bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Itaconate: an emerging determinant of inflammation in activated macrophages
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Hua , Zhang Da‐Wei , Zheng Xi‐Long , Tang Chao‐Ke
Published: November 2018

Macrophages play a central role in innate immunity as the first line of defense against pathogen infection. Upon exposure to inflammatory stimuli, macrophages rapidly respond and subsequently undergo metabolic reprogramming to substantially produce cellular metabolites such as itaconate. As a derivate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, itaconate is derived from the decarboxylation of cis‐aconitate mediated by immunoresponsive gene 1 in the mitochondrial matrix. It is well known that itaconate has a direct antimicrobial effect by inhibiting isocitrate lyase. Strikingly, two recent studies published in Nature showed that itaconate markedly decreases the production of proinflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide‐treated macrophages and ameliorates sepsis and psoriasis in animal models, revealing a novel biological action of itaconate beyond its regular roles in antimicrobial defense. The mechanism for this anti‐inflammatory effect has been proposed to involve the inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase, blockade of IκBζ translation and activation of Nrf2. These intriguing discoveries provide a new explanation for how macrophages are switched from a pro‐ to an anti‐inflammatory state to limit the damage and facilitate tissue repair under proinflammatory conditions. Thus, the emerging effect of itaconate as a crucial determinant of macrophage inflammation has important implications in further understanding cellular immunometabolism and developing future therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we focus on the roles of itaconate in controlling the inflammatory response during macrophage activation, providing a rationale for future investigation and therapeutic intervention.
Elevated circulating levels of monocyte activation markers among tuberculosis patients with diabetes co‐morbidity
Authors: Kumar Nathella P. , Moideen Kadar , Bhootra Yukthi , Nancy Arul , Viswanathan Vijay , Shruthi Basavaradhya S. , Sivakumar Shanmugam , Natarajan Mohan , Kornfeld Hardy , Babu Subash
Published: November 2018

Alteration in the frequency of monocyte subsets is a hallmark of tuberculosis–diabetes co‐morbidity (TB‐DM). To study this association, we examined the plasma levels of sCD14, sCD163, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and soluble tissue factor (sTF) in individuals with TB‐DM, TB or diabetes mellitus (DM), and in healthy controls (HC). Circulating levels of sCD14, sCD163 and sTF were significantly increased in TB‐DM and DM compared with TB and HC; however, CRP was significantly increased in TB‐DM and TB compared with DM and HC. During longitudinal follow up, sCD14, CRP and sTF levels remained significantly increased in TB‐DM compared with TB from baseline (pre‐treatment), during treatment (2nd month) and at the completion (6th month) of anti‐TB treatment (ATT), whereas sCD163 was significantly higher in TB‐DM compared with TB only at baseline. Moreover, the levels of sCD14 and sCD163 were significantly higher in TB‐DM individuals with bilateral and cavitary disease and exhibited a significant positive relationship with bacterial burden. Levels of sCD14, sCD163 and CRP exhibited a positive relationship with HbA1c levels. Within the TB‐DM group, those with known diabetes before incident TB (KDM) exhibited significantly higher levels of sCD14 and sCD163 compared with individuals with newly diagnosed DM with TB (NDM). Finally, KDM individuals on metformin treatment exhibited significantly lower levels of sCD14, sCD163 and CRP compared with those on non‐metformin‐containing regimens. Our data demonstrate that systemic monocyte activation marker levels reflect baseline disease severity and extent in TB‐DM, differentiate KDM from NDM and are modulated by ATT and metformin therapy.
Momentum Trading with theℓ1‐Filter: Are the Markets Efficient?*
Authors: Mitra Subrata K. , Rohit Abhishek
Published: November 2018

This paper explores the possibility of generating consistent momentum profits by trading on nine major indices across the globe using theℓ1‐filter. This methodology penalizes slope reversion of the filtered trend and identifies piecewise linear trends in the asset prices. We find the buy strategy to offer considerably higher momentum returns compared to the sell strategy. Our strategy beats the buy‐and‐hold (BH) strategy on all fronts and, thus, highlights the inefficiencies in financial markets in recent years (2000–2016). Comparing the momentum profits across a set of advanced economies (AEs) and emerging market economies (EMEs), we find that the developed and efficient financial markets of the AEs provide lower opportunities for momentum profits. The momentum profits are more than double in the EMEs as compared to the AEs. Highlighting the instability of the momentum strategy in different market states by using the global financial crisis (GFC) as a turning point, we further find that considerable opportunity exists for momentum strategies in the bullish runs that precede the crisis, as happened before the GFC. However, the momentum profits reduce significantly as the crisis sets in, increasing the degree of market uncertainty, fear, and risk‐aversiveness.
Composition dependence of the electro‐optic properties of iron‐doped lithium niobate crystals mounted as bulk modulator
Authors: Danielyan Anush , Kokanyan Ninel , Kostritskii Sergey , Kokanyan Edvard , Aillerie Michel
Published: November 2018

In this contribution, we report a complete set of electro‐optic coefficients of iron‐doped lithium niobate as function of the composition varying from sub‐congruent to near‐stoichiometric in a series of four crystals. The concentration of iron is constant for all crystals of the series. The electro‐optic measurements of the r22 and rc coefficients were performed on a Sènarmont ellipsometric setup while those of r13 and r33 were performed on a Mach‐Zehnder interferometric setup, by adaptation of the same frequency doubling electro‐optic modulation and the MDM methods implemented in both electro‐optical arrangements. The corresponding dielectric permittivities ε11 and ε33 as a function of composition were also determined. All electro‐optic coefficients reveal a small change with composition, but significant above the experimental error. The nonmonotonous dependences of all electro‐optic coefficients are found to be closely linked to their corresponding dielectric permittivities.
Corrosion mechanism of lightweight microporous alumina‐based refractory by molten steel
Authors: Fu Lvping , Zou Yongshun , Huang Ao , Gu Huazhi , Ni Hongwei
Published: November 2018

Lightweight refractory linings for industrial furnaces have become important subjects of development in high‐temperature industries. The reaction mechanism between a lightweight microporous alumina‐based refractory material and molten steel was investigated in this study. The main mechanism of refractory damage was structural spalling, caused by steel penetrating the pores. The many micropores in lightweight microporous alumina have high specific surface area and reactivity, inducing the formation of FeO–Fe2O3–Al2O3 phases. This impeded the further penetration of molten steel and the direct dissolution of refractory oxides, promoting greater resistance to molten steel than that shown by common tabular alumina‐based refractories, in which Fe does not react and steel penetration through the pores cannot be retarded.
Phase stability and weak metallic bonding within ternary‐layered borides CrAlB, Cr2AlB2, Cr3AlB4, and Cr4AlB6
Authors: Bai Yuelei , Qi Xinxin , He Xiaodong , Sun Dongdong , Kong Fanyu , Zheng Yongting , Wang Rongguo , Duff Andrew Ian
Published: November 2018

To explore the potential for use of the Cr–Al–B borides, Cr2AlB2, Cr3AlB4, and Cr4AlB6 as well as hypothetical CrAlB are investigated using density functional theory. In the CrAl(CrB2)n series strong covalent bonding is present between the B and Cr atoms with, significantly, much weaker metallic Cr–Al and B–Al bonds, suggesting similar unusual properties to the MAX phases. The relative stiffness of the weakest and strongest bonds hint at similar unusual properties to the MAX phases with superior damage tolerance expected for hypothetical CrAlB, as evidenced in the lowest Al1–Al2 bond stiffness. The layered nature and metallic bonding are expected to result in high fracture toughness and damage tolerance. Anisotropic compression is demonstrated, with the stiffest axes along the direction of the B–B zigzag‐/hexagonal‐chains and the softest axes determined by an interplay between the soft metallic interlayers and the rigid covalent bonds. In general the elastic moduli in CrAl(CrB2)n increase as a function of n, however, without the price of an increase in density.
Mechanical and microstructural analysis of geopolymer composites based on metakaolin and recycled silica
Authors: Villaquirán‐Caicedo Mónica A. , Mejía de Gutiérrez Ruby
Published: November 2018

This paper evaluated mechanical and thermal stability of alkali‐activated materials obtained from metakaolin and alternative silica sources, such as rice husk ash (RHA) and silica fume (SF), and were reinforced with recycled ceramic particles (RP) obtained by grinding bricks. Specimens were produced, and after 7 days of curing, they were exposed to temperatures between 300 and 1200°C to determine the influence that different percentages of RP had on the mechanical behavior and microstructure of the produced composites. The results showed a reduction in the linear contraction by 10.22% with 20 wt% RP and that the reinforcing materials improved the mechanical performance of the geopolymers after exposure to high temperatures; the compressive strengths reached 137.7 (±11.4)  MPa after being exposed to 1200°C for the matrix based on RHA and 180.6 (±19.15) MPa after being reinforced with 20 wt% RP. The improvement was mainly due to densification and the formation of crystalline products such as leucite, kalsilite, and mullite.
Relationships between residual blood pressure variability and cognitive function in the general population of the PAMELA study
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Cuspidi Cesare , Bombelli Michele , Facchetti Rita , Mancia Giuseppe , Grassi Guido
Published: November 2018

The present study was aimed at assessing the relationships between absolute and individual residual blood pressure (BP) variability and cognitive function in a general population. This cross‐sectional study evaluated cognitive function using minimental state evaluation (MMSE) in 471 subjects enrolled in the PAMELA study. MMSE was calculated 10 years after initial enrollment of the subjects in the PAMELA study. Measurements included office, home, and 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring. BP variability was obtained by calculating: (a) 24‐hour standard deviation (SD) for systolic and diastolic BP and (b) individual residual BP variability. Mean age (±SD) of the subjects enrolled was 63 ± 5.7 years at the initial evaluation, with a 10‐year increase when MMSE was performed. There was no significant difference in BP or heart rate values measured at office, home, or during 24‐h BP monitoring between subjects with MMSE < 24 and those with ≥24. BP variability measured by SBP and DBP SD was also similar between these two groups. However, individual residual BP variability was significantly greater in subjects with lower MMSE and this difference became more pronounced when the study population was divided in three groups according to MMSE score (10‐20, 21‐23, 24‐30). Individual residual SBP and DBP variability gradually decreased with the increase in MMSE score. Our data show that a sensitive parameter for the development of cognitive impairment is not BP or absolute BP variability but rather its short‐term erratic component, which has been previously shown to be an important prognostic marker for organ damage, cardiovascular, and all‐cause mortality.
Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide potentially attenuates diabetic retinal injury in a diabetic rat model
Authors: Wang Yi , Lan Changjun , Liao Xuan , Chen Di , Song Wengang , Zhang Qiuling
Published: November 2018

Aims/Introduction

To investigate the protective effect of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP) on the retina in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods

A total of 120 Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank control, control model (meaning diabetes mellitus), and diabetes mellitus with PSP intervention of high, medium and low doses groups. The difference of retinal vascularization between groups was evaluated by fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran perfusion. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling staining was used to assess apoptosis in the retinal ganglion cells; reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were utilized to evaluate the expression of Bcl2‐associated X protein, B‐cell lymphoma‐2 factor, epidermal growth factor, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases, transforming growth factor‐β and vascular endothelial growth factor at the messenger ribonucleic acid and protein level.

Results

Fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran perfusion showed retinal vascular anomaly in diabetes mellitus rats, but vascular tortuosity and leakage were relatively alleviated after PSP intervention. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling staining showed numerous terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling‐positive retinal cells in the diabetes mellitus group, which then were reduced by PSP treatment. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction showed that PSP intervention decreased Bcl2‐associated X protein, epidermal growth factor, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases, vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β messenger ribonucleic acid expression, but increased B‐cell lymphoma‐2 factor messenger ribonucleic acid expression. Western blot showed that PSP intervention upregulated the expression of B‐cell lymphoma‐2 factor, and downregulated the expression of Bcl2‐associated X protein, epidermal growth factor, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases, vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β proteins.

Conclusions

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide shows a protective effect against diabetes‐induced retinal injury in a dose‐dependent manner. The mechanism of action deserves further study and exploration.
Ectopic pregnancy rate in Iranian midwifery clients and infertile patients treated by assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Mokhtari Zanjani Pouran , Ahmadnia Elahe , Kharaghani Roghieh
Published: November 2018

Objective

There are some studies on the prevalence of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in a different population of Iranian women. This study aimed to estimate the ectopic pregnancy prevalence in obstetrical clients and infertile patients treated by assisted reproductive technologies in Iran.

Methods

International and national databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Magiran, Iran doc, and Iran Medex were searched up to January 2016. Also, conference databases were searched. All studies in which, the ectopic pregnancy prevalence in Iranian obstetrical clients and infertile patients treated by assisted reproductive technologies were reported, included and reviewed. Data of studies were extracted into a standard data sheet. Meta‐analysis was conducted by a random‐effects model with 95% confidence interval.

Results

Eight studies were included, involving overall 571 826 women of whom 1446 had an ectopic pregnancy. The overall prevalence of ectopic pregnancy in obstetrical units of the hospitals and assisted reproductive technologies patients was 2.9 (95% CI: 2.1, 3.7) and 53 (95% CI: 20.4, 85.6) per 1000 clients, respectively.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence on the ectopic pregnancy prevalence in Iranian obstetrical clients and assisted reproductive technologies patients. Furthermore, a significant heterogeneity existed between the results. So, more population‐based studies on national data are needed for the exact estimation of the ectopic pregnancy prevalence in Iran.
Development and evaluation of the Adaptation Support Program in Early Pregnancy after the use of assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Sakiyama Takayo
Published: November 2018

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and outcome of the Adaptation Support Program in Early Pregnancy after the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Methods

The participants were 57 primiparas who had undergone ART and had received the Adaptation Support Program. The data were gathered by using questionnaires before (Time 1), immediately after (Time 2), and 8 weeks after (Time 3) the intervention between August, 2014 and March, 2015. The data for the 40 women who gave valid answers were analyzed statistically.

Results

Of the respondents, 75% gave a positive evaluation that the program met their expectations and >80% positively evaluated it for its convenience, problem‐solving intentionality, satisfaction, and usefulness. The Anticipatory Anxiety for Loss Scale (AALS) and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI‐J) scores decreased significantly at Times 2 and 3 and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores at Time 3. The Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory‐Japanese (PTGI‐J) scores, showing growth as a result of infertility experience, increased significantly at Time 3. The Care Need Satisfaction Scale (CNSS) scores showed a positive correlation with the PTGI‐J scores and negative correlations with the AALS and STAI‐J, but did not correlate with the EPDS.

Conclusion

This program was evaluated positively. The AALS, PTGI‐J, EPDS, and STAI showed significant change after the program and the AALS, PTGI‐J, and STAI‐J showed significant correlations with the CNSS.
Nurses’ identification and reporting of medication errors
Authors: Dirik Hasan Fehmi , Samur Menevse , Seren Intepeler Seyda , Hewison Alistair
Published: November 2018

Aims and objectives

To investigate hospital nurses’ involvement in the identification and reporting of medication errors in Turkey.

Background

Medication safety is an international priority, and medication error identification and reporting are essential for patient safety.

Design

A descriptive survey design consistent with the STROBE guidelines was used.

Methods

The participants were 135 nurses employed in a university hospital in Turkey. The survey instrument included 18 sample cases and respondents identified whether errors had been made and how they should be reported. Descriptive statistics were analysed using the chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

The sample case of “Patient given 10 mg morphine sulphate instead of 1.0 mg of morphine sulphate” was defined as a medication error by 97% of respondents, whereas the sample case of “Omitting oral/IV antibiotics because of the need to take the patient out for X‐rays for 3 hr” was defined as a medication error by only 32.1%. It was found that eight sample cases (omitting antibiotics, diluting norodol drops with saline, giving aspirin preprandially, injecting clexane before colonoscopy, giving an analgesic at the nurse's discretion, dispensing undiluted morphine, preparing dobutamine instead of dopamine and administering enteral nutrition intravenously) were assessed as errors and reported, although there were significant statistical differences between the identification and reporting of these errors.

Conclusion

Nurses are able to identify medication errors, but are reluctant to report them. Fear of the consequences was the main reason given for not reporting medication errors. When errors are reported, it is likely to be to physicians.

Relevance to clinical practice

The development of a commonly agreed definition of a medication error, along with clear and robust reporting mechanisms, would be a positive step towards increasing patient safety. Staff reporting medication errors should be supported, not punished, and the information provided used to improve the system.
Accuracy of Three Digitization Methods for the Dental Arch with Various Tooth Preparation Designs: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Oh Kyung Chul , Lee Bora , Park Young‐Bum , Moon Hong Seok
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of three digitization methods for the maxillary dental arch.

Materials and Methods

A maxillary typodont with various tooth preparation designs was used as the reference model. The scanned data were classified into direct scanning (DS), cast scanning (CS), and impression scanning (IS) groups according to the techniques applied for digitization (n = 10/group). An intraoral scanner was used for the DS group. Impressions obtained with polyether impression material were scanned with a tabletop scanner for the IS group. For the CS group, the definitive casts fabricated from the obtained impressions were scanned with the same tabletop scanner. The accuracy (trueness and precision) of the produced virtual dental casts was evaluated with specialized software. The full‐arch and individual abutment deviations were measured with regard to root mean square error (RMSE) values. Data were analyzed with statistical software with an .

Results

The RMSE values for both trueness and precision were lowest in the IS group, followed by the CS and DS groups, with statistically significant differences among the groups (p < 0.05). The trueness of individual abutments was significantly higher in the IS group than in the DS group. In addition, the trueness of individual abutments was affected by the location of the abutments in the DS group, whereas it did not differ between individual abutments in the CS and IS groups.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the IS method is an accurate digitization technique for the creation of a virtual dental cast.
Metabolic factors affecting hepatocellular carcinoma in steatohepatitis
Authors: Zarrinpar Ali , Faltermeier Claire M. , Agopian Vatche G. , Naini Bita V. , Harlander‐Locke Michael P. , Kaldas Fady M. , Farmer Douglas G. , Busuttil Ronald W.
Published: November 2018

Background & Aims

With the rising prevalence of alcoholism, obesity and metabolic syndrome, steatohepatitis will become the leading cause of end‐stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States by 2025. Patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease have similar clinical and histopathological presentations, whether these similarities persist in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease patients with hepatocellular carcinoma remains unknown.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the clinical features of adult patients from a large transplant center who underwent liver transplantation for steatohepatitis due to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic causes (alcoholic liver disease) between 1/1/02 and 1/1/12 was performed. Clinical features, explant histopathology, and clinical outcomes were compared.

Results

Hepatocellular carcinoma was present in 80 of 317 patients, who underwent liver transplantation for steatohepatitis with equivalent distribution in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease patients (24% vs 26%; P = 0.8). On multivariate analysis, significant predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma included age, ethnicity (Hispanic), and diabetes, but not BMI, hypertension or smoking. A lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with a clinical history of hyperlipidemia. Clinical parameters were similar between patients with alcoholic liver disease ‐ hepatocellular carcinoma and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis‐hepatocellular carcinoma, except sex and presence of metabolic syndrome. non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis‐hepatocellular carcinoma livers retained histopathological features of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis such as ballooning and Mallory bodies, while alcoholic liver disease‐hepatocellular carcinoma livers did not. There were no significant differences in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence rates or post‐transplant overall survival.

Conclusions

We report the largest single‐center study evaluating clinical, histopathological and outcome measures of patients undergoing liver transplantation for steatohepatitis. Older patients, diabetics, and Hispanics may warrant more frequent cancer screening due to increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Associations between antenatal depression and neonatal outcomes in Malawi
Authors: Stewart Robert C. , Ashorn Per , Umar Eric , Dewey Kathryn G. , Ashorn Ulla , Creed Francis , Rahman Atif , Tomenson Barbara , Prado Elizabeth L. , Maleta Ken
Published: November 2018

Studies from several low‐ and middle‐income countries have shown that antenatal depression may be a risk factor for poor neonatal outcomes. However, those studies conducted in sub‐Saharan Africa have not consistently demonstrated this association. We set out to investigate whether antenatal depression is associated with shorter duration of pregnancy and reduced newborn size in rural Malawi. Pregnant women recruited from four antenatal clinics to the International Lipid‐Based Nutrient Supplements Project‐DYAD‐Malawi (iLiNS‐DYAD‐M) randomised controlled trial of nutrient supplementation were screened for antenatal depression in the second or third trimester using a locally validated version of the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ). Outcomes were duration of pregnancy, birthweight, newborn length for age z‐score (LAZ), head circumference z‐score, and mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC). Other potential confounding factors and predictors of birth outcome were measured and adjusted for in the analysis. 1,391 women were enrolled to the trial. 1,006/1,391 (72.3%) of these women completed an SRQ and gave birth to a singleton infant whose weight was measured within 2 weeks of birth. 143/1,006 (14.2%) scored SRQ ≥ 8, indicating likely depression. Antenatal depression was not associated with birth weight, duration of pregnancy, newborn LAZ, or head‐circumference Z‐score. There was an inverse association with newborn MUAC (adjusted mean difference − 0.2 cm (95% CI −0.4 to 0, p = 0.021) the significance of which is unclear. The study was conducted within a randomised controlled trial of nutritional supplementation and there was a high proportion of missing data in some enrolment sites; this may have affected the validity of our findings.
A mixed method study evaluating the integration of pregnancy weight gain charts into antenatal care
Authors: de Jersey Susan , Guthrie Taylor , Tyler Jeanette , Ling Wan Yin , Powlesland Hilary , Byrne Clare , New Karen
Published: November 2018

Monitoring pregnancy weight can reduce excess gestational weight gain (GWG), and is recommended in clinical practice guidelines as part of routine care. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of routine weight monitoring using a pregnancy weight gain chart (PWGC), and assess health care professionals (HCPs) and pregnant women's attitudes and practices around its use. A semiquantitative survey was conducted with a consecutive sample of antenatal women at 16 and 36 weeks gestation. Women were weighed, and a PWGC audit done at 36 weeks gestation to assess adherence to chart use and GWG. A cross‐sectional survey of antenatal HCPs at the Australian facility assessed staff attitudes and practices relating to weight monitoring and PWGC use. Of the 291 women surveyed, 68% reported being given a PWGC. Of the audited PWGCs (n = 258), 54% had less than three weights recorded, 36% had errors, and 3% were unused. All HCPs surveyed (n = 42) were aware of the PWGC, 63% reported using it to track GWG regularly and 26% believed it to be only the woman's responsibility (i.e., not the midwife's role) to complete it. Seventy‐six percent reported they needed more training in counselling pregnant women, and insufficient time was a main barrier to weighing and conversing with women. It is feasible to implement a PWGC into routine antenatal care. Clarity over women's and HCPs responsibility for monitoring GWG and completion of the PWGC is needed. Training on correct PWGC use and counselling and workforce engagement are required to overcome barriers and support healthy GWG.
Fungal adaptation to plant defences through convergent assembly of metabolic modules
Authors: Gluck‐Thaler Emile , Vijayakumar Vinod , Slot Jason C.
Published: November 2018

The ongoing diversification of plant defence compounds exerts dynamic selection pressures on the microorganisms that colonize plant tissues. Evolutionary processes that generate resistance towards these compounds increase microbial fitness by giving access to plant resources and increasing pathogen virulence. These processes entail sequence‐based mechanisms that result in adaptive gene functions, and combinatorial mechanisms that result in novel syntheses of existing gene functions. However, the priority and interactions among these processes in adaptive resistance remain poorly understood. Using a combination of molecular genetic and computational approaches, we investigated the contributions of sequence‐based and combinatorial processes to the evolution of fungal metabolic gene clusters encoding stilbene cleavage oxygenases (SCOs), which catalyse the degradation of biphenolic plant defence compounds known as stilbenes into monophenolic molecules. We present phylogenetic evidence of convergent assembly among three distinct types of SCO gene clusters containing alternate combinations of phenolic catabolism. Multiple evolutionary transitions between different cluster types suggest recurrent selection for distinct gene assemblages. By comparison, we found that the substrate specificities of heterologously expressed SCO enzymes encoded in different clusters types were all limited to stilbenes and related molecules with a 4′‐OH group, and differed modestly in substrate range and activity under the experimental conditions. Together, this work suggests a primary role for genome structural rearrangement, and the importance of enzyme modularity, in promoting fungal metabolic adaptation to plant defence chemistry.
The toxin from a ParDE toxin‐antitoxin system found inPseudomonas aeruginosaoffers protection to cells challenged with anti‐gyrase antibiotics
Authors: Muthuramalingam Meenakumari , White John C. , Murphy Tamiko , Ames Jessica R. , Bourne Christina R.
Published: November 2018

Toxin‐antitoxin systems are mediators of diverse activities in bacterial physiology. For the ParE‐type toxins, their reported role of gyrase inhibition utilized during plasmid‐segregation killing indicates they are toxic. However, their location throughout chromosomes leads to questions about function, including potential non‐toxic outcomes. The current study has characterized a ParDE system from the opportunistic human pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosa(Pa). We identified a protective function for this ParE toxin, PaParE, against effects of quinolone and other antibiotics. However, higher concentrations of PaParE are themselves toxic to cells, indicating the phenotypic outcome can vary based on its concentration. Our assays confirmed PaParE inhibition of gyrase‐mediated supercoiling of DNA with an IC50value in the low micromolar range, a species‐specificity that resulted in more efficacious inhibition ofEscherichia coliderived gyrase versus Pa gyrase, and overexpression in the absence of antitoxin yielded an expected filamentous morphology with multi‐foci nucleic acid material. Additional data revealed that the PaParE toxin is monomeric and interacts with dimeric PaParD antitoxin with a KDin the lower picomolar range, yielding a heterotetramer. This work provides novel insights into chromosome‐encoded ParE function, whereby its expression can impart partial protection to cultures from selected antibiotics.
Nurses' perceptions of intensive care unit palliative care at end of life
Authors: Ganz Freda DeKeyser , Sapir Batel
Published: November 2018

Background

Significant barriers can block the provision of palliative care at the end of life in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, the relationship between perceptions of ICU quality palliative care and barriers to palliative care at the end of life is not well documented.

Aims and objectives

To describe ICU nurses' perceptions of quality palliative end‐of‐life care, barrier intensity and frequency to palliative care and their association with one another.

Design

This was a descriptive, correlational, cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A convenience sample of 126 ICU nurses from two hospitals in Israel was recruited for the study. Participants completed three pencil‐and‐paper questionnaires (a personal characteristics questionnaire, the Quality of Palliative Care in the ICU and a revised Survey of Oncology Nurses' Perceptions of End‐of‐Life Care). Respondents were recruited during staff meetings or while on duty in the ICU. Ethical approval was obtained for the study from participating hospitals.

Results

The item mean score of the quality of palliative end‐of‐life care was 7·5/10 (SD = 1·23). The item mean barrier intensity and frequency scores were 3·05/5 (SD = 0·76) and 3·30/5 (SD = 0·61), respectively. A correlation ofr = 0·46,p < 0·001 was found between barrier frequency and intensity andr = −0·19,p = 0·04 between barrier frequency and quality palliative end‐of‐life care.

Conclusions

ICU nurses perceived the quality of palliative care at the end of life as moderate despite reports of moderate barrier levels. The frequency of barriers was weakly associated with quality palliative end‐of‐life care. However, barrier intensity did not correlate with quality palliative end‐of‐life care at a statistically significant level. Further research that investigates other factors associated with quality ICU palliative care is recommended.

Relevance to clinical practice

Barriers to palliative care are still common in the ICU. Increased training and education are recommended to decrease barriers and improve the quality of ICU palliative care.
Interactions between recreational cannabis use and cognitive function: lessons from functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Sagar Kelly A. , Gruber Staci A.
Published: November 2018

Cannabis use is becoming increasingly popular as a growing number of states pass legislation to legalize cannabis and cannabis‐derived products for recreational and/or medical purposes. Given the widespread use of cannabis, it is critical to understand the neural consequences related to cannabis use. In this review, we focus on evidence from functional magnetic resonance imaging studies that document acute and residual alterations in brain function during tasks spanning a variety of cognitive domains: executive function, attention and working memory, memory, motor skills, error monitoring, and reward and affective processing. Although it is clear that cannabis affects brain function, the findings are somewhat inconsistent; variables that potentially affect study outcomes are outlined, including a discussion of the impact of chronological age and age of cannabis onset as well as length of abstinence at the time of assessment, which are important considerations when measuring cannabis use patterns. Inherent differences between recreational/adult cannabis use versus use for medical purposes are also discussed, given their importance to public policy decisions.
Selective ablation of atrial ganglionated plexus attenuates vasovagal reflex in a canine model
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Luo Da , Liu Shan , Qu Weiyi , Ma Ruisong , Yu Xiaomei , Xie Jing , Lu Zhibing , He WenBo
Published: November 2018

Background

Atrial ganglionated plexus (GP) ablation was proved to have therapeutic effects on vasovagal syncope. The study aimed to investigate whether selective ablation of only right anterior GP (ARGP) and right inferior GP (IRGP) was effective in a canine model of vasovagal syncope.

Methods

Seventeen mongrel dogs were divided into control (N = 10) and ablation group (N = 7). Bilateral thoracotomy was performed at the fourth intercostal space and ARGP and IRGP were ablated in the ablation group. A bolus of veratridine (15 ug/kg) was injected into the left atrium to induce vasovagal reflex. Surface electrocardiogram and blood pressure (BP) were continuously monitored. Heart rate (HR) variability was calculated to represent cardiac autonomic tone.

Results

Veratridine injection induced vasovagal reflex in all dogs. HR decreased from 149 ± 17 to 89 ± 33 beats/min (P < 0.001) in the control group, while in the ablation group HR decreased from 141 ± 35 to 125 ± 34 beats/min (P = 0.032). The postveratridine HR in the ablation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = 0.045). A significantly less intense HR decrease was observed in the ablation group compared with control (–17 ± 16 vs –61 ± 34 beats/min, P = 0.006). Significant BP decreases were induced in both the groups (all P < 0.01), while no evident differences in postveratridine BP and the extent of BP decreases were found between the groups. HR variability revealed significant decrease in cardiac vagal tone after ablation [high‐frequency power, 0.50 (0.17–1.05) vs 6.28 (0.68–8.99) ms2, P = 0.005].

Conclusions

Selective ablation of ARGP + IRGP weakened cardiac parasympathetic control and significantly attenuated the cardioinhibitory response in an animal model of vasovagal reflex. This ablation strategy might be effective for vasovagal syncope with evident cardioinhibitory response.
An open label pilot study of a dexmedetomidine‐remifentanil‐caudal anesthetic for infant lower abdominal/lower extremity surgery: The T REX pilot study
Authors: Szmuk Peter , Andropoulos Dean , McGowan Francis , Brambrink Ansgar , Lee Christopher , Lee Katherine J. , McCann Mary Ellen , Liu Yang , Saynhalath Rita , Bong Choon Looi , Anderson Brian J. , Berde Charles , De Graaff Jurgen C. , Disma Nicola , Kurth Dean , Loepke Andreas , Orser Beverley , Sessler Daniel I. , Skowno Justin J. , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S. , Vutskits Laszlo , Davidson Andrew
Published: November 2018

Background

Concern over potential neurotoxicity of anesthetics has led to growing interest in prospective clinical trials using potentially less toxic anesthetic regimens, especially for prolonged anesthesia in infants. Preclinical studies suggest that dexmedetomidine may have a reduced neurotoxic profile compared to other conventional anesthetic regimens; however, coadministration with either anesthetic drugs (eg, remifentanil) and/or regional blockade is required to achieve adequate anesthesia for surgery. The feasibility of this pharmacological approach is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a remifentanil/dexmedetomidine/neuraxial block technique in infants scheduled for surgery lasting longer than 2 hours.

Methods

Sixty infants (age 1‐12 months) were enrolled at seven centers over 18 months. A caudal local anesthetic block was placed after induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane. Next, an infusion of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil commenced, and the sevoflurane was discontinued. Three different protocols with escalating doses of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil were used.

Results

One infant was excluded due to a protocol violation and consent was withdrawn prior to anesthesia in another. The caudal block was unsuccessful in two infants. Of the 56 infants who completed the protocol, 45 (80%) had at least one episode of hypertension (mean arterial pressure >80 mm Hg) and/or movement that required adjusting the anesthesia regimen. In the majority of these cases, the remifentanil and/or dexmedetomidine doses were increased although six infants required rescue 0.3% sevoflurane and one required a propofol bolus. Ten infants had at least one episode of mild hypotension (mean arterial pressure 40‐50 mm Hg) and four had at least one episode of moderate hypotension (mean arterial pressure <40 mm Hg).

Conclusion

A dexmedetomidine/remifentanil neuraxial anesthetic regimen was effective in 87.5% of infants. These findings can be used as a foundation for designing larger trials that assess alternative anesthetic regimens for anesthetic neurotoxicity in infants.
Research in Operations Management and Information Systems Interface
Authors: Kumar Subodha , Mookerjee Vijay , Shubham Abhinav
Published: November 2018

Owing to its multidisciplinary nature, the operations management (OM) and information systems (IS) interface distinguishes itself from the individually focused perspective of both fields. The number and depth of contributions in this department can help both disciplines advance to better address important theoretical and practical challenges of the business world. In this paper, we study the characteristics of problems at the interface between OM and IS, and review past work that has been instrumental in setting the tone and direction of research at this interface. We extend our discussion to provide directions for future research at the OM and IS interface in the domains such as smart city management, healthcare, deep learning and artificial intelligence, fintech and blockchain, Internet of Things and Industry 4.0, and social media and digital platforms.
The urea transporter DUR3 contributes to rice production under nitrogen‐deficient and field conditions
Authors: Beier Marcel P. , Fujita Takayuki , Sasaki Kazuhiro , Kanno Keiichi , Ohashi Miwa , Tamura Wataru , Konishi Noriyuki , Saito Masahide , Imagawa Fumi , Ishiyama Keiki , Miyao Akio , Yamaya Tomoyuki , Kojima Soichi
Published: November 2018

Nitrogen is one of the most important elements for plant growth, and urea is one of the most frequently used nitrogen fertilizers worldwide. Besides the exogenously‐supplied urea to the soil, urea is endogenously synthesized during secondary nitrogen metabolism. Here, we investigated the contribution of a urea transporter, DUR3, to rice production using a reverse genetic approach combined with localization studies. Tos17 insertion lines for DUR3 showed a 50% yield reduction in hydroponic culture, and a 26.2% yield reduction in a paddy field, because of decreased grain filling. Because shoot biomass production and shoot total N was not reduced, insertion lines were disordered not only in nitrogen acquisition but also in nitrogen allocation. During seed development, DUR3 insertion lines accumulated nitrogen in leaves and could not sufficiently develop their panicles, although shoot and root dry weights were not significantly different from the wild‐type. The urea concentration in old leaf harvested from DUR3 insertion lines was lower than that in wild‐type. DUR3 promoter‐dependent β‐glucuronidase (GUS) activity was localized in vascular tissue and the midribs of old leaves. These results indicate that DUR3 contributes to nitrogen translocation and rice yield under nitrogen‐deficient and field conditions.
Like Oil and Water in the American West: Water Market Access amid Unconventional Oil Production in Colorado
Authors: Malin Stephanie A. , MacIlroy Kelsea
Published: November 2018

Characterized as a “wicked” problem, water shortage in the American West will soon become a reality—due to increasing population, climate change, and decreased flows. Concurrently, water‐centered technologies such as hydraulic fracturing and directional drilling have facilitated the rapid and widespread growth of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production in the United States. Water markets are increasingly touted as the best, most efficient, and fairest mechanisms for allocating vital and scarce resources. Yet this contention is largely unexplored at the food‐energy‐water nexus, particularly from an environmental justice perspective—where equitable water access for all users is a central concern. We utilize a case study in Colorado's South Platte basin based on 41 in‐depth interviews to show: (1) distortions created in regional water markets as wealthy UOG operators participate in them and (2) ways in which access to water markets becomes blocked for smaller, newer, or water‐poor water users. We also highlight how UOG producers’ presence may inhibit the formation of alternative systems for water exchange. Thus, the participation of UOG operators in Colorado's water markets appears to drive environmental injustice and increased inequity at the food‐energy‐water nexus, rather than facilitating fair or efficient access to water for all users.
Dual institution validation of an ageism scale for dental students
Authors: Rucker Ryan , Barlow Patrick B. , Hartshorn Jennifer , Kaufman Laura , Smith Becky , Kossioni Anastasia , Marchini Leonardo
Published: November 2018

Purpose/aim

Ageism negatively affects health care. This paper presents an extended validation of a novel scale assessing ageism among dental students.

Method and materials

A previously pilot‐tested 27‐question scale applied to a larger sample (n = 315) from two U.S. dental schools with Principal Component Analysis used to assess internal structure of the measure. Questions whose deletion increased the overall α loading on >1 factor or those unexpectedly grouped in another factor were thoroughly examined.

Results

The scale resulted in five statements (grouped in two factors), which explained 63% of the overall variance with a substantially higher reliability value than other solutions (0.76). Two factors highly correlated were grouped together in a single scale. The five statements are “Elderly people do not take good care of their teeth” (0.62), “Elderly patients do not usually comply with dental advice” (0.93), “The Elderly patient does not live long enough to make it worthwhile to invest time and effort in complex dental treatment” (0.81), “The elderly patient does not live long enough to make it worthwhile to invest money in expensive dental treatment” (0.95), and “Dental treatment of elderly patients is too time‐consuming” (0.57).

Conclusions

Five items achieved high reliability toward the validity of this scale.
Phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate on Rab7‐positive autophagosomes revealed by the freeze‐fracture replica labeling
Authors: Kurokawa Yuna , Yoshida Akane , Fujii Emi , Tomioku Kanna , Hayashi Hiroki , Tanabe Kenji , Fujita Akikazu
Published: November 2018

Phosphatidylinositol 4‐phophate (PtdIns(4)P) is an essential signaling molecule in the Golgi body, endosomal system, and plasma membrane and functions in the regulation of membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal organization, lipid metabolism and signal transduction pathways, all mediated by direct interaction with PtdIns(4)P‐binding proteins. PtdIns(4)P was recently reported to have functional roles in autophagosome biogenesis. LC3 and GABARAP subfamilies and a small GTP‐binding protein, Rab7, are localized on autophagosomal membranes and participate at each stage of autophagosome formation and maturation. To better understand autophagosome biogenesis, it is essential to determine the localization of PtdIns(4)P and to examine its relationship with LC3 and GABARAP subfamilies and Rab7. To analyze PtdIns(4)P distribution, we used an electron microscopy technique that labels PtdIns(4)P on the freeze‐fracture replica of intracellular biological membranes, which minimizes the possibility of artificial perturbation because molecules in the membrane are physically immobilized in situ. Using this technique, we found that PtdIns(4)P is localized on the cytoplasmic, but not the luminal (exoplasmic), leaflet of the inner and outer membranes of autophagosomes. Double labeling revealed that PtdIns(4)P mostly colocalizes with Rab7, but not with LC3B, GABARAP, GABARAPL1 and GABARAPL2. Rab7 plays essential roles in autophagosome maturation and in autophagosome‐lysosome fusion events. We suggest that PtdIns(4)P is localized to the cytoplasmic leaflet of the autophagosome at later stages, which may illuminate the importance of PtdIns(4)P at the later stages of autophagosome formation.