bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of soil microbial communities to altered precipitation: A global synthesis
Authors: Zhou Zhenghu , Wang Chuankuan , Luo Yiqi
Published: July 2018

Aim

Climate change intensifies the hydrological cycle and consequently alters precipitation regimes. Accurately assessing future carbon (C) budgets depends on understanding the influence of altered precipitation on both aboveground C cycling and belowground processes. Our goal was to explore generalities and mechanisms of responses of soil microbial communities to altered precipitation and implications for C cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.

Location

Global.

Time period

2001–2017.

Major taxa studied

Soil microbes.

Methods

We used the meta‐analytical technique to synthesize data of 41 increased (IPPT) and 53 decreased precipitation (DPPT) studies from 65 publications worldwide. The data covered broad variations in climate, percentage of precipitation change, experimental duration and soil properties.

Results

The fungi to bacteria ratio did not show a water‐tolerant shift, but the community compositions within the bacteria did. Microbial biomass showed a higher response to moderate IPPT than moderate DPPT, whereas it was more sensitive to extreme DPPT than extreme IPPT, suggesting that the responses of microbial biomass to altered precipitation are double asymmetric. However, such asymmetric responses of microbial biomass varied with climate humidity and soil texture: microbial biomass was more sensitive to IPPT at xeric sites than at mesic sites, whereas it was more responsive to DPPT in humid areas; microbial biomass in coarse‐textured soils was more sensitive to altered precipitation than that in fine‐textured soils. In addition, microbial response was positively correlated with the responses of aboveground/belowground plant biomass, soil respiration and organic C content.

Main conclusions

Our meta‐analysis provides the first evidence that the asymmetric response of microbial biomass to altered precipitation varies with climate humidity and soil texture. Given the coordinated responses in the plant–soil–microorganism C continuum, our synthesis extends the double asymmetric model and provides a framework for understanding and modelling responses of ecosystem C cycling to global precipitation change.
Comparison of Löwenstein–Jensen and BACTEC MGIT 960 culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in people living with HIV
Authors: Hongler J , Musaazi J , Ledergerber B , Eberhard N , Sekaggya‐Wiltshire C , Keller PM , Fehr J , Castelnuovo B
Published: July 2018

Objectives

The aim of the study was to clarify how HIV infection affects tuberculosis liquid and solid culture results in a resource‐limited setting.

Methods

We used baseline data from the Study on Outcomes Related to Tuberculosis and HIV Drug Concentrations in Uganda (SOUTH), which included 268 HIV/tuberculosis (TB)‐coinfected individuals. Culture results from Löwenstein–Jensen (LJ) solid culture and mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) liquid culture systems and culture‐based correlates for bacillary density from the sputum of HIV/TB‐coinfected individuals at baseline were analysed.

Results

Of 268 participants, 243 had a CD4 cell count available and were included in this analysis; 72.2% of cultures showed growth on solid culture and 82.2% in liquid culture systems (P < 0.015). A higher CD4 cell count was predictive of LJ positivity [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.25 per 50 cells/μL increase; P = 0.008]. The same, but insignificant trend was observed for MGIT positivity (adjusted OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.99–1.211 per 50 cells/μL increase; P = 0.094). A higher CD4 cell count was associated with a higher LJ colony‐forming unit grade (adjusted OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.05–1.25 per 50 cells/μL increase; P = 0.011) and a shorter time to MGIT positivity [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.08; 95% CI 1.04–1.12 per 50 cells/μL increase; P < 0.001].

Conclusions

In a resource‐limited setting, the MGIT liquid culture system outperformed LJ solid culture in terms of culture yield and dependence on CD4 cell counts in HIV/TB‐coinfected individuals. We therefore suggest considering an adaptation of diagnostic algorithms: when resources allow only one culture method to be performed, we recommend that MGIT liquid culture should be used exclusively in HIV‐positive individuals as a first‐line culture method, to reduce costs and make TB culture results accessible to more patients in resource‐limited settings.
Similar long‐term efficacy of dual therapy containing raltegravir and a boosted protease inhibitor versus standard triple therapies in pretreated HIV‐1‐infected patients in a retrospective, real‐life cohort of 14 years
Authors: Krznaric I , Bickel M , Carganico A , De Leuw P , Haberl A , Knecht G , Koegl C , Lauscher P , Schüttfort G , Stephan C , Wolf E , Wolf T
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Raltegravir is used in many antiretroviral combinations, but its use in treatment‐experienced patients without knowledge of baseline resistance is discussed controversially as a number of comparative studies have shown a higher rate of virological failure. However, it has been used frequently for the management of treatment failure, as it was the first integrase inhibitor to become available, and thus offered new options for patients with multiple resistance. The strategic use of raltegravir in this setting is examined in this study.

Methods

In order to examine the efficacy of raltegravir in second and later lines of antiretroviral combinations, data for 740 patients from three clinical cohorts were analysed with a focus on the combinations that were used. These were stratified into the combination of two nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and raltegravir (2NRTIs + RAL), the combination of a boosted protease inhibitor and raltegravir (bPI + RAL), and other raltegravir‐containing combinations.

Results

The overall rate of virological suppression to < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL was 69.5%. Although the baseline rate of virological suppression was higher for 2NRTIs + RAL than for the other strata, the outcomes were similar for all three groups at weeks 24, 48, 72 and 96.

Conclusions

These data indicate that, in a real‐life setting, raltegravir can be used with a high virological success rate in treatment‐experienced patients, and that the different combinations analysed (2NRTIs + RAL, bPI + RAL and others) show comparable rates of virological suppression.
Geochronology, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of Late Triassic volcanic rocks of the Hadataolegai Formation, central Great Xing'an Range, Northeast China
Authors: Tang Zong‐Yuan , Sun De‐You , Gou Jun , Yang Dong‐Guang
Published: July 2018

In this study, new geochemical, zircon U–Pb, and Lu–Hf isotopic data are presented for volcanics from the Hadataolegai Formation of the central Great Xing'an Range (GXR) in Northeast China. These new data offer insights into the petrogenesis of the volcanics of the Hadataolegai Formation and the tectonic evolution of the Paleo–Asian Ocean (PAO) and Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean (MOO). These volcanics of the Hadataolegai Formation are divided into andesite‐trachyandesites and dacite‐trachydacites. Zircon U–Pb ages show that the volcanics of the Hadataolegai Formation erupted between 230 Ma and 228 Ma during the Late Triassic, which agrees with recently obtained data. The volcanic rocks in this study have low Y (9.9–21.1 ppm) and Yb (0.78–2.02 ppm) contents, high Sr (444–954 ppm) contents, and slight Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.82 to 0.94), similar to ‘adakite‐like’ rocks. The dacites were formed by fractional crystallization of coeval andesitic magmas. The zircons within the andesite and trachyandesite yield higher positive εHf(t) values (+6.3 to +12.0) and model ages (TDM2) between 860 Ma and 453 Ma, which indicates that the magmas were generated by a newly accreted continental crustal source. Moreover, some of the volcanics are relatively high in MgO contents. These characteristics indicate that the volcanic magmas were derived from the partial melting of delaminated lower crust and mixing with mantle materials. Combining these data with previous studies, we suggest that the magmatism in the central GXR was governed by extension due to the closure of the PAO and the back‐arc extension associated with the southward subduction of the MOO plate (western GXR, near the Erguna Block).
Age composition of winter irruptive Snowy Owls in North America
Authors: Santonja Pablo , Mestre Irene , Weidensaul Scott , Brinker David , Huy Steve , Smith Norman , Mcdonald Tom , Blom Mike , Zazelenchuck Dan , Weber Drew , Gauthier Gilles , Lecomte Nicolas , Therrien Jean‐François
Published: July 2018

Patterns of winter irruptions in several owl species apparently follow the ‘lack of food’ hypothesis, which predicts that individuals leave their breeding grounds in search of food when prey populations do not allow breeding and are too small to ensure survival. Recent analyses, however, suggest an alternative mechanism dubbed the ‘breeding success’ hypothesis, which predicts that winter irruptions might instead be the result of a very successful breeding season, with a large pool of young birds subsequently migrating south from the breeding grounds. Here we assessed age‐class (juvenile vs. non‐juvenile) composition of winter irruptive Snowy OwlsBubo scandiacusover a 25‐year period (winter 1991–1992 to 2015–2016) between regular (North American Prairies and Great Plains) and irregular wintering areas (northeastern North America) using live‐trapped individuals and high‐resolution images of individual owls. Our results show that the proportion of juveniles (birds less than 1 year of age) varies considerably annually but is positively correlated with irruption intensity in both regions. In irregular wintering areas, it can constitute the majority (up to more than 90%) of winter irruptive Snowy Owls over a large geographical area. These results are consistent with the idea that large winter irruptions at temperate latitudes are not the result of adults massively leaving the Arctic in search of food after a breeding failure but are more likely to be a consequence of good reproductive conditions in the Arctic that create a large pool of winter migrants.
Factors associated with internal audit's involvement in environmental and social assurance and consulting
Authors: Soh Dominic S.B. , Martinov‐Bennie Nonna
Published: July 2018

Despite evidence of internal audit's expanding role in sustainability matters, there is limited understanding of factors associated with the extent of internal audit's involvement in these areas. This study examines the impact of governance factors, internal audit function characteristics, and organizational sustainability practices on the extent of internal audit's involvement in environmental and social assurance and consulting. The results suggest that management support and external reporting of sustainability information are key factors associated with internal audit's involvement in environmental and social assurance and consulting activities. The results also indicate that the extent of internal audit's involvement in assurance and consulting are not necessarily driven by a homogeneous set of factors. Future research could take a more nuanced approach to investigating different aspects of internal audit's roles both within the sustainability context and more broadly.
Recent advances in cytogenetic characterization of multiple myeloma
Authors: Saxe Debra , Seo Eul‐Ju , Beaulieu Bergeron Melanie , Han Jin‐Yeong
Published: July 2018

The detection of cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma (MM) has received more importance over last years for risk stratification and the new risk‐adapted treatment strategies. Conventional G‐banding analysis should be included in a routine procedure for the initial diagnostic workup for patients suspected of MM. However, the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in MM by conventional cytogenetics is limited owing to the low proliferative activity of malignant plasma cells as well as the low number of plasma cells in bone marrow specimens. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or microarray‐based technologies can overcome some of those drawbacks and detect specific target arrangements as well as chromosomal copy number changes. In this review, we will discuss different cytogenetic approaches and compare their strength and weakness to provide genetic information for risk stratification and prediction of outcome in MM patients.
Local exchange of metabolites shapes immunity
Authors: Richter Felix Clemens , Obba Sandrine , Simon Anna Katharina
Published: July 2018

Immune cell differentiation and function depend on metabolic changes for the provision of energy and metabolites. Consequently, cellular metabolism relies on the availability of micronutrients such as vitamins and energy‐rich sources including amino acids and fatty acids. The bone marrow controls the continuous production of blood cells and is thereby reliant on the sophisticated interplay of progenitor and mature immune cells with its stromal microenvironment. The significance of stromal subsets in immunopoiesis is undisputed; however, our current knowledge is limited to their role in the production and secretion of a variety of soluble proteins such as cytokines. In contrast, the role of the haematopoietic niche in controlling and providing nutrients such as fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins, which are required for immune cell differentiation and function, remains largely elusive. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of local nutritional exchange and control between immune and stromal cells in peripheral tissue and, when it is known, in the bone marrow. The parallels found between peripheral tissues and bone marrow stroma raises the question of how local metabolism is capable of influencing haematopoiesis and immunopoiesis. A better understanding of the local exchange of nutrients in the bone marrow can be used to improve immune cell formation during ageing, after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and during immune challenge.
Evaluation of the immune response against Trypanosoma cruzi cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase in human natural infection
Authors: Girard Magalí C. , Acevedo Gonzalo R. , López Lucía , Ossowski Micaela S. , Piñeyro María D. , Grosso Juan P. , Fernandez Marisa , Hernández Vasquez Yolanda , Robello Carlos , Gómez Karina A.
Published: July 2018

Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease, has a highly efficient detoxification system to deal with the oxidative burst imposed by its host. One of the antioxidant enzymes involved is the cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase (c‐TXNPx), which catalyses the reduction to hydrogen peroxide, small‐chain organic hydroperoxides and peroxynitrite. This enzyme is present in all parasite stages, and its overexpression renders parasites more resistant to the oxidative defences of macrophages, favouring parasite survival. This work addressed the study of the specific humoral and cellular immune response triggered by c‐TXNPx in human natural infection. Thus, sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from chronically infected asymptomatic and cardiac patients, and non‐infected individuals. Results showed that levels of IgG antibodies against c‐TXNPx were low in sera from individuals across all groups. B‐cell epitope prediction limited immunogenicity to a few, small regions on the c‐TXNPx sequence. At a cellular level, PBMC from asymptomatic and cardiac patients proliferated and secreted interferon‐γ after c‐TXNPx stimulation, compared with mock control. However, only proliferation was higher in asymptomatic patients compared with cardiac and non‐infected individuals. Furthermore, asymptomatic patients showed an enhanced frequency of CD19+ CD69+ cells upon exposure to c‐TXNPx. Overall, our results show that c‐TXNPx fails to induce a strong immune response in natural infection, being measurable only in those patients without any clinical symptoms. The low impact of c‐TXNPx in the human immune response could be strategic for parasite survival, as it keeps this crucial antioxidant enzyme activity safe from the mechanisms of adaptive immune response.
Interleukin‐6 signalling mediates Galectin‐8 co‐stimulatory activity of antigen‐specific CD4 T‐cell response
Authors: Carabelli Julieta , Prato Cecilia A. , Sanmarco Liliana M. , Aoki Maria P. , Campetella Oscar , Tribulatti María V.
Published: July 2018

Galectin‐8 (Gal‐8) is a mammalian lectin endowed with the ability to co‐stimulate antigen‐specific immune responses. We have previously demonstrated that bone‐marrow‐derived dendritic cells produce high levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in response to Gal‐8 stimulation. As IL‐6 is a pleiotropic cytokine that has a broad effect on cells of the immune system, we aimed to elucidate whether IL‐6 was involved in Gal‐8‐dependent co‐stimulatory signals during antigen recognition by specific CD4 T cells. With this aim, splenocytes from DO11.10 mice were incubated with a low dose of the cognate ovalbumin peptide in combination with Gal‐8. Interleukin‐6 was found significantly increased in cultures stimulated with Gal‐8 alone or Gal‐8 plus cognate peptide. Moreover, IL‐6 signalling was triggered during Gal‐8‐induced co‐stimulation, as determined by phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Interleukin‐6 blockade by neutralizing monoclonal antibody precluded Gal‐8 co‐stimulatory activity but did not affect the antigen‐specific T‐cell receptor activation. Different subsets of dendritic cells, as well as macrophages and B cells, were identified as the cellular source of IL‐6 during Gal‐8‐induced co‐stimulation. To confirm that IL‐6 mediated the Gal‐8 co‐stimulatory effect, antigen‐presenting cells from IL‐6‐deficient or wild‐type mice were co‐cultured with purified CD4 T cells from OTII mice in the presence of cognate peptide and Gal‐8. Notably, Gal‐8‐induced co‐stimulation, but not the antigen‐specific response, was significantly impaired in the presence of IL‐6‐deficient antigen‐presenting cells. In addition, exogenous IL‐6 fully restored Gal‐8‐induced co‐stimulation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that IL‐6 signalling mediates the Gal‐8 immune‐stimulatory effect.
Analysing Multivariate Spatial Point Processes with Continuous Marks: A Graphical Modelling Approach
Authors: Eckardt Matthias , Mateu Jorge
Published: July 2018

This paper discusses the application of graphical modelling in the statistical analysis of marked point patterns. We consider a multivariate planar point process with quantitative marks. After a survey of statistical methods for marked point processes, a new graphical model is presented. The sub‐processes of marked points with identical discrete marks are identified with nodes of a graph, which is used to describe aspects of the spatial relationship: If two sub‐patterns are similar, then an arc is made between the corresponding nodes. Similarity is defined based on spectral densities, which makes the computations efficient. The resulting graph presents all these pairwise similarities simultaneously. We demonstrate the application of our method in the analysis of a multi‐species forest, where the points are tree locations, the discrete marks tree species and the quantitative marks are the diameters at breast height.
Yield potential and salt tolerance of quinoa on salt‐degraded soils of Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Basra Shahzad M. A. , Afzal Irfan , Wahid Abdul , Saddiq Muhammad S. , Hafeez Muhammad B. , Jacobsen Sven‐Erik
Published: July 2018

Quinoa is recently introduced to Pakistan as a salt‐tolerant crop of high nutritional value. Open field trials were conducted to evaluate its performance on normal and salinity/sodicity‐degraded lands at two locations of different salinity/sodicity levels, S1 (UAF Farm, Normal Soil), S2 (Paroka Farm UAF, saline sodic), S3 (SSRI Farm, normal) and S4 (SSRI Farm, saline sodic) during 2013–2014. Two genotypes (Q‐2 and Q‐7) were grown in lines and were allowed to grow till maturity under RCBD split‐plot arrangement. Maximum seed yield (3,062 kg/ha) was achieved by Q‐7 at normal field (S1) soil which was statistically similar with yield of same genotype obtained from salt‐affected field S2 (2,870 kg/ha). Furthermore, low yield was seen from both genotypes from both S3 and S4 as compared to S1 and S2. Q‐7 was best under all four conditions. Minimum yield was recorded from Q‐2 (1,587 kg/ha) at S4. Q‐7 had higher SOD, proline, phenolic and K+ contents, and lower Na+ content in leaves as compared to Q‐2. High levels of antioxidants and K+/Na+ of Q‐7 helped to withstand salt stress and might be the cause of higher yields under both normal and salt‐affected soils. Seed quality (mineral and protein) did not decrease considerably under salt‐affected soils even improved seed K+, Mg2+ and Mn2+.
Randomized controlled trials of U‐Pace instruction: Outcomes in two gateway courses
Authors: Fleming Raymond , Kienzler Sarah , Stoiber Leah , Fleming Ryan R. , Pedrick Laura E. , Reddy Diane M.
Published: July 2018

Less than optimal student success in gateway courses figures prominently in college noncompletion. Past findings suggest that U‐Pace instruction holds promise for increasing student success. However, all published studies of U‐Pace instruction were conducted in the gateway course context of introductory psychology. The objective of this research was to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of U‐Pace instruction in introductory sociology and introductory political science for students at‐risk for college noncompletion and students not at‐risk. The findings from both randomized controlled trials indicate that regardless of risk status, U‐Pace students outperformed their conventionally taught face‐to‐face counterparts earning a greater percentage of final grades of A or B and higher scores on a proctored cumulative assessment of learning, independent of final grades. The results not only confirm previous findings of greater academic success and greater learning associated with U‐Pace instruction but also clearly demonstrate that U‐Pace instruction produces greater learning and greater academic success. Further, the findings of this research reveal that these student outcomes generalize across courses in two disciplines for both students at‐risk for college noncompletion and students not at‐risk, providing strong support for the efficacy of U‐Pace instruction.
Long non‐coding RNA AFAP1‐AS1/miR‐320a/RBPJ axis regulates laryngeal carcinoma cell stemness and chemoresistance
Authors: Yuan Zhennan , Xiu Cheng , Song Kaibin , Pei Rong , Miao Susheng , Mao Xionghui , Sun Ji , Jia Shenshan
Published: July 2018

AFAP1‐AS1 is a long non‐coding RNA that is associated with tumorigenesis and poor prognosis in a variety of cancers. We have been suggested that AFAP1‐AS1 increases tumorigenesis in laryngeal carcinoma specifically by enhancing stemness and chemoresistance. We assessed AFAP1‐AS1 expression in human laryngeal specimens, paired adjacent normal tissues and human HEp‐2 cells. Indeed, we found not only that AFAP1‐AS1 was up‐regulated in laryngeal carcinoma specimens and cells, but also that stemness‐associated genes were overexpressed. Silencing of AFAP1‐AS1 promoted HEp‐2 cell chemoresistance under cisplatin treatment. Expression of AFAP1‐AS1 was increased in drug‐resistant Hep‐2 cells. We then probed the mechanism of AFAP1‐AS1 activity and determined that miR‐320a was a potential molecular target of AFAP1‐AS1. Luciferase reporter and qRT‐PCR assays of AFAP1‐AS1 and miR‐320a levels in human specimens and cell cultures indicated that AFAP1‐AS1 negatively regulates miR‐320a. To discover the molecular mechanism of miR‐320a, we again used the DIANA Tools algorithm to predict its genetic target, RBPJ. After cloning the 3′‐untranslated regions (3′‐UTR) of RBPJ into a luciferase reporter, we determined that miR‐320a did in fact reduce RBPJ mRNA and protein levels. Ultimately, we determined that AFAP1‐AS1 increases RBPJ expression by negatively regulating miR‐320a and RBPJ overexpression rescues stemness and chemoresistance inhibited by AFAP1‐AS1 silencing. Taken together, these results suggest that AFAP1‐AS1 can serve as a prognostic biomarker in laryngeal carcinoma and that miR‐320a has the potential to improve standard therapeutic approaches to the disease, especially for cases in which cancer cell stemness and drug resistance present significant barriers to effective treatment.
Captopril mitigates splenomegaly and myelofibrosis in the Gata1low murine model of myelofibrosis
Authors: Corey Seth J. , Jha Jyoti , McCart Elizabeth A. , Rittase William B. , George Jeffy , Mattapallil Joseph J. , Mehta Hrishikesh , Ognoon Mungunsukh , Bylicky Michelle A. , Summers Thomas A. , Day Regina M.
Published: July 2018

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is currently the only curative therapy for primary myelofibrosis (MF), while the JAK2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib. Has been approved only for palliation. Other therapies are desperately needed to reverse life‐threatening MF. However, the cell(s) and cytokine(s) that promote MF remain unclear. Several reports have demonstrated that captopril, an inhibitor of angiotensin‐converting enzyme that blocks the production of angiotensin II (Ang II), mitigates fibrosis in heart, lung, skin and kidney. Here, we show that captopril can mitigate the development of MF in the Gata1low mouse model of primary MF. Gata1low mice were treated with 79 mg/kg/d captopril in the drinking water from 10 to 12 months of age. At 13 months of age, bone marrows were examined for fibrosis, megakaryocytosis and collagen expression; spleens were examined for megakaryocytosis, splenomegaly and collagen expression. Treatment of Gata1low mice with captopril in the drinking water was associated with normalization of the bone marrow cellularity; reduced reticulin fibres, splenomegaly and megakaryocytosis; and decreased collagen expression. Our findings suggest that treating with the ACE inhibitors captopril has a significant benefit in overcoming pathological changes associated with MF.
Astragaloside IV modulates TGF‐β1‐dependent epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Qian Weibin , Cai Xinrui , Qian Qiuhai , Zhang Wei , Wang Dongli
Published: July 2018

Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Astragaloside IV (ASV), a natural saponin from astragalus membranaceus, has shown anti‐fibrotic property in bleomycin (BLM)‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. The current study was undertaken to determine whether EMT was involved in the beneficial of ASV against BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis and to elucidate its potential mechanism. As expected, in BLM‐induced IPF, ASV exerted protective effects on pulmonary fibrosis and ASV significantly reversed BLM‐induced EMT. Intriguing, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) was found to be up‐regulated, whereas Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) was hyperphosphorylated and less expressed. However, ASV treatment inhibited increased TGF‐β1 and activated FOXO3a in lung tissues. TGF‐β1 was administered to alveolar epithelial cells A549 to induce EMT in vitro. Meanwhile, stimulation with TGF‐β1‐activated phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway and induced FOXO3a hyperphosphorylated and down‐regulated. It was found that overexpression of FOXO3a leading to the suppression of TGF‐β1‐induced EMT. Moreover, ASV treatment, similar with the TGF‐β1 or PI3K/Akt inhibitor, reverted these cellular changes and inhibited EMT in A549 cells. Collectively, the results suggested that ASV significantly inhibited TGF‐β1/PI3K/Akt‐induced FOXO3a hyperphosphorylation and down‐regulation to reverse EMT during the progression of fibrosis.
Saliva and serum biomarkers in periodontitis and coronary artery disease
Authors: Lahdentausta Laura S. J. , Paju Susanna , Mäntylä Päivi , Buhlin Kåre , Tervahartiala Taina , Pietiäinen Milla , Alfthan Henrik , Nieminen Markku S. , Sinisalo Juha , Sorsa Timo , Pussinen Pirkko J.
Published: July 2018

Aim

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8, MMP‐9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) participate in extracellular matrix breakdown both in periodontium and atherosclerotic plaques. We investigated the diagnostic value of serum and saliva biomarkers in periodontitis and acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Materials and methods

The population was PAROGENE (n = 481), a random cohort of patients with an indication for coronary angiography. All patients underwent a clinical and radiographic oral examination. Groups consisting of periodontitis versus non‐periodontitis, and ACS versus non‐ACS patients were compared.

Results

Saliva MMP‐8, MMP‐9 and MPO provided significant area‐under‐curve (AUC) values for periodontitis, 0.69 (<0.001), 0.66 (<0.001) and 0.68 (<0.001), respectively. Serum MMP‐8, MMP‐9 and MPO levels distinguished ACS from non‐ACS patients with AUCs of 0.73 (<0.001), 0.58 (0.03) and 0.68 (<0.001), respectively. Periodontitis confounded the use of serum MMP‐9 in diagnostics of ACS. Cardiac status complicated the use of saliva TIMP‐1 in periodontal diagnostics. Saliva biomarkers could not be used in ACS diagnosis, and serum biomarkers were not useful in diagnosis of periodontitis.

Conclusions

MMP‐8, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1and MPO are valuable biomarkers for both ACS and periodontitis, but the selection of sample material is crucial; serum is suitable for ACS and saliva for periodontal diagnostic aid.
Secular trends over 40 years of periodontal health and disease in individuals aged 20–80 years in Jönköping, Sweden: Repeated cross‐sectional studies
Authors: Wahlin Åsa , Papias Apostolos , Jansson Henrik , Norderyd Ola
Published: July 2018

Aim

To assess trends over 40 years regarding prevalence and severity of periodontitis in a Swedish adult population.

Materials and methods

Cross‐sectional examinations using the same clinical protocol have been repeated every 10 years (1973–2013) in a Swedish city with focus on periodontal disease in adults. Periodontal recordings included all teeth, excluding 3rd molars. Periodontal disease experience was classified (no/minor, moderate and severe).

Results

The no/minor group increased from 43% in 1983 to 60% in 2013. There was a non‐significant trend for a decrease of the severe group. Over the 40‐year period, the number of teeth increased significantly and at the examination 2013, the severe group accounted for this increase. More than 60% of the study population in 2013 had no periodontal pockets (PD) ≥6 mm. The number of PD ≥4 mm and ≥6 mm were unaltered between 2003 and 2013 in all age groups, except for the 20‐year old individuals. This group showed a statistically significant increase of ≥4 mm PD.

Conclusions

The periodontal health has improved in the population over the 40 years. The number of teeth increased significantly in the population, and in 2013, this increase occurred entirely in the severe group. Finally, there was a trend toward diminished prevalence of severe periodontitis.
Simulation study of misclassification bias in association studies employing partial‐mouth protocols
Authors: Heaton Brenda , Garcia Raul I. , Dietrich Thomas
Published: July 2018

Aim

To simulate the exposure misclassification bias potential in studies of perio‐systemic disease associations due to the use of partial‐mouth recording (PMR) protocols.

Methods

Using data from 640 participants in the Dental Longitudinal Study, we evaluated distributions of clinical periodontitis parameters to simulate hypothetical outcome probabilities using bootstrap sampling. Logistic regression models were fit using the hypothetical outcome as the dependent variable. Models were run for exposure classifications based on full‐mouth recording (FMR) and PMR protocols over 10,000 repetitions.

Results

The impact of periodontitis exposure misclassification was dependent on periodontitis severity. Per cent relative bias for simulated ORs of size 1.5, 2 and 4 ranged from 0% to 30% for the effect of severe periodontitis. The magnitude and direction of the bias was dependent on the underlying distribution of the clinical parameters used in the simulation and the size of the association being estimated. Simulated effects of moderate periodontitis were consistently biased towards the null.

Conclusion

Exposure misclassification bias occurring through the use of PMR protocols may be dependent on the sensitivity of the classification system applied. Using the CDC‐AAP case definition, bias in the estimated effects of severe disease was small, on average. Whereas effects of moderate disease were underestimated to a larger degree.
Identifying key components for a psychological intervention for people with vitiligo – a quantitative and qualitative study in the United Kingdom using web‐based questionnaires of people with vitiligo and healthcare professionals
Authors: Ahmed A. , Steed L. , Burden‐Teh E. , Shah R. , Sanyal S. , Tour S. , Dowey S. , Whitton M. , Batchelor J.M. , Bewley A.P.
Published: July 2018

Background

Psychological interventions are recommended as part of routine management of vitiligo. However, the development and effectiveness of such interventions have been rarely addressed. This study aimed to identify key components for a psychological intervention for people with vitiligo. This is the first time perspectives of people with vitiligo, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) have been directly explored to inform intervention content and delivery.

Objectives

To identify 1. which psychological difficulties are highlighted that can be targeted by an intervention; 2. what is important in terms of intervention content and delivery.

Methods

Web‐based questionnaires containing both quantitative and qualitative items were completed by people with vitiligo and HCPs. Questionnaires collected data from people with vitiligo on demographics, clinical features, psychological difficulties and priority areas for psychological interventions, including ideas on delivery and content. HCPs questionnaires collected data on psychological difficulties reported, use of psychological interventions and suitability within health services. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data utilized thematic framework analysis.

Results

A total of 100 people with vitiligo (66% female, 92% Caucasian) and 39 HCPs (54% dermatologists) participated. Key areas of difficulty were the impact of vitiligo, coping, issues with appearance/body image and the sun, and medical interactions. Vitiligo on sensitive sites was associated with more psychological impact. Interventions directed at increasing acceptance, confidence and self‐esteem, as well as managing embarrassment, were important. These issues could be managed through interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy. Both people with vitiligo and HCPs favoured individual interventions.

Conclusion

Vitiligo has significant impact, requiring ongoing psychosocial support. There is a strong need for a psychoeducational intervention with focus on acceptance and managing social impact. The results of this study are the first steps to informing the development of a patient‐centred psychological intervention.
Uninfested plants and honey enhance the attractiveness of a volatile blend to a parasitoid Cotesia vestalis
Authors: Ozawa Rika , Ohara Yoshitsugu , Shiojiri Kaori , Uchida Toru , Kakibuchi Kazumasa , Kugimiya Soichi , Uefune Masayoshi , Takabayashi Junji
Published: July 2018

A blend of four volatile compounds, (Z)‐3‐hexene‐1‐yl acetate, α‐pinene, sabinene and n‐heptanal, emitted from cabbage plants infested by diamondback moth (DBM) larvae (hereafter called the attractant) attract females of Cotesia vestalis, a dominant parasitoid wasp species of DBM larvae. Here, we tested the effects of the presence of uninfested komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis L. cv. Rakuten) plants on the wasps’ response to the attractant in the choice chamber under laboratory conditions. Satiated female wasps were equally distributed between groups of 16 and four uninfested plants. However, the wasps preferred the group of 16 uninfested plants with the attractant to that of four uninfested plants with the attractant, indicating that the greater biomass of uninfested plants synergistically increased the attractiveness of the attractant. The effects of honey (a food of C. vestalis while rearing) on the wasps’ responses to the attractant were also tested using starved females. The wasps showed an equal distribution between honey with four uninfested plants and four uninfested plants. When both odour sources were coupled with the attractant, the wasps significantly preferred the former odour source, indicating a synergistic effect of honey on the attractiveness of the attractant. This effect, however, was observed when C. vestalis females had been reared with the tested honey but not when they had been reared with aqueous sucrose. In the experimental glasshouse, when comparing a group of infested plants coupled with uninfested plants, honey and the attractant to a group of infested plants, female wasps preferred the former. In addition, this preference was significantly greater than their preference for infested plants coupled with the attractant over infested plants. Thus, there was a synergistic effect of uninfested plants and honey on the attractiveness of the attractant–infested plant complex under glasshouse conditions.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of real‐time continuous monitoring glucose compared to self‐monitoring of blood glucose for diabetes mellitus in Spain
Authors: García‐Lorenzo Borja , Rivero‐Santana Amado , Vallejo‐Torres Laura , Castilla‐Rodríguez Iván , García‐Pérez Sonia , García‐Pérez Lidia , Perestelo‐Pérez Lilisbeth
Published: July 2018

Rationale, aims and objectives

Self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is recommended to monitor glycaemic levels. The recent development of real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (RT‐CGM) enables continuous display of glucose concentration alerting patients in the event of relevant glucose fluctuations, potentially avoiding hypoglycaemic events and reducing long‐term complications related to glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. This paper aims to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of RT‐CGM compared to SMBG in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which should support decision‐making on public funding of RT‐CGM in Spain.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analyses on the effectiveness of RT‐CGM in the reduction of HbA1c levels and severe hypoglycaemic events. A cost‐effectiveness analysis was conducted using a Markov model which simulates the costs and health outcomes of individuals treated under these alternatives for a lifetime horizon from the perspective of the Spanish Health Service. The effectiveness measure was quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). We ran extensive sensitivity analyses, including a probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Results

Real‐time continuous glucose monitoring provides a significant reduction of HbA1c for T1DM (13 studies; weighted mean difference (WMD) = −0.23%, 95% CI: −0.35, −0.11) and T2DM (5 studies; WMD = −0.48%, 95% CI: −0.79, −0.17). There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of severe hypoglycaemic events in T1DM (9 studies; OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 0.78, 1.72) or T2DM (no severe hypoglycaemic events were reported in any study). In the base case analysis, RT‐CGM led to higher QALYs and health care costs with an estimated incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of €2 554 723 and €180 553 per QALY for T1DM and T2DM patients respectively. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the study results were robust.

Conclusions

Real‐time continuous glucose monitoring is not a cost‐effective technology when compared to SMBG in Spain.
A holistic investigation of the ecological correlates of abundance and body size for the endangered White's seahorse Hippocampus whitei
Authors: Manning Clayton G. , Foster Sarah J. , Harasti David , Vincent Amanda C. J.
Published: July 2018

Analysing the associations between the endangered White's seahorse Hippocampus whitei and characteristics of its environment (including habitat, prey and predator variables) in an estuary in New South Wales, Australia, revealed that seahorses had a greater number of significant associations with environmental correlates within a single seagrass bed than among seagrass beds. Predator abundance was negatively correlated with H. whitei abundances among seven seagrass beds (200–6,000 m apart) and no ecological correlate was associated with H. whitei body size distributions. Within the seagrass bed with the greatest number of H. whitei, individuals preferentially selected locations that were deeper, had denser seagrass, more epiphytic prey types and fewer predators. Smaller H. whitei were associated with greater depths within the bed. In this study, each class of ecological correlate (habitat, prey, predators) was found to have at least one significant relationship with H. whitei, depending on the scale, demonstrating that all three are important to H. whitei populations. As such, future studies that evaluate animal populations may benefit from holistic approaches that consider each of these together. For animals that are experiencing dramatic population declines due to habitat destruction, as H. whitei has over the last decade, a better understanding of its relationship to its environment is important to inform conservation action.
Community Pharmacists' Contribution to Medication Reviews for Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kallio Sonja E. , Kiiski Annika , Airaksinen Marja S.A. , Mäntylä Antti T. , Kumpusalo‐Vauhkonen Anne E.J. , Järvensivu Timo P. , Pohjanoksa‐Mäntylä Marika K.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To identify medication review interventions for older adults that involve community pharmacists and evidence of outcomes of these interventions.

Design

Systematic review.

Measurements

Cinahl, MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles published between January 2000 and February 2016. Articles involving community pharmacists in medication reviews for outpatients aged 65 and older were included. Evidence of economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes of interventions was summarized.

Results

Sixteen articles were found that described 12 medication review interventions, of which 6 were compliance and concordance reviews, 4 were clinical medication reviews, and 2 were prescription reviews according to a previously developed typology. Community pharmacists' contributions to reviewing medications varied from sending the dispensing history to other healthcare providers to comprehensive involvement in medication management. The most commonly assessed outcomes of the interventions were medication changes leading to reduction in actual or potential drug‐related problems (n=12) and improved adherence (n=5).

Conclusion

Regardless of community pharmacists' contributions to interventions, medication review interventions seem to reduce drug‐related problems and increase medication adherence. More well‐designed, rigorous studies with more sensitive and specific outcomes measures need to be conducted to assess the effect of community pharmacists' contributions to reviewing medications and improving the health of older adults.
Electrocardiogram Monitoring After the Food and Drug Administration Warnings for Citalopram: Unheeded Alerts?
Authors: Gerlach Lauren B. , Kim Hyungjin Myra , Yosef Matheos , Kales Helen C. , Henry Jennifer , Zivin Kara
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To evaluate national trends in electrocardiogram (EKG) monitoring in Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiaries prescribed high‐dose citalopram before and after the 2011–12 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety warnings.

Design

Interrupted time‐series analyses.

Setting

National VA healthcare system data linked to Medicare data for veterans dually eligible for VA and Medicare services.

Participants

Adult VA outpatients prescribed citalopram or sertraline from February 2010 to September 2013 (N=1,068,816).

Measurements

EKG monitoring for VA outpatients prescribed high‐dose citalopram (>40 mg/d aged ≤60, >20 mg/d aged >60) or sertraline.

Results

For individuals prescribed high‐dose citalopram, EKG monitoring increased from 9.0% before the start of the first FDA warning to a peak of 12.6% for individuals aged 18 to 60 and from 14.0% to 19.4% for individuals aged 61 to 100. However, following the second FDA warning in 2012, EKG monitoring declined, returning to prewarning levels in both age groups. EKG monitoring did not increase in individuals with a history of previous cardiac risk factors prescribed high‐dose citalopram in either age group.

Conclusions

EKG frequency did not significantly change in individuals with cardiac risk factors at greatest potential risk for QT prolongation. Lack of responsiveness to the FDA warnings may be due to many factors, including lack of clarity about which individuals should undergo EKG monitoring, provider substitution of alternative antidepressants for citalopram, conflicting evidence regarding risk for adverse cardiac events with high‐dose citalopram use, and lack of provider knowledge regarding the warnings.
Speed‐of‐Processing Training in Assisted and Independent Living: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Smith Marianne , Jones Michael P. , Dotson Megan M. , Wolinsky Fredric D.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To examine speed‐of‐processing training (SOPT) in older adults in senior living communities, especially those in assisted living.

Design

Two‐arm, parallel, randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Assisted and independent residence settings in 31 senior living communities.

Participants

Individuals aged 55 to 102 (mean 81.0, 73.8% female, 76.4% living alone, 47.0% residing in assisted living; N=351).

Intervention

The intervention was 10 hours of computerized SOPT at baseline with 4‐hour boosters at 5 and 11 months; the attention control was 10 hours of solving computerized crossword puzzles at baseline with 4‐hour boosters at 5 and 11 months.

Measures

Outcomes were useful field of view (UFOV) scores and improvements of 0.5 standard deviations (SDs) or more (> 158.4 ms). Data collection occurred at baseline, after training, and 6 and 12 months. Random‐effects linear mixed‐effect models were used to estimate SOPT effects in intention‐to‐treat complete‐case and multiple imputation analyses.

Results

We found statistically significantly small standardized effect sizes (Cohen's ds 0.25–0.40) for SOPT, reflecting processing speed improvements on UFOV scores (of 39–63 ms) and greater percentages (9.8 to 14.9 percentage point advantages) for achieving more than 0.5 SD improvements (> 158.4 ms) over the 3 time periods.

Conclusion

These findings support public health messaging about the potential benefits of SOPT for older adults in senior living communities and support the feasibility and acceptability of SOPT in assisted and independent living for older adults.