bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean platelet volume as a marker for differentiating disease flare from infection in Behçet's disease
Authors: Ryu Hee Jung , Seo Mi Ryoung , Choi Hyo Jin , Ko Kwang‐Pil , Park Pil Whan , Baek Han Joo
Published: November 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between mean platelet volume (MPV) and clinical manifestations, disease activity or infection in patients with Behçet's disease (BD).

Methods

In total, 193 patients diagnosed with BD according to the international criteria for BD were enrolled. Demographic data, clinical manifestations and laboratory results were collected by medical interviews and reviewing medical records.

Results

The female : male ratio was 2 : 1 and the age of symptom onset was 32.2 ± 11.1 years. The age at diagnosis of BD was 44.7 ± 11.1 years and the follow‐up duration was 4.7 ± 3.8 years. MPV at diagnosis were significantly lower than of age and sex‐matched controls (8.2 ± 1.2 vs. 8.6 ± 1.2 fL, P < 0.0001). Lower MPV was not related to organ involvement except skin diseases. During follow‐up, MPV was lower in BD flare than in stable BD (8.2 ± 1.4 vs. 9.1 ± 1.4 fL, P < 0.0001) in the same patients. MPVs were significantly higher in cases of accompanying infections than in those with both BD flare and stable BD (9.3 ± 1.4 vs. 8.1 ± 1.3 fL, P = 0.018 and 9.7 ± 1.4 vs. 8.8 ± 1.0 fL, P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

MPV was significantly lower in patients with BD than controls. MPV declined in BD flare and increased in cases of infection in same patients. MPV may be useful as a marker of BD activity and its monitoring can be helpful for differentiating BD flare from infection in BD patients.
Epigenetic alterations of the BDNF gene in combat‐related post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Kim T. Y. , Kim S. J. , Chung H. G. , Choi J. H. , Kim S. H. , Kang J. I.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in modulating resilience and vulnerability to stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether epigenetic regulation of the BDNF gene is a biomarker of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development among veterans exposed to combat in the Vietnam War.

Methods

Using the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale, combat veterans were grouped into those with (n = 126) and without (n = 122) PTSD. DNA methylation levels at four CpG sites within the BDNF promoter I region were quantified in the peripheral blood using pyrosequencing. The effects of BDNF DNA methylation levels and clinical variables on the diagnosis of PTSD were tested using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

Subjects with PTSD showed a higher DNA methylation of four CpG sites at the BDNF promoter compared with those without PTSD. High methylation levels at the BDNF promoter CpG site, high combat exposure, and alcohol problems were significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated an association between higher DNA methylation of the BDNF promoter and PTSD diagnosis in combat‐exposed individuals. Our findings suggest that altered BDNF methylation may be a valuable biomarker of PTSD after trauma exposure.
Factors associated with short‐term transitions of non‐daily smokers: socio‐demographic characteristics and other tobacco product use
Authors: Wang Yingning , Sung Hai‐Yen , Yao Tingting , Lightwood James , Max Wendy
Published: November 2016

Aims

To examine the transitions in smoking status among non‐daily smokers who transitioned to daily or former smokers or remained as non‐daily smokers during a 12‐month period. We analyzed factors associated with these transitions, including the use of cigars and smokeless tobacco (SLT).

Design

Secondary data analyses using pooled data from the 2003, 2006/07 and 2010/11 Tobacco Use Supplements to the Current Population Survey (TUS‐CPS).

Setting

United States.

Participants

Self‐respondents aged 18+ who have smoked for more than 5 years and were non‐daily smokers 12 months before the interview (n = 13 673, or 14.5% of current smokers).

Measurements

Multinomial logistic regression model to determine the correlates of non‐daily to daily, stable non‐daily and non‐daily to former smoking transitions among non‐daily smokers at baseline. The model controlled for socio‐demographic factors and the use of cigars and SLT.

Findings

Of the adults in our sample, 2.6% were non‐daily smokers at baseline. Among these, 69.7% remained non‐daily smokers (stable non‐daily smokers), 18.4% became daily smokers (non‐daily to daily smokers) and 11.9% quit smoking (non‐daily to former smokers) after 12 months. The non‐daily to daily versus stable non‐daily smoking transition was less likely among those who were aged 65+ (P = 0.018), male (P < 0.001), Hispanic (P < 0.001), with an income of $25 000–49 999 or ≥$75 000 and current users of SLT (P = 0.003), but more likely among those without a college degree compared with the appropriate reference group. The non‐daily to former versus stable non‐daily smoking transition was less likely among those aged 25+, male (P = 0.013), non‐Hispanic Asian (P = 0.032), without a college degree, widowed/divorced/separated (P = 0.013) or never married (P = 0.011) and current users of cigars (P = 0.003) compared with the appropriate reference group.

Conclusions

While more than two‐thirds of non‐daily smokers in the United States remain as such after 12 months, others become daily smokers or quit. The likelihood of remaining stable non‐daily smokers and of transition from non‐daily to daily and non‐daily to former smokers is associated with socio‐demographic factors and current use of cigars and smokeless tobacco.
Receipt of addiction treatment as a consequence of a brief intervention for drug use in primary care: a randomized trial
Authors: Kim Theresa W. , Bernstein Judith , Cheng Debbie M. , Lloyd‐Travaglini Christine , Samet Jeffrey H. , Palfai Tibor P. , Saitz Richard
Published: November 2016

Background and Aims

Screening, brief intervention and ‘referral to treatment’ programs have been promoted widely as US federal policy. Little is known about the efficacy of the RT component (referral to treatment) of brief intervention for motivating patients with unhealthy drug use identified by screening to use addiction treatment. This study aimed to compare receipt of addiction treatment following two types of brief intervention for drug use versus a no‐intervention control group among primary care patients screening positive for drug use.

Design

Secondary analyses from a single‐site randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Massachusetts, USA.

Participants

A total of 528 adults with Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) drug‐specific scores ≥ 4.

Interventions

Random assignment to: (1) a 10–15‐minute brief negotiated interview (BNI) conducted by health educators (n = 174), (2) a 30–45‐minute adaptation of motivational interviewing by Masters‐level counselors (MOTIV) (n = 177) or (3) no BI (n = 177). All received a list of treatment and mutual help resources; both intervention protocols included dedicated staff for treatment referrals.

Measurements

Receipt of any addiction treatment within 6 months after study entry, assessed in a state‐wide database and hospital electronic medical record linked to trial data.

Findings

Among 528 participants, the main drugs used were marijuana (63%), cocaine (19%) and opioids (17%); 46% met past‐year drug dependence criteria (short form Composite International Diagnostic Interview); and 10% of MOTIV, 18% of BNI and 17% of control participants had any addiction treatment receipt within 6 months after study entry. There was no significant difference in addiction treatment receipt for BNI versus control [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.57, 2.15, Hochberg adjusted P = 0.76]. The MOTIV group had lower odds of linking to treatment (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.17, 0.78, Hochberg adjusted P = 0.02) compared with the no BI group.

Conclusion

Brief intervention delivered in primary care for screen‐identified drug use did not increase addiction treatment receipt significantly; a motivational interviewing approach appeared to be counterproductive.
Association of single nucleotide polymorphism in melatonin receptor 1A gene with egg production traits in Yangzhou geese
Authors: Alsiddig M. A. , Yu S. G. , Pan Z. X. , Widaa H. , Badri T. M. , Chen J. , Liu H. L.
Published: November 2016

In the present study the melatonin receptor 1A gene (MTNR1A) was proposed to be a candidate gene for egg production in Yangzhou geese. A total of 210 goose blood samples were collected to investigate the association of the MTNR1A gene with the number of eggs produced. Using a direct sequencing method, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; g.177G>C) was detected in the 5ʹ regulatory region of the MTNR1A gene (Genbank ss1985399687). Two alleles (G and C) and three genotypes were identified. Association analysis results showed that the g.177G>C SNP significantly affected the level of egg production within a 34‐week egg‐laying period (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the geese with the GG genotype produced significantly more eggs compared to the geese with the CC genotype. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis showed that the MTNR1A gene was highly expressed in small intestine, granulosa cell and ovary compared to other examined tissues. In addition, the mRNA expression level of MTNR1A in ovary indicated that significantly higher expression levels were recorded for geese with the GG genotype compared to those with the CC genotype. Moreover, a luciferase reporter assay showed that the CC genotype had significantly lower promoter activity than did GG. These results suggest that the identified SNP in the MTNR1A gene may influence the number of eggs produced and mRNA expression levels in Yangzhou geese and could be considered as a useful molecular marker in goose selection and improvement, especially for egg production.
Zika and pregnancy: A comprehensive review
Authors: Hajra Adrija , Bandyopadhyay Dhrubajyoti , Heise Lyndsey R. , Bhadra Rajarshi , Ball Somedeb , Hajra Shyamal Kumar
Published: November 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a well‐nurtured topic for healthcare personnel nowadays. Central nervous system involvement including microcephaly and ocular involvements has already been reported in neonates of affected pregnant ladies. In this article, we have discussed these effects on the newborns of ZIKV‐infected mothers. The proposed pathogenesis, modes of transmission of this infection from mothers to the fetuses, diagnosis of the cases and precaution for the pregnant ladies have also been discussed. We have gathered the recently available data on the risk of ZIKV for expectant mothers from PubMed, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/zika-virus as well as from centers for disease control and prevention websites.
Glutathione in combination with trehalose has supplementary beneficial effects on cryopreserved red deer (cervus elaphus) sperm
Authors: Wang Yan , Dong Shude
Published: November 2016

Objectives

In this study, we evaluated the effects of glutathione in combination with trehalose addition to semen extenders on the quality parameters of frozen‐thawed red deer (cervus elaphus) spermatozoa.

Method of study

The semen samples collected from six mature red deer once a week were diluted with Tris‐egg yolk‐based extenders. The diluted semen samples were supplemented with glutathione (8 mmol L−1) and or trehalose (5%, w/v), cryopreserved, thawed and then subjected to sperm quality parameter evaluation.

Results

Both glutathione and trehalose addition to the extender significantly improved progressive motility, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity and decreased percentage abnormality and sperm malondialdehyde level compared with the control group (P<.05). Moreover, glutathione in combination with trehalose addition to semen extenders had higher efficiency compared with the glutathione or trehalose addition alone (P<.05).

Conclusion

Therefore, glutathione in combination with trehalose could be a promising cryoprotectant for red deer sperm.
Review of the aetiology, diagnostics and outcomes of childhood encephalitis from 1970 to 2009
Authors: Wickström Ronny , Fowler Åsa , Bogdanovic Gordana , Bennet Rutger , Eriksson Margareta
Published: November 2016

Aim

Encephalitis is a rare, serious condition, and antiviral therapies, increased knowledge of inflammatory pathways and improved diagnostics have increased the therapeutic possibilities. We describe 40 years of childhood encephalitis in Sweden, covering the diagnostics, aetiology and outcomes.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical data that were available for all children discharged from the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm following treatment for encephalitis from 1970 to 2009. The hospital treated all children in the region with the condition during the study period.

Results

There were 408 episodes of encephalitis from 1970 to 2009 and the incidence was similar over the whole period, ranging from 6.4 to 8.7 per 100 000 child years. Although mortality markedly decreased from 10% in the first decade to zero in the last decade, and aetiologies shifted, no clear long‐term improvements in outcome were seen. The need for intensive care was unchanged (18–20%) for each of the study intervals, possibly indicating that the severity of cases remained unaltered.

Conclusion

Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of encephalitis is vitally important for developing more efficient treatment regimens. As well as reporting the results of this 40‐year study, this study considers possible explanations, addresses current therapeutic options and explores directions for central nervous system infection research.
Rapid test for lung maturity, based on spectroscopy of gastric aspirate, predicted respiratory distress syndrome with high sensitivity
Authors: Verder Henrik , Heiring Christian , Clark Howard , Sweet David , Jessen Torben E. , Ebbesen Finn , Björklund Lars J. , Andreasson Bengt , Bender Lars , Bertelsen Aksel , Dahl Marianne , Eschen Christian , Fenger‐Grøn Jesper , Hoffmann Stine F. , Höskuldsson Agnar , Bruusgaard‐Mouritsen Maria , Lundberg Fredrik , Postle Anthony D. , Schousboe Peter , Schmidt Peter , Stanchev Hristo , Sørensen Lars
Published: November 2016

Aim

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in premature infants. By the time symptoms appear, it may already be too late to prevent a severe course, with bronchopulmonary dysplasia or mortality. We aimed to develop a rapid test of lung maturity for targeting surfactant supplementation.

Methods

Concentrations of the most surface‐active lung phospholipid dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin in gastric aspirates from premature infants were measured by mass spectrometry and expressed as the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio (L/S). The same aspirates were analysed with mid‐infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, L/S was measured in gastric aspirates and oropharyngeal secretions from another group of premature infants using spectroscopy and the results were compared with RDS development. The 10‐minute analysis required 10 μL of aspirate.

Results

An L/S algorithm was developed based on 89 aspirates. Subsequently, gastric aspirates were sampled in 136 infants of 24–31 weeks of gestation and 61 (45%) developed RDS. The cut‐off value of L/S was 2.2, sensitivity was 92%, and specificity was 73%. In 59 cases, the oropharyngeal secretions had less valid L/S than gastric aspirate results.

Conclusion

Our rapid test for lung maturity, based on spectroscopy of gastric aspirate, predicted RDS with high sensitivity.
Primate response to natural gas pipeline construction in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Gregory Tremaine , Carrasco‐Rueda Farah , Deichmann Jessica , Kolowski Joseph , Alonso Alfonso
Published: November 2016

While natural resource exploration and extraction activity is expanding in the Neotropics, our understanding of wildlife response to such activity is almost non‐existent. Primates, which fulfill important ecological roles and face numerous anthropogenic threats, are of particular concern. We studied primate group distribution before, during, and after natural gas pipeline construction in the Peruvian Amazon to investigate whether primates spatially avoid areas of disturbance. We monitored primates on eight transects 20 times per annual sampling period in three consecutive years and analyzed changes in group observations relative to the pipeline right‐of‐way in a multi‐season occupancy modeling framework. Overall primate group encounter rates were low (<half) compared to a nearby protected area. Contrary to expectations, we did not see clear evidence of spatial avoidance of the pipeline area. Although higher overall encounter rates before construction suggested lower primate use of the area during and following construction, this pattern could not be confirmed statistically, and probability of colonization and extinction of transect sections in the occupancy analysis could not be differentiated from zero. These results are probably attributable to a combination of low numbers of primate encounters and high spatial variability in primate use of different transects. This study provides valuable preliminary data and a methodological framework for understanding the response of an ecologically important group of mammals to anthropogenic activity. We encourage other researchers to continue exploring the impacts of natural resource exploration‐ and extraction‐related activities in the tropics, as such activities are likely to have a growing effect on ecosystems.
Association between bullying behavior, perceived school safety, and self‐cutting: a Japanese population‐based school survey
Authors: Hamada Shoko , Kaneko Hitoshi , Ogura Masayoshi , Yamawaki Aya , Maezono Junko , Sillanmäki Lauri , Sourander Andre , Honjo Shuji
Published: November 2016

Background

No previous population‐based studies have examined associations between self‐cutting, perceived school safety, and bullying behavior among East Asian adolescents.

Method

We examined whether bullying, victimization, and perceived school safety were associated with self‐cutting by getting 1865 students with a mean age of 13.9 years (standard deviation 0.2 years) to complete questions on these variables. Psychiatric problems were assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Results

About 5.6% of males and 11.9% females had practiced self‐cutting and when we controlled these results for psychiatric symptoms, self‐cutting was associated with being both a bully and a victim among males and females. In addition, self‐cutting was independently associated with perceived school safety among females. Those who felt unsafe at school and were victimized were much more likely to engage in self‐cutting.

Conclusions

Self‐cutting among Japanese adolescents was linked with bullying behavior and feeling unsafe at school. Secure school environments and school‐based antibullying programs could help to prevent adolescent self‐injurious behavior.
Vascular endothelial growth factor promoter‐based conditionally replicative adenoviruses effectively suppress growth of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Harada Akiko , Uchino Junji , Harada Taishi , Nakagaki Noriaki , Hisasue Junko , Fujita Masaki , Takayama Koichi
Published: December 2016

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) incidence is increasing drastically worldwide as an occupational disease resulting from asbestos exposure. However, no curative treatment for MM of advanced stage is available. Thus, new therapeutic approaches for MM are required. Because malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) cells spread along the pleural surface in most patients, MPM can be targeted using intrapleural therapeutic approaches. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of the intrapleural instillation of a replication‐competent adenovirus as an oncolytic agent against MPM. We constructed a vascular endothelial growth factor promoter‐based conditionally replicative adenovirus (VEGF‐CRAd) that replicates exclusively in VEGF‐expressing cells. All of the MM cell lines that we tested expressed VEGF mRNA, and VEGF‐CRAd selectively replicated in these MM cells and exerted a direct concentration‐dependent oncolytic effect in vitro. Furthermore, our in vivo studies showed that pre‐infection of MM cells with VEGF‐CRAd potently suppressed MPM tumor formation in nude mice, and that intrapleural instillation of VEGF‐CRAd prolonged the survival time of tumor‐bearing mice. Our results indicate that VEGF‐CRAd exerts an oncolytic effect on MM cells and that intrapleural instillation of VEGF‐CRAd is safe and might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for MPM.
Sacral neuromodulation for the treatment of faecal incontinence following proctectomy
Authors: Mizrahi I. , Chadi S. A. , Haim N. , Sands D. R. , Gurland B. , Zutshi M. , Wexner S. D. , da Silva G.
Published: November 2016

Aim

This study assessed the effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for faecal incontinence (FI) following proctectomy with colorectal or coloanal anastomosis.

Methods

An Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved database identified patients treated for FI following proctectomy (SNM‐P) for benign or malignant disease, who were matched 1:1 according to preoperative Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence Scores (CCF‐FIS) with patients without proctectomy (SNM‐NP). Primary outcome was change in CCF‐FIS.

Results

Twelve patients (seven women) were in the SNM‐P group and 12 (all women) were in the SNM‐NP group. In the SNM‐P group, six patients underwent proctectomy for low rectal cancer and five received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Five patients had handsewn anastomosis, and one had stapled coloanal anastomosis. One lead explantation occurred after a failed 2‐week SNM percutaneous trial. Six patients underwent proctectomy for benign conditions. Within‐group analyses revealed significant improvement in CCF‐FIS in the SNM‐P group (reduction from a score of 18 to a score of 14; P = 0.02), which was more profound for benign disease (reduction from 14.5 to 8.5) than for rectal cancer (reduction from 19.5 to 15). SNM was explanted in 66% and 33% of patients after proctectomy for malignant and benign conditions, respectively. In the SNM‐NP group, 41% underwent overlapping sphincteroplasty. One patient received chemoradiation for anal cancer. Within‐group analysis for the SNM‐NP group showed significant improvement in CCF‐FIS (a reduction from 17.5 to 4.0; P = 0.003). There was significant improvement in CCF‐FIS in patients without previous proctectomy (mean delta CCF‐FIS: 11.1 vs 4.7; P = 0.011). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) reaffirmed that controls outperformed proctectomy patients (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

SNM for FI after proctectomy appears less effective than SNM in patients without proctectomy, with high device explantation rates, particularly after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and proctectomy for low rectal cancer.
Adipophilin expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Fujimoto Masakazu , Matsuzaki Ibu , Yamamoto Yuki , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Warigaya Kenji , Iwahashi Yoshifumi , Kojima Fumiyoshi , Furukawa Fukumi , Murata Shin‐ichi
Published: November 2016

Background

The lipogenic pathway is upregulated in cancer cells, including melanomas. However, the pathological significance of cellular lipids in melanocytic lesions has yet to be determined. In this study, we evaluated intracytoplasmic lipid droplets in melanocytic nevi (MNs) and malignant melanomas via immunohistochemical analysis of adipophilin (ADP), which coats lipid droplets.

Methods

One hundred primary cutaneous melanocytic lesions [33 MNs, 17 melanomas in situ (MIS), and 50 invasive melanomas (IMs)] were immunostained for ADP. The intensity score (IS) and proportion score (PS) of ADP staining in each case was recorded semiquantitatively on a scale of 0 to 3+.

Results

High ADP expression (IS2/3+ and PS2/3+) was observed in 27 primary cutaneous melanocytic lesions that consisted of 23 IMs, three MISs, and one MN. Consequently, high ADP expression was associated with malignancy (38.8% vs. 3.0%; p < 0.0001). Among the IMs, high ADP expression was more prevalent in pT3/4 than pT1/2 (63.3% vs. 23.8%; p = 0.01) and Stage 3/4 than Stage 1/2 (76.9% vs. 36.8%; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The majority of the melanocytic lesions with high ADP expression were malignant melanomas in our cohort. Therefore, ADP expression may serve as a sensitive diagnostic marker for malignant melanoma.
Insulin pump failures in Italian children with Type 1 diabetes: retrospective 1‐year cohort study
Authors: Rabbone I. , Minuto N. , Bonfanti R. , Marigliano M. , Cerutti F. , Cherubini V. , d'Annunzio G. , Frongia A. P. , Iafusco D. , Ignaccolo G. , Lombardo F. , Schiaffini R. , Toni S. , Tumini S. , Zucchini S. , Pistorio A. , Scaramuzza A. E. ,   the Italian Paediatric Pump Failure Study Group
Published: November 2016

Aims

Insulin pump failure and/or malfunction requiring replacement have not been thoroughly investigated. This study evaluated pump replacement in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes using insulin pump therapy.

Methods

Data were collected for all participants younger than 19 years, starting insulin pump therapy before 31 December 2013. For each child, age, disease duration, date of insulin pump therapy initiation, insulin pump model, failure/malfunction/replacement yes/no and reason were considered for the year 2013.

Results

Data were returned by 40 of 43 paediatric centres belonging to the Diabetes Study Group of the Italian Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology. In total, 1574 of 11 311 (13.9%) children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes were using an insulin pump: 29.2% Animas VIBE™, 9.4% Medtronic MiniMed 715/515™, 34.3% Medtronic MiniMed VEO™, 24.3% Accu‐Check Spirit Combo™ and 2.8% other models. In 2013, 0.165 insulin pump replacements per patient‐year (11.8% due to pump failure/malfunction and 4.7% due to accidental damage) were recorded. Animas VIBE™ (22.1%) and Medtronic MiniMed VEO™ (17.7%) were the most replaced.

Conclusions

In a large cohort of Italian children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, insulin pump failure/malfunction and consequent replacement are aligned with rates previously reported and higher in more sophisticated pump models.
Fish assemblage dynamics in an intermittent river of the northern Australian wet–dry tropics
Authors: Pusey Bradley J. , Kennard Mark J. , Douglas Michael , Allsop Quentin
Published: November 2016

Intermittent rivers make up a large portion of the global river network and are the dominant river type in northern Australia. Increased pressure is being placed on such systems, and a better understanding of their ecology is needed. We examined, over a 7‐year period, the fish fauna of the intermittent Fergusson River, a major tributary of the Daly River of the northern Australia. Changes in habitat structure with the onset of the dry season involved contraction of the riffle/run/pool habitat to a single refugial pool, the size of which was determined by antecedent wet season hydrology. The fishes present comprised a subset of species present within the Daly River main channel and consisted of the most widely distributed of northern Australia's freshwater fishes. The Fergusson River provides suitable spawning habitat for species during the wet season (e.g. Hephaestus fuliginosus, Leiopotherapon unicolor and Neosilurus catfishes) and during the dry season for a different set of species (e.g. Amniataba percoides, Melanotaenia australis and Glossogobius aureus). Little year‐to‐year variation in assemblage structure was observed early in the dry season, whereas interannual variation in late dry season assemblages was substantial. Dry season recruitment imparted some of the interannual variability in assemblage structure recorded between late dry season samples. Piscivorous fishes were an important, but temporally variable, component of the assemblage present in the late dry season refugial habitat, and predation was potentially another important source of variation in assemblage structure.
Beyond the Myth of the Nietzschean Ideal‐Type
Authors: Townsend Simon
Published: December 2016

This paper furthers the understanding of Nietzsche's project of increasing the prevalence of higher individuals. I do this by opposing the dominant tendency in Nietzschean scholarship of constructing a single ideal‐type. I argue that Nietzsche actually describes multiple higher types, with incommensurable physiological and psychological characteristics, and that attempts to collapse these into one type obscure the nuance and richness of his thought. Furthermore, I claim that higher types are not ahistorical ideals; instead, their emergence relates closely to existing psychological and physiological conditions in society. The artistic‐genius type, for example, is characterised by his sensitivity to stimuli and plays a vital role in injecting creativity into culturally uniform societies. He is, however, a counter‐productive role model for diverse modern societies, characterised by an abundance of stimuli and widespread reactivity. In response to such conditions, Nietzsche extols the virtue of a peculiarly anti‐modern type, who cultivates independence from stimuli. Interpreting higher types as multiple and historically situated is vital to carrying out the normative aspect of Nietzsche's philosophy. This role is performed by the philosophical‐physician, who surveys the physiological and psychological conditions of his own age and attempts to exploit these conditions to produce future higher individuals.
Thoracic aortic rupture in horses
Authors: Ploeg M. , Saey V. , van Loon G. , Delesalle C.
Published: November 2016

The aorta can rupture at the aortic root or aortic arch. In most breeds, the aortic root is the likely site and rupture leads to aortocardiac fistula with communication between the aorta and the right atrium, right ventricle and/or the interventricular septum. There is a high prevalence of aortic rupture in young Friesian horses and rupture occurs at the aortic arch with pseudoaneurysm and potentially aortopulmonary fistulation. Echocardiographic andpost‐mortemtechniques must be adapted to identify aortic arch rupture that is not generally identified with standard approaches. Given the narrow genetic base of the Friesian breed and the significant differences found in extracellular matrix composition and metabolism between Friesians and Warmbloods, genetic factors are likely to contribute to the condition in the Friesian breed.
Growth inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of l‐asparaginase from Fusarium culmorum ASP‐87 on human leukemia cells (Jurkat)
Authors: Meghavarnam Anil K. , Salah Maryam , Sreepriya Meenakshisundaram , Janakiraman Savitha
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anticancer properties of l‐asparaginase purified from fungal isolate Fusarium culmorum ASP‐87 against human T‐cell leukemia cell line (Jurkat). The growth inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of purified l‐asparaginase on Jurkat cell lines were investigated by determining its influence on cell viability, colony formation, DNA fragmentation, and cell cycle progression. The results revealed that purified l‐asparaginase showed significant decrease in cell survival with IC50 value of 90 μg/mL (9 IU/mL). The enzyme inhibited colony formation and showed characteristic laddering pattern on agarose gel thereby confirming the induction of apoptosis. Further, cell cycle analysis revealed that the enzyme induced apoptotic cell death by arresting the growth of cells at G2‐M phase. However, the enzyme did not elicit any toxic effects on human erythrocytes. l‐asparaginase purified from F. culmorum ASP‐87 showed significant and selective cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on human T‐cell leukemic cells in dose‐dependent manner. Results of the study give leads for the anticancer effects of fungal l‐asparaginase and its potential usefulness in the chemotherapy of leukemia.
The C‐terminal extension of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Hsp16.3 regulates its oligomerization, subunit exchange dynamics and chaperone function
Authors: Panda Alok Kumar , Chakraborty Ayon , Nandi Sandip Kumar , Kaushik Abhishek , Biswas Ashis
Published: November 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a human pathogen that secretes a major immunodominant antigen, namely Hsp16.3, throughout the course of infection. Hsp16.3 belongs to the small heat shock protein family and exhibits a molecular chaperone function that is important for the growth and survival of M. tuberculosis in host cell macrophages. The importance of the N‐terminal region for the structure and chaperone function of Hsp16.3 is well understood. However, the effect of the C‐terminal region on these properties is far from clear. Therefore, we cloned, over‐expressed and purified wild‐type and seven C‐terminal‐truncated mutant proteins of Hsp16.3. Mutants with deletions of one and two C‐terminal extension (CTE) residues had a structure and chaperone function similar to wild‐type protein. Intriguingly, deletion of three residues from the CTE triggered perturbation of the tertiary structure, dissociation of the oligomeric assembly (dodecamer to octamer and dimer), enhancement of subunit exchange dynamics and improvement in the chaperone function of Hsp16.3. Interestingly, these structural modulations (except oligomeric dissociation) as well as chaperoning strength reached their apex upon truncation of the entire CTE (141RSTN144). Further deletions from the C‐terminal region beyond the CTE increased only the degree of oligomeric dissociation, and the complete removal of this region made the protein into a dimer. Overall, our study suggests a ‘new structural element’ in the C‐terminal region, i.e. the C‐terminal extension, which plays an important role in the oligomerization, subunit exchange dynamics and chaperone function of Hsp16.3.
Loss of ppr3, ppr4, ppr6, or ppr10 perturbs iron homeostasis and leads to apoptotic cell death in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Su Yang , Yang Yanmei , Huang Ying
Published: November 2016

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins characterized by tandem arrays of a degenerate 35‐amino‐acid repeat belong to a large family of RNA‐binding proteins that are involved in post‐transcriptional control of organelle gene expression. PPR proteins are ubiquitous in eukaryotes, and particularly prevalent in higher plants. Schizosaccharomyces pombe has 10 PPR proteins. Among them, ppr3, ppr4, ppr6, and ppr10 participate in mitochondrial post‐transcriptional processes and are required for mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) function. In the present work, we showed that deletion of ppr3, ppr4, ppr6, or ppr10 led to apoptotic cell death, as revealed by DAPI and Annexin V‐FITC staining. These mutants also exhibited elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and quantitative RT‐PCR analyses revealed that deletion of ppr10 affected critical biological processes. In particular, a core set of genes involved in iron uptake and/or iron homeostasis was elevated in the Δppr10 mutant, suggesting an elevated level of intracellular iron in the mutant. Consistent with this notion, Δppr3, Δppr4, Δppr6, and Δppr10 mutants exhibited increased sensitivity to iron. Furthermore, the iron chelator, bathophenanthroline disulfonic acid, but not the calcium chelator EGTA, nearly restored the viabilities of Δppr3, Δppr4, Δppr6, and Δppr10 mutants, and reduced ROS levels in the mutants. These results show for the first time that deletion of a ppr gene leads to perturbation of iron homeostasis. Our results also suggest that disrupted iron homeostasis in Δppr3, Δppr4, Δppr6, and Δppr10 mutants may lead to an increase in the level of ROS and induction of apoptotic cell death in S. pombe.

Database

The RNA‐seq data have been deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) BioProject database (accession number SRP091623) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (accession number GSE90144).
Adaptive and plastic responses of Quercus petraea populations to climate across Europe
Authors: Sáenz‐Romero Cuauhtémoc , Lamy Jean‐Baptiste , Ducousso Alexis , Musch Brigitte , Ehrenmann François , Delzon Sylvain , Cavers Stephen , Chałupka Władysław , Dağdaş Said , Hansen Jon Kehlet , Lee Steve J. , Liesebach Mirko , Rau Hans‐Martin , Psomas Achilleas , Schneck Volker , Steiner Wilfried , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Kremer Antoine
Published: November 2016

How temperate forests will respond to climate change is uncertain; projections range from severe decline to increased growth. We conducted field tests of sessile oak (Quercus petraea), a widespread keystone European forest tree species, including more than 150 000 trees sourced from 116 geographically diverse populations. The tests were planted on 23 field sites in six European countries, in order to expose them to a wide range of climates, including sites reflecting future warmer and drier climates. By assessing tree height and survival, our objectives were twofold: (i) to identify the source of differential population responses to climate (genetic differentiation due to past divergent climatic selection vs. plastic responses to ongoing climate change) and (ii) to explore which climatic variables (temperature or precipitation) trigger the population responses. Tree growth and survival were modeled for contemporary climate and then projected using data from four regional climate models for years 2071–2100, using two greenhouse gas concentration trajectory scenarios each. Overall, results indicated a moderate response of tree height and survival to climate variation, with changes in dryness (either annual or during the growing season) explaining the major part of the response. While, on average, populations exhibited local adaptation, there was significant clinal population differentiation for height growth with winter temperature at the site of origin. The most moderate climate model (HIRHAM5‐EC; rcp4.5) predicted minor decreases in height and survival, while the most extreme model (CCLM4‐GEM2‐ES; rcp8.5) predicted large decreases in survival and growth for southern and southeastern edge populations (Hungary and Turkey). Other nonmarginal populations with continental climates were predicted to be severely and negatively affected (Bercé, France), while populations at the contemporary northern limit (colder and humid maritime regions; Denmark and Norway) will probably not show large changes in growth and survival in response to climate change.
The efficiency of nitrogen in cattle manures when applied to a double‐annual forage cropping system
Authors: Perramon B. , Bosch‐Serra À. D. , Domingo‐Olivé F. , Boixadera J.
Published: November 2016

The use of cattle manure (CM) for fertilization presents challenges for optimizing nitrogen (N) use. Our work aimed to assess N efficiencies, in a 6‐year experiment with three biennial rotations of four crops: oat–sorghum (first year) and ryegrass–maize (second year) in a rainfed humid Mediterranean area of Spain. Fertilization treatments included the following: control (no N), 250 kg mineral N ha−1 year−1 (250MN), three CM rates (supplying 170, 250 and 500 kg N ha−1 year−1) and four treatments where the two lowest CM rates were complemented with either 80 or 160 kg mineral N ha−1 year−1. Treatments were distributed randomly in each of three blocks. Maximum dry‐matter yield (~44–49 t ha−1 rotation−1) was achieved in the third rotation, and only the control and the 170CM yielded significantly less. Within the limitations of the EU Nitrate Directive, the N steady state supply of 170CM always requires a complement of mineral N (80 kg N ha−1) to maximize N agronomic efficiency. The maximum N‐fertilizer replacement value (250CM vs. 250MN) was 0·67, without significant differences between the two treatments in other N‐related efficiency indexes, which indicates that plants took advantage of residual‐N effects. Nitrogen losses by leaching in the 250CM treatment were around 5–7% of the N applied. This reinforces the sustainability of manure recycling in long cropping seasons.
Changes in urine volume and serum albumin in incident hemodialysis patients
Authors: Eriguchi Rieko , Obi Yoshitsugu , Rhee Connie M. , Chou Jason A. , Tortorici Amanda R. , Mathew Anna T. , Kim Taehee , Soohoo Melissa , Streja Elani , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Hypoalbuminemia is a predictor of poor outcomes in dialysis patients. Among hemodialysis patients, there has not been prior study of whether residual kidney function or decline over time impacts serum albumin levels. We hypothesized that a decline in residual kidney function is associated with an increase in serum albumin levels among incident hemodialysis patients.

Methods: In a large national cohort of 38,504 patients who initiated hemodialysis during 1/2007‐12/2011, we examined the association of residual kidney function, ascertained by urine volume and renal urea clearance, with changes in serum albumin over five years across strata of baseline residual kidney function, race, and diabetes using case‐mix adjusted linear mixed effects models.

Findings: Serum albumin levels increased over time. At baseline, patients with greater urine volume had higher serum albumin levels: 3.44 ± 0.48, 3.50 ± 0.46, 3.57 ± 0.44, 3.59 ± 0.45, and 3.65 ± 0.46 g/dL for urine volume groups of <300, 300–<600, 600–<900, 900–<1,200, and ≥1,200 mL/day, respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). Over time, urine volume and renal urea clearance declined and serum albumin levels rose, while the baseline differences in serum albumin persisted across groups of urinary volume. In addition, the rate of decline in residual kidney function was not associated with the rate of change in albumin.

Discussion: Hypoalbuminemia in hemodialysis patients is associated with lower residual kidney function. Among incident hemodialysis patients, there is a gradual rise in serum albumin that is independent of the rate of decline in residual kidney function, suggesting that preservation of residual kidney function does not have a deleterious impact on serum albumin levels.
The power of symbolic capital in patient and public involvement in health research
Authors: Locock Louise , Boylan Anne‐Marie , Snow Rosamund , Staniszewska Sophie
Published: November 2016

Background

Policy‐makers and health research funders increasingly require researchers to demonstrate that they have involved patients in the design and conduct of research. However, the extent to which patients and public have the power to get involved on an equal footing is dependent on their economic, cultural, social and symbolic capital.

Objective

To explore power relations in patient and public involvement (PPI) in research, particularly how patients may wield symbolic capital to develop a more equal relationship.

Methods

Narrative interviews with a maximum variation sample of 38 people involved as patients, carers or public in health research, analysed thematically.

Findings

Symbolic capital may be demonstrated in a range of ways (sometimes alongside or in the absence of other forms of capital): illness experience, technical illness knowledge and the challenging outsider. Symbolic capital is unstable and dependent on others for recognition and legitimacy. Nonetheless, participants identify a gradual shift in power relations over time.

Discussion and conclusions

Research into PPI has been conceptually and theoretically poor, limiting our understanding of its mechanisms and wider contextual elements. Our findings demonstrate the importance of reflecting on the forms of power and capital wielded by the health research community, and of acknowledging the way in which PPI is challenging the status quo. As one of the first papers to conceptualize how different forms of symbolic capital operate and their critical role in challenging the balance of power, our findings may help researchers better plan their PPI activities and reflect on their own power.
Assessing the spatial ecology and resource use of a mobile and endangered species in an urbanized landscape using satellite telemetry and DNA faecal metabarcoding
Authors: Groom Christine , White Nicole E. , Mitchell Nicola , Roberts J. Dale , Mawson Peter
Published: November 2016

The conservation of highly mobile species presents challenges to managers for assessment of threats to survival, given the difficulties in locating and observing such species. Here we evaluate satellite telemetry, DNA faecal metabarcoding and traditional field observations as three complementary techniques to acquire critical management information for an endangered species, Carnaby's Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris. Satellite telemetry of 23 birds resulted in 6026 location fixes accurate to within 500 m, and combined with extensive field observations and DNA faecal metabarcoding resulted in a more detailed understanding of how this species survives in an urbanized landscape. We identified 168 night roosts, 75% of which were previously unknown, which will contribute towards a more accurate population size estimate based on annual counts of roosting birds. We also determined the scale of daily movements (morning 5.4 ± 3.4 km from roost, afternoon 5.5 ± 3.3 km to roost; maximum distance between consecutive roosts 69.7 km) and the size of foraging areas around roosts (range 17–276 km2), and identified dependence on a variety of native and exotic food sources. Field observations identified 11 food‐plant families, but combined with DNA faecal metabarcoding this was extended to 21 food‐plant families. The three techniques were compared to assess their individual and collective values. By combining spatial ecology information from satellite telemetry with ecological knowledge from field observation and DNA faecal analysis, we gained deeper insights into the ecology of the species than would have been possible from any one technique alone. This information will lead to more strategic conservation planning to allow this species to persist within a rapidly expanding urban environment.
Cereal processing and glycaemic response
Authors: Sopade Peter A.
Published: November 2016

Cereals are processed into diverse products using techniques that range from thermal to biotechnological, with different degrees of mechanical and pressure effects, in various moisture systems. Amongst others, cereal processing gelatinises starch, influences its digestibility and modulates glycaemia, and this review concentrates on recent developments on how cereal processing conditions affect these properties. In vitro and in vivo starch digestions are discussed, so also are types of digestible starches and glycaemic indices (GIs) of cereal products. Modelling of in vitro starch digestograms and estimated GIs of processing effects are highlighted. Extrusion moisture of and fermentation time‐dependent acidity in cereal products reduce GIs, and their lipid components can enhance amylose–lipid complexation to reduce starch digestibility. Cereal types and varieties differ in starch characteristics, micronutrients, amylase inhibitors and nonstarch components. This review explores how these endogenous factors, in association with exogenous factors, can assist in combining cereal processing conditions for desirable glycaemic outcomes.