bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary diversification of the auditory organ sensilla in Neoconocephalus katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) correlates with acoustic signal diversification over phylogenetic relatedness and life history
Authors: Strauß J. , Alt J. A. , Ekschmitt K. , Schul J. , Lakes‐Harlan R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNeoconocephalus Tettigoniidae are a model for the evolution of acoustic signals as male calls have diversified in temporal structure during the radiation of the genus. The call divergence and phylogeny in Neoconocephalus are established, but in tettigoniids in general, accompanying evolutionary changes in hearing organs are not studied. We investigated anatomical changes of the tympanal hearing organs during the evolutionary radiation and divergence of intraspecific acoustic signals. We compared the neuroanatomy of auditory sensilla (crista acustica) from nine Neoconocephalus species for the number of auditory sensilla and the crista acustica length. These parameters were correlated with differences in temporal call features, body size, life histories and different phylogenetic positions. By this, adaptive responses to shifting frequencies of male calls and changes in their temporal patterns can be evaluated against phylogenetic constraints and allometry. All species showed well‐developed auditory sensilla, on average 32–35 between species. Crista acustica length and sensillum numbers correlated with body size, but not with phylogenetic position or life history. Statistically significant correlations existed also with specific call patterns: a higher number of auditory sensilla occurred in species with continuous calls or slow pulse rates, and a longer crista acustica occurred in species with double pulses or slow pulse rates. The auditory sensilla show significant differences between species despite their recent radiation, and morphological and ecological similarities. This indicates the responses to natural and sexual selection, including divergence of temporal and spectral signal properties. Phylogenetic constraints are unlikely to limit these changes of the auditory systems.
Mushroom Consumption and Incident Dementia in Elderly Japanese: The Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study
Authors: Zhang Shu , Tomata Yasutake , Sugiyama Kemmyo , Sugawara Yumi , Tsuji Ichiro 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundBoth in vivo and in vitro studies have indicated that edible mushrooms may have preventive effects against cognitive impairment. However, few cohort studies have yet examined the relationship between mushroom consumption and incident dementia.ObjectiveWe examined the relationship between mushroom consumption and incident dementia in a population of elderly Japanese subjects.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingOhsaki Cohort 2006 Study.Participants13,230 individuals aged ≥65 years living in Ohsaki City, northeastern Japan.MeasurementsDaily mushroom consumption, other lifestyle factors, and dementia incidence.ResultsThe 5.7 years incidence of dementia was 8.7%. In comparison with participants who consumed mushrooms <1 time/wk, the multi‐adjusted HRs (95% CI) for incident dementia among those did so 1–2 times/week and ≥3 times/week were 0.95 (0.81, 1.10) and 0.81 (0.69, 0.95), respectively (P‐trend <.01). The inverse association persisted after excluding participants whose dementia event occurred in the first 2 years of follow‐up and whose baseline cognitive function was lower. The inverse association did not differ statistically in terms of vegetable consumption (P‐interaction = .10).ConclusionsThis cohort study suggests that frequent mushroom consumption is significantly associated with a lower risk of incident dementia, even after adjustment for possible confounding factors.
Adherence and Tolerability of Alzheimer's Disease Medications: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial
Authors: Campbell Noll L. , Perkins Anthony J. , Gao Sujuan , Skaar Todd C. , Li Lang , Hendrie Hugh C. , Fowler Nicole , Callahan Christopher M. , Boustani Malaz A. 
Published: March 2017

Background/ObjectivesPost‐marketing comparative trials describe medication use patterns in diverse, real‐world populations. Our objective was to determine if differences in rates of adherence and tolerability exist among new users to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI's).DesignPragmatic randomized, open label comparative trial of AChEI's currently available in the United States.SettingFour memory care practices within four healthcare systems in the greater Indianapolis area.ParticipantsEligibility criteria included older adults with a diagnosis of possible or probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) who were initiating treatment with an AChEI. Participants were required to have a caregiver to complete assessments, access to a telephone, and be able to understand English. Exclusion criteria consisted of a prior severe adverse event from AChEIs.InterventionParticipants were randomized to one of three AChEIs in a 1:1:1 ratio and followed for 18 weeks.MeasurementsCaregiver‐reported adherence, defined as taking or not taking study medication, and caregiver‐reported adverse events, defined as the presence of an adverse event.Results196 participants were included with 74.0% female, 30.6% African Americans, and 72.9% who completed at least twelfth grade. Discontinuation rates after 18 weeks were 38.8% for donepezil, 53.0% for galantamine, and 58.7% for rivastigmine (P = .063) in the intent to treat analysis. Adverse events and cost explained 73.1% and 25.4% of discontinuation. No participants discontinued donepezil due to cost. Adverse events were reported by 81.2% of all participants; no between‐group differences in total adverse events were statistically significant.ConclusionsThis pragmatic comparative trial showed high rates of adverse events and cost‐related non‐adherence with AChEIs. Interventions improving adherence and persistence to AChEIs may improve AD management. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01362686 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01362686).
Plant xylem hydraulics: What we understand, current research, and future challenges
Authors: Venturas Martin D. , Sperry John S. , Hacke Uwe G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHerein we review the current state‐of‐the‐art of plant hydraulics in the context of plant physiology, ecology, and evolution, focusing on current and future research opportunities. We explain the physics of water transport in plants and the limits of this transport system, highlighting the relationships between xylem structure and function. We describe the great variety of techniques existing for evaluating xylem resistance to cavitation. We address several methodological issues and their connection with current debates on conduit refilling and exponentially shaped vulnerability curves. We analyze the trade‐offs existing between water transport safety and efficiency. We also stress how little information is available on molecular biology of cavitation and the potential role of aquaporins in conduit refilling. Finally, we draw attention to how plant hydraulic traits can be used for modeling stomatal responses to environmental variables and climate change, including drought mortality.
Personality Traits: Hierarchically Organized Systems
Authors: Fajkowska Małgorzata 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPersonality science has always been and is still ready for new theorizing on traits. Accordingly, this article presents the recently proposed traits as hierarchical systems (THS) model, where personality traits are not only the emergent properties of the three‐level hierarchy of the personality system, but are also hierarchical per se. As hierarchical systems, they are organized into three levels: mechanisms and processes, structures, and behavioral markers. In this approach, trait denotes the underlying, recurrent mechanisms that pattern its structure and account for the stability/variability of individual characteristics. Here, traits might be described as processes with a slow rate of change that can be substituted for structure. The main function of personality traits, within the personality system, is stimulation processing. Three dominant functions of stimulation processing in traits are proposed: reactive, regulative, and self‐regulative. Some important questions regarding the concept of trait remain, such as those concerning trait stability, determinacy, measurement, their relation to overt behaviors, personality type or state, and differentiation between temperament traits and other‐than‐temperament personality traits. All of these topics are discussed in this article, as well as the compatible and distinctive features of this approach in relation to selected modern trait theories.
Melatonin reverses H2O2‐induced senescence in SH‐SY5Y cells by enhancing autophagy via sirtuin 1 deacetylation of the RelA/p65 subunit of NF‐κB
Authors: Nopparat Chutikorn , Sinjanakhom Puritat , Govitrapong Piyarat 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAutophagy, a degradation mechanism that plays a major role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and diminishes in aging, is considered an aging characteristic. Melatonin is an important hormone that plays a wide range of physiological functions, including the anti‐aging effect, potentially via the regulation of the Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) pathway. The deacetylation ability of SIRT1 is important for controlling the function of several transcription factors, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐ĸB). Apart from inflammation, NF‐ĸB can regulate autophagy by inhibiting Beclin1, an initiator of autophagy. Although numerous studies have revealed the role of melatonin in regulating autophagy, very limited experiments have shown that melatonin can increase autophagic activity via SIRT1 in a senescent model. This study focuses on the effect of melatonin on autophagy via the deacetylation activity of SIRT1 on RelA/p65, a subunit of NF‐ĸB, to determine whether melatonin can attenuate the aging condition. SH‐SY5Y cells were treated with H2O2 to induce the senescent state. These results demonstrated that melatonin reduced a number of beta‐galactosidase (SA‐βgal)‐positive cells, a senescent marker. In addition, melatonin increased the protein levels of SIRT1, Beclin1, and LC3‐II, a hallmark protein of autophagy, and reduced the levels of acetylated‐Lys310 in the p65 subunit of NF‐ĸB in SH‐SY5Y cells treated with H2O2. Furthermore, in the presence of SIRT1 inhibitor, melatonin failed to increase autophagic markers. The present data indicate that melatonin enhances autophagic activity via the SIRT1 signaling pathway. Taken together, we propose that in modulating autophagy, melatonin may provide a therapeutically beneficial role in the anti‐aging processes.
Rural‐Urban Differences in Access to Preventive Health Care Among Publicly Insured Minnesotans
Authors: Loftus John , Allen Elizabeth M. , Call Kathleen Thiede , Everson‐Rose Susan A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurposeReduced access to care and barriers have been shown in rural populations and in publicly insured populations. Barriers limiting health care access in publicly insured populations living in rural areas are not understood. This study investigates rural‐urban differences in system‐, provider‐, and individual‐level barriers and access to preventive care among adults and children enrolled in a public insurance program in Minnesota.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of a 2008 statewide, cross‐sectional survey of publicly insured adults and children (n = 4,388) investigating barriers associated with low utilization of preventive care. Sampling was stratified with oversampling of racial/ethnic minorities.ResultsRural enrollees were more likely to report no past year preventive care compared to urban enrollees. However, this difference was no longer statistically significant after controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.00‐1.88). Provider‐ and system‐level barriers associated with low use of preventive care among rural enrollees included discrimination based on public insurance status (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.34‐2.38), cost of care concerns (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.03‐2.89) and uncertainty about care being covered by insurance (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.01‐2.85). These and additional provider‐level barriers were also identified among urban enrollees.ConclusionsDiscrimination, cost of care, and uncertainty about insurance coverage inhibit access in both the rural and urban samples. These barriers are worthy targets of interventions for publicly insured populations regardless of residence. Future studies should investigate additional factors associated with access disparities based on rural‐urban residence.
Long‐term outcome of inactive and active, low viraemic HBeAg‐negative‐hepatitis B virus infection: Benign course towards HBsAg clearance
Authors: Oliveri Filippo , Surace Lidia , Cavallone Daniela , Colombatto Piero , Ricco Gabriele , Salvati Nicola , Coco Barbara , Romagnoli Veronica , Gattai Riccardo , Salvati Antonio , Moriconi Francesco , Yuan Quan , Bonino Ferruccio , Brunetto Maurizia R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsThe difference between the long‐term outcome of low‐viraemic (HBV‐DNA≤20 000‐IU/mL, LV‐AC) and inactive HBsAg carriers (HBV‐DNA≤2000‐IU/mL, IC) remains to be defined. We studied prospectively 153 HBeAg‐negative HBsAg‐carriers with baseline HBV‐DNA≤20 000‐IU/mL and normal transaminases.MethodsIC, LV‐AC or chronic hepatitis B (CHB) (HBV‐DNA persistently ≤2000‐IU/mL, ≤20 000‐IU/mL or >20 000‐IU/mL respectively) were diagnosed after 1‐year, 3‐monthly monitoring. Thereafter IC and LV‐AC were followed‐up for additional 57.2 (8.5‐158.3) months. HBV‐DNA, HBsAg, HBV”core‐related”Antigen (HBcrAg) and total‐anti‐HBc were quantified at baseline.ResultsAfter the 1st year diagnostic follow‐up CHB [higher HBV‐DNA (P=.005), total‐anti‐HBc (P=.012), ALT (P=.007) and liver‐stiffness (P=.021)] was identified in 20 (13.1%) carriers; baseline HBsAg≤1000IU/HBV‐DNA≤2000IU/mL excluded the presence of CHB (NPV‐100%). Thereafter, during the long‐term follow‐up none of 87 IC reactivated, 19 (21.8%) cleared HBsAg [older‐age (P=.004), lower HBsAg (P<.001), higher yearly HBsAg decline (P<.001)]. Twenty‐five of 46 (54.3%) LV‐AC remained stable, 20 (43.5%) became IC and 1 (2.2%) developed CHB. The best single‐point CHB and IC diagnostic‐accuracies were total‐anti‐HBc (84.2%, NPV‐98.2%) and HBV‐DNA/total‐anti‐HBc/HBcrAg combination (89.5%, 93%‐sensitivity, 84.8%‐specificity) respectively.ConclusionsViraemia persistently ≤20 000‐IU/mL predicts a benign clinical outcome: it was associated with transition to IC in 43% of LV‐AC and to Occult HBV Infection in 20% of IC within 5‐years. Nevertheless, 13.1% of individuals with low viraemia at presentation develops CHB within 1 year: 1‐year HBV‐DNA monitoring resulted the most accurate diagnostic approach that can be limited to at least a half of cases by the single point HBV‐DNA/HBsAg quantification. The IC‐diagnostic‐accuracy combining HBV‐DNA/total‐anti‐HBc/HBcrAg needs to be confirmed in further studies.
Class alliances and conflict: An explanation of political transitions in 19th‐century Europe
Authors: Hwang Sung‐Ha 
Published: March 2017

AbstractI develop a model analyzing common interests and conflict among four classes—capitalists, workers, landlords, and peasants in 19th‐century Europe—and show that strong class position, based on a high degree of organization and solidarity, may actually be detrimental to the economic and political advantage of that class. This occurs when a strong class is excluded from a major class coalition via coalition formation processes. The reason is that the weak class, if they enjoy bargaining power over even weaker classes within a coalition, may not want to form a coalition with the strong class. I apply the main results to coalition formation and political transitions in 19th‐century European society.
The C‐terminal region of the major outer sheath protein of Treponema denticola inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis
Authors: Jones M.M. , Vanyo S.T. , Visser M.B. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryTreponema denticola is an oral spirochete strongly associated with severe periodontal disease. A prominent virulence factor, the major outer sheath protein (Msp), disorients neutrophil chemotaxis by altering the cellular phosphoinositide balance, leading to impairment of downstream chemotactic events including actin rearrangement, Rac1 activation, and Akt activation in response to chemoattractant stimulation. The specific regions of Msp responsible for interactions with neutrophils remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of truncated Msp regions on neutrophil chemotaxis and associated signaling pathways. Murine neutrophils were treated with recombinant protein truncations followed by assessment of chemotaxis and associated signal pathway activation. Chemotaxis assays indicate sequences within the C‐terminal region; particularly the first 130 amino acids, have the strongest inhibitory effect on neutrophil chemotaxis. Neutrophils incubated with the C‐terminal region protein also demonstrated the greatest inhibition of Rac1 activation, increased phosphoinositide phosphatase activity, and decreased Akt activation; orchestrating impairment of chemotaxis. Furthermore, incubation with antibodies specific to only the C‐terminal region blocked the Msp‐induced inhibition of chemotaxis and denaturing the protein restored Rac1 activation. Msp from the strain OTK, with numerous amino acid substitutions throughout the polypeptide, including the C‐terminal region compared with strain 35405, showed increased ability to impair neutrophil chemotaxis. Collectively, these results indicate that the C‐terminal region of Msp is the most potent region to modulate neutrophil chemotactic signaling and that specific sequences and structures are likely to be required. Knowledge of how spirochetes dampen the neutrophil response is limited and Msp may represent a novel therapeutic target for periodontal disease.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Wall Pain Following Surgery: A Case Series
Authors: Baciarello Marco , Migliavacca Greta , Marchesini Maurizio , Valente Adriana , Allegri Massimo , Fanelli Guido 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a relatively simple regional anesthesia technique which entails the injection of local anesthetics (LA) into the interfascial plane between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles, where nerves supplying the anterolateral abdominal wall course. It is widely used for acute pain management following abdominal surgical procedures. We describe a series of cases in which TAP blocks were used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic abdominal wall pain (CAWP).DesignConsecutive case series of 5 patients presenting with CAWP.SettingRegional referral Center for Pain Medicine of the academic tertiary hospital of Parma, Italy.ResultsFive patients received TAP blocks with LA and steroid. Four patients reported ≥50% pain relief within hours of the procedure, and 2 of them maintained low pain intensities at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up calls.ConclusionsTransversus abdominis plane blocks are a valuable addition to the diagnostic armamentarium of pain physicians confronted with abdominal pain of unclear origin. Although most patients responded to the LA injection, the varying degrees of response duration may have been influenced by the different etiologies underlying each condition and the variable expressions of placebo responses. Once the abdominal wall and/or its nerves are identified as pain generators, the optimal therapeutic management remains to be determined. Available literature as well as our case series shows that long‐term benefit may be obtained with 1 or more injections, but we speculate that this may only be the case for pain with predominantly neuropathic components.
Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: Two Clinical Case Reports of Sustained Pain Relief
Authors: Kapural Leonardo , Gilmore Christopher A. , Chae John , Rauck Richard L. , Cohen Steven P. , Saulino Michael F. , Wongsarnpigoon Amorn , McGee Meredith J. , Boggs Joseph W. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAs the leading cause of disability among U.S. adults, chronic low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent and challenging musculoskeletal conditions. Neuromodulation provides an opportunity to reduce or eliminate the use of opioids to treat chronic LBP, but the cost and invasiveness of existing methods have limited its broad adoption, especially earlier in the treatment continuum. The present case report details the results of a novel method of short‐term percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) in 2 subjects with chronic LBP. At the end of the 1‐month therapy, stimulation was discontinued and the leads were withdrawn. PNS produced clinically significant improvements in pain (62% average reduction in Brief Pain Inventory Question #5, average pain), and functional outcomes (73% reduction in disability, Oswestry Disability Index; 83% reduction in pain interference, Brief Pain Inventory). Both subjects reduced nonopioid analgesic use by 83%, on average, and the one subject taking opioids ceased using all opioids. The only adverse event was minor skin irritation caused by a topical dressing. The clinically significant improvements were sustained at least 4 months after start of therapy (79% average reduction in pain; both reported minimal disability; 100% reduction in opioids; 74% reduction nonopioids). The results reveal the utility of this novel, short‐term approach and its potential as a minimally invasive neuromodulation therapy for use earlier in the treatment continuum to produce sustained pain relief and reduce or eliminate the need for analgesic medications, including opioids, as well as more expensive and invasive surgical or therapeutic alternatives.
Brief Clinical Report: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Pain Memory‐reframing Interventions for Children's Needle Procedures
Authors: Noel Melanie , McMurtry C. Meghan , Pavlova Maria , Taddio Anna 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveChildren's pain memories play a powerful role in shaping future pain experiences. Interventions aiming to reframe children's memories of painful medical procedures hold promise for altering pain memories and improving subsequent pain experience; however, this evidence has not been synthesized. This brief clinical report includes a systematic review and meta‐analysis of existing memory‐reframing interventions for needle procedures in children and adolescents to stimulate future research.MethodsDatabase searches identified relevant randomized and quasi‐randomized controlled trials. Data were extracted and pooled using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and Cochrane methodologies. Critically important outcomes included fear during a subsequent needle procedure; important outcomes included memory of fear and pain following the needle procedure and pain and distress during a subsequent needle procedure.ResultsThree studies including 158 children 3 to 18 years of age were identified. The quality of evidence was low to very low. There was no benefit for the critically important outcome of anticipatory fear; however, the test for overall effect trended toward significance (P = 0.07). Memory‐reframing interventions were efficacious in altering children's memories of needle procedures to be less distressing. No benefit was found for acute fear or anticipatory, acute, or overall distress.ConclusionsThere are limited data suggesting that interventions that reframe children's memories of needle procedures hold promise for altering pain memories and potentially reducing anticipatory fear. High‐quality intervention development work is needed to determine how these interventions can be adapted to the developing child in order to lead to lasting reductions in pain, fear, and distress at future needle procedures.