bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A latitudinal gradient in dimensionality of biodiversity
Authors: Stevens Richard D. , Tello J. Sebastián
Published: March 2018

Biodiversity is multifaceted and represents numerous dimensions expressing variation in richness and abundances of species, ecosystem functions, phylogenetic relationships, morphology, traits and interactions. Such dimensions are correlated to varying degrees and recent research has attempted to better understand behavior of such correlations. We define dimensionality of biodiversity as degree of redundancy in variation among multiple dimensions of biodiversity. One fundamental question regarding biodiversity is whether its dimensionality is spatially structured, also exhibiting geographic gradients. We examine if redundancy among dimensions of biodiversity changes latitudinally thereby contributing to increased tropical complexity. Geographic range maps of bats were overlaid on a 100 × 100 km grid of the New World to determine species composition of each cell. Species richness and three measures each of phylogenetic, functional and phenetic diversity were calculated. Dimensionality was estimated as evenness of eigenvalues generated from a principal components analysis (PCA) of multiple measures of biodiversity. High dimensionality is characterized by low correlations among biodiversity measures and high evenness of eigenvalues from PCA, whereas low dimensionality is characterized by high correlations and low evenness of eigenvalues. Latitudinal gradients of dimensionality were determined by regression analysis. Slope of the empirical relationship was compared to slopes generated from two null models that randomized the distribution of species. Dimensionality of biodiversity does indeed exhibit a latitudinal gradient, decreasing with increasing latitude. This empirical gradient was stronger than expected by the random distribution of species. Additionally, spatial variation in dimensionality of biodiversity could not be explained by a similar underlying pattern in variation of environmental conditions. Correlations among different dimensions of biodiversity vary spatially, and interpretations of such correlations should be geographically explicit. Mechanisms proposed to explain latitudinal gradients need not only account for gradients of biodiversity, but gradients in dimensionality as well. A gradient in dimensionality suggests that conservation strategies that rely on maximization of a single metric, such as species richness, might be of varying utility in different geographic contexts.
Rethinking Vulnerability in the Age of Anthropocene: Toward Ecologizing Education
Authors: Li Huey‐li
Published: March 2018

In this essay, Huey‐li Li argues that, although precariousness has always been embedded in human existence, our human vulnerability has been heightened by seemingly omnipresent and omnipotent risks in the modern era, ranging from the 9/11 terroristic attacks and nuclear meltdowns to infectious disease outbreaks and climate change. Li unravels some of the ambiguities surrounding the conceptualization of vulnerability, pointing out that human vulnerability, to a large extent, is coterminous with the increasingly more vulnerable global–local ecological systems in the age of the Anthropocene. She then connects this formulation of vulnerability to the existential, ontological, and social vulnerability in education and its accompanying discourses. Li questions the wisdom of thinking that human invulnerability is an attainable goal in the modern era and argues further that all protective and preventive efforts are actually counterproductive — that is, that they instead tend to maximize our fears and thus render us more vulnerable. Instead of perpetuating the vulnerable pursuit of invulnerability in formal educational institutions, Li concludes, modern schooling should embrace and engage ecological and human vulnerability. In this way, education might better assume ethical responsibility for mitigating the ongoing ecological decline.
Neuroanatomical characterization of imidazoline I2 receptor agonist‐induced antinociception
Authors: Siemian Justin N. , Jia Shushan , Liu Jian‐Feng , Zhang Yanan , Li Jun‐Xu
Published: March 2018

Chronic pain is a significant public health problem with a lack of safe and effective analgesics. The imidazoline I2 receptor (I2R) is a promising analgesic target, but the neuroanatomical structures involved in mediating I2R‐associated behaviors are unknown. I2Rs are enriched in the arcuate nucleus, dorsal raphe (DR), interpeduncular nucleus, lateral mammillary body, medial habenula, nucleus accumbens (NAc) and paraventricular nucleus; thus, this study investigated the antinociceptive and hypothermic effects of microinjections of the I2R agonist 2‐(2‐benzofuranyl)‐2‐imidazoline hydrochloride (2‐BFI). In rats, intra‐DR microinjections produced antinociception in complete Freund's adjuvant‐ and chronic constriction injury‐induced pain models. Intra‐NAc microinjections produced antinociception and increased noxious stimulus‐associated side time in a place escape/avoidance paradigm. Intra‐NAc pretreatment with the I2R antagonist idazoxan but not the D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 or the D2 receptor antagonist raclopride attenuated intra‐NAc 2‐BFI‐induced antinociception. Intra‐NAc idazoxan did not attenuate systemically administered 2‐BFI‐induced antinociception. Microinjections into the other regions did not produce antinociception, and in none of the regions produced hypothermia. These data suggest that I2R activation in some but not all I2R‐enriched brain regions is sufficient to produce antinociception and supports the theory that different I2R‐associated effects are mediated via distinct receptor populations, which may in turn be distributed differentially throughout the CNS.
Adaptive dynamics of unstable cancer populations: The canonical equation
Authors: Aguadé‐Gorgorió Guim , Solé Ricard
Published: March 2018

In most instances of tumour development, genetic instability plays a role in allowing cancer cell populations to respond to selection barriers, such as physical constraints or immune responses, and rapidly adapt to an always changing environment. Modelling instability is a nontrivial task, since by definition evolving instability leads to changes in the underlying landscape. In this article, we explore mathematically a simple version of unstable tumour progression using the formalism of adaptive dynamics (AD) where selection and mutation are explicitly coupled. Using a set of basic fitness landscapes, the so‐called canonical equation for the evolution of genetic instability on a minimal scenario associated with a population of unstable cells is derived. We obtain explicit expressions for the evolution of mutation probabilities, and the implications of the model on further experimental studies and potential mutagenic therapies are discussed.
The challenges posed by equine arboviruses
Authors: Chapman G. E. , Baylis M. , Archer D. , Daly J. M.
Published: March 2018

Equine populations worldwide are at increasing risk of infection by viruses transmitted by biting arthropods, including mosquitoes, biting midges (Culicoides), sandflies and ticks. These include the flaviviruses (Japanese encephalitis, West Nile and Murray Valley encephalitis), alphaviruses (eastern, western and Venezuelan encephalitis) and the orbiviruses (African horse sickness and equine encephalosis). This review provides an overview of the challenges faced in the surveillance, prevention and control of the major equine arboviruses, particularly in the context of these viruses emerging in new regions of the world.
Salpingopharyngeal fistula as a treatment for guttural pouch mycosis in seven horses
Authors: Watkins A. R. , Parente E. J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Guttural pouch mycosis (GPM) is a cause of nasal discharge, dysphagia and fatal haemorrhage in the horse.

Objectives

To report the complications and success of salpingopharyngeal fistulation in horses withGPM. We hypothesised that creating a direct static opening into the guttural pouch from the pharynx would cause a regression of fungal plaques due to a change in the guttural pouch environment and that this treatment would result in resolution of infection prior to secondary complications.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

The medical records of all horses diagnosed withGPMthat were presented to New Bolton Center between the years 2006 and 2017 were examined retrospectively. Seven cases of guttural pouch mycosis treated with salpingopharyngostomy without other surgical intervention were included. Information collected included signalment, presenting complaint, which pouch was affected, size and location of the plaques, laryngeal and pharyngeal function, concurrent medical therapy, location of the fistula, surgical time, time to resolution of clinical signs, time to full resolution of the mycotic plaque, and patency of the salpingopharyngostomy site.

Results

Nasal discharge resolved in 10–30 days post‐operatively in all cases where nasal discharge was present. The mycotic plaques showed complete resolution at time points ranging from 1 to 6 months post‐operatively. No case developed epistaxis or neurological deficits post‐operatively that were not present at presentation.

Main limitations

There were differing adjunctive treatments between cases. This technique is not appropriate for horses that have had epistaxis or are currently bleeding.

Conclusions

Salpingopharyngostomy can minimise cost of treatment, be performed on an outpatient basis and provide better exposure of the infected area with few complications. This case series documents seven cases treated with this method that resolved the infection without any further complications of the mycosis.
Feasibility of the echocardiographic subcostal view in newborn foals: two‐dimensional and Doppler aortic findings
Authors: Freccero F. , Cordella A. , Dondi F. , Castagnetti C. , Niinistö K. , Cipone M.
Published: March 2018

Background

In dogs, due to better alignment with the aortic outflow, the subcostal (SC) transducer site provides greater Doppler‐derived velocities than those obtained from the left parasternal view. The feasibility of this imaging approach has never been described in equine echocardiography.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the SC view in newborn foals and compare aortic two‐dimensional and Doppler‐derived velocity measurements with those of standard parasternal long‐axis (LAX) views.

Study design

A prospective observational study.

Methods

Twenty‐three newborn healthy Standardbred and Warmblood foals, aged from 7 h to 6 days, underwent transthoracic two‐dimensional (2DE), M‐mode and Doppler echocardiography that was performed in lateral recumbency. Right and left parasternal long‐axis (R‐LAX, L‐LAX) and SC views were obtained to perform 2DE and Doppler assessments of the aortic valve (AoV). Aortic diameter at the sinus of Valsalva (AoS D) was measured from R‐LAX and SC images. Aortic maximal velocity (AoV Velmax), velocity time integral (AoV VTI) and pressure gradient (AoV PG) were obtained by pulsed wave Doppler spectra from SC and L‐LAX views.

Results

The SC view was feasible in all foals. No significant difference was found in AoS D between different views (P = 0.06), and no significant correlation was detected for bodyweight (BW). AoV Velmax, VTI and PG obtained from the SC view were greater than from the L‐LAX view (P<0.0001, P = 0.0001 and P<0.0001 respectively), especially in foals with lower BW.

Main limitations

The order of the transducer site was not randomised among foals, and the observer was not blinded during offline measurement.

Conclusions

The SC view can be easily obtained in recumbent newborn foals and provides optimal alignment with aortic outflow, leading to more reliable Doppler flow velocity than the conventional L‐LAX view. Further investigations of the potential use of this view in Doppler estimation of aortic outflow and cardiac assessment of sick foals are recommended.
Persistent nitrogen limitation of stream biofilm communities along climate gradients in the Arctic
Authors: Myrstener Maria , Rocher‐Ros Gerard , Burrows Ryan M. , Bergström Ann‐Kristin , Giesler Reiner , Sponseller Ryan A.
Published: March 2018

Climate change is rapidly reshaping Arctic landscapes through shifts in vegetation cover and productivity, soil resource mobilization, and hydrological regimes. The implications of these changes for stream ecosystems and food webs is unclear and will depend largely on microbial biofilm responses to concurrent shifts in temperature, light, and resource supply from land. To study those responses, we used nutrient diffusing substrates to manipulate resource supply to biofilm communities along regional gradients in stream temperature, riparian shading, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) loading in Arctic Sweden. We found strong nitrogen (N) limitation across this gradient for gross primary production, community respiration and chlorophyll‐a accumulation. For unamended biofilms, activity and biomass accrual were not closely related to any single physical or chemical driver across this region. However, the magnitude of biofilm response to N addition was: in tundra streams, biofilm response was constrained by thermal regimes, whereas variation in light availability regulated this response in birch and coniferous forest streams. Furthermore, heterotrophic responses to experimental N addition increased across the region with greater stream water concentrations of DOC relative to inorganic N. Thus, future shifts in resource supply to these ecosystems are likely to interact with other concurrent environmental changes to regulate stream productivity. Indeed, our results suggest that in the absence of increased nutrient inputs, Arctic streams will be less sensitive to future changes in other habitat variables such as temperature and DOC loading.
Basilic vein transposition for unsuitable upper arm hemodialysis needle access segment may attenuate concurrent hand ischemia
Authors: Gerrickens Michael W. M. , Vaes Roel H. D. , Govaert Bastiaan , Teijink Joep A. W. , Scheltinga Marc R.
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Some hemodialysis patients with a brachial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) have an unsuitable upper arm needle access segment (NAS) necessitating basilic vein transposition (BVT). It was frequently observed that a portion of these patients spontaneously experienced a warmer and less painful dialysis hand after BVT. Aim of this study was to determine whether BVT for an inadequate NAS attenuated hemodialysis access‐induced distal ischemia in patients with a brachial AVF.

Methods: Patients with a brachial AVF and an unsuitable NAS also reporting hand ischemia and scheduled to undergo BVT between 2005 and 2016 in a single facility were studied. Hand ischemia was graded as proposed in a 2016 consensus meeting. Hand ischemic questionnaire (HIQ‐) scores (0 points, no ischemia—500 points, maximal ischemia), digital brachial index (DBI, ischemia <0.6) and access flow (mL/min) before and after BVT were compared. The cephalic vein and all side branches of the basilic vein were ligated during the BVT.

Findings: Ten patients were studied (8 males, 61 [54–75] years). BVT was performed 8 [4–10] months following the initial AVF construction. HIQ‐scores dropped from 220 [71–285] to 9 [0–78] (P = 0.043) postoperatively, whereas DBI increased from 0.51 [0.39–0.67] to 0.85 [0.68–0.97] (P = 0.012). DBI and HIQ‐scores were inversely correlated (R2=71%, P = 0.001). Access flows dropped significantly (Flowpre 1120 mL/min [1100–2300] vs. Flowpost 700 mL/min [600–1760]; P = 0.018). Surgery‐associated complications were absent and dialysis continued uninterruptedly. Eight patients reported total recovery from hand ischemia six weeks postoperatively.

Discussion: Basilic vein transposition for an unsuitable upper arm needle access segment may attenuate hand ischemia in patients with a brachial AVF previously reporting hemodialysis access‐induced distal ischemia.
Findings in exudates can help distinguish benign gastric ulcers from ulcerated adenocarcinomas
Authors: Hissong Erika , Jessurun Jose , Yantiss Rhonda K
Published: March 2018

Aims

Most gastric carcinomas develop in association with mucosal atrophy and hypochlorhydria, whereas benign peptic ulcers are acid‐related. Given that acid sterilises the gastric contents, we hypothesised that ulcerated gastric cancers may be associated with increased numbers of luminal microorganisms as compared with peptic ulcers, and that this feature may represent a helpful diagnostic clue to the presence of malignancy. We performed this study to determine whether the features of luminal debris, including microorganisms, from ulcerated gastric cancers were significantly different from those of debris associated with benign ulcers.

Methods and results

We retrospectively identified 50 ulcerated adenocarcinomas and 50 site‐matched peptic ulcers. Luminal debris was evaluated for the nature of inflammation, necrosis, and the presence of mixed bacterial colonies or yeasts. Non‐lesional mucosa was assessed for chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori, chemical gastropathy, and intestinal metaplasia. Patients in both groups were adults (mean age: 69 years and 62 years, respectively) with similar amounts of inflammation and cellular necrosis in biopsy material. However, 76% of ulcerated cancers harboured non‐H. pylori bacterial colonies, as compared with only 22% of peptic ulcers (P < 0.01). Filamentous bacteria and fungi were highly specific for carcinoma (98% and P = 0.02 for both comparisons). Background intestinal metaplasia was more common among gastric cancers than among peptic ulcers (50% versus 26%, P = 0.02), whereas chemical gastropathy was more commonly associated with the latter (50% versus 10%, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Gastric cancers may be colonised by non‐H. pylori microorganisms. Detection of numerous bacterial colonies, filamentous bacteria or fungi in biopsy material obtained from ulcerated gastric lesions should raise suspicion for underlying malignancy.
iRoot FM exerts an antibacterial effect on Porphyromonas endodontalis and improves the properties of stem cells from the apical papilla
Authors: Bi J. , Liu Y. , Liu X. M. , Jiang L. M. , Chen X.
Published: March 2018

Aim

To investigate the antibacterial activity of a novel intracanal medicament, iRoot FM, against Porphyromonas endodontalis and its effects on the proliferation and osteo‐/odontogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP).

Methodology

The agar diffusion test was used to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of iRoot FM with two traditional intracanal medicaments, calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and triple antibiotic paste (TAP). The CCK‐8 assay was used to assess the proliferation rate of SCAP when exposed to the three intracanal medicaments. The expression levels of ALP and DMP‐1 and the capacity to form mineralized nodules were used to evaluate the osteo‐/odontogenic differentiation of SCAP, as assessed by real‐time PCR, Western blotting and alizarin red S staining. Data were statistically analysed with one‐way analysis of variance (anova), and comparisons between each of two groups were analysed by the least significance difference method. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The zone of inhibition against P. endodontalis produced by iRoot FM was 20.74 ± 4.35 mm, whilst the zones of inhibition of Ca(OH)2 and TAP were 24.89 ± 3.84 mm and 34.51 ± 1.20 mm. The antibacterial capacity of iRoot FM was similar to that of Ca(OH)2 (P > 0.05). SCAP, cultured in conditioned medium with iRoot FM, was associated with greater proliferation and osteo‐/odontogenic differentiation capacity than those cultured in conditioned medium with Ca(OH)2 and TAP (P < 0.05). Moreover, iRoot FM had no negative effects on the proliferation rate of SCAP.

Conclusions

iRoot FM exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against P. endodontalis and could improve the proliferation and differentiation of SCAP. The findings provide evidence that iRoot FM has potential as an intracanal medicament for endodontic procedures in immature permanent teeth.
Protocol for digital intervention for effective health promotion of small children—A cluster randomized trial
Authors: Pakarinen Anni , Flemmich Magda , Parisod Heidi , Selänne Laura , Hamari Lotta , Aromaa Minna , Leppänen Ville , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Smed Jouni , Salanterä Sanna
Published: March 2018

Aim

This article introduces the protocol of a study aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of digital WellWe intervention in supporting the participation of families with small children in the promotion of their health.

Background

Early childhood is a meaningful period for building a strong base for good health. Parents play a key role in affecting the health behaviour and psychosocial development of their children. A family‐centred approach makes it possible to support families’ individual health literacy needs and empower them to take actions towards promoting healthier behaviour. However, there are a lack of family‐centred digital health interventions intended for parents and their small children.

Design

The study is designed as a two‐arm cluster, randomized, controlled trial with a 4‐month follow‐up.

Methods

The data are being collected from 200 families with a 4‐year‐old child. Cluster randomization is being performed at the municipality level. Municipalities (N = 4) located in Southwest Finland, comprising child health clinics (N = 15) with their family clients, were randomly allocated to either an intervention (WellWe intervention) or a control group (usual care). The outcome measures include parental self‐efficacy for healthy behaviours, mindfulness in parenting and the family‐centred approach of the extensive health examination. Data collection is being performed at baseline, after the intervention and at a 4‐month follow‐up.

Discussion

The results from this study will make it possible to determine whether this new method can be recommended for implementation in child health clinic settings to support the participation of families with small children in promoting their health.
Extracellular vesicle RNAs reflect placenta dysfunction and are a biomarker source for preterm labour
Authors: Fallen Shannon , Baxter David , Wu Xiaogang , Kim Taek‐Kyun , Shynlova Oksana , Lee Min Young , Scherler Kelsey , Lye Stephen , Hood Leroy , Wang Kai
Published: March 2018

Preterm birth (PTB) can lead to lifelong complications and challenges. Identifying and monitoring molecular signals in easily accessible biological samples that can diagnose or predict the risk of preterm labour (PTL) in pregnant women will reduce or prevent PTBs. A number of studies identified putative biomarkers for PTL including protein, miRNA and hormones from various body fluids. However, biomarkers identified from these studies usually lack consistency and reproducibility. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in circulation have gained significant interest in recent years as these vesicles may be involved in cell‐cell communication. We have used an improved small RNA library construction protocol and a newly developed size exclusion chromatography (SEC)‐based EV purification method to gain a comprehensive view of circulating RNA in plasma and its distribution by analysing RNAs in whole plasma and EV‐associated and EV‐depleted plasma. We identified a number of miRNAs in EVs that can be used as biomarkers for PTL, and these miRNAs may reflect the pathological changes of the placenta during the development of PTL. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a comprehensive picture of circulating RNA, including RNA in whole plasma, EV and EV‐depleted plasma, in PTL and reveal the usefulness of EV‐associated RNAs in disease diagnosis.
Cell‐free lncRNA expression signatures in urine serve as novel non‐invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and recurrence prediction of bladder cancer
Authors: Du Lutao , Duan Weili , Jiang Xiumei , Zhao Li , Li Juan , Wang Rui , Yan Suzhen , Xie Yujiao , Yan Keqiang , Wang Qingliang , Wang Lili , Yang Yongmei , Wang Chuanxin
Published: March 2018

Cell‐free long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are stably present in urine and can serve as non‐invasive biomarkers for cancer. We aimed to identify signatures of lncRNAs in urine for diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer (BC). Screening of lncRNAs by microarray analysis was performed using urine samples of 10 BC patients and 10 controls. Expressions of candidate lncRNAs were evaluated in the training and validation set including 230 BC patients and 230 controls by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). A two‐lncRNA panel (uc004cox.4 and GAS5) was constructed and provided high diagnostic accuracy of BC with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.885 (95% CI, 0.836‐0.924). The AUCs of the lncRNA panel for Ta, T1 and T2‐T4 were 0.843, 0.867 and 0.923, respectively, significantly higher than those of urine cytology (all P < .05). Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed that higher level of uc004cox.4 was associated with poor recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of non‐muscle invasive BC (NMIBC) (P = .008). Additionally, Cox regression analysis indicated that uc004cox.4 was an independent prognostic factor for RFS of NMIBC (P = .018). Taken together, our findings indicated that urinary lncRNA signatures possessed potential clinical value for BC diagnosis. Moreover, uc004cox.4 could provide prognostic information for NMIBC.
Jenynsia lineata species complex, revision and new species description (Cyprinodontiformes: Anablepidae)
Authors: F. Amorim P.
Published: March 2018

The Jenynsia lineata species complex comprises J. lineata from Montevideo, Uruguay and Jenynsia multidentata, from coastal basins of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina up to 1200 m a.s.l. Taxonomic divisions within this group were tested using three different species delimitation methods, which found the two existing names to be synonyms and revealed a new cryptic species. Jenynsia darwini sp. nov. is distinguished from all congeners by having a unique combination of character states, including the shape of the dorsal postcleithrum (three times higher than wide v. less than two times higher than wide) and female colour pattern in the half of the caudal peduncle with rows of chromatophores segmented in unaligned spots (v. aligned spots forming lines). The new species also differs from J. lineata by having 26 nucleotide substitutions in the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (coI). Phylogenetic analysis of the genus based on morphological characters proposed by previous studies corroborates monophyly of the subgenera Plesiojenynsia and Jenynsia, with the new species being allocated to the subgenus Jenynsia as the sister group of J. lineata.
Characterization of large basking shark Cetorhinus maximus aggregations in the western North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Crowe L. M. , O'Brien O. , Curtis T. H. , Leiter S. M. , Kenney R. D. , Duley P. , Kraus S. D.
Published: March 2018

Cetorhinus maximus aggregations recorded during extensive aerial survey efforts off the north‐eastern United States between 1980 and 2013 included aggregations centring on sightings with group sizes of at least 30 individuals. These aggregations occurred in summer and autumn months and included aggregation sizes of up to 1398 individuals, the largest aggregation ever reported for this species. The aggregations were associated with sea surface temperatures of 13–24° C and chlorophyll‐a concentrations of 0·4–2·6 mg m−3 and during one aggregation, a high abundance of zooplankton prey was present. Photogrammetric tools allowed for the estimation of total body lengths ranging between 4 and 8 m. Characterization of these events provides new insight into the potential biological function of large aggregations in this species.
Discursive psychology as a method of analysis for the study of couple and family therapy
Authors: O'Reilly Michelle , Kiyimba Nikki , Lester Jessica N.
Published: March 2018

The field of couple and family therapy has benefitted from evidence generated from qualitative approaches. Evidence developed from approaches relying on language and social interaction using naturally occurring recordings of real‐world practice has the benefit of facilitating practice‐based recommendations and informing practice. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of one approach to discourse analysis, Discursive Psychology (DP), demonstrating how a social constructionist framework and focus on discourse can provide an important contribution to the field of therapy. To illustrate the methodological decision‐making process for researchers and/or practitioners who utilize DP, we draw upon a video‐recorded therapeutic session involving Tom Andersen. To conclude, we make recommendations for practitioners using DP to explore and examine therapeutic practice.
The legacy of Tom Andersen: The ethics of reflecting processes
Authors: Gehart Diane R.
Published: March 2018

Tom Andersen and his pioneering work with reflecting conservations has had a lasting influence on the field of family therapy and mental health more broadly. Most family therapists are familiar with his contributions related to reflecting teams; however, fewer are familiar with his conceptualization of reflecting processes, which offer practical ways to approach therapeutic conversations to address challenging problems. This article provides a brief history of Andersen's career and reviews four key elements of his approach, including: (a) his way of being in relationship, (b) appropriately unusual comments, (c) inner and outer dialogs, and (d) ethics of dialogical relating. Finally, this article introduces readers to the context of the video that will be analyzed in the articles that follow in this special section.
Issuing and Responding to Unusual Questions: A Conversation Analytic Account of Tom Andersen's Therapeutic Practice
Authors: Smoliak Olga , Le Couteur Amanda , Quinn‐Nilas Christopher
Published: March 2018

Tom Andersen is considered one of the key contributors to the development of postmodern practice. Little is known, however, about the ways in which his ideas and practices are routinely carried out in situ. We used Conversation Analysis (CA) to investigate a session of couple therapy facilitated by Andersen. We show how Andersen and client participants oriented to and addressed problems of understanding that occurred between them. The source of this trouble was Andersen's use of unusual question formulations. We offer preliminary evidence that such unusual formulations served particular interactional and institutional (i.e., therapeutic) functions in their local contexts of use. We conclude by considering some implications of this analysis—and of conversation analytic inquiry more generally—for the practice of family therapy.
A National Survey Examining Manuscript Dissertation Formats Among Nursing PhD Programs in the United States
Authors: Graves Janessa M. , Postma Julie , Katz Janet R. , Kehoe Leanne , Swalling Eileen , Barbosa‐Leiker Celestina
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Among research‐focused nursing doctoral (PhD) programs in the United States, the traditional dissertation format has recently given way to a series of publication‐ready manuscripts, often bookended by introduction and conclusion chapters. To help programs make decisions about the use of these formats, this study undertook a national survey of programs offering PhDs in nursing. The purpose of this study was to explore the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional format versus manuscript option for dissertations among nursing PhD programs in the United States.

Design

Cross‐sectional census survey of U.S. nursing PhD programs.

Methods

A web‐based survey was administered to all U.S. nursing PhD programs. Respondents indicated formats offered, factors contributing to decisions of which formats to offer, and lessons learned. Descriptive statistics and inductive content analyses were used for analysis.

Findings

Of 121 eligible institutions, 79 provided eligible responses (66.7%). The majority (59%) offered both formats; 11% offered the manuscript option only, and 24% offered the traditional format only. Faculty support (or lack thereof) contributed to adoption (or not) of the manuscript option. Respondents' approaches to the manuscript option (e.g., number of papers) and advice are summarized.

Conclusions

Manuscript option dissertations are commonly offered and provide benefits to students and faculty; however, thoughtful implementation is critical. Programs need to agree upon clear expectations and have graduate school support (e.g., formatting). Faculty need mentorship in advising manuscript option students who choose to use this format, and the time and support. Finally, students need additional writing skills that could be provided through coursework or via individual work with mentors.

Clinical Relevance

As nursing education continues to expand further into doctoral research, programs must examine dissertation formats in order to both prepare future nurse scholars and disseminate nursing research that is critical to improving nursing education, patient care, and clinical practice.
Opinions and attitudes on the relationship between spirituality, religiosity and health: A comparison between nursing students from Brazil and Portugal
Authors: Cordero Rocío de Diego , Romero Bárbara Badanta , de Matos Filomena Adelaide , Costa Emília , Espinha Daniele Corcioli Mendes , Tomasso Claudia de Souza , Lucchetti Alessandra Lamas Granero , Lucchetti Giancarlo
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To compare the opinions and attitudes of Portuguese‐speaking nursing students from Brazil and Portugal on the relationship between religiosity/spirituality and the ability to approach these issues with patients, in their undergraduate training and practice.

Background

Although there are studies investigating nursing students' opinions concerning religiosity and spirituality in clinical practice, few have investigated if there are cross‐cultural differences between countries.

Design

Observational, cross‐sectional and multicenter study carried out in 2010 and 2011 in Brazil and in 2016 in Portugal.

Methods

A total of 260 third and fourth year nursing students (139 from Portugal and 121 from Brazil) from four nursing schools were included. Religious beliefs (Duke Religion Index), attitudes and opinions about spirituality and health (Curlin's questionnaire) were assessed. A comparison between students from both countries was carried out.

Results/Findings

Significant differences were found between nursing students from Brazil and Portugal, which are countries with the same language, but with different nursing training programs and population characteristics. Brazilian students were more religious and have stronger opinions on the influence and appropriateness of spirituality in clinical practice than Portuguese students. However, both groups of students indicated they should be prepared to address religiosity and spirituality with patients, that these subjects should be included in the curriculum and that they were not properly prepared to address spiritual issues.

Conclusion

Although different opinions and attitudes were found between Brazilian and Portuguese nursing students, more training in these issues should be implemented in the undergraduate education. Cross‐cultural studies could help fostering a broad discussion in the field.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings could contribute to raise awareness on the importance of improving the training of relational competencies that prepare students to address the dimension of spirituality and religiosity with their patients.
Stroke survivors’ and carers’ experiences of a systematic voiding programme to treat urinary incontinence after stroke
Authors: Gibson Josephine ME , Thomas Lois H , Harrison Joanna J , Watkins Caroline L ,   the ICONS Project Team and the ICONS Patient, Public and Carer Involvement Groups
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore the views and experiences of stroke survivors and carers about a systematic voiding programme for poststroke incontinence.

Background

Urinary incontinence after stroke is common and associated with poorer functional outcome. Structured assessment and management are potentially effective interventions, but it is important that there is a good understanding of stroke survivors’ and carers’ views of their acceptability and implementation.

Design

A qualitative study within a feasibility trial.

Methods

Sixteen participants (12 stroke survivors and four carers) were interviewed using a structured schedule shortly before discharge from one of six inpatient stroke units across six hospitals. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was conducted.

Findings

Participants included seven male and five female stroke survivors (mean age 76 years) and four female carers (two wives and two daughters). Themes relating to the preliminary (assessment) phase of the programme were as follows: physical impact, psychological impact, beliefs about incontinence, and the assessment process itself. Main themes relating to the implementation of the programme included the following: timed voiding decisions, adapting the programme or the timed voiding schedule, and urinary incontinence management techniques. Participants felt that the programme helped them to re‐establish a regular pattern of micturition and to regain autonomy.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of a systematic voiding programme may partly lie in its educational component, challenging patients’ and carers’ assumptions that poststroke incontinence is inevitable. Individual adaptation of the programme and the ability to incorporate it alongside other aspects of care are likely to be key factors influencing implementation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Urinary incontinence is common after stroke. To maximise benefits from a systematic voiding programme, nurses should support stroke survivors to overturn erroneous beliefs, to participate in tailoring of the programme, and in self‐management where appropriate.
Reference values for circulating pregnancy‐associated microRNAs in maternal plasma and their clinical usefulness in uncomplicated pregnancy and hypertensive disorder of pregnancy
Authors: Murakami Yuko , Miura Kiyonori , Sato Shuntaro , Higashijima Ai , Hasegawa Yuri , Miura Shoko , Yoshiura Koh‐ichiro , Masuzaki Hideaki
Published: March 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to establish the reference values for circulating pregnancy‐associated placental microRNAs in maternal plasma and clarify their clinical significance in patients with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP).

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 145 women with uncomplicated pregnancies (24, 26, 31 and 32 women at 12, 23, 30 and 36 weeks of gestation, respectively, and 32 women 1 day after delivery). Plasma concentrations of pregnancy‐associated placental microRNAs (miR‐515‐3p, miR‐517a, miR‐517c and miR‐518b) were measured by quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Reference values for each microRNA were determined by the line of best fit and 95% prediction interval and are expressed as logarithmic transformation. To clarify the clinical significance of these reference values, we measured the plasma concentrations of pregnancy‐associated microRNAs in a different population comprising 33 pregnant women with HDP and 44 women with uncomplicated pregnancies.

Results

Reference values for circulating pregnancy‐associated placental microRNAs on chromosome 19 miRNA clusters showed an increasing tendency as pregnancy progressed and decreased significantly 1 day after delivery (P < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of each reference value were 57.6% and 93.2% for miR‐515‐3p, 63.6% and 75.0% for miR‐517a, 75.8% and 79.5% for miR‐517c and 63.6% and 75.0% for miR‐518b, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of each reference value were 86.4% and 74.5% for miR‐515‐3p, 65.6% and 73.3% for miR‐517a, 73.5% and 81.4% for miR‐517c and 65.6% and 73.3% for miR‐518b, respectively.

Conclusion

Establishing the reference values for circulating pregnancy‐associated placental microRNAs in maternal plasma could be useful for the evaluation of HDP.
Mosaic male fetus of Turner syndrome with partial chromosome Y: A case report
Authors: Xue Dan , Cao Dong‐Hua , Mu Kai , Lv Yuan , Yang Jun
Published: March 2018

Turner syndrome, characterized by the presence of a monosomy X cell line, is a common chromosomal disorder. Patients with Turner syndrome are usually phenotypically female, and male cases are rarely reported. Here, we report a fetus with a mosaic karyotype: mos 45,X/46,X,del(Y)(q11.21). The fetus was initially misdiagnosed as female with Turner syndrome by both noninvasive prenatal testing and cytogenetic analysis of amniotic fluid and was subsequently found to have male anatomy by antenatal ultrasonography at 24 weeks gestational age. Through single nucleotide polymorphism‐array and fluorescence in situ hybridization testing, we found that there was a truncated Y chromosome with sex‐determining region Y (SRY) present in some cells of the fetus, which caused the male features in the fetus.
Clinical application of serum anti‐Müllerian hormone as an ovarian reserve marker: A review of recent studies
Authors: Iwase Akira , Osuka Satoko , Goto Maki , Murase Tomohiko , Nakamura Tomoko , Takikawa Sachiko , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: March 2018

It has been more than 15 years since the measurement of serum anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) first allowed the quantitative assessment of ovarian reserve. Meanwhile, the clinical implication of serum AMH has been expanding. The measurement of serum AMH has been applied in various clinical fields, including assisted reproduction, menopause, reproductive disorders and assessment of ovarian damage/toxicity. Well‐known findings about the usefulness of serum AMH revealed by numerous studies executed in the early era include decline with aging, a good correlation with oocyte yield in assisted reproduction, upregulation in polycystic ovarian syndrome and a decrease on ovarian surgery and toxic treatment. More intensive research, including a meta‐analysis, cutting‐edge clinical trial and advances in AMH assays, has yielded newer findings and firmer clinical interpretations in serum AMH in the past few years. Variations in the AMH decline trajectory in the general population do not support the accurate prediction of menopause. The ability to predict pregnancy in infertility treatment and natural conception is poor, while a nomogram integrating serum AMH as a stimulation protocol is useful for avoiding poor and/or hyper‐responses. On the other hand, improvements in measuring very low concentrations of serum AMH may be capable of distinguishing women with poor ovarian function. Age‐independent standardization of AMH values may be helpful for comparing ovarian reserves among women at different ages.
Retracted: Variation of Phomopsis viticola isolates in the interaction with grapevine germplasm
Authors: Sabetta Wilma , Montemurro Cinzia , Miazzi Monica Marilena
Published: March 2018

Wilma Sabetta, Cinzia Montemurro and Monica Marilena Miazzi, (2019). Variation of Phomopsis viticola isolates in the interaction with grapevine germplasm. Journal of Phytopathology, 167, 312. https://doi.org/10.1111/jph.12699

The above article from Journal of Phytophathology, published as an Early View article online on 08 March 2018 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, Wilma Sabetta, Cinzia Montemurro and Monica Marilena Miazzi, the journal Editor in Chief, Andreas von Tiedemann, and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. The retraction has been made as a consequence of a disagreement between the authors as to the conclusions of the study.
Nitidine chloride inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells by activating the Fas signalling pathway
Authors: Chen Shipeng , Yang Luo , Feng Jie
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To explore the apoptotic effects and underlying mechanisms of nitidine chloride (NC) in epithelial ovarian cancer.

Methods

The MTT cell proliferation assay was used to detect the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of NC (0, 0.3125, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 μg/ml) in SKOV3 ovarian carcinoma cells. The number of apoptotic cells was observed by Hoechst staining and measured by flow cytometry. Quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of Fas, Fas-associated death domain-containing protein (FADD), caspase-8 and caspase-3. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to determine whether caspase-8 played an important role in NC-induced apoptosis.

Key findings

Nitidine chloride inhibited the proliferation of SKOV3 cells (IC50 = 2.317 ± 0.155 μg/ml) after 24 h of treatment and induced apoptosis (15.9–64.3%). Compared with the control group, a significant increase in Fas, FADD, caspase-8 and caspase-3 gene expression was observed in the NC-treated groups (P < 0.05). After silencing caspase-8 by RNAi, the antiproliferative activity and pro-apoptotic activity of NC in SKOV3 cells decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study showed that NC induced apoptosis in SKOV3 cells by activating the Fas signalling pathway, and caspase-8 played an important role in this process.
25‐Hydroxyvitamin D3‐enhanced PTPN2 positively regulates periodontal inflammation through the JAK/STAT pathway in human oral keratinocytes and a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang P. , Zhang W. , Zhang D. , Wang M. , Aprecio R. , Ji N. , Mohamed O. , Li Y. , Ding Y. , Wang Q.
Published: March 2018

Background and Objective

Periodontitis is an increasingly prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus (known as diabetes mellitus‐associated periodontitis), and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25VD3) was recently found to be a critical regulator of innate immunity in this disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. T‐cell protein tyrosine phosphatase non‐receptor type 2 (PTPN2) is a potential downstream protein of the 25VD3/vitamin D receptor pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of PTPN2 in periodontal inflammation in diabetes mellitus‐associated periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Porphyromonas gingivalis‐infected db/db mice were treated with 25VD3. Their fasting blood glucose and body weight were monitored every other week, and the levels of alveolar bone loss and serum inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ and interleukin‐6) were determined at the time of killing. The effect of PTPN2 on human OKF6‐TERT2 oral keratinocytes was examined through the knockout of PTPN2 using the CRISPR/Cas9 knockout plasmid. The expression levels of the PTPN2, vitamin D receptor and JAK1/STAT3 signaling proteins in the gingival epithelium and OKF6‐TERT2 cells were determined through western blot and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

After 25VD3 treatment, db/db mice exhibited alleviated serum inflammatory cytokines and alveolar bone loss, and 25VD3‐enhanced PTPN2 expression decreased the expression of the JAK1/STAT3 signaling proteins in the gingival epithelium. Analyses of human oral keratinocytes showed that 25VD3 increased the expression of PTPN2, which dephosphorylates protein substrates in the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

PTPN2 contributed to a decrease in periodontal inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus via dephosphorylate protein substrates in the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway after 25VD3 treatment in human oral keratinocytes and a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A thorough understanding of PTPN2 and its involvement in inhibiting inflammation might provide alternative therapeutic approaches for the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetes mellitus‐associated periodontitis.