bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting general practitioners: Prospective outcomes of a national education program in radiation oncology
Authors: Morris Lucinda , Gorayski Peter , Turner Sandra
Published: October 2017

Introduction

We report on learning outcomes of a standardized national education program aimed at improving general practitioner (GP) knowledge about radiation therapy (RT) and referral pathways to radiation oncologists (ROs).

Methods

In 2014, a GP education program was developed through the Targeting Cancer public awareness campaign of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) Faculty of Radiation Oncology. The sessions were held in RT departments and comprised of RO‐led case‐based group learning and a department tour. Pre‐ and immediate post‐session surveys assessed four domains: Objective knowledge about RT, understanding of referral pathways to ROs, self‐reported referral behaviours, feedback on the session. A 6‐month follow up survey assessed ongoing knowledge retention.

Results

Eighteen sessions were held nationwide between October 2014 and March 2016. One hundred and seventy‐four were surveyed. Pre‐session, 96% of GPs reported their knowledge of RT required improvement. Post‐session, 95% rated their knowledge as ‘excellent’, ‘above average’ or ‘competent’. 32.5% of GPs were not aware of the location of their local RT department. 81% reported patients would benefit from having clearer referral pathways to ROs. 96% agreed the GP's role is to refer cancer patients to relevant specialists to discuss treatment options. However, only 49% were comfortable referring directly to an RO. Post‐session rose to 92%. All respondents felt the session improved their understanding of RT. In the follow up survey, 17 respondents (94%) reported the session had improved their ability to care for cancer patients.

Conclusion

A national GP education program improves GP knowledge about RT and may influence patient referrals for RT.
Phosphatidylethanol in Comparison to Self‐Reported Alcohol Consumption Among HIV‐Infected Women in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Naltrexone for Reducing Hazardous Drinking
Authors: Wang Yan , Chen Xinguang , Hahn Judith A. , Brumback Babette , Zhou Zhi , Miguez Maria J. , Cook Robert L.
Published: October 2017

Background

Biomarkers can play a key role in supplementing self‐report information in alcohol research. In this study, we examined phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in comparison with self‐reported alcohol use over time in a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Participants were women living with HIV enrolled in a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of naltrexone for reducing hazardous drinking. Drinking behavior was measured using Timeline Followback (TLFB), and PEth as a biomarker using dried blood spots. Data collected at baseline, and months 2 and 7 were analyzed. In addition to calculated Spearman's correlations, mixed‐effects modeling was used to evaluate the changes in self‐reported drinking and PEth, respectively, adjusting for body mass index (BMI).

Results

A total of 194 participants (83% black, mean age 48) were included in the analysis. PEth levels were significantly correlated with self‐reported drinking via TLFB, Spearman's r = 0.21 at baseline, r = 0.29 at 2 months, and r = 0.28 at 7 months, respectively. No demographic or health factors, except for BMI, was associated with whether self‐report was consistent with PEth. Mixed‐effects model indicated that self‐reported drinking showed significantly greater reductions in the naltrexone treatment group than the placebo group at the 2‐ and 7‐month visits, whereas PEth measure only showed this difference at the 7‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

The magnitude of the correlation between PEth and self‐reported alcohol consumption was small. Caution is needed when using either self‐report or PEth as a sole outcome measure for alcohol behavior changes in clinical trials.
Neurobiological support to the diagnosis of ADHD in stimulant‐naïve adults: pattern recognition analyses of MRI data
Authors: Chaim‐Avancini T. M. , Doshi J. , Zanetti M. V. , Erus G. , Silva M. A. , Duran F. L. S. , Cavallet M. , Serpa M. H. , Caetano S. C. , Louza M. R. , Davatzikos C. , Busatto G. F.
Published: October 2017

Objective

In adulthood, the diagnosis of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been subject of recent controversy. We searched for a neuroanatomical signature associated with ADHD spectrum symptoms in adults by applying, for the first time, machine learning‐based pattern classification methods to structural MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data obtained from stimulant‐naïve adults with childhood‐onset ADHD and healthy controls (HC).

Method

Sixty‐seven ADHD patients and 66 HC underwent high‐resolution T1‐weighted and DTI acquisitions. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier with a non‐linear kernel was applied on multimodal image features extracted on regions of interest placed across the whole brain.

Results

The discrimination between a mixed‐gender ADHD subgroup and individually matched HC (n = 58 each) yielded area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) and diagnostic accuracy (DA) values of up to 0.71% and 66% (P = 0.003) respectively. AUC and DA values increased to 0.74% and 74% (P = 0.0001) when analyses were restricted to males (52 ADHD vs. 44 HC).

Conclusion

Although not at the level of clinically definitive DA, the neuroanatomical signature identified herein may provide additional, objective information that could influence treatment decisions in adults with ADHD spectrum symptoms.
Maternal cardiac output response to colloid preload and vasopressor therapy during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section in patients with severe pre‐eclampsia: a randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Dyer R. A. , Daniels A. , Vorster A. , Emmanuel A. , Arcache M. J. , Schulein S. , Reed A. R. , Lombard C. J. , James M. F. , van Dyk D.
Published: October 2017

We examined the haemodynamic effects of colloid preload, and phenylephrine and ephedrine administered for spinal hypotension, during caesarean section in 42 women with severe early onset pre‐eclampsia. Twenty patients with pre‐delivery spinal hypotension were randomly allocated to receive an initial dose of either 50 μg phenylephrine or 7.5 mg ephedrine; the primary outcome was percentage change in cardiac index. After a 300‐ml colloid preload, mean (SD) cardiac index increased from 4.9 (1.1) to 5.6 (1.2) l.min−1.m−2 (p < 0.01), resulting from an increase in both heart rate, from 81.3 (17.2) to 86.3 (16.5) beats.min−1 (p = 0.2), and stroke volume, from 111.8 (19.0) to 119.8 (17.9) ml (p = 0.049). Fourteen (33%) and 23 (54.8%) patients exhibited a stroke volume response > 10% and > 5%, respectively; a significant negative correlation was found between heart rate and stroke volume changes. Spinal hypotension in 20 patients was associated with an increase from baseline in cardiac index of 0.6 l.min−1.m−2 (mean difference 11.5%; p < 0.0001). After a median [range] dose of 50 [50–150] μg phenylephrine or 15 [7.5–37.5] mg ephedrine, the percentage change in cardiac index during the measurement period of 150 s was greater, and negative, in patients receiving phenylephrine vs. ephedrine, at −12.0 (7.3)% vs. 2.6 (6.0)%, respectively (p = 0.0001). The percentage change in heart rate after vasopressor was higher in patients receiving phenylephrine, at −9.1 (3.4)% vs. 5.3 (12.6)% (p = 0.0027), as was the change in systemic vascular resistance, at 22.3 (7.5) vs. −1.9 (10.5)% (p < 0.0001). Phenylephrine effectively reverses spinal anaesthesia‐induced haemodynamic changes in severe pre‐eclampsia, if left ventricular systolic function is preserved.
Performance of risk stratification criteria in the management of febrile young infants younger than three months of age
Authors: Belov Yekaterina , Leibovitz Eugene , Vodonos Alina , Hazan Guy , Ling Eduard , Melamed Rimma
Published: October 2017

Aim

We evaluated the diagnosis, risk stratification and management of febrile infants under three months of age who presented to an Israeli paediatric emergency room (ER).

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled all febrile infants examined in the paediatric ER of Soroka Medical Center during 2010–2013. The patients were classified into low‐risk and high‐risk subgroups and compared by age and ethnicity.

Results

Overall, 2251 febrile infants (60.5% of Bedouin and 34.4% of Jewish ethnicity) were enrolled. Hospitalisation rates were higher among Bedouin vs. Jewish infants (55 vs. 39.8%, p < 0.001). Fever without localising signs was diagnosed in 1028 (45.6%) infants and 499 (48.5%) were hospitalised; 26% were stratified as high‐risk and 74% as low‐risk. Bedouin infants rates were more likely to be at high‐risk (p = 0.001) and hospitalised (p < 0.001) than Jewish infants. With regard to low‐risk infants, the incidence rates were higher before two months than two to three months of age (73.3 vs. 59%, p < 0.001), as were the hospitalisation rates (46.3 vs. 20.1%, p < 0.001). No differences were recorded for the hospitalisation rates of Bedouin and Jewish infants between the three daily shifts.

Conclusion

Major differences were recorded in hospitalisation rates, risk stratification and management of Bedouin and Jewish infants with fever without localising signs.
An epidemic of meningococcal disease in children in North Norway in the 1970s and 1980s was dominated by a hypervirulent group B strain
Authors: Nordheim Kine , Hovland Ingunn Holmefoss , Kristiansen Bjørn Erik , Kaaresen Per Ivar , Flaegstad Trond
Published: October 2017

Aim

We examined children hospitalised for invasive meningococcal disease, a leading cause of paediatric sepsis, in Troms County, North Norway, from 1973 to 2016, including the epidemic in the 1970s and 1980s.

Methods

This study was a retrospective review of children under the age of 15 years who were hospitalised for meningococcal disease at the University Hospital of North Norway and Harstad Hospital. We studied hospital and bacteriological records to determine the incidence rates and phenotypes involved.

Results

There were 300 cases under 15 years and an incidence rate of 17 per 100,000 cases for 1973–2016. This was broken down into the following: 1973–1980 (n = 130, 49), 1981–1990 (n = 129, 39), and 1991–2016 (n = 41, 4.7), respectively. There were 21 (7%) deaths. Phenotype B:15:P1.7,16 was more common than the other phenotypes in the epidemic period before 1990 than after 1990 (p = 0.02) and had a significantly lower mortality rate than the other phenotypes (p = 0.04). Later years showed a more heterogenous phenotype distribution. Serogroup B was the dominant serogroup.

Conclusion

The B:15:P1.7,6 strain was more prevalent during the Norwegian epidemic of invasive meningococcal disease, but had a significantly lower mortality rate. The phenotype distribution was more heterogeneous after 1990. The dominant serogroup was B.
Two‐Stage maximum likelihood estimation in the misspecified restricted latent class model
Authors: Wang Shiyu
Published: October 2017

The maximum likelihood classification rule is a standard method to classify examinee attribute profiles in cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs). Its asymptotic behaviour is well understood when the model is assumed to be correct, but has not been explored in the case of misspecified latent class models. This paper investigates the asymptotic behaviour of a two‐stage maximum likelihood classifier under a misspecified CDM. The analysis is conducted in a general restricted latent class model framework addressing all types of CDMs. Sufficient conditions are proposed under which a consistent classification can be obtained by using a misspecified model. Discussions are also provided on the inconsistency of classification under certain model misspecification scenarios. Simulation studies and a real data application are conducted to illustrate these results. Our findings can provide some guidelines as to when a misspecified simple model or a general model can be used to provide a good classification result.
Targeting inflammation to reduce cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Maffia Pasquale , Cirino Giuseppe
Published: October 2017

This joint themed section of the British Journal of Pharmacology and the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology stems from a joint British Pharmacological Society – Italian Society of Pharmacology symposium held at the 37th National Congress of the Italian Society of Pharmacology in Naples (Italy) from 27 to 30 October 2015.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Targeting Inflammation to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.22/issuetoc and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.v82.4/issuetoc
Clinical significance of tryptophan catabolism in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Masaki Ayako , Ishida Takashi , Maeda Yasuhiro , Ito Asahi , Suzuki Susumu , Narita Tomoko , Kinoshita Shiori , Takino Hisashi , Yoshida Takashi , Ri Masaki , Kusumoto Shigeru , Komatsu Hirokazu , Inagaki Hiroshi , Ueda Ryuzo , Choi Ilseung , Suehiro Youko , Iida Shinsuke
Published: October 2017

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO) is an enzyme catabolizing tryptophan (Trp) into the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway. The purpose of the present study was to determine the clinical significance of Trp catabolism in newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients. We quantified serum Trp and Kyn in 52 HL patients, and analyzed their associations with different clinical parameters including serum soluble CD30 concentration. The IDO expression was evaluated in the patients’ affected lymph nodes. The cohort comprised 22 male and 30 female patients (age range, 15‐81 years; median, 45 years), with a 5‐year overall survival (OS) of 88.6%. The OS was significantly shorter for patients with a high Kyn/Trp ratio (OS at 5 years, 60.0% vs 92.2%), for those with stage IV disease, and for those with lymphocytopenia (<600/mm3 and/or <8% white blood cell count). The latter two parameters are components of the international prognostic score for advanced HL. In contrast, there were no significant differences in OS according to age, serum albumin, hemoglobin, sex, white blood cell count, or serum soluble CD30 (≥ or <285.6 ng/mL). Multivariate analysis using the three variables stage, lymphocytopenia, and serum Kyn/Trp ratio showed that only the latter significantly affected OS. Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 was produced by macrophages/dendritic cells, but not by HL tumor cells, and IDO levels determined by immunohistochemistry had a significant positive correlation with the serum Kyn/Trp ratio. In conclusion, quantification of serum Kyn and Trp is useful for predicting prognosis of individual HL patients.
Derivatizations of Sgc8‐c aptamer to prepare metallic radiopharmaceuticals as imaging diagnostic agents: Syntheses, isolations, and physicochemical characterizations
Authors: Sicco Estefanía , Báez Jessica , Margenat Jimena , García Fernanda , Ibarra Manuel , Cabral Pablo , Moreno María , Cerecetto Hugo , Calzada Victoria
Published: October 2017

Aptamers, oligonucleotides with the capability to bind to a target through non‐covalent bonds with high affinity and specificity, have a great number of advantages as scaffold to prepare molecular imaging agents. In this sense, we have performed post‐SELEX modifications of a truncated aptamer, Sgc8‐c, which bind to protein tyrosine kinase 7 to obtain a specific molecular targeting probe for in vivo diagnosis and in vivo therapy. Herein, we describe the synthetic efforts to prepare conjugates between Sgc8‐c and different metallic ions chelator moieties in short times, high purities, and adequate yields. The selected chelator moieties, derived from 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetic acid, 2‐benzyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane‐1,4,7‐triacetic acid, and 6‐hydrazinonicotinic acid, were covalently attached at the 5′‐aptamer position yielding the expected products which were stable in aqueous solution up to 75°C and in typical aptamer storage conditions at least for 30 days.
Leveraging Developmental Insights to Improve Early Childhood Education
Authors: Markowitz Anna J. , Bassok Daphna , Hamre Bridget
Published: October 2017

Public investments in early childhood education have increased sharply over the past three decades. Nonetheless, many children in the United States do not have access to high‐quality early education settings and large sociodemographic gaps in children's early learning remain. In this article, we argue that to address these issues, early learning policies must not only invest more in children's earliest years, but invest smarter. We describe three insights from developmental science and provide evidence that the current system of supports for early learning is at odds with what we now know about when and how children develop. We end with recommendations for anchoring early childhood policy and practice in developmental science, and improving children's interactions and learning experiences in their first years of life.
Clinical and functional significance of STEAP4-splice variant in CD14+ monocytes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ebe H , Matsumoto I , Kawaguchi H , Kurata I , Tanaka Y , Inoue A , Kondo Y , Tsuboi H , Sumida T
Published: October 2017

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α-induced adipose-related protein (TIARP) is a negative regulator of inflammation in arthritis model mice. In humans, six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4 (STEAP4) (human counterpart of TIARP) is also expressed in CD14+ monocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, highly levels of exon 3-spliced variant STEAP4 (v-STEAP4) expression have been observed in porcine lung. The aim of this study is to elucidate the expression and functional role of v-STEAP4, comparing it with that of STEAP4, in the pathogenesis of arthritis. We identified v-STEAP4 in CD14+ cells. The expression of STEAP4 and v-STEAP4 was higher in patients with RA than in healthy participants. We also found that STEAP4 and v-STEAP4 were correlated positively with C-reactive protein and that their expression was decreased after treatment with an interleukin (IL)-6 antagonist in patients with RA. To investigate further the role of STEAP4 and v-STEAP4, we produced STEAP4 and v-STEAP4 over-expressing human monocytic cell lines (THP-1) for functional analysis. In the v-STEAP4 over-expressing cells, the production of IL-6 was suppressed significantly, but TNF-α was increased significantly through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Immunoblot analysis revealed that phosphorylated (p-)nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was increased after LPS stimulation and degradation of nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha (IκBα) was sustained, whereas p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) was decreased with v-STEAP4. We identified specific up-regulation of v-STEAP4 in RA monocytes. V-STEAP4 might play a crucial role in the production of TNF-α and IL-6 through NF-κB and STAT-3 pathways, resulting in the generation of RA.
Tumour lateralization in Cushing's disease by inferior petrosal sinus sampling with desmopressin
Authors: Feng Ming , Liu Ziyuan , Liu Xiaohai , Zhang Xiaobo , Bao Xinjie , Yao Yong , Deng Kan , Xing Bing , Lian Wei , Zhu Huijuan , Lu Lin , Wang Renzhi
Published: October 2017

Background

Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) with corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) is currently the gold standard in the diagnosis of Cushing's disease (CD) and has also been used in tumour lateralization. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic value and lateralization accuracy of IPSS with desmopressin.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 91 patients with Cushing's syndrome who had either negative findings on pituitary dynamic enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or nonsuppressed high‐dose dexamethasone suppression tests (HDDST). Thin‐slice thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) and octreotide receptor imaging of whole body were also negative to rule out ectopic adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) syndrome. All patients went through IPSS with desmopressin. Afterwards, transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, light microscope pathology and immunohistological staining for ACTH were performed in all patients.

Results

Diagnosis of CD. Among the 91 patients included, 90 were confirmed with CD, of whom 89 had positive IPSS findings, therefore the sensitivity was 98.9%. The one patient who was negative for CD also had negative IPSS findings, therefore the specificity was 100%. Tumour lateralization. Among the 51 patients who were ultimately diagnosed with CD and whose lateralization by IPSS and surgery was either left or right, 37 had IPSS lateralization in concordance with surgery, therefore the concordance rate was 72.5%. Patients in the concordant group had a higher frequency of right lateralization by surgery.

Conclusions

IPSS with desmopressin is a sensitive approach in the diagnosis of CD and has moderate accuracy in tumour lateralization, making it an alternative choice to IPSS with CRH.
Histomorphometric analyses of area fraction of different ratios of Bio‐Oss® and bone prior to grafting procedures – An in vitro study to demonstrate a baseline
Authors: Aludden Hanna , Dahlin Anna , Starch‐Jensen Thomas , Dahlin Christer , Mordenfeld Arne
Published: October 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to estimate the area fraction of different ratios of Bio‐Oss® and bone, prior to grafting in an in vitro model to demonstrate a histomorphometric baseline.

Methods

Bio‐Oss® particles were mixed with autogenous bone from pig jaw in three different ratios (50:50, 80:20 and 100:0) and packed in rice paper in a standardized procedure. Histomorphometric analyses were performed in 25 specimens and 74 regions of interest. The area percentage of Bio‐Oss®, bone, and non‐mineralized tissue (NMT) were calculated. Results were reported as mean values and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The mean area fraction of Bio‐Oss® was 20.6% (CI: 18.2–23) in the 50:50 mixture, 33.6% (CI: 29.7–37.6) in the 80:20 mixture, and 43.4% (CI: 40.5–46.3) in the 100:0 mixture. The mean area fraction of NMT was 60.5% (CI: 57.9–63.1) in the 50:50 mixture, 59.6% (CI: 56.4–62.7) in the 80:20 mixture, and 56.6% (CI: 53.7–59.5) in the 100:0 mixture. The mean area fraction of bone was 18.9% (CI: 16.9–20.9) in the 50:50 mixture and 6.8% (CI: 5–8.6) in the 80:20 mixture.

Conclusion

There is a great difference in the clinically estimated percentage and the histomorphometrically evaluated percentage of Bio‐Oss® at baseline, prior to grafting. The area fraction of different tissues presented in this study may be beneficial as guidance for histomorphometrical baseline calculations when different mixtures of Bio‐Oss® and autogenous bone are used as grafting materials.
A role for selective contraception of individuals in conservation
Authors: Cope Holly R. , Hogg Carolyn J. , White Peter J. , Herbert Catherine A.
Published: October 2017

Contraception has an established role in managing overabundant populations and preventing undesirable breeding in zoos. We propose that it can also be used strategically and selectively in conservation to increase the genetic and behavioral quality of the animals. In captive breeding programs, it is becoming increasingly important to maximize the retention of genetic diversity by managing the reproductive contribution of each individual and preventing genetically suboptimal breeding through the use of selective contraception. Reproductive suppression of selected individuals in conservation programs has further benefits of allowing animals to be housed as a group in extensive enclosures without interfering with breeding recommendations, which reduces adaptation to captivity and facilitates the expression of wild behaviors and social structures. Before selective contraception can be incorporated into a breeding program, the most suitable method of fertility control must be selected, and this can be influenced by factors such as species life history, age, ease of treatment, potential for reversibility, and desired management outcome for the individual or population. Contraception should then be implemented in the population following a step‐by‐step process. In this way, it can provide crucial, flexible control over breeding to promote the physical and genetic health and sustainability of a conservation dependent species held in captivity. For Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii), black‐flanked rock wallabies (Petrogale lateralis), and burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur), contraception can benefit their conservation by maximizing genetic diversity and behavioral integrity in the captive breeding program, or, in the case of the wallabies and bettongs, by reducing populations to a sustainable size when they become locally overabundant. In these examples, contraceptive duration relative to reproductive life, reversibility, and predictability of the contraceptive agent being used are important to ensure the potential for individuals to reproduce following cessation of contraception, as exemplified by the wallabies when their population crashed and needed females to resume breeding.
Social equity and urban nature conservation
Authors: Montambault Jensen Reitz , Dormer Myriam , Campbell Jacob , Rana Naureen , Gottlieb Sara , Legge John , Davis Deron , Chakaki Mohamad
Published: October 2017

Nature conservation and social equity issues have been approached in a myriad of ways by conservation, humanitarian, and development practitioners. The rapid and shifting urbanization of the globe makes the interaction of these issues paramount and it is imperative to articulate pathways to harmonizing these relationships readily followed by conservation practitioners. We describe the processes and compare the resulting social equity and conservation objectives of two initiatives purposefully integrating these approaches. A private nonprofit seeking to develop an urban conservation program in the Atlanta metropolitan area purposefully engaged residents from surrounding communities and self‐identified local and sector leaders to identify communities where social equity and conservation objectives could be created together. A public agency, built on a century‐long history of environmental stewardship for migratory birds and pollinators, integrated 20 years of participatory action research to engage the surrounding communities using methods suggested and developed by the communities themselves. In both cases, community‐based research approaches have helped establish cocreated objectives and flexible monitoring and evaluation baselines. Both initiatives found a need to appropriately resource and train staff to remain open to learning and evolving new objectives as additional perspectives emerge and the impact on conservation and equity objectives is assessed.
Serum heparanase levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Ozkok Abdullah , Ozkok Sercin , Takır Mumtaz , Yakar Halil İbrahim , Kanbay Asiye
Published: October 2017

Background and aim

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is well‐known to be associated with high risk for cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Heparanase has been recently shown to be related to increased inflammation and vulnerability of the atherosclerotic plaques. Herein we aimed to investigate the relationships between OSAS, heparanase and endothelial dysfunction.

Materials and methods

A total of 120 patients with varying severity of OSAS and 31 controls without OSAS were enrolled. Flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) was measured as an indicator of endothelial dysfunction. Serum heparanase levels were measured with ELISA.

Results

Serum heparanase levels increased in a stepwise fashion from controls to patients with more severe OSAS. When FMD was compared with controls and various degrees of severity of OSAS, a stepwise decrease in FMD was observed. Serum heparanase levels were found to be significantly associated with apnea hypopnea index (AHI) (r = .57, P < .001) and FMD (r= –.37, P < .001) in patients with OSAS. Serum heparanase levels were significantly associated with hemoglobin‐A1c and body mass index in patients with OSAS. Serum heparanase and uric acid levels were independent predictors of FMD in linear regression analysis (R2 = .506, P < .001; P < .001 and P = .001 respectively).

Conclusions

Serum heparanase levels were significantly increased in patients with OSAS and associated with the severity of OSAS (AHI) and endothelial dysfunction (FMD). Increased heparanase activity in OSAS may be related to increased cardiovascular risk in patients with OSAS.
Fire effects and ecological recovery pathways of tropical montane cloud forests along a time chronosequence
Authors: Oliveras Imma , Román‐Cuesta Rosa M. , Urquiaga‐Flores Erickson , Quintano Loayza Jose A. , Kala Jose , Huamán Vicky , Lizárraga Nohemi , Sans Guissela , Quispe Katia , Lopez Efrain , Lopez David , Cuba Torres Israel , Enquist Brian J. , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: October 2017

Tropical montane cloud forests (TMCFs) harbour high levels of biodiversity and large carbon stocks. Their location at high elevations make them especially sensitive to climate change, because a warming climate is enhancing upslope species migration, but human disturbance (especially fire) may in many cases be pushing the treeline downslope. TMCFs are increasingly being affected by fire, and the long‐term effects of fire are still unknown. Here, we present a 28‐year chronosequence to assess the effects of fire and recovery pathways of burned TMCFs, with a detailed analysis of carbon stocks, forest structure and diversity. We assessed rates of change of carbon (C) stock pools, forest structure and tree‐size distribution pathways and tested several hypotheses regarding metabolic scaling theory (MST), C recovery and biodiversity. We found four different C stock recovery pathways depending on the selected C pool and time since last fire, with a recovery of total C stocks but not of aboveground C stocks. In terms of forest structure, there was an increase in the number of small stems in the burned forests up to 5–9 years after fire because of regeneration patterns, but no differences on larger trees between burned and unburned plots in the long term. In support of MST, after fire, forest structure appears to approximate steady‐state size distribution in less than 30 years. However, our results also provide new evidence that the species recovery of TMCF after fire is idiosyncratic and follows multiple pathways. While fire increased species richness, it also enhanced species dissimilarity with geographical distance. This is the first study to report a long‐term chronosequence of recovery pathways to fire suggesting faster recovery rates than previously reported, but at the expense of biodiversity and aboveground C stocks.
Warming‐induced upward migration of the alpine treeline in the Changbai Mountains, northeast China
Authors: Du Haibo , Liu Jie , Li Mai‐He , Büntgen Ulf , Yang Yue , Wang Lei , Wu Zhengfang , He Hong S.
Published: October 2017

Treeline responses to environmental changes describe an important phenomenon in global change research. Often conflicting results and generally too short observations are, however, still challenging our understanding of climate‐induced treeline dynamics. Here, we use a state‐of‐the‐art dendroecological approach to reconstruct long‐term changes in the position of the alpine treeline in relation to air temperature at two sides in the Changbai Mountains in northeast China. Over the past 160 years, the treeline increased by around 80 m, a process that can be divided into three phases of different rates and drives. The first phase was mainly influenced by vegetation recovery after an eruption of the Tianchi volcano in 1702. The slowly upward shift in the second phase was consistent with the slowly increasing temperature. The last phase coincided with rapid warming since 1985, and shows with 33 m per 1°C, the most intense upward shift. The spatial distribution and age structure of trees beyond the current treeline confirm the latest, warming‐induced upward shift. Our results suggest that the alpine treeline will continue to rise, and that the alpine tundra may disappear if temperatures will increase further. This study not only enhances mechanistic understanding of long‐term treeline dynamics, but also highlights the effects of rising temperatures on high‐elevation vegetation dynamics.
Non‐linearities in bird responses across urbanization gradients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Batáry Péter , Kurucz Kornélia , Suarez‐Rubio Marcela , Chamberlain Dan E.
Published: October 2017

Urbanization is one of the most extreme forms of environmental alteration, posing a major threat to biodiversity. We studied the effects of urbanization on avian communities via a systematic review using hierarchical and categorical meta‐analyses. Altogether, we found 42 observations from 37 case studies for species richness and 23 observations from 20 case studies for abundance. Urbanization had an overall strong negative effect on bird species richness, whereas abundance increased marginally with urbanization. There was no evidence that city size played a role in influencing the relationship between urbanization and either species richness or abundance. Studies that examined long gradients (i.e. from urban to rural) were more likely to detect negative urbanization effects on species richness than studies that considered short gradients (i.e. urban vs. suburban or urban vs. rural areas). In contrast, we found little evidence that the effect of urbanization on abundance was influenced by gradient length. Effects of urbanization on species richness were more negative for studies including public green spaces (parks and other amenity areas) in the sampled landscapes. In contrast, studies performed solely in the urban matrix (i.e. no green spaces) revealed a strong positive effect on bird abundance. When performing subset analyses on urban–suburban, suburban–rural and suburban–natural comparisons, species richness decreased from natural to urban areas, but with a stronger decrease at the urban–suburban interface, whereas bird abundance showed a clear intermediate peak along the urban–rural gradient although abundance in natural areas was comparable to that in suburban areas. This suggests that species loss happens especially at the urban–suburban interface, and that the highest abundances occur in suburban areas compared to urban or rural areas. Thus, our study shows the importance of suburban areas, where the majority of birds occur with fairly high species richness.
Assessing uncertainties in crop and pasture ensemble model simulations of productivity and N2O emissions
Authors: Ehrhardt Fiona , Soussana Jean‐François , Bellocchi Gianni , Grace Peter , McAuliffe Russel , Recous Sylvie , Sándor Renáta , Smith Pete , Snow Val , de Antoni Migliorati Massimiliano , Basso Bruno , Bhatia Arti , Brilli Lorenzo , Doltra Jordi , Dorich Christopher D. , Doro Luca , Fitton Nuala , Giacomini Sandro J. , Grant Brian , Harrison Matthew T. , Jones Stephanie K. , Kirschbaum Miko U. F. , Klumpp Katja , Laville Patricia , Léonard Joël , Liebig Mark , Lieffering Mark , Martin Raphaël , Massad Raia S. , Meier Elizabeth , Merbold Lutz , Moore Andrew D. , Myrgiotis Vasileios , Newton Paul , Pattey Elizabeth , Rolinski Susanne , Sharp Joanna , Smith Ward N. , Wu Lianhai , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2017

Simulation models are extensively used to predict agricultural productivity and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the uncertainties of (reduced) model ensemble simulations have not been assessed systematically for variables affecting food security and climate change mitigation, within multi‐species agricultural contexts. We report an international model comparison and benchmarking exercise, showing the potential of multi‐model ensembles to predict productivity and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions for wheat, maize, rice and temperate grasslands. Using a multi‐stage modelling protocol, from blind simulations (stage 1) to partial (stages 2–4) and full calibration (stage 5), 24 process‐based biogeochemical models were assessed individually or as an ensemble against long‐term experimental data from four temperate grassland and five arable crop rotation sites spanning four continents. Comparisons were performed by reference to the experimental uncertainties of observed yields and N2O emissions. Results showed that across sites and crop/grassland types, 23%–40% of the uncalibrated individual models were within two standard deviations (SD) of observed yields, while 42 (rice) to 96% (grasslands) of the models were within 1 SD of observed N2O emissions. At stage 1, ensembles formed by the three lowest prediction model errors predicted both yields and N2O emissions within experimental uncertainties for 44% and 33% of the crop and grassland growth cycles, respectively. Partial model calibration (stages 2–4) markedly reduced prediction errors of the full model ensemble E‐median for crop grain yields (from 36% at stage 1 down to 4% on average) and grassland productivity (from 44% to 27%) and to a lesser and more variable extent for N2O emissions. Yield‐scaled N2O emissions (N2O emissions divided by crop yields) were ranked accurately by three‐model ensembles across crop species and field sites. The potential of using process‐based model ensembles to predict jointly productivity and N2O emissions at field scale is discussed.
VEGF/BMP‐2 loaded three‐dimensional model for enhanced angiogenic and odontogenic potential of dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Aksel H. , Öztürk Ş. , Serper A. , Ulubayram K.
Published: October 2017

Aim

To investigate the proliferation and differentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in a three‐dimensional culture model (TDM) by incorporation of VEGF and BMP‐2.

Methodology

TDM was established using fibrin gel (fg) as a soft tissue matrix and demineralized dentine disc (dd) as a hard tissue matrix. DPSCs and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were encapsulated in fibrin gel (fg‐VEGF) and then inserted into bone morphogenetic protein (BMP‐2)‐coated demineralized dentine discs (dd‐BMP‐2). DPSCs were incubated for 28 days in various fg/dd combinations in the absence or presence of VEGF and BMP‐2. Proliferation and morphology of DPSCs in fibrin gel were analysed using MTT and Live&Dead assays. Release profiles of VEGF and BMP‐2 from fibrin gel and dentine discs were quantified using ELISA, and the expressions of angiogenic and odontogenic differentiation markers were determined with RT‐qPCR analysis. Data were analysed statistically using Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests with Mann–Whitney U tests and Bonferroni adjustment. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

DPSCs were able to proliferate and showed interconnected cellular elongations in fibrin gel depending on fibrinogen concentration whilst monolayer control group showed typical fibroblast‐like cell morphology. Encapsulating of VEGF in fibrin gel and BMP‐2 in gelatin that was used to coat dentine discs allowed the controlled releases of growth factors, which induced angiogenic and odontogenic gene expressions by DPSCs. Higher expressions of PECAM as an angiogenic factor, and BSP, DMP‐1, OCN and CBFA as odontogenic factors, were observed in TDM as compared to the other fg/dd combinations and the monolayer control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

TDM consisting of fibrin gel and dentine matrix allowed cell–cell interactions. TDM was highly effective in delivering both VEGF and BMP‐2 that enhanced the angiogenic and odontogenic potential of DPSCs.
I nudge myself: Exploring ‘self‐nudging’ strategies to drive sustainable consumption behaviour
Authors: Torma Gabriele , Aschemann‐Witzel Jessica , Thøgersen John
Published: October 2017

Failure to translate intentions into actual behaviour is known in many areas of human action. The intention to consume more sustainable is no exception and often fails to be translated into behaviour. Behavioural research emphasized the use of nudges as one of the remedies to ensure that most of the people's daily choices on what to buy or what to eat end up being in their best interest. The behavioural economics literature usually focusses on interventions supporting automatic and unconscious processes, mostly being the result of cognitive shortcuts produced by System 1 (e.g., by setting better default options or making existing contexts more intuitive and easy to handle). However, this begs the question, what consumers themselves can do to ensure a consumption behaviour that is more in line with their pro‐environmental intentions? This article explores a possible ‘self‐nudging’ strategy of consumers signing up for an organic box scheme subscription, whereby they change a large number of small daily choices to a larger decision on exclusively getting organic groceries delivered to their doorstep. It does so based on qualitative in‐depth interviews with 10 customers of such an organic box scheme. The analysis reveals that signing up for the subscription scheme indeed means that low‐involvement decisions in regular supermarkets are replaced by a high‐involvement decision on subscribing to an organic box scheme. In this context of the organic box scheme, the self‐nudging phenomenon is in fact the active choice of consumers to set their default consumption option to ‘organic’ in the long run.
Double emulsions (W/O/W): physical characteristics and perceived intensity of salty taste
Authors: Paula Daniele de Almeida , de Oliveira Eduardo Basílio , de Carvalho Teixeira Alvaro Vianna Novaes , Soares Ariana de Souza , Ramos Afonso Mota
Published: October 2017

This study addressed the correlation between physical characteristics of double emulsions and sensory perception, as the microstructure of these systems may provide the mechanism to understanding the initial cause of the altered salty taste. Thus, double emulsions (W/O/W) were prepared using different volumes of the internal aqueous phase while maintaining the same fat and sodium contents in the evaluated systems. Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) and tween 80 were used as hydrophobic and hydrophilic emulsifiers, respectively. After preparation, the samples were stored at 25 °C for 4 days and submitted to analysis of optical microscopy, distribution and polydispersity of the oil droplets size, electrical conductivity, rheological behaviour and sensorial analysis. It was found that the use of different emulsifier concentrations (PGPR) did not influence the physical characteristics of the emulsions with the same formulation, but emulsions with different internal aqueous phase concentrations presented different results. These distinct characteristics may have influenced sensorial perception, as the emulsion with higher internal phase concentration was considered saltier. Thus, it can be concluded that structural differences of the double emulsions can be used to decrease the sodium contents without perceivable changes in salty taste.
How to routinely assess transition, adhesion and survival of probiotics into the gut: a case study on propionibacteria
Authors: Campaniello Daniela , Speranza Barbara , Petruzzi Leonardo , Bevilacqua Antonio , Corbo Maria Rosaria
Published: October 2017

Two commercial promising probiotic strains (Propionibacterium jensenii and Propionibacterium freudenreichii) were studied to evaluate two basic probiotic requisites (adhesion and survival during the transit into the gut); two commercial starter cultures (Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) were used as references. As an additional goal, the technological robustness was evaluated as growth as a function of pH, temperature and salt. Adhesion was studied as biofilm formation and hydrophobicity, whereas a simplified protocol was used to simulate the transit into the gut, along with the assessment of survival at pH 2.5 and in the presence of 0.3% bile salts. Propionibacteria were hydrophobic and form biofilm on glass slides, thus confirming the correlation of these properties and with the ability to adhere. None of the strains survived after the simulation of the transit into the gut, but this property could be induced in propionibacteria using a simple protocol of adaptive evolution. This paper suggests the possibility of using hydrophobicity as a screening tool to assess adhesion in propionibacteria and highlights the necessity of using a complete protocol of simulation of the gut to study the resistance to the conditions of stomach and intestine to avoid false‐positive results.
Comparative analysis of murine T‐cell receptor repertoires
Authors: Izraelson Mark , Nakonechnaya Tatiana O. , Moltedo Bruno , Egorov Evgeniy S. , Kasatskaya Sofya A. , Putintseva Ekaterina V. , Mamedov Ilgar Z. , Staroverov Dmitriy B. , Shemiakina Irina I. , Zakharova Maria Y. , Davydov Alexey N. , Bolotin Dmitriy A. , Shugay Mikhail , Chudakov Dmitriy M. , Rudensky Alexander Y. , Britanova Olga V.
Published: October 2017

For understanding the rules and laws of adaptive immunity, high‐throughput profiling of T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoires becomes a powerful tool. The structure of TCR repertoires is instructive even before the antigen specificity of each particular receptor becomes available. It embodies information about the thymic and peripheral selection of T cells; the readiness of an adaptive immunity to withstand new challenges; the character, magnitude and memory of immune responses; and the aetiological and functional proximity of T‐cell subsets. Here, we describe our current analytical approaches for the comparative analysis of murine TCR repertoires, and show several examples of how these approaches can be applied for particular experimental settings. We analyse the efficiency of different metrics used for estimation of repertoire diversity, repertoire overlap, V‐gene and J‐gene segments usage similarity, and amino acid composition of CDR3. We discuss basic differences of these metrics and their advantages and limitations in different experimental models, and we provide guidelines for choosing an efficient way to lead a comparative analysis of TCR repertoires. Applied to the various known and newly developed mouse models, such analysis should allow us to disentangle multiple sophisticated puzzles in adaptive immunity.
Enhanced and stable strain memory in Mn‐doped Pb(Mn1/3Sb2/3)O3–Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics realized by sesquipolar loading
Authors: Chen Caiyun , Zhou Zhiyong , Liu Zhen , Liang Ruihong , Zhang Wenbin , Dong Xianlin
Published: October 2017

The negative electric field, field cycling and frequency dependence of strain memory effect in poled and aged Mn‐doped Pb(Mn1/3Sb2/3)O3–Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PMS–PZT) piezoceramics under sesquipolar loading were investigated. The strain memory effect of Mn‐doped PMS–PZT is especially sensitive to the applied negative electric field. Maximum strain memory of 0.32% is achieved when the negative electric field is around negative coercive field of ~2.1 kV/mm, which can be ascribed to the partially depoled state with randomized domains. And this strain memory shows very good cycling stability, varying less than 5% up to 104 cycles, while almost 40% degradation is found under bipolar signal. In addition, due to the stabilized defect dipoles, the strain memory exhibits stable characteristic over a broad frequency range from 0.01 Hz to 20 Hz. The results may shed new insights into designing the novel strain memory actuators where stable strain state could be realized after the removal of electric field.