bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human anterolateral entorhinal cortex volumes are associated with preclinical cognitive decline
Authors: Olsen RK , Yeung L-K , Noly-Gandon A , D’Angelo MC , Kacollja A , Smith VM , Ryan JD , Barense MD
Published: October 2016

We investigated whether older adults without subjective memory complaints, but who present with cognitive decline in the laboratory, demonstrate atrophy in medial temporal lobe (MTL) subregions associated with Alzheimer's disease. Forty community-dwelling older adults were categorized based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) performance. Total grey/white matter, cerebrospinal fluid, and white matter hyperintensity load were quantified from whole-brain T1-weighted and FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging scans, while hippocampal subfields and MTL cortical subregion volumes (CA1, dentate gyrus/CA2/3, subiculum, anterolateral and posteromedial entorhinal, perirhinal, and parahippocampal cortices) were quantified using high-resolution T2-weighted scans. Cognitive status was evaluated using standard neuropsychological assessments. No significant differences were found in the whole-brain measures. However, MTL volumetry revealed that anterolateral entorhinal cortex (alERC) volume -- the same region in which Alzheimer's pathology originates -- was strongly associated with MoCA performance. This is the first study to demonstrate that alERC volume is related to cognitive decline in preclinical, community-dwelling older adults.
Rapid evolution of primate type 2 immune response factors linked to asthma susceptibility
Authors: Barber Matthew F. , Lee Elliot M. , Griffin Hayden , Elde Nels C.
Published: October 2016

Host immunity pathways evolve rapidly in response to antagonism by pathogens. Microbial infections can also trigger excessive inflammation that contributes to diverse autoimmune disorders including asthma, lupus, diabetes, and arthritis. Definitive links between immune system evolution and human autoimmune disease remain unclear. Here we provide evidence that several components of the type 2 immune response pathway have been subject to recurrent positive selection in the primate lineage. Notably, rapid evolution of the central immune regulatorIL13corresponds to a polymorphism linked to asthma susceptibility in humans. We also find evidence of accelerated amino acid substitutions as well as repeated gene gain and loss events among eosinophil granule proteins, which act as toxic antimicrobial effectors that promote asthma pathology by damaging airway tissues. These results support the hypothesis that evolutionary conflicts with pathogens promote tradeoffs for increasingly robust immune responses during animal evolution. Our findings are also consistent with the view that natural selection has contributed to the spread of autoimmune disease alleles in humans.
Reversible Leaf Xylem Collapse: A Potential “Circuit Breaker” against Cavitation
Authors: Zhang Yong-Jiang , Rockwell Fulton E. , Graham Adam C. , Alexander Teressa , Holbrook N. Michele
Published: October 2016

We report a novel form of xylem dysfunction in angiosperms: reversible collapse of the xylem conduits of the smallest vein orders that demarcate and intrusively irrigate the areoles of red oak (Quercus rubra) leaves. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy revealed gradual increases in collapse from approximately −2 MPa down to −3 MPa, saturating thereafter (to −4 MPa). Over this range, cavitation remained negligible in these veins. Imaging of rehydration experiments showed spatially variable recovery from collapse within 20 s and complete recovery after 2 min. More broadly, the patterns of deformation induced by desiccation in both mesophyll and xylem suggest that cell wall collapse is unlikely to depend solely on individual wall properties, as mechanical constraints imposed by neighbors appear to be important. From the perspective of equilibrium leaf water potentials, petioles, whose vessels extend into the major veins, showed a vulnerability to cavitation that overlapped in the water potential domain with both minor vein collapse and buckling (turgor loss) of the living cells. However, models of transpiration transients showed that minor vein collapse and mesophyll capacitance could effectively buffer major veins from cavitation over time scales relevant to the rectification of stomatal wrong-way responses. We suggest that, for angiosperms, whose subsidiary cells give up large volumes to allow large stomatal apertures at the cost of potentially large wrong-way responses, vein collapse could make an important contribution to these plants’ ability to transpire near the brink of cavitation-inducing water potentials.
The impact of name change on the financial performance of savings and credit co-operatives in Kenya
Authors: Mathuva David Mutua , Muthuma Elizabeth Wangui , Kiweu Josephat Mboya
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of name change, if any on the financial performance of deposit-taking savings and credit co-operatives (SACCOs) in a developing country characterized by a vibrant SACCO sector. Sparse studies exist on the impact of name changes on revenue-cost performance in mutual financial institutions such as SACCOs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a standard event methodology over a six-year period (2008-2013) to investigate the impact of name change on the return on assets (ROA) and operating profit margin (OPM). The study then uses a panel regression method to study the impact of name change on ROA and OPM for a sample of 212 deposit-taking SACCOs over the period 2008-2013.

Findings

The results, which are robust for a variety of controls, provide evidence in support of a consistent positive association between name change and subsequent financial performance of deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya. The positive impact of name change seems to be experienced about four years after the name change. The results reveal muted influence of regulation on name change and financial performance of SACCOs in Kenya.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses solely on deposit-taking SACCOs in a developing country context over a six-year period only. Extending the time period and including a sample of control SACCOs operating purely back-office service activities would add power to the analyses.

Practical implications

The current study illustrates the contribution of name change on the financial performance of SACCOs in a developing country characterized by a vibrant SACCO sector. Overall, the results show that name change announcements signal an improvement in SACCOs’ future prospects.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence on the contribution of name change announcements on the financial performance of SACCOs in a developing country context. The study adds to the sparse literature on the impact of name change on the financial performance of mutual financial institutions that are not listed on the securities exchange.
Mapping Brazilian workforce diversity: a historical analysis
Authors: Vasconcelos Anselmo Ferreira
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how Brazilian organizations have handled diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws upon the historical analysis by focusing essentially on secondary sources of data, surface-level indicators, namely, race, gender and age. Accordingly, the major sources of information used in this study are the rankings of the Great Place to Work® Institute Brazil (between 2005 and 2013) and from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment’s reports (between 2009 and 2013).

Findings

The evidence gathered from the Great Place to Work® Institute Brazil’s lists and the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment’s reports produced mixed results regarding the moral imperative derived from the acculturation of a broad diversity mindset.

Research limitations/implications

This study is not free from limitations. Both sources used in this inquiry do not depict other relevant data that could provide more accurate results.

Practical implications

Overall, the findings of this study suggest that training programs and sound work values revision are necessary steps to reduce discrimination, stereotypes, gender bias and to promote diversity and inclusion inside Brazilian organizations.

Originality/value

It contributes to the understanding of the current diversity scenario in Brazilian organizations by drawing on a historical analysis method. It relied on two germane secondary sources of data.
Breach and willingness to support the organization
Authors: Tsachouridi Irene , Nikandrou Irene
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This study aims to integrate the attribution theory into the traditional social exchange view of the breach-outcome relationship. Perceived disinterested support (PDS), perceived organizational support (POS) and job satisfaction are included as serial mediators of the relationship between breach and willingness to support the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a field study in which 579 employees took part.

Findings

The results indicated partial mediation of the examined relationship. More specifically, POS and PDS (through POS) were found to mediate the breach-willingness to support the organization relationship. Job satisfaction contributed weakly to the explanation of the examined relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional nature of the study limits the ability to claim causality.

Practical implications

Managers should be aware of how employees interpret breach in terms of organizational motives. Interpreting breach as a lack of disinterest on the part of the organization can spark social exchange processes leading to lower willingness to support the organization.

Originality/value

The study makes a unique contribution to the literature by being the first to examine PDS as a mediator of the breach-outcome relationship.
Knowledge sharing among teachers: the role of the Big Five Personality traits
Authors: Agyemang Franklin Gyamfi , Dzandu Michael Dzigbordi , Boateng Henry
Published: October 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of personality traits on knowledge-sharing attitude and behaviour among teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study employed a survey research. Convenience sampling technique was used to select the sample of 300 respondents out of which 247 was used in the final analysis. Data was analysed using hierarchical regression.

Findings

– The results indicate that the Big Five Personality traits have effects on knowledge-sharing attitude and behaviour of teachers. With the exception of conscientiousness trait, all the traits used in this study cause a significant change in the variations of the knowledge-sharing attitude and behaviour of the teachers.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation of the study is the use of the convenient sampling technique in choosing the subject; however, this was because there was no sampling frame, making it difficult to use probability-sampling technique.

Originality value

– This study contributes to the growing literature on the relationships among personality traits and knowledge sharing attitude and behaviour.
Differential recycling of coral and algal dissolved organic matter via the sponge loop
Authors: Rix Laura , de Goeij Jasper M. , van Oevelen Dick , Struck Ulrich , Al‐Horani Fuad A. , Wild Christian , Naumann Malik S.
Published: October 2016

Corals and macroalgae release large quantities of dissolved organic matter (DOM), one of the largest sources of organic matter produced on coral reefs. By rapidly taking up DOM and transforming it into particulate detritus, coral reef sponges are proposed to play a key role in transferring the energy and nutrients in DOM to higher trophic levels via the recently discovered sponge loop. DOM released by corals and algae differs in quality and composition, but the influence of these different DOM sources on recycling by the sponge loop has not been investigated.

Here, we used stable isotope pulse‐chase experiments to compare the processing of naturally sourced coral‐ and algal‐derived DOM by three Red Sea coral reef sponge species: Chondrilla sacciformis, Hemimycale arabica and Mycale fistulifera. Incubation experiments were conducted to trace 13C‐ and 15N‐enriched coral‐ and algal‐derived DOM into the sponge tissue and detritus. Incorporation of 13C into specific phospholipid‐derived fatty acids (PLFAs) was used to differentiate DOM assimilation within the sponge holobiont (i.e. the sponge host vs. its associated bacteria).

All sponges assimilated both coral‐ and algal‐derived DOM, but incorporation rates were significantly higher for algal‐derived DOM. The two DOM sources were also processed differently by the sponge holobiont. Algal‐derived DOM was incorporated into bacteria‐specific PLFAs at a higher rate while coral‐derived DOM was more readily incorporated into sponge‐specific PLFAs. A substantial fraction of the dissolved organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) assimilated by the sponges was subsequently converted into and released as particulate detritus (15–24% C and 27–49% N). However, algal‐derived DOM was released as detritus at a higher rate.

The higher uptake and transformation rates of algal‐ compared with coral‐derived DOM suggest that reef community phase shifts from coral to algal dominance may stimulate DOM cycling through the sponge loop with potential consequences for coral reef biogeochemical cycles and food webs.
Community assembly and drivers of phytoplankton functional structure
Authors: Klais Riina , Norros Veera , Lehtinen Sirpa , Tamminen Timo , Olli Kalle
Published: October 2016

We analysed the functional composition of coastal phytoplankton communities (n = 7941) along the gradient from marine to brackish waters of the Baltic Sea, using species‐specific morphological and ecological functional traits (ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, mixotrophy, use of silica in cell walls, formation of chains or colonies, motility, accessory pigment composition, and size), to describe and measure the functional differences between species.

Mean pairwise functional distance of phytoplankton communities increased from spring to mid‐ and late summer in all regions, due to higher pigment diversity, increased share of mixotrophic and nitrogen‐fixing species, more diverse size distribution and reduced dominance of silica users.

A null model that simulated the expected community composition from empirical spatial distribution and environmental preferences of individual taxa was used to partition the effects of habitat filtering and biotic interactions on the community assembly.

About every fourth community departed significantly from random expectations, signalling the notable effect of biotic interactions in the assembly of natural phytoplankton communities.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Moose directly slow plant regeneration but have limited indirect effects on soil stoichiometry and litter decomposition rates in disturbed maritime boreal forests
Authors: Ellis Nichola M. , Leroux Shawn J.
Published: October 2016

Foraging decisions by herbivores are modulated by physiological demands for nutrients and these decisions can influence the biomass, abundance and dynamics of plant species with consequences on key ecosystem processes, such as nutrient cycling and decomposition.

Some studies have found that large browser populations can reduce the abundance of nutrient‐rich preferred species, promoting the dominance of nutrient‐poor non‐preferred species. This can have indirect effects on soil nutrient concentrations, soil microbe community composition and above‐ground invertebrates and birds that depend on nutrient‐rich plant species. However, very little research has compared the impact of biotic and abiotic features on nutrient cycling and decomposition in areas of high moose density.

We performed a field study to test the generality of moose effects on forest ecosystems observed in iconic study systems such as Isle Royale. Specifically, we used 10 paired moose exclosure and control plots to test the effects of moose on plant community characteristics, litter fall quantity, soil properties and litter decomposition rates in regenerating disturbed forests in Newfoundland, Canada.

We found evidence that moose reduce plant height and plant litter biomass, thereby affecting the quantity of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus available in litter fall with potential indirect effects on soil pH and soil depth. However, we found no evidence that the direct effects of moose lead to indirect effects on soil quality, soil moisture and litter decomposition rates. Disturbance regime and site explained a large portion of the variance in plant community characteristics, litter fall quantity, soil properties and litter decomposition.

Our results suggest that while introduced moose in Newfoundland have measurable direct influence on plant regeneration and litter fall biomass, other factors such as disturbance history and climate may be more important predictors of landscape‐scale variation in soil quality and litter decomposition rates. Our study suggests a need for further development of theory to predict the relative contribution of biotic vs. abiotic effects on nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Experimental quantification of the seismoelectric transfer function and its dependence on conductivity and saturation in loose sand
Authors: Holzhauer J. , Brito D. , Bordes C. , Brun Y. , Guatarbes B.
Published: October 2016

Under certain circumstances, seismic propagation within porous media may be associated to the conversion of mechanical energy to electromagnetic energy, which is known as a seismo‐electromagnetic phenomenon. The propagation of fast compressional P‐waves is more specifically associated to the manifestations of a seismoelectric field linked to the fluid flows within the pores. The analysis of seismoelectric phenomena, which requires the combination of the theory of electrokinetics and Biot's theory of poroelasticity, provides us with transfer function that links the coseismic seismoelectric field E to the seismic acceleration . To measure the transfer function, we have developed an experimental setup enabling seismoelectric laboratory observation in unconsolidated quartz sand within the kilohertz range. The investigation focused on the impact of fluid conductivity and water saturation over the coseismic seismoelectric field. During the experiment, special attention was given to the accuracy of electric field measurements. We concluded that, to obtain a reliable estimate of the electric field amplitude, the dipole from which the potential differences are measured should be of much smaller length than the wavelength of the propagating seismic field. Time‐lapse monitoring of the seismic velocities and seismoelectric transfer functions were performed during imbibition and drainage experiments. In all cases, the quantitative analysis of the seismoelectric transfer function was in good agreement with theoretical predictions. While investigating saturation variations from full to residual water saturation, we showed that the ratio undergoes a switch in polarity at a particular saturation , which also implies a sign change of the filtration, traducing a reversal of the relative fluid displacement with respect to the frame. This sign change at critical saturation stresses a particular behaviour of the poroelastic medium: the dropping of the coseismic electric field to zero traduces the absence of relative pore/fluid displacements representative of a Biot dynamically compatible medium. We concluded from our experimental study in loose sand that the measurements of the coseismic seismoelectric coupling may provide information on fluid distribution within the pores and that the reversal of the seismoelectric field may be used as an indicator of the dynamically compatible state of the medium.
African departure rather than migration speed determines variation in spring arrival in pied flycatchers
Authors: Ouwehand Janne , Both Christiaan
Published: October 2016

Properly timed spring migration enhances reproduction and survival. Climate change requires organisms to respond to changes such as advanced spring phenology. Pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca have become a model species to study such phenological adaptations of long‐distance migratory songbirds to climate change, but data on individuals’ time schedules outside the breeding season are still lacking.

Using light‐level geolocators, we studied variation in migration schedules across the year in a pied flycatcher population in the Netherlands, which sheds light on the ability for individual adjustments in spring arrival timing to track environmental changes at their breeding grounds.

We show that variation in arrival dates to breeding sites in 2014 was caused by variation in departure date from sub‐Saharan Africa and not by environmental conditions encountered en route. Spring migration duration was short for all individuals, on average 2 weeks. Males migrated ahead of females in spring, while migration schedules in autumn were flexibly adjusted according to breeding duties. Individuals were therefore not consistently early or late throughout the year.

In fast migrants like our Dutch pied flycatchers, advancement of arrival to climate change likely requires changes in spring departure dates. Adaptation for earlier arrival may be slowed down by harsh circumstances in winter, or years with high costs associated with early migration.
Impact of controlled neonicotinoid exposure on bumblebees in a realistic field setting
Authors: Arce Andres N. , David Thomas I. , Randall Emma L. , Ramos Rodrigues Ana , Colgan Thomas J. , Wurm Yannick , Gill Richard J.
Published: October 2016

Pesticide exposure has been implicated as a contributor to insect pollinator declines. In social bees, which are crucial pollination service providers, the effect of low‐level chronic exposure is typically non‐lethal leading researchers to consider whether exposure induces sublethal effects on behaviour and whether such impairment can affect colony development.

Studies under laboratory conditions can control levels of pesticide exposure and elucidate causative effects, but are often criticized for being unrealistic. In contrast, field studies can monitor bee responses under a more realistic pesticide exposure landscape; yet typically such findings are limited to correlative results and can lack true controls or sufficient replication. We attempt to bridge this gap by exposing bumblebees to known amounts of pesticides when colonies are placed in the field.

Using 20 bumblebee colonies, we assess the consequences of exposure to the neonicotinoid clothianidin, provided in sucrose at a concentration of five parts per billion, over 5 weeks. We monitored foraging patterns and pollen collecting performance from 3282 bouts using either a non‐invasive photographic assessment, or by extracting the pollen from returning foragers. We also conducted a full colony census at the beginning and end of the experiment.

In contrast to studies on other neonicotinoids, showing clear impairment to foraging behaviours, we detected only subtle changes to patterns of foraging activity and pollen foraging during the course of the experiment. However, our colony census measures showed a more pronounced effect of exposure, with fewer adult workers and sexuals in treated colonies after 5 weeks.

Synthesis and applications. Pesticide‐induced impairments on colony development and foraging could impact on the pollination service that bees provide. Therefore, our findings, that bees show subtle changes in foraging behaviour and reductions in colony size after exposure to a common pesticide, have important implications and help to inform the debate over whether the benefits of systemic pesticide application to flowering crops outweigh the costs. We propose that our methodology is an important advance to previous semi‐field methods and should be considered when considering improvements to current ecotoxicological guidelines for pesticide risk assessment.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles as a novel anticancer approach; in vitro and in vivo evidence
Authors: Hassan Hesham Fathy Hassan , Mansour Ahmed Mohamed , Abo‐Youssef Amira Morad Hussein , Elsadek Bakheet E M , Messiha Basim Anwar Shehata
Published: October 2016

Currently, the outcomes of conventional chemotherapeutic approaches are unsatisfactory. Clinical application of nanoparticles seems promising. We aim to evaluate the possible antitumor activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) as a chemotherapeutic approach in in vitro and in vivo experimental models. An in vitro study was performed on three different cell lines, namely human hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG2), human prostate cancer (PC3), and none‐small cell lung cancer (A549) cell lines. An in vivo study using diethylnitrosamine (DENA)‐induced HCC in adult male Wistar rats was conducted to investigate the potential antitumor activity of ZnONPs in HCC and the possible underlying mechanisms. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was induced by oral administration of DENA given in drinking water (100 mg/L) for 8 weeks. Rats were allocated into four groups, namely a control group, an HCC control group receiving DENA alone, a ZnONPs (10 μg/kg per week, intravenous (i.v.) for 1 month) control group, and a ZnONPs treatment group (receiving ZnONPs + DENA). ZnONPs significantly reduced the elevated serum levels of HCC‐related tumor markers alphafetoprotein and alpha‐l‐fucosidase and the apoptotic marker caspase‐3 compared with the untreated HCC rats. In addition, treatment with ZnONPs significantly decreased the elevated levels of hepatocyte integrity and oxidative stress markers as compared with the untreated HCC control group. Furthermore, the histopathological study revealed anaplasia and fibrous degenerations which were significantly corrected by ZnONPs treatment. In conclusion, administration of ZnONPs exhibited a promising preclinical anticancer efficacy in HCC and could be considered as a novel strategy for the treatment HCC in clinical practices.
Protective effect of alpha‐lipoic acid, aerobic or resistance exercise from colitis in second hand smoke exposed young rats
Authors: Özbeyli Dilek , Berberoglu Ayşe Cansu , Özen Anıl , Erkan Oktay , Başar Yunus , Şen Tunahan , Akakın Dilek , Yüksel Meral , Kasımay Çakır Özgür
Published: October 2016

The role of second hand smoke (SHS) exposure on ulcerative colitis is not known. Our aim was to examine the effects of α‐lipoic acid (ALA), chronic aerobic (AE) or resistance exercise (RE) on SHS exposed rats with colitis. Sprague‐Dawley male rats (150‐200 g, n=54) were selected for colitis induction. Among the colitis groups, one group was exposed to SHS (6 d/wk, 4 cigarettes/d) and the other was not. The SHS group was divided into subgroups as follows: sedentary; AE (swimming; 3 d/wk); and RE (climbing with weight; 3 d/wk). After 5 weeks, colitis was induced by intrarectal acetic acid. All groups had subgroups that were given subcutaneously ALA (50 mg/kg per day) or vehicle for 3 days. Following decapitation, colon tissues were sampled to examine malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, luminol and lucigenin chemiluminenscence, macroscopic scoring and histologic examination. ANOVA and Student's t‐test were used for statistical analysis. The increased macroscopic and microscopic scores, MPO, MDA, luminol and lucigenin measurements in colitis and SHS‐colitis groups were decreased via ALA (P<.05‐.001). AE declined macroscopic and microscopic scores, MDA, lucigenin compared to colitis and SHS‐colitis groups (P<.01‐.001). RE reduced microscopic score, MPO, MDA, luminol, lucigenin (P<.05‐.001) that were increased with colitis. Decreased GSH levels (P<.01) in the SHS‐colitis group approached to control levels when given ALA. According to our results SHS and colitis induction increased inflammatory damage. SHS did not worsen it more than colitis. Our results suggest that ALA, AE or RE might be protective for SHS exposed ulcerative colitis conditions.
Broad phylogeny and functionality of cellulosomal components in the bovine rumen microbiome
Authors: Bensoussan Lizi , Moraïs Sarah , Dassa Bareket , Friedman Nir , Henrissat Bernard , Lombard Vincent , Bayer Edward A. , Mizrahi Itzhak
Published: October 2016

The cellulosome is an extracellular multi‐enzyme complex that is considered one of the most efficient plant cell wall‐degrading strategies devised by nature. Its unique modular architecture, achieved by high affinity and specific interaction between protein modules (cohesins and dockerins) enables formation of various enzyme combinations. Extensive research has been dedicated to the mechanistic nature of the cellulosome complex. Nevertheless, little is known regarding its distribution and abundance among microbes in natural plant fibre‐rich environments. Here, we explored these questions in bovine rumen microbial communities, specialized in efficient degradation of lignocellulosic plant material. We bioinformatically screened for cellulosomal modules in this complex environment using a previously published ultra‐deep fibre‐adherent rumen metagenome. Intriguingly, a large portion of the functions of the dockerin‐containing proteins were related to alternative biological processes, and not necessarily to the classic fibre degradation function. Our analysis was experimentally validated by characterizing specific interactions between selected cohesins and dockerins and revealed that cellulosome is a more generalized strategy used by diverse bacteria, some of which were not previously associated with cellulosome production. Remarkably, our results provide additional proof of similarity among rumen microbial communities worldwide. This study suggests a broader and widespread role for the cellulosomal machinery in nature.
A putative 3‐hydroxyisobutyryl‐CoA hydrolase is required for efficient symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Sinorhizobium meliloti and Sinorhizobium fredii NGR234
Authors: Zamani Maryam , diCenzo George C. , Milunovic Branislava , Finan Turlough M.
Published: October 2016

We report that the smb20752 gene of the alfalfa symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti is a novel symbiotic gene required for full N2‐fixation. Deletion of smb20752 resulted in lower nitrogenase activity and smaller nodules without impacting overall nodule morphology. Orthologs of smb20752 were present in all alpha and beta rhizobia, including the ngr_b20860 gene of Sinorhizobium fredii NGR234. A ngr_b20860 mutant formed Fix− determinate nodules that developed normally to a late stage of the symbiosis on the host plants Macroptilium atropurpureum and Vigna unguiculata. However an early symbiotic defect was evident during symbiosis with Leucaena leucocephala, producing Fix− indeterminate nodules. The smb20752 and ngr_b20860 genes encode putative 3‐hydroxyisobutyryl‐CoA (HIB‐CoA) hydrolases. HIB‐CoA hydrolases are required for l‐valine catabolism and appear to prevent the accumulation of toxic metabolic intermediates, particularly methacrylyl‐CoA. Evidence presented here and elsewhere (Curson et al., , PLoS ONE 9:e97660) demonstrated that Smb20752 and NGR_b20860 can also prevent metabolic toxicity, are required for l‐valine metabolism, and play an undefined role in 3‐hydroxybutyrate catabolism. We present evidence that the symbiotic defect of the HIB‐CoA hydrolase mutants is independent of the inability to catabolize l‐valine and suggest it relates to the toxicity resulting from metabolism of other compounds possibly related to 3‐hydroxybutyric acid.
Complete tooth loss as status passage
Authors: Gibson Barry John , Sussex Philip V. , Fitzgerald Ruth P. , Thomson William Murray
Published: October 2016

The aim of this article is to add to the literature on the sociology of oral health and dentistry by presenting the relevance of status passage to the study of complete tooth loss. The article reports on an analysis of data taken from participants residing in the Nelson region of New Zealand. In total the data include interviews from 20 participants, all of whom had their remaining natural teeth removed before 1960. In total, 12 women and eight men were interviewed. All were from a European background with an age range of 71 to 101 years. Following a narrative approach, participants were interviewed on the nature of the social factors that resulted in complete tooth loss by starting with their family history and then focusing on the factors and events leading up to their total tooth loss. Data were analysed using the methods and techniques of grounded theory. This article provides an outline of the importance of scheduling, prescribing, social factors, ‘compound awareness contexts’ and reversibility to the status passage into complete tooth loss. We conclude by arguing that the theory of status passage may enable a detailed analysis of the ‘time‐space extensionality’ of trajectories into complete tooth loss.
CRIME DIVERSITY*
Authors: BRANTINGHAM P. JEFFREY
Published: October 2016

Large geographic areas should host a greater diversity of crime compared with small geographic areas. This proposition is reasonable given that larger geographic areas should not only support more crime but also contain a greater diversity of criminogenic settings. This article uses a neutral model to characterize crime richness as a function of area. The model starts with two neutral assumptions: 1) that all environments are statistically equivalent and exert no influence on what types of crimes occur there; and 2) that different crime types occur independently of one another. The model produces rigorous predictions for the mean and variance in crime richness with increasing area. Tests of the model against a sample of 172,055 crimes occurring in Los Angeles during the year 2013 are qualitatively consistent with neutral expectations. The model is made quantitatively consistent by constant scaling. Resampling experiments show that at most 20 percent of the mean crime richness is attributable to nonrandom clustering and assortment of crime types. A modified neutral model allowing for variation crime concentration is consistent with observed variance in crime richness. The results suggest that very general and largely neutral laws may be driving crime diversity in space.
Relative validity of a 2‐day 24‐hour dietary recall compared with a 2‐day weighed dietary record among adults in South China
Authors: Xue Hongmei , Yang Mingzhe , Liu Yan , Duan Ruonan , Cheng Guo , Zhang Xiao
Published: October 2016

Aim

To determine the relative validity of a 2‐day 24‐hour dietary recall (HR) designed to assess energy and nutrient intake among Chinese adults compared with a 2‐day weighed dietary record (WD).

Methods

Data were obtained from an ongoing population‐based, prospective cohort study of adults aged 18–65 years in South China. A total of 41 adults completing a HR and a WD within 14 days were included in the present analysis. Estimations of individual mean differences, Spearman's correlation coefficients, cross‐classifications and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between the intakes of energy and 18 nutrients obtained from the HR and the WD.

Results

With the exception of total fat, saturated fatty acids, thiamine, potassium and magnesium, the energy and nutrient intakes between the HR and WD showed no significant differences. All dietary intakes that were evaluated by the HR were correlated significantly with the dietary intake from the WD (de‐attenuated correlation coefficients ranged from 0.10 to 0.87). The proportion of participants classified into quartiles correctly ranged from 61% for tocopherol intake to 90% for energy intake. The weighted k values ranking the participants ranged from 0.11 for tocopherol intake to 0.41 for the intakes of energy and calcium. The Bland–Altman plots showed moderate/good agreement among all the dietary intakes that were estimated from the HR and WD, except for total fat.

Conclusions

This study suggests that an HR could be a valid tool for estimating the energy and nutrient intakes among adults in South China at the group level.
Development of food lists as a first step to develop a food frequency questionnaire for toddlers in a multi‐ethnic population
Authors: Mubarik Farya , Bhaskaran Kalpana , Kho Stephanie , Vereijken Carel , Nambiar Smita , Eussen Simone , Muhardi Leilani
Published: October 2016

Aim

Toddlerhood is an important stage of growth, thus understanding the food intake of children in this age group is important. In Singapore, there is currently no simple tool, such as Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), to collect dietary information from this ethnically diverse age group. Generating an appropriate food list is a crucial step in the development of a FFQ and this step is not clearly documented in the literature. The purpose of this study is to generate food lists and portion sizes for toddlers from three major ethnic groups in Singapore and document the processes involved in this first stage.

Methods

A total of 30 mothers (equal number of Malays, Indians and Chinese) of 11–24‐month‐old children completed three‐day food records and participated in the focus group discussion. The reported food items were then categorised into food groups.

Results

The food lists varied by ethnic groups with the longest list obtained from Chinese toddlers. There were also other foods that were then classified as common foods for all ethnicities. Commonly used utensils among the three ethnic groups were small‐sized bowls, plates, cups and spoons. For portion sizes, these utensils were typically half‐filled for the toddlers.

Conclusions

As all Singaporeans have access to the same foods, the ethnic‐specific food lists generated in this study could be combined into one list. Together with portion sizes, this information can be used for developing a semi‐quantitative FFQ.
Accuracy and precision of estimation equations to predict net endogenous acid excretion using the Australian food database
Authors: Parmenter Benjamin H. , Slater Gary J. , Frassetto Lynda A.
Published: October 2016

Aim

The gold standard of measurement for net endogenous acid production (NEAP) is net acid excretion (NAE), a test that is not readily available, and consequently, estimative equations by Remer and Manz and Frassetto et al. are often used. These equations rely on nutrient databases and it is recommended that their validity be assessed using a country's database before their application in research in that country. We sought to delineate the accuracy and precision of these estimation equations using the Australian food database.

Methods

In a double blind, randomised, cross‐over fashion, healthy participants (n = 13) residing in regional Australia were exposed to varying net acid loads while they collected weighted food diaries and 24‐hour urine samples for measurement of NAE.

Results

In comparison to the Frassetto et al. equations (equation one bias = −57.1 mEq/day, equation two bias = −32.8 mEq/day), only the Remer and Manz equation was accurate (bias = −5.4 mEq/day); however, all equations were imprecise.

Conclusions

Using the Australian database, the performance of these equations to predict NEAP appears equal to other databases; however, caveats apply in their application. For future research, the equation by Remer and Manz is preferential for group estimates. None of the equations are recommended for individual estimates.
Process evaluation of a patient‐centred, patient‐directed, group‐based education program for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Odgers‐Jewell Kate , Isenring Elisabeth , Thomas Rae , Reidlinger Dianne P.
Published: October 2016

Aim

The present study developed and evaluated a patient‐centred, patient‐directed, group‐based education program for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Two frameworks, the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions and the RE‐AIM framework were followed. Data to develop the intervention were sourced from scoping of the literature and formative evaluation. Program evaluation comprised analysis of primary recruitment of participants through general practitioners, baseline and end‐point measures of anthropometry, four validated questionnaires, contemporaneous facilitator notes and telephone interviews with participants.

Results

A total of 16 participants enrolled in the intervention. Post‐intervention results were obtained from 13 participants, with an estimated mean change from baseline in weight of −0.72 kg (95%CI −1.44 to −0.01), body mass index of −0.25 kg/m2 (95%CI −0.49 to −0.01) and waist circumference of −1.04 cm (95%CI −4.52 to 2.44). The group education program was acceptable to participants. The results suggest that recruitment through general practitioners is ineffective, and alternative recruitment strategies are required.

Conclusions

This patient‐centred, patient‐directed, group‐based intervention for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus was both feasible and acceptable to patients. Health professionals should consider the combined use of the MRC and RE‐AIM frameworks in the development of interventions to ensure a rigorous design process and to enable the evaluation of all phases of the intervention, which will facilitate translation to other settings. Further research with a larger sample trialling additional recruitment strategies, evaluating further measures of effectiveness and utilising lengthier follow‐up periods is required.
The Politics of Chivalry: Sir Robert Walpole, the Duke of Montagu and the Order of the Bath
Authors: Hanham Andrew
Published: October 2016

This article explores the complex circumstances surrounding the foundation of the order of the Bath in 1725, and seeks to correct the commonly‐held view that it was initiated by Walpole simply to augment the patronage available to his supporters in parliament. The proposal for a new order of chivalry based on the medieval ‘knighthood of the bath’ in fact emanated from the court, having been prompted by one of its central figures, the duke of Montagu. Walpole and his colleagues were by no means oblivious to the practical political value of such a move, but having only lately consolidated their position at court, their main priority was to seize a unique opportunity to flatter the new royal dynasty and garner popularity for it through the medium of the order's rediscovered history. The ministers selected the order's 36 founder‐knights with considerable input from senior courtiers, but ensured that those nominated were mostly peers and MPs who could evince ministerially useful connections between court and parliament. Though the order was later derided as a symptom of Walpoleian corruption, its foundation can be regarded as something of a turning point in Walpole's rise to power.
Daily Ingestion ofAloe VeraGel Powder Containing Aloe Sterols Prevents Skin Photoaging in OVX Hairless Mice
Authors: Yao Ruiqing , Tanaka Miyuki , Misawa Eriko , Saito Marie , Nabeshima Kazumi , Yamauchi Koji , Abe Fumiaki , Yamamoto Yuki , Furukawa Fukumi
Published: October 2016

Estrogen deficiencies associated with menopause accelerate spontaneous skin aging and stimulate the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation‐induced photoaging of skin. However, food compositions with the potential to ameliorate the UV irradiation‐induced acceleration of skin aging with menopause have not yet been investigated in detail. In the present study, we examined the ability of plant sterols derived fromAloe veragel to prevent the UV irradiation‐induced acceleration of skin aging in ovariectomized mice. Skin transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was significantly higher in the ovariectomy group than in the sham operation group following UVB irradiation, whereas skin elasticity was significantly lower. Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation induced greater reductions in skin hyaluronic acid levels and more severe collagen fiber damage in the derims in the ovariectomy group than in the sham group. The intake of AVGP significantly ameliorated this acceleration in skin aging by reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and increasing that of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hyaluronan synthase (HAS) in the skin. These results indicate that AVGP supplementation prevents skin damage induced by UVB irradiation and ovariectomy in part by inhibiting damage to the extracellular matrix.
Glycemic status and chronic kidney disease in Chinese adults: Findings from the REACTION study
Authors: Lin Lin , Lu Jieli , Chen Lulu , Mu Yiming , Ye Zhen , Liu Chao , Chen Gang , Shi Lixin , Zhao Jiajun , Li Qiang , Yang Tao , Yan Li , Wan Qin , Wu Shengli , Liu Yan , Wang Guixia , Luo Zuojie , Tang Xulei , Huo Yanan , Gao Zhengnan , Su Qing , Wang Youmin , Qin Guijun , Deng Huacong , Yu Xuefeng , Shen Feixia , Chen Li , Zhao Liebin , Xu Yu , Xu Min , Peng Kui , Du Rui , Dai Meng , Li Mian , Wang Tiange , Zhao Zhiyun , Lai Shenghan , Li Donghui , Bi Yufang , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang ,   on behalf of the REACTION Study Group
Published: October 2016

Background

Diagnosed diabetes has been associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the association between non‐diabetic hyperglycemia and CKD remained uncertain. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between different glycemic status and CKD in Chinese adults and to assess the prevalence and control of diabetes among individuals with CKD.

Methods

In all, 250 752 adults aged ≥40 years were selected from the baseline cohort of the Risk Evaluation of cAncers in Chinese diabeTic Individuals: a lONgitudinal (REACTION) study. Plasma glucose concentrations and biochemical and other clinical data were collected; CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2.

Results

The prevalence of CKD increased gradually with deterioration of glucose metabolic status in both men and women (
P

trend < 0.001 for both). Compared with individuals with normal glucose regulation, men with prediabetes and diabetes had higher risks of prevalent CKD (prediabetes odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.32; newly diagnosed diabetes OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08–1.49; previously diagnosed diabetes OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.78–2.35). Similar results were observed in women, but not among those with prediabetes. In male CKD patients with diabetes, 52.1% received antidiabetic treatment and 41.8% of those treated had effective glycemic control, higher than values for females.

Conclusions

Prediabetes and diabetes were associated with an increased risk of CKD in Chinese men. Control of diabetes among Chinese CKD patients is far from optimal.