bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative biogeography of picoprasinophytes establishes ecotype distributions and significant contributions to marine phytoplankton
Authors: Limardo Alexander J. , Sudek Sebastian , Choi Chang Jae , Poirier Camille , Rii Yoshimi M. , Blum Marguerite , Roth Robyn , Goodenough Ursula , Church Matthew J. , Worden Alexandra Z.
Published: June 2017

Bathycoccus and Ostreococcus are broadly distributed marine picoprasinophyte algae. We enumerated small phytoplankton using flow cytometry and qPCR assays for phylogenetically distinct Bathycoccus clades BI and BII and Ostreococcus clades OI and OII. Among 259 photic‐zone samples from transects and time‐series, Ostreococcus maxima occurred in the North Pacific coastal upwelling for OI (36 713 ± 1485 copies ml−1) and the Kuroshio Front for OII (50 189 ± 561 copies ml−1) and the two overlapped only in frontal regions. The Bathycoccus overlapped more often with maxima along Line‐P for BI (10 667 ± 1299 copies ml−1) and the tropical Atlantic for BII (4125 ± 339 copies ml−1). Only BII and OII were detected at warm oligotrophic sites, accounting for 34 ± 13% of 1589 ± 448 eukaryotic phytoplankton cells ml−1 (annual average) at Station ALOHA's deep chlorophyll maximum. Significant distributional and molecular differences lead us to propose that Bathycoccus clade BII represents a separate species which tolerates higher temperature oceanic conditions than Bathycoccus prasinos (BI). Morphological differences were not evident, but quick‐freeze deep‐etch electron microscopy provided insight into Bathycoccus scale formation. Our results highlight the importance of quantitative seasonal abundance data for inferring ecological distributions and demonstrate significant, differential picoprasinophyte contributions in mesotrophic and open‐ocean waters.
Antioxidant activity, functional properties and bioaccessibility of whey protein hydrolysates
Authors: Embiriekah Salem , Bulatović Maja , Borić Milka , Zarić Danica , Rakin Marica
Published: June 2017

The main objective of this study was to produce the functionally improved whey protein hydrolysate with high bioaccessible antioxidant activity. The hydrolysate with highest antioxidant activity, mainly composed of hydrophilic antioxidant peptides and suitable for preventing oxidation in polar food matrices, was produced by tryptic hydrolysis conducted at 37 °C and an enzyme/substrate (E/S) ratio of 0.5%. The hydrolysate exerted significantly improved antioxidant activity (80.0%), digestibility (95.9%) and bioaccessibility (124.6%) compared to the native whey proteins (32.1%, 87.1% and 106.3%, respectively) as widely used food supplement. The high bioaccessibility indicates the preservation of hydrolysate bioactivity during the process of gastrointestinal digestion, as a particular challenge in its application.
Moving beyond input legitimacy: When do democratic innovations affect policy making?
Authors: POGREBINSCHI THAMY , RYAN MATT
Published: June 2017

This article makes three key contributions to debates surrounding the effectiveness of democratic innovation, deliberation and participation in representative political systems. In the first instance, it argues that more attention should be paid to the role that participation actually plays in governance. The literature on democratic institutional design often neglects concern about the effects of innovative institutional designs on more traditional representative fora, at the expense of concerns about their internal procedures. Second, the article argues that despite limitations, replicable systematic comparison of the effects of institutional design is both necessary and possible even at the level of national governance. A comparative analysis of 31 cases of National Public Policy Conferences (NPPCs) in Brazil is presented. Finally, the article shows that popular deliberative assemblies that vary in their familiarity and their policy area of interest, and that organise their structure and sequence deliberation in different ways can be associated with differential effects on both option analysis and option selection stages of the policy process, respectively.
Evaluation of Commercial‐off‐the‐Shelf Materials for the Preservation of Bacillus anthracis Vegetative Cells for Forensic Analysis,
Authors: Angelini Daniel J. , Harris Jacquelyn V. , Burton Laura L. , Rastogi Pooja R. , Smith Lisa S. , Rastogi Vipin K.
Published: June 2017

Environmental surface sampling is crucial in determining the zones of contamination and overall threat assessment. Viability retention of sampled material is central to such assessments. A systematic study was completed to determine viability of vegetative cells under nonpermissive storage conditions. Despite major gains in nucleic acid sequencing technologies, initial positive identification of threats must be made through direct culture of the sampled material using classical microbiological methods. Solutions have been developed to preserve the viability of pathogens contained within clinical samples, but many have not been examined for their ability to preserve biological agents. The purpose of this study was to systematically examine existing preservation materials that can retain the viability of Bacillus anthracis vegetative cells stored under nonpermissive temperatures. The results show effectiveness of five of seventeen solutions, which are capable of retaining viability of a sporulation deficient strain of B. anthracis Sterne when stored under nonrefrigerated conditions.
Experimental hybridization and reproductive isolation between two sympatric species of tephritid fruit flies in the Anastrepha fraterculus species group
Authors: Rull Juan , Tadeo Eduardo , Lasa Rodrigo , Rodríguez Christian L. , Altuzar‐Molina Alma , Aluja Martín
Published: June 2017

Among tephritid fruit flies, hybridization has been found to produce local adaptation and speciation, and in the case of pest species, induce behavioral and ecological alterations that can adversely impact efficient pest management. The fraterculus species group within Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a rapidly radiating aggregate, which includes cryptic species complexes, numerous sister species, and several pest species. Molecular studies have highlighted the possibility of introgression between A. fraterculus and A. obliqua. Reproductive isolation has been studied among morphotypes of the A. fraterculus species complex as a tool for species delimitation. Here we examined the existence and strength of prezygotic and postzygotic isolation between sympatric populations of two closely related species within the highly derived fraterculus group (A. fraterculus and A. obliqua), coexisting in nature. Although adults of both species showed a strong tendency for assortative mating, a small proportion of hybrid pairings in both directions were observed. We also observed asymmetric postzygotic isolation, with one hybrid cross displaying a strong reduction in fecundity and F1 egg fertility. Survival was greater for the progeny of homotypic and hybrid crosses in the maternal host. There was a marked female biased sex ratio distortion for both F1 hybrid adults. Hybridization between A. fraterculus and A. obliqua in nature may be difficult but possible; these two species display stronger reproductive isolation than all pairs of species previously examined in the A. fraterculus species complex. Asymmetric postzygotic isolation is suggestive of Wolbachia mediated cytoplasmic incompatibilities that may be exploited in area‐wide pest management.
Gallic Acid Grafted Chitosan Has Enhanced Oxidative Stability in Bulk Oils
Authors: Gim Seo Yeong , Hong Seungmi , Kim Mi‐Ja , Lee JaeHwan
Published: June 2017

Gallic acid (GA) was grafted in chitosan and the effects of GA grafted chitosan (GA‐g‐CS) on the oxidative stability in bulk oil was tested at 60 and 140 °C. To text oxidative stability in oils, headspace oxygen content, conjugated dienoic acid (CDA) value, p‐anisidine value (p‐AV), and acid value were determined. Chitosan itself did not show antioxidative or prooxidative effects in oils at 60 °C. However, GA‐g‐CS and GA acted as antioxidants at 60 °C. At 140 °C heating with moisture supplied condition, different results were observed. GA‐g‐CS acted as antioxidants based on the results of CDA and p‐AV. However, chitosan showed the highest oxidative stability based on results of acid value and brown color formation at 140 °C. This could be due to reduction of moisture content by chitosan. GA was continuously released from GA‐g‐CS in bulk oil. This might have provided extra antioxidant activities to oils.
Satisfying America's Fruit Gap: Summary of an Expert Roundtable on the Role of 100% Fruit Juice
Authors: Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Fulgoni Victor L. , Murray Robert , Pivonka Elizabeth , Wallace Taylor C.
Published: June 2017

The 2015 to 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) recognize the role of 100% fruit juice in health and in helping people meet daily fruit recommendations and state that 100% fruit juice is a nutrient‐dense beverage that should be a primary choice, along with water and low‐fat/fat‐free milk. The DGAs note that children are consuming 100% fruit juice within recommendations (that is, 120 to 180 mL/d for children aged 1 to 6 y and 236 to 355 mL/d for children aged 7 to 18 y). Evidence shows that compared to nonconsumers, those who consume 100% fruit juice come closer to meeting daily fruit needs and have better diet quality. In children, 100% fruit juice is associated with increased intakes of nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium. When consumed within the DGA recommendations, 100% fruit juice is not associated with overweight/obesity or childhood dental caries and does not compromise fiber intake. Preliminary data suggest that polyphenols in some 100% fruit juices may inhibit absorption of naturally occurring sugars. Given its role in promoting health and in helping people meet fruit needs, experts participating in a roundtable discussion agreed that there is no science‐based reason to restrict access to 100% fruit juice in public health nutrition policy and programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Reducing or eliminating 100% fruit juice could lead to unintended consequences such as reduced daily fruit intake and increased consumption of less nutritious beverages (for example, sugar‐sweetened beverages).
Husk Tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) Waste as a Promising Source of Pectin: Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization
Authors: Morales‐Contreras Blanca Elizabeth , Contreras‐Esquivel Juan Carlos , Wicker Louise , Ochoa‐Martínez Luz Araceli , Morales‐Castro Juliana
Published: June 2017

Husk tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot. var. Rendidora) waste was evaluated as a source of specialized pectin, and pectin extracted from this waste was characterized physicochemically. Fruit was blanched for 10 or 15 min and extracted in 0.1 N HCl for 15 to 25 min. Extracted pectin was subjected to physicochemical analysis. For all extraction conditions, the percentage of anhydrogalacturonic acid exceeded 60%, indicating that husk tomato was a good source of pectin. The degree of esterification of pectin molecules was 63% to 91%. The amount of extracted pectin decreased with increasing extraction time. The apparent viscosity of husk tomato pectin showed the characteristic behavior of pseudoplastic fluids. Neutral sugars were identified, and the amounts of 6 sugars (fucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and xylose) were quantified. Sugars identified in husk tomato pectin and present in the Rhamnogalacturonan I region, arabinose, galactose, and rhamnose suggest a highly branched structure, which will influence its future applications. Molecular weight values were 542 to 699 kDa, exceeding molecular weight values reported for commercial citrus pectins from 134 to 480 kDa. The extraction process significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the physicochemical properties of pectin. Up to 19.8% from the total amount of pectin in the husk tomato was extracted by 10 min of blanching and 20 min of a more heat treatment. Our findings indicate that husk tomato can be a good alternative source of pectin having highly distinctive physicochemical characteristics.
Tailor‐made PAT platform for safe syngas fermentations in batch, fed‐batch and chemostat mode with Rhodospirillum rubrum
Authors: Karmann Stephanie , Follonier Stéphanie , Egger Daniel , Hebel Dirk , Panke Sven , Zinn Manfred
Published: June 2017

Recently, syngas has gained significant interest as renewable and sustainable feedstock, in particular for the biotechnological production of poly([R]‐3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). PHB is a biodegradable, biocompatible polyester produced by some bacteria growing on the principal component of syngas, CO. However, working with syngas is challenging because of the CO toxicity and the explosion danger of H2, another main component of syngas. In addition, the bioprocess control needs specific monitoring tools and analytical methods that differ from standard fermentations. Here, we present a syngas fermentation platform with a focus on safety installations and process analytical technology (PAT) that serves as a basis to assess the physiology of the PHB‐producing bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum. The platform includes (i) off‐gas analysis with an online quadrupole mass spectrometer to measure CO consumption and production rates of H2 and CO2, (ii) an at‐line flow cytometer to determine the total cell count and the intracellular PHB content and (iii) different online sensors, notably a redox sensor that is important to confirm that the culture conditions are suitable for the CO metabolization of R. rubrum. Furthermore, we present as first applications of the platform a fed‐batch and a chemostat process with R. rubrum for PHB production from syngas.
Genetic status determines 18F‐FDG uptake in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma
Authors: Tiwari Ankita , Shah Nalini , Sarathi Vijaya , Malhotra Gaurav , Bakshi Ganesh , Prakash Gagan , Khadilkar Kranti , Pandit Reshma , Lila Anurag , Bandgar Tushar
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Although few studies have demonstrated utility of 18F‐ fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography/computerised tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) in benign pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas (PCC/PGLs), there limited data on factors predicting the FDG uptake in PCC/PGL.

Methods

The study was conducted at a tertiary health care centre. In addition to the routine investigations, all patients (n = 96) with PCC/PGL were evaluated with 18F‐FDGPET/CT and majority (n = 78) underwent 131I‐metaiodobenzyl guanidine (131I‐MIBG) scintigraphy. Forty‐three patients also underwent testing for germline mutations in five PCC/PGL susceptibility genes (VHL, RET, SDHB, SDHC and SDHD) and all patients were evaluated clinically for neurofibromatosis‐1.

Results

The study included 96 patients with PCC/PGL(82 benign and 14 malignant). FDGSUVmax was significantly higher for malignant than benign PCC/PGL(P = 0.009) and for extra‐adrenal PGL than adrenal PCC (P = 0.017). In subgroup analysis, metanephrine‐secreting PCC and non‐secretory PCC had significantly lower FDG SUVmax than normetanephrine‐secreting PCC (P = 0.017, P = 0.038 respectively), normetanephrine‐secreting‐sympathetic PGL (P = 0.008, P = 0.019 respectively) and non‐secretory sympathetic PGL (P = 0.003, P = 0.009 respectively). Patients with mutations in cluster 1 genes (n = 14) had significantly higher FDG SUVmax than those with mutations in cluster 2 genes (n = 4) (P = 0.04). Sensitivities of 131I‐MIBG and 18F‐FDG PET/CTwere 77.78% and 100% for cluster 1 genes‐related PCC/PGL whereas they were 100% and 50% for cluster 2 genes‐related PCC/PGL, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis of mutation positive patients identified genetic status as the only independent predictor of FDG SUVmax.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the underlying genetic status determines FDG uptake in PCC/PGL and not location, secretory status or malignancy.
Intra‐observer and inter‐observer agreements for the measurement of dual‐input whole tumor computed tomography perfusion in patients with lung cancer: Influences of the size and inner‐air density of tumors
Authors: Wang Qingle , Zhang Zhiyong , Shan Fei , Shi Yuxin , Xing Wei , Shi Liangrong , Zhang Xingwei
Published: June 2017

Background

This study was conducted to assess intra‐observer and inter‐observer agreements for the measurement of dual‐input whole tumor computed tomography perfusion (DCTP) in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

A total of 88 patients who had undergone DCTP, which had proved a diagnosis of primary lung cancer, were divided into two groups: (i) nodules (diameter ≤3 cm) and masses (diameter >3 cm) by size, and (ii) tumors with and without air density. Pulmonary flow, bronchial flow, and pulmonary index were measured in each group. Intra‐observer and inter‐observer agreements for measurement were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient, within‐subject coefficient of variation, and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

In all lung cancers, the reproducibility coefficient for intra‐observer agreement (range 26.1–38.3%) was superior to inter‐observer agreement (range 38.1–81.2%). Further analysis revealed lower agreements for nodules compared to masses. Additionally, inner‐air density reduced both agreements for lung cancer.

Conclusion

The intra‐observer agreement for measuring lung cancer DCTP was satisfied, while the inter‐observer agreement was limited. The effects of tumoral size and inner‐air density to agreements, especially between two observers, should be emphasized. In future, an automatic computer‐aided segment of perfusion value of the tumor should be developed.
Heparin‐binding protein as a biomarker of acute kidney injury in critical illness
Authors: Tydén J. , Herwald H. , Hultin M. , Walldén J. , Johansson J.
Published: June 2017

Background

There is no biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity for the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in a mixed intensive care unit (ICU) population. Heparin‐binding protein (HBP) is released from granulocytes and causes increased vascular permeability which plays a role in the development of AKI in sepsis and ischemia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma levels of HBP on admission can predict the development of AKI in a mixed ICU population and in the subgroup with sepsis.

Methods

Longitudinal observational study with plasma HBP levels from 245 patients taken on admission to ICU. Presence and severity of AKI was scored daily for 1 week.

Results

Mean (95% CI) plasma concentrations of log HBP (ng/ml) in the groups developing different stages of AKI were: stage 0 (n = 175), 3.5 (3.4–3.7); stage 1 (n = 33), 3.7 (3.5–4.0), stage 2 (n = 20), 4.4 (3.5–4.8); and stage 3 (n = 17), 4.6 (3.8–5.2). HBP levels were significantly higher in patients developing AKI stage 3 (P < 0.01) compared to AKI stage 0 and 1. The area under the curve (AUC) for HBP to discriminate the group developing AKI stage 2–3 was 0.70 (CI: 0.58–0.82) and in the subgroup with severe sepsis 0.88 (CI: 0.77–0.99).

Conclusion

Heparin‐binding protein levels on admission to ICU are associated with the development of severe kidney injury. The relationship between HBP and AKI needs to be further validated in larger studies.
The cytokine network in women with an asymptomatic short cervix and the risk of preterm delivery
Authors: Tarca Adi L. , Fitzgerald Wendy , Chaemsaithong Piya , Xu Zhonghui , Hassan Sonia S. , Grivel Jean‐Charles , Gomez‐Lopez Nardhy , Panaitescu Bogdan , Pacora Percy , Maymon Eli , Erez Offer , Margolis Leonid , Romero Roberto
Published: June 2017

Problem

To characterize the amniotic fluid (AF) inflammatory‐related protein (IRP) network in patients with a sonographic short cervix (SCx) and to determine its relation to early preterm delivery (ePTD).

Method of study

A retrospective cohort study included women with a SCx (≤25 mm; n=223) who had amniocentesis and were classified according to gestational age (GA) at diagnosis and delivery (ePTD <32 weeks of gestation).

Results

(i) In women with a SCx ≤ 22 1/7 weeks, the concentration of most IRPs increased as the cervix shortened; those with ePTD had a higher rate of increase in MIP‐1α, MCP‐1, and IL‐6 concentrations than those delivering later; and (ii) the concentration of most IRPs and the correlation between several IRP pairs were higher in the ePTD group than for those delivering later.

Conclusion

Women with a SCx at 16‐22 1/7 weeks have a unique AF cytokine network that correlates with cervical length at diagnosis and GA at delivery. This network may aid in predicting ePTD.
A Bottom‐Up Theory of Public Opinion about Foreign Policy
Authors: Kertzer Joshua D. , Zeitzoff Thomas
Published: June 2017

If public opinion about foreign policy is such an elite‐driven process, why does the public often disagree with what elites have to say? We argue here that elite cue‐taking models in International Relations are both overly pessimistic and unnecessarily restrictive. Members of the public may lack information about the world around them, but they do not lack principles, and information need not only cascade from the top down. We present the results from five survey experiments where we show that cues from social peers are at least as strong as those from political elites. Our theory and results build on a growing number of findings that individuals are embedded in a social context that combines with their general orientations toward foreign policy in shaping responses toward the world around them. Thus, we suggest the public is perhaps better equipped for espousing judgments in foreign affairs than many of our top‐down models claim.
Understanding mortality rates after hip fracture repair using ASA physical status in the National Hip Fracture Database
Authors: Johansen A. , Tsang C. , Boulton C. , Wakeman R. , Moppett I.
Published: June 2017

Hip fracture is the most common reason for older patients to need emergency anaesthesia and surgery. Up to one‐third of patients die in the year after hip fracture, but this view of outcome may encourage therapeutic nihilism in peri‐operative decisions and discussions. We used a multicentre national dataset to examine relative and absolute mortality rates for patients presenting with hip fracture, stratified by ASA physical status. We analysed ASA physical status, dates of surgery, death and hospital discharge for 59,369 out of 64,864 patients in the 2015 National Hip Fracture Database; 3914 (6.6%) of whom died in hospital. Rates of death in hospital were 1.8% in ASA 1–2 patients compared with 16.5% in ASA 4 patients. Survival rates for ASA 4 patients on each of the first three postoperative days were: 98.8%, 99.1% and 99.1% (compared with figures of > 99.9% in ASA 1–2 patients over these days). Survival on postoperative day 6 was 99.4% for ASA 4 patients. Nearly half (48.6%) of the 1427 patients who did not have surgery died in hospital. Although technically sound, a focus on cumulative and relative risk of mortality may frame discussions in an unduly negative fashion, discouraging surgeons and anaesthetists from offering an operation, and deterring patients and their loved ones from agreeing to it. A more optimistic and pragmatic explanation that over 98% of ASA 4 patients survive both the day of surgery and the day after it, may be more appropriate.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers in malignant ovarian germ cell tumors
Authors: Solheim Olesya , Førsund Mette , Tropé Claes G. , Kraggerud Sigrid Marie , Nesland Jahn M. , Davidson Ben
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the expression and potential clinical role of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related factors in malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCT). Protein expression of E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, P‐cadherin, Zeb1, HMGA2, and vimentin by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 42 MOGCT from patients treated in Norway during the period 1981–2001. Expression was analyzed for association with clinicopathologic parameters. E‐cadherin (p = 0.016) and HMGA2 (p = 0.002) expression was significantly higher in immature teratomas and yolk sac tumors compared with dysgerminomas. Vimentin (p < 0.001) and Zeb1 (p = 0.029) staining was significantly higher in immature teratomas compared with yolk sac tumors and dysgerminomas, whereas no significant differences were observed for N‐cadherin and P‐cadherin. EMT‐associated markers were not significantly related to clinicopathologic parameters including age, tumor diameter, and FIGO stage. In conclusion, based on this limited series, EMT‐associated markers are not associated with clinical parameters in MOGCT, in contrast to ovarian carcinoma. EMT‐related proteins are differentially expressed among various MOGCT subtypes, suggesting differences in biological characteristics associated with invasion and metastasis.
Young Children's Moral Judgments, Justifications, and Emotion Attributions in Peer Relationship Contexts
Authors: Smetana Judith G. , Ball Courtney L.
Published: June 2017

Children (n = 160, 4‐ to 9‐year‐olds; Mage = 6.23 years, SD = 1.46) judged, justified, attributed emotions, and rated intent for hypothetical physical harm, psychological harm, and resource distribution transgressions against close friends, acquaintances, disliked peers, or bullies. Transgressions against bullies were judged more acceptable than against friends and disliked peers and less deserving of punishment than against acquaintances and disliked peers. Transgressions against friends were judged least intended and resulting in more negative emotions for transgressors; actors transgressing against disliked peers, as compared to bullies or acquaintances, were happy victimizers. Across relationships, children viewed moral transgressions as wrong independent of rules and authority, based primarily on welfare and fairness justifications. Peer context colors but does not fundamentally change moral evaluations.
Association between neoadjuvant chemoradiation and survival for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Sun Z. , Adam M. A. , Kim J. , Turner M. C. , Fisher D. A. , Choudhury K. R. , Czito B. G. , Migaly J. , Mantyh C. R.
Published: June 2017

Aim

To examine the overall survival differences for the following neoadjuvant therapy modalities – no therapy, chemotherapy alone, radiation alone and chemoradiation – in a large cohort of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Method

Adults with clinical Stage II and III rectal adenocarcinoma were selected from the National Cancer Database and grouped by type of neoadjuvant therapy received: no therapy, chemotherapy only, radiotherapy only or chemoradiation. Multivariable regression methods were used to compare adjusted differences in perioperative outcomes and overall survival.

Results

Among 32 978 patients included, 9714 (29.5%) received no neoadjuvant therapy, 890 (2.7%) chemotherapy only, 1170 (3.5%) radiotherapy only and 21 204 (64.3%) chemoradiation. Compared with no therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone were not associated with any adjusted differences in surgical margin positivity, permanent colostomy rate or overall survival (all P > 0.05). With adjustment, neoadjuvant chemoradiation vs no therapy was associated with a lower likelihood of surgical margin positivity (OR 0.74, P < 0.001), decreased rate of permanent colostomy (OR 0.77, P < 0.001) and overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) 0.79, P < 0.001]. When compared with chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone, chemoradiation remained associated with improved overall survival (vs chemotherapy alone HR 0.83, P = 0.04; vs radiotherapy alone HR 0.83, P < 0.019).

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation, not chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone, is important for sphincter preservation, R0 resection and survival for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Despite this finding, one‐third of patients in the United States with locally advanced rectal cancer fail to receive stage‐appropriate chemoradiation.
Consistent Belief in a Good True Self in Misanthropes and Three Interdependent Cultures
Authors: De Freitas Julian , Sarkissian Hagop , Newman George E. , Grossmann Igor , De Brigard Felipe , Luco Andres , Knobe Joshua
Published: June 2017

People sometimes explain behavior by appealing to an essentialist concept of the self, often referred to as the true self. Existing studies suggest that people tend to believe that the true self is morally virtuous; that is deep inside, every person is motivated to behave in morally good ways. Is this belief particular to individuals with optimistic beliefs or people from Western cultures, or does it reflect a widely held cognitive bias in how people understand the self? To address this question, we tested the good true self theory against two potential boundary conditions that are known to elicit different beliefs about the self as a whole. Study 1 tested whether individual differences in misanthropy—the tendency to view humans negatively—predict beliefs about the good true self in an American sample. The results indicate a consistent belief in a good true self, even among individuals who have an explicitly pessimistic view of others. Study 2 compared true self‐attributions across cultural groups, by comparing samples from an independent country (USA) and a diverse set of interdependent countries (Russia, Singapore, and Colombia). Results indicated that the direction and magnitude of the effect are comparable across all groups we tested. The belief in a good true self appears robust across groups varying in cultural orientation or misanthropy, suggesting a consistent psychological tendency to view the true self as morally good.
Principles of proportional recovery after stroke generalize to neglect and aphasia
Authors: Marchi N. A. , Ptak R. , Di Pietro M. , Schnider A. , Guggisberg A. G.
Published: June 2017

Background and purpose

Motor recovery after stroke can be characterized into two different patterns. A majority of patients recover about 70% of initial impairment, whereas some patients with severe initial deficits show little or no improvement. Here, we investigated whether recovery from visuospatial neglect and aphasia is also separated into two different groups and whether similar proportions of recovery can be expected for the two cognitive functions.

Methods

We assessed 35 patients with neglect and 14 patients with aphasia at 3 weeks and 3 months after stroke using standardized tests. Recovery patterns were classified with hierarchical clustering and the proportion of recovery was estimated from initial impairment using a linear regression analysis.

Results

Patients were reliably clustered into two different groups. For patients in the first cluster (n = 40), recovery followed a linear model where improvement was proportional to initial impairment and achieved 71% of maximal possible recovery for both cognitive deficits. Patients in the second cluster (n = 9) exhibited poor recovery (<25% of initial impairment).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that improvement from neglect or aphasia after stroke shows the same dichotomy and proportionality as observed in motor recovery. This is suggestive of common underlying principles of plasticity, which apply to motor and cognitive functions.
Overexpressing wild‐type γ2 subunits rescued the seizure phenotype in Gabrg2+/Q390X Dravet syndrome mice
Authors: Huang Xuan , Zhou Chengwen , Tian Mengnan , Kang Jing‐Qiong , Shen Wangzhen , Verdier Kelienne , Pimenta Aurea , MacDonald Robert L.
Published: June 2017

Objective

The mutant γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor γ2(Q390X) subunit (Q351X in the mature peptide) has been associated with the epileptic encephalopathy, Dravet syndrome, and the epilepsy syndrome genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). The mutation generates a premature stop codon that results in translation of a stable truncated and misfolded γ2 subunit that accumulates in neurons, forms intracellular aggregates, disrupts incorporation of γ2 subunits into GABAA receptors, and affects trafficking of partnering α and β subunits. Heterozygous Gabrg2+/Q390X knock‐in (KI) mice had reduced cortical inhibition, spike wave discharges on electroencephalography (EEG), a lower seizure threshold to the convulsant drug pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), and spontaneous generalized tonic–clonic seizures. In this proof‐of‐principal study, we attempted to rescue these deficits in KI mice using a γ2 subunit gene (GABRG2) replacement therapy.

Methods

We introduced the GABRG2 allele by crossing Gabrg2+/Q390X KI mice with bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mice overexpressing HA (hemagglutinin)–tagged human γ2HA subunits, and compared GABAA receptor subunit expression by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining, seizure threshold by monitoring mouse behavior after PTZ‐injection, and thalamocortical inhibition and network oscillation by slice recording.

Results

Compared to KI mice, adult mice carrying both mutant allele and transgene had increased wild‐type γ2 and partnering α1 and β2/3 subunits, increased miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current (mIPSC) amplitudes recorded from layer VI cortical neurons, reduced thalamocortical network oscillations, and higher PTZ seizure threshold.

Significance

Based on these results we suggest that seizures in a genetic epilepsy syndrome caused by epilepsy mutant γ2(Q390X) subunits with dominant negative effects could be rescued potentially by overexpression of wild‐type γ2 subunits.
Changes in temperature sensitivity of spring phenology with recent climate warming in Switzerland are related to shifts of the preseason
Authors: Güsewell Sabine , Furrer Reinhard , Gehrig Regula , Pietragalla Barbara
Published: June 2017

The spring phenology of plants in temperate regions strongly responds to spring temperatures. Climate warming has caused substantial phenological advances in the past, but trends to be expected in the future are uncertain. A simple indicator is temperature sensitivity, the phenological advance statistically associated with a 1°C warmer mean temperature during the “preseason”, defined as the most temperature‐sensitive period preceding the phenological event. Recent analyses of phenological records have shown a decline in temperature sensitivity of leaf unfolding, but underlying mechanisms were not clear. Here, we propose that climate warming can reduce temperature sensitivity simply by reducing the length of the preseason due to faster bud development during this time period, unless the entire preseason shifts forward so that its temperature does not change. We derive these predictions theoretically from the widely used “thermal time model” for bud development and test them using data for 19 phenological events recorded in 1970–2012 at 108 stations spanning a 1600 m altitudinal range in Switzerland. We consider how temperature sensitivity, preseason start, preseason length and preseason temperature change (i) with altitude, (ii) between the periods 1970–1987 and 1995–2012, which differed mainly in spring temperatures, and (iii) between two non‐consecutive sets of 18 years that differed mainly in winter temperatures. On average, temperature sensitivity increased with altitude (colder climate) and was reduced in years with warmer springs, but not in years with warmer winters. These trends also varied among species. Decreasing temperature sensitivity in warmer springs was associated with a limited forward shift of preseason start, higher temperatures during the preseason and reduced preseason length, but not with reduced winter chilling. Our results imply that declining temperature sensitivity can result directly from spring warming and does not necessarily indicate altered physiological responses or stronger constraints such as reduced winter chilling.
Thermal adaptation and phenotypic plasticity in a warming world: Insights from common garden experiments on Alaskan sockeye salmon
Authors: Sparks Morgan M. , Westley Peter A. H. , Falke Jeffrey A. , Quinn Thomas P.
Published: June 2017

An important unresolved question is how populations of coldwater‐dependent fishes will respond to rapidly warming water temperatures. For example, the culturally and economically important group, Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), experience site‐specific thermal regimes during early development that could be disrupted by warming. To test for thermal local adaptation and heritable phenotypic plasticity in Pacific salmon embryos, we measured the developmental rate, survival, and body size at hatching in two populations of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) that overlap in timing of spawning but incubate in contrasting natural thermal regimes. Using a split half‐sibling design, we exposed embryos of 10 families from each of two populations to variable and constant thermal regimes. These represented both experienced temperatures by each population, and predicted temperatures under plausible future conditions based on a warming scenario from the downscaled global climate model (MIROC A1B scenario). We did not find evidence of thermal local adaptation during the embryonic stage for developmental rate or survival. Within treatments, populations hatched within 1 day of each other, on average, and among treatments, did not differ in survival in response to temperature. We did detect plasticity to temperature; embryos developed 2.5 times longer (189 days) in the coolest regime compared to the warmest regime (74 days). We also detected variation in developmental rates among families within and among temperature regimes, indicating heritable plasticity. Families exhibited a strong positive relationship between thermal variability and phenotypic variability in developmental rate but body length and mass at hatching were largely insensitive to temperature. Overall, our results indicated a lack of thermal local adaptation, but a presence of plasticity in populations experiencing contrasting conditions, as well as family‐specific heritable plasticity that could facilitate adaptive change.
Models to define the stages of articular cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis development
Authors: Poulet Blandine
Published: June 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic disorder that affects an increasing number of the ageing population. Despite the prevalence, there are currently no therapies. Defining new therapies that target specific pathogenic phases of disease development relies on the effective separation of the different stages of OA. This manuscript reviews the tissues and models that are being used to separate these stages of disease, in particular initiation and early and late progression. These models include human tissues with known initiating factors, the use of anatomical locations with defined relationships to the primary cartilage lesion area, timing of OA development in well‐described animal models and the versatility of a non‐invasive model of murine knee joint trauma.
Antibiotic complications during the treatment of Mycobacterium ulcerans disease in Australian patients
Authors: O'Brien Daniel P. , Friedman Deborah , Hughes Andrew , Walton Aaron , Athan Eugene
Published: June 2017

Background

Antibiotics are the recommended first‐line treatment for Mycobacterium ulcerans disease. Antibiotic toxicity is common in Australian patients, yet antibiotic complication rates and their risk factors have not been determined.

Aim

To determine the incidence rate and risk factors for antibiotic toxicity in Australian patients treated for M. ulcerans disease.

Methods

An analysis of severe antibiotic complications was performed using data from a prospective cohort of M. ulcerans cases managed at Barwon Health from 1 January 1998 to 30 June 2016. A severe antibiotic complication was defined as an antibiotic adverse event that required its cessation. Antibiotic complication rates and their associations were assessed using a Poisson regression model.

Results

A total of 337 patients was included; 184 (54.6%) males and median age 57 years (interquartile range (IQR) 36–73 years). Median antibiotic treatment duration was 56 days (IQR 49–76 days).

Seventy‐five (22.2%) patients experienced severe antibiotic complications after a median 28 days (IQR 17–45 days) at a rate of 141.53 per 100 person‐years (95% confidence interval (CI) 112.86–177.47). Eleven (14.7%) patients required hospitalisation. Compared with rifampicin/clarithromycin combinations, severe complication rates were not increased for rifampicin/ciprofloxacin (rate ratio (RR) 1.49, 95% CI 0.89–2.50, P = 0.13) or rifampicin/moxifloxacin (RR 2.54, 95% CI 0.76–8.50, P = 0.13) combinations, but were significantly increased for ‘other’ combinations (RR 2.53, 95% CI 1.13–5.68, P = 0.03).

In a multivariable analysis, severe complication rates were significantly increased with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rates (EGFR) (adjusted rate ratio (aRR) 2.65, 95% CI 1.24–5.65 for EGFR 60–89 mL/min and aRR 1.31, 95% CI 0.49–3.53 for EGFR 0–59 mL/min compared with EGFR ≥90 mL/min, P < 0.01) and female gender (aRR 2.15, 95% CI 1.38–3.30, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Severe antibiotic complications during M. ulcerans treatment are high with increased rates independently associated with reduced renal function and female gender.
Direct access colonoscopy: impact of intervention on time to colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment in North West Tasmania
Authors: Allen Penny , Gately Lucy , Banks Patricia , Lee Adrian A. Y. S. , Hamilton Garry , Tan Lavinia , Sim Sheryl
Published: June 2017

Background

Direct access colonoscopy (DAC) allows general practitioners to refer directly for colonoscopy, without specialist review. Research suggests DAC reduces times to diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. However, there is no information about outcomes of DAC in Australia.

Aim

To determine if DAC in North West Tasmania expedited colorectal diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

Pre‐post intervention study evaluating time from referral to diagnosis and definitive treatment. Patient demographic characteristics, referral, colonoscopy and treatment information was retrieved from hospital records. Timelines were investigated in standard referrals (SR), emergency department/inpatient referrals and DAC using survival analysis.

Results

Two hundred and six colorectal cancer cases were identified (117 SR, 26 DAC, 48 emergency department/inpatient and 15 unknown pathways). Median time to colonoscopy/diagnosis (DAC 6 weeks vs SR 7 weeks, P = 0.55) or definitive treatment (surgery/chemoradiation) (DAC 8 weeks vs SR 9 weeks, P = 0.81) was not significantly improved with DAC. Among SR only, time to diagnosis was 9 weeks pre‐intervention versus 5 weeks post‐intervention (P = 0.13), and time to treatment was 11 weeks pre‐intervention versus 6 weeks post‐intervention (P = 0.07).

Conclusion

There was no statistically significant improvement in time to colorectal cancer diagnosis or treatment among patients referred through DAC compared to SR. There was a trend towards improved waiting times for SR concurrent with the introduction of the DAC pathway, indicating improvement of all referral processes. DAC may not be effective at expediting colorectal cancer diagnosis if it is not accompanied by strict referral guidelines. Larger evaluations of DAC are required in the Australian context.
Agreement between jaw‐muscle activity measurement with portable single‐channel electromyography and polysomnography in children
Authors: Restrepo Claudia , Lobbezoo Frank , Castrillon Eduardo , Svensson Peter , Santamaria Adriana , Alvarez Claudia , Manrique Ruben , Manfredini Daniele
Published: June 2017

Background

Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for sleep bruxism (SB) assessment. High economical costs, complex technical equipment, and unfamiliar laboratory setting limit its use in children.

Aim

To determine the night‐to‐night variability of electromyography (EMG) episodes during a five‐night recording with the GrindCare Measure (GCM), and the agreement in the assessment of masticatory muscle activity (MMA) between GCM and PSG in children.

Design

Forty‐seven children from clinics of Universidad CES participated. Each participant was assessed with GCM for five consecutive nights. The last night, children underwent a single‐night PSG study, together with the GCM. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to analyze data.

Results

The frequency of SB occurrence was ‘sometimes’ in 12 (25.5%) and ‘usually’ in 19 (40.4%) children. Simultaneous measurements with GCM and PSG obtained during the fifth night of measurement were not significantly correlated. Correlation between GCM total EMG episodes and EMG episodes/h and PSG total SB episodes, SB episodes/h, total bursts and burst/h measured with PSG was also not significant.

Conclusion

EMG measurement with GCM was not accurate to detect PSG/SB in children. There was not advantage of multiple assessment for five nights with GCM, reducing the impact of night‐to‐night EMG episodes’ variability on the GCM/PSG correlation.
Acute fatigue predicts sickness absence in the workplace: A 1‐year retrospective cohort study in paediatric nurses
Authors: Sagherian Knar , Unick George J. , Zhu Shijun , Derickson Debra , Hinds Pamela S. , Geiger‐Brown Jeanne
Published: June 2017

Aims

To examine the relationship between fatigue and sickness absence in nurses from a paediatric hospital over 12 months of follow‐up. A secondary aim was to identify other work and personal factors that predict sickness absence.

Background

Sickness absence is often related to worker‐fatigue, yet few studies have explored this relationship in nurses despite documented high fatigue levels.

Design

The study used retrospective cohort design.

Methods

Baseline data on 40 nurses from an intervention study were linked to absence data using the hospital's attendance records (2012–2013). A total of 6,057 work shifts were studied of which 5.2% were absence episodes. Fatigue was measured by the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery scale. The questionnaire included instruments assessing sleep disturbances, workload and personal characteristics. Generalized linear mixed models were used to test the associations between fatigue, work, personal factors and sickness absence, while accounting for non‐independency of repeated measures.

Results

With 1SD increase in acute fatigue scores, nurses were 1.29 times more likely to be absent from work. Factors such as intershift recovery, perceived workload, obstructive sleep apnoea and marital status also predicted sickness absence, that is, with 1SD increase in workload scores, nurses were 1.23 times more likely to be absent from work. Nurses with obstructive sleep apnoea had two times higher odds of sickness absence.

Conclusion

Sickness absence is related to acute fatigue in paediatric nurses and to workload. Nursing leaders can monitor these factors to reduce sickness absence and screen for sleep apnoea and assist nurses in receiving the appropriate treatments.