bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery-Based Iliac Bone Flap Transfer for Reconstruction of Bony Defects
Authors: Iida Takuya , Yamamoto Takumi , Hayashi Akitatsu , Yoshimatsu Hidehiko
Published: May 2018

Background The superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA)-based iliac bone flap has yet to be widely used. The purpose of this article is to validate the feasibility of SCIA-based iliac bone flap transfers for reconstruction of small to moderate-sized bony defects. Retrospective outcome comparisons between SCIA-based iliac bone flaps and fibula flaps were made.

Methods Twenty-six patients with bony tissue defects underwent reconstructions using either free SCIA-based iliac bone flaps (13) or fibula flaps (13). Outcomes were evaluated 9 months after the reconstruction on the following basis: bone length, pedicle length, skin paddle area, bone union, donor-site complications, skin paddle survival, and complications at the reconstructed site.

Results There was no statistically significant difference in pedicle length (iliac bone vs. fibula; 5.5 ± 1.8 vs. 4.1 ± 1.5 cm; p = 0.181), in bone union rate (iliac bone vs. fibula; 100 vs 92.3%; p = 0.308), in donor-site complication rate (iliac bone vs. fibula; 0 vs. 7.7%; p = 0.308), or in skin paddle complete survival rate (iliac bone vs. fibula; 100 vs. 83.3%; p = 0.125). Statistically significant differences were observed in bone flap length (iliac bone vs. fibula; 4.8 ± 2.2 vs. 11.1 ± 4.8 cm; p = 0.0005), in skin paddle area (superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap vs. peroneal artery perforator flap; 58.8 ± 35.6 vs. 27.7 ± 17.5 cm2; p = 0.0343), and in reconstructed site complication rate (iliac bone vs. fibula; 0 vs. 30.8%; p = 0.030).

Conclusion In our series of SCIA-based iliac bone flap transfers, up to 8 × 3 cm could be procured along the iliac crest. When compared with fibula flap transfers, there were no significant statistical differences in pedicle length or in bone union rate; the SCIA-based iliac bone flap may be a feasible option for bony defects of small to moderate size.
Systemic Intravenous Thrombolysis for Massive Pulmonary Embolism after Intracranial Surgery for Traumatic Head Injury: When Absolute Becomes Relative!
Authors: Jain Varun , Sapra Harsh , Bhangale Deepak
Published: May 2018

Intravenous thrombolysis is the preferred treatment for massive pulmonary embolism with hemodynamic instability, when there are no contraindications to the therapy. However, when absolute contraindications to thrombolysis are present, clinicians are at a crux, especially when mechanical thrombectomy is also not possible. We present a case of a 40-year-old man with polytrauma with head injury who developed massive pulmonary embolism requiring intravenous thrombolysis on day 15 after decompressive craniotomy—possibly a first in the literature. The patient, however, successfully recovered from this near-fatal episode. With this report, we wish to highlight that at a near-dying situation, no contraindication is absolute, and all possible efforts must be made by the clinician to save the patient.
OnabotulinumtoxinA and Hyaluronic Acid in Facial Wrinkles and Folds: A Prospective, Open-Label Comparison
Authors: Cohen Joel L , Swift Arthur , Solish Nowell , Fagien Steve , Glaser Dee Anna
Published: May 2018

Background

OnabotulinumtoxinA and hyaluronic acid are effective in improving moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, with treatment selection traditionally based upon facial area.

Objectives

This prospective, multicenter, open-label, crossover study evaluated physician-rated efficacy and patient-rated outcomes following moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA and hyaluronic acid.

Methods

152 subjects (25-65 years) were randomized (1:1) to a treatment-sequence of onabotulinumtoxinA/hyaluronic acid or hyaluronic acid/onabotulinumtoxinA, with initial treatment administered on day 1 and 6 additional visits: week 2 (touch-up); week 4 (crossover); week 6 (touch-up); and weeks 8, 12, and 24 (follow-up).

Results

Between 92% and 100% of subjects in each treatment-sequence group exhibited at least some improvement from baseline at each study visit in the Physician Aesthetic Improvement Scale and the Objective Observer and Patient Global Assessments of Improvement, with no significant between-sequence differences. Subjects reported looking 3 to 6 years younger at each visit, with significant improvements in glabellar, lateral canthal, and horizontal forehead lines, and nasolabial folds. Treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusions

OnabotulinumtoxinA and hyaluronic acid provide clinically meaningful improvements as rated by physicians, objective observers, and subjects, with clinical synergy in aesthetic effects and duration of response regardless of treatment administration order in subjects seeking improvement in moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.

Level of Evidence: 2
Palimpsest: an R package for studying mutational and structural variant signatures along clonal evolution in cancer
Authors: Shinde Jayendra , Bayard Quentin , Imbeaud Sandrine , Hirsch Théo Z , Liu Feng , Renault Victor , Zucman-Rossi Jessica , Letouzé Eric
Published: May 2018

Cancer genomes are altered by various mutational processes and, like palimpsests, bear the signatures of these different processes. The Palimpsest R package provides a complete workflow for the characterization and visualization of mutational signatures and their evolution along tumor development. The package covers a wide range of functions for extracting both base substitution and structural variant signatures, inferring the clonality of each alteration and analyzing the evolution of mutational processes between early clonal and late subclonal events. Palimpsest also estimates the probability of each mutation being due to each process to predict the mechanisms at the origin of driver events. Palimpsest is an easy-to-use toolset for reconstructing the natural history of a tumor using whole exome or whole genome sequencing data.

Availability and implementation

Palimpsest is freely available at www.github.com/FunGEST/Palimpsest.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Functional Fractionation of the Cingulo-opercular Network: Alerting Insula and Updating Cingulate
Authors: Han Suk Won , Eaton Hana P , Marois René
Published: May 2018

The anterior insula (AI) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) are engaged in various cognitive and affective processes. An influential account posits that the AI and dACC’s ubiquitous engagements reflect their role in the transient capture of attention by salient stimuli. Using fMRI here we tested this claim and functionally dissociated these regions. In the first experiment, we compared these regions’ responses to emotion-laden and emotion-neutral salient “oddball” movie events. We found that while the AI only responded transiently to the onset and offset of neutral events, its response to affective events was sustained, challenging the transient attention capture account. By contrast, dACC remained transient regardless of event type. A second experiment distinguished the information encoded by these brain regions with the presentation of behaviorally salient events that require either maintaining the current task set or updating to a different one; the AI was found to signal the presence of the behaviorally relevant events, while the dACC was associated with switching of attention settings in response to the events. We conclude that AI and dACC are involved in signaling the presence of potentially or de facto behaviorally significant events and updating internal attention settings in response to these events, respectively.
Efficacy of Anthelminthic Drugs and Drug Combinations Against Soil-transmitted Helminths: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Clarke Naomi E , Doi Suhail A R , Wangdi Kinley , Chen Yingxi , Clements Archie C A , Nery Susana V
Published: May 2018

Background

Periodic mass distribution of benzimidazole anthelminthic drugs is the key strategy to control soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) globally. However, benzimidazoles have low efficacy against Trichuris trichiura, and there are concerns about benzimidazole resistance potentially emerging in humans. Therefore, identifying alternative drug regimens is a pressing priority. We present a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of 21 different anthelminthic drug regimens, including standard, novel, and combination treatments.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases and identified studies comparing anthelminthic treatments to each other or placebo. The outcomes calculated were relative risk (RR) of cure and difference in egg reduction rates (dERR). We used an automated generalized pairwise modeling framework to generate mixed treatment effects against a common comparator, the current standard treatment (single-dose albendazole).

Results

Our search identified 4876 studies, of which 114 were included in the meta-analysis. Results identified several drug combinations with higher efficacy than single-dose albendazole for T. trichiura, including albendazole-ivermectin (RR of cure, 3.22 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.84–5.63]; dERR, 0.97 [95% CI, .21–1.74]), albendazole-oxantel pamoate (RR, 5.07 [95% CI, 1.65–15.59]; dERR, 0.51 [95% CI, .50–.52]), mebendazole-ivermectin (RR, 3.37 [95% CI, 2.20–5.16]), and tribendimidine-oxantel pamoate (RR, 4.06 [95% CI, 1.30–12.64]).

Conclusions

There are several promising drug combinations that may enhance the impact of STH control programs on T. trichiura, without compromising efficacy against Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm. We suggest further, large-scale trials of these drug combinations and consideration of their use in STH control programs where T. trichiura is present.

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews Registration

CRD42016050739.
The Spectral Gaps of Generalized Flag Complexes and a Geometric Hall-type Theorem
Authors: Lew Alan
Published: May 2018

Let $X$ be a simplicial complex on $n$ vertices without missing faces of dimension larger than $d$. Let $L_{k}$ denote the $k$-Laplacian acting on real $k$-cochains of $X$ and let $\mu _{k}(X)$ denote its minimal eigenvalue. We study the connection between the spectral gaps $\mu _{k}(X)$ for $k\geq d$ and $\mu _{d-1}(X)$. In particular, we establish the following vanishing result: if $\mu _{d-1}(X)>\big(1-\binom{k+1}{d}^{-1}\big)n$, then $\tilde{H}^{j}\left (X;{\mathbb{R}}\right )=0$ for all $d-1\leq j \leq k$. As an application we prove a fractional extension of a Hall-type theorem of Holmsen, Martínez-Sandoval, and Montejano for general position sets in matroids.
Locally Compact Groups whose Ergodic or Minimal Actions are All Free
Authors: Le Boudec Adrien , Matte Bon Nicolás
Published: May 2018

We construct locally compact groups with no nontrivial Invariant Random Subgroups and no nontrivial Uniformly Recurrent Subgroups.
A Perturbation Approach for Paneitz Energy on Standard Three Sphere
Authors: Hang Fengbo , Yang Paul C
Published: May 2018

We present another proof of the sharp inequality for Paneitz operator on the standard three sphere, in the spirit of subcritical approximation for the classical Yamabe problem. To solve the perturbed problem, we use a symmetrization process which only works for extremal functions. This gives a new example of symmetrization for higher-order variational problems.
Gateway reflex: neural activation-mediated immune cell gateways in the central nervous system
Authors: Kamimura Daisuke , Ohki Takuto , Arima Yasunobu , Murakami Masaaki
Published: May 2018

The neural regulation of organs can be categorized as systemic or local. Whereas systemic regulation by the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal gland-mediated release of steroid hormones has been well studied, the mechanisms for local regulation have only recently emerged. Two types of local neural regulation are known, the gateway reflex and the inflammatory reflex. The gateway reflex describes a mechanism that converts regional neural stimulations into inflammatory outputs by changing the state of specific blood vessels. Molecularly, the enhancement of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) activity in endothelial cells by neurotransmitters, such as noradrenaline and ATP, induces an enhanced production of pro-inflammatory mediators, including chemokines, which form immune cell gateways at specific vessels. Several types of gateway reflex have been identified, and each regulates distinct organs by creating gateways for autoreactive T cells that induce local inflammation. On the other hand, the inflammatory reflex elicits an anti-inflammatory response through vagal nerves. Here, we summarize recent works on these two local neuro-immune interactions, giving special focus to the gateway reflex.
Effects of long-term intake of a yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 2038 and Streptococcus thermophilus 1131 on mice
Authors: Usui Yuki , Kimura Yasumasa , Satoh Takeshi , Takemura Naoki , Ouchi Yasuo , Ohmiya Hiroko , Kobayashi Kyosuke , Suzuki Hiromi , Koyama Satomi , Hagiwara Satoko , Tanaka Hirotoshi , Imoto Seiya , Eberl Gérard , Asami Yukio , Fujimoto Kosuke , Uematsu Satoshi
Published: May 2018

The gut is an extremely complicated ecosystem where micro-organisms, nutrients and host cells interact vigorously. Although the function of the intestine and its barrier system weakens with age, some probiotics can potentially prevent age-related intestinal dysfunction. Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 2038 and Streptococcus thermophilus 1131, which are the constituents of LB81 yogurt, are representative probiotics. However, it is unclear whether their long-term intake has a beneficial influence on systemic function. Here, we examined the gut microbiome, fecal metabolites and gene expression profiles of various organs in mice. Although age-related alterations were apparent in them, long-term LB81 yogurt intake led to an increased Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio and elevated abundance of the bacterial family S24-7 (Bacteroidetes), which is known to be associated with butyrate and propanoate production. According to our fecal metabolite analysis to detect enrichment, long-term LB81 yogurt intake altered the intestinal metabolic pathways associated with propanoate and butanoate in the mice. Gene ontology analysis also revealed that long-term LB81 yogurt intake influenced many physiological functions related to the defense response. The profiles of various genes associated with antimicrobial peptides-, tight junctions-, adherens junctions- and mucus-associated intestinal barrier functions were also drastically altered in the LB81 yogurt-fed mice. Thus, long-term intake of LB81 yogurt has the potential to maintain systemic homeostasis, such as the gut barrier function, by controlling the intestinal microbiome and its metabolites.
When an Hour Feels Shorter: Future Boundary Tasks Alter Consumption by Contracting Time
Authors: Tonietto Gabriela N , Malkoc Selin A , Nowlis Stephen M
Published: May 2018

Consumers often organize their time by scheduling various tasks, but also leave some time unaccounted for. The authors examine whether ending an interval of unaccounted time with an upcoming task systematically alters how this time is perceived and consumed. Eight studies conducted in both the lab and field show that bounded intervals of time (e.g., an hour before a scheduled meeting) feel prospectively shorter than unbounded intervals of time (e.g., an hour with nothing scheduled subsequently). Furthermore, consumers perform fewer tasks and are less likely to engage in relatively extended (though feasible) tasks during a bounded compared to an unbounded interval of time—even in the face of financial incentives. Finally, making a longer task easier to separate into subtasks attenuates this effect.
β-catenin activation in hair follicle dermal stem cells induces ectopic hair outgrowth and skin fibrosis
Authors: Tao Yixin , Yang Qingchun , Wang Lei , Zhang Jie , Zhu Xuming , Sun Qianqian , Han Yunbin , Luo Qian , Wang Yushu , Guo Xizhi , Wu Ji , Li Baojie , Yang Xiao , He Lin , Ma Gang
Published: May 2018

Hair follicle dermal sheath (DS) harbors hair follicle dermal stem cells (hfDSCs), which can be recruited to replenish DS and dermal papilla (DP). Cultured DS cells can differentiate into various cell lineages in vitro. However, it is unclear how its plasticity is modulated in vivo. Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays an important role in maintaining stem cells of various lineages and is required for HF development and regeneration. Here we report that activation of β-catenin in DS generates ectopic HF outgrowth (EF) by reprogramming HF epidermal cells and DS cells themselves, and endows DS cells with hair inducing ability. Epidermal homeostasis of pre-existing HFs is disrupted. Additionally, cell-autonomous progressive skin fibrosis is prominent in dermis, where the excessive fibroblasts largely originate from DS. Gene expression analysis of purified DS cells with activated β-catenin revealed significantly increased expression of Bmp, Fgf, and Notch ligands and administration of Bmp, Fgf, or Notch signaling inhibitor attenuates EF formation. In summary, our findings advance the current knowledge of high plasticity of DS cells and provide an insight into understanding how Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls DS cell behaviors.
Combination Superficial Temporal Artery-Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass and M2–M2 Reanastomosis With Trapping of a Stented Distal Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: 3-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Yousef Sonia , Tabani Halima , Benet Arnau , Rubio Roberto Rodriguez , Lawton Michael T
Published: May 2018

Distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms often have non-saccular morphology and cannot be clipped, requiring revascularization and trapping instead. Combination bypasses are needed when 2 arteries exit the aneurysm, and extracranial–intracranial and intracranial–intracranial bypasses can be used. This video demonstrates a combination bypass used to treat a previously stented distal MCA aneurysm with both a superficial temporal artery (STA)-to-MCA bypass and an M2-to-M2 reanastomosis. This 56-yr-old man presented with distal left-sided MCA aneurysm 2 years earlier and attempted stent-assisted coiling was aborted after the aneurysm was perforated with stenting alone. Follow-up angiography demonstrated progressive aneurysm enlargement, and he was referred for surgery. The patient consented for the procedure and a pterional craniotomy extended posteriorly exposed the distal Sylvian fissure and efferent M4-cortical arteries. After splitting the Sylvian fissure, the “flash fluorescence” technique with indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography identified an M4 recipient artery from the deeper of 2 exiting branches for STA–MCA bypass.
1
The aneurysm was then trapped, and inflow and the more superficial outflow arteries were anastomosed end to end (M2–M2 in-situ bypass). A platelet plug that developed at the reanastomosis site was broken apart with mechanical manipulation, and ICG videoangiography demonstrated patency of both bypasses. The patient recovered without any neurological deficits, and postoperative computed tomography angiography confirmed bypass patency. Combination bypasses are needed when unclippable bifurcation aneurysms require revascularization. Careful intraoperative evaluation of patency of the bypass is imperative and helps identifying and addressing any potential early bypass occlusion.
Impact of the school lunch program on overweight and obesity among junior high school students: a nationwide study in Japan
Authors: Miyawaki A , Lee J S , Kobayashi Y
Published: May 2018

Background

Japan has experienced a low prevalence of childhood obesity. The Japanese nationwide school lunch program is suggested to have helped this phenomenon, but it has not been proven.

Methods

From official statistics, we combined annual data for 2006–15 about the prefecture-level school lunch coverage rate for public junior high school students and the prefecture-level nutritional indicators calculated by randomly selected age–sex groups of 13–15-year olds: the percentage of overweight, obese or underweight children, who are 20% heavier, 30% heavier or 20% lighter than the standard weight by sex, age and height; and mean body weight (kg) or height (cm). We estimated the impact of the school lunch coverage rate on the nutritional indicators in subsequent years, adjusting for the lagged dependent variable and dummies for prefecture, age and year.

Results

A 10 percentage point increase in the prefecture-level school lunch coverage rate significantly decreased the percentage of overweight (0.37%, 95% CI: 0.18–0.56) and obesity (0.23%, 0.10–0.37) in subsequent years among boys, but not among girls. No significant effect on the percentage of underweight or mean body weight/height was observed for either sex.

Conclusions

Appropriate nutritional intake through school lunch may be effective to reduce childhood obesity.
The financialization of policy preferences: financial asset ownership, regulation and crisis management
Authors: Pagliari Stefano , Phillips Lauren M , Young Kevin L
Published: May 2018

Political economists have often drawn a hard line between the interests of owners of capital and the interests of labor. Yet over the past 30 years in Anglo-Saxon countries in particular, workers have become increasingly invested in capital markets activity through the privatization of pension systems and other incentives for market-based savings. In this article, we investigate whether this ‘financialization of everyday life’ has generated a convergence of policy preferences whereby individuals support policies traditionally associated with the financial sector. Using three separate datasets on the US population, we find evidence that financial asset ownership is associated with lower support for more stringent financial regulatory policy, and higher support for financial sector bailouts. Such effects on individual preferences are modest on average, but persist even when controlling for indicators of social class and a range of other conditions, circumstances and time periods.
Synchronized mesenchymal cell polarization and differentiation shape the formation of the murine trachea and esophagus
Authors: Kishimoto Keishi , Tamura Masaru , Nishita Michiru , Minami Yasuhiro , Yamaoka Akira , Abe Takaya , Shigeta Mayo , Morimoto Mitsuru
Published: May 2018

Tube morphogenesis is essential for internal-organ development, yet the mechanisms regulating tube shape remain unknown. Here we show that different mechanisms regulate the length and diameter of the murine trachea. First, we found that trachea development progresses via elongation and expansion processes. In the first stage, synchronized radial polarization of smooth muscle (SM) progenitor cells with inward Golgi-apparatus displacement regulates tube elongation, controlled by mesenchymal Wnt5a–Ror2 signaling. This radial polarization directs SM progenitor cell migration toward the epithelium, and the resulting subepithelial morphogenesis supports tube elongation to the anteroposterior axis. This radial polarization also regulates esophageal elongation. Subsequently, cartilage development helps expand the tube diameter, which drives epithelial cell reshaping to determine the optimal lumen shape for efficient respiration. These findings suggest a strategy in which straight-organ tubulogenesis is driven by subepithelial cell polarization and ring cartilage development.
Condensin-dependent chromatin condensation represses transcription globally during quiescence
Authors: Swygert Sarah G. , Kim Seungsoo , Wu Xiaoying , Fu Tianhong , Hsieh Tsung-Han , Rando Oliver J. , Eisenman Robert N. , Shendure Jay , McKnight Jeffrey N. , Tsukiyama Toshio
Published: May 2018

Quiescence is a stress-resistant state in which cells reversibly exit the mitotic cell cycle and suspend most cellular processes. Quiescence is essential for stem cell maintenance and its misregulation is implicated in tumor formation. One of the conserved hallmarks of quiescent cells, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to humans, is highly condensed chromatin. Here, we use Micro-C XL to map chromatin contacts at single-nucleosome resolution genome-wide to elucidate mechanisms and functions of condensed chromatin in quiescent S. cerevisiae cells. We describe previously uncharacterized chromatin domains on the order of 10-60 kilobases that in quiescent cells are formed by condensin-mediated chromatin loops. Conditional depletion of condensin prevents chromatin condensation during quiescence entry and leads to widespread transcriptional de-repression. We further demonstrate that condensin-dependent chromatin compaction is conserved in quiescent human fibroblasts. We propose that condensin-dependent condensation of chromatin represses transcription throughout the quiescent cell genome.
PKMζ in the nucleus accumbens acts to dampen cocaine seeking
Authors: McGrath Anna G. , Lenz Jeffrey D. , Briand Lisa A.
Published: May 2018

The constitutively active, atypical protein kinase C, protein kinase M-ζ (PKMζ), is exclusively expressed in the brain and its expression increases following exposure to drugs of abuse. However, the limitations of currently available tools have made it difficult to examine the role of PKMζ in cocaine addiction. The current study demonstrates that constitutive deletion of PKMζ potentiates cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking and increases both food and cocaine taking, without affecting cue-driven food seeking in both male and female mice. Conditional deletion of PKMζ within the nucleus accumbens recapitulated the increase in cocaine taking and seeking seen in the constitutive knockout mice, but only in male animals. Site-specific knockdown of PKMζ in the nucleus accumbens had no effect on cocaine or natural reward behaviors in female mice. Taken together these results indicate that PKMζ may act to dampen addictive phenotypes. Furthermore, these results indicate that PKMζ is playing divergent roles in reward seeking in males and females.
Inhibition of cell fate repressors secures the differentiation of the touch receptor neurons ofCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zheng Chaogu , Jin Felix Qiaochu , Trippe Brian Loeber , Wu Ji , Chalfie Martin
Published: May 2018

Terminal differentiation generates the specialized features and functions that allow postmitotic cells to acquire their distinguishing characteristics. This process is thought to be controlled by transcription factors called “terminal selectors” that directly activate a set of downstream effector genes. InCaenorhabditis elegansthe differentiation of both the mechanosensory touch receptor neurons (TRNs) and the multidendritic nociceptor FLP neurons utilize the terminal selectors UNC-86 and MEC-3. The FLP neurons fail to activate TRN genes, however, because a complex of two transcriptional repressors (EGL-44/EGL-46) prevents their expression. Here we show that the ZEB family transcriptional factor ZAG-1 promotes TRN differentiation not by activating TRN genes but by preventing the expression of EGL-44/EGL-46. Since EGL-44/EGL-46 also inhibits the production of ZAG-1, these proteins form a bistable, negative feedback loop that regulates the choice between the two neuronal fates.

Summary statement:

Transcriptional repressors regulate binary fate choices through reciprocal inhibition during terminal neuronal differentiation. Specifically, ZEB family transcription factor safeguards fate specification of touch receptor neuron by inhibiting TEA domain-containing repressor.
Evaluating the information content of shallow shotgun metagenomics
Authors: Hillmann Benjamin , Al-Ghalith Gabriel A. , Shields-Cutler Robin R. , Zhu Qiyun , Gohl Daryl M. , Beckman Kenneth B. , Knight Rob , Knights Dan
Published: May 2018

Although microbial communities are associated with many aspects of human, environmental, plant, and animal health, there exists no cost-effective method for precisely characterizing species and genes present in such communities. While deep whole-genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing provides the highest-level of taxonomic and functional resolution, it is often prohibitively expensive for large-scale studies. The prevailing alternative, high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (16S), often does not resolve taxonomy past the genus level and provides only moderately accurate predictions of the functional profile; thus, there is currently no widely accepted approach to affordable, high-resolution, taxonomic and functional microbiome analysis. To address this technology gap, we evaluated the information content of shallow shotgun sequencing with as low as 0.5 million sequences per sample as an alternative to 16S sequencing for large human microbiome studies. We describe a library preparation protocol enabling shallow shotgun sequencing at approximately the same per-sample cost as 16S. We analyzed multiple real and simulated biological data sets, including two novel human stool samples with ultra-deep sequencing of 2.5 billion sequences per sample, and found that shallow shotgun recovers accurate species-level taxonomic and functional profiles of the human microbiome. We recognize and discuss some of the inherent limitations of shallow shotgun sequencing, and note that 16S sequencing remains a valuable and important method for taxonomic profiling of novel environments. Although deep WGS remains the gold standard for high-resolution microbiome analysis, we recommend that researchers consider shallow shotgun sequencing as a useful alternative to 16S for large-scale human microbiome research studies.
Species distribution, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance of Acinetobacter spp. isolates from dogs and cats: a preliminary study
Authors: Kimura Yui , Harada Kazuki , Shimizu Takae , Sato Tomomi , Kajino Akari , Usui Masaru , Tamura Yutaka , Tsuyuki Yuzo , Miyamoto Tadashi , Ohki Asami , Watarai Masahisa
Published: May 2018

In this study, the prevalence of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance among 67 Acinetobacter spp. isolates, consisting of 21 Acinetobacter baumannii and 46 non‐baumannii Acinetobacter obtained from companion animals, was investigated. PCR analysis showed that the most prevalent virulence gene was afa/draBC (29.9%), followed by papC (22.4%) and cvaC (20.9%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that resistance to gentamicin (14.9%) and ciprofloxacin (11.9%) was relatively prevalent. Five gentamicin‐ and/or ciprofloxacin‐resistant A. baumannii strains were assigned to ST25, ST149, ST164, ST203 and ST1198. All ciprofloxacin‐resistant isolates harbored point mutations in gyrA and/or parC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of preliminary monitoring of animal‐origin Acinetobacter spp. in Japan.
Experience during development triggers between‐individual variation in behavioural plasticity
Authors: Urszán Tamás János , Garamszegi László Zsolt , Nagy Gergely , Hettyey Attila , Török János , Herczeg Gábor
Published: May 2018

Behavioural consistency within and across behaviours (animal personality and behavioural syndrome, respectively) has been vigorously studied in the last decade, leading to the emergence of “animal personality” research. It has been proposed recently that not only mean behaviour (behavioural type), but the environmentally induced behavioural change (behavioural plasticity) might also differ between individuals within populations.

While case studies presenting between‐individual variation in behavioural plasticity have started to accumulate, the mechanisms behind its emergence are virtually unknown. We have recently demonstrated that ecologically relevant environmental stimuli during ontogeny are necessary for the development of animal personality and behavioural syndromes. However, it is unknown whether between‐individual variation in behavioural plasticity is hard‐wired or induced.

Here, we tested whether experience with predation during development affected predator‐induced behavioural plasticity in Rana dalmatina tadpoles. We ran a common garden experiment with two ontogenetic predation treatments: tadpoles developed from hatching in either the presence or absence of olfactory predator stimuli. Then, we assayed all tadpoles repeatedly for activity and risk‐taking both in the absence and presence of olfactory predator stimuli.

We found that (a) between‐individual variation in predator‐induced behavioural plasticity was present only in the group that developed in the presence of olfactory stimuli from predators and (b) previous experience with predatory stimuli resulted in lower plastic response at the group level. The latter pattern resulted from increased between‐individual variation and not from universally lower individual responses. We also found that experience with predation during development increased the predictability (i.e. decreased the within‐individual variation unrelated to environmental change) of activity, but not risk‐taking. In line with this, tadpoles developing under perceived predatory risk expressed their activity with higher repeatability.

We suggest that ecologically relevant environmental stimuli are not only fundamental for the development of animal personality and behavioural syndromes, but also for individual variation in behavioural plasticity. Thus, experience is of central importance for the emergence of individual behavioural variation at many levels.
Influence of prehospital airway management on neurological outcome in patients transferred to a heart attack centre following out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Edwards Timothy , Williams Julia , Cottee Michaela
Published: May 2018

Objective

To describe the association between prehospital airway management and neurological outcomes in patients transferred by the ambulance service directly to a heart attack centre (HAC) post‐return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study in which ambulance records were reviewed to determine prehospital airway management strategy and collect physiological and demographic data. HAC notes were obtained to determine in‐hospital management and quantify neurological outcome via the cerebral performance category (CPC) scale. Statistical analyses were performed via χ2‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, odds ratios and binomial logistic regression.

Results

Two hundred and twenty patients were included between August 2013 and August 2014, with complete outcome data obtained for 209. Median age of patients with complete outcome data was 67 years and 71.3% were male (n = 149). Airway management was provided using a supraglottic airway (SGA) in 72.7% of cases (n = 152) with the remainder undergoing endotracheal intubation (ETI). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who had a good neurological outcome (CPC 1 and 2) at discharge between the SGA and ETI groups (P = 0.29). Binomial logistic regression incorporating factors known to influence outcome demonstrated no significant difference in neurological outcomes between the SGA and ETI groups (adjusted OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.34–1.56).

Conclusion

In this observational study, there was no significant difference in the proportion of good neurological outcomes in patients managed with SGA versus ETI during cardiac arrest and in the post‐ROSC transfer phase. Further research is required to provide more definitive evidence in relation to the optimal airway management strategy in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest.
Diversity and participation in private apartment buildings: a review of the literature
Authors: Liu Edgar , Easthope Hazel , Ho Christina , Buckle Caitlin
Published: May 2018

Contemporary urban life has been shaped by two momentous shifts over the twentieth century: these shifts are increasing global mobility and increasing housing density, and both have required changes to personal approaches to dwelling. They have been pronounced in Australia, which has moved from an imperial‐colonial century to an Asian century in just over 100 years. Coupled with compact city policies in some regions, increased international migration has resulted in urban populations becoming more ethno‐culturally diverse, and encouraged urban residents to live in closer proximity to each other. Such trends are evident in the expansion of apartment living in cities. In the academic literature, each of these global shifts has been addressed separately, with much less attention being given to the two together. This oversight is especially the case in places where these changes are experienced most profoundly—private multi‐owned residential buildings that many and growing numbers of urban residents call home. The oversight is concerning because successful apartment living requires sustained participation and cooperation—how we dwell with each other matters. Without such forms of engagement and courtesies, apartment communities cannot run effectively or cohesively in terms of associational participation in management or of the everyday encounters of social life. Arguably, because global mobility is now so pronounced, engagement and civility require that people are respectfully observant of ethno‐diversity. Yet our review of the existing literature on multicultural encounters and participation in multi‐owned private apartment buildings suggests the need for more research on the intersections among global mobility, housing density, and apartment living. This paper begins to bridge this gap.
β‐blockers interfere with cell homing receptors and regulatory proteins in a model of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Eibel Bruna , Kristochek Melissa , Peres Thiago R. , Dias Lucinara D. , Dartora Daniela R. , Casali Karina R. , Kalil Renato A. K. , Lehnen Alexandre M. , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , Markoski Melissa M.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To examine the interference of β‐blockers with the chemokine stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) found in cell homing receptors, C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR‐4) and CXCR‐7, and regulatory proteins of homing pathways, we administered atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, and propranolol for 30 days using an orogastric tube to hypertensive rats.

Method

We collected blood samples before and after treatment and quantified the levels of SDF‐1 with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). On day 30 of treatment, the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were euthanized, and heart, liver, lung, and kidney tissues were biopsied. Proteins were isolated for determining the expression of CXCR‐4, CXCR‐7, GRK‐2 (G protein‐coupled receptors kinase 2), β‐arrestins (β1‐AR and β2‐AR), and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB).

Results

We found that the study drugs modulated these proteins, and metoprolol and propranolol strongly affected the expression of β1‐AR (P = .0102) and β2‐AR (P = .0034).

Conclusion

β‐blockers modulated tissue expression of the proteins and their interactions following 30 days of treatment. It evidences that this class of drugs can interfere with proteins of cell homing pathways.
In situ simulation of sea‐level rise impacts on coastal wetlands using a flow‐through mesocosm approach
Authors: Stachelek Jemma , Kelly Stephen P. , Sklar Fred H. , Coronado‐Molina Carlos , Troxler Tiffany , Bauman Laura
Published: May 2018

The impact of sea level rise (SLR) on coastal wetlands is dependent on the net effects of increased inundation and saltwater intrusion. The need for accurate projections ofSLRimpacts has motivated several experimental mesocosm studies aimed at detailed investigations on wetland biogeochemical cycling. However, the degree with which they accurately reproduce field conditions remains unknown because they have primarily been laboratory based using relatively small sediment volumes (10–200 L) treated over short time periods.

As a first step towards addressing these issues, we present a novel mesocosm device and portable methodology for long‐termSLRsimulation via in situ saltwater additions to relatively large sediment volumes (approximately 1,000 L). The device (chamber) consists of two interlocking polycarbonate cylinders with an internal diameter of 1.4 m. Each cylinder has holes drilled in the side to facilitate water exchange. The outer cylinder (collar) can be rotated to one of two possible positions. The first position produces alignment of the inner cylinder holes with the collar holes, whereas the second position offsets the holes to eliminate water exchange and contain salt additions (doses).

Our device design and dosing scheme produced higher porewater salinities in the sediments of treatment mesocosms relative to control mesocosm sediments. In addition, we observed low incidence of elevated porewater salinity outside of the chamber walls and no measurable salt contamination of control plots.

WidespreadSLRsimulations in a variety of geographical settings, whether with our proposed design or some other design, would likely help reduce some of the general uncertainties regarding the sensitivity of coastal wetlands toSLRand saltwater intrusion.
RRPP: An r package for fitting linear models to high‐dimensional data using residual randomization
Authors: Collyer Michael L. , Adams Dean C.
Published: May 2018

Residual randomization in permutation procedures (RRPP) is an appropriate means of generating empirical sampling distributions for ANOVA statistics and linear model coefficients, using ordinary or generalized least‐squares estimation. This is an especially useful approach for high‐dimensional (multivariate) data.

Here, we present an r package that provides a comprehensive suite of tools for applying RRPP to linear models. Important available features include choices for OLS or GLS coefficient estimation, data or dissimilarity matrix analysis capability, choice among types I, II, or III sums of squares and cross‐products, various effect size estimation methods, and an ability to perform mixed‐model ANOVA.

The lm.rrpp function is similar to the lm function in many regards, but provides coefficient and ANOVA statistics estimates over many random permutations. The S3 generic functions commonly used with lm also work with lm.rrpp. Additionally, a pairwise function provides statistical tests for comparisons of least‐squares means or slopes, among designated groups. Users have many options for varying random permutations. Compared to similar available packages and functions, RRPP is extremely fast and yields comprehensive results for downstream analyses and graphics, following model fits with lm.rrpp.

The RRPP package facilitates analysis of both univariate and multivariate response data, even when the number of variables exceeds the number of observations.
How have US banks adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Level 3 fair value disclosure rules?
Authors: Keshk Walied , Lu Hung‐Yuan (Richard) , Mande Vivek
Published: May 2018

We examine how banks have complied with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's disclosure rules on Level 3 recurring fair value measurements. We document widespread noncompliance with the basic disclosure requirements. We also find that the noncompliant banks are smaller in size and are associated with lower audit quality, lower institutional ownership and less effective internal controls. Our results should be of use to regulators, auditors and audit committees in the United States, Australia and other countries for assessing the likelihood of noncompliance with fair value disclosure rules and improving the quality of fair value disclosures provided to investors.
Predicting FTSE 100 returns and volatility using sentiment analysis
Authors: Johnman Mark , Vanstone Bruce James , Gepp Adrian
Published: May 2018

We investigate the statistical and economic effect of positive and negative sentiment on daily excess returns and volatility in the FTSE 100 index, using business news articles published by the Guardian Media Group between 01/01/2000 and 01/06/2016. The analysis indicates that while business news sentiment derived from articles aimed at retail traders does not influence excess returns in the FTSE 100 index, it does affect volatility, with negative sentiment increasing volatility and positive sentiment reducing it. Further, an ETF‐based trading strategy based on these findings is found to outperform the naïve buy‐and‐hold approach.
Reasons for ambivalence about accepting addiction as a reason for performing euthanasia
Authors: Hall Wayne , Parker Malcolm
Published: May 2018

Commentary to: The need to exercise caution in accepting addiction as a reason for performing euthanasia
The role of intellectual property rights in seed technology transfer through trade: evidence from U.S. field crop seed exports
Authors: Zhou Minyu , Sheldon Ian , Eum Jihyun
Published: May 2018

A panel of 134 countries over the period 1985–2010 is used to evaluate the effect of intellectual property rights (IPRs) on field crop seed imports from the United States. Based on estimating a gravity equation using the Heckman selection and Poisson fixed‐effects panel econometric methods, the results indicate that membership of countries in both the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants and the Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement of the World Trade Organization have a positive and statistically significant effect on their imports of U.S. field crop seeds. These results, however, are also sensitive to both income level of importing countries and better enforcement of IPRs by those countries.
Renters, landlords, and farmland stewardship
Authors: Deaton B. James , Lawley Chad , Nadella Karthik
Published: May 2018

Are farmers better stewards of the land they own than the land they rent from others? We answer this question using a data set that identifies Ontario farmers’ conservation practices on their own land as well as the land they rent. Using a fixed‐effects regression approach, we find that the role of tenure varies for different types of conservation practices. Farmers were found to be just as likely to adopt a machinery‐related practice such as conservation tillage on their rented land as that land which they own. On the other hand, farmers were found to be less likely to adopt site‐specific conservation practices such as planting cover crops on rented land. However, this effect diminishes as the expected length of the rental relationship increases when the landlord has a farming background.
Associations between circulating sex steroid hormones and leukocyte telomere length in men in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Coburn S. B. , Graubard B. I. , Trabert B. , McGlynn K. A. , Cook M. B.
Published: May 2018

Preliminary evidence suggests that sex steroid hormones, such as danazol (a synthetic sex steroid hormone), may be involved in enhancing telomerase activity. Elucidating underlying mechanisms of telomerase activity may further therapeutic options for individuals with telomeropathies and potentially avert certain age‐related conditions. Therefore, we conducted a cross‐sectional study to investigate the relationship between circulating sex steroid hormones and SHBG with leukocyte telomere length among 499 males in NHANES (1999–2002 surveys). Sample‐weighted linear regression analyses were conducted to assess age‐adjusted and multivariable‐adjusted estimates of associations. Estimates were rescaled to represent telomere length change in base pairs per half the value of the interquartile range of the independent variable. Estradiol and free estradiol were significantly inversely associated with leukocyte telomere length (βcontinuous per § IQR = −61, p = 0.04; free estradiol βcontinuous per § IQR = −67, p = 0.03). Testosterone, free testosterone, androstanediol glucuronide, and SHBG were not associated with leukocyte telomere length. The inverse association seen in this study indicates that a danazol‐induced hypoestrogenic state could partly underlie the previously observed association between danazol therapy and increased leukocyte telomere length.