bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review article: insights into colonic protein fermentation, its modulation and potential health implications
Authors: Yao C. K. , Muir J. G. , Gibson P. R.
Published: November 2015

Background

Beneficial effects of carbohydrate fermentation on gastrointestinal health are well established. Conversely, protein fermentation generates harmful metabolites but their relevance to gastrointestinal health is poorly understood.

Aim

To review the effects of increased protein fermentation on biomarkers of colonic health, factors influencing fermentative activity and potential for dietary modulation to minimise detrimental effects.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE and Google scholar for clinical and pre‐clinical studies using search terms – ‘dietary protein’, ‘fermentation’, ‘putrefaction’, ‘phenols’, ‘sulphide’, ‘branched‐chain fatty acid’, ‘carbohydrate fermentation’, ‘gastrointestinal’.

Results

High protein, reduced carbohydrate diets alter the colonic microbiome, favouring a potentially pathogenic and pro‐inflammatory microbiota profile, decreased short‐chain fatty acid production and increased ammonia, phenols and hydrogen sulphide concentrations. These metabolites largely compromise the colonic epithelium structure, causing mucosal inflammation but may also directly modulate the enteric nervous system and intestinal motility. Increased protein fermentation as a result of a high‐protein intake can be attenuated by addition of oligosaccharides, resistant starch and nonstarch polysaccharides and a reduction in total protein or specifically, aromatic and sulphur‐containing amino acids. These factors may have clinical importance as novel therapeutic approaches to problems, in which protein fermentation may be implicated, such as malodorous flatus, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and prevention of colorectal cancer.

Conclusions

The direct clinical relevance of excessive protein fermentation in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome, malodorous flatus and ulcerative colitis are underexplored. Manipulating dietary carbohydrate and protein intake have potential therapeutic applications in such settings and warrant further clinical studies.
A Population Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Meta‐Analysis of Vortioxetine in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Naik Himanshu , Chan Serena , Vakilynejad Majid , Chen Grace , Loft Henrik , Mahableshwarkar Atul R. , Areberg Johan
Published: November 2015

Vortioxetine is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). This analysis aimed to develop pharmacokinetic (PK) and PK/Efficacy models to evaluate the exposure–response relationship for vortioxetine in patients with MDD. PK data from 10 MDD and two generalized anxiety disorder studies of vortioxetine (3160 patients), and efficacy data [Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)] from seven MDD studies (2537 patients), were used for the development of PK and PK/Efficacy models. One‐ and two‐compartment models were evaluated as structural PK models, and linear and nonlinear (Emax) models were used to describe the relationship between average vortioxetine concentration at steady‐state (Cav) and change in MADRS score from baseline (ΔMADRS). The impact of selected covariates on the PK and efficacy parameters of vortioxetine was also investigated. PK of vortioxetine was best characterized by a two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination. Mean estimates for oral clearance (CL/F) and volume of distribution for the central compartment of vortioxetine were 42 L/hr and 2920 L. Creatinine clearance, height and geographic region had statistically significant effects on vortioxetine CL/F, but the effect of each of these covariates was not considered clinically relevant, as they lead to ±26% change in area under the curve or Cmax of vortioxetine. An Emax model best described the relationship between ΔMADRS and Cav. Half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) and Emax estimates were 24.9 ng/mL and 7.0. No identified covariates, except region, had clinically meaningful effects on vortioxetine efficacy. These PK/Efficacy models adequately characterized the vortioxetine exposure–response relationship.
Pharmacokinetics of the Experimental Non‐Nucleosidic DNA Methyl Transferase Inhibitor N‐Phthalyl‐l‐Tryptophan (RG 108) in Rats
Authors: Schneeberger Yvonne , Stenzig Justus , Hübner Florian , Schaefer Andreas , Reichenspurner Hermann , Eschenhagen Thomas
Published: November 2015

DNA methyl transferase (DNMT) inhibitors can re‐establish the expression of tumour suppressor genes in malignant diseases, but might also be useful in other diseases. Inhibitors in clinical use are nucleosidic cytotoxic agents that need to be integrated into the DNA of dividing cells. Here, we assessed the in vivo kinetics of a non‐nucleosidic inhibitor that is potentially free of cytotoxic effects and does not require cell division. The non‐specific DNMT inhibitor N‐phthalyl‐l‐tryptophan (RG 108) was injected subcutaneously in rats. Blood was drawn 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hr after injection and RG 108 in plasma was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Trough levels and area under the curve (AUC) were significantly higher with multiple‐dose administration and cytochrome inhibition. In this group, time to maximal plasma concentration (tmax, mean ± S.D.) was 37.5 ± 15 min., terminal plasma half‐life was approximately 3.7 h (60% CI: 2.1–15.6 h), maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) was 61.3 ± 7.6 μM, and AUC was 200 ± 54 μmol·h/l. RG 108 peak levels were not influenced by cytochrome inhibition or multiple‐dose administration regimens. Maximal tissue levels (Cmax in μmol/kg) were 6.9 ± 6.7, 1.6 ± 0.4 and 3.4 ± 1.1 in liver, skeletal and heart muscle, respectively. We conclude that despite its high lipophilicity, RG 108 can be used for in vivo experiments, appears safe and yields plasma and tissue levels in the range of the described 50% inhibitory concentration of around 1 to 5 μM. RG 108 can therefore be a useful tool for in vivo DNMT inhibition.
Effect of Hepatic or Renal Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Ponesimod, a Selective S1P1 Receptor Modulator
Authors: Guérard Nicolas , Zwingelstein Christian , Hoch Matthias , Dingemanse Jasper
Published: November 2015

Ponesimod, a selective S1P1 receptor modulator, is a potential therapeutic agent for autoimmune disorders. The impact of hepatic or renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of ponesimod and its inactive metabolites, ACT‐204426 and ACT‐338375, was evaluated. Two separate single‐centre, open‐label studies with 32 (hepatic study) and 24 (renal study) male and female individuals were conducted. Hepatic impairment was based on the Child–Pugh classification, and renal impairment was determined by creatinine clearance using the Cockcroft–Gault equation. Individuals with severe hepatic or renal impairment were to be matched (sex and body mass index) with healthy individuals. All individuals received a single dose of 10 mg ponesimod. For ponesimod, the ratio of geometric means of AUC0–∞ for individuals with severe hepatic impairment versus healthy individuals was 3.07 (90% CI: 2.19, 4.32). For severely renally impaired individuals versus healthy individuals, this ratio was 1.14 (0.82, 1.58). Cmax and tmax values of ponesimod were comparable across all groups in both studies. Exposure to metabolites was increased in individuals with moderate or severe hepatic impairment as compared to healthy individuals. During the course of these studies, there were no clinically relevant abnormalities related to vital signs, 12‐lead electrocardiograms and clinical laboratory values. Sixteen adverse events (AEs) were reported, 12 of them of mild intensity. No AEs were considered to be treatment related. Overall, ponesimod was well tolerated. In individuals with renal function impairment, dose adjustment is not warranted, whereas the dose should be reduced in individuals with moderate and severe hepatic impairment.
The localisation of the apical Par/Cdc42 polarity module is specifically affected in microvillus inclusion disease
Authors: Michaux Grégoire , Massey‐Harroche Dominique , Nicolle Ophélie , Rabant Marion , Brousse Nicole , Goulet Olivier , Le Bivic André , Ruemmele Frank M.
Published: November 2015

Background information

Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) is a genetic disorder affecting intestinal absorption. It is caused by mutations in MYO5B or syntaxin 3 (STX3) affecting apical membrane trafficking. Morphologically, MVID is characterised by a depletion of apical microvilli and the formation of microvillus inclusions inside the cells, suggesting a loss of polarity. To investigate this hypothesis, we examined the location of essential apical polarity determinants in five MVID patients.

Results

We found that the polarity determinants Cdc42, Par6B, PKCζ/ι and the structural proteins ezrin and phospho‐ezrin were lost from the apical membrane and accumulated either in the cytoplasm or on the basal side of enterocytes in patients, which suggests an inversion of cell polarity. Moreover, microvilli‐like structures were observed at the basal side as per electron microscopy analysis. We next performed Myo5B depletion in three dimensional grown human Caco2 cells forming cysts and found a direct link between the loss of Myo5B and the mislocalisation of the same apical proteins; furthermore, we observed that a majority of cysts displayed an inverted polarity phenotype as seen in some patients. Finally, we found that this loss of polarity was specific for MVID: tissue samples of patients with Myo5B‐independent absorption disorders showed normal polarity but we identified Cdc42 as a potentially essential biomarker for trichohepatoenteric syndrome.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the loss of Myo5B induces a strong loss of enterocyte polarity, potentially leading to polarity inversion.

Significance

Our results show that polarity determinants could be useful markers to help establishing a diagnosis in patients. Furthermore, they could be used to characterise other rare intestinal absorption diseases.
Magnetic Resonance (MR) Metabolic Imaging in Glioma
Authors: Chaumeil Myriam M. , Lupo Janine M. , Ronen Sabrina M.
Published: November 2015

This review is focused on describing the use of magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy for metabolic imaging of brain tumors. We will first review the MR metabolic imaging findings generated from preclinical models, focusing primarily on in vivo studies, and will then describe the use of metabolic imaging in the clinical setting. We will address relatively well‐established 1H MRS approaches, as well as 31P MRS, 13C MRS and emerging hyperpolarized 13C MRS methodologies, and will describe the use of metabolic imaging for understanding the basic biology of glioma as well as for improving the characterization and monitoring of brain tumors in the clinic.
Vertical trends within the prograding Salt Wash distributive fluvial system, SW United States
Authors: Owen Amanda , Nichols Gary J. , Hartley Adrian J. , Weissmann Gary S.
Published: November 2015

Progradation is an important mechanism through which sedimentary systems fill sedimentary basins. Although a general progradational pattern is recognized in many basins, few studies have quantified system scale spatial changes in vertical trends that record fluvial system progradation. Here, we provide an assessment of the spatial distribution of vertical trends across the Salt Wash distributive fluvial system (DFS), in the Morrison Formation SW, USA. The vertical distribution of proximal, medial and distal facies, and channel belt proportion and thickness, are analysed at 25 sections across approximately 80 000 km2 of a DFS that spanned approximately 100 000 km2. The stratigraphic signature of facies stacking patterns that record progradation varies depending on location within the basin. An abrupt and incomplete progradation succession dominates the proximal region, whereby proximal deposits directly overlie distal deposits. A more complete succession is preserved in the medial region of the DFS. The medial to distal region of the DFS are either simple aggradational successions, or display progradation of medial over distal facies. Spatial variations in facies successions patterns reflects preservation changes down the DFS. A spatial change in vertical trends of channel belt thickness and proportion is not observed. Vertical trends in channel belt proportion and thickness are locally highly variable, such that systematic up‐section increases in these properties are observed only at a few select sites. Progradation can only be inferred once local trends are averaged out across the entire succession. Possible key controls on trends are discussed at both allocyclic and autocyclic scales including climate, tectonics, eustasy and avulsion. Eustatic controls are discounted, and it is suggested that progradation of the Salt Wash DFS is driven by upstream controls within the catchment.
Parental Perceptions of Aggressive Behavior in Preschoolers: Inhibitory Control Moderates the Association With Negative Emotionality
Authors: Suurland Jill , van der Heijden Kristiaan B. , Huijbregts Stephan C. J. , Smaling Hanneke J. A. , de Sonneville Leo M. J. , Van Goozen Stephanie H. M. , Swaab Hanna
Published: November 2015

Inhibitory control (IC) and negative emotionality (NE) are both linked to aggressive behavior, but their interplay has not yet been clarified. This study examines different NE × IC interaction models in relation to aggressive behavior in 855 preschoolers (aged 2–5 years) using parental questionnaires. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that NE and IC predict aggression both directly and interactively. The highest aggression levels were reported in children with high NE and low IC. Interestingly, the protective effect of IC for aggressive behavior increases with rising levels of NE. Analyses focusing on physical aggression revealed a significant NE × IC interaction in boys aged 4‐5 years only. These findings shed new light on potential compensatory mechanisms for aggressive behavior in developing children.
Risk assessment of medically assisted reproduction and advanced maternal ages in the development of Prader–Willi syndrome due to UPD(15)mat
Authors: Matsubara K. , Murakami N. , Fukami M. , Kagami M. , Nagai T. , Ogata T.
Published: November 2015

Recent studies have suggested that disomic oocyte‐mediated uniparental disomy 15 (UPD(15)mat) is increased in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) born after medically assisted reproduction (MAR). However, it remains unknown whether the increase is primarily due to MAR procedure itself or advanced maternal childbearing ages as a predisposing factor for the disomic oocyte production. To examine this matter, we studied 122 naturally conceived PWS patients (PWS‐NC group) and 13 MAR‐conceived patients (PWS‐MAR group). The relative frequency of disomic oocyte‐mediated UPD(15)mat was significantly higher in PWS‐MAR group than in PWS‐NC group (7/13 vs 20/122, p = 0.0045), and the maternal childbearing ages were significantly higher in PWS‐MAR group than in PWS‐NC group [median (range), 38 (26–45) vs 30 (19–42), p = 0.0015]. However, the logistic regression analysis revealed no significant association between the occurrence of disomic oocyte‐mediated UPD(15)mat and MAR, after adjusting for childbearing age (p = 0.25). Consistent with this, while the frequency of assisted reproductive technology (ART)‐conceived livebirths was higher in the PWS patients than in the Japanese general population (6.4% vs 1.1%, p = 0.00018), the distribution of childbearing ages was significantly skewed to the increased ages in the PWS patients (p < 2.2 × 10−16). These results argue against a positive association of MAR procedure itself with the development of UPD(15)mat.
Life course health and healthcare utilization among adults with spina bifida
Authors: Liptak Gregory S , Robinson Laura M , Davidson Philip W , Dziorny Adam , Lavalley Rebecca , Flaherty Mary Grace , Dosa Nienke P
Published: November 2015

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence of organ system disorders and describe healthcare utilization among adults with spina bifida at a regional clinic.

Method

This study was a structured chart review using the Rochester Health Status Survey‐IV. 65 males, 57 females aged 16 to 59 years were seen at the Spina Bifida Center of Central New York between January 2007 and December 2008 (annual hospitalization rate was 15 out of 100).

Results

Hospitalizations and acute outpatient visits were associated with having shunted hydrocephalus, whereas visits to the emergency department were associated with having a decubitus ulcer. Logistic regression models revealed that older adults made proportionately fewer visits to primary care providers than younger adults (odds ratio 0.919; p=0.02). Yet for every 1‐year increase in age, the odds of being hospitalized increased by 5% (odds ratio 1.051; p=0.03).

Interpretation

Adults with spina bifida have multiple organ‐system disorders. They have greater difficulty accessing services, and utilize emergency and inpatient healthcare at higher rates than the general population. In the future, adults with spina bifida will require access to more medical care and preventive services if they are to have optimal health, well‐being, and functioning.
The association between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and poor glycaemic control: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: McBrien K. A. , Manns B. J. , Hemmelgarn B. R. , Weaver R. , Edwards A. L. , Ivers N. , Rabi D. , Lewanczuk R. , Braun T. , Naugler C. , Campbell D. , Saad N. , Tonelli M.
Published: November 2015

Aims

People with diabetes and poor glycaemic control are at higher risk of diabetes‐related complications and incur higher healthcare costs. An understanding of the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with poor glycaemic control is needed to overcome the barriers to achieving care goals in this population.

Methods

We used linked administrative and laboratory data to create a provincial cohort of adults with prevalent diabetes, and a measure of HbA1c that occurred at least 1 year following the date of diagnosis. The primary outcome was poor glycaemic control, defined as at least two consecutive HbA1c measurements ≥ 86 mmol/mol (10%), not including the index measurement, spanning a minimum of 90 days. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the association between baseline sociodemographic and clinical factors and poor glycaemic control.

Results

In this population‐based cohort of 169 890 people, younger age was significantly associated with sustained poor glycaemic control, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.08, 95% CI (2.79–3.39) for age 18–39 years compared with age ≥ 75 years. Longer duration of diabetes, First Nations status, lower neighbourhood income quintile, history of substance abuse, mood disorder, cardiovascular disease, albuminuria and high LDL cholesterol were also associated with poor glycaemic control.

Conclusions

Although our results may be limited by the observational nature of the study, the large geographically defined sample size, longitudinal design and robust definition of poor glycaemic control are important strengths. These findings demonstrate the complexity associated with poor glycaemic control and indicate a need for tailored interventions.
Energy metabolism, liver and kidney function in adolescent marathon runners
Authors: Traiperm Natthapon , Gatterer Hannes , Pariwat Prapapimon , Burtscher Martin
Published: November 2015

Background

To study parameters of energy metabolism, liver and kidney function in adolescent runners completing a standard 42·2‐km marathon run.

Design

Observational field study.

Materials and methods

Fifty adolescents (30 healthy males and 20 healthy females) aged between 13 and 17 years participated in the study. All participants underwent routine medical screening. Blood samples were taken before, at the end and 24 h after a competitive marathon to investigate parameters of metabolism, liver and kidney function.

Results

Forty‐seven runners completed the race with a mean finishing time of 4 h 57 min 24 s (range: 3 h 17 min 09 s to 6 h 14 min 01 s). None of the participants experienced an adverse medical event during or postmarathon. Findings indicate predominant lipid oxidation during and postmarathon, signs of minor hepatic injury and only transiently reduced kidney function caused by marathon running in adolescents.

Conclusion

The observed findings are very similar to those reported in healthy adults. There is no evidence of liver or kidney injury in adolescent runners participating in a standard marathon run.
Long‐term, calorie‐restricted intake of a high‐fat diet in rats reduces impulse control and ventral striatal D2 receptor signalling – two markers of addiction vulnerability
Authors: Adams Wendy K. , Sussman Jacob L. , Kaur Sukhbir , D'souza Anna M. , Kieffer Timothy J. , Winstanley Catharine A.
Published: November 2015

High impulsivity, mediated through ventral striatal dopamine signalling, represents an established risk factor for substance abuse, and may likewise confer vulnerability to pathological overeating. Mechanistically, the assumption is that trait impulsivity facilitates the initiation of maladaptive eating styles or choices. However, whether consumption of appetitive macronutrients themselves causes deficits in impulse control and striatal signalling, thereby contributing to cognitive changes permissive of overeating behaviour, has yet to be considered. We examined the effects of chronic maintenance on restricted equicaloric, but high‐fat or high‐sugar, diets (48 kcal/day; 60 kcal% fat or sucrose) on rats’ performance in the five‐choice serial reaction time task, indexing impulsivity and attention. Markers of dopamine signalling in the dorsal and ventral striatum, and plasma insulin and leptin levels, were also assessed. Rats maintained on the high‐fat diet (HFD) were more impulsive, whereas the high‐sugar diet (HSD) did not alter task performance. Importantly, body weight and hormone levels were similar between groups when behavioural changes were observed. Maintenance on HFD, but not on HSD, reduced the levels of dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) and phosphophorylated CREB (Ser133) proteins in the ventral, but not dorsal, striatum. D2R expression in the ventral striatum also negatively correlated with impulsive responding, independently of diet. These data indicate that chronic exposure to even limited amounts of high‐fat foods may weaken impulse control and alter neural signalling in a manner associated with vulnerability to addictions – findings that have serious implications for the propagation of uncontrolled eating behaviour in obesity and binge‐eating disorder.
The role of the cannabinoid receptor in adolescents′ processing of facial expressions
Authors: Ewald Anais , Becker Susanne , Heinrich Angela , Banaschewski Tobias , Poustka Luise , Bokde Arun , Büchel Christian , Bromberg Uli , Cattrell Anna , Conrod Patricia , Desrivières Sylvane , Frouin Vincent , Papadopoulos‐Orfanos Dimitri , Gallinat Jürgen , Garavan Hugh , Heinz Andreas , Walter Henrik , Ittermann Bernd , Gowland Penny , Paus Tomáš , Martinot Jean‐Luc , Paillère Martinot Marie‐Laure , Smolka Michael N. , Vetter Nora , Whelan Rob , Schumann Gunter , Flor Herta , Nees Frauke ,   the IMAGEN consortium
Published: November 2015

The processing of emotional faces is an important prerequisite for adequate social interactions in daily life, and might thus specifically be altered in adolescence, a period marked by significant changes in social emotional processing. Previous research has shown that the cannabinoid receptor CB1R is associated with longer gaze duration and increased brain responses in the striatum to happy faces in adults, yet, for adolescents, it is not clear whether an association between CBR1 and face processing exists. In the present study we investigated genetic effects of the two CB1R polymorphisms, rs1049353 and rs806377, on the processing of emotional faces in healthy adolescents. They participated in functional magnetic resonance imaging during a Faces Task, watching blocks of video clips with angry and neutral facial expressions, and completed a Morphed Faces Task in the laboratory where they looked at different facial expressions that switched from anger to fear or sadness or from happiness to fear or sadness, and labelled them according to these four emotional expressions. A‐allele versus GG‐carriers in rs1049353 displayed earlier recognition of facial expressions changing from anger to sadness or fear, but not for expressions changing from happiness to sadness or fear, and higher brain responses to angry, but not neutral, faces in the amygdala and insula. For rs806377 no significant effects emerged. This suggests that rs1049353 is involved in the processing of negative facial expressions with relation to anger in adolescence. These findings add to our understanding of social emotion‐related mechanisms in this life period.
The effect of addition of a wettable biochar on soil water repellency
Authors: Hallin I. L. , Douglas P. , Doerr S. H. , Bryant R.
Published: November 2015

The potential of biochar to ameliorate soil water repellency has not been widely studied. Previous studies have focused on the potential for biochar to induce or exacerbate existing water repellency rather than alleviate it. This study investigates the effect of adding wettable biochar to water‐repellent soil by comparing the water drop penetration times (WDPTs) of a control and biochar‐amended soil. The potential of wettable biochar to act as a physical amendment to water‐repellent soil was evaluated by mixing coarsely‐ground biochar (CGB, particle size range 250–2000 µm) or finely‐ground biochar (FGB, particle size range < 250 µm) with one strongly and one severely naturally water‐repellent soil in various quantities, and then measuring the WDPT for each mixture. When biochar particles did not fall within the size range of existing soil particles, an initial increase in both mean WDPT (WDPTM) and variation in WDPT was observed with small additions of biochar. These effects possibly result from increased surface roughness and inhibition of infiltration by the suspension of drops above the average soil–air interface at a few hydrophobic points. Both CGB and FGB reduced soil water repellency, FGB more effectively than CGB. The addition of 10% w/w FGB reduced soil WDPT by 50%, and 25% FGB eliminated repellency. Direct absorption of water by biochar and an increase in soil surface area in contact with water are the predominant physical mechanisms involved. This exploratory study suggests biochar has the potential to amend water‐repellent soil.
Equine peripheral and infundibular dental caries: A review and proposals for their investigation
Authors: Borkent D. , Dixon P. M.
Published: November 2015

Several different theories on the aetiology of dental caries have been proposed, but it is generally accepted that it is primarily caused by acidogenic microorganisms converting fermentable carbohydrates to acids. There is still some discussion on whether caries is caused by specific microorganisms or a nonspecific mix of different microorganisms and on whether caries is a classical infection or is caused by dysregulation of the normal oral bacteria (dysbiosis). Two types of dental caries are recognised in horses, i.e. peripheral dental caries and infundibular dental caries, with peripheral caries appearing to be increasingly recognised. Little is known about the prevalence and severity of peripheral dental caries in the general equine population, or the risk factors and microorganisms involved in its aetiopathogenesis. Limited pathological studies have shown 2 types of cemental destruction in equine peripheral caries, and indicate that gross dental examination underestimates the severity of equine peripheral caries.
Mesh repair of a large traumatic lateral abdominal wall hernia in an 8‐day‐old foal
Authors: Gillam E. V. , Mathieu A. , Lacourt M.
Published: November 2015

An 8‐day‐old French trotter colt was admitted with a traumatic lateral abdominal wall hernia with reducible intestinal content. A 15 cm long full thickness tear was identified in both the internal abdominal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles. This case report describes the surgical repair of the hernia using a polypropylene mesh.
Sensory properties of the PII signalling protein family
Authors: Forchhammer Karl , Lüddecke Jan
Published: November 2015

PII signalling proteins constitute one of the largest families of signalling proteins in nature. An even larger superfamily of trimeric sensory proteins with the same architectural principle as PII proteins appears in protein structure databases. Large surface‐exposed flexible loops protrude from the intersubunit faces, where effector molecules are bound that tune the conformation of the loops. Via this mechanism, PII proteins control target proteins in response to cellular ATP/ADP levels and the 2‐oxoglutarate status, thereby coordinating the cellular carbon/nitrogen balance. The antagonistic (ATP versus ADP) and synergistic (2‐oxoglutarate and ATP) mode of effector molecule binding is further affected by PII‐receptor interaction, leading to a highly sophisticated signalling network organized by PII. Altogether, it appears that PII is a multitasking information processor that, depending on its interaction environment, differentially transmits information on the energy status and the cellular 2‐oxoglutarate level. In addition to the basic mode of PII function, several bacterial PII proteins may transmit a signal of the cellular glutamine status via covalent modification. Remarkably, during the evolution of plant chloroplasts, glutamine signalling by PII proteins was re‐established by acquisition of a short sequence extension at the C‐terminus. This plant‐specific C‐terminus makes the interaction of plant PII proteins with one of its targets, the arginine biosynthetic enzyme N‐acetyl‐glutamate kinase, glutamine‐dependent.
Novel wildlife in theArctic: the influence of changing riparian ecosystems and shrub habitat expansion on snowshoe hares
Authors: Tape Ken D. , Christie Katie , Carroll Geoff , O'Donnell Jonathan A.
Published: November 2015

Warming during the 20th century has changed the arctic landscape, including aspects of the hydrology, vegetation, permafrost, and glaciers, but effects on wildlife have been difficult to detect. The primary aim of this study is to examine the physical and biological processes contributing to the expanded riparian habitat and range of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) in northern Alaska. We explore linkages between components of the riparian ecosystem in Arctic Alaska since the 1960s, including seasonality of stream flow, air temperature, floodplain shrub habitat, and snowshoe hare distributions. Our analyses show that the peak discharge during spring snowmelt has occurred on average 3.4 days per decade earlier over the last 30 years and has contributed to a longer growing season in floodplain ecosystems. We use empirical correlations between cumulative summer warmth and riparian shrub height to reconstruct annual changes in shrub height from the 1960s to the present. The effects of longer and warmer growing seasons are estimated to have stimulated a 78% increase in the height of riparian shrubs. Earlier spring discharge and the estimated increase in riparian shrub height are consistent with observed riparian shrub expansion in the region. Our browsing measurements show that snowshoe hares require a mean riparian shrub height of at least 1.24–1.36 m, a threshold which our hindcasting indicates was met between 1964 and 1989. This generally coincides with observational evidence we present suggesting that snowshoe hares became established in 1977 or 1978. Warming and expanded shrub habitat is the most plausible reason for recent snowshoe hare establishment in Arctic Alaska. The establishment of snowshoe hares and other shrub herbivores in the Arctic in response to increasing shrub habitat is a contrasting terrestrial counterpart to the decline in marine mammals reliant on decreasing sea ice.
The relevance of food peak architecture in trophic interactions
Authors: Vatka Emma , Orell Markku , Rytkönen Seppo
Published: November 2015

Phenological shifts and associated changes in the temporal match between trophic levels have been a major focus of the study of ecological consequences of climate change. Previously, the food peak has been thought to respond as an entity to warming temperatures. However, food peak architecture, that is, timings and abundances of prey species and the level of synchrony between them, determines the timing and shape of the food peak. We demonstrate this with a case example of three passerine prey species and their predator. We explored temporal trends in the timing, height, width, and peakedness of prey availabilities and explained their variation with food peak architecture and ambient temperatures of prebreeding and breeding seasons. We found a temporal match between the predator's breeding schedule and food availability. Temporal trends in the timing of the food peak or in the synchrony between the prey species were not found. However, the food peak has become wider and more peaked over time. With more peaked food availabilities, predator's breeding success will depend more on the temporal match between its breeding schedule and the food peak, ultimately affecting the timing of breeding in the predator population. The height and width of the food peak depended on the abundances and breeding season lengths of individual prey species and their reciprocal synchronies. Peakednesses of separate prey species' availability distributions alone explained the peakedness of the food peak. Timing and quantity of food production were associated with temperatures of various time periods with variable relevance in different prey species. Alternating abundances of early and late breeding prey species caused high annual fluctuation in the timing of the food peak. Interestingly, the food peak may become later even when prey species' schedules are advanced. Climate warming can thus produce unexpected changes in the food availabilities, intervening in trophic interactions.
Lingua francas and learning mobility: reflections on students’ attitudes and beliefs towards language learning and use
Authors: Borghetti Claudia , Beaven Ana
Published: November 2015

This paper explores higher education students’ beliefs and attitudes concerning language learning and use in the context of learning mobility, when lingua francas – including English – are used. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 141 Erasmus students at an Italian University. The open‐ended questions were analysed using a constructivist grounded theory approach, and findings checked against the quantitative data. The analysis distinguishes between respondents’ beliefs, that is, overt convictions influencing learning behaviour, and attitudes operating below the level of awareness. Findings address three main issues: (1) the apparent contradiction between the respondents’ attitudes and beliefs regarding the opinion that lingua francas offer valuable language‐learning opportunities; (2) their implicit questioning of the language‐culture nexus; and (3) the study sheds light on code choice and negotiation.
Impact of different preservation treatments on lipids of the smooth clam Callista chione
Authors: Papaioannou Christos D. , Sinanoglou Vassilia J. , Strati Irini F. , Proestos Charalampos , Kyrana Vasiliki R. , Lougovois Vladimiros P.
Published: November 2015

The soft clam Callista chione is highly appreciated among marine inhabitants for nutritional, commercial and economic reasons. This work aims to determine the lipid classes’ profile of C. chione and the effect of different preservation treatments on them. C. chione meat was found to be a rich source of dietary phospholipids (PhLs), ω‐3 fatty acids and carotenoids, encouraging the exploitation of the species as human food. Among treatments, only marinating reduced the PhLs content. Parboiling and freezing resulted in a significant decrease in unsaturated fatty acids, while marinating caused partial replacement of polyunsaturated with monounsaturated fatty acids. Lipid quality indices remained favourable for a healthy diet. With the exception of astaxanthin, the rest of the carotenoids identified were susceptible to processing and frozen storage. Parboiling and freezing of the vacuum‐packed meats for up to 4 months would be most appropriate, among the treatments applied, for preserving the lipid quality of C. chione.
Effects of feed moisture and extruder screw speed and temperature on physical characteristics and antioxidant activity of extruded proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) flour
Authors: Gulati Paridhi , Weier Steven A. , Santra Dipak , Subbiah Jeyamkondan , Rose Devin J.
Published: November 2015

The objective of this work was to determine the impact of extrusion variables [moisture (17–25%), screw speed (170–250 r.p.m.) and temperature (90–150 °C)] on the physical properties and antioxidant activity of proso millet extrudates. Extrusion variables were adjusted using an inscribed central composite rotatable design. Response variables were bulk density (BD), radial expansion ratio, water absorption index, water solubility index, hardness, colour (L*, a*, b*) and antioxidant activity. Moisture and screw speed were the most influential variables affecting millet extrusion: their linear, quadratic and interaction terms accounted for more than 50% of the variability in all responses except for b*. Expansion was greatest at severe conditions of low moisture and high screw speed. These conditions were also consistent with the highest antioxidant activity. This study demonstrated that high expansion and antioxidant activity can be obtained by extruding proso millet under low moisture and high screw speed conditions.
How the ‘warped’ relationships between nurses' emotions, attitudes, social support and perceived organizational conditions impact customer orientation
Authors: Gountas Sandra , Gountas John
Published: November 2015

Aims

Much research focuses on organizational culture and its impact on customer orientation or emotional states and their impact on job satisfaction and well‐being. This study aims to combine the complex roles of nurses' emotion states and job satisfaction in a model that identifies the effects of standards for service delivery (organizational culture), supervisor and co‐worker support and the development of customer orientation.

Background

A previous study examined the relationships between nurses' personal resources, job satisfaction and customer orientation. This study examines how these variables relate to organizational standards and social support.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey using a self‐completion questionnaire with validated, existing scales to measure standards for service delivery, supervisor and co‐worker support, job satisfaction, empathic concern, emotional exhaustion and customer orientation.

Method

Nurses (159) completed the questionnaire in 2010. The data were analysed using WarpPLS, a structural equation modelling software package.

Results

The results indicate that the final model fits the data well and explains 84% of the variance in customer orientation. The findings show the importance of standard for service delivery (organizational culture), supervisor and co‐worker support on customer orientation. Nurses' personal resources interact with these, particularly supervisor and co‐worker support, to develop staff job satisfaction and empathy.

Conclusion

The need for support mechanisms in stressful times is discussed. We propose that training in compassion and empathy would help leaders to model desirable attributes that contribute towards customer orientation.
Service Responses to People with Intellectual Disabilities and Epilepsy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Robertson Janet , Baines Susannah , Emerson Eric , Hatton Chris
Published: November 2015

Background

Epilepsy is highly prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities and is associated with increased mortality and high healthcare usage. This systematic review summarizes research on service responses to people with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy.

Method

Studies published from 1990 were identified via electronic searches using Medline, Cinahl, PsycINFO and Web of Science, email requests to researcher networks, and cross‐citations. Information extracted from studies was reviewed narratively in relation to identified themes.

Results

Thirty‐five studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall study quality was low, with no RCTs or similarly robust intervention study designs. Access to specialists was inconsistent. The importance of proxies and the need for education regarding epilepsy for staff, carers and people with intellectual disabilities were highlighted.

Conclusion

There are no methodologically robust studies on service‐related interventions for people with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy. Further research on improving service delivery is required to substantiate findings reported here.
Genetic structure along the strandline: Unravelling invasion history in a one‐dimensional system
Authors: Ohadi Sara , Ades Peter K. , Ford Rebecca , Strand Allan E. , Tibbits Josquin , Mesgaran Mohsen B. , Cousens Roger D.
Published: November 2015

Aim

To unravel the genetic processes involved in a case of invasion by one species, the self‐incompatible Cakile maritima Scop. (Brassicaceae) in Australia, as it has replaced a related prior invader, Cakile edentula (Bigelow) Hook.

Location

Southern and eastern coastlines of Australia.

Methods

Genetic diversity within and between populations was characterized at a continental scale using microsatellite (SSR) markers to examine nuclear diversity and cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers to examine chloroplasts. DNA was sourced from 24 populations of C. maritima along its putative invasion trajectory and, for comparison, from four populations of C. edentula that are currently being invaded by C. maritima. Analysis of Molecular Variance and a Bayesian assignment method were used to explore the data.

Results

No evidence was found for progressive loss of diversity in C. maritima in the putative direction of range expansion. Western and south‐eastern populations of C. maritima have almost certainly resulted from independent introductions, although there is evidence of very limited gene flow from west to east. There was considerably greater, spatially structured variation in the south‐east, suggesting multiple introductions of C. maritima to that region. We found evidence of hybridization and introgression from C. edentula into C. maritima, both in the two regions where they are currently sympatric and elsewhere.

Main conclusions

The invasion history of a species spreading in a largely one‐dimensional habitat can still be highly complex and difficult to interpret. Regional patterns of variation in C. maritima indicate several introductions from different parts of the native range, limited gene flow from the first introduction eastwards and genetic drift within Western Australia. There has also been bi‐directional gene flow between this species and C. edentula. The significance of the introgression from C. edentula into C. maritima with respect to natural selection, however, remains to be determined.
A legacy of human‐induced ecosystem changes: spatial processes drive the taxonomic and functional diversities of testate amoebae in Sphagnum peatlands of the Galápagos
Authors: Fournier Bertrand , Coffey Emily E. D. , van der Knaap W. O. , Fernández Leonardo D. , Bobrov Anatoly , Mitchell Edward A. D.
Published: November 2015

Aim

Our aims were to compare the composition of testate amoeba (TA) communities from Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos Archipelago, which are likely in existence only as a result of anthropogenic habitat transformation, with similar naturally occurring communities from northern and southern continental peatlands. Additionally, we aimed at assessing the importance of niche‐based and dispersal‐based processes in determining community composition and taxonomic and functional diversity.

Location

The humid highlands of the central island of Santa Cruz, Galápagos Archipelago.

Methods

We survey the alpha, beta and gamma taxonomic and functional diversities of TA, and the changes in functional traits along a gradient of wet to dry habitats. We compare the TA community composition, abundance and frequency recorded in the insular peatlands with that recorded in continental peatlands of Northern and Southern Hemispheres. We use generalized linear models to determine how environmental conditions influence taxonomic and functional diversity as well as the mean values of functional traits within communities. We finally apply variance partitioning to assess the relative importance of niche‐ and dispersal‐based processes in determining community composition.

Results

TA communities in Santa Cruz Island were different from their Northern Hemisphere and South American counterparts with most genera considered as characteristic for Northern Hemisphere and South American Sphagnum peatlands missing or very rare in the Galápagos. Functional traits were most correlated with elevation and site topography and alpha functional diversity to the type of material sampled and site topography. Community composition was more strongly correlated with spatial variables than with environmental ones.

Main conclusions

TA communities of the Sphagnum peatlands of Santa Cruz Island and the mechanisms shaping these communities contrast with Northern Hemisphere and South American peatlands. Soil moisture was not a strong predictor of community composition most likely because rainfall and clouds provide sufficient moisture. Dispersal limitation was more important than environmental filtering because of the isolation of the insular peatlands from continental ones and the young ecological history of these ecosystems.
Isolating active ingredients in a parent‐mediated social communication intervention for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Gulsrud Amanda C. , Hellemann Gerhard , Shire Stephanie , Kasari Connie
Published: November 2015

Background

Behavioral interventions are commonplace in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, yet relatively little is known about how and why these interventions work. This study tests the relationship between isolated core components of a packaged social communication intervention and the primary outcome, joint engagement, to better understand how the intervention is affecting change in individuals.

Methods

A total of 86 toddlers and their parents were enrolled in the study and randomized to one of two treatments, the joint attention, symbolic play, engagement, and regulation (JASPER) parent‐mediated intervention or a psychoeducational intervention. Measures regarding the parent's use of intervention strategies were collected before and after the 10‐week intervention. Additional measures of child and parent joint engagement were also collected.

Results

A significant effect of treatment was found for all four of the core strategies of the intervention, favoring a larger increase in the JASPER condition. A hierarchical linear regression revealed several individual predictors of joint engagement, including parent‐rated buy‐in, interventionist‐rated parent involvement, and parental use of strategies. To complement the hierarchical analysis, we also tested the potential mediating effect the strategies may have on the relationship between treatment and joint engagement. Results showed that the strategy of mirrored pacing mediated the relationship between treatment and joint engagement in the positive direction.

Conclusions

These results strongly suggest that the mirrored pacing strategy is an active ingredient of the JASPER treatment.