bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin secretion measured by stimulated C‐peptide in long‐established Type 1 diabetes in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/ Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) cohort: a pilot study
Authors: McGee P. , Steffes M. , Nowicki M. , Bayless M. , Gubitosi‐Klug R. , Cleary P. , Lachin J. , Palmer J. ,   the DCCT/EDIC Research Group
Published: May 2014

Aims

To evaluate whether clinically relevant concentrations of stimulated C‐peptide in response to a mixed‐meal tolerance test can be detected after almost 30 years of diabetes in people included in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications cohort.

Methods

Mixed‐meal tolerance tests were performed in a sample of 58 people. C‐peptide levels were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. This sample size assured a high probability of detecting C‐peptide response if the true prevalence was at least 5%, a level that would justify the subsequent assessment of C‐peptide in the entire cohort.

Results

Of the 58 participants, 17% showed a definite response, defined as one or more post‐stimulus concentrations of C‐peptide > 0.03 nmol/l, and measurable concentrations were found in all participants.

Conclusions

These results show that a stimulated C‐peptide response can be measured in some people with long‐term Type 1 diabetes. Further investigation of all participants in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study will help relate long‐term residual C‐peptide response to glycaemia over time and provide insight into the relevance of this response in terms of insulin dose, severe hypoglycaemia, retinopathy, nephropathy and macrovascular disease. Establishing the clinical relevance of long‐term C‐peptide responses is important in understanding the impact that therapy to preserve or improve β‐cell function may have in patients with long‐term Type 1 diabetes.
Optimising long‐term monitoring projects for species distribution modelling: how atlas data may help
Authors: Aizpurua Olatz , Paquet Jean‐Yves , Brotons Lluís , Titeux Nicolas
Published: May 2014

Long‐term biodiversity monitoring data are mainly used to estimate changes in species occupancy or abundance over time, but they may also be incorporated into predictive models to document species distributions in space. Although changes in occupancy or abundance may be estimated from a relatively limited number of sampling units, small sample size may lead to inaccurate spatial models and maps of predicted species distributions. We provide a methodological approach to estimate the minimum sample size needed in monitoring projects to produce accurate species distribution models and maps. The method assumes that monitoring data are not yet available when sampling strategies are to be designed and is based on external distribution data from atlas projects. Atlas data are typically collected in a large number of sampling units during a restricted timeframe and are often similar in nature to the information gathered from long‐term monitoring projects. The large number of sampling units in atlas projects makes it possible to simulate a broad gradient of sample sizes in monitoring data and to examine how the number of sampling units influences the accuracy of the models. We apply the method to several bird species using data from a regional breeding bird atlas. We explore the effect of prevalence, range size and habitat specialization of the species on the sample size needed to generate accurate models. Model accuracy is sensitive to particularly small sample sizes and levels off beyond a sufficiently large number of sampling units that varies among species depending mainly on their prevalence. The integration of spatial modelling techniques into monitoring projects is a cost‐effective approach as it offers the possibility to estimate the dynamics of species distributions in space and over time. We believe our innovative method will help in the sampling design of future monitoring projects aiming to achieve such integration.
Cold‐adapted species in a warming world – an explorative study on the impact of high winter temperatures on a continental butterfly
Authors: Stuhldreher Gregor , Hermann Gabriel , Fartmann Thomas
Published: May 2014

Increasing evidence suggests that global warming significantly alters the range and phenology of plants and animals. Whereas thermophilous species usually benefit from rising temperatures, the living conditions of taxa adapted to cooler or continental climates are deteriorating. The woodland ringlet butterfly, Erebia medusa Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) is one of the continental species that are supposed to be adversely affected by climate change, especially by rising winter temperatures. Here, we conduct an explorative study on the effects of low, moderate, and high winter temperatures on the pre‐adult and adult stages of E. medusa in a laboratory experiment. Compared to the two other temperature regimes, the warm winter treatment led to an earlier termination of diapause and higher larval weights at the end of the winter, but significantly lower survival rates. The after‐effects of the warm treatment included lower weight of the pupae and adult females, shorter forewings of adult males, and earlier emergence of both adult males and females. In natural environments, which are characterized by a much greater thermal variability and a much higher frequency of soil freeze‐thaw events compared to our experiment, the effects of rising winter temperatures might be stronger than in this study. Thus, we conclude that warmer winters pose a non‐negligible long‐term threat to E. medusa.
Consequences of climate and body size on the foraging performance of seed‐eating ants
Authors: SEGEV UDI , TIELBÖRGER KATJA , LUBIN YAEL , KIGEL JAIME
Published: May 2014

1. Changes in climatic factors could have major effects on the foraging performance of animals. To date, however, no study has attempted to examine the concurrent effect of different climatic factors on foraging performance of individual organisms.

2. In the present study, this issue was addressed by studying changes in foraging performance of seed‐eating ant colonies of the genus Messor in response to variation in precipitation and ambient temperature along a macroecological gradient. In addition, we examined the way three colony‐level attributes, foraging distance, forager number, and variance in worker‐size, could affect foraging performance in those ants. Foraging performance was measured as size matching, i.e. the correlation between forager size and load size. The study was carried out for 2 years in six sites along a south‐north productivity gradient in a semi‐arid region of the Eastern‐Mediterranean.

3. Size matching increased with increased precipitation as well as with an increase in worker‐size variability, but slightly decreased with increasing temperatures, as predicted by foraging‐decision models. In contrast, foraging distance had no effect on size matching. Interestingly, size matching showed a unimodal relationship with forager number.

4. These results indicate that interplay between climate and body size affects foraging performance either directly via physiological constraints, or indirectly through their effect on food availability. Moreover, this is one of the first evidences to support the assumption that ant colonies can differ in their ability to optimally allocate their workforce in natural environments. This emphasises the importance of studying the way foraging strategies vary across environmental gradients at macroecological scales.
The suppression of epileptiform discharges in cultured hippocampal neurons is regulated via alterations in full‐length tropomyosin‐related kinase type B receptors signalling activity
Authors: Xie Wei , Song Yi‐Jun , Li Dai , Pan Li‐Ping , Wu Qiu‐Jing , Tian Xin
Published: May 2014

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease. Understanding the mechanisms of epileptogenesis at the cellular and molecular levels may provide novel targets for preventing this disorder. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin‐related kinase type B (TrkB) are believed to be critical for epileptogenesis. Previous studies have revealed possible changes in the expression of full‐length TrkB receptors (TrkB.FL) and truncated TrkB receptors (TrkB.T) in neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we investigated alterations in TrkB receptor expression and TrkB signalling activity in a rat hippocampal neuronal model of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges (SREDs) and the effects on the epileptiform discharges. To induce epileptiform discharges, we established a model with Mg2+‐free treatment. We found a dramatic upregulation of TrkB.T and a decrease in TrkB.FL in the SREDs model. Calpain contributed to the downregulation of TrkB.FL. The upregulation of TrkB.T required transcription and translation activity. Furthermore, BDNF induced the activation of TrkB.FL signalling. However, TrkB.FL signalling was inhibited in the SREDs model. Although calpain inhibitors prevented a decrease in TrkB.FL, they did not restrain the downregulation of TrkB.FL signalling activity in the model. However, a SREDs model with a translation inhibitor prevented the increase in TrkB.T and re‐activated TrkB.FL signalling activity. Finally, we used electrophysiology to observe that a downregulation of TrkB.T could relieve the representative epileptiform discharges in the model. These results, taken together, demonstrate that alterations in TrkB.FL signalling may be regulated via TrkB.T receptors. Upregulation of TrkB.FL signalling suppresses epileptiform discharges in the SREDs model.
Mating Group Size in Dusky Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus): Costs and Benefits of Scramble Competition
Authors: Orbach Dara N. , Packard Jane M. , Würsig Bernd
Published: May 2014

In fission–fusion social systems with scramble competition between males, multiple males join mating groups while surrounding an oestrous female. If male decisions to join a mating group have been shaped by natural selection, then there should be an optimal group size resulting from the trade‐offs between the benefits of monopolizing a female in small groups and the energy lost in defending her from rivals in large groups. Male dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) offKaikoura,NewZealand, provide a unique opportunity to assess the optimum mating group size because they join transient mating groups not confounded by foraging or predator evasion. Within aggregations of up to 1000 individuals, males search for oestrous females, encountering choices of staying with a large mating group or leaving to find a smaller group. Mating groups typically involve multiple males mating with a single female. We conducted focal follows of mating groups (N = 44) by vessel fromNovember 2011 throughJanuary 2012. We used video and aGPSto record group size, behaviour and movement. For each group, we measured potential costs (SwimSpeed,Loss ofMonopolizationPotential) and benefits (CopulationRate andDuration,EnergySavings). OnlyLoss ofMonopolizationPotential was positively correlated with group size, whileEnergySavings was negatively correlated. Using these two factors as utility functions, we constructed an optimality model and predicted the optimal mating group size to be seven individuals with a range of 4–11 individuals due to variance. The observed modal mating group size was five dolphins, with a range of 2–15. We compare variation in mating group currencies and sizes to past studies. We discuss potential limitations of applying optimality models to predict mating group size for socially complex and behaviourally plastic species such as dolphins.
Adoption of Mobile Payment Technology by Consumers
Authors: Garrett Jamie Lynn , Rodermund Robert , Anderson NaRita , Berkowitz Sara , Robb Cliff A.
Published: May 2014

This study examined the use of mobile payments by American consumers. Using a sample of 15,060 respondents from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, a profile of mobile payment users was developed. Respondents who were using mobile payments were more likely to be younger, male, minorities, and to have a higher than average income. Results indicated that there were strong associations between mobile payment adoption and high cost debt (payday loans, auto‐title loans, etc.), trouble with financial management (making ends meet), and credit card behavior (taking cash advances and paying over the limit fees). Results suggest that users of mobile payment technology were focused on convenience, and they might be prone to impulse spending. The potential impact of the increasing adoption of this technology is discussed.
Lymphocytic Gastritis is not Associated with active Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Nielsen Jennifer A. , Roberts Cory A. , Lager Donna J. , Putcha Rajesh V. , Jain Rajeev , Lewin Matthew
Published: May 2014

Background

Lymphocytic gastritis (LG), characterized by marked intra‐epithelial lymphocytosis in the gastric mucosa, has been frequently associated with both celiac disease (CD) and H. pylori gastritis. The aim of this study was to review and correlate the morphology of LG with the presence of CD and H. pylori.

Materials and Methods

Gastric biopsies diagnosed with LG from 1/1/2006 to 8/1/2013 at our institution and corresponding small bowel biopsies, when available, were reviewed for verification of the diagnosis and to assess for the presence of H. pylori and CD. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for H. pylori was performed on all gastric biopsies. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from the medical record.

Results

Fifty‐four of the 56 cases that met inclusion criteria demonstrated significant intra‐epithelial lymphocytosis as the predominant histologic abnormality; however, none were associated with H. pylori infection by IHC staining. Two cases that also showed a prominent intra‐epithelial and lamina propria neutrophilic infiltrate were both positive for H. pylori and were excluded from further study. Of the 36 small bowel biopsies available, 19 (53%) showed changes in CD.

Conclusions

LG is not a distinct clinicopathologic entity, but a morphologic pattern of gastric injury that can be secondary to a variety of underlying etiologies. When restricted to cases with lymphocytosis alone, LG is strongly associated with CD and not with active H. pylori infection. However, cases that also show significant neutrophilic infiltrate should be regarded as “active chronic gastritis” and are often associated with H. pylori infection. A morphologic diagnosis of LG should prompt clinical and serologic workup to exclude underlying CD.
Analysis of Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori in Pakistan Reveals High Degrees of Pathogenicity and High Frequencies of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Rasheed Faisal , Campbell Barry James , Alfizah Hanafiah , Varro Andrea , Zahra Rabaab , Yamaoka Yoshio , Pritchard David Mark
Published: May 2014

Background

Antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori contributes to failure in eradicating the infection and is most often due to point and missense mutations in a few key genes.

Methods

The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of H. pylori isolates from 46 Pakistani patients were determined by Etest. Resistance and pathogenicity genes were amplified, and sequences were analyzed to determine the presence of mutations.

Results

A high percentage of isolates (73.9%) were resistant to metronidazole (MTZ), with considerable resistance to clarithromycin (CLR; 47.8%) and amoxicillin (AML; 54.3%) also observed. Relatively few isolates were resistant to tetracycline (TET; 4.3%) or to ciprofloxacin (CIP; 13%). However, most isolates (n = 43) exhibited resistance to one or more antibiotics. MTZ‐resistant isolates contained missense mutations in oxygen‐independent NADPH nitroreductase (RdxA; 8 mutations found) and NADH flavin oxidoreductase (FrxA; 4 mutations found). In the 23S rRNA gene, responsible for CLR resistance, a new point mutation (A2181G) and 4 previously reported mutations were identified. Pathogenicity genes cagA, dupA, and vacA s1a/m1 were detected frequently in isolates which were also found to be resistant to MTZ, CLR, and AML. A high percentage of CagA and VacA seropositivity was also observed in these patients. Phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences showed uniform distribution of the 3′ region of cagA throughout the tree.

Conclusions

We have identified H. pylori isolates in Pakistan which harbor pathogenicity genes and worrying antibiotic resistance profiles as a result of having acquired multiple point and missense mutations. H. pylori eradication regimens should therefore be reevaluated in this setting.
Heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease multimorbidity at hospital discharge transition: a study of patient and carer experience
Authors: Doos Lucy , Bradley Eleanor , Rushton Claire A , Satchithananda Duwarakan , Davies Simon J , Kadam Umesh T
Published: May 2014

Background

Care for patients with multimorbidity represents a major challenge not only for patients and carers but to health‐care systems. Hospital discharge transition is a critical point at which challenges for multimorbidity may amplify.

Objectives

The main objective of the study was to explore the experiences of heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) multimorbid patients and their carers on hospital discharge. Secondary objectives included identification of gaps in the health care of multimorbidity and optimal solutions from patients and carers' perspectives.

Design

Mixed methods were applied to collect data using patient self‐completion questionnaire from an adapted version of the American Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey and in‐depth interviews.

Setting

Participants were recruited from two cardiology and respiratory wards at a large regional hospital in England, and all had a multimorbidity diagnosis of COPD and HF.

Results and conclusions

Findings revealed that patients experienced difficulties in their communication with health‐care professionals and there were specific challenges with information about medication. Qualitative descriptions revealed that experiences fell into two main categories: (i) information transfer to patients with multimorbidity in terms of issues with medication and clarity of information on diagnosis and (ii) communication and continuity of care after discharge. Respondents highlighted gaps in the management of patients with multimorbidity of HF and COPD at the critical time of care transition. They suggested the need for a comprehensive, coordinated and integrated approach to incorporate patients, carers and staff preferences for treatment on discharge from hospital.
Functional characterization of the vitellogenin promoter in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Xu J. , Wang Y. Q. , Li Z. Q. , Ling L. , Zeng B. S. , You L. , Chen Y. Z. , Aslam A. F. M. , Huang Y. P. , Tan A. J.
Published: May 2014

Genetic transformation and genome editing technologies have been successfully established in the lepidopteran insect model, the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, providing great potential for functional genomics and practical applications. However, the current lack of cis‐regulatory elements in B. mori gene manipulation research limits further exploitation in functional gene analysis. In the present study, we characterized a B. mori endogenous promoter, Bmvgp, which is a 798‐bp DNA sequence adjacent to the 5′‐end of the vitellogenin gene (Bmvg). PiggyBac‐based transgenic analysis shows that Bmvgp precisely directs expression of a reporter gene, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), in a sex‐, tissue‐ and stage‐specific manner. In transgenic animals, EGFP expression can be detected in the female fat body from larval−pupal ecdysis to the following pupal and adult stage. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that EGFP expression can be activated by 20‐hydroxyecdysone, which is consistent with endogenous Bmvg expression. These data indicate that Bmvgp is an effective endogenous cis‐regulatory element in B. mori.
Bridging the Gap Between Strategy and Performance: Using Leadership Style to Enable Structural Elements
Authors: Overstreet Robert E. , Hazen Benjamin T. , Skipper Joseph B. , Hanna Joe B.
Published: May 2014

Successful leaders create structural elements in order to achieve the performance objectives set forth by organizational strategy. Supply chain oriented structural elements are reflected in an organization's relationships, both within the firm and with supply chain partners. In this research effort, we examine how such structural elements can be created as a means through which to enhance performance. Our hypothesized model is rooted in strategy‐structure‐performance theory and integrates elements of servant leadership theory and social exchange theory to explain how building organizational commitment via servant leadership behaviors can ultimately impact performance. We use a survey method to collect data from 158 motor carriers. The results of our structural equation model support our hypotheses and serve to extend the discussion of supply chain structural elements and the role of leadership style in achieving organizational performance.
Electrocardiographic Deep Terminal Negativity of the P Wave in V1 and Risk of Mortality: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III
Authors: TERESHCHENKO LARISA G. , SHAH AMIT J. , LI YABING , SOLIMAN ELSAYED Z.
Published: May 2014

Terminal PV1 Negativity in NHANES III

Introduction

Deep terminal negativity of P wave in V1 (DTNPV1), defined as negative P prime larger than one small box (1 mm, or 0.1 mV), could be easily detected by simple visual inspection of the resting 12‐lead ECG. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between DTNPV1 and all‐cause‐, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III).

Methods and Results

After exclusion of participants with atrial fibrillation and missing data, DTNPV1 was automatically measured from standard 12‐lead ECG in 8,146 participants. Minnesota and Novacode algorithms were used for the determination of major and minor ECG abnormalities. National Death Index was used to identify the date and cause of death. During a median follow‐up of 13.8 years, a total of 2,975 deaths (1,303 CVD and 742 IHD deaths) occurred. After adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, IHD, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, diabetes, body mass index, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, use of antihypertensive and lipid‐lowering medications, and ECG abnormalities, DTNPV1 was associated with significantly increased risk of all‐cause death (HR [95% CI]: 1.30 [1.10, 1.53]; P = 0.002), CVD death (HR [95% CI]: 1.36 [1.08, 1.72]; P = 0.010), and IHD death (HR [95% CI]: 1.36 [1.00, 1.85]; P = 0.047).

Conclusion

In a large sample of the adult United States population, DTNPV1 is independently associated with increased risk of death due to all‐cause, CVD, and IHD, findings suggesting its potential usefulness as a simple marker to identify individuals at risk of poor outcomes.
Differences in the expression of chromosome 1 genes between lung telocytes and other cells: mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, alveolar type II cells, airway epithelial cells and lymphocytes
Authors: Sun Xiaoru , Zheng Minghuan , Zhang Miaomiao , Qian Mengjia , Zheng Yonghua , Li Meiyi , Cretoiu Dragos , Chen Chengshui , Chen Luonan , Popescu Laurentiu M. , Wang Xiangdong
Published: May 2014

Telocytes (TCs) are a unique type of interstitial cells with specific, extremely long prolongations named telopodes (Tps). Our previous study showed that TCs are distinct from fibroblasts (Fbs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as concerns gene expression and proteomics. The present study explores patterns of mouse TC‐specific gene profiles on chromosome 1. We investigated the network of main genes and the potential functional correlations. We compared gene expression profiles of mouse pulmonary TCs, MSCs, Fbs, alveolar type II cells (ATII), airway basal cells (ABCs), proximal airway cells (PACs), CD8+ T cells from bronchial lymph nodes (T‐BL) and CD8+ T cells from lungs (T‐LL). The functional and feature networks were identified and compared by bioinformatics tools. Our data showed that on TC chromosome 1, there are about 25% up‐regulated and 70% down‐regulated genes (more than onefold) as compared with the other cells respectively. Capn2, Fhl2 and Qsox1 were over‐expressed in TCs compared to the other cells, indicating that biological functions of TCs are mainly associated with morphogenesis and local tissue homoeostasis. TCs seem to have important roles in the prevention of tissue inflammation and fibrogenesis development in lung inflammatory diseases and as modulators of immune cell response. In conclusion, TCs are distinct from the other cell types.
Characteristics of suicidal ideation that predict the transition to future suicide attempts in adolescents
Authors: Miranda Regina , Ortin Ana , Scott Michelle , Shaffer David
Published: May 2014

Background

The present study sought to examine characteristics of suicidal ideation (SI) that predict a future suicide attempt (SA), beyond psychiatric diagnosis and previous SA history.

Methods

Participants were 506 adolescents (307 female) who completed the Columbia Suicide Screen (CSS) and selected modules from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (C‐DISC 2.3) as part of a two‐stage high school screening and who were followed up 4–6 years later to assess for a SA since baseline. At baseline, participants who endorsed SI on the CSS responded to four questions regarding currency, frequency, seriousness, and duration of their SI. A subsample of 122 adolescents who endorsed SI at baseline also completed a detailed interview about their most recent SI.

Results

Thinking about suicide often (OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.7–7.2), seriously (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4–6.7), and for a long time (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.1–5.2) were associated with a future SA, adjusting for sex, the presence of a mood, anxiety, and substance use diagnosis, and baseline SA history. However, only SI frequency was significantly associated with higher odds of a future SA (OR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.4–9.1) when also adjusting for currency, seriousness, and duration. Among ideators interviewed further about their most recent SI, ideating 1 hr or more (vs. less than 1 hr) was associated with a future SA (OR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.0–12.7), adjusting for sex, depressive symptoms, previous SA history, and other baseline SI characteristics, and it was also associated with making a future SA earlier.

Conclusions

Assessments of SI in adolescents should take special care to inquire about frequency of their SI, along with length of their most recent SI.
Practitioner Review: A critical perspective on gene–environment interaction models – what impact should they have on clinical perceptions and practice?
Authors: Munafò Marcus R. , Zammit Stanley , Flint Jonathan
Published: May 2014

Background

Psychiatric disorders run in families, and early twin, family and adoption studies confirmed that this was due in part to shared genetic inheritance. While candidate gene studies largely failed to reliably identify genetic variants associated with psychiatric disorders, genome‐wide association studies are beginning to do so. However, the proportion of phenotypic variance explained remains well below what would be expected from previous heritability estimates.

Scope

We review possible reasons for this ‘missing heritability’, and whether incorporating gene by environment interactions into our models will substantially improve our understanding of the aetiology of psychiatric disorders, and inform clinical perceptions and practice.

Findings

We discuss potential limitations of the gene by environment interaction approach. In particular, we discuss whether these are likely to be a major contributor to psychiatric disorders at the level of the specific interaction (as opposed to at an aggregate level).

Conclusions

Gene by environment interaction studies offered initial promise that a far greater proportion of phenotypic variance could be explained by incorporating measures of environmental exposures into genetic studies. However, in our opinion, there are few (if any) clear examples of gene by environment interactions in psychiatry, and their scope for informing either our understanding of disease pathology or clinical practice remains limited at present.
Aberrant resting‐state functional connectivity in limbic and salience networks in treatment‐naïve clinically depressed adolescents
Authors: Pannekoek Justine Nienke , van der Werff S.J.A. , Meens Paul H.F. , van den Bulk Bianca G. , Jolles Dietsje D. , Veer Ilya M. , van Lang Natasja D.J. , Rombouts Serge A.R.B. , van der Wee Nic J.A. , Vermeiren Robert R.J.M.
Published: May 2014

Background

Depression is prevalent and typically has its onset in adolescence. Resting‐state fMRI could help create a better understanding of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms during this critical period. In this study, resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) is examined using seed regions‐of‐interest (ROIs) associated with three networks: the limbic network, the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network.

Methods

Twenty‐six treatment‐naïve, clinically depressed adolescents of whom 18 had comorbid anxiety, and 26 pair‐wise matched healthy controls underwent resting‐state fMRI. The three networks were investigated using a seed‐based ROI approach with seeds in the bilateral amygdala (limbic network), bilateral dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC; salience network) and bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (default mode network).

Results

Compared to healthy controls, clinically depressed adolescents showed increased RSFC of the left amygdala with right parietal cortical areas, and decreased right amygdala RSFC with left frontal cortical areas including the ACC, as well as with right occipito‐parietal areas. The bilateral dACC showed decreased RSFC with the right middle frontal gyrus, frontal pole, and inferior frontal gyrus in clinically depressed adolescents. No abnormalities in DMN RSFC were found, and differences in RSFC did not correlate with clinical measures.

Conclusions

The aberrant RSFC of the amygdala network and the dACC network may be related to altered emotion processing and regulation in depressed adolescents. Our results provide new insights into RSFC in clinically depressed adolescents and future models on adolescent depression may include abnormalities in the connectivity of salience network.
Self‐rated health: patterns in the journeys of patients with multi‐morbidity and frailty
Authors: Martin Carmel Mary
Published: May 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Self‐rated health (SRH) is a single measure predictor of hospital utilization and health outcomes in epidemiological studies. There have been few studies of SRH in patient journeys in clinical settings.

Reduced resilience to stressors, reflected by SRH, exposes older people (complex systems) to the risk of hospitalization. It is proposed that SRH reflects rather than predicts deteriorations and hospital use; with low SRH autocorrelation in time series.

The aim was to investigate SRH fluctuations in regular outbound telephone calls (average biweekly) to patients by Care Guides.

Methods

Descriptive case study using quantitative autoregressive techniques and qualitative case analysis on SRH time series. Fourteen participants were randomly selected from the Patient Journey Record System (PaJR) database. The PaJR database recorded 198 consecutively sampled older multi‐morbid patients journeys in three primary care settings.

Analysis consisted of triangulation of SRH (0 very poor – 6 excellent) patterns from three analyses: SRH graduations associations with service utilization; time series modelling (autocorrelation, and step ahead forecast); and qualitative categorization of deteriorations.

Results

Fourteen patients reported mean SRH 2.84 (poor‐fair) in 818 calls over 13 ± 6.4 months of follow‐up. In 24% calls, SRH was poor‐fair and significantly associated with hospital use. SRH autocorrelation was low in 14 time series (−0.11 to 0.26) with little difference (χ2 = 6.46, P = 0.91) among them. Fluctuations between better and worse health were very common and poor health was associated with hospital use. It is not clear why some patients continued on a downward trajectory, whereas others who destabilized appeared to completely recover, and even improved over time.

Conclusion

SRH reflects an individual's complex health trajectory, but as a single measure does not predict when and how deteriorations will occur in this study. Individual patients appear to behave as complex adaptive systems. The dynamics of SRH and its influences in destabilizations warrant further research.
Pain management and pain characteristics in obese and normal weight patients before joint replacement
Authors: Thomazeau Joséphine , Perin Juliette , Nizard Remy , Bouhassira Didier , Collin Elisabeth , Nguyen Eliane , Perrot Serge , Bergmann Jean‐François , Lloret‐Linares Célia
Published: May 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

The objective was to compare the extent of pain interference and pain medication among persons who were classified as obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg m−2] and normal weighted (BMI ≤25 kg m−2), before a hip or knee replacement surgery.

Methods

Patients candidate for an orthopaedic surgery were successively enrolled, over a 6‐month period, and classified in either the normal weight (BMI ≤25 kg m−2) or the obese (BMI ≥30 kg m−2) categories. Data were collected using self‐administered questionnaires with items concerning pain characteristics, pain medication and pain interference. Two standardized questionnaires were associated: the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD).

Results

Fifty‐two obese patients (candidates for 24 hip replacements and 28 knee replacements) and 51 non‐obese (23 hip replacements and 28 knee replacements) were enrolled. Obese patients suffered from a higher rate of acute pain episodes than non‐obese patients (65 versus 44%, P < 0.05). Pain interference on walking distance, sleep and relations with others was higher in obese patients. HAD score showed no significant difference between groups. The use of strong opioids and of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was significantly more important in obese patients (13 versus 0% and 31 versus 14%).

Conclusions

Obese patients suffer more significantly of unrelieved chronic pain, which lowers considerably their quality of life. Pain relief is more difficult to obtain, as it requires stronger pain medication and NSAIDs.
A high‐resolution large‐scale flood hazard and economic risk model for the property loss insurance in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi K. , Takara K. , Sano H. , Tsumori H. , Sekii K.
Published: May 2014

This paper presents the development of a large‐scale (e.g. several thousand km2) high‐resolution (e.g. 250 m) distributed rainfall–runoff/flood inundation simulation (DRR/FI) model and an economic loss estimation model considering the confidence interval within what is called the Kyoto, Kobe University‐SJNK (KKU‐SJNK) model. The DRR/FI model can simulate rainfall–runoff, dike‐breaks, and inland flood inundation processes simultaneously in a seamless/integrated manner with practical accuracy. The river network for the modelling includes most of the catchment main and tributary rivers; thus, DRR/FI can simulate all of the discharge/water levels of the rivers in the catchment. Data processing was carried out with ArcGIS, which handles large data sets as one sees them with a graphical interface. The coordinate system of the model is appropriately set up; thus, the model can interact with other models such as weather, climate, evacuation, vulnerability and financial models. This also makes it possible to use extensive GIS data from all over the world. Moreover a vulnerability model, what we call the KKU‐SJNK model, was developed. The KKU‐SJNK model yields the damage ratios and thus economic loss of buildings due to flooding considering the confidence interval. The models are applied to the Yodogawa River catchment (8240 km2), the 7th largest river catchment in Japan, which crosses six prefectures. Though the catchment size is not necessarily very large compared with continental rivers, there is seldom seen such a detailed high‐resolution large‐scale runoff‐inundation model in Japan. To validate the model, data from 1997 and 2009 floods in the Yodogawa River catchment was used. The results of the model exhibited the potential effectiveness of the DRR/FI + KKU‐SJNK model for risk management toward property loss insurance, though it also identified some difficulties. The paper presents these results.
Sulfur nutrient availability regulates root elongation by affecting root indole‐3‐acetic acid levels and the stem cell niche
Authors: Zhao Qing , Wu Yu , Gao Lei , Ma Jun , Li Chuan‐You , Xiang Cheng‐Bin
Published: May 2014

Sulfur is an essential macronutrient for plants with numerous biological functions. However, the influence of sulfur nutrient availability on the regulation of root development remains largely unknown. Here, we report the response of Arabidopsis thaliana L. root development and growth to different levels of sulfate, demonstrating that low sulfate levels promote the primary root elongation. By using various reporter lines, we examined in vivo IAA level and distribution, cell division, and root meristem in response to different sulfate levels. Meanwhile the dynamic changes of in vivo cysteine, glutathione, and IAA levels were measured. Root cysteine, glutathione, and IAA levels are positively correlated with external sulfate levels in the physiological range, which eventually affect root system architecture. Low sulfate levels also downregulate the genes involved in auxin biosynthesis and transport, and elevate the accumulation of PLT1 and PLT2. This study suggests that sulfate level affects the primary root elongation by regulating the endogenous auxin level and root stem cell niche maintenance.
HOW DO THAI PATIENTS RECEIVING HAEMODIALYSIS COPE WITH PAIN?
Authors: Yodchai Kantaporn , Dunning Trisha , Savage Sally , Hutchinson Alison M , Oumtanee Areewan
Published: May 2014

Background

Pain affects peoples' well‐being and quality of life and is one of the most common symptoms experienced by people receiving haemodialysis (HD).

Objectives

To explore how Thai people receiving HD perceive pain, the effect of pain on their lives, and how they cope with and manage pain.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from two Thai outpatient haemodialysis facilities in Songkhla province. Face‐to‐face, in‐depth individual interviews using open‐ended questions were conducted during January and February 2012. The interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Ritchie and Spencer's Framework method.

Findings

Twenty people receiving HD participated in the study: age range 23–77 years; 10 were females. Three main types of pain emerged: physical pain, which occurred when needles were inserted during HD treatment and vascular access operations; psychological pain due to unfulfilled hopes and dreams and changes in family roles; and social pain. Perception of pain was influenced by the general populations' perceptions of chronic kidney disease. Participants used two main coping styles to manage pain: health‐adjustment and health‐behaviour styles. These two coping styles encompassed four specific coping strategies: religion, spirituality, accepting pain associated with HD treatment, and social support. Coping styles and strategies were influenced by Thai culture.

Conclusion

The study elicited information that could help nursing staff understand how Thai people manage pain and the importance of cultural beliefs to their pain experience and coping strategies, which in turn can help nurses plan appropriate pain management.
Effects of dietary oleuropein supplementation on growth performance, serum lipid concentrations and lipid oxidation of Japanese quails
Authors: Sarica S. , Toptas S.
Published: May 2014

An in vivo experiment was conducted to compare the effects of dietary supplementation with oleuropein and/or α‐tocopheryl acetate on growth performance, serum lipid concentrations and lipid oxidation of Japanese quail meat during refrigerated storage. Performance and slaughtering parameters were not affected by dietary treatments. The diets supplemented with oleuropein at the levels of 150 or 200 mg/kg were more effective in delaying lipid oxidation in breast and thigh meats compared with the control diet. The dietary inclusion of neither vitamin E nor oleuropein at different levels did not significantly affect the fatty acid compositions of the breast meat compared with the control diet. The diets supplemented with oleuropein at the levels of 150 or 200 mg/kg had significantly the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid and omega‐3 fatty acid contents in thigh meat compared with the vitamin E diet. The ratio of omega‐6 fatty acids to omega‐3 FAs in thigh meat of quails fed diet supplemented with vitamin E at the level of 200 mg/kg was equivalent to those of quails fed the diets supplemented with oleuropein at the levels of 100 and 150 mg/kg. The results showed that the dietary oleuropein supplementation at 150 mg/kg level may be used in quail diets enriched with the polyunsaturated fatty acids of vitamin E as a natural antioxidant.
Intra‐articular mepivacaine reduces interventional analgesia requirements during arthroscopic surgery in dogs
Authors: Dutton T. A. G. , Gurney M. A. , Bright S. R.
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To document efficacy of intra‐articular mepivacaine in dogs based on the hypothesis that this would blunt the haemodynamic response to a nociceptive stimulus (arthroscopic surgery), reducing interventional analgesia requirements.

Methods

A dose of mepivacaine 2% 0 · 1 ml/kg (2 mg/kg) was injected intra‐articularly into one randomly assigned elbow joint before surgery in eight dogs undergoing bilateral elbow arthroscopy. Baseline haemodynamic measurements were recorded immediately before the start of each arthroscopic procedure and repeated at arthrocentesis, saline distension of the joint, incision, arthroscopic cannula and obturator insertion and placement of the second portal and haemodynamic variability calculated. If baseline parameters increased by more than 20% suggesting nociception, 1 µg/kg fentanyl was administered intravenously.

Results

Significantly less fentanyl was required during arthroscopy on the mepivacaine treated elbows compared to the non‐treated elbows (P = 0 · 003) and the time to first fentanyl administration was significantly longer (P = 0 · 0001) in the mepivacaine treated elbows (21 · 2 ± 4 · 9 minutes) compared to the non‐treated elbows (6 · 1 ± 2 · 3 minutes). Haemodynamic variability was significantly reduced in the mepivacaine group (heart rate P = 0 · 04, mean arterial pressure P = 0 · 003).

Clinical Significance

Intra‐articular mepivacaine blunts the haemodynamic response to arthroscopic surgery in dogs and reduces interventional analgesia requirement.
Increased Expression of the Neuroregenerative Peptide Galanin in the Major Pelvic Ganglion Following Cavernous Nerve Injury
Authors: Weyne Emmanuel , Albersen Maarten , Hannan Johanna L. , Castiglione Fabio , Hedlund Petter , Verbist Godelieve , De Ridder Dirk , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Van der Aa Frank
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a frequent complication of radical prostatectomy due to injury to the cavernous nerves (CNs). A recent microarray showed the neuropeptide galanin to be one of the most strikingly upregulated genes in the rat major pelvic ganglion (MPG) after bilateral CN crush injury (BCNI).

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the temporal regulation of galanin in the MPG after BCNI and its relationship to functional nerve regeneration.

Methods

Changes in galanin, galanin receptor (galR), and c-JUN mRNA expression were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats after sham operation (n = 10) and at 48 hours (n = 10), 7 (n = 10), 14 (n = 5), 21 (n = 5), 30 (n = 5), and 60 (n = 5) days after BCNI using quantitative PCR. Erectile function was assessed by measuring intracavernous pressure (ICP) divided by mean arterial pressure (MAP) during CN electrostimulation. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the MPG in sham-operated animals and 5 days after BCNI.

Main Outcome Measures

ICP/MAP upon CN stimulation; galanin, galR1, -2, -3, and c-JUN mRNA expression at various time points after BCNI; and nNOS, galanin, and galR distribution in the MPG of sham-operated rats and after BCNI.

Results

After BCNI, ICP/MAP values quickly deteriorate, while after 60 days, spontaneous restoration of erectile responses to CN stimulation is observed, reflecting CN regeneration. Galanin mRNA in the MPG is up to 186-fold upregulated compared with sham-operated rats at 48 hours and 7 days after BCNI and gradually declines with increasing time from injury, whereas galanin receptor expressions decrease and c-JUN gradually increases. Galanin expression shows a strong inverse correlation with erectile responses to CN stimulation with time from injury. Injured MPGs show a colocalization between galanin- and nNOS-positive neuronal cell population in the MPG.

Conclusions

Galanin is upregulated in the MPG in the early phase after CN injury after which it gradually decreases and is present in nNOS-positive neurons of the ganglion. We hypothesize that galanin upregulation is an important factor in the endogenous neuroregenerative response to CN injury.
Making the case for the development of a vaccination against hepatitis E virus
Authors: Haffar Samir , Bazerbachi Fateh , Lake John R.
Published: May 2014

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a global problem that affects 20 million individuals, and cause acute hepatitis in 3.5 million, with approximately 70 000 deaths worldwide per year. While the acute disease is generally self‐limited, however, it may progress to fatal fulminant liver failure in certain individuals. Contaminated water supplies disseminate this virus through the faecal–oral route, and swine is thought to be its zoonotic reservoir. Attempts have been made to develop effective HEV vaccines, and two candidates have undergone successful clinical trials. In this review, we discuss HEV epidemiology, genotypes, microbiological structure, as well as the most recent advances in vaccination developments.
Comparison of petrophysical properties of impactites for four meteoritic impact structures
Authors: Popov Y. , Mayr S. , Romushkevich R. , Burkhardt H. , Wilhelm H.
Published: May 2014

We reanalyzed and compared unique data sets, which we obtained in the frame of combined petrophysical and geothermal investigations within scientific drilling projects on four impact structures: the Puchezh–Katunki impact structure (Vorotilovo borehole, Russia), the Ries impact structure (Noerdlingen‐73 borehole, Germany), the Chicxulub impact structure (ICDP Yaxcopoil‐1 borehole, Mexico), and the Chesapeake impact structure (ICDP‐USGS‐Eyreville borehole, USA). For a joined interpretation, we used the following previously published data: thermal properties, using the optical scanning technique, and porosities, both measured on densely sampled halfcores of the boreholes. For the two ICDP boreholes, we also used our previously published P‐wave velocities measured on a subset of cores. We show that thermal conductivity, thermal anisotropy, porosity, and velocity can be correlated with shock metamorphism (target rocks of the Puchezh–Katunki and Ries impact structures), and confirm the absence of shock metamorphism in the samples taken from megablocks (Chicxulub and Chesapeake impact structure). The physical properties of the lithic impact breccias and suevites are influenced mainly by their impact‐related porosity. Physical properties of lower porosity lithic impact breccias and suevites are also influenced by their chemical composition. These data allow for a distinction between different types of breccias due to differences concerning the texture and chemistry and the different amounts of melt and rock clasts.