bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eosinophilic oesophagitis: relevance of mast cell infiltration
Authors: Strasser Daniel S , Seger Shanon , Bussmann Christian , Pierlot Gabin M , Groenen Peter M A , Stalder Anna K , Straumann Alex
Published: May 2018

Aims

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised clinically by symptoms of oesophageal dysfunction and histopathologically by a prominent eosinophilic inflammation. Despite eosinophils having a histologically predominant position, their role in the immunopathogenesis of the disease is still questionable. Several other inflammatory cells are involved and may also play a critical role. The purpose of this study was to characterise the mast cell infiltration, and to correlate it with the clinical state of EoE.

Methods and results

Using immunohistochemistry and quantitative morphometry, we investigated eosinophils and mast cells extensively in oesophageal biopsies from patients with active EoE and from patients with EoE in remission, and compared the findings with healthy individuals. In EoE, epithelium and lamina propria were similarly infiltrated with eosinophils. In contrast, mast cells infiltration was limited to the epithelium, displaying a localised immune response. Interestingly, whereas epithelial mast cells and eosinophils were high in active EoE, some patients in remission, e.g. normalised epithelial eosinophils, showed remaining high numbers of mast cells. Patient clustering supported two groups of patients in clinical remission, differentiating based on presence or absence of epithelial mast cells.

Conclusions

Active EoE is characterised in addition to the well‐known tissue eosinophilia by a marked epithelium‐restricted mast cell infiltration. Of interest, in a subgroup of patients, mast cell infiltration persisted despite clinical remission. To elucidate the clinical consequence of persistent epithelial mast cells infiltration further studies are required following patients in clinical remission longitudinally.
Tumour YAP1 and PTEN expression correlates with tumour‐associated myeloid suppressor cell expansion and reduced survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yang Rong , Cai Ting‐ting , Wu Xiao‐jun , Liu Yi‐na , He Jia , Zhang Xiao‐shi , Ma Gang , Li Jiang
Published: May 2018

The expansion of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) correlates with tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we found a significant association between CD33+ MDSC number and Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) levels in CRC patients (P < 0·05). Moreover, the CD33+ MDSCs, YAP1 and PTEN were identified as predictors for the prognosis of CRC patients (P < 0·05). Notably, CD33+ MDSCs were an independent survival predictor for CRC patients through a Cox model analysis. In vitro data determined that the expression levels of YAP1 and PTEN in CRC‐derived cell lines were associated with CRC‐derived MDSC induction, and the blockade of YAP1 and PTEN decreased CRC‐derived MDSC induction. A mechanistic analysis revealed that YAP1 promoted CRC‐derived MDSC induction by suppressing PTEN expression to up‐regulate COX‐2, P‐AKT and P‐p65 in CRC‐derived cells, leading to secretion of the cytokine granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor. Our findings establish a novel mechanism of pro‐tumorigenic MDSC induction mediated by ectopic YAP1 and PTEN expression in CRC.
Segmented filamentous bacteria‐induced immune responses: a balancing act between host protection and autoimmunity
Authors: Flannigan Kyle L. , Denning Timothy L.
Published: May 2018

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are Gram‐positive, spore‐forming, bacteria that primarily colonize the ileum of the small intestine. Upon direct adherence to intestinal epithelial cells, SFB actively stimulate innate and adaptive immune cell activation. The cardinal features of SFB‐induced gut immunity – T helper type 17 (Th17) cell differentiation, IgA production and barrier protection – lead to the containment of SFB and further afford protection against invading pathogens. Th17 cells and interleukin‐17A, however, can also reach peripheral sites and exacerbate autoimmunity. In this review, we highlight salient characteristics of SFB–host interactions and detail the cellular and molecular immune mechanisms involved in coordinating these responses.
Nature of tumour rejection antigens in ovarian cancer
Authors: Want Muzamil Y. , Lugade Amit A. , Battaglia Sebastiano , Odunsi Kunle
Published: May 2018

Major progress in the analysis of human immune responses to cancer has been made through the molecular characterization of human tumour antigens. The development of therapeutic strategies for eliciting immune‐mediated rejection of tumours has accelerated due to the elucidation of the molecular basis for tumour cell recognition and destruction by immune cells. Of the various human tumour antigens defined to date in ovarian cancer, the cancer‐testis (CT) family of antigens have been studied extensively preclinically and clinically because of their testis‐restricted expression in normal tissues and ability to elicit robust immune responses. Recent developments in cancer sequencing technologies offer a unique opportunity to identify tumour mutations with the highest likelihood of being expressed and recognized by the immune system. Such mutations, or neoantigens, could potentially serve as specific immune targets for T‐cell‐mediated destruction of cancer cells. This review will highlight current work in selecting tumour rejection antigens in ovarian cancer for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy.
CD6 monoclonal antibodies differ in epitope, kinetics and mechanism of action
Authors: Garner Lee I. , Hartland Andrew , Breuning Johannes , Brown Marion H.
Published: May 2018

CD6 is a type I T‐cell surface receptor that modulates antigen receptor signalling. Its activity is regulated by binding of its membrane proximal domain (domain 3) to a cell surface ligand, CD166. CD6 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for the membrane distal domain (domain 1) perturb CD6 function including itolizumab (Alzumab™), which has reached the clinic for treatment of autoimmune disease. We characterized molecular and functional properties of several CD6 mAbs including itolizumab to define potential mechanisms of action. Epitope mapping using the crystal structure of CD6 to design mutants identified two distinct binding sites on different faces of domain 1, one containing residue R77, crucial for MT605 and T12.1 binding and the other, E63, which is crucial for itolizumab and MEM98. Analysis of binding kinetics revealed that itolizumab has a lower affinity compared with other CD6 domain 1 mAbs. We compared potential agonistic (triggering) and antagonistic (blocking) properties of CD6 mAbs in assays where the mechanism of action was well defined. CD6 domain 1 and 3 mAbs were equally effective in triggering interleukin‐2 production by a cell line expressing a chimeric antigen receptor containing the extracellular region of CD6. CD6 domain 1 mAbs hindered binding of multivalent immobilized CD166 but were inferior compared with blocking by soluble CD166 or a CD6 domain 3 mAb. Characterization of CD6 mAbs provides an insight into how their functional effects in vivo may be interpreted and their therapeutic use optimized.
Two approaches, one goal: How mental health registered nurses' perceive their role and the role of peer support workers in facilitating consumer decision‐making
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Raeburn Toby , West Sancia , Escott Phil , Lopez Violeta
Published: May 2018

Recovery‐oriented principles underpin modern‐day mental health care and are enhanced by consumer participation in decision‐making. Understanding how consumer participation can be maximized is central to promoting recovery‐oriented care. This study explored the key strategies used by mental health registered nurses and perceived by nurses to be used by peer support workers in facilitating consumer decision‐making to determine similarities, differences, and possible tensions. A qualitative descriptive approach using semi‐structured interviews was conducted with nine nurses employed in mental health care. Thematic analysis was conducted using open coding. Frequency of views expressed and prevalence of these amongst participants were noted to determine the most common strategies and challenges. Registered nurses use strategies aimed at empowerment, self‐management, and managing expectations to facilitate decision‐making but are challenged by entrenched coercion within the system. These same nurses view peer support workers as using their lived experience to build rapport, role model, and advocate for consumers. Tensions arise in how the peer support workers’ lived experience should be used and how this impacts on professional and therapeutic boundaries. Nurses expressed support for the role of peer support workers and viewed their inclusion in facilitating consumer decision‐making positively. Their own role is perceived as being caught between modern‐day service principles of empowerment and long‐standing practices based on coercion.
Mechanisms and drivers of social inequality in phase II cardiac rehabilitation attendance: A convergent mixed methods study
Authors: Pedersen Maria , Overgaard Dorthe , Andersen Ingelise , Baastrup Marie , Egerod Ingrid
Published: May 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which the qualitative and quantitative data converge and explain mechanisms and drivers of social inequality in cardiac rehabilitation attendance.

Background

Social inequality in cardiac rehabilitation attendance has been a recognized problem for many years. However, to date the mechanisms driving these inequalities are still not fully understood.

Design

The study was designed as a convergent mixed methods study.

Methods

From March 2015—March 2016, patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome to two Danish regional hospitals were included in a quantitative prospective observational study (N = 302). Qualitative interview informants (N = 24) were sampled from the quantitative study population and half brought a close relative (N = 12) for dyadic interviews. Interviews were conducted from August 2015 to February 2016. Integrated analyses were conducted in joint displays by merging the quantitative and qualitative findings.

Results

Qualitative and quantitative findings primarily confirmed and expanded each other; however, discordant results were also evident. Integrated analyses identified socially differentiated lifestyles, health beliefs, travel barriers and self‐efficacy as potential drivers of social inequality in cardiac rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Our study adds empirical evidence regarding how a mixed methods study can be used to obtain an understanding of complex healthcare problems. The study provides new knowledge concerning the mechanisms driving social inequality in cardiac rehabilitation attendance. To prevent social inequality, cardiac rehabilitation should be accommodated to patients with a history of unhealthy behaviour and low self‐efficacy. In addition, the rehabilitation programme should be offered in locations not requiring a long commute.
Measuring outcomes of digital technology‐assisted nursing postpartum: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: McCarter Deborah E. , Demidenko Eugene , Hegel Mark T.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To determine if delivering electronic messages from nurses during the first 6 months postpartum is feasible, acceptable and effective in improving mood and decreasing parenting stress.

Background

Competing demands during the postpartum hospitalization make focused time for nurses to provide education and support difficult. Unmet needs following discharge may increase the incidence of postpartum depression. Untreated depression negatively affects families, especially for vulnerable women with limited access to health care.

Design

This is a longitudinal cohort study in three phases. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed during Phases 1 & 2. Phase 3 is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with three conditions.

Methods

This protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the maternity hospital on 12 May 2015 and reviewed annually. Women are enrolled during the maternity hospitalization, after which randomization occurs. The control group receives usual care. Intervention I participants receive a standardized electronic message four times/week for 6 months postpartum. Intervention II participants receive the messages and the option to request a call from a nurse. Electronic surveys at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum measure depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and parenting stress using the Parenting Stress Index‐Short form. Patient satisfaction, nursing time and expertise required are also measured.

Discussion

Phase 1 and 2 have demonstrated the intervention is feasible and acceptable to women. Phase 3 enrolment is completed, and the last follow‐up surveys were emailed to participants in February 2018. Results will help inform efforts to continue nursing care after hospital discharge.
A contextual work‐life experiences model to understand nurse commitment and turnover
Authors: Aluwihare‐Samaranayake Dilmi , Gellatly Ian , Cummings Greta , Ogilvie Emerita Linda
Published: May 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to present a discussion and model depicting most effecting work‐life experience contextual factors that influence commitment and turnover intentions for nurses in Sri Lanka.

Background

Increasing demand for nurses has made the retention of experienced, qualified nursing staff a priority for healthcare organizations and highlights the need to capture contextual work‐life experiences that influence nurses’ turnover decisions.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data sources

This discussion paper and model is based on our experiences and knowledge of Sri Lanka and represents an integration of classic turnover research and commitment theory and others published between 1958 – 2017, contextualized to reflect the reality faced by Sri Lanka nurses.

Implications for nursing

The model presents a high‐level view of intrinsic, extrinsic, personal and professional antecedents to nurse turnover where relevance can be used by researchers, policy makers, clinicians and educators to establish focused and limited scope models and examine comprehensive contexts.

Conclusion

This model emphasizes the role that work‐life experiences play to fortify (or weaken) nurses’ motivation to remain committed to their organization, profession, family, and country. Understanding of contextual work‐life influences on nurses’ intent to stay should lead to evidence‐based strategies that result in a higher number of nurses wanting to remain in the nursing profession and work in the health sector in Sri Lanka.
Effects of a nanoemulsion with Copaifera officinalis oleoresin against monogenean parasites of Colossoma macropomum: A Neotropical Serrasalmidae
Authors: Valentim D S S , Duarte J L , Oliveira A E M F M , Cruz R A S , Carvalho J C T , Solans C , Fernandes C P , Tavares‐Dias M
Published: May 2018

Monogeneans are ectoparasites that may cause losses in production and productivity in the aquaculture of Colossoma macropomum. Chemotherapeutics used in aquaculture usually have major adverse effects on fish; hence, the use of essential oils has been considered advantageous, but these are not soluble in water. Thus, the use of nanostructures to enhance water solubility of compounds and improve bioactivity may be very promising. This study investigated the antiparasitic activity of nanoemulsion prepared with Copaifera officinalis oleoresin (50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mg/L), against monogenean parasites from the gills of C. macropomum. The particle size distribution and zeta potential suggested that a potentially kinetic stable system was generated. The nanoemulsion from C. officinalis oleoresin achieved high efficacy (100%) at low concentrations (200 and 300 mg/L) after 15 min of exposure. This was the first time that a nanoemulsion was generated from C. officinalis oleoresin using a solvent‐free, non‐heating and low‐energy method. Moreover, this was the first time that an antiparasitic against monogeneans on fish gills, based on nanoemulsion of C. officinalis oleoresin, was tested.
The orphan G‐protein‐coupled receptor 75 signaling is activated by the chemokine CCL5
Authors: Dedoni Simona , Campbell Lee A. , Harvey Brandon K. , Avdoshina Valeria , Mocchetti Italo
Published: May 2018

The chemokine CCL5 prevents neuronal cell death mediated both by amyloid β, as well as the human immunodeficiency virus viral proteins gp120 and Tat. Because CCL5 binds to CCR5, CCR3 and/or CCR1 receptors, it remains unclear which of these receptors plays a role in neuroprotection. Indeed, CCL5 also has neuroprotective activity in cells lacking these receptors. CCL5 may bind to a G‐protein‐coupled receptor 75 (GPR75), which encodes for a 540 amino‐acid orphan receptor of the Gqα family. In this study, we have used SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells to characterize whether CCL5 could activate a Gq signaling through GPR75. Both qPCR and flow cytometry show that these cells express GPR75 but do not express CCR5, CCR3 or CCR1 receptors. SY‐SY5Y cells were then used to examine CCL5‐mediated signaling. We report that CCL5 promotes a time‐ and concentration‐dependent phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), glycogen synthase kinase 3β, and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Specific antagonists of CCR5, CCR3, and CCR1 did not prevent CCL5 from increasing phosphorylated AKT or ERK. Moreover, CCL5 promotes a time‐dependent internalization of GPR75. Lastly, knocking down GPR75 expression by a CRISPR‐Cas9 approach inhibited the ability of CCL5 to activate pERK in SH‐SY5Y cells. Therefore, we propose that GPR75 is a novel receptor for CCL5 that could explain some of the pharmacological action of this chemokine. These findings may help in the development of small molecule GPR75 agonists that mimic CCL5.

Open Practices

This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

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Effects of prenatal stress on anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviours are sex‐specific in prepubertal rats
Authors: Iturra‐Mena A. M. , Arriagada‐Solimano M. , Luttecke‐Anders A. , Dagnino‐Subiabre A.
Published: May 2018

The foetal brain is highly susceptible to stress in late pregnancy, with lifelong effects of stress on physiology and behaviour. The present study aimed to determine the physiological and behavioural effects of prenatal stress during the prepubertal period of female and male rats. We subjected pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats to a restraint stress protocol from gestational day 14 to 21, a critical period for foetal brain susceptibility to stress effects. Male and female offspring were subsequently assessed at postnatal day 24 for anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviours, as well as spontaneous social interaction. We also assessed maternal behaviours and 2 stress markers: basal vs acute‐evoked stress levels of serum corticosterone and body weight gain. Prenatal stress did not affect the maternal behaviour, whereas both female and male offspring had higher body weight gain. On the other hand, lower levels of corticosterone after acute stress stimulation, as well as anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviours, were only evident in stressed males compared to control males. These results suggest that prenatal stress induced sex‐specific effects on hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis activity and on behaviour during prepuberty. The HPA axis of prenatally stressed male rats was less active compared to control males, and they were also more anxious and experienced depressive‐like behaviours. These results are useful with respect to studying the neurobiological basis of childhood depression at a preclinical level.
Pueraria tuberosa extract inhibits iNOS and IL-6 through suppression of PKC-α and NF-kB pathway in diabetes-induced nephropathy
Authors: Shukla Rashmi , Banerjee Somanshu , Tripathi Yamini B
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of this study was to explore the anti-inflammatory role of PTY-2r (extracted from Pueraria tuberosa), on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN rats.

Methods

Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55mg/kg) in rats. After 60 days, the rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6/each group), namely DN control group 2, DN rats treated with PTY-2r at dose of 100 mg/100 g, group 3 and 50 mg/100 g, group 4, p.o for 20 days. The normal rats were chosen as a normal control (NC) group 1.

Key findings

In DN rats, the expression of iNOS and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) was significantly increased. Raised expression of PKC-α was also found. As NF-kB is the main transcription factor for the inflammatory response-mediated progression of DN, variation in NF-kB expression and its activated phosphorylated derivative (pNF-kB) were also evaluated and increase in expression was obtained in the kidney of DN rats. PTY-2r treatment significantly reversed these changes in dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

This study suggested that the nephroprotective effect of PTY-2r is possibly due to downregulation of PKC-α and NF-kB pathway and normalizing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and iNOS in the kidney of DN rats.
Inhibitory effect of melatonin on necroptosis via repressing the Ripk3‐PGAM5‐CypD‐mPTP pathway attenuates cardiac microvascular ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhou Hao , Li Dandan , Zhu Pingjun , Ma Qiang , Toan Sam , Wang Jin , Hu Shunying , Chen Yundai , Zhang Yingmei
Published: May 2018

The molecular features of necroptosis in cardiac ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury have been extensively explored. However, there have been no studies investigating the physiological regulatory mechanisms of melatonin acting on necroptosis in cardiac IR injury. This study was designed to determine the role of necroptosis in microvascular IR injury, and investigate the contribution of melatonin in repressing necroptosis and preventing IR‐mediated endothelial system collapse. Our results demonstrated that Ripk3 was primarily activated by IR injury and consequently aggravated endothelial necroptosis, microvessel barrier dysfunction, capillary hyperpermeability, the inflammation response, microcirculatory vasospasms, and microvascular perfusion defects. However, administration of melatonin prevented Ripk3 activation and provided a pro‐survival advantage for the endothelial system in the context of cardiac IR injury, similar to the results obtained via genetic ablation of Ripk3. Functional investigations clearly illustrated that activated Ripk3 upregulated PGAM5 expression, and the latter increased CypD phosphorylation, which obligated endothelial cells to undergo necroptosis via augmenting mPTP (mitochondrial permeability transition pore) opening. Interestingly, melatonin supplementation suppressed mPTP opening and interrupted endothelial necroptosis via blocking the Ripk3‐PGAM5‐CypD signal pathways. Taken together, our studies identified the Ripk3‐PGAM5‐CypD‐mPTP axis as a new pathway responsible for reperfusion‐mediated microvascular damage via initiating endothelial necroptosis. In contrast, melatonin treatment inhibited the Ripk3‐PGAM5‐CypD‐mPTP cascade and thus reduced cellular necroptosis, conferring a protective advantage to the endothelial system in IR stress. These findings establish a new paradigm in microvascular IR injury and update the concept for cell death management handled by melatonin under the burden of reperfusion attack.
RETRACTED: Melatonin modulates dysregulated circadian clocks in mice with diethylnitrosamine‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sánchez Diana I. , González‐Fernández Bárbara , Crespo Irene , San‐Miguel Beatriz , Álvarez Marcelino , González‐Gallego Javier , Tuñón María Jesús
Published: May 2018

Disruption of circadian rhythms, which are regulated by the circadian clock machinery, plays an important role in different long‐term diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Melatonin has been reported to alleviate promotion and progression of HCC, but the potential contribution of circadian clock modulation is unknown. We investigated the effects of melatonin in mice which received diethylnitrosamine (DEN) (35 mg/kg body weight ip) once a week for 8 weeks. Melatonin was given at 5 or 10 mg kg−1d−1 ip beginning 4 weeks after the onset of DEN administration and ending at the sacrifice time (10, 20, 30, or 40 weeks). Liver expression of Bmal1, Clock, Npas2, Rorα, and Sirt1 increased, whereas Cry1, Per1, Per2, Per3, CK1ε, Rev‐erbα, and Rev‐erbβ decreased following DEN administration. Melatonin treatment prevented changes in the expression of clock genes, and this effect was accompanied by an upregulation of the MT1 receptor and reduced levels of the hypoxia‐inducible factors Hif‐1α and Hif‐2α. An increased expression of p21, p53, and PARP1/2, a higher Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, and a lower expression of Cyclin D1, CDK6, HSP70, HSP90, and GRP78 proteins were also observed in melatonin‐treated mice. Melatonin significantly potentiated the suppression of proliferation and cell cycle arrest induced by the synthetic REV‐ERB agonist SR9009 in human Hep3B cells, and BMAL1 knocking down attenuated the pro‐apoptotic and antiproliferative effect of melatonin. Results support a contribution of changes in the circadian clock components to the beneficial effects of melatonin in HCC and highlight the usefulness of strategies modulating the circadian machinery in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Analysis of the National Database of Japan
Authors: Fujita M. , Sugiyama M. , Sato Y. , Nagashima K. , Takahashi S. , Mizokami M. , Hata A.
Published: May 2018

This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The National Database of Japan, in which insurance claim data have been comprehensively accumulated, was utilized. The subjects were 76 641 RA patients who were plausibly initiated on immunosuppressive therapy from April 2013 to March 2014. Laboratory tests of the hepatitis B surface antigen, anti‐hepatitis B virus surface antibody, and anti‐hepatitis B virus core antibody were performed in 28.23%, 12.52% and 14.63% of patients, respectively, when the therapy was initiated. We found that HBV reactivation and fulminant hepatitis occurred in both the patients with and without HBV DNA monitoring, indicating insufficient monitoring in Japan during the study. The cumulative incidence of HBV reactivation over 24 months was 1.57% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28%‐1.92%) in the monitoring group, which consisted of those with resolved HBV infection. Glucocorticoid administration was a potent risk factor for HBV reactivation (hazard ratio [HR]  = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.26‐2.29, P = .001 in all subjects, and HR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.18‐2.81, P = .007 in the nonmonitoring group), although it was not statistically significant in the monitoring group (HR = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.99‐2.26 and P = .057). No significant risk difference was observed between single administration of methotrexate and biological drugs.
Productivity Shocks in a Union‐Duopoly Model
Authors: Brandão António , Pinho Joana
Published: May 2018

We study the impacts of idiosyncratic productivity shocks when: firms have asymmetric productivities; firms and unions bargain over wages; and firms decide employment. The efficient firm pays a higher wage but has lower marginal production costs (due to its productivity advantage). Profits and worker surplus are higher at the efficient firm. A positive productivity shock affecting the efficient firm is always welfare improving; while if affecting the inefficient firm it may be welfare detrimental (if consumers' gain does not compensate the loss in worker surplus and industry profit). Consumer surplus increases more when the productivity shock affects the inefficient firm.
Predicting genotype environmental range from genome–environment associations
Authors: Manel Stéphanie , Andrello Marco , Henry Karine , Verdelet Daphné , Darracq Aude , Guerin Pierre‐Edouard , Desprez Bruno , Devaux Pierre
Published: May 2018

Genome–environment association methods aim to detect genetic markers associated with environmental variables. The detected associations are usually analysed separately to identify the genomic regions involved in local adaptation. However, a recent study suggests that single‐locus associations can be combined and used in a predictive way to estimate environmental variables for new individuals on the basis of their genotypes. Here, we introduce an original approach to predict the environmental range (values and upper and lower limits) of species genotypes from the genetic markers significantly associated with those environmental variables in an independent set of individuals. We illustrate this approach to predict aridity in a database constituted of 950 individuals of wild beets and 299 individuals of cultivated beets genotyped at 14,409 random single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We detected 66 alleles associated with aridity and used them to calculate the fraction (I) of aridity‐associated alleles in each individual. The fraction I correctly predicted the values of aridity in an independent validation set of wild individuals and was then used to predict aridity in the 299 cultivated individuals. Wild individuals had higher median values and a wider range of values of aridity than the cultivated individuals, suggesting that wild individuals have higher ability to resist to stress‐aridity conditions and could be used to improve the resistance of cultivated varieties to aridity.
Signatures of diversifying selection and convergence acting on passerine Toll‐like receptor 4 in an evolutionary context
Authors: Králová Tereza , Albrecht Tomáš , Bryja Josef , Hořák David , Johnsen Arild , Lifjeld Jan T. , Novotný Marian , Sedláček Ondřej , Velová Hana , Vinkler Michal
Published: May 2018

Positive selection acting on Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) has been recently investigated to reveal evolutionary mechanisms of host–pathogen molecular co‐adaptation. Much of this research, however, has focused mainly on the identification of sites predicted to be under positive selection, bringing little insight into the functional differences and similarities among species and a limited understanding of convergent evolution in the innate immune molecules. In this study, we provide evidence of phenotypic variability in the avian TLR4 ligand‐binding region (LBR), the direct interface between host and pathogen molecular structures. We show that 55 passerine species vary substantially in the distribution of electrostatic potential on the surface of the receptor, and based on these distinct patterns, we identified four species clusters. Seven of the 34 evolutionarily nonconservative and positively selected residues correspond topologically to sites previously identified as being important for lipopolysaccharide, lipid IVa or MD‐2 binding. Five of these positions codetermine the identity of the charge clusters. Groups of species that host‐related communities of pathogens were predicted to cluster based on their TLR4 LBR charge. Despite some evidence for convergence among taxa, there were no clear associations between the TLR4 LBR charge distribution and any of the general ecological characteristics compared (migration, latitudinal distribution and diet). Closely related species, however, mostly belonged to the same surface charge cluster indicating that phylogenetic constraints are key determinants shaping TLR4 adaptive evolution. Our results suggest that host innate immune evolution is consistent with Fahrenholz's rule on the cospeciation of hosts and their parasites.
Sensitisation to outdoor and indoor fungi in atopic dermatitis patients and the relation to the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts and walnuts
Authors: Čelakovská Jarmila , Bukač Josef , Ettler Karel , Vaneckova Jaroslava , Ettlerova Kvetuse , Krejsek Jan
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study is the evaluation of the relation between the sensitisation to outdoor and indoor fungi and allergy to peanuts and walnuts in atopic dermatitis patients aged 14 years and older. The complete dermatological and allergological examinations were performed in all included patients; the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts and walnuts was recorded (specific IgE, skin prick test, history of allergic reaction) and the sensitisation to mixture of outdoor fungi and indoor fungi was also examined (skin prick test, specific IgE). The statistical evaluation of the relation between the sensitisation to outdoor and indoor fungi and the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts and walnuts was performed; 329 patients were included in the study, 110 men and 219 women, the average age 26.8 years. The sensitisation to outdoor fungi was recorded in 91 patients (28%), the sensitisation to indoor fungi was recorded in 61 patients (18.5%), the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts was confirmed in 90 (27%) patients and to walnuts in 121 (36.7%) patients. We confirmed, that patients suffering from sensitisation to outdoor fungi suffer significantly more from food allergy to peanuts and walnuts. The significant relation between the sensitisation to indoor fungi and food allergy to peanuts and walnuts was not confirmed.
Expression of myxovirus‐resistance protein A: a possible marker of muscle disease activity and autoantibody specificities in juvenile dermatomyositis
Authors: Soponkanaporn S. , Deakin C. T. , Schutz P. W. , Marshall L. R. , Yasin S. A. , Johnson C. M. , Sag E. , Tansley S. L. , McHugh N. J. , Wedderburn L. R. , Jacques T. S.
Published: May 2018

Aims

To evaluate the relationship between expression of myxovirus‐resistance protein A (MxA) protein on muscle biopsies by immunohistochemistry and disease activity in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) patients. Also, another aim was to investigate whether the expression of MxA is related with myositis‐specific autoantibodies (MSA) status in JDM patients.

Methods

103 patients (median aged 6.3, interquartile range 0.5–15.9) enrolled in the Juvenile Dermatomyositis Cohort and Biomarker Study (JDCBS). Muscle biopsies were stained with MxA and scored. Clinical data at initial presentation were collected and autoantibodies were analysed. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between MxA expression on muscle fibres and muscle disease activity, and MSA status.

Results

Expression of MxA protein on JDM samples was identified in 61.2%. There was a significant association between MxA scores and Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale (CMAS) (P = 0.002), and Manual Muscle Testing of Eight Muscles (MMT8) (P = 0.026). CMAS and MMT8 scores were significantly lower in the group of patients with strong MxA expression. MxA scores differed according to MSA subgroups (P = 0.002). Patients with positive nuclear matrix protein 2 autoantibodies had strong MxA expression, whereas anti‐melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5 positive patients had no or weak MxA expression.

Conclusions

This study reveals the significant association between level of MxA expression on muscle fibres and clinical measures of muscular disease activity in JDM patients and MSA status. This confirms type I interferonopathies in muscle fibres of JDM patients which could help with improving treatment outcome in JDM patients and underscoring the distinct pathophysiological pathways in different MSA status.
Homeostatic levels of nonstructural carbohydrates after 13 yr of drought and irrigation inPinus sylvestris
Authors: Schönbeck Leonie , Gessler Arthur , Hoch Günter , McDowell Nate G. , Rigling Andreas , Schaub Marcus , Li Mai‐He
Published: May 2018

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) are important for the growth and survival of trees. Drought may lead to a decrease in tree growth and toNSCdepletion, whereas increased soil moisture in otherwise dry ecosystems may increase growth andNSCconcentrations.

A long‐term (13 yr) irrigation experiment was conducted in aPinus sylvestris‐dominated forest located at the dry margin of the species in southern Switzerland. We measured the relative leaf area, growth,NSCs, needle δ13C, [N] and [P] in trees on control and irrigated plots.

Irrigation resulted in higher growth rates and carbon isotope discrimination, but did not alterNSClevels. Growth andNSCdecreased with decreasing leaf area in both treatments, butNSCdid not correlate with leaf‐level gas exchange indices, such as foliar δ13C, [N] or [P]. A legacy effect was shown, as trees with initially low leaf area had limited ability to respond to prolonged irrigation.

TheNSCconstancy across treatments provides evidence that carbohydrate storage may stay constant when climate changes are sufficiently slow to allow acclimation. Moreover, we speculate that total leaf area, rather than leaf gas exchange per unit leaf area, drives the variation in whole‐tree carbohydrate dynamics in this system.
How nurses restore and maintain mobility in hospitalised older people: An integrative literature review
Authors: Constantin Stephanie , Dahlke Sherry
Published: May 2018

Aim

The aim of this integrative review of the literature was to evaluate and summarise current research about how nurses maintain and improve hospitalised older peoples' mobility levels.

Background

Older persons make up the majority of healthcare recipients, and they are at risk to experience significant decline in their mobility once hospitalised. This can result in longer hospitalisations or nursing home admissions. Currently, it is not well understood how nurses maintain and restore mobility of hospitalised older persons.

Design

An integrative literature review using key concepts related to hospitalised older people, mobility and nursing care was conducted. Whittemore and Khalf's five‐stage methodological framework for integrative reviews was utilised.

Methods

Two reviewers screened 1640 resources from four computerised databases published in English during 2000–2017. Reviewers used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and CASP quality appraisal tools to assess the thirteen included articles.

Results

The findings of this review reveal that little is known about how frequently nurses are mobilising, that many nurses perceive mobilising older patients to be physiotherapy's responsibility and that education about mobilisation can improve nurses' willingness to mobilise people.

Conclusion

By investing in education and training programmes targeted for nurses, nurses can feel empowered in their ability to mobilise patients and are encouraged to take ownership of their patient's functional needs. In order to facilitate mobility, adequate staffing levels are necessary for transferring and ambulation, mobility assistive devices such as walkers and canes and environments with adequate space to mobilise. More research is needed to better understand and overcome barriers that nurses face in mobilised older people in acute care.

Implications for practice

The nursing team can work together to prioritise mobilisation to assist in restoring and maintaining the function of hospitalised older people. Educators could review their mobility programmes to increase graduate nurses' confidence and self‐efficacy in mobility assessments and thus prepare graduate nurses for the realities of practice.
Angle Stable Interlocking Intramedullary Nails for Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Jia Peng , Lu Feng‐cheng , Ullah Kifayat , Zhang Man , Dong Yan‐sheng , Xiong Chao , Zhao Zhi‐hui , Wang Jin‐feng , Chen Ju‐wen , Wang Yong‐qing
Published: May 2018

Objective

Angle stable interlocking intramedullary nail (ASIN), a novel technique, has rarely been used for treatment of tibial plateau fractures (TPF). This retrospective study was designed to introduce this novel technique, ASIN, as well as to describe the initial experience and verify the effectiveness when ASIN was used for the management for TPF.

Methods

A cohort of 19 cases with closed TPF aged from 18–70 years with at least 23 months follow‐up from November 2008 to September 2013 was analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent the ASIN procedure, which was performed by the same group of surgeons. Perioperative and postoperative parameters like the measurement of radiographic pictures, surgical data, and clinical function were recorded including the changes in treatment. A modified Hohl–Luck radiological and functional score combined with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score were applied to evaluate the final results and to provide reliable data through the whole procedure when applying the ASIN procedure.

Results

The patients were followed up regularly for an average of 26.3 (range, 23–34) months. All patients achieved a bony union at an average of 15.1 weeks with no incidences of malunion, nonunion, or infection. Anatomical reduction of the articular surface was obtained in 16 patients. No secondary failure of fixation occurred. The mean postoperative knee flexion was 122.9°. The modified Hohl–Luck radiological and functional score was excellent and good, respectively, in 16 patients. The mean HSS score was 89.4.

Conclusion

The angle stable interlocking intramedullary nail system turned out to be a viable alternative protocol in the treatment of tibia plateau fractures and provided satisfactory results, with good fracture reduction, biomechanical fixation, low rates of complications, and passable postoperative knee function.
Factors Influencing Arab Nursing Students' Attitudes toward Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability and their Inclusion in Nursing Curricula
Authors: Cruz Jonas Preposi , Felicilda‐Reynaldo Rhea Faye D. , Alshammari Farhan , Alquwez Nahed , Alicante Jerico G. , Obaid Khamees B. , Rady Hanan Ebrahim Abd El Aziz , Qtait Mohammad , Silang John Paul Ben T.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To assess the factors influencing the attitudes of Bachelor of Science in Nursing students toward climate change and environmental sustainability and the inclusion of these concepts in the nursing curricula of four Arab countries.

Method

A convenience sample of 1,059 students from four Arab countries was surveyed using the Environmental Sustainability Attitudes in Nursing Survey‐2 (SANS‐2) questionnaire in this descriptive‐comparative study.

Results

The majority of the respondents exhibited positive attitudes toward the five items of SANS‐2, with “Environmental sustainability is an important issue for nursing” receiving the lowest mean score and “Issues about climate change should be included in the nursing curriculum” receiving the highest mean score. Saudi students had more positive attitudes toward environmental sustainability in health care compared with students from Iraq, Egypt, and the Palestinian Territories. Country of residence, type of community, and knowledge about environmental issues and their impact on health in any nursing course were significant factors that influenced attitudes toward environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

The inclusion of climate change and environmental sustainability in nursing curricula in the Arab region was emphasized by the findings. Including environmental sustainability practices in nursing education will help student nurses develop critical thinking and skills in the adaptive delivery of health care, especially when resources are scarce.
Physcomitrella patens Reute mCherry as a tool for efficient crossing within and between ecotypes
Authors: Perroud P.‐F. , Meyberg R. , Rensing S. A.
Published: May 2018

Physcomitrella patens is a monoecious moss that is predominantly selfing in the wild. Laboratory crossing techniques have been established and crosses between the sequenced Gransden ecotype and the genetically divergent Villersexel ecotype were used for genetic mapping. The recently introduced ecotype Reute has a high fertility rate and is genetically more closely related to the Gransden ecotype than the Villersexel ecotype. Reute sexual reproduction phenology is similar to Gransden, which should allow successful crossing.

Using the Reute ecotype and an existing Gransden mutant as a test case, we applied a normalised crossing approach to demonstrate crossing potential between these ecotypes. Also, using a standard transformation approach, we generated Reute fluorescent strains expressing mCherry that allow an easy detection of crossed offspring (sporophyte).

We show that Reute can be successfully crossed with a self‐infertile DR5:DsRed2 mutant generated in the Gransden background. Using newly established Reute fluorescent strains, we show that they can efficiently fertilise Reute as well as Gransden wild type. The resulting progeny display Mendelian 1:1 segregation of the fluorescent marker(s), demonstrating the suitability of such strains for genetic crossing.

Overall our results demonstrate that Reute is highly suitable for genetic crossing. The Reute mCherry strain can be used as a suitable background for offspring selection after crossing.
Fish sperm motility assessment as a tool for aquaculture research: a historical approach
Authors: Gallego Victor , Asturiano Juan F.
Published: May 2018

Fish sperm motility is nowadays considered the best biomarker for the quality of fish spermatozoa, and sperm motion parameters from more than 300 fish species have been reported in more than 1500 scientific articles covering a wide range of topics, from molecular biology to ecology. The most studied topics have been (i) the sperm storage (involving both the use of chilled‐storage protocols for short‐term periods and sperm cryopreservation techniques for long‐term storage), (ii) the sperm physiology (fathom in the spermatozoa activation process and the whole propulsion machinery of the sperm cells) and (iii) the broodstock management (covering aspects such as rearing conditions, dietary requirements or hormonal induction treatments). In addition, other aquaculture and ecological topics, such as (iv) the knowledge of the breeding cycle of the species, (v) the phenomenon of the sperm competition and (vi) ecotoxicological studies for the evaluation of aquatic environments, have also been approached from the evaluation of sperm motion performance. Therefore, fish sperm motility assessment can serve as a potential tool for aquaculture and ecological purposes, covering key topics of fundamental and applied research. This review gives an overview of the major research areas in which fish sperm motility has been applied successfully.