bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cannabinoid–glutamate interactions and neural oscillations: implications for psychosis
Authors: Sherif Mohamed A. , Cortes‐Briones Jose A. , Ranganathan Mohini , Skosnik Patrick D.
Published: December 2017

Preclinical and clinical data suggest that the cannabinoid and glutamatergic systems are implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ), the prototypical psychotic disorder. This has led to distinct “cannabis” and “ketamine” models of SZ, respectively. However, these two models need not be mutually exclusive. Indeed, in several brain regions implicated in the putative neural circuitry of SZ (e.g., hippocampus, frontal cortex, cerebellum), cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1Rs) and glutamate N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) have direct and indirect interactions. CB1R agonists and NMDAR antagonists act upon gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons to reduce GABAergic neurotransmission. This would be predicted to result in the unsynchronized activity of pyramidal neurons, disrupting neural network oscillations involved in information processing, thus leading to psychotomimetic effects. Hence, the overarching aim of the current review is to synthesize the known literature on cannabinoids and glutamate in the context of neural oscillations in SZ. First, discussion of SZ and the basic mechanisms of neural oscillations are discussed, including a summary of the role of theta (4–7 Hz) and gamma (30–80 Hz) oscillations in neurocognition. Next, a brief review of the role of the cannabinoid and glutamatergic systems in SZ is outlined, followed by discussion of the known synaptic interactions between these two systems. Finally, the potential role of CB1Rs and NMDARs, both independently and in combination, on neural oscillations in relation to psychotic symptoms is considered. It is hoped that this review will yield a series of testable hypotheses that may be used to further elucidate the pathophysiology of SZ.
High‐fat diet exacerbates imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like dermatitis in mice
Authors: Higashi Yuko , Yamakuchi Munekazu , Fukushige Tomoko , Ibusuki Atsuko , Hashiguchi Teruto , Kanekura Takuro
Published: December 2017

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is closely related to systemic metabolism. An elevated body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for psoriasis; inflammasomes are activated by adipose tissue macrophages in obese subjects. We hypothesized that hyperlipidaemia is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and examined the role of a high‐fat diet (HFD) in the development of psoriasis in imiquimod (IMQ)‐treated mice. The body weight and serum level of cholesterol were significantly higher in mice fed an HFD than in a regular diet (RD). HFD mice had higher psoriasis skin scores, and the number of neutrophils infiltrating into the lesional skin was elevated. IL‐17A mRNA expression was significantly increased in the skin of IMQ‐treated HFD mice; the expression of IL‐22, IL‐23 and TNF‐α mRNA was not enhanced. Caspase‐1 and IL‐1β were activated in the skin of IMQ‐treated HFD mice, and their serum level of IL‐17A, TNF‐α and IL‐1β was significantly upregulated. Our findings strongly suggest that hyperlipidaemia is involved in the development and progression of psoriasis via systemic inflammation and inflammasome activation.
The F1‐ATPase from Trypanosoma brucei is elaborated by three copies of an additional p18‐subunit
Authors: Gahura Ondřej , Šubrtová Karolína , Váchová Hana , Panicucci Brian , Fearnley Ian M. , Harbour Michael E. , Walker John E. , Zíková Alena
Published: December 2017

The F‐ATPases (also called the F1Fo‐ATPases or ATP synthases) are multi‐subunit membrane‐bound molecular machines that produce ATP in bacteria and in eukaryotic mitochondria and chloroplasts. The structures and enzymic mechanisms of their F1‐catalytic domains are highly conserved in all species investigated hitherto. However, there is evidence that the F‐ATPases from the group of protozoa known as Euglenozoa have novel features. Therefore, we have isolated pure and active F1‐ATPase from the euglenozoan parasite, Trypanosoma brucei, and characterized it. All of the usual eukaryotic subunits (α, β, γ, δ, and ε) were present in the enzyme, and, in addition, two unique features were detected. First, each of the three α‐subunits in the F1‐domain has been cleaved by proteolysis in vivo at two sites eight residues apart, producing two assembled fragments. Second, the T. brucei F1‐ATPase has an additional subunit, called p18, present in three copies per complex. Suppression of expression of p18 affected in vitro growth of both the insect and infectious mammalian forms of T. brucei. It also reduced the levels of monomeric and multimeric F‐ATPase complexes and diminished the in vivo hydrolytic activity of the enzyme significantly. These observations imply that p18 plays a role in the assembly of the F1 domain. These unique features of the F1‐ATPase extend the list of special characteristics of the F‐ATPase from T. brucei, and also, demonstrate that the architecture of the F1‐ATPase complex is not strictly conserved in eukaryotes.
Mortality in acute non‐invasive ventilation
Authors: Smith Dugal B. , Tay George T. P. , Hay Karen , Antony Jijo , Bell Brendan , Kinnear Frances B. , Curtin Deanne L. , Douglas James
Published: December 2017

A prospective study of non‐invasive ventilation at The Prince Charles Hospital outside of the intensive care unit from March 2015 to March 2016 was performed. Overall 69 patients were included. Acute hypercapnic respiratory failure was the most common indication (n = 59; 85%). 49 (71%) had multifactorial respiratory failure. 15 (22%) patients died. Premorbid inability to perform self‐care (P = 0.001) and the combination of mean pH < 7.25 and mean PaCO2 ≥ 75 mmHg within 2 h of NIV initiation (P = 0.037) were significantly associated with mortality. There was a non‐significant association between older age and mortality.
Collecting patient‐reported outcome measures
Authors: Ahern Susannah , Ruseckaite Rasa , Ackerman Ilana N.
Published: December 2017

Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROM) are potentially useful outcome measures that may be reported at the individual clinical, health service and/or health system level. PROM require clearly defined patient populations to enable comparisons, and are most meaningful when integrated with clinical data sets. Where possible PROM should be measured pre‐ and post‐intervention using reliable and validated tools. A variety of PROM collection methods exist which each have strengths and limitations, with selection depending on their purpose and patient factors. PROM programmes should be developed with high levels of clinician support and patient input to maximise collection of clinically relevant information.
Paradoxical psoriasiform reactions of anti‐tumour necrosis factor therapy in inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Peer Faseeha C. , Miller Andrew , Pavli Paul , Subramaniam Kavitha
Published: December 2017

Anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents have demonstrated efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cutaneous reactions such as new onset psoriasis or psoriasiform‐like reactions are among the most common adverse reactions. We retrospectively identified cases of anti‐TNF‐induced psoriasis or psoriasiform manifestations in IBD patients at a tertiary centre in Australia. A total of 10 (six females) of 270 (3.7%) IBD patients treated with anti‐TNF therapy developed drug‐induced psoriatic or psoriasiform‐like reactions: five patients were treated with infliximab and five with adalimumab; nine had Crohn disease. The time from initiation of anti‐TNF agent to onset of rash was 7.5 months on average. The most frequent distributions were the scalp (7/10) and extremities (6/10). Three patients discontinued anti‐TNF treatment with resolution of the rash. Topical treatment of the lesions allowed continued use of biological agent in the majority. Paradoxical psoriatic lesions are recognised adverse events associated with anti‐TNF therapy, but discontinuation of therapy due to dermatological complications is required only rarely, even in patients with psoriasiform lesions.
Healthcare‐acquired infections: prevention strategies
Authors: Fernando Shelanah A. , Gray Timothy J. , Gottlieb Thomas
Published: December 2017

Healthcare‐acquired infections (HAI) impact on patient care and have cost implications for the Australian healthcare system. The management of HAI is exacerbated by rising rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Health‐care workers and a contaminated hospital environment are increasingly implicated in the transmission and persistence of multi‐resistant organisms (MRO), as well as other pathogens, such as Clostridium difficile. This has resulted in a timely focus on a range of HAI prevention actions. Core components include antimicrobial stewardship, to reduce overuse and ensure evidence‐based antimicrobial use; infection prevention strategies, to control MRO – particularly methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE) and, more recently, multi‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria; enhanced institutional investment in hand hygiene; hospital cleaning and disinfection; and the development of prescribing guidelines and standards of care. AMR surveillance and comparisons of prescribing are useful feedback activities once effectively communicated to end users. Successful implementation of these strategies requires cultural shifts at local hospital level and, to tackle the serious threat posed by AMR, greater co‐ordination at a national level. HAI prevention needs to be multi‐modal, requires broad healthcare collaboration, and the strong support and accountability of all medical staff.
Intermarriage and the Lifecycle Timing of Migration
Authors: Choi Kate H. , Tienda Marta
Published: December 2017

We document the relative permeability of ethno-racial boundaries between natives and immigrants who arrived at different stages of their lifecycle. The odds of crossing boundaries involving White spouses are highest among child migrants and lowest among adolescent migrants. By contrast, immigrants who arrive at older ages have lower odds of crossing the Black–Hispanic boundary in marriage. These findings illustrate the importance of the lifecycle timing of migration for marital sorting behavior and immigrant integration.
The ‘values journey’ of nursing and midwifery students selected using multiple mini interviews; Year One findings
Authors: Callwood Alison , Bolger Sarah , Allan Helen T.
Published: December 2017

Aim

To explore how adult, child and mental health nursing and midwifery students, selected using multiple mini interviews, describe their ‘values journey’ following exposure to the clinical practice environment.

Background

Values based recruitment (VBR) incorporates assessment of healthcare students’ personal values using approaches like multiple mini interviews. Students’ experience of adjustment to their values during their programme is conceptualized as a ‘values journey’. The impact of VBR in alleviating erosion of personal values remains unclear.

Design

A cross‐professional longitudinal cohort study was commenced at one university in England in 2016 with data collection points at the end of years one, two and three. Non‐probability consecutive sampling resulted in 42 healthcare students (8 adult, 8 child and 9 mental health nursing and 17 midwifery students) taking part.

Methods

Six semi‐structured focus groups were conducted at the end of participants’ Year One (DC1). Data analysis incorporated inductive and deductive approaches in a hybrid synthesis.

Findings

Participants described a ‘values journey’ where their values, particularly communication, courage and wanting to make a difference, were both challenged and retained. Participants personal journeys also acknowledged the: ‘courage it takes to use values’; ‘reality of values in practice’ and ‘need for self‐reflection on values’.

Conclusion

A ‘values journey’ may begin early in a healthcare student's education programme. This is important to recognize so that appropriate interventions designed to support students in higher education and clinical practice can be implemented. The values incorporated in VBR should be continually evaluated for fitness for purpose.
Feelings toward refugees and non‐Muslims in Turkey: The roles of national and religious identifications, and multiculturalism
Authors: Yitmen Şenay , Verkuyten Maykel
Published: December 2017

The current study, conducted in Turkey, examined feelings toward Muslim refugees among Turkish participants (n = 605) in comparison to feelings toward established non‐Muslim national minority groups. Using the social identity perspective, these feelings were examined in relation to national and religious group identifications, and the endorsement of multicultural beliefs. The feelings toward both refugees and minority communities were similarly negative, yet the processes behind these feelings were somewhat different. While stronger national identification was associated with more negative feelings toward Muslim refugees, stronger religious group identification was associated with more negative feelings toward non‐Muslim minority communities. Further, higher endorsement of multiculturalism was associated with less negative feelings toward both refugees and minority communities, but only for relatively low national identifiers.
Local adaptation drives population isolation in a tropical seabird
Authors: Nunes Guilherme Tavares , Bugoni Leandro
Published: December 2017

Aim

Understanding the mechanisms of population isolation in marine top predators is challenging owing to their high mobility and the inherent difficulty in quantifying oceanographic variables. In this study, the worldwide distributed brown booby Sula leucogaster was used to test the potential role of isolation by distance (IBD) and isolation by environment (IBE) in promoting intraspecific diversity.

Location

A heterogeneous seascape in the south‐western Atlantic Ocean, along a latitudinal gradient from 0° to 27°S.

Methods

Population structure was assessed using nine microsatellite loci. Between‐colony geographical distances were used to test IBD, while air temperature, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll α concentration, colony density and isotopic niche width were used to test IBE.

Results

Genetic isolation of a remote small colony was associated with local selective pressures on land and in foraging areas. Clustering of the remaining colonies was explained by seascape differences between neritic and oceanic environments.

Main conclusions

Seabirds can easily overcome large geographical distances, but their dispersal ability seems to be lower than their mobility. In this context, gene flow can be disrupted even between relatively close colonies if there are strong selective pressures. Local adaptation and IBE seems to be most plausible explanation for patterns found in brown boobies; this is particularly noticeable for birds at a small offshore archipelago, for which the identification of the key selective forces shaping genetic and phenotypic differences is the main issue.
Power Doppler ultrasound assessment of vascularization in hidradenitis suppurativa lesions
Authors: Caposiena Caro R.D. , Solivetti F.M. , Bianchi L.
Published: December 2017

Background

Ultrasound (US) and Power Doppler (PD) US are useful tools to study and monitor the patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Objective

Describe the PD signal of HS nodules, abscesses and fistulas.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of PD in mild, moderate and severe HS patients, collecting all demographic and clinical data. The lesions were classified according to their US morphology, describing the vascular degree – high, moderate and minimal – and distribution – peripheral, internal and mixed. Statistical analysis was performed using odds ratio and bivariate regression.

Results

A total of 241 lesions, 62 nodules, 64 abscesses, 99 simple fistulas and 16 complex fistulas, from 61 patients with HS, were included. Vascular distribution was defined peripheral in 143/241, mixed in 55/241 and internal in 0/241 lesions, regardless the clinical type. Qualitative Doppler showed high vascularization in 44/241 lesions, moderate in 79/241 and minimal in 75/241, despite the clinical type. All lesions showed resistive index <0.7. Age, disease's duration, size of the lesions, high Sartorius score and high BMI showed positive statistical correlation with both PD signal and mixed vascular distribution. No statistical significance was evidenced for vascular degree measurements.

Limitations

US cannot detect lesions <0.1 mm.

Conclusion

Vascular distribution of HS lesions can be evaluated by PD with additional relevant information for earlier and better disease management.
Factors affecting estimates of size at age and growth in grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus from the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Allman R. J. , Patterson W. F. , Fioramonti C. L. , Pacicco A. E.
Published: December 2017

Growth zones in dorsal spines of grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus from the northern Gulf of Mexico were utilized to estimate growth and examine factors that may affect estimates of size at age. Age was estimated from dorsal‐spine sections of 4687 individuals sampled from U.S. waters during 2003–2013, including both fishery‐independent (n = 1312) and fishery‐dependent (n = 3375) samples. Ninety‐six per cent (n = 4498) of these sections were deemed suitable for ageing; average per cent error between two independent readers was 10·8%. Fork length (LF) ranged from 65 to 697 mm and age estimates from 0 to 14 years. Both sex and sample source (fishery‐independent v. recreational) significantly affected estimated size at age for 2–6 year‐old fish. Data were pooled between sources to fit sex‐specific von Bertalanffy growth functions. Results for the female model were L∞ = 387 mm LF, k = 0·52 year−1 and t0 = 0·01 year, while for males L∞ = 405 mm LF, k = 0·55 year−1 and t0 = 0·02 year. These results were significantly different between sexes and indicate clear sexual dimorphism. Thus, growth should be modelled separately by sex when examining population parameters or conducting stock assessment modelling. The positive bias in estimates of size at age computed for recreational v. fishery‐independent samples also has clear implications for stock assessment as growth functions computed with fishery‐dependent samples would tend to overestimate stock productivity.
Method for hull‐less barley transformation and manipulation of grain mixed‐linkage beta‐glucan
Authors: Lim Wai Li , Collins Helen M. , Singh Rohan R. , Kibble Natalie A. J. , Yap Kuok , Taylor Jillian , Fincher Geoffrey B. , Burton Rachel A.
Published: December 2017

Hull‐less barley is increasingly offering scope for breeding grains with improved characteristics for human nutrition; however, recalcitrance of hull‐less cultivars to transformation has limited the use of these varieties. To overcome this limitation, we sought to develop an effective transformation system for hull‐less barley using the cultivar Torrens. Torrens yielded a transformation efficiency of 1.8%, using a modified Agrobacterium transformation method. This method was used to over‐express genes encoding synthases for the important dietary fiber component, (1,3;1,4)‐β‐glucan (mixed‐linkage glucan), primarily present in starchy endosperm cell walls. Over‐expression of the HvCslF6 gene, driven by an endosperm‐specific promoter, produced lines where mixed‐linkage glucan content increased on average by 45%, peaking at 70% in some lines, with smaller increases in transgenic HvCslH1 grain. Transgenic HvCslF6 lines displayed alterations where grain had a darker color, were more easily crushed than wild type and were smaller. This was associated with an enlarged cavity in the central endosperm and changes in cell morphology, including aleurone and sub‐aleurone cells. This work provides proof‐of‐concept evidence that mixed‐linkage glucan content in hull‐less barley grain can be increased by over‐expression of the HvCslF6 gene, but also indicates that hull‐less cultivars may be more sensitive to attempts to modify cell wall composition.
Short‐Selling Risk
Authors: ENGELBERG JOSEPH E. , REED ADAM V. , RINGGENBERG MATTHEW C.
Published: December 2017

Short sellers face unique risks, such as the risk that stock loans become expensive and the risk that stock loans are recalled. We show that short‐selling risk affects prices among the cross‐section of stocks. Stocks with more short‐selling risk have lower returns, less price efficiency, and less short selling.
Acute effect of multiple ozone metrics on mortality by season in 34 Chinese counties in 2013–2015
Authors: Sun Q. , Wang W. , Chen C. , Ban J. , Xu D. , Zhu P. , He M. Z. , Li T.
Published: December 2017

Background

Although numerous multicentre studies have estimated the association between ozone exposure and mortality, there are currently no nationally representative multicentre studies of the ozone–mortality relationship in China.

Objective

To investigate the effect on total (nonaccidental) and cause‐specific mortality of short‐term exposure to ambient ozone, and examine different exposure metrics.

Methods

The effects of short‐term exposure to ozone were analysed using various metrics (daily 1‐h maximum, daily 8‐h maximum and daily average) on total (nonaccidental) and cause‐specific (circulatory and respiratory) mortality from 2013 to 2015 in 34 counties in 10 cities across China. We used distributed lag nonlinear models for estimating county‐specific relative risk of mortality and combined the county‐specific relative rates by conducting a random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

In all‐year analyses, a 10 μg m−3 increase in daily average, daily 1‐h maximum and daily 8‐h maximum ozone at lag02 corresponded to an increase of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.33, 0.88), 0.26% (95% CI: 0.12, 0.39) and 0.37% (95% CI: 0.2, 0.55) in total (nonaccidental) mortality, 0.66% (95% CI: 0.28, 1.04), 0.31% (95% CI: 0.11, 0.51) and 0.39% (95% CI: 0.16, 0.62) in circulatory mortality, and 0.57% (95% CI: −0.09, 1.23), 0.11% (95% CI: −0.22, 0.44) and 0.22% (95% CI: −0.28, 0.72) in respiratory mortality, respectively. These estimates had a different seasonal pattern by cause of death. In general, the seasonal patterns were consistent with the times of year when ozone concentrations are highest.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in China, the acute effects of ozone are more closely related to daily average exposure than any other metric.
Self–other agreement in personality traits and profiles across cultures: A multirater, multiscale study in Blacks and Whites in South Africa
Authors: Fetvadjiev Velichko H. , Meiring Deon , van de Vijver Fons J. R. , Nel J. Alewyn , De Kock François
Published: December 2017

Objective

Despite the importance of self–other agreement for the validity of trait models, few studies have assessed cultural differences systematically. We examined self–other agreement in traits and profiles in the more collectivistic Black group and the more individualistic White group in South Africa.

Method

Participants were 172 Black and 198 White students, and one relative and one friend of each student. Participants completed a behavior‐based and a trait‐adjective‐based inventory.

Results

Aggregated across traits and raters, there were no cultural differences in trait agreement. However, agreement was stronger for social‐relational concepts in Blacks and for personal growth concepts in Whites, providing moderate support for the hypothesis of stronger agreement on culturally more salient traits. Trait agreement was stronger in Blacks' relatives and Whites' friends, but there was no such interaction in profile agreement. The differences in profile agreement (higher in Whites than in Blacks) involved normative agreement and were mediated by dialecticism (higher in Blacks) and social desirability (higher in Whites). Results with the two inventories were similar.

Conclusions

In the framework of trait consistency research, cultural differences in self–other agreement may be limited compared to differences in perceived trait consistency, although sizable compared to differences in actual behavior consistency.
Researchers Supporting Schools to Improve Health: Influential Factors and Outcomes of Knowledge Brokering in the COMPASS Study
Authors: Brown Kristin M. , Elliott Susan J. , Leatherdale Scott T.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Although schools are considered opportune settings for youth health interventions, a gap between school health research and practice exists. COMPASS, a longitudinal study of Ontario and Alberta secondary students and schools (2012–2021), used integrated knowledge translation to enhance schools' uptake of research findings. Schools received annual summaries of their students' health behaviors and suggestions for action, and were linked with COMPASS knowledge brokers to support them in making changes to improve student health. This research examines the factors that influenced schools' participation in knowledge brokering and associated outcomes.

METHODS

School‐ and student‐level data from the first 3 years of the COMPASS study (2012–2013; 2013–2014; 2014–2015) were used to examine factors that influenced knowledge brokering participation, school‐level changes, and school‐aggregated student health behaviors.

RESULTS

Both school characteristics and study‐related factors influenced schools' participation in knowledge brokering. Knowledge brokering participation was significantly associated with school‐level changes related to healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco programming, but the impact of those changes was not evident at the aggregate student level.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge brokering provided a platform for collaboration between researchers and school practitioners, and led to school‐level changes. These findings can inform future researcher‐school practitioner partnerships to ultimately enhance student health.
Healthy and Ready to Learn: Effects of a School‐Based Public Health Insurance Outreach Program for Kindergarten‐Aged Children
Authors: Jenkins Jade Marcus
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Rates of child insurance coverage have increased due to expansions in public programs, but many eligible children remain uninsured. Uninsured children are less likely to receive preventative care, which leads to poorer health and achievement in the long term. This study is an evaluation of a school‐based health insurance outreach initiative, “Healthy and Ready to Learn,” aiming to identify and enroll uninsured kindergarteners in areas of high economic need in 16 counties in North Carolina.

METHODS

Regression discontinuity design and difference‐in‐differences analyses were used to estimate the effect of the initiative on Medicaid and CHIP enrollment (primary outcome) and preventive care use (well‐child visits; secondary outcome). Focus groups and key‐informant interviews were conducted to assess best practices and identify barriers to outreach for child enrollment.

RESULTS

The initiative increased enrollment rates by 12.2% points and increased well‐child exam rates by 8.6% points in the RD models, but not differences‐in‐differences, and did not significantly increase well‐child visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings demonstrate the potential benefits of using schools as a point of intervention in enrolling young children in public health insurance and as a source of trusted information for low‐income parents.
Association of School‐Based Physical Activity Opportunities, Socioeconomic Status, and Third‐Grade Reading
Authors: Kern Ben D. , Graber Kim C. , Shen Sa , Hillman Charles H. , McLoughlin Gabriella
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic status (SES) is the most accurate predictor of academic performance in US schools. Third‐grade reading is highly predictive of high school graduation. Chronic physical activity (PA) is shown to improve cognition and academic performance. We hypothesized that school‐based PA opportunities (recess and physical education) would moderate the negative association between SES and third‐grade reading.

METHODS

Schools serving third‐grade students were surveyed (N = 1279) for minutes/week of PA opportunities. Allotted weekly PA time and achievement data from participating schools (N = 784) were recorded and analyzed. To test the moderator hypothesis, moderated multiple regression analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The interaction of PA opportunities and SES explained a significant increase in variance in third‐grade reading (b = .053, p < .001), thus moderating the relationship between SES and third‐grade reading. Further analysis showed that schools offering greater than 225 minutes/week of PA opportunities experienced a greater (+5%) moderating effect.

CONCLUSION

School‐based PA opportunities positively moderate the relationship between SES and third‐grade reading, and lowest SES schools experience greater moderating effects. Future research should consider PA opportunities as a moderator of the SES‐academic achievement relationship, and school policy makers should consider the influence that PA opportunities have on student achievement at varying SES levels.
Melatonin alleviates weanling stress in mice: Involvement of intestinal microbiota
Authors: Ren Wenkai , Wang Peng , Yan Jiameng , Liu Gang , Zeng Benhua , Hussain Tarique , Peng Can , Yin Jie , Li Tiejun , Wei Hong , Zhu Guoqiang , Reiter Russel J. , Tan Bie , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2017

Melatonin influences intestinal microbiota and the pathogenesis of various diseases. This study was conducted to explore whether melatonin alleviates weanling stress through intestinal microbiota in a weanling mouse model. Melatonin supplementation in weanling mice (provided in the drinking water at a dosage of 0.2 mg/mL for 2 weeks) significantly improved body weight gain (1.4 ± 0.03 g/day in melatonin group vs 1.2 ± 0.06 g/day in control group) and intestinal morphology (ie, villus length, crypt depth, and villus to crypt ratio), but had little effect on the proliferation or apoptosis of intestinal cells, the numbers of Paneth cells and goblet cells, as well as the expression of makers related to enterocytes (sucrase) and endocrine cells (chromogranin A and peptide YY) in the ileum. Melatonin supplementation had little effect on serum levels of amino acids or stress‐related parameters (eg, SOD, TNF‐α, and angiotensin I). 16S rRNA sequencing suggested that melatonin supplementation increased the richness indices of intestinal microbiota (observed species, Chao 1, and ACE) and shaped the composition of intestinal microbiota (eg, increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus [19 ± 3% in melatonin group vs 6 ± 2% in control group]), which was demonstrated using an ex vivo proliferation assay and colonic loop proliferation assay. Melatonin supplementation also significantly influenced the metabolism of intestinal microbiota, such as amino acid metabolism and drug metabolism. More importantly, in antibiotic‐treated weanling mice and germ‐free weanling mice, melatonin failed to affect body weight gain or intestinal morphology. Melatonin significantly reduced (by about 60%) the bacterial load in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)‐infected weanling mice, but had little effect on ETEC load in antibiotic‐pretreated animals. In conclusion, melatonin affects body weight gain, intestinal morphology, and intestinal ETEC infection through intestinal microbiota in weanling mice. The findings highlight the importance of intestinal microbiota in mediating the various physiological functions of melatonin in the host.
Rice histone deacetylase 10 and Arabidopsis histone deacetylase 14 genes encode N‐acetylserotonin deacetylase, which catalyzes conversion of N‐acetylserotonin into serotonin, a reverse reaction for melatonin biosynthesis in plants
Authors: Lee Kyungjin , Lee Hyoung Yool , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: December 2017

In plants, melatonin production is strictly regulated, unlike the production of its precursor, serotonin, which is highly inducible in response to stimuli, such as senescence and pathogen exposure. Exogenous serotonin treatment does not greatly induce the production of N‐acetylserotonin (NAS) and melatonin in plants, which suggests the possible existence of one or more regulatory genes in the pathway for the biosynthesis of melatonin from serotonin. In this report, we found that NAS was rapidly and abundantly converted into serotonin in rice seedlings, indicating the presence of an N‐acetylserotonin deacetylase (ASDAC). To clone the putative ASDAC gene, we screened 4 genes that were known as histone deacetylase (HDAC) genes, but encoded proteins targeted into chloroplasts or mitochondria rather than nuclei. Of 4 recombinant Escherichia coli strains expressing these genes, one E. coli strain expressing the rice HDAC10 gene was found to be capable of producing serotonin in response to treatment with NAS. The recombinant purified rice HDAC10 (OsHDAC10) protein exhibited ASDAC enzyme activity toward NAS, N‐acetyltyramine (NAT), N‐acetyltryptamine, and melatonin, with the highest ASDAC activity for NAT. In addition, its Arabidopsis ortholog, AtHDAC14, showed similar ASDAC activity to that of OsHDAC10. Both OsHDAC10 and AtHDAC14 were found to be expressed in chloroplasts. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that ASDAC homologs were present in archaea, but not in cyanobacteria, which differs from the distribution of serotonin N‐acetyltransferase (SNAT). This suggests that SNAT and ASDAC may have evolved differently from ancestral eukaryotic cells.
Combination of melatonin and rapamycin for head and neck cancer therapy: Suppression of AKT/mTOR pathway activation, and activation of mitophagy and apoptosis via mitochondrial function regulation
Authors: Shen Ying‐Qiang , Guerra‐Librero Ana , Fernandez‐Gil Beatriz I. , Florido Javier , García‐López Sergio , Martinez‐Ruiz Laura , Mendivil‐Perez Miguel , Soto‐Mercado Viviana , Acuña‐Castroviejo Darío , Ortega‐Arellano Hector , Carriel Victor , Diaz‐Casado María E. , Reiter Russel J. , Rusanova Iryna , Nieto Ana , López Luis C. , Escames Germaine
Published: December 2017

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) clearly involves activation of the Akt mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway. However, the effectiveness of treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin is often limited by chemoresistance. Melatonin suppresses neoplastic growth via different mechanisms in a variety of tumours. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of melatonin on rapamycin‐induced HNSCC cell death and to identify potential cross‐talk pathways. We analysed the dose‐dependent effects of melatonin in rapamycin‐treated HNSCC cell lines (Cal‐27 and SCC‐9). These cells were treated with 0.1, 0.5 or 1 mmol/L melatonin combined with 20 nM rapamycin. We further examined the potential synergistic effects of melatonin with rapamycin in Cal‐27 xenograft mice. Relationships between inhibition of the mTOR pathway, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis and mitophagy reportedly increased the cytotoxic effects of rapamycin in HNSCC. Our results demonstrated that combined treatment with rapamycin and melatonin blocked the negative feedback loop from the specific downstream effector of mTOR activation S6K1 to Akt signalling, which decreased cell viability, proliferation and clonogenic capacity. Interestingly, combined treatment with rapamycin and melatonin‐induced changes in mitochondrial function, which were associated with increased ROS production, increasing apoptosis and mitophagy. This led to increase cell death and cellular differentiation. Our data further indicated that melatonin administration reduced rapamycin‐associated toxicity to healthy cells. Overall, our findings suggested that melatonin could be used as an adjuvant agent with rapamycin, improving effectiveness while minimizing its side effects.
The yin and yang of KV channels in cerebral small vessel pathologies
Authors: Koide Masayo , Moshkforoush Arash , Tsoukias Nikolaos M. , Hill‐Eubanks David C. , Wellman George C. , Nelson Mark T. , Dabertrand Fabrice
Published: December 2017

Cerebral SVDs encompass a group of genetic and sporadic pathological processes leading to brain lesions, cognitive decline, and stroke. There is no specific treatment for SVDs, which progress silently for years before becoming clinically symptomatic. Here, we examine parallels in the functional defects of PAs in CADASIL, a monogenic form of SVD, and in response to SAH, a common type of hemorrhagic stroke that also targets the brain microvasculature. Both animal models exhibit dysregulation of the voltage‐gated potassium channel, KV1, in arteriolar myocytes, an impairment that compromises responses to vasoactive stimuli and impacts CBF autoregulation and local dilatory responses to neuronal activity (NVC). However, the extent to which this channelopathy‐like defect ultimately contributes to these pathologies is unknown. Combining experimental data with computational modeling, we describe the role of KV1 channels in the regulation of myocyte membrane potential at rest and during the modest increase in extracellular potassium associated with NVC. We conclude that PA resting membrane potential and myogenic tone depend strongly on KV1.2/1.5 channel density, and that reciprocal changes in KV channel density in CADASIL and SAH produce opposite effects on extracellular potassium‐mediated dilation during NVC.
Improved recovery of ancient DNA from subfossil wood – application to the world's oldest Late Glacial pine forest
Authors: Lendvay Bertalan , Hartmann Martin , Brodbeck Sabine , Nievergelt Daniel , Reinig Frederick , Zoller Stefan , Parducci Laura , Gugerli Felix , Büntgen Ulf , Sperisen Christoph
Published: December 2017

Ancient DNA from historical and subfossil wood has a great potential to provide new insights into the history of tree populations. However, its extraction and analysis have not become routine, mainly because contamination of the wood with modern plant material can complicate the verification of genetic information.

Here, we used sapwood tissue from 22 subfossil pines that were growing c. 13 000 yr bp in Zurich, Switzerland. We developed and evaluated protocols to eliminate surface contamination, and we tested ancient DNA authenticity based on plastid DNA metabarcoding and the assessment of post‐mortem DNA damage.

A novel approach using laser irradiation coupled with bleaching and surface removal was most efficient in eliminating contaminating DNA. DNA metabarcoding confirmed which ancient DNA samples repeatedly amplified pine DNA and were free of exogenous plant taxa. Pine DNA sequences of these samples showed a high degree of cytosine to thymine mismatches, typical of post‐mortem damage.

Stringent decontamination of wood surfaces combined with DNA metabarcoding and assessment of post‐mortem DNA damage allowed us to authenticate ancient DNA retrieved from the oldest Late Glacial pine forest. These techniques can be applied to any subfossil wood and are likely to improve the accessibility of relict wood for genome‐scale ancient DNA studies.
The function of two type II metacaspases in woody tissues of Populus trees
Authors: Bollhöner Benjamin , Jokipii‐Lukkari Soile , Bygdell Joakim , Stael Simon , Adriasola Mathilda , Muñiz Luis , Van Breusegem Frank , Ezcurra Inés , Wingsle Gunnar , Tuominen Hannele
Published: December 2017

Metacaspases (MCs) are cysteine proteases that are implicated in programmed cell death of plants. AtMC9 (Arabidopsis thaliana Metacaspase9) is a member of the Arabidopsis MC family that controls the rapid autolysis of the xylem vessel elements, but its downstream targets in xylem remain uncharacterized.

PttMC13 and PttMC14 were identified as AtMC9 homologs in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × tremuloides). A proteomic analysis was conducted in xylem tissues of transgenic hybrid aspen trees which carried either an overexpression or an RNA interference construct for PttMC13 and PttMC14.

The proteomic analysis revealed modulation of levels of both previously known targets of metacaspases, such as Tudor staphylococcal nuclease, heat shock proteins and 14‐3‐3 proteins, as well as novel proteins, such as homologs of the PUTATIVE ASPARTIC PROTEASE3 (PASPA3) and the cysteine protease RD21 by PttMC13 and PttMC14.

We identified here the pathways and processes that are modulated by PttMC13 and PttMC14 in xylem tissues. In particular, the results indicate involvement of PttMC13 and/or PttMC14 in downstream proteolytic processes and cell death of xylem elements. This work provides a valuable reference dataset on xylem‐specific metacaspase functions for future functional and biochemical analyses.
Leveraging Big Data to Balance New Key Performance Indicators in Emergency Physician Management Networks
Authors: Foster Krista , Penninti Pooja , Shang Jennifer , Kekre Sunder , Hegde Gajanan G. , Venkat Arvind
Published: December 2017

Managing emergency physicians is a complex task and has increasingly intensified with the recent consolidation of many emergency departments (EDs). Large‐scale physician groups are facing challenges in resource deployment and performance evaluation. To objectively evaluate physicians across facilities, we leverage big data from an emergency physician management network and propose data‐driven metrics using a large‐scale database consisting of 84 hospitals, 1,079 physicians, and 10,615,879 patient visits in 14 states over 600,000 clinical shifts from 2010 to 2014. To ensure physicians are fairly evaluated and compensated within diverse facilities, we propose an index system and use clustering to help identify factors which might impact physician performance. The proposed indices benchmark physicians from the perspectives of revenue potential, patient volume, patient complexity, and patient experience by controlling for exogenous factors at the facility level. We empirically show the volume and complexity indices are key elements of the revenue potential index, and use two‐stage least squares regression to relate volume and complexity and uncover their drivers. Revenue potential and patient experience are found to be positively correlated, which suggests productive physicians are often liked by their patients. Through implementing the proposed evaluation system, administrators can better manage and incentivize physicians and provide directions for performance improvement, while controlling for location idiosyncrasies. The proposed framework can also be adapted to non‐medical professional settings such as value chains, where employees often provide services in various profit‐ and cost‐centers.
Intergenerational transfers, demographic transition, and altruism: Problems in developing Asia
Authors: Koda Yoshitaka , Uruyos Manachaya
Published: December 2017

This paper develops a three‐period overlapping‐generations model where middle‐aged agents care about not only their own lifetime utility but also their old parents' and children's well‐being. The doubly altruistic agents choose amounts of intergenerational transfers to their old parents and children as well as private savings. The government specifies amounts of public transfers from working adults to the dependents. The model also takes the effects of demographic transition on the burdens of supporting the elderly and children into account. Using 23 countries' data from the National Transfer Accounts (NTA), we estimate the degrees of filial and parental altruism and adjust them for their respective life expectancy and fertility rates. The findings suggest that people in developing countries are more parentally altruistic than those in developed ones while the adjusted degree of filial altruism tends to be low in developing Asia. Our welfare analyses reveal that the developing Asian countries must introduce more comprehensive public welfare programs for the elderly to maximize social welfare. Moreover, their low adjusted degree of filial altruism may trap the developing Asian countries at the low levels of public old‐age support and social welfare as the further demographic transition ensues.
Supply‐chain trade and labor market outcomes: The case of the 2004 European Union enlargement
Authors: Kaplan Lennart C. , Kohl Tristan , Martínez‐Zarzoso Inmaculada
Published: December 2017

The structure of international trade is increasingly characterized by fragmentation of production processes and trade policy. Yet, how trade policy affects supply‐chain trade is largely unexplored territory. This paper shows how the accession of 10 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) to the European Union affected European supply‐chain trade. We find that accession primarily fostered CEECs’ integration in global value chains of other entrants. Smaller integration benefits stem for East–West trade in services for lower‐skill activities. These increases in value‐added exports translate into sizeable job creation.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*13:98 allele in a Chinese individual
Authors: Chen N.‐Y. , Zhao S.‐X. , Dong L.‐N. , Xu J. , Zhu F.‐M.
Published: December 2017

HLA‐B*13:98 differs from HLA‐B*13:02:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 193 A>G.
Predictive value of C‐reactive protein for tuberculosis, bloodstream infection or death among HIV‐infected individuals with chronic, non‐specific symptoms and negative sputum smear microscopy
Authors: Bedell Richard A. , van Lettow Monique , Meaney Christopher , Corbett Elizabeth L. , Chan Adrienne K. , Heyderman Robert S. , Anderson Suzanne T. , Åkesson Ann , Kumwenda Moses , Zachariah Rony , Harries Anthony D. , Ramsay Andrew R.
Published: December 2017

Background

C‐reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory biomarker that may identify patients at risk of infections or death. Mortality among HIV‐infected persons commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART) is often attributed to tuberculosis (TB) or bloodstream infections (BSI).

Methods

In two district hospitals in southern Malawi, we recruited HIV‐infected adults with one or more unexplained symptoms present for at least one month (weight loss, fever or diarrhoea) and negative expectorated sputum microscopy for TB. CRP determination for 452 of 469 (96%) participants at study enrolment was analysed for associations with TB, BSI or death to 120 days post‐enrolment.

Results

Baseline CRP was significantly elevated among patients with confirmed or probable TB (52), BSI (50) or death (60) compared to those with no identified infection who survived at least 120 days (269). A CRP value of >10 mg/L was associated with confirmed or probable TB (adjusted odds ratio 5.7; 95% CI 2.6, 14.3; 87% sensitivity) or death by 30 days (adjusted odds ratio 9.2; 95% CI 2.2, 55.1; 88% sensitivity). CRP was independently associated with TB, BSI or death, but the prediction of these endpoints was enhanced by including haemoglobin (all outcomes), CD4 count (BSI, death) and whether ART was started (death) in logistic regression models.

Conclusion

High CRP at the time of ART initiation is associated with TB, BSI and early mortality and so has potential utility for stratifying patients for intensified clinical and laboratory investigation and follow‐up. They may also be considered for empirical treatment of opportunistic infections including TB.