bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transforming growth factor‐β1 stimulates hedgehog signaling to promote epithelial–mesenchymal transition after kidney injury
Authors: Lu Hong , Chen Bicheng , Hong Weilong , Liang Yong , Bai Yongheng
Published: August 2016

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tubular epithelial cells (TECs) is crucial for the induction and progression of kidney fibrosis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that trigger the EMT programme have not been identified. In the present study, we demonstrate that transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and activated hedgehog signaling mediate the EMT programme following kidney injury. Tissue samples from fibrotic kidneys show enhanced TGF‐β1 levels, as well as upregulated hedgehog signaling activity, during the EMT process; these levels decrease when fibrosis is reversed. Injury promotes TGF‐β1 expression and activates hedgehog signaling, thus inducing tubular EMT of TECs and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in vitro. The EMT response and fibrotic appearance are also induced by enhanced TGF‐β1 levels or activated hedgehog signaling. Downregulation of TGF‐β1 inhibits aristolochic acid (AA)‐ and TGF‐β1‐induced EMT and ECM synthesis and correlates with decreased hedgehog signaling. Similarly, inhibiting the hedgehog pathway abolishes AA‐ and hedgehog‐mediated EMT, resulting in reduced TGF‐β1 levels. These findings highlight a key role for cross‐talk between TGF‐β1 and hedgehog signaling in promoting injury‐induced EMT and ECM deposition in TECs.
The economics of land use reveals a selection bias in tree species distribution models
Authors: Ay Jean‐Sauveur , Guillemot Joannès , Martin‐StPaul Nicolas , Doyen Luc , Leadley Paul
Published: August 2016

Aims

In human‐dominated ecosystems, the presence of a given species is the result of both the ecological suitability of the site and human impacts such as land‐use choices. The influence of land‐use choices on the predictions of species distribution models (SDMs) has, however, been often neglected. Here, we provide a theoretical analysis of the land‐use selection bias affecting classical SDMs in the case of either presence‐only or presence–absence datasets. Land‐use selection bias in the predictions of SDMs is then quantified for four widespread European tree species.

Location

Continental France.

Methods

We describe a bivariate selection model (BSM) that estimates simultaneously the economics of land‐use choices and species responses to bioclimatic variables. The land‐use equation, based on an econometric model of landowner choices, is joined to an equation of species responses to bioclimatic variables.

Results

We found a significant land‐use selection bias in all the species studied. The sign and the magnitude of the bias varied among species and were strongly related to the type of dataset used in the SDM calibration (presence‐only or presence–absence). In addition, the BSM estimates the spatial covariance between the probability of presence and the presence of compatible land use. We found that, depending on the species, sites with high ecological suitability could present a high probability of compatible land use (positive covariance) or a low probability (negative covariance).

Main conclusion

We showed that the use of classical SDMs in human‐dominated areas can lead to strong miss‐estimations of actual species distributions and could therefore prevents sound projections of the effects of climate change. The proposed BSM represents a crucial step to account for the economic forces shaping species distribution in anthropized areas and paves the way for a direct assessment of trade‐offs and opportunities that may arise in a context of global change.
Depression and hospital admission in older patients with head and neck cancer: analysis of a national healthcare database
Authors: Laurence Brian , Mould‐Millman Nee‐Kofi , Nero Kenneth E. , Salter Reginald O. , Sagoo Paramjeet K.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The aim the study was to determine whether the presence of depression was associated with an increased likelihood of hospital admission among adult patients 50 years and over diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC) visiting emergency departments (EDs) in the United States.

Background

Head and neck cancer is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In patients with cancer, depression is predictive of increased mortality and the effect remains after adjusting for comorbidities. Patients with cancer who are depressed are less likely to participate in treatment decisions and to seek social support which can lead to worsening overall health outcomes among patients with HNC.

Materials and Methods

We performed secondary analysis of data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) in the United States using multivariable Poisson regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We included adults aged 50 years and older, diagnosed with HNC using International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision (ICD‐9‐CM) codes. We controlled for demographic, clinical and hospital characteristics in the multivariable models.

Results

In the final multivariable model for adults 50 years and over, male HNC patients with depression were 28% (CI = 21–36%) more likely to be admitted following an ED visit and female HNC patients with depression were 31% (CI = 20–42%) more likely to be admitted. In stratified analysis, the association was strongest for males with specific HNC of the oral cavity who were 56% (CI = 25–94%) more likely to be admitted.

Conclusion

Depression is associated with hospital admission among adults aged 50 and over with HNC.
Factors related to the decision‐making for moving the older adults into long‐term care facilities in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Yen‐Ping , Huang Ying‐Chia , Lan Shou‐Jen , Ho Ching‐Sung
Published: August 2016

Aim

To investigate the relationships between demographic characteristics of the elderly, type of long‐term care (LTC) facilities, and the reasons for moving into LTC facilities.

Methods

Research participants included people aged over 65 years, living in LTC facilities. A total of 1280 questionnaires were distributed to 111 LTC facilities in Taiwan; 480 questionnaires were retrieved, and 232 were included in the valid sample. The study used a non‐linear canonical correlation analysis, which assesses the relationships among similar sets of categorical variables.

Results

The results showed that the older adults in quadrant I were characterized by being involved in the decision‐making regarding the choice of LTC facilities and received economic support from their children. The older adults in quadrant II mainly lived in LTC facilities to receive medical care, whereas those in quadrant III typically included individuals with low income, who did not choose to live in LTC facilities. Furthermore, those in quadrant IV had positive cognitions associated with LTC facilities.

Conclusions

We believe that the results of the present study will facilitate policy‐making in the field of LTC, provide reference to the practitioners and the older adults, and identify the types of decisions older adults make when moving into LTC facilities, thus assisting older adults to improve their strategies regarding staying in LTC facilities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1319–1327.
Optimal frequency/time combination of whole‐body vibration training for improving muscle size and strength of people with age‐related muscle loss (sarcopenia): A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wei Ning , Pang Marco YC , Ng Shamay SM , Ng Gabriel YF
Published: August 2016

Aim

To determine the optimal combination of frequency and exposure time of a whole‐body vibration (WBV) training program for improving muscle performance of older people with age‐related muscle loss.

Methods

A total of 80 community‐dwelling older adults with age‐related muscle loss were randomly divided into four equal groups, namely, low‐frequency long duration (20 Hz × 720 s), medium‐frequency medium duration (40 Hz × 360 s), high‐frequency short duration (60 Hz × 240 s) and control (no training) for 12‐week WBV training and 12‐week follow up. Assessments were carried out at baseline, mid‐intervention, post‐intervention, mid‐follow up, follow up for the cross‐sectional area of the vastus medialis, isometric knee extension strength at 90°, and isokinetic knee extension at 60°/s and 180°/s.

Results

There was a significant time × group interaction effect in isokinetic knee extension at 180°/s. Significant time effects were found in all muscle strength outcome variables. Group differences in percentage change from baseline were significant between medium‐frequency medium duration and control on isokinetic knee extension at 180°/s and 60°/s. No changes were found in the cross‐sectional area of the vastus medialis.

Conclusions

With the total number of vibrations controlled, the combination of 40 Hz and 360 s of WBV exercise had the best outcome among all other combinations tested. The improvements in knee extension performance can be maintained for 12 weeks after cessation of WBV training. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1412–1420.
Factors associated with ageist attitudes among college students
Authors: Smith Matthew Lee , Bergeron Caroline D , Cowart Clay , Ahn SangNam , Towne Samuel D , Ory Marcia G , Menn Mindy A , Chaney JD
Published: August 2016

Aim

Ageist views have the potential to deleteriously impact large populations of older adults in the USA and worldwide. The high levels of ageism among young adults might originate from their limited interactions with older adults (individuals aged 65 years and older). The present study examined the factors associated with ageist attitudes among college students.

Methods

Data were analyzed from 641 college students using an internet‐delivered questionnaire. Participants were asked to rate their level of agreement with 17 ageist statements about older adults. A general least squares regression analysis was carried out to identify the associations of participants’ sex, race/ethnicity and interactions with older adults on self‐identified ageist attitudes.

Results

Approximately 37% of participating college students interacted with older adults one or more times per week, 38.3% had resided with an older adult in their lifetime and 78.2% had volunteered/worked with an older adult. Participants who were female (P = 0.035), African American (P = 0.033), those with more frequent interaction with older adults (P = 0.001) and those with experience living with an older adult (P = 0.028) reported significantly lower negative ageist attitudes.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that increased exposure to and interactions with older adults can reduce ageist views among college students. Practical recommendations are provided to increase students’ opportunities for interactions with and exposure to older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1698–1706.
Effect of different alcohols on stratum corneum kallikrein 5 and phospholipase A2 together with epidermal keratinocytes and skin irritation
Authors: Cartner T. , Brand N. , Tian K. , Saud A. , Carr T. , Stapleton P. , Lane M. E. , Rawlings A. V.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the effect of ethanol, isopropanol and n‐propanol on stratum corneum (SC) enzymes and keratinocytes in vitro together with their effects on skin condition and function.

Methods

Activities of kallikrein 5 (KLK5) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) as well as keratinocyte metabolic activity, interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were measured in vitro in the presence and absence of the different alcohols. We also measured transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin capacitance, visual dryness and visual redness on the volar forearms of 25 Caucasian women following application of the alcohols 20 and 100 times per day over a period of 14 days in a clinical study.

Results

Reduced activities of KLK5 and PLA2 were observed in the presence of the alcohols. The greatest denaturing effect was always observed for n‐propanol (P < 0.001), and in the case of PLA2, the effect of isopropanol was greater than ethanol (P < 0.001). Equally, ethanol had the mildest effects on keratinocyte metabolic activity and cytokine secretion (P < 0.001) and n‐propanol always produced the most severe changes in normal and differentiated keratinocytes. These in vitro findings supported the clinical results where the major effects were on the induction of skin irritation (increased dropout rates) and ranked the intolerance of the different alcohols as follows: n‐propanol > isopropanol > ethanol. At the high application frequencies, the effect of the different alcohols on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin capacitance was similar, but at the low application frequencies, n‐propanol had a significant effect on TEWL and capacitance values (P < 0.05). Equally, n‐propanol and isopropanol produced significantly more skin redness at the low application frequencies.

Conclusions

Clearly, isopropanol and n‐propanol caused significant SC and keratinocyte perturbation in vitro together with damage to skin condition and function in vivo whereas ethanol did not. As a result, we show that ethanol‐based sanitizers are better tolerated by skin, particularly in high‐use settings, than other alcohols and should be the active ingredient of choice.
A new system for classifying root and root canal morphology
Authors: Ahmed H. M. A. , Versiani M. A. , De‐Deus G. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: August 2016

Knowledge of root and root canal morphology is a prerequisite for effective nonsurgical and surgical endodontic treatments. The external and internal morphological features of roots are variable and complex, and several classifications have been proposed to define the various types of canal configurations that occur commonly. More recently, improvements in nondestructive digital image systems, such as cone‐beam and micro‐computed tomography, as well as the use of magnification in clinical practice, have increased the number of reports on complex root canal anatomy. Importantly, using these newer techniques, it has become apparent that it is not possible to classify many root canal configurations using the existing systems. The purpose of this article is to introduce a new classification system that can be adapted to categorize root and root canal configurations in an accurate, simple and reliable manner that can be used in research, clinical practice and training.
Association between chronic oral inflammatory burden and physical fitness in males: a cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Hoppe C. B. , Oliveira J. A. P. , Grecca F. S. , Haas A. N. , Gomes M. S.
Published: August 2016

Aim

To evaluate the association between chronic oral inflammatory burden (OIB) – as the combination of periodontal and endodontic disease load – and physical fitness.

Methodology

One hundred and twelve nonsmoker male police officers who performed a standardized physical fitness test (PFT) were analysed. Participants underwent oral clinical and periapical radiographic examinations. Periodontal disease was assessed by probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (AL). For radiographic analysis, both apical periodontitis (AP) and root canal treatment (RCT) variables were analysed. Endodontic Burden (EB) was calculated merging the total number of teeth with AP and/or RCT per individual. OIB was calculated combining EB and AL. The outcome of physical fitness was dichotomized according to whether the highest PFT score was ‘achieved’ or ‘not‐achieved’. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for age, body mass index and frequency of daily exercise.

Results

There was no significant association between AP, RCT and EB with physical fitness whereas PD, AL and OIB were significantly associated with low physical fitness (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that individuals with OIB = EB ≥ 3 and AL ≥ 4 mm had a 81% lower chance of reaching the highest PFT score (OR = 0.19, 95%CI = 0.04–0.87, P = 0.03) compared to individuals with EB < 3 and and no AL ≥ 4 mm. Individuals with unfavourable periodontal parameters but with low EB (OIB = EB < 3 & AL ≥ 4 mm) showed no significant differences on the chance to reach the highest PFT score compared to participants with favourable periodontal status and low EB (OIB = EB < 3 & no AL ≥ 4 mm).

Conclusions

The OIB – higher levels of EB in periodontal patients – was independently associated with poor physical fitness in males.
Seminiferous epithelium damage after short period of busulphan treatment in adult rats and vitamin B12 efficacy in the recovery of spermatogonial germ cells
Authors: Vasiliausha Sandi Regina , Beltrame Flávia Luciana , de Santi Fabiane , Cerri Paulo Sérgio , Caneguim Breno Henrique , Sasso‐Cerri Estela
Published: August 2016

Several different strategies have been adopted in attempt to recover from chemotherapy‐damaged spermatogenesis that is often seen in oncologic patients. In this study, we have evaluated the impact of short period of exposure to busulphan on the haemogram and seminiferous epithelium of adult rats, focusing on spermatogonial depletion and Sertoli cell (SC) integrity. We then examined whether vitamin B12 supplementation improves the haematological parameters and spermatogonia number. The animals received 10 mg/kg of busulphan (BuG) or busulfan+vitamin B12 (Bu/B12G) on the first and fourth days of treatment. In H.E.‐stained testicular sections, the areas of the seminiferous tubule (ST) and seminiferous epithelium were measured. The number of spermatogonia in H.E‐stained and PCNA‐immunolabelled testicular sections was quantified. The frequency of tubules with abnormal SC nuclei or TUNEL‐positive SC was evaluated. Vimentin immunofluorescence in ST was also evaluated. In BuG and Bu/B12G, the animals showed leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, but the body weight reduced only in BuG. The areas of ST and seminiferous epithelium decreased in Bu/B12G and BuG. In BuG, the number of H.E.‐stained and PCNA‐immunolabelled spermatogonia reduced significantly. The frequency of tubules containing abnormal SC nuclei and TUNEL‐positive SC increased and the vimentin immunoexpression pattern changed. In Bu/B12G, the number of H.E.‐stained or PCNA‐immunolabelled spermatogonia increased fourfold in comparison with BuG. The structural changes in ST after 6 days of busulphan exposure may be associated with the potential effect of this anti‐neoplastic agent on SC. The increased number of spermatogonia in the busulphan‐treated animals receiving vitamin B12 indicates that this vitamin can be an adjuvant therapy to improve the fertility in male cancer patients.
Low miR‐34c expression is associated with poor outcome in de novo acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Yang D.‐Q. , Zhou J.‐D. , Wang Y.‐X. , Deng Z.‐Q. , Yang J. , Yao D.‐M. , Qian Z. , Yang L. , Lin J. , Qian J.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

MicroRNA‐34c (miR‐34c) has been found to play important roles in tumorigenesis. However, little is known about miR‐34c expression and the impact on prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Methods

Real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) was performed to analyze the status of miR‐34c expression in 122 patients with de novo AML and 62 normal controls.

Results

MiR‐34c expression in AML was significantly downregulated compared to controls (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) indicated the distinguishing value of miR‐34c for discriminating whole‐cohort AML, non‐M3 AML, and cytogenetically normal AML (CN‐AML) patients from healthy controls. No significant differences were found between low miR‐34c‐expressing and high miR‐34c‐expressing patients in age, sex, hemoglobin, platelet count, percentage of blasts in bone marrow (BM), WHO classifications, karyotypes, and eight gene mutations, but low miR‐34c cases had higher white blood cells (WBC) than high miR‐34c cases (P = 0.035). MiR‐34c low‐expressed patients had similar rates of complete remission (CR) as miR‐34c high‐expressed patients in whole‐cohort AML, non‐M3 AML, and CN‐AML patients (P = 0.347, 0.314 and 0.167, respectively). Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that patients with low miR‐34c level had markedly shorter overall survival (OS) time in whole‐cohort AML, non‐M3 AML, and CN‐AML patients (P = 0.033, 0.024 and 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, multivariate analysis confirmed that low miR‐34c expression was an independent risk factor not only in whole‐cohort AML (P = 0.040) but also in non‐M3 AML (P = 0.015) and CN‐AML patients (P = 0.021).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that low miR‐34c level is a novel promising biomarker in predicting prognosis in patients with de novo AML.
Role of protein phosphatases in genitourinary cancers
Authors: Igawa Tsukasa
Published: August 2016

The prevalence of genitourinary cancers has been increasing rapidly worldwide over the past 10 years. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have improved the oncological outcomes of patients with genitourinary cancer. However, the precise mechanisms of cancer development are largely unknown. Among various biological mechanisms, reversible phosphorylation is crucial for regulating the activities of many proteins in cancer cells. In contrast to protein kinases, the roles of cellular protein phosphatases have not been fully elucidated. However, emerging evidence suggests that various protein phosphatases are involved in genitourinary cancer development and have potential for cancer treatment. In the present review, we focus on recent progress in protein phosphatases regarding genitourinary cancers. We also explore the development of new strategies for cancer therapy using protein phosphatase and related molecules.
The Effects of Policy Implementation Uncertainty on Groundwater Extraction
Authors: Bian Dacheng , Williams Ryan B. , Benson Aaron , Segarra Eduardo
Published: August 2016

Concerns about the high rate of depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer in the Southern High Plains of Texas (Texas High Plains) in recent years have led to the enactment of policies designed to slow down water extraction and increase the usable life of the aquifer. However, policy implementation has not been uniform across the aquifer, leaving some farmers in portions of the aquifer with no effective groundwater extraction restrictions only a short distance away from areas where farmers face regulatory limits. This study investigates the effects of policy implementation uncertainty on the extraction of groundwater. An econometric model is estimated for harvested acreage of the three major crops produced in the five representative counties of the Texas High Plains. Corn acreage (an irrigation‐intensive crop) is used as a proxy for groundwater use. After controlling for price and climate effects, it was concluded that there is strong evidence that groundwater use policy uncertainty is likely to increase groundwater extraction in the Texas High Plains region. The social desire to achieve perpetual sustainability of groundwater resources in the study region, or at the very least to prolong the life of the Ogallala Aquifer, has resulted in discussions about alternative groundwater management policies. Producers, in their concern about the implementation of policies to slow down groundwater extraction, increase their use of water in the short‐run in order to maximize profits before groundwater use restriction policies are enforced.
Building Watershed Management Capacity in Nigeria: Expanding the Role of Agriculture Colleges
Authors: Groninger John W.
Published: August 2016

Developing countries face many critical social, agricultural, and natural resource‐related issues where watershed management plays a prominent role. Short‐term gains in productivity often occur at the expense of long term system resiliency needed to achieve sustainability. Post‐secondary (tertiary) education institutions are underfunded and hampered by bureaucratic inertia limiting their relevance toward addressing emerging water resources concerns. As populations urbanize, rural constituencies continue to lose influence. Using the case of Samaru College of Agriculture, part of Ahmadu Bello University in north‐central Nigeria, this paper identifies institutional challenges and suggests solutions to help similar institutions better address watershed management issues. Given current constraints, a watershed management curriculum could be built upon existing courses offered in related majors. Developing partnerships with an expanding private sector could help create opportunities for meaningful solutions to management issues and foster problem solving skills among students. Outside investment in increasing university capacity to address watershed education, including hiring staff focused on these issues, is justifiable given the humanitarian and security crises that have been afflicting northern Nigeria's vulnerable agricultural landscape.
Heard it through the Grapevine ‐ Social Network Analysis of a Hydrology Class
Authors: Hernandez E. Annette , Uddameri Venkatesh
Published: August 2016

Social network analysis (SNA) was investigated as an efficient way to understand the dynamics behind collaborative endeavors and group formation in project based courses. The SNA was applied to a junior level undergraduate engineering hydrology class with two sections taught by two professors with varying levels of structure. It was found that students tended to use formal sources of information (i.e., professor, teaching assistant, textbook, or class notes); however, the use depended on the amount of structure in the class. More independent students did not collaborate in assigned groups, preferring to self‐select study groups. Furthermore, the less structured class created a split atmosphere of “connected” students who had many interactions as well as “disconnected” students on the other end of the spectrum. The more structured class created fewer but more even distribution of interactions between students. The SNA study corroborated that collaborations correlate positively with class grade. In fact, those students with fewer interactions with their classmates performed poorly in the class.
Deliberating on Missouri River Water Diversions in Congressional Committee Hearings
Authors: Michaels Sarah , Gruszczynski Mike
Published: August 2016

We examine the discursive influence of competing interest groups and how and when U.S. federal legislators use empirical evidence to consider Missouri River diversion projects originating in the relief, recovery, and reform thinking behind President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. Twelve U.S. Congressional committee hearings that occurred between 1944 and 2006 are content analyzed to demonstrate the nature of instrumental arguments in legislative deliberations. Members of Congress in favor of diversion projects used more economic‐based, instrumental arguments than interest group representatives sharing their views while members of Congress opposed to the diversion projects consistently used less science‐based, instrumental arguments than did interest group representatives sharing their stance. As a percentage, more instrumental arguments were made in field hearings than in Washington, D.C. hearings. While more economic‐based, instrumental arguments were made in Senate‐related hearings than in House of Representatives related hearings, in the House more science‐based, instrumental arguments were made than in the Senate.
Molecular analyses and species distribution models indicate cryptic northern mountain refugia for a forest‐dwelling ground beetle
Authors: Drees Claudia , Husemann Martin , Homburg Katharina , Brandt Patric , Dieker Petra , Habel Jan C. , von Wehrden Henrik , Zumstein Pascale , Assmann Thorsten
Published: August 2016

Aim

Identification of potential glacial refugia and post‐glacial colonization processes of a flightless, cold‐adapted ground beetle

Location

Central and eastern Europe.

Methods

We analysed the genetic structure of 33 Carabus sylvestris populations sampled across its entire distribution range using nuclear and mitochondrial markers. We further compiled occurrence records to develop species distribution models to predict distribution ranges for the last glacial period and the present based on the species’ current climatic niche.

Results

Distinct genetic lineages were detected for a number of mountain ranges and were congruent for both molecular marker systems. Most genetic splits were the results of vicariance, whereas dispersal was rare. Our models suggest that the species’ distribution range was larger and more interconnected in the past.

Main conclusions

Our data support multiple glacial refugia for C. sylvestris, some of which were located north of the Alps. Some lower mountain ranges were likely recolonized post‐glacially.
Orchid historical biogeography, diversification, Antarctica and the paradox of orchid dispersal
Authors: Givnish Thomas J. , Spalink Daniel , Ames Mercedes , Lyon Stephanie P. , Hunter Steven J. , Zuluaga Alejandro , Doucette Alfonso , Caro Giovanny Giraldo , McDaniel James , Clements Mark A. , Arroyo Mary T. K. , Endara Lorena , Kriebel Ricardo , Williams Norris H. , Cameron Kenneth M.
Published: August 2016

Aim

Orchidaceae is the most species‐rich angiosperm family and has one of the broadest distributions. Until now, the lack of a well‐resolved phylogeny has prevented analyses of orchid historical biogeography. In this study, we use such a phylogeny to estimate the geographical spread of orchids, evaluate the importance of different regions in their diversification and assess the role of long‐distance dispersal (LDD) in generating orchid diversity.

Location

Global.

Methods

Analyses use a phylogeny including species representing all five orchid subfamilies and almost all tribes and subtribes, calibrated against 17 angiosperm fossils. We estimated historical biogeography and assessed the importance of different regions for rates of speciation, extinction and net species diversification. We evaluated the impact of particularLDDevents on orchid diversity by asking how many species evolved in the new range subsequent to those events.

Results

Orchids appear to have arisen in Australia 112 Ma (95% higher probability distribution: 102.0–120.0 Ma), then spread to the Neotropics via Antarctica by 90 Ma (HPD: 79.7–99.5 Ma), when all three continents were in close contact and apostasioids split from the ancestor of all other orchids. Ancestors of vanilloids, cypripedioids and orchidoids+epidendroids appear to have originated in the Neotropics 84–64 Ma. Repeated long‐ and short‐distance dispersal occurred through orchid history: stochastic mapping identified a mean total of 74LDDevents or 0.8 Ma−1. Across orchid history, Southeast Asia was the most important source and maximally accelerated net diversification; across epidendroids, the Neotropics maximally accelerated diversification.

Main conclusions

Our analysis provides the first biogeographical history of the orchids, implicating Australia, the Neotropics and Antarctica in their origin.LDDand life in the Neotropics – especially the Andes – had profound effects on their spread and diversification; > 97% of all orchid species are restricted to individual continents.
Insights from Novel Noninvasive CT and ECG Imaging Modalities on Electromechanical Myocardial Activation in a Canine Model of Ischemic Dyssynchronous Heart Failure
Authors: DAWOUD FADY , SCHULERI KARL H. , SPRAGG DAVID D. , HORÁČEK B. MILAN , BERGER RONALD D. , HALPERIN HENRY R. , LARDO ALBERT C.
Published: August 2016

CT ECGI Electromechanical Imaging

Introduction

The interplay between electrical activation and mechanical contraction patterns is hypothesized to be central to reduced effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Furthermore, complex scar substrates render CRT less effective. We used novel cardiac computed tomography (CT) and noninvasive electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) techniques in an ischemic dyssynchronous heart failure (DHF) animal model to evaluate electrical and mechanical coupling of cardiac function, tissue viability, and venous accessibility of target pacing regions.

Methods and Results

Ischemic DHF was induced in 6 dogs using coronary occlusion, left bundle ablation and tachy RV pacing. Full body ECG was recorded during native rhythm followed by volumetric first‐pass and delayed enhancement CT. Regional electrical activation were computed and overlaid with segmented venous anatomy and scar regions. Reconstructed electrical activation maps show consistency with LBBB starting on the RV and spreading in a “U‐shaped” pattern to the LV. Previously reported lines of slow conduction are seen parallel to anterior or inferior interventricular grooves. Mechanical contraction showed large septal to lateral wall delay (80 ± 38 milliseconds vs. 123 ± 31 milliseconds, P = 0.0001). All animals showed electromechanical correlation except dog 5 with largest scar burden. Electromechanical decoupling was largest in basal lateral LV segments.

Conclusion

We demonstrated a promising application of CT in combination with ECGI to gain insight into electromechanical function in ischemic dyssynchronous heart failure that can provide useful information to study regional substrate of CRT candidates.
A dermatological questionnaire for general practitioners in England with a focus on melanoma; misdiagnosis in black patients compared to white patients
Authors: Lyman M. , Mills J.O. , Shipman A.R.
Published: August 2016

Background

Malignant melanoma presents a significant health burden in the UK in terms of mortality and financial cost. This aggressive and often fatal disease is under‐diagnosed among patients with darker skin tones (type 5 and 6) such as Afro‐Caribbean patients. A lack of both patient and practitioner awareness leads to a later diagnosis in patients with black compared to white skin. There is currently a paucity of literature looking at the diagnosis rates of melanoma between patients of different ethnicities in the UK and the reasons behind these differences.

Objective

The primary aim was to obtain data on the diagnosis rate of melanoma in the primary care setting, with particular attention to white vs. black skin types.

Methods

An online questionnaire was sent to 2975 general practitioner (GP) practices in England and 287 responses were received. The questionnaire contained 20 high‐quality picture questions of differing common skin conditions. The participants were asked to choose their diagnosis from 20 potential diagnoses. Only 4/20 questions were melanomas, two on white and two on black skin. No accompanying histories were provided.

Results

The mean score for the questionnaire was 11.6/20 (58%) with a range from 5% to 100%. Of the two black skin melanoma pictures, 177/287 (62%) and 90/287 (31%) responses were incorrectly identified, compared to 37/287 (13%) and 19/287 (7%) in the white skin melanoma pictures.

Conclusion

The questionnaire results show a clear increased misdiagnosis of melanoma in black patients in primary care vs. white. The results suggest that vigilance is needed when diagnosing possible melanoma in black patients and better quality melanoma teaching is required in GP training concentrating on pigmented skin. This pilot study should encourage more research into ethnic skin inequalities in the UK.
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis in children: clinical characteristics, subtypes, causes and direct immunofluorescence findings of 56 biopsy‐confirmed cases
Authors: Johnson E.F. , Wetter D.A. , Lehman J.S. , Hand J.L. , Davis D.M.R. , Tollefson M.M.
Published: August 2016

Background

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) in children is a complex group of conditions.

Objectives

This study presents the demographics, clinical features, direct immunofluorescence (DIF) results and suspected aetiologies of 56 biopsy‐confirmed cases of leukocytoclastic vasculitis in children.

Methods

Retrospective review of 56 children seen at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from 1993 to 2013 with clinical features and cutaneous biopsy consistent with LCV.

Results

Twenty‐seven (48%) cases were found to be due to IgA vasculitis (Henoch‐Schonlein purpura). The remaining cases were found to be due to cutaneous small‐vessel vasculitis (n = 19, 34%), urticarial vasculitis (n = 5, 9%), ANCA‐associated vasculitis (n = 4, 7%) and acute haemorrhagic oedema of infancy (n = 1, 2%). IgA vasculitis was found to be associated with abdominal pain (P = 0.008), whereas the non‐IgA vasculitis group was associated with headache (P = 0.052). Children with IgA vasculitis had palpable purpura (P = <0.001), petechia (P = 0.057), vesicles (P = 0.009) and involvement of the buttock (P = 0.004) more frequently than the non‐IgA vasculitis group. On DIF, perivascular IgA was positive in IgA vasculitis compared to non‐IgA vasculitis cases (P = <0.001), the other conjugates were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

The most common subtype of biopsy‐confirmed LCV in children is IgA vasculitis. Clinical features, exam characteristics and DIF results can be helpful in determining the subtype of cutaneous vasculitis in children.
Risk assessment of comorbidities on 30‐day avoidable hospital readmissions among internal medicine patients
Authors: Hijazi Heba H. , Alyahya Mohammad S. , Hammouri Hanan M. , Alshraideh Hussam A.
Published: August 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives:

Reducing the rate of hospital readmissions, particularly avoidable ones, has significant implications on patient outcomes, cost containment, and quality of care. Given that the reason of readmission may differ from the patient's main diagnosis in the index admission, this study aims to assess the influence of index comorbidities on the primary readmission diagnoses and explore the risk of deemed avoidable readmission because of prior comorbidities.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 3962 discharges was conducted at a 527‐bed teaching hospital in Jordan, utilizing data related to 2025 internal medicine patients.

Results:

Among all discharges, 29% were followed by a 30‐day readmission, of which 13% were identified as potentially avoidable. Of all readmissions, 36% of patients were readmitted because of one of the comorbidities that had been identified at index admission. In addition, 47% of the potentially avoidable readmissions had a main diagnosis that was one of the index comorbidities. The results also showed an association between readmission for one of the index stay's comorbidities and being avoidable, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.12 (95% confidence interval, 1.65‐2.72). Overall, the presence of certain diseases, being identified as one of the preceding comorbidities, was found to have a substantial influence on the risk of potentially avoidable readmission. These diseases included digestive, circulatory, respiratory, genitourinary systems, and infectious and parasitic diseases (adjusted relative risks = 1.57, 1.49, 1.36, 1.30, and 2.30, respectively).

Conclusion:

To help reduce the rates of readmission, potential gains seem available if hospitals adopt clinical practices that support the patient's care during the post‐discharge transition. This implies that health care providers need to pay more attention to the comorbidities of high‐risk patients to be closely monitored after discharge.
Lifelong Ambiguous Loss: The Case of Cuban American Exiles
Authors: Perez Rose M.
Published: August 2016

Using Cuban Americans who immigrated to the United States between 1959 and 1971 as an example, this article demonstrates the chronic nature of ambiguous loss in the context of loss of homeland. Ambiguous loss theory provides a framework for understanding the pain experienced by this cohort of Cuban Americans and their families who cope with a traumatic loss that defies closure. While keeping their homeland ever present psychologically, this cohort of Cuban Americans has experienced unique identity and relationship challenges rooted in the tensions between the United States and Cuba. They emigrated because of societal changes that followed the 1959 revolution launched by Fidel Castro against the regime of Fulgencio Batista. Contact with their homeland has been limited while they harbor hope that Cuba's government will change for the better. The utility of the ambiguous loss model is supported and suggestions for future research directions are suggested.
Discursive Approaches to Ambiguous Loss: Theorizing Community‐Based Therapy After Enforced Disappearance
Authors: Robins Simon
Published: August 2016

Ambiguous loss is experienced and constructed relationally. As a result, the social and political context plays a role alongside psychological factors as elements that both mediate the impact of ambiguous loss and can aid or retard effective coping. By considering the case of persons disappeared in political violence, an approach to addressing ambiguous loss is theorized that uses community‐based therapeutic approaches. Beginning from poststructuralist ideas of discourse as being constitutive of human subjectivity, the role of discourse is discussed in terms of its capacity to both construct ambiguity and mold social relations that can build resilience. A therapeutic approach is postulated with families of the disappeared that seeks explicitly to have an impact on discourses circulating in communities affected by disappearance in ways that positively influence the well‐being of the families of those missing, as well as on the meanings and identities that affected persons construct from them.
The Context and Process of Theory Development: The Story of Ambiguous Loss
Authors: Boss Pauline
Published: August 2016

This is the story of how the theory of ambiguous loss was born—the context of time and space in which it developed; the misunderstandings, clarifications, and corrections; and now, the theory's cultural updates. From an early interest in family stress theory, I coined the term ambiguous loss to name a previously unidentified stressor common to families everywhere. Discovering this phenomenon and developing the theory has been a lifelong process, but with a new generation of scholars, the theory continues to build and improve. This narrative is my tribute to a new generation of scholars, many of whom are testing the theory and broadening its application across cultures, disciplines, and types of ambiguous loss. May this account also stimulate the building of other useful theories of the middle range that include, without bias, the broad diversity of families today.
Preserving elemental content in adherent mammalian cells for analysis by synchrotron‐based x‐ray fluorescence microscopy
Authors: JIN QIAOLING , PAUNESKU TATJANA , LAI BARRY , GLEBER SOPHIE‐CHARLOTTE , CHEN SI , FINNEY LYDIA , VINE DAVID , VOGT STEFAN , WOLOSCHAK GAYLE , JACOBSEN CHRIS
Published: August 2016

Trace metals play important roles in biological function, and x‐ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) provides a way to quantitatively image their distribution within cells. The faithfulness of these measurements is dependent on proper sample preparation. Using mouse embryonic fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells as an example, we compare various approaches to the preparation of adherent mammalian cells for XFM imaging under ambient temperature. Direct side‐by‐side comparison shows that plunge‐freezing‐based cryoimmobilization provides more faithful preservation than conventional chemical fixation for most biologically important elements including P, S, Cl, K, Fe, Cu, Zn and possibly Ca in adherent mammalian cells. Although cells rinsed with fresh media had a great deal of extracellular background signal for Cl and Ca, this approach maintained cells at the best possible physiological status before rapid freezing and it does not interfere with XFM analysis of other elements. If chemical fixation has to be chosen, the combination of 3% paraformaldehyde and 1.5 % glutaraldehyde preserves S, Fe, Cu and Zn better than either fixative alone. When chemically fixed cells were subjected to a variety of dehydration processes, air drying was proved to be more suitable than other drying methods such as graded ethanol dehydration and freeze drying. This first detailed comparison for x‐ray fluorescence microscopy shows how detailed quantitative conclusions can be affected by the choice of cell preparation method.
Cytogenetic profiling by FISH microscopy and comparison with light microscopy and complete blood count findings in myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: CHANDRASHEKAR V. , TARIGOPULA A. , GOVINDASAMI P.
Published: August 2016

Karyotype, bone marrow blast percentage and cytopenia influence the prognosis of myelodysplastic syndrome. We studied the abnormalities detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in myelodysplastic syndrome and associated haematological profile with abnormalities detected by FISH.

Complete blood counts, peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients were evaluated for cytopenia, dysplasia and blasts. FISH probes were used to detect del(5q), gain of chromosome 8, de (7q/‐7) and del(20 q). Multiple regression analysis was used to study the association of FISH abnormalities, age and sex with haematological profile. Mc Nemar's test studied the relationship between FISH abnormalities and dysplastic features in bone marrow.

Cytogenetic abnormalities were detected by FISH in 25.7% of patients. Del(20 q) was seen in 14.2% of patients. FISH was able to predict changes in peripheral blood blast count by 80% (p ˂ 0.0001).

Cytogenetic abnormalities were not seen in 74.2% of patients. Groups with FISH abnormalities have a different haematological profile, and these abnormalities have a significant effect on blast percentage.
Reference measurement procedure for CSF amyloid beta (Aβ)1–42 and the CSF Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40 ratio – a cross‐validation study against amyloid PET
Authors: Pannee Josef , Portelius Erik , Minthon Lennart , Gobom Johan , Andreasson Ulf , Zetterberg Henrik , Hansson Oskar , Blennow Kaj
Published: August 2016

A clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is currently made on the basis of results from cognitive tests in combination with medical history and general clinical evaluation, but the peptide amyloid‐beta (Aβ) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is increasingly used as a biomarker for amyloid pathology in clinical trials and in recently proposed revised clinical criteria for Alzheimer's disease. Recent analytical developments have resulted in mass spectrometry (MS) reference measurement procedures for absolute quantification of Aβ1–42 in CSF. The CSF Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40 ratio has been suggested to improve the detection of cerebral amyloid deposition, by compensating for inter‐individual variations in total Aβ production. Our aim was to cross‐validate the reference measurement procedure as well as the Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42/Aβ1–38 ratios in CSF, measured by high‐resolution MS, with the cortical level of Aβ fibrils as measured by amyloid (18F‐flutemetamol) positron emission tomography (PET). We included 100 non‐demented patients with cognitive symptoms from the Swedish BioFINDER study, all of whom had undergone both lumbar puncture and 18F‐flutemetamol PET. Comparing CSF Aβ1–42 concentrations with 18F‐flutemetamol PET showed high concordance with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.85 and a sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 81%, respectively. The ratio of Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40 or Aβ1–42/Aβ1–38 significantly improved concordance with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.95 and a sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 91%, respectively. These results show that the CSF Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42/Aβ1–38 ratios using the described MS method are strongly associated with cortical Aβ fibrils measured by 18F‐flutemetamol PET.

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