bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replication of ZNF804A gene variant associations with risk of heroin addiction
Authors: Hancock D. B. , Levy J. L. , Gaddis N. C. , Glasheen C. , Saccone N. L. , Page G. P. , Bierut L. J. , Kral A. H. , Johnson E. O.
Published: September 2015

Heroin addiction is heritable, but few specific genetic variants have been reproducibly associated with this disease. The zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A) gene is a biologically plausible susceptibility gene for heroin addiction, given its function as a transcription factor in human brain. Novel associations of two common ZNF804A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs7597593 and rs1344706, with heroin addiction have been reported in Han Chinese. Both SNPs have also been implicated for regulating ZNF804A expression in human brain, including the addiction‐relevant dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In this independent replication study, we tested the rs7597593 and rs1344706 SNP genotypes and their corresponding haplotypes for association with heroin addiction using cases drawn from the Urban Health Study and population controls: total N = 10 757 [7095 European Americans (EAs) and 3662 African Americans (AAs)]. We independently replicated both ZNF804A SNP associations in EAs: the rs7597593‐T (P = 0.016) and rs1344706‐A (P = 0.029) alleles both being associated with increased risk of heroin addiction, consistent with the prior report. Neither SNP was associated in AAs alone, but meta‐analysis across both ancestry groups resulted in significant associations for rs1344706‐A [P = 0.016, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.13 (1.02–1.25)] and its haplotype with rs7597593‐T [P = 0.0067, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.16 (1.04–1.29)]. By showing consistent associations across independent studies and diverse ancestry groups, our study provides evidence that these two ZNF804A SNPs and their risk haplotype are among the few replicable genetic associations with heroin addiction.
Between‐taxon matching of common and rare species richness patterns
Authors: Reddin C. J. , Bothwell J. H. , Lennon J. J.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Our primary aim is to understand how assemblages of rare (restricted range) and common (widespread) species are correlated with each other among different taxa. We tested the proposition that marine species richness patterns of rare and common species differ, both within a taxon in their contribution to the richness pattern of the full assemblage and among taxa in the strength of their correlations with each other.

Location

The UK intertidal zone.

Methods

We used high‐resolution marine datasets for UK intertidal macroalgae, molluscs and crustaceans each with more than 400 species. We estimated the relative contribution of rare and common species, treating rarity and commonness as a continuous spectrum, to spatial patterns in richness using spatial cross‐correlations. Correlation strength and significance was estimated both within and between taxa.

Results

Common species drove richness patterns within taxa, but rare species contributed more when species were placed on an equal footing via scaling by binomial variance. Between taxa, relatively small sub‐assemblages (fewer than 60 species) of common species produced the maximum correlation with each other, regardless of taxon pairing. Cross‐correlations between rare species were generally weak, with maximum correlation occurring between small sub‐assemblages in only one case. Cross‐correlations between common and rare species of different taxa were consistently weak or absent.

Main conclusions

Common species in the three marine assemblages were congruent in their richness patterns, but rare species were generally not. The contrast between the stronger correlations among common species and the weak or absent correlations among rare species indicates a decoupling of the processes driving common and rare species richness patterns. The internal structure of richness patterns of these marine taxa is similar to that observed for terrestrial taxa.
Vagus Nerve and Vagus Nerve Stimulation, a Comprehensive Review: Part II
Authors: Yuan Hsiangkuo , Silberstein Stephen D.
Published: September 2015

The development of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) began in the 19th century. Although it did not work well initially, it introduced the idea that led to many VNS‐related animal studies for seizure control. In the 1990s, with the success of several early clinical trials, VNS was approved for the treatment of refractory epilepsy, and later for the refractory depression. To date, several novel electrical stimulating devices are being developed. New invasive devices are designed to automate the seizure control and for use in heart failure. Non‐invasive transcutaneous devices, which stimulate auricular VN or carotid VN, are also undergoing clinical trials for treatment of epilepsy, pain, headache, and others. Noninvasive VNS (nVNS) exhibits greater safety profiles and seems similarly effective to their invasive counterpart. In this review, we discuss the history and development of VNS, as well as recent progress in invasive and nVNS.
Effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA Injection on Depression in Chronic Migraine
Authors: Maasumi Kasra , Thompson Nicolas R. , Kriegler Jennifer S. , Tepper Stewart J.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To determine if chronic migraine patients' improvement in depression is related to improvement in headache severity after onabot injection.

Methods

We performed a retrospective data analysis on chronic migraineurs who received onabot at a tertiary headache center from 9/30/2013 to 9/30/2015. Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ9) [for depression] and Headache Impact Test (HIT6) were reviewed across ≥2 consecutive onabot injections for 6–12 months. The cohort was stratified based on clinically significant improvement in HIT6 (drop in score of ≥6 points). Unadjusted comparisons of demographic variables for the two groups were performed using Mann‐Whitney U‐tests for continuous variables and Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables. To determine if post‐onabotulinumtoxinA injection improvement in depression was related to improvement in headache severity, within each of the groups of patients that did and did not improve by ≥6 points on the HIT6, we computed the proportion of patients who improved by ≥5 points on the PHQ9. A chi‐square test was performed to determine if the unadjusted percentages of patients that improved in the PHQ9 score in the two groups were significantly different. We used logistic regression to test if the difference in percentages remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, race, marital status, household median income according to patient zip code, antidepressant use, and primary payer.

Results

A total of 359 patients were included in the study. The average age was 45.1 years (SD = 13.2), with 86.1% female and 92.8% Caucasian. Patients that improved in HIT6 score had significantly lower median pre‐Onabot HIT6 score (63.0 vs 65.5, P < .0001) and were more likely to have no antidepressant use before or after their first Onabot treatment (P = .012). For all other pre‐Onabot variables, no significant differences were found between patients who did and did not improve by ≥6 points on the HIT6; 30.1% of the sample population improved in their HIT6 scores by ≥6 points after the second round of Onabot treatment, 38.0% of which improved by ≥5 points in their PHQ9 scores. In the group of patients that did not have meaningful improvement in HIT6 score, only 9.6% improved by ≥5 points in their PHQ9 (P < .0001).

Conclusion

Chronic migraine patients' improvement in depression is related to improvement in headache severity after Onabot injection treatment.
Comparison of ProTaper Next and HyFlex instruments on apical debris extrusion in curved canals
Authors: Koçak M. M. , Çiçek E. , Koçak S. , Sağlam B. C. , Furuncuoğlu F.
Published: September 2015

Aim

To evaluate the amount of apically extruded debris after root canal instrumentation with ProTaper Next and HyFlex instruments in curved root canals.

Methodology

Forty extracted mandibular first molar teeth with curved mesial roots and of similar lengths were instrumented using ProTaper Next or HyFlex instruments. The extruded debris was collected into pre‐weighed Eppendorf tubes. The tubes were stored in an incubator at 68 °C for 5 days. The tubes were weighed to obtain the final dry weight of the extruded debris. The weight of the extruded debris was determined by subtracting the initial weight from the final weight. Distribution of data was determined by Shapiro–Wilk test. Continuous variables were compared with the Independent Sample t‐test or Mann–Whitney U‐test. The significance level was set at P = 0.05.

Results

Both instruments were associated with apical debris extrusion. The HyFlex group had significantly less debris extrusion than the ProTaper Next group (P = 0.014).

Conclusion

HyFlex CM was associated with significantly less apical extrusion than ProTaper Next.
Radiographic and histological evaluation of persistent periapical lesions associated with endodontic failures after apical microsurgery
Authors: Çalışkan M. K. , Kaval M. E. , Tekin U. , Ünal T.
Published: September 2015

Aim

To determine the histology of persistent periapical lesions associated with nonsurgical endodontic treatment failures and to compare radiographically the sizes of periapical lesions and the presence or absence of the radiopaque lamina with the histological findings.

Methodology

Ninety‐three anterior teeth designated for apical microsurgery were included in the study. After taking standard radiographs of all cases using the parallel technique, the films were scanned and evaluated for the size of periapical radiolucent lesions and the presence or absence of radiopaque lamina by two calibrated observers. Biopsy specimens were obtained during apical microsurgery and examined under light microscopy by oral pathologists. Histological analysis established diagnoses of granuloma, cyst, abscess and scar tissue. Interobserver agreement was evaluated by the kappa test, and the relationship between histological diagnosis and lesion size was analysed by the Pearson's chi‐square test.

Results

The 93 specimens consisted of 72% periradicular granulomas; 21.5% radicular cysts, including two keratocysts; 4.3% abscesses; and 2.2% scar tissue. Cystic prevalence increased as the size of the periapical lesion increased; however, there was no correlation between the presence of a radiopaque lamina and histological diagnosis of cyst.

Conclusions

Neither radiographic size nor presence of an associated radiopaque line alone was sufficient to determine the type of lesion. Histological examination is required in order to reach to a definitive diagnosis.
Employing the nominal group technique to explore the views of pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and women on community pharmacy weight management services and educational resources†
Authors: Fakih Souhiela , Marriott Jennifer L , Hussainy Safeera Y
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to investigate how pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and women feel about community pharmacy involvement in weight management, and to identify what pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and women want in weight management educational resources.

Methods

Three homogenous and one heterogeneous nominal group (NG) sessions of up to 120-min duration were conducted with nine women, ten pharmacists and eight pharmacy assistants. The NG technique was used to conduct each session to determine the most important issues that should be considered surrounding community pharmacy weight management services and development of any educational resources. The heterogeneous NG session was used to finalise what women, pharmacists and pharmacy assistants want in educational resources.

Key findings

Overall, pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and women believe that pharmacy staff have an important role in the management of overweight and obesity because of their accessibility, trust and the availability of products in pharmacy. Regarding the most suitable healthcare professional(s) to treat overweight and obesity, the majority of participants believed that no one member of the healthcare team was most suitable and that overweight and obesity needs to be treated by a multidisciplinary team. The importance of having weight management educational resources for pharmacy staff and women that come from trustworthy resources without financial gain or commercialisation was also emphasised.

Conclusion

Pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and women feel that community pharmacies have a definite role to play in weight management. Pharmacy-specific weight management educational resources that are readily available to pharmacy staff and women are highly desirable.
Deprivation and its impact on non‐urgent Paediatric Emergency Department use: are Nurse Practitioners the answer?
Authors: Parry Yvonne Karen , Ullah Shahid , Raftos Jeremy , Willis Eileen
Published: September 2015

Aims

This article reports on the quantitative findings from a large mixed method study that determined the extent to which the provision of alternatives to an Emergency Department and Index of Relative Social Disadvantage score influenced non‐urgent paediatric Emergency Department use.

Background

In Australia, there is an increasing use of Emergency Departments for the provision of non‐urgent care that may be better serviced in the community. Further, despite the plethora of literature describing the characteristics of non‐urgent users of Emergency Departments the link to social and community characteristics remains under explored.

Design

This 2010 retrospective analysis of the Hospital Admission Status data from the paediatric Emergency Department provided the information on attendance types and numbers along with postcode details. The postcodes in conjunction with Australia Bureau of Statistics data provided the levels of deprivation from the Index of Relative Social Deprivation scores.

Method

A logistic regression analysis determined the levels of influence of deprivation and General Practitioner or Nurse Practitioner provision on the use of Emergency Departments for non‐urgent care.

Findings

Rates of use for non‐urgent care is higher for populations who come from areas of deprivation and have limited primary care services, such as low levels of General Practitioners. Children from areas of high deprivation and limited access to primary care were up to six times more likely to use Emergency Department for non‐urgent care.

Conclusions

Deprivation impacts on the use of paediatric Emergency Departments for non‐urgent care even in countries like Australia where there is government subsidized health care.
Possible character displacement of an introduced mongoose and native marten on Adriatic Islands, Croatia
Authors: Barun Arijana , Simberloff Daniel , Meiri Shai , Tvrtković Nikola , Tadić Zoran
Published: September 2015

Aim

Character displacement and release can occur quickly in novel environments and communities. Species introductions are ‘natural experiments’ in which evolutionary changes can be studied as community composition varies. We asked whether morphologies of the introduced small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) and the larger native stone marten (Martes foina) on Adriatic islands where they are sympatric or allopatric are consistent with hypotheses of character displacement and release, respectively.

Location

The mongoose is native to Asia and has been introduced to over 60 islands. We measured specimens from several island groups and the native region. The marten is native to Eurasia and several European islands, and we have measurements throughout most of its native range.

Methods

We measured skull length and the maximum diameter of the upper canine tooth in both species on Adriatic islands and compared these traits with those in other sites.

Results

The mongoose has smaller canines and skulls on the three Adriatic islands it co‐occupies with the marten compared with other islands of introduction, consistent with the hypothesis of character displacement. It is not larger on the Adriatic island where it is the sole carnivore than on other Adriatic islands, which contradicts the hypothesis of character release. Marten skulls are shorter on three islands with no mongooses than on one island where the mongoose is present, consistent with the hypothesis of character release. However, marten canine diameters are similar across Adriatic islands.

Main conclusions

On Adriatic islands, interspecific competition between the mongoose and the marten is most likely what maintains small size in the mongoose and prevents the character release observed on other islands of introduction lacking mammalian competitors. The marten may have undergone character displacement because of the mongoose introduction on at least one Adriatic island and possibly all three islands where the species co‐occur.
Parkinson's disease, anxious depression and serotonin – zooming in on hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Blum Robert , Lesch Klaus‐Peter
Published: September 2015

image

This Editorial highlights a study by Deusser et al. (2015) published in this issue of J Neurochem. In a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD), the authors observed a topographically restricted reduction in serotonergic fibres in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus. This phenotype was observed close to the neurogenic niche and was accompanied by an impaired fluoxetine response of hippocampal neuroblasts. In conclusion, alpha‐synuclein inclusions in the serotonergic system may account for anxiety and depression symptoms in PD. DCX, doublecortin; GFAP, glial fibrillary acidic protein.
Blood–brain barrier and brain fatty acid uptake: Role of arachidonic acid and PGE2
Authors: Murphy Eric J.
Published: September 2015

image

How do fatty acids enter the brain and what role, if any, do membrane and cytosolic fatty acid binding proteins have on facilitating this process? This is a fundamental question that many lipid neurochemists will freely admit they cannot answer in any kind of definitive manner. A study by Dalvi and colleagues in this issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry now adds to our knowledge in this field. Among other important observations, their experiments demonstrate that a physiological level of arachidonic acid (ARA), that could be associated with many different physiological and pathophysiological states, increases permeability in a model of the human blood brain barrier (BBB) in the absence of cytokines. This last point is very important as it suggests increases in BBB permeability may occur in situations other than those associated with increases in tumor necrosis factor a (TNF) and interleukin1b (IL1), giving additional options for developing drugs impacting BBB permeability.
Presentation Format and Financial Literacy: Accessibility and Assessability of Retirement Savings Statements
Authors: Foster F. Douglas , Ng Juliana , Wee Marvin
Published: September 2015

While increased financial literacy may improve individual retirement savings decisions, modifying the placement of key information in retirement savings statements can produce further improvements. We examined the extent to which placement of information and financial literacy affected the accessibility of information for individuals and assisted in their financial decision making. We also disaggregated financial literacy into numeracy and knowledge to identify key drivers. Using an experimental design, we find the increased salience resulting from modifying the presentation format improved participants' ability to locate important information (accessibility) and to evaluate the relative performance of funds (assessability). However, the incremental benefits of placement are only found for individuals with moderate numeracy skills. We conclude there is value accruing from financial literacy programs as advocated by regulators, but suggest additional benefits may be reaped from focusing on numeracy skills and from using presentation formats that improve information accessibility and assessability.
Treatment of Small Vessel Disease With the Paclitaxel Drug‐Eluting Balloon: 6‐Month Angiographic and 1‐Year Clinical Outcomes of the Spanish Multicenter Registry
Authors: Vaquerizo Beatriz , Miranda‐Guardiola Faustino , Fernández Eduardo , Rumoroso José Ramón , Gómez‐Hospital Josep Antoni , Bossa Francisco , Iñiguez Andrés , Oategui Imanol , Serra Antonio
Published: September 2015

Background

Small vessel disease (SMD) remains a major challenge because of the increased risk of restenosis. We sought to assess the efficacy and safety of a paclitaxel‐eluting balloon (PEB) in patients with SMD.

Methods and Results

One‐hundred and four patients with native coronary lesions in small vessels treated by using a PEB were included in this prospective multicenter registry. In each case, after regular balloon dilatation, a larger PEB was inflated for a minimum of 45–60 seconds. Patients were 65 ± 10 years old, 43% diabetic, and 58% presented acutely. Angiographic success was 93% (7% bailout BMS implantation due to coronary dissection). The rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 12 months was 4.8% (1.9% cardiac death, 1.0% MI, and 2.9% TLR). One definite stent thrombosis was reported at 6 months in a patient with bailout BMS implantation. At 7 months, late loss was 0.31 ± 0.2 mm. Bail‐out BMS after DEB use, was an independent predictor of MACE, HR 18.74, 95%CI (2.58–135.84) and TLR, HR 30.99, 95%CI (2.79–344.07).

Conclusion

The use of this PEB for the treatment of SMD provides excellent 1‐year outcomes with only 4.8% MACE. The need for a bailout BMS was a strong predictor of MACE and TLR. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:430–438)
Institutions and Foreign Subsidiary Growth in Transition Economies: The Role of Intangible Assets and Capabilities
Authors: Kafouros Mario , Aliyev Murod
Published: September 2015

Although transition economies experience significant institutional transformations that vary in their degree and pace, scholarly knowledge of what distinguishes more successful foreign subsidiaries from less successful ones in such environments is limited and inconsistent. We enhance the understanding of this subject by examining how variations in the institutional development of transition economies influence the usefulness of a subsidiary's intangible assets and capabilities and, in turn, their effectiveness in enhancing its growth. Prior research assumes that foreign subsidiaries that operate in any given environment are always better off when they possess strong intangible assets and capabilities. Our analysis of more than 33,000 observations in 14 transition economies challenges this view and enables us to explain why some subsidiaries grow more quickly in less‐developed institutional environments, whereas others more quickly in countries with institutions that are more developed. More specifically, we show that although a subsidiary's intangible assets enhance its growth in transition economies with stronger institutions, these effects are particularly weak or insignificant in transition countries with less developed institutional environments. Conversely, a completely different pattern emerges for subsidiary capabilities, with their marginal effects on subsidiary growth being significantly higher in countries that are institutionally less developed than in transition countries with more developed institutions.
Fracture Load Before and After Veneering Zirconia Posterior Fixed Dental Prostheses
Authors: Rodríguez Verónica , Castillo‐Oyagüe Raquel , López‐Suárez Carlos , Gonzalo Esther , Peláez Jesús , Suárez‐García María‐Jesús
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the fracture load of 3‐unit zirconia‐based posterior fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) before and after veneering the frameworks.

Materials and Methods

Forty standardized stainless‐steel master dies were fabricated (height: 5 mm, convergence: 6º, chamfer: 1 mm) and randomly screwed in pairs onto metal bases. The bases were randomly divided into two groups (n = 20 each) according to the zirconia CAD/CAM system used for constructing 3‐unit structures for FDPs: group 1 (L): Lava All‐ceramic, group 2 (Z): IPS e.max ZirCAD. Half of the zirconia structures per group were randomly selected and veneered, while the remaining half was left unveneered. The specimens were luted in standard fashion onto the stainless steel master dies using conventional glass ionomer cement. All specimens were tested for fracture load (FL). Specimens were subjected to a three‐point bending test until fracture by applying an axial compressive load at the central fossa of the pontics with a universal testing machine at a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test and Weibull statistics were used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05).

Results

L structures recorded significantly higher values of load to fracture than the Z group both before and after veneering. Within each ceramic group, no differences were found between unveneered and veneered frameworks.

Conclusions

Although further studies are necessary to corroborate these findings, both zirconia systems could be recommended for restoring posterior teeth on the basis of the fracture load values recorded in this experiment (>1000 N). The veneering procedure did not affect the overall load to fracture in any group.
HIDDEN REGRET IN INSURANCE MARKETS
Authors: Huang Rachel J. , Muermann Alexander , Tzeng Larry Y.
Published: September 2015

Abstract

We examine insurance markets with two‐dimensional asymmetric information on risk type and on preferences related to regret. In contrast to Rothschild and Stiglitz (), the equilibrium can be efficient; that is, it can coincide with the equilibrium under full information. Furthermore, we show that pooling, semipooling, and separating equilibria can exist. Specifically, there exist separating equilibria that predict a positive correlation between the level of insurance coverage and risk type, as in the standard economic models of adverse selection, but there also exist separating equilibria that predict a negative correlation between the level of insurance coverage and risk type. Since optimal choice of regretful customers depends on foregone alternatives, the equilibrium includes a contract that is offered but not purchased.
Melatonin attenuates Leishmania (L.) amazonensis infection by modulating arginine metabolism
Authors: Laranjeira‐Silva Maria Fernanda , Zampieri Ricardo A. , Muxel Sandra M. , Floeter‐Winter Lucile Maria , Markus Regina P.
Published: September 2015

Acute inflammatory responses induced by bacteria or fungi block nocturnal melatonin synthesis by rodent pineal glands. Here, we show Leishmania infection does not impair daily melatonin rhythm in hamsters. Remarkably, the attenuated parasite burden and lesion progression in hamsters infected at nighttime was impaired by blockage of melatonin receptors with luzindole, whereas melatonin treatment during the light phase attenuated Leishmania infection. In vitro studies corroborated in vivo observations. Melatonin treatment reduced macrophage expression of Cat‐2b, Cat1, and ArgI, genes involved in arginine uptake and polyamine synthesis. Indeed, melatonin reduced macrophage arginine uptake by 40%. Putrescine supplementation reverted the attenuation of infectivity by melatonin indicating that its effect was due to the arrest of parasite replication. This study shows that the Leishmania/host interaction varies in a circadian manner according to nocturnal melatonin pineal synthesis. Our results provide new data regarding Leishmania infectiveness and show new approaches for applying agonists of melatonin receptors in Leishmaniasis therapy.
Eaten but not always beaten: winners and losers along a red deer herbivory gradient in boreal forest
Authors: Hegland Stein J. , Rydgren Knut
Published: September 2015

Questions

How does the understorey plant community in a boreal forest respond to variations in red deer herbivory intensity? Do the conclusions depend on the organizational level (taxon, growth form or functional trait) used for the analyses, and does red deer herbivory create more winners or losers?

Location

Svanøy, western Norway.

Methods

We modelled the abundance of all understorey plant taxa, growth forms and functional trait categories along a red deer herbivory gradient in old growth pine–bilberry forest by means of Huisman‐Olff‐Fresco (HOF) modelling. The herbivory gradient spanned from zero (deer excluded for 10 yr), via natural variation in plots open to wild red deer, to a maximum in forested parts of a red deer farm.

Results

Twelve taxa had optima at zero to low herbivory intensity (losers), while 25 species had optima at intermediate to high herbivory intensity (winners), with most species peaking at intermediate intensity. The growth forms young trees and dwarf shrubs were losers, and ferns, forbs, bryophytes and juvenile trees were winners. At the functional trait level, woody species were the only losers, whereas clonal, prostrate and non‐palatable species were more abundant towards the high end of the herbivory gradient.

Conclusions

Woody species were found to be herbivory losers irrespective of the level of analysis (taxa, growth form or trait category). In contrast, the identities of winners depended on level of analysis: more growth forms and functional trait categories than species peaked at the high end of the gradient. Species analysis gave high resolution and better ecological explanations, while analysis of growth forms and functional traits offered management‐relevant interpretations of herbivory‐driven shifts in the forest ecosystem.
Evaluation of vector competence for West Nile virus in Italian Stegomyia albopicta (=Aedes albopictus) mosquitoes
Authors: FORTUNA C. , REMOLI M. E. , SEVERINI F. , DI LUCA M. , TOMA L. , FOIS F. , BUCCI P. , BOCCOLINI D. , ROMI R. , CIUFOLINI M. G.
Published: September 2015

West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic arboviral pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes in a cycle that involves wild birds as reservoir hosts. The virus is responsible for outbreaks of viral encephalitis in humans and horses. In Europe, Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) is considered to be the main vector of WNV, but other species such as Stegomyia albopicta (=Aedes albopictus) (Diptera: Culicidae) may also act as competent vectors of this virus. Since 2008 human cases of WNV disease have been reported in northeast Italy. In 2011, new areas of southern Italy became involved and a first outbreak of WNV lineage 1 occurred on the island of Sardinia. On the assumption that a potential involvement of St. albopicta in WNV transmission cannot be excluded, and in order to evaluate the competence of this species for the virus, an experimental infection of an St. albopicta laboratory colony, established from mosquitoes collected in Sardinia, was carried out. The results were compared with those obtained in a colony of the main vector Cx. pipiens. The study showed St. albopicta collected on Sardinia to be susceptible to WNV infection, which suggests this Italian mosquito species is able to act as a possible secondary vector, particularly in urban areas where the species reaches high levels of seasonal abundance.
Activation of extracellular regulated kinase and mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway in focal cortical dysplasia
Authors: Patil Vinit V. , Guzman Miguel , Carter Angela N. , Rathore Geetanjali , Yoshor Daniel , Curry Daniel , Wilfong Angus , Agadi Satish , Swann John W. , Adesina Adekunle M. , Bhattacharjee Meenakshi B. , Anderson Anne E.
Published: September 2015

Neuropathology of resected brain tissue has revealed an association of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). Recent studies have shown that the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is hyperactivated in FCD as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 (S6) at serine 240/244 (S240/244), a downstream target of mTOR. Moreover, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) has been shown to phosphorylate S6 at serine 235/236 (S235/236) and tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) at serine 664 (S664) leading to hyperactive mTOR signaling. We evaluated ERK phosphorylation of S6 and TSC2 in two types of FCD (FCD I and FCD II) as a candidate mechanism contributing to mTOR pathway dysregulation. Tissue samples from patients with tuberous sclerosis (TS) served as a positive control. Immunostaining for phospho‐S6 (pS6240/244 and pS6235/236), phospho‐ERK (pERK), and phospho‐TSC2 (pTSC2) was performed on resected brain tissue with FCD and TS. We found increased pS6240/244 and pS6235/236 staining in FCD I, FCD II and TS compared to normal‐appearing tissue, while pERK and pTSC2 staining was increased only in FCD IIb and TS tissue. Our results suggest that both the ERK and mTOR pathways are dysregulated in FCD and TS; however, the signaling alterations are different for FCD I as compared to FCD II and TS.
Appropriateness of care and moral distress among neonatal intensive care unit staff: repeated measurements
Authors: de Boer Jacoba (Coby) , van Rosmalen Joost , Bakker Arnold B. , van Dijk Monique
Published: September 2015

Background

Perceived constraints to providing patient care in their own morally justified way may cause moral distress (MD) in neonatal nurses and physicians. Negative long‐term effects of MD include substandard patient care, burnout and leaving the profession.

Aim

To assess the immediate impact of perceived inappropriate patient care on nurses' and physicians' MD intensity, and explore a possible moderating effect of ethical climate.

Design

In a repeated measures design, after baseline assessment, each participant completed self‐report questionnaires after five randomly selected shifts. Data were analysed with logistic and Tobit regression.

Participants

Data were collected among 117 of 147 eligible nurses and physicians (80%) in a level‐III neonatal intensive care unit in the Netherlands.

Results

At baseline, overall MD was relatively low; in nurses, it was significantly higher than in physicians. Few morally distressing situations were reported in the repeated measurements, but distress could be intense in these cases; nurses' and physicians' scores were comparable. Physicians were significantly more likely than nurses to disagree with their patients' level of care (p = 0·02). Still, perceived overtreatment, but not undertreatment, was significantly related to distress intensity in both professional groups; ethical climate did not moderate this effect. Substandard patient care due to lack of continuity, poor communication and unsafe levels of staffing were rated as more important causes of MD than perceived inappropriate care.

Conclusions

Although infrequently perceived, overtreatment of patients caused considerable distress in nurses and physicians. Our unit introduced multidisciplinary medical ethical decision making 5 years ago, which may partly explain the low MD at baseline.

Relevance to clinical practice

MD might be prevented by improved continuity of care, safe levels of staffing and better team communication, along with other targeted interventions with demonstrated effectiveness, such as palliative care programs and facilitated ethics conversations.
Weak tradeoff between xylem safety and xylem‐specific hydraulic efficiency across the world's woody plant species
Authors: Gleason Sean M. , Westoby Mark , Jansen Steven , Choat Brendan , Hacke Uwe G. , Pratt Robert B. , Bhaskar Radika , Brodribb Tim J. , Bucci Sandra J. , Cao Kun‐Fang , Cochard Hervé , Delzon Sylvain , Domec Jean‐Christophe , Fan Ze‐Xin , Feild Taylor S. , Jacobsen Anna L. , Johnson Daniel M. , Lens Frederic , Maherali Hafiz , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi , Mayr Stefan , McCulloh Katherine A. , Mencuccini Maurizio , Mitchell Patrick J. , Morris Hugh , Nardini Andrea , Pittermann Jarmila , Plavcová Lenka , Schreiber Stefan G. , Sperry John S. , Wright Ian J. , Zanne Amy E.
Published: September 2015

The evolution of lignified xylem allowed for the efficient transport of water under tension, but also exposed the vascular network to the risk of gas emboli and the spread of gas between xylem conduits, thus impeding sap transport to the leaves. A well‐known hypothesis proposes that the safety of xylem (its ability to resist embolism formation and spread) should trade off against xylem efficiency (its capacity to transport water).

We tested this safety–efficiency hypothesis in branch xylem across 335 angiosperm and 89 gymnosperm species. Safety was considered at three levels: the xylem water potentials where 12%, 50% and 88% of maximal conductivity are lost.

Although correlations between safety and efficiency were weak (r2 < 0.086), no species had high efficiency and high safety, supporting the idea for a safety–efficiency tradeoff. However, many species had low efficiency and low safety. Species with low efficiency and low safety were weakly associated (r2 < 0.02 in most cases) with higher wood density, lower leaf‐ to sapwood‐area and shorter stature.

There appears to be no persuasive explanation for the considerable number of species with both low efficiency and low safety. These species represent a real challenge for understanding the evolution of xylem.
Metaemotional Intentionality
Authors: Howard Scott Alexander
Published: September 2015

This article argues against two theories that obscure our understanding of emotions whose objects are other emotions. Thetripartite modelof emotional intentionality holds that an emotion's relation to its object is necessarily mediated by an additional representational state; I argue that metaemotions are an exception to this claim. Thehierarchical modelpositions metaemotions as stable, epistemically privileged higher‐order appraisals of lower‐level emotions; I argue that this clashes with various features of complex metaemotional experiences. The article therefore serves dual purposes, offering metaemotions as a counterexample to an intuitive thesis about emotional intentionality, and examining their intentional structure in its own right.
DWARF overexpression induces alteration in phytohormone homeostasis, development, architecture and carotenoid accumulation in tomato
Authors: Li Xiao‐Jing , Chen Xiao‐Juan , Guo Xie , Yin Ling‐Ling , Ahammed Golam Jalal , Xu Chang‐Jie , Chen Kun‐Song , Liu Chao‐Chao , Xia Xiao‐Jian , Shi Kai , Zhou Jie , Zhou Yan‐Hong , Yu Jing‐Quan
Published: September 2015

Brassinosteroids (BRs) play a critical role in plant growth, development and stress response; however, genetic evidence for the BR‐mediated integrated regulation of plant growth still remains elusive in crop species. Here, we clarified the function of DWARF (DWF), the key BR biosynthetic gene in tomato, in the regulation of plant growth and architecture, phytohormone homeostasis and fruit development by comparing wild type, d^im, a weak allele mutant impaired in DWF, and DWF‐overexpressing plants in tomato. Results showed that increases in DWF transcripts and endogenous BR level resulted in improved germination, lateral root development, CO2 assimilation and eventually plant growth as characterized by slender and compact plant architecture. However, an increase in DWF transcript down‐regulated the accumulation of gibberellin, which was associated with decreases in leaf size and thickness. BRs positively regulated lateral bud outgrowth, which was associated with decreased transcript of Aux/IAA3, and the ethylene‐dependent petiole bending and fruit ripening. Notably, overexpression of DWF did not significantly alter fruit yield per plant; however, increases by 57.4% and 95.3% might be estimated in fruit yield per square metre in two transgenic lines due to their compact architecture. Significantly, BR level was positively related with the carotenoid accumulation in the fruits. Taken together, our results demonstrate that BRs are actively involved in the regulation of multiple developmental processes relating to agronomical important traits.
Variations in nitrogen use efficiency reflect the biochemical subtype while variations in water use efficiency reflect the evolutionary lineage of C4 grasses at inter‐glacial CO2
Authors: Pinto Harshini , Powell Jeff R. , Sharwood Robert E. , Tissue David T. , Ghannoum Oula
Published: September 2015

C4 photosynthesis evolved multiple times in diverse lineages. Most physiological studies comparing C4 plants were not conducted at the low atmospheric CO2 prevailing during their evolution. Here, 24 C4 grasses belonging to three biochemical subtypes [nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide malic enzyme (NAD‐ME), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate malic enzyme (NADP‐ME)] and six major evolutionary lineages were grown under ambient (400 μL L−1) and inter‐glacial (280 μL L−1) CO2. We hypothesized that nitrogen‐related and water‐related physiological traits are associated with subtypes and lineages, respectively. Photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance were constrained by the shared lineage, while variation in leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf N per area, plant dry mass and plant water use efficiency were influenced by the subtype. Subtype and lineage were equally important for explaining variations in photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) and photosynthetic water use efficiency (PWUE). CO2 treatment impacted most parameters. Overall, higher LMA and leaf N distinguished the Chloridoideae/NAD‐ME group, while NADP‐ME and PCK grasses were distinguished by higher PNUE regardless of lineage. Plants were characterized by high photosynthesis and PWUE when grown at ambient CO2 and by high conductance at inter‐glacial CO2. In conclusion, the evolutionary and biochemical diversity among C4 grasses was aligned with discernible leaf physiology, but it remains unknown whether these traits represent ecophysiological adaptation.
Television watching, diet and body mass index of school children in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghadir Ahmad H , Gabr Sami A , Iqbal Zaheen A
Published: September 2015

Background

Watching television has been widely associated with various health and psychological outcomes in children. Excessive intake of carbonated, sweetened beverages and fast foods, inadequate intake of fruit and dairy products; and reduced levels of physical activity also pose a risk to healthy lifestyle among youth. Limited literature is available, however, on the cross‐cultural aspects of duration of television viewing, diet preferences and their effect on weight in school children in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia. We conducted an online survey in school children in Saudi Arabia (age 12–16 years) to determine whether there is any association between duration of daily television watching, body mass index (BMI), eating habits and diet preferences.

Methods

A self‐administered questionnaire was uploaded online and the link was sent to school children, inviting them to participate in the study. It included questions on demographic data; family medical status; daily routine in and after school; number of hours of daily TV watching, self‐perception of health and daily diet habits and preferences.

Results

A total of 220 children aged between 12 and 16 years participated in the present study. There was a higher duration of television viewing, and higher consumption of high‐fat fast foods and high‐sugar drinks, and this was significantly associated with BMI (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The availability of television in children's bedrooms, and of high‐fat foods and drinks at school and in other cafeterias in Saudi Arabia seems to be the major cause of the association between sedentary lifestyle and dietary habits, which needs to be checked and limited. Parents and teachers need to be trained because they can play a major role in its prevention. Saudi Arabia is a growing country banking on its youth. Their awareness can prevent the incidence and lower the prevalence of such ill health habits among them.
Risk factors for specific causes of death following pediatric heart transplant: An analysis of the registry of the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation
Authors: Vanderlaan R. D. , Manlhiot C. , Edwards L. B. , Conway J. , McCrindle B. W. , Dipchand A. I.
Published: September 2015

We sought to determine temporal changes in COD and identify COD‐specific risk factors in pediatric primary HTx recipients. Using the ISHLT registry, time‐dependent hazard of death after pediatric HTx, stratified by COD, was analyzed by multiphasic parametric hazard modeling with multivariable regression models for risk factor analysis. The proportion of pediatric HTx deaths from each of cardiovascular cause, allograft vasculopathy, and malignancy increased over time, while all other COD decreased post‐HTx. Pre‐HTx ECMO was associated with increased risk of death from graft failure (HR 2.43; p < 0.001), infection (HR 2.85; p < 0.001), and MOF (HR 2.22; p = 0.001), while post‐HTx ECMO was associated with death from cerebrovascular events/bleed (HR 2.55; p = 0.001). CHD was associated with deaths due to pulmonary causes (HR 1.78; p = 0.007) or infection (HR 1.72; p < 0.001). Non‐adherence was a significant risk factor for all cardiac COD, notably graft failure (HR 1.66; p = 0.001) and rejection (HR 1.89; p < 0.001). Risk factors related to specific COD are varied across different temporal phases post‐HTx. Increased understanding of these factors will assist in risk stratification, guide anticipatory clinical decisions, and potentially improve patient survival.
Children Cover Your Eyes: Masculine Honor and the Role of Blind Patriotism in Teaching National Allegiance to Posterity
Authors: Barnes Collin D. , Pomerantz Aaron , Yashko Larissa
Published: September 2015

Identifying strongly with the nation could entail a willingness to criticize the country or a refusal to do so. The studies reported here examine the extent to which masculine honor inspires the latter and, in turn, motivates teaching allegiance to youth in a manner that could discourage national criticism. Whereas Study 1 provides an initial test of this idea by evaluating blind patriotism's ability to mediate the link between honor endorsement and general support for allegiance education (e.g., singing the National Anthem at school functions), Studies 2 and 3 do so more decisively by focusing on more severe outcomes such as punishing students who refuse to pledge loyalty to the United States. The predicted pattern of mediation occurred in every case, even when honor endorsers were experimentally induced to feel anger toward the country (Study 3). Explanations for this latter finding are discussed and include the role of identity fusion in honor endorsers’ commitment to the nation and the potential for real and enduring governmental threats to weaken or eliminate the pattern of mediation observed.