bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of long‐term inhaled antibiotic for patients with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Jia‐Wei , Fan Li‐Chao , Lu Hai‐Wen , Miao Xia‐Yi , Mao Bei , Xu Jin‐Fu
Published: January 2015

Background and Aims

The evidence supported the use of nebulized antibiotics in non‐cystic fibrosis (non‐CF) bronchiectasis is indefinite. A meta‐analysis was performed to determine the efficacy and safety of long‐term inhaled antibiotics for patients with non‐CF bronchiectasis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to March 20, 2014. Reduction of sputum bacterial density, eradication of sputum Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the risk of exacerbations and other clinical outcomes related to inhalation treatment were analyzed.

Results

Three hundred seventy articles were searched. Eight randomized controlled trials recruiting 539 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. Long‐term inhaled antibiotics showed an obvious reduction of the sputum bacterial density [weighted mean difference = 2.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–4.09, P < 0.00001] and augment eradication of sputum P. aeruginosa [odds ratio (OR) = 6.6, 95% CI: 2.93–14.86, P < 0.00001]. No evidences showed higher risk of P. aeruginosa resistance after inhaled therapy. In addition, nebulized therapy reduced the amount of patients with exacerbation (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.21–1.00, P = 0.05). However, patients with inhaled antibiotics were more likely to suffer wheeze (OR = 6.74, 95% CI: 2.22–20.52, P = 0.0008) and bronchospasm (OR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.11–7.25, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

For patients with non‐CF bronchiectasis, long‐term inhaled antibiotics can effectively reduce the sputum bacterial density, increase P.A eradication and attenuate the risk of exacerbation, however, accompanied with higher risk of wheeze and bronchospasm.
Experimentally testing and assessing the predictive power of species assembly rules for tropical canopy ants
Authors: Fayle Tom M. , Eggleton Paul , Manica Andrea , Yusah Kalsum M. , Foster William A.
Published: January 2015

Understanding how species assemble into communities is a key goal in ecology. However, assembly rules are rarely tested experimentally, and their ability to shape real communities is poorly known. We surveyed a diverse community of epiphyte‐dwelling ants and found that similar‐sized species co‐occurred less often than expected. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that invasion was discouraged by the presence of similarly sized resident species. The size difference for which invasion was less likely was the same as that for which wild species exhibited reduced co‐occurrence. Finally we explored whether our experimentally derived assembly rules could simulate realistic communities. Communities simulated using size‐based species assembly exhibited diversities closer to wild communities than those simulated using size‐independent assembly, with results being sensitive to the combination of rules employed. Hence, species segregation in the wild can be driven by competitive species assembly, and this process is sufficient to generate observed species abundance distributions for tropical epiphyte‐dwelling ants.
Early statin therapy in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage without prior statin use
Authors: Chen P.‐S. , Cheng C.‐L. , Chang Y.‐C. , Kao Yang Y.‐H. , Yeh P.‐S. , Li Y.‐H.
Published: January 2015

Background and purpose

Statin therapy is beneficial for primary and secondary prevention of ischaemic stroke, but its influence in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unclear. An assessment was made of the effect of early statin therapy on patients with acute ICH.

Methods

Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database was screened for patients without prior statin therapy admitted from January to December 2008 for newly diagnosed ICH. Patients taking statins during hospitalization or within 3 months post‐discharge were the early statin group (n = 749); patients who were not were the control group (n = 7583). The study end‐points were recurrent ICH and all‐cause mortality during follow‐up.

Results

All eligible patients were followed up until 31 December 2010. During the follow‐up, 69 (9.2%) patients in the early statin group and 677 (8.9%) control group patients had recurrent ICH. Cox proportional hazards analyses showed that early statin use did not increase the risk of recurrent ICH (adjusted hazard ratio 1.044; 95% confidence interval 0.812–1.341). During the same period, 90 (12.0%) of the early statin group and 1519 (20.0%) control group patients died. All‐cause mortality was lower in the early statin group (adjusted hazard ratio 0.742; 95% confidence interval 0.598–0.919) than in the control group. Matched propensity score analyses were consistent with findings in Cox proportional hazards analyses.

Conclusions

Early statin group patients with acute ICH did not have a higher recurrent risk of ICH and might have lower all‐cause mortality during follow‐up. It is concluded that statin therapy might be beneficial for patients with ICH.
A quantitative genetic approach to assess the evolutionary potential of a coastal marine fish to ocean acidification
Authors: Malvezzi Alex J. , Murray Christopher S. , Feldheim Kevin A. , DiBattista Joseph D. , Garant Dany , Gobler Christopher J. , Chapman Demian D. , Baumann Hannes
Published: January 2015

Assessing the potential of marine organisms to adapt genetically to increasing oceanic CO2 levels requires proxies such as heritability of fitness‐related traits under ocean acidification (OA). We applied a quantitative genetic method to derive the first heritability estimate of survival under elevated CO2 conditions in a metazoan. Specifically, we reared offspring, selected from a wild coastal fish population (Atlantic silverside, Menidia menidia), at high CO2 conditions (~2300 μatm) from fertilization to 15 days posthatch, which significantly reduced survival compared to controls. Perished and surviving offspring were quantitatively sampled and genotyped along with their parents, using eight polymorphic microsatellite loci, to reconstruct a parent–offspring pedigree and estimate variance components. Genetically related individuals were phenotypically more similar (i.e., survived similarly long at elevated CO2 conditions) than unrelated individuals, which translated into a significantly nonzero heritability (0.20 ± 0.07). The contribution of maternal effects was surprisingly small (0.05 ± 0.04) and nonsignificant. Survival among replicates was positively correlated with genetic diversity, particularly with observed heterozygosity. We conclude that early life survival of M. menidia under high CO2 levels has a significant additive genetic component that could elicit an evolutionary response to OA, depending on the strength and direction of future selection.
Characterisation of inland fisheries in Europe
Authors: Cowx I. G.
Published: January 2015

The situation facing inland fisheries and aquaculture in Europe has altered rapidly in response to an exceptional period of change throughout the continent over the past 25 to 30 years. A number of factors contribute towards these trends, including increasing demand for water, social, economic and political shifts, and increased awareness of environmental issues. The aim of this study is to explore changes in the European inland fisheries sector to assist planning and management of the sector in the future. Commercial fisheries have declined throughout Europe. After slow expansion through the 1950s–1980s, catches have declined steadily over the past 25 years, more so in the north and west than in Eastern countries. Similarly, recreational fisheries are under threat from declining participation and degradation from external interventions. By contrast, aquaculture production from inland waters in European countries has shown a progressive increase of 7% per year from 300 000 t in 1985 to 430 000 t in 2012. Despite the importance of inland fisheries, especially recreational fisheries, throughout Europe, there is a perception that natural fisheries have undergone major, often adverse, changes. These are related to ongoing restructuring in post‐socialist countries, changing relationships between commercial and recreational fishers, deficiencies and confusion in fisheries legislation, administration and access to waters. The resources are also subject to numerous anthropogenic perturbations. In an effort to maintain, improve and develop inland fisheries in Europe options for development, including river basin management planning and ecosystem approach are discussed.
Long‐term follow‐up of children with haemophilia – low incidence of infections with central venous access devices
Authors: Harroche A. , Merckx J. , Salvi N. , Faivre J. , Jacqmarcq O. , Dazet D. , Makhloufi M. , Clairicia M. , Torchet M.‐F. , Aouba A. , Rothschild C.
Published: January 2015

This study reports on 15 years of experience, in a single haemophilia care centre in France, with central venous access devices (VADs) in children with haemophilia. Following the insertion of a central VAD, patients were requested to return to the hospital on a quarterly basis for a multidisciplinary appointment which included clinical examination, chest X‐ray, cardiac and major vessels ultrasound and preventive fibrinolysis. The family was urged to return to the Haemophilia Care Centre if complications or problems occurred. The follow‐up comprised 50 patients. Data were collected prospectively. The total number of days with a VAD was 86 461 days and the total number of times the VAD was used was 41 192 (approximately every other day). Mean duration of VAD placement was 1269 days (range 113–2794 days). There were 25 complications, of which 9 haematomas and 5 systemic infections. Two VADs, infected with Staphylococcus aureus, had to be replaced. The infection rate was calculated as 0.0578 infections/1000 catheter days. There were no cases of thrombosis. This study concluded that most VAD infections in children can be avoided, even in patients requiring intense, prolonged treatment. The very low infection rate was achieved through the efforts of a multidisciplinary team, combined with extensive training for all individuals involved, adherence to written protocols and specific monitoring measures.
Aquatic insects in the Dinarides: identifying hotspots of endemism and species richness shaped by geological and hydrological history using Empididae (Diptera)
Authors: Ivković Marija , Plant Adrian
Published: January 2015

We identify local hotspots of elevated species richness and endemicity of aquatic insects in the Dinarides (Balkans) using aquatic Empididae (Diptera) as models and compared observed patterns with historical geological and hydrological changes in the region.

We analysed species richness and reciprocal weighted endemicity. Parsimony analysis of endemism was used to generate an historical hypothesis of the relationships between the aquatic Empididae biotas of different regions of local endemism within the Dinarides and the results reconciled with the geological and hydrological history of the region.

Hotspots of high endemicity were coincident with areas of elevated species richness and were located primarily in the northwest Dinarides, central Bosnia & Herzegovina, and southeast Montenegro. Parsimony analysis of endemism retrieved three weakly supported area clades comprising areas of southeast Dinarides together with disjunct areas at the western Dinarides, and central Bosnia & Herzegovina together with the disjunct northwest Dinarides.

The aquatic Empididae fauna of the northwest Dinarides has been strongly influenced by dispersal from the European Alps, whereas that at the southern end of the range may have been shaped by immigration from ranges further south. In the central Dinarides, progressive fragmentation of the hydrological network through orogenesis, karstification, redistribution of flysch deposits, and saline ingressions may underlie current diversity patterns with populations becoming increasingly isolated and focused within refugia.

Hotspots of endemism and diversity are not necessarily coincident with protected areas and further work will be needed if they are to be reconciled with future planning of conservation priorities.
Technical Knowledge, Prosocial Knowledge, and Clinical Performance of Indian Medical Students
Authors: Ghosh Kamalika , Motowidlo Stephan J. , Nath Saswati
Published: January 2015

We cross‐culturally replicated and extended findings reported by Kell, Motowidlo, Martin, Stotts, and Moreno that technical knowledge and prosocial knowledge have independent effects on performance. In a sample of 196 Indian medical students, we found that prosocial knowledge explains variance in students' clinical performance beyond the variance explained by technical knowledge and technical knowledge explains variance in clinical performance beyond the variance explained by prosocial knowledge. Contrary to findings that American medical students' prosocial inclinations, as reflected in measures of empathy, seem to decline over the course of their medical training (e.g., Hojat, Vergare, Maxwell, Brainard, Herrine, and Isenberg), we found that Indian medical students' prosocial knowledge steadily increased from their third to fifth years of medical study.
Progranulin is preferentially expressed in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and protects mice from psoriasis‐like skin inflammation
Authors: Huang Kun , Chen Aijun , Zhang Xuemei , Song Zhixin , Xu Hongmei , Cao Ju , Yin Yibing
Published: January 2015

Progranulin (PGRN) is a multi‐functional protein known to be involved in inflammation. Recent studies have found that PGRN has dual roles in inflammation and exerts anti‐inflammatory and pro‐inflammatory function in different diseases. However, the role of PGRN in psoriasis has not been fully elucidated. Here, we detected preferential expression of PGRN in human psoriatic lesions and serum. Moreover, serum PGRN/tumour necrosis factor‐α ratio was negatively correlated with disease severity. To investigate the role of PGRN in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, we used wild‐type (WT) and PGRN−/− mice in a model of 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate (TPA) ‐induced psoriasis‐like inflammation. We demonstrated that PGRN expression was dramatically enhanced in the psoriasis‐like lesions of TPA‐treated WT mice, in accordance with human psoriatic lesions. Surprisingly, PGRN−/− mice were more sensitive to the development of TPA‐induced psoriasis‐like inflammation. The mechanism underlying this increased sensitivity of PGRN−/− mice to TPA‐induced psoriasis‐like inflammation was impaired differentiation of regulatory T cells in lymph nodes and decreased recruitment of these cells in the affected skin, which results in more severe inflammation. Hence, in WT mice, PGRN promotes differentiation and recruitment of regulatory T cells at the site of inflammation, which protects the skin from an exaggerated psoriasis‐like inflammatory response.
Understanding the Implementation Process of a Multi‐Component Health Promotion Intervention for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Sweden
Authors: Sundblom Elinor , Bergström Helena , Ellinder Liselotte Schäfer
Published: January 2015

Background

There is a need to better understand implementation processes of health interventions. This study describes the implementation of a multicomponent intervention to improve diet and physical activity among adults with intellectual disabilities, viewed from the perspectives of staff and managers.

Materials and Methods

All health ambassadors (n = 12), appointed among staff and managers (n = 5) taking part of a health intervention in community residences in Sweden, were interviewed with a focus on barriers and facilitators regarding implementation of the intervention. Data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

The overarching theme describes the importance of supporting motivation for change among managers, caregivers and residents. The experiences of the implementation process are described in four main categories: intervention characteristics, individual commitment, organizational capacity and societal factors.

Conclusion

The implementation can be facilitated by a programme meeting perceived needs, a flexible and participatory approach, external input and an extensive preparation phase.
Editorial: A double‐edged sword: advantages and disadvantages to the current emphasis on biogenetic causes of child psychopathology
Authors: Burt S. Alexandra
Published: January 2015

Research on child psychopathology is a largely biogenetic endeavor these days, at least according to current funding priorities at the National Institutes of Health in the US. This heavy focus on genetic contributions to child psychopathology has some real advantages. Available research has conclusively indicated that child and adolescent mental health problems are partially genetic in origin and, moreover, are related to neural structure and function (as an example, see Plomin et al.). Moreover, these genetic effects may be responsible for some previously reported ‘environmental’ effects, such that, what appear to be direct environmental risk factors may in fact reflect genetic/familial risks. As one example, Sengupta et al. (this issue) found that maternal smoking during pregnancy was in fact a marker of maternal and paternal psychopathology. Put another way, the association between ADHD and maternal smoking during pregnancy may index a genetic/familial risk for a more severe form of ADHD, rather than a direct effect of uterine exposure to cigarettes. A final, more subtle reason for the current trend towards biogenetic research is that it has the rarely‐discussed but all‐too‐important ‘allure of the unknown’. We have only just recently been able to directly explore the biological underpinnings of psychopathology; and as technology advances, so too will the insights gained (presumably). This offers both funding agencies and individual scientists the very real possibility of making a major new discovery – a siren's call for most of us. In sharp contrast, decades of research have explored putatively environmental contributions to child and adolescent psychopathology. New paradigm‐shifting discoveries are thus likely to be fewer in number and farther between (if we continue using traditional study designs that omit joint consideration of biology, that is). In short, biogenetic research just feels more cutting edge at the moment. The clear merits of such work notwithstanding, there are a number of critical disadvantages to the current emphasis on genetics. These issues are presented below, not necessarily in order of importance.
Elevated prevalence of Type D (distressed) personality in moderate to severe psoriasis is associated with mood status and quality of life impairment: a comparative pilot study
Authors: Molina‐Leyva A. , Caparros‐delMoral I. , Ruiz‐Carrascosa J.C. , Naranjo‐Sintes R. , Jimenez‐Moleon J.J.
Published: January 2015

Background

Psoriasis may imply a remarkable psychological impairment, which can influence patient's personality. The Type D personality is defined by the combination of social inhibition and negative affectivity. Furthermore, Type D personality has been associated with impaired health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and increased cardiovascular risk, both facts being associated with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Objectives

To explore the prevalence of Type D personality in moderate to severe psoriasis patients; To analyse the relationship between Type D personality and the most common physical and psychological comorbidities in moderate to severe psoriasis and To explore the impact of Type D personality on HRQOL.

Methods

A prospective comparative study matched to age and sex. Eighty patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and 80 healthy volunteers were included in the study. The participants completed the DS14 test, the Massachusetts General Hospital‐Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the SF‐36 and the Psoriasis Disability Index.

Results

The prevalence of Type D personality was higher in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis as compared to healthy volunteers: 38.7% vs. 23.7%, P < 0.001. Psoriasis patients with Type D personality had a 3.2‐fold risk of anxiety when compared to patients without Type D personality; odds ratio 3.2 (1.3–8.83 P = 0.01). Type D personality was significantly associated with an impaired general, sexual and psoriasis‐related HRQOL (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Because Type D personality could represent a frequent type of personality among individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis, it could serve as a ‘marker’ of more psychologically vulnerable patients, probably related to dysfunctional coping strategies. The Type D personality could represent a profile more frequently encountered among patients with psoriasis, and might therefore help identify subjects physiologically more vulnerable to disease, most likely due to inadequate adaptation mechanisms.
Evolution of complex life cycles in trophically transmitted helminths. I. Host incorporation and trophic ascent
Authors: Parker G. A. , Ball M. A. , Chubb J. C.
Published: January 2015

Links between parasites and food webs are evolutionarily ancient but dynamic: life history theory provides insights into helminth complex life cycle origins. Most adult helminths benefit by sexual reproduction in vertebrates, often high up food chains, but direct infection is commonly constrained by a trophic vacuum between free‐living propagules and definitive hosts. Intermediate hosts fill this vacuum, facilitating transmission to definitive hosts. The central question concerns why sexual reproduction, and sometimes even larval growth, is suppressed in intermediate hosts, favouring growth arrest at larval maturity in intermediate hosts and reproductive suppression until transmission to definitive hosts? Increased longevity and higher growth in definitive hosts can generate selection for larger parasite body size and higher fecundity at sexual maturity. Life cycle length is increased by two evolutionary mechanisms, upward and downward incorporation, allowing simple (one‐host) cycles to become complex (multihost). In downward incorporation, an intermediate host is added below the definitive host: models suggest that downward incorporation probably evolves only after ecological or evolutionary perturbations create a trophic vacuum. In upward incorporation, a new definitive host is added above the original definitive host, which subsequently becomes an intermediate host, again maintained by the trophic vacuum: theory suggests that this is plausible even under constant ecological/evolutionary conditions. The final cycle is similar irrespective of its origin (upward or downward). Insights about host incorporation are best gained by linking comparative phylogenetic analyses (describing evolutionary history) with evolutionary models (examining selective forces). Ascent of host trophic levels and evolution of optimal host taxa ranges are discussed.
Evolution of complex life cycles in trophically transmitted helminths.II. How do life‐history stages adapt to their hosts?
Authors: Parker G. A. , Ball M. A. , Chubb J. C.
Published: January 2015

We review how trophically transmitted helminths adapt to the special problems associated with successive hosts in complex cycles. In intermediate hosts, larvae typically show growth arrest at larval maturity (GALM). Theoretical models indicate that optimization of size atGALMrequires larval mortality rate to increase with time between infection andGALM: low larval growth or paratenicity (no growth) arises from unfavourable growth and mortality rates in the intermediate host and low transmission rates to the definitive host. Reverse conditions favour highGALMsize or continuous growth. Some support is found for these predictions. Intermediate host manipulation involves predation suppression (which decreases host vulnerabilitybeforethe larva can establish in its next host) and predation enhancement (which increases host vulnerabilityafterthe larva can establish in its next host). Switches between suppression and enhancement suggest adaptive manipulation. Manipulation conflicts can occur between larvae of different ages/species a host individual. Larvae must usually develop toGALMbefore becoming infective to the next host, possibly due to trade‐offs, e.g. between growth/survival in the present host and infection ability for the next host. In definitive hosts, if mortality rate is constant, optimal growth before switching to reproduction is set by the growth/morality rate ratio. Rarely, no growth occurs in definitive hosts, predicted (with empirical support) when larval size on infection exceeds growth/mortality rate. Tissue migration patterns and residence sites may be explained by variations in growth/mortality rates between host gut and soma, migration costs and benefits of releasing eggs in the gut.
Randomized Clinical Trial of Four Adhesion Strategies in Posterior Restorations—18‐Month Results
Authors: Delbons Flávia B. , Perdigão Jorge , Araujo Edson , Melo Freire Charles A. , Caldas Danilo D. , Cardoso Jorge L. , Pagani Margarida , Borges Gilberto A. , Lima Rodrigo B.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the 18‐month clinical performance of four adhesive strategies in posterior composite restorations placed in private practice.

Materials and Methods

Upon approval by an institutional review board, 144 restorations were inserted in 45 subjects (average age = 32.6) to treat caries lesions or to replace existing restorations in vital molars and premolars. The adhesives OptiBond FL (three‐step etch‐and‐rinse), OptiBond SOLO Plus (two‐step etch‐and‐rinse), OptiBond XTR (two‐step self‐etch), and OptiBond All‐in One (one‐step self‐etch) were applied as per manufacturer's (Kerr Co.) instructions followed by a nanofilled resin composite (Filtek Z350XT, 3M ESPE) under rubber dam isolation. Restorations were evaluated at baseline and at 18 months using United States Public Health Service (USPHS)‐modified criteria and high‐resolution digital photographs. Statistical analyses included the McNemar and the Mann–Whitney non‐parametric tests (p < 0.05).

Results

A total of 137 restorations were evaluated after 18 months. The number of alfa ratings did not change significantly from baseline to 18 months for any of the adhesion strategies. When the 18‐month evaluation criteria were pooled by pairs of adhesives, none of the adhesives resulted in a significantly different number of alfa ratings for any of the criteria compared with the other adhesives.

Conclusion

Bonding strategy did not influence the clinical performance of posterior composite restorations under the clinical conditions used in this study.

Clinical Significance

When used in ideal clinical conditions, the composition of current dentin adhesives may be more clinically relevant than their adhesion strategy.
Influence of immune‐relevant genotype on the reproductive success of a salmonid alternative mating strategy
Authors: O'Malley K. G. , Perales B. , Whitcomb A. C.
Published: January 2015

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and immune‐relevant gene markers were used to evaluate differences in reproductive success (RS) among naturally spawning coho salmonOncorhynchus kisutchmate pairs involving an alternative male reproductive phenotype, known as jacks. These mate pairs included both hatchery‐reared and wild origin fish such that three classes were evaluated in two consecutive years (2005 and 2006) using a previously constructed multigenerational genetic pedigree: wild × wild (W × W), hatchery × hatchery (H × H) and wild × hatchery (W × H).Oncorhynchus kisutchjack mate pairs mated randomly based on immune‐relevant genotype in both years; a result consistent with the opportunistic mating strategy of jacks. An association between greater number of alleles shared at three immune‐relevant gene markers and increasedRSwas found for: W × H mate pairs in 2005 (BHMS429), W × H pairs in 2006 (SsalR016TKU) and W × W pairs in 2006 (OMM3085). No correlation between immune gene diversity andRSwas found for H × H pairs in either year. The results suggest that the influence of immune‐relevant genotype on mating success may be different for jacks when compared with previous studies of large adult maleO. kisutch.
A qualitative investigation of patients’ understanding of carbohydrate in the clinical management of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Breen C. , McKenzie K. , Yoder R. , Ryan M. , Gibney M. J. , O'Shea D.
Published: January 2015

Background

A healthy diet is the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) self‐management. Carbohydrate is of particular interest as the nutrient with the greatest direct effect on blood glucose (BG) levels. The present study aimed to explore T2DM patients’ understanding of carbohydrate and beliefs around the role of carbohydrate in T2DM management.

Methods

Fifteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted with T2DM patients. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed, and a deductive thematic approach to analysis was employed using the Framework method.

Results

Four significant themes emerged: (i) a naïve conceptual understanding of carbohydrate and sugar‐centric specificity to dietary behaviours; (ii) a narrow focus on BG management to the neglect of overall dietary balance; (iii) positive reception of moderate dietary advice focused on portion control from healthcare professionals (HCPs); and (iv) the impact of external moderators of dietary choices, including the influence of significant others, emotional and opportunistic eating and budgetary constraints.

Conclusions

Participants’ beliefs and understanding of carbohydrate led to an overemphasis on sugar restriction for blood glucose control to the neglect of their overall dietary balance. Diabetes educators need to place greater emphasis on the role of various types of carbohydrate foods for glycaemic control, as well as on concepts of wider metabolic health, during T2DM dietary education. Participants placed a high level of trust and value on practical, moderate portion control advice from HCPs regarding carbohydrate foods. However, HCPs need to be cognisant of external moderators of behaviour, such as the influence of family and friends, budgetary constraints and environmental eating triggers.
Rotenone decreases intracellular aldehyde dehydrogenase activity: implications for the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Goldstein David S. , Sullivan Patti , Cooney Adele , Jinsmaa Yunden , Kopin Irwin J. , Sharabi Yehonatan
Published: January 2015

Repeated systemic administration of the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone produces a rodent model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Mechanisms of relatively selective rotenone‐induced damage to nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons remain incompletely understood. According to the ‘catecholaldehyde hypothesis,’ buildup of the autotoxic dopamine metabolite 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) contributes to PD pathogenesis. Vesicular uptake blockade increases DOPAL levels, and DOPAL is detoxified mainly by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). We tested whether rotenone interferes with vesicular uptake and intracellular ALDH activity. Endogenous and F‐labeled catechols were measured in PC12 cells incubated with rotenone (0–1000 nM, 180 min), without or with F‐dopamine (2 μM) to track vesicular uptake and catecholamine metabolism. Rotenone dose dependently increased DOPAL, F‐DOPAL, and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylethanol (DOPET) levels while decreasing dopamine and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels and the ratio of dopamine to the sum of its deaminated metabolites. In test tubes, rotenone did not affect conversion of DOPAL to DOPAC by ALDH when NAD+ was supplied, whereas the direct‐acting ALDH inhibitor benomyl markedly increased DOPAL and decreased DOPAC concentrations in the reaction mixtures. We propose that rotenone builds up intracellular DOPAL by decreasing ALDH activity and attenuating vesicular sequestration of cytoplasmic catecholamines. The results provide a novel mechanism for selective rotenone‐induced toxicity in dopaminergic neurons.

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We report that rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor that produces an animal model of Parkinson's disease, increases intracelular levels of the toxic dopamine metabolite 3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl‐acetaldehyde (DOPAL), via decreased DOPAL metabolism by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and decreased vesicular sequestration of cytoplasmic dopamine by the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT). The results provide a novel mechanism for rotenone‐induced toxicity in dopaminergic neurons.
A novel caffeoyl triterpene attenuates cerebral ischemic injury with potent anti‐inflammatory and hypothermic effects
Authors: Ruan Zhi , Wang Hong Min , Huang Xiao Tian , Fu Yan , Wu Jian , Ye Chun Yan , Li Jin Long , Wu Lei , Gong Qi , Zhao Wei Min , Zhang Hai Yan
Published: January 2015

Despite the intense efforts in searching for stroke therapies, an urgent need still exists to explore novel neuroprotective agents for ischemic stroke that have high efficacy and wide therapeutic time‐window. Here, we provide the first demonstration that 28‐O‐caffeoyl betulin (B‐CA), a novel derivative of naturally occurring caffeoyl triterpene, could significantly alleviate brain infarction and neurological deficit when given as late as 6 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat. Moreover, post‐ischemia B‐CA administration exhibited long‐term (14 days post stroke) protective effects on both brain infarction and functional (i.e., motor and sensory) deficits. Protective B‐CA effects correlated with decreased inflammatory responses as indicated by inhibition of microglia and astrocyte activation [stained with ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba‐1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibody, respectively], as well as suppression of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and cyclooxygenase‐2 overproduction in the ipsilateral cortex of ischemic rat. B‐CA administration caused significant hypothermia in the focal cerebral ischemic rat, which may contribute to its ameliorative effects on brain damage and inflammation. In view of its potency in wide therapeutic time‐window, robust anti‐inflammatory and hypothermic effects, this novel caffeoyl triterpene derivative may lead toward the development of effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

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We documented for the first time that 28‐O‐caffeoyl betulin (B‐CA), a novel synthetic caffeoyl triterpene inspired from active natural principles of Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb, possessed robust neuroprotection with a wide and clinically useful therapeutic time window against ischemic stroke, correlating with the anti‐inflammatory and hypothermic effects. Thus, this novel caffeoyl triterpene derivative may lead toward the development of effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Molecular determinants of transport stimulation of EAAT2 are located at interface between the trimerization and substrate transport domains
Authors: Mortensen Ole V. , Liberato José L. , Coutinho‐Netto Joaquim , dos Santos Wagner F. , Fontana Andréia C. K.
Published: January 2015

Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) regulate glutamatergic signal transmission by clearing extracellular glutamate. Dysfunction of these transporters has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders. Previous studies have shown that venom from the spider Parawixia bistriata and a purified compound (Parawixin1) stimulate EAAT2 activity and protect retinal tissue from ischemic damage. In the present study, the EAAT2 subtype specificity of this compound was explored, employing chimeric proteins between EAAT2 and EAAT3 transporter subtypes and mutants to characterize the structural region targeted by the compound. This identified a critical residue (Histidine‐71 in EAAT2 and Serine‐45 in EAAT3) in transmembrane domain 2 (TM2) to be important for the selectivity between EAAT2 and EAAT3 and for the activity of the venom. Using the identified residue in TM2 as a structural anchor, several neighboring amino acids within TM5 and TM8 were identified to also be important for the activity of the venom. This structural domain of the transporter lies at the interface of the rigid trimerization domain and the central substrate‐binding transport domain. Our studies suggest that the mechanism of glutamate transport enhancement involves an interaction with the transporter that facilitates the movement of the transport domain.

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We identified a domain (purple star) in the glutamate transporter EAAT2 that is important for transport stimulation through a spider venom, and suggest a mechanism for enhanced transporter function through facilitated substrate translocation (arrow). Because the dysfunction of glutamate transporters is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, understanding the mechanisms of enhanced transport could have therapeutic implications.
3,4‐Methylenedioxypyrovalerone prevents while methylone enhances methamphetamine‐induced damage to dopamine nerve endings: β‐ketoamphetamine modulation of neurotoxicity by the dopamine transporter
Authors: Anneken John H. , Angoa‐Pérez Mariana , Kuhn Donald M.
Published: January 2015

Methylone, 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and mephedrone are psychoactive ingredients of ‘bath salts’ and their abuse represents a growing public health care concern. These drugs are cathinone derivatives and are classified chemically as β‐ketoamphetamines. Because of their close structural similarity to the amphetamines, methylone, MDPV, and mephedrone share most of their pharmacological, neurochemical, and behavioral properties. One point of divergence in their actions is the ability to cause damage to the CNS. Unlike methamphetamine, the β‐ketoamphetamines do not damage dopamine (DA) nerve endings. However, mephedrone has been shown to significantly accentuate methamphetamine neurotoxicity. Bath salt formulations contain numerous different psychoactive ingredients, and individuals who abuse bath salts also coabuse other illicit drugs. Therefore, we have evaluated the effects of methylone, MDPV, mephedrone, and methamphetamine on DA nerve endings. The β‐ketoamphetamines alone or in all possible two‐drug combinations do not result in damage to DA nerve endings but do cause hyperthermia. MDPV completely protects against the neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine while methylone accentuates it. Neither MDPV nor methylone attenuates the hyperthermic effects of methamphetamine. The potent neuroprotective effects of MDPV extend to amphetamine‐, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine‐, and MPTP‐induced neurotoxicity. These results indicate that β‐ketoamphetamine drugs that are non‐substrate blockers of the DA transporter (i.e., MDPV) protect against methamphetamine neurotoxicity, whereas those that are substrates for uptake by the DA transporter and which cause DA release (i.e., methylone, mephedrone) accentuate neurotoxicity.

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METH (a) enters DA nerve endings via the DAT, causes leakage of DA into the cytoplasm and then into the synapse via DAT‐mediated reverse transport. Methylone (METHY) and mephedrone (MEPH; b), like METH, are substrates for the DAT but release DA from cytoplasmic pools selectively. When METH is combined with METHY or MEPH (c), DA efflux and neurotoxicity are enhanced. MDPV (d), which is a non‐substrate blocker of the DAT, prevents METH uptake and efflux of DA. Therefore, bath salts that are substrates for the DAT and release DA (METHY, MEPH) accentuate METH neurotoxicity, whereas those that are non‐substrate blockers of the DAT (MDPV) are neuroprotective.
The effects of Tai‐Chi in conjunction with thera‐band resistance exercise on functional fitness and muscle strength among community‐based older people
Authors: Lin Shu‐Fen , Sung Huei‐Chuan , Li Tzai‐Li , Hsieh Tsung‐Cheng , Lan Hsiao‐Chin , Perng Shoa‐Jen , Smith Graeme D.
Published: January 2015

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai‐Chi in conjunction with thera‐band resistance exercise on functional fitness and muscle strength in community‐based older people.

Background

Tai‐Chi is known to improve functional fitness in older people. Tai‐Chi is usually performed with free hands without resistance training and usually focuses on training lower limbs. To date, no study has examined the use of Tai‐Chi in conjunction with thera‐band resistance exercise in this population.

Design

Cluster randomised trial design.

Methods

Older people at six senior day care centres in Taiwan were assigned to thera‐band resistance exercise or control group using a cluster randomisation. The thera‐band resistance exercise group (n = 48) received sixty minute thera‐band resistance exercise twice weekly for a period of 16 weeks. The control group (n = 47) underwent routine activities in the day care centre, receiving no Tai‐Chi or resistance exercise.

Results

After receiving the thera‐band resistance exercise, intervention participants displayed a significant increase in muscle strength of upper and lower extremities. Significant improvements were recorded on most measures of the Senior Fitness Test, with the exception of the chair‐stand and back‐scratch test.

Conclusion

Thera‐band resistance exercise has the potential to improve functional fitness and muscle strength in community‐based older people.

Relevance to clinical practice

Thera‐band resistance exercise potentially offers a safe and appropriate form of physical activity that nursing staff can easily incorporate into the daily routine of older people in day care centres, potentially improving functional performance and muscle strength.
Navajo Morals and Myths, Ethics and Ethicists
Authors: Vecsey Christopher
Published: January 2015

Over a century ago a Western observer recognized an effective morality among Navajo Indians in the American Southwest, yet could not locate its expression, except in mythology recounting contradictory behaviors. Through the 1900s scholars delineated contours of Navajo moral values, myths, and taxonomies upon which moral traditions were based, and situations in which Navajos have engaged in ethical decision‐making. Recently individual Navajos have manifested their role as ethical agents, not merely as recipients of moral lore. A contemporary Navajo storyteller, Sunny Dooley, enunciates narrative ethical judgments, grounded in traditional Navajo mythology and its religious milieu, as she addresses the present conditions of her people. Thus she probes the contradictions that are inherent to life. Her stories testify to the insoluble conflicts within the human condition, ultimate and immediate conundrums that must be faced, even though they surely will not be resolved.
Hospital, infants and feeding: The importance of audit
Authors: Williams Lesley Alison , Ware Robert S , Davies Peter SW
Published: January 2015

Aim

Infant feeding can be the reason for presentation and/or admission to hospital. The aim of this study was to identify if infant feeding history was documented in charts of infants presenting and/or admitted to a paediatric hospital.

Methods

A systematic random sample of hospital charts of infants who had presented to the emergency department between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2012 was audited for presence of documentation of feeding.

Results

In total, 465 charts were audited, representing 12.5% of infants who presented to the emergency department in the year. Frequency of documentation for feeding measures was as follows: feeding mode, 263 (57%); feeding type, 228 (49%); feeding frequency, 119 (26%); and with changes 89 (19%) since birth. Increasing infant age was significantly associated with less frequent recording of feeding mode, type, frequency and changes.

Conclusion

A comprehensive feeding history is not recorded on many occasions of infant presentation and/or admission to hospital. The recording of feeding mode, type, frequency and changes is needed in order to explore the existence, or otherwise, of a relationship between feeding and the reason for presentation and/or admission.
Quality of life prediction in children with joint hypermobility syndrome
Authors: Pacey Verity , Tofts Louise , Adams Roger D , Munns Craig F , Nicholson Leslie L
Published: January 2015

Aims

To assess the child‐ and parent‐reported health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of children with joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS), to compare these with other chronic paediatric conditions and to determine whether symptoms experienced by children with JHS can predict their HRQOL.

Methods

Eighty‐nine children with JHS and one of their parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scale, the Multidimensional Fatigue Scale and the Pediatric Pain Questionnaire. Anthropometric measures and reported symptoms were recorded. Child‐reported HRQOL scores were compared with parent report, and both child‐ and parent‐reported HRQOL scores of children with JHS were compared with those of children with other chronic conditions. Stepwise multiple regression was undertaken to determine whether any combination of measures could predict HRQOL.

Results

Parent‐ and child‐reported HRQOL scores were strongly correlated (r = 0.6–0.84, all P < 0.001); however, parents of children with JHS perceived lower overall HRQOL (mean difference = 4.44, P = 0.001), physical (mean difference = 7.11, P < 0.0001) and emotional functioning (mean difference = 5.24, P = 0.011) than their children. When considered together with previously reported HRQOL scores for children with other chronic conditions, parent and child scores were similarly strongly correlated (r = 0.93, P = 0.001). Multiple regression revealed that 75% of the variance in child‐reported HRQOL scores was accounted for by a child's level of pain and fatigue, and presence of stress incontinence symptoms (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Children with JHS experience poor HRQOL and disabling fatigue, with parent scores providing a good proxy. Pain, fatigue and the presence of stress incontinence symptoms have the greatest impact on their HRQOL.
Linalool elicits vasorelaxation of mouse aortae through activation of guanylyl cyclase and K+ channels
Authors: Kang Purum , Seol Geun Hee
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular relaxing properties of monoterpene alcohol (-)-linalool (LIN), a principal component of several aromatic plants.

Methods

We assessed the effects of LIN on vascular contractility in mouse aortae and evaluated its underlying mechanisms of action.

Key findings

We found that LIN dose-dependently relaxed the vascular tonus of mouse thoracic aortae induced by prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α, 3 μm). This effect, however, was reduced by pretreatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (30 μm). Treatment with the inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase ODQ (2 μm) or the K+ channel blocker TEA (10 mM) partially blocked LIN-induced vasorelaxation. Moreover, addition of TEA after incubation of the rings with L-NAME and ODQ partially blocked LIN-induced vasorelaxation. Furthermore, LIN was able to partially antagonize CaCl2-induced contractions in high potassium (80 mM) Krebs' solution, whereas LIN did not affect Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that LIN may induce endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in mouse thoracic aortae by activating soluble guanylyl cyclase and K+ channels.