bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, diagnostics and management of musculoskeletal disorders in primary health care in Sweden – an investigation of 2000 randomly selected patient records
Authors: Wiitavaara Birgitta , Fahlström Martin , Djupsjöbacka Mats
Published: August 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

The aims of this study is to investigate the prevalence of patients seeking care due to different musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at primary health care centres (PHCs), to chart different factors such as symptoms, diagnosis and actions prescribed for patients that visited the PHCs due to MSD and to make comparisons regarding differences due to gender, age and rural or urban PHC.

Methods

Patient records (2000) for patients in working age were randomly selected equally distributed on one rural and one urban PHC. A 3‐year period was reviewed retrospectively. For all patient records' background data, cause to the visit and diagnosis were registered. For visits due to MSD, type and location of symptoms and actions to resolve the patients problems were registered. Data was analysed using cross tabulation, multidimensional chi‐squared.

Results

The prevalence of MSD was high; almost 60% of all patients were seeking care due to MSD. Upper and lower limb problems were most common. Symptoms were most prevalent in the young and middle age groups. The patients got a variety of different diagnoses, and between 13 and 35% of the patients did not receive a MSD diagnose despite having MSD symptoms. There was a great variation in how the cases were handled.

Conclusions

The present study points out some weaknesses regarding diagnostics and management of MSD in primary care.
Phylogenetic Analyses Support Validity of Genus Eodinium (Ciliophora, Entodiniomorphida, Ophryoscolecidae)
Authors: Cedrola Franciane , Senra Marcus Vinicius Xavier , D'Agosto Marta , Dias Roberto Júnio Pedroso
Published: August 2016

The validity of genus Eodinium has been historically disputed due to morphological similarities with Diplodinium (absence of skeletal plates as well as adoral and dorsal ciliary zones at the same body level). To address this issue, the 18S rDNA of four Eodinium posterovesiculatum morphotypes and four Diplodinium anisacanthum morphotypes were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. The different inference methods suggest the existence of a last common ancestor of Eodinium and Ostracodinium that is not shared with Diplodinium, strongly supporting the validity of genus Eodinium. Since skeletal plates are present in all members of genus Ostracodinium, the most parsimonious is a secondary loss of skeletal plates in E. posterovesiculatum. This work represents a breakthrough in the taxonomy and phylogeny of the family Ophryoscolecidae indicating that the skeletal plates may not reflect evolutionary divergence within this group of ciliates as traditionally proposed.
Effects of government flood expenditures: the problem of crowding‐out
Authors: Slavikova L.
Published: August 2016

Large inland floods represent a serious threat to the Central European territory. It is therefore necessary to develop efficient flood‐risk management based on shared responsibility, stressing the importance of the self‐engagement of local actors (such as municipalities, household, etc.). Central government flood expenditures are an influential factor that shapes their motivation and expectations. In this context, the article investigates the relevance of the concept of crowding out. In particular, it search for the reflection of the concept in the flood governance literature. A thorough review of Web of Science sources in the past 20 years has been undertaken in this matter. Furthermore, the intention is to discuss the problem of data availability (especially regarding flood expenditures of central governments) for assessing the crowding‐out effect on a macroeconomic basis. The Czech central government's activity after the disastrous floods of 1997 and 2002 is used as a case study.
Interpersonal Violence and Health in Female University Students in Spain
Authors: Martín‐Baena David , Talavera Marta , Montero‐Piñar Isabel
Published: August 2016

Background

Most studies address the health impact of violence by an intimate partner; therefore, violence exerted by someone other than a partner in university students and its health effects are less known.

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effect of different forms of interpersonal violence on female university students’ health.

Design

Women 18 to 25 years of age enrolled at two schools of the University of Valencia in the academic year 2013–2014 (N = 540) were selected, with a participation rate of 82%. Students were grouped as follows: no lifetime violence, violence by an intimate partner (IPV), other personal violence (OPV), and by both (IPV and OPV). Adjusted logistical regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of the different forms of violence on students’ health.

Results

As many as 92 students (20.6%) experienced violence at least once in their lives: 46 (10.3%) by an intimate partner, 24 (5.4%) by someone other than a partner, and 22 (4.9%) by both. Abused students are more likely to suffer psychological distress and poor health perception, and more regularly used psychoactive drugs than nonabused students, although the use of medication is higher for those abused by a partner and others. Women who experienced only IPV are more likely to suffer psychological distress (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.78, p < .05, 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.10–2.86]), while those who experienced only OPV are more than twice as likely to perceive their health as poor (aOR = 2.68, p < .05, 95% CI [1.38–5.22]).

Conclusions

The high prevalence of violence and its consistent association with a wide range of female university students’ health problems suggest that violence seriously compromises women's health.

Clinical Relevance

Prevention programs that promote harmonious social relationships among university students should be implemented.
Safety and efficacy of fixed‐dose 10 mg daily isotretinoin treatment for acne vulgaris in Malaysia
Authors: Yap Felix Boon‐Bin
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Low‐dose isotretinoin is used to reduce side effects albeit higher relapse. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of fixed‐dose 10 mg daily isotretinoin for the treatment of acne.

Methods

This prospective study was performed between 2011 and 2015. All 150 patients were given 10 mg daily isotretinoin until a cumulative dose of 90–110 mg/kg.

Results

The mean age was 26.6 years with 64.7% moderate acne, 29.3% severe, and 6% very severe. The mean cumulative dose was 98.8 ± 6.05 mg/kg. All 150 patients had total clearance with a mean time to clearance of 24.0 weeks. Patients with severe/very severe acne had higher cumulative dosage (102.1 vs. 97.0, P < 0.001) and longer duration to clearance (32.9 weeks vs. 19.1 weeks, P < 0.001). Mild relapse was seen in 4%. The mean time to relapse was 32.3 weeks. Lip dryness was the commonest side effects (100%). Mild transient elevation of liver enzymes was detected in 3.3% and a slight increase of serum lipid in 2.7% with no treatment discontinuation.

Conclusion

Fixed‐dose 10 mg daily treatment with isotretinoin until a cumulative dose of 90–110 mg/kg is safe with low relapse rate.
Quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcer in Visegrad countries
Authors: Nemcová Jana , Hlinková Edita , Farský Ivan , Žiaková Katarína , Jarošová Darja , Zeleníková Renáta , Bužgová Radka , Janíková Eva , Zdzieblo Kazimiera , Wiraszka Grazyna , Stepien Renata , Nowak‐Starz Grazyna , Csernus Mariann , Balogh Zoltan
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To identify the quality of life of patients with diabetic foot ulcers in the Visegrad countries.

Background

The diabetics with foot ulcers are principally evaluated on the basis of physical parameters, but this does not always reveal much about the patient's experience of life with ulceration.

Design

The cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The standardised generic questionnaire World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF was used. The sample was made up of 525 participants and the calculations were performed using the IBM spss statistical program.

Results

The significant negative correlations between demographic data such as age, duration of diabetes mellitus, duration of diabetic ulceration treatment and a lower level of quality of life were found across the sample. The statistically significant differences according to clinical characteristics such as Wagner classification, frequency of foot ulcers, present peripheral vascular disease and pain in terms of quality of life were also revealed. Significant differences of quality of life among Visegrad countries were revealed: Hungary's participants had a worse quality of life than others, while Slovak participants expressed lower satisfaction with their health than Czech.

Conclusions

Socio‐demographic factors and clinical characteristics influence the quality of life of patients with diabetic foot ulcer. Significant differences between patients of Visegrad countries were found in all domains of quality of life: physical, psychological, social and environmental.

Relevance to clinical practice

The quality of life of patients with diabetic foot ulcer reflects the conditions and healthcare system in each of the Visegrad countries. We have to respect socio‐demographic factors and clinical characteristics in nursing care. This could have an impact on managing patient care not only with regard to their diabetic foot ulcer but also with regard to the patient as a personality with their own problems in relation to physical, psychosocial and environmental conditions.
Communication between nurses and family caregivers of hospitalised older persons: a literature review
Authors: Bélanger Louise , Bourbonnais Anne , Bernier Roxanne , Benoit Monique
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To review the literature concerning the feelings, thoughts and behaviours of nurses and family caregivers of hospitalised older persons when they communicate with one another.

Background

Communication between nurses and family caregivers of hospitalised older persons is not always optimal. Improving the frequency and quality of this communication might be a way to make the most of available human capital in order to better care for hospitalised older people.

Design

A literature review was carried out of qualitative, quantitative and mixed‐design studies relating to communication between nurses and family caregivers. Findings were analysed thematically.

Results

Family caregiver thoughts, feelings and behaviours relative to nurse control and authority, nurse recognition of their contribution, information received from and shared with nurses and care satisfaction could influence communication with nurses. Nurse thoughts regarding usefulness of family caregivers as care partners and their lack of availability to meet family caregiver demands could influence communication with family caregivers.

Conclusions

The thoughts, feelings and behaviours of family caregivers and nurses that might create positive or negative circular patterns of communication are evidenced. Further research is required to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses must be trained in how to communicate with family caregivers in order to form a partnership geared to preventing complications in hospitalised older persons. Results could be used to inform policy regarding the care of hospitalised older persons.
Seasonal variations in sleep disorders of nurses
Authors: Chang Yuanmay , Lam Calvin , Chen Su‐Ru , Sithole Trevor , Chung Min‐Huey
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To investigate the difference between nurses and the general population regarding seasonal variations in sleep disorders during 2004–2008. The effects of season and group interaction on sleep disorders with regard to different comorbidities were also examined.

Background

Studies on seasonal variations in sleep disorders were mainly conducted in Norway for the general population. Furthermore, whether different comorbidities cause seasonal variations in sleep disorders in nurses remains unknown.

Design

A retrospective study.

Methods

Data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were used in generalised estimating equation Poisson distribution models to investigate the differences in sleep disorders between nurses and the general population diagnosed with sleep disorders (each n = 7643) as well as the interaction effects of sleep disorders between the groups with respect to different seasons. Furthermore, the interaction effects between groups and seasons on sleep disorders in the subgroups of comorbid anxiety disorders and depressive disorders were studied.

Results

Both the nurses and the general population had fewer outpatient visits for sleep disorders in winter than in other seasons. The nurses had fewer outpatient visits for sleep disorders than the general population did in each season. The nurses had more outpatient visits for sleep disorders in winter than in summer compared with the general population in the comorbid depressive disorder subgroup but not in the comorbid anxiety disorder subgroup.

Conclusions

Nurses and the general population exhibited similar seasonal patterns of sleep disorders, but nurses had fewer outpatient visits for sleep disorders than the general population did in each season. For nurses with comorbid depressive disorders, outpatient visits for sleep disorders were more numerous in winter than in summer, potentially because nurses with comorbid depressive disorders are affected by shorter daylight exposure during winter.

Relevance to clinical practice

Depression and daylight exposure may be considered in mitigating sleep disorders in nurses.
Reexamining the Association of Maternal Age and Marital Status at First Birth With Youth Educational Attainment
Authors: Addo Fenaba R. , Sassler Sharon , Williams Kristi
Published: August 2016

We reexamined the association of maternal age and marital status at birth with youth high school completion using data from the Children and Young Adult sample of the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and giving attention to multiple age categories and race and ethnic variations. Youth born to older teen mothers were no more likely to graduate from high school than those born to the youngest teen mothers. Although delaying childbirth to young adulthood was associated with greater odds of children's high school completion when compared with the earliest teen births, those born to young adult mothers were disadvantaged when compared with those born to mothers aged 25 years or older. Being born to an unmarried mother was associated with lower odds of high school completion. We found no evidence that maternal age at birth more strongly predicted high school graduation for White compared with Latino and Black youth.
How Early Life Religious Exposure Relates to the Timing of First Birth
Authors: Pearce Lisa D. , Davis Shannon N.
Published: August 2016

This article examines intermediary processes explaining how religious socialization and involvement early in life are related to the timing of first births for women in the United States. The theory of conjunctural action forms the basis for hypotheses for how religious schemas and materials operate to influence birth timing. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data and event history methods, the study finds evidence for expected family size, work–family gender ideology, educational attainment and enrollment, cohabitation, and age at marriage as mediators of associations between early life religious exposure (affiliation and attendance) and the timing of nonmaritally and maritally conceived first births. These findings corroborate other research identifying the long reach of religious socialization and involvement in youth, elucidate some of the pathways for these connections, and motivate further work to understand linkages between religion and family behaviors in the United States.
Susceptibility Etching on MRI in Patients with Microangiopathy
Authors: Chang Jennifer , Arani Keerthi , Chew Sheena , Frosch Matthew P. , Gonzalez R. Gilberto , Maza Noor , Romero Javier M.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

We detected a novel imaging sign, which consists of a specific imaging pattern of diffuse susceptibility effect, delineating the cortical‐subcortical junction on high‐resolution susceptibility‐weighted images (SWIs). We describe magnetic resonance imaging findings in 10 patients with “susceptibility etching” and possible association with their abnormal coagulation profile.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A retrospective case series study with a search for cases that demonstrated susceptibility effect at the cortical‐subcortical junction on SWI sequences was performed. The patients’ respective coagulation profiles including prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, D‐dimer values, and platelet counts were reviewed. In addition, clinical history and neurological deficits were recorded.

RESULTS

We identified 10 patients with the “susceptibility etching” pattern at the cortical‐subcortical junction. All patients were acutely ill and had a significantly elevated D‐dimer (4,309 mcg/L to >10,000 mcg/L) with variably reduced platelet count. Two patients had reduced fibrinogen and 5 patients had prolonged international normalized ratio. Of the 10 patients, 4 died during hospitalization, within a few days of imaging. Pathology of 1 patient at autopsy demonstrated findings suggestive of a microvascular thrombotic or embolic event without overt parenchymal microhemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

In this preliminary case series, we describe patients with “susceptibility etching” on SWI who were also found to have profound coagulation impairment. While other comorbities may also contribute to this novel sign, we suggest that a possible etiology may be secondary to microvascular in situ formation of fine thrombi and/or emboli lodged into an area of vascular caliber reduction and maybe related to thrombotic microangiopathy.
Adaptive genomic divergence under high gene flow between freshwater and brackish‐water ecotypes of prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) revealed by Pool‐Seq
Authors: Dennenmoser Stefan , Vamosi Steven M. , Nolte Arne W. , Rogers Sean M.
Published: August 2016

Understanding the genomic basis of adaptive divergence in the presence of gene flow remains a major challenge in evolutionary biology. In prickly sculpin (Cottus asper), an abundant euryhaline fish in northwestern North America, high genetic connectivity among brackish‐water (estuarine) and freshwater (tributary) habitats of coastal rivers does not preclude the build‐up of neutral genetic differentiation and emergence of different life history strategies. Because these two habitats present different osmotic niches, we predicted high genetic differentiation at known teleost candidate genes underlying salinity tolerance and osmoregulation. We applied whole‐genome sequencing of pooled DNA samples (Pool‐Seq) to explore adaptive divergence between two estuarine and two tributary habitats. Paired‐end sequence reads were mapped against genomic contigs of EuropeanCottus, and the gene content of candidate regions was explored based on comparisons with the threespine stickleback genome. Genes showing signals of repeated differentiation among brackish‐water and freshwater habitats included functions such as ion transport and structural permeability in freshwater gills, which suggests that local adaptation to different osmotic niches might contribute to genomic divergence among habitats. Overall, the presence of both repeated and unique signatures of differentiation across many loci scattered throughout the genome is consistent with polygenic adaptation from standing genetic variation and locally variable selection pressures in the early stages of life history divergence.
Complete mitochondrial genomes from the ferns Ophioglossum californicum and Psilotum nudum are highly repetitive with the largest organellar introns
Authors: Guo Wenhu , Zhu Andan , Fan Weishu , Mower Jeffrey P.
Published: August 2016

Currently, complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) are available from all major land plant lineages except ferns. Sequencing of fern mitogenomes could shed light on the major evolutionary transitions that established mitogenomic diversity among extant lineages.

In this study, we generated complete mitogenomes from the adder's tongue fern (Ophioglossum californicum) and the whisk fern (Psilotum nudum).

The Psilotum mitogenome (628 kb) contains a rich complement of genes and introns, some of which are the largest of any green plant organellar genome. In the Ophioglossum mitogenome (372 kb), gene and intron content is slightly reduced, including the loss of all four mitochondrial ccm genes. Transcripts of nuclear Ccm genes also were not detected, suggesting loss of the entire mitochondrial cytochrome c maturation pathway from Ophioglossum. Both fern mitogenomes are highly repetitive, yet they show extremely low levels of active recombination. Transcriptomic sequencing uncovered ˜1000 sites of C‐to‐U RNA editing in both species, plus a small number (< 60) of U‐to‐C edit sites.

Overall, the first mitochondrial genomes of ferns show a mix of features shared with lycophytes and/or seed plants and several novel genomic features, enabling a robust reconstruction of the mitogenome in the common ancestor of vascular plants.
Identification of a novel variant lacking group A soyasaponin in a Chinese wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. & Zucc.): implications for breeding significance
Authors: Takahashi Yuya , Li Xiang‐Hua , Tsukamoto Chigen , Wang Ke‐Jing
Published: August 2016

Group A saponins are the principal factors underlying the undesirable bitter and astringent tastes in soybean food products. Therefore, the genetic reduction or elimination of the undesirable tastes is of great significance in soybean taste breeding. Using thin‐layer chromatography and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, we identified a novel mutant lacking group A saponins in a wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. & Zucc.), reflecting the failed arabinose binding of arabinosyltransferase to the C‐22 hydroxyl group, consequently leading to a lack of group A saponins and the concomitance expression of two new components A‐αg and KA‐αg in seeds. The C‐3 glycosylated soyasapogenol A (SS‐A), A‐αg, is a steady precursor compound in biosynthesis of Aa and Ab types in the seeds of soybean plants and exhibits stable inheritance. In this study, we observed a critical step necessary for arabinose binding to the C‐22 hydroxyl group in the biosynthetic pathway of group A saponins and identified an important germplasm accession for the genetic improvement in the tastes of soybean milk and processed soybean foods.
Bromodomain and extra‐terminal protein mimic JQ1 decreases inflammation in human vascular endothelial cells: Implications for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Mumby Sharon , Gambaryan Natalia , Meng Chao , Perros Frederic , Humbert Marc , Wort S. John , Adcock Ian M.
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐kB)‐mediated inflammatory gene expression and vascular endothelial cell proliferation/remodelling are implicated in the pathophysiology of the fatal disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) proteins are essential for the expression of a subset of NF‐kB‐induced inflammatory genes. BET mimics including JQ1+ prevent binding of BETs to acetylated histones and down‐regulate the expression of selected genes.

Methods

The effects of JQ1+ on the proliferation of primary human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) from healthy subjects were measured by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Cell cycle progression was assessed by flow cytometry; mRNA and protein levels of cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs), inhibitors and cytokines were determined by reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR), Western blotting or ELISA. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and deacetylase (HDAC) activities were determined in nuclear extracts from whole lung of PAH and control patients.

Results

JQ1+ significantly inhibited IL6 and IL8 (IL6 and CXCL8) mRNA and protein in HPMECs compared with its inactive enantiomer JQ1−. JQ1+ decreased NF‐kB p65 recruitment to native
IL6
and
IL8
promoters. JQ1+ showed a concentration‐dependent decrease in HPMEC proliferation compared with JQ1−‐treated cells. JQ1+ induced G1 cell cycle arrest by increasing the expression of the CDK inhibitors (CDKN) 1A (p21cip) and CDKN2D (p19INK4D
) and decreasing that of CDK2, CDK4 and CDK6. JQ1+ also inhibited serum‐stimulated migration of HPMECs. Finally, HAT activity was significantly increased in the lung of PAH patients.

Conclusion

Inhibition of BETs in primary HPMECs decreases inflammation and remodelling. BET proteins could be a target for future therapies for PAH.
Mental health of outpatient pediatric patients
Authors: Rønning John A. , Fundingsrud Hans Petter , Leknessund Arild , Handegård Bjørn Helge
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study is to estimate the percentage of mental health problems in a pediatric outpatient Norwegian clinic. We used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to screen for mental health problems. Families of children aged 4–11 took part in the study, and 380 out of 982 possible families consented to take part, and 349 families contributed with questionnaire data. The main referral reasons for the patients were asthma, eneuresis and stomach pain. Mothers reported that 17.4% of boys and 17.8% of girls displayed mental clinical problems. The prevalence of problems did not differ significantly between somatic diagnostic groups. Although the study has low participation, it underlines the necessity of screening all pediatric patients for mental health problems. Future research in pediatric clinics should include factors of psychology because pediatric problems are not caused by somatics alone.
Too little sleep and an unhealthy diet could increase the risk of sustaining a new injury in adolescent elite athletes
Authors: von Rosen P. , Frohm A. , Kottorp A. , Fridén C. , Heijne A.
Published: August 2016

Little is known about health variables and if these variables could increase the risk of injuries among adolescent elite athletes. The primary aim was to present overall data on self‐perceived stress, nutrition intake, self‐esteem, and sleep, as well as gender and age differences, on two occasions among adolescent elite athletes. A secondary aim was to study these health variables as potential risk factors on injury incidence. A questionnaire was e‐mailed to 340 adolescent elite athletes on two occasions during a single school year: autumn semester and spring semester. The results show that during autumn semester, the recommended intake of fruits, vegetables, and fish was not met for 20%, 39%, and 43% of the adolescent elite athletes, respectively. The recommended amount of sleep during weekdays was not obtained by 19%. Multiple logistic regression showed that athletes sleeping more than 8 h of sleep during weekdays reduced the odds of injury with 61% (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16–0.99) and athletes reaching the recommended nutrition intake reduced the odds with 64% (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14–0.91). Our findings suggest that nutrition intake and sleep volume are of importance in understanding injury incidence.
Economic evaluation of exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Hautala A. J. , Kiviniemi A. M. , Mäkikallio T. , Koistinen P. , Ryynänen O.‐P. , Martikainen J. A. , Seppänen T. , Huikuri H. V. , Tulppo M. P.
Published: August 2016

Health care decision‐making requires evidence of the cost‐effectiveness of medical therapies. We evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation (ECR) implemented according to guidelines. All the patients (n = 204) had experienced a recent acute coronary syndrome and were randomized to a 1‐year ECR (n = 109) or usual care (UC) group (n = 95). The patients’ health‐related quality of life was followed using the 15D instrument and health care costs were collected from electronic health registries. The cost‐effectiveness of ECR was estimated based on intervention and health care costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. The total average cost per patient was lower in ECR than in UC. The incremental cost was divided by the baseline‐adjusted incremental QALYs (0.045), yielding an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of −€24511/QALYs. A combined endpoint of mortality, recurrent coronary event, or hospitalization for a heart failure occurred for five patients in ECR and 16 patients in UC (HR 3.9, 95% CI 1.4–10.6, P = 0.004, relative risk reduction 73%, number needed to treat eight). ECR is a dominant treatment option and decreases the occurrence of adverse cardiac events. These results are useful for decision‐making when planning optimal utilization of resources in Finnish health care.
The Arabidopsis polyamine transporter LHR1/PUT3 modulates heat responsive gene expression by enhancing mRNA stability
Authors: Shen Yun , Ruan Qingxia , Chai Haoxi , Yuan Yongze , Yang Wannian , Chen Junping , Xin Zhanguo , Shi Huazhong
Published: August 2016

Polyamines involve in gene regulation by interacting with and modulating the functions of various anionic macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins. In this study, we identified an important function of the polyamine transporter LHR1 (LOWER EXPRESSION OF HEAT RESPONSIVE GENE1) in heat‐inducible gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. The lhr1 mutant was isolated through a forward genetic screening for altered expression of the luciferase reporter gene driven by the promoter from the heat‐inducible gene AtHSP18.2. The lhr1 mutant showed reduced induction of the luciferase gene in response to heat stress and was more sensitive to high temperature than the wild type. Map‐based cloning identified that the LHR1 gene encodes the polyamine transporter PUT3 (POLYAMINE UPTAKE TRANSPORTER 3) localized in the plasma membrane. The LHR1/PUT3 is required for the uptake of extracellular polyamines and plays an important role in stabilizing the mRNAs of several crucial heat stress responsive genes under high temperature. Genome‐wide gene expression analysis using RNA‐seq identified an array of differentially expressed genes, among which the transcript levels of some of the heat shock protein genes significantly reduced in response to prolonged heat stress in the lhr1 mutant. Our findings revealed an important heat stress response and tolerance mechanism involving polyamine influx which modulates mRNA stability of heat‐inducible genes under heat stress conditions.
Financial Development, Financial Structure and Income Inequality in China
Authors: Liu Guanchun , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhang Chengsi
Published: August 2016

Using panel data of 23 provinces during the period 1996–2012, this paper investigates the impacts of financial development and structure on income inequality in different administrative districts (urban, rural and overall) in China. The results produced by the dynamic generalised method of moments estimator provide some evidence for a linear and inverse ‘U‐shape’ relationship between financial development and income inequality, and increasing the relative importance of financial markets to banks helps to reduce income inequality. Furthermore, the results of panel threshold regressions show that the benefits of financial development only occur if the stock market activity has reached a threshold level and disappear if the stock market capitalisation has reached a certain scale. Meanwhile, the impact of the financial structure weakens as the financial development expands and the proportion of financial markets increases. We also find that the impacts of financial development and structure on rural income inequality are stronger than those on urban income inequality.
How do people make a decision on bottled or tap water? Preference elicitation with nonparametric bootstrap simulations
Authors: Güngör‐Demirci Gamze , Lee Juneseok , Mirzaei Majid , Younos Tamim
Published: August 2016

People in the United States drink almost four times the amount of bottled water than they did 20 years ago, even though tap water supplies in the United States are considered to be among the safest in the world. To understand ‘how do people make a decision on tap or bottled water’, a consumer preferences survey was administered to the Civil and Environmental Engineering students attending a US university. The survey elicited information on participants’ preferences and real life attitude/preferences and included a multi‐criteria pairwise comparison. The pairwise comparison preferences were further analysed by integrating nonparametric bootstrap simulations to determine the underlying uncertainty. The results revealed that although safety issues were deemed most important, participants were also subconsciously aware of other crucial issues related to drinking water. These findings provide useful information for drinking water policy experts and water utilities about consumer perceptions of the relative virtues of tap and bottled water.
Selenium bioaccumulation in eutrophic lake – Dąbie Małe Lake, Poland
Authors: Tomza‐Marciniak Agnieszka , Marciniak Andrzej M. , Pilarczyk Bogumiła , Molenda Marika
Published: August 2016

While the world literature presents many studies on the occurrence of selenium in aquatic ecosystems, the risks associated with overexposure of hydrobionts to this element and the consequences of its magnification in the food chain (areas rich in Se), there are few studies on Se concentration in Poland's water bodies and watercourses (Se deficient area). The objective of the study was to assess the Se bioaccumulation in Dąbie Małe Lake, based on Se concentration in the water, bottom sediments, and organs of Rutilus rutilus and Perca fluviatilis. The accumulation and biomagnification factor averaged 231 ± 69 and 1.2, respectively. Bioconcentration factor, calculated as Se in muscle divided by Se in water, ranged 35–104. Although Se concentrations in bottom sediments and fish were generally lower than the values reported in the literature, Se concentration in the water exceeded 2 µg/L, recommended value as a probable safe water concentration for wildlife.
Increased activity of TRPV3 in keratinocytes in hypertrophic burn scars with postburn pruritus
Authors: Kim Hye One , Cho Yong Se , Park Sook Young , Kwak In Suk , Choi Min Gyu , Chung Bo Young , Park Chun Wook , Lee Jun Young
Published: August 2016

Postburn pruritus is a common distressing sequela of burn wounds. Empirical antipruritic treatment often fails to have a satisfactory outcome, as the mechanism of it has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the manifestation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3), transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), and other related receptors in postburn pruritus. Sixty‐five burn patients with (n = 40) or without (n = 25) pruritus were investigated, including skin biopsies. Keratinocytes and fibroblasts from skin biopsy samples were separated. Real time‐PCR showed that mRNA of TRPV3 was significantly increased in keratinocytes from pruritic burn scars than in keratinocytes from nonpruritic burn scars. With TRPV3 activation, intracellular Ca2+ concentrations were more significantly increased in keratinocytes from pruritic burn scars than in those from nonpruritic ones. Additionally, mRNA and protein levels of protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) and neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK1R) were also significantly increased in pruritic burn scars. In conclusion, it was confirmed that TRPV3, PAR2, and NK1R were highly expressed in pruritic burn scars. These results may help determine a novel mechanism for postburn pruritus.
Surface contributions to scattered sound power using non-negative intensity
Authors: Liu Daipei , Peters Herwig , Marburg Steffen , Kessissoglou Nicole
Published: August 2016

Non-negative intensity is used to identify the surface areas of a structure that contributes to the scattered sound power. In the acoustic near field, the scattered sound power is predicted using non-negative intensity, as well as the scattered acoustic intensity integrated directly over the scatterer's surface area. In the acoustic far field, the scattered acoustic intensity and the scattered sound power are evaluated for three different receiver surface areas, corresponding to a sphere representing a far-field area that fully circumscribes the scatterer, and two hemispherical surfaces that correspond to partial far-field areas that do not fully circumscribe the scatterer. Back-calculated non-negative intensity that defines the sound scattered from the full or partial far-field receiver surface areas is also calculated and compared to the non-negative intensity obtained directly from the surface of the scatterer. To illustrate the numerical technique, the scattered acoustic intensity and scattered sound power of a rigid sphere, a rigid cylinder, and a rigid hemispherical shell are examined.
The Effect of Vestibular Stimulation on Motor Functions of Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Tramontano Marco , Medici Alessandra , Iosa Marco , Chiariotti Alessia , Fusillo Giulia , Manzari Leonardo , Morelli Daniela
Published: August 2016

Background:

Cerebral palsy (CP) has been defined as a nonprogressive disease of movement and posture development. Physical therapy techniques use different forms of sensory stimulation to improve neuromotor development.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a vestibular stimulation training in improving motor functions in cerebral palsy.

Population:

Fourteen children with CP were randomly separated into two different groups in a cross-over trial.

Methods:

Over a period of 10 weeks, each group performed 10 sessions of 50 min of neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and 10 sessions of vestibular training (VR). Children were evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 scale, the Goal Attainment Scale and the root mean square of head accelerations.

Results:

A significant improvement in the GAS-score (p = .003) was noted after NDT+VR.

Conclusions:

Vestibular stimulation integrated with NDT proved to be an effective complementary strategy for facilitating motor functioning.
Variation of Linear and Nonlinear Parameters in the Swim Strokes According to the Level of Expertise
Authors: Barbosa Tiago M. , Goh Wan Xiu , Morais Jorge E. , Costa Mário J.
Published: August 2016

The aim was to examine the variation of linear and nonlinear proprieties of the behavior in participants with different levels of swimming expertise among the four swim strokes. Seventy-five swimmers were split into three groups (highly qualified experts, experts and nonexperts) and performed a maximal 25m trial for each of the four competitive swim strokes. A speed-meter cable was attached to the swimmer’s hip to measure hip speed; from which speed fluctuation (dv), approximate entropy (ApEn) and fractal dimension (D) variables were derived. Although simple main effects of expertise and swim stroke were obtained for dv and D, no significant interaction of expertise and stroke were found except in ApEn. The ApEn and D were prone to decrease with increasing expertise. As a conclusion, swimming does exhibit nonlinear properties but its magnitude differs according to the swim stroke and level of expertise of the performer.
The 1,500-m Rowing Performance is Highly Dependent on Modified Wingate Anaerobic Test Performance in National-Level Adolescent Rowers
Authors: Maciejewski Hugo , Rahmani Abderrahmane , Chorin Frédéric , Lardy Julien , Giroux Caroline , Ratel Sébastien
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

The aim of the current study was to determine whether the anaerobic performance assessed by a modified Wingate test could account for the 1,500-m rowing ergometer performance in young competitive rowers.

Methods:

Fourteen national-level adolescent rowers performed on a rowing ergometer i) a 30-s allout exercise (i.e., modified Wingate test) and ii) a 1,500-m all-out exercise (i.e., rowing performance). For each of these two exercises, the mean power output was considered as the main performance criterion (PWIN and P1500, respectively).

Results:

PWIN was correlated to P1500 (r2 = .83, p < .0001, β = 100%). Furthermore, the estimated total muscle mass was correlated to PWIN and P1500 (r2 = .72 and r2 = .83, p < .0001, β = 100%, respectively). The allometric scaling also indicated that total muscle mass accounts 62% for the relationship between PWIN and P1500.

Conclusion:

Our results highlight the importance of considering the contribution of total muscle mass and anaerobic energy pathways to 1,500-m rowing performance in competitive adolescent rowers. Therefore, the modified Wingate test could be used by rowing coaches to potentially identify talented young rowers.
Positioning Steve Nash: A Theory-Driven, Social Psychological, and Biographical Case Study of Creativity in Sport
Authors: Martin Jack , Cox David
Published: August 2016

A recently developed social psychological and biographical approach to the study of lives, life positioning analysis (LPA), is applied to the early life experiences of Canadian basketball player Steve Nash for the purpose of identifying sources of his athletic creativity and work ethic. The analysis focuses on Nash’s childhood and adolescence, especially his interactions with his father, brother, coaches, friends, and teammates. The interpretations, results, and conclusions offered describe specific types of interaction with these other individuals as likely influences on the development of important psychological aspects of the team oriented creativity that came to characterize Nash’s unique athletic style. The article concludes with a brief description of the unique yields and possible contributions of this type of biographical case study as a methodological approach in sport psychology.
Complete Genome Sequence of a
Bohle iridovirus
Isolate from Ornate Burrowing Frogs (
Limnodynastes ornatus
) in Australia
Authors: Hick Paul M. , Subramaniam Kuttichantran , Thompson Patrick , Whittington Richard J. , Waltzek Thomas B.
Published: August 2016

Bohle iridovirus
(BIV) is a species within the genus
Ranavirus
, family
Iridoviridae
, first isolated from the ornate burrowing frog
Limnodynastes ornatus
in Australia. The BIV genome confirms it is closely related to isolates from boreal toad
Anaxyrus boreas
and leaf-tailed gecko
Uroplatus fimbriatus
within the United States and Germany, respectively.
First New World Primate Papillomavirus Identification in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil:
Alouatta guariba papillomavirus 1
Authors: Silvestre Rodrigo Vellasco Duarte , de Souza Alex Junior Souza , Júnior Edivaldo Costa Sousa , Silva Allan Kaio , de Mello Wyller Alencar , Nunes Marcio Roberto T. , Júnior João Lídio S. G. V. , Cardoso Jedson Ferreira , de Vasconcelos Janaina Mota , de Oliveira Layanna Freitas , da Silva Sandro Patroca , da Silva Adriana Marques J. , Fries Brigida Gomes , Summa Maria Eugênia L. , de Sá Lilian Rose M.
Published: August 2016

We report here the complete genome sequence of the first papillomavirus detected in a New World primate, howler monkey,
Alouatta guariba clamitans papillomavirus 1
(AgPV1), from the Atlantic Forest in São Paulo State, Brazil.
Complete Genome Sequence of Influenza Virus H9N2 Associated with a Fatal Outbreak among Chickens in Dubai
Authors: Lau Siu-Ying , Joseph Sunitha , Chan Kwok-Hung , Chen Honglin , Patteril Nissy Annie Gerogy , Elizabeth Shyna K. , Muhammed Rubeena , Baskar Vijay , Lau Susanna K. P. , Kinne Joerg , Wernery Ulrich , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: August 2016

We report the complete genome sequence of influenza virus H9N2 associated with a fatal outbreak among chickens in Dubai. All segments are clustered with avian H9N2 viruses circulating in the Middle East but distinct from those in southeast Asia. It is not a reassortant virus or transmitted from other regions.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Carbapenemase-Producing
Acinetobacter baumannii
Sequence Type 2 Isolate from Puerto Rico
Authors: Martínez Teresa , Ropelewski Alexander J. , González-Mendez Ricardo , Vázquez Guillermo J. , Robledo Iraida E.
Published: August 2016

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Acinetobacter baumannii
strain M3AC14-8, sequence type 2 (ST2), carrying a chromosomally carried
bla
KPC-2
gene. The draft genome consists of a total length of 4.11 Mbp and a G+C content of 39.25%.
Draft Genome Sequences of Nine Clinical Isolates of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci
Authors: Higgins Paul G. , Koehler Daniela , Chan Jacqueline Z. M. , Cornely Oliver A. , Fätkenheuer Gerd , Gillis Meyke , Pallen Mark J. , Tien Johanna , Seifert Harald , Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , Millard Andrew D.
Published: August 2016

In 2012, there was an increase in vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) isolated from the intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Cologne. Using whole-genome sequencing it was possible to establish that bloodstream infections with VRE were not the result of an outbreak or cross infections.
Complete Genome Sequence of Genotype VI Newcastle Disease Viruses Isolated from Pigeons in Pakistan
Authors: Wajid Abdul , Rehmani Shafqat Fatima , Sharma Poonam , Goraichuk Iryna V. , Dimitrov Kiril M. , Afonso Claudio L.
Published: August 2016

Two complete genome sequences of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are described here. Virulent isolates pigeon/Pakistan/Lahore/21A/2015 and pigeon/Pakistan/Lahore/25A/2015 were obtained from racing pigeons sampled in the Pakistani province of Punjab during 2015. Phylogenetic analysis of the fusion protein genes and complete genomes classified the isolates as members of NDV class II, genotype VI.
Comparative Pathogenicity of United Kingdom Isolates of the Emerging Pathogen
Candida auris
and Other Key Pathogenic
Candida
Species
Authors: Borman Andrew M. , Szekely Adrien , Johnson Elizabeth M.
Published: August 2016

The incidence of invasive candidiasis, which includes candidemia and deep tissue infections, continues to rise and is associated with considerable mortality rates.
Candida albicans
remains the most common cause of invasive candidiasis, although the prevalence of non-
albicans
species has increased over recent years. Since its first description in 2009,
Candida auris
has emerged as a serious nosocomial health risk, with widespread outbreaks in numerous hospitals worldwide. However, despite receiving considerable attention, little is known concerning the pathogenicity of this emerging fungal pathogen. Here, using the
Galleria mellonella
insect systemic infection model, we show strain-specific differences in the virulence of
C. auris
, with the most virulent isolates exhibiting pathogenicity comparable to that of
C. albicans
, which is currently accepted as the most pathogenic member of the genus.
Clozapine-induced dysphagia with secondary substantial weight loss
Authors: Osman Mugtaba , Devadas Vekneswaran
Published: August 2016

Dysphagia is listed as a ‘rare’ side effect following clozapine treatment. In this case report, we describe how significant clozapine-induced dysphagia has led to significant reduction of nutritional intake with subsequent substantial weight loss. An 18-year-old single man with an established diagnosis of treatment-resistant paranoid schizophrenia recovered well on a therapeutic dose of clozapine. However, he was noted to lose weight significantly (up to 20% of his original weight) as the dose was uptitrated. This was brought about by development of dysphagia, likely to be due to clozapine. Addition of nutritional supplementary liquids and initiation of a modified behavioural dietary/swallowing programme, while repeatedly mastering the Mendelsohn manoeuvre technique, alleviated the swallowing difficulties and restored his weight.