bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long non‐coding RNA linc00261 suppresses gastric cancer progression via promoting Slug degradation
Authors: Yu Yingcong , Li Linjin , Zheng Zhiqiang , Chen Senrui , Chen Ende , Hu Yiren
Published: November 2016

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a threat to public health with high incidence and mortality worldwide. Increasing evidence demonstrates that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in cancer biology, including GC. Previous profiling study showed that lncRNA linc00261 was aberrantly expressed in GC. However, the role of linc00261 in GC progression and the precise molecular mechanism remain unknown. In this study, we report that linc00261 was significantly down‐regulated in GC tissues and the expression level of linc00261 negatively correlated with advanced tumour status and clinical stage as well as poor prognostic outcome. In vitro functional assays indicate that ectopic expression of linc00261 suppressed cell invasion by inhibiting the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). By RNA pull‐down and mass spectrum experiments, we identified Slug as an RNA‐binding protein that binds to linc00261. We confirmed that linc00261 down‐regulated Slug by decreasing the stability of Slug proteins and that the tumour‐suppressive function of linc00261 can be neutralized by Slug. linc00261 may promote the degradation of Slug via enhancing the interaction between GSK3β and Slug. Moreover, linc00216 overexpression repressed lung metastasis in vivo. Together, our findings suggest that linc00261 acts a tumour suppressor in GC by decreasing the stability of Slug proteins and suppressing EMT. By clarifying the mechanisms underlying GC progression, these findings may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for GC.
The roles of bone‐derived exosomes and exosomal microRNAs in regulating bone remodelling
Authors: Xie Yong , Chen Yanyu , Zhang Licheng , Ge Wei , Tang Peifu
Published: November 2016

Pathological destructive bone diseases are primarily caused by the failure of a lifelong self‐renewal process of the skeletal system called bone remodelling. The mechanisms underlying this process include enhanced osteoclast activity and decreased generation of the osteoblast lineage. Intercellular interaction and crosstalk among these cell types are crucial for the maintenance of bone remodelling, either through the secretion of growth factors or direct cell–cell physical engagement. Recent studies have revealed that exosomes derived from bone cells, including osteoclasts, osteoblasts and their precursors, play pivotal roles on bone remodelling by transferring biologically active molecules to target cells, especially in the processes of osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation. Here, we review the contents of bone‐derived exosomes and their functions in the regulatory processes of differentiation and communication of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. In addition, we highlight the characteristics of microRNAs of bone‐derived exosomes involved in the regulation of bone remodelling, as well as the potential clinical applications of bone‐derived exosomes in bone remodelling disorders.
Life‐history traits of the long‐nosed skate Dipturus oxyrinchus
Authors: Bellodi A. , Porcu C. , Cannas R. , Cau Al. , Marongiu M. F. , Mulas A. , Vittori S. , Follesa M. C.
Published: November 2016

This work investigates life‐history traits of the long‐nosed skate Dipturus oxyrinchus, which is a common by‐catch in Sardinian waters. The reproductive variables were analysed from 979 specimens sampled during scientific and commercial hauls. Females (10·4–117·5 cm total length, LT) attained larger sizes than males (14·5–99·5 cm LT). To evaluate age and growth, a sub‐sample of 130 individuals (76 females and 54 males) were used. The age was estimated by annuli counts of sectioned vertebral centra. Four models were used for the length‐at‐age data: the von Bertalanffy, the exponential, the Gompertz and the logistic functions. According to the Akaike's information criterion, the Gompertz model seemed to provide the best fitting curve (L∞ mean ± s.e.: 127·55 ± 4·90 cm, k: 0·14 ± 0·09, IP: 3·97 ± 0·90 years). The oldest female and male were aged 17 (115·5 cm LT) and 15 years (96·0 cm LT), respectively. Lengths at maturity were 103·5 cm for females and 91·0 cm for males, corresponding to 90% of the maximum observed length in both sexes. The monthly distribution of maturity stages highlighted an extended reproductive cycle, with spawning females and active males being present almost throughout the year, as confirmed by the gonado‐somatic index. Ovarian fecundity reached a maximum of 26 yolked follicles with a mean ± s.e. size of 19·7 ± 6·5 mm.
Larval and juvenile development of Tatia intermedia (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae)
Authors: Pereira L. H. A. , Bialetzki A. , Bonecker A. C. T.
Published: November 2016

This study describes the morphology, morphometry and meristic characters of larval and juvenile Tatia intermedia collected in the middle Tocantins River and some of its tributaries. Six larvae of T. intermedia were examined and they have a moderately elongate body, head slightly dorso‐ventrally depressed with a convex snout, small and round eyes and a subterminal mouth. In five juvenile stages observed, the head and eye are relatively smaller than in the larval stage and the snout remains convex and mouth becomes terminal.
No End in Sight: Benzodiazepine Use in Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Maust Donovan T. , Kales Helen C. , Wiechers Ilse R. , Blow Frederic C. , Olfson Mark
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To establish the rate of new and continuation of benzodiazepine use in older adults seen by nonpsychiatrist physicians and to identify subpopulations at risk of new and continuation benzodiazepine use.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2007–10).

Participants

Adults visiting office‐based nonpsychiatrist physicians (n = 98,818) who were prescribed a benzodiazepine (new or continuation).

Measurements

Percentage of benzodiazepine visits of all outpatient encounters according to patient age and corresponding annual visit rate per 1,000 population. Analysis was then limited to adults aged 65 and older, demographic, clinical, and visits characteristics were used to compare visits of benzodiazepine users with those of nonusers and visits of continuation users with those of new users.

Results

The overall proportion of benzodiazepine visits ranged from 3.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.7–3.7) of those aged 18 to 34 to 6.6% (95% CI = 5.8–7.6) of those aged 80 and older, and the proportion of continuation visits increased with age, rising to 90.2% (95% CI = 86.2–93.1) of those aged 80 and older. The population‐based visit rate ranged from 61.7 (95% CI = 50.7–72.7) per 1,000 persons in the youngest adults to 463.7 (95% CI = 385.4–542.0) in those aged 80 and older. Only 16.0% (95% CI = 13.5–18.8) of continuation users had any mental health diagnosis. Of all benzodiazepine users, fewer than 1% (95% CI = .4–1.8) were provided or referred to psychotherapy, and 10.0% (95% CI = 7. 2–13.3) were also prescribed an opioid.

Conclusion

In the United States, few older adult benzodiazepine users receive a clinical mental health diagnosis, and almost none are provided or referred to psychotherapy. Prescribing to older adults continues despite decades of evidence documenting safety concerns, effective alternative treatments, and effective methods for tapering even chronic users.
Relationship Between Age and Trajectories of Rehospitalization Risk in Older Adults
Authors: Dharmarajan Kumar , Hsieh Angela , Dreyer Rachel P. , Welsh Jack , Qin Li , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To characterize the magnitude and duration of risk of rehospitalization according to age after hospitalization for heart failure (HF), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or pneumonia.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

U.S. hospitals (n = 4,767).

Participants

All Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries aged 65 and older surviving hospitalization for HF, AMI, or pneumonia between October 2012 and December 2013.

Measurements

Daily risk of first rehospitalization for 1 year after hospital discharge was calculated according to age category (65–74, 75–84, ≥85) after adjustment for sex, race, comorbidities, and median ZIP code income. Time required for adjusted rehospitalization risk to decline 50% from maximum value after discharge, time required for adjusted risk to approach a plateau period of minimal day‐to‐day change, and degree to which adjusted risk was higher in recently hospitalized individuals than in the general elderly population were identified.

Results

There were 414,720 hospitalizations for HF, 177,752 for AMI, and 568,304 for pneumonia. The adjusted risk of rehospitalization declined with increasing age after HF hospitalization (P < .001), rose with increasing age after AMI hospitalization (P < .001), and was slightly lower with increasing age after pneumonia hospitalization (P = .002). Adjusted risks of rehospitalization were high beyond 30 days after hospitalization for all ages.

Conclusion

Although older age has heterogeneous relationships with rehospitalization risk, risk of readmission remains high for an extended time after discharge regardless of age or admitting condition. Condition‐specific data on risk can be used to guide discussions on advanced care planning and strategies for longitudinal follow‐up after hospitalization.
Structural and functional brain alterations in a murine model of Angiotensin II‐induced hypertension
Authors: Meissner Anja , Minnerup Jens , Soria Guadalupe , Planas Anna M
Published: November 2016

Hypertension is a main risk factor for the development of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) – a major contributor to stroke and the most common cause of vascular dementia. Despite the increasing socioeconomic importance arising from cSVD, currently only a few specific treatment strategies with proven efficacy are known. Fundamental to the lack of specific treatments is poor understanding of the disease pathogenesis and a lack of appropriate animal models resembling all symptoms of the human disease. However, chronic hypertensive rat models have been shown to bear similarities to most key features of cSVD. Despite a significantly larger toolbox available for genotypic and phenotypic modifications compared to rats, mouse models of hypertension are unusual when modeling cSVD and associated cognitive impairment experimentally. In the present study, we therefore characterized hypertension‐mediated cerebrovascular alterations and accompanying structural and functional consequences by simultaneously treating adult wild‐type mice (C57BL/6N) with Angiotensin II (AngII) and the nitric oxide synthases inhibitor L‐NAME for 4 weeks. Hypertension associated to cerebral alterations reminiscent of early‐onset cSVD and vascular cognitive impairment when combined with additional AngII bolus injections. Most importantly, preventing the elevation of blood pressure (BP) protected from the development of cSVD symptoms and associated cognitive decline. Our data strongly support the suitability of this particular mouse model of AngII‐induced hypertension as an appropriate animal model for early‐onset cSVD and hence, vascular cognitive impairment, pathologies commonly preceding vascular dementia.

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Maternity groups in the postpartum period at well child clinics – mothers’ experiences
Authors: Glavin Kari , Tveiten Sidsel , Økland Toril , Hjälmhult Esther
Published: November 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore mothers’ experiences as participants in maternity groups at well child clinics (WCCs).

Background

The level of psychological distress that new mothers have may be related to the quantity of social support they receive. Maternity groups to support new parents have a long tradition at WCCs in Norway, and most of the clinics have offered these groups. However, there is little knowledge about mothers’ experiences of participating in these groups.

Design

Qualitative design.

Method

Focus group interviews with mothers who had participated in maternity groups facilitated by public health nurses (PHNs) at WCCs. Interpretive description was used to analyse the transcripts from the interviews.

Results

Eight focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 30 mothers who had participated in maternity groups at WCCs in two counties in eastern Norway. The analysis resulted in one main category, ‘The maternity group's salutogenic importance’ and three subcategories, ‘Networks that can last for many years’, ‘Fellowship with others in the same situation’ and ‘Become confident in mothering’.

Conclusion

Mothers wanted fellowship and found it important to share experiences with other mothers. Maternity groups offered to parents are essential to meet parents’ need to discuss experiences and challenges related to parenting. Maternity groups can also create a basis for establishing a social network for those who want it.

Relevance to clinical practice

Well child clinics should offer all mothers the opportunity to participate in groups to strengthen their social relations and their confidence in parenting. PHNs play an important role in facilitating groups for first‐time parents. Group leadership can influence how mothers in a group connect and whether the parental role is affected.
Development of the Chinese version of Meaning in Life Scale for cancer patients and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Xia Hao‐Zhi , Gao Lei , Wang Yang , Song Hui , Shi Bao‐Xin
Published: November 2016

Aims and Objectives

To develop a Meaning in Life Scale for cancer patients in Chinese version and to test the validity and reliability.

Background

Meaning in life is a protective factor of psychological well‐being and is negatively related to depression and demoralisation among cancer patients. The existing scales measuring meaning in life are mostly designed in English and there is no scale designed for Chinese cancer patients based on Chinese cultural background.

Design

Process of instrument development and psychometric evaluation were used.

Methods

Items were generated from literature review and a focus group interview. Delphi technique was used to test the content validity. Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were performed with data from 251 cancer patients. The internal consistency of the scale was tested by Cronbach's alpha.

Results

A 25‐item Meaning in Life Scale in Chinese version with five domains was developed. The five factors explained 62·686% of the variance. The Cronbach's alpha for the total scale was 0·897.

Conclusions

The Meaning in Life Scale in Chinese version has acceptable internal consistency reliability and good content validity and acceptable construct validity. The content of the scale reflected the attitudes of cancer patients towards meaning in life based on Chinese cultural background.

Relevance to clinical practice

The Chinese version of Meaning in Life Scale for Cancer Patients appears to be a new scale to assess meaning in life among Chinese cancer patients exactly and the concept of meaning in life presented in this scale provides new ideas of meaning intervention in routine clinical practice.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 night watch: advances and uncertainties in the field
Authors: Kharitonenkov A. , DiMarchi R.
Published: November 2016

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 belongs to a hormone‐like subgroup within the FGF superfamily. The members of this subfamily, FGF19, FGF21 and FGF23, are characterized by their reduced binding affinity for heparin that enables them to be transported in the circulation and function in an endocrine manner. It is likely that FGF21 also acts in an autocrine and paracrine fashion, as multiple organs can produce this protein and its plasma concentration seems to be below the level necessary to induce a pharmacological effect. FGF21 signals via FGF receptors, but for efficient receptor engagement it requires a cofactor, membrane‐spanning βKlotho (KLB). The regulation of glucose uptake in adipocytes was the initial biological activity ascribed to FGF21, but this hormone is now recognized to stimulate many other pathways in vitro and display multiple pharmacological effects in metabolically compromised animals and humans. Understanding of the precise physiology of FGF21 and its potential medicinal role has evolved exponentially over the last decade, yet numerous aspects remain to be defined and others are a source of debate. Here we provide a historical overview of the advances in FGF21 biology focusing on the uncertainties in the mechanism of action as well as the differing viewpoints relating to this intriguing protein.
Climate and seed availability initiate alternate post‐fire trajectories in a lower subalpine forest
Authors: Urza Alexandra K. , Sibold Jason S.
Published: November 2016

Questions

Do functional traits explain individual tree species’ responses to environmental filters and dispersal limitations following stand‐replacing fire? Can post‐fire conditions initiate alternate trajectories of community assembly?

Location

Glacier National Park, Montana,USA.

Methods

We characterized the species composition of tree re‐establishment following nine recent fires in the lower subalpine zone of Glacier National Park, a region with multiple co‐dominant tree species that has experienced extensive fire in recent decades. We usedGLMMsto describe individual species’ responses to spatial and temporal heterogeneity of post‐fire conditions and seed availability, and used multivariate approaches to examine whether post‐fire conditions can initiate alternate trajectories of forest community assembly.

Results

Post‐fire regeneration responses were strongly species‐dependent and consistent with functional trait differences. We found that there was a brief opportunity for establishment during the first several years after fire, during which tree recruitment for all species was contingent upon the availability of nearby seeds and the occurrence of favourable weather conditions. There was a remarkable amount of compositional change following fire, and the majority of our study sites transitioned from a mixed forest to a tree assemblage dominated by a single species.

Conclusions

Differential species‐specific responses to climate and disturbance can initiate alternate trajectories of community assembly, triggering substantial changes in forest composition. The composition of post‐fire tree assemblages reflects the differential responses of individual species to climate and disturbance, providing support for the interacting role of dispersal and environmental filtering in shaping post‐disturbance communities and highlighting the importance of incorporating functional traits into predictive models of ecosystem dynamics.
Introgression and selection shaped the evolutionary history of sympatric sister‐species of coral reef fishes (genus: Haemulon)
Authors: Bernal Moisés A. , Gaither Michelle R. , Simison W. Brian , Rocha Luiz A.
Published: November 2016

Closely related marine species with large overlapping ranges provide opportunities to study mechanisms of speciation, particularly when there is evidence of gene flow between such lineages. Here, we focus on a case of hybridization between the sympatric sister‐species Haemulon maculicauda and H. flaviguttatum, using Sanger sequencing of mitochondrial and nuclear loci, as well as 2422 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained via restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADSeq). Mitochondrial markers revealed a shared haplotype for COI and low divergence for CytB and CR between the sister‐species. On the other hand, complete lineage sorting was observed at the nuclear loci and most of the SNPs. Under neutral expectations, the smaller effective population size of mtDNA should lead to fixation of mutations faster than nDNA. Thus, these results suggest that hybridization in the recent past (0.174–0.263 Ma) led to introgression of the mtDNA, with little effect on the nuclear genome. Analyses of the SNP data revealed 28 loci potentially under divergent selection between the two species. The combination of mtDNA introgression and limited nuclear DNA introgression provides a mechanism for the evolution of independent lineages despite recurrent hybridization events. This study adds to the growing body of research that exemplifies how genetic divergence can be maintained in the presence of gene flow between closely related species.
The power of the pen: how to make physicians more friendly and patients more attractive
Authors: Epstein Nurith , Brendel Thomas , Hege Inga , Ouellette Diana L , Schmidmaier Ralf , Kiesewetter Jan
Published: November 2016

Context

Studies have shown that patients’ subjective perceptions of physicians’ competence and friendliness are relevant aspects of a successful treatment, influencing patients’ well‐being and trust in the physician. Psychological research has repeatedly shown that unconsciously contracting muscles that are usually used to smile can intensify and even elicit positive feelings (known as facial feedback). Empirical evidence also suggests that a smiling person is favourably judged by others with respect to attractiveness and trustworthiness.

Aim

This study's purpose was to investigate how an induced muscle contraction, similar to that of a smile, affects physicians’ interactions with a standardised patient. It was expected that the ‘smile intervention’ would affect physicians’ and patients’ perceptions, resulting in higher ratings of the friendliness and attractiveness of physicians in the intervention group.

Methods

Twenty physicians participated in the randomised controlled study (10 male, 10 female). Physicians were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: an intervention group (performing an easy cognitive task while smiling; n = 11) or a control group (performing an easy cognitive task without smiling; n = 9). Afterwards, physicians had a 5‐minute consultation with a standardised patient. This consultation was subsequently rated by physicians, the patient and an external rater using 10‐point Likert scales.

Results

Physicians in the intervention group were rated as significantly friendlier by the external rater (mean 7.81 versus 7.11; p = 0.097, η2 = 0.15). In addition, physicians in the intervention group rated the patient as significantly more attractive (mean 6.91 versus 4.78; p = 0.017; η2 = 0.28).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that physicians can influence their friendliness and their perception of patients' attractiveness. Thereby the ‘power of pen’ can be an efficient method for making the hospital a friendlier place.
I want you to pretend to be sincere
Authors: Hynes Julia
Published: November 2016

Medical education has changed dramatically since the inception of this journal 50 years ago and is indeed a work in progress: there is now heavy emphasis on the character of the physician, in particular, and professionalism, in general. The subjects of communications skills and the teaching of sincerity, empathy and compassion are relative newcomers to the stage: they are not even as old as this journal itself. Nevertheless, these topics arose in an ancient debate dating from classical antiquity. ‘Can we teach virtue?’ Plato wondered in the Meno. Not exactly, he concluded. Aristotle believed that acquirement of the virtues enables one to attain the human good, which, in turn, spills over to any profession in which the human being decides to engage. Aristotle, along with his successor, Thomas Aquinas, the 13th century philosopher, argued that the virtues cannot be taught but only acquired, with practice and time, in the real situation.
Discussing discursive discussions
Authors: Walsh Kieran
Published: November 2016

Discussions are an important part of medical education research papers, but there is little guidance on how to write up the discussion section. A good discussion section should relate closely to the results; it should include a balanced review of the strengths and weaknesses of the study; it should be realistic in evaluating the applicability of the results; and it should mention the feasibility of widespread adoption of the intervention. This paper describes a review of the discussion sections of research papers published in Medical Education. The review led to further discussion. Common errors in writing discussion sections include: minimising the weaknesses of a study or exaggerating its strengths; closing down debate too early or opening up new arguments at too late a stage; and getting carried away by the potential of technology or getting very carried away by the potential of technology. Some discussions can be too long, but restricted word counts keep abstracts mercifully short.
A study of Culicoides in Rondônia, in the Brazilian Amazon: species composition, relative abundance and potential vectors
Authors: CARVALHO L. P. C. , PEREIRA JÚNIOR A. M. , FARIAS E. S. , ALMEIDA J. F. , RODRIGUES M. S. , RESADORE F. , PESSOA F. A. C. , MEDEIROS J. F.
Published: November 2016

There is very little information available about Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the western Brazilian Amazon. However, studies of the fauna of this region are essential to knowledge of the species and potential vectors within it. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the abundance, richness and composition of Culicoides species in rural areas in the state of Rondônia, Brazil. Culicoides specimens were collected in forest and pasture environments in the municipality of Porto Velho, using light traps. A total of 1708 individuals (1136 females and 572 males) belonging to 33 species were collected; 28 of these samples represent new records for the state of Rondônia and include the first record of Culicoides contubernalis in Brazil. Culicoides insignis was the most abundant species (86.1%). Species richness was greater in forest areas (32 species, 96.96%), whereas pastures presented the greatest number of Culicoides captured (n = 1540, 90.1%). This study shows that Culicoides populations differ between forest and pasture environments and indicates that the abundance of C. insignis is an important factor in epidemiological vigilance studies in the region.
S‐nitrosoglutathione promotes cell wall remodelling, alters the transcriptional profile and induces root hair formation in the hairless root hair defective 6 (rhd6) mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Moro Camila Fernandes , Gaspar Marilia , da Silva Felipe Rodrigues , Pattathil Sivakumar , Hahn Michael G. , Salgado Ione , Braga Marcia Regina
Published: November 2016

Nitric oxide (NO) exerts pleiotropic effects on plant development; however, its involvement in cell wall modification during root hair formation (RHF) has not yet been addressed.

Here, mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana with altered root hair phenotypes were used to assess the involvement of S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), the primary NO source, in cell wall dynamics and gene expression in roots induced to form hairs.

GSNO and auxin restored the root hair phenotype of the hairless root hair defective 6 (rhd6) mutant. A positive correlation was observed between increased NO production and RHF induced by auxin in rhd6 and transparent testa glabra (ttg) mutants. Deposition of an epitope within rhamnogalacturonan‐I recognized by the CCRC‐M2 antibody was delayed in root hair cells (trichoblasts) compared with nonhair cells (atrichoblasts). GSNO, but not auxin, restored the wild‐type root glycome and transcriptome profiles in rhd6, modulating the expression of a large number of genes related to cell wall composition and metabolism, as well as those encoding ribosomal proteins, DNA and histone‐modifying enzymes and proteins involved in post‐translational modification.

Our results demonstrate that NO plays a key role in cell wall remodelling in trichoblasts and suggest that it also participates in chromatin modification in root cells of A. thaliana.
Catechol, a major component of smoke, influences primary root growth and root hair elongation through reactive oxygen species‐mediated redox signaling
Authors: Wang Ming , Schoettner Matthias , Xu Shuqing , Paetz Christian , Wilde Julia , Baldwin Ian T. , Groten Karin
Published: November 2016

Nicotiana attenuata germinates from long‐lived seedbanks in native soils after fires. Although smoke signals have been known to break seed dormancy, whether they also affect seedling establishment and root development remains unclear.

In order to test this, seedlings were treated with smoke solutions. Seedlings responded in a dose‐dependent manner with significantly increased primary root lengths, due mainly to longitudinal cell elongation, increased numbers of lateral roots and impaired root hair development. Bioassay‐driven fractionations and NMR were used to identify catechol as the main active compound for the smoke‐induced root phenotype.

The transcriptome analysis revealed that mainly genes related to auxin biosynthesis and redox homeostasis were altered after catechol treatment. However, histochemical analyses of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the inability of auxin applications to rescue the phenotype clearly indicated that highly localized changes in the root's redox‐status, rather than in levels of auxin, are the primary effector. Moreover, H2O2 application rescued the phenotype in a dose‐dependent manner.

Chemical cues in smoke not only initiate seed germination, but also influence seedling root growth; understanding how these cues work provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which plants adapt to post‐fire environments.
Plant domestication and the assembly of bacterial and fungal communities associated with strains of the common sunflower, Helianthus annuus
Authors: Leff Jonathan W. , Lynch Ryan C. , Kane Nolan C. , Fierer Noah
Published: November 2016

Root and rhizosphere microbial communities can affect plant health, but it remains undetermined how plant domestication may influence these bacterial and fungal communities.

We grew 33 sunflower (Helianthus annuus) strains (n = 5) that varied in their extent of domestication and assessed rhizosphere and root endosphere bacterial and fungal communities. We also assessed fungal communities in the sunflower seeds to investigate the degree to which root and rhizosphere communities were influenced by vertical transmission of the microbiome through seeds.

Neither root nor rhizosphere bacterial communities were affected by the extent of sunflower domestication, but domestication did affect the composition of rhizosphere fungal communities. In particular, more modern sunflower strains had lower relative abundances of putative fungal pathogens. Seed‐associated fungal communities strongly differed across strains, but several lines of evidence suggest that there is minimal vertical transmission of fungi from seeds to the adult plants.

Our results indicate that plant‐associated fungal communities are more strongly influenced by host genetic factors and plant breeding than bacterial communities, a finding that could influence strategies for optimizing microbial communities to improve crop yields.
Homogenization of dispersal ability across bird species in response to landscape change
Authors: Martin Amanda E. , Desrochers André , Fahrig Lenore
Published: November 2016

Human land use is known to homogenize biotic communities, increasing similarity in their genetic, taxonomic and functional diversity. Explanations have focused almost exclusively on human‐mediated extinction and range expansion. However, homogenization could also be produced by land use driving selection for similar traits across species. We propose a novel hypothesis to explain how human land use homogenizes dispersal ability across species. With habitat loss and increasing human land use intensities there should be larger increases in the costs of dispersal for dispersive than sedentary species, because dispersive species interact with non‐habitat more frequently. In contrast, the benefits of dispersal should increase more for sedentary than dispersive species, because sedentary species are at greater risk from inbreeding depression, predation and competition associated with habitat loss. Therefore we predict that sedentary species become more dispersive in a human‐altered landscape, and dispersive species more sedentary. We tested this prediction using wing pointedness to estimate the initial dispersal ability and change in dispersal ability for 21 North American passerines over the 20th century. More pointed wings are associated with stronger dispersal ability. Thus our prediction would be supported by a negative cross‐species relationship between these two measurements. We found a strong, negative relationship, as predicted. This resulted in declines in the variability in wing pointedness among species over time. Although other things can cause wing shape to change, including changes in habitat availability, none of these explained the observed relationship. Our result provides the first evidence that human landscape alteration is homogenizing bird communities, driving selection for intermediate dispersal ability across species. It also implies that more dispersive species are more at‐risk from human landscape use because, when rates of landscape alteration are faster than a species’ ability to adapt to that change, the costs of dispersal increase more for dispersive than sedentary species.
Subsidies mediate interactions between communities across space
Authors: Gounand Isabelle , Harvey Eric , Ganesanandamoorthy Pravin , Altermatt Florian
Published: November 2016

Most spatial ecology focuses on how species dispersal affects community dynamics and coexistence. Ecosystems, however, are also commonly connected by flows of resources. We experimentally tested how neighbouring communities indirectly influence each other in absence of dispersal, via resource exchanges. Using two‐patch microcosm meta‐ecosystems, we manipulated community composition and dynamics, by varying separately species key functional traits (autotroph versus heterotroph species and size of consumer species) and trophic structure of aquatic communities (species growing alone or in presence of competitors or predators). We then analysed the effects of species functional traits and trophic structure on communities connected through spatial subsidies in the absence of actual dispersal. Both functional traits and trophic structure strongly affected dynamics across neighbouring communities. Heterotroph communities connected to autotroph neighbours developed better than with heterotroph neighbours, such that coexistence of competitors was determined by the functional traits of the neighbouring community. Densities in autotroph communities were also strikingly higher when receiving subsidies from heterotroph communities compared to their own subsidies when grown in isolated ecosystems. In contrast, communities connected to predator‐dominated ecosystems collapsed, without any direct contact with the predators. Our results demonstrate that because community composition and structure modify the distribution of biomass within a community, they may also affect communities connected through subsidies through quantitative and qualitative changes of detritus flows. This stresses that ecosystem management should account for such interdependencies mediated by spatial subsidies, given that local community alterations cascade across space onto other ecosystems even if species dispersal is completely absent.
Plant life history and above–belowground interactions: missing links
Authors: Deyn Gerlinde B. De
Published: November 2016

The importance of above–belowground interactions for plant growth and community dynamics became clear in the last decades, whereas the numerous studies on plant life history improved our knowledge on eco‐evolutionary dynamics. However, surprisingly few studies have linked both research fields despite their potential to increase our mechanistic understanding of how above belowground interactions are governed. Here I briefly review studies on above–belowground interactions and plant life history and identify important research gaps. To advance our understanding of ecological strategies and eco‐evolutionary dynamics of plants and their associated organisms it is warranted to elucidate the interconnectivity and tradeoffs of plant life history traits of growth, defence, reproduction, nutrient cycling and the functional composition of above‐ and belowground heterotrophic communities. Using the concept of tradeoffs in growth, reproduction and defence we can postulate that plants in rich soil grow, reproduce and die fast whilst avoiding above‐ and belowground antagonists, whereas plants in poor soil grow slow, live and reproduce longer and invest in above‐ and belowground mutualists and defences. However, alternative scenarios are possible and depend on the selection pressure by above‐ and belowground mutualists and antagonists during plant ontogeny and via after‐life effects. To elucidate missing links between life history traits and above–belowground interactions, complementary modelling and empirical studies are needed that reveal the coupling between below‐ and aboveground plant traits of growth, defence and reproduction, their heritability and their cost/benefit relation. These cost/benefit analyses of defence should span from individuals to future generations, taking feedback effects via altered biotic communities and resource competition into account. The role of soil fertility in steering plant life history traits requires explicit testing of trans‐generational trait shifts in growth, defence, reproduction, cost/benefit of associations with mutualists and antagonists and soil feedbacks across plant genotypes/species with distinct life history traits, grown across soil fertility gradients.
Epidermal cyst of the mandible: a case report
Authors: Thomas M. , Tremain R. , Laugharne D.
Published: November 2016

We present a case of epidermal cyst affecting left body of the mandible. The reported incidence of epidermal cyst in the oral cavity is 1.6%, with floor of the mouth being the most common site. There are 16 reported cases of epidermal cysts in the mandible; of these four were post‐traumatic inclusion cysts.
A qualitative exploration of anesthesia trainees' experiences during transition to a children's hospital
Authors: Howe Peter W. , Kumar Koshila
Published: November 2016

Background

The stresses of starting a new job can make anyone feel tired and inefficient. In health care, this may impair the ability to learn at a time when there is most to learn, and increase the risk of error in a context where errors may lead to patient harm.

Aim

The aim of this study was to understand issues which influence anesthesia trainees’ transition to a pediatric setting.

Methods

This qualitative study utilized in‐depth semi‐structured interviews to gather data from 31 anesthesia trainees who had commenced work at a tertiary children's hospital between 4 and 6 weeks previously. Data were examined using thematic analysis.

Results

Two key themes were identified: feeling ineffective, which appeared to have both a cognitive component (feeling disoriented) and an emotional component (feeling useless), and feeling anxious or afraid. Trainees found the pediatric environment highly unfamiliar, which made them feel disoriented, inefficient, and at times incompetent. Many experienced difficulty identifying a useful role in a highly specialized area of practice, leading to loss of identity as an expert clinician. Many described an ever‐present fear of making an anesthetic error or being unable to manage a rapidly evolving clinical situation. Some trainees developed a negative mindset, which was reinforced by subsequent perceived failures. Overall, these experiences impeded trainees’ ability to concentrate and learn.

Conclusions

The impact of disorientation and anxiety on anesthesia trainees as they adapt to a highly specialized clinical environment such as a children's hospital should not be underestimated. Study findings illustrate the importance of helping new trainees to feel less afraid, more useful, and more realistic in assessing their own performance during the transition period.
Impairing both HMA4 homeologs is required for cadmium reduction in tobacco
Authors: Liedschulte Verena , Laparra Hélène , Battey James Nicolas Duncan , Schwaar Joanne Deborah , Broye Hervé , Mark Régis , Klein Markus , Goepfert Simon , Bovet Lucien
Published: November 2016

In tobacco, the heavy metal P1B‐ATPases HMA4.1 and HMA4.2 function in root‐to‐shoot zinc and cadmium transport. We present greenhouse and field data that dissect the possibilities to impact the two homeologous genes in order to define the best strategy for leaf cadmium reduction. In a first step, both genes were silenced using an RNAi approach leading to >90% reduction of leaf cadmium content. To modulate HMA4 function more precisely, mutant HMA4.1 and HMA4.2 alleles of a Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes (TILLING) population were combined. As observed with RNAi plants, knockout of both homeologs decreased cadmium root‐to‐shoot transfer by >90%. Analysis of plants with segregating null and wild‐type alleles of both homeologs showed that one functional HMA4 allele is sufficient to maintain wild‐type cadmium levels. Plant development was affected in HMA4 RNAi and double knockout plants that included retarded growth, necrotic lesions, altered leaf morphology and increased water content. The combination of complete functional loss (nonsense mutation) in one homeologous HMA4 gene and the functional reduction in the other HMA4 gene (missense mutation) is proposed as strategy to limit cadmium leaf accumulation without developmental effects.
Cortical folding in post‐traumatic stress disorder after motor vehicle accidents: Regional differences in gyrification
Authors: Chu Chun , Xie Bing , Qiu Mingguo , Liu Kaijun , Tan Liwen , Wu Yi , Chen Wei , Zhang Shaoxiang
Published: November 2016

Aim

Structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have revealed evidence of brain abnormalities in post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. Cortical complexity and local gyrification index (lGI) reflect potential biological processes associated with normal or abnormal cognitive functioning. In the current study, lGI was used to explore cortical folding in PTSD patients involved in motor vehicle accidents (MVA).

Methods

MRI brain scans were acquired from 18 PTSD patients who had suffered MVA at least 6 months previously and 18 healthy control subjects. All MRI images were obtained on a 3‐T Siemens MRI machine and the cortical folding was analyzed using the workflow provided by software FreeSurfer. A general FreeSurfer’s general linear model was used in the group analysis. In addition, correlation analysis was performed between the average of lGI extracted from the significantly different areas and the data for the clinical scale.

Results

The PTSD patients had significantly greater Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale scores than the control group. The patients showed significantly reduced lGI in the left lateral orbitofrontal cortex, consistent with findings of previous volumetric studies on PTSD. But there were no significant correlations in the left lateral orbitofrontal cortex between Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale scores and lGI.

Conclusion

We suggest that abnormal gyrification in PTSD patients can be an important indicator of neurodevelopment deficits and may indeed be a biological marker for PTSD.
Pharmacologic Treatment of Vitiligo in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Menezes Andreia Freire , Oliveira de Carvalho Fernanda , Barreto Rosana S. S. , de Santana Silva Bruno , Shanmugam Saravanan , Gurgel Ricardo Queiroz , de Souza Araújo Adriano Antunes
Published: November 2016

Background

The true pathogenic mechanism of vitiligo is still unknown. About half of the patients with this disease have onset before the age of 20 years, making it a serious dermatologic disorder in childhood.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to review the literature in a systematic way and identify the main pharmacologic treatments and outcomes in children and adolescents with vitiligo.

Methods

Four databases—the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE‐PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS)—were used for the search up to January 2015. All electronic search titles, selected abstracts and full‐text articles were independently reviewed by a minimum of two reviewers.

Results

There were 15 articles from 13 different countries: 3 were retrospective and 12 were prospective; the number of participants in the studies varied between 9 and 400, ages ranged from 0 to 18 years, and the duration of disease ranged from 1 to 17 years. The most commonly used drugs were tacrolimus alone (or combined with clobetasol), pimecrolimus, corticosteroids, and calcipotriol. Treatment duration ranged from 10 days to 6 months with a topical route of administration.

Conclusions

The main outcome measurements were morphometric analysis performed using a computer program, hematologic or biochemical change, and photography (predominant). It is unclear which was the most effective treatment for vitiligo, however, it was found that these therapies are all promising in the treatment of the disease. With proper care, disease control and repigmentation, even if partial, can be achieved.
Towards Building Multidisciplinary Knowledge on Management of Technology: An Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Gaimon Cheryl , Hora Manpreet , Ramachandran Karthik
Published: November 2016

Management of technology (MOT) concerns the processes by which innovations in technology are transformed to ultimately diffuse into the marketplace. As such, operations management contributes to the multidisciplinary realm of MOT through its study of a firm's resource capabilities. This special issue offers a broad and deep discussion on the interface between MOT and POM. The contributions of the MOT special issue are fourfold. First, we invited scholars from a variety of disciplines to write papers that highlight a broad perspective of emerging problems in MOT that can be addressed by POM researchers. Second, a set of contributed papers is included in the special issue spanning several themes at the intersection of POM and MOT. Third, much of this article is devoted to a deep discussion of an emerging theme that represents a fundamental challenge to the modern, knowledge‐intensive firm. Specifically, we explore how firms develop and leverage internal and external knowledge‐based resource capabilities to respond to the dynamic opportunities and threats created by innovations in technology. Lastly, we provide a comprehensive discussion of future research opportunities that relate to the challenges in managing the knowledge‐intensive firm.
The Role of Media Exposure on Coordination in the Humanitarian Setting
Authors: Eftekhar Mahyar , Li Hongmin , Van Wassenhove Luk N. , Webster Scott
Published: November 2016

Despite high demand and resource limitations, humanitarian organizations (HOs) typically do not share resources and/or coordinate in the field. While coordination enhances operational performance and saves costs, the general perception is that it dilutes the media attention that individual organizations might receive, and negatively influences their future donation income. In this study, we empirically unveil the impact of media exposure and operational performance on the donations obtained by HOs. Then, based on the empirical results, we develop a stylized model to characterize the structure of preferred coordination policies with respect to an organization's funding source and main mandate. Our findings shed light on the incentives and dynamics that drive behaviors in humanitarian operations and provide insights for policy makers on designing and implementing mechanisms that encourage humanitarian coordination.