bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional traits determine tree growth and ecosystem productivity of a tropical montane forest: Insights from a long‐term nutrient manipulation experiment
Authors: Báez Selene , Homeier Jürgen
Published: September 2017

Trait‐response effects are critical to forecast community structure and biomass production in highly diverse tropical forests. Ecological theory and few observation studies indicate that trees with acquisitive functional traits would respond more strongly to higher resource availability than those with conservative traits. We assessed how long‐term tree growth in experimental nutrient addition plots (N, P, and N + P) varied as a function of morphological traits, tree size, and species identity. We also evaluated how trait‐based responses affected stand scale biomass production considering the community structure. We found that tree growth depended on interactions between functional traits and the type or combination of nutrients added. Common species with acquisitive functional traits responded more strongly to nutrient addition, mainly to N + P. Phosphorous enhanced the growth rates of species with acquisitive and conservative traits, had mostly positive effects on common species and neutral or negative effects in rare species. Moreover, trees receiving N + P grew faster irrespective of their initial size relative to trees in control or to trees in other treatment plots. Finally, species responses were highly idiosyncratic suggesting that community processes including competition and niche dimensionality may be altered under increased resource availability. We found no statistically significant effects of nutrient additions on aboveground biomass productivity because acquisitive species had a limited potential to increase their biomass, possibly due to their generally lower wood density. In contrast, P addition increased the growth rates of species characterized by more conservative resource strategies (with higher wood density) that were poorly represented in the plant community. We provide the first long‐term experimental evidence that trait‐based responses, community structure, and community processes modulate the effects of increased nutrient availability on biomass productivity in a tropical forest.
Vegetation demographics in Earth System Models: A review of progress and priorities
Authors: Fisher Rosie A. , Koven Charles D. , Anderegg William R. L. , Christoffersen Bradley O. , Dietze Michael C. , Farrior Caroline E. , Holm Jennifer A. , Hurtt George C. , Knox Ryan G. , Lawrence Peter J. , Lichstein Jeremy W. , Longo Marcos , Matheny Ashley M. , Medvigy David , Muller‐Landau Helene C. , Powell Thomas L. , Serbin Shawn P. , Sato Hisashi , Shuman Jacquelyn K. , Smith Benjamin , Trugman Anna T. , Viskari Toni , Verbeeck Hans , Weng Ensheng , Xu Chonggang , Xu Xiangtao , Zhang Tao , Moorcroft Paul R.
Published: September 2017

Numerous current efforts seek to improve the representation of ecosystem ecology and vegetation demographic processes within Earth System Models (ESMs). These developments are widely viewed as an important step in developing greater realism in predictions of future ecosystem states and fluxes. Increased realism, however, leads to increased model complexity, with new features raising a suite of ecological questions that require empirical constraints. Here, we review the developments that permit the representation of plant demographics inESMs, and identify issues raised by these developments that highlight important gaps in ecological understanding. These issues inevitably translate into uncertainty in model projections but also allow models to be applied to new processes and questions concerning the dynamics of real‐world ecosystems. We argue that stronger and more innovative connections to data, across the range of scales considered, are required to address these gaps in understanding. The development of first‐generation land surface models as a unifying framework for ecophysiological understanding stimulated much research into plant physiological traits and gas exchange. Constraining predictions at ecologically relevant spatial and temporal scales will require a similar investment of effort and intensified inter‐disciplinary communication.
Quantifying the role of wood density in explaining interspecific variation in growth of tropical trees
Authors: Francis Emily J. , Muller‐Landau Helene C. , Wright S. Joseph , Visser Marco D. , Iida Yoshiko , Fletcher Christine , Hubbell Stephen P. , Kassim Abd. Rahman
Published: September 2017

Aim

To evaluate how wood density relates to tree growth rates in simple models and two tropical forests.

Location

Barro Colorado Island, Panama; and Pasoh Forest Reserve, Malaysia.

Time Period

1986–2010.

Major Taxa Studied

Trees.

Methods

We derived expected relationships of wood density with diameter growth at a given diameter under a null hypothesis that aboveground biomass growth is independent of wood density, and an alternative hypothesis that biomass growth scales with crown area, which itself increases with wood density. We tested these assumptions and predictions through analyses of interspecific relationships of wood density with height, crown area and diameter growth at constant diameter in two tropical forests.

Results

Height was unrelated to wood density, whereas crown areas showed a slightly positive relationship to wood density. Thus, the expected exponent of diameter growth with wood density was equal to minus one under the null hypothesis, and equal to the exponent of crown area with wood density minus one under the alternative hypothesis. Empirical relationships of diameter growth and biomass growth with wood density were broadly consistent with the null hypothesis that biomass growth is unrelated to wood density at both sites, except in trees < 13 cm in diameter at Barro Colorado Island, which showed more negative relationships.

Main conclusions

Although most previous analyses of growth with wood density have examined linear relationships, simple models suggest that both tree diameter growth and tree biomass growth are power functions of wood density. Analyses in two tropical forests showed that aboveground biomass growth was approximately constant with wood density, and thus, that diameter growth was inversely proportional to wood density, for most tree sizes, although confidence intervals on the scaling exponents were broad. More negative relationships of growth with wood density at small sizes might reflect differential environmental filtering, in which higher wood density trees are found in less favourable understorey environments.
Describing the quality of life of boys with haemophilia in China: Results of a multicentre study using the CHO‐KLAT
Authors: Tang L. , Xu W. , Li C. G. , Hou F. , Feng X. Q. , Wang H. , Li X. J. , Li W. L. , Liu J. P. , Sun L. R. , Wang S. H. , Jin J. , Fang Q. , Luke K. H. , Poon M. C. , Blanchette V. S. , Usuba K. , Young N. L. , Wu R.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

The treatment of haemophilia varies across countries and across regions within some countries. Similar variation has been observed in health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL). Relatively little is known about the HR‐QoL of boys with haemophilia in China.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the HR‐QoL of boys with haemophilia in China using the Canadian Haemophilia Outcomes‐Kids Life Assessment Tool (CHO‐KLAT).

Methods

Boys (4‐18 years of age) with haemophilia and their parents were enroled in a cross‐sectional study. All parents/guardians of study subjects were requested to complete a CHO‐KLAT questionnaire during a clinic visit, and report on several other clinical and socioeconomic factors in the past year. Boys who were > 7 years also completed the CHO‐KLAT.

Results

A total of 269 parents of boys with haemophilia, from 13 hospitals in 12 provinces, were enroled during 2014. The boys ranged from 4.0 to 17.9 years of age; 91% had haemophilia A, most had moderate (52%) or severe (36%) disease, and most were receiving sub‐optimal on‐demand therapy or low‐dose prophylactic therapy. Child self‐report CHO‐KLAT scores were available for 171 boys ≥7 years of age and ranged from 24.2 to 85.3 with a mean of 57.6 (n = 171). Parent proxy‐reported CHO‐KLAT scores ranged from 25.0 to 88.7 with a mean of 55.1 (n = 269).

Conclusion

HR‐QoL scores in boys with haemophilia in China were substantially lower than reported from Canadian and European boys with haemophilia. Longer term prospective studies are required to examine the factors impacting the HR‐QoL for boys with haemophilia in China.
Disruption of human stratum corneum lipid structure by sodium dodecyl sulphate
Authors: Yanase K. , Hatta I.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Surfactants are major ingredients of body soaps and cleansers, and such harsh ones have been demonstrated to damage the skin. Stratum corneum (SC), the outermost barrier of the skin layer, is rich in intercellular lipids. This lipid structure can be disrupted by surfactants, impairing the barrier function of the skin. Thus, we investigated the surfactant‐induced disruption of the intercellular lipid structure of human SC at the molecular level using synchrotron X‐ray diffraction.

Methods

SC samples from the breast of female Caucasians were treated with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and analysed by small‐angle and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction.

Results

We found that an aqueous SDS solution affected the long lamellar structure, which became disorganized. The final disordered lipid state was reached through two or more types of structural change. We propose that the disordered lipid state results from incorporation of SDS into the long lamellar structure. In contrast, the lattice constants in the short lamellar and the hydrocarbon‐chain packing structures remained almost unchanged after SDS treatment.

Conclusion

We conclude that the disruption of the long lamellar structure plays a key role in the damage to the SC caused by detergents. To our knowledge, this is the first report to clarify the details of the disorganization of the intercellular lipid structure upon surfactant application. The knowledge obtained herein may allow the development of skin restoration methods and cleanser products that do not affect skin barrier functions.
Recommendations for obesity prevention among adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds: a concept mapping study among scientific and professional experts
Authors: Kornet‐van der Aa D. A. , van Randeraad‐van der Zee C. H. , Mayer J. , Borys J. M. , Chinapaw M. J. M.
Published: September 2017

The present study aimed to enrich the scientific evidence on obesity prevention programmes for adolescents from socio‐economically disadvantaged backgrounds with practice‐based experiences from both scientific and professional experts in the field of youth obesity prevention. We used the participatory method of concept mapping. Two concept mapping sessions were conducted: one with programme coordinators of national/regional obesity prevention programmes across Europe (n = 8) and one with scientists participating in European obesity prevention projects (n = 5). Five recommendations were extracted from both concept maps: (1) involve adolescents in the design and delivery of the programme, (2) invest in family/parental capacity building, (3) provide and support a healthy school food and physical activity environment, (4) regulate exposure to unhealthy messages/advertising and (5) facilitate safe and active travel. These recommendations can be used as a conceptual framework for programme development for preventing obesity in adolescents.
THE PATHOLOGY OF ACUTE BRONCHIOLITIS—A STUDY OF ITS EVOLUTION
Authors: MCLEAN K. H.
Published: September 2017

The histology of the repair phase of bronchiolitis is presented.

Evidence of old inflammatory damage to bronchioles was found in all lungs examined, except those of new‐born infants. These changes were minimal in macroscopically normal lungs, and in these were more obvious in older patients than in the young. In the lungs in which macroscopic structural changes such as bronchiectasis, emphysema and scarring were present, bronchiolar damage was much more extensive. In all examples maximal changes were found in the region of the terminal bronchiole.

The evolution of these lesions was studied by observations on early changes, and the origin of some of the types of damage is suggested.

Complete obliteration of bronchioles was common, but not easily discernible. The factors influencing the ease with which the changes can be recognized are discussed, and it is concluded that such changes are much more common than has previously been indicated.
THE PATHOGENESIS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Authors: MCGOVERN V. J. , ARCHER G. T.
Published: September 2017

The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis has been interpreted in terms of histamine‐release phenomena. The dominant alterations of the colon are congestion and œdema. These, together with muscular excitation, can be explained in terms of the known effects of histamine‐release agents in experimental animals. Superficial ulceration is thought to be due to simple excoriation of œdematous and congested mucosa. Deep ulceration probably arises from strains due to stretching of the mucosa where it is more firmly attached over the muscular tæniæ and in the crypts between the rugæ.

In support of this interpretation is the relative absence of inflammatory cells in the submucosa until ulceration occurs. The nature of the syndrome is thought to be within the realm of the psychosomatic disorders. Augmented barrages of nervous impulses during stress may give rise to excessive production of acetylcholine in the colon, which then reacts with the tissue mast cells causing the phenomenon of “histamine‐release”. Return to normal does not take place when the stress passes if the congestion and œdema have been present for long enough to permit some fibrosis to occur in the submucosa.
DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF RADIOACTIVE VITAMIN B12
Authors: PITNEY W. R. , STOKES J. B.
Published: September 2017

The intestinal absorption of orally administered radioactive vitamin B12 has been studied by a modified urinary excretion test. Subjects were given a standard oral dose of 0.6 microgramme of 60Co vitamin B12. The mean 48‐hour urinary radioactivity in 22 control individuals was 23.9% of the oral dose. In five patients with megaloblastic anæmia due to folic acid deficiency, a similar mean excretion of 22 4% was found. In 15 patients with pernicious anæmia in relapse, impaired absorption of radioactive vitamin B12 was demonstrated. The mean urinary radioactivity was 2.4%. This was increased to 19.6% when the oral dose was given with an intrinsic factor preparation.

Twenty‐five patients on maintenance therapy because of a previous diagnosis of pernicious anæmia were studied. The diagnosis was disproved in to patients, who were shown to be able to absorb orally administered radioactive vitamin B12 normally.
Genome‐wide host RNA signatures of infectious diseases: discovery and clinical translation
Authors: Gliddon Harriet D. , Herberg Jethro A. , Levin Michael , Kaforou Myrsini
Published: September 2017

The use of whole blood gene expression to derive diagnostic biomarkers capable of distinguishing between phenotypically similar diseases holds great promise but remains a challenge. Differential gene expression analysis is used to identify the key genes that undergo changes in expression relative to healthy individuals, as well as to patients with other diseases. These key genes can act as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive markers of disease. Gene expression ‘signatures’ in the blood hold the potential to be used for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, where current diagnostics are unreliable, ineffective or of limited potential. For diagnostic tests based on RNA signatures to be useful clinically, the first step is to identify the minimum set of gene transcripts that accurately identify the disease in question. The second requirement is rapid and cost‐effective detection of the gene expression levels. Signatures have been described for a number of infectious diseases, but ‘clinic‐ready’ technologies for RNA detection from clinical samples are limited, though existing methods such as RT‐PCR are likely to be superseded by a number of emerging technologies, which may form the basis of the translation of gene expression signatures into routine diagnostic tests for a range of disease states.
Bone marrow type 2 innate lymphoid cells: a local source of interleukin‐5 in interleukin‐33‐driven eosinophilia
Authors: Johansson Kristina , Malmhäll Carina , Ramos‐Ramírez Patricia , Rådinger Madeleine
Published: September 2017

T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and eosinophil progenitors have previously been described to produce interleukin‐5 (IL‐5) in the airways upon allergen provocation or by direct administration of IL‐33. Eosinophilic airway inflammation is known to be associated with IL‐5‐dependent eosinophil development in the bone marrow, however, the source of IL‐5 remains unclear. T helper cells, ILC2s and CD34+ progenitors have been proposed to be involved in this process, therefore, we investigated whether these cells are taking part in eosinophilopoiesis by producing IL‐5 locally in the bone marrow in IL‐33‐driven inflammation. Airway exposure with IL‐33 led to eosinophil infiltration in airways and elevated eotaxin‐2/CCL24. Importantly, IL‐5 production as well as expression of the IL‐33 receptor increased in ILC2s in the bone marrow under this treatment. A small but significant induction of IL‐5 was also found in CD34+ progenitors but not in T helper cells. Similar results were obtained by in vitro stimulation with IL‐33 where ILC2s rapidly produced large amounts of IL‐5, which coincided with the induction of eosinophil hematopoiesis. IL‐33‐mediated eosinophil production was indeed dependent on IL‐5 as both airway and bone marrow eosinophils decreased in mice treated with anti‐IL‐5 in combination with IL‐33. Interestingly, the responsiveness of ILC2s to IL‐33 as well as IL‐33‐induced eotaxin‐2/CCL24 were independent of the levels of IL‐5. In summary, we demonstrate for the first time that IL‐33 acts directly on bone marrow ILC2s, making them an early source of IL‐5 and part of a process that is central in IL‐33‐driven eosinophilia.
Coordination in competitive dual sales channels of the mobile phone industry
Authors: Wang Ningning , Fan Zhi‐Ping , Zhao Xuan
Published: September 2017

This paper examines the supply chain coordination and contracting issue for competitive dual sales channels of the mobile phone industry in which a telecom service operator (operator) cooperates and competes with a handset manufacturer (manufacturer) to deliver the complementary telecom service and handset to end consumers. After deriving the equilibrium strategy based on the game theoretical paradigm, we present the sensitivity and comparative analysis as well as the coordination analysis. Among others, our result shows that the widely used subsidy‐only contract fails to coordinate this dual sales system. To solve the coordination failure, we propose a two‐way revenue sharing contract that can be well utilized to realize the first best outcome, and even guarantee the win–win situation, in particular under the situation when the telecom service price is sufficiently high.
The fast‐slow life‐history continuum in insular lizards: a comparison between species with invariant and variable clutch sizes
Authors: Schwarz Rachel , Meiri Shai
Published: September 2017

Aim

Both theory and empirical data suggest that life histories of insular species slow down (the “island syndrome”). Insular individuals are hypothesized to lay smaller clutches of larger eggs compared with individuals belonging to closely related mainland species. Most lizards have variable clutch sizes and can lay any number between one egg and a species‐specific maximum which can be well over 50 eggs. Many lizards, such as geckos and anoles, however, lay invariant small clutches of one or two eggs, and may thus be unable to manifest some aspects of the island syndrome. We tested whether insular species with either variable or invariant clutch sizes respond to insularity differently.

Location

Worldwide.

Methods

We assembled data on egg, clutch, hatchling and female sizes and brood frequencies of 2,511 lizard species. We tested whether the predictions of the island syndrome were met for lizards laying invariant versus variable clutches, controlling for female size and phylogenetic non‐independence. We further examined whether geckos and anoles, the major clades with invariant clutches, differ from other lizards in the way they respond to insularity.

Results

On islands, species with variable clutch sizes lay smaller clutches of larger eggs, from which larger hatchlings emerge, compared with mainland species. Lizards with invariant clutch sizes, however, decrease clutch size and increase clutch frequency but not hatchling or egg size, compared with mainland species.

Main conclusions

Lizards with invariant clutch sizes may be unable to increase egg and hatchling sizes because of limitations set by the female body cavity and pelvic opening, or by arboreality. They nonetheless lay smaller clutches on islands and increase clutch frequency. We suggest that this may result from lower seasonality of tropical islands, leading to a greater spread of reproductive effort. Alternatively, the higher clutch frequency on tropical islands could result from fluctuations in population densities caused by tropical storms.
Unravelling the climatic niche overlap of global sea turtle nesting sites: Impact of geographical variation and phylogeny
Authors: Almpanidou Vasiliki , Schofield Gail , Mazaris Antonios D.
Published: September 2017

Aim

Identifying processes that determine climatic niche dynamics is difficult, especially for wide‐ranging species where niche conservatism might differ at different life stages. Evolutionary history shapes climatic niche, with populations of the same or phylogenetically close species occupying similar conditions. However, the geographical separation of populations also leads to niche evolution as an adaptive response to local conditions. Here, we use five sea turtle species (loggerhead, green, leatherback, hawksbill, olive ridley) to test whether short‐ (environmental adaptation) or long‐term (phylogenetic separation) evolutionary events determined the level of niche conservatism among distinct groups of nesting populations (termed Regional Management Units; RMUs) distributed across different ocean basins.

Location

Global.

Methods

We estimated the climatic niche of 4,829 georeferenced nesting locations using air and sea surface parameters. We quantified niche overlap among RMUs of the same species at a global scale and examined how the geographical ranges of each RMU are correlated with niche similarity. We also investigated the extent of niche conservatism among RMUs of different species in the same ocean basin.

Results

We found limited within‐species niche similarity of RMUs at a global scale, with geographical range having negligible impact (latitudinal overlap, range size asymmetries). We detected generally higher niche overlap between RMUs of different species located within the same ocean basin, where the geographical range had a stronger effect on niche similarity.

Main conclusions

We show that adaptation to local conditions potentially prevails over distant evolutionary events when considering the climatic niche of RMUs of the same species across different oceans. Because sea turtles, like other long‐distance migratory animals, occupy distinct climatic niches, our findings support the importance of understanding this phenomenon for different life stages, populations and species to preserve unique adaptations to different environments that might enhance future viability under climate change, as well as help identify key conservation areas.
Research and Researchers: The Enduring Value of Conferences to Logistics and Supply Chain Scholars
Authors: Goldsby Thomas J. , Zinn Walter
Published: September 2017

Academic conferences serve the critical purposes of bringing together scholars to not only advance the state of the art in research, teaching, and practice, but also to socialize with established and prospective members of the academic society. In this way, conferences help to instill and reinforce the values of the academic society. Logistics and supply chain scholars are increasingly targeted to join in the dialogue of different academic networks and attend conferences in tangential disciplines. This editorial speaks to the growing affinity for logistics and supply chain scholars in different disciplinary settings, yet underscores the CSCMP Annual Global Conference (AGC) and its Academic Research Symposium (ARS) as the premier forums for advancing the state of the art in supply chain scholarship and reinforcing the discipline’s traditions and values.
The role of leptin as a biomarker in the relationship between periodontitis and chronic migraine
Authors: Leira Yago , Ameijeira Pablo , Domínguez Clara , Leira Rogelio , Blanco Juan
Published: September 2017

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence of periodontitis (CP) and its contribution to serum leptin levels in chronic migraine (CM).

Material and methods

In this case–control study, we included 150 subjects divided into healthy controls (n = 58) and CM patients (n = 92). Demographic, neurological, clinical data as well as full‐mouth periodontal records were obtained. Serum leptin levels were measured by ELISA technique.

Results

Both the prevalence of CP and mean serum leptin levels were significantly higher in patients with CM in comparison with controls (57.6% versus 36.2%, p = .01 and 16.4 versus 7.2 ng/ml, p < .0001, respectively). Patients from the CM group who had CP showed significantly higher leptin concentrations than CM patients without CP (19.8 versus 11.8 ng/ml, p < .0001). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that CP was an independent contributor to raised leptin levels in CM patients (R2 = 0.270, p = 0.013).

Conclusions

CP is prevalent in CM patients and when present it contributes to elevated serum leptin levels, independently of other confounding factors. Therefore, it seems that CP via leptin could be involved in the process of migraine chronification.
Bumping heart and sweaty palms: physiological hyperarousal as a risk factor for child social anxiety
Authors: Nikolić Milica , Aktar Evin , Bögels Susan , Colonnesi Cristina , de Vente Wieke
Published: September 2017

Background

Physiological hyperarousal in social situations is a characteristic of individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD), but so far it has been rarely studied as a biological risk for SAD. Here, we investigate whether children at high risk for SAD (because of their parents’ SAD) display physiological hyperarousal while interacting with a stranger. Also, we examine whether early physiological hyperarousal is related to later child social anxiety.

Method

One hundred and seventeen children took part in the stranger‐approach task when they were 2.5 and 4.5 years old. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and electrodermal activity (EDA) were measured before, during, and after the conversation with a stranger. Both parents’ lifetime SAD status and SAD severity were assessed before the birth of the child. Both parents and children reported on children's social anxiety symptoms when children were 7.5.

Results

Children of parents with the lifetime SAD diagnosis did not differ in their physiological activity from children of parents without lifetime SAD. However, children of parents with more severe SAD displayed heightened EDA throughout the task procedure. Increased HR and reduced HRV during the stranger‐approach and elevated EDA throughout the task phases were linked to later child social anxiety.

Conclusions

Parents’ severity of SAD is related to child physiological hyperarousal early in their childhood. In addition, physiological hyperarousal in early childhood predicts later child social anxiety. Together, these findings suggest that early physiological hyperarousal in social situations may pose a risk for later child social anxiety and that physiological hyperarousal, and EDA in particular, may be a biological mechanism in the intergenerational transmission of SAD.
Comorbid symptoms of inattention, autism, and executive cognition in youth with putative genetic risk
Authors: Arnett Anne B. , Cairney Brianna E. , Wallace Arianne S. , Gerdts Jennifer , Turner Tychele N. , Eichler Evan E. , Bernier Raphael A.
Published: September 2017

Background

Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and inattention (IA) are highly comorbid and associated with deficits in executive cognition. Cognitive deficits have been posited as candidate endophenotypes of psychiatric traits, but few studies have conceptualized cognitive deficits as psychiatric comorbidities. The latter model is consistent with a latent factor reflecting broader liability to neuropsychological dysfunction, and explains heterogeneity in the cognitive profile of individuals with ASD and IA.

Methods

We tested competing models of covariance among symptoms of ASD, IA, and cognition in a sample of 73 youth with a known genetic mutation.

Results

A common executive factor fit best as a cognitive comorbidity, rather than endophenotype, of the shared variance between measures of IA and ASD symptoms. Known genetic risk explained a third of the shared variance among psychiatric and cognitive measures.

Conclusions

Comorbid symptoms of ASD, IA, and cognitive deficits are likely influenced by common neurogenetic factors. Known genetic risk in ASD may inform future investigation of putative genetic causes of IA.
Biphasic insulin aspart‐30 reduces glycemic variability to a greater degree than insulin detemir: A randomized controlled trial of once‐daily insulin regimens using continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Tsujino Daisuke , Nishimura Rimei , Onda Yoshiko , Seo Chiaki , Ando Kiyotaka , Utsunomiya Kazunori
Published: September 2017

Introduction

We compared the efficacy of insulin detemir and biphasic insulin aspart‐30 given in the morning as an add‐on to oral hypoglycemic agents in type 2 diabetes patients.

Materials and Methods

The present study enrolled 30 patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (8% ≤ glycated hemoglobin < 11%) being treated with oral hypoglycemic agent mono‐ or combination therapy with biguanides, sulfonylureas or thiazolidinediones. The patients were randomly assigned to insulin detemir (group D) or insulin aspart‐30 (group A) given in the morning as add‐on to oral hypoglycemic agents. After adjusting their insulin doses, the patients that underwent continuous glucose monitoring during a 3‐day hospitalization and with day 2 continuous glucose monitoring data were subjected to analysis.

Results

There was no significant difference in patient background, baseline glycated hemoglobin levels and insulin doses during continuous glucose monitoring between the two groups. The percent coefficient of variation of 24‐h glucose levels was significantly lower in group A (20.4 ± 7.6) than in group D (27.1 ± 6.5; P = 0.015). Similarly, mean amplitude of glycemic excursions was significantly smaller in group A (80 ± 32) than in group D (102 ± 14; P = 0.021). Postprandial glucose excursions were significantly smaller after breakfast in group A (65 ± 31 mg/dL) than in group D (106 ± 32 mg/dL; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

As once‐daily insulin injection therapy given before breakfast in type 2 diabetes patients, the biphasic insulin analog might represent a better insulin option in significantly lowering the percent coefficient of variation and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions than the long‐acting insulin preparation.
Efficacy and safety of switching from basal insulin to once‐daily insulin degludec/insulin aspart in Japanese patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes: A 4‐week, randomized, open‐label, treat‐to‐target study
Authors: Nagai Yoshio , Nishine Ami , Hashimoto Eriko , Nakayama Taiga , Sasaki Yosuke , Murakami Mariko , Ishii Satoshi , Kato Hiroyuki , Tanaka Yasushi
Published: September 2017

Aims/Introduction

A prospective, 4‐week, single‐center, randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group, treat‐to‐target study was carried out to develop an algorithm for safe and effective switching from basal insulin to once‐daily insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to continue their current basal insulin therapy (n = 10) or to switch to IDegAsp on a 1:1 unit basis (n = 10). The insulin dose could be titrated once weekly, targeting a self‐measured blood glucose of 80–100 mg/dL before breakfast. A mixed meal test was carried out at baseline and after 4 weeks.

Results

After 4 weeks, the mean daily dose of insulin was similarly increased by 60% in both groups, and there was a significant decrease of mean plasma glucose and glucose area under the glucose concentration vs time curve for 2 h in the meal test. The mean estimated treatment difference (IDegAsp group − basal insulin group) of the mean plasma glucose level was −28 mg/dL (95% confidence interval −47 to −8, P = 0.008) after 4 weeks and that of the area under the glucose concentration vs time curve for 2 h was −2,800 mg/min/dL (95% confidence interval −5,300 to −350, P = 0.028), confirming the superiority of IDegAsp to basal insulin. In the IDegAsp group, the 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose level was significantly decreased to the fasting plasma glucose range. There were no confirmed hypoglycemic episodes in either group during the 4‐week study period.

Conclusions

After switching from basal insulin, the IDegAsp dose can be uptitrated by 60% based on fasting plasma glucose data. However, monitoring of postprandial glucose should be considered before further uptitration of IDegAsp.
Dimethyl fumarate treatment after traumatic brain injury prevents depletion of antioxidative brain glutathione and confers neuroprotection
Authors: Krämer Tobias , Grob Theresa , Menzel Lutz , Hirnet Tobias , Griemert Eva , Radyushkin Konstantin , Thal Serge C. , Methner Axel , Schaefer Michael K. E.
Published: September 2017

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an immunomodulatory compound to treat multiple sclerosis and psoriasis with neuroprotective potential. Its mechanism of action involves activation of the antioxidant pathway regulator Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 thereby increasing synthesis of the cellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH). The objective of this study was to investigate whether post‐traumatic DMF treatment is beneficial after experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI). Adult C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to controlled cortical impact followed by oral administration of DMF (80 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle at 3, 24, 48, and 72 h after the inflicted TBI. At 4 days after lesion (dal), DMF‐treated mice displayed less neurological deficits than vehicle‐treated mice and reduced histopathological brain damage. At the same time, the TBI‐evoked depletion of brain GSH was prevented by DMF treatment. However, nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 target gene mRNA expression involved in antioxidant and detoxifying pathways was increased in both treatment groups at 4 dal. Blood brain barrier leakage, as assessed by immunoglobulin G extravasation, inflammatory marker mRNA expression, and CD45+ leukocyte infiltration into the perilesional brain tissue was induced by TBI but not significantly altered by DMF treatment. Collectively, our data demonstrate that post‐traumatic DMF treatment improves neurological outcome and reduces brain tissue loss in a clinically relevant model of TBI. Our findings suggest that DMF treatment confers neuroprotection after TBI via preservation of brain GSH levels rather than by modulating neuroinflammation.

image
Neuronal activity‐dependent local activation of dendritic unfolded protein response promotes expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in cell soma
Authors: Saito Atsushi , Cai Longjie , Matsuhisa Koji , Ohtake Yosuke , Kaneko Masayuki , Kanemoto Soshi , Asada Rie , Imaizumi Kazunori
Published: September 2017

Unfolded protein response (UPR) has roles not only in resolving the accumulation of unfolded proteins owing to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, but also in regulation of cellular physiological functions. ER stress transducers providing the branches of UPR signaling are known to localize in distal dendritic ER of neurons. These reports suggest that local activation of UPR branches may produce integrated outputs for distant communication, and allow regulation of local events in highly polarized neurons. Here, we demonstrated that synaptic activity‐ and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)‐dependent local activation of UPR signaling could be associated with dendritic functions through retrograde signal propagation by using murine neuroblastoma cell line, Neuro‐2A and primary cultured hippocampal neurons derived from postnatal day 0 litter C57BL/6 mice. ER stress transducer, inositol‐requiring kinase 1 (IRE1), was activated at postsynapses in response to excitatory synaptic activation. Activated dendritic IRE1 accelerated accumulation of the downstream transcription factor, x‐box‐binding protein 1 (XBP1), in the nucleus. Interestingly, excitatory synaptic activation‐dependent up‐regulation of XBP1 directly facilitated transcriptional activation of BDNF. BDNF in turn drove its own expression via IRE1‐XBP1 pathway in a protein kinase A‐dependent manner. Exogenous treatment with BDNF promoted extension and branching of dendrites through the protein kinase A‐IRE1‐XBP1 cascade. Taken together, our findings indicate novel mechanisms for communication between soma and distal sites of polarized neurons that are coordinated by local activation of IRE1‐XBP1 signaling. Synaptic activity‐ and BDNF‐dependent distinct activation of dendritic IRE1‐XBP1 cascade drives BDNF expression in cell soma and may be involved in dendritic extension.

Cover Image for this issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.14159.

image
Single cocaine exposure does not alter striatal pre‐synaptic dopamine function in mice: an [18F]‐FDOPA PET study
Authors: Bonsall David R , Kokkinou Michelle , Veronese Mattia , Coello Christopher , Wells Lisa A. , Howes Oliver D.
Published: September 2017

Cocaine is a recreational drug of abuse that binds to the dopamine transporter, preventing reuptake of dopamine into pre‐synaptic terminals. The increased presence of synaptic dopamine results in stimulation of both pre‐ and post‐synaptic dopamine receptors, considered an important mechanism by which cocaine elicits its reinforcing properties. However, the effects of acute cocaine administration on pre‐synaptic dopamine function remain unclear. Non‐invasive imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography have revealed impaired pre‐synaptic dopamine function in chronic cocaine users. Similar impairments have been seen in animal studies, with microdialysis experiments indicating decreased basal dopamine release. Here we use micro positron emission tomography imaging techniques in mice to measure dopamine synthesis capacity and determine the effect of acute cocaine administration of pre‐synaptic dopamine function. We show that a dose of 20 mg/kg cocaine is sufficient to elicit hyperlocomotor activity, peaking 15–20 min post treatment (p < 0.001). However, dopamine synthesis capacity in the striatum was not significantly altered by acute cocaine treatment (: 0.0097 per min vs. 0.0112 per min in vehicle controls, p > 0.05). Furthermore, expression levels of two key enzymes related to dopamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase and aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase, within the striatum of scanned mice were not significantly affected by acute cocaine pre‐treatment (p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that while the regulation of dopamine synthesis and release in the striatum have been shown to change with chronic cocaine use, leading to a reduced basal tone, these adaptations to pre‐synaptic dopaminergic neurons are not initiated following a single exposure to the drug.

image
Growing evidence of the beneficial effects of a marine protein‐based dietary supplement for treating hair loss
Authors: Hornfeldt Carl S
Published: September 2017

Background

Hair loss is a common condition among women with a range of causes including nutritional deficiencies.

Aims

To review the clinical data supporting the use of an oral marine supplement designed to promote hair growth.

Patients/Methods

Adult women with temporary thinning hair. Following an initial pilot study, five randomized, double‐blind studies assessed the effectiveness of the oral marine supplement for promoting hair growth. Each study was approved by one or more institutional review boards.

Results

Together, these studies demonstrated the ability of oral marine supplements to increase the growth of terminal and vellus hairs, increase the diameter of terminal and vellus hairs, and decrease hair loss. This product is beneficial for men as well as women.

Conclusions

A dietary supplement containing a marine complex and other natural ingredients can safely and effectively promote hair growth and decrease hair shedding in women and men with thinning hair.
Can temperature modify the strength of density‐dependent habitat selection in ectotherms? A test with red flour beetles
Authors: Halliday W. D. , Blouin‐Demers G.
Published: September 2017

Habitat selection is an important aspect of the ecology of animals and models predict that density dependence is a strong force shaping patterns of habitat selection. In ectotherms, however, density dependence of fitness tends to weaken as temperature deviates from the species’ optimal temperature (To). This may have important implications for density‐dependent habitat selection because the underlying mechanism for density‐dependent habitat selection is density dependence in fitness. We examine how temperature can modify the predictions from isodar theory and obtain temperature‐dependent predictions for density‐dependent habitat selection. We specifically predict that the isodar's intercept will be furthest from zero and the slope will be steepest at the optimal temperature. As temperature deviates from the optimal temperature, we predict that the intercept will approach zero and the slope will approach one. We then test these predictions with experiments on habitat selection based on food abundance by red flour beetles in the laboratory. We also confirm that fitness decreases as density increases and that density dependence weakens as temperature deviates from To. In agreement with our predictions, preference for habitats with more food weakened as density dependence weakened. Our results have implications for habitat selection by ectotherms because we demonstrate that variation in environmental temperature can weaken markedly the effect of density on both fitness and habitat selection. High density may entail no fitness costs for ectotherms that cannot maintain their optimal temperature.
The three‐component system EsrISR regulates a cell envelope stress response in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Kleine Britta , Chattopadhyay Ava , Polen Tino , Pinto Daniela , Mascher Thorsten , Bott Michael , Brocker Melanie , Freudl Roland
Published: September 2017

When the cell envelope integrity is compromised, bacteria trigger signaling cascades resulting in the production of proteins that counteract these extracytoplasmic stresses. Here, we show that the two‐component system EsrSR regulates a cell envelope stress response in the Actinobacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum. The sensor kinase EsrS possesses an amino‐terminal phage shock protein C (PspC) domain, a property that sets EsrSR apart from all other two‐component systems characterized so far. An integral membrane protein, EsrI, whose gene is divergently transcribed to the esrSR gene locus and which interestingly also possesses a PspC domain, acts as an inhibitor of EsrSR under non‐stress conditions. The resulting EsrISR three‐component system is activated among others by antibiotics inhibiting the lipid II cycle, such as bacitracin and vancomycin, and it orchestrates a broad regulon including the esrI‐esrSR gene locus itself, genes encoding heat shock proteins, ABC transporters, and several putative membrane‐associated or secreted proteins of unknown function. Among those, the ABC transporter encoded by cg3322‐3320 was shown to be directly involved in bacitracin resistance of C. glutamicum. Since similar esrI‐esrSR loci are present in a large number of actinobacterial genomes, EsrISR represents a novel type of stress‐responsive system whose components are highly conserved in the phylum Actinobacteria.
Homozygous mutation in the NPHP3 gene causing foetal nephronophthisis
Authors: Abdullah Uzma , Farooq Muhammad , Fatima Ambrin , Tauseef Wasima , Sarwar Yasra , Nuri Mmh , Tommerup Niels , Baig Shahid M.
Published: September 2017

We present a case of a foetal sonographic finding of hyper‐echogenic kidneys, which led to a strategic series of genetic tests and identified a homozygous mutation (c.424C > T, p. R142*) in the NPHP3 gene. Our study provides a rare presentation of NPHP3‐related ciliopathy and adds to the mutation spectrum of the gene, being the first one from Pakistani population. With a thorough literature review, it also advocates for molecular assessment of ciliopathies to improve risk estimate for future pregnancies, and identify predisposed asymptomatic carriers.
A pedagogical framework for facilitating parents’ learning in nurse–parent partnership
Authors: Hopwood Nick , Clerke Teena , Nguyen Anne
Published: September 2017

Nursing work increasingly demands forms of expertise that complement specialist knowledge. In child and family nursing, this need arises when nurses work in partnership with parents of young children at risk. Partnership means working with parents in respectful, negotiated and empowering ways. Existing partnership literature emphasises communicative and relational skills, but this paper focuses on nurses’ capacities to facilitate parents’ learning. Referring to data from home visiting, day‐stay and specialist toddler clinic services in Sydney, a pedagogical framework is presented. Analysis shows how nurses notice aspects of children, parents and parent–child interactions as a catalyst for building on parents’ strengths, enhancing guided chance or challenging unhelpful constructs. Prior research shows the latter can be a sticking point in partnership, but this paper reveals diverse ways in which challenges are folded into learning process that position parents as agents of positive change. Noticing is dependent on embodied and communicative expertise, conceptualised in terms of sensory and reported channels. The framework offers a new view of partnership as mind‐expanding for the parent and specifies the nurse's role in facilitating this process.