bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mRNA profilin identifies low levels of phosphatases dual-specific phosphatase-7 (DUSP7) and cell division cycle-25B (CDC25B) in patients with early arthritis
Authors: Castro-Sánchez P , Ramirez-Munoz R , Lamana A , Ortiz A , González-Álvaro I , Roda-Navarro P
Published: March 2017

Phosphotyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) control phosphorylation levels and, consequently, regulate the output of intracellular signalling networks in health and disease. Despite the high number of PTPs expressed in CD4 T cells and their involvement in autoimmunity, information about the expression profile of PTPs in these cells has not been obtained in patients diagnosed with autoimmune diseases. Here, we compare the expression profile of PTPs in CD4 T cells of healthy volunteers and patients submitted to an early arthritis clinic, due to suspicion of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease mediated by CD4 T cells. We found lower transcript levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase dual-specific phosphatase-7 (DUSP7) and the cell division cycle-25B (CDC25B) in T cells of patients. While the low expression level of DUSP7 was restricted to patients with positive rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, the altered expression of CDC25B correlated with the activity of the disease. Low levels of CDC25B might contribute to the progression of the autoimmune arthritis and/or might be consequence of the inflammatory environment in the active disease. The possible role of DUSP7 and CDC25B as biomarkers of the disease in clinical protocols is discussed.
The identification of up-regulated ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p targeting MALT1 and ebv-miR-BHRF1-3 in the circulation of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wang Y F , He D D , Liang H W , Yang D , Yue H , Zhang X M , Wang R , Li B , Yang H X , Liu Y , Chen Y , Duan Y X , Zhang C Y , Chen X , Fu J
Published: March 2017

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a well-documented aetiological factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). EBV encodes at least 44 microRNAs (miRNAs) that are readily detectable in the circulation of human. Previous studies have demonstrated that EBV-encoded miRNAs regulate host immune response and may serve as biomarkers for EBV-associated diseases. However, the roles of EBV miRNAs in MS are still unknown. To fill the gap, we conducted a comprehensive profiling of 44 mature EBV miRNAs in 30 relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients at relapse and 30 matched healthy controls. Expression levels of ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p and ebv-miR-BHRF1-3 were elevated significantly in the circulation and correlated positively with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores of MS patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses confirmed that the expression of these two miRNAs distinguished MS patients clearly from healthy controls. Luciferase assays revealed that ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p may directly target MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma transport protein 1), a key regulator of immune homeostasis. In conclusion, we described the expression of EBV miRNAs in MS and preliminarily validated the potential target genes of significantly altered EBV miRNAs. The findings may pave the way for prospective study about the pathogenesis of MS.
Vernachlässigte klinische Merkmale der follikulotropen Mycosis fungoides: eine große klinische Fallserie
Authors: Baykal Can , Atci Tugba , Ozturk Sari Sule , Polat Ekinci Algun , Buyukbabani Nesimi
Published: March 2017

Hintergrund und Ziel

Als seltene Form der Mycosis fungoides (MF), ist die follikulotrope MF (FMF) durch ein breites Spektrum klinischer Symptome gekennzeichnet. Dazu gehören, neben den vorherrschenden follikulären Läsionen, auch viele atypische Manifestationen. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war eine klinische Bewertung von FMF‐Patienten, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von vernachlässigten dermatologischen Merkmalen.

Patienten und Methodik

Insgesamt wurden 27 FMF‐Patienten aus dem 572 Patienten umfassenden MF‐Register unserer Abteilung retrospektiv bezüglich ihrer Demographie sowie der klinischen Merkmale, Behandlungsformen, Nachsorge und Therapieergebnisse bewertet.

Ergebnisse

Neben den bekannten klinischen Symptomen der FMF fanden wir Lichen‐spinulosus‐artige Läsionen mit begleitender Hypopigmentierung (n = 3) und Alopezie (n = 2), infiltrierte/erhabene, erythematöse Plaques im Gesicht, die zunächst als Lupus tumidus angesehen wurden (n = 2), pseudotumorale Läsionen, die klinisch eine MF im Tumorstadium vortäuschten (n = 1), dauerhafte Exkoriationen (n = 1), erythematöse, Rosazea‐artige Papeln im Gesicht (n = 1) sowie kuppelförmige, asymptomatische, mit Muzin gefüllte (in der Histologie) Papeln/Knoten (n = 2), die andere krankheitsbedingte Läsionen überlagerten. Es kamen mehrere Therapieansätze mit unterschiedlichem Ergebnis zur Anwendung. Acht (29,6 %) Patienten hatten FMF im Spätstadium.

Schlussfolgerungen

Das Bewusstsein für vernachlässigte klinische Symptome kann wesentlich dazu beitragen, verspätete Diagnosen dieser aggressiven MF‐Variante zu verringern.
Using species distribution models to locate animal aggregations: a case study withHippodamia undecimnotata(Schneider) overwintering aggregation sites
Authors: SUSSET ELINE C. , MAGRO ALEXANDRA , HEMPTINNE JEAN‐LOUIS
Published: March 2017

1. The protection of animals' aggregation sites is increasingly seen as a key conservation strategy. However, to efficiently protect aggregation sites, they need to be accurately located. Species distribution models (SDMs) are an important tool in biological conservation to predict spatial distribution of species and they are used here to predict the distribution of the aggregation sites of a ladybird (Coleoptera:Coccinellidae) species.

2.Hippodamia undecimnotataforms spectacular overwintering aggregations at the same locations every year across southern and easternEurope. In this study, anSDMwas developed and its performance tested forH. undecimnotataaggregations in southwestFrance. Moreover, the study looked at how environmental variables correlate with ladybirds' abundance in the aggregation sites.

3. The occurrence of aggregations was best described by one model including isolated prominent object, pesticide risk, altitude and vegetation coverage. Furthermore, ladybird abundance at the aggregation sites is positively correlated with altitude. TheSDMoccurrence model performance was found to be high (area under the curve = 0.92 and true skill statistic = 0.78).

4. It is suggested thatH. undecimnotatamay be an umbrella species, because some aggregation sites were also used by other ladybird species. Therefore, the protection of the aggregation sites of this species may benefit several other species.

5. This study provides nature conservation stakeholders with a tool to locate overwintering aggregations, a first step towards the protection of these sites.
Risk factors for vascular complications and treatment patterns at diagnosis of 2389 PV and ET patients: Real‐world data from the Swedish MPN Registry
Authors: Abdulkarim Khadija , Samuelsson Jan , Johansson Peter , Andréasson Björn
Published: March 2017

Objective

The study mainly aimed at investigating possible correlations between peripheral blood counts, erythropoietin (EPO), JAK2 V617F mutation, and vascular complications prior to diagnosis of a population‐based cohort of newly diagnosed patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).

Method

The study comprises 1105 patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and 1284 patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) registered in the Swedish MPN Registry.

Results

Vascular complications, prior to diagnosis, were registered in 37% of PV patients. In multivariate analysis, low hemoglobin was the only significant risk factor (P=.0120). Among ET patients, 35% had encountered a vascular complication. Risk factors for thromboembolic complications in ET were identified as age>65 years, white cell count>12×109/L, and the presence of JAK2 V617F mutation (P=.0004, P=.0038, and P=.0016, respectively). A JAK2 V617F mutation was present in 71% of ET patients with vascular complications, compared to 60% in patients without. A majority of complications were thromboembolic, in both PV and ET.

Conclusion

We conclude that vascular complications among newly diagnosed patients had affected more than one‐third of our study population. Risk factors for vascular complications prior to diagnosis were lower hemoglobin in PV, and the presence of JAK2 V617F mutation, higher age, and leukocytosis in ET.
Are Investors Concerned by Annual Corporate Governance Reports? Some Evidence from the Spanish Stock Market
Authors: Martinez‐Blasco Monica , Garcia‐Blandon Josep , Castillo‐Merino David
Published: March 2017

While prior research has generally shown a positive price reaction to voluntary declarations of compliance with codes of corporate governance, this is the first paper to examine how investors react to the release of mandatory corporate governance reports. Positive reactions to declarations of compliance are generally interpreted in terms of signalling effects for those companies more committed with transparency. However, once corporate governance reports are mandatory, such signalling effects make no sense anymore. In the current context, the market would react according to the relevance of the information conveyed by the report. While prior related research has examined market reactions only through the behaviour of returns, we use three indicators: returns, price volatility and trading volumes. Our main result would be the lack of a significant market reaction to the release of corporate governance reports. This finding is robust as it is reported for each indicator of market reaction. However, for some subsamples of firms we show some weak reactions in the lines suggested by the agency theory. Our results might have some implications for regulators and policy makers when designing corporate governance regulations.
BNIP3 promotes the motility and migration of keratinocyte under hypoxia
Authors: Zhang Junhui , Zhang Dongxia , Yan Tiantian , Jiang Xupin , Zhang Can , Zhao Liping , Li Lingfei , Tang Di , Zhang Qiong , Jia Jiezhi , Zhang Jiaping , Huang Yuesheng
Published: March 2017

The migration of keratinocytes from wound margins plays a critical role in the re‐epithelialization of skin wounds. Hypoxia occurs immediately after injury and acts as an early stimulus to initiate the healing processes. Although our previous studies have revealed that hypoxia promotes keratinocyte migration, the precise mechanisms involved remain unclear. Here, we found that BNIP3 expression was upregulated in hypoxic keratinocytes, and BNIP3 silencing suppressed hypoxia‐induced cell migration. Additionally, hypoxia activated the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathway through upregulation of BNIP3, while FAK inhibition attenuated hypoxic keratinocyte migration. Here, we conclusively demonstrate a novel role for BNIP3 in hypoxia‐induced keratinocyte migration. Furthermore, we provide a new perspective on the molecular mechanisms of wound healing and identify BNIP3 as a potential new molecular target for clinical treatments to enhance wound healing.
How Human Ecology Students Choose A Major
Authors: Morgan Kari , Jackson Clayton R. , Reeves Madisen , Reece Valadez Caitlin E.
Published: March 2017

Choosing a major is a significant decision in the life of college students; yet, very little is known about how students in family and consumer sciences disciplines choose their majors. This study shares the stories of how 75 students enrolled in a College of Human Ecology chose their majors. Analysis of the stories indicated that students chose majors based on their experiences, influence from others, information gathering, and goals for the future. Results from this exploratory study can be used to help Family and Consumer Sciences faculty and administrators recruit, retain, and graduate students in a timely manner.
Migraine With Neurological Features in a Scuba Diver With a Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Ali Ashhar , Rothner A. David
Published: March 2017

Neurologic complications of decompression sickness have been observed for over half of a century. Little is known, however, about the risk of diving in patients that suffer from migraine with aura (MWA). We report the case of a pediatric patient with a history of migraine with aura, who was later found to have a PFO, who developed headache with neurological symptoms during a scuba diving lesson.
The hurdle effect of osmotic pretreatment and high‐pressure cold pasteurisation on the shelf‐life extension of fresh‐cut tomatoes
Authors: Dermesonlouoglou Efimia K. , Andreou Varvara , Alexandrakis Zacharias , Katsaros George J. , Giannakourou Maria C. , Taoukis Petros S.
Published: March 2017

Tomatoes are perishable products due to the activity of microorganisms and endogenous enzymes. The objective was to produce cut tomatoes with extended shelf life, using the combined hurdle effect of osmotic pretreatment (OD) and high pressure (HP), instead of a conventional one‐step thermal process. Samples were processed in a multicomponent osmotic solution at 35 °C, subsequently cold‐pasteurised in pack at 600 MPa and stored at 5–15 °C. Quality deterioration during isothermal and nonisothermal storage was kinetically modelled. Both OD process and OD‐HP combined process caused an increase in lycopene content that was well retained. Texture, colour and flavour of treated samples were evaluated as similar to fresh, with OD‐HP samples showing better retention during storage. Being microbiologically stable, shelf life of OD‐HP samples was limited by sensory deterioration, whereas OD samples were rejected due to eventual microbial growth. Shelf life of OD and OD‐HP samples was estimated at 77 and 181 days, respectively, at 5 °C.
Effect of high‐pressure treatments prior to cooking on gelling properties of unwashed protein from barramundi (Lates calcarifer) minced muscle
Authors: Truong Binh Q. , Buckow Roman , Nguyen Minh H. , Furst John
Published: March 2017

Heat‐induced gelling properties of barramundi minced muscle with 1.5% and 2% added salt were assessed after application of pressures at 300, 400 and 500 MPa at 4 °C (initial temperature) for 10 min and subsequent cooking at 90 °C for 30 min. Whiteness, gel‐forming ability, water‐holding capacity, hardness and springiness of the barramundi gels increased as applied pressure and salt concentration increased. At 2% salt concentration, high‐pressure treatment results in barramundi gels with higher gel strength, mechanical properties and smoother texture as compared to conventional heat‐induced gels (0.1 MPa, 90 °C for 30). At a reduced salt concentration (1.5%) and pressure ≥ 400 MPa, the quality (gel strength, water‐holding capacity, hardness and springiness) of pressurised cooked gels is comparable to those heat‐induced gels with 2% added salt, but the microstructure is smoother. Scanning electron microscope images of pressurised cooked gels showed dense and compact network with smoother surface than those of heat‐only‐induced gels. Thus, application of high‐pressure treatment prior to cooking could be an effective method to enable reduced salt concentration in barramundi gels.
Escherichia coli biotransformation of daidzein fermentation products from soy‐based foods—relevance to food oestrogenicity‐based functionality
Authors: Ye Hui , Dudley Samantha Z. , Shaw Ian C.
Published: March 2017

Oestrogenic isoflavones (e.g. daidzein) present in soy‐based foods are likely to be important in food functionality. Biotransformation of daidzein during fermentation‐based soy‐containing food manufacture forms three trihydroxy metabolites, 6‐ortho‐hydroxydaidzein (6‐OHD), 8‐ortho‐hydroxydaidzein (8‐OHD) and 3′‐ortho‐hydroxydaidzein (3′‐OHD) which alters the oestrogenicity of the final food product. We report that Escherichia coli (a key component of the gut microbiome) metabolism converts 8‐OHD to 6‐OHD with a likely concomitant increase in oestrogenicity. This means that the functionality of 8‐OHD‐containing soy‐based foods is altered by gut microbiome metabolism. This change in oestrogenicity‐based food functionality might have benefits for postmenopausal women, while being a feminising health risk for males and could add to the risk of oestrogen‐mediated precocious puberty in girls.
Local Immigration Enforcement and Local Economies
Authors: Bohn Sarah , Santillano Robert
Published: March 2017

We examine the impacts of a locally enforced immigration program—287(g)—on private employer reports to the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. Using contiguous‐county pairs to account for time‐varying local economic shocks, we identify impacts on immigrant‐intensive industries that are robust to prepolicy time trends, implementation timing, and the exclusion of pairs with large prepolicy differences. Reported employment was 4 percent higher in manufacturing, but 7–10 percent lower in administrative services. These results are consistent with adverse labor‐supply shocks, and, to a lesser extent, a decline in labor demand for locally produced goods and services.
Do Innovative Work Practices and Use of Information and Communication Technologies Motivate Employees?
Authors: Martin Ludivine
Published: March 2017

I investigate the impact of innovative work practices and information and communication technologies (ICT) use on employees’ motivations. The paper provides new and interesting results on how firms can build a motivational environment. Within an original instrumenting framework, I modify what previous analyses reveal about quality circle and training participation. The results confirm the positive role of work practices such as teamwork, quality norms, formal appraisals, management recognition, and family‐friendly policies. The ICT that most contributed to the development of a motivational environment are those that facilitate access to information and knowledge such as workflow, Internet, and e‐mail.
Do Occupational Regulations Increase Earnings? Evidence from China
Authors: Chi Wei , Kleiner Morris M. , Qian Xiaoye
Published: March 2017

We examine the influence of occupational certification and licensing in China. In the empirical analysis, we find that licensing is associated with an average of 15 percent higher wages and certification with a 13–14 percent higher wage based on ordinary least squares estimates. However, using propensity score and instrumental variable estimates suggests that part of the positive effect of certification on wages is due to self‐selection. In addition, the characteristics of a certificate or license, such as the type and quantity, further influence wage determination in China.
White‐emitting phosphor Ba2B2O5:Ce3+, Tb3+, Sm3+: Luminescence, energy transfer, and thermal stability
Authors: Xu Shuchao , Wang Zhijun , Li Panlai , Li Ting , Bai Qiongyu , Sun Jiang , Yang Zhiping
Published: March 2017

A series of Ba2B2O5: RE (RE=Ce3+/Tb3+/Sm3+) phosphors were synthesized using high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD), luminescent properties, and decay lifetimes are utilized to characterize the properties of the phosphors. The obtained phosphors can emit blue, green, and orange‐red light when single‐doped Ce3+, Tb3+, and Sm3+. The energy can transfer from Ce3+to Tb3+and Tb3+to Sm3+in Ba2B2O5, but not from Ce3+to Sm3+in Ce3+and Sm3+codoped in Ba2B2O5. However, the energy can transfer from Ce3+to Sm3+through the bridge role of Tb3+. We obtain white emission based on energy transfer of Ce3+→Tb3+→Sm3+ions. These results reveal that Ce3+/Tb3+/Sm3+can interact with each other in Ba2B2O5, and Ba2B2O5may be a potential candidate host for white‐light‐emitting phosphors.
Initial psychometric testing and validation of the patient participation in pressure injury prevention scale
Authors: Chaboyer Wendy , Harbeck Emma , Bucknall Tracey , McInnes Elizabeth , Thalib Lukman , Whitty Jennifer , Wallis Marianne , Gillespie Brigid
Published: March 2017

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop the Patient Participation in Pressure injury Prevention (PPPIP) scale and undertake initial testing of some of its psychometric properties.

Background

Clinical practice guidelines recommend patient involvement in pressure injury prevention. There is some evidence that patients are willing to participate in this activity, but there are currently no instruments to measure this participation.

Design

This methodological study used data collected as part of a cluster randomized trial to develop and test the PPPIP scale.

Methods

A sample of 688 of patients with complete PPPIP scale data was used. A stratified random subsample, (Subsample A) was created and the remainder became Subsample B. Item analysis, exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha reliability were undertaken in Subsample A. Confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha reliability were undertaken in Subsample B. Data collection occurred between June 2014 ‐ May 2015.

Results

In Subsample A (n = 320), inter‐item correlations, item total correlations met the acceptance criteria and an exploratory factor analysis identified a one factor solution. In Subsample B (n = 368), the confirmatory factor analysis supported this one factor. In both subsamples, the Cronbach's alpha was 0·86.

Conclusion

This study provides preliminary evidence of acceptable reliability and validity of the PPPIP scale in two subsamples of hospitalized patients who had limited mobility. It may be used in research and quality improvement activities. As a better conceptual understanding of patient participation emerges, the PPPIP scale may require refinement.
Corporate Innovation Strategy, Analyst Forecasting Activities and the Economic Consequences
Authors: Jia Ning
Published: March 2017

We examine the impact of corporate innovation strategy on analyst following and forecasting performance, as well as the associated economic consequences. Using a sample of US firms from 1992−2012, we find that firms pursuing an exploration‐oriented innovation strategy (as opposed to an exploitation‐oriented innovation strategy) are associated with lower analyst coverage, higher forecast error and dispersion. The effect is less pronounced for firms with greater disclosure of innovation activities, and for firms followed by analysts with more firm‐specific experience. We also examine how innovation strategy affects the perceived credibility of analyst forecasts and find that investors appear to be less responsive to forecast revisions issued for exploratory firms. Such firms also incur a higher level of cash holdings, greater internal financing, and lower dividend ratio. The findings of this paper advance our understanding of how a public company's choice of innovation strategy affects its performance in the capital markets as well as the associated economic consequences.
Reconceptualizing Intuition in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Carter Craig R. , Kaufmann Lutz , Wagner Claudia M.
Published: March 2017

Studies in the psychology and management disciplines suggest that intuition might be able to complement rationality as an effective decision‐making approach. Yet, a review of how decision makers in supply chain contexts can benefit from using their intuition demonstrates that our discipline lacks a unifying conceptualization and operationalization of the complex intuition construct. Our study addresses this opportunity by following an extensive mixed‐method approach, in which we first use qualitative content analysis and quantitative testing to conceptualize intuition as a multidimensional construct consisting of experience‐based, emotional, and automatic‐processing dimensions. We then operationalize and empirically assess multidimensionality using a multiple study format, and perform an inferential analysis to begin to assess nomological validity. Our reconceptualization of intuition allows for a richer understanding of this key facet of supply chain management decision making, and our accompanying scale provides evidence of its multidimensionality and efficacy in making decisions in the uncertain and time‐constrained environments that supply chain managers often face.
Quality of life and comorbidities in palmoplantar pustulosis – a cross‐sectional study on 102 patients
Authors: Trattner H. , Blüml S. , Steiner I. , Plut U. , Radakovic S. , Tanew A.
Published: March 2017

Background

Association of palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) with metabolic and autoimmune diseases has been reported in mostly small case series or anecdotal cases.

Objective

To assess health‐related quality of life and prevalence of comorbidities in a large cohort of PPP patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study on patients with either active or past PPP. Disease severity was measured by the Palmoplantar Pustulosis Area and Severity Index (ppPASI). Quality of life was assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Comorbidities were evaluated by medical history, blood examination, stool testing for Helicobacter pylori antigen and screening tools for depression and psoriatic arthritis.

Results

A total of 102 patients (87 women, 15 men) with a mean age of 52.6 ± 14.1 years were evaluated. The mean DLQI was 7 ± 6. Comorbidities were frequent and consisted of hypercholesterolaemia (38%), hypertension (32%), obesity (27%), metabolic syndrome (26%), depression (24%), diabetes (19%), autoimmune thyroiditis (16%) and psoriatic arthritis (16%).

Conclusion

Patients with PPP have an impaired quality of life and a broad range of comorbidities. Contrary to other reports, our investigation failed to show an association between PPP and coeliac disease or H. pylori infection.
Clinicians guide for cue‐based transition to oral feeding in preterm infants: An easy‐to‐use clinical guide
Authors: Lubbe Welma
Published: March 2017

Rationale, aims and objectives

This article aims to provide evidence to guide multidisciplinary clinical practitioners towards successful initiation and long‐term maintenance of oral feeding in preterm infants, directed by the individual infant maturity.

Method

A comprehensive review of primary research, explorative work, existing guidelines, and evidence‐based opinions regarding the transition to oral feeding in preterm infants was studied to compile this document.

Results

Current clinical hospital practices are described and challenged and the principles of cue‐based feeding are explored. “Traditional” feeding regimes use criteria, such as the infant's weight, gestational age and being free of illness, and even caregiver intuition to initiate or delay oral feeding. However, these criteria could compromise the infant and increase anxiety levels and frustration for parents and caregivers. Cue‐based feeding, opposed to volume‐driven feeding, lead to improved feeding success, including increased weight gain, shorter hospital stay, fewer adverse events, without increasing staff workload while simultaneously improving parents' skills regarding infant feeding. Although research is available on cue‐based feeding, an easy‐to‐use clinical guide for practitioners could not be found. A cue‐based infant feeding regime, for clinical decision making on providing opportunities to support feeding success in preterm infants, is provided in this article as a framework for clinical reasoning.

Conclusions

Cue‐based feeding of preterm infants requires care providers who are trained in and sensitive to infant cues, to ensure optimal feeding success. An easy‐to‐use clinical guideline is presented for implementation by multidisciplinary team members. This evidence‐based guideline aims to improve feeding outcomes for the newborn infant and to facilitate the tasks of nurses and caregivers.
Isolation, identification and pathogenicity of Vibrio harveyi, the causal agent of skin ulcer disease in juvenile hybrid groupers Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus
Authors: Shen G M , Shi C Y , Fan C , Jia D , Wang S Q , Xie G S , Li G Y , Mo Z L , Huang J
Published: March 2017

The hybrid grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (♀) × Epinephelus lanceolatus (♂), is a newly bred cultivated marine fish species of high economic value. However, a skin ulcer disease with high mortality has occurred, and the responsible pathogen remains unknown. In this study, we summarized the epidemic status and external signs of this disease. We screened potential pathogens and finally isolated one bacterial strain ML01 from affected fish. We subjected healthy juvenile hybrid groupers to bacterial challenge tests with the isolate by immersion, immersion after dermal abrasion and intraperitoneal injection, respectively. Within 14 days post‐infection, the isolate ML01 caused mass mortality of juveniles infected via immersion after dermal abrasion or intraperitoneal injection. Diseased juveniles displayed obvious signs of skin ulcers. The median lethal dose of ML01 by intraperitoneal injection was 1.10 × 105 colony‐forming units. ML01 was identified as Vibrio harveyi by bacterial morphology, analytical profile index identification, 16S rDNA sequencing and multilocus sequence analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that ML01 was sensitive to ceftriaxone, doxycycline and minocycline. The results of this study suggest that V. harveyi is the causal agent of skin ulcer disease in juvenile hybrid groupers, thus providing a basis for effective control and prevention of this disease.
Immigrant Family Resilience in Context: Using a Community‐Based Approach to Build a New Conceptual Model
Authors: Vesely Colleen K. , Letiecq Bethany L. , Goodman Rachael D.
Published: March 2017

Immigrant families settling in the United States face pressures to acculturate and become self‐sufficient, yet their lives are highly regulated by restrictive and punitive policies and programs that may hinder their ability to cope with exposure to trauma and to build resilience. We theorize that U.S. policies and practices may exacerbate immigration‐related trauma experiences and/or create new traumas and stressors for families. To demonstrate our reasoning, we use exemplar cases from our community‐based participatory research project in partnership with immigrant women. We situate and contextualize the lived experiences and uncertainties of immigrant families and offer a new conceptual model for understanding how macro‐level forces may impede immigrants' resilience. The model includes uncertainty and family separation; ecosystemic trauma and stress, including institutional betrayal trauma; limited navigational capital; and erosion of collectivism and community solidarity. Implications for future research and theory development are discussed.
Research on Correlates of Marital Quality and Stability in Muslim Countries: A Review
Authors: Sabour Esmaeili Nooshin , Schoebi Dominik
Published: March 2017

The study of marital quality and stability has attracted widespread attention over the past two decades, with considerable interest in identifying predictors of marital quality and (in)stability. Most of this research comes from Western countries, however, and similar research from other areas is only beginning to develop. In particular, little coherent literature in this area has emerged from Muslim countries. Understanding how marriages develop, succeed, and fail is important for families across the globe, and perspectives relying predominantly on Western data and research perspectives may be of limited use in other contexts. The current review summarizes the existing empirical literature on the basis of samples from predominantly Muslim countries; identifies existing evidence to reveal important gaps with particular emphasis on personal, interpersonal, and contextual factors; and explores potential mechanisms that might explain associations between these factors and indicators of marital functioning.
Neuronal and microglial mechanisms for neuropathic pain in the spinal dorsal horn and anterior cingulate cortex
Authors: Tsuda Makoto , Koga Kohei , Chen Tao , Zhuo Min
Published: March 2017

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating chronic pain condition occurring after damage in the nervous system and is refractory to the currently available treatments. Major challenges include elucidating its mechanisms and developing new medications to treat it. Nerve injury‐induced pain hypersensitivity involves aberrant excitability in spinal dorsal horn (SDH) neurons as a consequence of dysfunction of inhibitory interneurons and of hyperactivity of glial cells, especially microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system. Evidence of this is found using animal models to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuropathic pain. The pathologically altered somatosensory signals in the SDH then convey to the brain regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). In these regions, nerve injury produces pre‐ and postsynaptic long‐term plasticity, which contributes to negative emotions and anxiety associated with chronic pain conditions. Furthermore, recent evidence also indicates that the descending projection pathways from the ACC directly and indirectly to the SDH (the top‐down corticospinal network) regulate nociceptive sensory transmission in the SDH. Thus, understanding a possible connection between the SDH and ACC, including a neuron–microglia interaction, may provide us with insights into the mechanisms used to amplify pain signals related to neuropathic pain and clues to aid the development of new therapeutic agents for the management of chronic pain.

This article is part of the special article series “Pain”.

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The immiseration of the Korean farmer during the Japanese colonial period
Authors: Nam Paul S.
Published: March 2017

Focusing on the late 1920s to the mid‐1930s, this paper determines and analyses the societal conditions and structures leading to the immiseration of Korean farmers during the colonial period. Specifically, these were the deterioration of aspects of traditional society, indebtedness, and interest rates. These led to wide‐scale smallholder bankruptcies, resulting in their transformation into landless tenants, and ultimately resulting in a bifurcation into the “haves” and the “have‐nots” in the Korean countryside.
Chinese family caregivers of stroke survivors: Determinants of caregiving burden within the first six months
Authors: Han Yanhong , Liu Yilan , Zhang Xuelin , Tam Wilson , Mao Jing , Lopez Violeta
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To describe the family caregivers’ caregiving experience for stroke survivors and to identify the determinants of caregiving burden over 6 months.

Background

Sociocultural factors influence the caregiving experience in China. However, little is known about the dynamic changes occurring in Chinese caregivers’ burden and its determinants.

Design

This is a prospective longitudinal study.

Methods

A total of 328 participants (164 stroke survivors and 164 family caregivers) from the neurological units of three hospitals in Shiyan were examined during a 6‐month period at 1–2 days before discharge (T1) and 3 weeks (T2), 3 months (T3) and 6 months (T4) postdischarge using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Caregiver Strain Index and the Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression.

Results

Of the 209 dyads recruited, 164 completed all data collection phases, with 69% of the female caregivers aged 56.04 (SD = 4.0; range = 22–80) years. Caregivers reported higher mean burden at T1 (7.35 ± 2.9) but slightly decreased over time at T4 (6.34 ± 3.4), had borderline mean depressive symptoms only in T1 (9.71 ± 3.2) and T2 (9.02 ± 3.8) and had moderate mean social support throughout the 6‐month period. Determinants of caregiving burden were stroke survivors’ physical dependence, caregivers’ age, caring hours per day, depressive symptoms and social support, which explained 46.8%–55.0% of the total variance (p < .05).

Conclusion

Caregivers’ burden remains a serious problem in the first 6 months. It is an increasing hazard, especially for those at an advanced age who have depressive symptoms and care for severely dependent stroke survivors requiring more caring hours.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses need to be aware of and understand caregivers’ cultural values and beliefs about family obligations when considering an intervention to support them in their role at home.
In children requiring intravenous fluid for hydration maintenance, which out of hypotonic saline and isotonic saline is less likely to result in the development of hyponatraemia?
Authors: Tran Michael MA , Tantsis Esther M , Ging Joanne M
Published: March 2017

The administration of intravenous fluids remains a common intervention for hospitalised children. Commonly used hypotonic fluids administered at maintenance rates provide 2–4 mmol/kg/day of sodium. Being hypotonic, the development of hyponatraemia remains a risk. The consequences of hyponatraemia are not insignificant, with possibilities of irreversible neurological morbidity and mortality. There is currently no clear consensus on the optimal composition of fluids to be used for intravenous rehydration. A review of the available literature suggests that children who receive isotonic fluid have a lower risk of developing hyponatraemia, regardless of the rate of administration. This result is most applicable in the first 24 h of administration in a wide age group of paediatric patients with varying severities of illness.
Prolonged fever in an 8‐year‐old boy post‐Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Ahmad Bazlee Amirul H , Yeoh Daniel , Jensen Jesper , Cole Catherine , Princehorn Murray , Blyth Christopher C
Published: March 2017

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We've Come a Long Way Baby
Authors: Cooper Robert G.
Published: March 2017

See virtual issue: Collecting Robert G. Cooper's Articles as Author or Co‐Author from the Journal of Product Innovation Management, 1984–2016
Are Foraging Patterns in Humans Related to Working Memory and Inhibitory Control?
Authors: Jóhannesson Ómar I. , Kristjánsson Árni , Thornton Ian M.
Published: March 2017

In previous studies we have shown that human foraging patterns appear to be constrained by attention. However, we also noted clear individual differences in foraging ability, where some individuals can apparently keep more than one target template in mind during foraging. Here, we examine whether such individual differences relate to more general working memory capacity and/or the ability to inhibit a primed, or prepotent response. We had three main goals. First, to replicate general patterns of attention‐constrained foraging. Second, to verify that some individuals appear immune to such constraints. Third, to investigate a possible link between individual foraging style and working memory abilities measured on a digit‐span task and inhibitory control measured with a Stroop task. In sum, we replicated the finding that foraging differs greatly by whether foraging targets are defined by a single feature or a conjunction of features, but also again found that some observers show little differences in foraging between the two conditions, seemingly shifting with ease between search templates. In contrast, neither working memory nor Stroop performance were reliable predictors of these individual differences in foraging pattern. We discuss the implications of the findings for theories of visual attention.
Activation of leuO by LrhA in Escherichia coli
Authors: Breddermann Hannes , Schnetz Karin
Published: March 2017

LeuO is a conserved LysR‐type transcription factor of pleiotropic function in Enterobacteria. Regulation of the leuO gene has been best studied in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica. Its expression is silenced by the nucleoid‐associated proteins H‐NS and StpA, autoregulated by LeuO, and in E. coli activated by the transcription regulator BglJ‐RcsB. However, signals which induce leuO expression remain unknown. Here we show that LrhA, a conserved LysR‐type transcription regulator, activates leuO in E. coli. LrhA specifically binds the leuO regulatory region and activates expression of leuO from three promoters. Activation of leuO by LrhA is synergistic with activation by BglJ‐RcsB, while co‐regulation by LrhA, LeuO and H‐NS/StpA suggests a complex regulatory interplay. In addition, hyperactive LrhA mutants including LrhA‐12DN, 221TA, 61HR/221TA and 303DG were identified. Regulation of leuO by LrhA reveals a connection between the two pleiotropic regulators LeuO and LrhA in E. coli.
The nutrient‐sensing repertoires of mouse enterochromaffin cells differ between duodenum and colon
Authors: Martin A. M. , Lumsden A. L. , Young R. L. , Jessup C. F. , Spencer N. J. , Keating D. J.
Published: March 2017

Background

Enterochromaffin (EC) cells within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract provide almost all body serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]). Peripheral 5‐HT, released from EC cells lining the gut wall, serves diverse physiological roles. These include modulating GI motility, bone formation, hepatic gluconeogenesis, thermogenesis, insulin resistance, and regulation of fat mass. Enterochromaffin cells are nutrient sensors, but which nutrients they are responsive to and how this changes in different parts of the GI tract are poorly understood.

Methods

To accurately undertake such an examination, we undertook the first isolation and purification of primary mouse EC cells from both the duodenum and colon in the same animal. This allowed us to compare, in an internally controlled manner, regional differences in the expression of nutrient sensors in EC cells using real‐time PCR.

Key Results

Both colonic and duodenal EC cells expressed G protein‐coupled receptors and facilitative transporters for sugars, free fatty acids, amino acids, and lipid amides. We find differential expression of nutrient receptor and transporters in EC cells obtained from duodenal and colonic EC cells. Duodenal EC cells have higher expression of tryptophan hydroxylase‐1, sugar transporters GLUT2, GLUT5, and free fatty acid receptors 1 and 3 (FFAR1 and FFAR3). Colonic EC cells express higher levels of GLUT1, FFAR2, and FFAR4.

Conclusions & Inferences

We highlight the diversity of EC cell physiology and identify differences in the regional sensing repertoire of EC cells to an assortment of nutrients. These data indicate that not all EC cells are similar and that differences in their physiological responses are likely dependent on their location within the GI tract.
Preparatory attention in visual cortex
Authors: Battistoni Elisa , Stein Timo , Peelen Marius V.
Published: March 2017

Top‐down attention is the mechanism that allows us to selectively process goal‐relevant aspects of a scene while ignoring irrelevant aspects. A large body of research has characterized the effects of attention on neural activity evoked by a visual stimulus. However, attention also includes a preparatory phase before stimulus onset in which the attended dimension is internally represented. Here, we review neurophysiological, functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies investigating the neural basis of preparatory attention, both when attention is directed to a location in space and when it is directed to nonspatial stimulus attributes (content‐based attention) ranging from low‐level features to object categories. Results show that both spatial and content‐based attention lead to increased baseline activity in neural populations that selectively code for the attended attribute. TMS studies provide evidence that this preparatory activity is causally related to subsequent attentional selection and behavioral performance. Attention thus acts by preactivating selective neurons in the visual cortex before stimulus onset. This appears to be a general mechanism that can operate on multiple levels of representation. We discuss the functional relevance of this mechanism, its limitations, and its relation to working memory, imagery, and expectation. We conclude by outlining open questions and future directions.
Quantitative trait loci controlling leaf venation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Rishmawi Louai , Bühler Jonas , Jaegle Benjamin , Hülskamp Martin , Koornneef Maarten
Published: March 2017

Leaf veins provide the mechanical support and are responsible for the transport of nutrients and water to the plant. High vein density is a prerequisite for plants to have C4 photosynthesis. We investigated the genetic variation and genetic architecture of leaf venation traits within the species Arabidopsis thaliana using natural variation. Leaf venation traits, including leaf vein density (LVD) were analysed in 66 worldwide accessions and 399 lines of the multi‐parent advanced generation intercross population. It was shown that there is no correlation between LVD and photosynthesis parameters within A. thaliana.

Association mapping was performed for LVD and identified 16 and 17 putative quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in the multi‐parent advanced generation intercross and worldwide sets, respectively. There was no overlap between the identified QTLs suggesting that many genes can affect the traits. In addition, linkage mapping was performed using two biparental recombinant inbred line populations. Combining linkage and association mapping revealed seven candidate genes. For one of the candidate genes, RCI2c, we demonstrated its function in leaf venation patterning.
Value systems among adolescents: Novel method for assessing level of ego‐development
Authors: Kjellström Sofia , Sjölander Per , Almers Ellen , Mccall Mary E.
Published: March 2017

Children's value systems develop through youth and influence attitudes and actions. But there is a lack of appropriate measures for children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to construct and validate a questionnaire that reveals distinct value systems among adolescents, and to evaluate the identified value systems’ relationship to degree of ego‐development and moral development. A quantitative study in a Swedish School with ages 12 through 16 (grades 6 to 9) was performed (N = 204). A set of pattern recognition statistical analyses has been used to identify different profiles of values systems and demonstrate that these systems can be arranged in a hierarchical order similar to other development. Results revealed three value systems in this sample. The identified value systems reflect different degrees of moral and ego‐development among children in the study. Three distinct value systems were identified: the first (n = 9) and the second value systems (n = 35) correspond to pre‐conventional stages, and the third value system (n = 155) corresponds to early conventional stages of ego development. Ego development scoring of test statements to assess stages. The value system was significantly related to moral development in the personal interest and the maintaining norms schemas of the Defining Issues Test (DIT). However, many students did not complete the entire DIT, so those results should be looked at with caution. It appears that this new test (Test for Adolescent Value Systems – TAVS) does relate to an established ego development rating scale.