bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecology and evolutionary biology of fishing bats
Authors: Aizpurua Ostaizka , Alberdi Antton
Published: August 2018

A few of the >1300 bat species recognised worldwide are known to consume fish to various extents. However, empirical information about how and how much different bat species capture and consume fish is limited and is probably distorted due to the biases introduced by occasional observations.

In this review, we aim to synthesise the knowledge so far generated on fishing bats, in order to 1) assess the incidence of fishing in different bat species; 2) discuss the evolutionary framework and origins of fishing behaviour; and 3) identify the ecological challenges of fishing and review the state of knowledge about kinetic, morphological, sensory, behavioural, and physiological adaptations related to fishing.

Fishing bats can be clustered into three groups based on the incidence of fish consumption. Noctilio leporinus is the only species in which fishing is widespread (occurring in most populations) and common (occurring most of the time and carried out by many individuals). Myotis vivesi, Myotis pilosus, and Myotis capaccinii comprise the second group, characterised by exhibiting regular fishing behaviour that is restricted to a limited number of populations. Noctilio albiventris, Myotis daubentonii, and Myotis macropus are classified in a third group, because although the occasional presence of fish traces in faeces has been reported, regular fishing behaviour in the wild has not been confirmed.

Fishing was developed independently multiple times in different bat lineages, probably under different selective pressures and ecological scenarios.

Nevertheless, all fishing species face similar challenges in terms of detecting, capturing, handling, and metabolising fish, which require specific kinetic, morphological, sensory, behavioural, and physiological adaptations.

Both basic information about fishing behaviour in different species and specific knowledge of the biological adaptation are still missing. Thus, in this review we identify gaps in the knowledge and suggest experimental approaches to overcome them.
Mast cells and primary systemic vasculitides
Authors: Ribatti Domenico , Tamma Roberto , Ruggieri Simona , Annese Tiziana , Marzullo Andrea , Crivellato Enrico
Published: August 2018

Vasculitides are characterized by inflammation and necrosis of blood vessels leading to vessel occlusion and ischemic damages of tissues. Among the inflammatory cells involved in vasculitides, neutrophils, T cells, and macrophages have been identified as the predominant cell type. This review article is focused on the role of mast cells in these chronic inflammatory processes. Mast cells are characterized by their complex plasticity. Increasing evidences document that mast cells exert both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory functions depending on the cell types and the microenvironment they reside in. In this context, mast cell mediators able to modulate progression of vasculitides at different levels and the anatomic localization of mast cells in different vasculitides will be described. Finally, therapeutic approach including inhibition of recruitment of mast cells to the inflammatory infiltrate and blockade of their proinflammatory effects and proangiogenic functions as potential new targets for the treatment of these diseases will be discussed.
Predictive value of ultrasound scoring in relation to clinical and histological parameters in xerostomia patients
Authors: Jazzar Ahoud , Manoharan Andiappan , Brown Jackie E. , Shirlaw Penelope J. , Carpenter Guy H. , Challacombe Stephen J. , Proctor Gordon B.
Published: August 2018

Background

Salivary gland dysfunction is one of the main clinical features of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), manifested by xerostomia with subsequent complications and well‐established effects on the person's quality of life.

Objectives

To determine firstly whether selected tests of salivary gland function and structure, unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR), parotid flow rate (PFR), clinical oral dryness score (CODS) and ultrasound score (USS), can discriminate SS from non‐SS sicca patients and secondly whether these tests can differentiate between patients in different subgroups of SS.

Method

Unstimulated whole salivary flow rate, PFR, CODS and USS were determined in 244 patients comprised of SS patients (n = 118), SS patients at higher risk of lymphoma (n = 30) or with lymphoma (n = 26), and non‐SS sicca disease controls (n = 70).

Results

All assessments showed a significant difference between the overall SS group and the disease control group, attributed mainly to the lymphoma subgroups of SS (p < 0.0001 for all parameters). There was a significant correlation (Spearman r = 0.7, p value <0.0001) and 87.3% agreement between USS and the histology focus scores of 119 patients.

Conclusion

The results suggest that salivary gland tests including USS can aid in differentiating between SS and non‐SS dry mouth, especially the subgroups of SS with lymphoma or at higher risk of developing lymphoma.
Disentangling demographic co‐effects of predation and pollution on population dynamics
Authors: Reyes Claudio A. , Ramos‐Jiliberto Rodrigo , Arim Matías , Lima Mauricio
Published: August 2018

In nature species react to a variety of endogenous and exogenous ecological factors. Understanding the mechanisms by which these factors interact and drive population dynamics is a need for understanding and managing ecosystems. In this study we assess, using laboratory experiments, the effects that the combinations of two exogenous factors exert on the endogenous structure of the population dynamics of a size‐structured population ofDaphnia. One exogenous factor was size‐selective predation, which was applied on experimental populations through simulating: 1) selective predation on small prey, 2) selective predation on large prey and 3) non‐selective predation. The second exogenous factor was pesticide exposure, applied experimentally in a quasi‐continuous regime. Our analysis combined theoretical models and statistical testing of experimental data for analyzing how the density dependence structure of the population dynamics was shifted by the different exogenous factors. Our results showed that pesticide exposure interacted with the mode of predation in determining the endogenous dynamics. Populations exposed to the pesticide and to either selective predation on newborns or selective predation on adults exhibited marked nonlinear effects of pesticide exposure. However, the specific mechanisms behind such nonlinear effects were dependent on the mode of size‐selectivity. In populations under non‐selective predation the pesticide exposure exerted a weak lateral effect. The ways in which endogenous process and exogenous factors may interact determine population dynamics. Increases in equilibrium density results in higher variance of population fluctuations but do not modify the stability properties of the system, while changes in the maximum growth rate induce changes in the dynamic regimes and stability properties of the population. Future consideration for research includes the consequences of the seasonal variation in the composition and activity of the predator assembly in interaction with the seasonal variation in exposure to agrochemicals on freshwater population dynamics.
Testing and interpreting the shared space‐environment fraction in variation partitioning analyses of ecological data
Authors: Bauman David , Vleminckx Jason , Hardy Olivier J. , Drouet Thomas
Published: August 2018

Variation partitioning analyses combined with spatial predictors (Moran's eigenvector maps, MEM) are commonly used in ecology to test the fractions of species abundance variation purely explained by environment and space. However, while these pure fractions can be tested using a classical residuals permutation procedure, no specific method has been developed to test the shared space‐environment fraction (SSEF). Yet, the SSEF is expected to encompass a major driver of community assembly, that is, an induced spatial dependence effect (ISD; i.e. the reflection of a spatially structured habitat filter on a species distribution). A reliable test of this fraction is therefore crucial to properly test the presence of an ISD on ecological data. To bridge the gap, we propose to test the SSEF through spatially‐constrained null models: torus‐translations, and Moran spectral randomisations. We investigated the type I error rate and statistical power of our method based on two real environmental datasets and simulations of tree distributions. Ten types of tree distribution displaying contrasted aggregation properties were simulated, and their abundances were sampled in 153 regularly‐distributed 20 × 20 m quadrats. The SSEF was tested for 1000 simulated tree distributions either unrelated to the environment, or filtered by environmental variables displaying contrasting spatial structures. The method proposed provided a correct type I error rate (< 0.05). The statistical power was high (> 0.9) when abundances were filtered by an environmental variable structured at broad scale. However, the spatial resolution allowed by the sampling design limited the power of the method when using a fine‐scale filtering variable. This highlighted that an ISD can be properly detected providing that the spatial pattern of the filtering process is correctly captured by the sampling design of the study. An R function to apply the SSEF testing method is provided and detailed in a tutorial.
DNA methylation as a possible mechanism affecting ability of natural populations to adapt to changing climate
Authors: Münzbergová Zuzana , Latzel Vít , Šurinová Maria , Hadincová Věroslava
Published: August 2018

Environmentally induced epigenetic variation has been recently recognized as a possible mechanism allowing plants to rapidly adapt to novel conditions. Despite increasing evidence on the topic, little is known on how epigenetic variation affects responses of natural populations to changing climate.

We studied the effects of experimental demethylation (DNA methylation is an important mediator of heritable control of gene expression) on performance of a clonal grass, Festuca rubra, coming from localities with contrasting temperature and moisture regimes. We compared performance of demethylated and control plants from different populations under two contrasting climatic scenarios and explored whether the response to demethylation depended on genetic relatedness of the plants.

Demethylation significantly affected plant performance. Its effects interacted with population of origin and partly with conditions of cultivation. The effects of demethylation also varied between distinct genotypes with more closely related genotypes showing more similar response to demethylation. For belowground biomass, demethylated plants showed signs of adaptation to drought that were not apparent in plants that were naturally methylated.

The results suggest that DNA methylation may modify the response of this species to moisture. DNA methylation may thus affect the ability of clonal plants to adapt to novel climatic conditions. Whether this variation in DNA methylation may also occur under natural conditions, however, remains to be explored. Despite the significant interactions between population of origin and demethylation, our data do not provide clear evidence that DNA methylation enabled adaptation to different environments. In fact, we obtained stronger evidence of local adaptation in demethylated than in naturally‐methylated plants. As changes in DNA methylation may be quite dynamic, it is thus possible that epigenetic variation can mask plant adaptations to conditions of their origin due to pre‐cultivation of the plants under standardized conditions. This possibility should be considered in future experiments exploring plant adaptations.
Multipropositionalism and Necessarya Posterioriidentity Statements
Authors: Clapp Lenny , Lavalle Terrón Armando
Published: August 2018

We provide an account of necessarya posterioriidentity statements that relies upon Perry's multipropositionalism. On our account an utterance of, e.g., ‘Hesperus is Phosphorus',semantically makes availableseveral propositions, one of which is necessary (anda priori) and another of which isa posteriori(and contingent). Since our view resemblestwo‐dimensionalism, one might assume that it is undermined by the sorts ofnesting argumentsthat Soames and others have raised against two‐dimensionalism. We demonstrate, however, that our account is immune to such nesting arguments.
Molecular characterization of nine sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) MADS‐box transcription factors during storage root development and following abiotic stress
Authors: Dong TingTing , Song WeiHan , Tan ChuanTing , Zhou Zhilin , Yu JiaWen , Han RongPeng , Zhu MingKu , Li ZongYun
Published: August 2018

Sweet potato is an important plant for researchers to study storage root development and resistance. MADS‐box proteins are a group of important transcription factors which play a crucial role in plant development as well as stress response. However, the investigation regarding sweet potato MADS‐box genes remains limited up to now. In this study, nine MADS‐box genes, named as IbMBP1˜IbMBP9, were cloned and characterized. Nine genes exhibited different tissue‐specific expression profiles. IbMBP2, IbMBP3, IbMBP4 and IbMBP9 showed high expression during storage roots development and were upregulated by storage roots development‐related hormones. Varying degrees of induction was observed in the transcript level of these MADS‐box genes under multiple abiotic stresses, as well as stress‐related hormones. The present results revealed that nine MADS‐box genes exhibited different tissue‐specific expression profiles and were impacted by multiple abiotic stresses and/or hormones, which lay a good foundation for further exploring the function of MADS‐box genes in sweet potato.
Profile of sunless tanning product users: Results from a nationwide representative survey
Authors: Diehl Katharina , Görig Tatiana , Schilling Laura , Greinert Rüdiger , Breitbart Eckhard W. , Schneider Sven
Published: August 2018

Background

Sunless tanning products (STPs) are often seen as “healthy alternative” to sunbathing and indoor tanning. However, STP use may entail indirect risks such as overestimating an individual's natural skin type, resulting in risky (natural and artificial) tanning behavior. We aimed to explore STP use in combination with other health‐related risk behaviors (eg, smoking), skin cancer risk, risk awareness of ultraviolet radiation, and preventive behavior.

Methods

We used data from the NCAM, a nationwide representative cross‐sectional sample (n = 3000, aged 14‐45, 48.6% female) interviewed via telephone. Differences between STP users and nonusers regarding the abovementioned aspects were identified using chi²‐test.

Results

The 1‐year prevalence of STP use was 7.5%. Tanning bed users showed a higher prevalence of STP use than past and never users (16.1% vs 9.6% vs 5.8%, P < 0.05). Although STP users had a higher skin cancer risk based on individual characteristics, they were less likely to have participated in a skin cancer screen.

Conclusion

The identified parallel use of STPs and tanning beds can have severe health consequences, since the “fake tan” of STPs may lead to an overestimation of the individual's skin type, which may result in overdosed UV exposure. The lower risk awareness among STP users accompanied with their higher skin cancer risk calls for target group‐specific prevention.
Towards a characterisation of the wild legume bitter vetch (Lathyrus linifolius L. (Reichard) Bässler): heteromorphic seed germination, root nodule structure and N‐fixing rhizobial symbionts
Authors: Dello Jacovo E. , Valentine T. A. , Maluk M. , Toorop P. , Lopez del Egido L. , Frachon N. , Kenicer G. , Park L. , Goff M. , Ferro V. A. , Bonomi C. , James E. K. , Iannetta P. P. M.
Published: August 2018

Lathyrus linifolius L. (Reichard) Bässler (Fabiaceae, bitter vetch) is a nitrogen (N) fixing species. A coloniser of low nutrient (N) soils, it supports biodiversity such as key moth and butterfly species, and its roots are known for their organoleptic and claimed therapeutic properties. Thus, the species has high potential for restoration, conservation, novel cropping and as a model species. The last because of its genetic synteny with important pulse crops. However, regeneration and functional attributes of L. linifolius remain to be characterised.

Seeds of L. linifolius were characterised using physical, colorimetric and chemical data. Ultrastructural and functional characterisation of the N‐fixing root nodules included immunolabelling with nifH protein antibodies (recognising the N‐fixing enzyme, nitrogenase). Endosymbiotic bacteria were isolated from root nodules and characterised phylogenetically using 16S rRNA, nodA and nodD gene sequences.

L. linifolius yielded heteromorphic seed of distinct colour classes: green and brown. Seed morphotypes had similar C:N ratios and were equally germinable (ca. 90%) after scarification at differing optimal temperatures (16 and 20 °C). Brown seeds were larger and comprised a larger proportion of the seed batch (69%). L. linifolius root nodules appeared indeterminate in structure, effective (capable of fixing atmospheric N) and having strains very similar to Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae.

The findings and rhizobial isolates have potential application for ecological restoration and horticulture using native seeds. Also, the data and rhizobial resources have potential applications in comparative and functional studies with related and socio‐economically important crops such as Pisum, Lens and Vicia.
Spatial patterns of the Citrus leprosis virus and its associated mite vector in systems without intervention
Authors: Bassanezi R. B. , Czermainski A. B. C. , Laranjeira F. F. , Moreira A. S. , Ribeiro P. J. , Krainski E. T. , Amorim L.
Published: August 2018

Leprosis is caused by the Citrus leprosis virus cytoplasmic type and is vectored by the mite Brevipalpus yothersi. Miticide applications, which cost $54 million annually, are based on inspection for the presence of mites. The aim of the present study was to characterize the spatial patterns of B. yothersi‐infested trees and trees with leprosis symptoms for further improvement in sampling and disease control. The presence of mites and the occurrence of leprosis were assessed over two years in 1160 Valencia trees and 720 Natal trees in a commercial sweet orange grove in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. To assess the natural growth and dispersal of mites and leprosis, mite populations were not controlled during the experimental period. Maps of mite‐infested trees and trees with leprosis symptoms were analysed at three different levels of spatial hierarchy using complementary methods, i.e. among adjacent trees within and across rows, within quadrats, and the strength and orientation of aggregation among quadrats. The study showed that the spatial patterns of virus‐infected and mite‐infested trees were different, with a strong aggregation pattern of trees with leprosis symptoms that increased over time. Conversely, the spatial pattern of B. yothersi showed randomness or weak aggregation at all three spatial hierarchical levels. Disease incidence increased steadily in plots of both cultivars, unlike in mite‐infested trees where incidence fluctuated over time. These results have important implications for the development of better management strategies for leprosis. Sampling methods and action thresholds for mite control should consider primary disease inoculum in addition to the incidence of mites.
Overexpression of phytoglobin in barley alters both compatible and incompatible interactions with the mildew pathogen Blumeria graminis
Authors: Sørensen C. K. , Carciofi M. , Hasler‐Sheetal H. , Zafari S. , Andrzejczak O. , Hovmøller M. S. , Møller I. M. , Hebelstrup K. H.
Published: August 2018

This study showed how barley plants can be shifted in their response to isolates of the mildew pathogen Blumeria graminis with different host adaptation by overexpression of the barley phytoglobin gene HvHb1. At early infection stages, plants overexpressing phytoglobin (GPHb1) showed less papilla formation and more hypersensitive response against both virulent and avirulent pathogen isolates compared to the wildtype (WT) plants. The shift was most pronounced in a wheat‐adapted isolate (B. graminis f. sp. tritici). At later infection stages, GPHb1 plants infected with a virulent pathogen isolate (A6) showed less leaf chlorosis compared to the WT plants, indicating delayed senescence. The chlorophyll level was significantly higher in A6‐infected GPHb1 plants 9 days after inoculation (dai) and the senescence indicators sphingosine‐1‐phosphate:ceramide ratio and phytol content confirmed delayed senescence. At 14 dai the percentage of fungal DNA was significantly higher on the GPHb1 plants than on WT plants, probably as a result of the delayed senescence. The results show that overexpression of phytoglobin (previously known as plant haemoglobin) can be an important tool to understand disease‐related stress effects in plants of agronomic importance and for understanding basic resistance mechanisms. Studying this process in more detail may provide insights into how to alleviate stress‐related senescence in plants.
The neural signature of extracting emotional content from rapid visual streams at multiple presentation rates: A cross‐laboratory study
Authors: Bekhtereva Valeria , Pritschmann Ricarda , Keil Andreas , Müller Matthias M.
Published: August 2018

The steady‐state visual evoked potential (SSVEP), a neural signature of attentional resource allocation, is enhanced for affective compared to neutral visual scenes. Recently, it has been demonstrated that modulation of early visual cortex associated with viewing of unpleasant scenes presented in a rapid succession relies on emotional content extraction from each individual image shown in a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) at 6 Hz (~167 ms per image). Against expectations, the SSVEP was reduced when viewing visual streams of unpleasant compared to neutral scenes. Here, we investigated to what extent that finding was limited to the 6 Hz rate and whether it generalizes to pleasant pictures. We recorded SSVEPs elicited by RSVP of neutral and emotional scenes presented at 3, 4, 6.67, and 8.57 Hz rates. We demonstrated that SSVEP amplitudes were enhanced for unpleasant compared to neutral images with a presentation rate of 3, 4, and 8.57 Hz. By contrast, SSVEP decreased for both pleasant and unpleasant relative to neutral RSVP streams shown at 6.67 Hz. Our findings suggest that a linear superposition of ERPs evoked by each individual image in an RSVP may lead to SSVEP amplitude patterns that increase or decrease the power at the driving frequency, which in turn might produce the observed differential emotional amplitude modulations. The results provide new methodological considerations for investigating temporal dynamics of early visual cortex modulation during sustained perception of affective scenes with SSVEP using RSVP paradigms.
Motivation alters implicit temporal attention through sustained and transient mechanisms: A behavioral and pupillometric study
Authors: Massar Stijn A. A. , Sasmita Karen , Lim Julian , Chee Michael W. L.
Published: August 2018

Temporal expectations aid performance by allowing the optimization of attentional readiness at moment of highest target probability. Reward enhances cognitive performance through its action on preparatory and reactive attentional processes. To elucidate how motivation interacts with mechanisms of implicit temporal attention, we studied healthy young adult participants (N = 73) performing a sustained attention task with simultaneous pupillometric recording, under different reward conditions (baseline: 0 c; reward: 10 c/fast response). Target timing was temporally unpredictable (variable foreperiod: 2–10 s, uniformly distributed), in which case implicitly formed timing expectations. Trials were binned according to current foreperiod (FPn; short: 2–6 s; long: 6–10 s) and preceding foreperiod (FPn–1; short: 2–6 s; long: 6–10 s). Overall, performance data showed the expected temporal attention effects, with slower responses after shorter FPns, particularly when they followed longer FPn–1s. Moreover, these temporal effects were significantly reduced in the reward condition. While performance improved in all trial types, the largest benefit appeared in trials that were normally most disadvantaged by invalid temporal expectation. Furthermore, reward motivation was accompanied by an increase in sustained (prestimulus) and transient (poststimulus response) pupil diameter. The latter effect was particularly evident following short FPns. The current findings suggest that reward motivation can improve overall attentional performance and reduce implicit temporal bias, both through preparatory and reactive attentional mechanisms.
Measuring Subjective Probabilities: The Effect of Response Mode on the Use of Focal Responses, Validity, and Respondents’ Evaluations
Authors: Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Carman Katherine G.
Published: August 2018

Subjective probabilities are central to risk assessment, decision making, and risk communication efforts. Surveys measuring probability judgments have traditionally used open‐ended response modes, asking participants to generate a response between 0% and 100%. A typical finding is the seemingly excessive use of 50%, perhaps as an expression of “I don't know.” In an online survey with a nationally representative sample of the Dutch population, we examined the effect of response modes on the use of 50% and other focal responses, predictive validity, and respondents’ survey evaluations. Respondents assessed the probability of dying, getting the flu, and experiencing other health‐related events. They were randomly assigned to a traditional open‐ended response mode, a visual linear scale ranging from 0% to 100%, or a version of that visual linear scale on which a magnifier emerged after clicking on it. We found that, compared to the open‐ended response mode, the visual linear and magnifier scale each reduced the use of 50%, 0%, and 100% responses, especially among respondents with low numeracy. Responses given with each response mode were valid, in terms of significant correlations with health behavior and outcomes. Where differences emerged, the visual scales seemed to have slightly better validity than the open‐ended response mode. Both high‐numerate and low‐numerate respondents’ evaluations of the surveys were highest for the visual linear scale. Our results have implications for subjective probability elicitation and survey design.
Semiparametric Dose Finding Methods: Special Cases
Authors: Clertant M. , O’Quigley J.
Published: August 2018

A broad structure for the design and analysis of early phase clinical trials has recently been presented. The approach is described as being semiparametric in that the dose–toxicity function is modelled through a parameter of interest and a nuisance parameter. Although very general, the semiparametric method SPM allows for the possibility of specific calibration. In particular, it is shown that we can obtain identical operating characteristics of more richly parameterized designs such as the continual reassessment method. Here, we consider several other designs that have weaker parameterizations than the continual reassessment method, in particular the cumulative cohort distributions design, the modified toxicity probability interval design, the Bayesian optimal interval design and the keyboard design. We show that all of these designs are included, as special cases, in the semiparametric framework. It becomes immediately apparent how to structure any investigation into the operating characteristics of these designs as well as how to tune any design further with the purpose of improving on these characteristics. Simulations are provided to give added support to these findings.
Early postpartum discharge: maternal depression, breastfeeding habits and different follow‐up strategies
Authors: Verpe Hege , Kjellevold Marian , Moe Vibeke , Smith Lars , Vannebo Unni T. , Stormark Kjell Morten , Søvik Margaret Ljosnes , Skotheim Siv
Published: August 2018

Background

In most maternity wards in Norway, early discharge (<48 hour) is the norm. To monitor newborns’ and women's health during the first week after delivery, most maternity wards offer early check‐ups, where families return to the hospital (standard care). However, a few municipalities offer home visits by midwives (domiciliary care) to ensure seamless services for the family.

Aim

The primary aim of this study was to explore whether different follow‐up strategies were differently associated with maternal depression and breastfeeding habits, 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. The secondary aim was to investigate whether families at risk of postpartum depression were included in the home visiting programme in the municipality that offered both follow‐up strategies.

Method

This study draws on data from the ‘Little in Norway’ (LIN) study, which followed families from pregnancy until the child was 18 months. This study used data from two different well‐baby clinics in two municipalities, where one offered standard care (n = 95) and the other domiciliary (n = 64) and standard care (n = 17). The Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to measure maternal depression. Breastfeeding habits were measured using a self‐report questionnaire. The Life Stress subscale of the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) was used to identify women at risk of postpartum depression.

Results

There were no differences in maternal depressive symptoms or breastfeeding habits at neither 6 weeks nor 6 months postpartum between women who received standard or domiciliary care in the two municipalities. Within the municipality that offered both follow‐up strategies, a higher number of women scoring high on prenatal life stress were included in domiciliary – compared to standard care.

Conclusion

Differential follow‐up strategies in the first week after birth did not impact on maternal depression or breastfeeding habits. However, domiciliary care seems to be regarded as supportive and nonstigmatising for women at risk of postpartum depression.
Collaborative challenges in the use of telecare
Authors: Bjørkquist Catharina , Forss Maria , Samuelsen Finn
Published: August 2018

Introduction

As a growing number of seniors with complex needs are living at home, the implementation of telecare has become a priority. This article aims to identify factors influencing inter‐ and intra‐organisational collaboration in Norwegian primary care. The focus is on collaboration in service provision for senior users with telecare solutions, in this case personal alarms.

Methods

Data were collected from two individual interviews with each of seven middle managers from four different units. Additionally, group interviews were conducted during two workshops, both with 16 and 17 front‐line staff members from four local authority units.

Results

Challenges and barriers to collaboration and integration were information flow and information sharing, unclear understanding of the division of duties between the units involved and their employees and the lack of meeting points between the emergency medical centre and home nursing. Interagency meetings between the purchasing office and home nursing enhance collaboration.

Conclusion

The introduction of telecare does not simplify collaboration or improve services; technology does not solve collaboration challenges. Technology limits information to written form, which may not meet the needs of the service provider and user. Collaboration and integration require common strategies and leadership that implements them, including in telecare.
Being in control and striving for normalisation: A Norwegian pilot study on parents’ perceptions of hospital‐at‐home
Authors: Aasen Line , Ponton Irene Gynnild , Johannessen Anne‐Kari Myrvold
Published: August 2018

In recent decades, there has been a shift from hospitalisation to home care throughout the Western world, even for children. Hospital‐at‐home for children is in a developmental phase and represents a new service model in Norway. The aim of this pilot study conducted in a Norwegian healthcare setting was to explore how parents with a sick child experienced early hospital discharge and further care at home. The qualitative data are drawn from nine interviews with parents with a child admitted to hospital‐at‐home. Transcripts of interviews were analysed using a method of qualitative content analysis. In the analysis, Antonovsky's salutogenic perspective on how people cope in demanding life situations was applied. The results show that the parents experienced hospital‐at‐home as providing a calmer, more predictable family life compared to hospitalisation. They argued that good information and training in medical procedures prior to hospital discharge made hospital‐at‐home easier to master. The participants pointed out the importance of the professionals’ competence and their ability to interact with the child and the parent. The certitude that they could return to the hospital at any time made them feel safe and in control. The parents associated hospital‐at‐home with a kind of normalisation of their family life. They had a prominent need for normalisation, and this was probably a motivation for agreeing to the hospital‐at‐home arrangement. The findings indicate that hospital‐at‐home for children is a good solution if the parents are well prepared and feel in control. In addition, certain structural conditions must be in place before this type of health care is established; there must be a certain volume of patients and the distance to the hospital must be clearly limited. Norwegian policymakers should initiate more pilot testing of hospital‐at‐home for children. Users and clinicians should be involved in establishing and evaluating these services.
The influence of sleep disorders on the quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Uchmanowicz Izabella , Kołtuniuk Aleksandra , Stępień Aneta , Uchmanowicz Bartosz , Rosińczuk Joanna
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common pain syndromes, and its prevalence has increased significantly in the past three decades.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of insomnia and daytime sleepiness on the quality of life (QOL) of patients suffering from chronic back pain.

Material and methods

It is a cross‐sectional study conducted among 100 people (aged 25–75 years – mean age 49.53 ± 10.92) treated in a neurological clinic for chronic back pain lasting longer than 3 months. The diagnostic survey method was applied for the purposes of this study with the use of: the author's questionnaire and standardised questionnaires that is Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Polish version of WHO Quality of Life‐BREF questionnaire (WHOQOL‐BREF). The results were statistically analysed.

Results

Analysis of the study material showed that 83% of patients suffered from insomnia (scored 6 or more points on the AIS) and 29% experienced mild daytime sleepiness. People who were more sleepy during the day were characterised by lower perception of the QOL (r = −0.034, p = 0.029) and lower perception of general health (r = −0.035, p = 0.04). Analysis of multiple variables (using linear regression) showed that independent predictor of the QOL in all domains is the result of the AIS questionnaire (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Sleep disorders – both insomnia and daytime sleepiness – are a common health problem experienced by people with LBP. Insomnia is an important predictor affecting the QOL in people with LBP.
Adding vibration to high‐intensity intervals increase time at high oxygen uptake in well‐trained cyclists
Authors: Rønnestad Bent R. , Moen Maria , Gunnerød Sofia , Øfsteng Sjur
Published: August 2018

The importance of accumulated time ≥90% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) to improve performance in well‐trained endurance athletes is well established. The present study compared the acute effects of adding vibrations (VIB; 40 Hz) with the work intervals during a high‐intensity cycling session (HIT) with a traditional HIT session without vibration (TRAD) on time ≥90% of VO2max, time ≥90% of peak heart rate (HRpeak), electromyography (EMG) activity, and mean power in well‐trained cyclists (n = 10, VO2max=78.6 ± 7.4 mL/min/kg). The order of VIB and TRAD was randomized and consisted of 6 × 5‐minutes work intervals performed with the highest possible mean power across the work intervals (2.5‐minutes standardized relief periods). VIB was superior to TRAD on time ≥90% of VO2max, (10.99 ± 7.00 vs 6.95 ± 5.28 minutes, respectively), time ≥90% of HRpeak (24.61 ± 2.38 vs 19.97 ± 4.12 minutes, respectively), and averaged EMG activity in m. Vastus Lateralis during the work intervals (all P < 0.05). The EMG/power output ratio across all work intervals was higher in VIB than TRAD (P < 0.05). Mean values across work intervals showed no difference between VIB and TRAD in mean power, rate of perceived exertion, or blood lactate concentration. Thus, the present study indicated that adding vibration to the work intervals during a HIT session can acutely increase the physiological responses of the cardiovascular system and increase time ≥90% VO2max and should therefore be considered in order to optimize the exercise stimulus of well‐trained cyclists.
Drug treatments associated with Achilles tendon rupture. A case‐control study involving 1118 Achilles tendon ruptures
Authors: Nyyssönen Timo , Lantto Iikka , Lüthje Peter , Selander Tuomas , Kröger Heikki
Published: August 2018

The incidence of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture, especially nonsport‐related rupture, is increasing, while the reasons for this increase are largely unknown. The association between the AT rupture and the use of various drug treatments was studied. We collected AT rupture patients from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. We also acquired information about all the doctor‐prescribed drugs they had purchased within 1 year before the rupture. For comparison, we randomly selected age‐ and sex‐matched controls from the Finnish Population Register. There were 1118 AT rupture patients. Several drug groups had a statistically significant association with the AT rupture. Our study confirmed an association between fluoroquinolone antibiotics and AT rupture (OR 2.20, P = 0.005). A statistically significant association of renin‐angiotensin II receptor antagonists with tendon rupture (OR 7.59, P = 0.003) was a previously unreported finding. The increasing incidence of AT rupture, especially in middle‐aged and elderly patients, might partially be a consequence of the increased use of certain drug treatments. Some associations are probably explained by the symptomatic treatment of the painful tendon before the rupture.
Efficacy of brincidofovir as prophylaxis against HSV and VZV in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Lee Yeon Joo , Neofytos Dionysios , Kim Seong Jin , Cheteyan Leslie , Huang Yao‐Ting , Papadopoulos Esperanza B. , Jakubowski Ann A. , Papanicolaou Genovefa A.
Published: August 2018

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients are at risk for herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) infections. Routine prophylaxis with acyclovir is recommended during periods of immunosuppression. Brincidofovir (BCV, CMX001), a lipid conjugate of cidofovir, has shown in vitro activity against HSV/VZV, but has not been formally studied for HSV/VZV prophylaxis. We report our clinical experience of BCV for HSV/VZV prophylaxis in HCT recipients. This was a retrospective review of 30 hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients between 8/2010 and 8/2015 who received BCV doses not exceeding 200 mg/week for adults/adolescents and 4 mg/kg/week for pediatric (<12 years) patients, for ≥14 days BCV without concomitant acyclovir under clinical trials or single patient use. HSV/VZV cases during BCV treatment were confirmed by viral culture or PCR and clinical symptoms. Of 30 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 27 (90%) patients were adults and 22 (73%) patients received T‐cell depleted HCT. The most common indications for BCV were cytomegalovirus in 12 patients (40%) and adenovirus in 11 patients (37%). One patient was treated for acyclovir‐resistant HSV and one for disseminated VZV. There were two breakthrough cases of HSV infection during 2170 patient‐days. There were no cases of breakthrough VZV infection. The overall rate of breakthrough HSV infection was 1.0 per 1000 patient‐days, without any breakthrough VZV infections. Our study provides the only available—albeit limited—evidence on the potential efficacy of BCV for HSV/VZV prophylaxis in HCT patients. Additional studies are needed to further assess the efficacy and safety of BCV in the setting.
Chikungunya in solid organ transplant recipients, a case series and literature review
Authors: Rosso Fernando , Rodríguez Sarita , Cedano Jorge A. , Mora Barbara L. , Moncada Pablo A. , Velez Juan D.
Published: August 2018

Chikungunya virus is a recent emerging arbovirus in Latin America, and the clinical manifestations can vary from fever and rash to severe chronic inflammatory arthritis. Few reports have been published regarding this infection in immunocompromised patients, including solid organ transplant recipients. We report a case series of solid organ transplant recipients with confirmed Chikungunya infection by positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), identified between January 2014 and December 2016. In addition, we conducted a literature review searching PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS databases on Chikungunya infection in solid organ transplant recipients. Ten solid organ transplant recipients were included, consisting of 5 kidney, 4 liver, and 1 liver/kidney transplant recipient. Mean age of the transplant recipients was 47 years, and the most frequent symptoms of Chikungunya infection were arthralgia and fever. None of the patients required treatment in the intensive care unit, no deaths or graft rejection occurred. None of our patients had recurrent arthritis during 3‐month follow‐up period after the infection. Twenty‐one cases of Chikungunya virus were identified in the literature review. Most cases had a benign clinical course with no severe complications, death, or chronic inflammatory arthritis. In conclusion, Chikungunya infection in solid organ transplant recipients has a benign course and has no chronic recurrent arthritis. It is possible that the immunosuppression regimen could decrease the risk of severe or chronic inflammatory manifestations in solid organ transplant recipients infected with Chikungunya.
T‐complex protein 1‐ring complex enhances retrograde axonal transport by modulating tau phosphorylation
Authors: Chen Xu‐Qiao , Fang Fang , Florio Jazmin B. , Rockenstein Edward , Masliah Eliezer , Mobley William C. , Rissman Robert A. , Wu Chengbiao
Published: August 2018

The cytosolic chaperonin T‐complex protein (TCP) 1‐ring complex (TRiC) has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects on axonal transport through clearance of mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) in Huntington's disease. However, it is presently unknown if TRiC also has any effect on axonal transport in wild‐type neurons. Here, we examined how TRiC impacted the retrograde axonal transport of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We found that expression of a single TRiC subunit significantly enhanced axonal transport of BDNF, leading to an increase in instantaneous velocity with a concomitant decrease in pauses for retrograde BDNF transport. The transport enhancing effect by TRiC was dependent on endogenous tau expression because no effect was seen in neurons from tau knockout mice. We showed that TRiC regulated the level of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5)/p35 positively, contributing to TRiC‐mediated tau phosphorylation (ptau). Expression of a single TRiC subunit increased the level of ptau while downregulation of the TRiC complex decreased ptau. We further demonstrated that TRiC‐mediated increase in ptau induced detachment of tau from microtubules. Our study has thus revealed that TRiC‐mediated increase in tau phosphorylation impacts retrograde axonal transport.
Genome‐wide screening of budding yeast with honokiol to associate mitochondrial function with lipid metabolism
Authors: Zhu Xiaolong , Cai Juan , Zhou Fan , Wu Zulin , Li Dan , Li Youbin , Xie Zhiping , Zhou Yiting , Liang Yongheng
Published: August 2018

Honokiol (HNK), an important medicinal component of Magnolia officinalis, is reported to possess pharmacological activities against a variety of diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of HNK medicinal functions are not fully clear. To systematically study the mechanisms of HNK action, we screened a yeast mutant library based on the conserved nature of its genes among eukaryotes. We identified genes associated with increased resistance or sensitivity to HNK after mutation. After functional classification of these genes, we found that most HNK‐resistant strains in the largest functional category were petites with mutations in mitochondrial genes, indicating that mitochondria were related to HNK resistance. Additional analysis showed that resistance of petite mutants to HNK was associated with upregulation of the ATP‐binding cassette transporter Pdr5, which pumps out HNK. We also found that several HNK‐sensitive mitochondria mutants were not petites, and had larger lipid droplets (LDs). Furthermore, HNK treatment on wild‐type yeast cells seemed to disrupt mitochondrial morphology, induced triacylglycerol synthesis, and generated supersized LDs surrounded by mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These changes are also applied to atp7Δ mutant if no carbon resource was available. These results suggested that HNK treatment partly impaired normal mitochondrial function to form larger LDs by altering lipid metabolism.
A system for rapid and inexpensive treatment of sewage using the weed Eclipta prostrata in SHEFROL® bioreactor
Authors: Abbasi Shahid Abbas , Tauseef Syed Mohammad
Published: August 2018

In a first report of its kind, it is shown that the weed Eclipta prostrata is able to treat sewage rapidly and effectively when used in the novel sheet‐flow‐root‐level (SHEFROL®) bioreactor developed earlier by the authors. Besides extensive primary and secondary treatment in terms of removal of suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand, E. prostrata was also able to substantially remove the excess nutrients which cause eutrophication (nitrogen and phosphorous) and the heavy metals copper, nickel and manganese. In this manner extensive secondary treatment was achieved along with significant primary and tertiary treatment. Equally significantly it was all accomplished in a single step and at hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 6 h or less. The system promises to be highly inexpensive and efficient in treating sewage.