bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐21 affects mechanical force–induced midpalatal suture remodelling
Authors: Li Mengying , Zhang Zijie , Gu Xiuge , Jin Ye , Feng Cheng , Yang Shuangyan , Wei Fulan
Published: November 2019

Objectives

miR‐21 can promote osteoblast differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells. However, the effect of miR‐21 on bone remodelling in the midpalatal suture is unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of miR‐21 on the midpalatal suture bone remodelling by expanding the palatal sutures.

Materials and methods

miR‐21 deficient (miR‐21−/−) and wild‐type (WT) mice were used to establish animal models by expanding the palatal sutures. Micro‐CT, haematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, fluorescence labelling and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the function of miR‐21 in midpalatal suture bone remodelling. Besides, bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) derived from both miR‐21−/− and WT mice were cultured. The MTT, CCK8, EdU analysis, transwell and wound healing test were used to assess the effects of miR‐21 on the characteristics of cells.

Results

The expression of ALP was suppressed in miR‐21‐/‐ mice after expansion except 28 days. The expression of Ocn in WT mice was much higher than that of miR‐21‐/‐ mice. Besides, with mechanical force, miR‐21 deficiency downregulated the expression of Opg, upregulated the expression of Rankl, and induced more osteoclasts as TRAP staining showed. After injecting agomir‐21  to miR‐21‐/‐ mice, the expression of Alp, Ocn and Opg/Rankl were rescued. In vitro, the experiments suggested that miR‐21 deficiency reduced proliferation and migration ability of BMSCs.

Conclusions

The results showed that miR‐21 deficiency reduced the rate of bone formation and prolonged the process of bone formation. miR‐21 regulated the bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis by affecting the cell abilities of proliferation and migration.
Preoperative intervention with long‐acting bronchodilators for the reduction of postoperative pulmonary complications in untreated patients with obstructive lung disease
Authors: Mikami Yu , Jo Taisuke , Matsuzaki Hirotaka , Ishimori Taro , Saito Minako , Sakamoto Yukiyo , Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Takai Daiya , Yatomi Yutaka , Nagase Takahide
Published: November 2019

Background

Obstructive lung disease (OLD) is a risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) and is incidentally discovered during preoperative evaluation. The key treatments for OLD are inhaled long‐acting bronchodilators (LAB). However, the advantage of preoperative bronchodilator treatment for patients with OLD remains unclear. The aim of this study is to elucidate the effect of preoperative LAB treatment in patients with untreated OLD on postoperative outcomes.

Methods

In this propensity‐matched cohort study, we included patients who were referred to the pulmonologists for untreated OLD. The patients were either treated with LAB or left untreated. The primary outcome was the incidence of prolonged oxygen therapy (>3 days) in the postoperative period. We evaluated patients’ characteristics with and without the use of LAB using propensity score (PS) matching weight. Subsequently, the outcomes in the two groups were compared.

Results

We analysed 614 patients; 132 patients were part of the LAB group and 482 were included in the control group. In the crude analysis, the incidence of prolonged oxygen therapy was higher in the LAB group than in the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.35; P = 0.04). However, after PS matching weight, no statistically significant differences in prolonged oxygen therapy (OR = 1.15), incidence of prolonged intensive care unit stay, endotracheal re‐intubation postoperatively and in‐hospital death between the groups were identified.

Conclusion

There is a limited benefit of preoperative treatment with inhaled LAB for the reduction of PPC in patients with untreated OLD.
Cell type‐specific transcriptome analysis unveils secreted signaling molecule genes expressed in apical epithelial cap during appendage regeneration
Authors: Okumura Akinori , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Ebisawa Masashi , Yoshimura Mika , Sasagawa Yohei , Nikaido Itoshi , Umesono Yoshihiko , Mochii Makoto
Published: November 2019

Wound epidermis (WE) and the apical epithelial cap (AEC) are believed to trigger regeneration of amputated appendages such as limb and tail in amphibians by producing certain secreted signaling molecules. To date, however, only limited information about the molecular signatures of these epidermal structures is available. Here we used a transgenic Xenopus laevis line harboring the enhanced green fluorescent protein (egfp) gene under control of an es1 gene regulatory sequence to isolate WE/AEC cells by performing fluorescence‐activated cell sorting during the time course of tail regeneration (day 1, day 2, day 3 and day 4 after amputation). Time‐course transcriptome analysis of these isolated WE/AEC cells revealed that more than 8,000 genes, including genes involved in signaling pathways such as those of reactive oxygen species, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), canonical and non‐canonical Wnt, transforming growth factor β (TGF β) and Notch, displayed dynamic changes of their expression during tail regeneration. Notably, this approach enabled us to newly identify seven secreted signaling molecule genes (mdk, fstl, slit1, tgfβ1, bmp7.1, angptl2 and egfl6) that are highly expressed in tail AEC cells. Among these genes, five (mdk, fstl, slit1, tgfβ1 and bmp7.1) were also highly expressed in limb AEC cells but the other two (angptl2 and egfl6) are specifically expressed in tail AEC cells. Interestingly, there was no expression of fgf8 in tail WE/AEC cells, whose expression and pivotal role in limb AEC cells have been reported previously. Thus, we identified common and different properties between tail and limb AEC cells.
Social vulnerability and disaster: understanding the perspectives of practitioners
Authors: Williams Brian D. , Webb Gary R.
Published: November 2019

This paper seeks to understand how local emergency managers perceive and define social vulnerability. There has been a significant increase recently in the amount of research on social vulnerability, yet little is known about the extent to which that knowledge is being translated into practice. To address this void, the authors conducted semi‐structured interviews with a sample of local emergency managers (N=24), asking them to describe what social vulnerability means to them. The analysis identified four primary perspectives on social vulnerability prevalent in the sample, pertaining to: (i) culture and poverty; (ii) a moral imperative; (iii) a lack of security; and (iv) a lack of knowledge and awareness. Although these practitioner viewpoints may not align perfectly with the definitions of social vulnerability predominant in the hazards and disasters literature, the results of this study do suggest a possible narrowing of the gap between research and practice as it relates to social vulnerability.
Orofacial motor dysfunction in Moebius syndrome
Authors: Renault Francis , Flores‐Guevara Roberto , Baudon Jean‐Jacques , Sergent Bernard , Charpillet Valérie , Denoyelle Françoise , Thierry Briac , Amiel Jeanne , Gitiaux Cyril , Vazquez Marie‐Paule
Published: November 2019

Aim

To review orofacial disabilities and their consequences in children with Moebius syndrome (MBS).

Method

We retrospectively analysed the records of 32 patients (21 males, 11 females) with non‐progressive bilateral facial and abducens palsies who had been examined before 6 months of age.

Results

All facial muscles were severely involved in 17 patients; in the 15 others, partial movements were found in the lower face. Most patients (n=24) were unable to smile. Patients frequently presented with congenital trismus (n=20) and drooling (n=18). Additional palsies involved cranial nerves IX and X (n=18) and XII (n=25). Sucking was absent or weak in 30 patients; swallowing was impaired in 25. During the first month of life, feeding disorders were graded as severe/moderate in 25. Respiratory complications occurred in 17. Severe feeding disorders were associated with congenital trismus (p=0.01) and with cranial nerve IX and X palsy (p=0.01). Growth failure between 1 and 6 months of age, followed by catch‐up growth between 6 and 12 months, was observed in 20 patients. Between 2 and 5 years of age, 25 out of 32 patients attained normal oral diet and 28 out of 29 showed normal growth.

Interpretation

Children with MBS frequently require adjusted therapeutic options to prevent failure to thrive. Congenital trismus, cranial nerve IX and X palsy, and laryngeal–tracheal dysfunctions are predictors of severe feeding disorders.

What this paper adds

Moebius syndrome frequently induces reduced oral intake and early failure to thrive.

Normal oral diet and growth parameters are attained at 2 to 5 years of age.

Congenital trismus, pharyngeal palsy, and laryngeal disorders predict dysphagia.
Movement‐based interventions for preschool‐age children with, or at risk of, motor impairment: a systematic review
Authors: Cameron Kate L , Albesher Reem A , McGinley Jennifer L , Allison Kim , Cheong Jeanie L Y , Spittle Alicia J
Published: November 2019

Aim

To explore the efficacy of movement‐based interventions to improve motor skills in preschool‐age children with, or at risk of, motor impairment, including those with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental coordination disorder.

Method

Relevant electronic databases were searched for randomized or quasi‐randomized controlled trials. Outcomes were classified using domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children & Youth version. Quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’sd.

Results

Seventeen articles exploring a heterogeneity of intervention types, population groups, and outcome measures met the inclusion criteria. Movement‐based interventions did not significantly improve outcomes in either the body structure and function or activity domains in most studies. No studies used a participation outcome measure.

Interpretation

There is a paucity of evidence exploring movement‐based interventions in the preschool‐age group. Although movement‐based interventions showed potential for improving body structure and function and activity outcomes for children with motor impairment, results were mostly not significant. Small sample sizes, variable study quality, and risk of bias limit confidence in the results.

What this paper adds

The evidence is inconclusive to support movement‐based interventions in this group.

No studies used outcome measures assessing participation.

Variability in intervention type and study quality limit confidence in results.
Is exploration a metric for information gathering? Attraction to novelty and plasticity in black‐capped chickadees
Authors: Rojas‐Ferrer Isabel , Thompson Megan Joy , Morand‐Ferron Julie
Published: November 2019

Animals can learn about the value of resources and predation risk by exploring novel environments or exploring novel stimuli in their regular environments. Still, there is a disconnect in the way that exploration has been defined and measured; exploration is defined in terms of information acquisition, while measured in terms of movement speed and diversity of contacted items in a novel environment. If exploration is indeed a measurement of information gathering, fast explorers should seek to reduce uncertainty about their environment more than slow explorers. Exploration speed has also been linked to behavioral plasticity, where fast explorers move fast but collect less detailed information, thereby forming routines and expressing less plasticity than slow explorers. We test these two hypotheses by comparing exploration in a novel environment to individuals' attraction to novelty and behavioral plasticity. Our results support the view that exploration is a measurement of information‐gathering tendencies as fast explorers were more likely to collect novel information, which should reduce uncertainty further than sampling familiar information sources, compared with slower explorers. Furthermore, faster explorers switched to sampling novel information more quickly than slow explorers when the value of the familiar option decreased, opposing the widely held view that faster explorers present more routine‐like behavior. By providing familiar and novel foraging options in close spatial contiguity, we demonstrate an attraction to novelty in faster explorers that cannot be confounded by activity rate, thereby suggesting that these individuals seek to reduce uncertainty. In conclusion, our results support the biological validity of the term “exploration” through its association with information gathering.
Secondary contacts and genetic admixture shape colonization by an amphiatlantic epibenthic invertebrate
Authors: Hudson Jamie , Johannesson Kerstin , McQuaid Christopher D. , Rius Marc
Published: November 2019

Research on the genetics of invasive species often focuses on patterns of genetic diversity and population structure within the introduced range. However, a growing body of literature is demonstrating the need to study how native genotypes affect both ecological and evolutionary mechanisms within the introduced range. Here, we used genotyping‐by‐sequencing to study both native and introduced ranges of the amphiatlantic marine invertebrate Ciona intestinalis. A previous study using microsatellites analysed samples collected along the Swedish west coast and showed the presence of genetically distinct lineages in deep and shallow waters. Using 1,653 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from newly collected samples (285 individuals), we first confirmed the presence of this depth‐defined genomic divergence along the Swedish coast. We then used approximate Bayesian computation to infer the historical relationship among sites from the North Sea, the English Channel and the northwest Atlantic and found evidence of ancestral divergence between individuals from deep waters off Sweden and individuals from the English Channel. This divergence was followed by a secondary contact that led to a genetic admixture between the ancestral populations (i.e., deep Sweden and English Channel), which originated the genotypes found in shallow Sweden. We then revealed that the colonization of C. intestinalis in the northwest Atlantic was as a result of an admixture between shallow Sweden and the English Channel genotypes across the introduced range. Our results showed the presence of both past and recent genetic admixture events that together may have promoted the successful colonizations of C. intestinalis. Our study suggests that secondary contacts potentially reshape the evolutionary trajectories of invasive species through the promotion of intraspecific hybridization and by altering both colonization patterns and their ecological effects in the introduced range.
Mate choice, reproductive success and inbreeding in white rhinoceros: New insights for conservation management
Authors: Kretzschmar Petra , Auld Hailie , Boag Peter , Gansloßer Udo , Scott Candace , Van Coeverden de Groot Peter John , Courtiol Alexandre
Published: November 2019

Improving our sparse knowledge of the mating and reproductive behaviour of white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum Burchell, 1817) is essential for the effective conservation of this iconic species. By combining morphological, physiological and habitat data with paternity assignments of 104 known mother–offspring pairs collected over a period of 13 years, we provide the most comprehensive analysis of the mating system in this species. We show that while the overall mating system was promiscuous, and both males and females produced more offspring when mating with several partners, half of all females with multiple offspring were monogamous. Additionally, we find that mating and reproductive success varied significantly among territorial males in two independent sets of males. In females, however, variation in the mating and the reproductive success was not larger than expected by random demographic fluctuations. Horn size, testosterone metabolite concentration, territory size, habitat openness and the volume of preferred food within the territory did not seem to influence male mating or reproductive success. Moreover, there was no sign of inbreeding avoidance: females tended to mate more frequently with closely related males, and one daughter produced a progeny with her father. The lack of inbreeding avoidance, in combination with the skew in male reproductive success, the partial monogamy in females and the territorial‐based mating system, jeopardizes the already low genetic variation in the species. Considering that the majority of populations are restricted to fenced reserves and private farms, we recommend taking preventive measures that aim to reduce inbreeding in white rhinoceros. A video abstract can be viewed .
Is Breaking Up Hard to Do? Exploring Emerging Adults' Perceived Abilities to End Romantic Relationships
Authors: Beckmeyer Jonathon J. , Jamison Tyler B.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To explore emerging adults' beliefs about their ability to end romantic relationships and to identify demographic, personality, and romantic experience factors associated with breakup beliefs.

Background

Although, ending relationships is a key component of emerging adult romantic development, research suggests that breakups tend to be protracted and painful. Little is known about what individual skills might be relevant in making breakups smoother for both members of a couple.

Method

Using a cross‐sectional design and drawing from an existing survey panel, 948 emerging adults completed an online survey about their romantic experiences and health outcomes.

Results

Most participants perceived that they can carry out breakup‐related tasks; they reported knowing when to break up, being able to do so appropriately, being able to accept it when someone breaks up with them, and not delaying breaking up. However, a sizable proportion of participants (23.5% to 47.1% depending on the item) reported that they lacked the skills necessary to end romantic relationships. Beliefs about the ability to end relationships were most consistently associated with emerging adults' general self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

Although most emerging adults in the sample appeared confident in their abilities to break up, a sizeable minority indicated that they lacked key skills to end relationships.

Implications

Relationship education programs for emerging adults generally do not focus on relationship dissolution. Yet our findings suggest that some emerging adults may need opportunities to build skills that will help them exit relationships that are unhealthy, unsatisfying, or out of sync with their individual goals.
Alterations in plasma membrane ion channel structures stimulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation in APOL1 risk milieu
Authors: Jha Alok , Kumar Vinod , Haque Shabirul , Ayasolla Kamesh , Saha Shourav , Lan Xiqian , Malhotra Ashwani , Saleem Moin A. , Skorecki Karl , Singhal Pravin C.
Published: November 2019

We evaluated alterations in the structural configurations of channels and activation of nucleotide‐binding domain, leucine‐rich‐containing family, pyrin domain‐containing‐3 (NLRP3) inflammasome formation in apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) risk and nonrisk milieus. APOL1G1‐ and APOL1G2‐expressing podocytes (PD) displayed enhanced K+ efflux, induction of pyroptosis, and escalated transcription of interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐18. APOL1G1‐ and APOL1G2‐expressing PD promoted the transcription as well as translation of proteins involved in the formation of inflammasomes. Since glyburide (a specific inhibitor of K+ efflux channels) inhibited the transcription of NLRP3, IL‐1β, and IL‐18, the role of K+ efflux in the activation of inflammasomes in APOL1 risk milieu was implicated. To evaluate the role of structural alterations in K+ channels in plasma membranes, bioinformatics studies, including molecular dynamic simulation, were carried out. Superimposition of bioinformatics reconstructions of APOL1G0, G1, and G2 showed several aligned regions. The analysis of pore‐lining residues revealed that Ser342 and Tyr389 are involved in APOL1G0 pore formation and the altered conformations resulting from the Ser342Gly and Ile384Met mutation in the case of APOLG1 and deletion of the Tyr389 residue in the case of APOL1G2 are expected to alter pore characteristics, including K+ ion selectivity. Analysis of multiple membrane (lipid bilayer) models of interaction with the peripheral protein, integral membrane protein, and multimer protein revealed that for an APOL1 multimer model, APOL1G0 is not energetically favorable while the APOL1G1 and APOL1G2 moieties favor the insertion of multiple ion channels into the lipid bilayer. We conclude that altered pore configurations carry the potential to facilitate K+ ion transport in APOL1 risk milieu.
Silencing ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme 2C inhibits proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Xianxing , Yin Liangyu , Yang Ludi , Zheng Yao , Liu Songsong , Yang Jiali , Cui Hongjuan , Wang Huaizhi
Published: November 2019

Ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme 2C (UBE2C) is a core ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme in the ubiquitin–proteasome system that promotes cell cycle progression. Previous studies have indicated that UBE2C mediates tumorigenesis and progression in various cancers, but its role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. This study elucidated the function of UBE2C in PDAC tumorigenesis and progression by determining UBE2C expression via real‐time qPCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The associations between UBE2C expression and clinicopathological characteristics and survival were assessed using a tissue microarray based on a multicentre PDAC cohort. We found that UBE2C was strongly expressed in PDAC patient tissues and was negatively associated with clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, perineural invasion and survival (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that high UBE2C expression is an independent risk factor for PDAC (P = 0.001). In the PDAC cell lines CFPAC‐1 and Panc‐1, silencing UBE2C suppressed cell proliferation by inducing G1/S arrest mediated by downregulation of cyclin D1. Furthermore, UBE2C knockdown decreased the migration of PDAC cells in vitro by downregulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). RNA‐seq analysis showed that upon silencing UBE2C in CFPAC‐1 cells, cyclin D1 and vimentin were downregulated by approximately 3.5‐fold and 2.6‐fold, respectively, and the major enriched pathways were related to cell cycle progression. Experiments on tumour‐bearing mice injected with CFPAC‐1 cells indicated that UBE2C depletion significantly inhibits tumour growth in vivo. These results suggest that UBE2C is involved in the development and progression of PDAC by regulating cell proliferation and EMT. UBE2C is a novel potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.

Database

Data are available in the GEO database under accession number GSE137172.
Redox characterisation of Erv1, a key component for protein import and folding in yeast mitochondria
Authors: Ceh‐Pavia Efrain , Tang Xiaofan , Liu Yawen , Heyes Derren J. , Zhao Bing , Xiao Ping , Lu Hui
Published: November 2019

The mitochondrial import and assembly (MIA) pathway plays a vitally important role in import and oxidative folding of mitochondrial proteins. Erv1, a member of the FAD‐dependent Erv1/ALR disulphide bond generating enzyme family, is a key player of the MIA pathway. Although considerable progress has been made, the molecular mechanism of electron transfer within Erv1 is still not fully understood. The reduction potentials of the three redox centres were previously determined to be −320 mV for the shuttle disulphide, −150 mV for the active‐site disulphide and −215 mV for FAD cofactor. However, it is unknown why FAD of Erv1 has such a low potential compared with other sulfhydryl oxidases, and why the shuttle disulphide has a potential as low as many of the stable structural disulphides of the substrates of MIA pathway. In this study, the three reduction potentials of Erv1 were reassessed using the wild‐type and inactive mutants of Erv1 under anaerobic conditions. Our results show that the standard potentials for the shuttle and active‐site disulphides are approximately −250 mV and −215 ~ −260 mV, respectively, and the potential for FAD cofactor is −148 mV. Our results support a model that both disulphide bonds are redox‐active, and electron flow in Erv1 is thermodynamically favourable. Furthermore, the redox behaviour of Erv1 was confirmed, for the first time using Mia40, the physiological electron donor of Erv1. Together with previous studies on proteins of MIA pathway, we conclude that electron flow in the MIA pathway is a thermodynamically favourable, smoothly downhill process for all steps.

Database

Erv1: EC 1.8.3.2.
Fatigue strength prediction of carburized 12Cr steel alloy: Effects of evaluation of maximum crack sizes and residual stress distribution
Authors: Deng H.‐L. , Liu H. , Liu Q.‐C. , Guo Y.‐P. , Yu H.
Published: November 2019

Axial loading fatigue tests of carburized 12Cr steel alloy in long‐life regime were performed under stress ratios of −1 and 0. Fatigue fracture can be divided into surface failure, interior failure without fine granular area (FGA), and interior failure with FGA. By considering the effects of the tensile limit, the evaluation of maximum crack sizes (inclusion sizes and FGA sizes), and residual stress distribution, the fatigue strength prediction model of carburized 12Cr steel alloy for inclusion‐FGA‐fisheye induced failure in low stress level region can be established. By comparing the predicted results evaluated by generalized extreme values (GEV) with generalized Pareto (GP), the GP distribution is more suitable to predict the fatigue limit of the carburized 12Cr steel alloy. Furthermore, by using the relationship between inclusion sizes and FGA sizes, the fatigue limit prediction model for the design of components can be established, and the result is extremely accurate for the carburized 12Cr steel alloy.
Defining isoscapes in the Northeast Pacific as an index of ocean productivity
Authors: Espinasse Boris , Hunt Brian P. V. , Batten Sonia D. , Pakhomov Evgeny A.
Published: November 2019

Aim

We modelled isoscapes in the Northeast (NE) Pacific using satellite‐based data, with the main objective of testing whether isoscapes defined by a few key parameters can be used as a proxy for secondary productivity.

Location

Northeast Pacific; 46–60° N and 125–165° W.

Time period

From 1998 to 2017 (ongoing).

Major taxa studied

Zooplankton, with a focus on large herbivores.

Methods

Approximately 280 summer zooplankton samples were analysed for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope (SI) ratios. Environmental conditions experienced by zooplankton organisms were extracted from satellite, in situ sensor and model databases. A generalized additive model approach was used to explain the spatial variability of δ13C and δ15N values and to predict isoscapes.

Results

Sea surface temperature (SST), sea level anomaly (SLA) and chlorophyll‐a concentration emerged as the significant SI predictors. Modelled isoscapes reproduced patterns observed in δ13C and δ15N value distribution, such as a decrease from the coast to offshore. The contribution of eddies in enhancing local production in the open ocean was also well captured by the models. In the central part of the NE Pacific, higher SI values were correlated with higher large copepod biomass measured by the North Pacific Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) survey. However, in the area off the coast of British Columbia, high δ15N variability appeared to be associated with episodic intrusions of coastal waters, demonstrating that caution is needed when interpreting sharp changes in SI ratios.

Main conclusions

Although the mechanisms driving SI ratio variability are complex, we demonstrate that a few parameters used as a proxy for some of these major mechanisms are able to produce successful isoscape models. This approach was proved useful to provide a qualitative estimate of secondary production, which can be particularly valuable in a region where few data are available.
Multilevel blame games: Blame‐shifting in the European Union
Authors: Heinkelmann‐Wild Tim , Zangl Bernhard
Published: November 2019

Who blames whom in multilevel blame games? Existing research focuses either on policymakers' preferences or their opportunities offered by the institutional structures in which policymakers operate. As these two strands of literature barely refer to each other, in this article we develop an integrated theoretical model of blame‐shifting in multilevel governance systems and assess it empirically. In line with the first strand, we assume that policymakers have a preference for shifting blame onto actors on a different level from themselves. In line with the second, we suppose that opportunities for doing so depend on institutional responsibility for policymaking and policy implementation. We check the plausibility of our integrated model by examining policymakers' blame attributions in three cases where European Union migration policies have been contested: border control, asylum, and welfare entitlements. We find that our integrated model does better in explaining blame‐shifting in these cases than the isolated models.
Study on the water state, mobility and textural property of Chinese noodles during boiling
Authors: Ling Xiaowen , Tang Na , Zhao Bo , Zhang Yingquan , Guo Boli , Wei Yi‐Min
Published: November 2019

The water mobility, state and textural properties of Chinese fresh noodles (CFNs) and Chinese dried noodles (CDNs) made from same wheat cultivar were measured during boiling using low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR), low‐field nuclear magnetic Imaging (LF‐NMI) and a textural analyser. ‘The oil immersion method’ was applied to gain the clear images from LF‐NMI measurement. The distributions of the three water states (T21, T22 and T23) in the noodles were distinguished. The results indicated that water mobility in noodles was closely related to the gelatinisation of noodle starch. Compared with CFNs, CDNs need a longer cooking time for water mobility and starch gelatinisation. The results of the cooked noodle profiles showed that the cooked CDNs (8 min) had an undesirable textural properties compared with the cooked CFNs (2 min). The longer cooking time of CDNs is responsible for its undesirable texture since the textural properties change during the longer cooking time.
Long‐term oxygen therapy‐related adverse outcomes resulting in hospitalisation: 3‐year experience of an Australian metropolitan health service
Authors: Semasinghe Bandaralage Sahan P. , Denniss Amelia R. , Syed Melad , Sriram Krishna B.
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of long‐term oxygen therapy (LTOT)‐related adverse outcomes in our health service. LTOT patients retrospectively recruited had their medical records reviewed for the period of 1 January 2014 to 30 June 2018. Burns, physical injuries, any falls attributable to LTOT requiring admission were the outcomes measured. Of 291 patients, four patients required admission due to LTOT‐related adverse events where three admissions were related to falls secondary to tripping over oxygen tubing.
Why has the caesarean rate increased dramatically in Bangladesh?
Authors: Huda N. , Richards J. , Rahman L. , Syed S.
Published: November 2019

Objective

The objective is to assess the reasoning by families in deciding between a home vs. facility delivery and vaginal vs. caesarean.

Study design

The authors selected a convenience sample of 16 villages in Sathkira district in southwest Bangladesh. Evidence was drawn from detailed in‐home post‐delivery interviews with all mothers in these villages who delivered in 2015 or 2016.

Methods

Local family health workers and paramedics used a structured questionnaire that enabled gathering of relevant quantitative and qualitative evidence. Mothers’ reasons for selection of delivery location and type were categorized, and regression analysis was conducted to assess significance of variables that proxy supply and demand factors.

Results

Among 492 completed interviews, 48% were home deliveries, 52% facility deliveries; two‐thirds of facility deliveries in private clinics. Overall, sample caesarean rate is 39%, public hospital rate 53%, private clinic rate 86%. Over half of reasons for home delivery refer to pregnancy without complication or access to trusted birth attendant. Over half of reasons for facility delivery refer to medical complications allegedly precluding home delivery, or requiring home‐to‐facility transfer during labour for reasons not clear to the mother. The decision depends on both ‘demand’ factors originating with the family (proxied by family income, birth order and education levels) and ‘supply’ factors originating with obstetric care providers (proxied by number of antenatal visits and variation of caesarean rate by village). In a regression controlling for both demand and supply variables, the above proxy variables are all significant.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Bangladesh has inadequate nursing support for vaginal delivery in either home or facility. Hence, physicians frequently recommend that women deliver in a facility (usually a physician’s clinic). Physicians are reluctant to hire adequate nurses to attend vaginal deliveries. Hence, families with some discretionary income are increasingly opting for a caesarean over vaginal delivery. Facility deliveries reduce incidence of obstructed labour fistula, but probably contribute to rising incidence of iatrogenic fistula. Reducing caesarean rates requires a large increase in numbers of nurses and midwives, and acceptance by physicians of a broad scope of practice for nurses/midwives in vaginal deliveries.
Path analysis from physical activity to quality of life among dementia patients: A dual‐path mediating model
Authors: Huang Xiuxiu , Li Bei , Yu Fang , Zhou Jiong , Wan Qiaoqin , Chang Hong
Published: November 2019

Aims

To clarify the specific impact paths among physical activity, activity of daily living, depression and quality of life among dementia patients.

Design

A descriptive, cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Dementia patients and their caregivers from five tertiary general hospitals and one dementia patients’ club were recruited. A total of 216 valid questionnaires were collected from November 2018 ‐ March 2019. Path analysis was performed by Mplus 7.0 to test the casual relationship among physical activity, activity of daily living, depression and quality of life.

Results

Most patients with dementia presented a low level of physical activity and suffered from impaired quality of life. The modified model presented a good model fit and revealed that physical activity had indirect positive effects on quality of life mediated by activity of daily living and depression.

Conclusion

The results showed that physical activity was a promising non‐pharmacological method to improve the performance of activity of daily living and reduce depressive symptoms and then enhance the quality of life among dementia patients.

Impact

The findings were beneficial to elevate the awareness of physical activity among patients and professionals. This study was helpful to understand how physical activity exerted effects on life quality of dementia patients. This study provided a new perspective for researchers to elucidate the causal relationship of variables among dementia patients.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis on effective interventions for health‐related quality of life among caregivers of people with dementia
Authors: Lee Mijung , Ryoo Ji Hoon , Crowder Jolie , Byon Ha Do , Wiiliams Ishan C.
Published: November 2019

Aims

(a) To evaluate the effectiveness of different types of psychosocial interventions on the health‐related quality of life among caregivers of individuals with dementia and (b) To present an overview and assessment of the quality of the most recent intervention studies.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2005 ‐ 2017. Using a Boolean search, the key words ‘caregivers’, ‘dementia’ and ‘quality of life’ were combined. The search was completed in January 2018.

Review Methods

A total of 26 RCTs were included. Intervention details such as content, mode of delivery and duration were reviewed, and each study's risk of bias was assessed. The effectiveness of each type of intervention was calculated using the Hedges G and a random‐effects model.

Results

Multicomponent interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy and complementary alternative medicine therapy showed significant effects on improving caregiver's health‐related quality of life. Psychoeducation, social support, case management and cognitive rehabilitation therapy failed to produce significant effects.

Conclusion

Via this evidence‐based systematic review, multicomponent interventions addressing a variety of caregiver needs can be an effective method for enhancing caregiver health‐related quality of life. Further large number of studies are needed to verify this study results.

Impact

The findings of this study inform clinicians which interventions are effective in improving caregivers’ health‐related quality of life. Defining a standardized protocol for multicomponent interventions will be helpful for clinicians to apply the intervention.
Social provision partially mediates the complex associations among posttraumatic stress, obsessive‐compulsive and depressive symptoms in traumatized patients
Authors: Kim Heejung , Kim Sunah , Kong Seongsook , Kim Nam Hee
Published: November 2019

Aim

To identify the associations among posttraumatic stress, depressive and obsessive‐compulsive symptoms (OCS) in outpatients with psychological trauma and to examine the mediating effect of social provision.

Background

Psychologically traumatized patients simultaneously experience depressive and OCS. Social provision may mediate multiple symptoms differently compared with social support.

Design

Cross‐sectional and correlational study.

Methods

Data were collected between August 2016–May 2017. Psychiatric outpatients (N = 151) completed a structured questionnaire consisting of the Korean versions of the Social Provision Scale, Beck Depression Inventory‐II, Maudsley Obsessional‐Compulsive Inventory and Impact of Event Scale–Revised. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the recursive association among the three symptoms and the mediation of social provision.

Results

There was a recursive association between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depressive symptoms, which were simultaneously associated with OCS with a one‐way direction. OCS and social provision partially mediated these identified associations among three symptoms.

Conclusions

Our findings provide insight into the complex associations of multiple symptoms experienced by traumatized outpatients and the partial mediation of social provision. Psychiatric and mental health professionals may enhance social functioning and interpersonal interactions based on social provision components used for helping traumatized patients with obsessive‐compulsive and depressive symptoms.

Impact

There was a recursive association between PTSS and depressive symptoms that were simultaneously associated with OCS with a one‐way direction. Social provision functions as a partial mediator when working with OCS. Mental health nurses can develop social provision interventions for depressive symptoms for traumatized outpatients with OCS.
Characteristics of joint displays illustrating data integration in mixed‐methods nursing studies
Authors: Younas Ahtisham , Pedersen Maria , Durante Angela
Published: November 2019

Aims

To identify the characteristics of joint displays illustrating the data integration in mixed‐methods nursing studies and to make recommendations for effective use of joint displays for the integration of qualitative and quantitative data in mixed‐methods studies.

Design

Discussion Paper.

Data Sources

We have completed this paper as a part of a mixed‐methods prevalence review of 190 studies published in nursing journals. We searched 10 nursing journals and three databases from January 2014–April 2018, additional journal search was performed from May–September 2018. We reviewed 17 studies that used joint displays as the method of data integration. Using a joint display typology, checklists, summary tables, and personal experiences of using joint displays, we evaluated the quality of displays.

Implications for Nursing

Nurse researchers should use advanced data integration approaches to increase the rigour of the mixed‐methods studies. Joint displays can enable nurse researchers to efficiently integrate and synthesize the qualitative and quantitative data in mixed‐methods studies. However, nurse researchers should clearly label the type and title of the display, include both qualitative and quantitative data and interpretations, and highlight the mixed‐methods interpretations as confirmed, divergent, or expanded in the displays.

Conclusion

Joint displays are adopted for data integration in nursing mixed‐methods studies. Improvements are required concerning data presentation in the displays. Researchers should provide clear titles and supporting data and inferences and identify the meta‐inferences by assessing the fit between quantitative and qualitative data.

Impact

Despite the importance of integration in mixed methods, reviews indicated a consistent lack of integration in nursing research. Joint displays are structured frameworks used for the integration and synthesis of the qualitative and quantitative data at the analysis and interpretation levels. The discussed typology and characteristics of displays can enable nurse researchers to enhance the quality and presentation of integrated results in mixed‐methods studies.
Trait‐mediated filtering drives contrasting patterns of species richness and functional diversity across montane bird assemblages
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Holyoak Marcel , Chen Chuanwu , Liu Zhifa , Liu Jiajia , Che Xianli , Dong Anqiang , Yang Changteng , Zou Fasheng
Published: November 2019

Aim

Most studies of diversity changes along elevational gradients show a synchronous change in taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity, such that all decline with elevation or show a mid‐elevation peak. However, some studies show asynchronous changes, which challenge us to explain their assembly. Here we used functional trait variation and niche spacing to test the roles of environmental filtering and competition‐driven niche separation in assembly and biodiversity patterns across an elevational gradient.

Location

Nanling Mountains, southern China.

Taxon

Birds (Timaliidae, Pycnonotidae and Sylviidae)

Methods

Breeding birds were surveyed in 2012–2017 from 300 to 1900 m ASL. We tested bird diversity pattern and community structure relevant to environmental filtering and limiting similarity by integrating functional traits and evolutionary distances, as well as vegetation heterogeneity. A null modelling approach tested specific trait variation and niche spacing in relation to habitat associations and niche segregation.

Results

Contrary to expectation, bird richness peaked at just below the highest site, and functional diversity declined significantly with elevation. Functional–phylogenetic distance metrics converged with increasing elevation, corresponding to strong environmental filtering and habitat change. For the spatial arrangement of specific traits, restricted dispersal ability, elevational range and clutch sizes were related to filtering effects, as indicated by trait convergence in clustered highland bird assemblages. Conversely, overdispersed lowland assemblages have evenly spaced trait values predicted by limiting similarity, including bill length, vertical stratum‐use and flocking propensity. In addition, bird functional diversity was highly correlated with both vegetation productivity and tree height, which reinforces the role of filtering in structuring local bird assemblages.

Main conclusions

This study highlights how strong filtering can produce a counter‐intuitive, contrasting pattern of changes between species richness and functional diversity. Fundamental assembly processes and species roles in ecosystems are predictable through examining key traits of life‐history and foraging characteristics, and their associations with environmental variables.
Deletion of the FHL2 gene attenuates intima‐media thickening in a partially ligated carotid artery ligated mouse model
Authors: Chen Chi‐Yu , Tsai Hsiao‐Ya , Tsai Shih‐Hung , Chu Pao‐Hsien , Huang Po‐Hsun , Chen Jaw‐Wen , Lin Shing‐Jong
Published: November 2019

The four and a half LIM domain protein 2 (FHL2) is a member of the four and a half LIM domain (FHL) gene family, and it is associated with cholesterol‐enriched diet‐promoted atherosclerosis. However, the effect of FHL2 protein on vascular remodelling in response to hemodynamic alterations remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of FHL2 in a model of restricted blood flow‐induced atherosclerosis. To promote neointimal hyperplasia in vivo, we subjected FHL2+/+ and FHL2−/− mice to partial ligation of the left carotid artery (LCA). The expression of p‐ERK and p‐AKT was decreased in FHL2−/− mice. FHL2 bound to AKT regulated AKT phosphorylation and led to Rac1‐GTP inactivation. FHL2 silencing in human aortic smooth muscle cells down‐regulated the PDGF‐induced phosphorylation of ERK and AKT. Furthermore, FHL2 silencing reduced cytoskeleton conformational changes and caused cell cycle arrest. We concluded that FHL2 is essential for the regulation of arterial smooth muscle cell function. FHL2 modulates proliferation and migration via mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K‐AKT signalling, leading to arterial wall thickening and thus neointimal hyperplasia.