bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antileukotriene Agents Versus Long‐Acting Beta‐Agonists in Older Adults with Persistent Asthma: A Comparison of Add‐On Therapies
Authors: Altawalbeh Shoroq M. , Thorpe Carolyn T. , Zgibor Janice C. , Kane‐Gill Sandra , Kang Yihuang , Thorpe Joshua M.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To compare the effectiveness and cardiovascular safety of long‐acting beta‐agonists (LABAs) with those of leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) as add‐on treatments in older adults with asthma already taking inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Medicare fee‐for‐service (FFS) claims (2009–10) for a 10% random sample of beneficiaries continuously enrolled in Parts A, B, and D in 2009.

Participants

Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 and older continuously enrolled in FFS Medicare with Part D coverage with a diagnosis of asthma before 2009 treated exclusively with ICSs plus LABAs or ICSs plus LTRAs (N = 14,702).

Measurements

The augmented inverse propensity‐weighted estimator was used to compare the effect of LABA add‐on therapy with that of LTRA add‐on therapy on asthma exacerbations requiring inpatient, emergency, or outpatient care and on cardiovascular (CV) events, adjusting for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and county‐level healthcare‐access variables.

Results

The primary analysis showed that LTRA add‐on treatment was associated with greater odds of asthma‐related hospitalizations or emergency department visits (odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, P < .001), as well as outpatient exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids or antibiotics (OR = 1.41, P < .001) than LABA treatment. LTRA add‐on therapy was also less effective in controlling acute symptoms, as indicated by greater use of short‐acting beta agonists (rate ratio = 1.58, P < .001). LTRA add‐on treatment was associated with lower odds of experiencing a CV event than LABA treatment (OR = 0.86, P = .006).

Conclusion

This study provides new evidence specific to older adults to help healthcare providers weigh the risks and benefits of these add‐on treatments. Further subgroup analysis is needed to personalize asthma treatments in this high‐risk population.
Abused women's vulnerability in daily life and in contact with psychiatric care: In the light of a caring science perspective
Authors: Örmon Karin , Hörberg Ulrica
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of the study is to deepen the understanding of abused women's vulnerability in relation to how the abuse and encounters with health care professionals affect life. A further aim is to highlight abused women's vulnerability with a caring science perspective.

Background

Experience of abuse has consequences for the mental health of women and girls. Abused women may experience health care as unsupportive, and as a result, often chose not to disclose their experiences of abuse.

Design and methods

The results of two qualitative empirical studies were analysed along with a phenomenological meaning analysis in accordance with the methodological principles of Reflective Lifeworld Research.

Findings

Living one's life with experiences of abuse implies vulnerability, which can prevent abused women from achieving good health. This vulnerability results from insecurity regarding identity, along with the sense that one could have been a different individual if it were not for the abuse and thereby have a more fair chance in life. Being cared for within general psychiatric care could further increase this vulnerability. The healthcare professional's ability to care for the women who have experienced abuse leads to either an encounter of trust or else further suffering for the women.

Conclusion

A lifeworld‐oriented caring science perspective as a foundation for care can contribute to care for abused women which reaches the existential dimensions of their vulnerability and vulnerable life situation.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is evident that healthcare professionals should deepen their understanding of how abused women live, within a general psychiatric context. This study enables a deeper understanding of abused women's vulnerability in relation to how the abuse and encounters with healthcare professionals affect life.
Parents' experiences of managing their child's postoperative pain at home: an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Longard Julie , Twycross Alison , Williams Anna M. , Hong Paul , Chorney Jill
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

To understand parents' experiences of managing their child's postoperative pain at home.

Background

Recent changes in children's health care services often shift the responsibility of managing children's postoperative pain to parents. Although pain management is important for good postoperative outcomes, it can be a challenging task for families, and children's pain is often under‐managed.

Design

This qualitative study used semi‐structured interviews to explore parents' experiences of managing their child's postoperative pain at home.

Methods

Participants were parents of 10 typically developing 5‐ and 6‐year olds, who underwent (adeno)tonsillectomy, and experienced no complications leading to hospitalisation in the postoperative period. One‐on‐one interviews were conducted with parents within three months of their child's surgery. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and content analysis was used to identify themes in parents' experiences.

Results

All children experienced some postoperative pain. Parents' experiences of managing their child's pain were impacted by balancing the pros and cons of administering analgesic medications, managing the emotional and psychological effects of their child's pain, as well as parents' information needs.

Conclusions

Most parents' information needs were met yet they still struggled to manage their child's pain. These findings provide insight into some of the barriers that make this process challenging for many families, and what health care centres can do to help support parents manage their child's postoperative pain at home.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study may aid in the design of interventions that will support parents when managing their child's postoperative pain at home and thus improve children's experiences.
The attitudes of the undergraduate nursing students towards lesbian women and gay men
Authors: Unlu Hayriye , Beduk Tülin , Duyan Veli
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

This study was conducted to determine the attitudes of undergraduate nursing students towards lesbian women and gay men.

Background

Nursing education in Turkey is conducted holistically; in other words, it is an integration of the physical, spiritual, mental and social realms. Students are therefore expected to not express any discrimination due to factors such as religion, language, race and gender. However, some serious problems still exist in terms of the practical applications of that philosophy.

Design

This study was descriptive.

Methods

This study included 964 students. The Attitudes towards Lesbian Women and Gay Men scale and a questionnaire were used to learn about the attitudes of undergraduate nursing students regarding gay men and lesbian women.

Results

Results of this study have indicated that the attitudes of religiously educated and/or conservative students towards lesbian women and gay men were negative. Female students from families with high incomes and highly educated families attended social activities and read more than other female students. The students with free life choice options expressed very positive attitudes towards gay men.

Conclusion

The nursing education curriculum should cover information about patients with diverse sexual orientations and their absolute rights for equally optimal healthcare. Strategies to discourage traditional gender role stereotypes and educational and media experiences for better acceptance of sexual minorities need to be developed by educational policy makers. Antidiscrimination policies protecting lesbian women and gay men should be developed by the legislative authorities and then taught to students during their nursing education. Getting familiar with diverse sexual orientations might create awareness among nursing students and reduce their attitudinal and behavioural prejudices and biases.

Relevance to clinical practice

To provide equal healthcare services for all patients, nurses must have accurate information about lesbian women, gay men and modify their attitude and behaviour accordingly.
Targeting leiomyomas with all‐trans‐retinoic acid at phosphoinositide 3‐kinase pathway suppression: Effective roles of β‐catenin and of signaling interactions
Authors: Friedman Noa , Shushan Asher , Rojansky Nathan , Shveiky David , Levitzki Rubina , Chaouat Malka , Ben‐Bassat Hannah
Published: June 2016

Aim

Leiomyomas, monoclonal tumors developed by the transformation of myometrium somatic stem cells, are a major health concern that can severely impair quality of life. Pathological alterations of signaling pathways have been recognized as a key feature in a variety of human diseases. Our objective was to analyze treatment with all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) by suppression of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway on growth, signaling pattern and interactions among PI3K/B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2)/retinol leiomyoma proteins.

Methods

Cultures of paired myometrium and leiomyoma cells from premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy were collected. Western blot and analysis of variance were used for analysis.

Results

Significant differences were detected between treatment with ATRA alone or with LY294002 (a PI3K growth suppressor) in response to treatment and among cell samples and cell numbers. Leiomyoma cells were less affected. Immunochemical analysis of signaling patterns demonstrated that treatments affected most of the examined protein levels differently. Significant differences between the cell type responses to treatment in pyruvate phosphate dikinase 1 (pPDK1), Bad and pβ‐catenin levels were identified. The pβ‐catenin level showed highly significant interaction between response to treatment and cell type.

Conclusions

ATRA treatment on PI3K pathway suppression significantly affected growth, signaling pattern and interactions among PI3K/Bcl2/retinol proteins involved in the growth, survival and apoptosis of leiomyomas. Interpretation of our results suggests that increasing knowledge of the role of signaling interplay in the pathogenesis of leiomyomas may present an opportunity to use specific signal transduction inhibitors for treating and preventing this disorder.
Effects of HMGA2 siRNA and doxorubicin dual delivery by chitosan nanoparticles on cytotoxicity and gene expression of HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line
Authors: Siahmansouri Homayoon , Somi Mohammad Hossein , Babaloo Zohreh , Baradaran Behzad , Jadidi-Niaragh Farhad , Atyabi Fatemeh , Mohammadi Hamed , Ahmadi Majid , Yousefi Mehdi
Published: June 2016

Objective

Over-expressions of HMGA2, vimentin and MMP-9 and downregulation of E-cadherin occur on colorectal cancer cells followed by a reduction in let-7 as a regulatory factor. In this study, we first used carboxymethyl dextran (CMD)–chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) platform to encapsulate HMGA2 siRNA and doxorubicin (DOX), and then, we evaluated the efficacy of the simultaneous delivery of siRNA/drug on viability and gene expression of HT-29 cell lines.

Methods

ChNPs characteristics were determined by a dynamic light scattering and zeta sizer. Morphology of loaded ChNPs was assessed by scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the conjugation of ChNP/siRNA/DOX/CMD. Cell viability and relative mRNA expression were evaluated by MTT assay and real-time PCR, respectively.

Key finding

The prepared ChNPs had high efficiency for siRNA and drug encapsulation (78% and 75%) and were stable against serum and heparin. ChNP/siRNA/DOX/CMD was more effective to induce tumour cell death and also could significantly reduce the expressions of HMGA2, vimentin as well as MMP-9 and increase E-cadherin expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our results revealed that dual delivery of a key gene siRNA and appropriate anticancer drug have great impact on the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Make Love and Lose Your Religion and Virtue: Recalling Sexual Experiences Undermines Spiritual Intentions and Moral Behavior
Authors: Rigo Caroline , Uzarevic Filip , Saroglou Vassilis
Published: June 2016

In contrast with traditional considerations, sexuality is often perceived today as being rather compatible with religion/spirituality and morality. However, there may be some inherent opposition between (a) sexuality (thoughts, affects, and pleasure) and (b) religion/spirituality (attitudes, motives) and (interpersonal) morality (dispositions, behavior). The two imply, respectively, self‐enhancement versus self‐transcendence, disinhibition versus self‐control, and disgust indifference versus sensitivity. We hypothesized that sexual experience attenuates spiritual and moral concerns and behaviors. In three online experiments, young adults were asked to recall a personal sexual experience. Compared to a control condition, sexual induction diminished spiritual behavioral intentions (Experiments 1 and 2), in particular among those with high individual disinhibition (Experiment 1), as well as behaviors of prosociality and integrity/honesty (Experiment 3). The effects were independent of individual religiousness/spirituality. These findings suggest that combining sexual pleasure with self‐transcendence and moral perfection, even if a legitimate ideal, is not an easy enterprise.
Tick‐Borne Relapsing Fever in Dogs
Authors: Piccione J. , Levine G.J. , Duff C.A. , Kuhlman G.M. , Scott K.D. , Esteve‐Gassent M.D.
Published: June 2016

Background

In the United States, Tick‐Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) in dogs is caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia turicatae and Borrelia hermsii, transmitted by Ornithodoros spp. ticks. The hallmark diagnostic feature of this infection is the visualization of numerous spirochetes during standard blood smear examination. Although the course of spirochetemia has not been fully characterized in dogs, in humans infected with TBRF the episodes of spirochetemia and fever are intermittent.

Objectives

To describe TBRF in dogs by providing additional case reports and reviewing the disease in veterinary and human medicine.

Animals

Five cases of privately‐owned dogs naturally infected with TBRF in Texas are reviewed.

Methods

Case series and literature review.

Results

All dogs were examined because of lethargy, inappetence, and pyrexia. Two dogs also had signs of neurologic disease. All dogs had thrombocytopenia and spirochetemia. All cases were administered tetracyclines orally. Platelet numbers improved and spirochetemia and pyrexia resolved in 4 out of 5 dogs, where follow‐up information was available.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

TBRF is likely underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. In areas endemic to Ornithodoros spp. ticks, TBRF should be considered in dogs with thrombocytopenia. Examination of standard blood smears can provide a rapid and specific diagnosis of TBRF when spirochetes are observed.
Two Rounds of Postwar Restitution and Dignity Restoration in the Netherlands and France
Authors: Veraart Wouter
Published: June 2016

The looting and systematic deprivation of the property rights of the Jewish population in the Netherlands and France during the years of occupation brought about a deprivation of dignity, since these measures were intended to hit these people in their capacities as legal subjects, destroying their abilities to take part in economic and social life. In the immediate postwar period, the restitution of property rights in both countries was closely connected and limited to an abstract conception of dignity restoration, understood as the renewed recognition of the dispossessed owners as free and equal citizen before the law. In the late 1990s, a new phase in the restoration of property rights took place on a much more collective and political level. In this second round of restitution, dignity restoration was directly connected with an explicit recognition of the particular, concrete suffering of the groups of victims involved.
Fertility Control: Reproductive Desires, Kin Work, and Women's Status in Contemporary India
Authors: Singh Holly Donahue
Published: June 2016

This article reappraises the link between fertility and women's status by examining changing means and meanings of reproduction in India. It is based on data gathered during and after 16 months of ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2005 and 2007 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, on social and cultural contexts of infertility. Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state. Historical views of population and fertility control in India and perspectives on the contemporary use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for practices such as surrogacy situate the ethnographic perspectives. Analysis of ARTs in practice complicates ideas of autonomy and choice in reproduction. Results show that these technologies allow women to challenge power relations within their marital families and pursue stigmatized forms of reproduction. However, they also offer new ways for families to continue and extend an old pattern of exerting control over women's reproductive potential.
Online nutrition information for pregnant women: a content analysis
Authors: Storr Tayla , Maher Judith , Swanepoel Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

Pregnant women actively seek health information online, including nutrition and food‐related topics. However, the accuracy and readability of this information have not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate pregnancy‐related food and nutrition information available online. Four search engines were used to search for pregnancy‐related nutrition web pages. Content analysis of web pages was performed. Web pages were assessed against the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines to assess accuracy. Flesch–Kincaid (F‐K), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Gunning Fog Index (FOG) and Flesch reading ease (FRE) formulas were used to assess readability. Data was analysed descriptively. Spearman's correlation was used to assess the relationship between web page characteristics. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to check for differences among readability and other web page characteristics. A total of 693 web pages were included. Web page types included commercial (n = 340), not‐for‐profit (n = 113), blogs (n = 112), government (n = 89), personal (n = 36) and educational (n = 3). The accuracy of online nutrition information varied with 39.7% of web pages containing accurate information, 22.8% containing mixed information and 37.5% containing inaccurate information. The average reading grade of all pages analysed measured by F‐K, SMOG and FOG was 11.8. The mean FRE was 51.6, a ‘fairly difficult to read’ score. Only 0.5% of web pages were written at or below grade 6 according to F‐K, SMOG and FOG. The findings suggest that accuracy of pregnancy‐related nutrition information is a problem on the internet. Web page readability is generally difficult and means that the information may not be accessible to those who cannot read at a sophisticated level. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Plant adaptive radiation mediated by polyploid plasticity in transcriptomes
Authors: Shimizu‐Inatsugi Rie , Terada Aika , Hirose Kyosuke , Kudoh Hiroshi , Sese Jun , Shimizu Kentaro K.
Published: June 2016

The habitats of polyploid species are generally distinct from their parental species. Stebbins described polyploids as ‘general purpose genotypes’, which can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. However, little is known about its molecular basis because of the complexity of polyploid genomes. We hypothesized that allopolyploid species might utilize the expression patterns of both parents depending on environments (polyploid plasticity hypothesis). We focused on hydrological niche segregation along fine‐scale soil moisture and waterlogging gradients. Two diploid species,Cardamine amaraandCardamine hirsuta, grew best in submerged and unsubmerged conditions, respectively, consistent with their natural habitats. Interestingly, the allotetraploidCardamine flexuosaderived from them grew similarly in fluctuating as well as submerged and unsubmerged conditions, consistent with its wide environmental tolerance. A similar pattern was found in another species trio: allotetraploidCardamine scutataand its parents. Using the close relatedness ofCardamineandArabidopsis, we quantified genomewide expression patterns following dry and wet treatments using anArabidopsismicroarray. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that the expression pattern ofC. flexuosaclustered withC. hirsutain the dry condition and withC. amarain the wet condition, supporting our hypothesis. Furthermore, the induction levels of most genes in the allopolyploid were lower than in a specialist diploid species. This reflects a disadvantage of being allopolyploid arising from fixed heterozygosity. We propose that recurrent allopolyploid speciation along soil moisture and waterlogging gradients confers niche differentiation and reproductive isolation simultaneously and serves as a model for studying the molecular basis of ecological speciation and adaptive radiation.
Political Rivalry Effects on Human Capital Accumulation and Inequality: A New Political Economy Approach
Authors: Sochirca Elena , Afonso Oscar , Silva Sandra T.
Published: June 2016

We propose an endogenous growth model with new political economy elements in order to (1) examine how political incentives affect economic allocations and (2) study the effects of political rivalry on human capital accumulation and income inequality. Focusing on two important policies affecting economic performance—fiscal policy and public investments in human capital accumulation—we find that different political incentives have distinct effects on policies and economic allocations. We also find that political rivalry increases income inequality and reduces economic growth and human capital accumulation through its negative impact on public investments in education, wages and individual learning choice.
The bacterial SRP receptor, FtsY, is activated on binding to the translocon
Authors: Draycheva Albena , Bornemann Thomas , Ryazanov Sergey , Lakomek Nils‐Alexander , Wintermeyer Wolfgang
Published: June 2016

Proteins are inserted into the bacterial plasma membrane cotranslationally after translating ribosomes are targeted to the translocon in the membrane via the signal recognition particle (SRP) pathway. The targeting pathway involves an interaction between SRP and the SRP receptor, FtsY. Here we focus on the role of FtsY and its interaction with the translocon in controlling targeting. We show that in unbound FtsY the NG and A domains interact with one another. The interaction involves the membrane‐targeting region at the junction between A and N domain. The closed form of FtsY is impaired in binding to SRP. Upon binding to the phospholipid‐embedded translocon the domains of FtsY move apart. This enhances the docking of the FtsY NG domain to the homologous NG domain of the SRP protein Ffh. Thus, FtsY binding to the translocon has a central role in orchestrating the formation of a quaternary transfer complex in which the nascent peptide is transferred to the translocon. We propose that FtsY activation at the translocon ensures that ribosome–SRP complexes are directed to available translocons. This way sequestering SRP in futile complexes with unbound FtsY can be avoided and efficient targeting to the translocon achieved.
Feedback control of Campylobacter jejuni flagellin levels through reciprocal binding of FliW to flagellin and the global regulator CsrA
Authors: Radomska Katarzyna A. , Ordoñez Soledad R. , Wösten Marc M. S. M. , Wagenaar Jaap A. , van Putten Jos P. M.
Published: June 2016

Bacterial flagella assembly is tightly regulated to ensure a timely and sequential production of the various flagellum constituents. In the pathogen Campylobacter jejuni the hierarchy in flagella biosynthesis is largely determined at the transcriptional level through the activity of the alternative sigma factors sigma54 and sigma28. Here, we report that C. jejuni flagellin levels are also controlled at the post‐transcriptional level via the thus far poorly‐characterized flagellar assembly factor FliW. Analysis of flagellin synthesis in C. jejuni 81116 and a ΔfliW knock‐out mutant showed reduced flagellin protein levels in the mutant strain while ectopic expression of FliW resulted in enhanced levels. Real‐time RT‐PCR revealed relatively minor changes in flaA and flaB mRNA levels for the recombinant and parent strain consistent with post‐transcriptional regulation. Purified FliW was found to bind to FlaA and FlaB flagellin as well as to the global post‐transcriptional regulator CsrA. Inactivation of CsrA resulted in increased levels of flagellin translation. An in vitro translation assay confirmed the regulatory role of CsrA in flagellin biosynthesis. We propose that competitive reciprocal binding of FliW to flagellins and the RNA binding protein CsrA serves as a feedback mechanism to control the number of cytosolic flagellin copies at the protein level.
Triggers and nursing influences on delirium in intensive care units
Authors: Piao Jinshi , Jin Yinji , Lee Sun‐Mi
Published: June 2016

Among care providers, nurses have the most influence on the occurrence of delirium in patients. To identify and investigate the risk factors associated with delirium and analyse the nurse's influence on delirium, a secondary data analysis approach was used with clinical data from the electronic medical record and health care provider data from the management information systems of a university hospital. Data of 3284 patients (delirium = 688, non‐delirium = 2596) hospitalized in the medical and surgical intensive care units containing 2178 variables were analysed. Donabedian's structure‐process‐outcome model was applied to categorize the factors for multilevel hierarchical logistic regression analysis. Sixteen factors (10 patient factors, 1 provider factor, 1 environmental factor, 2 nursing intervention factors and 2 medical intervention factors) were identified as significant in the final model. Longer intensive care unit experience of nurses did not decrease the risk of delirium. Greater number of nursing intervention needs and greater use of restraints were associated with an increased risk of delirium. The duration of nursing career did not affect the reduction of the risk of delirium. Nurses should therefore endeavour to acquire nursing experience specific for delirium care and attend training courses for delirium management.
Enzyme‐driven metabolomic screening: a proof‐of‐principle method for discovery of plant defence compounds targeted by pathogens
Authors: Carere Jason , Colgrave Michelle L. , Stiller Jiri , Liu Chunji , Manners John M. , Kazan Kemal , Gardiner Donald M.
Published: June 2016

Plants produce a variety of secondary metabolites to defend themselves from pathogen attack, while pathogens have evolved to overcome plant defences by producing enzymes that degrade or modify these defence compounds. However, many compounds targeted by pathogen enzymes currently remain enigmatic. Identifying host compounds targeted by pathogen enzymes would enable us to understand the potential importance of such compounds in plant defence and modify them to make them insensitive to pathogen enzymes.

Here, a proof of concept metabolomics‐based method was developed to discover plant defence compounds modified by pathogens using two pathogen enzymes with known targets in wheat and tomato. Plant extracts treated with purified pathogen enzymes were subjected to LC‐MS, and the relative abundance of metabolites before and after treatment were comparatively analysed.

Using two enzymes from different pathogens the in planta targets could be found by combining relatively simple enzymology with the power of untargeted metabolomics. Key to the method is dataset simplification based on natural isotope occurrence and statistical filtering, which can be scripted.

The method presented here will aid in our understanding of plant–pathogen interactions and may lead to the development of new plant protection strategies.
Scale dependence of canopy trait distributions along a tropical forest elevation gradient
Authors: Asner Gregory P. , Martin Roberta E. , Anderson Christopher B. , Kryston Katherine , Vaughn Nicholas , Knapp David E. , Bentley Lisa Patrick , Shenkin Alexander , Salinas Norma , Sinca Felipe , Tupayachi Raul , Quispe Huaypar Katherine , Montoya Pillco Milenka , Ccori Álvarez Flor Delis , Díaz Sandra , Enquist Brian J. , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: June 2016

Average responses of forest foliar traits to elevation are well understood, but far less is known about trait distributional responses to elevation at multiple ecological scales. This limits our understanding of the ecological scales at which trait variation occurs in response to environmental drivers and change.

We analyzed and compared multiple canopy foliar trait distributions using field sampling and airborne imaging spectroscopy along an Andes‐to‐Amazon elevation gradient. Field‐estimated traits were generated from three community‐weighting methods, and remotely sensed estimates of traits were made at three scales defined by sampling grain size and ecological extent.

Field and remote sensing approaches revealed increases in average leaf mass per unit area (LMA), water, nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) and polyphenols with increasing elevation. Foliar nutrients and photosynthetic pigments displayed little to no elevation trend. Sample weighting approaches had little impact on field‐estimated trait responses to elevation. Plot representativeness of trait distributions at landscape scales decreased with increasing elevation. Remote sensing indicated elevation‐dependent increases in trait variance and distributional skew.

Multiscale invariance of LMA, leaf water and NSC mark these traits as candidates for tracking forest responses to changing climate. Trait‐based ecological studies can be greatly enhanced with multiscale studies made possible by imaging spectroscopy.
Genetic architecture of plant height in maize phenotype‐selected introgression families
Authors: Abdel‐Ghani Adel H. , Hu Songlin , Chen Yongsheng , Brenner Everton A. , Kumar Bharath , Blanco Michael , Lübberstedt Thomas
Published: June 2016

This study aimed at developing, characterizing and evaluating two maize phenotypic‐selected introgression libraries for a collection of dominant plant height (PHT)‐increasing alleles by introgressing donor chromosome segments (DCS) from Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) accessions into elite inbred lines: PHB47 and PHZ51. Different backcross generations (BC1‐BC4) were developed and the tallest 23 phenotype‐selected introgression families (PIFs) from each introgression library (PHB47 or PHZ51) were selected for single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping to localize DCS underlying PHT. The result shows that most PIFs carrying DCS were significantly (α = 0.01) taller than the respective recurrent parent. In addition, they contained larger donor genome proportions than expected in the absence of selection or random mating across all BC generations. The DCS were distributed over the whole genome, indicating a complex genetic nature underlying PHT. We conclude that our PIFs are enriched for favourable PHT‐increasing alleles. These two libraries offer opportunities for future PHT gene isolation and allele characterization and for breeding purposes, such as novel cultivars for biofuel production.
Intestinal malrotation needs immediate consideration and investigation
Authors: Ezer Semire Serin , Oguzkurt Pelin , Temiz Abdulkerim , Ince Emine , Gezer Hasan Ozkan , Demir Senay , Hicsonmez Akgun
Published: June 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, and volvulus rate and to describe the unusual clinical clues of intestinal malrotation.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive review was carried out of all patients diagnosed with intestinal malrotation between 2002 and 2014. Patients were divided into two groups: infants (≤1 year, n = 16; group 1); and children (>1 year, n = 12; group 2). Patient demographics, clinical history, symptoms, physical examination, diagnostic work‐up, operative findings and early outcome were evaluated.

Results

Bilious vomiting was the cardinal complaint in both groups. Unusual symptoms such as respiratory insufficiency, dehydration, afebrile convulsion, and lethargy were prominent symptoms in six patients in group 1, whereas history of frequent hospitalization due to recurrent abdominal pain and feeding intolerance were prominent in six patients in group 2. Midgut volvulus was identified in 15 patients, four of whom were in group 2. Standard Ladd's procedure was done in addition to correction of volvulus.

Conclusion

Malrotation with or without midgut volvulus is not a rare condition and should be kept in mind for any age group. Specific signs of diagnosis are not easily identified. In the case of unusual clinical presentation, diagnosis may be delayed and can result in catastrophic consequences if intestinal perfusion occurs. Although midgut volvulus is seen most frequently in infants, risk and complication rate are high beyond 1 year of age as well, and can manifest as failure to thrive, food intolerance, and abdominal pain needing recurrent hospitalization. Diagnostic suspicion and interdisciplinary coordination are essential for timely diagnosis and surgical treatment.
Maintenance of B cells during chronic murine Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection
Authors: Cnops J. , Kauffmann F. , De Trez C. , Baltz T. , Keirsse J. , Radwanska M. , Muraille E. , Magez S.
Published: June 2016

African trypanosomosis is a debilitating parasitic disease occurring in large parts of sub‐Saharan Africa. Trypanosoma brucei gambiense accounts for 98% of the reported HAT infections and causes a chronic, gradually progressing disease. Multiple experimental murine models for trypanosomosis have demonstrated inflammation‐dependent apoptosis of splenic follicular B (FoB) cells and the destruction of B‐cell memory against previously encountered pathogens. Here, we report that during murine infection with a chronic T. b. gambiense field isolate, FoB cells are retained. This coincided with reduced levels of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α during the acute phase of the infection. This result suggests that in chronic infections with low virulent parasites, less inflammation is elicited and consequently no FoB cell destruction occurs.
Characterization of Monilinia species associated with brown rot in stone fruit in Brazil
Authors: Fischer J. M. M. , Savi D. C. , Aluizio R. , May De Mio L. L. , Glienke C.
Published: June 2016

Fungi of the Monilinia genus occur worldwide and affect a wide range of economically important stone fruits. Several Monilinia species are responsible for brown rot. Although this disease is common in Brazil, Monilinia sp. genetic variability in Brazilian orchards has generally been poorly characterized. The present study represents the first report on the genetic diversity of Monilinia sp. from Brazilian orchards. The genetic structure of the Brazilian population was also compared to isolates from other countries, together with some morphological characteristics and aggressiveness. Sixty‐one isolates belonging to the Monilinia genus were obtained from different orchards in Brazilian states. Ten Monilinia fructicola isolates from the United States and one isolate from a fruit imported into Brazil were also evaluated. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 region (internal transcribed spacer) clustered most Brazilian and American isolates with M. fructicola authentic strains from Q‐Bank. Two isolates (one from an imported fruit) clustered as Monilinia laxa. The results revealed M. fructicola as the prevalent species associated with brown rot in Brazilian orchards. To evaluate the intraspecific diversity of M. fructicola and M. laxa, multigene sequence analysis was performed using ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 and TEF1 (elongation factor 1). Whilst TEF1 is the most phylogenetically informative gene for intraspecific studies of M. fructicola, RPB2 (RNA polymerase II gene) displayed low variation in intraspecific analysis, but was an informative locus for assigning isolates to M. fructicola or M. laxa species. The amova suggests that Brazilian isolates from the States of the main producing regions belong to a single genetic population, which is genetically distinct from the US (Californian) population of M. fructicola.
Sm–Nd and Ar–Ar Isotopic Dating of the Nuri Cu–W–Mo Deposit in the Southern Gangdese, Tibet: Implications for the Porphyry‐Skarn Metallogenic System and Metallogenetic Epochs of the Eastern Gangdese
Authors: Chen Lei , Qin Kezhang , Li Guangming , Li Jinxiang , Xiao Bo , Zhao Junxing , Fan Xin
Published: June 2016

The Nuri Cu–W–Mo deposit is a large newly explored deposit located at the southern margin of the Gangdese metallogenic belt. There are skarn and porphyry mineralizations in the deposit, but the formation age of the skarn and the relationship between the skarn and porphyry mineralizations are controversial. Constraints on the precise chronology are of fundamental importance for understanding the ore genesis of the Nuri deposit. To determine the formation age of the skarn, we chose garnets and whole rock skarn samples for Sm–Nd dating. We also selected biotite associated with potassic alteration for Ar–Ar dating to confirm the ore formation age of the porphyry mineralizations. The Sm–Nd ages of the skarn are 25.73 ± 0.92 – 25.2 ± 3.9 Ma, and the age of the potassic alteration is 24.37 ± 0.32 Ma. The results indicate that the skarn and porphyry mineralization are coeval and belong to a unified magmatic hydrothermal system. Combined with a previous molybdenite Re–Os age, we think that the hydrothermal activity of the Nuri deposit lasted for 1.2 – 2.1 Myr, which indicates that the mineralization formed rapidly. The chronologic results indicate that the Nuri deposit formed in the period of transformation from compression to extension in the late collisional stage of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian continents.
An intelligent geospatial processing unit for image classification based on geographic vector agents (GVAs)
Authors: Borna Kambiz , Moore Antoni B. , Sirguey Pascal
Published: June 2016

Spatial modeling methods usually use pixels and image objects as fundamental processing units to address real‐world objects, geo‐objects, in image space. To do this, both pixel‐based and object‐based approaches typically employ a linear two‐staged workflow of segmentation and classification. Pixel‐based methods segment a classified image to address geo‐objects in image space. In contrast, object‐based approaches classify a segmented image to identify geo‐objects from raster datasets. These methods lack the ability to simultaneously integrate the geometry and theme of geo‐objects in image space. This article explores Geographical Vector Agents (GVAs) as an automated and intelligent processing unit to directly address real‐world objects in the process of remote sensing image classification. The GVA is a distinct type of geographic automata characterized by elastic geometry, dynamic internal structure, neighborhoods and their respective rules. We test this concept by modeling a set of objects on a subset IKONOS image and LiDAR DSM datasets without the setting parameters (e.g. scale, shape information), usually applied in conventional Geographic Object‐Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) approaches. The results show that the GVA approach achieves more than 3.5% improvement for correctness, 2% improvement for quality, although no significant improvement for completeness to GEOBIA, thus demonstrating the competitive performance of GVAs classification.
Regulation of the lysophosphatidylserine and sphingosine 1‐phosphate levels in autologous whole blood by the pre‐storage leukocyte reduction
Authors: Nagura Y. , Tsuno N. H. , Kano K. , Inoue A. , Aoki J. , Hirowatari Y. , Kaneko M. , Kurano M. , Matsuhashi M. , Ohkawa R. , Tozuka M. , Yatomi Y. , Okazaki H.
Published: June 2016

Background and objectives

The effect of leukoreduction and storage periods on the accumulation of bioactive lysophospholipids and substances in human autologous blood (AB units) has not been fully investigated.

Materials and methods

The accumulation of bioactive lysophospholipids such as sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS) in AB units during the storage was investigated. The time‐dependent changes and the effect of the filtration in pre‐storage leuckoreduction (LR) and unmodified samples derived from 46 AB units were analysed. Additionally, the changes of lysophospholipids and platelet releasate, namely β‐thromboglobulin (β‐TG), induced by exposure of whole blood (WB) or platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) to the filter material were analysed.

Results

LysoPS, but not S1P levels, time‐dependently and significantly increased in both unmodified and LR samples. LysoPS significantly decreased in LR compared with unmodified samples, whereas S1P increased in LR compared with unmodified samples. In addition, exposure of WB and/or PRP to the filter material in vitro resulted in increased levels of S1P, LysoPS and β‐TG.

Conclusions

LR effectively reduced the accumulation of LysoPS in AB units. On the other hand, it increased concentrations of S1P due to platelet activation by exposure to the filter material. These suggest that increases of S1P levels in LR and LysoPS in the unmodified samples were mainly caused by the leukocytes and/or platelets and that LR was effective in inhibiting the accumulation of LysoPS.
Relationalities and convergences in food security narratives: towards a place‐based approach
Authors: Sonnino Roberta , Marsden Terry , Moragues‐Faus Ana
Published: June 2016

This paper addresses emerging calls for an enhanced relationality and convergence across different food security discourses. Based on a critical analysis of different narratives and concepts that have, over time, been deployed to address the food security problem, this paper asks: How, and to what extent, can the different narratives on food security and their different postulates be integrated to create a context that fosters closer connections between food system activities and more empowered relations between its actors? To address this question, the paper focuses on the governance frameworks embedded in different narratives on food security – i.e. the role attributed to different food system actors, their diverse views of rights and responsibility, and the types of interactions that are prioritised to achieve collective goals. The analysis exposes the limitations of conceptual frameworks as diverse as productivism, food sovereignty, livelihood security, the right‐to‐food, food democracy, food citizenship and community food security, which, we argue, tend to be locked into fixed levels of scale and generalised as well as oppositional assumptions. As the paper concludes, efforts to refine the food security agenda should start with a recognition of place as key and active meso‐level mediator – that is, as a progressive canvass for reassembling resources around more effective food production–consumption relations and as a multiscalar theoretical lens that offers the conceptual advantage of building far more complexity and diversity into aggregated food security debates.
The Long‐run Relationship Between Trade and Population Health: Evidence from Five Decades
Authors: Herzer Dierk
Published: June 2016

In recent years, the increase in international trade has sparked a debate about the impact of international trade on population health. To date, however, there has been very little econometric research on the relationship between these two variables. This paper examines the long‐run relationship between trade openness and population health for a sample of 74 countries over five decades, from 1960 to 2010. Using panel time‐series techniques, it is shown that international trade in general has a robust positive long‐run effect on health, as measured by life expectancy and infant mortality. This effect tends to be greater in countries with lower development levels, higher taxes on income, profits, and capital gains, and less restrictive business and labour market regulations.
Properties of the feline tumour suppressor reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC/Dkk‐3)
Authors: Ochiai K. , Oda H. , Shono S. , Kato Y. , Sugihara S. , Nakazawa S. , Azakami D. , Michishita M. , Onozawa E. , Bonkobara M. , Sako T. , Shun‐Ai L. , Ueki H. , Watanabe M. , Omi T.
Published: June 2016

Reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC/Dkk‐3), a member of the human Dickkopf (Dkk) family, is a growth suppressor in human and canine mammary tumours. Mammary gland tumours are common neoplasms with high malignancy in female cats. The purpose of this study was to clone the feline REIC/Dkk‐3 homolog, investigate its expression in cell lines established from feline mammary gland tumours, and test its tumour suppressor function. Western blot analysis revealed that expression of the REIC/Dkk‐3 protein was reduced in feline mammary carcinoma cell lines. Forced expression of REIC/Dkk‐3 induced apoptosis in feline mammary tumour cell lines. These results demonstrate that REIC/Dkk‐3 expression, which is downregulated in feline mammary tumour cell lines, results in the induction of apoptosis in these cells. Our findings suggest that feline REIC/Dkk‐3 represents a potential molecular target for the development of therapies against feline mammary cancers.
Infectious crystalline keratopathy in dogs and cats: clinical, in vivo confocal microscopic, histopathologic, and microbiologic features of eight cases
Authors: Ledbetter Eric C. , McDonough Patrick L. , Kim Kay
Published: June 2016

Objective

To describe clinical, in vivo confocal microscopic, histopathologic, and microbiologic features of canine and feline cases of infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK).

Animals studied

Six dogs and two cats with naturally acquired ICK.

Procedures

Medical records of dogs and cats with a clinical diagnosis of ICK were reviewed. Signalment, medical history, clinical findings, and diagnostic evaluations were retrieved, including corneal cytology, histopathology, in vivo confocal microscopy, and microbiology results.

Results

All animals presented with fine, needle‐like, and branching white crystalline anterior stromal opacities emanating from corneal facets or corneal epithelial defects. Mild conjunctival hyperemia and anterior uveitis were frequently present. Concurrent ocular and systemic diseases were common, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca, corneal sequestrum, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, and malignant neoplasia. Bacteria, with minimal or absent leukocytes, were identified by cytology and histopathology. Histopathologically, the crystalline corneal opacities corresponded with dense accumulations of bacteria present in the interlamellar stromal spaces and forming cord‐like projections within the stroma. In vivo confocal microscopy demonstrated deposits of reflective crystalline or amorphous structures within the stroma with a paucity of associated inflammatory changes. The most frequently cultured bacteria were alpha‐hemolytic Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. Resolution of clinical lesions was achieved in most cases with long‐term medical or surgical therapy; however, the initiation of medical treatment was associated with an acute, dramatic onset of severe keratitis and anterior uveitis in some animals.

Conclusions

Infectious crystalline keratopathy in dogs and cats shares many features with this condition in human patients. Prolonged medical therapy, or surgical intervention, is required for resolution.