bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wittgenstein, Theories of Meaning, and Linguistic Disjunctivism
Authors: Bronzo Silver
Published: February 2017

This paper argues that Wittgenstein opposed theories of meaning, and did so for good reasons. Theories of meaning, in the sense discussed here, are attempts to explain what makes it the case that certain sounds, shapes, or movements are meaningful linguistic expressions. It is widely believed that Wittgenstein made fundamental contributions to this explanatory project. I argue, by contrast, that in both his early and later works, Wittgenstein endorsed a disjunctivist conception of language which rejects the assumption underlying the question that such theories seek to answer—namely, the assumption that the notion of a meaningful linguistic expression admits of non‐circular analysis. Moreover, I give two arguments in favor of the view I ascribe to Wittgenstein: one based on later Wittgenstein's discussion of meaning skepticism and one based on considerations concerning the identity of linguistic expressions.
Hormonally active phytochemicals and vertebrate evolution
Authors: Lambert Max R. , Edwards Thea M.
Published: February 2017

Living plants produce a diversity of chemicals that share structural and functional properties with vertebrate hormones. Wildlife species interact with these chemicals either through consumption of plant materials or aquatic exposure. Accumulating evidence shows that exposure to these hormonally active phytochemicals (HAPs) often has consequences for behavior, physiology, and fecundity. These fitness effects suggest there is potential for an evolutionary response by vertebrates to HAPs. Here, we explore the toxicological HAP–vertebrate relationship in an evolutionary framework and discuss the potential for vertebrates to adapt to or even co‐opt the effects of plant‐derived chemicals that influence fitness. We lay out several hypotheses about HAPs and provide a path forward to test whether plant‐derived chemicals influence vertebrate reproduction and evolution. Studies of phytochemicals with direct impacts on vertebrate reproduction provide an obvious and compelling system for studying evolutionary toxicology. Furthermore, an understanding of whether animal populations evolve in response to HAPs could provide insightful context for the study of rapid evolution and how animals cope with chemical agents in the environment.
When evolution is the solution to pollution: Key principles, and lessons from rapid repeated adaptation of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) populations
Authors: Whitehead Andrew , Clark Bryan W. , Reid Noah M. , Hahn Mark E. , Nacci Diane
Published: February 2017

For most species, evolutionary adaptation is not expected to be sufficiently rapid to buffer the effects of human‐mediated environmental changes, including environmental pollution. Here we review how key features of populations, the characteristics of environmental pollution, and the genetic architecture underlying adaptive traits, may interact to shape the likelihood of evolutionary rescue from pollution. Large populations of Atlantic killifish(Fundulus heteroclitus)persist in some of the most contaminated estuaries of the United States, and killifish studies have provided some of the first insights into the types of genomic changes that enable rapid evolutionary rescue from complexly degraded environments. We describe how selection by industrial pollutants and other stressors has acted on multiple populations of killifish and posit that extreme nucleotide diversity uniquely positions this species for successful evolutionary adaptation. Mechanistic studies have identified some of the genetic underpinnings of adaptation to a well‐studied class of toxic pollutants; however, multiple genetic regions under selection in wild populations seem to reflect more complex responses to diverse native stressors and/or compensatory responses to primary adaptation. The discovery of these pollution‐adapted killifish populations suggests that the evolutionary influence of anthropogenic stressors as selective agents occurs widely. Yet adaptation to chemical pollution in terrestrial and aquatic vertebrate wildlife may rarely be a successful “solution to pollution” because potentially adaptive phenotypes may be complex and incur fitness costs, and therefore be unlikely to evolve quickly enough, especially in species with small population sizes.
Improving the interpretability of climate landscape metrics: An ecological risk analysis of Japan's Marine Protected Areas
Authors: García Molinos Jorge , Takao Shintaro , Kumagai Naoki H. , Poloczanska Elvira S. , Burrows Michael T. , Fujii Masahiko , Yamano Hiroya
Published: February 2017

Conservation efforts strive to protect significant swaths of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems from a range of threats. As climate change becomes an increasing concern, these efforts must take into account how resilient‐protected spaces will be in the face of future drivers of change such as warming temperatures. Climate landscape metrics, which signal the spatial magnitude and direction of climate change, support a convenient initial assessment of potential threats to and opportunities within ecosystems to inform conservation and policy efforts where biological data are not available. However, inference of risk from purely physical climatic changes is difficult unless set in a meaningful ecological context. Here, we aim to establish this context using historical climatic variability, as a proxy for local adaptation by resident biota, to identify areas where current local climate conditions will remain extant and future regional climate analogues will emerge. This information is then related to the processes governing species’ climate‐driven range edge dynamics, differentiating changes in local climate conditions as promoters of species range contractions from those in neighbouring locations facilitating range expansions. We applied this approach to assess the future climatic stability and connectivity of Japanese waters and its network of marine protected areas (MPAs). We find 88% of Japanese waters transitioning to climates outside their historical variability bounds by 2035, resulting in large reductions in the amount of available climatic space potentially promoting widespread range contractions and expansions. Areas of high connectivity, where shifting climates converge, are present along sections of the coast facilitated by the strong latitudinal gradient of the Japanese archipelago and its ocean current system. While these areas overlap significantly with areas currently under significant anthropogenic pressures, they also include much of the MPA network that may provide stepping‐stone protection for species that must shift their distribution because of climate change.
Dental status as a predictor of mortality among nursing facility residents in eastern Iowa
Authors: Caplan Daniel J. , Ghazal Tariq S. , Cowen Howard J. , Oliveira Deise C.
Published: February 2017

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate dental status (ie, number of teeth and presence of removable dental prostheses) as a predictor of all‐cause mortality among nursing facility residents.

Background

Edentulism has been associated with poorer health outcomes in geriatric populations.

Materials and Methods

Between March 2006 and June 2008, oral health screening examinations were completed for 584 residents of 10 nursing facilities in four eastern Iowa counties. In September 2013, demographic, general and oral health information was obtained from the screening forms and linked with Iowa state death certificate data. The study outcome (time to death) was defined as the number of days between the screening examination and death. Univariate and bivariate distributions were assessed, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were generated to arrive at factors associated with time to death.

Results

A total of 535 residents were eligible for data analysis. Age at screening ranged from 60‐103 years (mean=85.2), 70% were female, and 33% were edentulous. By September 2013, 468 (87.5%) had died, with a median time to death among these individuals of 2.0 years. The final multivariable Cox model included data from 393 (73.4%) of the residents; statistically significant relationships were observed between time to death and dental status, age, sex, cooperativeness with care providers and renal disease.

Conclusions

Dental status remained strongly associated with time to death even after controlling for other important demographic and health‐related factors.
Tooth loss among the elders in an inner city area of Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ibiyemi Olushola , Idiga Ejiro
Published: February 2017

Objective

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with tooth loss among elders in an inner city area of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Background

Tooth loss is an indication of the oral health of a population, and the possible effects of oral health on general health of the elders has been reported.

Material and methods

A cross‐sectional study was undertaken among 392 consenting elders in Idikan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Information on socio‐demographic characteristics, causes and effects of tooth loss was obtained using a pretested semistructured questionnaire. After the interview, the elders were examined for the presence of tooth loss by a trained examiner.

Result

Mean (SD) age of the elders was 73.0 (9.2) years. One hundred and eighty‐seven (47.7%) participants had ≥1 missing tooth, and 20 (5.1%) participants had complete edentulousness. The mean SD number of missing teeth was 5.9 (4.7) teeth. Age, level of education, monthly income and physical impairment were associated with mean (SD) number of missing teeth (P˂.05). Speech difficulty, appearance problems, chewing difficulty, feeling bereaved, mobility of adjacent teeth, halitosis and premature ageing were reported more by participants who had ˃16 missing teeth compared to those who had ≤16 teeth (P˂.05).

Conclusion

The mouth prevalence of tooth loss was 47.7%, and mean (SD) number of missing teeth was 5.9 (4.7) teeth. Age, level of education, monthly income and physical impairment were associated with number of missing teeth (P˂.05). Speech difficulty, appearance problem, chewing difficulty, feeling of bereavement, mobility of adjacent teeth, halitosis and premature ageing were associated with increasing number of missing teeth (P˂.05).
Mechanical properties of 1 mol% CeO2‐10 mol% Sc2O3 co‐doped and stabilized ZrO2 synthesized through hydro/solve‐thermal method
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Chen Xiaoyu , Yao Rui , Liao Songyi , Chen Weiping , Nie Donghong , Wang Yueming , Zheng Feng
Published: February 2017

Ultra‐fine 1 mol% CeO2‐10 mol% Sc2O3 co‐doped and stabilized ZrO2 (1Ce10ScSZ) powders with average grain size less than 10 nm in diameter were prepared by hydro/solve‐thermal method using either deionized water, ethanol, or methanol as solvent. As‐synthesized powders were characterized in terms of phase structure, particle morphology, and chemical composition by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), respectively. Sintering studying was conducted on pellets of 15 mm in diameter and 3 mm in thickness under uniaxial compaction using 25 MPa at either 600, 800, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, or 1500°C for 1 hour. Phase transitions and grain morphologies of those sintered samples were characterized by XRD and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Mechanical properties were characterized on dense pellets sintered at 1500°C by nanoindentation. Experimental results showed that ethanol was more effective to synthesize agglomerate‐free 1Ce10ScSZ powders as compared with deionized water and methanol. Choice of solvent affected the environment of hydro/solve‐thermal solution, which led to variation of chemical compositions of powders and porosities of sintered pellets, and therefore, influenced their mechanical performance. Our study showed that solvent was important to make dense, thin, and mechanically robust 1Ce10ScSZ electrolyte for potential applications in electrochemical devices. Absolute values of hardness (H) and Young's modulus (E) measured from our samples are much higher and more consistence than those results obtained from commercial vendors reported in literatures.
Improving the quality of Sichuan pickle by adding a traditional Chinese medicinal herb Lycium barbarum in its fermentation
Authors: Liao Meng , Wu Zheng‐Yun , Yu Guo‐Hang , Zhang Wen‐Xue
Published: February 2017

Sichuan pickle is a traditional Chinese food fermented mainly by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In this study, effect of adding Lycium barbarum on Sichuan pickle fermentation was investigated using kinetic modelling and correlation analysis. It was found that L. barbarum addition not only increased the amount of LAB, the total acid content and antioxidant capacity, but also improved the organoleptic quality and reduced nitrite content of the pickle considerably. Model‐based analyses revealed that L. barbarum addition increased the growth rate and decreased the death rate of LAB. The increase in antioxidant capacity of the pickle, especially the phenolics, can at least partly be attributed to its transferring from the L. barbarum. Correlation analysis results suggest that the nitrite reduction in pickle is closely related with pH value decrease and the increase in acids, and LAB, yeast and acids may all make contribution to the antioxidant capacity of the pickle.
Effects of culture substrates on taste component content and taste quality of Lentinula edodes
Authors: Li Wen , Chen Wanchao , Yang Yan , Zhang Jingsong , Feng Jie , Yu Hailong , Zhou Shuai , Li Xiaobei , Liu Yanfang
Published: February 2017

In this research, the effects of culture substrates on taste component content of Lentinula edodes were studied, and the resulting taste quality of L. edodes was evaluated. The results revealed that single‐carbon and single‐nitrogen sources were beneficial to production of soluble sugars and polyols, organic acids and sweet amino acids, whereas a single‐carbon source was beneficial to essential amino acid production, and a mixed‐carbon source was beneficial to umami 5′‐nucleotides and high mushroom production yield. High C/N values were beneficial to trehalose, arabitol, malic acid, and succinic acid production, while low C/N values were beneficial to mannitol and citric acid production. L. edodes fruiting bodies, harvested from a culture substrate containing single carbon, high proportion of cereal bran, had a more palatable taste quality, while a substrate containing bagasse and low C/N values was not suitable for L. edodes cultivation due to unfavourable taste quality. These results provide cultivation information how to obtain fruiting bodies L. edodes with more taste components.
Effect of preprocessing techniques on pearl millet flour and changes in technological properties
Authors: Akinola Stephen A. , Badejo Adebanjo A. , Osundahunsi Oluwatooyin F. , Edema Mojisola O.
Published: February 2017

This study investigated the effect of some preprocessing techniques on the physicochemical and technological properties of pearl millet flour for possible industrial application. Pearl millet was processed into flour using different preprocessing techniques (blanching, debranning, fermentation and malting) and evaluated for physicochemical and functional properties, grain morphology and total viable count. The result showed that fermentation and malting brought about loosening of starch granules. Fermentation significantly reduced the bulk density by 22% and improved the colour lightness and paste viscosity properties of the preprocessed flour. Malting alone resulted in about 50% increase in protein content of the flour with improved solubility up to 64 g/100 g. Total viable count was highest in fermented sample in the order of 108 cfu g−1. Thus, the combination of fermentation and malting would give the best pearl millet flour with improved technological properties for application in the industries, thereby promoting food security in the region.
A randomized comparative evaluation of clinical and home application to investigate the effectiveness of silver nitrate (AgNO3) (95%) for the treatment of verruca pedis
Authors: Concannon Michael , Keogh Lisa , Stephenson John , Parfitt Grace , Forrest James
Published: February 2017

Objective

To investigate the clinical effectiveness of silver nitrate (95%) for the treatment of verruca pedis comparing professional and self-application treatments.

Methods

A single-centre, two-armed randomized evaluation was conducted at a University podiatry clinic. A total of 113 participants (101 analysed) with verruca pedis were included. Participants were randomized to either a clinical group, where silver nitrate was applied by a healthcare professional or a home group, where silver nitrate was self-applied. The main outcome measure was post-treatment pain, controlling for pre-treatment pain, and resolution of the verruca. Secondary outcome measures were participant satisfaction, partial reduction in the verruca and ease of use of the product.

Key findings

The study showed no significant difference between home treatment and clinically applied treatment for the treatment of verruca pedis in either primary outcome; however, a substantive difference in resolution between groups was recorded, with 34.0% full resolution and 26.4% partial resolution in the clinical treatment group, and 18.8% full resolution and 37.5% partial resolution in the home treatment group. Participants widely reported general ease of use of the product. All participants reported a reduction in pain as a result of the intervention.

Conclusion

Silver nitrate has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for verruca pedis, with equal success rates when compared between home and clinical applications.
Pharmacy students in private institutions of higher education: motivating factors when studying pharmacy and influences on university choice
Authors: Loo Jason S E , Lim Shiao Wei , Ng Yew Keong , Tiong John J L
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To identify factors influencing the decisions of Malaysian first-year pharmacy undergraduate students in private higher education when choosing to pursue a degree in pharmacy as well as their choice of private university.

Methods

This cross-sectional study employed a validated, self-administered questionnaire which was administered to 543 first-year pharmacy students from nine different private universities. Factor analysis was utilised to extract key factors from the responses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.

Key findings

Eight factors motivating students' decision to study pharmacy emerged from the responses, accounting for 63.8% of the variance observed. Students were primarily motivated by intrinsic interests, with work conditions and profession attributes also exerting significant influence. In terms of choice of private university, nine factors were identified, accounting for 73.8% of the variance observed. The image of the school and university were most influential factors in this context, followed by university safety, programme attributes and financial factors.

Conclusions

First-year pharmacy students in the private higher education sector are motivated by intrinsic interest when choosing to study pharmacy over other courses, while their choice of private university is influenced primarily by the image of the school and university.
The effects of sodium fluoride content on the properties of fluorochlorozirconate glass‐ceramic storage phosphors
Authors: Leonard Russell L. , Lubinsky Anthony R. , Johnson Jacqueline A.
Published: February 2017

The sodium fluoride content in fluorochlorozirconate (FCZ) glass‐ceramic storage phosphor plates was varied to determine the effect on sample properties, including photostimulated luminescence (PSL) light output for computed radiography applications. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that increasing sodium fluoride content, in general, lowered the glass transition, crystallization, and phase transformation temperatures of the as‐made glasses. Spectrophotometry results showed an increase in transparency with increased sodium fluoride content. Portions of each glass composition were heat treated to precipitate europium‐doped, orthorhombic barium chloride crystals within the glass matrix, creating glass‐ceramic storage phosphors. PSL decay curves were generated for each sample after exposure to X‐ray radiation. Sodium fluoride content is shown to have a significant role in the optimized performance of these materials.
Dehumanizing but competent: The impact of gender, illness type, and emotional expressiveness on patient perceptions of doctors
Authors: Adams Samantha M. , Case Trevor I. , Fitness Julie , Stevenson Richard J.
Published: February 2017

This study is the first attempt to investigate men's and women's anticipated reactions to a consultation with a doctor holding either a dehumanizing or humanistic approach to patient treatment. Participants (N = 375) read a vignette depicting a doctor's treatment philosophy—emphasizing either the metaphor of the body as a machine (dehumanizing condition) or emphasizing individual humanness (humanizing condition). They then imagined consulting the doctor about a psychological or physical illness. Although, medical dehumanization had undesirable consequences, some men rated the dehumanizing doctor as more competent than the humanizing doctor. These were men who were (a) emotionally expressive and seeking help for a psychological illness, and (b) men low in emotional expressiveness seeking help for a physical illness.
Recurrences in the Blanking Period and 12‐Month Success Rate by Continuous Cardiac Monitoring After Cryoablation of Paroxysmal and Non‐Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: PIERAGNOLI PAOLO , PAOLETTI PERINI ALESSANDRO , RICCIARDI GIUSEPPE , CHECCHI LUCA , GIOMI ANDREA , MURACA IACOPO , MANNUCCI LETIZIA , PADELETTI LUIGI
Published: February 2017

Early and Late Recurrences in AF Cryoablation

Introduction

Recurrences within the blanking period (early recurrences) are common after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation by pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), but their clinical significance is still controversial. We aimed at evaluating the significance of within‐blanking recurrences at 12‐month follow‐up after cryoballoon (CB) PVI, and to assess the real procedural success rate by continuous monitoring of cardiac rhythm.

Methods and Results

Sixty consecutive AF patients (34 paroxysmal, 56.7%) underwent their first CB‐PVI at one Italian center (May 2013 to April 2015), and subsequent implantation of an implantable loop recorder (ILR). Overall, 12‐month success rate after the blanking period was 55%. The shortest detected event was 7 minutes long. Late recurrences were more frequent in non‐paroxysmal (19/26, 73.1%) than in paroxysmal AF (8/34, 23.5%; P <0.001). Early recurrences occurred in 17 (28.3%) patients, with 14 also having late recurrences (82.3%), while only 13 out of 43 (30.2%) without within‐blanking recurrences experienced post‐blanking events (P <0.001). Overall, early recurrences showed 51.8% sensitivity (95% CI 31.9–71.3%) and 90.9% specificity (95% CI 75.7–98.1%) for later recurrences, with 82.3% (95% CI 56.6–96.2%) positive and 69.8% (95% CI 53.9–82.8%) negative predictive value. The positive likelihood ratio was 5.7 (95% CI 1.8–17.8). At multivariable analysis, non‐paroxysmal AF (HR: 3.113; 95% CI 1.309–7.403; P = 0.010) and within‐blanking recurrences (HR: 3.453; 95% CI 1.544–7.722; P = 0.003) were independent predictors of post‐blanking AT/AF.

Conclusion

CB‐PVI for paroxysmal AF shows a 12‐month success rate of 76.5% after one single procedure, as assessed by continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring. Within‐blanking recurrences predict the ablation failure in more than 80% of patients.
DDA1, a novel oncogene, promotes lung cancer progression through regulation of cell cycle
Authors: Cheng Lin , Yang Qianmei , Li Can , Dai Lei , Yang Yang , Wang Qingnan , Ding Yu , Zhang Junfeng , Liu Lei , Zhang Shuang , Fan Ping , Hu Xun , Xiang Rong , Yu Dechao , Wei Yuquan , Deng Hongxin
Published: February 2017

Lung cancer is globally widespread and associated with high morbidity and mortality. DDA1 (DET1 and DDB1 associated 1) was first discovered and registered in the GenBank database by our colleagues. DDA1, an evolutionarily conserved gene, might have significant functions. Recent reports have demonstrated that DDA1 is linked to the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway and facilitates the degradation of target proteins. However, the function of DDA1 in lung cancer was previously unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether DDA1 contributes to tumorigenesis and progression of lung cancer. We found that the expression of DDA1 in normal lung cells and tissue was significantly lower than that in lung cancer and was associated with poor prognosis. DDA1 overexpression promoted proliferation of lung tumour cells and facilitated cell cycle progression in vitro and subcutaneous xenograft tumour progression in vivo. Mechanistically, this was associated with the regulation of S phase and cyclins including cyclin D1/D3/E1. These results indicate that DDA1 promotes lung cancer progression, potentially through promoting cyclins and cell cycle progression. Therefore, DDA1 may be a potential novel target for lung cancer treatment, and a biomarker for tumour prognosis.
Editorial Perspective: ‘From there to here’: adapting child and adolescent mental health interventions for low‐resource settings
Authors: Divan Gauri
Published: February 2017

The majority of evidence for child and adolescent mental health interventions is generated in high‐income countries. However, the majority of the world's children live in low‐ and middle‐income countries, resulting in a large treatment gap for these disorders. A systematic approach to adapt evidence‐based interventions so as to address cultural and contextual issues will increase an interventions acceptability and reach, allowing us to address these enormous unmet needs.
Differentiation of chill‐stored and frozen pork necks using electronic nose with ultra‐fast gas chromatography
Authors: Górska‐Horczyczak Elżbieta , Wojtasik‐Kalinowska Iwona , Guzek Dominika , Sun Da‐Wen , Wierzbicka Agnieszka
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the possibility of differentiating chill‐stored and frozen pork necks with a technique of electronic nose (E‐nose) based on ultra‐fast gas chromatography (UFGC). Tests were carried out on pork necks from six pigs obtained from a breeding farm with Pork Quality System (PQS) implemented. The volatile organic compounds (VOC) of the meat samples with 1, 4, and 7 days of chill storage and samples with 5 months of frozen storage were investigated. Principal components analysis (PCA) showed differences in the volatile organic compounds profiles. Discriminant factor analysis (DFA) model was developed to identify the freshness of the meat samples. Results showed that using E‐nose Heracles II allowed effective recognition of chilled and frozen pork meats. Significant differences were found between VOC profiles. In practice, this technique could be applied to the meat industry for a rapid, cheap, and reliable assessment of meat freshness.

Practical applications

Investigation of methods for differentiation of chill‐stored and frozen pork necks is of significance for quality and safety maintenance. The current study developed a technique of electronic nose (E‐nose) based on ultra‐fast gas chromatography (UFGC) for recognizing the freshness difference of these meat products. Results showed that the technique allowed for effective recognition of chilled and frozen pork meats. In practice, this technique could be applied to the meat industry for a rapid, cheap, and reliable assessment of meat freshness.
Acid resistance and acid adaptation responses of foodborne Escherichia coli isolates
Authors: Park Jong‐Su , Kim Ji‐Eun , Kim Keun‐Sung
Published: February 2017

Escherichia coli possesses four phenotypically distinct systems of acid resistance (AR). AR is an important characteristic of E. coli, enabling the organism to survive acidic environments. In this study, a wild‐type E. coli strain, K12, and two foodborne E. coli isolates were tested for AR. AR systems 2, 3, and 4 required the presence of glutamate, arginine, or lysine, respectively, during acid challenge tests at pH 2.0 after adaptation to HCl or organic acids (pH 5.0). AR characteristics of the two foodborne E. coli isolates were found to be similar to those of the wild‐type strain. Nonetheless, survival rates of E. coli strains adapted to lactic acid were higher than those of E. coli strains adapted to HCl or citric acid. Therefore, our results indicate that E. coli strains that survive in foods containing lactic acid as a preservative may have stronger AR for survival under acidic conditions.

Practical applications

Escherichia coli has acid resistance (AR) systems and can mount acid adaptation responses for survival in acidic environments when exposed to even a moderately acidic environment. Organic acids—lactic and citric acids—are commonly used in the food industry. In previous studies, however, the prevalence of AR genes in foodborne E. coli isolates has never been determined, and AR of foodborne E. coli isolates and their AR responses after adaptation to organic acids have not yet been investigated. Therefore, in this study, the prevalence of AR genes in foodborne E. coli isolates was evaluated, and their AR after adaptation to lactic and citric acids was determined.
Isolation Precautions Use for Multidrug‐Resistant Organism Infection in Nursing Homes
Authors: Cohen Catherine C. , Dick Andrew , Stone Patricia W.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To examine factors associated with isolation precaution use in nursing home (NH) residents with multidrug‐resistant organism (MDRO) infection.

Design

Retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Nursing homes with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ certification from October 2010 to December 2013.

Participants

Elderly, long‐stay NH residents with positive MDRO infection assessments.

Measurements

Data were obtained from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0, Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting, and Area Health Resource File. Multivariable regression with facility fixed effects was conducted.

Results

The sample included 191,816 assessments of residents with MDRO infection, of which isolation use was recorded in 12.8%. Of the NHs reporting MDRO infection in the past year, 31% used isolation at least once among residents with MDRO infection. Resident characteristics positively associated with isolation use included locomotion (23.6%, P < .001) and eating (17.9%, P < .001) support. Isolation use was 14.3% lower in those with MDRO history (P < .001). Residents in NHs that had received an infection control–related citation in the past year had a greater probability of isolation use (3.4%, P = .02); those in NHs that had received a quality‐of‐care citation had lower probability of isolation use (−3.3%, P = .03).

Conclusion

This is the first study to examine the new MDS 3.0 isolation and MDRO items. Isolation was infrequently used, and the proportion of isolated MDRO infections varied between facilities. Inspection citations were related to isolation use in the following year. Further research is needed to determine whether and when isolation should be used to best decrease risk of MDRO transmission and improve quality of care.
Same Supply Chain, Different Models: Integrating Perspectives from Life Cycle Assessment and Supply Chain Management
Authors: Blass Vered , Corbett Charles J.
Published: February 2017

Within industrial ecology, there is a substantial community focusing on life cycle assessment (LCA) and corresponding tools and methods. Within the field of supply chain management, an increasing community is converging around sustainable supply chains. These two communities study the same underlying systems, but bring different perspectives to bear. We review seven issues that arise at this intersection of LCA and supply chain management, with the aim of illustrating how both communities can enrich each other by closer interaction. We conclude with some suggestions for how the two communities can further collaborate.
Cytotoxic analysis and chemical characterization of fractions of the hydroalcoholic extract of the Euterpe oleracea Mart. seed in the MCF-7 cell line
Authors: Freitas Dayanne da S , Morgado-Díaz José A , Gehren Adriana S , Vidal Flávia C B , Fernandes Raquel Maria T , Romão Wanderson , Tose Lilian V , Frazão Fabiola N S , Costa Maria Célia P , Silva Dulcelena F , Nascimento Maria do Desterro S B
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To analyse the antineoplastic activity of fractions derived from the hydroalcoholic extract of Euterpe oleracea Mart. seed in the MCF-7 cell line and to identify the compounds responsible for the antineoplastic action.

Methods

Cells were treated with 10, 20, 40 and 60 μg/ml with the hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of the hydroalcoholic extract of açaí seed, for 24 and 48 h. After treatment, cell viability was measured using MTT assay and cell death was assessed using the Annexin-Pi assay. The most cytotoxic fraction under study was analysed by mass spectrometry using an electrospray ionization source and a cyclotron analyser coupled to a Fourier transform. Data were analysed statistically by analysis of variance (ANOVA) or by Student's t-test, where appropriate.

Key findings

All fractions caused significant reduction in the cell viability, but the EAF was the most cytotoxic (P < 0.001). It was observed the absence of significant annexin staining but increase Pi staining (P < 0.001). The EAF is composed of epicatechin, proanthocyanidin A2 and trimeric and tetrameric procyanidins.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrated that EAF was the most effective fraction in reducing cell viability and causing necroptosis in the MCF-7 cell.
Complexation of oxethazaine with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: increased drug solubility, decreased cytotoxicity and analgesia at inflamed tissues
Authors: Prado Andressa R , Yokaichiya Fabiano , Franco Margareth Kazuyo Kobayashi Dias , Morais Gonçalves da Silva Camila , Oliveira-Nascimento Laura , Franz-Montan Michelle , Volpato Maria C , Cabeça Luís F , de Paula Eneida
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Oxethazaine (OXZ) is one of the few local anaesthetics that provides analgesia at low pH, but presents poor solubility, cytotoxicity and no parenteral formulations. To address these issues, we aimed to prepare OXZ host-guest inclusion complex with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD).

Methods

The inclusion complex was formed by co-solubilization, followed by a job plot analysis to determine stoichiometry of complexation and dialysis equilibrium analysis (based on UV/VIS absorption and fluorescence profiles of OXZ). Complex formation was confirmed by phase-solubility data, X-ray, Scanning Electron Microscopy and DOSY-1H-NMR experiments. In vitro cytotoxicity was analysed by MTT test in 3T3 fibroblasts. In vivo analgesia was tested by Von Frey test (inflammatory wounds – rats).

Key findings

Oxethazaine complexed (1 : 1 molar ratio) with HP-β-CD, as indicated by loss of OZX crystalline structure (X-ray) and strong host: guest interaction (NMR, K = 198/m), besides increased solubility. In vitro cell survival improved with the complex (IC50 OXZ = 28.9 μm, OXZ : HP-β-CD = 57.8 μm). In addition, the complex (0.1% OXZ) promoted in vivo analgesia for the same time that 2% lidocaine/epinephrine did.

Conclusion

Our results show that complexation improved physicochemical and biological properties of OXZ, allowing its application to inflamed tissues by parenteral routes.
Nocturnal autonomic nervous system activity and morning proinflammatory cytokines in young adult African Americans
Authors: Bell Kimberly A. , Kobayashi Ihori , Chen Yuanxiu , Mellman Thomas A.
Published: February 2017

Compromised sleep and increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity are implicated in the pathogenesis of, and disparities in, cardiovascular disease. Parasympathetic dominance during sleep may be important for cardiovascular health. Sleep and autonomic balance influence immune activity, which impacts atherogenesis. We evaluated relationships between autonomic balance during sleep and morning levels of the immune activating cytokines, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)‐6. Ninety‐four (59 female) young adult African Americans without medical conditions and substance use disorders spent 2 consecutive nights in a clinical research unit for sleep recordings and blood drawing on awakening. Cardiac tracings from the second sleep recording were analysed for heart rate variability (HRV). Body mass index was the only non‐HRV measure correlated with cytokine levels. Indicators of SNS activity for the presleep, and first non‐rapid eye movement (REM) and REM sleep periods were correlated independently with morning IL‐6 levels. Altered autonomic balance during sleep may be a modifiable factor that influences immune activation.
The role of peginterferon in nucleos(t)ide‐analogue‐treated chronic hepatitis B patients: A review of published literature
Authors: Zhang W. , Xie Q. , Ning Q. , Dou X. , Chen X. , Jia J. , Xie Y. , Ren H.
Published: February 2017

Chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) causes up to 1.0 million deaths annually. Currently, more than 90% of CHB patients worldwide are receiving indefinite nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy. New strategies for optimizing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss are required for NA‐treated patients as the majority are unable to achieve HBsAg loss and may require lifelong therapy. In hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive patients, switching from NAs to finite peginterferon (PegIFN) therapy can double HBeAg seroconversion rates. One in five patients who switch to PegIFN can achieve HBsAg loss, whereas patients who continue NA therapy typically do not. In HBeAg‐negative NA‐treated patients, add‐on PegIFN therapy achieves higher, albeit modest, HBsAg loss rates compared with continued NA monotherapy and offers the opportunity for NA‐treated patients to achieve the inactive carrier state. In the absence of curative therapies, PegIFN represents a valuable, finite option for NA‐treated patients who would otherwise require potentially lifelong therapy.
KIR2DL3 and the KIR ligand groups HLA‐A‐Bw4 and HLA‐C2 predict the outcome of hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Di Bona D. , Aiello A. , Colomba C. , Bilancia M. , Accardi G. , Rubino R. , Giannitrapani L. , Tuttolomondo A. , Cascio A. , Caiaffa M. F. , Rizzo S. , Di Lorenzo G. , Candore G. , Duro G. , Macchia L. , Montalto G. , Caruso C. ,   KIRIIND (KIR Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases) Collaborative Group
Published: February 2017

Killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) regulate the activation of natural killer cells through their interaction with human leucocyte antigens (HLA). KIR and HLA loci are highly polymorphic, and certain HLA‐KIR combinations have been found to protect against viral infections. In this study, we analysed whether the KIR/HLA repertoire may influence the course of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Fifty‐seven subjects with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 44 subjects with resolved HBV infection and 60 healthy uninfected controls (HC) were genotyped for KIR and their HLA ligands. The frequency of the HLA‐A‐Bw4 ligand group was higher in CHB (58%) than subjects with resolved infection (23%) (crude OR, 4.67; P<.001) and HC (10%) (crude OR, 12.38; P<.001). Similar results were obtained for the HLA‐C2 ligand group, more frequent in CHB (84%), than subjects with resolved infection (70%) (crude OR, 2.24; P<.10) and HC (60%) (crude OR, 3.56; P<.01). Conversely, the frequency of KIR2DL3 was lower in CHB (81%) than in subjects with resolved infection (98%) (crude OR, 0.10; P<.05). These results suggest a detrimental role of HLA‐A‐Bw4 and HLA‐C2 groups, which are associated with the development of CHB, and a protective role of KIR2DL3. A stepwise variable selection procedure, based on multiple logistic regression analysis, identified these three predictive variables as the most relevant, featuring high specificity (90.9%) and positive predictive value (87.5%) for the development of CHB. Our results suggest that a combination of KIR/HLA gene/alleles is able to predict the outcome of HBV infection.
A disease‐specific quality of life instrument for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis: CLDQ‐NAFLD
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Stepanova Maria , Henry Linda , Racila Andrei , Lam Brian , Pham Huong T. , Hunt Sharon
Published: February 2017

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis are the most common causes of chronic liver disease with known negative impact on patients’ health‐related quality of life. Our aim was to validate a disease‐specific health‐related quality of life instrument useful for efficacy trials involving patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Methods

From a long item selection questionnaire, we selected relevant items which, by factor analysis, were grouped into domains constituting Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire—Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease version. The developed instrument was subjected to internal validity, test‐retest reliability and construct validity assessment using standard methods.

Results

For development of the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire—Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease version instrument, a 75‐item‐long item selection questionnaire was administered to 25 patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. After item reduction, factor analysis found that 98.7% of variance in the remaining items would be explained by six factors. Thus, the resulting Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire—Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease version instrument had 36 items grouped into six domains: Abdominal Symptoms, Activity, Emotional, Fatigue, Systemic Symptoms, and Worry. The independent validation group included another 104 patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. The Cronbach's alphas of 0.74‐0.90 suggested good to excellent internal consistency of the domains. Furthermore, the presence of obesity and history of depression were discriminated best by Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire—Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease version scores (P<.05). The domains’ correlations with the most relevant domains of Short Form‐36 exceeded 0.70. Test‐retest reliability in a subgroup of patients (N=27) demonstrated no significant within‐patient variability with multiple administrations (all median differences were zero, all P>.15, intraclass correlations .76‐.88).

Conclusion

The Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire—Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease version is a disease‐specific health‐related quality of life instrument developed and validated using an established methodology and useful for clinical trials of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.
In situ temperature response of photosynthesis of 42 tree and liana species in the canopy of two Panamanian lowland tropical forests with contrasting rainfall regimes
Authors: Slot Martijn , Winter Klaus
Published: February 2017

Tropical forests contribute significantly to the global carbon cycle, but little is known about the temperature response of photosynthetic carbon uptake in tropical species, and how this varies within and across forests.

We determined in situ photosynthetic temperature–response curves for upper canopy leaves of 42 tree and liana species from two tropical forests in Panama with contrasting rainfall regimes. On the basis of seedling studies, we hypothesized that species with high photosynthetic capacity – light‐demanding, fast‐growing species – would have a higher temperature optimum of photosynthesis (TOpt) than species with low photosynthetic capacity – shade‐tolerant, slow‐growing species – and that, therefore, TOpt would scale with the position of a species on the slow–fast continuum of plant functional traits.

TOpt was remarkably similar across species, regardless of their photosynthetic capacity and other plant functional traits. Community‐average TOpt was almost identical to mean maximum daytime temperature, which was higher in the dry forest. Photosynthesis above TOpt appeared to be more strongly limited by stomatal conductance in the dry forest than in the wet forest.

The observation that all species in a community shared similar TOpt values suggests that photosynthetic performance is optimized under current temperature regimes. These results should facilitate the scaling up of photosynthesis in relation to temperature from leaf to stand level in species‐rich tropical forests.
Representation, archaeology and genealogy: Three “spatial metaphors” for inquiring into nursing phenomena with Foucauldian discourse analysis
Authors: Clinton Michael E. , Springer Rusla Anne
Published: February 2017

Foucault used the “Quadrilateral of Language” metaphor to describe how language functioned in what the French called the Classic Age, roughly 1650 to 1800, the period from Descartes to Kant. His purpose was to show how the functions of language changed radically with the arrival of the Modern Age (~1800). Foucault developed his archaeological methods to investigate the impact of this change, but later revised his methods to introduce genealogical strategies to conduct “histories of the present”. Our purpose in this paper is to clarify Foucault's thinking about ruptures in the functions of language and to show their implications for analyzing nursing discourse. Our account provides an overview of radical changes in both the functions of language and in Foucault's analytical methods. Drawing on Foucault's “Quadrilateral of Language”, his anthropological quadrilateral, and our spatialized conception of his genealogical methods, we critique advanced nursing practice (APN) discourse and invite others to inquire into nursing phenomena with spatialized thinking.
The influence of dispersal on the realized trajectory of a pond metacommunity
Authors: Hanly Patrick J. , Mittelbach Gary G.
Published: February 2017

Dispersal rates play a critical role in metacommunity dynamics, yet few studies have attempted to characterize dispersal rates for the majority of species in any natural community. Here we evaluate the relationship between the abundances of 179 plankton taxa in a pond metacommunity and their dispersal rates. We find the expected positive relationship between the regional abundances of phytoplankton, protozoa and metazoan zooplankton, which is suggestive of dispersal being a density‐independent per capita rate for these groups. When we tested to see if the rates of dispersing taxa predicted changes in community composition, we found that dispersers had no measurable impact on the short‐term trajectory of local pond communities or mesocosm communities established experimentally (assembled communities), but became increasingly represented in the overall pond metacommunity during the course of the full growing season. In comparison, the composition of experimental mesocosms that lacked any initial zooplankton community (unassembled communities) were found to be driven by dispersal measured at the local pond community but not by dispersal observed across the overall metacommunity. These results suggest that the role of dispersal may shift from a contributor to local, ecological dynamics to that of metacommunity‐wide, colonization–extinction dynamics as communities assemble.