bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPACT of nurses′ solution‐focused communication on the fluid adherence of adult patients on haemodialysis
Authors: Beyebach Mark , Neipp María del Carmen , García‐Moreno Maite , González‐Sánchez Inés
Published: July 2018

Aim

To test the hypothesis that fluid adherence in patients on haemodialysis can be improved through nurses′ solution‐focused communication with patients on issues of adherence.

Background

Adherence to fluid‐intake restrictions is low in patients on haemodialysis, creating serious health risks. Psychosocial interventions to increase adherence have typically focused on patients and ignored patient/staff interactions.

Design

This is a single‐group, pre‐post pilot study registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT03432988).

Method

A 1‐month baseline of interdialytic weight gain was taken in April 2016 for a group of 36 adult patients in a hospital haemodialysis unit. Then, the nurses of the unit received a 4 hr training in solution‐focused communication on issues of fluid adherence and applied it with the patients of the sample. Interdialytic weight gains were measured during another month. One month after the training, in October 2016, interdialytic weight gains were measured for another month.

Results

After introducing solution‐focused communication on fluid adherence, patients′ average interdialytic weight gains decreased significantly, below the level considered indicative of problematic adherence. These results were maintained at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a novel approach to adherence, nurses′ solution‐focused communication with patients on haemodialysis, may improve patients′ adherence to fluid restriction. More rigorous, controlled studies are required to confirm long‐term benefits and to understand the causal mechanisms that may underlie the effectiveness of this intervention.
Ghanaian traditional and faith healers' explanatory models of intellectual disability
Authors: Kpobi Lily , Swartz Leslie
Published: July 2018

Background

The use of traditional/alternative medicine for health care in Africa has been examined for various conditions. However, there is limited research about traditional/alternative health care for intellectual disability. The present authors explored the explanatory models (EMs) of intellectual disability held by traditional/faith healers in Ghana.

Methods

Using a case vignette, the present authors conducted semi‐structured interviews with 36 traditional/faith healers in Accra, Ghana. Using the EMs of illness framework as a guide, participants were asked questions to examine their beliefs about the nature, causes, course and recommended treatment of intellectual disability.

Results

The healers' causal explanations included maternal negligence during pregnancy and spiritual factors. They also believed that intellectual disability was a congenital, lifelong condition which could not be cured.

Conclusions

Unlike other conditions which traditional healers claimed to cure, participants admitted that intellectual disability was not curable. The present authors suggest that the findings highlight opportunities that exist for collaboration between biomedicine and traditional medicine.
Cross‐border acquisitions and host country competitiveness
Authors: Otchere Isaac , Oldford Erin
Published: July 2018

We investigate the competitive effects of cross‐border takeovers and find that following the acquisitions, the competitiveness of cross‐border targets improves. The results for industry rivals, however, are mixed. Rivals of targets of cross‐border acquisitions experience improvements in their competitive position in the long term, while at the same time, their growth and market share suffer. These acquisitions lead to a shifting of market share from rivals to cross‐border targets, which is suggestive of increased industry concentration. Cross‐border acquisitions also enhance the host country's financial market development, and lead to increases in innovation in the host country. Overall, our results cast some doubts on the often pessimistic view of foreign takeovers held by some politicians that these deals are bad for the host country.
Feed and reproductive efficiency differences between divergently selected lines for birthweight environmental variability in mice
Authors: Formoso‐Rafferty Nora , de la Flor Miguel , Gutiérrez Juan Pablo , Cervantes Isabel
Published: July 2018

Sustainability has come to play an important role in agricultural production. A way to combine efficiency with sustainability might be by searching for robust animals that can be selected for the homogeneity of certain traits. Furthermore, the optimization of feed efficiency is one of the challenges to improve livestock genetics programmes, but this might compromise reproductive efficiency. Animals from two divergent mouse lines, regarding variability of birthweight, were used to check whether homogeneity was also related to both feed and reproductive efficiency. The objective of this study was to use these divergent lines of mice to compare them with their feed efficiency and the reproductive capacity. Animal weight, weight gain, feed intake, relative intake and cumulated transformation index were considered as feed efficiency traits. Animals from the low line had both lower weight and feed intake from 21 to 56 days. They had a worse transforming index in the three last weeks when litter size was fitted as an effect of the model, but the lines become similar if the higher litter size of the low line was not included. Reproductively, the low line performed better considering the number of females having parturitions, the number of parturitions, and with higher litter size and survival in both parturitions. Hence, the low variability line was preferred because of reproductive efficiency without seriously affecting its feed efficiency. Homogeneity seemed to be related to robustness with similar feed efficiency but higher reproductive efficiency.
Sensitivity of the breeding values for growth rate and worm egg count to environmental worm burden in Australian Merino sheep
Authors: Hollema Baukje L. , Bijma Piter , van der Werf Julius H. J.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to explore the sensitivity of breeding values for growth rate and worm egg count (WEC, cube root transformed) to environmental worm burden, measured as the average WEC for each contemporary group (CGWEC). Growth rate and WEC were measured on 7,818 naturally infected Merino lambs in eight flocks across Australia, linked through common use of AI sires. Through bivariate analysis, genetic correlations of 0.55 ± 0.23 and 0.30 ± 0.16 were found for growth rate and WEC between low and high CGWEC, respectively. In a second analysis, breeding values for growth rate and WEC were regressed on CGWEC with a random regression model. The heritability for growth rate varied from 0.23 to 0.16 from low to high CGWEC, and the heritability for WEC varied from 0.25 to 0.36. Results suggest that breeding values for both growth rate and WEC are sensitive to environmental worm burden. Animals expressed less genetic variation for growth rate and more genetic variation for WEC in high CGWEC than in low CGWEC. This form of genotype‐by‐environment interaction should therefore be considered in genetic evaluation of both growth rate and WEC, to increase the efficiency of selection for animals that are more parasite resistant and more resilient to environmental worm challenge.
The roles of allopatric fragmentation and niche divergence in intraspecific lineage diversification in the common midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans)
Authors: Maia‐Carvalho Bruno , Vale Cândida Gomes , Sequeira Fernando , Ferrand Nuno , Martínez‐Solano Iñigo , Gonçalves Helena
Published: July 2018

Aim

Understanding the roles of allopatric fragmentation and niche divergence in intraspecific lineage diversification is central to our comprehension of how new species arise and evolve. Here we integrate an extensive multilocus dataset with species distribution models to address these topics in genetically differentiated population lineages of the common midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans).

Location

Iberian Peninsula, Western Europe.

Methods

We genotyped 965 individuals from 142 localities at 12 microsatellite loci to finely delineate the ranges of population lineages in A. obstetricans. We then built ecological niche‐based models for each lineage and tested for niche overlap, equivalency and similarity based on PCA‐env analyses. We also investigated the relationship between genetic and environmental distances across lineages.

Results

We recovered seven differentiated genetic clusters, with mostly different (sometimes nonoverlapping) niches. However, niches are not more divergent than expected given the largely allopatric ranges of population lineages. We found no significant isolation by environment within lineages, with genetic distances mostly explained by geographical distances.

Main conclusions

Allopatric fragmentation in A. obstetricans resulted in (sometimes highly) different niches in intraspecific population lineages. Within lineages, isolation by distance is the major driver of patterns of genetic variation. Our study highlights the importance of incorporating intraspecific genetic structure into species distribution models to explore spatial patterns of genetic diversity in terms of their underlying processes.
Distinct roles for IκB kinases alpha and beta in regulating pulmonary endothelial angiogenic function during late lung development
Authors: Iosef Cristiana , Liu Min , Ying Lihua , Rao Shailaja P. , Concepcion Katherine R. , Chan Westin K. , Oman Andrew , Alvira Cristina M.
Published: July 2018

Pulmonary angiogenesis is essential for alveolarization, the final stage of lung development that markedly increases gas exchange surface area. We recently demonstrated that activation of the nuclear factor kappa‐B (NFκB) pathway promotes pulmonary angiogenesis during alveolarization. However, the mechanisms activating NFκB in the pulmonary endothelium, and its downstream targets are not known. In this study, we sought to delineate the specific roles for the NFκB activating kinases, IKKα and IKKβ, in promoting developmental pulmonary angiogenesis. Microarray analysis of primary pulmonary endothelial cells (PECs) after silencing IKKα or IKKβ demonstrated that the 2 kinases regulate unique panels of genes, with few shared targets. Although silencing IKKα induced mild impairments in angiogenic function, silencing IKKβ induced more severe angiogenic defects and decreased vascular cell adhesion molecule expression, an IKKβ regulated target essential for both PEC adhesion and migration. Taken together, these data show that IKKα and IKKβ regulate unique genes in PEC, resulting in differential effects on angiogenesis upon inhibition, and identify IKKβ as the predominant regulator of pulmonary angiogenesis during alveolarization. These data suggest that therapeutic strategies to specifically enhance IKKβ activity in the pulmonary endothelium may hold promise to enhance lung growth in diseases marked by altered alveolarization.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells reduce ureteral stricture formation in a rat model via the paracrine effect of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Luo Jintai , Zhao Shankun , Wang Jiamin , Luo Lianmin , Li Ermao , Zhu Zhiguo , Liu Yangzhou , Kang Ran , Zhao Zhigang
Published: July 2018

With no effective therapy to prevent or treat ureteral stricture (US), a multifactorial fibrotic disease after iatrogenic injury of the ureter, the need for new therapies is urgent. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely studied for treating tissue defects and excessive fibrosis, and recent studies established that one of the main therapeutic vectors of MSCs is comprised in their secretome and represented by extracellular vesicles (EVs). Thus, we have determined to explore the specific role of MSCs‐derived EVs (MSC‐EVs) treatment in a pre‐clinical model of US. The results firstly showed that either a bolus dose of MSCs or a bolus dose of MSC‐EVs (administration via renal‐arterial) significantly ameliorated ureteral fibrosis and recuperated ureter morphological development in a US rat model. We confirmed our observations through MSCs or MSC‐EVs treatment alleviated hydronephrosis, less renal dysfunction and blunted transforming growth factor‐β1 induced fibration. Due to MSC‐EVs are the equivalent dose of MSCs, and similar curative effects of transplantation of MSCs and MSC‐EVs were observed, we speculated the curative effect of MSCs in treating US might on account of the release of EVs through paracrine mechanisms. Our study demonstrated an innovative strategy to counteract ureteral stricture formation in a rat model of US.
Triggering of cancer cell cycle arrest by a novel scorpion venom‐derived peptide—Gonearrestide
Authors: Li Bin , Lyu Peng , Xi Xinping , Ge Lilin , Mahadevappa Ravikiran , Shaw Chris , Kwok Hang Fai
Published: July 2018

In this study, a novel scorpion venom‐derived peptide named Gonearrestide was identified in an in‐house constructed scorpion venom library through a combination of high‐throughput NGS transcriptome and MS/MS proteome platform. In total, 238 novel peptides were discovered from two scorpion species; and 22 peptides were selected for further study after a battery of functional prediction analysis. Following a series of bioinformatics analysis alongside with in vitro biological functional screenings, Gonearrestide was found to be a highly potent anticancer peptide which acts on a broad spectrum of human cancer cells while causing few if any observed cytotoxic effects on epithelial cells and erythrocytes. We further investigated the precise anticancer mechanism of Gonearrestide by focusing on its effects on the colorectal cancer cell line, HCT116. NGS RNA sequencing was employed to obtain full gene expression profiles in HCT116 cells, cultured in the presence and absence of Gonearrestide, to dissect signalling pathway differences. Taken together the in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo validation studies, it was proven that Gonearrestide could inhibit the growth of primary colon cancer cells and solid tumours by triggering cell cycle arrest in G1 phase through inhibition of cyclin‐dependent kinases 4 (CDK4) and up‐regulate the expression of cell cycle regulators/inhibitors—cyclin D3, p27, and p21. Furthermore, prediction of signalling pathways and potential binding sites used by Gonearrestide are also presented in this study.
Levamisole suppresses adipogenesis of aplastic anaemia‐derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through ZFP36L1‐PPARGC1B axis
Authors: Liu Lu‐Lu , Liu Lei , Liu Hai‐Hui , Ren Sai‐Sai , Dou Cui‐Yun , Cheng Pan‐Pan , Wang Cui‐Ling , Wang Li‐Na , Chen Xiao‐Li , Zhang Hao , Chen Ming‐Tai
Published: July 2018

Aplastic anaemia (AA) is a life‐threatening hematopoietic disorder characterized by hypoplasia and pancytopenia with increasing fat cells in the bone marrow (BM). The BM‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from AA are more susceptible to be induced into adipogenic differentiation compared with that from control, which may be causatively associated with the fatty BM and defective hematopoiesis of AA. Here in this study, we first demonstrated that levamisole displayed a significant suppressive effect on the in vitro adipogenic differentiation of AA BM‐MSCs. Mechanistic investigation revealed that levamisole could increase the expression of ZFP36L1 which was subsequently demonstrated to function as a negative regulator of adipogenic differentiation of AA BM‐MSCs through lentivirus‐mediated ZFP36L1 knock‐down and overexpression assay. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 beta (PPARGC1B) whose 3′‐untranslated region bears adenine‐uridine‐rich elements was verified as a direct downstream target of ZFP36L1, and knock‐down of PPARGC1B impaired the adipogenesis of AA BM‐MSCs. Collectively, our work demonstrated that ZFP36L1‐mediated post‐transcriptional control of PPARGC1B expression underlies the suppressive effect of levamisole on the adipogenic differentiation of AA BM‐MSCs, which not only provides novel therapeutic targets for alleviating the BM fatty phenomenon of AA patients, but also lays the theoretical and experimental foundation for the clinical application of levamisole in AA therapy.
Morbidity following transcrestal and lateral sinus floor elevation: A randomized trial
Authors: Farina Roberto , Franceschetti Giovanni , Travaglini Domenico , Consolo Ugo , Minenna Luigi , Schincaglia Gian Pietro , Riccardi Orio , Bandieri Alberto , Maietti Elisa , Trombelli Leonardo
Published: July 2018

Aim

To comparatively evaluate the morbidity following maxillary sinus floor elevation according to either transcrestal (tSFE) or lateral (lSFE) approach with concomitant implant placement.

Materials & Methods

Patients with ≥1 edentulous maxillary posterior site with residual bone height (RBH) of 3–6 mm were enrolled. tSFE was performed in association with a xenograft and a collagen matrix. For lSFE, the sinus was grafted with the xenograft, and the antrostomy was covered with a membrane. Implants were inserted concomitantly. The postoperative course was assessed through questionnaires. Pain level (VASpain) was recorded using a 100‐mm visual analogue scale.

Results

Twenty‐nine and 28 patients were included in tSFE and lSFE group, respectively. On the day of surgery, VASpain was significantly higher for tSFE compared to lSFE, and similar from day 1 to 14. tSFE was characterized by significantly lower incidence of swelling, bruising and nasal discharge/bleeding. Significantly less severe limitation in swallowing, continuing daily activities, eating, speaking, opening the mouth and going to school/work was found for tSFE only at specific postsurgery intervals.

Conclusions

lSFE was associated with lower pain on the day of surgery, and tSFE revealed lower postoperative morbidity as well as more tolerable postoperative course.
Position statement for the management of comorbidities in psoriasis
Authors: Dauden E. , Blasco A.J. , Bonanad C. , Botella R. , Carrascosa J.M. , González‐Parra E. , Jodar E. , Joven B. , Lázaro P. , Olveira A. , Quintero J. , Rivera R.
Published: July 2018

Background

The association between psoriasis and some diseases has become relevant in recent years. Providing appropriate management of psoriasis from an early stage requires prompt diagnosis and treatment of concomitant diseases and to prevent any potential comorbidity. This approach should consider the adverse events of the drugs used to treat psoriasis potentially related to the onset of comorbidities.

Objective

To provide the dermatologist with an accurate and friendly tool for systematizing the diagnosis of psoriasis‐associated comorbidities, which generally escapes the scope of the dermatology setting, and to facilitate decision‐making about the referral and treatment of patients with comorbidities.

Methods

These position statement recommendations were developed by a working group composed of ten experts (four dermatologists, one cardiologist, one rheumatologist, one gastroenterologist, one nephrologist, one endocrinologist and one psychiatrist) and two health services researchers. The expert group selected the psoriasis comorbidities considered according to their relevance in the dermatology setting. The recommendations on diagnostic criteria are based on the current clinical practice guidelines for each of the comorbidities. The information regarding the repercussion of psoriasis medical treatments on associated comorbid diseases was obtained from the summary of product characteristics of each drug.

Results

Recommendations were developed to detect and refer the following psoriasis comorbidities: psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity, hypertension and metabolic syndrome), non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease and psychological disorders (anxiety and depression). In addition, alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption were included. The tables and figures are precise, easy‐to‐use tools to systematize the diagnosis of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis and facilitate the decision‐making process regarding referral and treatment of patients with an associated disease.

Conclusion

The application of these position statement recommendations will facilitate the dermatologist practice, and benefit psoriasis patients’ health and quality of life.
Biliary transporter gene mutations in severe intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: Diagnostic and management implications
Authors: Yeap Sze Pheh , Harley Hugh , Thompson Richard , Williamson Kate Diana , Bate John , Sethna Farah , Farrell Geoffrey , Hague William “Bill”
Published: July 2018

Background and Aims

Clinical syndromes associated with biallelic mutations of bile acid (BA) transporters usually present in childhood. Subtle mutations may underlie intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and oral contraceptive steroid (OCS) induced cholestasis. In five women with identified genetic mutations of such transporters, with eight observed pregnancies complicated by ICP, we examined relationships between transporter mutations, clinical phenotypes, and treatment outcomes.

Methods

Gene mutation analysis for BA transporter deficiencies was performed using Next Generation/Sanger sequencing, with analysis for gene deletions/duplications.

Results

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy was early‐onset (9–32 weeks gestation) and severe (peak BA 74–370 μmol/L), with premature delivery (28+1–370 weeks gestation) in 7/8 pregnancies, in utero passage of meconium in 4/8, but overall good perinatal outcomes, with no stillbirths. There was generally no response to ursodeoxycholic acid and variable responses to rifampicin and chelation therapies; naso‐biliary drainage appeared effective in 2/2 episodes persisting post‐partum in each of the two sisters. Episodic jaundice occurring spontaneously or provoked by non‐specific infections, and OCS‐induced cholestasis, had previously occurred in 3/5 women. Two cases showed biallelic heterozygosity for several ABCB11 mutations, one was homozygous for an ABCB4 mutation and a fourth case was heterozygous for another ABCB4 mutation.

Conclusions

Early‐onset or recurrent ICP, especially with previous spontaneous or OCS‐induced episodes of cholestasis and/or familial cholestasis, may be attributable to transporter mutations, including biallelic mutations of one or more transporters. Response to standard therapies for ICP is often incomplete; BA sequestering therapy or naso‐biliary drainage may be effective. Optimized management can produce good outcomes despite premature birth and evidence of fetal compromise.
Gastrointestinal disease burden and mortality: A public hospital‐based study from 2005 to 2014
Authors: Chan Jacky Shui Ho , Chao Amelia Chien Wei , Cheung Vincent Chi Ho , Wong Sophia Sau Kuen , Tang Whitney , Wu Justin Che Yuen , Chan Henry Lik Yuen , Chan Francis Ka Leung , Sung Joseph Jao Yiu , Ng Siew Chien
Published: July 2018

Background and Aim

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases account for substantial morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization. This public hospital‐based study assessed the incidence and time trend of hospitalization and mortality of major GI diseases over one decade.

Methods

We conducted an observational study using population‐wide database managed by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority with a principal diagnosis of GI diseases defined by International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification coding. We measured age‐standardized incidence of hospitalization, emergency admissions, multiple admissions, and in‐hospital mortality from 2005 to 2014 using Poisson regression.

Results

The annual incidence of hospitalization for GI diseases increased from 4713 to 5241 per 100 000 discharges (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.004; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.003–1.005). GI infections and cancers showed the highest rates of hospitalization in 2014. Hospitalization for GI cancers (IRR = 1.014; 95% CI: 1.013–1.016) and non‐infectious enterocolitis (IRR = 1.058; 95% CI: 1.055–1.061) increased, whereas peptic ulcer disease has decreased. Hospitalization for Crohn's disease showed the most significant rise (126%). Annual incidence of hospitalization for Clostridium difficile infections increased by fivefold (IRR = 1.221; 95% CI: 1.178–1.266), while a 66% reduction was observed for peptic ulcer bleeding (IRR = 0.894; 95% CI: 0.889–0.899). GI cancers had the highest in‐hospital mortality rate in 2014, especially colorectal cancer and gastric cancer.

Conclusions

This study showed an increased hospitalization burden of GI cancers and Crohn's disease, and a reduction in overall mortality for GI diseases. These data provide insight into epidemiological changes of GI diseases in the 21st century and implications for hospital burden and need of resource re‐allocation.
Environmental drivers and genomic architecture of trait differentiation in fire‐adaptedBanksia attenuataecotypes
Authors: He Tianhua , Lamont Byron B. , Enright Neal J. , D'Agui Haylee M. , Stock William
Published: July 2018

Trait divergence between populations is considered an adaptive response to different environments, but to what extent this response is accompanied by genetic differentiation is less clear since it may be phenotypic plasticity. In this study, we analyzed phenotypic variation between twoBanksia attenuatagrowth forms, lignotuberous (shrub) and epicormic resprouting (tree), in fire‐prone environments to identify the environmental factors that have driven this phenotypic divergence. We linked genotype with phenotype and traced candidate genes using differential gene expression analysis. Fire intervals determined the phenotypic divergence between growth forms inB. attenuata. A genome‐wide association study identified 69 single nucleotide polymorphisms, putatively associated with growth form, whereas no growth form‐ or phenotype‐specific genotypes were identified. Genomic differentiation between the two growth forms was low (Fst = 0.024). Differential gene expression analysis identified 37 genes/transcripts that were differentially expressed in the two growth forms. A small heat‐shock protein gene, associated with lignotuber presence, was differentially expressed in the two forms. We conclude that different fire regimes induce phenotypic polymorphism inB. attenuata, whereas phenotypic trait divergence involves the differential expression of a small fraction of genes that interact strongly with the disturbance regime. Thus, phenotypic plasticity among resprouters is the general strategy for surviving varying fire regimes.
The evaluation of psychiatric comorbidity, self‐injurious behavior, suicide probability, and other associated psychiatric factors (lonileness, self‐esteem, life satisfaction) in adolescents with acne: A clinical pilot study
Authors: Özyay Eroğlu Funda , Aktepe Evrim , Erturan İjlal
Published: July 2018

Background

Since adolescents are psychologically more unstable, the emergence of acne vulgaris during adolescence makes this disease a focal point of concern for many individuals.

Aim

In this study, psychiatric comorbidity and levels of self‐injurious behavior, suicide probability, life satisfaction, self‐esteem and loneliness in adolescents with acne was assessed and compared with a control group.

Methods

The study was conducted with 104 adolescents with acne and 102 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. The Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, Suicide Probability Scale (SPS), Life Satisfaction Inventory, Short form of the UCLA Loneliness Scale and Inventory of Statements About Self‐Injury (ISAS) were administered to the case and control groups. Both groups were assessed according to the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School‐Age Children‐Present and Lifetime Version‐Turkish Version.

Results

Adolescents with acne were found to have lower levels of self‐esteem and life satisfaction and higher levels of loneliness compared to controls. The mean scores of SPS and its negative self‐evaluation/hostility subscales were found to be significantly higher in adolescents with acne. The presence of self‐injurious behavior and psychiatric comorbidity were shown to be significantly higher in adolescents with acne.

Conclusions

The presence of high levels of psychiatric comorbidity, suicide probability, and self‐injurious behavior in adolescents with acne in our study suggests that psychiatric evaluation should be included in acne treatment plans. Psychological assessment of adolescents with acne vulgaris is important for contributing to the detection of any potential covert sexual abuse. Our study demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for acne treatment.
Changing Sibling Relationships After Parents' Death: The Role of Solidarity and Kinkeeping
Authors: Kalmijn Matthijs , Leopold Thomas
Published: July 2018

Background

The solidarity hypothesis predicts a short‐term strengthening of sibling relationships after parental death, whereas the kinkeeping hypothesis predicts a long‐term weakening of sibling relationships after parental death.

Method

Hypotheses were tested with fixed effects regression models using four waves of the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study (2003–2015; N = 3,812 respondents), a nationally representative sample of individuals in the Netherlands. This survey combined data on sibling ties with data on intergenerational ties to (surviving) parents.

Results

Consistent with the solidarity hypothesis, results showed that sibling contact intensified after parental death. The increase lasted longer after losing the first parent and was partially explained by changes in contact with and support to the surviving parent. After the death of the second parent, contact and conflict between siblings increased, but these effects were short‐lived. In line with the kinkeeping hypothesis, sibling relations among adult orphans faded in the long run.

Conclusion

Changes in horizontal ties between siblings followed to a large extent from changes in vertical ties between siblings and their parents.

Implications

Sibling ties can be understood better when they are studied in the context of the larger family network.
Impacts of a School‐Wide, Peer‐Led Approach to Sexuality Education: A Matched Comparison Group Design
Authors: Rotz Dana , Goesling Brian , Manlove Jennifer , Welti Kate , Trenholm Christopher
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Teen Prevention Education Program (PEP) is a school‐wide, peer‐led comprehensive sexuality education program currently implemented in more than 50 schools across 2 states. Many teen pregnancy prevention researchers and practitioners view peer‐led programs as a promising approach for reducing teen pregnancy and associated sexual risk behaviors. However, prior research on the effectiveness of these programs indicates mixed results.

METHODS

We randomly assigned schools to implement Teen PEP immediately (intervention group) or on a delayed schedule (comparison group) and used propensity score matching to improve the comparability of the study groups. We surveyed students at baseline and about 6 months after the program ended.

RESULTS

Teen PEP did not significantly impact rates of sexual activity or unprotected sex; however, the program led to improvements in exposure to information about sexual health topics and knowledge of preventing pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Teen PEP succeeded in accomplishing some of its most proximal goals, increasing students' access to information and knowledge. However, we found little evidence that the program affects sexual risk‐taking within 6 months of its conclusion. Future research will examine the program's longer‐term impacts on sexual risk behaviors.
Trend Disparities in Emotional Distress and Suicidality Among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Minnesota Adolescents From 1998 to 2010
Authors: Porta Carolyn M. , Watson Ryan J. , Doull Marion , Eisenberg Marla E. , Grumdahl Nathan , Saewyc Elizabeth
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Sexual minority young people have demonstrated higher rates of emotional distress and suicidality in comparison to heterosexual peers. Research to date has not examined trends in these disparities, specifically, whether there have been disparity reductions or increases and how outcomes have differed over time by sex and sexual orientation group.

METHODS

Minnesota Student Survey data, collected from 9th and 12th graders in 3 cohorts (1998, 2004, 2010) were used to examine emotional distress and suicidality rates. Logistic regression analyses were completed to examine outcome changes over time within and across sexual orientation/sex groups.

RESULTS

With few exceptions, sexual minority youth are at increased risk of endorsing emotional distress and suicidality indicators in each surveyed year between 1998 and 2010. Young people with both‐sex partners reported more emotional distress across all health indicators compared to their opposite‐sex partnered peers. With a few exceptions, gaps in disparities between heterosexual and sexual minority have not changed from 2004 to 2010.

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities in emotional health persist among youth. Research is needed to advance understanding of mental health disparities, with consideration of sexual orientation differences and contextualized to sociocultural status and changes over time. Personalized prevention strategies are needed to promote adolescent mental health.
Pharmacy drive-thru service in Jordan: assessing customers' awareness, perceptions and factors affecting the use of this service
Authors: Abu Hammour Khawla , Abu Farha Rana , Rizik Mai , Mukattash Tareq , Alnan Murhaf , Alkhader Ahmad , Aljanabi Rand , Basheti Iman
Published: July 2018

Objectives

In Jordan, drive-thru pharmacy service has recently been introduced representing a new trend in community pharmacy services. This study aimed to evaluate pharmacy customers' awareness and perceptions towards the drive-thru service to unveil important information regarding such service.

Methods

A Self-administered questionnaire was used in this cross-sectional study which was conducted in Amman-Jordan between April and August 2017. A Self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate pharmacy customers' awareness and perceptions towards pharmacy drive-thru services. Factors affecting customers' use of this service was also investigated.

Key findings

A total of 789 pharmacy customers participated in the current study. Mean age of study participants was 27.7 years (SD = 10.6) and half of them were men (n = 397, 50.4%). Although 26.8% (n = 212) of the customers knew that the drive-thru pharmacy service was newly implemented in Jordanian pharmacies, only 10.9% (n = 86) reported to have used this service. Customers (59.1%) expressed their support for the introduction of this service to pharmacy practice in the country. Certain factors affected customers' use of the drive-thru pharmacy service positively, including male gender, Jordanian nationality, non-single marital status and having children (P-value <0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated positive customer awareness and perceptions towards the drive-thru pharmacy service. Busy customers seem to use this service more (men being married and having children). Hence, this service seems to be most beneficial to a certain type of customers. However, concerns about poor communication between the pharmacist and the patient represented the main disadvantage of the drive-thru service.
A partner‐switching regulatory system controls hormogonium development in the filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme
Authors: Riley Kelsey W. , Gonzalez Alfonso , Risser Douglas D.
Published: July 2018

Filamentous cyanobacteria exhibit developmental complexity, including the transient differentiation of motile hormogonia in many species. Using a forward genetic approach, a trio of genes unique to filamentous cyanobacteria encoding a putative Rsb‐like partner‐switching regulatory system (PSRS) was implicated in regulating hormogonium development in the model filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme. Analysis of in‐frame deletion strains indicated that HmpU (putative serine phosphatase) and HmpV (STAS domain) enhance, while HmpW (putative serine kinase) represses motility and persistence of the hormogonium state. Protein–protein interaction studies demonstrated specificity between HmpW and HmpV. Epistasis analysis between hmpW and hmpV was consistent with HmpV acting as the downstream effector of the system, rather than regulation of a sigma factor by HmpW. Deletion of hmpU or hmpV reduced accumulation of extracellular PilA and hormogonium polysaccharide (HPS), and expression of type IV pilus‐ and HPS‐specific genes was reduced in the ΔhmpV strain. Expression of the Hmp PSRS is induced in hormogonia, and the cytoplasmic localization of HmpV‐GFPuv implies that its downstream target is probably cytoplasmic as well. Collectively, these results support a model where HmpU and HmpW antagonistically regulate the phosphorylation state of HmpV, and subsequently, unphosphorylated HmpV positively regulates an undefined downstream target to affect hormogonium‐specific gene expression.
Crystal structure and acetylation of BioQ suggests a novel regulatory switch for biotin biosynthesis in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Wei Wenhui , Zhang Yifei , Gao Rongsui , Li Jun , Xu Yongchang , Wang Shihua , Ji Quanjiang , Feng Youjun
Published: July 2018

Biotin (vitamin B7), a sulfur‐containing fatty acid derivative, is a nutritional virulence factor in certain mycobacterial species. Tight regulation of biotin biosynthesis is important because production of biotin is an energetically expensive process requiring 15–20 equivalents of ATP. The Escherichia coli bifunctional BirA is a prototypical biotin regulatory system. In contrast, mycobacterial BirA is an unusual biotin protein ligase without DNA‐binding domain. Recently, we established a novel two‐protein paradigm of BioQ–BirA. However, structural and molecular mechanism for BioQ is poorly understood. Here, we report crystal structure of the M. smegmatis BioQ at 1.9 Å resolution. Structure‐guided functional mapping defined a seven residues‐requiring motif for DNA‐binding activity. Western blot and MALDI‐TOF MS allowed us to unexpectedly discover that the K47 acetylation activates crosstalking of BioQ to its cognate DNA. More intriguingly, excess of biotin augments the acetylation status of BioQ in M. smegmatis. It seems likely that BioQ acetylation proceeds via a non‐enzymatic mechanism. Mutation of this acetylation site K47 in BioQ significantly impairs its regulatory role in vivo. This explains in part (if not all) why BioQ has no detectable requirement of the presumable bio‐5’‐AMP effecter, which is a well‐known ligand for the paradigm E. coli BirA regulator system. Unlike the scenario seen with E. coli carrying a single biotinylated protein, AccB, genome‐wide search and Streptavidin blot revealed that no less than seven proteins require the rare post‐translational modification, biotinylation in M. smegmatis, validating its physiological demand for biotin at relatively high level. Taken together, our finding defines a novel biotin regulatory machinery by BioQ, posing a possibility that development of new antibiotics targets biotin, the limited nutritional virulence factor in certain pathogenic mycobacterial species.
Fine‐tuning cellular levels of DprA ensures transformant fitness in the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Johnston Calum , Mortier‐Barriere Isabelle , Khemici Vanessa , Polard Patrice
Published: July 2018

Natural genetic transformation is a widespread mechanism of horizontal gene transfer. It involves the internalization of exogenous DNA as single strands and chromosomal integration via homologous recombination, promoting acquisition of new genetic traits. Transformation occurs during a distinct physiological state called competence. In Streptococcus pneumoniae, competence is controlled by ComDE, a two‐component system induced by an exported peptide pheromone. DprA is universal among transformable species, strongly induced during pneumococcal competence, and crucial for pneumococcal transformation. Pneumococcal DprA plays three crucial roles in transformation and competence. Firstly, DprA protects internalized DNA from degradation. Secondly, DprA loads the homologous recombinase RecA onto transforming DNA to promote transformation. Finally, DprA interacts with the response regulator ComE to shut‐off competence. Here, we explored the effect of altering the cellular levels of DprA on these three roles. High cellular levels of DprA were not required for the primary role of DprA as a transformation‐dedicated recombinase loader or for protection of transforming DNA. In contrast, full expression of dprA was required for optimal competence shut‐off and transformant fitness. High cellular levels of DprA thus ensure the fitness of pneumococcal transformants by mediating competence shut‐off. This promotes survival and propagation of transformants, maximizing pneumococcal adaptive potential.
A Borrelia burgdorferi mini‐vls system that undergoes antigenic switching in mice: investigation of the role of plasmid topology and the long inverted repeat
Authors: Castellanos Mildred , Verhey Theodore B. , Chaconas George
Published: July 2018

Borrelia burgdorferi evades the host immune system by switching the surface antigen. VlsE, in a process known as antigenic variation. The DNA mechanisms and genetic elements present on the vls locus that participate in the switching process remain to be elucidated. Manipulating the vls locus has been difficult due to its instability on Escherichia coli plasmids. In this study, we generated for the first time a mini‐vls system composed of a single silent vlsE variable region (silent cassette 2) through the vlsE gene by performing some cloning steps directly in a highly transformable B. burgdorferi strain. Variants of the mini system were constructed with or without the long inverted repeat (IR) located upstream of vlsE and on both circular and linear plasmids to investigate the importance of the IR and plasmid topology on recombinational switching at vlsE. Amplicon sequencing using PacBio long read technology and analysis of the data with our recently reported pipeline and VAST software showed that the system undergoes switching in mice in both linear and circular versions and that the presence of the hairpin does not seem to be crucial in the linear version, however it is required when the topology is circular.
Nuclear export‐dependent degradation of the carbon catabolite repressor CreA is regulated by a region located near the C‐terminus in Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Tanaka Mizuki , Ichinose Sakurako , Shintani Takahiro , Gomi Katsuya
Published: July 2018

Carbon catabolite repression (CCR) is regulated by the C2H2‐type transcription factor CreA/Cre1 in filamentous fungi including Aspergillus oryzae. We investigated the stability and subcellular localization of CreA in A. oryzae. The abundance of FLAG‐tagged CreA (FLAG‐CreA) was dramatically reduced after incubation in maltose and xylose, which stimulated the export of CreA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Mutation of a putative nuclear export signal resulted in nuclear retention and significant stabilization of CreA. These results suggest that CreA is rapidly degraded in the cytoplasm after export from the nucleus. The FLAG‐CreA protein level was reduced by disruption of creB and creC, which encode the deubiquitinating enzyme complex involved in CCR. In contrast, FLAG‐CreA stability was not affected by disruption of creD which encodes an arrestin‐like protein required for CCR relief. Deletion of the last 40 C‐terminal amino acids resulted in remarkable stabilization and increased abundance of FLAG‐CreA, whereas deletion of the last 20 C‐terminal amino acids had no apparent effect on CreA stability. This result suggests that the 20 amino acid region located between positions 390 and 409 of CreA is critical for the rapid degradation of CreA.
Fungal keratitis: An overview of clinical and laboratory aspects
Authors: Mahmoudi Shahram , Masoomi Ahmad , Ahmadikia Kazem , Tabatabaei Seyed Ali , Soleimani Mohammad , Rezaie Sassan , Ghahvechian Hossein , Banafsheafshan Ali
Published: July 2018

Mycotic keratitis or keratomycosis is a fungal infection with global distribution. The dominant aetiology of this disease varies based on geographical origin, socioeconomic status, and climatic condition. Generally, Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. are common in tropical and subtropical regions and Candida spp. are dominant in temperate areas. Demonstration of fungal elements in microscopic examination besides the isolation of fungi in culture is the gold standard of laboratory diagnosis. As the culture is a time‐consuming procedure, other approaches such as in vivo confocal microscopy which produces real‐time imaging of corneal tissue and molecular techniques have been developed to facilitate rapid diagnosis of fungal keratitis. The first choice of treatment is topical natamycin, although topical amphotericin B is the best choice for Aspergillus and Candida keratitis. Regarding the diversity of fungal aetiology and the emergence of drug resistance in some genera and species, proper identification using molecular methods and antifungal susceptibility testing could provide useful data. Furthermore, as the better efficacy of combination therapy in comparison to monotherapy is reported, in vitro determination of interactions between various drugs seem informative. This review aims to provide a general and updated view on the aetiology, risk factors, epidemiology, clinical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of fungal keratitis.
Narrow‐band imaging pattern classification in oral cavity
Authors: Tirelli Giancarlo , Marcuzzo Alberto Vito , Boscolo Nata Francesca
Published: July 2018

Objective

Narrow‐band imaging is widely used in the diagnostic work‐up of oral lesions. Different oral subsites present three epithelial types (1, 2a and 2b), each with a different structure and function. The aim of this study was to analyse and describe the different vascular patterns seen on narrow‐band imaging according to oral epithelial type and histology.

Materials and Methods

The narrow‐band imaging photographs of healthy, dysplastic and neoplastic oral mucosa were retrospectively reviewed and divided according to epithelial type and histology. The different narrow‐band imaging patterns were analysed, related to the clinical appearance of the specific area, accurately described and drawn by a professional designer.

Results

The photographs of 302 patients were considered. Six patterns were identified: Normal mucosa exhibited different appearance in each type of epithelium; dysplastic mucosa presented the same pattern in type 1 and 2a epithelia, which differed from that of type 2b epithelium; in cancer, mucosal appearance was identical irrespective of epithelial type, due to complete vascular destruction.

Conclusions

The proposed classification could serve as a guide for clinicians approaching narrowband imaging, especially at early stages of the learning curve, to differentiate normal mucosa from malignant lesions and possibly reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies.