bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Contrast Media Concentration on Low-Kilovolt Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Fleischmann Ulrike , Pietsch Hubertus , Korporaal Johannes G. , Flohr Thomas G. , Uder Michael , Jost Gregor , Lell Michael M.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Low peak kilovoltage (kVp) protocols in computed tomography angiography (CTA) demand a review of contrast media (CM) administration practices. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate different iodine concentrations of CM in a porcine model.

Materials and Methods

Dynamic 70 kVp CTA was performed on 7 pigs using a third-generation dual-source CT system. Three CM injection protocols (A-C) with an identical total iodine dose and iodine delivery rate (150 mg I/kg, 12 s, 0.75 g I/s) differed in iodine concentration and flow rate (protocol A: 400 mg I/mL, 1.9 mL/s; B: 300 mg I/mL, 2.5 mL/s; C: 150 mg I/mL, 5 mL/s). All protocols were applied in a randomized order and compared intraindividually. Arterial enhancement at different locations in the pulmonary artery, the aorta, and aortic branches was measured over time. Time attenuation curves, peak enhancement, time to peak, and bolus tracking delay times needed for static CTA were calculated. The reproducibility of optimal parameters was tested in single-phase CTA.

Results

The heart rates of the pigs were comparable for all protocols (P > 0.7). The injection pressure was significantly higher for protocol A (64 ± 5 psi) and protocol C (55 ± 3 psi) compared with protocol B (39 ± 2 psi) (P < 0.001). Average arterial peak enhancement in the dynamic scans was 359 ± 51 HU (protocol A), 382 ± 36 HU (B), and 382 ± 60 HU (C) (A compared with B and C: P < 0.01; B compared with C: P = 0.995). Time to peak enhancement decreased with increasing injection rate. The delay time for bolus tracking depended on the injection rate as well and was highest for protocol A (4.7 seconds) and lowest for protocol C (3.9 seconds) (P = 0.038). The peak enhancement values of the dynamic scans highly correlated with those of the single-phase CTA scans.

Conclusions

In 70 kVp CTA, 300 mg I/mL iodine concentrations showed to be superior to high-concentration CM when keeping the iodine delivery rate constant. Besides, iodine concentrations as low as 150 mg I/mL can be administered without compromising vascular enhancement. This opens up new possibilities in CM administration.
68Ga-PSMA Avid Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Lung With Complementary Low 18F-FDG Uptake
Authors: Jochumsen Mads Ryø , Gormsen Lars Christian , Nielsen Gitte Lund
Published: December 2017

68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan on a 70-year-old man with recently diagnosed prostate cancer revealed a spiculating nodule in the apex of the left lung with intense 68Ga-PSMA uptake. The nodule had no pathological 18F-FDG uptake and turned out to be a primary adenocarcinoma of the lung. Cases with complementary pattern of uptake in 18F-FDG and 68Ga-PSMA in metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma and in well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma have previously been reported; however, this case illustrates that this unusual pattern can also be present in primary lung cancer.
Orbital Metastasis
Authors: Jain Tarun Kumar , Parihar Ashwin Singh , Sood Ashwani , Basher Rajender Kumar , Bollampally Neeraja , Shekhawat Amit Singh , Mittal Bhagwant Rai
Published: December 2017

Orbital metastases are known to arise from primary breast carcinoma followed by prostate, malignant melanoma, and lung carcinoma. We report a case of orbital metastasis as the initial presentation of an occult primary gall bladder carcinoma. The FDG PET/CT helped in localizing the occult distant primary site, which previously escaped detection, and also enabled the evaluation of orbital metastasis.
The Added Value of Dynamic 18F-Florbetapir PET in the Assessment of Dementia With Lewy Bodies
Authors: López-Mora Diego Alfonso , Camacho Valle , Lleó Alberto , Fernández Alejandro , Carrió Ignasi
Published: December 2017

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer disease. It is often underdiagnosed because of the overlapping with Alzheimer disease symptoms. We report the 18F-FDG and 18F-florbetapir dynamic PET images (early and delay phases) of an 83-year-old woman with cognitive impairment associated with visual hallucinations and parkinsonism due to probable DLB. This image highlights that the early phases of 18F-florbetapir may reflect regional cerebral perfusion with a pattern very similar to that of regional glucose metabolism in DLB.
Examining racial disparities in the time to withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in trauma
Authors: Hornor Melissa A. , Byrne James P. , Engelhardt Kathryn E. , Nathens Avery B.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities in medical treatment for seriously injured patients across the spectrum of care are well established, but racial disparities in end of life decision making practices have not been well described. When time from admission to time to withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST) increases, so does the potential for ineffective care, health care resource loss, and patient and family suffering. We sought to determine the existence and extent of racial disparities in late WLST after severe injury.

METHODS

We queried the American College of Surgeons’ Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2013–2016) for all severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score, > 15; age, > 16 years) with a WLST order longer than 24 hours after admission. We defined late WLST as care withdrawn at a time interval beyond the 75th percentile for the entire cohort. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, and t tests and χ2 tests where appropriate. Multivariable regression analysis was performed with random effects to account for institutional-level clustering using late WLST as the primary outcome and race as the primary predictor of interest.

RESULTS

A total of 13,054 patients from 393 centers were included in the analysis. Median time to WLST was 5.4 days (interquartile range, 2.6–10.3). In our unadjusted analysis, African-American patients (10.1% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.001) and Hispanic patients (7.8% vs. 6.8%, p < 0.001) were more likely to have late WLST as compared to early WLST. After adjustment for patient, injury, and institutional characteristics, African-American (odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.21–1.67) and Hispanic (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.46) race were significant predictors of late WLST.

CONCLUSION

African-American and Hispanic race are both significant predictors of late WLST. These findings might be due to patient preference or medical decision making, but speak to the value in assuring a high standard related to identifying goals of care in a culturally sensitive manner.

Level of Evidence

Prognostic and epidemiologic study, level III.
Phospho-signal flow from a pole-localized microdomain spatially patterns transcription factor activity
Authors: Lasker Keren , von Diezmann Alex , Ahrens Daniel G. , Mann Thomas H. , Moerner W. E. , Shapiro Lucy
Published: December 2017

Selective recruitment and concentration of signaling proteins within membrane-less compartments is a ubiquitous mechanism for subcellular organization. However, little is known about how such dynamic recruitment patterns intracellular signaling and cellular development. Here, we combined transcriptional profiling, reaction-diffusion modeling, and single-molecule tracking to study signal exchange in and out of a microdomain at the cell pole of the asymmetrically dividing bacteriumCaulobacter crescentus.Our study revealed that the microdomain is selectively permeable, and that each protein in the signaling pathway that activates the cell fate transcription factor CtrA is sequestered and uniformly concentrated within the microdomain or its proximal membrane. Restricted rates of entry into and escape from the microdomain enhance phospho-signaling, leading to a sublinear gradient of CtrA~P along the long axis of the cell. The spatial patterning of CtrA~P creates a gradient of transcriptional activation that serves to prime asymmetric development of the two daughter cells.
Siccuracy: An R-package for executing genotype imputation strategy simulations with AlphaImpute
Authors: Edwards Stefan McKinnon
Published: December 2017

Background

The reported R-package provides an easy way for executing and evaluating genotype imputation studies, by providing functions for preparing input files for AlphaImpute and efficiently calculating imputation accuracies. Using the correlation between true and imputed genotypes is used here as it is directly related to the accuracy of genomic prediction using imputed genotypes. This R-package calculates both correlation and counts correct and incorrect imputed genotypes.

Results

Implementing the correlation using a Fortran resulted in faster calculations and using less memory than using base R functions. Reporting the performance of an imputation should not be done only by the average correlation between true and imputed genotype. It is demonstrated that the highest average correlation is not necessarily the best correlation and that the range of obtained correlations provides a more nuanced grasp of the performance of the imputation.

Conclusions

An R-package is available that provides a fast, standardized, and tested implementation for computing the correlations.
Heat-shock protein 40 is the key farnesylation target in meristem size control, abscisic acid signaling, and drought resistance
Authors: Barghetti Andrea , Sjögren Lars , Floris Maïna , Paredes Esther Botterweg , Wenkel Stephan , Brodersen Peter
Published: December 2017

Protein farnesylation is central to molecular cell biology. In plants, protein farnesyl transferase mutants are pleiotropic and exhibit defective meristem organization, hypersensitivity to the hormone abscisic acid, and increased drought resistance. The precise functions of protein farnesylation in plants remain incompletely understood because few relevant farnesylated targets have been identified. Here, we show that defective farnesylation of a single factor—heat-shock protein 40 (HSP40), encoded by the J2 and J3 genes—is sufficient to confer ABA hypersensitivity, drought resistance, late flowering, and enlarged meristems, indicating that altered function of chaperone client proteins underlies most farnesyl transferase mutant phenotypes. We also show that expression of an abiotic stress-related microRNA (miRNA) regulon controlled by the transcription factor SPL7 requires HSP40 farnesylation. Expression of a truncated SPL7 form mimicking its activated proteolysis fragment of the membrane-bound SPL7 precursor partially restores accumulation of SPL7-dependent miRNAs in farnesyl transferase mutants. These results implicate the pathway directing SPL7 activation from its membrane-bound precursor as an important target of farnesylated HSP40, consistent with our demonstration that HSP40 farnesylation facilitates its membrane association. The results also suggest that altered gene regulation via select miRNAs contributes to abiotic stress-related phenotypes of farnesyl transferase mutants.
RNA G-quadruplex secondary structure promotes alternative splicing via the RNA-binding protein hnRNPF
Authors: Huang Huilin , Zhang Jing , Harvey Samuel E. , Hu Xiaohui , Cheng Chonghui
Published: December 2017

It is generally thought that splicing factors regulate alternative splicing through binding to RNA consensus sequences. In addition to these linear motifs, RNA secondary structure is emerging as an important layer in splicing regulation. Here we demonstrate that RNA elements with G-quadruplex-forming capacity promote exon inclusion. Destroying G-quadruplex-forming capacity while keeping G tracts intact abrogates exon inclusion. Analysis of RNA-binding protein footprints revealed that G quadruplexes are enriched in heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein F (hnRNPF)-binding sites and near hnRNPF-regulated alternatively spliced exons in the human transcriptome. Moreover, hnRNPF regulates an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated CD44 isoform switch in a G-quadruplex-dependent manner, which results in inhibition of EMT. Mining breast cancer TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data sets, we demonstrate that hnRNPF negatively correlates with an EMT gene signature and positively correlates with patient survival. These data suggest a critical role for RNA G quadruplexes in regulating alternative splicing. Modulation of G-quadruplex structural integrity may control cellular processes important for tumor progression.
A delay grey incidence analysis framework for assessing drivers and obstacles of R&D performance at Chinese universities
Authors: Liu Yong , Quan Bing-ting , Li Hui
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct a novel delay grey incidence analysis model to analyze drivers and obstacles of university R&D performance.

Design/methodology/approach

With respect to the fact that university R&D activities typically experience two stages of knowledge creation and technology transfer, and different drivers and obstacles come into play to affect the conversion of R&D investment to outcomes at each stage, based on the thought of grey incidence analysis and the specific characteristics of science and technology (sci-tech) development, a novel delay grey incidence analysis model is proposed in this paper, and then according to the yearbook statistical data, Chinese university R&D activities are investigated and the drivers and obstacles of university R&D performance are analyzed.

Findings

The results show that the R&D full-time staff and R&D funds of basic research are the key drivers of influencing factors, and the sci-tech innovation talents in universities’ R&D institutions and experiment development funds are the restraining factors to improve R&D performance in the stage of knowledge creation; the expenses of R&D achievement application and technology service and the full-time staff of achievement application and technology service are the key drivers and obstacles of influencing the aggregate amount of patent sale respectively.

Practical implications

This research helps policy makers to reflect on their university R&D policies and understand how to enhance the technology transfer rate in China.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in identifying key drivers and obstacles of affecting university R&D performance in China by examining the input and output incidence at both the knowledge creation and technology transfer stages.
Application of grey-fuzzy logic technique for parametric optimization of non-traditional machining processes
Authors: Chakraborty Shankar , Das Partha Protim , Kumar Vidyapati
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to exploit the fullest potential and capability of different non-traditional machining (NTM) processes, it is often recommended to operate them at their optimal parametric combinations. There are several mathematical tools and techniques that have been effectively deployed for identifying the optimal parametric mixes for the NTM processes. Amongst them, grey relational analysis (GRA) has become quite popular due to its sound mathematical basis, ease to implement and apprehensiveness for multi-objective optimization of NTM processes.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, GRA is integrated with fuzzy logic to present an efficient technique for multi-objective optimization of three NTM processes (i.e. abrasive water-jet machining, electrochemical machining and ultrasonic machining) while identifying their best parametric settings for enhanced machining performance.

Findings

The derived results are validated with respect to technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and analysis of variance is also performed so as to identify the most significant control parameters in the considered NTM processes.

Practical implications

This grey-fuzzy logic approach provides better parametric combinations for all the three NTM processes with respect to the predicted grey-fuzzy relational grades (GFRG). The developed surface plots help the process engineers to investigate the effects of various NTM process parameters on the predicted GFRG values.

Originality/value

The adopted approach can be applied to various machining (both conventional and non-conventional) processes for their parametric optimization for achieving better response values.
Lean Six Sigma journey in a UK higher education institute: a case study
Authors: Antony Jiju , Ghadge Abhijeet , Ashby Stephanie A. , Cudney Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the fundamental challenges and critical success factors in the development of a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) initiative within a UK higher education institute (HEI). The paper also illustrates examples of the types of projects completed and share some of the key lessons learned as part of the LSS journey.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have initially carried out an extensive literature review on the application of LSS in higher education to understand the existing body of work carried out by other scholars in the field. This is followed by presenting a case study explaining how a HEI in the UK has embarked on its LSS journey as a process excellence methodology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of core and supporting business processes.

Findings

There has been a clear lack of support and commitment from senior management in the sustainability of LSS within the case study organization. There was a general lack of understanding of the benefits of LSS in the higher education context and there is a lack of knowledge on the use of LSS tools for tackling process efficiency and effectiveness problems across the case study organization. Although a number of LSS projects were executed across finance, administrative, and human resources, as well as IT and library services, no projects were carried out for improving academic processes such as teaching effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

As the case study is limited to one higher education institution (HEI), the findings of the study cannot be broadly generalized. Moreover, the paper does not report the findings of any strategic projects as most projects were carried out at the operational level.

Originality/value

This is possibly one of the first studies reporting project examples of LSS in a HEI. The results of the study can also be used to benchmark with similar studies in other HEIs to understand the impact of certain management practices of LSS.
Strategic lean actions for sustainable competitive advantage
Authors: Hallam Cory R.A. , Valerdi Ricardo , Contreras Carolina
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to add to the quality management body of knowledge by solidifying the connection between operational and strategic aspects of lean transformation. Previous research has examined these issues in isolation, demonstrating mixed results in financial and operational efficiencies. The authors show that when operational and strategic changes are jointly considered the likelihood of success for lean transformation increases.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a literature review of 109 peer-reviewed papers on lean manufacturing and qualitative analysis of 23 Baldrige award winners (2000-2014) that implemented lean to assess the importance of strategic actions in achieving a sustainable competitive advantage through lean transformation.

Findings

The authors find that lean transformation yields mixed results unless strategic actions are taken by senior management. These strategic actions include but are not limited to knowledge management, human resources, and business growth and can result in performance heterogeneity by improving the output/input ratio of the firm. This performance can then manifest as either doing the same level of business with fewer resources (a profit play) or doing more business with the same resources (a growth play). As specific examples, the authors analyzed Baldrige award winners for evidence of lean strategic action to drive performance gains. The authors suggest further model validation through directed interview and/or survey research.

Originality/value

This paper clarifies the need for jointly implementing lean tools with strategic actions. The findings provide more deliberate strategic actions for organizations wishing to increase the likelihood of success of lean transformation and ultimately improve quality.
Instrument for evaluating IMS and sustainable performance
Authors: Poltronieri Camila Fabricio , Gerolamo Mateus Cecílio , Dias Teresa Cristina Martins , Carpinetti Luiz Cesar Ribeiro
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The number of standards for management systems (MSs) has increased recently. Among the most recognizable ones are ISO9001, ISO14001 and OHSAS18001. The need for integration has risen due to the development and adoption of more than one MS in the same business, in a process known as integrated management systems (IMS). Some authors have argued that the use of IMS contributes toward sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to present an instrument to assess the integration of different MSs and its effect on sustainable performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of IMS, maturity of IMS and sustainability was conducted to build the instrument used in this research. Domingues et al. (2016), Poltronieri et al. (2017), Bernardo et al. (2009) and ISO9001:2015 were used as references pertaining to IMS, whereas Global Reporting Initiative and the research of Delai and Takahashi (2011) were employed for performance issues. All were evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Findings

In the pre-test the order of some questions was changed, some other questions were reformulated and a new classification was created. The evaluation of specialists contributed to reduce the number of questions and make the questionnaire more clear. Cronbach’s α was used to prove the reliability of the questionnaire.

Originality/value

The importance of this study lies in the development of an instrument that helps assess the maturity of the integration of MSs and evaluate sustainable performance.
Exploring the current position of ESD in UK higher education institutions
Authors: Fiselier Evelien S. , Longhurst James W.S. , Gough Georgina K.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the position of education for sustainable development in the UK Higher Education (HE) sector with respect to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and Higher Education Academy (HEA) Guidance for education for sustainable development (ESD).

Design/methodology/approach

By means of a mixed-method approach underpinned by a concurrent triangulation design strategy, this research presents evidence from an online questionnaire survey and in-depth semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Insights are presented from case studies of a group of UK Higher Education Institute (HEIs) which have made significant progress in embedding ESD in the curricula.

Research limitations/implications

Central to this study is an exploration of the ESD integration process of this group including a description of the approaches to integration, the challenges faced and overcome and the critical success factors. It examines the role of a guidance instrument in simplifying and accelerating the ESD curricular integration process. The results of the study show that there is a multitude of integration approaches applied varying in their emphasis.

Practical implications

The main challenge HEIs face is engaging staff that may question the relevance of the ESD concept, and that lack an understanding regarding its implications for their discipline. Critical success factors identified are institution-wide people support, high-level institutional support and funding. The QAA and HEA guidance has successfully supported HEIs in developing their ESD commitments.

Originality/value

The results of this research can support HEIs in developing their own approach to ESD, as they learn from similar UK HE providers, particularly with respect to overcoming barriers and enhancing critical success factors to ESD curricular integration.
The role of international educational and science programs for sustainable development (systemic approach)
Authors: Gagnidze Ineza
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to foster research on an alternative design pattern for educational system (to emphasize symmetric connections with a range of actors) to achieve rapid and cost-effective strong sustainability by forming the clusters and entrepreneurial universities in economy.

Design/methodology/approach

For the preparation of this paper, the authors reviewed the literature on education and science, sustainable development, sustainable science, clusters and systems. Data, reports and surveys (UNESCO, World Bank, World Economic Forum, etc) were analyzed in detail, to create a clear picture related to research topics.

Findings

The role of education and science in solving the problems of sustainable development is critical. The system of education and science fails to meet modern challenges. The authors believe that it is desirable to start working on a different model. For this purpose, they have developed a new approach to connect clusters and alternative design pattern of education and science system for sustainable development.

Originality/value

First, mutually beneficial effective circular system has been improved by offering an alternative design of the educational system to link it to the international educational and scientific programs. Second, the visible and invisible sides of the cluster are presented as a tree-shaped system. Third, invisible and visible connection between branch clusters and an alternative design pattern for educational system have been identified and presented as a system.
Voluntary disclosure of financial information on the internet by large companies in Slovenia
Authors: Dolinšek Tatjana , Lutar-Skerbinjek Andreja
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of the determinants and characteristics of voluntary internet financial disclosures by large companies in Slovenia. With this research, the authors wanted to determine the factors which impact on the differences between companies that use internet financial reporting and those that do not.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted on a sample of large companies in Slovenia (n = 192), which was divided into two groups, depending on whether they use internet financial reporting. A binary logistic regression was undertaken to assess whether voluntary disclosure of financial information on the internet was related to the company’s size, profitability, age, company’s legal form, ownership dispersion and industry sector.

Findings

The research has shown that there is a statistically significant difference between the companies which use or do not use internet financial reporting. The likelihood that the companies will publish the internet financial information is greater in the case of public limited companies, companies that deal with the financial, energy or ICT sectors and companies that have a larger ownership concentration.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies in Slovenia that was used to determine the factors according to which the companies that use internet financial reporting differentiate from those that do not.
Extraocular sebaceous carcinoma accompanied by invasive squamous cell carcinoma: The first case report and consideration of histogenesis
Authors: Kogame Toshiaki , Ohe Shuichi , Yamazaki Fumikazu , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Kiyohara Takahiro
Published: December 2017

A 61‐year‐old man presented with a dome‐shaped nodule, 1.2 cm in size, with a central crater covered by keratinous material near the left lateral malleolus. Histological findings demonstrated a basophilic circular cone in the center, surrounded and sharply demarcated by a broad eosinophilic area. The central conical mass was composed mainly of atypical basaloid cells intermingled with scattered atypical sebaceous cells with scalloped nuclei and microvesicular cytoplasms, suggesting sebaceous carcinoma. The peripheral area consisted of atypical keratinizing squamoid cells without sebaceous cells, suggesting invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Atypical sebaceous cells were positive for adipophilin. Atypical basaloid cells were positive for 34βE12 and CAM5.2. Peripheral squamoid cells were positive for 34βB4 and 34βE12 throughout, and were positive for LHP1 in the superficial layer. We herein describe the first case of extraocular sebaceous carcinoma accompanied by invasive squamous cell carcinoma, which might have arisen from biphasic differentiation of cancer stem cells.
Gut microbiome contributes to impairment of immunity in pulmonary tuberculosis patients by alteration of butyrate and propionate producers
Authors: Maji Abhijit , Misra Richa , Dhakan Darshan B. , Gupta Vipin , Mahato Nitish K. , Saxena Rituja , Mittal Parul , Thukral Nitin , Sharma Eshan , Singh Anoop , Virmani Richa , Gaur Mohita , Singh Harshvardhan , Hasija Yasha , Arora Gunjan , Agrawal Anurag , Chaudhry Anil , Khurana Jitendra P. , Sharma Vineet K. , Lal Rup , Singh Yogendra
Published: December 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily associated with decline in immune health status. As gut microbiome (GM) is implicated in the regulation of host immunity and metabolism, here we investigate GM alteration in TB patients by 16S rRNA gene and whole‐genome shotgun sequencing. The study group constituted of patients with pulmonary TB and their healthy household contacts as controls (HCs). Significant alteration of microbial taxonomic and functional capacity was observed in patients with active TB as compared to the HCs. We observed that Prevotella and Bifidobacterium abundance were associated with HCs, whereas butyrate and propionate‐producing bacteria like Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Eubacterium and Phascolarctobacterium were significantly enriched in TB patients. Functional analysis showed reduced biosynthesis of vitamins and amino acids in favour of enriched metabolism of butyrate and propionate in TB subjects. The TB subjects were also investigated during the course of treatment, to analyse the variation of GM. Although perturbation in microbial composition was still evident after a month's administration of anti‐TB drugs, significant changes were observed in metagenome gene pool that pointed towards recovery in functional capacity. Therefore, the findings from this pilot study suggest that microbial dysbiosis may contribute to pathophysiology of TB by enhancing the anti‐inflammatory milieu in the host.
Comammox Nitrospira are abundant ammonia oxidizers in diverse groundwater‐fed rapid sand filter communities
Authors: Fowler Susan Jane , Palomo Alejandro , Dechesne Arnaud , Mines Paul D. , Smets Barth F.
Published: December 2017

The recent discovery of completely nitrifying Nitrospira demands a re‐examination of nitrifying environments to evaluate their contribution to nitrogen cycling. To approach this challenge, tools are needed to detect and quantify comammox Nitrospira. We present primers for the simultaneous quantification and diversity assessement of both comammox Nitrospira clades. The primers cover a wide range of comammox diversity, spanning all available high quality sequences. We applied these primers to 12 groundwater‐fed rapid sand filters, and found comammox Nitrospira to be abundant in all filters. Clade B comammox comprise the majority (∼75%) of comammox abundance in all filters. Nitrosomonadaceae were present in all filters, although at low abundance (mean = 1.8%). Ordination suggests that temperature impacts the structure of nitrifying communities, and in particular that increasing temperature favours Nitrospira. The nitrogen content of the filter material, sulfate concentration and surface ammonium loading rates shape the structure of the comammox guild in the filters. This work provides an assay for simultaneous detection and diversity assessment of clades A and B comammox Nitrospira, expands our current knowledge of comammox Nitrospira diversity and demonstrates a key role for comammox Nitrospira in nitrification in groundwater‐fed biofilters.
Neobodonids are dominant kinetoplastids in the global ocean
Authors: Flegontova Olga , Flegontov Pavel , Malviya Shruti , Poulain Julie , de Vargas Colomban , Bowler Chris , Lukeš Julius , Horák Aleš
Published: December 2017

Kinetoplastid flagellates comprise basal mostly free‐living bodonids and derived obligatory parasitic trypanosomatids, which belong to the best‐studied protists. Due to their omnipresence in aquatic environments and soil, the bodonids are of ecological significance. Here, we present the first global survey of marine kinetoplastids and compare it with the strikingly different patterns of abundance and diversity in their sister clade, the diplonemids. Based on analysis of 18S rDNA V9 ribotypes obtained from 124 sites sampled during the Tara Oceans expedition, our results show generally low to moderate abundance and diversity of planktonic kinetoplastids. Although we have identified all major kinetoplastid lineages, 98% of kinetoplastid reads are represented by neobodonids, namely specimens of the Neobodo and Rhynchomonas genera, which make up 59% and 18% of all reads, respectively. Most kinetoplastids have small cell size (0.8–5 µm) and tend to be more abundant in the mesopelagic as compared to the euphotic zone. Some of the most abundant operational taxonomic units have distinct geographical distributions, and three novel putatively parasitic neobodonids were identified, along with their potential hosts.
Kinetics of moisture loss during stirring of cheese curds produced from standardised milks of cows on pasture or indoor feeding systems
Authors: Panthi Ram R , Kelly Alan L , Hennessy Deirdre , McAuliffe Stephen , Mateo Maria , O'Donnell Colm , O'Callaghan Donal J , Sheehan Jeremiah J
Published: December 2017

This study compared the in‐vat moisture loss kinetics under fixed cheesemaking conditions during 75 min of stirring of curds prepared from protein‐standardised milks produced from indoor cows fed total mixed ration (TMR), or outdoor cows fed grass only (GRA) or grass mixed with clover (CLO). Relative curd moisture as a function of time was fitted to different empirical equations, of which a logarithmic function gave the best fit to the experimental data. The moisture loss rate constant (k/min) was found to be similar for curds from protein‐standardised TMR, CLO and GRA milks, showing minimal feed‐induced variations in syneresis.
Reduction in aflatoxin M1 concentration during production and storage of selected fermented milks
Authors: Barukčić Irena , Bilandžić Nina , Markov Ksenija , Jakopović Katarina Lisak , Božanić Rajka
Published: December 2017

This study focused on monitoring changes in aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) concentrations during production and storage of different fermented milks using selected probiotic and nonprobiotic combined cultures. Milk samples intended for fermentation were intentionally contaminated by adding a standard of AFM1. All of the tested cultures caused remarkable reductions in AFM1 concentrations during the fermentation process. Probiotic cultures were more effective than nonprobiotic cultures, with Lactobacillus caseiLC‐01 strain being the most efficient, achieving a reduction level of approximately 58%. Among the nonprobiotic cultures, yoghurt culture YC‐380 was the most efficient, with a reduction level of approximately 41%.
Post‐political planning and community opposition: asserting and challenging consensus in planning urban regeneration in Newcastle, New South Wales
Authors: Ruming Kristian
Published: December 2017

This paper examines recent urban regeneration plans for inner city Newcastle, in New South Wales, Australia. The focus is on recent plans to rejuvenate the historical commercial centre of the city—the Hunter Street Mall. Recent plans for the city are positioned as post‐political efforts by planning and development agents to limit antagonistic politics and secure consensus around a future planning vision. Core to this new vision is high‐rise development. Formal and technocratic consultation processes are central to efforts to secure consensus and limit conflict. Yet, conflict nevertheless arises as local residents, community groups, and politicians oppose the planning vision pursued by planning and development agents. Debates about the need for regeneration and the form of regeneration surface as central points of contest. Likewise, the material configuration of the city and wider political context frame both post‐political planning efforts and oppositional politics. The paper contributes to a growing body of work by scholars who question the presence of a dominant, overarching post‐political condition. Rather, post‐political efforts emerge as contextual and fluid processes to secure the planning and development objectives of urban elites. As the case study illustrates, such post‐political efforts are rarely unchallenged, as contest and antagonistic politics emerge, allowing citizens to resist the efforts of state and development actors and help shape their cities.
Rat brain CYP2D activity alters in vivo central oxycodone metabolism, levels and resulting analgesia
Authors: McMillan Douglas M. , Miksys Sharon , Tyndale Rachel F.
Published: December 2017

Oxycodone is metabolized by CYP2D to oxymorphone. Despite oxymorphone being a more potent opioid‐receptor agonist, its contribution to oxycodone analgesia may be minor because of low peripheral production, low blood–brain barrier permeability and central nervous system efflux. CYP2D metabolism within the brain may contribute to variation in central oxycodone and oxymorphone levels, thereby affecting analgesia. Brain CYP2D expression and activity are subject to exogenous regulation; nicotine induces rat brain, but not liver, CYP2D consistent with higher brain CYP2D in smokers. We assessed the role of rat brain CYP2D in orally administered oxycodone metabolism (in vivo brain microdialysis) and analgesia (tail‐flick test) by inhibiting brain CYP2D selectively with intracerebroventricular propranolol (mechanism‐based inhibitor) and inducing brain CYP2D with nicotine. Inhibiting brain CYP2D increased brain oxycodone levels (1.8‐fold; P < 0.03) and analgesia (1.5‐fold AUC0–60; P < 0.001) after oxycodone, while inducing brain CYP2D increased brain oxymorphone levels (4.6‐fold; P < 0.001) and decreased analgesia (0.8‐fold; P < 0.02). Inhibiting the induced brain CYP2D reversed the change in oxycodone levels (1.2‐fold; P > 0.1) and analgesia (1.1‐fold; P > 0.3). Brain, but not plasma, metabolic ratios were affected by pre‐treatments. Peak analgesia was inversely correlated with ex vivo brain (P < 0.003), but not hepatic (P > 0.9), CYP2D activity. Altering brain CYP2D did not affect analgesia from oral oxymorphone (P > 0.9 for AUC0–60 across all groups), which is not a CYP2D substrate. Thus, brain CYP2D metabolism alters local oxycodone levels and response, suggesting that people with increased brain CYP2D activity may have reduced oxycodone response. Factors that alter individual oxycodone response may be useful for optimizing treatment and minimizing abuse liability.
Contrasting intraspecific foliar trait responses to stressful conditions of two rhizomatous granite outcrop species at different scales in southwestern Australia
Authors: Ottaviani Gianluigi , Keppel Gunnar
Published: December 2017

Plants respond to changing environmental conditions, and their ability to adjust intra‐specifically to such shifts represents an ecological and evolutionary advantage. We studied seven plant traits for two common, rhizomatous granite outcrop species (the fern Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia, and the herb Stypandra glauca) with seasonal foliage during the cooler, wetter winter months at seven sites across an aridity gradient in southwestern Australia. We investigated trait patterns at regional and habitat scale, by investigating changes in trait values along the aridity gradient, and by comparing two different habitats types (sun‐exposed and sheltered). We expected plants occurring in more arid sites and highly irradiated, shallow‐soil (sun‐exposed) habitats, to exhibit traits indicative of more conservative resource acquisition, retention and use strategies. At the habitat scale, we found support for our prediction, with plants in more stressful, sun‐exposed habitats showing traits’ values associated with more conservative strategies (especially for water), such as smaller plants, denser leaves, higher foliar δ13C and C/N. However, at the regional scale many traits displayed the opposite pattern, suggesting less conservative resource acquisition in more arid sites. This evidence was particularly pronounced for specific leaf area (SLA), which exhibited a significant, positive relationship with increasing aridity. We suggest that the unexpected regional trends in foliar traits relate to shorter lived, faster growing leaves linked to highly efficient resource acquisition and use strategies during the shorter growing season in the more arid regions. These highly exploitative strategies may enable plants to avoid climate extremes, that is, hot and dry periods in the more arid sites. Our findings of contrasting foliar traits responses at different scales support the importance of multi‐scale approaches to quantify the role of intraspecific trait variability.
Improved perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic distal pancreatosplenectomy: modified lasso technique
Authors: Kawasaki Yota , Hwang Ho Kyoung , Kang Chang Moo , Natsugoe Shoji , Lee Woo Jung
Published: December 2017

Background

Simultaneous division of the splenic artery, splenic vein and pancreatic parenchyma during laparoscopic distal pancreatosplenectomy (LDPS) is known as the lasso technique, which is considered to be simple to perform. However, the original lasso technique carries a risk of post‐operative bleeding from the splenic artery. We modified the original lasso technique to improve its technical safety and compared the perioperative outcomes of LDPS performed with the modified lasso technique (ml‐LDPS) with those of conventional LDPS (c‐LDPS).

Methods

From August 2006 to July 2016, 30 patients underwent c‐LDPS and 31 patients underwent ml‐LDPS for distal pancreatectomy involving <50% of the pancreas. The perioperative outcomes of the two groups were compared.

Results

The ml‐LDPS technique resulted in a shorter operation time (201 min versus 162 min, P < 0.01), less intraoperative blood loss (20 mL versus 200 mL, P < 0.01), a shorter post‐operative hospital stay (8.0 days versus 12.5 days, P < 0.01), and a lower incidence of clinically relevant post‐operative pancreatic fistulas (6.5% versus 26.7%, P = 0.04) compared with c‐LDPS. The surgical approach (c‐LDPS or ml‐LDPS) was identified as an independent predictor of the development of clinically relevant post‐operative pancreatic fistulas via multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

The ml‐LDPS method had beneficial effects on the operation time, intraoperative bleeding, the post‐operative morbidity rate and the length of the post‐operative hospital stay. The ml‐LDPS procedure is a simple, safe and effective way of performing planned LDPS.
Donor Treatment With a Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor‐1 Agonist Prevents Donation After Cardiac Death Liver Graft Injury in a Rat Isolated Perfusion Model
Authors: Zhang Xingjian , Liu Zhongzhong , Xiao Qi , Zeng Cheng , Lai Chin‐Hui , Fan Xiaoli , Ye Qifa , Wang Yanfeng , Xiong Yan
Published: December 2017

The protective role of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) against liver ischemia‐reperfusion injury has been well proved. However its role in liver donation and preservation from donation after cardiac death (DCD) is still unknown. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that pharmaceutical stabilization of HIF‐1 in DCD donors would result in a better graft liver condition. Male SD rats (6 animals per group) were randomly given the synthetic prolyl hydroxylase domain inhibitor FG‐4592 (Selleck, 6 mg/kg of body weight) or its vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide). Six hours later, cardiac arrest was induced by bilateral pneumothorax. Rat livers were retrieved 30 min after cardiac arrest, and subsequently cold stored in University of Wisconsin solution for 24 h. They were reperfused for 60 min with Krebs‐Henseleit bicarbonate buffer in an isolated perfused liver model, after which the perfusate and liver tissues were investigated. Pretreatment with FG‐4592 in DCD donors significantly improved graft function with increased bile production and synthesis of adenosine triphosphate, decreased perfusate liver enzyme release, histology injury scores and oxidative stress‐induced cell injury and apoptosis after reperfusion with the isolated perfused liver model. The beneficial effects of FG‐4592 is attributed in part to the accumulation of HIF‐1 and ultimately increased PDK1 production. Pretreatment with FG‐4592 in DCD donors resulted in activation of the HIF‐1 pathway and subsequently protected liver grafts from warm ischemia and cold‐stored injury. These data suggest that the pharmacological HIF‐1 induction may provide a clinically applicable therapeutic intervention to prevent injury to DCD allografts.
Recognition of a Virtual Maze Scene Using Simulated Prosthetic Vision
Authors: Zhao Ying , Geng Xiulin , Li Qi , Jiang Guangqi , Gu Yu , Lv Xiaoqi
Published: December 2017

A real‐time psychological physics experimental platform was built to aid in discovering the best real‐time image processing strategy for the limited number of electrodes, and in providing the most useful prosthetic implant visual information. A number of maze pathfinder tasks were performed at low resolution to simulate use by blind individuals in performing daily visual activities. In this study, simple (5 rows × 5 columns), medium (8 × 8), and complex (11 × 11) maze models were created in 3DMAX. The models were constructed by using Unity to build virtual scenes for real‐time pixel processing, including binarization, color inversion, and matching to templates with three different resolutions (16 × 16, 24 × 24, 32 × 32). Subjects completed maze pathfinding tasks using 45° and 60° views of the labyrinth at the 32 × 32 resolution to determine the optimal viewing angle. The time required to find the maze entrance and complete the maze were analyzed along with the rate of maze completion (accuracy) at various resolutions. In the first experiment, the average time required to find the entrance and the average maze pathfinding duration were significantly longer at 60°. Therefore, the 45° view provided the best perspective. In the second experiment, the angle was fixed to 45°. As the maze difficulty increased, the average time needed to find the maze entrance decreased, but the average time required to complete the maze increased. When the difficulty of the maze was fixed, the time required to find the maze entrance and solve the maze decreased when the resolution increased. The accuracy with which the maze path was identified increased as well. The average maze pathfinding time at 24 × 24 was significantly less than at 16 × 16. A similar trend was observed when the average maze pathfinding times at 32 × 32 and 24 × 24 were compared. At 32 × 32, the average pathfinding accuracy was 100%. This indicates that 32 × 32 is an effective resolution for maze pathfinding.