bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal physiology: A new dimension of the pace‐of‐life syndrome
Authors: Goulet Celine T. , Thompson Mike B. , Michelangeli Marcus , Wong Bob B. M. , Chapple David G.
Published: June 2017

Current syndrome research focuses primarily on behaviour with few incorporating components of physiology. One such syndrome is the pace‐of‐life syndrome (POLS) which describes covariation between behaviour, metabolism, immunity, hormonal response, and life‐history traits. Despite the strong effect temperature has on behaviour, thermal physiology has yet to be considered within this syndrome framework.

We proposed the POLS to be extended to include a new dimension, the cold–hot axis. Under this premise, it is predicted that thermal physiology and behaviour would covary, whereby individual positioning along the thermal continuum would coincide with that of the behavioural continuum.

This hypothesis was tested by measuring thermal traits of delicate skinks (Lampropholis delicata) and linking it to their behaviour. Principal components analysis and structural equation modelling were used to determine if traits were structured within the POLS and to characterize the direction of their interactions.

Model results supported the inclusion of the cold–hot axis into the POLS and indicated that thermal physiology was the driver of this relationship, in that thermal traits either constrained or promoted activity, exploration, boldness and social behaviour.

This study highlights the need to integrate thermal physiology within a syndrome framework.
Below‐ground connections underlying above‐ground food production: a framework for optimising ecological connections in the rhizosphere
Authors: de Vries Franciska T. , Wallenstein Matthew D.
Published: June 2017

Healthy soils that contain an active microbiome and food web are critical to sustainably produce food for a growing global human population. Many studies have focussed on the role of microbial species diversity and the presence of key functional groups as important controls on the many functions that a sustainable food system relies on.

Here, we synthesise recent ecological empirical evidence and theory to propose that the interactions between organisms in the soil food web are the critical determinant of soil function.

We propose the Rhizosphere Interactions for Sustainable Agriculture Model, in which crop roots recruit small, modular, highly connected soil rhizosphere networks from large, static, relatively unconnected and diverse bulk soil networks. We argue that conventional agricultural management disrupts the connections between rhizosphere and bulk soil networks.

Synthesis. We identify future research directions for optimising ecological connections between roots and rhizosphere microbial and faunal networks, and between rhizosphere networks and bulk soil networks in agricultural production systems. Knowledge on these connections can be applied in agricultural systems to sustainability produce food for a growing global population.
Are mycorrhizal fungi our sustainable saviours? Considerations for achieving food security
Authors: Thirkell Thomas J. , Charters Michael D. , Elliott Ashleigh J. , Sait Steven M. , Field Katie J.
Published: June 2017

The 20th century saw dramatic increases in agricultural productivity, largely through the development and application of pesticides, fertilisers rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, and advances in plant breeding and genetic technologies. In the last 15 years, however, many key crop yields have plateaued. Climate change, an ever‐increasing human population, depletion of global rock‐phosphorus and growing energy prices make current fertiliser production unsustainable and represent sizeable challenges to global food security.

Many important crops form symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and this has motivated the development of novel approaches in crop breeding and agricultural practices to support and promote AMF in agroecosystems.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal symbiosis can be high beneficial in crops and wider agroecosystems in many ways, including improved soil structure and resistance to pests. However, AMF colonisation does not necessarily translate directly into enhanced plant performance or crop yield, while land management practices that would encourage mycorrhiza–crop associations, such as low‐till or minimal chemical input often incur yield‐reducing trade‐offs.

Synthesis. We draw on ecological knowledge of AMF to inform their role in agroecosystems, providing a balanced look at mycorrhiza–crop symbioses in terms of plant ecophysiology and the wider role of AMF in agroecosystems and ask the question: are AMF our sustainable saviours?
Resilience and food security: rethinking an ecological concept
Authors: Bullock James M. , Dhanjal‐Adams Kiran L. , Milne Alice , Oliver Tom H. , Todman Lindsay C. , Whitmore Andrew P. , Pywell Richard F.
Published: June 2017

Focusing on food production, in this paper we define resilience in the food security context as maintaining production of sufficient and nutritious food in the face of chronic and acute environmental perturbations. In agri‐food systems, resilience is manifest over multiple spatial scales: field, farm, regional and global. Metrics comprise production and nutritional diversity as well as socio‐economic stability of food supply.

Approaches to enhancing resilience show a progression from more ecologically based methods at small scales to more socially based interventions at larger scales. At the field scale, approaches include the use of mixtures of crop varieties, livestock breeds and forage species, polycultures and boosting ecosystem functions. Stress‐tolerant crops, or with greater plasticity, provide technological solutions.

At the farm scale, resilience may be conferred by diversifying crops and livestock and by farmers implementing adaptive approaches in response to perturbations. Biodiverse landscapes may enhance resilience, but the evidence is weak. At regional to global scales, resilient food systems will be achieved by coordination and implementation of resilience approaches among farms, advice to farmers and targeted research.

Synthesis. Threats to food production are predicted to increase under climate change and land degradation. Holistic responses are needed that integrate across spatial scales. Ecological knowledge is critical, but should be implemented alongside agronomic solutions and socio‐economic transformations.
Applying plant ecological knowledge to increase agricultural sustainability
Authors: Weiner Jacob
Published: June 2017

Plant ecological knowledge accumulated over the past 150 years has enormous implications for agriculture, but most of these implications have not been appreciated by ecologists or agronomists. Here, I present several of the most salient examples.

Agriculturalists refer to ‘improvements’, but plant ecologists know that ‘trade‐offs’ represent a better conceptual framework for agricultural production. There is much evidence for trade‐offs between yield and resource use efficiency, and between individual fitness and population yield. I argue that there is also a ‘limiting trade‐off’ between short‐term yield and sustainability, and it is important to take this into consideration if we are serious about increasing sustainability.

At the local level, agricultural sustainability is about maintaining or improving soil fertility, but this is not a priority in most agricultural systems world‐wide. Increased biomass density (both living and dead) in the field is the key to increasing sustainability while maintaining high yields, and I present a vision of ‘High Biomass Cropping Systems’.

Classical and current research in plant community ecology tells us that rotation of crops with different nutritional needs, pests, diseases and weeds can make a major contribution to sustainability. The very limited crop rotations practised in most modern plant production systems are a clear indication that farming practices are usually based on short‐term economic and regulatory factors, without much if any consideration for sustainability.

Synthesis. The modern scientific method tells us how we should test hypotheses, but it says nothing about how hypotheses are generated. We need to address the agricultural research agenda if it is to serve the interests of farmers, consumers and society as a whole, rather than narrow but powerful economic interests.
Brief mindfulness meditation group training in aphasia: exploring attention, language and psychophysiological outcomes
Authors: Marshall Rebecca Shisler , Laures‐Gore Jacqueline , Love Kim
Published: June 2017

Background

Stroke is currently the leading cause of long‐term disability in adults in the United States. There is a need for accessible, low‐cost treatments of stroke‐related disabilities such as aphasia.

Aims

To explore an intervention for aphasia utilizing mindfulness meditation (MM). This preliminary study examines the feasibility of teaching MM to individuals with aphasia. Since physiological measures have not been collected for those with aphasia, the study was also an exploration of the potential attention, language and physiological changes after MM in adults with aphasia during a brief, daily group training.

Methods & Procedures

A 5‐day MM group training was provided to adults with aphasia (n = 5) with a waitlist control group (n = (3) who engaged in ‘mind wandering’. Participants were assigned to groups in a pseudo‐random manner. A double baseline (2 days apart) was administered prior to the training and/or control group beginning. Both the training and the control groups met in a group setting. Salivary cortisol, heart rate and heart rate variability were measured during each day for both groups. Measures of attention, auditory comprehension and fluency were collected immediately after the study period and 1 week post‐completion.

Outcome & Results

This study reinforces findings from previous work indicating that adults with aphasia can learn MM. Although not statistically significant, the training group demonstrated improved fluency immediately after MM; however, changes were not maintained at follow‐up. Physiological measures showed little effect associated with MM training. No changes in attention were observed for either group.

Conclusion & Implications

This is an emerging area of interest due to the potential low cost of MM training. Furthermore, MM is easily taught to patients, suggesting the possibility for widespread use in clinical practice as a supplement to existing language‐focused interventions.
Will my child ever go to a university? The link between school segregation practices and Norwegian parents’ expectations for their physically disabled child
Authors: Finnvold Jon Erik
Published: June 2017

How parents perceive their children's educational prospects can reveal a great deal about how their children will progress in the educational system. The paper examines the consequences of variations in inclusive education practices by investigating determinants of parents’ educational expectations for their child. All parents included in the study had children with physical disabilities in primary school (mainly cerebral palsy and spina bifida). The empirical material includes results from a survey (Net sample = 491), in combination with information merged from a range of official registers. The results showed that the more the child is segregated from ordinary classroom education, the lower parental expectations are for their children's educational attainments. Other factors also significantly influencing parents’ educational expectations include how parents’ view their child's school performance, as well as various measures of the severity of the child's physical disability. However, these secondary factors could not account for the empirically strong association between segregation practices and parental expectations. Parental expectations were also significantly related to parental income and education. The findings indicate that the expectations of parents with higher income and education are less affected by school segregation practices.
Review article: Paediatric status epilepticus in the pre‐hospital setting: An update
Authors: Furyk Jeremy , Watt Kerriane , Emeto Theophilus I , Dalziel Stuart , Bodnar Daniel , Riney Kate , Babl Franz E
Published: June 2017

Paediatric status epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency and a common critical condition confronting pre‐hospital providers. Management in the pre‐hospital environment is challenging but considered extremely important as a potentially modifiable factor on outcome. Recent data from multicentre clinical trials, quality observational studies and consensus documents have influenced management in this area, and is important to both pre‐hospital providers and emergency physicians. The objective of this review was to: (i) present an overview of the available evidence relevant to pre‐hospital care of paediatric SE; and (ii) assess the current pre‐hospital practice guidelines in Australia and New Zealand. The review outlines current definitions and guidelines of SE management, regional variability in pre‐hospital protocols within Australasia and aspects of pre‐hospital care that could potentially be improved. Contemporary data is required to determine current practice in our setting. It is important that paediatric neurologists, emergency physicians and pre‐hospital care providers are all engaged in future endeavours to improve clinical care and knowledge translation efforts for this patient group.
Food insecurity increases the odds of obesity among Iranian women: A population‐based study of northwestern Iran
Authors: Nikniaz Leila , Tabrizi Jafar S. , Sadeghi‐Bazargani Homayoun , Farahbakhsh Mostafa , Nikniaz Zeinab
Published: June 2017

Aim

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between obesity and food security status. The sample comprised of Iranian adults with an age range of 15–64 years.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study (n = 1277), the short form of the Household Food Security Scale was used to determine food security status. Height, weight and waist and hip circumferences were measured, and body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio, waist‐to‐height ratio and conicity index (CI) were also calculated. One‐way analysis of variance and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the mean anthropometric measurements of males and females with different food security status (P > 0.05). After adjusting for covariates, there was no statistically significant association between food security status and anthropometric measurements in men. However, the low food‐secure females were 72% more likely to be overweight in comparison with very low food‐secure women (P = 0.04). Moreover, food‐secure females were 32% less likely to have CI >1.25 compared with very low food‐secure females (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The results showed that there is an association between food insecurity and overweight, which is consistent with the finding of prior researches. In addition, for the first time, we showed the significant association between low food security and CI.
Dietetics students’ construction of competence through assessment and placement experiences
Authors: Palermo Claire , Dart Janeane , Begley Andrea , Beck Eleanor J , Bacon Rachel , Tweedie Judith , Mitchell Lana , Maher Judith , Gallegos Danielle , Kennedy Meredith , Kellett Jane , Margerison Claire , Crawford Ruth , Stuart‐Smith Wendy
Published: June 2017

Aim

Competency standards are widely adopted as a framework to describe standards of performance required in the workplace. Little is known, however, about how students construct competence. This qualitative study aimed to explore how dietetics students ready to graduate construct the concept of competence and the role of assessment in developing professional competence.

Methods

A qualitative description was used to gather data from a convenience sample of students ready to graduate from universities with accredited dietetics programs across Australia (10 out of 15 at the time of the study). A total of 11 focus groups were conducted to explore perspectives of competence and experiences of ‘competency‐based’ assessment. Data were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

A total of 81 (n = 81) participants across 10 universities representing 22% of total students participated in the focus groups. Themes revealed that: (i) there is no shared understanding of competence; (ii) current work placement experiences may not reflect current standards or workforce needs; (iii) assessment approaches may not fully support the development of competence; and (iv) the competent performance of supervising dietitians/clinical educators in the workplace influences the construction of competence.

Conclusions

There is a need to work towards a shared understanding of dietetic entry‐level competence in the profession. ‘Work‐based’ learning experiences may need to be modified to ensure students meet current competency standards. Practitioners involved in student supervision need to acknowledge the influential role they have in the development of the future workforce.
‘The Manager in Distress’: Reaction to the Impeachment of Henry Dundas, 1805–7
Authors: Hutchison Gary D.
Published: June 2017

Impeachments have long since ceased to be a feature of British politics. Much scholarly attention has been given to past impeachments, particularly the unsuccessful prosecution of Warren Hastings. Little consideration, however, has been given to the last such case, the impeachment of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, from 1805 to 1807. The Melville scandal held the interest of the country until the middle of 1806, when it was diverted by naval battles. Although generally neglected by historians of the period, the Melville affair was a significant event in the course of then‐contemporary British politics, and of wider society. Examination of the reactions to the attempted impeachment can illuminate a number of developing themes and concerns within both elite circles and in the wider political nation. These include dislike of patronage and the Pittite ‘system’, anti‐Scottish bias, and advocacy of financial and parliamentary reform. Moreover, it helped to revive the radical movement both in parliament and out of doors. While the affair may not have been as significant as the later Mrs Clarke and Queen Caroline scandals, the reactions to it were generally comparable. In fact, reactions to the attempted impeachment presaged reactions to these later events. The issues and passions stirred forth by the proceedings will be shown to have significantly contributed to the revival of a dynamic national political atmosphere which itself enabled and fuelled those reactions.
Bactericidal Effect of Calcium Oxide (Scallop‐Shell Powder) Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm on Quail Egg Shell, Stainless Steel, Plastic, and Rubber
Authors: Jung Soo‐Jin , Park Shin Young , Kim Seh Eun , Kang Ike , Park Jiyong , Lee Jungwon , Kim Chang‐Min , Chung Myung‐Sub , Ha Sang‐Do
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bactericidal effect of calcium oxide (CaO) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms on quail eggshells and major egg contacting surfaces (stainless steel, plastic, and rubber). The samples were subjected to CaO treatments (0%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, and 0.30%) for 1 min. All the CaO treatments significantly reduced P. aeruginosa biofilms on all tested surfaces as compared to controls. In comparison of biofilm stability, the strongest and most resistant biofilm was formed on eggshell against the CaO treatment, followed by rubber, stainless steel, and plastic. In evaluation of bactericidal effect, the largest reduction (3.16 log CFU) was observed in plastic even at the lowest concentration of CaO (0.01%), whereas the least reduction was found in eggshells, regardless of CaO concentration. In addition, stainless steel showed a significant reduction in biofilm formation at all concentrations except 0.10% to 0.15% CaO. At 0.30% CaO, the reduction of P. aeruginosa in biofilms on stainless steel, plastic, rubber, and eggshell were 5.48, 6.37, 4.87, and 3.14 log CFU/cm2 (CFU/egg), respectively. Biofilm reduction after CaO treatment was also observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). Based on the FE‐SEM images, we observed that P. aeruginosa biofilms formed compact aggregations on eggshell surfaces with CaO treatments up to 0.30%. More specifically, a 0.20% CaO treatment resulted in the reductions of 3 to 6 log CFU in all materials.
A Cherry Seed‐Derived Spice, Mahleb, is Recognized by Anti‐Almond Antibodies Including Almond‐Allergic Patient IgE
Authors: Noble Kyle A. , Liu Changqi , Sathe Shridhar K. , Roux Kenneth H.
Published: June 2017

There are a number of examples of immunologic cross‐reactivity elicited by pollens, fruits, seeds, and nuts of closely related plant species. Such cross‐reactivity is of particular concern for patients with food allergies. In this report, we investigated a spice (mahleb) that is prepared from the kernel of the St. Lucie cherry, Prunus mahaleb, for cross‐reactivity with almond (Prunus dulcis), using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. Almond and mahleb are members of the same genus. Cross‐reactivity between the mahleb and almond was demonstrated by reaction of cherry and almond kernel protein extracts with antibodies raised against almond proteins. Almond‐specific murine monoclonal IgG, rabbit polyclonal IgG, and almond‐allergic serum IgE each exhibited cross‐reactivity with cherry kernel protein. Because of the demonstrated cross‐reactivity between almond and mahleb, these findings should be of special concern to almond‐allergic patients and attending medical personnel.
High titer of anti‐citrullinated peptide antibody is a risk factor for severe carotid atherosclerotic plaque in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the TOMORROW study
Authors: Okano Tadashi , Inui Kentaro , Sugioka Yuko , Sugioka Kenichi , Matsumura Yoshiki , Takahashi Shinji , Tada Masahiro , Mamoto Kenji , Wakitani Shigeyuki , Koike Tatsuya , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: June 2017

Aim

Cardiovascular disease is one of the complications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We researched the morbidity and severity of existing carotid atherosclerosis plaque and associated risk factors in patients with RA.

Method

This study included 413 participants, including 208 patients with RA and 205 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. Carotid ultrasound, clinical data collection and assessment of cardiovascular risk factors were performed. Atherosclerotic plaque was defined as an intima‐media thickness ≥ 1.1 mm. Severity of plaque was assessed by plaque score, defined as the sum of the maximal thickness of all plaques in bilateral carotid arteries.

Results

Data were analyzed from 200 patients with RA and 202 controls. Carotid plaque was observed more frequently in patients with RA than controls (47.0 vs. 36.1%, P = 0.027). Moreover, plaque score was significantly higher in RA patients (P = 0.032). In logistic regression analysis, RA represented an independent risk factor for the presence of plaque (adjusted odds ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.74). Comparing RA patients with and without plaque, anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibodies titer was significantly higher in patients with plaque (315.8 ± 454.1 U/mL) than in patients without (165.7 ± 281.1 U/mL; P = 0.005). Moreover, multiple linear regression analysis clarified that anti‐CCP antibody titer was associated with plaque score in patients with RA.

Conclusion

High prevalence of any carotid plaques and severe carotid plaques were more frequent in patients with RA. High titer of anti‐CCP antibodies represented a risk factor for severe carotid atherosclerotic plaque in patients with RA.
Risk factors associated with treatment refusal in lung cancer
Authors: Suh Won Na , Kong Kyoung Ae , Han Yeji , Kim Soo Jung , Lee Su Hwan , Ryu Yon Ju , Lee Jin Hwa , Shim Sung Shine , Kim Yookyung , Chang Jung Hyun
Published: June 2017

Background

The incidence of lung cancer is increasing with longer life expectancy. Refusal of active treatment for cancer is prone to cause patients to experience more severe symptoms and shorten survival. The purpose of this study was to define the factors related to refusal or abandonment of active therapy in lung cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 617 patients from medical records from 2010 to 2014. Two groups were formed: 149 patients who refused anti‐cancer treatment and allowed only palliative care were classified into the non‐treatment group, while the remaining 468 who received anti‐cancer treatment were classified into the treatment group.

Results

The groups differed significantly in age, employment, relationship status, number of offspring, educational status, body mass index, presence of chest and systemic symptoms, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, and tumor node metastasis stage (
P
< 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.13), educational status lower than high school (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.2–3.2), no history of surgery (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.4–3.7), body mass index < 18.5 (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.3–4.7), and a high Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 3 or 4 (OR 5.02, 95% CI 2.3–10.8) were significant factors for refusal of cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Individual factors, such as old age, low educational status, low weight, and poor performance status can influence refusal of cancer treatment in patients with lung cancer, and should be considered prior to consultation with patients.
Clinical significance of post‐progression survival in lung cancer
Authors: Imai Hisao , Kaira Kyoichi , Minato Koichi
Published: June 2017

Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) are two common endpoints in cancer trials. OS is usually preferred, because it is reliable, precise, meaningful, and can easily be documented. However, subsequent lines of therapy might confound the effects of first‐line treatment on OS. Whether PFS or OS is the more appropriate endpoint in clinical trials of metastatic cancer remains controversial. Previous reports on lung cancer have shown that an increase in PFS does not necessarily result in an increase in OS; however, post‐progression survival (PPS) is strongly associated with OS after early‐line treatment. The significance of PPS after first and second‐line therapy at the individual level in patients with advanced lung cancer has also recently been reported. Findings of previous reports indicate that PPS is highly associated with OS after first and second‐line chemotherapy in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, whereas PFS is only moderately associated with OS. Therefore, subsequent treatment after disease progression following early‐line treatments may greatly influence OS. This review demonstrates that even in advanced lung cancer, PPS, rather than PFS, has become more strongly associated with OS over the years, potentially because of intensive post‐study treatments. As a result of the increasing impact of PPS on OS, a PFS‐related advantage does not necessarily indicate an OS‐related advantage. Thus, the prolongation of PPS might limit the classical role of OS for assessing true efficacy derived from early‐line chemotherapy in future clinical trials.
Occupancy surveys with conditional replicates: An alternative sampling design for rare species
Authors: Specht Hannah M. , Reich Henry T. , Iannarilli Fabiola , Edwards Margaret R. , Stapleton Seth P. , Weegman Mitch D. , Johnson Michael K. , Yohannes Brittney J. , Arnold Todd W.
Published: June 2017

Occupancy models are widely used to describe the distribution of rare and cryptic species—those that occur on only a small portion of the landscape and cannot be detected reliably during a single survey. However, model estimates of occupancy (ψ) and detection probabilities (p) are often least accurate under these circumstances.

Available sampling designs for occupancy surveys include standard design, wherein each of S sites is visited K times, and removal design, wherein S sites are visited K times each or until the species of interest is detected. We propose a new conditional design, wherein each of S sites is visited one time, and sites where the species of interest is encountered during the first survey are visited an additional (K−1) times to better estimate detection probability. We used large sample properties of maximum‐likelihood estimators and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations to characterise our proposed conditional design and compare it to standard and removal designs across a wide range of true occupancy and detection probabilities (ψ, p = 0.1 to 0.9 by 0.1 increments), maximum visits (K) and total sampling effort (E, the number of surveys accrued across all sites).

The conditional design provided more accurate estimates (lower standard or root mean squared error) of occupancy than standard or removal designs in our calculations and simulations when species were rare (ψ ≤ 0.3) as well as more accurate estimates of detection probability over most combinations of ψ and p. These low‐occupancy improvements are achieved by expending a greater proportion of effort at occupied sites, improving estimates of p and thus ψ. When species are common (ψ ≥ 0.5) the removal design generally provided the most accurate occupancy estimates, whereas the standard design performed best when ψ was intermediate and during MCMC simulations when p and K were low.

We recommend the conditional design for surveys of rare species and pilot studies. For multi‐species surveys that include mixtures of rare and common species, a hybrid standard‐conditional design with 2–3 replicates at all sites and additional replicates at sites where rare species are detected improves occupancy estimates of rare species.
Regional cerebral blood flow in opiate dependence relates to substance use and neuropsychological performance
Authors: Murray Donna E. , Durazzo Timothy C. , Schmidt Thomas P. , Murray Troy A. , Abé Christoph , Guydish Joseph , Meyerhoff Dieter J.
Published: June 2017

Neuroimaging of opiate‐dependent individuals indicates both altered brain structure and function. Magnetic resonance‐based arterial spin labeling has been used to measure noninvasively cerebral blood flow (i.e. perfusion) in alcohol, tobacco and stimulant dependence; only one arterial spin labeling paper in opiate‐dependent individuals demonstrated frontal and parietal perfusion deficits. Additional research on regional brain perfusion in opiate dependence and its relationship to cognition and self‐regulation (impulsivity, risk taking and decision making) may inform treatment approaches for opiate‐dependent individuals. Continuous arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging at 4 T and neuropsychological measures assessed absolute brain perfusion levels, cognition and self‐regulation in 18 cigarette smoking opiate‐dependent individuals (sODI) stable on buprenorphine maintenance therapy. The sODI were compared with 20 abstinent smoking alcohol‐dependent individuals (a substance‐dependent control group), 35 smoking controls and 29 nonsmoking controls. sODI had lower perfusion in several cortical and subcortical regions including regions within the brain reward/executive oversight system compared with smoking alcohol‐dependent individuals and nonsmoking controls. Perfusion was increased in anterior cingulate cortex and globus pallidus of sODI. Compared with all other groups, sODI had greater age‐related declines in perfusion in most brain reward/executive oversight system and some other regions. In sODI, lower regional perfusion related to greater substance use, higher impulsivity and weaker visuospatial skills. Overall, sODI showed cortical and subcortical hypoperfusion and hyperperfusion. Relating to neuropsychological performance and substance use quantities, the frontal perfusion alterations are clinically relevant and constitute potential targets for pharmacological and cognitive‐based therapeutic interventions to improve treatment outcome in opiate dependence.
Dentate gyrus neurogenesis ablation via cranial irradiation enhances morphine self‐administration and locomotor sensitization
Authors: Bulin Sarah E. , Mendoza Matthew L. , Richardson Devon R. , Song Kwang H. , Solberg Timothy D. , Yun Sanghee , Eisch Amelia J.
Published: June 2017

Adult dentate gyrus (DG) neurogenesis is important for hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory, but the role of new neurons in addiction‐relevant learning and memory is unclear. To test the hypothesis that neurogenesis is involved in the vulnerability to morphine addiction, we ablated adult DG neurogenesis and examined morphine self‐administration (MSA) and locomotor sensitization. Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent hippocampal‐focused, image‐guided X‐ray irradiation (IRR) to eliminate new DG neurons or sham treatment (Sham). Six weeks later, rats underwent either MSA (Sham = 16, IRR = 15) or locomotor sensitization (Sham = 12, IRR = 12). Over 21 days of MSA, IRR rats self‐administered ~70 percent more morphine than Sham rats. After 28 days of withdrawal, IRR rats pressed the active lever 40 percent more than Sham during extinction. This was not a general enhancement of learning or locomotion, as IRR and Sham groups had similar operant learning and inactive lever presses. For locomotor sensitization, both IRR and Sham rats sensitized, but IRR rats sensitized faster and to a greater extent. Furthermore, dose–response revealed that IRR rats were more sensitive at a lower dose. Importantly, these increases in locomotor activity were not apparent after acute morphine administration and were not a byproduct of irradiation or post‐irradiation recovery time. Therefore, these data, along with other previously published data, indicate that reduced hippocampal neurogenesis confers vulnerability for multiple classes of drugs. Thus, therapeutics to specifically increase or stabilize hippocampal neurogenesis could aid in preventing initial addiction as well as future relapse.
Drought stress increased survival and development of emerald ash borer larvae on coevolved Manchurian ash and implicates phloem‐based traits in resistance
Authors: Showalter David N. , Villari Caterina , Herms Daniel A. , Bonello Pierluigi
Published: June 2017

Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, EAB) is causing widespread ash (Fraxinus spp.) mortality as it invades North America and Eastern Europe. Resistance of its coevolved hosts, including Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.), is considered to limit EAB outbreaks and ash mortality in its native Asia, although an understanding of resistance mechanisms is still developing. Such knowledge may facilitate breeding for resistance and management of EAB in its invaded ranges.

In the present study, controlled egg inoculations were used to investigate resistance mechanisms impacting larval performance, as well as to characterize the effects of water and nutrient availability on inter‐ and intra‐specific variation in resistance phenotypes based on larval outcomes.

Larval survival and growth rates were lower on coevolved Manchurian ash than on evolutionarily naïve white ash (Fraxinus americana L.).

Water stress decreased tree growth and resistance of Manchurian ash to EAB, although it had little effect on resistance of the already highly susceptible white ash. High nutrient availability increased tree growth but had no effect on larval performance.

These results show that the higher resistance of Manchurian ash to EAB is conferred by phloem traits that decrease larval performance, in addition to lower oviposition preference.
No evidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with resolved infection treated with direct‐acting antivirals for hepatitis C in a large real‐world cohort
Authors: Mücke V. T. , Mücke M. M. , Peiffer K.‐H. , Weiler N. , Welzel T. M. , Sarrazin C. , Zeuzem S. , Berger A. , Vermehren J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation has been observed following interferon (IFN)‐based treatment in HBV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co‐infected patients. Recent reports suggest that reactivation may also occur in both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive and HBsAg‐negative patients during HCV treatment with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs).

Aim

To investigate the rate of patients with HBV reactivation during IFN‐based and IFN‐free HCV treatment in a large real‐world cohort.

Methods

A total of 848 patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with different combinations of DAAs. Among patients with available outcome and HBV data, there were 272 patients hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)‐positive (HBsAg‐positive, n=9; HBsAg‐negative, n=263), and 536 were HBcAb‐negative. All HBcAb‐positive patients were tested for HBV DNA at the end of DAA therapy and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were frequently measured during therapy and follow‐up.

Results

Seventy‐three percent (n=192/263) of HBsAg‐negative/HBcAb‐positive patients had elevated ALT levels at baseline, which declined to normal values in all but 18 patients, and no HBV reactivation was observed. Eight patients had detectable but not quantifiable HBV DNA (<20 IU/mL) at end of treatment, but none were associated with elevated ALT. Five of nine HBsAg‐positive/HBcAb‐positive patients experienced transient or permanent HBV reactivation, three of whom required nucleos(t)ide treatment during (n=1) or after (n=2) DAA therapy.

Conclusions

HBV reactivation was not observed in HBsAg‐negative/HBcAb‐positive patients but common in HBsAg‐positive/HBcAb‐positive patients treated with different combinations of DAAs for HCV.
Microridges in Cyprinus carpio scale epidermis
Authors: DePasquale Joseph A.
Published: June 2017

Actin‐based microridges were evaluated in koi scale epidermis in situ. The fingerprint‐patterned microridges covered the dorsal face of superficial layer cells and were overall similar to that described in many fishes. Several other microridge patterns were observed, however, ranging from loose or tightly packed ridges, fragmented ridges, a honeycomb ridge pattern and the presence of actin‐rich puncta. Individual F‐actin‐stained microridges varied greatly in length, from a few to 30 μm or more, with a few single ridges extending the entire perimeter of a cell. Branched microridges, comprised of single ridges that appeared continuous with each other, extended to over 150 μm in some cases. The actin‐binding proteins α‐actinin and cortactin were distributed in a dot‐like pattern along the length of individual ridges, consistent with bundled actin cores described in earlier studies. Antiphosphotyrosine antibody failed to detect this signal transduction‐related amino acid modification in microridges unless tyrosine phosphatases were first inhibited, after which bright phosphotyrosine‐rich dots were detected along the microridges.
Comparison of systemic pharmacodynamic effects of two combination pressurized metered dose inhalers that deliver salmeterol and fluticasone propionate
Authors: Harrison Lester I. , Sessions Victoria , Wiggenhorn Christopher J. , Chalmers David , Leung Pui , Efthimiou John
Published: June 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to test the systemic pharmacodynamic effects of the salmeterol component of two pressurized metered dose inhalers that delivered a combination of salmeterol and fluticasone propionate (SM/FP).

Methods

This was a six‐way crossover study in 43 adult subjects, using a single blind design (subject blinded to product and clinical assessor blinded for all measurements). Each subject received single doses of two, six, and twelve inhalations from test and reference products that delivered SM/FP as 25/125 mcg per inhalation. Heart rate, QTcB, and plasma potassium and glucose were monitored over 6 h.

Results

Safety equivalence was shown by relative potency analysis for primary endpoints of maximum heart rate and maximum QTcB, since the 90% confidence intervals for both endpoints were within the acceptance limit of (0.67, 1.50). There were six secondary analyses for relative potency and equivalence was met for five of these endpoints. There were also 18 pairwise comparisons performed at each dose level. No statistical differences (95% confidence intervals included zero) among these pairwise comparisons were seen at the two‐inhalation dose (therapeutic dose) or the six‐inhalation dose. At the supratherapeutic dose of twelve inhalations, the test product was either comparable to or statistically less than that of the reference product for all comparisons. Overall, the results demonstrated comparable systemic safety. No differences were seen between the products in reported adverse events.

Conclusion

The safety equivalence of the systemic pharmacodynamic effects of the SM component of the test and reference SM/FP products was demonstrated.
The Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase Val(108/158)Met Genetic Polymorphism cannot be Recommended as a Biomarker for the Prediction of Venlafaxine Efficacy in Patients Treated in Psychiatric Settings
Authors: Taranu Adela , Asmar Khalil El , Colle Romain , Ferreri Florian , Polosan Mircea , David Denis , Becquemont Laurent , Corruble Emmanuelle , Verstuyft Céline
Published: June 2017

The antidepressant venlafaxine is known to increase the turnover of cerebral monoamines, which are catabolized by the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT). The COMT (Val(108/158)Met, rs4680) genetic polymorphism affects the cerebral COMT activity. But whether this genetic polymorphism is associated with response to venlafaxine remains unclear. We assessed the impact of the COMT Val(108/158)Met, rs4680 genetic polymorphism on the efficacy of venlafaxine in depressed patients. This study was nested in the METADAP cohort, a real‐world naturalistic treatment study in psychiatric settings. A total of 206 Caucasian patients with a unipolar major depressive episode (DSM‐IVTR) treated with venlafaxine and evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were studied. One hundred and eighty patients were genotyped for the COMT Val(108/158)Met, rs4680 genetic polymorphism and classified into three genotype subgroups: Val/Val, Val/Met and Met/Met. The COMT genotype was the explanatory variable, and the variables to be explained were HDRS score, HDRS score improvement over time, response rate and remission rate. Venlafaxine had a trend to higher efficacy in the Val/Val patients as compared to Met/Met carriers, as shown by the HDRS score improvement after 3 months of treatment, but this result was not significant in mixed models [Val/Val: 59.78% (±22.4); Val/Met: 51.64% (±26.3); Met/Met: 39.52% (±27.6)]. The percentage of responders and remitters after 3 months of treatment was not significantly different in the three genotype groups, although coherent trends were shown. The COMT Val(108/158)Met, rs4680 genetic polymorphism cannot be recommended as a biomarker for the prediction of venlafaxine efficacy in patients treated in psychiatric settings.
Ivabradine Reduces Digitalis‐induced Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Frommeyer Gerrit , Weller Jan , Ellermann Christian , Bögeholz Nils , Leitz Patrick , Dechering Dirk G. , Kochhäuser Simon , Wasmer Kristina , Eckardt Lars
Published: June 2017

The I(f) channel inhibitor ivabradine is recommended for treatment of heart failure but also affects potassium currents and thereby prolongs ventricular repolarization. The aim of this study was to examine the electrophysiological effects of ivabradine on digitalis‐induced ventricular arrhythmias.

Thirteen rabbit hearts were isolated and Langendorff‐perfused. After obtaining baseline data, the digitalis glycoside ouabain was infused (0.2 μM). Monophasic action potentials and ECG showed a significant abbreviation of QT interval (−34 ms, p < 0.05) and action potential duration (APD90; −27 ms, p < 0.05). The shortening of ventricular repolarization was accompanied by a reduction in effective refractory period (ERP; −27 ms, p < 0.05). Thereafter, hearts were additionally treated with ivabradine (5 μM). Of note, this did not exert significant effects on QT interval (−4 ms, p = ns) or APD90 (−15 ms, p = ns) but resulted in an increase in ERP (+17 ms, p < 0.05). This led to a significant increase in post‐repolarization refractoriness (PRR, +32 ms, p < 0.01) as compared with sole ouabain treatment.

Under baseline conditions, ventricular fibrillation (VF) was inducible by a standardized pacing protocol including programmed stimulation and burst stimulation in four of 13 hearts (31%; 15 episodes). After application of 0.2 μM ouabain, eight of 13 hearts were inducible (62%, 49 episodes). Additional infusion of 5 μM ivabradine led to a significant suppression of VF. Only four episodes could be induced in two of 13 hearts (15%).

In this study, ivabradine reduced digitalis‐induced ventricular arrhythmias. Ivabradine did not affect ventricular repolarization in the presence of digitalis treatment but demonstrated potent anti‐arrhythmic properties based on an increase in both ERP and PRR. The study further characterizes the beneficial electrophysiological profile of ivabradine.
Stuck in the spin cycle: Avoidance and intrusions following breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Bauer Margaret R. , Wiley Joshua F. , Weihs Karen L. , Stanton Annette L.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Theories and research regarding cognitive and emotional processing during the experience of profound stressors suggest that the presence of intrusive thoughts and feelings predicts greater use of avoidance and that the use of avoidance paradoxically predicts more intrusions. However, empirical investigations of their purported bidirectional relationship are limited.

Design

This study presents a longitudinal investigation of the reciprocal relationship between intrusions and avoidance coping over a 6‐month period in the year following breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Breast cancer patients (N = 460) completed measures of cancer‐related intrusions and avoidance at study entry, 3 months, and 6 months later (i.e., an average of 2, 5, and 8 months after diagnosis, respectively).

Results

Cross‐lagged panel analyses revealed that intrusive thoughts, feelings, and images at study entry predicted greater avoidance 3 months later, and avoidance coping at study entry predicted intrusions 3 months later, controlling for the stability of intrusions and avoidance as well as time since diagnosis. Findings were not statistically significant for avoidance predicting intrusions, or vice versa, between the 3‐month and the 6‐month assessment period, during which they declined.

Conclusions

These findings provide empirical support for the theoretical contention that avoidance and intrusive thoughts and emotions reciprocally influence one another following stressful events. Additionally, in the months shortly after breast cancer diagnosis, intrusions and avoidance are positively related. However, the relationships attenuate over time, which could indicate resolved cognitive and emotional processing of the cancer experience.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Following stressful life events, individuals often experience intrusive thoughts and feelings related to the event and they report avoidance of such reminders. Many studies demonstrate that greater intrusions predict more subsequent use of avoidance coping, and other studies show that greater use of avoidance predicts more intrusions. Their reciprocal relation has not been examined, however.

What does this study add?

This is the first examination of the concurrent, reciprocal influence of intrusions and avoidance.

Findings suggest that accounting for the bidirectional influence of avoidance and intrusions best estimates hypothesized models.

Higher intrusions and avoidance predicted each other for the first 3 months after study entry, but the relationship diminished 6 months after study entry, perhaps due to productive mental processing of the stress of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.