bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold adaptation drives variability in needle structure and anatomy in Pinus sylvestris L. along a 1,900 km temperate–boreal transect
Authors: Jankowski Artur , Wyka Tomasz P. , Żytkowiak Roma , Nihlgård Bengt , Reich Peter B. , Oleksyn Jacek
Published: July 2017

Occupancy of cold habitats by evergreen species requires structural modification of photosynthetic organs for stress resistance and longevity. Such modifications have been described at interspecific level, while intraspecific variation has been underexplored.

To identify structural and anatomical traits that may be adaptive in cold environments, we studied intraspecific variability of needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), a wide‐ranging tree, along a 1,900 km temperate–boreal transect in Europe.

Needles from 20 sites representing mean minimum winter temperatures between −4.0 and −19.9°C and mean annual temperatures between 8.3 and −1.7°C were sampled for measurements of leaf mass per area (LMA, g/m2), leaf density (LD, g/cm3) and 30 other morpho‐anatomical traits.

Needles from cold sites lived longer, were shorter, showed higher LMA and LD, had narrower and more collapse‐resistant tracheids, thicker epidermal cells with thicker cell walls and wider resin ducts occupying larger fraction of needle volume in comparison to needles from warmer sites.

Along the steep climatic gradient, needles presented a coordinated phenotypic spectrum of external and internal traits that are largely interpretable in functional, adaptive terms. This intraspecific pattern of covarying traits provides insight into the adaptive syndrome associated with stress tolerance and extended needle longevity under cold conditions of high latitudes.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Financial Incentives and Physician Practice Participation in Medicare's Value‐Based Reforms
Authors: Markovitz Adam A. , Ramsay Patricia P. , Shortell Stephen M. , Ryan Andrew M.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To evaluate whether greater experience and success with performance incentives among physician practices are related to increased participation in Medicare's voluntary value‐based payment reforms.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Publicly available data from Medicare's Physician Compare (n = 1,278; January 2012 to November 2013) and nationally representative physician practice data from the National Survey of Physician Organizations 3 (NSPO3; n = 907,538; 2013).

Study Design

We used regression analysis to examine practice‐level relationships between prior exposure to performance incentives and participation in key Medicare value‐based payment reforms: accountable care organization (ACO) programs, the Physician Quality Reporting System (“Physician Compare”), and the Meaningful Use of Health Information Technology program (“Meaningful Use”). Prior experience and success with financial incentives were measured as (1) the percentage of practices’ revenue from financial incentives for quality or efficiency; and (2) practices’ exposure to public reporting of quality measures.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We linked physician participation data from Medicare's Physician Compare to the NSPO3 survey.

Principal Findings

There was wide variation in practices’ exposure to performance incentives, with 64 percent exposed to financial incentives, 45 percent exposed to public reporting, and 2.2 percent of practice revenue coming from financial incentives. For each percentage‐point increase in financial incentives, there was a 0.9 percentage‐point increase in the probability of participating in ACOs (standard error [SE], 0.1, p < .001) and a 0.8 percentage‐point increase in the probability of participating in Meaningful Use (SE, 0.1, p < .001), controlling for practice characteristics. Financial incentives were not associated with participation in Physician Compare. Among ACO participants, a 1 percentage‐point increase in incentives was associated with a 0.7 percentage‐point increase in the probability of being “very well” prepared to utilize cost and quality data (SE, 0.1, p < .001).

Conclusions

Physicians organizations’ prior experience and success with performance incentives were related to participation in Medicare ACO arrangements and participation in the meaningful use criteria but not to participation in Physician Compare. We conclude that Medicare must complement financial incentives with additional efforts to address the needs of practices with less experience with such incentives to promote value‐based payment on a broader scale.
Review article: Does acupuncture have a role in providing analgesia in the emergency setting? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jan Andrew L , Aldridge Emogene S , Rogers Ian R , Visser Eric J , Bulsara Max K , Niemtzow Richard C
Published: July 2017

Acupuncture might offer a novel approach to improve ED pain management. Our primary aim was to assess the efficacy of acupuncture in the emergency setting while secondary objectives were to explore its suitability through its side‐effect profile, patient satisfaction, cost, administration time and points used. Seven databases and Google Scholar were searched up to 31 July 2016 using MeSH descriptors for three overarching themes concerning acupuncture, pain management and emergency medicine. Meta‐analysis was performed on randomised trials for three comparator groups: acupuncture versus sham, acupuncture versus standard analgesia care and acupuncture‐as‐an‐adjunct to standard care, to calculate the standardised mean difference and weighted mean difference for pain scores out of 10. Data for secondary outcomes was extracted from both randomised and observational studies. Nineteen randomised controlled trials and 11 uncontrolled observational studies totaling 3169 patients were retrieved after exclusions. Meta‐analyses were performed on data from 14 randomised controlled trials representing 1210 patients. The three resulting comparator groups (as above) resulted in standardised mean differences of 1.08, 0.02 and 1.68, and weighted mean differences of 1.60, −0.04 and 2.84, respectively (all positive figures favour acupuncture). Where measured, acupuncture appears to be associated with improved patient satisfaction, lower cost and a low adverse effects profile. The data available were inadequate to ascertain the effect of acupuncture on analgesia use. Significant study bias was found, especially with respect to practitioner and patient blinding. We conclude that for some acute pain conditions in the ED, acupuncture was clinically effective compared to sham and non‐inferior to conventional therapy. As an adjunct, limited data was found indicating superiority to standard analgesia care. Further studies will elucidate the most appropriate acupuncture training and techniques, use as an adjunct and the clinical situations in which they can be best applied.
Video‐assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy after percutaneous coronary intervention in lung cancer patients with concomitant coronary heart disease
Authors: Li Xin , Fu YiLi , Miao JinBai , Li Hui , Hu Bin
Published: July 2017

Background

In recent years, based on clinical observations, the number of lung cancer patients with concomitant coronary heart disease (CHD) has gradually increased. However, because of the requirement of long‐term anticoagulant therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), some of these patients lose the opportunity for surgical treatment, resulting in tumor progression. The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate timing of video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy after PCI without increasing perioperative cardiovascular risk.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data of patients with a combination of NSCLC and CHD who underwent selective pulmonary lobectomy by VATS in the early postoperative PCI period between 2010 and 2015 at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, China.

Results

Fourteen patients received VATS lobectomy after PCI. The disease had progressed to T stage in two patients after PCI. No perioperative death occurred. Two patients suffered postoperative atrial fibrillation: one had a pulmonary infection, and the other had acute coronary syndrome. All patients recovered and were discharged.

Conclusion

For NSCLC patients with severe CHD, the use of VATS lobectomy in the early postoperative PCI period could not only advance the timing of surgery, but may also control perioperative hemorrhage and CHD event risks within acceptable ranges, which could provide more patients with an opportunity to undergo surgical treatment.
Transcriptome profiling reveals the immune response of goose T cells under selenium stimuli
Authors: Cao Nan , Li Wanyan , Li Bingxin , Tian Yunbo , Xu Danning
Published: July 2017

The goose is an economically important poultry species and a principal natural host of avian viruses. This study aimed to determine the effects of selenium on the immune response of geese. Under selenium stimulation, gene expression profiling was investigated using transcriptome sequencing. The selenoproteins were promoted by selenium stimulation, while the heat shock proteins, interleukin and interferons were mainly down‐regulated. After comparison, 2228 differentially expressed genes were primarily involved in immune and environmental response, and infectious disease and genetic information processing related pathways were identified. Specifically, the enzymes of the lysosomes which acted as a safeguard in preventing pathogens were mostly up‐regulated and six randomly selected differentially expressed genes were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the most proportional increased transcription factor family basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) located in the 5′ flank of selenoprotein P‐like protein for selenium metabolism was identified by response to the selenium stimulation in this study. These analyses show that selenium can promote immune function by activating selenoproteins, transcript factors and lysosome pathway related genes, while weakening cytokine content genes in geese.
Effects of GnRH, a progesterone‐releasing device, and energy balance on an oestrus synchronisation program in anoestrous dairy cows
Authors: Sahu SK , Cockrem JF , Parkinson TJ , Laven RA
Published: July 2017

Objective

The aim of this research was to study the roles of the day 0 energy balance and gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and progesterone levels on dominant follicle (DF) and corpus luteum (CL) development during the first 7 days of a gonadotrophin–prostaglandin–gonadotrophin (GPG) + progesterone (P4) program in anoestrous dairy cows.

Methods

Cows (n = 81) were allocated to one of the three treatments: (1) GPG + P4 (days 0 and 9, 100 µg GnRH; day 0–7, intravaginal P4 device; day 7, 500 µg PGF2α); (2) GPG (as for treatment 1 but excluding the P4 device) and (3) prostaglandin + GnRH + P4 (as for treatment 1, but excluding day 0 GnRH). DF and CL size, plasma concentrations of insulin, insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) were measured on days 0 and 7.

Results

The proportion of cows with a CL on day 7 was significantly different between groups (GPG: 78%, GPG+P4: 69%, PGF2α + GnRH + P4: 42%, P = 0.02). The CL volume on day 7 was significantly associated with treatment, treatment by time postpartum and plasma concentrations of insulin, IGF‐I and NEFA.

Conclusion

In cows without a CL present on day 0 of an oestrus synchronisation program, removal of the day 0 GnRH treatment led to reduced CL development; however, no effect of adding progesterone was found. In contrast, in cows with a CL present on day 0 inclusion of a progesterone device led to a higher CL volume, but removal of the first GnRH injection had no effect. Response to the treatment was affected by plasma concentrations of insulin, IGF‐I and NEFA.
‘Trifecta’ outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy in solitary kidney: a Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative (VCQI) database analysis
Authors: Arora Sohrab , Abaza Ronney , Adshead James M. , Ahlawat Rajesh K. , Challacombe Benjamin J. , Dasgupta Prokar , Gandaglia Giorgio , Moon Daniel A. , Yuvaraja Thyavihally B. , Capitanio Umberto , Larcher Alessandro , Porpiglia Francesco , Porter James R. , Mottrie Alexander , Bhandari Mahendra , Rogers Craig
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To analyse the outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in patients with a solitary kidney in a large multi‐institutional database.

Patients and Methods

In all, 2755 patients in the Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative database underwent RAPN by 22 surgeons at 14 centres in nine countries. Of these patients, 74 underwent RAPN with a solitary kidney between 2007 and 2016. We retrospectively analysed the functional and oncological outcomes of these 74 patients. A ‘trifecta’ of outcomes was assessed, with trifecta defined as a warm ischaemia time (WIT) of <20 min, negative surgical margins, and no complications intraoperatively or within 3 months of RAPN.

Results

All 74 patients underwent RAPN successfully with one conversion to radical nephrectomy. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) operative time was 180 (142–230) min. Early unclamping was used in 11 (14.9%) patients and zero ischaemia was used in 12 (16.2%). Trifecta outcomes were achieved in 38 of 66 patients (57.6%). The median (IQR) WIT was 15.5 (8.75–20.0) min for the entire cohort. The overall complication rate was 24.1% and the rate of Clavien–Dindo grade ≤II complications was 16.3%. Positive surgical margins were present in four cases (5.4%). The median (IQR) follow‐up was 10.5 (2.12–24.0) months. The median drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3 months was 7.0 mL/min/1.72 m2 (11.01%).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that RAPN is a safe and effective treatment option for select renal tumours in solitary kidneys in terms of a trifecta of negative surgical margins, WIT of <20 min, and low operative and perioperative morbidity.
Sodium channels and pain: from toxins to therapies
Authors: Cardoso Fernanda C , Lewis Richard J
Published: July 2017

Voltage‐gated sodium channels (NaV channels) are essential for the initiation and propagation of action potentials that critically influence our ability to respond to a diverse range of stimuli. Physiological and pharmacological studies have linked abnormal function of NaV channels to many human disorders, including chronic neuropathic pain. These findings, along with the description of the functional properties and expression pattern of NaV channel subtypes, are helping to uncover subtype specific roles in acute and chronic pain and revealing potential opportunities to target these with selective inhibitors. High‐throughput screens and automated electrophysiology platforms have identified natural toxins as a promising group of molecules for the development of target‐specific analgesics. In this review, the role of toxins in defining the contribution of NaV channels in acute and chronic pain states and their potential to be used as analgesic therapies are discussed.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc
Expression of NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) is increased in the endometrium of women with endometrial cancer and women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Atiomo William , Shafiee Mohamad Nasir , Chapman Caroline , Metzler Veronika M. , Abouzeid Jad , Latif Ayşe , Chadwick Amy , Kitson Sarah , Sivalingam Vanitha N. , Stratford Ian J. , Rutland Catrin S. , Persson Jenny L. , Ødum Niels , Fuentes‐Utrilla Pablo , Jeyapalan Jennie N. , Heery David M. , Crosbie Emma J. , Mongan Nigel P.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Women with a prior history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of endometrial cancer (EC).

Aim

To investigate whether the endometrium of women with PCOS possesses gene expression changes similar to those found in EC.

Design and Methods

Patients with EC, PCOS and control women unaffected by either PCOS or EC were recruited into a cross‐sectional study at the Nottingham University Hospital, UK. For RNA sequencing, representative individual endometrial biopsies were obtained from women with EC, PCOS and a woman unaffected by PCOS or EC. Expression of a subset of differentially expressed genes identified by RNA sequencing, including NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), was validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR validation (n = 76) and in the cancer genome atlas UCEC (uterine corpus endometrioid carcinoma) RNA sequencing data set (n = 381). The expression of NQO1 was validated by immunohistochemistry in EC samples from a separate cohort (n = 91) comprised of consecutive patients who underwent hysterectomy at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, between 2011 and 2013. A further 6 postmenopausal women with histologically normal endometrium who underwent hysterectomy for genital prolapse were also included. Informed consent and local ethics approval were obtained for the study.

Results

We show for the first that NQO1 expression is significantly increased in the endometrium of women with PCOS and EC. Immunohistochemistry confirms significantly increased NQO1 protein expression in EC relative to nonmalignant endometrial tissue (P < .0001).

Conclusions

The results obtained here support a previously unrecognized molecular link between PCOS and EC involving NQO1.
Kidney transplantation in Ghana: Is the public ready?
Authors: Boima Vincent , Ganu Vincent , Dey Dzifa , Yorke Ernest , Yawson Alfred , Otchere Yvonne , Nartey Stella , Gyaban‐Mensah Anna , Lartey Margaret , Mate‐Kole Charles C.
Published: July 2017

Background

The burden of end stage renal disease (ESRD) is reported to be higher among people of African ancestry. The majority do not have access to kidney transplantation. Africans, in general, are less likely to donate a kidney or receive a transplant.

Aims

This study surveyed public perceptions of kidney transplantation in an inner city and suburban communities in Ghana. It examined people's willingness to either accept or donate a kidney to save a life. In addition, it evaluated factors that influenced their opinion on the issue.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in five purposively selected communities in the Greater Accra region in Ghana. Structured questionnaires and standardized instruments were administered to assess participants’ socio‐demographic characteristics, religiosity and spirituality, and perception of kidney transplantation.

Results

Of the 480 participants, 233 (48.5%) were willing to donate a kidney; 71.6% would only do so after death. Religion, loss of body part, and cultural values influenced participants’ willingness to donate a kidney. Uncertainty of health status post‐transplantation and uneasiness with the concept of transplantation influenced the participants’ willingness to accept a kidney transplant.

Conclusion

The study revealed that almost half of the participants hold positive views toward kidney transplantation.
Review of the current medical literature and assessment of current utilization patterns regarding mismatch repair protein immunohistochemistry in cutaneous Muir–Torre syndrome‐associated neoplasms
Authors: Lee Jason B. , Litzner Brandon R. , Vidal Claudia I.
Published: July 2017

Muir–Torre syndrome is a clinical variant of Lynch syndrome defined by the synchronous or metachronous occurrence of at least one sebaceous neoplasm and at least one Lynch syndrome‐related internal cancer. Although screening guidelines for patients with colorectal carcinomas have been established, screening guidelines for cutaneous Muir–Torre associated neoplasms are not currently available. As such, we reviewed the current evidence for the use of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 immunohistochemistry when cutaneous Muir–Torre associated neoplasms are encountered. We identified weak to moderate support overall for the global use of these assays, with some evidence suggesting a tailored approach using clinical parameters as an adjunct. We also assessed the current utilization patterns of attendees of the American Society of Dermatopathology Annual Meeting (Chicago, 2016). We found that 91% of respondents utilize mismatch repair immunohistochemistry, with the majority utilizing these tests only when requested by the submitting clinician.
Mass Strikes in India and Brazil as the Terrain for a New Social Movement Unionism
Authors: Nowak Jörg
Published: July 2017

Since the outbreak of the global economic crisis of 2008, many countries have witnessed labour unrest and industrial action. In the recent wave of mass strikes in emerging economies, one salient feature has been the forging of new forms of cooperation between workers’ struggles and other social movements. Yet research on protest movements after 2008 has largely failed to consider these mass strikes or the organizational forms that erupted in their wake. This article aims to address that gap, using case studies of mass strikes in India and Brazil to explore whether these new alliances can be described within the framework of social movement unionism. It seeks to identify the features that distinguish new forms of mobilization from old ones, and to explore what re‐conceptualizations of social movement studies and industrial relations research are necessary to capture the challenges facing these new alliances. In doing so, it also raises concerns about the limitations of the ‘networks of labour’ approach.
Growth charts for cerebral palsy: still imperfect, but gaining in value
Authors: Day Steven M
Published: July 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Wright et al. on pages 933–938 of this issue.
Hip internal rotation in cerebral palsy: does femoral derotation osteotomy influence abductor insufficiency?
Authors: Dohin Bruno
Published: July 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Boyer et al. on pages 912–918 of this issue.
The Revealed Preference of Sophisticated Investors
Authors: Blocher Jesse , Molyboga Marat
Published: July 2017

Berk and van Binsbergen (2016) have shown that the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) best represents the revealed preferences of any investor who can invest in mutual funds (i.e., all investors). This claim seems overly broad, as it applies to all asset classes. However, we show that hedge fund investors' revealed preferences are also best modeled by the CAPM. Because hedge fund investors are sophisticated and can access all assets classes, our finding supports this broad claim. Using the CAPM is rational, as we show that CAPM alpha correlates with managerial skill and predicts performance better than other multi‐factor models.
Clot waveform analysis using CS‐2000i™ distinguishes between very low and absent levels of factor VIII activity in patients with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Matsumoto T. , Nogami K. , Tabuchi Y. , Yada K. , Ogiwara K. , Kurono H. , Arai N. , Shima M.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

A recently developed method to assess comprehensive coagulation function, clot waveform analysis (CWA), accurately detect low levels (<1 IU/dL) of factor VIII activity (FVIII:C) in haemophilia A patients (HA‐pts). Improvements are needed, however, to differentiate patients with very low from absent levels of FVIII:C.

Aim

We attempted to optimize CWA using the coagulation analyser CS‐2000i™ to distinguish between very low levels and absent FVIII:C in severe HA‐pts.

Methods and Results

Activated partial thrombin time (aPTT)‐based clot waveforms were determined in FVIII‐deficient plasmas mixed with various amounts of recombinant FVIII. Clot times (CT) were shortened, and maximum coagulation velocity (|min1|) and acceleration (|min2|) were increased in FVIII dose‐dependently at levels ranging from 0.25 to 100 IU/dL. The lowest level of FVIII:C detected was 0.25 IU/dL. Plasma samples from modestly severe (MS‐HA; 0.5‐<1.0 IU/dL), very severe (VS‐HA; 0.25‐<0.5 IU/dL), extremely severe (ES‐HA; <0.25 IU/dL) and inhibitor‐positive HA‐pts (HA‐inh) were examined. The CT was markedly prolonged in all instances but showed significant differences between the different groups insufficiently. The |min1| and |min2| in HA‐inh were lower compared to the other groups (P<.05). A new parameter (slope‐|min1|) reflecting average coagulation acceleration was derived. This index (median) was lower in HA‐inh (0.0042) compared to ES‐HA (0.0068) and VS‐HA (0.011) with greater significant differences (P<.01), and an index of <.005 reflected the total absence of FVIII in the presence of inhibitor.

Conclusion

The slope‐|min1| parameter could provide a useful index for evaluating very low and absent levels of FVIII and/or the development of FVIII inhibitor in HA‐pts.
Evidence of bone marrow downregulation in brain‐dead rats
Authors: Menegat Laura , Simas Rafael , Caliman Julia M. , Zanoni Fernando L. , Jacysyn Jacqueline F. , da Silva Luiz Fernando F. , Borelli Primavera , Moreira Luiz Felipe P. , Sannomiya Paulina
Published: July 2017

Experimental findings support the evidence of a persistent leucopenia triggered by brain death (BD). This study aimed to investigate leucocyte behaviour in bone marrow and blood after BD in rats. BD was induced using intracranial balloon catheter inflation. Sham‐operated (SH) rats were trepanned only. Thereafter bone marrow cells were harvested every six hours from the femoral cavity and used for total and differential counts. They were analysed further by flow cytometry to characterize lymphocyte subsets, granulocyte adhesion molecules expression and apoptosis/necrosis [annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) protocol]. BD rats exhibited a reduction in bone marrow cells due to a reduction in lymphocytes (40%) and segmented cells (45%). Bone marrow lymphocyte subsets were similar in BD and SH rats (CD3, P = 0.1; CD4, P = 0.4; CD3/CD4, P = 0.4; CD5, P = 0.4, CD3/CD5, P = 0.2; CD8, P = 0.8). Expression of L‐selectin and beta2‐integrins on granulocytes did not differ (CD11a, P = 0.9; CD11b/c, P = 0.7; CD62L, P = 0.1). There were no differences in the percentage of apoptosis and necrosis (Annexin V, P = 0.73; PI, P = 0.21; Annexin V/PI, P = 0.29). In conclusion, data presented suggest that the downregulation of the bone marrow is triggered by brain death itself, and it is not related to changes in lymphocyte subsets, granulocyte adhesion molecules expression or apoptosis and necrosis.
Obstructive sleep apnea: Brain hemodynamics, structure, and function
Authors: Alex Raichel M. , Mousavi Nazaneen D. , Zhang Rong , Gatchel Robert J. , Behbehani Khosrow
Published: July 2017

This paper summarizes a review of articles that have explored the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), brain infractions, and cognitive dysfunction. The anomalies in brain hemodynamics, brain atrophy, and cognitive dysfunction resulting from OSA are reviewed. The effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on the reversibility of structural and neurobehavioral deficits is also presented. The articles were selected based on a systematic search on PubMed and Medline databases using the key words “sleep apnea, OSA, hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, cerebral hemodynamics, metabolism, brain structure, cognition, memory, quality of life, neuropsychological deficits, and CPAP treatment.” The review suggests that OSA‐mediated brain hemodynamics and brain atrophy are concomitant with cognitive dysfunction. It is concluded that OSA results in cerebral hemodynamic instability, hypoxia, and sleep fragmentation which appear to be the major contributing factors to the brain structural changes and cognitive deficits. Furthermore, the reviewed studies indicate that CPAP treatment may partially reverse or diminish the adverse effects of OSA on the brain structure and function. Additional investigations are urgently needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the effects of OSA on the brain and the efficacy of CPAP therapy for brain protection.
Skin hydration, microrelief and greasiness of normal skin in Antarctica
Authors: Tsankov N. , Mateev D. , Darlenski R.
Published: July 2017

Background

The skin is the primary defence of the human body against external factors from physical, chemical, mechanical and biologic origin. Climatic factors together with low temperature and sun radiation affect the skin. The effect of climatic conditions in Antarctica on healthy skin has not been previously addressed.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the skin hydration, greasiness and microrelief due to the extreme climatic environmental factors during the stay of the members of the Bulgarian Antarctic expedition.

Material and methods

Fifty‐nine Caucasian healthy subjects, 42 men and 17 women with mean age 50.9 years (27–68), were enrolled. The study was performed in five consecutive years from 2011 to 2016 at the Bulgarian Antarctic base camp at Livingston Island. The study protocol consisted of two parts: study A: duration of 15 days with measurement of skin physiology parameters on a daily basis, and study B: five measurements at baseline and at days 14, 30, 45 and 50 upon arrival in Antarctica. We measured three biophysical parameters related to skin physiology at cheek skin by an impedance measuring device.

Results

No statistically significant difference between parameters at the different measurement points. There is a variation in skin hydration reaching its lower point at day 11 and then returning to values similar to baseline. Initially, an increase in skin greasiness was witnessed with a sharp depression at day 11 and final values at day 15 resembling the ones at baseline. An increase, although not statistically significant, in skin roughness was observed in the first 15 days of the study. Study B showed no statistically significant variances between values of the three parameters.

Conclusion

Our studies show the pioneer results of the effect of Antarctic climate on human skin physiology.
Severity assessments used for inclusion criteria and baseline severity evaluation in atopic dermatitis clinical trials: a systematic review
Authors: Chopra R. , Vakharia P.P. , Simpson E.L. , Paller A.S. , Silverberg J.I.
Published: July 2017

Background

Numerous inclusion criteria and baseline severity assessments are used in clinical trials of atopic dermatitis (AD), which may limit comparison of results.

Objective

We sought to characterize the inclusion criteria and baseline severity assessments used in randomized controlled trials (RCT) of AD internationally.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of RCT with a pharmacological intervention from 2007 to 2016. Cochrane Library, EMBASE, GREAT, LILACS, MEDLINE and Scopus were searched. Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction.

Results

Overall, 212 RCT met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Target population and inclusion criteria based on AD severity were not documented in 78 (36.8%) and 25 (18.7%) studies, respectively. Thirty and 58 severity assessments were used for inclusion criteria and baseline severity, respectively, with only 60.3% concordance between their uses. Global assessments were most frequently used for both inclusion criteria and baseline severity assessment in North America (39.5% and 32.1%), while SCORing AD (SCORAD) or objective‐SCORAD index was most frequently used in Europe (23.5% and 23.0%) and Asia (34.2% and 43.5%). Minimum and maximum thresholds of severity assessments were inconsistently used between studies for inclusion criteria, even within similar target populations. SCORAD, global assessments and body surface area were most frequently used for both inclusion criteria and baseline severity assessment. IGA was particularly used in trials of topical agents.

Conclusions

There were considerable variability and poor documentation of inclusion criteria and baseline severity assessments in RCT for AD. These differences may limit interpretation of a study and comparison of results between studies.
Spanish validation of the PAS‐ADD Checklist Questionnaire for people with intellectual disabilities for Spanish population
Authors: Martorell A. , González M. C. , Gutiérrez P. , Rincón F. , Núñez‐Polo M. H.
Published: July 2017

Background

The Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adult with Developmental Disability (PAS‐ADD) is an international reference tool for the diagnosis and assessment of mental health problems and behavioural disorders among people with intellectual disabilities. Although the original PAS‐ADD instrument has been validated in the Spanish language, the shorter PAS‐ADD Checklist has yet not been validated. The aim of this study is to validate the PAS‐ADD Checklist for the Spanish population.

Methods

The PAS‐ADD Checklist Questionnaire was administered to 208 adults with intellectual disabilities at a vocational centre in Madrid, Spain. The psychometric analyses included internal consistency, inter‐rater and test–retest reliability, Varimax rotation factor analysis for construct validity, criterion validity and feasibility.

Results

The Cronbach's alpha was 0.80 for the overall questionnaire and between 0.40 and 0.79 for the subscales. The Kappa coefficients for test–retest and inter‐rater reliability were between 0.66 and 0.80. Varimax rotation factor analysis showed five well‐defined factors. The Kappa coefficients for criterion validity were between 0.30 and 0.70. Feasibility was also good.

Conclusions

The PAS‐ADD Checklist is a feasible and reliable instrument for carrying out initial assessment of the mental health status of adults with intellectual disabilities, referring cases to more specialised diagnosis and treatment.
Repeated administration of high‐dose depot medroxyprogesterone acetate does not alter SHIVSF162p3 viral kinetics and tenofovir pharmacokinetics when delivered via intravaginal rings
Authors: Srinivasan Priya , Zhang Jining , Dinh Chuong T. , Teller Ryan S. , McNicholl Janet M. , Kiser Patrick F. , Herold Betsy C. , Smith James M.
Published: July 2017

Background

Intravaginal rings (IVR) for HIV prevention will likely be used by women on depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) hormonal contraception. We used pigtailed macaques to evaluate the effects of DMPA on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) IVR pharmacokinetics and viral shedding.

Methods

Mucosal tenofovir (TFV) levels were compared in SHIVSF162p3‐negative DMPA‐treated (n=4) and normally cycling (n=6) macaques receiving TDF IVRs. Plasma viremia and vaginal shedding were determined in groups of SHIVSF162p3‐positive DMPA‐treated (n=6) and normally cycling (n=5) macaques.

Results

Similar median vaginal fluid TFV concentrations were observed in the DMPA‐treated and cycling macaques over 4 weeks (1.2×105 and 1.1.×105 ng/mL, respectively). Median plasma viremia and vaginal shedding AUC of the DMPA‐treated (2.73×107 and 8.15×104 copies/mL, respectively) and cycling macaques (3.98×107 and 1.47×103 copies/mL, respectively) were statistically similar.

Conclusions

DMPA does not affect TDF IVR pharmacokinetics or SHIV shedding.
Mauritian cynomolgus macaques with M3M4 MHC genotype control SIVmac251 infection
Authors: Li Hongzhao , Omange Robert W. , Czarnecki Chris , Correia‐Pinto Jorge F. , Crecente‐Campo Jose , Richmond Meika , Li Lin , Schultz‐Darken Nancy , Alonso Maria J. , Whitney James B. , Plummer Francis A. , Luo Ma
Published: July 2017

Background

Understanding natural HIV control may lead to new preventative or therapeutic strategies. Several protective major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genotypes were found in humans and rhesus macaques. Here, we report a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) controller MHC genotype in Mauritian cynomolgus macaques (MCMs).

Methods

Twelve MHC‐genotyped MCMs were infected with SIVmac251 and monitored for viral loads and CD4+ T‐cell counts.

Results

Two macaques with M3M4 genotype exhibited the lowest peak viral loads (log plasma SIV RNA copies/mL), nearly 3 logs lower than those in most macaques with other MHC haplotype combinations, and set point viral loads below the level of detection limit by RT‐qPCR (<2 log RNA copies/mL). They maintained healthy CD4+ T‐cell counts of >500 cells/μL blood, while CD4 counts in the vast majority of other macaques were below this level.

Conclusions

The M3M4 MHC genotype may confer enhanced control of SIV replication in MCMs.
The use of life review to enhance spiritual well‐being in patients with terminal illnesses: An integrative review
Authors: Kwan Cecilia W M , Ng Marques S N , Chan Carmen W H
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To conduct an integrative review of the current literature on using life review as an intervention to address the spiritual need of patients with terminal illnesses.

Background

Palliative care highlights the holistic approach of care including the spiritual aspect. Life review has been used in palliative nursing intending to enhance patients’ emotional and spiritual well‐being, and quality of life. However, there is a lack of publications that provide a structured overview on life review programmes and their effectiveness.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

The Whittemore and Knafl integrative review method was used. Five major online databases were included in our literature search. The keywords used were “life review” and “palliative care, terminal care, terminally ill, death & dying, hospice, spiritual wellbeing, spirituality”. Seven primary papers were identified, critically appraised and synthesised in the final review.

Results

There are limited clinical studies on life review programmes for patients with terminal illness. The research design of these studies is too widely varied for meta‐analysis. Here, we identified two major programmes of life review as an intervention to address the spiritual well‐being of patients with terminal illness. However, repeated studies on the effectiveness of these two programmes are lacking. The shorter programme of life review is more likely to be applicable and effective for terminal patients.

Conclusions

Further research in this area is required to provide strong evidence on the effectiveness and applicability of life review in patients receiving palliative care.

Relevance to clinical nursing

This review adds weight to the need of a better understanding on the use of life review in addressing the spiritual needs of patients with terminal illness. Such understanding would provide evidence for the use of life review as an alternative approach in palliative care delivery.
Prevalence and determinants of antibiotic exposure in infants: A population‐derived Australian birth cohort study
Authors: Anderson Hayley , Vuillermin Peter , Jachno Kim , Allen Katrina J , Tang Mimi LK , Collier Fiona , Kemp Andrew , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Burgner David ,   on behalf of the Barwon Infant Study Investigator Group
Published: July 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe antibiotic exposure in Australian infants during the first year of life, focusing on antibiotic class, indication, risk factors associated with exposure and comparison with international counterparts.

Methods

The Barwon Infant Study is a birth cohort study (n = 1074) with an unselected antenatal sampling frame from a large regional centre in Victoria, Australia. Longitudinal data on infection and medication were collected at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months by parental questionnaire and from general practitioner and hospital records. Predictors of questionnaire non‐completion were identified. A total of 660 infants with complete serial data were comprehensively examined. Antibiotic exposure was calculated as (i) antibiotic prescriptions and (ii) antibiotic days‐exposed per person‐year.

Results

Mean antibiotic prescription rate was 0.92 prescriptions (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.83–1.02) per person‐year, with the highest rates in those aged <1 month (1.50 (95% CI, 1.09–1.91) per person‐year). A total of 50.0% of infants were exposed to at least one antibiotic in their first year of life. Increasing number of siblings was associated with increased antibiotic exposure. Penicillin with extended spectrum (365 of 661 antibiotic prescriptions, 52.6%) and cephalosporins (12.0%) were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics. One fifth of antibiotics were prescribed for respiratory tract infections and bronchiolitis.

Conclusion

Australian infants in this large population‐based study are exposed to considerably more antibiotics than the majority of their international counterparts. Interventions aimed at addressing avoidable prescribing by medical practitioners and modifiable risk factors associated with antibiotic exposure may reduce antibiotic use.
Implications for behavior of volatile elements during impacts—Zinc and copper systematics in sediments from the Ries impact structure and central European tektites
Authors: Rodovská Zuzana , Magna Tomáš , Žák Karel , Kato Chizu , Savage Paul S. , Moynier Frédéric , Skála Roman , Ježek Josef
Published: July 2017

Moldavites are tektites genetically related to the Ries impact structure, located in Central Europe, but the source materials and the processes related to the chemical fractionation of moldavites are not fully constrained. To further understand moldavite genesis, the Cu and Zn abundances and isotope compositions were measured in a suite of tektites from four different substrewn fields (South Bohemia, Moravia, Cheb Basin, Lusatia) and chemically diverse sediments from the surroundings of the Ries impact structure. Moldavites are slightly depleted in Zn (~10–20%) and distinctly depleted in Cu (>90%) relative to supposed sedimentary precursors. Moreover, the moldavites show a wide range in δ66Zn values between 1.7 and 3.7‰ (relative to JMC 3‐0749 Lyon) and δ65Cu values between 1.6 and 12.5‰ (relative to NIST SRM 976) and are thus enriched in heavy isotopes relative to their possible parent sedimentary sources (δ66Zn = −0.07 to +0.64‰; δ65Cu = −0.4 to +0.7‰). In particular, the Cheb Basin moldavites show some of the highest δ65Cu values (up to 12.5‰) ever observed in natural samples. The relative magnitude of isotope fractionation for Cu and Zn seen here is opposite to oxygen‐poor environments such as the Moon where Zn is significantly more isotopically fractionated than Cu. One possibility is that monovalent Cu diffuses faster than divalent Zn in the reduced melt and diffusion will not affect the extent of Zn isotope fractionation. These observations imply that the capability of forming a redox environment may aid in volatilizing some elements, accompanied by isotope fractionation, during the impact process. The greater extent of elemental depletion, coupled with isotope fractionation of more refractory Cu relative to Zn, may also hinge on the presence of carbonyl species of transition metals and electromagnetic charge, which could exist in the impact‐induced high‐velocity jet of vapor and melts.
Linked selection, demography and the evolution of correlated genomic landscapes in birds and beyond
Authors: Burri Reto
Published: July 2017

Selection has a deep impact on the distribution of genetic diversity and population differentiation along the genome (the genomic landscapes of diversity and differentiation), reducing diversity and elevating differentiation not only at the sites it targets, but also at linked neutral sites. Fuelled by the high‐throughput sequencing revolution, these genomic footprints of selection have been extensively exploited over the past decade with the aim to identify genomic regions involved in adaptation and speciation. However, while this research has shown that the genomic landscapes of diversity and differentiation are usually highly heterogeneous, it has also led to the increasing realization that this heterogeneity may evolve under processes other than adaptation or speciation. In particular, instead of being an effect of selective sweeps or barriers to gene flow, accentuated differentiation can evolve by any process reducing genetic diversity locally within the genome (Charlesworth, ), including purifying selection at linked sites (background selection). In particular, in genomic regions where recombination is infrequent, accentuated differentiation can evolve as a by‐product of diversity reductions unrelated to adaptation or speciation (Cruickshank & Hahn, ; Nachman & Payseur, ; Noor & Bennett, ). In such genomic regions, linkage extends over physically larger genome stretches, and selection affects a particularly high number of linked neutral sites. Even though the effects of selection on linked neutral diversity (linked selection) within populations are well documented (Cutter & Payseur, ), recent observations of diversity and differentiation landscapes that are highly correlated even among independent lineages suggest that the effects of long‐term linked selection may have a deeper impact on the evolution of the genomic landscapes of diversity and differentiation than previously anticipated. The study on Saxicola stonechats by Van Doren et al. () reported in the current issue of Molecular Ecology lines in with a rapidly expanding body of evidence in this direction. Correlations of genomic landscapes extending from within stonechats to comparisons with Ficedula flycatchers add to recent insights into the timescales across which the effects of linked selection persist. Absent and inverted correlations of genomic landscapes in comparisons involving an island taxon, on the other hand, provide important empirical clues about the role of demographic constraints in the evolution of the genomic landscapes of diversity and differentiation.
Diversity and stability of coral endolithic microbial communities at a naturally high pCO2 reef
Authors: Marcelino Vanessa Rossetto , Morrow Kathleen M. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H. , Bourne David G. , Verbruggen Heroen
Published: July 2017

The health and functioning of reef‐building corals is dependent on a balanced association with prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes. The coral skeleton harbours numerous endolithic microbes, but their diversity, ecological roles and responses to environmental stress, including ocean acidification (OA), are not well characterized. This study tests whether pH affects the diversity and structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic algal communities associated with skeletons of Porites spp. using targeted amplicon (16S rRNA gene, UPA and tufA) sequencing. We found that the composition of endolithic communities in the massive coral Porites spp. inhabiting a naturally high pCO2 reef (avg. pCO2 811 μatm) is not significantly different from corals inhabiting reference sites (avg. pCO2 357 μatm), suggesting that these microbiomes are less disturbed by OA than previously thought. Possible explanations may be that the endolithic microhabitat is highly homeostatic or that the endolithic micro‐organisms are well adapted to a wide pH range. Some of the microbial taxa identified include nitrogen‐fixing bacteria (Rhizobiales and cyanobacteria), algicidal bacteria in the phylum Bacteroidetes, symbiotic bacteria in the family Endozoicomoniaceae, and endolithic green algae, considered the major microbial agent of reef bioerosion. Additionally, we test whether host species has an effect on the endolithic community structure. We show that the endolithic community of massive Porites spp. is substantially different and more diverse than that found in skeletons of the branching species Seriatopora hystrix and Pocillopora damicornis. This study reveals highly diverse and structured microbial communities in Porites spp. skeletons that are possibly resilient to OA.