bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent diarrhea: a persistent infection with enteropathogens or a gut commensal dysbiosis?
Authors: Sarker Shafiqul A. , Ahmed Tahmeed , Brüssow Harald
Published: July 2017

In children from developing countries 5–10% of acute diarrhea (AD) episodes develop into persistent diarrhea (PD) defined by > 14 days of diarrhea duration. PD represents a major health burden leading to growth faltering. It is also associated with half of all diarrhea mortality. A rational intervention is thus crucial, but depends on an understanding of the pathogenesis of PD, which is still lacking. Many surveys were conducted in Latin America and in South Asia; they differ, however, with respect to enteropathogens associated with PD. Enteroaggregative strains of Escherichia coli (EAEC) were identified by several studies, but they may reflect selection by the frequent antibiotic use during the preceding AD episode. Epidemiologists have in fact identified antibiotic misuse as a major risk factor for PD. Together with the effectiveness of empirical treatment based on nutritional interventions with lactose‐reduced and lactose‐free diets and particularly complex plant polysaccharides from green banana, one might suspect a role of commensal gut microbiota dysbiosis instead of a persistent infection with enteropathogens in many PD cases. An analysis of the commensal gut microbiota development in persistent diarrhea during nutritional interventions is likely to increase our understanding of PD pathogenesis.
Safety Evaluation of Green Tea Polyphenols Consumption in Middle‐aged Ovariectomized Rat Model
Authors: Shen Chwan‐Li , Brackee Gordon , Song Xiao , Tomison Michael D. , Finckbone VelvetLee , Mitchell Kelly T. , Tang Lili , Chyu Ming‐Chien , Dunn Dale M. , Wang Jia‐Sheng
Published: July 2017

This work evaluates chronic safety in middle‐aged ovariectomized rats supplemented with different dosages of green tea polyphenols (GTP) in drinking water. The experiment used 6‐mo‐old sham (n = 39) and ovariectomized (OVX, n = 143) female rats. All sham (n = 39) and 39 of the OVX animals received no GTP treatment and their samples were collected for outcome measures at baseline, 3 mo, and 6 mo (n = 13 per group for each). The remaining OVX animals were randomized into 4 groups receiving 0.15%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% (n = 26 for each) of GTP (wt/vol), respectively, in drinking water for 3 and 6 mo. No mortality or abnormal treatment‐related findings in clinical observations or ophthalmologic examinations were noted. No treatment‐related macroscopic or microscopic findings were noted for animals administered 1.5% GTP supplementation. Throughout the study, there was no difference in the body weight among all OVX groups. In all OVX groups, feed intake and water consumption significantly decreased with GTP dose throughout the study period. At 6 mo, GTP intake did not affect hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis, except for phosphorus and blood urea nitrogen (increased), total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and urine pH (decreased). This study reveals that the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) of GTP is 1.5% (wt/vol) in drinking water, the highest dose used in this study.
Starch Structure Influences Its Digestibility: A Review
Authors: Magallanes‐Cruz Perla A. , Flores‐Silva Pamela C. , Bello‐Perez Luis A.
Published: July 2017

Twenty‐five years ago, it was found that a significant fraction of the starch present in foods is not digested in the small intestine and continues to the large intestine, where it is fermented by the microbiota; this fraction was named resistant starch (RS). It was also reported that there is a fraction of starch that is slowly digested, sustaining a release of glucose in the small intestine. Later, health benefits were found to be associated with the consumption of this fraction, called slowly digestible starch (SDS). The authors declare both fractions to be “nutraceutical starch.” An overview of the structure of both fractions (RS and SDS), as well as their nutraceutical characteristics, is presented with the objective of suggesting methods and processes that will increase both fractions in starchy foods and prevent diseases that are associated with the consumption of glycemic carbohydrates.
Acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer syndrome: Comparison with non‐hemorrhagic rectal ulcer lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Jung Joo Hyuk , Kim Jong Wook , Lee Hyun Woo , Park Min Yong , Paik Woo Hyun , Bae Won Ki , Kim Nam‐Hoon , Kim Kyung‐Ah , Lee June Sung
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer (AHRU) and to elucidate its predictive factors.

METHODS

The medical records of patients with AHRU were retrospectively reviewed. Their baseline clinical characteristics were compared with those of patients with non‐AHRU lower gastrointestinal bleeding to identify predictive factors for AHRU.

RESULTS

Among the 118 patients who underwent emergency endoscopy due to acute massive hematochezia from 2013 to 2015, 25 (21.2%) were diagnosed as having AHRU. Of them, 22 (88.0%) were successfully managed endoscopically and 3 (12.0%) underwent surgery. Six (24.0%) patients developed rebleeding within 1–9 days after the initial bleeding, which was controlled by a repeat endoscopy. Five (20.0%) died during follow‐up. A multivariate‐adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that a lower serum albumin level, worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status and history of constipation were significant factors for predicting AHRU. Hypoalbuminemia (<30 g/L) had a sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of 84.0%, 78.5%, 51.2% and 94.8% for predicting AHRU, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 20% of patients with massive hematochezia had AHRU. Most patients with AHRU can be managed endoscopically. Low serum albumin level, poor ECOG performance status and prior constipation could be used in distinguishing patients with and without AHRU, facilitating the selection of optimal bowel preparation method for massive hematochezia.
Adiponectin exerts a potent anti‐arthritic effect and insulin resistance in collagen‐induced arthritic rats
Authors: Wu Dongke , Hua Binghong , Fang Zishui , Liu Jiankun , Liu Ningning , Ma Yunqing
Published: July 2017

Aim

Previous research has shown that adiponectin (AD) induces severe insulin resistance (IR) and exhibits pro‐inflammatory effect, so it could serve as a useful risk biomarker in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study aims to evaluate the effect of AD on IR and anti‐arthritis in collagen‐induced arthritic (CIA) rats.

Method

After immunization with bovine type II collagen (CII), Wistar rats were administered with AD (60 μg/kg/day) or saline into the ankle joint cavity of the left hind leg for 15 days. The severity of arthritis was clinically and histologically assessed. Arthritis score was recorded every other day for each paw. Paw volume was measured on alternate days to monitor the progression of the disease in the arthritic control group. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1, AD, insulin and fasting glucose were measured in sera. Histopathology of joint synovial tissues was also examined.

Results

Treatment with AD resulted in significantly delayed onset of arthritis as well as decreased clinical arthritis and histopathological severity scores. AD reduced both serum fasting glucose, TNF‐α, IL‐1 and IR. Histological analysis confirmed treatment with AD suppressed joint synovial inflammation and immunohistochemical expression of TNF‐α compared to the CIA group. Surprisingly, adiponectin levels measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in serum were significantly increased in CIA rats compared to the normal group.

Conclusions

Adiponectin might display anti‐inflammatory effects. These results suggest that AD may be a potential immunosuppressant for the treatment of RA linked to metabolic disease.
Three cases of lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis presenting with an annular eruption
Authors: Kelly Robert I , Wee Edmund , Tancharoen Chasari , Tam Mei M , Balta Showan , Williams Richard A
Published: July 2017

We describe three patients who presented with a striking erythematous non‐blanching annular eruption and features of lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis (LTA), with a prominent lymphocytic vasculitis involving deep dermal vessels. Lymphocytic inflammation was also evident in the superficial vessels and one patient had small superficial ulcers over the ankle area resembling livedoid vasculopathy (LV). Multiple biopsies demonstrated a persistent absence of neutrophils in the infiltrate consistent with a lymphocytic process. In addition to highlighting the annular morphology as a novel presentation of LTA, these cases suggest a possible relationship between LV and LTA and support the notion that they are distinct from neutrophilic vasculitides such as cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa.
Systematic literature review to identify methods for treating and preventing bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children
Authors: Nepal Smriti , Thomas Susan L , Franklin Richard C , Taylor Kylie A , Massey Peter D
Published: July 2017

Background/Objectives

Bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children in Australia frequently lead them to access primary health care. This systematic review aims to identify and analyse available studies describing the treatment and prevention of bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children.

Methods

Electronic databases including Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest, Informit and Google Scholar were searched. Studies in English published between August 1994 and September 2016, with the subject of bacterial skin infections involving Indigenous children and conducted in Australia, New Zealand, the USA or Canada were selected.

Results

Initially 1474 articles were identified. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles remained. Strategies for the treatment and prevention of bacterial skin infections included the management of active infections and lesions, improving environmental and personal hygiene, the installation of swimming pools and screening and treatment.

Conclusion

There is a need for more, rigorous, large‐scale studies to develop evidence for appropriate, culturally acceptable methods to prevent and manage bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children in Australia. The problem is complex with multiple determinants. Until underlying socioeconomic conditions are addressed skin infections will continue to be a burden to communities.
Serial combination of non‐invasive tools improves the diagnostic accuracy of severe liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD
Authors: Petta S. , Wong V. W.‐S. , Cammà C. , Hiriart J.‐B. , Wong G. L.‐H. , Vergniol J. , Chan A. W.‐H. , Di Marco V. , Merrouche W. , Chan H. L.‐Y. , Marra F. , Le‐Bail B. , Arena U. , Craxì A. , de Ledinghen V.
Published: July 2017

Background

The accuracy of available non‐invasive tools for staging severe fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is still limited.

Aim

To assess the diagnostic performance of paired or serial combination of non‐invasive tools in NAFLD patients.

Methods

We analysed data from 741 patients with a histological diagnosis of NAFLD. The GGT/PLT, APRI, AST/ALT, BARD, FIB‐4, and NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) scores were calculated according to published algorithms. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was performed by FibroScan.

Results

LSM, NFS and FIB‐4 were the best non‐invasive tools for staging F3‐F4 fibrosis (AUC 0.863, 0.774, and 0.792, respectively), with LSM having the highest sensitivity (90%), and the highest NPV (94%), and NFS and FIB‐4 the highest specificity (97% and 93%, respectively), and the highest PPV (73% and 79%, respectively). The paired combination of LSM or NFS with FIB‐4 strongly reduced the likelihood of wrongly classified patients (ranging from 2.7% to 2.6%), at the price of a high uncertainty area (ranging from 54.1% to 58.2%), and of a low overall accuracy (ranging from 43% to 39.1%). The serial combination with the second test used in patients in the grey area of the first test and in those with high LSM values (>9.6 KPa) or low NFS or FIB‐4 values (<−1.455 and <1.30, respectively) overall increased the diagnostic performance generating an accuracy ranging from 69.8% to 70.1%, an uncertainty area ranging from 18.9% to 20.4% and a rate of wrong classification ranging from 9.2% to 11.3%.

Conclusion

The serial combination of LSM with FIB‐4/NFS has a good diagnostic accuracy for the non‐invasive diagnosis of severe fibrosis in NAFLD.
Patterns of concomitant allergic reactions in patients suggest cross‐sensitization between octylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Suuronen Katri
Published: July 2017

Background

Recent animal tests have indicated cross‐reactivity between methylisothiazolinone (MI), octylisothiazolinone (OIT), and benzisothiazolinone (BIT).

Objectives

To retrospectively analyse concomitant reactions to different isothiazolinones in patients in an occupational dermatology clinic during the ongoing MI contact allergy epidemic.

Methods

We searched patch test files (January 2012 to February 2017) for patients with allergic reactions to OIT, BIT, and MI, and analysed their patch test results, occupations, exposure, and diagnoses.

Results

We found 61 (9.4%) allergic reactions to MI, 19 (2.9%) reactions to OIT and 9 (1.4%) reactions to BIT in a total of 647 consecutively tested patients. Seventeen (89%) of the OIT‐positive patients had concomitant reactions to MI, whereas only 3 (33%) BIT‐positive patients had allergic reactions to MI. The MI reactions in OIT‐positive patients were almost exclusively extreme reactions (+++). Exposure to OIT was identified in 26% of the OIT‐positive patients, and 56% of the BIT‐positive patients had been exposed to BIT.

Conclusions

Allergic reactions to OIT were strongly associated with extreme reactions to MI, which suggests cross‐sensitization. In contrast, BIT reactions were mostly independent.
Risk of early, intermediate, and late rejection following heart transplantation: Trends over the past 25 years and relation to changes in medical management. Tertiary center experience: The Sheba Heart Transplantation Registry
Authors: Katz Moshe , Freimark Dov , Raichlin Eugenia , Har‐Zahav Yedael , Arad Michael , Kassif Yigal , Peled Amir , Asher Elad , Elian Dan , Kogan Alexander , Shlomo Nir , Ofek Efrat , Lavee Jacob , Goldenberg Ilan , Peled Yael
Published: July 2017

Aim

To explore the trends in the risk for rejection following heart transplantation (HT) over the past 25 years, and their relation to changes in medical management.

Methods

The study population comprised 216 HT patients. Rejection periods were defined as follows: 0‐3 months (early), 3‐12 months (intermediate), and 12+ months (late). HT era was dichotomized as follows: 1991‐1999 (remote era) and 2000‐2016 (recent era). Medication combination was categorized as newer (TAC, MMF, and everolimus) vs older therapies (AZA, CSA).

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that patients who underwent HT during the recent era experienced a significant reduction in the risk for major rejection. These findings were consistent for early (OR = 0.44 [95% CI 0.22‐0.88]), intermediate (OR = 0.02 [95% CI 0.003‐0.11]), and late rejections (OR = 0.18 [95% CI 0.05‐0.52]). Using the year of HT as a continuous measure showed that each 1‐year increment was independently associated with a significant reduction in the risk for early, intermediate, and late rejections (5%, 21%, 18%, respectively). In contrast, the risk reduction associated with newer types of immunosuppressive therapies was not statistically significant after adjustment for the treatment period.

Conclusions

Major rejection rates following HT have significantly declined over the past 2 decades even after adjustment for changes in immunosuppressive therapies, suggesting that other factors may also play a role in the improved outcomes of HT recipients.
PD‐1 inhibitor‐associated lichenoid inflammation with incidental suprabasilar acantholysis or vesiculation—Report of 4 cases
Authors: Chou Shaun , Zhao Cathy , Hwang Shelley Ji Eun , Fernandez‐Penas Pablo
Published: July 2017

Background

Immune checkpoint agents targeting programmed cell death‐1 protein (PD1) or cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein‐4 (CTLA‐4) receptors are increasingly utilized in treatment of advanced malignancies. However, these immunotherapies are commonly associated with idiosyncratic cutaneous adverse reactions. Thus, recognition and awareness of these reactions are necessary.

Methods

We reviewed the skin biopsies of all patients on anti‐PD1 therapy with or without ipilimumab who developed lichenoid inflammation and included those with microscopic suprabasal or intraepidermal clefts.

Results

Four patients presented with interface dermatitis with microscopic intraepidermal clefts. In 2 patients, the clefts were well developed and had some acantholytic cells while the other 2 appeared to be spongiosis or inflammation related. Immunofluorescence was negative in 1 patient. None of them had clinical findings in keeping with paraneoplastic pemphigus (PP) and the symptoms improved with either topical corticosteroid or withdrawal of immunotherapy.

Conclusions

Lichenoid drug reaction occurring in patients receiving anti‐PD1 therapy may be associated with microscopic suprabasal or intraepidermal clefting. The clinical course was similar to lichenoid drug reactions without clefting even though some lesions may resemble PP microscopically.
Early colposcopic reassurance and discharge to routine recall does not increase subsequent high‐grade referral or treatment rates
Authors: Macdonald M. , Lyon R. , Smith J. , Tidy J. , Palmer J.
Published: July 2017

Background

The Jessop Wing Colposcopy Unit identified that between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2015 the number of women referred with high‐grade dyskaryosis and the number of women undergoing treatment increased by 21% and 19%, respectively. There was concern that referral and treatment rates were increasing because we were now seeing women, previously discharged to routine recall with prior low‐grade cytology hrHPV positive, re‐enter the system for their second round of screening. The aim of this study was to assess the reasons for our significant increase in referral and treatment rates.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study performed between 1st April 2012 and 30th June 2015 at the Jessop Wing Colposcopy Unit, Sheffield, UK.

Results

During the study period, 1765 women underwent large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ), of whom 1517 were referred with high‐grade dyskaryosis. Fifty‐six (4%) women undergoing treatment; and four untreated high‐grade referrals were seen in the previous 3‐5 years with low‐grade cytology hrHPV positive and discharged to routine recall. There were no cases of invasive disease in the previously discharged groups. There was, however, a significantly higher likelihood of a negative LLETZ (P=.0066) in those women previously discharged to routine recall, and lower rates of CIN2 or worse identified.

Conclusion

Prior discharge to routine recall does not have any major influence on treatment rates or high‐grade referrals. The finding of no invasive disease; lower rates of CIN2 or worse; and a significantly higher likelihood of a negative LLETZ in those women previously discharged to routine recall is reassuring and further reinforces the safety of HPV triage pathways.
Adolescent alcohol and cannabis use in Iceland 1995–2015
Authors: Arnarsson Arsaell , Kristofersson Gisli Kort , Bjarnason Thoroddur
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Over the past two decades, alcohol consumption of Icelandic adolescents has decreased dramatically. The aim of this study was to quantify the extent of this reduction and compare it with the trend in cannabis use over a 20 year period and to identify possible explanations.

Methods

We used data from the Icelandic participants to the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs study (collected via paper‐and‐pencil questionnaires in classrooms). The sample included all students in the 10th grade (54–89% response rate).

Results

The percentage of participants who had never used alcohol during their lifetime rose from 20.8% in 1995 to 65.5% in 2015. Similarly, there was a decline in the proportion of students who had consumed alcohol 40 times or more, from 13.7% to 2.8%. During the same period, the number of students who had never used cannabis rose from 90.2% to 92.0%. In contrast, we found a small, but statistically significant, increase in the prevalence of those who had used cannabis 40 times or more, from 0.7% in 1995 to 2.3% in 2015. Parental monitoring increased markedly between 1995 and 2015, but availability of alcohol decreased. Perceived access to cannabis and youth attitudes towards substance use remained unchanged.

Discussion

Although Iceland has enjoyed success in lowering alcohol use among adolescents over the past decades, and somewhat fewer claim to have ever tried cannabis, there has been a threefold increase among heavy users of cannabis. Increased parental monitoring and decreased availability of alcohol explain some of the changes seen.
Four‐dimensional echocardiography area strain combined with exercise stress echocardiography to evaluate left ventricular regional systolic function in patients with mild single vessel coronary artery stenosis
Authors: Deng Yan , Peng Long , Liu Yuan‐Yuan , Yin Li‐Xue , Li Chun‐Mei , Wang Yi , Rao Li
Published: July 2017

Background

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the diagnosis value of four‐dimensional echocardiography area strain (AS) combined with exercise stress echocardiography to evaluate left ventricular regional systolic function in patients with mild single vessel coronary artery stenosis.

Methods

Based on treadmill exercise load status, two‐dimensional conventional echocardiography and four‐dimensional echocardiography area strain were performed on patients suspected coronary artery disease before coronary angiogram. Thirty patients (case group) with mild left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis (stenosis <50%) and thirty gender‐ and age‐matched patients (control group) without coronary artery stenosis according to the coronary angiogram results were prospectively enrolled.

Results

All the patients had no left ventricular regional wall motion abnormality in two‐dimensional echocardiography at rest and exercise stress. There was no significant difference in the 16 segmental systolic peak AS at rest between two groups. After exercise stress, the peak systolic ASrest‐stress at mid anterior wall (−7.00%±10.90% vs 2.80%±23.69%) and mid anterolateral wall (−4.40%±18.81% vs 8.80%±19.16%) were decreased, while increased at basal inferolateral wall (14.00%±19.27% vs −5.60%±15.94%) in case group compared with control group (P<.05).

Conclusions

In patients with mild single vessel coronary artery stenosis, the area strain was decreased at involved segments, while compensatory increased at noninvolved segments after exercise stress. Four‐dimensional echocardiography area strain combined with exercise stress echocardiography could sensitively find left ventricular regional systolic function abnormality in patients with mild single vessel coronary artery stenosis, and locate stenosis coronary artery accordingly.
Husserl on Perception: A Nonrepresentationalism That Nearly Was
Authors: Bower Matt
Published: July 2017

There is a longstanding debate among Husserl scholars about whether Husserl thinks perception involves mental representation. The debate, I believe, has not been settled. I deny that the existentialist‐inspired charge of representationalism about perception in Husserl is precise enough to stick. Given a clearer understanding of just what mental representation amounts to, I contend that those who defend Husserl against the accusation of representationalism fare little better than Husserl's existentialist‐leaning critics. I argue that he is in fact a representationalist about perception insofar as it involves a noematic sense. Nevertheless, Husserl opens up the possibility for a representation‐free form of perceiving in certain later discussions of the matter in which he suggests that some perceptual states lack noematic sense. What they lack in noematic sense is compensated for by other means, namely, by two sorts of affect and their functional interrelation with abilities for bodily movement. The texts that entertain this possibility, though, severely limit the scope of its actual occurrence. Husserl never commits to a generally or substantially nonrepresentational view of perception. I attempt to sketch out, however, what this nonrepresentationalism about perception that Husserl nearly landed on might look like, rearranging various more or less familiar elements already present in his theory of perception to that end.
Recognition, ideology, and the case of “invisible suffering”
Authors: Worsdale Rosie
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this paper is to expose, and provide a possible solution to, an internal inconsistency in Axel Honneth's critical theory of recognition. Honneth requires a way of making his claim that misrecognition causes subjective suffering, with the potential to cognitively disclose injustice, consistent with his account of ideological recognition as a form of misrecognition that engenders compliance with an oppressive social order. Only by reconciling these claims—that is, by showing how ideological recognition can engender an acceptance of domination whilst at the same time causing subjective suffering—can Honneth's theory of recognition retain the kind of critical capacities he desires. As a means of achieving this reconciliation, I propose the notion of “invisible suffering.” In the case of ideological recognition, I suggest that the suffering caused by misrecognition has its disclosive power blocked by the faux‐affirmation that the ideology discursively accords, and this renders the experience of suffering, qua painful indicator of social injustice, invisible to the subject. Drawing on insights from medical sociology, I show how the need to supplement Honneth's theory of recognition with the idea of invisible suffering is revelatory of the kind of critical theoretical stance demanded by his ontological commitments.
Carbon input by roots into the soil: Quantification of rhizodeposition from root to ecosystem scale
Authors: Pausch Johanna , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: July 2017

Despite its fundamental role for carbon (C) and nutrient cycling, rhizodeposition remains ‘the hidden half of the hidden half’: it is highly dynamic and rhizodeposits are rapidly incorporated into microorganisms, soil organic matter, and decomposed to CO2. Therefore, rhizodeposition is rarely quantified and remains the most uncertain part of the soil C cycle and of C fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. This review synthesizes and generalizes the literature on C inputs by rhizodeposition under crops and grasslands (281 data sets). The allocation dynamics of assimilated C (after 13C‐CO2 or 14C‐CO2 labeling of plants) were quantified within shoots, shoot respiration, roots, net rhizodeposition (i.e., C remaining in soil for longer periods), root‐derived CO2, and microorganisms. Partitioning of C pools and fluxes were used to extrapolate belowground C inputs via rhizodeposition to ecosystem level. Allocation from shoots to roots reaches a maximum within the first day after C assimilation. Annual crops retained more C (45% of assimilated 13C or 14C) in shoots than grasses (34%), mainly perennials, and allocated 1.5 times less C belowground. For crops, belowground C allocation was maximal during the first 1–2 months of growth and decreased very fast thereafter. For grasses, it peaked after 2–4 months and remained very high within the second year causing much longer allocation periods. Despite higher belowground C allocation by grasses (33%) than crops (21%), its distribution between various belowground pools remains very similar. Hence, the total C allocated belowground depends on the plant species, but its further fate is species independent. This review demonstrates that C partitioning can be used in various approaches, e.g., root sampling, CO2 flux measurements, to assess rhizodeposits’ pools and fluxes at pot, plot, field and ecosystem scale and so, to close the most uncertain gap of the terrestrial C cycle.
Unexpected resilience of a seagrass system exposed to global stressors
Authors: Hughes Brent B. , Lummis Sarah C. , Anderson Sean C. , Kroeker Kristy J.
Published: July 2017

Despite a growing interest in identifying tipping points in response to environmental change, our understanding of the ecological mechanisms underlying nonlinear ecosystem dynamics is limited. Ecosystems governed by strong species interactions can provide important insight into how nonlinear relationships between organisms and their environment propagate through ecosystems, and the potential for environmentally mediated species interactions to drive or protect against sudden ecosystem shifts. Here, we experimentally determine the functional relationships (i.e., the shapes of the relationships between predictor and response variables) of a seagrass assemblage with well‐defined species interactions to ocean acidification (enrichment of CO2) in isolation and in combination with nutrient loading. We demonstrate that the effect of ocean acidification on grazer biomass (Phyllaplysia taylori and Idotea resecata) was quadratic, with the peak of grazer biomass at mid‐pH levels. Algal grazing was negatively affected by nutrients, potentially due to low grazer affinity for macroalgae (Ulva intestinalis), as recruitment of both macroalgae and diatoms were favored in elevated nutrient conditions. This led to an exponential increase in macroalgal and epiphyte biomass with ocean acidification, regardless of nutrient concentration. When left unchecked, algae can cause declines in seagrass productivity and persistence through shading and competition. Despite quadratic and exponential functional relationships to stressors that could cause a nonlinear decrease in seagrass biomass, productivity of our model seagrass—the eelgrass (Zostera marina)‐ remained highly resilient to increasing acidification. These results suggest that important species interactions governing ecosystem dynamics may shift with environmental change, and ecosystem state may be decoupled from ecological responses at lower levels of organization.
Phylogenetic patterns of rarity in a regional species pool of tropical woody plants
Authors: Loza M. Isabel , Jiménez Iván , Jørgensen Peter M. , Arellano Gabriel , Macía Manuel J. , Torrez Vania W. , Ricklefs Robert E.
Published: July 2017

Aim

Rarity, which is believed to influence extinction risk, can be defined in terms of local abundance, geographical range size and habitat breadth. Phylogenetic patterns in these attributes provide insight into the extent to which rarity and extinction risk are conserved during evolution and the potential for species‐level heritability. We evaluated phylogenetic signal (i.e., related species resembling each other more than species drawn at random) and evolutionary conservatism (similarity among related species exceeding that expected from a Brownian model of evolution) in three axes of rarity (local abundance, geographical range size and habitat breadth) among species in a regional pool of tropical woody plants.

Location

The Madidi region in Bolivia.

Time period

2001–2010.

Major taxa studied

Lignophyta clade.

Methods

We used a network of 48 1‐ha forest plots and 442 0.1‐ha forest plots to measure local abundance and habitat breadth of 1,700+ woody plant species (from 100+ plant families). We estimated geographical range size from occurrence records of individual species across the Neotropics. We characterized overall phylogenetic patterns of rarity using Blomberg'sKand applied variance partitioning among taxonomic levels, as well as disparity analysis, to describe patterns of trait distribution at different depths in the phylogeny.

Results

We found phylogenetic signal, but not evolutionary conservatism, in the three axes of rarity. The variance in rarity among supra‐specific taxa, particularly families and genera, exceeded that calculated from random draws of species from the Madidi region. Phylogenetic signal, estimated by the proportion of variance among supra‐specific taxonomic levels, varied between 23 and 36% for local abundance and geographical range size, and between 9 and 10% for habitat breadth.

Main conclusions

The regional pool of woody plant species in Madidi exhibits phylogenetic signal in rarity that is consistent with biologically significant species‐level heritability.
Family relations, sense of coherence, happiness and perceived health in retired Taiwanese: Analysis of a conceptual model
Authors: Chiang Hui‐Hsun , Lee Tony Szu‐Hsien
Published: July 2017

Aim

A growing awareness of the rapidly increasing aged population in the world has led to growing attention to mental health in late life. Happiness has been emphasized as an important indicator of physical health and is predicted by a sense of coherence. However, the mechanism of influence of family relations on sense of coherence, happiness and perceived health is unknown. The present study aimed to analyze a conceptual model of the relationships among family relations, sense of coherence, happiness and perceived health in retired persons.

Methods

A total of 142 retired participants were recruited from social service centers in Taipei, Taiwan. A structured questionnaire measuring the relationships among family relations, sense of coherence, happiness and perceived health was filled in by each respondent. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Results

The results showed that family relations is positively correlated with happiness, sense of coherence and perceived health. The results also showed that good family relations and a sense of coherence predict greater happiness. The results from structure equation modeling showed that the relationship between family relations and perceived health is completely mediated by happiness and a sense of coherence, but only the indirect effect of happiness is significant. The results also showed that family relations is partially mediated by the sense of coherence to happiness.

Conclusions

In caring for retired older people, medical professionals need to increase their family relations and sense of coherence simultaneously, and then promote happiness in their interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 154–160.
Functional analysis of the cyclophilin PpiB role in bacterial cell division
Authors: Skagia Aggeliki , Zografou Chrysoula , Venieraki Anastasia , Fasseas Costas , Katinakis Panagiotis , Dimou Maria
Published: July 2017

Escherichia coli PpiB is a peptidyl‐prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase, EC: 5.2.1.8) with chaperone activity. Here, we show that the ΔppiB deletion strain and the PpiB over‐expression wild‐type strain are both characterized by defects in cell division involving milder or severe cell filamentation, respectively. Using various PpiB mutants, we show that the PPIase activity of PpiB is necessary for the observed cell filamentation, whereas other structural features apart from the active site are also important for this phenotype. Early divisome components zipA and ftsZ showed decreased expression in ΔppiB cells, whereas the corresponding proteins partially suppressed the division phenotype of ΔppiB cells as well. Although PpiB itself has no obvious specific affinity for the septal ring as a GFP translational fusion showed a diffuse cytoplasmic localization, it interacts with FtsZ employing the C‐terminal FtsZ domain, decreases its GTPase activity and when over‐expressed shows an inhibitory effect on the proper FtsZ localization at future division sites. Furthermore, additional putative PpiB prey proteins are able to partially restore the ΔppiB phenotype indicating that PpiB is able to control bacterial cell division by probably modulating the function of various other proteins which are indirectly associated with the process.
Progression of hepatitis C in the haemophiliac population in Ireland, after 30 years of infection in the pre‐DAA treatment era
Authors: Murphy N. , O'Mahony B. , Flanagan P. , Noone D. , White B. , Bergin C. , Norris S. , Thornton L. ,   the National Hepatitis C Database Scientific and Technical Committee
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Prior to the introduction of viral inactivation of factor concentrates and screening of blood, 225 people with haemophilia became infected with hepatitis C (HCV) in Ireland.

Aim

Our aim was to assess liver disease progression and mortality in this population after 30 years of infection.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records in five hepatology units and one infectious disease unit retrospectively in 2005, and on four subsequent occasions.

Results

The participation rate was 73% (165/225). Eighty three percent of patients, who had been tested for RNA (n = 106/128), developed chronic HCV infection. Thirty four percent were co‐infected with HIV. All‐cause mortality, after approximately 30 years of infection with chronic HCV, was 44% in HIV positive patients and 29% in HIV negative patients. Liver‐related mortality was 12.5% and did not vary significantly by HIV status. Thirty seven percent of patients had developed advanced liver disease, including 20% with cirrhosis and 9% with hepatocellular carcinoma. In the pre‐interferon‐free direct acting antivirals era, 57% (n = 60/106) of patients were treated for HCV, 65% of whom achieved a sustained virological response. Successfully treated patients had few adverse liver outcomes.

Conclusion

After 30 years of infection, 40% of the patients who had evidence of chronic HCV had developed advanced liver disease, such as cirrhosis and HCC, or had died from liver‐related causes. This proportion is high relative to similar international cohorts despite good anti‐HCV treatment uptake and responses.
Perioperative management of haemophilia B: A critical appraisal of the evidence and current practices
Authors: Neufeld E. J. , Solimeno L. , Quon D. , Walsh C. , Seremetis S. , Cooper D. , Iyer N. N. , Hoxer C. S. , Giangrande P.
Published: July 2017

Background

While there is substantial literature addressing the principles of general management of haemophilia, literature on perioperative management of haemostasis is scarce.

Objective

The aim of this study was to better understand perioperative management among congenital haemophilia B patients (without inhibitors) and to gain insights into real‐world surgical practices.

Method

A systematic literature review, with an emphasis on haemophilia B, was conducted using EMBASE®, Medline® and the Cochrane Library. Studies from 1974 to June 2015 were accessed, and 132 studies were eligible for the full‐study review. An international expert panel with five haematologists and one surgeon reviewed the resulting literature and provided further insights.

Results

The literature review revealed that documented experience in the perioperative management of bleeding risk in haemophilia B patients is relatively scarce. Therefore, the review was amended to provide a comprehensive overview of the perioperative management for haemophilia A and B patients; the expert panel applied a particular focus to haemophilia B. Several gaps were identified in the literature including the lack of consensus on defining surgery in terms of bleeding risk, optimal factor levels during surgery and lack of robust evidence on surgical outcomes. The ensuing discussions with the expert panel provided validation of some of the results from the systematic literature review and proposed future directions for perioperative management. Suggestions included collaboration with haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) to collect real‐world data on perioperative management, establishing the need for optimal factor level monitoring practice, and the appropriate adoption of extended half‐life products in clinical settings.
Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS): Translation Into Brazilian Portuguese and Cross‐Cultural Adaptation
Authors: Sampaio Rocha‐Filho Pedro A. , Hershey Andrew D.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To translate, perform the cross‐cultural adaptation, and an initial validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of PedMIDAS (BP‐PedMIDAS).

Background

Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS) was developed to measure the impact of migraine among children and adolescents.

Methods

PedMIDAS was subjected to translation, back‐translation, and application of the questionnaire to 40 children and adolescents with migraine for confirmation validation. Once validated, the psychometric properties were tested through administration to 100 children and adolescents with migraine.

Results

The mean time required to complete BP‐PedMIDAS was 135 ± 51 seconds. BP‐PedMIDAS had a Cronbach's coefficient α of 0.84 and a good stability (test–retest), with a good intraobserver and interobserver agreement (Pearson's correlation > 0.80) and correlated with the frequency of the headaches. These results mirrored those seen with PedMIDAS, further validating the interchangeability of the versions.

Conclusion

BP‐PedMIDAS has been shown to be useful for assessing disability in children and adolescents.
Changes in foreign language anxiety: A classroom perspective
Authors: Kruk Mariusz
Published: July 2017

This article reports the findings of a classroom‐based study whose main purpose was to investigate the changes in the levels of FLA over the course of one semester. In addition, the study sought to understand causes of such changes. The participants were 52 Polish senior high school students, aged 17–19, who were all learners of English. The study encompassed 121 naturally occurring English lessons. The data were gathered by means of questionnaires, interviews and lesson plans. The collected data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative and qualitative results of the study provided evidence for the dynamicity of FLA throughout the semester including changes during single lessons and from one lesson to the next. Some factors responsible for such variations were also identified.
Sodium content in foods: Brazilian consumers’ opinions, subjective knowledge and purchase intent
Authors: Rodrigues Jéssica F. , Pereira Rafaela C. , Silva Andressa A. , Mendes Andrey O. , Carneiro João de Deus S.
Published: July 2017

This study attempted to gain insights on Brazilian consumers’ subjective knowledge of sodium content in processed and homemade foods and their purchase intent for products with reduced‐sodium content. A questionnaire was distributed to 409 consumers selected by convenience quota sampling. We found that Brazilian consumers were concerned about the amount of salt (sodium chloride) in the products they consumed, regardless of educational levels, income, age, lifestyles, or health conditions. However, they still considered their consumption to be above WHO‐recommended limits and had little subjective knowledge about the term ‘sodium’. While processed products were considered the main contributors of high‐sodium intake, participants were not concerned about addition of salt at the table and salt in homemade food. The majority of respondents rarely read the sodium content on food labels; however, men and older individuals were more likely to read label information on sodium content. Products with reduced sodium were found to have market appeal, which justifies investments in research to develop these products. Therefore, in addition to the efforts to reduce sodium in the processed‐food industry, it is necessary to promote awareness about the importance of food labelling, especially sodium content, and the need to reduce salt in homemade food and additions during meals.
The quality of life of patients developed delirium after coronary artery bypass grafting is determined by cognitive function after discharge: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Yuling , Ding Shu , Tao Xiangjun , Feng Xinwei , Lu Sai , Shen Yuzhi , Wu Ying , An Xiangguang
Published: July 2017

Aims

Postoperative delirium (POD) and declined cognitive function were common in patients (especially elderly patients) who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which may affect quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to determine the relationships among age, POD, declined cognitive function, and QoL in patients who underwent CABG.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent first time elective CABG and assessed for POD using Confusion Assessment Method for intensive care unit for 5 postoperative days from November 2013 to March 2015 were recruited. A cross‐sectional study was conducted during April 2015 to assess their cognitive function and QoL, using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status Scale and Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey. The relationships among age, POD, declined cognitive function, and QoL were tested using path analysis.

Results

Declined cognitive function was associated with poorer QoL. POD was associated with declined cognitive function but was not associated with poorer QoL. Ageing was not associated with QoL but was associated with POD and declined cognitive function.

Conclusion

The QoL of patients developed delirium after CABG is determined by cognitive function after discharge. Necessary strategies should be implemented to prevent POD and declined cognitive function, especially in elderly patients.
Maternal executive function, infant feeding responsiveness and infant growth during the first 3 months
Authors: Fuglestad A. J. , Demerath E. W. , Finsaas M. C. , Moore C. J. , Georgieff M. K. , Carlson S. M.
Published: July 2017

Background

There is limited research in young infants, particularly <3 months of age, on maternal feeding practices in spite of increasing evidence that early weight gain velocity is a determinant of later obesity risk.

Objective

To examine associations between maternal executive function (cognitive control over one's own behaviour), maternal feeding decisions and infant weight and adiposity gains.

Methods

We used a checklist to assess cues mothers use to decide when to initiate and terminate infant feedings at 2 weeks and 3 months of age (N = 69). Maternal executive function was assessed using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery subtests for executive function and infant body composition using air displacement plethysmography.

Results

Mothers with higher executive function reported relying on fewer non‐satiety cues at 2 weeks of age (β = −0.29, p = 0.037) and on more infant hunger cues at 3 months of age (β = 0.31, p = 0.018) in their decisions on initiating and terminating feedings. Responsive feeding decisions, specifically the use of infant‐based hunger cues at 3 months, in turn were associated with lower gains in weight‐for‐length (β = −0.30, p = 0.028) and percent body fat (β = −0.2, p = 0.091; non‐covariate adjusted β = −0.27, p = 0.029).

Conclusions

These findings show both an association between maternal executive function and responsive feeding decisions and an association between responsive feeding decisions and infant weight and adiposity gains. The causal nature and direction of these associations require further investigation.