bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crop‐to‐wild gene flow and its fitness consequences for a wild fruit tree: Towards a comprehensive conservation strategy of the wild apple in Europe
Authors: Feurtey Alice , Cornille Amandine , Shykoff Jacqui A. , Snirc Alodie , Giraud Tatiana
Published: October 2016

Crop‐to‐wild gene flow can reduce the fitness and genetic integrity of wild species. Malus sylvestris, the European crab‐apple fruit tree in particular, is threatened by the disappearance of its habitat and by gene flow from its domesticated relative, Malus domestica. With the aims of evaluating threats for M. sylvestris and of formulating recommendations for its conservation, we studied here, using microsatellite markers and growth experiments: (i) hybridization rates in seeds and trees from a French forest and in seeds used for replanting crab apples in agrosystems and in forests, (ii) the impact of the level of M. domestica ancestry on individual tree fitness and (iii) pollen dispersal abilities in relation to crop‐to‐wild gene flow. We found substantial contemporary crop‐to‐wild gene flow in crab‐apple tree populations and superior fitness of hybrids compared to wild seeds and seedlings. Using paternity analyses, we showed that pollen dispersal could occur up to 4 km and decreased with tree density. The seed network furnishing the wild apple reintroduction agroforestry programmes was found to suffer from poor genetic diversity, introgressions and species misidentification. Overall, our findings indicate supported threats for the European wild apple steering us to provide precise recommendations for its conservation.
High diversity of the T‐cell receptor repertoire of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Omland Silje H. , Hamrouni Abdelbasset , Gniadecki Robert
Published: October 2016

Whether specific T‐cell clones are present in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in BCC is unknown. We employed deep sequencing of mRNA coding for the T‐cell receptor (TCR) chains α‐ and β to characterize the repertoire of TILs in BCC. V and J gene‐usage and CDR3 length were computed to determine the clonality of TCR and degree of overlap in TCR repertoires between skin resident T‐cells and TILs. We found high diversity of the TCR repertoire in BCC and control skin with random V‐J gene usage and similar CDR3‐length distribution. Lack of TCR repertoire restriction indicates absence of tumor‐specific TIL clones in BCC.
Sen1, the homolog of human Senataxin, is critical for cell survival through regulation of redox homeostasis, mitochondrial function, and theTORpathway inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sariki Santhosh Kumar , Sahu Pushpendra Kumar , Golla Upendarrao , Singh Vikash , Azad Gajendra Kumar , Tomar Raghuvir S.
Published: October 2016

Mutations in the Senataxin gene,SETXare known to cause the neurodegenerative disorders, ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 4 (ALS4). However, the mechanism underlying disease pathogenesis is still unclear. The Senataxin N‐terminal protein‐interaction and C‐terminalRNA/DNAhelicase domains are conserved in theSaccharomyces cerevisiaehomolog, Sen1p. Using genome‐wide expression analysis, we first show alterations in key cellular pathways such as: redox, unfolded protein response, andTORin the yeastsen1 ΔNmutant (N‐terminal truncation). This mutant exhibited growth defects on nonfermentable carbon sources, was sensitive to oxidative stress, and showed severe loss of mitochondrialDNA. The growth defect could be partially rescued upon supplementation with reducing agents and antioxidants. Furthermore, the mutant showed higher levels of reactive oxygen species, lowerUPRactivity, and alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential, increase in vacuole acidity, free calcium ions in the cytosol, and resistance to rapamycin treatment. Notably, thesen1 ∆Nmutant showed increased cell death and shortened chronological life span. Given the strong similarity of the yeast and human Sen1 proteins, our study thus provides a mechanism for the progressive neurological disorders associated with mutations in human senataxin.
Nitrogen‐mediated effects of elevated CO2 on intra‐aggregate soil pore structure
Authors: Caplan Joshua S. , Giménez Daniel , Subroy Vandana , Heck Richard J. , Prior Stephen A. , Runion G. Brett , Torbert H. Allen
Published: October 2016

Soil pore structure has a strong influence on water retention, and is itself influenced by plant and microbial dynamics such as root proliferation and microbial exudation. Although increased nitrogen (N) availability and elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations (eCO2) often have interacting effects on root and microbial dynamics, it is unclear whether these biotic effects can translate into altered soil pore structure and water retention. This study was based on a long‐term experiment (7 yr at the time of sampling) in which a C4 pasture grass (Paspalum notatum) was grown on a sandy loam soil while provided factorial additions of N and CO2. Through an analysis of soil aggregate fractal properties supported by 3D microtomographic imagery, we found that N fertilization induced an increase in intra‐aggregate porosity and a simultaneous shift toward greater accumulation of pore space in larger aggregates. These effects were enhanced by eCO2 and yielded an increase in water retention at pressure potentials near the wilting point of plants. However, eCO2 alone induced changes in the opposite direction, with larger aggregates containing less pore space than under control conditions, and water retention decreasing accordingly. Results on biotic factors further suggested that organic matter gains or losses induced the observed structural changes. Based on our results, we postulate that the pore structure of many mineral soils could undergo N‐dependent changes as atmospheric CO2 concentrations rise, having global‐scale implications for water balance, carbon storage, and related rhizosphere functions.
Effects of ocean acidification increase embryonic sensitivity to thermal extremes in Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua
Authors: Dahlke Flemming T. , Leo Elettra , Mark Felix C. , Pörtner Hans‐Otto , Bickmeyer Ulf , Frickenhaus Stephan , Storch Daniela
Published: October 2016

Thermal tolerance windows serve as a powerful tool for estimating the vulnerability of marine species and their life stages to increasing temperature means and extremes. However, it remains uncertain to which extent additional drivers, such as ocean acidification, modify organismal responses to temperature. This study investigated the effects of CO2‐driven ocean acidification on embryonic thermal sensitivity and performance in Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, from the Kattegat. Fertilized eggs were exposed to factorial combinations of two PCO2 conditions (400 μatm vs. 1100 μatm) and five temperature treatments (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 °C), which allow identifying both lower and upper thermal tolerance thresholds. We quantified hatching success, oxygen consumption (MO2) and mitochondrial functioning of embryos as well as larval morphometrics at hatch and the abundance of acid–base‐relevant ionocytes on the yolk sac epithelium of newly hatched larvae. Hatching success was high under ambient spawning conditions (3–6 °C), but decreased towards both cold and warm temperature extremes. Elevated PCO2 caused a significant decrease in hatching success, particularly at cold (3 and 0 °C) and warm (12 °C) temperatures. Warming imposed limitations to MO2 and mitochondrial capacities. Elevated PCO2 stimulated MO2 at cold and intermediate temperatures, but exacerbated warming‐induced constraints on MO2, indicating a synergistic interaction with temperature. Mitochondrial functioning was not affected by PCO2. Increased MO2 in response to elevated PCO2 was paralleled by reduced larval size at hatch. Finally, ionocyte abundance decreased with increasing temperature, but did not differ between PCO2 treatments. Our results demonstrate increased thermal sensitivity of cod embryos under future PCO2 conditions and suggest that acclimation to elevated PCO2 requires reallocation of limited resources at the expense of embryonic growth. We conclude that ocean acidification constrains the thermal performance window of embryos, which has important implication for the susceptibility of cod to projected climate change.
Generation of paternal dihaploids in tall fescue
Authors: Kindiger Bryan
Published: October 2016

Within the Lolium‐Festuca genome complex there is a need for modern breeding approaches that can facilitate the rapid development of improved germplasm or cultivars. Traditional recurrent or mass‐selection methods for population or synthetic development are labor intensive and time consuming. The recent development of dihaploid (DH) inducer lines of annual ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. subsp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot [syn. Lolium multiflorum Lam.]) that exhibit genome loss when hybridized with tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh. [syn. Festuca arundinacea Schreb.]) can provide an alternative breeding approach. Hybridizations between the inducer lines and tall fescue result in F1 hybrids that can lose either their ryegrass or tall fescue genomes. This behavior results in the occasional generation of both ryegrass and tall fescue DH lines through parthenogenic embryo formation within the F1 inflorescence.
Groundwater Realities in California
Authors: Hauge Carl
Published: October 2016

Related Content
RCT – subjective physical performance and quality of life after a 6‐month programmed sports therapy (PST) in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Runkel B. , Von Mackensen S. , Hilberg T.
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Musculoskeletal bleedings lead to limitations in the locomotor system and consequently, in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with haemophilia (PwH). Sports therapy is increasingly recommended to improve their physical performance. Until today, randomised controlled studies investigating changes in physical performance in PwH are rare.

Aim

This study investigates the impact of programmed sports therapy on the subjective physical performance and the HRQoL in PwH.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with a training intervention for over 6 months. For this purpose, 64 PwH with moderate (n = 5) or severe (n = 59) haemophilia A (n = 57) or B (n = 7) were randomised into two groups – intervention (IG) or control group (CG). The HRQoL was assessed with the SF‐36 questionnaire and the disease‐specific Haem‐A‐QoL before and after the intervention. The subjective physical performance was tested by the HEP‐Test‐Q.

Results

After the 6‐month training intervention, PwH in the IG subjectively reported significant better ‘endurance’ (P = 0.000) in the HEP‐Test‐Q compared to the CG. In the SF‐36, a significant difference in the domains ‘general health perceptions’ (P = 0.005) and ‘mental health’ (P = 0.001) was detected. The haemophilia‐specific HRQoL questionnaire showed a significant improvement in the dimensions ‘feeling’ (P = 0.049), ‘work’ (P = 0.046) and ‘family’ (P = 0.040).

Conclusion

In the first RCT evaluating the impact of a 6‐month training intervention on the subjective perception of PwH, an increase in subjective physical performance and some domains of HRQoL was demonstrated in the IG. Specific sports therapy should be included into the comprehensive treatment under supervision and monitoring by experienced staff.
Patterns of Use of Peripheral Nerve Blocks and Trigger Point Injections for Pediatric Headache: Results of a Survey of the American Headache Society Pediatric and Adolescent Section
Authors: Szperka Christina L. , Gelfand Amy A. , Hershey Andrew D.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To describe current patterns of use of nerve blocks and trigger point injections for treatment of pediatric headache.

Background

Peripheral nerve blocks are often used to treat headaches in adults and children, but the available studies and practice data from adult headache specialists have shown wide variability in diagnostic indications, sites injected, and medication(s) used. The purpose of this study was to describe current practice patterns in the use of nerve blocks and trigger point injections for pediatric headache disorders.

Methods

A survey was created in REDCap, and sent via email to the 82 members of the Pediatric and Adolescent Section of the American Headache Society in June 2015. The survey queried about current practice and use of nerve blocks, as well as respondents' opinions regarding gaps in the evidence for use of nerve blocks in this patient population.

Results

Forty‐one complete, five incomplete, and three duplicate responses were submitted (response rate complete 50%). About 78% of the respondents identified their primary specialty as Child Neurology, and 51% were certified in headache medicine. Twenty‐six (63%) respondents perform nerve blocks themselves, and seven (17%) refer patients to another provider for nerve blocks. Chronic migraine with status migrainosus was the most common indication for nerve blocks (82%), though occipital neuralgia (79%), status migrainosus (73%), chronic migraine without flare (70%), post‐traumatic headache (70%), and new daily persistent headache (67%) were also common indications. The most commonly selected clinically meaningful response for status migrainosus was ≥50% reduction in severity, while for chronic migraine this was a ≥50% decrease in frequency at 4 weeks. Respondents inject the following locations: 100% inject the greater occipital nerve, 69% lesser occipital nerve, 50% supraorbital, 46% trigger point injections, 42% auriculotemporal, and 34% supratrochlear. All respondents used local anesthetic, while 12 (46%) also use corticosteroid (8 bupivacaine only, 4 each lidocaine + bupivacaine, lidocaine + corticosteroid, bupivacaine + corticosteroid, lidocaine + bupivacaine + corticosteroid, and 2 lidocaine only).

Conclusion

Despite limited evidence, nerve blocks are commonly used by pediatric headache specialists. There is considerable variability among clinicians as to injection site(s) and medication selection, indicating a substantial gap in the literature to guide practice, and supporting the need for further research in this area.
Injections of Intravenous Contrast for Computerized Tomography Scans Precipitate Migraines in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Subjects at Risk of Paradoxical Emboli: Implications for Right‐to‐Left Shunt Risks
Authors: Patel Trishan , Elphick Amy , Jackson James E. , Shovlin Claire L.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To evaluate if injection of intravenous particles may provoke migraines in subjects with right‐to‐left shunts due to pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Background

Migraine headaches commonly affect people with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), especially those with pulmonary AVMs that provide right‐to‐left shunts. In our clinical practice, patients occasionally reported acute precipitation of migraine headaches following injection of technetium‐labeled albumin macroaggregates for nuclear medicine scans.

Methods

Self‐reported migraine features and exacerbations were examined in HHT subjects with and without pulmonary AVMs, for a series of noninvasive and invasive investigations, using an unbiased online survey.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐six subjects were classified as having both HHT and migraines. HHT subjects with migraines were more likely to have pulmonary AVMs (P < .0001). HHT subjects with pulmonary AVMs were more likely to report photophobia (P = .010), “flashes of light” (P = .011), or transient visual loss (P = .040). Pulse oximetry, x‐rays, ultrasound, and computerized tomography (CT) scans without intravenous contrast medium rarely, if ever, provoked migraines, but unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was reported to exacerbate migraines by 14/124 (11.2%) subjects. One hundred and fourteen subjects had both enhanced and unenhanced CT examinations: studies with contrast media were more commonly reported to start (9/114 [7.8%]), and/or worsen migraines (18/114 [15.7%]), compared to those undertaken without contrast medium (P < .01), or after simple blood tests (P < .05). Additionally, migraine exacerbation was reported by 9/90 (10%) after contrast echocardiography, 2/44 (4.5%) after nuclear medicine scans, and 10/154 (6.5%) after blood tests.

Conclusions

HHT subjects frequently report migraine exacerbation following blood tests, contrast echocardiograms, MRI imaging, and CT studies performed with intravenous contrast medium. Since air emboli are recognized to complicate intravenous injections, particularly those given by a pressurized pump during contrast enhanced CT, future studies should re‐evaluate whether particulate emboli provoke migraines.
Geographical range expansion of alien birds and environmental matching
Authors: Su Shan , Cassey Phillip , Dyer Ellie E. , Blackburn Tim M.
Published: October 2016

The international wildlife trade is a significant source of introduced alien species, some of which proceed to become invasive and cause negative environmental and economic effects. However, not all introduced aliens establish viable populations, and it is important to identify the factors that determine establishment success. We explore the role of environmental suitability (including anthropogenic influences, climate and habitat types) in the establishment success of alien bird species introduced to Taiwan. Using maximum entropy modelling, we employed a recursive feature elimination and Akaike information criterion (AIC)‐based stepwise model selection approach to assess whether the environmental suitability, native range size, body size, residence time and the numbers of birds for sale in the shops affect variation in the extent of alien bird range size in Taiwan. We show that species with larger native range sizes and larger body sizes tend to have larger alien range sizes in Taiwan. There was no effect of environmental suitability on alien range size in Taiwan, but environmental suitability influenced the establishment success of bird species there.
The Impact of Fair Value Measurement on Audit Fees: Evidence from Financial Institutions in 24 European Countries
Authors: Alexeyeva Irina , Mejia‐Likosova Margarita
Published: October 2016

The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between fair value measurement and audit fees. Using a sample of 177 banks from 24 European countries over the period 2008–13, we find that high uncertainty fair value assets are positively related to audit fees. The result is consistent with the suggestion that more complex estimates require greater audit effort. To provide more insight into the impact of fair value measurement on audit fees, we examine this relation under institutional settings with different strength of regulations. The results suggest that the strength of a country's institutional setting is positively related to effort spent on evaluation of higher uncertainty fair value inputs. The finding is consistent with the prediction that auditors expend more effort in more strongly regulated settings due to higher potential litigation costs. Finally, we find that the total proportion of fair‐valued assets does not affect audit fees. The result can be attributed to the composition of the total proportion of fair‐valued assets which is dominated by low uncertainty (Level 1) inputs.
Novel algorithm for management of acute epididymitis
Authors: Hongo Hiroshi , Kikuchi Eiji , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Yazawa Satoshi , Kanao Kent , Kosaka Takeo , Mizuno Ryuichi , Miyajima Akira , Saito Shiro , Oya Mototsugu
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To identify predictive factors for the severity of epididymitis and to develop an algorithm guiding decisions on how to manage patients with this disease.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out on 160 epididymitis patients at Keio University Hospital. We classified cases into severe and non‐severe groups, and compared clinical findings at the first visit. Based on statistical analyses, we developed an algorithm for predicting severe cases. We validated the algorithm by applying it to an external cohort of 96 patients at Tokyo Medical Center. The efficacy of the algorithm was investigated by a decision curve analysis.

Results

A total of 19 patients (11.9%) had severe epididymitis. Patient characteristics including older age, previous history of diabetes mellitus and fever, as well as laboratory data including a higher white blood cell count, C‐reactive protein level and blood urea nitrogen level were independently associated with severity. A predictive algorithm was created with the ability to classify epididymitis cases into three risk groups. In the Keio University Hospital cohort, 100%, 23.5%, and 3.4% of cases in the high‐, intermediate‐, and low‐risk groups, respectively, became severe. The specificity of the algorithm for predicting severe epididymitis proved to be 100% in the Keio University Hospital cohort and 98.8% in the Tokyo Medical Center cohort. The decision curve analysis also showed the high efficacy of the algorithm.

Conclusions

This algorithm might aid in decision‐making for the clinical management of acute epididymitis.
Calmodulin as a downstream gene of octopamine‐OAR α1 signalling mediates olfactory attraction in gregarious locusts
Authors: Xu L. , Li L. , Yang P. , Ma Z.
Published: October 2016

The migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) shows aggregative traits in nymph marching bands and swarm formations through mutual olfactory attraction of conspecifics. However, olfactory preference in different nymph stages in gregarious locusts is not sufficiently explored. In this study, we found that the nymph olfactory preference for gregarious volatiles exhibited obvious variations at different developmental stages. The gregarious locusts show attractive response to conspecific volatiles from the third stadium. Transcriptome comparison between third‐ and fourth‐stadium nymphs showed that the G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) pathways are significantly enriched. Amongst the genes present in GPCR pathways, the expression level of calmodulin in locust brains significantly increased from the third‐ to the fourth‐stadium nymphs. Amongst the four octopamine receptors (OARs) belonging to the GPCR family, only OAR α1 showed similar expression patterns to those of calmodulin, and knockdown of OAR α1 reduced the expression level of calmodulin. RNA interference of calmodulin decreased locomotion and induced the loss of olfactory attraction in gregarious locusts. Moreover, the activation of OAR α1 in calmodulin‐knockdown locusts did not induce olfactory attraction of the nymphs to gregarious volatiles. Thus, calmodulin as a downstream gene of octopamine‐OAR α1 (OA‐OAR α1) signalling mediates olfactory attraction in gregarious locusts. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the mechanism of OA‐OAR α1 signalling involved in olfactory attraction of gregarious locusts.
Pregnancy screening prior to chemotherapy administration
Authors: Hu L. , Kichenadasse G. , Martin H. , Roy A. , Sukumaran S. , Vatandoust S. , Koczwara B. , Karapetis C. S.
Published: October 2016

A retrospective case notes review was performed to determine compliance with screening for undetected pregnancy prior to commencement of chemotherapy at Flinders Medical Centre. All female patients aged 18–55 who commenced chemotherapy between January and December 2014 were included. During the first 12 months, for women identified as having childbearing potential, pre‐chemotherapy pregnancy screening was performed only in 40% of patients under 40 years and in 20.5% of the entire age range.
To Predict and Serve?
Authors: Lum Kristian , Isaac William
Published: October 2016

Predictive policing systems are used increasingly by law enforcement to try to prevent crime before it occurs. But what happens when these systems are trained using biased data? Kristian Lum and William Isaac consider the evidence – and the social consequences
Nonlinear negative transmittance at a CW 980‐nm laser diodes pumping in Yb3+:CaF2 nanocrystals‐embedded glass ceramics
Authors: Chen Zhi , Lai Sinan , Zhang Hang , Jia Hong , Wang Ting , Chen Qiuqun , Dong Guoping , Jiang Chun , Qiu Jianrong
Published: October 2016

Cooperative upconversion luminescence (CUCL) occurs in spectral regions in which single ions do not have energy levels. However, all results reported so far are concentrated on luminescence properties from Yb3+ ions‐doped various hosts. Here, we report the observation of nonlinear negative transmittance (NNT) at continuous‐wavelength (CW) 980‐nm laser diodes (LDs) pumping in silicate oxyfluoride glass ceramics (GCs)‐containing CaF2:Yb3+ nanocrystals. The unique optical nonlinearity is analyzed based on energy‐level transitions, dynamic evolution, rate equation, and power transmission equation, which can be explained as the cooperative optical absorption for the intense CUCL of Yb3+ ions. The NNT in the CaF2:Yb3+ nanocrystals‐embedded GCs can be tailored with the power of a CW 980‐nm LDs, which possesses potential for the development of future optical limiters and switches.
Enhanced dielectric and microwave absorption properties of Cr/Al2O3 coatings deposited by low‐power plasma spraying
Authors: Zhou Liang , Chen Meng , Dong Yanli , Yuan Zhanwei
Published: October 2016

Low‐power plasma‐sprayed Cr/Al2O3 coatings have been developed for their potential application as broad bandwidth, thin thickness, lightweight, and strong microwave‐absorbing materials. The dielectric and microwave absorption properties of the as‐sprayed coatings were studied in the X‐band (from 8.2 to 12.4 GHz). High complex permittivity of the coatings was obtained because of a large number of internal boundaries and the conductive networks. Meanwhile, a significant enhancement of microwave absorption properties of the coating was achieved due to the enhanced interfacial polarization and conductance loss. The reflection loss (RL) <−10 dB of the Al2O3–15Cr coating was obtained from 9.8 to 11.4 GHz by choosing an appropriate coating thickness, and an optimal minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −45.35 dB was achieved at 10.3 GHz with a thin thickness of 1.32 mm.
Alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction: a Bayesian Network meta‐analysis of grafting materials efficacy on prevention of bone height and width reduction
Authors: Iocca Oreste , Farcomeni Alessio , Pardiñas Lopez Simon , Talib Huzefa S.
Published: October 2016

Aims

To conduct a traditional meta‐analysis and a Bayesian Network meta‐analysis to synthesize the information coming from randomized controlled trials on different socket grafting materials and combine the resulting indirect evidence in order to make inferences on treatments that have not been compared directly.

Materials and Methods

RCTs were identified for inclusion in the systematic review and subsequent statistical analysis. Bone height and width remodelling were selected as the chosen summary measures for comparison. First, a series of pairwise meta‐analyses were performed and overall mean difference (MD) in mm with 95% CI was calculated between grafted versus non‐grafted sockets. Then, a Bayesian Network meta‐analysis was performed to draw indirect conclusions on which grafting materials can be considered most likely the best compared to the others.

Results

From the six included studies, seven comparisons were obtained. Traditional meta‐analysis showed statistically significant results in favour of grafting the socket compared to no‐graft both for height (MD 1.02, 95% CI 0.44–1.59, p value < 0.001) than for width (MD 1.52 95% CI 1.18–1.86, p value <0.000001) remodelling. Bayesian Network meta‐analysis allowed to obtain a rank of intervention efficacy.

Conclusions

On the basis of the results of the present analysis, socket grafting seems to be more favourable than unassisted socket healing. Moreover, Bayesian Network meta‐analysis indicates that freeze‐dried bone graft plus membrane is the most likely effective in the reduction of bone height remodelling. Autologous bone marrow resulted the most likely effective when width remodelling was considered. Studies with larger samples and less risk of bias should be conducted in the future in order to further strengthen the results of this analysis.
Phronesis: practical wisdom the role of professional practice knowledge in the clinical reasoning of Bobath instructors
Authors: Vaughan‐Graham Julie , Cott Cheryl
Published: October 2016

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Clinical reasoning is an essential aspect of clinical practice, however is largely ignored in the current rehabilitation sciences evidence base. Literature related to clinical reasoning and clinical expertise has evolved concurrently although rehabilitation reasoning frameworks remain relatively generic. The purpose of this study was to explicate the clinical reasoning process of Bobath instructors of a widely used neuro‐rehabilitation approach, the Bobath concept.

Methods

A qualitative interpretive description approach consisting of stimulated recall using video‐recorded treatment sessions and in‐depth interviews. Purposive sampling was used to recruit members of the International Bobath Instructors Training Association (IBITA). Interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim providing the raw data. Data analysis was progressive, iterative, and inductive.

Results

Twenty‐two IBITA instructors from 7 different countries participated. Ranging in clinical experience from 12 to 40 years, and instructor experience from 1 to 35 years. Three themes were developed, (a) a Bobath clinical framework, (b) person‐centered, and (c) a Bobath reasoning approach, highlighting the role of practical wisdom, phronesis in the clinical reasoning process. In particular the role of visuospatial‐kinesthetic perception, an element of technical expertise, was illuminated as an integral aspect of clinical reasoning in this expert group.

Conclusions

This study provides an interpretive understanding of the clinical reasoning process used by IBITA instructors illustrating an inactive embodied view of clinical reasoning, specifically the role of phronesis, requiring further investigation in nonexpert Bobath therapists, as well as in novice and experienced therapists in other specialty areas.
Eco‐morphological attributes and feeding habits in coexisting characins
Authors: Portella T. , Lobón‐Cerviá J. , Manna L. R. , Bergallo H. G. , Mazzoni R.
Published: October 2016

The head morphology and feeding habits of pairs of characin species (family Characidae) that coexist in four different coastal rainforest streams were analysed. Coexisting species differed in size, but were very similar in eco‐morphological attributes. Gut analyses revealed differences in feeding preferences for each coexisting species, indicating resource partitioning. A pattern of organization in species pairs that was repeated in the four studied streams was noticed. The pattern consisted of one slightly larger species with a feeding preference for items of allochthonous origin and another smaller species with a preference for autochthonous items. The hypothesis that small morphological differences enable the current coexistence of those species pairs was proposed. Furthermore, the results show ecological equivalence among different species in the studied streams.
Immunocytochemical characterisation of neural stem‐progenitor cells from green terror cichlid Aequidens rivulatus
Authors: Wen C. M. , Chen M. M. , Nan F. H. , Wang C. S.
Published: October 2016

In this study, cultures of neural stem‐progenitor cells (NSPC) from the brain of green terror cichlid Aequidens rivulatus were established and various NSPCs were demonstrated using immunocytochemistry. All of the NSPCs expressed brain lipid‐binding protein, dopamine‐ and cAMP‐regulated neuronal phosphoprotein 32 (DARPP‐32), oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2, paired box 6 and sex determining region Y‐box 2. The intensity and localisation of these proteins, however, varied among the different NSPCs. Despite being intermediate cells, NSPCs can be divided into radial glial cells, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) and neuroblasts by expressing the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), OPC marker A2B5 and neuronal markers, including acetyl‐tubulin, βIII‐tubulin, microtubule‐associated protein 2 and neurofilament protein. Nevertheless, astrocytes were polymorphic and were the most dominant cells in the NSPC cultures. By using Matrigel, radial glia exhibiting a long GFAP+ or DARPP‐32+ fibre and neurons exhibiting a significant acetyl‐tubulin+ process were obtained. The results confirmed that NSPCs obtained from A. rivulatus brains can proliferate and differentiate into neurons in vitro. Clonal culture can be useful for further studying the distinct NSPCs.
Conservation genomics: coming to a salmonid near you
Authors: Piccolo J. J.
Published: October 2016

Using the examples on hereditary and environmental factors affecting salmonid populations, this paper demonstrates that ecologists have long appreciated the importance of local adaptation and intraspecific diversity for salmonid conservation. Conservationists, however, need to embrace the genomics revolution and use new insights to improve salmonid management. At the same time, researchers must be forthcoming with the uses and limitations of genomics, and conservation must move forward in the face of scientific uncertainty.
Arteriosclerosis in the ventral aorta and epicarditis in the bulbus arteriosus of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L)
Authors: Dalum A S , Kristthorsdottir K H , Griffiths D J , Bjørklund K , Poppe T T
Published: October 2016

Spontaneous mortality of seemingly healthy, farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L) is an increasing problem in Norwegian aquaculture. In this study, we present a morphological study of the previously undescribed syndrome of arteriosclerosis of the ventral aorta and epicarditis of the adjacent bulbus arteriosus found in farmed Atlantic salmon, with wild‐captured fish as a control group. Both the ventral aorta and epicardium are vital for correct arterial compliance and vascular resistance in the respiratory capillaries of the gills. We discuss the possible implications of ventral aorta arteriosclerosis and epicarditis for blood vascular health and in particular for the increasing frequency of spontaneous gill bleeding in farmed salmon. As both these conditions primarily occur in farmed salmon, we suggest that they should be considered pathological.
A simplified method to estimate Diphyllobothrium spp. infection in salmonids
Authors: Kuhn J A , Knudsen R , Kristoffersen R , Amundsen P‐A
Published: October 2016

Some fish parasites constitute severe management problems as they may cause mortality of their fish host or are important zoonoses of humans. Parasite assessments are therefore critical to keep track of infections. If conventional sampling techniques can be simplified, parasite assessments might be easier to obtain, less time‐consuming and more extensive. In this study, we compare the assessed number of Diphyllobothrium spp. cysts (CYST) with the counted number of Diphyllobothrium spp. plerocercoid larvae recovered using a conventional digestive technique (LARV). The aim was to determine the potential of using CYST as a simplified methodology for assessing Diphyllobothrium spp. infection in salmonids. In total, 365 brown trout and 424 Arctic charr were sampled from nine lakes in subarctic Norway. Strong correlation, significant linear relationship and large amount of explained variation were found between log10CYST and log10LARV in both fish species. The method had a slight, but not significant tendency to work better in charr compared to trout. In addition, absolute difference between CYST and LARV increased at parasite intensities >100 indicating that the method has reduced functionality when estimating parasite intensity in heavily infected salmonid populations. However, overall, using this simplified and less time‐consuming methodology, a good indication of Diphyllobothrium spp. intensity, abundance and prevalence was obtained. We suggest that this method provides a sound proxy of the Diphyllobothrium spp. burden and have the potential to be used in parasite assessment during fish monitoring and fisheries management surveys, particularly if the time and resources for detailed parasite studies are not available.
Diffusive‐convective model considering the shrinkage applied for drying of pears (pyrus spp.)
Authors: Dotto Guilherme L. , Souza Tiago B. , Simões Marcia R. , Morejon Camilo F. M. , Moreira Marcos F. Pinto
Published: October 2016

In this work, a diffusive‐convective model with and without external resistance was applied to examine in detail the drying of pears (Pyrus spp.). The model was based on differential partial equations to represent the moisture content and temperature profiles along the operation. These equations were solved by the orthogonal collocation method. The drying experiments were performed with pear slices, under conditions of natural and forced air convection, at 40 and 80 °C. It was found that the diffusive‐convective model was able to predict the experimental profiles of moisture content and temperature during the pears drying. The effective mass diffusivity was two orders of magnitude higher, for the model with external resistance. The external mass transfer resistance should be considered into the model for low values of Biot number (BiM < 0.05). Also, it was verified a low sensibility of the predicted moisture content and temperature, regarding to the effective mass diffusivity (DEF) and effective thermal conductivity (kEF).

Practical Applications

The diffusive‐convective model with shrinkage provides a realistic and physical interpretation of the drying operation. So, this model can be applied in several cases where the shrinkage phenomena occur. Using this model, the correct time necessary to reduce the moisture content of the material, from the initial value to the commercial value, can be precisely predicted. In this way, it is possible to save energy in the drying operation.
Patient adherence in following a prescribed diet and micronutrient supplements after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: our experience during 1 year of follow‐up
Authors: Schiavo L. , Scalera G. , Pilone V. , De Sena G. , Ciorra F. R. , Barbarisi A.
Published: October 2016

Background

One of the most effective surgeries for sustainable weight loss in morbidly obese patients is laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The present study aimed to assess the adherence of LSG patients with respect to following post‐operative dietary requirements and micronutrient supplementation, as well as to investigate their perceived barriers in achieving optimal adherence.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis was performed (3, 6, 9 and 12 months after LSG) using the medical records of 96 morbidly obese patients who had undergone LSG at our institution during 2011–2013. Data collected from patient records were: adherence to prescribed diet; adherence to prescribed consumption of fruit, vegetables, legumes and cereals; use of prescribed micronutrient supplements; and barriers to diet and micronutrient therapy adherence. Data were analysed using spss, version 14.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

At 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post‐LSG, the rates of patient non‐adherence to a prescribed diet were 39%, 45%, 51% and 74%, respectively. In particular, there was a low consumption of fruit, vegetables, legumes and cereals compared to the post‐surgery prescription. In addition, the rates of patient non‐adherence to prescribed micronutrient supplements at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post‐LSG were 43%, 51%, 59% and 67%, respectively. The main reasons for patient non‐adherence to diet were poor self‐discipline (72%) and poor family support (11%) whereas difficulty swallowing pills or capsules (61%) and cost (20%) were reported as the main barriers to post‐LSG adherence.

Conclusions

Morbidly obese patients who have undergone LSG do not follow exactly the post‐operative dietary guidelines, including micronutrient therapy.
Accessing hospital packaged foods and beverages: the importance of a seated posture when eating
Authors: Bell A. , Tapsell L. , Walton K. , Yoxall A.
Published: October 2016

Background

Hospitalised and community dwelling older people (aged 65 years and over) have difficulties opening certain food and beverage items (e.g. cheese portions and tetra packs) served in public hospitals. Previously, the role of hand strength on successful pack opening has been explored in a seated position. However, because many people in hospital eat in bed, the present laboratory study examined the differences between participants opening a selection of products in a hospital bed and a chair.

Methods

The present study used a qualitative method (satisfaction) and quantitative methods (grip and pinch strength, dexterity, time and attempts) in two conditions (bed; chair) in a sample of well older community dwelling adults (n = 34). Packs tested included foil sealed thickened pudding, foil sealed thickened water, tetra pack, dessert, custard, jam, cereal, honey sachet and cheese portions.

Results

Honey sachets, cheese portions, foil sealed thickened pudding and tetra packs were the most difficult packs to open, with 15% of cheese portions unable to be opened in either the bed or chair posture. Although grip strength was consistent for each posture, pinch grips and dexterity were adversely affected by the bed posture. Lying in a hospital bed required greater pinch strength and dexterity to open packs.

Conclusions

Eating in a seated position when in hospital has been shown to improve intake. The present study demonstrates that eating in a seated posture is also advantageous for opening the food and beverage packs used in the NSW hospital food service and supports the notion that patients should sit to eat in hospital.
Chronic opioid treatment augments caveolin‐1 scaffolding: relevance to stimulatory μ‐opioid receptor adenylyl cyclase signaling
Authors: Chakrabarti Sumita , Chang Andrew , Liu Nai‐Jiang , Gintzler Alan R.
Published: October 2016

Caveolin‐1 is the predominant structural protein of caveolae, a subset of (lipid) membrane rafts that compartmentalize cell signaling. Caveolin‐1 binds most to G protein‐coupled receptors and their signaling partners, thereby enhancing interactions among signaling cascade components and the relative activation of specific G protein‐coupled pathways. This study reveals that chronic opioid exposure of μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells (MOR‐CHO) and chronic in vivo morphine exposure of rat spinal cord augmented recruitment of multiple components of MOR‐adenylyl cyclase (AC) stimulatory signaling by caveolin‐1. Strikingly, in MOR‐CHO and spinal cord, blocking the caveolin‐1 scaffolding domain substantially attenuated the chronic morphine‐induced increased interaction of caveolin‐1 with MOR, Gsα, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and AC. Chronic morphine treatment also increased interactions among the above signaling proteins, thus enabling sufentanil to stimulate (rather than inhibit) cAMP production within lipid membrane microdomains. The latter finding underscores the functionality of augmented interactions among MOR, Gsα, PP2A, and AC. In the aggregate, our data strongly suggest that augmented caveolin‐1 scaffolding undergirds the ability of chronic opioids to recruit an ancillary signaling pathway by acting as an organizing template for MOR‐Gsα‐AC signaling and delimiting the membrane compartment(s) in which it occurs. Since caveolin‐1 binds to a wide spectrum of signaling molecules, altered caveolin‐1 scaffolding following chronic opioid treatment is likely to pertain to most, if not all, MOR signaling partners. The chronic morphine‐induced trigger that augments caveolin‐1 scaffolding could represent a seminal perturbation that initiates the wide spectrum of adaptations thought to contribute to opioid tolerance and dependence.

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Role of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in the nucleus accumbens in long‐term cocaine‐induced neuroplasticity: a possible novel target for addiction treatment
Authors: Cuesta Santiago , Batuecas Jorgelina , Severin Maria J. , Funes Alejandrina , Rosso Silvana B. , Pacchioni Alejandra M.
Published: October 2016

Cocaine addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by the loss of control over drug‐seeking and taking, and continued drug use regardless of adverse consequences. Despite years of research, effective treatments for psycho‐stimulant addiction have not been identified. Persistent vulnerability to relapse arises from a number of long‐lasting adaptations in the reward circuitry that mediate the enduring response to the drug. Recently, we reported that the activity of the canonical or Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is very important in the early stages of cocaine‐induced neuroadaptations. In the present work, our main goal was to elucidate the relevance of this pathway in cocaine‐induced long‐term neuroadaptations that may underlie relapse. We found that a cocaine challenge, after a period of abstinence, induced an increase in the activity of the pathway which is revealed as an increase in the total and nuclear levels of β‐catenin (final effector of the pathway) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), together with a decrease in the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Moreover, we found that the pharmacological modulation of the activity of the pathway has long‐term effects on the cocaine‐induced neuroplasticity at behavioral and molecular levels. All the results imply that changes in the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway effectors are long‐term neuroadaptations necessary for the behavioral response to cocaine. Even though more research is needed, the present results introduce the Wnt canonical pathway as a possible target to manage cocaine long‐term neuroadaptations.

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Relationship between mutant Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 maturation and inclusion formation in cell models
Authors: Ayers Jacob I. , McMahon Benjamin , Gill Sabrina , Lelie Herman L. , Fromholt Susan , Brown Hilda , Valentine Joan Selverstone , Whitelegge Julian P. , Borchelt David R.
Published: October 2016

A common property of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), harboring mutations associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a high propensity to misfold and form abnormal aggregates. The aggregation of mutant SOD1 has been demonstrated in vitro, with purified proteins, in mouse models, in human tissues, and in cultured cell models. In vitro translation studies have determined that SOD1 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mutations is slower to mature, and thus perhaps vulnerable to off‐pathway folding that could generate aggregates. The aggregation of mutant SOD1 in living cells can be monitored by tagging the protein with fluorescent fluorophores. In this study, we have taken advantage of the Dendra2 fluorophore technology in which excitation can be used to switch the output color from green to red, thereby clearly creating a time stamp that distinguishes pre‐existing and newly made proteins. In cells that transiently over‐express the Ala 4 to Val variant of SOD1‐Dendra2, we observed that newly made mutant SOD1 was rapidly captured by pathologic intracellular inclusions. In cell models of mutant SOD1 aggregation over‐expressing untagged A4V‐SOD1, we observed that immature forms of the protein, lacking a Cu co‐factor and a normal intramolecular disulfide, persist for extended periods. Our findings fit with a model in which immature forms of mutant A4V‐SOD1, including newly made protein, are prone to misfolding and aggregation.

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