bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient foraging by mycorrhizas: From species functional traits to ecosystem processes
Authors: Chen Weile , Koide Roger T. , Eissenstat David M.
Published: January 2018

Plant roots and the associated mycorrhizal fungal hyphae often selectively proliferate into patchily distributed soil nutrient hotspots, but interactions between these two components of a mycorrhizal root system are usually ignored or experimentally isolated in nutrient foraging studies.

From studies in which both roots and mycorrhizal hyphae had access to nutrient hotspots, we compiled data on root foraging precision (increase in roots in nutrient hotspots relative to outside hotspots) of plant species from different ecosystems, ranging from temperate grasslands to subtropical forests. We found that root foraging precision across the wide range of plant species was strongly influenced by root morphology and mycorrhizal type.

The precision of root nutrient foraging, as a plant functional trait, may coordinate with other root traits that are related to the economics of nutrient acquisition. High foraging precision is expected to associate with the strategy of fast return on the investment in roots, such as low construction cost, high metabolic rate and rapid turnover.

Nutrient foraging by mycorrhizal fungi alone may be influenced by functional traits such as hyphal exploration distance, hyphal turnover, and hyphal uptake capacity and efficiency, but such data are limited to a small portion of mycorrhizal fungal species.

We propose a conceptual framework in which to simulate nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition from both nutrient hotspots and outside hotspots in mixed‐species plant communities. Simulation outputs suggest that plant species with varying root morphology and mycorrhizal type can be adaptive to a range of nutrient heterogeneity.

Although there are still knowledge gaps related to nutrient foraging, as well as many unexplored plant and fungal species, we suggest that scaling nutrient foraging from individual plants to communities would advance understanding of plant species interactions and below‐ground ecosystem function.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Effects of habitat quality and access management on the density of a recovering grizzly bear population
Authors: Lamb Clayton T. , Mowat Garth , Reid Aaron , Smit Laura , Proctor Michael , McLellan Bruce N. , Nielsen Scott E. , Boutin Stan
Published: January 2018

Human activities have dramatic effects on the distribution and abundance of wildlife. Increased road densities and human presence in wilderness areas have elevated human‐caused mortality of grizzly bears and reduced bears' use. Management agencies frequently attempt to reduce human‐caused mortality by managing road density and thus human access, but the effectiveness of these actions is rarely assessed.

We combined systematic, DNA‐based mark–recapture techniques with spatially explicit capture–recapture models to estimate population size of a threatened grizzly bear population (Kettle–Granby), following management actions to recover this population. We tested the effects of habitat and road density on grizzly bear population density. We tested both a linear and threshold‐based road density metric and investigated the effect of current access management (closing roads to the public).

We documented an c. 50% increase in bear density since 1997 suggesting increased landscape and species conservation from management agencies played a significant role in that increase. However, bear density was lower where road densities exceeded 0.6 km/km2 and higher where motorised vehicle access had been restricted. The highest bear densities were in areas with large tracts of few or no roads and high habitat quality. Access management bolstered bear density in small areas by 27%.

Synthesis and applications. Our spatially explicit capture–recapture analysis demonstrates that population recovery is possible in a multi‐use landscape when management actions target priority areas. We suggest that road density is a useful surrogate for the negative effects of human land use on grizzly bear populations, but spatial configuration of roads must still be considered. Reducing roads will increase grizzly bear density, but restricting vehicle access can also achieve this goal. We demonstrate that a policy target of reducing human access by managing road density below 0.6 km/km2, while ensuring areas of high habitat quality have no roads, is a reasonable compromise between the need for road access and population recovery goals. Targeting closures to areas of highest habitat quality would benefit grizzly bear population recovery the most.
Managing individual nests promotes population recovery of a top predator
Authors: Cruz Jennyffer , Windels Steve K. , Thogmartin Wayne E. , Crimmins Shawn M. , Grim Leland H. , Zuckerberg Benjamin
Published: January 2018

Threatened species are managed using diverse conservation tactics implemented at multiple scales ranging from protecting individuals, to populations, to entire species. Individual protection strives to promote recovery at the population‐ or species‐level, although this is seldom evaluated.

After decades of widespread declines, bald eagles, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, are recovering throughout their range due to legal protection and pesticide bans. However, like other raptors, their recovery remains threatened by human activities. Bald eagle nests are commonly managed using buffer zones to minimize human disturbance, but the benefits of this practice remain unquantified.

Within Voyageurs National Park (VNP), Minnesota, USA, managers have monitored bald eagle populations for over 40 years, and since 1991, have protected at‐risk nests from human disturbance using buffer zones (200 and 400 m radius). We aimed to (1) quantify the recovery of bald eagles in VNP (1973–2016), and (2) provide a first‐ever evaluation of the individual‐ and population‐level effects of managing individual nests. To do so, we developed Bayesian Integrated Population Models combining observations of nest occupancy and reproductive output (metrics commonly collected for raptors) to estimate nest‐level probabilities of occupancy, nest success, and high productivity (producing ≥2 nestlings), as well as population‐level estimates of abundance and growth.

The breeding population of bald eagles at VNP increased steadily from <10 pairs in the late 1970s to 48 pairs by 2016. At the nest‐level, management significantly improved occupancy and success. At the population‐level, management led to 8% and 13% increases in nest success and productivity rates, respectively, resulting in a 37% increase in breeding pair abundance.

Synthesis and applications. There is a clear need to evaluate how management approaches at multiple scales assist in species recovery. Our study uses an Integrated Population Model to reveal the population‐level benefits of a widely used, individual‐based management action (protecting nests using buffer zones) on a recovering raptor.
Catabolite repression in Campylobacter jejuni correlates with intracellular succinate levels
Authors: van der Stel Anne‐Xander , van de Lest Chris H. A. , Huynh Steven , Parker Craig T. , van Putten Jos P. M. , Wösten Marc M. S. M.
Published: January 2018

Bacteria have evolved different mechanisms to catabolize carbon sources from nutrient mixtures. They first consume their preferred carbon source, before others are used. Regulatory mechanisms adapt the metabolism accordingly to maximize growth and to outcompete other organisms. The human pathogen Campylobacter jejuni is an asaccharolytic Gram‐negative bacterium that catabolizes amino acids and organic acids for growth. It prefers serine and aspartate as carbon sources, however it lacks all regulators known to be involved in regulating carbon source utilization in other organisms. In which manner C. jejuni adapts its metabolism towards the presence or absence of preferred carbon sources is unknown. In this study, we show with transcriptomic analysis and enzyme assays how C. jejuni adapts its metabolism in response to its preferred carbon sources. In the presence of serine as well as lactate and pyruvate C. jejuni inhibits the utilization of other carbon sources, by repressing the expression of a number of central metabolic enzymes. The regulatory proteins RacR, Cj1000 and CsrA play a role in the regulation of these metabolic enzymes. This metabolism dependent transcriptional repression correlates with an accumulation of intracellular succinate. Hence, we propose a demand‐based catabolite repression mechanism in C. jejuni, depended on intracellular succinate levels.
Application of indigenous strains of lactic acid bacteria for semi‐industrial production of autochthonous Montenegrin Njeguši cheese
Authors: Martinovic Aleksandra , Narvhus Judith , Abrahamsen Roger K , Østlie Hilde M , Skeie Siv B
Published: January 2018

Most of the traditional dairy products of south‐eastern Europe are produced from unpasteurised milk without addition of selected starter cultures. These artisanal products have an interesting biodiversity of indigenous microbiota. In Montenegro, one of the most popular traditional cheeses is Njeguši cheese, belonging to the group of hard cheeses. Most of the cheeses are produced from ewes' milk, but cows' milk is also widely used. In Montenegro, there are no existing legal regulations defining the specificities of the production or the raw material used for the production of autochthonous food products. Therefore, the producers make the decision about what type of milk to use for cheese production. One of the priorities of the food producers in Montenegro is to obtain a larger scale, standardised production of traditional food products, which are of good quality and considered safe for the consumers. Therefore, in this study, indigenous strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated from various Montenegrin artisanal dairy products were tested as starter cultures for the production of Njeguši cheese. Three isolates were selected and used as starter cultures in pilot plant experiments for the production of Njeguši cheese. When applying an adequate combination of added bacterial strains as starters, the flavour of Njeguši cheese, produced under pilot plant conditions, was comparable to that of the artisanal origin.
Compositional characteristics and volatile organic compounds of traditional PDO Feta cheese made in two different mountainous areas of Greece
Authors: Bozoudi Despina , Kondyli Efthymia , Claps Salvatore , Hatzikamari Magdalini , Michaelidou Alexandra , Biliaderis Costas G , Litopoulou‐Tzanetaki Evanthia
Published: January 2018

The compositional characteristics of Feta cheese manufactured in two mountainous areas from raw milk, from sheep fed by grass, and the forages’ volatile organic compounds (VOC) were studied, to differentiate the Feta cheese. Although the main compositional features did not vary greatly, the proteolysis mode was altered. The VOC profiles of the cheeses varied. While some VOCs were common to both groups of cheeses, others were discriminatory for each production area. There were common terpenes in both the bulk forage and the mature cheeses. Overall, the VOC composition of Feta could provide a basis for identification with regard to its region of origin.
Anti‐elite parties and political inequality: How challenges to the political mainstream reduce income gaps in internal efficacy
Authors: MARX PAUL , NGUYEN CHRISTOPH
Published: January 2018

There is growing interest in political inequality across income groups. This article contributes to this debate with two arguments about political involvement: poverty depresses internal political efficacy by undermining cognitive and emotional resources; and dissent in the party system reduces the efficacy gap to higher incomes. Specifically, conflict is to be expected between anti‐elite and mainstream parties to simplify political decisions and stimulate political attention among poor voters. These arguments are supported with comparative and experimental analyses. Comparative survey data shows that the income gap in efficacy varies with a novel measure of the anti‐elite salience in the party system. The causal impact of anti‐elite rhetoric is established though a representative survey experiment. Finally, the article investigates how these mechanisms affect both electoral and other forms of political participation.
Extracellular Water Excess and Increased Self‐Reported Fatigue in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Tangvoraphonkchai Kamonwan , Davenport Andrew
Published: January 2018

Hemodialysis patients (HD) commonly report fatigue. Muscle wasting (sarcopenia) and extracellular water (ECW) excess have been reported to be associated with fatigue in other conditions. We wished to determine whether muscle loss and ECW excess were associated with fatigue in HD patients. Patients completed the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II), Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ‐9) and recorded their post‐dialysis recovery time. Sessional dialysis data were recorded along with pre‐ and post‐dialysis multi‐frequency bioimpedance assessments (MFBIA). One hundred and ten patients, median age 64 (52–79) years, 67% male, 35% diabetic completed questionnaires and had pre‐ and post‐HD MFBIAs. Median total MFI score was 60 (48–72), with the physical domain having the highest score. Modal (30.8%) recovery time post‐dialysis was 1–4 h. Of the participants, 35% and 34% had increased BDI‐II and PHQ‐9 scores, respectively. Total MFI score was associated with increased BDI‐II (>16) (standardized (Std) β 0.54, P < 0.001), PHQ‐9 (>10) scores (Std β 0.49, P < 0.001, past history of depression (Std β 0.28, P = 0.003), post‐HD ECW/total body water ratio (Std β 0.25, P = 0.002), recovery time > 8 h (Std β 0.26, P = 0.001), post dialysis mean arterial pressure (MAP) (Std β −0.19, P = 0.02), and muscle wasting (Std β −0.15, P = 0.05). Self‐reported fatigue in HD patients is associated with self‐reported depression, but also dialysis‐related factors including increased ECW post HD, low MAP, and longer recovery times. Patients with reduced muscle mass were less likely to report fatigue, possibly accepting physical limitations. As such, interventions to reduce fluid overload and improve dialysis experience may help improve fatigue.
Involvement of p38MAPK in Impaired Neutrophil Bactericidal Activity of Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kamikawa Yasutaka , Sakai Norihiko , Miyake Taito , Sagara Akihiro , Shinozaki Yasuyuki , Kitajima Shinji , Toyama Tadashi , Hara Akinori , Iwata Yasunori , Shimizu Miho , Furuichi Kengo , Imamura Ryu , Suda Takashi , Kaneko Shuichi , Wada Takashi
Published: January 2018

Mortality from infections has been reported to be higher in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Although dysfunction of neutrophils against bacterial infection was reported in HD patients, the precise mechanism remains to be clarified. We therefore examined the impacts of neutrophil inflammatory signaling on bactericidal activity in HD patients. Comprehensive analyses of intracellular signalings were performed in whole blood of HD patients and control using a microarray system. To confirm the contribution of the signaling to bactericidal activity in neutrophils, we examined the phosphorylation, bacterial killing function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) release in neutrophils against Staphylococcus aureus. RNA microarray analysis showed the suppression of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in HD patients. Neutrophils in HD patients showed the impairment of bactericidal activity against S. aureus compared to healthy subjects. Phosphorylation rate of p38MAPK of neutrophils in response to S. aureus was lower in HD patients than healthy subjects. The levels of ROS produced by neutrophils after co‐culture with S. aureus were lower in HD patients, on the other hand, there was no difference of MPO release between HD patients and healthy subjects. A selective pharmacological inhibitor of p38MAPK suppressed bacterial killing function as well as ROS production in neutrophils of healthy subjects. Impairment of p38MAPK signaling pathway might contribute to the suppression of neutrophil bactericidal activity in HD patients through less production of ROS.
Efficacy of automatic bolus calculator with automatic speech recognition in patients with type 1 diabetes: A randomized cross‐over trial
Authors: Foltynski Piotr , Ladyzynski Piotr , Pankowska Ewa , Mazurczak Karolina
Published: January 2018

Background

Patients using an insulin pump as part of their diabetes treatment need to calculate insulin bolus doses to compensate for a meal. Some patients do not modify their meal boluses according to changes in the amount and composition of food products in a meal. The lack of correct meal boluses leads to unstable, and therefore harmful, blood glucose levels. The aim of the present study was to test a system supporting bolus determination based on a voice description of a meal.

Methods

The bolus calculator developed (VoiceDiab) consists of a smartphone application and three remote servers for automatic speech recognition, text analysis, and insulin dosage calculation. Forty‐four people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion finished the randomized cross‐over study. Patients were randomly allocated to the group in which the VoiceDiab system supported bolus calculation or to an unsupported group, in which patients or their caregivers calculated boluses. After a 14‐day washout period, patients from the supported group were switched to the unsupported group, whereas those in the unsupported group were switched to the supported group.

Results

There was a significant difference between the supported and unsupported groups in the percentage of patients with 2‐h postprandial glycemia within the 70–180 mg/dL range (58.6% vs 46.6%, respectively; P = 0.031).

Conclusions

The VoiceDiab system improves postprandial glucose control without increasing the time in hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Therefore, it may be useful in the treatment of patients with diabetes on intensive insulin therapy.
RETRACTED: Manganese‐12 acetate suppresses the migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition by inhibiting Wnt/β‐catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in breast cancer cells
Authors: Ju Hongping , Li Yongxia , Xing Xiqian , Miao Xisong , Feng Yunping , Ren Yunhui , Qin Jing , Liu Dian , Chen Zihao , Yang Zhaoyu
Published: January 2018

Background

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death in the world, and it is of great value to reveal the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer progression and develop new therapeutic targets.

Methods

Transwell assay is used to analyze the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Real‐time PCR and western blotting assay are applied to detect the expression levels of epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers and the key members of Wnt/β‐catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Results

Manganese‐12 acetate (Mn12Ac) significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. Western blotting assay further showed that Mn12Ac significantly upregulated E‐cadherin, and downregulated N‐cadherin and vimentin. We further found that Mn12Ac reduced the mRNA expressions of epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐associated transcription factors snail, slug, twist1, and ZEB1 using real‐time PCR assay. Importantly, we further found that Mn12Ac significantly reduced the Wnt1 and β‐catenin protein expressions, and suppressed the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT in MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. Very interestingly, we also showed that Mn12Ac decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of programmed cell death ligand 1.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results suggested that Mn12Ac inhibited the migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition by regulating Wnt/β‐catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in breast cancer.
Primary mediastinal yolk sac tumor treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy and extended resection: Report of seven cases
Authors: Liu Bing , Lin Gang , Liu Jingwei , Liu Haibo , Shang Xueqian , Li Jian
Published: January 2018

Background

Primary mediastinal yolk sac tumor, which is also known as endodermal sinus tumor, is a rare but lethal neoplasm, and it is a kind of mediastinal non‐seminomatous germ cell tumor. The current standard treatment in mediastinal non‐seminomatous germ cell tumors is chemotherapy combined with postchemotherapy residual mass resection. We report on seven cases of primary mediastinal yolk sac tumor treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy and extended resection.

Methods

We experienced seven cases of primary mediastinal yolk sac tumor between August 2014 and August 2017. All cases had markedly raised α‐fetoprotein and normal β‐human chorion gonadotropin. Computed tomography scan revealed an anterior mediastinal tumor in all cases. Five patients underwent needle core biopsy, which showed a mediastinal yolk sac tumor. They received preoperative platinum‐based chemotherapy and then underwent extended resection, and four of them received postoperative platinum‐based chemotherapy. Two other patients did not receive preoperative biopsy, and they underwent surgical extended resection and then received postoperative platinum‐based chemotherapy.

Results

Two patients (29%) experienced a postoperative complication, including one pneumonia and one atelectasis. There were no operative deaths. R0 resection was achieved in six patients (86%), and R2 resection was achieved in the other patient. Three patients experienced pulmonary metastases within one year, and two of them soon died. Four other patients were alive without recurrence at the time of writing.

Conclusion

Primary mediastinal yolk sac tumor is rare, and the prognosis is poor. A multimodality aggressive approach including adjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection is the optimal treatment and may lead to long‐term survival.
Subjectivity in Professionals' Incentive Systems: Differences between Promotion‐ and Performance‐Based Assessments
Authors: Bol Jasmijn C. , Leiby Justin
Published: January 2018

We examine how managers assess performance and promotion prospects—that is, the ex ante likelihood of promotion—and the conditions under which these assessments diverge. We argue that managers apply different cognitive schemas when they make different assessments. To the extent that a signal provides different information about future versus current contributions, assessed performance and promotion prospects are likely to diverge. In two experiments, we manipulate professionals' promotion eligibility and level of consultative decision making. We find that experienced managers assess performance and promotion prospects differently, but only when professionals are promotion eligible. Specifically, more (as opposed to less) consultative decision making decreases promotion prospects while not affecting assessed performance (Experiment 1) or even improving it (Experiment 2). By contrast, more consultative decision making improves both assessments when professionals are not eligible for promotion. We shed light on the relations between subjective assessments, including that promotion is not necessarily the consequence of superior assessed performance.
Estimating animal utilization densities using continuous‐time Markov chain models
Authors: Wilson Kenady , Hanks Ephraim , Johnson Devin
Published: January 2018

A long‐standing goal in ecology is to describe an animal's home range or utilization density (UD) without complete knowledge of the animal's movement. There are a number of methods available to calculate a UD from telemetry data, but the most common methods limit the UD to cover areas where the animal was observed during tracking, and do not account for preferential use of different habitats (resource selection).

The limiting distribution of a continuous‐time Markov chain (CTMC) matches the intuitive understanding of a UD for an animal following a CTMC movement model. By modelling continuous‐time movement through discrete‐gridded space we can infer environmental effects on animal movement and then predict a UD over the desired spatial area that captures preferential use of space.

The r packages crawl and ctmcmove allow ecologists to use telemetry data to predict the UD of an animal using the limiting distribution of a CTMC movement model.

We used data collected from Steller sea lions in Alaska to illustrate use of this method for investigating range‐wide space use. Our findings show how these packages, and this method, can aid our understanding of space‐use by predicting use outside the areas where animals were observed, avoiding barriers to movement, including environmental covariates and removing the release effect of telemetry studies. These results will be important for both conservation and management, particularly when determining critical habitat designation.
Implementation and effectiveness of a video‐based debriefing programme for neonatal resuscitation
Authors: Skåre C. , Calisch T. E. , Sæter E. , Rajka T. , Boldingh A. M. , Nakstad B. , Niles D. E. , Kramer‐Johansen J. , Olasveengen T. M.
Published: January 2018

Background

Approximately 5%–10% of newly born babies need intervention to assist transition from intra‐ to extrauterine life. All providers in the delivery ward are trained in neonatal resuscitation, but without clinical experience or exposure, training competency is transient with a decline in skills within a few months. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether neonatal resuscitations skills and team performance would improve after implementation of video‐assisted, performance‐focused debriefings.

Methods

We installed motion‐activated video cameras in every resuscitation bay capturing consecutive compromised neonates. The videos were used in debriefings led by two experienced facilitators, focusing on guideline adherence and non‐technical skills. A modification of Neonatal Resuscitation Performance Evaluation (NRPE) was used to score team performance and procedural skills during a 7 month study period (2.5, 2.5 and 2 months pre‐, peri‐ and post‐implementation) (median score with 95% confidence interval).

Results

We compared 74 resuscitation events pre‐implementation to 45 events post‐implementation. NRPE‐score improved from 77% (75, 81) to 89% (86, 93), P < 0.001. Specifically, the sub‐categories “group function/communication”, “preparation and initial steps”, and “positive pressure ventilation” improved (P < 0.005). Adequate positive pressure ventilation improved from 43% to 64% (P = 0.03), and pauses during initial ventilation decreased from 20% to 0% (P = 0.02). Proportion of infants with heart rate > 100 bpm at 2 min improved from 71% pre‐ vs. 82% (P = 0.22) post‐implementation.

Conclusion

Implementation of video‐assisted, performance‐focused debriefings improved adherence to best practice guidelines for neonatal resuscitation skill and team performance.
When do trauma patients lose temperature? – a prospective observational study
Authors: Eidstuen S. C. , Uleberg O. , Vangberg G. , Skogvoll E.
Published: January 2018

Background

The prevalence of hypothermia in trauma patients is high and rapid recognition is important to prevent further heat loss. Hypothermia is associated with poor patient outcomes and is an independent predictor of increased mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in core body temperature of trauma patients during different treatment phases in the pre‐hospital and early in‐hospital settings.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study in severely injured patients. Continuous core temperature monitoring using an epitympanic sensor in the auditory canal was initiated at the scene of injury and continued for 3 h. The degree of patient insulation was photo‐documented throughout, and graded on a binary scale. The outcome variable was temperature change in each treatment phase.

Results

Twenty‐two patients were included with a median injury severity score (ISS) of 21 (IQR 14–29). Most patients (N = 16, 73%) were already hypothermic (< 36°C) on scene at their first measurement. Twenty patients (91%) became colder at the scene of injury; on average, the decline was −1.7°C/h. Full clothing reduced this value to −1.1°C/h. Temperature remained essentially stable during ambulance and emergency department phases.

Conclusion

Trauma patients are at risk for hypothermia already at the scene of injury. Lay persons and professionals should focus on early prevention of heat loss. An active, individually tailored approach to counter hypothermia in trauma should begin immediately at the scene of injury and continue during transportation to hospital. Active rewarming during evacuation should be considered.
Patients’ opinions on outcomes following critical illness
Authors: Nedergaard H. K. , Haberlandt T. , Reichmann P. D. , Toft P. , Jensen H. I.
Published: January 2018

Background

Our aim was to explore which outcomes are most important to patients following ICU‐discharge, and to explore whether intensive care unit (ICU)‐nurses and anesthesiologists are aware of patients’ priorities.

Methods

First, interviews with adult ICU‐survivors were conducted until data saturation was achieved (10 interviews), and six areas with 36 items were identified. Second, interviews with another eight ICU‐survivors were conducted, narrowing the list to 20. Finally, patients (inclusion criteria: consecutive adults, medical and surgical, ICU‐admission > 5 days, 2–8 months post‐ICU discharge) rated the items, as did ICU‐nurses and anesthesiologists.

Results

A total of 32 patients participated (44% women, medians: age 70.5, time since discharge 179 days, length of stay in ICU 9 days, APACHEII 19.5). The three most important outcomes defined by patients were: lack of physical strength, fatigue, and decreased walking distance. The top three for ICU‐nurses (54 participants) were: fatigue, difficulties concentrating, sadness/depression, and for anesthesiologists (17 participants): fatigue, difficulties in activities of daily living, and lack of physical strength.

Conclusion

Patients chose lack of physical strength, fatigue, and decreased walking distance as the three most important outcomes following critical illness. Physicians had a higher focus on these physical impairments than ICU‐nurses.
Early prognostic factors in septic shock cancer patients: a prospective study with a proteomic approach
Authors: Mokart D. , Saillard C. , Zemmour C. , Bisbal M. , Sannini A. , Chow‐Chine L. , Brun J.‐P. , Faucher M. , Boher J.‐M. , Toiron Y. , Chabannon C. , Borg J.‐P. , Gonçalves A. , Camoin L.
Published: January 2018

Background

Organ failures are the main prognostic factors in septic shock. The aim was to assess classical clinico‐biological parameters evaluating organ dysfunctions at intensive care unit admission, combined with proteomics, on day‐30 mortality in critically ill onco‐hematology patients admitted to the intensive care unit for septic shock.

Methods

This was a prospective monocenter cohort study. Clinico‐biological parameters were collected at admission. Plasma proteomics analyses were performed, including protein profiling using isobaric Tag for Relative and Absolute Quantification (iTRAQ) and subsequent validation by ELISA.

Results

Sixty consecutive patients were included. Day‐30 mortality was 47%. All required vasopressors, 32% mechanical ventilation, 33% non‐invasive ventilation and 13% renal‐replacement therapy. iTRAQ‐based proteomics identified von Willebrand factor as a protein of interest. Multivariate analysis identified four factors independently associated with day‐30 mortality: positive fluid balance in the first 24 h (odds ratio = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01–1.12, P = 0.02), severe acute respiratory failure (odds ratio = 6.14, 95% CI = 1.04–36.15, P = 0.04), von Willebrand factor plasma level > 439 ng/ml (odds ratio = 9.7, 95% CI = 1.52–61.98, P = 0.02), and bacteremia (odds ratio = 6.98, 95% CI = 1.17–41.6, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Endothelial dysfunction, revealed by proteomics, appears as an independent prognostic factor on day‐30 mortality, as well as hydric balance, acute respiratory failure and bacteremia, in critically ill cancer patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Endothelial failure is underestimated in clinical practice and represents an innovative therapeutic target.
Ventilation strategy and anesthesia management in patients with severe tracheal stenosis undergoing urgent tracheal stenting
Authors: Zhu J.‐H. , Lei M. , Chen E.‐G. , Qiao Q. , Zhong T.‐D.
Published: January 2018

Background

Stenting of airway stenosis is a common procedure in specialized centers. The aim of this study was to summarize our clinical experience in ventilation strategy and anesthesia management of patients undergoing urgent tracheal stenting.

Methods

Clinical data of 22 patients with severe tracheal stenosis who underwent urgent endoscopic placement of a tracheal stent during a 2‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. The efficacy and safety of different ventilation strategies and veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), individualized based on the cause and location of tracheal narrowing, were evaluated.

Results

Sufficient ventilation was successfully established in all patients; ECMO was used in five patients with stenosis in the mid‐trachea who were unable to tolerate conventional intubation; a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was used in five patients with post‐intubation tracheal stenosis; a cuffed tracheal tube was used in eight patients with lower tracheal stenosis; and low‐frequency jet ventilation in rigid bronchoscopy was used in four patients with mid‐ or lower tracheal stenosis. Tracheal stents were successfully placed and there were significant improvements in dyspnea. There were significant increases in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in patients ventilated with the LMA and cuffed tracheal tube. There was no hypoxia during the operative period.

Conclusion

Establishment of effective airway ventilation in patients with severe tracheal stenosis should be based on the cause, location, and severity of tracheal narrowing. Veno‐ arterial ECMO may be considered in patients with severe stenosis, if they are judged unable to tolerate conventional ventilation or jet ventilation.
Aprepitant as a fourth antiemetic prophylactic strategy in high‐risk patients: a double‐blind, randomized trial
Authors: de Morais L. C. , Sousa A. M. , Flora G. F. , Grigio T. R. , Guimarães G. M. N. , Ashmawi H. A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most important causes of patient discomfort after laparoscopic surgeries despite the use of a multimodal pharmacological approach. This study assessed whether the addition of aprepitant to a multimodal regimen would further decrease the incidence of PONV in high‐risk patients.

Methods

Apfel‐score three or four patients, scheduled for laparoscopic procedures to treat abdominal or pelvic cancer, were randomized to receive oral starch (control group) or 80 mg of oral aprepitant (treatment group) before induction of anaesthesia in a double‐blind study. All patients received 4–8 mg of intravenous dexamethasone (at induction) and 4–8 mg of ondansetron (at the end) and a standardized total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) technique combined with neuraxial blockade. PONV was defined as any episode of nausea, vomiting or retching in the first 24 h after anaesthesia.

Results

Sixty‐six patients completed the study. Vomiting occurred in 13/32 (40.6%) patients in the control group and in 1/34 (2.9%) patients in the treatment group (P = 0.0002, 95%CI: 18–54%) in the first 24 h after anaesthesia. Severe nausea occurred in two (6.3%) patients, and severe vomiting occurred in four (12.5%) patients in the control group. One patient presented with severe vomiting in the treatment group in the first 24 post‐operative hours.

Conclusion

Eighty milligrams of aprepitant added to a three‐drug multimodal prophylaxis strategy can bring benefits to a high‐risk population by reducing PONV episodes and rescue antiemetic requirements. This study was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 02357693) database.
Beyond genome‐wide significance: integrative approaches to the interpretation and extension of GWAS findings for alcohol use disorder
Authors: Salvatore Jessica E. , Han Shizhong , Farris Sean P. , Mignogna Kristin M. , Miles Michael F. , Agrawal Arpana
Published: January 2018

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a heritable complex behavior. Due to the highly polygenic nature of AUD, identifying genetic variants that comprise this heritable variation has proved to be challenging. With the exception of functional variants in alcohol metabolizing genes (e.g. ADH1B and ALDH2), few other candidate loci have been confidently linked to AUD. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of AUD and other alcohol‐related phenotypes have either produced few hits with genome‐wide significance or have failed to replicate on further study. These issues reinforce the complex nature of the genetic underpinnings for AUD and suggest that both GWAS studies with larger samples and additional analysis approaches that better harness the nominally significant loci in existing GWAS are needed. Here, we review approaches of interest in the post‐GWAS era, including in silico functional analyses; functional partitioning of single nucleotide polymorphism heritability; aggregation of signal into genes and gene networks; and validation of identified loci, genes and gene networks in postmortem brain tissue and across species. These integrative approaches hold promise to illuminate our understanding of the biological basis of AUD; however, we recognize that the main challenge continues to be the extremely polygenic nature of AUD, which necessitates large samples to identify multiple loci associated with AUD liability.
Chemogenetic inhibition of direct pathway striatal neurons normalizes pathological, cue‐induced reinstatement of drug‐seeking in rats
Authors: Yager Lindsay M. , Garcia Aaron F. , Donckels Elizabeth A. , Ferguson Susan M.
Published: January 2018

Addiction to drugs such as cocaine is marked by cycles of compulsive drug‐taking and drug‐seeking behavior. Although the transition to addiction is thought to recruit neural processes in dorsal striatum, little is known regarding the role of dorsal striatal projections to the substantia nigra (i.e. the direct pathway) in regulating these behaviors. Combining a Cre‐recombinase‐dependent chemogenetic approach with a cocaine self‐administration paradigm that produces both low‐risk and high‐risk addiction phenotypes, we examined the effect of transiently decreasing direct pathway activity in the dorsomedial striatum on drug‐taking and drug‐seeking under conditions of normal and pathological drug use. Surprisingly, transient inhibition of direct pathway striatal neurons had no effect on several measures of addictive behavior during ongoing drug use, including loss of control over drug intake, high motivation to obtain drug and drug use despite negative consequences (i.e. drug use paired with foot shock). However, chemogenetic inhibition of these neurons during reinstatement reduced cue‐induced drug‐seeking, but only in the high‐risk addiction phenotype group. Cue‐induced reinstatement was relatively normal in the low‐risk addiction phenotype group, as well as following reinstatement to cues associated with sucrose pellet consumption. These results demonstrate that dorsomedial direct pathway striatal neurons play a very specific role in addictive behaviors, which is to regulate the pathological drug‐seeking that accompanies relapse.
Time‐course and dynamics of obesity‐related behavioral changes induced by energy‐dense foods in mice
Authors: Espinosa‐Carrasco Jose , Burokas Aurelijus , Fructuoso Marta , Erb Ionas , Martín‐García Elena , Gutiérrez‐Martos Miriam , Notredame Cedric , Maldonado Rafael , Dierssen Mara
Published: January 2018

Obesity represents an important risk factor contributing to the global burden of disease. The current obesogenic environment with easy access to calorie‐dense foods is fueling this obesity epidemic. However, how these foods contribute to the progression of feeding behavior changes that lead to overeating is not well understood and needs systematic assessment. Using novel automated methods for the high‐throughput screening of behavior, we here examine mice meal pattern upon long‐term exposure to a free‐choice chocolate‐mixture diet and a high‐fat diet with face validity for a rapid development of obesity induced by unhealthy food regularly consumed in our societies. We identified rapid diet‐specific behavioral changes after exposure to those high‐caloric diets. Mice fed with high‐fat chow, showed long‐lasting meal pattern disturbances, which initiate with a stable loss of circadian feeding rhythmicity. Mice receiving a chocolate‐mixture showed qualitatively similar changes, though less marked, consisting in a transient disruption of the feeding behavior and the circadian feeding rhytmicity. Strikingly, compulsive‐like eating behavior is triggered immediately after exposure to both high‐fat food and chocolate‐mixture diet, well before any changes in body weight could be observed. We propose these changes as behavioral biomarkers of prodromal states of obesity that could allow early intervention.
Diversity patterns of selected predaceous arthropod groups in maize fields and margins in South African Highveld grassland
Authors: Botha Monique , Siebert Stefan J. , van den Berg Johnnie , Ellis Suria , Greyvenstein Bianca M.
Published: January 2018

Conservation biological control focuses on enhancing arthropod predator habitats by increasing the natural resources required for survival and reproduction. However, this requires knowledge about the specific requirements of these predators, which can only be acquired from species‐level data.

We provide a description of species‐level diversity patterns of the arthropod predator groups Araneae, Coccinellidae, Mantodea and Neuroptera from maize agro‐ecosystems in South Africa.

Predators were sampled by sweep‐net at regional and local scales within the Dry Highveld Grassland Bioregion.

A list is provided of predators that occurred naturally inside maize agro‐ecosystems, which may be good candidates for the biological control of pests.

Diversity indices displayed significantly lower values in maize fields compared with uncultivated vegetation. Marginal and rangeland vegetation had similar diversity levels.

Predator diversity of maize was probably dependent on source populations from uncultivated vegetation, highlighting the importance of field margins with respect to maintaining predator diversity in pest management regimes for maize fields.

Some predators frequented maize fields, suggesting adaptability to agricultural disturbance. Generalists including Cheilomenes lunata, Chrysoperla congrua and Enoplognatha molesta may be suitable for conservation biocontrol because they can persist in annual agro‐ecosystems year‐round provided that they have access to field margins.
Solexa sequencing and custom microRNA chip reveal repertoire of microRNAs in mammary gland of bovine suffering from natural infectious mastitis
Authors: Ju Zhihua , Jiang Qiang , Liu Gang , Wang Xiuge , Luo Guojing , Zhang Yan , Zhang Jibin , Zhong Jifeng , Huang Jinming
Published: January 2018

Identification of microRNAs (miRNAs), target genes and regulatory networks associated with innate immune and inflammatory responses and tissue damage is essential to elucidate the molecular and genetic mechanisms for resistance to mastitis. In this study, a combination of Solexa sequencing and custom miRNA chip approaches was used to profile the expression of miRNAs in bovine mammary gland at the late stage of natural infection with Staphylococcus aureus, a widespread mastitis pathogen. We found 383 loci corresponding to 277 known and 49 putative novel miRNAs, two potential mitrons and 266 differentially expressed miRNAs in the healthy and mastitic cows’ mammary glands. Several interaction networks and regulators involved in mastitis susceptibility, such as ALCAM, COL1A1, APOP4, ITIH4, CRP and fibrinogen alpha (FGA), were highlighted. Significant down‐regulation and location of bta‐miR‐26a, which targets FGA in the mastitic mammary glands, were validated using quantitative real‐time PCR, in situ hybridization and dual‐luciferase reporter assays. We propose that the observed miRNA variations in mammary glands of mastitic cows are related to the maintenance of immune and defense responses, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and tissue injury and healing during the late stage of infection. Furthermore, the effect of bta‐miR‐26a in mastitis, mediated at least in part by enhancing FGA expression, involves host defense, inflammation and tissue damage.
Localization of amylin‐like immunoreactivity in the striped velvet gecko pancreas
Authors: Suzuki H. , Yamamoto T.
Published: January 2018

Immunohistochemical techniques were employed to investigate the distribution of amylin‐like immunoreactive cells in the pancreas of gecko Homopholis fasciata. Four types of endocrine cells were distinguished: insulin immunoreactive (B cells), pancreatic polypeptide immunoreactive (PP cells), glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide immunoreactive (A/PP cells) and somatostatin immunoreactive cells (D cells). Pancreatic islets contained B, A/PP and D cells, whereas extrainsular regions contained B, D and PP cells. In the pancreatic islets, amylin‐like immunoreactive cells corresponded to B cells, but not to A/PP or D cells. In the extrainsular regions, amylin‐like immunoreactive cells corresponded to either B or PP cells. Amylin secreted from intrainsular B cells may regulate pancreatic hormone secretion in an autocrine and/or a paracrine fashion. On the other hand, amylin secreted from extrainsular PP and B cells, and/or intrainsular B cells may participate in the modulation of calcium homoeostasis in an endocrine fashion.
Resveratrol induced apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma SGC‐7901 cells via activation of mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Yang Yining , Huang Xinen , Chen Senqing , Ma Guojian , Zhu Ming , Yan Feng , Yu Jun
Published: January 2018

Background

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound and its anticancer effect has been receiving considerable attention. Previous studies showed that resveratrol could inhibited the growth of human gastric carcinoma cells and apoptosis induction was an important mechanism. However, whether mitochondrial pathway was involved in resveratrol‐induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer was not very clear.

Methods

The cells were examined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Annexin V/PI staining assay, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, cell morphological assessment, cytochrome c release assay, and Western blotting assay.

Results

In this study, we found that resveratrol induced apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma SGC‐7901 cells. Cleaved PARP was observed and caspase‐3 was activated by resveratrol. Next, the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells dissipated after the cells were treated by resveratrol. Moreover, we found that pro‐caspase 9 was downregulated and cytochrome c released from mitochondrial to the cytosol. We also found that the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2 was increased in the treated cells. We finally showed that resveratrol inhibited the proliferation of SGC‐7901 xerograph in vivo.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings demonstrate that resveratrol triggers apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway in SGC‐7901 cells, which provide more basis for resveratrol acting as antitumor agents in cancer therapy.