suggesting that PFD may be a new candidate for treatment of acute hepatitis.
Melatonin enhances survival and preserves functional integrity of stem cells: A review
Authors: Lee Mel S. , Yin Tsung‐Cheng , Sung Pei‐Hsun , Chiang John Y. , Sun Cheuk‐Kwan , Yip Hon‐Kan
Published: October 2016

Despite state‐of‐the‐art pharmaceutical regimens, continuous improvements in diagnostic techniques as well as refinements in equipment and interventional procedures, many diseases remain refractory to conventional therapies. Recent advances in stem cell (SC) biology have opened an avenue to exploring its therapeutic potential in various disease entities, especially those that are ischemia‐related and refractory to conventional treatment. A number of experimental studies and clinical trials have already demonstrated promising outcomes. On the other hand, SC therapy is associated with major problems. For instance, ischemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress are some of the factors unfavorable for SC survival once SCs are implanted into the ischemic area in an attempt to enhance tissue regeneration and restore organ function. Melatonin, which is originally derived from pineal gland in the regulation of human circadian rhythms and sleep, is a potent free radical scavenger and metal chelator with the capacity to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions as well as stabilizing cell membranes. Accumulating data have demonstrated that melatonin‐supported SC therapy is superior to SC alone for improving ischemia‐related organ dysfunction. In this review, we describe and interpret the potential role of melatonin in sustaining the survival and preserving the functional integrity of SC.
IGFBP3 and MAPK/ERK signaling mediates melatonin‐induced antitumor activity in prostate cancer
Authors: Mayo Juan C. , Hevia David , Quiros‐Gonzalez Isabel , Rodriguez‐Garcia Aida , Gonzalez‐Menendez Pedro , Cepas Vanesa , Gonzalez‐Pola Iván , Sainz Rosa M.
Published: October 2016

Treatment of prostate cancer (PCa), a leading cause of cancer among males, lacks successful strategies especially in advanced, hormone‐refractory stages. Some clinical studies have shown an increase in neuroendocrine‐like cells parallel to the tumor progression but their exact role is a matter of debate. The prostate is a well‐known target for melatonin, which reduces PCa cells proliferation and induces neuroendocrine differentiation. To evaluate the mechanisms underlying the indole effects on neuroendocrine differentiation and its impact on PCa progression, we used a cell culture model (LNCaP) and a murine model (TRAMP). Persistent ERK1/2 activation was found in both, melatonin and androgen‐deprived cells. Melatonin blocked nuclear translocation of androgen receptor (AR), thus confirming anti‐androgenic actions of the indole. However, using a comparative genome microarray to check the differentially expressed genes in control, melatonin, or androgen‐deprived cells, some differences were found, suggesting a more complex role of the indole. By comparing control cells with those treated with melatonin or depleted of androgen, a cluster of 26 differentially expressed genes (±2.5‐fold) was found. Kallikreins (KLK)2 and KLK3 (PSA) were dramatically downregulated by both treatments whereas IGFBP3 and IGF1R were up‐ and downregulated, respectively, in both experimental groups, thus showing a role for IGF in both scenarios. Finally, melatonin prolonged the survival of TRAMP mice by 33% when given at the beginning or at advances stages of the tumor. Serum IGFBP3 was significantly elevated by the indole in early stages of the tumor, confirming in vivo the role of the IGF signaling in the oncostatic action of the indole.
Biochemical evaluation of the effects of storage on feline erythrocytes
Authors: Heinz J. A. , Pashmakova M. B. , Wilson C. R. , Johnson M. C. , Minnard H. M. , Bishop M. A. , Barr J. W.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To describe the biochemical changes that occur during storage of feline packed red blood cells.

Methods

Feline packed red blood cells were obtained from the manufacturer via overnight delivery immediately following collection. Bag spikes were placed using aseptic technique and samples were drawn on days 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, lactate, pH and ammonia were measured at each time point. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were submitted following collection on day 35.

Results

There were statistically significant increases in the median concentrations of lactate and ammonia within the first 2 weeks of storage to a concentration of 12·38 mmol/L and 447·96 µmol/L, respectively. Glucose concentrations decreased significantly by day 28 to a mean of 1·86 mmol/L. Median sodium and chloride concentrations increased throughout the course of storage to a concentration of 158·20 and 131·00 mmol/L, respectively. Mean potassium concentrations decreased to a concentration of 2·40 mmol/L.

Clinical Significance

These results show that biochemical derangements within feline packed red blood cells are progressive, with some alterations, such as lactate and ammonia, occurring early within the storage periods, while others, including glucose and electrolytes, are slower to develop. Additional prospective research evaluating the clinical effects of these biochemical alterations is required.
Differential plant species responses to interactions of sand burial, precipitation enhancement and climatic variation promote co‐existence in Chinese steppe vegetation
Authors: Ye Xuehua , Liu Zhilan , Gao Shuqin , Cui Qingguo , Liu Guofang , Du Juan , Dong Ming , Huang Zhenying , Cornelissen Johannes H.C.
Published: October 2016

Aims

Sand burial and precipitation play important roles in vegetation of inland deserts and desertified areas, and both are under strong influence of climate and land‐use change. Sand deposition and precipitation both vary greatly in space and time, and different plant species, with diverse adaptations, occupy different niches along spatial gradients in the combination of sand and water availability dynamics. We hypothesized that species specificity in spatial and temporal niche occupation along such gradients is a mechanism for their co‐existence and, thereby, a driver and stabilizer of biodiversity in dry, sandy areas.

Location

Ordos Plateau, China.

Methods

We conducted a 2‐yr field experiment with factorial treatments of precipitation (control, slight enhancement, strong enhancement) and sand addition (control, medium addition, large addition). Plant cover of the six dominant species was followed over different seasons, as we expected different species to benefit from different treatments in different seasons and years with different weather regimes.

Results

Sand burial alone significantly affected plant cover of all six dominant species, while precipitation enhancement had no significant effect. Effects of sand burial on plant cover changed overall during the two hydrologically contrasting years. Our key finding was that there were multiple significant two‐ and three‐way interactions between species, sand burial and precipitation enhancement on plant cover, while there were also multiple two‐ and three‐way interactions involving species, sand burial or precipitation treatment with year and/or season.

Conclusion

Our results supported our hypothesis, i.e. the co‐existence of species in a semi‐arid sand dune can be explained from the different niches they occupy in terms of seasonal and year‐to‐year variation in precipitation in combination with sand deposition regime. The interactions of these drivers on plant cover with experimental enhancement of precipitation, mimicking a realistic scenario for this region, suggest that shifts in species composition are to be expected this century. More generally, our findings advance our understanding of what drives species co‐existence and thereby biodiversity, now and in the future.
The role of soil features in shaping the bite force and related skull and mandible morphology in the subterranean rodents of genusCtenomys(Hystricognathi: Ctenomyidae)
Authors: Borges L. R. , Maestri R. , Kubiak B. B. , Galiano D. , Fornel R. , Freitas T. R. O.
Published: October 2016

For rodents that live underground, digging in highly compacted soils requires a higher energy expenditure than digging in poorly compacted soils. We tested how soil hardness affects the bite force as well as the shape and size of the skulls and mandibles of tuco‐tucos. Our hypothesis is that species that inhabit harder soils would show a stronger bite force, which should be reflected in the shape of the skull and mandible, while species living in softer soils should have a weaker bite force. We used 24 species of the genusCtenomysto estimate bite force (through the incisor strength formula) and quantify the shape and size of the skull and mandible. Information on soil bulk density in the regions occupied by each species was obtained from the literature. We used a combination of geometric morphometric and comparative methods to test our hypothesis. A phylogenetic linear regression (PGLS) between bite force (N) and centroid size was used to account for the dependence of bite force on size. We employed a series of two‐block partial least‐squares analyses to uncover the covariation between bite force and the shape of the skull and mandible. Finally, we ran five independentPGLSanalyses to assess the influence of bulk density on bite force, skull shape and mandible shape, taking into account phylogenetic non‐independence. Species with higher bite forces tend to inhabit more‐compact soils. However, for most species, the relationship between bite force and soil bulk density was unclear, resulting in a low overall correlation. Nonetheless, differences in skull and mandible shapes were generally associated with bite force (r = 0.60). In denser soils, species with high and low bite forces occur, whereas in lower density soils, we found only species with weak bite forces. Differences in the excavation strategies among species may be responsible for this pattern.
Prioritization of pollution potential zones for conservation activities of a lake system
Authors: Moses Sheela A. , Janaki Letha , Joseph Sabu , Joseph Justus , Thomas Jobin , Lal Pramod
Published: October 2016

Many coastal lakes are under serious threats due to increased pressures associated with population growth, accelerated eutrophication, invasive species and toxic contamination. The extent of the pollution depends almost entirely on the characteristics and processes taking place in the lake basin. The objective of this study was to identify the pollution potential zones (very high, high, medium and low) in the Akkulam–Veli (A–V) Lake Basin (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) using GIS‐enabled, multithematic overlay analysis. The primary characteristics considered were geomorphology, lithology, land use, soil, slope and population density. The results of this study indicated the major portion of the lake basin exhibits very high or high pollution potential zones, with the drains passing through the very high pollution potential zone being mainly responsible for the contamination of the lake water. High population density, predominant commercial use and settlement with mixed tree crop, level and gentle slope (low slope) are the factors responsible for the very high pollution potential. The organic pollutants in the lake system increase with the increased extent of the very high pollution potential area. This analysis approach will help authorities to identify the underlying causes of lake water quality degradation and plan and implement effective measures for protecting the lake. This process can also be utilized by scientists elsewhere to facilitate lake protection.
Health and nutrition content claims on websites advertising infant formula available in Australia: A content analysis
Authors: Berry Nina J. , Gribble Karleen D.
Published: October 2016

The use of health and nutrition content claims in infant formula advertising is restricted by many governments in response to WHO policies and WHA resolutions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether such prohibited claims could be observed in Australian websites that advertise infant formula products. A comprehensive internet search was conducted to identify websites that advertise infant formula available for purchase in Australia. Content analysis was used to identify prohibited claims. The coding frame was closely aligned with the provisions of the Australian and New Zealand Food Standard Code, which prohibits these claims. The outcome measures were the presence of health claims, nutrition content claims, or references to the nutritional content of human milk. Web pages advertising 25 unique infant formula products available for purchase in Australia were identified. Every advertisement (100%) contained at least one health claim. Eighteen (72%) also contained at least one nutrition content claim. Three web pages (12%) advertising brands associated with infant formula products referenced the nutritional content of human milk. All of these claims appear in spite of national regulations prohibiting them indicating a failure of monitoring and/or enforcement. Where countries have enacted instruments to prohibit health and other claims in infant formula advertising, the marketing of infant formula must be actively monitored to be effective.
Relationships between soil and leaf mineral composition are element‐specific, environment‐dependent and geographically structured in the emerging model Arabidopsis halleri
Authors: Stein Ricardo J. , Höreth Stephan , de Melo J. Romário F. , Syllwasschy Lara , Lee Gwonjin , Garbin Mário L. , Clemens Stephan , Krämer Ute
Published: October 2016

Leaf mineral composition, the leaf ionome, reflects the complex interaction between a plant and its environment including local soil composition, an influential factor that can limit species distribution and plant productivity. Here we addressed within‐species variation in plant–soil interactions and edaphic adaptation using Arabidopsis halleri, a well‐suited model species as a facultative metallophyte and metal hyperaccumulator.

We conducted multi‐element analysis of 1972 paired leaf and soil samples from 165 European populations of A. halleri, at individual resolution to accommodate soil heterogeneity. Results were further confirmed under standardized conditions upon cultivation of 105 field‐collected genotypes on an artificially metal‐contaminated soil in growth chamber experiments.

Soil‐independent between‐ and within‐population variation set apart leaf accumulation of zinc, cadmium and lead from all other nutrient and nonessential elements, concurring with differential hypothesized ecological roles in either biotic interaction or nutrition. For these metals, soil–leaf relationships were element‐specific, differed between metalliferous and nonmetalliferous soils and were geographically structured both in the field and under standardized growth conditions, implicating complex scenarios of recent ecological adaptation.

Our study provides an example and a reference for future related work and will serve as a basis for the molecular–genetic dissection and ecological analysis of the observed phenotypic variation.
Models to identify treatments for the acute and persistent effects of seizure‐inducing chemical threat agents
Authors: Pessah Isaac N. , Rogawski Michael A. , Tancredi Daniel J. , Wulff Heike , Zolkowska Dorota , Bruun Donald A. , Hammock Bruce D. , Lein Pamela J.
Published: October 2016

Exposures to seizure‐inducing chemical threat agents are a major public health concern. Of particular need is improved treatment to terminate convulsions and to prevent the long‐term neurological sequelae in survivors. We are studying the organophosphorus cholinesterase inhibitor diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) and the GABA receptor inhibitor tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TETS), which arguably encompass the mechanistic spectrum of seizure‐inducing chemical threats, with the goal of identifying therapeutic approaches with broad‐spectrum efficacy. Research efforts have focused on developing translational models and translational diagnostic approaches, including (1) in vivo models of DFP‐ and TETS‐induced seizures for studying neuropathological mechanisms and identifying treatment approaches; (2) in vivo imaging modalities for noninvasive longitudinal monitoring of neurological damage and response to therapeutic candidates; and (3) higher‐throughput in vitro platforms for rapid screening of compounds to identify potential antiseizure and neuroprotective agents, as well as mechanistically relevant novel drug targets. This review summarizes our progress toward realizing these goals and discusses best practices and mechanistic insights derived from our modeling efforts.
The molecules in the corneal basement membrane zone affected by mustard exposure suggest potential therapies
Authors: Gordon Marion K. , DeSantis‐Rodrigues Andrea , Hahn Rita , Zhou Peihong , Chang Yokechen , Svoboda Kathy K. H. , Gerecke Donald R.
Published: October 2016

Mustard exposures result in epithelial–stromal separations in the cornea and epidermal–dermal separations in the skin. Large blisters often manifest in skin, while the cornea develops microblisters, and, when enough form, the epithelium sloughs. If the exposure is severe, healing can be imperfect and can result in long‐term adverse consequences. For the cornea, this could manifest as recurrent corneal erosions. Since the corneal epithelial–stromal separations are in the region identified by electron microscopy as the lamina lucida, the same region affected by the blistering disease junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), we postulated that the molecules that are defective in JEB would be the same ones cleaved by mustard compounds. These molecules are α6β4 integrin and collagen XVII, which can be cleaved by matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and ADAM17, respectively. Therefore, our laboratory has tested MMP‐9 and ADAM17 inhibitors as potential therapies to attenuate corneal mustard injury. Our results demonstrated that inhibiting MMP‐9 and ADAM17 resulted in less epithelial–stromal separation in the corneas at 24 h postexposure, as compared with using only medium as a therapy.
Estimating nutrient fortification levels in condiments and seasonings for public health programs: considerations and adaptations
Authors: Jalal Chowdhury , Wuehler Sara , Osendarp Saskia , De‐Regil Luz María
Published: October 2016

Condiments and seasonings have been considered as potential vehicles for fortification in place of, or in addition to, fortifiable staple foods. Methodologies for establishing fortification programs focus primarily on use of staple foods, which are consumed in larger portions than condiments and seasonings. Some fortification models assume self‐limiting consumption relative to the maximum energy consumed by target populations. However, this assumption may prove incorrect for estimating fortification concentrations of condiments and seasonings because they may only provide negligible energy. Although flavor or color may limit consumption, these limits would vary across each condiment or seasoning vehicle. In addition, the small volume of condiments and seasonings consumed relative to staple foods can lead to proportionally larger potential errors than with staple foods when measuring usual dietary intakes for establishing safe and effective fortification concentrations. This paper reviews available methods for setting fortification levels, whether or how available methods or conceptual frameworks could be adapted to condiments and seasonings, and gaps in knowledge for appropriately using condiments and seasonings as vehicles for fortification in public health.
The effect of the low‐level laser therapy on healing and pain after tooth extraction: a systematic review
Authors: Ribeiro L.N.S. , Okada E.M.P. , Carvalho F.K. , Stuani M.B.S. , Borsatto M.C. , Silva F.W.G.P. , Küchler E.C.
Published: October 2016

Aim

To perform a systematic review to evaluate the post‐surgical effect of low‐level laser therapy after tooth extraction on healing improvement and pain reduction.

Material and methods

Two reviewers performed a database search of studies published between 1950 and 2015. The inclusion criteria were clinical studies that applied any regimen of low‐level laser therapy after any type of tooth extraction and also compared this regimen with non‐adjuvant therapy. There was no language restriction. All potentially relevant studies were identified by the title and the abstract. After the full‐text analyses of the potentially relevant studies, the selected studies were included in the systematic review.

Results

A total of 99 non‐duplicated studies were found. After reviewing the articles, only 11 were included. The selected studies were critically analysed and classified in scores. None of the studies fulfilled all of the requirements in the quality assessment. Only four studies presented high methodological soundness.

Conclusions

A decrease in pain level after tooth extraction was reported after low‐level laser therapy; however, there is no evidence regarding the effect on tissue healing. Adequately powered and randomised controlled trials are required to address this issue.
Multidisciplinary Treatment for Adolescents with Chronic Pain and/or Fatigue: Who Will Benefit?
Authors: Westendorp Tessa , Verbunt Jeanine A. , de Groot Imelda J.M. , Remerie Sylvia C. , ter Steeg AnneMarie , Smeets Rob J.E.M.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The aims of this study were, first, to determine the percentage of adolescents with chronic pain/fatigue successfully treated with rehabilitation treatment for chronic pain/fatigue and, second, to identify predictors for a successful rehabilitation treatment.

Methods

Treatment success is scored based on a combination of predefined clinically relevant changes in 4 outcome measures: level of pain/fatigue, school absence, physical functioning, and psychosocial functioning. A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis with treatment success as a dependent variable is performed to identify predictors for successful treatment.

Results

A total of 172 adolescents (mean age 16.2 [SD = 2.5]; 85.5% girls) participated. Almost half (49.6%) of the adolescents had a successful treatment. The explained variance for the complete model explaining treatment success was 49% (R2 = 0.487). Patients with a higher level of pain/fatigue and a passive coping style pretreatment improved most, and these factors could thus be indicated as predictors for successful treatment. Also, gender significantly contributed to the prediction, in favor of boys.

Conclusions

Regarding the first aim, using predefined treatment success based on clinically relevant changes, half of the participants had a successful treatment. Concerning the second aim, adolescents with a high level of pain/fatigue and those with a high passive coping style pretreatment have a better ability to change their functioning during treatment. Boys benefit more than girls.
Changes in Prevalence, Outcomes, and Help‐seeking Behavior of Chronic Pain in an Aging Population Over the Last Decade
Authors: Cheung Chi Wai , Choi Siu Wai , Wong Stanley Sau Ching , Lee Yvonne , Irwin Michael Garnet
Published: October 2016

Background

Chronic pain is expected to increase as the population ages. This study aimed to investigate the changes in prevalence, patterns, and help‐seeking behavior of chronic pain and prevalence of neuropathic pain of an aging population in Hong Kong.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, telephone interview with a structured questionnaire was conducted in a randomly selected sample of adults with acute or chronic pain of any kind in the general population to estimate the prevalence of chronic and neuropathic pain, and to describe sociodemographics and help‐seeking behavior. Results were compared with a similar study conducted in 1999.

Results

Totally, 1,570 people were interviewed. Chronic pain was experienced by 28.7% of all respondents, compared to 10.8% in 1999. Joint (45.5%), muscle (27.1%), and back (25.2%) pain were the most common, similar to findings in 1999. Of those with chronic pain, 83.1% reported pain in more than one body site (63.4% in 1999, P = 0.0023). More respondents reported their average pain as being intense (51.57% vs. 33.0% in 2013 and 1999, respectively, P = 0.0098). A downward trend of respondents taking medications for chronic pain (34.9% in 2013 vs. 47.6% in 1999, P = 0.019) was seen. Neuropathic pain was present in 9.03% of the population and 14.7% of chronic pain sufferers.

Conclusion

The prevalence of neuropathic pain in Hong Kong is high and is described here for the first time. The number of chronic pain sufferers has tripled in the past decade. Significant changes in the patterns and help‐ seeking behavior of chronic pain sufferers are also seen.