bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The different perspectives of patients, informal caregivers and professionals on patient involvement in primary care teams. A qualitative study
Authors: Doekhie Kirti D. , Strating Mathilde M. H. , Buljac‐Samardzic Martina , van de Bovenkamp Hester M. , Paauwe Jaap
Published: September 2018

Background

Patient involvement in the decision‐making process, especially for chronically ill elderly patients, has become an important element of patient‐centred primary care in many countries, including the Netherlands. This study openly explores different perspectives of patients, informal caregivers and primary care professionals on patient involvement in primary care team interactions.

Methods

Sixty‐four qualitative semi‐structured interviews with chronically ill elderly patients, informal caregivers and primary care professionals from various disciplines. Underpinned by a phenomenology approach, this study used conventional content analysis for data analysis.

Results

Participants have different views of the roles of patients and informal caregivers in the primary care team and thus different expectations of the extent and level of patient involvement. Three challenges impact patient involvement in the team: (a) patients feel misunderstood and less involved that they would like when professionals take control, (b) patients have to balance the conflicting opinions of different professionals and (c) informal caregivers act undesirably as team leaders due to their own view of the level of patient involvement.

Discussion and conclusion

Patient involvement is formed in complex interactions between patients, informal caregivers and multiple professionals whose perspectives and expectations can be misaligned. Recognizing the value of patients and informal caregivers on the team could help professionals to understand them better and thus limit the likelihood of challenges arising in team interactions.
Census and contemporary effective population size of two populations of the protected Spanish Moon Moth (Graellsia isabellae)
Authors: Marí‐Mena Neus , Naveira Horacio , Lopez‐Vaamonde Carlos , Vila Marta
Published: September 2018

Graellsia isabellae is a protected lepidopteran both in France and Spain; however, there has been considerable debate over its conservation status. Recent literature emphasised the need of monitoring population size in the different mountain ranges where this iconic species occurs.

We used mark–capture–recapture and genotypes of nine molecular microsatellite markers to estimate the census (N) and contemporary effective population size (Ne) of two Spanish populations extending over similar size areas (10–15 km2): Puebla (Eastern Spain) and Ordesa (Western Pyrenees). Only adult males were captured and analysed, as sampling was based on the use of the synthesised female sex pheromone.

Estimates of N were rather different in the two populations: 3398 males in Puebla (95% CI = 2875–4145) and 1500 in Ordesa (95% CI = 1229–1932), although the area occupied by the populations was larger and more densely forested in Ordesa than in Puebla.

Several lines of evidence pointed to a moderate–large contemporary Ne at Puebla (173–178 individuals) and a one‐order of magnitude lower Ne at Ordesa (27–49). Thus, Ne/N ratios were very low (0.026 and 0.01 respectively).

We recommend G. isabellae to be classified as of Least Concern under the IUCN criteria; however, the high temporal fragmentation index and the very low values of the Ne/N ratios obtained for this species, as compared with those recorded for most others, are usually taken as indicators of actual threat for their conservation. As a cautionary measure, managers should aim at maintaining gene flow by ensuring connectivity of Pinus sylvestris in these areas.
Neighbourhood influences on organic buying
Authors: Martínez‐de‐Ibarreta Carlos , Valor Carmen
Published: September 2018

Past studies have explained organic buying as a function of sociodemographic or attitudinal consumer's traits and/or as a result of marketing influences. However, in view of mounting evidence of social effects on sustainable consumption, this paper aims to enrich our understanding of the determinants of organic demand by introducing neighbourhood effects in buying models; in particular, using scanner data from Nielsen household panelists of 2012–2013, this study tests the influence on demand of both structural variables (collapsed into a factor labelled “neighbourhood class”) and geographical location of a household, controlling for the influence of household characteristics and other marketing‐related influences (e.g., price). This paper concludes that structural class, rather than household class, positively influences organic milk purchasing. It also shows that relative class can also explain the likelihood of organic buying.
Reflex urine culture testing in an ambulatory urology clinic: Implications for antibiotic stewardship in urology
Authors: Richards Kyle A , Cesario Stacy , Best Sara L , Deeren Susan M , Bushman Wade , Safdar Nasia
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the performance characteristics of urinalysis and urine microscopy parameters for predicting urine culture results and to implement a reflex urine culture program.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of all patients presenting to our clinic January–March 2013 and June–August 2014, excluding those who were catheter‐dependent or with urinary diversions. We assessed the association of urinalysis and urine microscopy parameters on urine culture outcomes defining a positive urinalysis as nitrite‐positive and/or the presence of ≥5 white blood cells per high‐powered field with bacteria and a positive urine culture as ≥10 000 colony‐forming units/mL excluding diphtheroids. We carried out logistic regression to assess for predictors of positive urine culture to inform implementation of a reflex urine culture program.

Results

A total of 2764 patients were evaluated. Logistic regression using urinalysis variables identified positive nitrites (odds ratio 18.6, P < 0.001) and large leukocyte esterase (odds ratio 41.8, P < 0.001) as the strongest predictors of positive urine culture. Logistic regression using urine microscopy variables identified >50 white blood cells per high‐powered field (odds ratio 13.6, P < 0.001) and moderate/many bacteria (odds ratio 16.8, P < 0.001) as the strongest predictors of positive urine culture. We used our positive urinalysis definition to implement the reflex urine culture program and noted a 60% reduction in urine culture rates over the first 3 months of implementation.

Conclusions

A urine positive for nitrites and/or ≥50 white blood cells per high powered field with bacteria seems to have a strong association with a positive urine culture and the best negative predictive value. A reflex urine culture program is an effective strategy to decrease the rates of unnecessary urine culture and their associated costs.
The immune checkpoint CD96 defines a distinct lymphocyte phenotype and is highly expressed on tumor‐infiltrating T cells
Authors: Lepletier Ailin , Lutzky Viviana P , Mittal Deepak , Stannard Kimberley , Watkins Thomas S , Ratnatunga Champa N , Smith Corey , McGuire Helen M , Kemp Roslyn A , Mukhopadhyay Pamela , Waddell Nicola , Smyth Mark J , Dougall William C , Miles John J
Published: September 2018

CD96 has recently been shown to be a potent immune checkpoint molecule in mice, but a similar role in humans is not known. In this study, we provide a detailed map of CD96 expression across human lymphocyte lineages, the kinetics of CD96 regulation on T‐cell activation and co‐expression with other conventional and emerging immune checkpoint molecules. We show that CD96 is predominantly expressed by T cells and has a unique lymphocyte expression profile. CD96high T cells exhibited distinct effector functions on activation. Of note, CD96 expression was highly correlated with T‐cell markers in primary and metastatic human tumors and was elevated on antigen‐experienced T cells and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes. Collectively, these data demonstrate that CD96 may be a promising immune checkpoint to enhance T‐cell function against human cancer and infectious disease.
Combining Data from New and Traditional Sources in Population Surveys
Authors: Thompson Mary E.
Published: September 2018

This paper is a review of some applications of the combination of data sets, such as combining census or administrative data and survey data, constructing expanded data sets through linkage, combining large‐scale commercial databases with survey data and harnessing designed data collection to be able to make use of non‐probability samples. It is aimed to highlight their commonalities and differences and to formulate some general principles for data set combination.
Psychological and personality differences between male and female veterans in an inpatient interdisciplinary chronic pain program
Authors: Echevarria Baez Melissa , Miller Stephanie N. , Banou Evangelia
Published: September 2018

It is projected that by 2033 the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) will have at least a 10% increase in service utilization among female veterans (Yano et al., 2010), with that number rising each year. Research in the general population has revealed mixed but important findings surrounding the experience and manifestation of chronic pain across gender; therefore, it is important to continue exploration of these characteristics in veteran samples to inform chronic pain treatment efforts in the VA system. The current study explored personality and psychological differences between male and female veterans in an inpatient pain rehabilitation program, using the restructured form of the MMPI‐2 (MMPI‐2‐RF). Analyses revealed fewer psychological and personality differences in female and male veterans with chronic pain than expected, with both groups endorsing high levels of somatic and internalizing difficulties and similar psychological processes underlying pain outcomes. Gender differences demonstrating larger effect sizes are explored, and implications for chronic pain treatment are discussed.
Enhanced NIR photoemission from Bi‐doped aluminoborate glasses via topological tailoring of glass structure
Authors: Cao Jiangkun , Xue Yafei , Peng Jie , Li Xin , Huang MoKang , Xu Shanhui , Yang Zhongmin , Peng Mingying
Published: September 2018

Bismuth (Bi)‐doped laser glasses with broadband emission are of current interest in the fields of sensing, bio‐imaging, and photonics. For practical applications, it must be considered how to improve the emission efficiency, in particular, for borate glasses with wide glass‐forming range, low melting point, and excellent fiberizing ability. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate that addition of GeO2 to aluminoborate glasses can effectively enhance Bi NIR emission by more than 300 times with prolonged decay time (~500 μs) and good homogeneity, which is, to our best knowledge, seldom achieved in Bi‐doped borate multi‐component glasses. The addition of second glass‐former GeO2, as revealed by detailed optical and structural analysis, leads to the facile regulation on local glass structure, forcing the conversion of aluminum species from AlO5 and AlO6 to AlO4 and consequently pushes the conversion of Bi3+ to Bi+ and Bi0 and stabilizes Bi NIR centers, which finally results in highly enhanced Bi NIR emission. We believe these results could contribute to designing Bi‐activated multi‐component laser glass and fibers with efficient NIR photoemission.
In situ observation of crystallization of mold slag using a digital optical microscope in an infrared furnace
Authors: Zhu Lilong , Wang Qian , Wang Qiangqiang , Zhang Shaoda , He Shengping
Published: September 2018

The complete crystallization process of mold slag in the crucible (inner diameter: 6.2 mm) was successfully recorded in situ using a digital optical microscope and image processing software in an infrared furnace (IR‐MOP). The crystallization behavior of non‐volatile mold slag tested with the new method is consistent with the findings of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Although the volatilization ratios of volatile mold slag during both DSC and SHTT experiments are greater than 8%, it is less than 1.2% during IR‐MOP experiments equipped with an isolated observation system, which explains why the difference in the initial crystallization temperature measured by the three methods was very large. Therefore, IR‐MOP equipped with an isolated observation system can record and accurately measure the crystallization behavior of volatile mold slag.
Low‐temperature sintering of microwave ceramics with high Qf values through LiF addition
Authors: Lai Yuanming , Su Hua , Wang Gang , Tang Xiaoli , Huang Xin , Liang Xiaofeng , Zhang Huaiwu , Li Yuanxun , Huang Ke , Wang Xiao Renshaw
Published: September 2018

Microwave ceramic with low‐sintering temperature is one of the most important classes of material to realize the integration and miniaturization of microwave devices. In this work, in order to simultaneously realize low‐temperature sintering and good microwave dielectric properties, CaMgSi2O6–xLiF was sintered at various sintering temperatures using LiF as a sintering aid. In comparison to CaMgSi2O6 (x = 0) sintered at 1250°C, desirable microwave dielectric properties of εr = 7.45, Qf = 64 800 GHz, and τf = −34 ppm/°C and good chemical compatibility with the Ag electrodes, were achieved sintered at 900°C when adding 2 wt% LiF into CaMgSi2O6. Furthermore, a secondary phase, Li2MgSiO4, occurred at x ≥ 1 wt%, and the densest microstructure was obtained at the x value of ~2 wt%. We propose that the high Qf value and the low‐sintering temperature were obtained through moderate LiF addition, which promotes densification and provides Li as the acceptor dopant. By further verifying in Mg2SiO4 ceramic, our study demonstrates that the approach of adding LiF can realize low‐temperature sintering without jeopardizing the excellent microwave dielectric properties, and can potentially be applied in a wide range of low‐temperature sintering of electronic ceramics.
Indocyanine green retention test in cirrhosis and portal hypertension: Accuracy and relation to severity of disease
Authors: Møller Søren , la Cour Sibbesen Else , Madsen Jan Lysgård , Bendtsen Flemming
Published: September 2018

Background and Aims

Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension often develop complications relating to hepatic excretory dysfunction. The standard measurement of the hepatic excretion is the constant infusion indocyanine green clearance (ICGCI) technique. The ICG 15‐min retention test (ICG‐r15) is faster, more patient friendly, and cheaper. The aims were to compare the ICG‐r15 test with the standard method, to assess relations to patient characteristics and survival, and to assess the ICG‐r15 level in healthy control subjects.

Methods

This study included 68 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension (Child class A/B/C:17/37/14). All patients underwent a full liver vein catheterization and hemodynamic evaluation with determination of ICG‐r15 and ICGCI as the reference in a subset of 38 patients. Sixteen healthy control subjects were included for compiling a reference interval.

Results

The ICG‐r15 was increased in the cirrhotic patients with increasing values in parallel with liver dysfunction (15/41/58%) in Child class A/B/C compared with 7% in the controls (P < 0.001). ICG‐r15 correlated highly significantly with the ICGCI (r = −0.96, P < 0.0001) and in a multivariate regression analysis with hepatic venous pressure gradient, markers of liver dysfunction and hyperdynamic circulation (P < 0.05–0.005). In the control group, normal reference values ranged from 0% to 13%. In addition, ICG‐r15 was significantly related to mortality in the patient group (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Indocyanine green‐r15 reflects portal hypertension, the degree of hepatic failure, and survival and may replace the standard ICGCI. A more elaborated reference interval needs to be compiled, and the prognostic value of ICG‐r15 should be validated.
Role of probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy‐targeted biopsy in the molecular and histopathological study of gastric cancer
Authors: Park Chan Hyuk , Kim Hyunki , Jo Jeong Hyeon , Hahn Kyu Yeon , Yoon Jung‐Ho , Kim Soon Young , Lee Yong Chan , Noh Sung Hoon , Chung Hyun Cheol , Lee Sang Kil
Published: September 2018

Background and Aim

A high yield of biopsy is mandatory to perform molecular genetic research with endoscopically obtained gastric cancer tissues. We evaluated whether probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) can increase the yield of endoscopic biopsy for gastric cancer compared with white light endoscopy (WLE).

Methods

All lesions in the pCLE and WLE groups were initially evaluated through WLE. In the pCLE group, lesions were further examined through pCLE. In the pilot study, five and three biopsy specimens were obtained for histopathological examination and tumor marker analysis, respectively. In the confirmatory study, six biopsy specimens for histopathological evaluation were obtained.

Results

A total of 30 gastric cancers and 61 undifferentiated‐type gastric cancers were analyzed in the pilot and confirmatory studies, respectively. The proportion of cancer cells in biopsy samples of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma or signet ring cell carcinoma was higher in the pCLE group than in the WLE group in both the pilot and confirmatory studies (pilot: median proportion, 65% vs 30%, P = 0.010; confirmatory: mean ± standard deviation, 49.5 ± 29.3 vs 29.3 ± 13.7, P = 0.002). The expression ratio of tumor markers including carcinoembryonic antigen, GW112, HOX transcript antisense RNA, and H19 tended to be higher in the pCLE group than in the WLE group.

Conclusion

Probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy‐targeted biopsy provided superior results in terms of the proportion of cancer cells in biopsy samples compared with WLE‐targeted biopsy in gastric cancer with undifferentiated histology.
An observational study of the use of acute hospital care by people with intellectual disabilities in England
Authors: Glover G. , Williams R. , Tompkins G. , Oyinlola J.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Providing safe, high‐quality admitted‐patient care for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) requires consideration for their special needs particularly in relation to communication and consent. To make allowance for these special requirements, it would be helpful for hospitals to know how often they are likely to arise. This study set out to identify the amount and patterns of use of acute, non‐psychiatric hospital admitted‐patient care in England by people with ID. Patterns are considered in relation to clinical specialties, modes of admission (emergency or planned) and life stages (children and young people, working age and older adults). In each case, patterns for people with ID are compared with patterns for those without.

Methods

Descriptive observational study using a major general practitioner (GP) research database (Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD) linked to routine national statistical records of admitted‐patient care.

Results

Overall people identified by their GP as having ID had higher rates of admitted‐patient care episodes and longer durations of stay than those without. Differences varied considerably between clinical specialties with rates more elevated in medical and paediatric than surgical specialties. Admitted‐patient care rates for women with ID in obstetrics and gynaecology were lower than for other women, while rates for admitted‐patient dental care were much higher for both men and women with ID. In an average English health administrative area with a local population of 250 000 people, at any time, there are likely to be approximately 670 people receiving acute admitted‐patient care. Approximately six of these are likely to have been identified by their GP as having ID. At 0.9% of hospital in‐patients, this is just under twice the proportion in the population.

Conclusion and implications

Our figures are likely to be an underestimate as GP identification of people with ID is known to be far from complete. However, they indicate that the number of people with ID in acute hospital settings is likely to be substantially more than a recent survey of English health services indicated they were aware of. The study is intended to help guide expectations for acute hospitals seeking to audit the completeness of their identification of people with ID and to indicate their likely distribution between clinical specialties.
Nonlinear Pricing and the Market for Settling Payments
Authors: COPELAND ADAM , GARRATT RODNEY
Published: September 2018

Fedwire Funds is a real‐time gross settlement system that uses a decreasing block pricing scheme to attract nonurgent payments. A bank's optimal response to Fedwire's pricing depends on its perceived benefits to settling nonurgent payments quickly. If the urgency for immediate settlement is great enough, a bank responds to marginal price; otherwise, it responds to average price. We find banks respond to average price, suggesting that Fedwire's advantage over competing services of being able to provide immediate settlement is small. Moreover, attempts to increase demand for Fedwire services by lowering the cost of banks' final block of payments may be ineffective if there is not a corresponding decrease in average cost.
The problem of diagnosing von Willebrand's disease
Authors: BATLLE J. , TOREA J. , RENDAL E. , FERNÁNDEZ M.F.L.
Published: September 2018

Diagnosis of von Willebrand's disease (vWD), particularly vWD Type 1. remains a clinical problem for several aspects. Its definitive diagnosis requires documentation of three factors: bleeding, low levels of qualitively normal von Willebrand factor (vWF), and inheritance. In the absence of any of these factors the diagnosis may be only merely ‘possible’, or even unacceptable. Laboratory diagnosis of vWD includes screening tests and confirmatory tests. vWD Types 2 and 3 are relatively easy to diagnose and appear to be genetic disease of a single locus, the vWF gene. As new genetic and possibly non‐genetic factors are discovered, the diagnosis of vWD Type 1 may become easier.
Transport proteins in drug resistance: detection and prognostic significance in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: BROXTERMAN H.J. , SCHUURHUIS G.J.
Published: September 2018

Resistance to natural product‐derived anti‐cancer drugs, such as the anthracyclines and etoposide, contributes to the failure of chemotherapeutic treatment of leukaemia. One biological resistance mechanism of potential importance is the over‐expression of the plasma membrane drug transporter proteins P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) and multidrug resistance protein (MRP). Many studies have reported evidence for a correlation of Pgp/MDR1 expression with unfavourable prognostic features in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Failure to achieve complete remission (CR) is correlated with Pgp and the CD34+ phenotype. For MRP fewer data are available, which suggest a basal expression level in most AMLs. Another protein reported to correlate with treatment failure in AML is the lung resistance protein or major vault protein (LRP), a protein with a still unknown function. Co‐expression of Pgp and LRP especially seems to define an adverse prognostic population. Further progress towards the understanding of the clinical importance of these proteins is hampered by the lack of validation of methods to determine their expression. A reliable way to measure Pgp seems to be the assessment of the active transport of fluorescent Pgp substrates, such as rhodamine 123 out of AML cells. Such functional Pgp assays can be used to validate mRNA or protein measurements and to quantify the effect of Pgp or the magnitude of the effect of a blocker of the Pgp‐mediated drug efflux on the intracellular drug concentration. The prognostic value of such methods has still to be shown.
Treatment of acute myelogenous leukaemia
Authors: LÖWENBERG B.
Published: September 2018

The author presents a brief overview of current therapy in adults of various ages with acute myelogenous leukaemia, including remission induction and post‐remission treatment and the use of haematopoietic growth factors.
New strategies for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia
Authors: MANDELLI F.
Published: September 2018

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is a distinct entity of acute myeloid leukaemia characterized by blast cell morphology, severe coagulopathy and t(15:17) translocation that fuses the PML gene on chromosome 15 to the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR alpha) gene on chromosome 17. Past experience indicated that APL is highly sensitive to anthracycline‐based chemotherapy. GIMEMA experience reported a similar complete remission (CR) rate (77% versus 69%) in APL patients treated with idarubicin alone or idarubicin plus Ara‐C, respectively. At present all‐trans‐retinoic‐acid (ATRA) represents the mainstay of APL treatment. Current available clinical trials show that combination of ATRA and anthracycline induction therapy produces approximately 90% CR rate and seems to significantly improve disease‐free survival. Furthermore ATRA combined therapy reduces induction death rate since ATRA syndrome has been managed with high‐dose corticosteroids. However the development of ATRA resistance could limit the use of ATRA as post‐remission treatment and therefore future efforts should be addressed to the search of new retinoids with comparable clinical activity, which can overcome ATRA resistance.
Treatment of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: current status and future perspectives
Authors: MONTSERRAT E. , BOSCH F. , ROZMAN C.
Published: September 2018

In the last two decades, important advances have been made in the biology, natural history, and prognosis of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). In addition, treatment possibilities for patients with CLL have changed as a result of the identification of prognostic factors for survival and the availability of new drugs and treatment strategies. Patients in the early clinical stages (Binet A, Rai O) with stable disease have a probability of long survival and should not be treated unless the disease progresses. In contrast, most patients with poor prognostic features, such as an advanced clinical stage (Binet B, C; Rai III, IV), diffuse bone‐marrow infiltration or rapidly increasing blood lymphocyte levels, have a median survival probability of <5 years and require therapy. Purine analogues are highly effective. Among these, fludarabine has become the treatment of choice for patients failing standard therapies. The role of purine analogues either alone or in combination with other drugs as front‐line therapy is being investigated. Certain situations (e.g. autoimmune cytopenias, hypersplenism) require special treatment approaches (e.g. corticosteroids, splenectomy). Transplants of progenitor haemopoeitic cells are also increasingly performed and deserve further investigation in younger patients with poor prognostic features. As a result of these advances, symptoms palliation is no longer the only possible goal in CLL therapy; sustained remissions and even cures are likely to be obtained in the near future.
Antifungal treatment in patients with cancer
Authors: VISCOLI C. , CASTAGNOLA E. , MACHETTI M.
Published: September 2018

Invasive fungal infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Amphotericin B deoxycholate is still considered the gold standard of antifungal therapy, although the new triazoles (itraconazole and, especially, fluconazole) have shown to be able to replace amphotericin B for some therapeutic indications. The new lipid formulations of amphotericin B have disclosed new therapeutic perspectives, especially in patients with severe renal failure and documented infections. At this time, indications, contraindications and limitation of the various drugs in the anti‐fungal armamentarium are still partially unclear. Antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole may be indicated in high‐risk patients, although the duration of such prophylaxis should be limited as much as possible, in order to prevent selection of resistant strains and acquired resistance. Empirical anti‐fungal therapy is used extremely widely (maybe, too widely) in many cancer centres, despite being based on limited clinical data. For this indication, fluconazole may also be effective in patients not receiving fluconazole prophylaxis, in whom Aspergillus infection is unlikely.
Nutrients, but not genetic diversity, affect Gracilaria chilensis (Rhodophyta) farming productivity and physiological responses
Authors: Usandizaga Sara , Camus Carolina , Kappes José Luis , Guillemin Marie Laure , Buschmann Alejandro H.
Published: September 2018

In terrestrial plants, it is well known that genetic diversity can affect responses to abiotic and biotic stress and have important consequences on farming. However, very little is known about the interactive effects of genetic and environmental factors on seaweed crops. We conducted a field experiment on Gracilaria chilensis to determine the effect of heterozygosity and nutrient addition on two southern Chilean farms: Ancud and Chaica. In addition to growth rate and productivity, we measured photosynthetic responses, photosynthetic pigment concentration (chlorophyll a and phycobiliproteins), C:N ratio (C:N), and epiphytic load. Nutrient addition affected the growth rate, productivity, phycobilin, and C:N content, but not the epiphytic load. These results were independent of the heterozygosity of the strains used in the experiments. Interestingly, depending on the sampled sites, distinct photosynthetic responses (i.e., maximal quantum yield, Fv/Fm, and maximal electron transport rate, ETRmax) to nutrient addition were observed. We propose that thallus selection over the past few decades may have led to ecological differentiation between G. chilensis from Chaica and Ancud. The lack of effect of heterozygosity on growth and physiological responses could be related to the species domestication history in which there is a limited range of genetic variation in farms. We suggest that the existing levels of heterozygosity among our thalli is not sufficient to detect any significant effect of genetic diversity on growth or productivity in Metri bay, our experimental site located close to the city of Puerto Montt, during summer under nitrogen limiting conditions.
Strontium ion attenuates lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated proinflammatory cytokine expression and lipopolysaccharide‐inhibited early osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Wei Lingfei , Jiang Yuxi , Zhou Wenjuan , Liu Shutai , Liu Yuelian , Rausch‐Fan Xiaohui , Liu Zhonghao
Published: September 2018

Background and objective

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of the periodontium. The strontium ion (Sr2+) can prevent the bone loss associated with periodontitis and promote the regeneration of the bone. The mechanisms by which the Sr2+ works remain poorly understood. We aim to investigate the effects of the Sr2+ ion on cell proliferation, inflammatory regulation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) in pathological conditions.

Material and methods

hPDLCs were obtained from premolars that came from the orthodontic extraction. The hPDLCs were treated with Sr2+ and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which was applied as the pathological condition of periodontitis. The effect of the dose of Sr2+ on cell proliferation was analyzed using a Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. The gene and protein expression of proinflammatory cytokines were detected by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The osteogenic differentiation and mineralization were assessed by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction, alkaline phosphatase activity assay and alizarin red staining.

Results

Results demonstrated that Sr2+ in a range of concentrations from 0.02 to 2.5 mmol/L significantly improved the proliferation of hPDLCs. Sr2+ reversed LPS‐stimulated proinflammatory cytokine expressions such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐8. Moreover, Sr2+ rescued the LPS‐inhibited gene expression of osteogenic differentiation. Although it appeared to suppress the late mineralization, Sr2+ can reverse the LPS‐inhibited early osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs.

Conclusion

These results indicated that Sr2+ could attenuate the LPS‐stimulated proinflammatory molecule expression and inhibit early osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs.
Disentangling protist communities identified from DNA and RNA surveys in the Pearl River–South China Sea Continuum during the wet and dry seasons
Authors: Wu Wenxue , Liu Hongbin
Published: September 2018

Little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the assembly of microbial communities in the river–sea continuum. Here, we performed HiSeq paired‐end sequencing of the V4 region of 18S rRNA gene, using both DNA and RNA extracts, to identify protist communities in the surface and bottom water layers along a transect of the Pearl River–South China Sea Continuum (PSC) during the wet (summer) and dry (winter) seasons. We found that during the summer but not during the winter, protist communities, identified from their DNA or RNA signatures, could be better explained by mass effects and species sorting, respectively. Moreover, protist diversity in the DNA and RNA surveys exhibited similar trends along the transect, that is, a linear upstream‐to‐downstream decrease during the summer and a weakly U‐shaped curve during the winter. In contrast, the taxonomic compositions in the DNA‐ and RNA‐derived communities were remarkably different during either the summer or the winter. In summary, the results of our DNA and RNA surveys revealed the temporal assembly of protist communities in the PSC, which suggests that protist diversity and composition are highly responsive to the hydrographic conditions of the river–sea continuum.
Ploidy‐altered phenotype interacts with local environment and may enhance polyploid establishment inKnautia serpentinicola(Caprifoliaceae)
Authors: Čertner Martin , Sudová Radka , Weiser Martin , Suda Jan , Kolář Filip
Published: September 2018

Whole genome duplication is a key process in plant evolution and has direct phenotypic consequences. However, it remains unclear whether ploidy‐related phenotypic changes can significantly alter the fitness of polyploids in nature and thus contribute to establishment of new polyploid mutants in diploid populations.

We addressed this question using a unique natural system encompassing a diploid and its sympatric locally established autotetraploid derivative. By setting a common garden experiment with two manipulated environmental factors (presence/absence of serpentine substrate and competition), we tested whether these two locally important factors differently shape the phenotypic response of the two ploidy levels.

Tetraploids attained significantly higher values of both above‐ and below‐ground biomass, and root : shoot ratio compared to their diploid progenitors. Tetraploid superiority in vegetative fitness indicators was most prominent when they were cultivated together with a competitor in nutrient‐rich nonserpentine substrate.

We show that even genetically very closely related diploids and tetraploids can respond differently to key environmental factors. Provided there are sufficient nutrients, tetraploids can be more successful in tolerating interspecific competition than their diploid progenitors. Such superior performance might have provided an adaptive advantage for the newly established tetraploid promoting colonisation of new (micro‐)habitats, which was indeed observed at the natural site.
Testing ecological theory with lianas
Authors: Schnitzer Stefan A.
Published: September 2018

Contents

Summary
366

I.
Introduction
366

II.
Testing ecological theory: effects of the environment on lianas
369

III.
A unified explanation for liana distribution and the maintenance of liana diversity
370

IV.
Testing ecological theory: effects of lianas on the environment
373

V.
Theoretical effects of lianas on forest diversity
375

VI.
Lianas and trophic interactions in forests
375

VII.
Unresolved challenges in liana ecology
376

VIII.
Conclusions
377

Acknowledgements
377

References
377

Lianas constitute a diverse polyphyletic plant group that is advancing our understanding of ecological theory. Specifically, lianas are providing new insights into the mechanisms that control plant distribution and diversity maintenance. For example, there is now evidence that a single, scalable mechanism may explain local, regional, and pan‐tropical distribution of lianas, as well as the maintenance of liana species diversity. The ability to outcompete trees under dry, stressful conditions in seasonal forests provides lianas a growth advantage that, over time, results in relatively high abundance in seasonal forests and low abundance in aseasonal forests. Lianas may also gain a similar growth advantage following disturbance, thus explaining why liana density and diversity peak following disturbance at the local, forest scale. The study of ecology, however, is more than the effect of the environment on organisms; it also includes the effects of organisms on the environment. Considerable empirical evidence now indicates that lianas substantially alter their environment by consuming resources, suppressing tree performance, and influencing emergent properties of forests, such as ecosystem functioning, plant and animal diversity, and community composition. These recent studies using lianas are transcending classical tropical ecology research and are now providing novel insights into fundamental ecological theory.
Nursing and music: Considerations of Nightingale’s environmental philosophy and phenomenology
Authors: Parr Vijinski Jon , Hirst Sandra P. , Goopy Suzanne
Published: September 2018

A philosophy of nursing is to express our considered opinion on what we believe to be true about the nature of the profession of nursing and provide a basis for nursing activities. It affirms the ethical values that we hold as fundamental to our practice. For many of us in nursing, our philosophy derives from Nightingale and phenomenology. We believe Nightingale and phenomenology are uniquely placed within nursing philosophies, to assist the nurse to understand the use of music within a holistic, caring‐healing paradigm, as nursing continues to adapt and evolve in the 21st century. This article proposes that both Nightingale's environmental philosophy and phenomenology are excellent intellectual and practice frameworks for nurses to consider music‐based interventions for older adults who experience dementia. The potential outcome is an enhanced understanding of the well‐being of this vulnerable group of older persons.
The role of the dorsal striatum in choice impulsivity
Authors: Kim BaekSun , Im Heh‐In
Published: September 2018

It has long been recognized that the dorsal striatum is an essential brain region for control of action selection based on action–outcome contingency learning, particularly when the available actions are bound to rewarding outcomes. In principle, intertemporal choice in the delay‐discounting task—a validated measure of choice impulsivity—involves reward‐associated actions that require the recruitment of the dorsal striatum. Here, we conjecture about ways the dorsal striatum is involved in choice impulsivity. Based on a selective body of studies, we begin with a brief history of research on choice impulsivity and the dorsal striatum, and then provide a comprehensive summary of contemporary studies utilizing human neuroimaging and animal models to search for links between choice impulsivity and the dorsal striatum. In particular, we discuss in‐depth the converging evidence for the associations of choice impulsivity with the reward valuation coded by the caudate, a ventral‐to‐dorsal gradient in the dorsal striatum, the origins of striatal afferents, and developmental maturation of frontostriatal connectivity during adolescence.
Continuous cardiometabolic risk score definitions in early childhood: a scoping review
Authors: Kamel M. , Smith B. T. , Wahi G. , Carsley S. , Birken C. S. , Anderson L. N.
Published: September 2018

Background

Cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in young children has been measured using various approaches, including a continuous summary score that incorporates components such as adiposity, lipids, metabolic factors and blood pressure.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to comprehensively review definitions of continuous CMR scores in children <10 years of age.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using a systematic search of four scientific databases up to June 2016. Inclusion criteria were children <10 years of age and report of a continuous CMR score.

Results

Ninety‐one articles were included. Most studies were published from 2007 to 2016 (96%). Nearly all continuous CMR scores (90%) were calculated using the sum or the mean of z‐scores, and many articles age‐standardized and sex‐standardized components within their own population. The mean number of variables included in the risk scores was 5 with a range of 3–11. The most commonly included score components were waist circumference (52%), triglycerides (87%), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (67%), glucose (43%) and systolic blood pressure (52%).

Importance

Continuous CMR scores are emerging frequently in the child health literature and are calculated using numerous methods with diverse components. This heterogeneity limits comparability across studies. A harmonized definition of CMR in childhood is needed.
Bioprosthetic tricuspid valve dysfunction in patients with transvalvular or epicardial pacing leads
Authors: Shafquat Azam , Salahuddin Nawal , Aldawood Wafa , Alassas Khadija , Al‐Ghamdi Bandar , Fadel Bahaa M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Dysfunction of native tricuspid valves due to transvenous pacing leads is well described. Patients with bioprosthetic tricuspid valve (BTV) who need ventricular pacing are often advised epicardial lead placement to avoid potential damage to the BTV although there are no data to support this.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of BTV dysfunction in patients with permanent transvenous right ventricular pacemaker lead and compare it to patients with epicardial leads.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with BTV with ventricular pacing lead was conducted. Demographics, lead, BTV, and echocardiographic data were collected. Frequency of BTV dysfunction (moderate or severe) regurgitation or stenosis was compared between epicardial and transvalvular lead groups.

Results

Forty‐six patients with BTV and ventricular pacing lead (20 transvalvular and 26 epicardial leads) were identified. Mean age was 46 years with the majority being female (85%) and with rheumatic heart disease (87%). Both groups were similar in age, sex, and indications for BTV. Mean echocardiographic follow‐up was for 5.5 years (±4.1 years). BTV dysfunction was similar between the transvalvular group with six (30%) patients and the epicardial group with five (19.2%) patients. The incidence of BTV dysfunction was greater in patients in sinus rhythm compared to patients in atrial fibrillation (50% vs 10%, P  =  0.004).

Conclusion

Development of BTV dysfunction is similar in patients with transvalvular ventricular leads and epicardial leads. The incidence of BTV dysfunction was higher in patients with sinus rhythm compared to atrial fibrillation.
Knowledge Grounded on Pure Reasoning
Authors: Rosa Luis
Published: September 2018

In this paper, I deal with epistemological issues that stem from the hypothesis that reasoning is not only a means of transmitting knowledge from premise‐beliefs to conclusion‐beliefs but also a primary source of knowledge in its own right. The idea is that one can gain new knowledge on the basis of suppositional reasoning. After making some preliminary distinctions, I argue that there are no good reasons to think that purported examples of knowledge grounded on pure reasoning are just examples of premise‐based inferences in disguise. Next, I establish what kinds of true propositions can to a first approximation be known on the basis of pure reasoning. Finally, I argue that beliefs that are competently formed on the basis of suppositional reasoning satisfy both externalist and internalist criteria of justification.
Intra‐strain Variability in the Effects of Temperature on UV‐B Sensitivity of Cyanobacteria
Authors: Islam Md Ashraful , Beardall John , Cook Perran
Published: September 2018

Stratospheric ozone depletion is mostly marked over the Antarctic and to a lesser extent over the Arctic, though recent reports have revealed that this also occurs at lower latitudes. Continued depletion of ozone in the lower stratosphere allows more UVR to reach the Earth's surface. Furthermore, it is projected that surface water temperatures will increase by between 0.2 and 2.0°C by the year 2060 and this will directly or indirectly influence algal growth. The interactions between environmental factors are complicated by the existence of different strains (ecotypes) of the same species that may respond differently. To understand the interactive effects of temperature and UV‐B on two strains of Anabaena circinalis, we investigated the damaging effects of UV‐B on cell numbers and photosynthetic characteristics and also examined the effect of temperature on the capacity of cells to recover from such stress. Both strains of A. circinalis responded differently in terms of survival, photosynthetic characteristics and recovery with interactions between temperature and UV‐B. This could be due to the variations in strain‐specific photoreactive mechanisms. This needs to be explored further including more strains and species before definitive conclusions can be reached about effects of global change on cyanobacteria generally.
Sources of resistance in Musa to Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum, the causal agent of banana xanthomonas wilt
Authors: Nakato G. V. , Christelová P. , Were E. , Nyine M. , Coutinho T. A. , Doležel J. , Uwimana B. , Swennen R. , Mahuku G.
Published: September 2018

It is claimed that, with the exception of Musa balbisiana, all banana varieties are susceptible to bacterial wilt caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm). Despite being resistant to Xcm infection, M. balbisiana is not preferred for breeding because it belongs to the BB genome subgroup, while most edible bananas are of the A genome. To identify potential sources of resistance to Xcm, 72 banana accessions representing the Musa genetic diversity were evaluated in an outdoor confined potted trial. The midribs of the youngest leaf of 3‐month‐old banana plants were inoculated with 108 CFU mL−1 of Xcm isolate USY13P, and symptom development assessed weekly for 4 months. Results confirmed that M. balbisiana genotypes are indeed resistant to Xcm. Varieties within the Musa acuminata subsp. zebrina (AA) set were further identified as potentially useful sources of Xcm resistance. These findings reveal the potential to develop banana and plantain varieties with tolerance to Xcm.