bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact on quality of life of a nursing intervention programme for patients with chronic non‐cancer pain: an open, randomized controlled parallel study protocol
Authors: Morales‐Fernandez Angeles , Morales‐Asencio Jose Miguel , Canca‐Sanchez Jose Carlos , Moreno‐Martin Gabriel , Vergara‐Romero Manuel ,   Group for pain management Hospital Costa del Sol Members
Published: February 2016

Aim

To determine the effect of a nurse‐led intervention programme for patients with chronic non‐cancer pain.

Background

Chronic non‐cancer pain is a widespread health problem and one that is insufficiently controlled. Nurses can play a vital role in pain management, using best practices in the assessment and management of pain under a holistic approach where the patient plays a proactive role in addressing the disease process. Improving the quality of life, reducing disability, achieving acceptance of health status, coping and breaking the vicious circle of pain should be the prime objectives of our care management programme.

Design

Open randomized parallel controlled study.

Methods

The experimental group will undertake one single initial session, followed by six group sessions led by nurses, aimed at empowering patients for the self‐management of pain. Healthy behaviours will be encouraged, such as sleep and postural hygiene, promotion of physical activity and healthy eating. Educational interventions on self‐esteem, pain‐awareness, communication and relaxing techniques will be carried out. As primary end points, quality of life, perceived level of pain, anxiety and depression will be evaluated. Secondary end points will be coping and satisfaction. Follow‐up will be performed at 12 and 24 weeks. The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee Costa del Sol.

Discussion

If significant effects were detected, impact on quality of life through a nurse‐led programme would offer a complementary service to existing pain clinics for a group of patients with frequent unmet needs.
Newly graduated nurses’ use of knowledge sources: a meta‐ethnography
Authors: Voldbjerg Siri Lygum , Grønkjær Mette , Sørensen Erik Elgaard , Hall Elisabeth O.C.
Published: February 2016

Aim

To advance evidence on newly graduated nurses’ use of knowledge sources.

Background

Clinical decisions need to be evidence‐based and understanding the knowledge sources that newly graduated nurses use will inform both education and practice. Qualitative studies on newly graduated nurses’ use of knowledge sources are increasing though generated from scattered healthcare contexts. Therefore, a metasynthesis of qualitative research on what knowledge sources new graduates use in decision‐making was conducted.

Design

Meta‐ethnography.

Data sources

Nineteen reports, representing 17 studies, published from 2000–2014 were identified from iterative searches in relevant databases from May 2013–May 2014.

Review methods

Included reports were appraised for quality and Noblit and Hare's meta‐ethnography guided the interpretation and synthesis of data.

Results

Newly graduated nurses’ use of knowledge sources during their first 2‐year postgraduation were interpreted in the main theme ‘self and others as knowledge sources,’ with two subthemes ‘doing and following’ and ‘knowing and doing,’ each with several elucidating categories. The metasynthesis revealed a line of argument among the report findings underscoring progression in knowledge use and perception of competence and confidence among newly graduated nurses.

Conclusion

The transition phase, feeling of confidence and ability to use critical thinking and reflection, has a great impact on knowledge sources incorporated in clinical decisions. The synthesis accentuates that for use of newly graduated nurses’ qualifications and skills in evidence‐based practice, clinical practice needs to provide a supportive environment which nurtures critical thinking and questions and articulates use of multiple knowledge sources.
Development of a conceptual policy framework for advanced practice nursing: an ethnographic study
Authors: Schober Madrean M. , Gerrish Kate , McDonnell Ann
Published: February 2016

Aim

To report on a study examining policy development for advanced practice nursing from intent of policy to realization in practice.

Background

Inclusion of advanced practice nursing roles in the healthcare workforce is a worldwide trend. Optimal advanced nursing practice requires supportive policies. Little is known about how policy is developed and implemented.

Design

Ethnography using an instrumental case study approach was selected to give an in‐depth understanding of the experiences of one country (Singapore) to contribute to insight into development elsewhere.

Methods

The four‐phase study was conducted from 2008–2012 and included document analysis (n = 47), interviews with key policy decision makers (n = 12), interviews with nursing managers and medical directors (n = 11), interviews and participant observation with advanced practice nurses (n = 15).

Results

Key policymakers in positions of authority were able to promote policy development. However, this was characterized by lack of strategic planning for implementation. A vague understanding by nursing managers and medical directors of policies, the role and its position in the healthcare workforce led to indecision and uncertainty in execution. Advanced practice nurses developed their role based on theory acquired in their academic programme but were unsure what role to assume in practice. Lack of clear guidelines led to unanticipated difficulties for institutions and healthcare systems.

Conclusion

Strategic planning could facilitate integration of advanced practice nurses into the healthcare workforce. A Conceptual Policy Framework is proposed as a guide for a coordinated approach to policy development and implementation for advanced practice nursing.
The social affirmation use of social media as a motivator of collective action
Authors: Kende Anna , van Zomeren Martijn , Ujhelyi Adrienn , Lantos Nóra Anna
Published: February 2016

The mobilizing potential of the internet has been widely recognized but also sharply criticized. We propose and test in two studies that the social affirmation use of social media motivates individuals for collective action to achieve social change. In Study 1, we surveyed participants of a university occupation and found that enduring participation was predicted by social affirmation use, mediated by group identification. In Study 2 we experimentally tested our hypothesis, the results of which confirmed that the social affirmation use of a forum (and in particular its interactive aspect) motivated individuals for collective action to achieve social change. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for theory and research on the mobilizing potential of the internet.
Long‐distance dispersal and barriers shape genetic structure of peatmosses (Sphagnum) across the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Kyrkjeeide Magni Olsen , Hassel Kristian , Flatberg Kjell Ivar , Shaw A. Jonathan , Brochmann Christian , Stenøien Hans K.
Published: February 2016

Aim

Disjunctly distributed peatmosses (Sphagnum) have been found to exhibit little genetic structure over regional and intercontinental scales, mainly caused by high ability for transoceanic long‐distance dispersal. Although, most Northern Hemisphere peatmoss species have wide circumboreal/nemoral ranges, little is known about the magnitude and effects of long‐distance dispersal and barriers in shaping the genetic structure of such species. We investigate whether high dispersal capacity has caused genetic homogeneity across broad areas of the Northern Hemisphere, or whether barriers act to shape genetic structure across different species with similar distributional ranges.

Location

Northern Hemisphere.

Methods

We studied genetic variation and structure in six Sphagnum species using 19 microsatellite loci.

Results

Four out of six species were genetically structured in similar ways; with mainly one Beringian and one Atlantic group. Overall, both the North American and Eurasian continents seemed to act as a barrier to gene flow in several species. However, the most abrupt breakpoint between genetic groups was found in south‐east Alaska.

Main conclusions

We found evidence for extensive gene flow between regions across the Northern Hemisphere among peatmosses, with oceans seemingly acting as weaker barriers to gene flow than landmasses. Plants from the amphi‐Atlantic and amphi‐Beringian regions of several species were genetically differentiated. Similar genetic structuring across several species, indicate that spore‐producing species do not disperse freely across their entire distributional range, but are likely limited by wind directions, landmass barriers and/or habitat availability.
Bone biology‐related gingival transcriptome in ageing and periodontitis in non‐human primates
Authors: Pandruvada Subramanya N. , Gonzalez Octavio A. , Kirakodu Sreenatha , Gudhimella Sudha , Stromberg Arnold J. , Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Orraca Luis , Gonzalez‐Martinez Janis , Novak Michael J. , Huja Sarandeep S.
Published: February 2016

Aim

Cellular and molecular immunoinflammatory changes in gingival tissues drive alveolar bone loss in periodontitis. Since ageing is a risk factor for periodontitis, we sought to identify age‐related gingival transcriptome changes associated with bone metabolism in both healthy and in naturally occurring periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Adult (12–16 years) and aged (18–23 years) non‐human primates (M. mulatta) (n = 24) were grouped into healthy and periodontitis. Gingival tissue samples were obtained and subjected to microarray analysis using the Gene Chip Macaque Genome Array. Gene expression profiles involved in osteoclast/osteoblast proliferation, adhesion and function were evaluated and compared across and between the age groups. QPCR was also performed on selected genes to validate microarray data.

Results

Healthy aged tissues showed a gene profile expression that suggest enhancement of osteoclastic adhesion, proliferation/survival and function (SPP1, TLR4, MMP8 and TFEC) and impaired osteoblastic activity (SMEK3P and SMAD5). The gingival transcriptome in both adult and aged animals with naturally occurring periodontitis (FOS, IL6, TLR4, MMP9, MMP10 and SPP1 genes) was consistent with a local inflammatory response driving towards bone/connective tissue destruction.

Conclusion

A pro‐osteoclastogenic gingival transcriptome is associated with periodontitis irrespective of age; however; a greater bone‐destructive molecular environment is associated with ageing in healthy tissues.
Effects of acetyl‐L‐carnitine and methylcobalamin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: Li Sheyu , Chen Xiang , Li Qianrui , Du Juan , Liu Zhimin , Peng Yongde , Xu Mian , Li Qifu , Lei Minxiang , Wang Changjiang , Zheng Shaoxiong , Zhang Xiaojuan , Yu Hongling , Shi Jinyu , Tao Shibing , Feng Ping , Tian Haoming
Published: February 2016

Aims/Introduction

To assess the efficacy and safety of acetyl‐L‐carnitine (ALC) on diabetic peripheral neuropathy compared with methylcobalamin (MC).

Materials and methods

This was a multicenter, randomized, parallel‐group, double‐blind, double‐dummy, positive‐controlled, non‐inferior phase II clinical trial. Diabetic patients with abnormal nerve conduction test results were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive oral ALC 500 mg t.i.d. or MC 0.5 mg t.i.d. for 24 weeks. The neuropathy symptom score, neuropathy disability score and neurophysiological parameters were measured during follow up.

Results

A total of 232 patients were randomized (ALC n = 117, MC n = 115), 88% of which completed the trial. At week 24, patients from both groups had significant reductions in both neuropathy symptom score and neuropathy disability score with no significant difference between two groups (neuropathy symptom score reduction: ALC vs MC 2.35 ± 2.23, P < 0.0001 vs 2.11 ± 2.48, P < 0.0001, intergroup P = 0.38; neuropathy disability score reduction ALC vs MC 1.66 ± 1.90, P < 0.0001 vs 1.35 ± 1.65, P < 0.0001, intergroup P = 0.23). Neurophysiological parameters were also improved in both groups. No significant difference was found between groups in the development of adverse events.

Conclusions

ALC is as effective as MC in improving clinical symptoms and neurophysiological parameters for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy over a 24‐week period with good tolerance.
A 1‐year, prospective, observational study of Japanese outpatients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes switching from insulin glargine or detemir to insulin degludec in basal–bolus insulin therapy (Kumamoto Insulin Degludec Observational study)
Authors: Shimoda Seiya , Sato Miki , Sekigami Taiji , Motoshima Hiroyuki , Yoshimura Ryohei , Fukuda Kazuki , Matsuo Yasuto , Noda Hideyuki , Okubo Mina , Ichimori Shinji , Fujisawa Kazuo , Fukunaga Makiko , Araki Eiichi ,   The Kumamoto Insulin Degludec Observational (KIDUNA) Study Group
Published: February 2016

Aims/Introduction

The aim of the present prospective observational study was to assess long‐term efficacy and safety of insulin degludec as a part of a basal–bolus therapy for Japanese patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in routine clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, 93 type 1 diabetes patients and 135 type 2 diabetes patients treated with insulin glargine or detemir were switched from their basal insulin to insulin degludec. The primary end‐points were the changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline at 3, 6 and 12 months. The secondary end‐points were changes in body mass index, insulin dose, frequency of hypoglycemia and adverse events.

Results

HbA1c levels from baseline were significantly reduced at 3, 6, and 12 months by 0.4, 0.4 and 0.3% in type 1 diabetes patients, respectively, and by 0.5, 0.5 and 0.3% in type 2 diabetes patients, respectively. Body mass index in type 1 diabetes patients increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas that in type 2 diabetes patients did not change. Basal insulin dose decreased significantly at 3 months after switching (P < 0.05), and returned baseline dose at 12 months in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients. The frequency of both total and nocturnal hypoglycemia decreased significantly in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients (P < 0.05). The result of multiple regression analysis showed that baseline HbA1c was a significant independent variable of the percentage change in HbA1c with switching.

Conclusion

In both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients, switching from insulin glargine or insulin detemir to insulin degludec led to improvement of glycemic control with a significant reduction of hypoglycemia.
Participation and health care provision of statutory skin cancer screening in Germany – a secondary data analysis
Authors: Anastasiadou Z. , Schäfer I. , Siebert J. , Günther W. , Reusch M. , Augustin M.
Published: February 2016

Background

In Germany, skin cancer screening was introduced nationwide in July 2008. From the age of 35 years, members of the statutory health insurance are eligible for screening every 2 years.

Objective

The aim of this study is to calculate the participation rates and the proportions of health care providers of statutory skin cancer screening in Germany on a population‐based level.

Methods

Data were provided by a nationwide German statutory health insurance, approximately 6.1 million members, covering the years 2008/2009. Participation rates were calculated per yearly quarter and were adjusted for age, gender and federal state.

Results

Approximately 920 000 insurants were screened from the third quarter of 2008 until the last quarter of 2009. Mean participation rate of skin cancer screening was 30.8%. Women had higher participation rates (31.9%) than men (29.7%). After adjusting for gender and federal state, high rates for pensioners at the age of 65–74 were confirmed at 39.4% on average for all yearly quarters. One of the highest gender‐ and age‐adjusted rates was observed in the state of Schleswig‐Holstein, where a population based pilot project had been implemented before the start of the nationwide screening programme. In general, without taking into account Berlin, former East Germany had a much lower gender‐ and age‐adjusted participation rate (23.9%) than West Germany (33.3%). At the first quarter after implementation of screening, 58.5% of the screenings were provided by dermatologists and 41.5% by general practitioners.

Conclusion

Participation rates and health care providers of skin cancer screening can be calculated from secondary data and contribute to identify group‐ and region‐specific participation patterns in order to improve early detection of skin cancer.
Evolution of behavioural and cellular defences against parasitoid wasps in the Drosophila melanogaster subgroup
Authors: Lynch Z. R. , Schlenke T. A. , de Roode J. C.
Published: February 2016

It may be intuitive to predict that host immune systems will evolve to counter a broad range of potential challenges through simultaneous investment in multiple defences. However, this would require diversion of resources from other traits, such as growth, survival and fecundity. Therefore, ecological immunology theory predicts that hosts will specialize in only a subset of possible defences. We tested this hypothesis through a comparative study of a cellular immune response and a putative behavioural defence used by eight fruit fly species against two parasitoid wasp species (one generalist and one specialist). Fly larvae can survive infection by melanotically encapsulating wasp eggs, and female flies can potentially reduce infection rates in their offspring by laying fewer eggs when wasps are present. The strengths of both defences varied significantly but were not negatively correlated across our chosen host species; thus, we found no evidence for a trade‐off between behavioural and cellular immunity. Instead, cellular defences were significantly weaker against the generalist wasp, whereas behavioural defences were similar in strength against both wasps and positively correlated between wasps. We investigated the adaptive significance of wasp‐induced oviposition reduction behaviour by testing whether wasp‐exposed parents produce offspring with stronger cellular defences, but we found no support for this hypothesis. We further investigated the sensory basis of this behaviour by testing mutants deficient in either vision or olfaction, both of which failed to reduce their oviposition rates in the presence of wasps, suggesting that both senses are necessary for detecting and responding to wasps.
Judicial Retirements and the Staying Power of U.S. Supreme Court Decisions
Authors: Benjamin Stuart Minor , Vanberg Georg
Published: February 2016

The influence of U.S. Supreme Court majority opinions depends critically on how these opinions are received and treated by lower courts, which decide the vast majority of legal disputes. We argue that the retirement of justices on the Supreme Court serves as a simple heuristic device for lower court judges in deciding how much deference to show to Supreme Court precedent. Using a unique data set of the treatment of all Supreme Court majority opinions in the courts of appeals from 1953 to 2012, we find that negative treatments of Supreme Court opinions increase, and positive treatments decrease, as the justices who supported a decision retire from the Court. Importantly, this effect exists over and above the impact of retirements on the ideological makeup of the Supreme Court.
SEC Investigations and Securities Class Actions: An Empirical Comparison
Authors: Choi Stephen J. , Pritchard A. C.
Published: February 2016

Using actions with both an SEC investigation and a class action as our baseline, we compare the targeting of SEC‐only investigations with class‐action‐only lawsuits. Looking at measures of information asymmetry, we find that investors in the market perceive greater information asymmetry following the public announcement of the underlying violation for class‐action‐only lawsuits compared with SEC‐only investigations. Turning to sanctions, we find that the incidence of top officer resignation is greater for class‐action‐only lawsuits relative to SEC‐only investigations. Our findings are consistent with the private enforcement targeting disclosure violations at least as precisely as (if not more so than) SEC enforcement.
Preparation of Salad Dressing Emulsions Using Lentil, Chickpea and Pea Protein Isolates: A Response Surface Methodology Study
Authors: Ma Zhen , Boye Joyce I. , Simpson Benjamin K.
Published: February 2016

The effect of pulse protein, egg yolk and oil contents on the physical properties (i.e., static and dynamic rheological behavior, texture) of lentil‐, pea‐ and chickpea‐supplemented salad dressings was studied using a three‐factor central composite design (CCD). Multiple regression equations were developed to describe the effects of the independent variables on several response variables. In general, an increase in oil and emulsifier (pulse protein or egg yolk) contents modified the rheological and textural properties and led to either a linear or a nonlinear increase in several parameters, including
, m, ηap, σ0, Q(t)% and firmness. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the salad dressing formulations based on selected response variables, which were either maximized or minimized, or targeted using average values of parameters for several commercial salad dressings. The validation test confirmed the overall adequacy of the response surface models in predicting specific properties of the set formulations.

Practical Applications

The use of egg yolk as an emulsifier in the formulation of salad dressings may be a concern for those with high cholesterol. Proteins prepared from pulses may be promising value‐added replacements for such reduced egg‐yolk emulsion‐type food products. We have demonstrated the feasibility of making pulse protein‐supplemented salad dressings with physical properties similar to those of commercial dressings by varying levels of pulse protein, egg yolk and oil in salad dressing emulsion systems.
World Kidney Day 2016 Averting The Legacy of Kidney Disease–Focus On Childhood
Authors: Ingelfinger Julie R , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar , Schaefer Franz ,   On behalf of the World Kidney Day Steering Committee
Published: February 2016

World Kidney Day 2016 focuses on kidney disease in childhood and the antecedents of adult kidney disease that can begin in earliest childhood. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in childhood differs from that in adults, as the largest diagnostic group among children includes congenital anomalies and inherited disorders, with glomerulopathies and kidney disease in the setting of diabetes being relatively uncommon. Children born early or who are small‐for date newborns have relatively increased risk for the development of CKD later in life. Persons with a high‐risk birth and early childhood history should be watched closely in order to help detect early signs of kidney disease in time to provide effective prevention or treatment. Successful therapy is feasible for advanced CKD in childhood. Because there are disparities in access to care, effort is needed so that those children with kidney disease, wherever they live, may be treated effectively, irrespective of their geographic or economic circumstances. Our hope is that World Kidney Day will inform the general public, policy makers and caregivers about the needs and possibilities surrounding kidney disease in childhood.
Retention of solute and particle markers in the digestive tract of chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger)
Authors: Hagen K. B. , Dittmann M. T. , Ortmann S. , Kreuzer M. , Hatt J.‐M. , Clauss M.
Published: February 2016

The chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger) is a herbivorous hystricomorph South American rodent for which no mean digesta retention times have been reported so far. Six animals (mean body mass ± standard deviation: 513 ± 99 g) on a diet of grass hay and lucerne‐based pellets were given a pulse dose of a solute (cobalt‐EDTA) and a particle (chromium‐mordanted fibre, <2 mm) marker with subsequent frequent faecal collection. Dry matter intake was 45.2 ± 8.0 g/kg0.75/day. Mean retention times were 22.2 ± 5.3 h for solutes and 25.4 ± 5.2 h for particles, with the difference being not significant within individuals. This indicates the presence of a ‘mucus‐trap’ colonic separation mechanism, which is in accord with morphological descriptions of the typical colonic furrow in chinchillas. Corresponding to a strategy of colonic digesta separation and caecotroph formation, secondary marker excretion peaks indicated coprophagic events that were spaced approximately 12 h apart. Given that these retention times appear longer than measures reported for rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) or guinea pigs (Cavia procellus), it would be interesting to compare the digestive efficiency of chinchillas on high levels of dietary fibre to other species.
Good Friendships among Children: A Theoretical and Empirical Investigation
Authors: Walker David Ian , Curren Randall , Jones Chantel
Published: February 2016

Ethical dimensions of friendship have rarely been explicitly addressed as aspects of friendship quality in studies of children's peer relationships. This study identifies aspects of moral virtue significant for friendship, as a basis for empirically investigating the role of ethical qualities in children's friendship assessments and aspirations. We introduce a eudaimonic conception of friendship quality, identify aspects of moral virtue foundational to such quality, review and contest some grounds on which children have been regarded as not mature enough to have friendships that require virtue, and report a qualitative study of the friendship assessments and aspirations of children aged nine and ten (n = 83). In focus group sessions conducted in ten schools across Great Britain, moral qualities figured prominently in children's assessments of friendship quality. The findings provide evidence of children having friendships exhibiting mutual respect, support, and valuing of each other's good character.
Influence of Rapeseed and Sesame Oil on Crystallization and Rheological Properties of Cocoa Cream Fat Phase and Quality of Final Product
Authors: Lončarević Ivana , Pajin Biljana , Sakač Marijana , Zarić Danica , Rakin Marica , Petrović Jovana , Torbica Aleksandra
Published: February 2016

This research examined spreadable cocoa cream in which fat phase has been modified and analyzed regarding its crystallization and rheological properties and further influence on final product quality. Vegetable fat and refined sunflower oil, as fat phase of spreadable cocoa cream, have been partially substituted with rapeseed and sesame oil, having nutritional and sensory benefits in mind.

Substitution of sunflower oil with rapeseed or sesame oil had no influence on cream fat phase viscosity but increased cream viscosity up to 1.7 times and decreased its yield stress up to 2.7 times. Substitution of 70 wt % and total amount of sunflower oil with rapeseed or sesame oil resulted in lower crystallization rate in cream fat phase and the highest sensory scores of final products. Rapeseed and sesame oil have changed and improved the taste of spreadable cocoa cream making it sustainable for use in new products, but with shorter shelf life.

Practical Applications

Spreadable cocoa cream is a confectionery product having a high amount of sugar and fat. In recent decades, confectionary industry in Serbia has used hydrogenated fats in spreadable cocoa cream production and also refined sunflower oil, to improve spreadability of the final product. Today, the development of functional foods imposes the use of edible fats with no undesirable trans fatty acids, instead of those obtained by common hydrogenation process. As manufacture of cream product in the ball mill does not require high temperatures during its production, refined sunflower oil can also be substituted with less resistant unrefined oils with different distinctive flavor and health benefits, such as rapeseed and sesame oil.
Early Modern Intertextuality: Post Structuralism, Narrative Systems, andA Midsummer Night's Dream
Authors: Carter Sarah
Published: February 2016

Central to both early modern critical study and the theory of intertextuality are concepts such as the plurality of discourse, the mutually informing relationship between cultural ideologies and texts, and the instability of texts. Following revised critical approaches, this essay argues that there is potential in the direct application and exploration of the theory of intertextuality in early modern literature, particularly in the sense of engagement with and the extensive refiguring of elements from available narrative systems including classical mythology, folklore, and contemporary continental writing through allegory, allusion, and translation. Critical consideration of reading, creative imitation, and interpretative variety are central to both fields. This essay argues that these central aspects of early modern creative writing constitute a valid application of intertextual theory, which can be used to generate detailed and multilayered critical readings. It outlines an understanding of intertextuality, demonstrates how the theory is illustrated both in the period and in inherited classical textual theory, and offers a brief applied case study, reading Shakespeare'sA Midsummer Night's Dream(1595) as an overtly intertextual text.
Transcriptome‐wide patterns of divergence during allopatric evolution
Authors: Pereira Ricardo J. , Barreto Felipe S. , Pierce N. Tessa , Carneiro Miguel , Burton Ronald S.
Published: February 2016

Recent studies have revealed repeated patterns of genomic divergence associated with species formation. Such patterns suggest that natural selection tends to target a set of available genes, but is also indicative that closely related taxa share evolutionary constraints that limit genetic variability. Studying patterns of genomic divergence among populations within the same species may shed light on the underlying evolutionary processes. Here, we examine transcriptome‐wide divergence and polymorphism in the marine copepodTigriopus californicus, a species where allopatric evolution has led to replicate sets of populations with varying degrees of divergence and hybrid incompatibility. Our analyses suggest that relatively small effective population sizes have resulted in an exponential decline of shared polymorphisms during population divergence and also facilitated the fixation of slightly deleterious mutations within allopatric populations. Five interpopulation comparisons at three different stages of divergence show that nonsynonymous mutations tend to accumulate in a specific set of proteins. These include proteins with central roles in cellular metabolism, such as those encoded in mtDNA, but also include an additional set of proteins that repeatedly show signatures of positive selection during allopatric divergence. Although our results are consistent with a contribution of nonadaptive processes, such as genetic drift and gene expression levels, generating repeatable patterns of genomic divergence in closely related taxa, they also indicate that adaptive evolution targeting a specific set of genes contributes to this pattern. Our results yield insights into the predictability of evolution at the gene level.
Historical DNA documents long‐distance natal homing in marine fish
Authors: Bonanomi Sara , Overgaard Therkildsen Nina , Retzel Anja , Berg Hedeholm Rasmus , Pedersen Martin Wæver , Meldrup Dorte , Pampoulie Christophe , Hemmer‐Hansen Jakob , Grønkjær Peter , Nielsen Einar Eg
Published: February 2016

The occurrence of natal homing in marine fish remains a fundamental question in fish ecology as its unequivocal demonstration requires tracking of individuals from fertilization to reproduction. Here, we provide evidence of long‐distance natal homing (>1000 km) over more than 60 years in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), through genetic analysis of archived samples from marked and recaptured individuals. Using a high differentiation single‐nucleotide polymorphism assay, we demonstrate that the vast majority of cod tagged in West Greenland and recaptured on Icelandic spawning grounds belonged to the Iceland offshore population, strongly supporting a hypothesis of homing. The high degree of natal fidelity observed provides the evolutionary settings for development of locally adapted populations in marine fish and emphasize the need to consider portfolio effects in marine fisheries management strategies.
New view of population genetics of zooplankton: RAD‐seq analysis reveals population structure of the North Atlantic planktonic copepod Centropages typicus
Authors: Blanco‐Bercial L. , Bucklin A.
Published: February 2016

Detection of population genetic structure of zooplankton at medium‐to‐small spatial scales in the absence of physical barriers has remained challenging and controversial. The large population sizes and high rates of gene flow characteristic of zooplankton have made resolution of geographical differentiation very difficult, especially when using few genetic markers and assuming equilibrium conditions. Next‐generation sequencing now allows simultaneous sampling of hundreds to thousands of genetic markers; new analytical approaches allow studies under nonequilibrium conditions and directional migration. Samples of the North Atlantic Ocean planktonic copepod, Centropages typicus, were analysed using restriction site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing on a PROTON platform. Although prior studies revealed no genetic differentiation of populations across the geographical range of the species, analysis of RAD tags showed significant structure across the North Atlantic Ocean. We also compared the likelihood for models of connectivity among NW Atlantic populations under various directional flow scenarios that replicate oceanographic conditions of the sampled domain. High‐density marker sampling with RAD sequencing markedly outperformed other technical and analytical approaches in detection of population genetic structure and characterization of connectivity of this high geneflow zooplankton species.
The phosphocarrier protein HPr of Neisseria meningitidis interacts with the transcription regulator CrgA and its deletion affects capsule production, cell adhesion, and virulence
Authors: Derkaoui Meriem , Antunes Ana , Poncet Sandrine , Nait Abdallah Jamila , Joyet Philippe , Mazé Alain , Henry Céline , Taha Muhamed‐Kheir , Deutscher Josef , Deghmane Ala‐Eddine
Published: February 2016

The bacterial phosphotransferase system (PTS) transports and phosphorylates sugars, but also carries out numerous regulatory functions. The β‐proteobacterium Neisseria meningitidis possesses an incomplete PTS unable to transport carbon sources because it lacks a membrane component. Nevertheless, the residual phosphorylation cascade is functional and the meningococcal PTS was therefore expected to carry out regulatory roles. Interestingly, a ΔptsH mutant (lacks the PTS protein HPr) exhibited reduced virulence in mice and after intraperitoneal challenge it was rapidly cleared from the bloodstream of BALB/c mice. The rapid clearance correlates with lower capsular polysaccharide production by the ΔptsH mutant, which is probably also responsible for its increased adhesion to Hec‐1‐B epithelial cells. In addition, compared to the wild‐type strain more apoptotic cells were detected when Hec‐1‐B cells were infected with the ΔptsH strain. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed an interaction of HPr and P‐Ser‐HPr with the LysR type transcription regulator CrgA, which among others controls its own expression. Moreover, ptsH deletion caused increased expression of a ΦcrgA‐lacZ fusion. Finally, the presence of HPr or phospho‐HPr's during electrophoretic mobility shift assays enhanced the affinity of CrgA for its target sites preceding crgA and pilE, but HPr did not promote CrgA binding to the sia and pilC1 promoter regions.
The fungal‐specific transcription factor Vdpf influences conidia production, melanized microsclerotia formation and pathogenicity in Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Luo Xiumei , Mao Hongqiang , Wei Yunming , Cai Jie , Xie Chengjian , Sui Anping , Yang Xingyong , Dong Jinyan
Published: February 2016

Verticillium dahliae is a soil‐borne, hemibiotrophic phytopathogenic fungus that causes wilting in crop plants. Here, we constructed a random insertional mutant library using Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation to study the pathogenicity and regulatory mechanisms of V. dahliae. The fungal‐specific transcription factor‐encoding gene Vdpf was shown to be associated with vegetative growth and virulence, with the highest transcript expression occurring during conidia formation in the V991 strain. The deletion mutants (ΔVdpf) and insertion mutants (IMΔVdpf) produced fewer conidia than did the wild‐type (WT) fungi, which contributed to the reduced virulence. Unlike the WT, the complemented strains and IMΔVdpf, ΔVdpf formed swollen, thick‐walled and hyaline mycelium rather than melanized microsclerotia. The ΔVdpf mutants were melanin deficient, with undetectable expression of melanin biosynthesis‐related genes (Brn1, Brn2 and Scd1). The melanin deficiency was related to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and the G‐protein‐coupled signalling pathways in this study. Similar to the WT and complemented strains, the ΔVdpf and IMΔVdpf mutants could also successfully penetrate into cotton and tobacco roots, but displayed reduced virulence because of lower biomass in the plant roots and significantly reduced expression of pathogenicity‐related genes in V. dahliae. In conclusion, these results provide insights into the role of Vdpf in melanized microsclerotia formation, conidia production and pathogenicity.
Protein regulation of induced pluripotent stem cells by transplanting in a Huntington's animal model
Authors: Mu S. , Han L. , Zhou G. , Mo C. , Duan J. , He Z. , Wang Z. , Ren L. , Zhang J.
Published: February 2016

Aims

The purpose of this study was to determine the functional recovery and protein regulation by transplanted induced pluripotent stem cells in a rat model of Huntington's disease (HD).

Methods

In a quinolinic acid‐induced rat model of striatal degeneration, induced pluripotent stem cells were transplanted into the ipsilateral lateral ventricle 10 days after the quinolinic acid injection. At 8 weeks after transplantation, fluorodeoxyglucose‐PET/CT scan and balance‐beam test were performed to evaluate the functional recovery of experimental rats. In addition, immunofluorescence and protein array analysis were used to investigate the regulation of stimulated protein expression in the striatum.

Results

At 8 weeks after induced pluripotent stem cell transplantation, motor function was improved in comparison with the quinolinic acid‐treated rats. High fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in the injured striatum was also observed by PET/CT scans. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that implanted cells migrated from the lateral ventricle into the lesioned striatum and differentiated into striatal projection neurons. Array analysis showed a significant upregulation of GFR (Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor receptor) alpha‐1, Adiponectin/Acrp30, basic‐fibroblast growth factors, MIP‐1 (Macrophage‐inflammatory protein) alpha and leptin, as well as downregulation of cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐3 in striatum after transplantatation of induced pluripotent stem cells in comparison with the quinolinic acid ‐treated rats.

Conclusions

The findings in this work indicate that transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cells is a promising therapeutic candidate for HD.
Duloxetine increases the effects of levodopa in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Nishijima Haruo , Ueno Tatsuya , Ueno Shinya , Tomiyama Masahiko
Published: February 2016

Background

In patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, serotonergic and noradrenergic systems act as surrogates for the failing dopaminergic system. Treatment with a serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor might help maintain levodopa‐derived dopamine levels in the dopamine‐denervated striatum. However, clinical utility of a serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor for treatment of motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease is not yet clear.

Aim

To investigate whether pretreatment with duloxetine, one of the serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, has any impact on the effects of levodopa in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Methods

We used 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned hemiparkinsonian rats. One group received duloxetine for 5 days and the other group received the same dose of saline. Levodopa was injected into each rat 6 h after the last administration of duloxetine or saline. An abnormal involuntary movement score was measured every 20 min during the 3‐h period after the injection of levodopa.

Results

Levodopa‐induced abnormal involuntary movement was significantly enhanced in duloxetine‐treated rats when compared with saline‐treated rats.

Conclusion

Duloxetine appears to increase the effects of levodopa in a rat model of Parkinson's disease, although it might increase the risk of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia.
Life span and structure of ephemeral root modules of different functional groups from a desert system
Authors: Liu Bo , He Junxia , Zeng Fanjiang , Lei Jiaqiang , Arndt Stefan K.
Published: February 2016

The terminal branch orders of plant root systems have been proposed as short‐lived ‘ephemeral’ modules specialized for resource absorption. The occurrence of ephemeral root modules has so far only been reported for a temperate tree species and it is unclear if the concept also applies to other woody (shrub, tree) and herb species.

Fine roots of 12 perennial dicotyledonous herb, shrub and tree species were monitored for two growing seasons using a branch‐order classification, sequential sampling and rhizotrons in the Taklamakan desert.

Two root modules existed in all three plant functional groups. Among the first five branch orders, the first two (perennial herbs, shrubs) or three (trees) root orders were ephemeral and had a primary anatomical structure, high nitrogen (N) concentrations, high respiration rates and very short life spans of 1–4 months, whereas the last two branch orders in all functional groups were perennial, with thicker diameters, no or collapsed cortex, distinct secondary growth, low N concentrations, low respiration rates, but much longer life spans.

Ephemeral, short‐lived root modules and long‐lived, persistent root modules seem to be a general feature across many plant functional groups and could represent a basic root system design.
Cool night‐time temperatures induce the expression ofCONSTANSandFLOWERING LOCUS Tto regulate flowering in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kinmonth‐Schultz Hannah A. , Tong Xinran , Lee Jae , Song Young Hun , Ito Shogo , Kim Soo‐Hyung , Imaizumi Takato
Published: February 2016

Day length and ambient temperature are major stimuli controlling flowering time. To understand flowering mechanisms in more natural conditions, we explored the effect of daily light and temperature changes onArabidopsis thaliana.

Seedlings were exposed to different day/night temperature and day‐length treatments to assess expression changes in flowering genes.

Cooler temperature treatments increasedCONSTANS(CO) transcript levels at night. Night‐timeCOinduction was diminished inflowering bhlh(fbh)‐quadruple mutants.FLOWERING LOCUS T(FT) transcript levels were reduced at dusk, but increased at the end of cooler nights. The dusk suppression, which was alleviated inshort vegetative phase(svp) mutants, occurred particularly in younger seedlings, whereas the increase during the night continued over 2 wk. Cooler temperature treatments altered the levels ofFLOWERING LOCUS M‐β(FLM‐β) andFLM‐δsplice variants.FTlevels correlated strongly with flowering time across treatments.

Day/night temperature changes modulate photoperiodic flowering by changingFTaccumulation patterns. Cooler night‐time temperatures enhance FLOWERING BHLH (FBH)‐dependent induction ofCOand consequently increase CO protein. When plants are young, cooler temperatures suppressFTat dusk through SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) function, perhaps to suppress precocious flowering. Our results suggest day length and diurnal temperature changes combine to modulateFTand flowering time.
Dung beetle species interactions and multifunctionality are affected by an experimentally warmed climate
Authors: Slade Eleanor M. , Roslin Tomas
Published: February 2016

While substantial effort has been invested in modelling changes in species distribution with climate change, less attention has been given to how climate warming will affect interactions among co‐occurring species, and the cascading functional consequences. In this study, realistic dung beetle communities were subjected to an experimental warming treatment and the net effect on the functions of dung decomposition (in terms of dung mass) and plant productivity (in terms of biomass production of ryegrass grown on soil from underneath the dung pats) were examined. A priori, we hypothesized that the largest tunneling species would be functionally dominant, and be differently affected by experimental warming compared to pat‐dwelling, smaller species. In terms of dung decomposition, the largest beetles did prove to be the functionally most important, with the qualitative pattern unaffected by experimental warming. In contrast, for plant productivity all species appeared equally important under ambient conditions. However, the effects of single species on plant productivity were reduced as temperature increased: In a warmed climate, a combination of both tunneling and pat‐dwelling species came the closest to returning ecosystem functioning to levels found in the ambient treatment. These results suggest different roles for different species, and highlight the importance of maintaining multiple species within an ecosystem – particularly when systems are perturbed.
Analgesic and Sensory Effects of the Pecs Local Anesthetic Block in Patients with Persistent Pain after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wijayasinghe Nelun , Andersen Kenneth G. , Kehlet Henrik
Published: February 2016

Background

Persistent pain after breast cancer surgery (PPBCS) develops in 15% to 25% of patients, sometimes years after surgery. Approximately 50% of PPBCS patients have neuropathic pain in the breast, which may be due to dysfunction of the pectoral nerves. The Pecs local anesthetic block proposes to block these nerves and has provided pain relief for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, but has yet to be evaluated in patients with PPBCS.

Methods

The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effects of the Pecs block on summed pain intensity (SPI) and sensory function (through quantitative sensory testing [QST]) in eight patients with PPBCS. SPI and QST measurements were recorded before and 30 minutes after administration of the Pecs block (20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine). Pain intensity and sleep interference were measured daily before and after the block for 7 days.

Results

Patients experienced analgesia (P = 0.008) and reduced hypoesthesia areas to cold (P = 0.004) and warmth (P = 0.01) after 30 minutes. The reported pain relief (P = 0.02) and reduced sleep interference (P = 0.01) persisted for 7 days after the block.

Conclusions

This pilot study suggests that the pectoral nerves play a role in the maintenance of pain in the breast area in PPBCS and begs for further research.