bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of social support on the relationship of depressive symptoms to medication adherence and self‐care activities in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kim Chun‐Ja , Schlenk Elizabeth A. , Kim Dae Jung , Kim Moonsun , Erlen Judith A. , Kim Se‐Eun
Published: May 2015

Aim

To examine the mediating role of social support on the relationship of depressive symptoms to medication adherence and self‐care activities in Korean adults.

Background

Recent evidence suggests that higher levels of social support are associated with improved medication adherence and self‐care activities; however, the role of social support on the relationship of depressive symptoms to medication adherence and self‐care activities is less well understood.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

The data were collected from 311 Korean adults with type 2 diabetes who were taking hypoglycaemic agents in the period 2012–2013. Depressive symptoms, social support, medication adherence and self‐care activities were assessed using structured questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis with adjustment for covariates and the Sobel test were used to examine the mediating effect of social support on the relationship of depressive symptoms to medication adherence and self‐care activities.

Results

There were statistically significant differences by subgroups with and without depressive symptoms in social support, medication adherence and self‐care activities of diet, physical activity and stress management. The Sobel test confirmed that social support mediated the effect of depressive symptoms on medication adherence and self‐care activities of diet, physical activity and stress management.

Conclusion

The evidence from this study suggests that social support‐enhancing interventions that also manage depressive symptoms may be more timely and effective than interventions that target depressive symptoms alone in promoting adherence to medication adherence and self‐care activities in this population.
Effectiveness of an internet‐based learning program on venous leg ulcer nursing care in home health care – study protocol
Authors: Ylönen Minna , Viljamaa Jaakko , Isoaho Hannu , Junttila Kristiina , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Suhonen Riitta
Published: May 2015

Aim

To describe the study protocol for a study of the effectiveness of an internet‐based learning program on venous leg ulcer nursing care (eVLU) in home health care.

Background

The prevalence of venous leg ulcers is increasing as population age. The majority of these patients are treated in a municipal home healthcare setting. However, studies show nurses' lack of knowledge of ulcer nursing care.

Design

Quasi‐experimental study with pre‐ and postmeasurements and non‐equivalent intervention and comparison groups.

Methods

During the study, nurses taking care of patients with a chronic leg ulcer in home health care in one Finnish municipality will use the eVLU. Nurses working in home health care in another Finnish municipality will not use it providing standard care. Nurses will complete three questionnaires during the study and they will also be observed three times at patients' homes. Nurses' perceived and theoretical knowledge is the primary outcome of the study. Funding for this study was received from the Finnish Foundation for Nursing Education in 2014.

Discussion

Data from this study will provide information about the effectiveness of an internet‐based educational program. After completing the program nurses will be accustomed to using internet‐based resources that can aid them in the nursing care of patients with a VLU. Nurses will also have better knowledge of VLU nursing care.

This study is registered with the International Clinical Trials Registry, identifier NCT02224300.
Primary family caregivers' observations and perceptions of their older relatives' knee osteoarthritis pain and pain management: a qualitative study
Authors: Hsu Kuo‐Yao , Tsai Yun‐Fang , Lin Yea‐Pyng , Liu Hsien‐Tao
Published: May 2015

Aim

To explore primary family caregivers' observations and perceptions of their older relatives' knee osteoarthritis pain and pain management.

Background

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders in older people. Studies have mainly focused on spouses' or partners' perceptions of older individuals' osteoarthritis pain.

Design

Qualitative description.

Methods

Primary family caregivers of older outpatients with osteoarthritis (N = 28) were recruited by convenience from one medical centre in northern Taiwan and two regional hospitals in northern and eastern Taiwan in 2012. Data were collected in individual interviews using a semi‐structured guide and analysed by content analysis.

Results

Primary family caregivers observed that their older relatives commonly mentioned that osteoarthritis pain interfered with their walking ability, daily activities, moods, sleep and social activities. Older adults commonly shared their pain with their family members. Participants observed that their older relatives with osteoarthritis used limited pain‐management strategies to relieve pain, but participants provided few pain‐management strategies to help their relatives. Most participants had limited knowledge about osteoarthritis pain. Some participants and their older relatives held negative attitudes towards using pain medicines. Most participants suggested that other families should bring their older relatives with osteoarthritis pain to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Our results show that family caregivers were the main support for older people with osteoarthritis. Interventions should educate patients and family members about osteoarthritis causes, common misconceptions about osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis pain medicines and treatment and encourage family members' support.
Emotional insecurity in the family and community and youth delinquency in Northern Ireland: a person‐oriented analysis across five waves
Authors: Cummings E. Mark , Taylor Laura K. , Merrilees Christine E. , Goeke‐Morey Marcie C. , Shirlow Peter
Published: May 2015

Background

Over one billion children are exposed worldwide to political violence and armed conflict. Currently, conclusions about bases for adjustment problems are qualified by limited longitudinal research from a process‐oriented, social‐ecological perspective. In this study, we examined a theoretically‐based model for the impact of multiple levels of the social ecology (family, community) on adolescent delinquency. Specifically, this study explored the impact of children's emotional insecurity about both the family and community on youth delinquency in Northern Ireland.

Methods

In the context of a five‐wave longitudinal research design, participants included 999 mother–child dyads in Belfast (482 boys, 517 girls), drawn from socially‐deprived, ethnically‐homogenous areas that had experienced political violence. Youth ranged in age from 10 to 20 and were 12.18 (SD = 1.82) years old on average at Time 1.

Findings

The longitudinal analyses were conducted in hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), allowing for the modeling of interindividual differences in intraindividual change. Intraindividual trajectories of emotional insecurity about the family related to children's delinquency. Greater insecurity about the community worsened the impact of family conflict on youth's insecurity about the family, consistent with the notion that youth's insecurity about the community sensitizes them to exposure to family conflict in the home.

Conclusions

The results suggest that ameliorating children's insecurity about family and community in contexts of political violence is an important goal toward improving adolescents’ well‐being, including reduced risk for delinquency.
Executive function in children with externalizing and comorbid internalizing behavior problems
Authors: Woltering Steven , Lishak Victoria , Hodgson Nick , Granic Isabela , Zelazo Philip David
Published: May 2015

Background

The goal of this study is to investigate differences in executive function (EF) in children with different levels of disruptive behavior problems (DBP).

Methods

Ninety‐three children between 7 and 12 years old with DBP were compared to 63 normally developing peers on a battery of EF tasks that varied in the amount of required emotion regulation (‘hot’ EF).

Results

Differences in EF were found between DBP and comparison groups as indexed by hot EF tasks. Self‐reported emotion scales, in conjunction with physiological recordings of heart rate, confirmed that emotions were elicited during hot EF.

Conclusions

Results suggest that difficulties in hot EF underlie externalizing problem behaviors in middle childhood.
Higher intake of fruits, vegetables or their fiber reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Ping‐Yu , Fang Jun‐Chao , Gao Zong‐Hua , Zhang Can , Xie Shu‐Yang
Published: May 2015

Aims/Introduction

Some previous studies reported no significant association of consuming fruit or vegetables, or fruit and vegetables combined, with type 2 diabetes. Others reported that only a greater intake of green leafy vegetables reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes. To further investigate the relationship between them, we carried out a meta‐analysis to estimate the independent effects of the intake of fruit, vegetables and fiber on the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE for reports of prospective cohort studies published from 1 January 1966 to 21 July 2014 were carried out, checking reference lists, hand‐searching journals and contacting experts.

Results

The primary analysis included a total of 23 (11 + 12) articles. The pooled maximum‐adjusted relative risk of type 2 diabetes for the highest intake vs the lowest intake were 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–0.96) for total fruits, 0.75 (95% CI 0.66–0.84) for blueberries, 0.87 (95% CI 0.81–0.93) for green leafy vegetables, 0.72 (95% CI 0.57–0.90) for yellow vegetables, 0.82 (95% CI 0.67–0.99) for cruciferous vegetables and 0.93 (95% CI 0.88–0.99) for fruit fiber in these high‐quality studies in which scores were seven or greater, and 0.87 (95% CI 0.80–0.94) for vegetable fiber in studies with a follow‐up period of 10 years or more.

Conclusions

A higher intake of fruit, especially berries, and green leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables, cruciferous vegetables or their fiber is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Trophic interaction network and the evolutionary history of Diabroticina beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)
Authors: Eben A. , Espinosa de los Monteros A.
Published: May 2015

Understanding the striking diversity of species in the subtribe Diabroticina (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Luperini) is complicated by a lack of ecological and behavioural observations. Adults are mainly pollen feeders and their feeding habits range from highly polyphagous to oligophagous on a single host family. Host breadth for root‐feeding larvae and for adult feeding and oviposition remains largely unknown for the majority of non‐pest species. We used known host plant associations for 43 species of Diabroticina beetles in six genera to summarize trophic interactions between beetles and host plant families. The metrics of ecological network analyses (connectance, modularity, number of interactions and feeding specialization) revealed a heterogeneous pattern of interactions. Most species are connected with few host plants, whereas few species interact with many hosts. A more robust analysis is likely to emerge when a greater representation of neotropical Diabroticina and their host relationships is obtained.
Chloroplast Genome Evolution in the Euglenaceae
Authors: Bennett Matthew S. , Triemer Richard E.
Published: May 2015

Over the last few years multiple studies have been published outlining chloroplast genomes that represent many of the photosynthetic euglenid genera. However, these genomes were scattered throughout the euglenophyceaean phylogenetic tree, and focused on comparisons with Euglena gracilis. Here, we present a study exclusively on taxa within the Euglenaceae. Six new chloroplast genomes were characterized, those of Cryptoglena skujai, E. gracilis var. bacillaris, Euglena viridis, Euglenaria anabaena, Monomorphina parapyrum, and Trachelomonas volvocina, and added to six previously published chloroplast genomes to determine if trends existed within the family. With this study: at least one genome has now been characterized for each genus, the genomes of different strains from two taxa were characterized to explore intraspecific variability, and a second taxon has been characterized for the genus Monomorphina to examine intrageneric variability. Overall results showed a large amount of variability among the genomes, though a few trends could be identified both within Euglenaceae and within Euglenophyta. In addition, the intraspecific analysis indicated that the similarity of a genome sequence between strains was taxon dependent, and the intrageneric analysis indicated that the majority of the evolutionary changes within the Euglenaceae occurred intergenerically.
Success of immediate loading implants compared to conventionally‐loaded implants: a literature review
Authors: Al‐Sawai Abdul‐Aziz , Labib Hussein
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this systematic literature review was to compare the clinical performance between conventionally‐ (delayed) and immediately‐loaded implants. A literature search of studies published between 1995 and 2012 was performed using several electronic databases and the following key words: “immediate loading”, “dental implants”, “immediate function”, “early loading”, “oral implants”, “immediate restoration”, and “systematic review” was performed. The electronic search was supplemented with hand‐searching in dental journals and cross‐referencing within the selected articles. Studies were considered for inclusion if they analyzed the success of the immediate loading protocol for implants, with emphasis given to randomized, controlled clinical trials. Among the clinical studies extracted from the literature, 120 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. These studies included trials that involved yielded consistent results of success rates of immediately‐loaded implants comparable to those known from conventionally‐loaded implants, which were subjected to the immediate loading protocol or other loading protocols. According to the findings, there is evidence to suggest that immediate loading protocols demonstrate high implant survival rates and could be cautiously recommended for certain clinical situations. However, studies with a high level of evidence, especially randomized, controlled trials, performed over a longer timeframe are required to show a clear benefit over conventional and other loading types.
Liraglutide is neurotrophic and neuroprotective in neuronal cultures and mitigates mild traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Li Yazhou , Bader Miaad , Tamargo Ian , Rubovitch Vardit , Tweedie David , Pick Chaim G. , Greig Nigel H.
Published: May 2015

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a brain dysfunction for which there is no present effective treatment, is often caused by a concussive impact to the head and affects an estimated 1.7 million Americans annually. Our laboratory previously demonstrated that exendin‐4, a long‐lasting glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonist, has neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models ofTBI. Here, we demonstrate neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of a differentGLP‐1R agonist, liraglutide, in neuronal cultures and a mouse model of mildTBI(mTBI). Liraglutide promoted dose‐dependent proliferation inSH‐SY5Y cells and in aGLP‐1R over‐expressing cell line at reduced concentrations. Pre‐treatment with liraglutide rescued neuronal cells from oxidative stress‐ and glutamate excitotoxicity‐induced cell death. Liraglutide produced neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects similar to those of exendin‐4in vitro. ThecAMP/PKA/pCREBpathway appears to play an important role in this neuroprotective activity of liraglutide. Furthermore, our findings in cell culture were well‐translated in a weight dropmTBImouse model. Post‐treatment with a clinically relevant dose of liraglutide for 7 days in mice ameliorated memory impairments caused bymTBIwhen evaluated 7 and 30 days post trauma. These data cross‐validate former studies of exendin‐4 and suggest that liraglutide holds therapeutic potential for the treatment ofmTBI.

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Exendin‐4, a long‐lasting glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonist, has neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Here, we demonstrate neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of a different GLP‐1R agonist, liraglutide, in neuronal cultures and a mouse model of mild TBI (mTBI). Liraglutide promoted dose‐dependent proliferation in SH‐SY5Y cells and in a GLP‐1R over‐expressing cell line at reduced concentrations. Pretreatment with liraglutide rescued neuronal cells from oxidative stress‐ and glutamate excitotoxicity‐induced cell death. Liraglutide produced neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects similar to those of exendin‐4in vitro, likely involving the cAMP/PKA/pCREB pathway. Our findings in cell culture were well‐translated in a weight‐drop mTBI mouse model. Post‐treatment with a clinically relevant dose of liraglutide for 7 days in mice ameliorated memory impairments caused by mTBI.
Patterns and severity of vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Lavoie Smith Ellen M. , Li Lang , Chiang ChienWei , Thomas Karin , Hutchinson Raymond J. , Wells Elizabeth M. , Ho Richard H. , Skiles Jodi , Chakraborty Arindom , Bridges Celia M. , Renbarger Jamie
Published: May 2015

Vincristine, a critical component of combination chemotherapy treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), can lead to vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN). Longitudinal VIPN assessments were obtained over 12 months from newly diagnosed children with ALL (N = 128) aged 1–18 years who received vincristine at one of four academic children's hospitals. VIPN assessments were obtained using the Total Neuropathy Score‐Pediatric Vincristine (TNS©‐PV), National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE©), Balis© grading scale, and Pediatric Neuropathic Pain Scale©–Five (PNPS©‐5). Of children who provided a full TNS©‐PV score, 85/109 (78%) developed VIPN (TNS©‐PV ≥4). Mean TNS©‐PV, grading scale, and pain scores were low. CTCAE©‐derived grades 3 and 4 sensory and motor VIPN occurred in 1.6%/0%, and 1.9%/0% of subjects, respectively. VIPN did not resolve in months 8–12 despite decreasing dose density. VIPN was worse in older children. Partition cluster analysis revealed 2–3 patient clusters; one cluster (n = 14) experienced severe VIPN. In this population, VIPN occurs more commonly than previous research suggests, persists throughout the first year of treatment, and can be severe.
High rate of nickel allergy in women with endometriosis: A 3‐year population‐based study
Authors: Yuk Jin‐Sung , Kim Yong Jin , Yi Kyong‐Wook , Tak Kim , Hur Jun‐Young , Shin Jung‐Ho
Published: May 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence rates of nickel allergy, contact dermatitis, drug allergy, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis among women with and without endometriosis.

Material and Methods

Data were obtained from the National Patient Sample of the Republic of Korea, which was provided by the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. We evaluated women aged 20–40 years who visited a health care institution from 2009–2011. We estimated the prevalence of allergic diseases among women with and without endometriosis.

Results

We extracted a sample of 1 843 447 women from the total patient sample of approximately 3 million. We identified 7259 women with endometriosis and 535 818 women without endometriosis. After adjusting for age and data year, the women with endometriosis had higher rates of nickel allergy (odds ratio = 1.175; 95% confidence interval, 1.011–1.366; P = 0.04). Additionally, after adjusting for age, data year and other allergic diseases, the women with endometriosis had higher rates of nickel allergy (odds ratio = 1.167; 95% confidence interval, 1.004–1.357; P = 0.04). After adjusting for other covariates, we found that other allergic disorders, such as allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis, were not associated with endometriosis.

Conclusion

Women with endometriosis had higher rates of nickel allergy. Further research is required to clarify the relation between nickel allergy and endometriosis.
Incidence and risk factors of sepsis mortality in labor, delivery and after birth: Population‐based study in the USA
Authors: Al‐Ostad Ghassan , Kezouh Abbas , Spence Andrea R. , Abenhaim Haim A.
Published: May 2015

Aim

Maternal sepsis is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality around the world. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and mortality rate of sepsis, and the associated risk factors for their development during pregnancy, labor, delivery and the post‐partum period.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study consisting of 5 million births that occurred in the USA. Data were obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project–Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP‐NIS) database from 1998 to 2008. Logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for sepsis development and sepsis‐related death during admission for delivery.

Results

The overall incidence of maternal sepsis was 29.4 per 100 000 births (95%CI: 28.0–30.9) with a sepsis case fatality rate of 4.4 per 100 births (95%CI: 3.5–5.6). Both the incidence of maternal sepsis and sepsis‐related death rate have increased over the last decade. Women who are black, older than 35 years and who smoke were more likely to experience maternal sepsis. An association was also found between maternal sepsis and diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, eclampsia, preterm birth, hysterectomy, puerperal infection, post‐partum hemorrhage, transfusion and chorioamnionitis.

Conclusions

Mortality from maternal sepsis during labor and delivery is an increasing and important problem in westernized countries. Initiatives aimed at improving early recognition and effective management may help reduce the occurrence and outcomes of maternal sepsis at time of labor and delivery.
Oesophageal atresia and tracheo‐oesophageal fistula in Western Australia: Prevalence and trends
Authors: Leoncini Emanuele , Bower Carol , Nassar Natasha
Published: May 2015

Aim

A recent international study reported a higher prevalence of oesophageal atresia with or without tracheo‐oesophageal fistula (OA±TOF) in Western Australia (WA). The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and trends of OA and/or TOF in WA, determine the proportion of cases with associated anomalies and explore the impact of time of diagnosis.

Methods

The study population comprised all infants born in WA, 1980–2009, and registered with OA and/or TOF on the WA Register of Developmental Anomalies (WARDA).

Results

OA±TOF and TOF alone affect, on average, one in every 2927 births in WA, with a total prevalence of 3.00 and 0.42 per 10 000 births, respectively. The prevalence of OA±TOF increased by 2.0% per annum, with only cases with associated anomalies (64% of cases) demonstrating an increase. TOF rates were stable. Among OA±TOF infants, the proportion of live births, stillbirths and elective terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (TOPFA) was 79%, 6% and 15%, respectively, whereas the majority (94%) of TOF only cases were live births. In 2000–2009, there was 30% fall in OA±TOF live births with 61 (58%) cases diagnosed in first week of life, 10 (9%) prenatally and 34 (32%) at post‐mortem only.

Conclusions

A higher prevalence of OA±TOF in WA was observed with increase over time attributable to increase with associated anomalies. Consistent reporting, availability of prenatal diagnosis and ascertainment of cases following TOPFA or post‐mortem examinations can significantly affect prevalence of OA and/or TOF.
Tertiary paediatric emergency department use in children and young people with cerebral palsy
Authors: Meehan Elaine , Reid Susan M , Williams Katrina , Freed Gary L , Babl Franz E , Sewell Jillian R , Rawicki Barry , Reddihough Dinah S
Published: May 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of tertiary paediatric emergency department (ED) use in children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of ED data routinely collected at the two tertiary paediatric hospitals in Victoria, Australia, cross‐matched with the Victorian Cerebral Palsy Register. Data pertaining to the ED presentations of 2183 registered individuals born 1993–2008 were obtained.

Results

Between 2008 and 2012, 37% (n = 814) of the CP cohort had 3631 tertiary paediatric ED presentations. Overall, 40% (n = 332) of presenters were residing in inner metropolitan Melbourne; 44% (n = 356) in outer Melbourne; and 13% (n = 108) in regional Victoria. Presenters were more likely than non‐presenters to be younger, non‐ambulant and have epilepsy. In total, 71% of presentations were triaged as Australasian Triage Scale 1–3 (urgent), and 44% resulted in a hospital admission. Disorders of the respiratory, neurological and gastrointestinal systems, and medical device problems were responsible for 72% of presentations.

Conclusion

Many of the tertiary paediatric ED presentations in this group were appropriate based on the high admission rate and the large proportion triaged as urgent. However, there is evidence that some families are bypassing local services and travelling long distances to attend the tertiary paediatric ED, even for less urgent complaints that do not require hospital admission. Alternative pathways of care delivery, and strategies to promote the management of common problems experienced by children and young people with CP in non‐paediatric EDs or primary care settings, may go some way towards reducing unnecessary tertiary paediatric ED use in this group.
Antifungal Activity of Volatile Compounds Produced by an Edible Mushroom Hypsizygus marmoreus against Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Oka Kumiko , Ishihara Atsushi , Sakaguchi Nanase , Nishino Shigeki , Parada Roxana Y. , Nakagiri Akira , Otani Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

Volatile compounds with antifungal activity produced by edible mushrooms have potential as biological control agents to combat fungal diseases and reduce fungicide use in agriculture. Here we investigated the antifungal activity of volatile compounds produced by the edible mushroom Hypsizygus marmoreus (TUFC 11906) against eight phytopathogenic fungi. The results showed that volatile compounds from the mycelia and culture filtrates (CFs) of H. marmoreus had antifungal activity against some phytopathogenic fungi. Among them, the mycelial growth and conidial germination of Alternaria brassicicola were significantly inhibited by 60 and 100%, respectively. Moreover, the volatile compounds from CFs inhibited the lesion formation of A. brassicicola on detached cabbage leaves by 94%. The volatile compounds had higher antifungal activity against A. brassicicola than other fungi. With the removal of the volatile compounds from conidia of A. brassicicola, the conidia began to germinate, which indicates fungistatic activity of the compounds. The volatile compounds were isolated from the CFs of H. marmoreus, and the major volatile compound with antifungal activity was estimated to be 2‐methylpropanoic acid 2,2‐dimethyl‐1‐(2‐hydroxy‐1‐methylethyl)propyl ester. As the volatile compound produced by H. marmoreus is a product of an edible mushroom and has fungistatic activity against some phytopathogenic fungi, especially A. brassicicola, it may be possible to use the compounds as a novel safe agent for protecting crops in the field and during storage.
Occurrence of Grey Leaf Spot of Sedum erythrostictum Caused by Cercospora cf. pseudokalanchoes in China
Authors: Yuan Yue , Zhou Rujun , Xu Haijiao , Fu Junfan , Hao Ning , Li Hongbo
Published: May 2015

Sedum erythrostictum is a perennial herb in the Crassulaceae family, which is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of hepatitis, dysentery, herpes zoster and swellings. In 2014, a grey leaf spot disease causing significant damage to plants of S. erythrostictum occurred in the Medicinal Herb Garden of Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin Province, China. The fungus mainly infected the leaves. The necrotic lesions on the leaves were circular or elliptical, amphigenous, greyish brown to brown, slightly concave and surrounded by a dark brown distinct margin. The causal agent from symptomatic tissues was identified as Cercospora cf. pseudokalanchoes based on the symptoms, morphological characteristics, molecular identifications and pathogenicity tests. To our knowledge, this is the first formal report of grey leaf spot of S. erythrostictum caused by C. cf. pseudokalanchoes in China.
Adolescents' and parents' views of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Ireland
Authors: Coyne I. , McNamara N. , Healy M. , Gower C. , Sarkar M. , McNicholas F.
Published: May 2015

Accessible summary

Despite increasing focus on researching users' experiences of mental health provision, there are few studies which report adolescents and parents' experiences of attending child and adolescent mental health clinics in Ireland.

We found that a lack of information and availability of services made it difficult for participants to access help. They want to be included in information sharing and decision making, but adolescents in particular felt that their voices were not heard in the decision‐making process.

Frequent staff changes were particularly difficult for adolescents as they need consistent relationship with a key professional to build trust and disclose thoughts and feelings.

Provision of flexible consultations (both single and shared), with sensitivity to the differing perspective of adolescents and parents, coupled with inclusion in information sharing and decision making would significantly improve the experience for adolescents and parents.

Service user involvement is essential for quality care in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This study was conducted to explore adolescents' and parents' experiences of CAMHS in relation to accessibility, approachability and appropriateness. This study used a descriptive qualitative design, and focus groups and single interviews were conducted with adolescents (n = 15) and parents (n = 32) from three mental health clinics. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Accessing mental health services was a challenging experience for many parents and adolescents due to knowledge deficit, lack of information and limited availability of specialist services. Some parents and adolescents reported positive experiences while others reported negative experiences. They expressed a need for more information, involvement in decision making, flexible scheduling of appointments, school support and parent support groups. The nature and quality of the relationship with staff was critical to positive experience with the service; therefore, frequent changes of medical staff was disruptive. Mental health nurses can play a vital role in ensuring continuity, assessing adolescents' participation preferences and advocating for their information needs with other members of the interdisciplinary team.
Latitudinal diversity gradients in bryophytes and woody plants: Roles of temperature and water availability
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Bin , Ferry Slik J. W. , Gao Jie , Mao Ling‐Feng , Bi Meng‐Jie , Shen Meng‐Wei , Zhou Ke‐Xin
Published: May 2015

It remains unclear whether the latitudinal diversity gradients of micro‐ and macro‐organisms are driven by the same macro‐environmental variables. We used the newly completed species catalog and distribution information of bryophytes in China to explore their spatial species richness patterns, and to investigate the underlying roles of energy availability, climatic seasonality, and environmental heterogeneity in shaping these patterns. We then compared these patterns to those found for woody plants. We found that, unlike woody plants, mosses and liverworts showed only weakly negative latitudinal trends in species richness. The spatial patterns of liverwort richness and moss richness were overwhelmingly explained by contemporary environmental variables, although explained variation was lower than that for woody plants. Similar to woody plants, energy and climatic seasonality hypotheses dominate as explanatory variables but show high redundancy in shaping the distribution of bryophytes. Water variables, that is, the annual availability, intra‐annual variability and spatial heterogeneity in precipitation, played a predominant role in explaining spatial variation of species richness of bryophytes, especially for liverworts, whereas woody plant richness was affected most by temperature variables. We suggest that further research on spatial patterns of bryophytes should incorporate the knowledge on their ecophysiology and evolution.
Impact of renal impairment on cardiovascular disease mortality after liver transplantation for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis
Authors: VanWagner Lisa B. , Lapin Brittany , Skaro Anton I. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Rinella Mary E.
Published: May 2015

Background & Aims

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity after liver transplantation, but its impact on CVD mortality is unknown. We sought to assess the impact of NASH on CVD mortality after liver transplantation and to predict which NASH recipients are at highest risk of a CVD‐related death following a liver transplant.

Methods

Using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database, we examined associations between NASH and post‐liver transplant CVD mortality, defined as primary cause of death from thromboembolism, arrhythmia, heart failure, myocardial infarction or stroke. A physician panel reviewed cause of death.

Results

Of 48 360 liver transplants (2/2002–12/2011), 5057 (10.5%) were performed for NASH cirrhosis. NASH recipients were more likely to be older, female, obese, diabetic and have history of renal failure or prior CVD vs. non‐NASH (P < 0.001 for all). Although there was no difference in overall all‐cause mortality (log‐rank P = 0.96), both early (30‐day) and long‐term CVD‐specific mortality was increased among NASH recipients (Odds ratio = 1.30, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.66; Hazard ratio = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.07–1.41 respectively). These associations were no longer significant after adjustment for pre‐transplant diabetes, renal impairment or CVD. A risk score comprising age ≥55, male sex, diabetes and renal impairment was developed for prediction of post‐liver transplant CVD mortality (c‐statistic 0.60).

Conclusion

NASH recipients have an increased risk of CVD mortality after liver transplantation explained by a high prevalence of comorbid cardiometabolic risk factors that in aggregate identify those at highest risk of post‐transplant CVD mortality.
Vision‐Based Automated Crack Detection for Bridge Inspection
Authors: Yeum Chul Min , Dyke Shirley J.
Published: May 2015

Visual inspection of bridges is customarily used to identify and evaluate faults. However, current procedures followed by human inspectors demand long inspection times to examine large and difficult to access bridges. Also, highly relying on an inspector's subjective or empirical knowledge induces false evaluation. To address these limitations, a vision‐based visual inspection technique is proposed by automatically processing and analyzing a large volume of collected images. Images used in this technique are captured without controlling angles and positions of cameras and no need for preliminary calibration. As a pilot study, cracks near bolts on a steel structure are identified from images. Using images from many different angles and prior knowledge of the typical appearance and characteristics of this class of faults, the proposed technique can successfully detect cracks near bolts.
Antifungal activity of the ribosome‐inactivating protein BE27 from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) against the green mould Penicillium digitatum
Authors: Citores Lucía , Iglesias Rosario , Gay Carolina , Ferreras José Miguel
Published: May 2015

The ribosome‐inactivating protein BE27 from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) leaves is an apoplastic protein induced by signalling compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid, which has been reported to be involved in defence against viruses. Here, we report that, at a concentration much lower than that present in the apoplast, BE27 displays antifungal activity against the green mould Penicillium digitatum, a necrotrophic fungus that colonizes wounds and grows in the inter‐ and intracellular spaces of the tissues of several edible plants. BE27 is able to enter into the cytosol and kill fungal cells, thus arresting the growth of the fungus. The mechanism of action seems to involve ribosomal RNA (rRNA) N‐glycosylase activity on the sarcin–ricin loop of the major rRNA which inactivates irreversibly the fungal ribosomes, thus inhibiting protein synthesis. We compared the C‐terminus of the BE27 structure with antifungal plant defensins and hypothesize that a structural motif composed of an α‐helix and a β‐hairpin, similar to the γ‐core motif of defensins, might contribute to the specific interaction with the fungal plasma membranes, allowing the protein to enter into the cell.
Parkinsonian thalamic activity represents pathophysiology underlying progression of motor symptoms
Authors: Narabayashi Yohsuke , Oshima Tomokazu
Published: May 2015

Background

Parkinsonian thalamic 13‐ to 27‐Hz (β‐band) and 3‐ to 7‐Hz (τ‐range) hyperactivity is linked to rigidity and tremor, respectively, but not to bradykinesia.

Aim

To clarify the contributions of different types of thalamic activity to the progression of parkinsonian symptoms, we modeled a neural converter that translates thalamic activity into symptoms and examined its input‐output relationship.

Methods

We scored pre‐ and postoperative rigidity, tremor, and bradykinesia as well as case‐representative τ‐range (Vτ) and β‐band (Vβ) activity in 170 patients with Parkinson's disease.

Results

The relationship between abolished rigidity (dR) and Vβ was described by a hysteresis curve, which was simulated by two parabolas relating dR and Vβ to preoperative rigidity (preR) using the calculated time lag corresponding to 1.5 preR grades. The abolished tremor was linearly related to Vτ. The partly abolished bradykinesia was related to Vβ by hysteresis. Hysteresis in the dR‐to‐Vβ relationship was observed as a result of 11 patients with preR scores of 4. Their brain activity was generally low and similar to that of patients without rigidity.

Conclusion

In contrast to the direct correlation between Vτ and tremor, Vβ caused rigidity and, in part, bradykinesia via time‐consuming processes, as demonstrated by the delayed parabola model. Patients with the severest rigidity showed a loss of thalamic activity and the spread of pathophysiological abnormalities in the neural circuitry beyond the thalamus with progressive age.
Functional analysis of the Arabidopsis thaliana CHLOROPLAST BIOGENESIS 19 pentatricopeptide repeat editing protein
Authors: Ramos‐Vega Maricela , Guevara‐García Arturo , Llamas Ernesto , Sánchez‐León Nidia , Olmedo‐Monfil Vianey , Vielle‐Calzada Jean Philippe , León Patricia
Published: May 2015

The Arabidopsis thaliana pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) family of proteins contains several degenerate 35‐aa motifs named PPR repeats. These proteins control diverse post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, including RNA editing. CLB19 belongs to the PLS subfamily of PPR proteins and is essential for the editing and functionality of the subunit A of plastid‐encoded RNA polymerase (RpoA) and the catalytic subunit of the Clp protease (ClpP1).

We demonstrate in vitro that CLB19 has a specific interaction with these two targets, in spite of their modest sequence similarity. Using site‐directed mutagenesis of the rpoA target, we analyzed the essential nucleotides required for CLB19–rpoA interactions.

We verified that, similar to other editing proteins, the C‐terminal E domain of CLB19 is essential for editing but not for RNA binding. Using biomolecular fluorescence complementation, we demonstrated that the E domain of CLB19 interacts with the RNA‐interacting protein MORF2/RIP2 but not with MORF9/RIP9. An interesting finding from this analysis was that overexpression of a truncated CLB19 protein lacking the E domain interferes with cell fate during megasporogenesis and the subsequent establishment of a female gametophyte, supporting an important role of plastids in female gametogenesis.

Together these analyses provide important clues about the particularities of the CLB19 editing protein.
Testosterone and obesity
Authors: Kelly D. M. , Jones T. H.
Published: May 2015

Testosterone is a key hormone in the pathology of metabolic diseases such as obesity. Low testosterone levels are associated with increased fat mass (particularly central adiposity) and reduced lean mass in males. These morphological features are linked to metabolic dysfunction, and testosterone deficiency is associated with energy imbalance, impaired glucose control, reduced insulin sensitivity and dyslipidaemia. A bidirectional relationship between testosterone and obesity underpins this association indicated by the hypogonadal–obesity cycle and evidence weight loss can lead to increased testosterone levels. Androgenic effects on enzymatic pathways of fatty acid metabolism, glucose control and energy utilization are apparent and often tissue specific with differential effects noted in different regional fat depots, muscle and liver to potentially explain the mechanisms of testosterone action. Testosterone replacement therapy demonstrates beneficial effects on measures of obesity that are partially explained by both direct metabolic actions on adipose and muscle and also potentially by increasing motivation, vigour and energy allowing obese individuals to engage in more active lifestyles. The degree of these beneficial effects may be dependent on the treatment modality with longer term administration often achieving greater improvements. Testosterone replacement may therefore potentially be an effective adjunctive treatment for weight management in obese men with concomitant hypogonadism.
Effects of school‐based mental health literacy education for secondary school students to be delivered by school teachers: A preliminary study
Authors: Ojio Yasutaka , Yonehara Hiromi , Taneichi Setsuko , Yamasaki Syudo , Ando Shuntaro , Togo Fumiharu , Nishida Atsushi , Sasaki Tsukasa
Published: May 2015

Aims

Improving knowledge and beliefs about mental health (or mental health literacy [MHL]) may promote appropriate help‐seeking by adolescents who are suffering from mental health problems. We developed a concise, school‐staff‐led MHL program and examined its effects.

Methods

The participants comprised 118 grade‐9 students (61 boys and 57 girls). The program consisted of two 50‐min sessions, and was given by a schoolteacher. The effects of the program were evaluated before, immediately after and 3 months after the program, using a self‐report questionnaire.

Results

Knowledge of mental health/illnesses and desirable behavior for help‐seeking were significantly improved immediately after (post‐test, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) and 3 months after the program (3‐month follow up, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), compared with the test before the delivery of the program (pre‐test, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Proportions of the correct diagnoses of vignette cases of major depression and schizophrenia were significantly (P < 0.001) elevated from 38.3% and 19.1% (pre‐test) to 94.7% and 93.6% (post‐test), and 91.5% and 86.2% (3‐month follow up). Intentions to seek help and to provide peers with help with mental health problems were also significantly (P < 0.001) elevated at post‐test and at 3 months compared with the pre‐test.

Conclusions

A concise, school‐staff‐led program may have a significant effect on the improvement of MHL in secondary school students.
Leishmania donovani influenced cytokines and Toll‐like receptors expression among Sudanese visceral leishmaniasis patients
Authors: Babiker D. T. , Bakhiet S. M. , Mukhtar M. M.
Published: May 2015

Leishmaniasis remains a serious health problem. The outcome of Leishmania infection depends on the early innate response. In this study, whole blood samples of 40 patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL), 10 leishmanin skin test‐negative (LST−ve) controls and 10 leishmanin skin test‐positive (LST+ve) controls were stimulated by live L. donovani promastigotes. Also, THP1 human cell line was infected with L. donovani. The production of interleukin 10 (IL‐10), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and interferon gamma (IFNG) cytokines was measured, and the expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9) was done in the blood samples and also in the THP1 cell line. IL‐10 was found to be higher in LST+ve controls compared with VL patients. TNF was moderately produced with no variation between patients, controls and THP1 cells. IFNG was higher in LST+ve controls also in THP1 cells. TLR4 and TLR9 were found to be highly expressed in patients with VL. L. donovani increases the expression of TLR4 and TLR9 in patients with VL and TLR2 in THP1 cells, suggesting a TLRs relation in induction of a mixed cytokine response. TLR9 was markedly recognized by L. donovani DNA.
How to define nativeness in vagile organisms: lessons from the cosmopolitan mossBryum argenteumon the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands)
Authors: Pisa S. , Vanderpoorten A. , Patiño J. , Werner O. , González‐Mancebo J. M. , Ros R. M.
Published: May 2015

The distinction between native and introduced biotas presents unique challenges that culminate in organisms with high long‐distance dispersal capacities in a rapidly changing world. Bryophytes, in particular, exhibit large distribution ranges, and some species can truly be qualified as cosmopolitan. Cosmopolitan species, however, typically occur in disturbed environments, raising the question of their nativeness throughout their range. Here, we employ genetic data to address the question of the origin of the cosmopolitan, weedy mossBryum argenteumon the island of Tenerife. The genetic diversity ofB. argenteumon Tenerife was comparable to that found in continental areas due to recurrent colonisation events, erasing any signature of a bottleneck that would be expected in the case of a recent colonisation event. The molecular dating analyses indicated that the first colonisation of the island took place more than 100,000 years ago,i.e. well before the first human settlements. Furthermore, the significant signal for isolation‐by‐distance found inB. argenteumwithin Tenerife points to the substantial role of genetic drift in establishing the observed patterns of genetic variation. Together, the results support the hypothesis thatB. argenteumis native on Tenerife; although the existence of haplotypes shared between Tenerife and continental areas suggests that more recent, potentially man‐mediated introduction also took place. While defining nativeness in organisms that are not deliberately introduced, and wherein the fossil record is extremely scarce, is an exceedingly challenging task, our results suggest that population genetic analyses can represent a useful tool to help distinguish native from alien populations.