bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Words Get in the Way: Linguistic Effects on Talker Discrimination
Authors: Narayan Chandan R. , Mak Lorinda , Bialystok Ellen
Published: July 2016

A speech perception experiment provides evidence that the linguistic relationship between words affects the discrimination of their talkers. Listeners discriminated two talkers' voices with various linguistic relationships between their spoken words. Listeners were asked whether two words were spoken by the same person or not. Word pairs varied with respect to the linguistic relationship between the component words, forming either: phonological rhymes, lexical compounds, reversed compounds, or unrelated pairs. The degree of linguistic relationship between the words affected talker discrimination in a graded fashion, revealing biases listeners have regarding the nature of words and the talkers that speak them. These results indicate that listeners expect a talker's words to be linguistically related, and more generally, indexical processing is affected by linguistic information in a top‐down fashion even when listeners are not told to attend to it.
Improving Human‐Machine Cooperative Classification Via Cognitive Theories of Similarity
Authors: Roads Brett D. , Mozer Michael C.
Published: July 2016

Acquiring perceptual expertise is slow and effortful. However, untrained novices can accurately make difficult classification decisions (e.g., skin‐lesion diagnosis) by reformulating the task as similarity judgment. Given a query image and a set of reference images, individuals are asked to select the best matching reference. When references are suitably chosen, the procedure yields an implicit classification of the query image. To optimize reference selection, we develop and evaluate a predictive model of similarity‐based choice. The model builds on existing psychological literature and accommodates stochastic, dynamic shifts of attention among visual feature dimensions. We perform a series of human experiments with two stimulus types (rectangles, faces) and nine classification tasks to validate the model and to demonstrate the model's potential to boost performance. Our system achieves high accuracy for participants who are naive as to the classification task, even when the classification task switches from trial to trial.
Cerebrovascular events in 20 years of follow‐up after liver transplantation: an underestimated issue?
Authors: Schoening Wenzel , Buescher Niklas , Neidel Nadja , Helbig Michael , Andreou Andreas , Pascher Andreas , Bahra Marcus , Pratschke Johann , Seehofer Daniel
Published: July 2016

Background

Cardio‐ and cerebrovascular diseases are the third leading cause of late death after liver transplantation (LT). A new score (PROCAM‐Stroke) has been established to estimate the 10‐year risk of cerebrovascular events (CBVE) in a German standard population. We evaluate the applicability of the PROCAM‐Stroke for long‐term follow‐up after LT.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective study of 313 consecutive LTs was conducted. Six months after LT (T1) and 10 years after LT (T2), CBVE risk factors were recorded and PROCAM‐Stroke was calculated. Ten (T2) and 20 years (T3) after LT, recipients were screened regarding CBVE. PROCAM‐Stroke estimates of CBVE were compared with the incidence of observed CBVE.

Results

In both 10‐year time frames, the incidence of observed CBVE was higher than expected based on the PROCAM‐Stroke estimates: 6 months—10 years after LT (T1–T2): observed: 11, expected: 3.2; 10 years—20 years after LT (T2–T3): observed: 7, expected: 3.4.

Conclusion

LT recipients seem to have a considerably increased risk of CBVE. Long‐term surveillance should take this into account, and screening may be extended accordingly. The progressive impairment of renal function in the long‐term LT survivors may be one reason for the underestimation of CBVE in this patient group.
Medication understanding, non‐adherence, and clinical outcomes among adult kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Patzer Rachel E. , Serper Marina , Reese Peter P. , Przytula Kamila , Koval Rachel , Ladner Daniela P. , Levitsky Josh M. , Abecassis Michael M. , Wolf Michael S.
Published: July 2016

We sought to evaluate the prevalence of medication understanding and non‐adherence of entire drug regimens among kidney transplantation (KT) recipients and to examine associations of these exposures with clinical outcomes. Structured, in‐person interviews were conducted with 99 adult KT recipients between 2011 and 2012 at two transplant centers in Chicago, IL; and Atlanta, GA. Nearly, one‐quarter (24%) of participants had limited literacy as measured by the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine test; patients took a mean of 10 (SD=4) medications and 32% had a medication change within the last month. On average, patients knew what 91% of their medications were for (self‐report) and demonstrated proper dosing (via observed demonstration) for 83% of medications. Overall, 35% were non‐adherent based on either self‐report or tacrolimus level. In multivariable analyses, fewer months since transplant and limited literacy were associated with non‐adherence (all P<.05). Patients with minority race, a higher number of medications, and mild cognitive impairment had significantly lower treatment knowledge scores. Non‐white race and lower income were associated with higher rates of hospitalization within a year following the interview. The identification of factors that predispose KT recipients to medication misunderstanding, non‐adherence, and hospitalization could help target appropriate self‐care interventions.
Spindle cell haemangioma of the tongue
Authors: French Kathryn E.M. , Felstead Andrew M. , Haacke Norman , Theaker Jeffrey , Brennan Peter A. , Colbert Serryth D.
Published: July 2016

Background

Spindle cell hemangioma (SCH) is an uncommon benign vascular tumor that rarely occurs in the mouth.

Methods and Results

We present an SCH arising in the tongue of a 52‐year‐old otherwise healthy woman. SCH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vascular tumors in the oral cavity and not misinterpreted as a more aggressive vascular tumor. We describe the clinical presentation, investigation, differential diagnosis and management of this condition and a literature search showing published case reports.

Conclusion

Although SCH rarely presents in the oral cavity it needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral cavity tumors.
Atypical hand, foot and mouth disease in adults associated with coxsackievirus A6: a clinico‐pathologic study
Authors: Laga Alvaro C. , Shroba Suzanne M. , Hanna John
Published: July 2016

Background

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious illness most commonly occurring in children 5 years old or younger. The most common cause of HFMD in the United States is Coxsackievirus A16. HFMD is uncommon in adults, and may show other atypical features including a broader spectrum of cutaneous involvement and a greater degree of severity.

Methods

We evaluated the clinical, histopathologic and molecular features of three cases of atypical HFMD occurring in adults.

Results

All three cases showed clinical features that were worrisome for erythema multiforme or a disseminated herpesvirus infection. The histopathologic findings were quite uniform, and showed intraepidermal vesiculation with a predominantly neutrophil‐rich infiltrate. A characteristic feature was the specific involvement of the upper stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum, with relative sparing of the stratum corneum. In none of the cases was there evidence of herpesvirus. Molecular analysis performed on two of the cases showed involvement by Coxsackievirus A6, an uncommon serotype in HFMD. All three cases resolved spontaneously.

Conclusions

Atypical HFMD associated with Coxsackievirus A6 represents an uncommon and potentially diagnostically challenging cutaneous eruption. Its recognition is critical to avoid unneeded therapy and to establish accurate prognostic expectations.
Hypothermia reduces seizure burden and improves neurological outcome in severe hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy: an observational study
Authors: Guidotti Isotta , Lugli Licia , Guerra Maria Pina , Ori Luca , Gallo Claudio , Cavalleri Francesca , Ranzi Andrea , Frassoldati Rossella , Berardi Alberto , Ferrari Fabrizio
Published: July 2016

Aim

To evaluate the antiepileptic effect of hypothermia and its association with neurological outcome in infants with moderate and severe hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Method

We compared polygraphic electroencephalography monitoring and outcome data in 39 cooled and 33 non‐cooled term newborn infants, born between January 2005 and March 2013, and hospitalized because of signs of asphyxia and moderate to severe HIE.

Results

Cooled newborn infants had fewer seizures (14/39 vs 20/33 p=0.036) and status epilepticus (7/39 vs 13/33, p=0.043), a lower mean duration of seizures (18mins vs 133mins, p=0.026), fewer administered antiepileptic drugs (median 0 vs 1, p=0.045), and more commonly a good outcome at 24 months (normal/mild motor impairment in 32/39 vs 16/33, p=0.003). Seizure burden (accumulated duration of seizures over a defined period) in cooled patients with both moderate (0.0 vs 0.1; p=0.045) and severe HIE (0.3 vs 4.9; p=0.018) was lower than in non‐cooled patients. Compared with non‐cooled patients, a good outcome was more common in cooled newborn infants with severe HIE (p=0.003).

Interpretation

Hypothermia has an antiepileptic effect in both moderate and severe neonatal HIE. The lower seizure burden in cooled newborn infants with severe HIE is more commonly associated with normal outcome at 24 months.
“I even met happy gypsies”
Authors: Duval Laetitia , Wolff François‐Charles
Published: July 2016

Economic studies of the Roma population, which is the largest and the poorest ethnic minority in Europe, remain sparse due to the limited availability of appropriate micro level data. This paper provides a comparative analysis of life satisfaction between Roma and non‐Roma young adults aged between 15 and 24 years using survey data collected from Serbia in 2010 and from Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2011. Results from raw answers show that the young Roma population living in settlements is less satisfied with life than non‐Roma. However, we find instead that the former group is more satisfied once we account for the fact that Roma have more disadvantaged characteristics on average. Also, Roma young adults expect a better life within one year compared to the non‐Roma in Serbia while there is no difference in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Pathogenicity of Phytophthora alni complex and P. plurivora in Alnus glutinosa seedlings
Authors: Zamora‐Ballesteros C. , Haque M. M. U. , Diez J. J. , Martín‐García J.
Published: July 2016

The ecological importance of riparian forests is well known. However, these forest habitats have been disturbed by human activities over the past century as a result of the introduction of flow regulations. Mortality of the riparian alder population caused by Phytophthora has become an important issue in Europe in the past two decades. The main objective of this study was to examine the pathogenicity of the Phytophthora alni complex (P. xalni, P. uniformis and P. xmultiformis) and P. plurivora in Alnus glutinosa seedlings. Phytophthora alni complex has traditionally been identified as the main causal agent of alder decline; however, in this study, P. plurivora was found to cause as much damage in inoculated seedlings as P. alni complex. In fact, Spanish isolates of P. xalni caused mortality rates of ca. 30%, whereas P. plurivora killed ca. 50% of seedlings. Likewise, there were no differences between P. xalni ‐ and P. plurivora‐inoculated seedlings in either the length of lesion or biomass allocation. The pathogenicity of the species within P. alni complex did not differ significantly. The findings confirm that P. plurivora, which is one of the most common species of Phytophthora found in European nurseries, is highly pathogenic to alder seedlings. Urgent implementation of measures to prevent the risk of spread of the pathogen from nurseries to natural ecosystems is required. Further studies are required to clarify the role that P. plurivora is playing in alder decline both individually and in combination with P. alni complex.
Climatic favourability zones for Eucalyptus rust in Brazil
Authors: Alvares C. A. , Sentelhas P. C. , Mattos E. M. , Miranda A. C. , Moraes W. B. , Silva P. H.M. , Furtado E. L. , Stape J. L.
Published: July 2016

Brazilian forest‐based industries are supported by more than 5.5 million hectares of Eucalyptus growing under different climatic conditions with different degrees of favourability for rust Puccinia psidii, including both traditional and expanding areas, where such disease is of major concern for the industry, foresters and scientists. The main objective of this study was to define favourable climatic zones for Eucalyptus rust in Brazil with the following aims: (i) to develop a spatial method for estimating the mean night‐time temperature (Tng); (ii) to assess and validate a Eucalyptus rust model; and (iii) to map Eucalyptus rust favourability zones in Brazil based on the proposed model. A straightforward method, based only on latitude, day of the year, maximum and minimum air temperatures, was developed to estimate Tng, which is a key variable for a proper application of Ruiz rust model. Based on 37 field experiments with natural rust occurrence, it was observed that climatic conditions are determining factors for disease severity. Significant correlations between disease severity observed in the field and climatic conditions were found: a negative correlation with temperature (r = .50, p < .01) and a positive correlation with relative humidity (r = .89, p < .0001). A significant correlation (r = .81, p < .0001) between the normalized infection index, produced from Ruiz model, and the average rust score was also observed. Once the model was validated under field conditions, it was applied using historical average data of air temperature and leaf wetness duration to obtain monthly Eucalyptus rust favourability maps for the whole country. These final maps show that favourable climatic zones for Eucalyptus rust are extremely dynamic, with high temporal and spatial variability in Brazil and that climatic conditions should be considered for expansion of Eucalyptus to new areas, in breeding programmes, and for defining the most suitable seasons for forest establishment in each climate of the country. These results provide forestry managers with practical tools to reduce uncertainty about the expected severity of Eucalyptus rust in Brazil.
Identification of mutations in AP4S1/SPG52 through next generation sequencing in three families
Authors: Tessa A. , Battini R. , Rubegni A. , Storti E. , Marini C. , Galatolo D. , Pasquariello R. , Santorelli F. M.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

The term hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) covers a spectrum of genetically heterogeneous disorders in which lower limb spasticity is the common clinical feature. Many patients with childhood‐onset HSP are mistakenly diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

A group of as yet molecularly undiagnosed HSP patients were analyzed using SpastoPlex, a customized target re‐sequencing panel able to investigate the coding regions of 72 genes linked to HSP, spastic ataxias or related motor diseases.

Results

Our investigations identified loss‐of‐function mutations in AP4S1/SPG52 in four children (three families) who had previously received a diagnosis of diplegic/quadriplegic CP. The patients presented spastic paraparesis, mild facial dysmorphisms, moderate‐to‐severe intellectual disability and severe speech delay. Two patients manifested febrile seizures and childhood‐onset focal seizures. In all the patients, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a peculiar hypoplastic posterior corpus callosum, often associated with ventriculomegaly, white matter loss and cerebral atrophy.

Conclusion

Adaptor protein 4 (AP‐4) deficiency disorders should be suspected in children with spastic paraparesis, cognitive deficit and absent speech accompanied by suggestive MRI features. Seizures might be amongst the clinical manifestations of the syndrome.
Conflict between Controlling Family Owners and Minority Shareholders: Much Ado about Nothing?
Authors: Martin Geoffrey , Gómez–Mejía Luis R. , Berrone Pascual , Makri Marianna
Published: July 2016

We examine the unique nature of conflict between controlling family owners and minority shareholders (principal–principal conflict) in publicly traded family controlled firms through examining shareholder proposals. Implicit in prior governance and family business research has been that nonfamily shareholders are likely to be in conflict with the dominant family owners. In general, we find that much of this fear may be unwarranted except under specific circumstances. Our findings elucidate sources of heterogeneity in family firm principal–principal conflict and add greater nuance to our understanding of this type of agency problem within family firms.
Complementary and alternative medicine for addiction: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Posadzki Pawel , Khalil Mohamed MK , AlBedah Abdullah MN , Zhabenko Olena , Car Josip
Published: July 2016

Background

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is popular among individuals with a variety of addictions.

Objective

To critically evaluate the evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) of the effectiveness of CAM for addictions.

Methods

Ten electronic databases were searched from their inception to January 2015. Systematic reviews of any type of CAM with any type of addiction‐related outcome were considered eligible. The Oxman criteria for assessing the methodological quality of the included SRs were used.

Results

Twenty‐seven SRs met the inclusion criteria. Most of them were of high methodological quality (mean=4.66, SD=5.20). Twelve SRs arrived at equivocal conclusions (of these, seven were of high quality), four drew positive conclusions (three of which were of high quality), and 11 arrived at negative conclusions (of which six were of high quality). A wide variety of addictions were examined, including alcohol, amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates (heroin, morphine, opium), tobacco and various (unspecified) drugs. A diversity of CAM modalities was also used such as acupuncture (and related techniques), herbal medicine, hypnotherapy, meditative/mindfulness techniques, music therapy, spirituality and yoga.

Conclusion

A large number of SRs exist in the area of addiction. The evidence from SRs examining the effectiveness of various CAM interventions for myriad addictions is highly ambiguous or negative.
Chromium geochemistry of the ca. 1.85 Ga Flin Flon paleosol
Authors: Babechuk M. G. , Kleinhanns I. C. , Schoenberg R.
Published: July 2016

Fractionation of stable Cr isotopes has been measured in Archaean paleosols and marine sedimentary rocks and interpreted to record the terrestrial oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI), providing possible indirect evidence for the emergence of oxygenic photosynthesis. However, these fractionations occur amidst evidence from other geochemical proxies for a pervasively anoxic atmosphere. This study examined the Cr geochemistry of the ca. 1.85 Ga Flin Flon paleosol, which developed under an atmosphere unambiguously oxidising enough to quantitatively convert Fe(II) to Fe(III) during pedogenesis. The paleosol shows an extreme range in Cr isotope composition of 2.76 ‰ δ53/52Cr. The protolith greenstone (δ53/52Cr: −0.23 ‰), the deepest weathering horizon (δ53/52Cr: −0.15 to −0.23 ‰) and a residual corestone in the upper paleosol (δ53/52Cr: −0.01 ‰) all exhibit Cr isotopic compositions comparable to unaltered igneous rocks. The most significant isotopic fractionation is preserved in the areas influenced by oxidative subaerial weathering (i.e. increase in Fe(III)/Fe(II)) and the greatest loss of mobile elements. The uppermost paleosol horizon is both Cr and Mn depleted and offset to significantly 53Cr‐enriched compositions (δ53/52Cr values between +1.50 and +2.38 ‰), which is not easily modelled with the oxidation of Cr(III) and loss of isotopically heavy Cr(VI). Instead, the currently preferred model for these data invokes the open‐system removal of isotopically light aqueous Cr(III) during either pedogenesis or subsequent hydrothermal/metamorphic alteration. The 53Cr enrichment would then represent the preferential dissolution or complexation of isotopically light aqueous Cr(III) species (enhanced by lower pH conditions and possibly the presence of complexing ligands) and/or the residual signature from preferential adsorption of isotopically heavy Cr(III). Both scenarios would contradict the widely held assumption that only redox reactions of Cr can generate large magnitude isotopic fractionations and, if substantiated, non‐redox isotope effects would complicate the conclusive fingerprinting of ancient atmospheric O2 from Cr isotope data alone.
Preparation and optimisation of liposome‐in‐alginate beads containing oyster hydrolysate for sustained release
Authors: Xie Cheng‐liang , Lee Su‐Seon , Choung Se‐young , Kang Sang Soo , Choi Yeung Joon
Published: July 2016

Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) hydrolysate shows antihypertensive effect in our previous study. Oral administration of oyster hydrolysate can loss bioactive peptides due to enzymatic degradation in vivo. To maximise its bioavailability, liposome‐in‐alginate (LA) beads were used to encapsulate the oyster hydrolysates to protect from degradation and obtain sustained release. The preparation conditions of the LA beads were optimised by response surface method using a model peptide of tyrosylalanine (YA). Their characterisation, swelling and release properties were investigated. The optimised conditions for the concentration of calcium chloride, sodium alginate and the amount of ethanol‐dissolved lecithin (EDL) were 0.5 m, 3% and 95.4 mg, respectively. The encapsulation efficiencies of YA and the oyster hydrolysate in the optimised condition were 74.9% and 84.3%, respectively. The release time of the oyster hydrolysate in the simulated gastrointestinal fluid was up to 16 h. The LA beads can be recommended to encapsulate oyster hydrolysate for bioavailability improvement.
Characteristics of aggression among psychiatric inpatients by ward type in Japan: Using the Staff Observation Aggression Scale – Revised (SOAS‐R)
Authors: Sato Makiko , Noda Toshie , Sugiyama Naoya , Yoshihama Fumihiro , Miyake Michi , Ito Hiroto
Published: July 2016

Aggressive behaviour by psychiatric patients is a serious issue in clinical practice, and adequate management of such behaviour is required, with careful evaluation of the factors causing the aggression. To examine the characteristics of aggressive incidents by ward type, a cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted for 6 months between April 2012 and June 2013 using the Staff Observation Aggression Scale – Revised, Japanese version (SOAS‐R) in 30 wards across 20 Japanese psychiatric hospitals. Participating wards were categorized into three types based on the Japanese medical reimbursement system: emergency psychiatric, acute psychiatric, and standard wards (common in Japan, mostly treating non‐acute patients). On analyzing the 443 incidents reported, results showed significant differences in SOAS‐R responses by ward type. In acute and emergency psychiatric wards, staff members were the most common target of aggression. In acute psychiatric wards, staff requiring patients to take medication was the most common provocation, and verbal aggression was the most commonly used means. In emergency psychiatric wards, victims felt threatened. In contrast, in standard wards, both the target and provocation of aggression were most commonly other patients, hands were used, victims reported experiencing physical pain, and seclusion was applied to stop their behaviour. These findings suggest that ward environment was an important factor influencing aggressive behaviour. Ensuring the quality and safety of psychiatric care requires understanding the characteristics of incidents that staff are likely to encounter in each ward type, as well as implementing efforts to deal with the incidents adequately and improve the treatment environment.
Lentinan protects pancreatic β cells from STZ‐induced damage
Authors: Zhang Yaqin , Mei Hongliang , Shan Wei , Shi Li , Chang Xiaoai , Zhu Yunxia , Chen Fang , Han Xiao
Published: July 2016

Pancreatic β‐cell death or dysfunction mediated by oxidative stress underlies the development and progression of diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, we evaluated the effect of lentinan (LNT), an active ingredient purified from the bodies of Lentinus edodes, on pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis and dysfunction caused by streptozotocin (STZ) and the possible mechanisms implicated. The rat insulinoma cell line INS‐1 were pre‐treated with the indicated concentration of LNT for 30 min. and then incubated for 24 hrs with or without 0.5 mM STZ. We found that STZ treatment causes apoptosis of INS‐1 cells by enhancement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide release and activation of the c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways. However, LNT significantly increased cell viability and effectively attenuated STZ‐induced ROS production, iNOS expression and nitric oxide release and the activation of JNK and p38 MAPK in a dose‐dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, LNT dose‐dependently prevented STZ‐induced inhibition of insulin synthesis by blocking the activation of nuclear factor kappa beta and increasing the level of Pdx‐1 in INS‐1 cells. Together these findings suggest that LNT could protect against pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis and dysfunction caused by STZ and therefore may be a potential pharmacological agent for preventing pancreatic β‐cell damage caused by oxidative stress associated with diabetes.
The role of BRD7 in embryo development and glucose metabolism
Authors: Kim Yoo , Andrés Salazar Hernández Mario , Herrema Hilde , Delibasi Tuncay , Park Sang Won
Published: July 2016

Bromodomain‐containing protein 7 (BRD7) is a member of bromodomain‐containing protein family and its function has been implicated in several diseases. We have previously shown that BRD7 plays a role in metabolic processes. However, the effect of BRD7 deficiency in glucose metabolism and its role in in vivo have not been fully revealed. Here, we report the essential role of BRD7 during embryo development. Mice homozygous for BRD7 led to embryonic lethality at mid‐gestation. Homozygous BRD7 knockout (KO) mice showed retardation in development, and eventually all BRD7 KO embryos died in utero prior to E16.5. Partial knockdown of Brd7 gene displayed mild changes in glucose metabolism.
The mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase plays an anti‐apoptotic role in cardiomyocytes by regulating mitochondrial fission
Authors: Wang Jing , Aung Lynn H. H. , Prabhakar Bellur S. , Li Peifeng
Published: July 2016

Apoptosis plays a critical role in the development of myocardial infarction. Cardiomyocytes are enriched with mitochondria and excessive mitochondrial fission can trigger cellular apoptosis. Recently, the mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase (MITOL), localized in the mitochondrial outer membrane, was reported to play an important role in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis. However, the underlying mechanism of its action remains uncertain. The present study was aimed at uncovering the role of MITOL in the regulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Our results showed that MITOL expression was up‐regulated in cardiomyocytes in response to apoptotic stimulation. Mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase overexpression blocked dynamin‐related protein 1 accumulation in the mitochondria, and attenuated the mitochondrial fission induced by hydrogen peroxide. Conversely, MITOL knockdown sensitized cardiomyocytes to undergo mitochondrial fission, resulting in subsequent apoptosis. These findings suggest that MITOL plays a protective role against apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for apoptosis‐related cardiac diseases.
Treatment for Multiple Acute Cardiopulmonary Conditions in Older Adults Hospitalized with Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or Heart Failure
Authors: Dharmarajan Kumar , Strait Kelly M. , Tinetti Mary E. , Lagu Tara , Lindenauer Peter K. , Lynn Joanne , Krukas Michelle R. , Ernst Frank R. , Li Shu‐Xia , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To determine how often hospitalized older adults principally diagnosed with pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart failure (HF) are concurrently treated for two or more of these acute cardiopulmonary conditions.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

368 U.S. hospitals in the Premier research database.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older principally hospitalized with pneumonia, COPD, or HF in 2009 or 2010.

Measurements

Proportion of diagnosed episodes of pneumonia, COPD, or HF concurrently treated for two or more of these acute cardiopulmonary conditions during the first 2 hospital days.

Results

Of 91,709 diagnosed pneumonia hospitalizations, 32% received treatment for two or more acute cardiopulmonary conditions (18% for HF, 18% for COPD, 4% for both). Of 41,052 diagnosed COPD hospitalizations, 19% received treatment for two or more acute cardiopulmonary conditions (all of which involved additional HF treatment). Of 118,061 diagnosed HF hospitalizations, 38% received treatment for two or more acute cardiopulmonary conditions (34% for pneumonia, 9% for COPD, 5% for both).

Conclusion

Hospitalized older adults diagnosed with pneumonia, COPD, or HF are frequently treated for two or more acute cardiopulmonary conditions, suggesting that clinical syndromes often fall between traditional diagnostic categories. Research is needed to evaluate the risks and benefits of real‐world treatment for the many older adults whose presentations elicit diagnostic uncertainty or concern about coexisting acute conditions.
Acceptability of Phoenurse female condom and second‐generation Femidom female condom in Chinese women
Authors: Wang Xianmi , Liu Meng , Cheng Yimin
Published: July 2016

Aim

To compare the acceptability of Phoenurse female condom (PFC) and second‐generation Femidom female condom (FC2) among Chinese women.

Methods

A randomized, cross‐over clinical trial was carried out in women aged 20–49 years seeking family service in Qingdao, China, between April and October 2013. Women were classified into two groups using a computer‐generated randomized sequence. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline and after using 10 of each type of female condom (FC).

Results

Of 290 women, 247 (85.2%) believed that FC could protect against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. A total of 152 (52.5%) thought that the female condom (FC) contraceptive failure rate was higher, and 107 (36.9%) thought that FC could be reused before they participated in this study. After the study, 135 (46.6%) and 39 women (13.4%) would have been happy to use FC2 and PFC, respectively. Significant difference was noted between PFC and FC2 for the features color, lubrication and overall fit, rather than length, appearance, smell and application method. A total of 68 (23.5%) and 140 women (49.5%) liked FC2's color and lubrication better than PFC (44, 15.2%; 99, 34.6%). Also, 158 women (54.5%) preferred the overall fit of FC2 compared with PFC (143, 49.5%; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Participants did not have sufficient knowledge about the contraceptive effect and use of FC. Lubrication means the smooth degree of using FC. Length means the size of FC. Appearance means the users' overall impression of the FC.
Autoimmune diabetes in adults and risk of myocardial infarction: the HUNT study in Norway
Authors: Laugsand L. E. , Janszky I. , Vatten L. J. , Dalen H. , Midthjell K. , Grill V. , Carlsson S.
Published: July 2016

Background

The long‐term consequences of autoimmune diabetes in adults (AIDA) are largely unexplored.

Objective

To investigate the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in AIDA compared to type 2 diabetes, taking into consideration the effects of socio‐economic and lifestyle factors, the metabolic syndrome and glycaemic control.

Methods

A total of 62 995 participants including 207 individuals with AIDA (onset ≥35 years and anti‐GAD positive) and 2322 individuals with type 2 diabetes (onset ≥35 years and anti‐GAD negative), from the population‐based Norwegian HUNT study, were followed for a first MI during the period 1995–2008. We identified 2614 MIs by hospital records or the National Cause of Death Registry. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of MI by diabetes subgroups after adjustment for age and socio‐economic and lifestyle factors.

Results

AIDA amongst women was associated with a nearly fourfold increased risk of MI [hazard ratio (HR) 3.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.21–5.96) compared to nondiabetic participants, whereas no excess risk was found in men with AIDA (HR 1.30, 95% CI 0.70–2.52). By contrast, type 2 diabetes was associated with an increased MI risk in both men (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.62–2.26) and women (HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.98–2.89). The metabolic profile was more favourable in patients with AIDA than in those with type 2 diabetes, but glycaemic control was worse. Multivariable models and sensitivity analyses suggest that these results were robust.

Conclusions

Women with AIDA were more likely to develop MI, compared to men with AIDA and both men and women with type 2 diabetes. Further investigations are warranted to confirm this gender difference.
Detoxification Pathways in Response to Environmental Ammonia Exposure of the Cuttlefish, Sepia pharaonis: Glutamine and Urea Formation
Authors: Peng Rui‐Bing , Le Ke‐Xin , Wang Peng‐Shuai , Wang Yuan , Han Qing‐Xi , Jiang Xia‐Min
Published: July 2016

To investigate the ammonia detoxification pathways of the cuttlefish, Sepia pharaonis, the effects of environmental ammonia nitrogen exposure (control, 1, 3, and 6 mg/L) on nitrogen metabolism were quantified in the hemolymph, liver, and gills. The levels of glutamine synthetase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and arginase activities and ammonia, glutamine, and urea concentrations in the hemolymph, liver, and gills significantly increased upon exposure to 3 and 6 mg/L ammonia nitrogen and exhibited a dose‐dependent relationship with the ammonia exposure concentration. These results suggest two main pathways of metabolic ammonia detoxification in S. pharaonis exposed to ammonia in this study: (1) conversion of ammonia to urea, which is stored temporarily or excreted, via the ornithine‐urea cycle and (2) conversion of ammonia to glutamine, which can be stored in the body or used for other anabolic processes.
From Soviet to Europe: Returns to Education Puzzle in Bulgaria
Authors: Staneva Anita V. , Abdel‐Latif Hany
Published: July 2016

This article makes a systematic presentation of returns to education in Bulgaria, a country that has witnessed a number of dramatic structural changes over the last two decades. It examines the headway of returns to education for Bulgaria in two observed economic regimes — from communism to EU membership. The findings show a steady increase in returns to education for both men and women until 2003. The average returns to one additional year of education rose from 1.1 per cent in 1986 to 5.1 per cent in 2003 for men and from 2.1 to 5.9 per cent for women. Quantile regression estimations between 1986 and 2003 evince that the most prominent increase in the wage premium occurred at the top end of the distribution, where the rate of returns to education increased in particular for women — from a negative and insignificant sign in 1986 to 7 per cent in 2003. However, this increasing trend in returns to education seems to take an inverted U‐shape in 2007, the year when the country joined the EU, which poses a new puzzle to be resolved. To this end, the current article introduces possible explanations for such a puzzle and sheds lights on a number of insightful policy implications.
Medical Research Participation as “Ethical Intercorporeality”: Caring for Bio–Social Bodies in a Mexican Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Study
Authors: Wentzell Emily
Published: July 2016

While medical research ethics guidelines frame participants as individual and autonomous, anthropologists emphasize the relational nature of health research participation. I analyze interviews with Mexican male HPV study participants and their wives to examine how research participants themselves focus on relationships when imagining research‐related benefits. I argue that couples incorporated the local trope of the Mexican citizenry as a biologically homogeneous national body, which individual members help or harm through their gendered health behavior to understand these benefits. I use the concept of “ethical intercorporeality” to discuss spouses’ understandings of themselves as parts of bio–social wholes—the couple, family, and society—that they believed men's research participation could aid both physically and socially. This finding extends the insight that focusing on relationships rather than individuals is necessary for understanding the consequences of medical research by showing how participants themselves might apply this perspective in context‐specific ways.
Divergence maintained by climatic selection despite recurrent gene flow: a case study of Castanopsis carlesii (Fagaceae)
Authors: Sun Ye , Surget‐Groba Yann , Gao Shaoxiong
Published: July 2016

Local adaptation to different environments has the potential to maintain divergence between populations despite recurrent gene flow and is an important driver for generating biological diversity. In this study, we investigate the role of adaptation in the maintenance of two parapatric varieties of a forest tree. We used sequence variation of chloroplastic DNA and restriction site‐associated DNA to investigate the genetic structure of two varieties of Castanopsis carlesii in subtropical China and relate it to climatic variation. We used niche reconstruction methods to investigate niche differentiation between the two varieties and to estimate the past distribution of this species. A deep divergence was observed between the two varieties, but evidence of introgression and genetic admixture was detected in two phenotypically and geographically intermediate populations. Niche reconstruction suggests that the distribution of the two varieties was disjunct during periods of global cooling and that the two varieties occupy significantly different niches. The genetic structure was mainly driven by environmental factors, and 13 outlier loci under divergent selection were correlated with climatic variation. These results suggest that the two varieties evolved in allopatry and came back into secondary contact after the last glacial maximum and that they are an evolutionary example of divergence maintained by climatic selection despite recurrent gene flow.
Genetic variation for pseudo‐self‐compatibility in self‐incompatible populations of Leavenworthia alabamica (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Baldwin Sarah J. , Schoen Daniel J.
Published: July 2016

Self‐incompatibility (SI) promotes outcrossing, but transitions to self‐compatibility (SC) are frequent. Population genetic theory describing the breakdown of SI to SC suggests that, under most conditions, populations should be composed of either SI or SC individuals. Under a narrow range of conditions, theory suggests that SI may persist alongside reduced expression of SI (pseudo‐SI, PSI) in mixed‐mating populations.

We studied genetic variation for PSI segregating in four SI populations of Leavenworthia alabamica by measurement of the heritability of pollen tube number after self‐pollination. We tested for the role of the S‐locus in this variation by sequencing seven S‐alleles from plants with high pseudo‐SC (PSC) and testing for the co‐segregation of these alleles with PSC.

We found a continuous distribution of PSC in all populations and 90% of plants exhibited PSC. The heritability ranged from 0.39 to 0.57. All seven S‐alleles from plants with high PSC exhibited trans‐specific polymorphism, and no stop codons were observed within the c. 600‐bp region sequenced. One of these S‐alleles was directly associated with the inheritance of PSC.

We conclude that heritable variation in PSC is largely a result of genetic variation in the signaling cascade downstream of the S‐locus reaction, together with the presence of one leaky S‐allele.
Cognitive functions in adults with β‐thalassemia major: before and after blood transfusion and comparison with healthy controls
Authors: Raz Sivan , Koren Ariel , Dan Orrie , Levin Carina
Published: July 2016

While β‐thalassemia major (β‐TM)–related physiological complications have been well established, less is known about implications for neuropsychological and cognitive function. The few existing studies have focused almost exclusively on children. We evaluated cognitive function in adult β‐TM patients compared to healthy controls (study 1) and in β‐TM patients before and after blood transfusion (study 2). Performance intelligence quotient (IQ) was evaluated with four subtests from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS‐III). Attention functions were evaluated using the online continuous performance test (OCPT). The results of study 1 revealed poorer performance of β‐TM patients on three of the four intelligence subtests, with significantly lower total performance IQ scores compared with controls. The percentage of participants with abnormal performance IQ (<85) was almost five times higher in the β‐TM group (58%) than in the control group (12%). In study 2, significant differences were found in OCPT performance as a function of blood transfusion. Before transfusion, patients had higher rates of omission and commission errors, slower response times (RTs), and lower RT consistency than after transfusion. As β‐TM patients' life expectancy is increasing, assessment and treatment of neurocognitive functions should become an integral part of appropriate follow‐up to improve patients' quality of life.
Musical cognition in Alzheimer's disease: application of the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia
Authors: Campanelli Alessandra , Rendace Lidia , Parisi Francesco , D'Antonio Fabrizia , Imbriano Letizia , de Lena Carlo , Trebbastoni Alessandro
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to assess certain musical abilities in 30 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 30 healthy controls by using the complete version of the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA). This battery evaluates melodic (scale, contour, and interval) and temporal (rhythm and meter) perception of music and musical memory. We found that altered musical processing is a common feature in AD. Despite that, AD subjects show partially spared abilities for temporal organization of music, though not for melodic perception and musical memory. This peculiar dysfunctional pattern could depend on the neurodegenerative involvement of some specific areas for music perception and memory in the brains of AD patients. Further studies are needed to investigate the usefulness of additional musical tests like the MBEA on larger samples to confirm our preliminary data.
Deferoxamine ameliorates hepatosteatosis via several mechanisms in ob/ob mice
Authors: Xue Han , Chen Di , Zhong Yan‐Ke , Zhou Zhen‐Diao , Fang Shi‐Xin , Li Ming‐Yao , Guo Chuang
Published: July 2016

Hepatic iron accumulation may be responsible for the pathology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is both increasingly prevalent in conjunction with obesity and associated with comorbidities. The efficacy of iron reduction therapies, such as phlebotomy or dietary iron restriction, has been demonstrated in patient and animal models, including models of diabetes and obesity; however, the effects on and exact mechanisms responsible for iron depletion in NAFLD have not been clearly elucidated. Our study investigated the role of iron depletion by deferoxamine (DFO) treatment of ob/ob mice with hepatic steatosis. We found that DFO reduced hepatic iron deposition and regulated intracellular iron concentration in a homeostatic process following 15 days of treatment. Compared with vehicle treatment, DFO significantly improved hepatic steatosis by upregulating proteins related to lipid metabolism. Meanwhile, the reduction of free radical formation and proinflammatory cytokines, as well as the increase of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α pathway proteins and Bcl2/Bax ratio, further indicated that DFO was effective for liver protection and hepatic adaptation. These findings show that the intraperitoneal delivery of DFO provides a potential means of both preventing the progression of NAFLD and accelerating healing of hepatic steatosis, with the potential for rapid clinical application.
Therapeutic potential of green tea on risk factors for type 2 diabetes in obese adults – a review
Authors: Ferreira M.A. , Silva D.M. , de Morais A.C. , Mota J.F. , Botelho P.B.
Published: July 2016

Green tea has been associated with positive effects in the treatment of obesity and other associated comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes. These benefits are thought to be related to the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects of green tea and to the reduction in body fat percentage exhibited by its bioactive compounds. The predominant active compounds in green tea are flavonoid monomers known as catechins, in particular epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate, which is the most abundant and most effective catechin in metabolic care, particularly among obese patients. The objective of this review was to investigate the effects of green tea on body composition, oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance, risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes in obese individuals and the mechanisms that underlie the modulatory actions of green tea compounds on these risk factors. Although green tea has therapeutic potential in the treatment of obese individuals, the findings of this review demonstrate the need for a greater number of studies to confirm the positive effects of green tea, especially regarding the modulation of obesity.
Situational awareness – what it means for clinicians, its recognition and importance in patient safety
Authors: Green B , Parry D , Oeppen RS , Plint S , Dale T , Brennan PA
Published: July 2016

A thorough understanding of the role of human factors in error in health care for improving patient safely is paramount. One area particularly crucial for optimising clinical performance is the recognising the importance of situational awareness. Loss of situation awareness can occur in many different settings, particularly during stressful and unexpected situations. Tunnel vision is a classic example where clinicians focus on one aspect of care, often to the detriment of overall patient management. Loss of situational awareness can result in serious compromise to patient safety if it is not recognised by either the individual or clinical team. We provide an introduction to situational awareness for those not familiar with it, including some important theory which explains how awareness can be lost, and discuss the important approaches we use in our day‐to‐day practice to safeguard both patients and clinicians in the workplace environment.