bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NKG2D ligand RAE1ε induces generation and enhances the inhibitor function of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in mice
Authors: Qian Li , Liu Yang , Wang Shaoqing , Gong Weijuan , Jia Xiaoqin , Liu Lu , Ye Feng , Ding Jingjuan , Xu Yuwei , Fu Yi , Tian Fang
Published: March 2017

Expression of surface NKG2D ligands on tumour cells, which activates nature killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells, is crucial in antitumour immunity. Some types of tumours have evolved mechanisms to suppress NKG2D‐mediated immune cell activation, such as tumour‐derived soluble NKG2D ligands or sustained NKG2D ligands produced by tumours down‐regulate the expression of NKG2D on NK cells and CD8+ T cells. Here, we report that surface NKG2D ligand RAE1ε on tumour cells induces CD11b+Gr‐1+ myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (MDSC) via NKG2D in vitro and in vivo. MDSCs induced by RAE1ε display a robust induction of IL‐10 and arginase, and these MDSCs show greater suppressive activity by inhibiting antigen‐non‐specific CD8+ T‐cell proliferation. Consistently, upon adoptive transfer, MDSCs induced by RAE1ε significantly promote CT26 tumour growth in IL‐10‐ and arginase‐dependent manners. RAE1ε moves cytokine balance towards Th2 but not Th1 in vivo. Furthermore, RAE1ε enhances inhibitory function of CT26‐derived MDSCs and promotes IL‐4 rather than IFN‐γ production from CT26‐derived MDSCs through NKG2D in vitro. Our study has demonstrated a novel mechanism for NKG2D ligand+ tumour cells escaping from immunosurveillance by facilitating the proliferation and the inhibitory function of MDSCs.
A randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of the Tackling Teenage psychosexual training program for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Visser Kirsten , Greaves‐Lord Kirstin , Tick Nouchka T. , Verhulst Frank C. , Maras Athanasios , van der Vegt Esther J.M.
Published: March 2017

Background

Previous research underscores the importance of psychosexual guidance for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Such guidance is provided in the Tackling Teenage Training (TTT) program, in which adolescents with ASD receive psycho‐education and practice communicative skills regarding topics related to puberty, sexuality, and intimate relationships. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of the TTT program on (a) cognitive outcomes (i.e. psychosexual knowledge, and insight in interpersonal boundaries) and (b) behavioral outcomes (i.e. skills needed for romantic relationships and problematic sexual behavior).

Methods

A total of 189 cognitively able adolescents with ASD, aged 12–18 years old, were randomized to an intervention condition (n = 95) or a waiting‐list control condition (n = 94). We assessed outcomes using self‐reported as well as parent‐reported questionnaires at baseline (T1), posttreatment (T2; after 6 months), and follow‐up (T3; after 12 months).

Results

Linear mixed model analyses showed significant treatment effects for psychosexual knowledge and adequate insight in boundaries, both posttreatment and at follow‐up. All adolescents increased significantly over time in their social responsiveness and decreased their problematic sexual behavior, irrespectively of condition. The TTT program was most effective for younger adolescents with ASD; following the TTT program resulted in higher psychosexual knowledge, and higher social functioning for these adolescents.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that the TTT program is effective as a psycho‐educational program to provide adolescents with ASD with the knowledge and insight they need to prepare themselves for a healthy psychosexual development. Further research is needed to investigate how this increased knowledge and insight can subsequently ameliorate improvements in romantic skills and prevent the development of problematic sexual behavior and victimization.
Stress vulnerability in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: experimental study investigating heart rate variability and skin conductance responses
Authors: Rimes Katharine A. , Lievesley Kate , Chalder Trudie
Published: March 2017

Background

Stress vulnerability has been implicated in adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), but has rarely been investigated directly. This study compared psychological and physiological responses to a laboratory social performance task in adolescents with CFS with chronic illness (asthma) and healthy control groups.

Methods

Adolescents with CFS (n = 60), adolescents with asthma (n = 31) and healthy adolescents (n = 78) completed questionnaires before and after a social performance task. Skin conductance responses (SCR; mean SCR and Max–Min) and heart rate variability (low frequency/high frequency; LF/HF and root mean square difference of successive RR intervals; RMSSD) was measured before, during and after the task.

Results

Baseline heart rate variability (HRV) (RMSSD) was significantly lower in the CFS and Asthma groups than the HC. During the speech, the CFS and Asthma groups had higher HRV (LF/HF) than the HC, adjusting for baseline LF/HF. Although the asthma group showed a subsequent reduction in HRV during recovery, the CFS group did not. Similarly, during recovery after the task, the CFS group showed a continued increase in skin conductance (Min–Max), unlike the Asthma and HC groups. Compared to control groups, adolescents with CFS expected to find the task more difficult, were more anxious beforehand and afterwards, rated it as more difficult, evaluated their performance more negatively and had lower observer ratings of performance. Parents of adolescents with CFS expected that their child would perform less well in the task than parents of control participants.

Conclusions

Adolescents with CFS showed autonomic nervous system responses that are consistent with chronic stress vulnerability, difficulty coping with acute stress and slower recovery after acute stress. Self‐report measures also indicated greater trait, pre‐ and posttask anxiety in the CFS group.
Testing the phenotype‐linked fertility hypothesis in the presence and absence of inbreeding
Authors: Forstmeier W. , Ihle M. , Opatová P. , Martin K. , Knief U. , Albrechtová J. , Albrecht T. , Kempenaers B.
Published: March 2017

The phenotype‐linked fertility hypothesis suggests that females can judge male fertility by inspecting male phenotypic traits. This is because male sexually selected traits might correlate with sperm quality if both are sensitive to factors that influence male condition. A recent meta‐analysis found little support for this hypothesis, suggesting little or no shared condition dependence. However, we recently reported that in captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) inbreeding had detrimental effects both on phenotypic traits and on measures of sperm quality, implying that variation in inbreeding could induce positive covariance between indicator traits and sperm quality. Therefore, we here assess empirically the average strength of correlations between phenotypic traits (courtship rate, beak colour, tarsus length) and measures of sperm quality (proportion of functional sperm, sperm velocity, sperm length) in populations of only outbred individuals and in mixed populations consisting of inbreds (F = 0.25) and outbreds (F = 0). As expected, phenotype sperm‐trait correlations were stronger when the population contained a mix of inbred and outbred individuals. We also found unexpected heterogeneity between our two study populations, with correlations being considerably stronger in a domesticated population than in a recently wild‐derived population. Correlations ranged from essentially zero among outbred‐only wild‐derived birds (mean Fisher's Zr ± SE = 0.03 ± 0.10) to moderately strong among domesticated birds of mixed inbreeding status (Zr ± SE = 0.38 ± 0.08). Our results suggest that, under some conditions, the phenotype‐linked fertility hypothesis might apply.
Single and multiple mating reduces longevity of female dumpling squid (Euprymna tasmanica)
Authors: Franklin A. M. , Stuart‐Fox D.
Published: March 2017

For many species, mating is a necessary yet costly activity. The costs involved can have an important influence on the evolution of life histories and senescence. Females of many species mate multiply, and this behaviour can inflict a longevity cost. Most studies investigating the effects of multiple mating on female survival have been conducted on insects, and the effects in other taxa are largely unknown. We investigate the effects of both a single mating and a second mating on longevity in female dumpling squid (Euprymna tasmanica), a species in which both sexes mate multiply. Through comparing the longevity of virgin, once‐mated and twice‐mated females, we found that a single mating reduced female life span by 15 days on average. A second mating resulted in an additional 8 day (on average) longevity cost, despite no difference in total clutch mass, number of clutches, single egg mass or number of eggs per clutch between once‐mated and twice‐mated females. This demonstrates a cost to multiple mating which may be independent of the cost of egg production. Furthermore, total clutch mass and female life span were positively correlated, whereas female life span decreased with increasing average water temperature. The presence of an additive effect of reproduction on longevity suggests that multiple mating in cephalopods may have benefits that outweigh these costs, or that there is a conflict in optimal mating frequency between males and females.
A Novel Spore Wall Protein from Antonospora locustae (Microsporidia: Nosematidae) Contributes to Sporulation
Authors: Chen Longxin , Li Runting , You Yinwei , Zhang Kun , Zhang Long
Published: March 2017

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites, existing in a wide variety of animal hosts. Here, we reported AlocSWP2, a novel protein identified from the spore wall of Antonospora locustae (formerly, Nosema locustae, and synonym, Paranosema locustae), containing four cysteines that are conserved among the homologues of several Microspodian pathogens in insects and mammals. AlocSWP2 was detected in the wall of mature spores via indirect immunofluorescence assay. In addition, immunocytochemistry localization experiments showed that the protein was observed in the wall of sporoblasts, sporonts, and meronts during sporulation within the host body, also in the wall of mature spores. AlocSWP2 was not detected in the fat body of infected locust until the 9th day after inoculating spores via RT‐PCR experiments. Furthermore, the survival percentage of infected locusts injected with dsRNA of AlocSWP2 on the 15th, 16th, and 17th days after inoculation with microsporidian were significantly higher than those of infected locusts without dsRNA treatment. Conversely, the amount of spores in locusts infected with A. locustae after treated with RNAi AlocSWP2 was significantly lower than those of infected locusts without RNAi of this gene. This novel spore wall protein from A. locustae may be involved in sporulation, thus contributing to host mortality.
Life‐Space Mobility and Cognitive Decline Among Mexican Americans Aged 75 Years and Older
Authors: Silberschmidt Seraina , Kumar Amit , Raji Mukaila M. , Markides Kyriakos , Ottenbacher Kenneth J. , Al Snih Soham
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To examine the association between life‐space mobility and cognitive decline over a five‐year period among older Mexican Americans.

Design

Longitudinal study.

Setting

Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly survey conducted in the southwestern of United States (Texas, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and California).

Participants

Four hundred thirty‐two Mexican Americans aged 75 and older with normal or high cognitive function at baseline.

Measurements

Socio‐demographic factors, living arrangement, type of household, social support, financial strain, self‐reported medical conditions, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), depressive symptoms, activities of daily living (ADLs), and Short Physical Performance Battery. Life‐space assessment (LSA) during the past 4 weeks was assessed during in‐home interview. Scores ranged from 0 (daily restriction to the bedroom) to 120 (daily trips outside of their own town without assistance) and categorized as 0 to 20, 21 to 40, 41 to 60, 61 to 80, and 81 to 120. Because of the small sample size in the category of 81 to 120, the two highest categories were combined into a single group.

Results

The mean LSA score and MMSE score of participants at baseline was 44.6 (Standard Deviation [SD], 20.7) and 25.7 (SD, 3.2), respectively. Mixed Model analyses showed that participants in the highest life‐space category (≥61) experienced slower rates of cognitive decline over time compared to participants in the lowest category (0 to 20) (β = 1.03, Standard Error [SE] = 0.29, P = 0.0004), after adjusting for all covariates.

Conclusion

Greater life‐space mobility at baseline was predictor of slower rates of cognitive decline over 5 years in older Mexican Americans.
From Animosity to Affinity: The Interplay of Competing Logics and Interdependence in Cross‐Sector Partnerships
Authors: Ashraf Naeem , Ahmadsimab Alireza , Pinkse Jonatan
Published: March 2017

Drawing on and extending institutional logics and resource dependence theories, this paper posits that for cross‐sector partnerships to survive, organizations need to share compatible institutional logics, but depend less on each other's resources. Asymmetrical cross‐sector partnerships may lead to a breakup if organizations are forced to operate under incompatible institutional logics. The findings of this study show that the challenges posed by incompatible logics of partners could be mitigated by the degree of resource interdependence between organizations. Capturing the effects of context and transactions on the actors’ strategic behaviour, the findings, based on a dataset of project‐level partnership ties between 1312 organizations in the carbon‐offset market, support these hypotheses. The paper concludes by discussing implications of organizations' responses to keep acting under or reinterpreting existing institutional logics in asymmetrical cross‐sector relationships.
Role of Pseudomonas fluorescens and INA against Black Rot of Cabbage
Authors: Umesha Sharanaiah , Roohie Raheem K.
Published: March 2017

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important vegetable crop among crucifers. It is affected by a bacterial disease known as black rot. Black rot is caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris a disease of worldwide importance. The present study highlights the effect of biotic inducer—Pseudomonas fluorescens—and an abiotic inducer—2,6‐dichloro‐isonicotinic acid—in combating black rot, followed by their effect on the seed treatment and disease incidence, role of antioxidant enzymes followed by validation of the defence‐related genes by quantitative real‐time PCR. The resistant (Pusa mukta) and the highly susceptible (NBH boss) cabbage cultivars were analysed for defence‐related enzymes such as peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. An increase in total peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity was observed upon inoculation with X. campestris pv. campestris. The activity was greater in resistant cultivar when compared to susceptible ones. Both enzyme activity assays and qPCR analyses for the expression of the defence genes in susceptible and resistant cultivars demonstrated that the peroxidase gene was up‐regulated in resistant cultivar compared to susceptible cultivar. The present study proved that P. fluorescens‐induced resistance against X. campestris pv. campestris in cabbage seedlings is more efficient as compared to the use of INA—abiotic inducer.
A longitudinal study on the acceptance and effects of a therapeutic renal food in pet dogs with IRIS‐Stage 1 chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hall J. A. , Fritsch D. A. , Yerramilli M. , Obare E. , Yerramilli M. , Jewell D. E.
Published: March 2017

Currently, nutritional management is recommended when serum creatinine (Cr) exceeds 1.4 mg/dl in dogs with IRIS‐Stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) to slow progressive loss of kidney function, reduce clinical and biochemical consequences of CKD, and maintain adequate nutrition. It is unknown if dietary interventions benefit non‐azotemic dogs at earlier stages. A prospective 12‐month feeding trial was performed in client‐owned dogs with IRIS‐Stage 1 CKD (n = 36; 20 had persistently dilute urine with urine specific gravity (USG) <1.020 without identifiable non‐renal cause; six had persistent proteinuria of renal origin with urine protein creatinine (UPC) ratio >0.5; 10 had both). Ease of transition to therapeutic renal food and effects on renal biomarkers and quality of life attributes were assessed. Dogs were transitioned over 1 week from grocery‐branded foods to renal food. At 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12‐months a questionnaire to assess owner's perception of their pet's acceptance of renal food and quality of life was completed. Renal biomarkers, including serum Cr, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and USG and UPC ratio were measured. Of 36 dogs initially enrolled, 35 (97%) dogs were transitioned to therapeutic renal food. Dogs moderately or extremely liked the food 88% of the time, ate most or all of the food 84% of the time, and were moderately or extremely enthusiastic while eating 76% of the time. All renal biomarkers (Cr, BUN, and SDMA) were decreased (p ≤ .05) from baseline at 3‐months, and remained decreased from baseline at 12‐months in dogs completing the study (n = 20). Proteinuria was reduced in 12 of 16 dogs (p = .045) with proteinuria. Owners reported improvement in overall health and quality of life attributes, and hair and coat quality (all p < .01). In summary, dogs with IRIS‐Stage 1 CKD readily transition to renal food. Decreasing serum biomarker concentrations and reduction in proteinuria suggest stabilized kidney function.
Outcome of bioprosthetic valve replacement in dogs with tricuspid valve dysplasia
Authors: Bristow P. , Sargent J. , Luis Fuentes V. , Brockman D.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To describe the short‐term and long‐term outcome in dogs with tricuspid valve dysplasia undergoing tricuspid valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods

Data were collected from the hospital records of all dogs that had undergone tricuspid valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass between 2006 and 2012. Dogs were considered candidates for tricuspid valve replacement if they had severe tricuspid valve regurgitation associated with clinical signs of cardiac compromise.

Results

Nine dogs of six different breeds were presented. Median age was 13 months (range 7 to 61 months), median weight 26·5 kg (range 9·7 to 59 kg). Eight bovine pericardial valves and one porcine aortic valve were used. One non‐fatal intraoperative complication occurred. Complications during hospitalisation occurred in six dogs, four of which were fatal. Of the five dogs discharged, one presented dead due to haemothorax after minor trauma seven days later. The four remaining dogs survived a median of 533 days; all of these dogs received a bovine pericardial valve.

Clinical Significance

Based on our results, tricuspid valve replacement with bovine or porcine prosthetic valves is associated with a high incidence of complications.
Epidemiology of bacterial conjunctivitis in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera): 49 cases (2005 to 2015)
Authors: Ozawa S. , Mans C. , Szabo Z. , Di Girolamo N.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the anamnesis, clinical signs, diagnostic test results, treatment and outcome of chinchillas diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis.

Methods

Medical records of 49 chinchillas diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis were retrospectively reviewed. Association between clinical signs and type of bacteria involved was determined by means of univariate logistic regression.

Results

61·5% of the isolated bacteria were Gram‐negative, and the most common bacterial species was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (50%), followed by Staphylococcus species (26·9%). Chinchillas with acute conjunctivitis (1 to 3 days) were much more commonly affected by Gram‐negative organisms. The majority of chinchillas that presented with concurrent respiratory signs were diagnosed with P. aeruginosa. Clinical resolution of conjunctivitis was reported in 87·8% chinchillas with a median time to clinical resolution of 17·5 days. Susceptibility of P. aeruginosa isolates to potentiated sulphonamides, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, amikacin and polymyxin B was 8·3, 36, 62·5, 88·5, 100 and 100%, respectively.

Clinical Significance

P. aeruginosa is the predominant bacterial species associated with bacterial conjunctivitis in chinchillas. With the exception of duration of clinical signs, information on the anamnesis or physical examination findings cannot aid in distinguishing conjunctivitis caused by P. aeruginosa or other Gram‐negative bacteria from the ones caused by Gram‐positive bacteria. Gentamicin‐ or polymyxin B‐containing antibiotic formulations are recommended for empirical topical therapy.
Pneumopericardium as a complication of laparoscopy for ovariectomy
Authors: Best E. J. , Hellewell E.
Published: March 2017

A one‐year‐old poodle×cocker spaniel bitch was presented for laparoscopic ovariectomy. Pre‐operative examination was unremarkable. The left ovariectomy was performed uneventfully. Following insufflation of the abdomen and repositioning of the patient, signs consistent with cardiac tamponade developed, resulting in death. Post‐mortem radiography demonstrated pneumopericardium.
The within‐host dynamics of infection in trans‐generationally primed flour beetles
Authors: Tate Ann T. , Andolfatto Peter , Demuth Jeffery P. , Graham Andrea L.
Published: March 2017

Many taxa exhibit plastic immune responses initiated after primary microbial exposure that provide increased protection against disease‐induced mortality and the fitness costs of infection. In several arthropod species, this protection can even be passed from parents to offspring through a phenomenon called trans‐generational immune priming. Here, we first demonstrate that trans‐generational priming is a repeatable phenomenon in flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum) primed and infected with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). We then quantify the within‐host dynamics of microbes and host physiological responses in infected offspring from primed and unprimed mothers by monitoring bacterial density and using mRNA‐seq to profile host gene expression, respectively, over the acute infection period. We find that priming increases inducible resistance against Bt around a critical temporal juncture where host septicaemic trajectories, and consequently survival, may be determined in unprimed individuals. Our results identify a highly differentially expressed biomarker of priming, containing an EIF4‐e domain, in uninfected individuals, as well as several other candidate genes. Moreover, the induction and decay dynamics of gene expression over time suggest a metabolic shift in primed individuals. The identified bacterial and gene expression dynamics are likely to influence patterns of bacterial fitness and disease transmission in natural populations.
Anthropogenic impact on environmental filamentous fungi communities along the Mediterranean littoral
Authors: Al‐Yasiri Mohammed Hashim , Normand Anne‐Cécile , Mauffrey Jean‐François , Ranque Stéphane
Published: March 2017

We hypothesised that anthropogenic influences impact the filamentous fungi community structure and that particular species or species patterns might serve as markers to characterise ecosystems. This study aimed to describe the filamentous fungi community structure in various biotopes along the Mediterranean shore that were exposed to various levels of anthropogenic influence. We sampled filamentous fungi from yellow‐legged gull faecal samples at five study sites along the Mediterranean littoral in southern France. The sites were characterised by variable anthropogenic influence, ranging from building rooftops in two cities to a natural reserve. The sites also included two suburban ecoclines, one of which was exposed to sewer pollution. Filamentous fungal colonies were quantified and identified viaMALDI‐TOFmass spectrometry. Interestingly, we found that both fungal diversity and abundance were low in urban areas compared with suburban ecocline or environments little affected by anthropogenic influence. Furthermore, some fungal species were clearly associated with particular environments. In particular,Mucor circinelloideswas associated with a natural environment with little anthropogenic impact and distant from human settlements. Whereas,Scedosporium apiospermumwas associated with an ecocline polluted by sewage. Our findings indicate that particular fungal species or species combination might be used as surrogate markers of ecosystems exposed to anthropogenic pollution.
Nurse managers’ experiences in continuous quality improvement in resource‐poor healthcare settings
Authors: Kakyo Tracy Alexis , Xiao Lily Dongxia
Published: March 2017

Ensuring safe and quality care for patients in hospitals is an important part of a nurse manager's role. Continuous quality improvement has been identified as one approach that leads to the delivery of quality care services to patients and is widely used by nurse managers to improve patient care. Nurse managers’ experiences in initiating continuous quality improvement activities in resource‐poor healthcare settings remain largely unknown. Research evidence is highly demanded in these settings to address disease burden and evidence‐based practice. This interpretive qualitative study was conducted to gain an understanding of nurse managers’ Continuous Quality Improvement experiences in rural hospitals in Uganda.

Nurse managers in rural healthcare settings used their role to prioritize quality improvement activities, monitor the Continuous Quality Improvement process, and utilize in‐service education to support continuous quality improvement. The nurse managers in our sample encountered a number of barriers during the implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement, including: limited patient participation, lack of materials, and limited human resources. Efforts to address the challenges faced through good governance and leadership development require more attention.
Plant phylogeny as a window on the evolution of hyperdiversity in the tropical rainforest biome
Authors: Eiserhardt Wolf L. , Couvreur Thomas L. P. , Baker William J.
Published: March 2017

Contents

Summary
1408

I.
Introduction
1408

II.
A brief history of hypotheses
1410

III.
Age of TRF biome and lineages
1411

IV.
Frequency of immigration from other biomes
1413

V.
Speciation and extinction
1414

VI.
Ecological limits
1415

VII.
Key methodological challenges
1416

VIII.
Perspectives
1417

IX.
Conclusions
1419

Acknowledgements
1419

References
1419

Tropical rainforest (TRF) is the most species‐rich terrestrial biome on Earth, harbouring just under half of the world's plant species in c. 7% of the land surface. Phylogenetic trees provide important insights into mechanisms underpinning TRF hyperdiversity that are complementary to those obtained from the fossil record. Phylogenetic studies of TRF plant diversity have mainly focused on whether this biome is an evolutionary ‘cradle’ or ‘museum’, emphasizing speciation and extinction rates. However, other explanations, such as biome age, immigration and ecological limits, must also be considered. We present a conceptual framework for addressing the drivers of TRF diversity, and review plant studies that have tested them with phylogenetic data. Although surprisingly few in number, these studies point to old age of TRF, low extinction and high speciation rates as credible drivers of TRF hyperdiversity. There is less evidence for immigration and ecological limits, but these cannot be dismissed owing to the limited number of studies. Rapid methodological developments in DNA sequencing, macroevolutionary analysis and the integration of phylogenetics with other disciplines may improve our grasp of TRF hyperdiversity in the future. However, such advances are critically dependent on fundamental systematic research, yielding numerous, additional, well‐sampled phylogenies of TRF lineages.
Patient experiences of outcomes of bariatric surgery: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis
Authors: Coulman Karen D. , MacKichan Fiona , Blazeby Jane M. , Owen‐Smith Amanda
Published: March 2017

Although bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe and complex obesity, less is known about its psychosocial impact. This systematic review synthesizes qualitative studies investigating the patient perspective of living with the outcomes of surgery. A total of 2,604 records were screened, and 33 studies were included. Data extraction and thematic synthesis yielded three overarching themes: control, normality and ambivalence. These were evident across eight organizing sub‐themes describing areas of life impacted by surgery: weight, activities of daily living, physical health, psychological health, social relations, sexual life, body image and eating behaviour and relationship with food. Throughout all these areas, patients were striving for control and normality. Many of the changes experienced were positive and led to feeling more in control and ‘normal’. Negative changes were also experienced, as well as changes that were neither positive nor negative but were nonetheless challenging and required adaptation. Thus, participants continued to strive for control and normality in some aspects of their lives for a considerable time, contributing to a sense of ambivalence in accounts of life after surgery. These findings demonstrate the importance of long‐term support, particularly psychological and dietary, to help people negotiate these challenges and maintain positive changes achieved after bariatric surgery.
Prospective Review of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation into Osteoblasts
Authors: Garg Priyanka , Mazur Matthew M , Buck Amy C , Wandtke Meghan E , Liu Jiayong , Ebraheim Nabil A
Published: March 2017

Stem cell research has been a popular topic in the past few decades. This review aims to discuss factors that help regulate, induce, and enhance mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into osteoblasts for bone regeneration. The factors analyzed include bone morphogenic protein (BMP), transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β), stromal cell‐derived factor 1 (SDF‐1), insulin‐like growth factor type 1 (IGF‐1), histone demethylase JMJD3, cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), fucoidan, Runx2 transcription factor, and TAZ transcriptional coactivator. Methods promoting bone healing are also evaluated in this review that have shown promise in previous studies. Methods tested using animal models include low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) with MSC, micro motion, AMD3100 injections, BMP delivery, MSC transplantation, tissue engineering utilizing scaffolds, anti‐IL‐20 monoclonal antibody, low dose photodynamic therapy, and bone marrow stromal cell transplants. Human clinical trial methods analyzed include osteoblast injections, bone marrow grafts, bone marrow and platelet rich plasma transplantation, tissue engineering using scaffolds, and recombinant human BMP‐2. These methods have been shown to promote and accelerate new bone formation. These various methods for enhanced bone regeneration have the potential to be used, following further research, in clinical practice.
Role of Clavicle Chest Cage Angle Difference in Predicting Postoperative Shoulder Balance in Lenke 5C Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients after Selective Posterior Fusion
Authors: Liu Zhen , Hu Zong‐shan , Qiu Yong , Zhang Zhen , Zhao Zhi‐hui , Han Xiao , Zhu Ze‐zhang
Published: March 2017

Objective

To evaluate the role of preoperative clavicle chest cage angle difference (CCAD) on postoperative radiographic shoulder imbalance, patient's satisfaction and surgeon's fulfillment in Lenke 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). CCAD, as a novel radiographic parameter, has proven to be a reliable predictor for postoperative shoulder imbalance in Lenke 1 AIS patients. However, the value of CCAD in predicting shoulder balance has never been evaluated in Lenke 5 AIS patients.

Methods

A total of 42 Lenke 5C AIS patients aged from 10 to 18 years old with a minimum 2‐year follow‐up were enrolled for evaluation. All patients underwent selective posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion using the all segmental pedicle screw technique by the same surgical team. The fusion levels were determined according to the Lenke criteria. Shoulder height difference (SHD) and CCAD were measured on anteroposterior (AP) standing radiographs. The patients’ satisfaction and the surgeons’ fulfillment were evaluated using a questionnaire. A receiver operative characteristic curve analysis was performed to explore the threshold values of preoperative CCAD in the prediction of the final follow‐up radiographic shoulder imbalance, patients’ satisfaction and surgeons’ fulfillment.

Results

The average preoperative Cobb angle of the main curve was 46.8° ± 4.8°, and the average immediate postoperative Cobb angle was 13.3° ± 2.6°, representing an average surgical correction rate of 75.6% ± 8.5%. The average follow‐up time was 29.2 months. At the last follow‐up, the value of preoperative CCAD was significantly higher in patients with unbalanced shoulders (SHD ≥ 10 mm). At the final follow‐up, 66.7% (28/42) of the patients were satisfied with their appearance, while 33.3% (14/42) of the patients were not satisfied with their appearance. At the final follow‐up, 61.9% (26/42) of the surgeons were fulfilled with their operation, while 38.1% (16/42) of the surgeons were not. For patients’ satisfaction and surgeons’ fulfillment, the preoperative CCAD was significantly greater in patients with unsatisfied outcomes.

Discussion

Clavicle chest cage angle difference could be a reliable predictor for evaluating postoperative shoulder imbalance in AIS patients undergoing selective posterior fusion for Lenke 5C curves. A greater preoperative CCAD was significantly correlated with a postoperative radiographic imbalance of shoulders and dissatisfaction, which will guide spine surgeons in their preoperative planning and in the surgical management of AIS to reduce postoperative shoulder imbalance.
Comparison of Arthrodesis and Non‐fusion to Treat Lisfranc Injuries
Authors: Qiao Yu‐sen , Li Jun‐kun , Shen Hao , Bao Hai‐yan , Jiang Ming , Liu Yan , Kapadia Wasim , Zhang Hong‐tao , Yang Hui‐lin
Published: March 2017

Objective

“Lisfranc joint injury” is comprised of a tarsometatarsal joint‐complex injury. The Lisfranc complex injury is always a challenge for orthopedists, and the optimum treatment is still up for debate. Anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation prove to have no satisfactory outcomes. This research aims to compare the clinical curative effects, complications and radiographic features of arthrodesis and non‐fusion of the Lisfranc joint in the follow‐up of the patients who suffered Lisfranc injuries.

Methods

A comparative retrospective study of 25 patients with acute or subacute Lisfranc complex injuries was conducted between September 2013 and March 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. All patients were classified by Myerson classification. Eight patients were treated with arthrodesis, while 17 patients received non‐fusion operations. The clinical curative effects, complications and image differences were compared between the two groups. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score were evaluated for each patient during the follow‐up. All statistics were analyzed using the SPSS software system.

Results

All fractures healed for both the arthrodesis group and the non‐fusion group. Patients in the arthrodesis group had a higher AOFAS score compared with patients in the non‐fusion group (94.00 vs. 88.58, P = 0.034). Complications occurred in eight patients (8/17, 47%) in the non‐arthrodesis group, including the second and third phalanx abduction (1), talipes cavus (2), eversion deformity of front foot (3), eversion deformity of calcaneus (1), as well as postoperative infection (1). Only two patients (2/8, 25%) in the arthrodesis group suffered complications. One was a limitation of motion of the front foot and pain during walking; the other was an eversion deformity of front foot.

Conclusion

Primary arthrodesis has advantages compared to primary open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): reduced foot deformity rates, sustained biomechanical morphology of the feet, reduced complications, higher level of function recovery, shorter time of surgical procedures, fewer complications, higher AOFAS score and fewer frequency of complications. According to our research, primary arthrodesis may be a better choice for treating Lisfranc injury.
Profiles of Alzheimer's caregivers in Spain: social, educational and laboral characteristics
Authors: Ruiz‐Adame Reina Manuel , González‐Camacho María Carmen , Romero‐García José Enrique , Sánchez‐Reyes Fernández Luís María
Published: March 2017

Background

A person suffering from dementia needs increasing help from another person, who, in most cases, is a female family member. Times are changing and this traditional role can no longer be maintained.

Aim

The aim of this research was mainly centred on ascertaining the profile of caregivers and to find out how determinants such as age, sex and educational level and living conditions led people to assume that role.

Methods

A survey was designed and applied to 925 caregivers (778 of which were analysed) with the collaboration of the Alzheimer's Associations of Andalucía (Spain). Associations gave their ethical approbation for this research prior to the beginning and they informed their members. The participation was entirely voluntary, and caregivers were given the option to withdraw consent.

Results

Women are the main caregivers in any kind of profile. Males become carers if they are old and the partner of a patient. Males use more external services. Cohabiting and working outside the home increase the use of external support services, and having a higher level of education increases the use of nursing homes. Younger caregivers perceive more intense socio‐economic consequences than the general profile.

Conclusions

Being a caregiver implies limitations to entering the job market and for job promotion. There is a generational gap in the caregiver profile, and more and new support services will be needed. Policymakers should take those into account.
Bayesian Analysis of the Proportional Hazards Model with Time‐Varying Coefficients
Authors: Kim Gwangsu , Kim Yongdai , Choi Taeryon
Published: March 2017

We study a Bayesian analysis of the proportional hazards model with time‐varying coefficients. We consider two priors for time‐varying coefficients – one based on B‐spline basis functions and the other based on Gamma processes – and we use a beta process prior for the baseline hazard functions. We show that the two priors provide optimal posterior convergence rates (up to the
term) and that the Bayes factor is consistent for testing the assumption of the proportional hazards when the two priors are used for an alternative hypothesis. In addition, adaptive priors are considered for theoretical investigation, in which the smoothness of the true function is assumed to be unknown, and prior distributions are assigned based on B‐splines.
Accounting for Diversity in Suicide Research: Sampling and Sample Reporting Practices in the United States
Authors: Cha Christine B. , Tezanos Katherine M. , Peros Olivia M. , Ng Mei Yi , Ribeiro Jessica D. , Nock Matthew K. , Franklin Joseph C.
Published: March 2017

Research on suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) has identified many risk factors, but whether these findings generalize to diverse populations remains unclear. We review longitudinal studies on STB risk factors over the past 50 years in the United States and evaluate the methodological practices of sampling and reporting sample characteristics. We found that articles frequently reported participant age and sex, less frequently reported participant race and ethnicity, and rarely reported participant veteran status or lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender status. Sample reporting practices modestly and inconsistently improved over time. Finally, articles predominantly featured White, non‐Hispanic, young adult samples.
Health care‐seeking behaviours and health expenditures in adults aged 45 years and older in China, 2011–2013
Authors: Li Jiasen , Feng Xing Lin
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To provide an assessment of China's progress to universal health coverage (UHC) from the perspective of people‐centred care.

Methods

We obtained data on 28 103 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHALRS) during 2011–2013. We used logistic regressions and generalised linear models to analyse care‐seeking behaviours and medical expenditures.

Results

We found that 95.5% of the subjects were covered by social health insurance in 2013, and nearly 60% subjects in need of medical care were self‐medicated. Health insurance was a strong predictor for the access to outpatient care. Use of pure and mixed self‐medication increased by 15% and 32% respectively, while use of pure outpatient care fell by 10% between 2011 and 2013, after adjusting for predisposing, service needs and enabling factors. Such trends were particularly evident for the Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance and the New Cooperative Medical Scheme, which covered more than 80%. The monthly out‐of‐pocket medical expenditures and the probability of encountering catastrophic health expenditures for outpatient care were four times larger than that for self‐medication. Between 2011 and 2013, outpatient care medical costs rose by nearly 50%, whereas there was no such obvious trend for self‐medication. People with insurance schemes offering lower cost sharing incurred consistently higher out‐of‐pocket outpatient payments.

Conclusions

The monitoring of global progress to UHC should incorporate self‐medication. In China, it seems that the current reform and the huge government investment have not resulted in access to affordable quality care. To achieve UHC, not only universal insurance, but system‐level efforts are needed.
LjMOT1, a high‐affinity molybdate transporter from Lotus japonicus, is essential for molybdate uptake, but not for the delivery to nodules
Authors: Duan Guilan , Hakoyama Tsuneo , Kamiya Takehiro , Miwa Hiroki , Lombardo Fabien , Sato Shusei , Tabata Satoshi , Chen Zheng , Watanabe Toshihiro , Shinano Takuro , Fujiwara Toru
Published: March 2017

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential nutrient for plants, and is required for nitrogenase activity of legumes. However, the pathways of Mo uptake from soils and then delivery to the nodules have not been characterized in legumes. In this study, we characterized a high‐affinity Mo transporter (LjMOT1) from Lotus japonicus. Mo concentrations in an ethyl methanesulfonate–mutagenized line (ljmot1) decreased by 70–95% compared with wild‐type (WT). By comparing the DNA sequences of four AtMOT1 homologs between mutant and WT lines, one point mutation was found in LjMOT1, which altered Trp292 to a stop codon; no mutation was found in the other homologous genes. The phenotype of Mo concentrations in F2 progeny from ljmot1 and WT crosses were associated with genotypes of LjMOT1. Introduction of endogenous LjMOT1 to ljmot1 restored Mo accumulation to approximately 60–70% of the WT. Yeast expressing LjMOT1 exhibited high Mo uptake activity, and the Km was 182 nm. LjMOT1 was expressed mainly in roots, and its expression was not affected by Mo supply or rhizobium inoculation. Although Mo accumulation in the nodules of ljmot1 was significantly lower than that of WT, it was still high enough for normal nodulation and nitrogenase activity, even for cotyledons‐removed ljmot1 plants grown under low Mo conditions, in this case the plant growth was significantly inhibited by Mo deficiency. Our results suggest that LjMOT1 is an essential Mo transporter in L. japonicus for Mo uptake from the soil and growth, but is not for Mo delivery to the nodules.
Certain aspects of holomorphic function theory on some genus-zero arithmetic groups
Authors: Jorgenson Jay , Smajlović Lejla , Then Holger
Published: March 2017

There are a number of fundamental results in the study of holomorphic function theory associated to the discrete group $\operatorname{PSL}(2,\mathbb{Z})$, including the following statements: the ring of holomorphic modular forms is generated by the holomorphic Eisenstein series of weights four and six, denoted by $E_{4}$ and $E_{6}$; the smallest-weight cusp form $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}$ has weight twelve and can be written as a polynomial in $E_{4}$ and $E_{6}$; and the Hauptmodul $j$ can be written as a multiple of $E_{4}^{3}$ divided by $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}$. The goal of the present article is to seek generalizations of these results to some other genus-zero arithmetic groups $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}_{0}(N)^{+}$ with square-free level $N$, which are related to ‘Monstrous moonshine conjectures’. Certain aspects of our results are generated from extensive computer analysis; as a result, many of the space-consuming results are made available on a publicly accessible web site. However, we do present in this article specific results for certain low-level groups.
Analytical Solutions for Inextensible Fiber-Reinforced Dielectric Elastomer Torsional Actuators
Authors: He Liwen , Lou Jia , Du Jianke
Published: March 2017

Two types of tubular dielectric elastomers (DE) torsional actuators are studied in this work, which are, respectively, reinforced by a family and two families of helical inextensible fibers. When subject to a radial electric field, torsional deformation will be induced in the DE actuators due to the constraint of inextensible fibers. By conducting finite deformation analysis with the principal axis approach and adopting appropriate constitutive equations, simple analytical solutions are obtained for the considered DE actuators. Furthermore, the effects of material parameters and the fiber angles as well as externally applied axial force and twist moment on the voltage-induced torsional behaviors of the two DE actuators are discussed in order to explore their maximum torsional actuation capability. The concept design presented here provides an effective approach for achieving large torsional deformation, and the developed model and revealed results will aid the design and fabrication of soft actuators and soft robots.
A Reexamination of the Equations of Anisotropic Poroelasticity
Authors: Gao Yue , Liu Zhanli , Zhuang Zhuo , Hwang Keh-Chih
Published: March 2017

The anisotropic poroelastic constitutive model is reexamined in this article. The assumptions and conclusions of previous works, i.e., Thompson and Willis and Cheng, are compared and clarified. The micromechanics of poroelasticity is discussed by dividing the medium into connected fluid part and solid skeleton part. The latter includes, in turn, solid part and, possibly, disconnected fluid part, i.e., fluid islands; therefore, the solid skeleton part is inhomogeneous. The constitutive model is complicated both in the whole medium and in the solid skeleton because of their inhomogeneity, but the formulations are simplified successfully by introducing a new material constant which is defined differently by Cheng and by Thompson and Willis. All the unmeasurable micromechanical material constants are lumped together in this constant. Four levels of assumptions used in poroelasticity are demonstrated, and with the least assumptions, the constitutive model is formulated. The number of independent material constants is discussed, and the procedures in laboratory tests to obtain the constants are suggested.