bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of urban pollution upon skin status. A controlled study in Shanghai area
Authors: Lefebvre M‐A. , Pham D‐M. , Boussouira B. , Qiu H. , Ye C. , Long X. , Chen R. , Gu W. , Laurent A. , Nguyen Q‐L.
Published: August 2015

Synopsis

Objective

After preliminary studies aimed at measuring pertinent biochemical parameters, potentially modified in subjects exposed to bad environmental conditions, a dedicated study was performed in Shanghai city to evaluate the effect of Urban pollution upon human skin and to collect feedback from the volunteers under study.

Methods

This study was performed during summer 2008 in two different districts of Shanghai, on 159 local residents: 79 subjects from Xu Jia Hui (a centre Shanghainese area), more exposed to pollution, and 80 subjects from Chong Ming, an agricultural region closely located north of Shanghai (<100 kms) and less exposed to pollution, according to official data. Biochemical parameters were measured on skin, and feedback from volunteers was collected through a graduated ‘Likert scale’ questionnaire under a point scale (strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree and none).

Results

The study demonstrated significant differences in several biochemical parameters measured in Chong Ming area, as compared to Urban area, with an increased ratio of squalene/lipids, a lower level of lactic acid and a better cohesion of stratum corneum. Both sebum excretion rate and sebum casual levels did not differ between the two districts. The volunteer's feedback evidenced a perceived link between pollution and their skin problems.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a significant impact of the pollution upon the skin status, as illustrated by changes in superficial biochemical parameters and volunteers’ perception.
Applicant–Employee Fit in Personality: Testing predictions from similarity‐attraction theory and trait activation theory
Authors: Van Hoye Greet , Turban Daniel B.
Published: August 2015

We extend prior research by examining whether, and how, applicant–employee fit in the personality traits of conscientiousness, agreeableness, and extraversion affect organizational attractiveness. We test hypotheses based on similarity‐attraction theory and trait activation theory. Results from two studies indicate that applicants high in valued traits are more attracted to organizations when employees are more similar to them in those personality traits, whereas employees’ trait levels do not affect attraction for applicants low in valued traits. The effects of objective applicant–employee fit in personality on attractiveness were mediated by perceived applicant–employee fit. The pattern of the observed applicant–employee fit interactions was best predicted by trait activation theory and, thus, provide an important extension to similarity‐attraction theory.
Specific Onboarding Practices for the Socialization of New Employees
Authors: Klein Howard J. , Polin Beth , Leigh Sutton Kyra
Published: August 2015

Onboarding is frequently used by organizations to help socialize newcomers, but little research has focused on the specific onboarding practices organizations use or the effectiveness of those practices in facilitating newcomer adjustment. To begin addressing this gap, this study explores specific onboarding practices and evaluates the Inform‐Welcome‐Guide framework of onboarding practices. Data are presented from representatives of 10 organizations regarding what onboarding practices they offer and how those practices are offered. Three hundred seventy‐three new employees from those same 10 organizations also shared their perceptions of the practices they experienced, when those practices were experienced, and the perceived helpfulness of those practices. Lastly, the extent to which new employees were socialization was assessed. Several research questions and hypotheses among these variables were examined, and most of the hypotheses supported. Implications of these findings for future research and practice are discussed.
Reassessment of the risk factors for biochemical recurrence in D'Amico intermediate‐risk prostate cancer treated using radical prostatectomy
Authors: Narita Shintaro , Mitsuzuka Koji , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Koie Takuya , Kawamura Sadafumi , Ohyama Chikara , Tochigi Tatsuo , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Arai Yoichi , Habuchi Tomonori ,   the Michinoku Japan Urological Cancer Study Group
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To assess the risk factors for biochemical recurrence in D'Amico intermediate‐risk prostate cancer patients treated using radical prostatectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1268 men with prostate cancer treated using radical prostatectomy without neoadjuvant therapy. The association between various risk factors and biochemical recurrence was then statistically evaluated. The Kaplan–Meier method, log–rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analysis.

Results

In the intermediate‐risk group, 96 patients (14.5%) experienced biochemical recurrence during a median follow up of 41 months. In the intermediate‐risk group, preoperative prostate‐specific antigen level, prostate volume and prostate‐specific antigen density were significant preoperative risk factors for biochemical recurrence, whereas other factors including age, primary Gleason 4, clinical stage >T2 and percentage of positive biopsies were not. In multivariate analysis, higher preoperative prostate‐specific antigen level and density, and a smaller prostate volume were independent risk factors for biochemical recurrence in the intermediate‐risk group. Biochemical recurrence‐free survival of patients in the intermediate‐risk group with a higher prostate‐specific antigen level and density (≥15 ng/mL, ≥0.6 ng/mL/cm3, respectively), and lower prostate volume (≤10 mL) was comparable with that of high‐risk group individuals (P = 0.632, 0.494 and 0.961, respectively).

Conclusions

Preoperative prostate‐specific antigen, prostate volume and prostate‐specific antigen density are significant risk factors for biochemical recurrence in D'Amico intermediate‐risk prostate cancer patients treated using radical prostatectomy. Using these variables, a subset of the intermediate‐risk patients can be identified as having equivalent outcomes to high‐risk patients.
Reciprocity in therapeutic relationships: A conceptual review
Authors: Sandhu Sima , Arcidiacono Eleonora , Aguglia Eugenio , Priebe Stefan
Published: August 2015

Reciprocity has generally been understood as a process of giving and taking, within an exchange of emotions or services, and has long been recognized as a central part of human life. However, an understanding of reciprocity in professional helping relationships has seldom received attention, despite movements in mental health care towards more collaborative approaches between service users and professionals. In this review, a systematic search of the published papers was conducted in order to explore how reciprocity is conceptualized and understood as part of the dyadic therapeutic relationship between professionals and service users. Eleven papers met our inclusion criteria and a narrative synthesis was used to synthesize the key concepts of reciprocity. The concepts of: ‘dynamic equilibrium’, ‘shared affect’, ‘asymmetric alliance’, and ‘recognition as a fellow human being’ were recurrent in understandings of reciprocity in professional contexts. These conceptualizations of reciprocity were also linked to specific behavioural and psychological processes. The findings suggest that reciprocity may be conceptualized and incorporated as a component of mental health care, with recurrent and observable processes which may be harnessed to promote positive outcomes for service users. To this end, we make recommendations for further research to progress and develop reciprocal processes in mental health care.
Atrial Tachycardias Following Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Predictors of Recurrence After the Repeat Ablation
Authors: AMMAR‐BUSCH SONIA , KAESS BERNHARD M. , BRUHM ALEXANDRA , REENTS TILKO , BOURIER FELIX , BUIATTI ALESSANDRA , SEMMLER VERENA , TELISHEVSKA MARTA , KOTTMAIER MARC , HESSLING GABRIELE , DEISENHOFER ISABEL
Published: August 2015

Atrial Tachycardias Following Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Background

Repeat procedures after persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation are frequently performed for secondary atrial tachycardias (AT). Predictors of AT recurrence after the first repeat ablation have not yet been studied.

Methods

We investigated predictors of AT recurrence in 117 patients who underwent ablation for secondary AT arising after a previous ablation for persistent AF using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Acute ablation success rate was 94%. Over a follow‐up period of 12 months, 61 patients (53%) were free from AT recurrence. Of the assessed predictors of AT recurrence, the number of ablated AT forms (>1 vs. 1) was significantly associated with AT recurrence (hazard ratio 2.01, 95% CI 1.18–3.43, P = 0.01). Other variables including left atrial diameter, AT mechanism, or the characteristics of previous AF ablation did not have significant influence on AT recurrence (P>0.05). Men had a tendency toward fewer AT recurrences than women (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.34–1.05, P = 0.07). During a second AT ablation procedure, 19 (49%) patients were identified to have a recurrence of the previously ablated AT, whereas in 20 patients (51%) a new AT form was diagnosed.

Conclusion

Ablation of atrial tachycardias following persistent AF ablation has a high acute success rate. However, a substantial number of patients develop new onset AT during follow‐up. The occurrence of multiple AT forms during the repeat ablation procedure was the only predictive factor for AT recurrence.
Comparative two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the salivary proteome of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ngounou Wetie Armand G. , Wormwood Kelly L. , Charette Laci , Ryan Jeanne P. , Woods Alisa G. , Darie Costel C.
Published: August 2015

In the last decades, prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been on the rise. However, clear aetiology is still elusive and improvements in early diagnosis are needed. To uncover possible biomarkers present in ASD, we used two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and nanoliquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC‐MS/MS), to compare salivary proteome profiling of children with ASD and controls. A total of 889 spots were compared and only those spots with a fold change ≥1.7 and a P‐value <0.05 or a fold change of ≥3.0 between ASD cases and controls were analysed by nanoLC‐MS/MS. Alpha‐amylase, CREB‐binding protein, p532, Transferrin, Zn alpha2 glycoprotein, Zymogen granule protein 16, cystatin D and plasminogen were down‐regulated in ASD. Increased expression of proto‐oncogene Frequently rearranged in advanced T‐cell lymphomas 1 (FRAT1), Kinesin family member 14, Integrin alpha6 subunit, growth hormone regulated TBC protein 1, parotid secretory protein, Prolactin‐inducible protein precursor, Mucin‐16, Ca binding protein migration inhibitory factor‐related protein 14 (MRP14) was observed in individuals with ASD. Many of the identified proteins have previously been linked to ASD or were proposed as risk factors of ASD at the genetic level. Some others are involved in pathological pathways implicated in ASD causality such as oxidative stress, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, immune system disturbances and inflammation. These data could contribute to protein signatures for ASD presence, risk and subtypes, and advance understanding of ASD cause as well as provide novel treatment targets for ASD.
Will Divestment from Employment‐Based Health Insurance Save Employers Money? The Case of State and Local Governments
Authors: Goldhaber‐Fiebert Jeremy D. , Studdert David M. , Farid Monica S. , Bhattacharya Jay
Published: August 2015

Reforms introduced by the Affordable Care and Patient Protection Act (ACA) build new sources of coverage around employment‐based health insurance. But what if firms find it cheaper to have their employees obtain insurance from these sources, even after accounting for penalties (for nonprovision of insurance) and employee bonuses (to ensure the shift is cost neutral for employees)? State and local governments (SLGs) have strong incentives to consider the economics of such “divestment”; many have particularly large unfunded benefits liabilities. We investigated whether SLGs would save under two scenarios: (1) shifting all employees and under‐65 retirees to alternative sources of coverage and (2) shifting only employees whose household incomes indicate they would be eligible for federally‐subsidized coverage and all under‐65 retirees. Full divestment would cost SLGs more than they currently pay, due primarily to penalty costs. Selective divestment could save SLGs nearly $129 billion over 10 years at the expense of the federal government.
Do Economic Downturns Dampen Patent Litigation?
Authors: Marco Alan , Miller, Shawn , Sichelman Ted
Published: August 2015

Recent studies estimate that the economic impact of U.S. patent litigation may be as large as $80 billion per year and that the overall rate of U.S. patent litigation has been growing rapidly over the past 20 years. And yet, the relationship of the macroeconomy to patent litigation rates has never been studied in any rigorous fashion. This lacuna is notable given that there are two opposing theories among lawyers regarding the effect of economic downturns on patent litigation. One camp argues for a substitution theory, holding that patent litigation should increase in a downturn because potential plaintiffs have a greater incentive to exploit patent assets relative to other investments. The other camp posits a capital constraint theory that holds that the decrease in cash flow and available capital disincentivizes litigation. Analyzing quarterly patent infringement suit filing data from 1971–2009 using a time‐series vector autoregression (VAR) model, we show that economic downturns have significantly affected patent litigation rates. (To aid other researchers in testing and extending our analyses, we have made our entire data set available online.) Importantly, we find that these effects have changed over time. In particular, patent litigation has become more dependent on credit availability in a downturn. We hypothesize that such changes resulted from an increase in use of contingent‐fee attorneys by patent plaintiffs and the rise of nonpracticing entities (NPEs), which, unlike most operating companies, generally fund their lawsuits directly from outside capital sources. Over roughly the last 20 years, we find that macroeconomic conditions have affected patent litigation in contrasting ways. Decreases in GDP (particularly economy‐wide investment) are correlated with significant increases in patent litigation and countercyclical economic trends. On the other hand, increases in T‐bill and real interest rates as well as increases in economy‐wide financial risk are generally correlated with significant decreases in patent suits, leading to procyclical trends. Thus, the specific nature of a downturn predicts whether patent litigation rates will tend to rise or fall.
“Too Many Notes”? An Empirical Study of Advocacy in Federal Appeals
Authors: Sisk Gregory C. , Heise Michael
Published: August 2015

The warp and woof of U.S. law are threaded by the appellate courts, generating precedents on constitutional provisions, statutory texts, and common‐law doctrines. Although the product of the appellate courts is regularly the subject of empirical study, less attention has been given to the sources and methods of appellate advocacy. Given the paramount place of written briefs in the appellate process, we should examine seriously the frequent complaint by appellate judges that briefs are too long and that prolixity weakens persuasive power. In a study of civil appeals in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, we discover that, for appellants, briefs of greater length are strongly correlated with success on appeal. For the party challenging an adverse decision below, persuasive completeness may be more important than condensed succinctness. The underlying cause of both greater appellant success and accompanying longer briefs may lie in the typically complex nature of the reversible civil appeal. In light of our findings, the current proposal to reduce the limits on number of words in federal appellate briefs may cut more sharply against appellants. Experienced appellate advocates submit that familiarity with appellate courts, the honed ability to craft the right arguments with the appropriate style in briefing, and expertise in navigating the appellate system provide superior legal representation to clients. Our study lends support to this claim. We found a positive correlation between success and experience for lawyers representing appellees, thus warranting further study of lawyer specialization.
Characterization of a Deep‐Branching Heterolobosean, Pharyngomonas turkanaensis n. sp., Isolated from a Non‐Hypersaline Habitat, and Ultrastructural Comparison of Cysts and Amoebae Among Pharyngomonas Strains
Authors: Park Jong Soo , Simpson Alastair G.B.
Published: August 2015

An unusual heterolobosean amoeba, isolate LO, was isolated recently from a sample with a salinity of ~4‰, from Lake Turkana in East Africa. 18S rDNA phylogenies confirm that isolate LO branches among halophilic amoeboflagellates assigned to Pharyngomonas. We examined the ultrastructure of the amoeba and cyst stages of isolate LO, as well as the amoebae and cysts of Pharyngomonas kirbyi (isolates AS12B and SD1A). The amoebae of all three isolates lacked discrete dictyosomes and had discoidal/flattened mitochondrial cristae, but the mitochondria were not enrobed by rough endoplasmic reticulum. The cysts of all three isolates showed a thick, bipartite cyst wall, and lacked cyst pores. The cysts of isolate LO were distinct in that the ectocyst was very loose‐fitting, and could contain “crypts”. No flagellate form of isolate LO has been observed to date, and a salinity‐for‐growth experiment showed that isolate LO can grow at 15–100‰ salinity, indicating that it is halotolerant. By contrast, other studied Pharyngomonas isolates are amoeboflagellates and true halophiles. Therefore, we propose isolate LO as a new species, Pharyngomonas turkanaensis n. sp. It is possible that P. turkanaensis descended from halophilic ancestors, and represents a secondary reestablishment of a physiology adapted for moderate salinity.
Complex Ancestries of Isoprenoid Synthesis in Dinoflagellates
Authors: Bentlage Bastian , Rogers Travis S. , Bachvaroff Tsvetan R. , Delwiche Charles F.
Published: August 2015

Isoprenoid metabolism occupies a central position in the anabolic metabolism of all living cells. In plastid‐bearing organisms, two pathways may be present for de novo isoprenoid synthesis, the cytosolic mevalonate pathway (MVA) and nuclear‐encoded, plastid‐targeted nonmevalonate pathway (DOXP). Using transcriptomic data we find that dinoflagellates apparently make exclusive use of the DOXP pathway. Using phylogenetic analyses of all DOXP genes we inferred the evolutionary origins of DOXP genes in dinoflagellates. Plastid replacements led to a DOXP pathway of multiple evolutionary origins. Dinoflagellates commonly referred to as dinotoms due to their relatively recent acquisition of a diatom plastid, express two completely redundant DOXP pathways. Dinoflagellates with a tertiary plastid of haptophyte origin, by contrast, express a hybrid pathway of dual evolutionary origin. Here, changes in the targeting motif of signal/transit peptide likely allow for targeting the new plastid by the proteins of core isoprenoid metabolism proteins. Parasitic dinoflagellates of the Amoebophyra species complex appear to have lost the DOXP pathway, suggesting that they may rely on their host for sterol synthesis.
Challenges for achieving sustainable flood risk management
Authors: Shah M.A.R. , Rahman A. , Chowdhury S.H.
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the challenges for effectiveness and sustainability of flood risk management strategies and technologies by critically reviewing flood management practices. The study reveals that reliable flood prediction is limited by the characterisation of floods that have multiple causes and hydrological uncertainties due to variability in climate and river morphology. Moreover, changing land use in floodplains and the potential of creating new risks limit the risk assessment and evaluation process of flood control projects. Hence, sustainability analysis mechanisms, including ‘dynamic sustainability’ concepts, should be adopted in the flood management planning process. Investigations into the proportional contribution of structural and non‐structural measures to reduce total flood risk could assist in better decision making. Gaining improved understandings of the perception on flood risk and safety, and risk communication methods, for present and future stakeholders is crucial. Extensive research on the above challenges would reveal pathways for developing sustainable flood risk management strategies.
Abuse in Mexican Older Adults with Long‐Term Disability: National Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Giraldo‐Rodríguez Liliana , Rosas‐Carrasco Oscar , Mino‐León Dolores
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of self‐reported abuse in elderly Mexican adults with long‐term disabilities and to identify associated risk factors.

Design

Secondary analysis of the Perception of Disability in Mexican Population 2010 survey.

Setting

Mexico.

Participants

Individuals aged 60 and older with long‐term disabilities without cognitive decline (N = 1,089).

Measurements

The elder abuse variable was constructed from the 21 questions included in the survey that assessed the presence of physical, psychological, sexual, and financial exploitation. Independent variables included demographic characteristics, self‐rated health, disability (number of functional domains or basic activities), multimorbidity, emotional symptoms, health resources used, and informal help.

Results

The prevalence of elder abuse was 32.1%. The most frequent type of abuse was psychological (28.1%). Nearly 58% of respondents reported one type of abuse, 34% reported two types, and 8% reported more than three types. The most common combination of two types of abuse was psychological with financial exploitation. Variables associated with the presence of psychological, physical, and sexual abuse (conflict abuse) were age 80 and older, 9 or more years of education, unemployment, negative self‐rated health, three or more disabilities, emotional symptoms, and history of hospitalization. Financial exploitation was associated with age 80 and older, being married or living with a partner, 9 or more years of education, unemployment, living in an urban area, negative self‐rated health, three or more disabilities, emotional symptoms, and history of hospitalization.

Conclusion

The prevalence of abuse in elderly Mexican adults with long‐term disabilities is high. Associated factors were level of education, number of disabilities, and health status. Further studies should explore the applicability of these results to other populations.
Infectious Burden and Cognitive Decline in the Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Wright Clinton B. , Gardener Hannah , Dong Chuanhui , Yoshita Mitsuhiro , DeCarli Charles , Sacco Ralph L. , Stern Yaakov , Elkind Mitchell S. V.
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To determine whether infectious burden (IB) is associated with worse performance and decline on a battery of neuropsychological tests.

Design

Prospective cohort study (Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS)).

Setting

Community.

Participants

A subsample of 588 stroke‐free NOMAS participants with IB and cognitive data (mean age 71 ± 8, 62% female, 14% white, 16% black, 70% Hispanic) and 419 with repeat cognitive testing.

Measurements

Samples used for IB data were collected at baseline. Two waves of neurocognitive assessments occurred during follow‐up. Participants underwent a neuropsychological battery and had repeated testing (mean time span 6 ± 2 years). Using factor analysis–derived domain‐specific Z scores for language, memory, executive function, and processing speed, associations between a quantitative stroke risk‐weighted IB index (IBI), based on five common infections (Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2), and cognitive performance and decline in each domain was examined.

Results

Adjusting for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, crystallized cognitive abilities, and vascular risk factors, the IBI was inversely associated with executive function at baseline (beta = −0.10, P = .01) but not with baseline language, memory, or processing speed performance in adjusted analyses. The IBI was associated with cognitive decline in the memory domain, adjusting for demographic and vascular risk factors (P = .02).

Conclusion

A quantitative stroke risk‐weighted measure of IB explained variability in baseline executive function performance and associated with decline in memory. Past exposure to common infections may contribute to vascular cognitive impairment and warrants further study.
Phototherapy in transport for neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia
Authors: Waterham Michelle , Bhatia Risha , Donath Susan , Molesworth Charlotte , Tan Kenneth , Stewart Michael
Published: August 2015

Aim

In Victoria, neonates with severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia at risk of requiring exchange transfusion are retrieved by the Paediatric Infant Perinatal Emergency Retrieval Service and transferred to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where an exchange transfusion can be performed if necessary. Transfer may result in prolonged periods without phototherapy in neonates at risk of developing bilirubin encephalopathy. We aimed to describe our experience of the introduction of phototherapy using a portable phototherapy unit during transport.

Methods

Neonates with a primary diagnosis of severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia were identified from the Paediatric Infant Perinatal Emergency Retrieval clinical database over an 11‐year period. Demographic and clinical data including gestation, age at transport, serum bilirubin levels pre‐ and post‐transport, use of phototherapy during transport (PTDT), likely diagnosis, and use of exchange transfusion were included.

Results

A total of 147 neonates were included with 104 neonates receiving PTDT and 43 who did not. Neonates who received PTDT were less likely to require exchange transfusion, 19.2% versus 34.9%, odds ratio 0.44 (95% CI 0.2–0.98), P = 0.05. However, after correction for factors appearing to be related to use of exchange transfusion, the odds ratio increased to 0.58 (95% CI 0.21–1.63), P = 0.3. There was a greater reduction in the pre‐ to post‐transport total serum bilirubin levels (μmol/L) for the group receiving PTDT (mean 46.3, SD 64.6) versus no PTDT (mean 26.1, SD 62.5), but this did not reach significance, P = 0.08.

Conclusions

Phototherapy during neonatal transport is feasible and safe and may result in a decreased requirement for subsequent exchange transfusion.
Effect of Elevated Atmospheric CO2 and Temperature Increases on the Severity of Basil Downy Mildew Caused by Peronospora belbahrii Under Phytotron Conditions
Authors: Gilardi Giovanna , Pugliese Massimo , Chitarra Walter , Ramon Ivano , Gullino Maria Lodovica , Garibaldi Angelo
Published: August 2015

Three experimental trials have been carried out on the basil (Ocimum basilicum)–downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) pathosystem, under phytotron conditions, to evaluate the effect of simulated elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations and temperatures as well as that of their interaction. Six CO2 and temperature combinations were tested to establish their effect on disease development. The photosynthetic efficiency (PI) and chlorophyll content index (CCI) of the basil plants were monitored throughout the trials. Average disease incidence was 43.8% under standard conditions (18–22°C and 400–450 ppm of CO2), while average disease severity was 22.1%. In the same temperature regime, a doubled level of CO2 caused a significant increase in both disease incidence and severity. When temperatures ranged between 18 and 26°C, CO2 at 800–850 ppm increased disease incidence. At the highest temperatures tested, that is at 26–30°C, which are not favourable for downy mildew development, the increase in CO2 had no significant effect on disease incidence. A decreasing trend of PI was observed for the PI values of the inoculated plants. This trend was particularly pronounced for high CO2 levels at the end of the experiment. In the same way as for disease development, lower values were recorded for the inoculated plants at the end of the experiment at 18–22°C for both CO2 concentrations and at 22–26°C for 850 ppm of CO2. The non‐inoculated plants showed higher photosynthetic efficiency than the inoculated plants. Similar trends were also observed for the CCI, thus confirming that downy mildew incidence and severity, which in particular caused foliar damage at high CO2 concentrations, led to a decrease in the physiological performances.
Multigene Sequence Analysis of Aster Yellows Phytoplasma Associated with Primrose Yellows
Authors: Fránová Jana , Přibylová Jaroslava , Koloniuk Igor , Podrábská Kateřina , Špak Josef
Published: August 2015

Primula acaulis (L.) Hill. plants showing stunting, leaf‐yellowing and virescence were first discovered in the Czech Republic. Polymerase chain reactions with subsequent restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses and sequencing enabled classification of the detected phytoplasmas into the aster yellows group, ribosomal subgroup 16SrI‐B, tufI‐B, rpI‐B, groELIB‐III and SecY‐IB subgroups. Phylogeny of the 16S rRNA gene sequences as well as sequence analysis of several chromosomal regions, such as the 16S‐23S ribosomal operon, ribosomal proteins, spc ribosomal protein operon, genes for elongation factor EF‐Tu, molecular chaperonin large subunit GroEL, immunodominant membrane protein, ribosome recycling factor, urydilate kinase, ATP‐ and Zn2+‐dependent proteases not only confirmed its affiliation with the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ species but also enabled its detailed molecular characterization. The less researched regions of phytoplasma genome (amp, adk, hflB, pyrH‐frr genes) could be valuable as additional markers for phytoplasma through differentiation especially within the 16SrI‐B ribosomal subgroup.
Melatonin protects porcine oocyte in vitro maturation from heat stress
Authors: Li Yu , Zhang ZhenZhen , He ChangJiu , Zhu KuanFeng , Xu ZhiYuan , Ma Teng , Tao JingLi , Liu GuoShi
Published: August 2015

Melatonin is a pleiotropic molecule which plays an important role in animal reproductive activities. Because of the increased global warming, the impact of heat stress (HS) on stockbreeding has become an inevitable issue to be solved. To investigate the potential effects of melatonin on the in vitro maturation of porcine oocyte under the HS, a HS model for porcine oocyte maturation has been used in this study and the different concentrations of melatonin (10−6–10−9 m) were also tested for their protective effects on oocytes. The polar body rate, the index of the nuclear maturation of the oocytes, and the cleavage rate as well as the blastocyst rate were measured to evaluate the developmental competence of the oocytes after parthenogenetic activation (PA). The results showed that HS [in vitro maturation (IVM) 20–24 hr, 42°C] significantly reduced the polar body rate of oocytes and the blastocyte rate of porcine PA embryos, while melatonin (10−7 m) application not only improved polar body rate and blastocyte rate, but also preserved the normal levels of steroid hormone which is disrupted by HS. The presence of melatonin (10−7 m) during the oocyte maturation under the HS reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, enhanced glutathione (GSH) production, inhibited cell apoptosis, and increased the gene expressions of SIRT1, AKT2, and Polg2. Importantly, the endogenously occurring melatonin of cumulus–oocyte complexes was significantly induced by HS. The results indicated that melatonin application effectively protected the oocytes from HS. These observations warranted the further studies in vivo regarding to improve the reproductive activities of animals under the global warming environment.
Reduced silent information regulator 1 signaling exacerbates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury in type 2 diabetic rats and the protective effect of melatonin
Authors: Yu Liming , Liang Hongliang , Dong Xiaochao , Zhao Guolong , Jin Zhenxiao , Zhai Mengen , Yang Yang , Chen Wensheng , Liu Jincheng , Yi Wei , Yang Jian , Yi Dinghua , Duan Weixun , Yu Shiqiang
Published: August 2015

Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases myocardial oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Melatonin confers cardioprotective effect by suppressing oxidative damage. However, the effect and mechanism of melatonin on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (MI/R) injury in type 2 diabetic state are still unknown. In this study, we developed high‐fat diet‐fed streptozotocin (HFD‐STZ) rat, a well‐known type 2 diabetic model, to evaluate the effect of melatonin on MI/R injury with a focus on silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) signaling, oxidative stress, and PERK/eIF2α/ATF4‐mediated ER stress. HFD‐STZ treated rats were exposed to melatonin treatment in the presence or the absence of sirtinol (a SIRT1 inhibitor) and subjected to MI/R surgery. Compared with nondiabetic animals, type 2 diabetic rats exhibited significantly decreased myocardial SIRT1 signaling, increased apoptosis, enhanced oxidative stress, and ER stress. Additionally, further reduced SIRT1 signaling, aggravated oxidative damage, and ER stress were found in diabetic animals subjected to MI/R surgery. Melatonin markedly reduced MI/R injury by improving cardiac functional recovery and decreasing myocardial apoptosis in type 2 diabetic animals. Melatonin treatment up‐regulated SIRT1 expression, reduced oxidative damage, and suppressed PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling. However, these effects were all attenuated by SIRT1 inhibition. Melatonin also protected high glucose/high fat cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes against simulated ischemia–reperfusion injury‐induced ER stress by activating SIRT1 signaling while SIRT1 siRNA blunted this action. Taken together, our study demonstrates that reduced cardiac SIRT1 signaling in type 2 diabetic state aggravates MI/R injury. Melatonin ameliorates reperfusion‐induced oxidative stress and ER stress via activation of SIRT1 signaling, thus reducing MI/R damage and improving cardiac function.
Aspirin inhibits hepatitis C virus entry by downregulating claudin‐1
Authors: Yin P. , Zhang L.
Published: August 2015

Aspirin has previously been reported to inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. The aim of this study was to investigate whether aspirin is involved in blocking HCV entry. We found that aspirin inhibits the entry of HCVpp and infectious HCV. The level of claudin‐1, an HCV receptor, is reduced by aspirin. Our results extend the anti‐HCV effect of aspirin to the HCV entry step and further reinforce the anti‐HCV role of aspirin.
Disposition of Extended Release Levetiracetam in Normal Healthy Dogs After Single Oral Dosing
Authors: Beasley M.J. , Boothe D.M.
Published: August 2015

Background

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant used for control of canine epilepsy. An extended release preparation should improve dosing convenience.

Objectives

To determine the disposition of extended release levetiracetam in normal dogs after single dosing.

Animals

Pharmacokinetic study: 16 healthy, adult dogs.

Methods

Using a partially randomized crossover study, levetiracetam (30 mg/kg) was administered intravenously (IV) and orally (PO) as extended release preparation with or without food. Blood was collected for 24 hours (IV) or 36 hours (PO). Serum levetiracetam was quantitated by immunoassay and data were subjected to noncompartmental analysis.

Results

Pharmacokinetic parameters for fasted versus fed animals, respectively, were (mean ± SEM): Cmax = 26.6 ± 2.38 and 30.7 ± 2.88 μ/mL, Tmax = 204.3 ± 18.9 and 393.8 ± 36.6 minutes, t1/2 = 4.95 ± 0.55 and 4.48 ± 0.48 hours, MRT = 9.8 ± 0.72 and 10 ± 0.64 hours, MAT = 4.7 ± 0.38 and 5.6 ± 0.67 hours, and F = 1.04 ± 0.04 and 1.26 ± 0.07%. Significant differences were limited to Tmax (longer) and F (greater) in fed compared to fasted animals. Serum levetiracetam concentration remained above 5 μ/mL for approximately 20 hours in both fasted and fed animals.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Extended release levetiracetam (30 mg/kg q12h), with or without food, should maintain concentrations above the recommended minimum human therapeutic concentration.
Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Aerobic Isolates from Respiratory Samples of Young New Zealand Horses
Authors: Toombs‐Ruane L.J. , Riley C.B. , Kendall A.T. , Bolwell C.F. , Benschop J. , Rosanowski S.M.
Published: August 2015

Background

Decreased efficacy of antimicrobials and increased prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) is of concern worldwide.

Objectives

To describe and analyze bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibilities from respiratory samples submitted from young horses (4 weeks to 3 years old).

Animals

Samples from 289 horses were submitted to a commercial laboratory.

Methods

A retrospective database search of submissions made to a New Zealand veterinary laboratory between April 2004 and July 2014. The results of in vitro susceptibility testing by Kirby‐Bauer disc diffusion were described and tabulated for the major bacterial species isolated. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to describe the clustering of MDR isolates and selected demographic variables.

Results

Overall, 774 bacterial isolates were cultured from 237 horses, the majority of these isolates were gram‐positive (67.6%; 95% CI 64.3–70.9%). Streptococcus spp. were the most common genus of bacteria isolated and were 40.1% (95% CI 36.6–43.5%) of the isolates cultured. Susceptibility of Streptococcus spp. to penicillin, gentamicin, and ceftiofur was >85%. Overall, gram‐negative susceptibility to ceftiofur, tetracycline, and TMPS was <75%. MDR was defined as resistance to 3 or more antimicrobials, and was found in 39.2% of horses (93/237; 95% CI 33.0–45.5%).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Culture and susceptibility results have highlighted that MDR is an emerging problem for young horses in New Zealand (NZ), where a bacterial respiratory infection is suspected. This should be considered when prescribing antimicrobials, and emphasizes the need for submission of samples for culture and susceptibility.
Serum Surfactant Protein D and Haptoglobin as Potential Biomarkers for Inflammatory Airway Disease in Horses
Authors: Bullone M. , de Lagarde M. , Vargas A. , Lavoie J.‐P.
Published: August 2015

Background

The identification of serum biomarkers of lung inflammation would facilitate the diagnosis of inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in horses.

Hypothesis

Horses withIADhave higher serum concentrations of markers of inflammation compared to controls.

Animals

Twelve horses withIADand 10 control horses.

Methods

This was a prospective case–control study. Blood andBALFwere collected from horses withIADand controls. Serum concentration of surfactant protein D (SP‐D), haptoglobin, serum amyloid A (SAA) and of the soluble form of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (sTREM‐1) was measured using commercialELISAtests.

Results

Horses withIADhad higher serum concentration (log‐transformed values) ofSP‐D (mean ± SD: 1.773 ± 0.51), haptoglobin (6.657 ± 0.202) andSAA(0.128 ± 0.396) compared to controls (0.942 ± 0.226, 6.38 ± 0.22, −0.398 ± 0.319, respectively;P < .01 for all). Furthermore, the concentrations ofSP‐D and haptoglobin combined allowed differentiating the 2 groups (IAD: 8.43 ± 0.564, controls: 7.322 ± 0.249,P < .0001) with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% when a cut‐off of 7.70 (log value) was employed.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Surfactant protein D and haptoglobin serum concentrations could be a diagnostic aid inIAD. Further studies are necessary to establish the specificity of our findings before they can be applied in everyday practice.
Escape behaviour in shore crabs: constraints of body size and available shelter
Authors: Bateman P. W. , Fleming P. A.
Published: August 2015

The escape behaviour of organisms that retreat to shelter to avoid predators is influenced by availability and quality (e.g. appropriate size) of shelters. We examined escape behaviour (flight initiation distance, distance fled to shelter) of the crabLeptograpsus variegatus, relative to shelter size and distribution on a shoreline with multiple shelters and on a shoreline with limited shelter. Larger crabs tended to be nearer to larger shelters than smaller crabs and fled sooner and further than smaller crabs. Larger crabs often fled past the nearest shelters if they were too small. Group size increased at the site with fewer shelters, but this did not influence flight behaviour. We conclude that the availability of shelters and body size influences escape behaviour of these crabs.
The Fuzzy Project Scheduling Problem with Minimal Generalized Precedence Relations
Authors: Ponz‐Tienda José Luis , Pellicer Eugenio , Benlloch‐Marco Javier , Andrés‐Romano Carlos
Published: August 2015

In scheduling, estimations are affected by the imprecision of limited information on future events, and the reduction in the number and level of detail of activities. Overlapping of processes and activities requires the study of their continuity, along with analysis of the risks associated with imprecision. In this line, this article proposes a fuzzy heuristic model for the Project Scheduling Problem with flows and minimal feeding, time and work Generalized Precedence Relations with a realistic approach to overlapping, in which the continuity of processes and activities is allowed in a discretionary way. This fuzzy algorithm handles the balance of process flows, and computes the optimal fragmentation of tasks, avoiding the interruption of the critical path and reverse criticality. The goodness of this approach is tested on several problems found in the literature; furthermore, an example of a 15‐story building was used to compare the better performance of the algorithm implemented in Visual Basic for Applications (Excel) over that same example input in Primavera© P6 Professional V8.2.0, using five different scenarios.
Development of macitentan for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Selej Mona , Romero Alain J. , Channick Richard N. , Clozel Martine
Published: August 2015

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious, chronic condition that, without early recognition and treatment, leads to progressive right heart failure and death. The dual endothelin receptor antagonist macitentan was designed through a deliberate discovery process to maximize endothelin‐axis blockade while improving adverse‐effect profiles compared with previous compounds. Macitentan's efficacy was demonstrated in an event‐driven morbidity and mortality study of treatment‐naive and background PAH therapy–treated symptomatic patients. Compared to placebo, 10 mg of macitentan significantly reduced the relative risk of morbidity and mortality by 45%, primarily by delaying PAH worsening, most prominently in World Health Organization (WHO) functional class II and III PAH patients. Macitentan reduced the incidence of the composite end point of PAH‐related hospitalizations and mortality and improved WHO FC and exercise capacity (6‐min walk distance). Furthermore, it significantly improved cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and quality of life, and had a favorable safety and tolerability profile. To date, this was the largest and longest prospective trial for PAH. Macitentan, currently the only approved oral PAH treatment shown to be safe and effective in delaying long‐term progression and reducing PAH‐related hospitalizations, has changed treatment paradigms from goal‐directed to long‐term outcome–oriented therapy.
A rare CYP21A2 mutation in a congenital adrenal hyperplasia kindred displaying genotype–phenotype nonconcordance
Authors: Khattab Ahmed , Yuen Tony , Al‐Malki Sultan , Yau Mabel , Kazmi Diya , Sun Li , Harbison Madeleine , Haider Shozeb , Zaidi Mone , New Maria I.
Published: August 2015

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) owing to 21‐hydroxylase deficiency is caused by the autosomal recessive in‐heritance of mutations in the gene CYP21A2. CYP21A2 mutations lead to variable impairment of the 21‐hydroxylase enzyme, which, in turn, is associated with three clinical phenotypes, namely, salt wasting, simple virilizing, and nonclassical CAH. However, it is known that a given mutation can associate with different clinical phenotypes, resulting in a high rate of genotype–phenotype nonconcordance. We aimed to study the genotype–phenotype nonconcordance in a family with three siblings affected with nonclassical CAH. All had hormonal evidence of nonclassical CAH, but this phenotype could not be explained by the genotype obtained from commercial CYP21A2 genetic testing, which revealed heterozygosity for the maternal 30 kb deletion mutation. We performed Sanger sequencing of the entire CYP21A2 gene in this family to search for a rare mutation that was not covered by commercial testing and found in the three siblings a second, rare c.1097G>A (p.R366H) mutation in exon 8. Computational modeling confirmed that this was a mild mutation consistent with nonclassical CAH. We recommend that sequencing of entire genes for rare mutations should be carried out when genotype–phenotype nonconcordance is observed in patients with autosomal recessive monogenic disorders, including CAH.
Fluorescence tagging and inducible depletion of PD‐L2–expressing B‐1 B cells in vivo
Authors: Lee Rebecca A. , Mao Changchuin , Vo Hung , Gao Wenda , Zhong Xuemei
Published: August 2015

L2pB1 cells are a subpopulation of B‐1a B cells that express programmed death ligand 2 (PD‐L2) as their unique cell surface marker. In mice, about 50% of peritoneal B‐1a cells are L2pB1 cells. The remaining B‐1a cells are L2nB1 (PD‐L2–) B‐1a cells. L2pB1 cells differ from L2nB1 cells in their immunoglobulin repertoire, expression of interleukin 10, and their capacity to phagocytose phosphatidylcholine. The physiological roles of L2pB1 cells have not been investigated owing to the lack of an animal model that allows for specific depletion of L2pB1 cells. Here, we report a mouse model that enables specific tracking and inducible depletion of L2pB1 cells in vivo. Our data show that depletion of L2pB1 cells significantly reduces serum anti‐phosphorylcholine (PC) IgM levels and IL‐10 expression in the peritoneal cavity. This animal model provides a tool for the study of the immune regulatory functions of L2pB1 cells in health and disease.