bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct Mitochondrial Disturbance in CD4+T and CD8+T Cells From HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Yu Fengting , Hao Yu , Zhao Hongxin , Xiao Jiang , Han Ning , Zhang Yu , Dai Guorui , Chong Xuejing , Zeng Hui , Zhang Fujie
Published: September 2016

Background:

Mitochondrial dysfunction has frequently been found in HIV-infected patients regardless of whether they received antiretroviral therapy (ART). Accumulating evidence suggests that HIV-infected patients exhibit marked changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, adenosine triphosphate generation, mitochondrial mass (MM), mitochondrial DNA, etc. However, mitochondrial toxicity in CD4+T and CD8+T cells caused by different levels of HIV progression and ART is poorly understood.

Methods:

Blood samples were obtained from 97 ART-naïve HIV-infected patients with different CD4+T cell counts, 97 nucleoside-reverse transcriptase inhibitors-exposed HIV-infected patients, and 25 HIV-negative subjects. MMP, ROS, and MM in CD4+T and CD8+T cells were assessed by flow cytometry.

Results:

In healthy subjects, the levels of MMP and MM in CD4+T cells were higher than those in CD8+T cells. HIV infection led to an increase in MM in CD4+T and CD8+T cells, but mainly influenced MMP in CD8+T cells and ROS accumulation in CD4+T cells. MM in CD4+T and CD8+T cells gradually increased after the loss of CD4+T cells. Although the dynamic changes in MMP in CD4+T cells were different from those in CD8+T cells during highly active ART, MM in both CD4+T and CD8+T cells was significantly decreased after 2 years of therapy, but increased again after 3 years.

Conclusions:

HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy both led to mitochondrial disturbances in CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells; however, the abnormal changes in mitochondrial parameters in CD4+T cells were different from those in CD8+T cells caused by HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy.
Quality characteristics of spray dried powder from unripe fig extract
Authors: Chae Ho-Yong , Hong Joo-Heon
Published: September 2016

In this study, the quality characteristics of spray dried powders from unripe fig extract were investigated. The protease activities of unripe fig and peeled unripe fig extract were 0.11 unit/mL and 0.28 unit/mL, respectively. The spray dried powder of unripe fig extracts was analzed using different maltodextrin ratios (F-MD 5, 5% maltodextrin; F-MD 10, 10% maltodextrin; and F-MD 20, 20% maltodextrin). The spray-dried powder showed the highest protease activity with F-MD 10 (0.84 unit/g). The moisture content and L value of the spray-dried powder were higher than those of the freeze-dried powder. The particle diameter of the freeze-dried powder (209.67 μm) was higher than that of the spray-dried powders (22.18~37.33 μm). The water absorption index ranged from 0.18 to 0.40, while the water solubility index ranged from 94.40% to 98.80%. In the in vitro digestion study, spray-dried powders of the unripe fig showed a protease survival range of 16.47%~24.80%. In conclusion, it is considered appropriate to use the spray-dried powder (F-MD 10) of unripe fig as a meat tenderizer for processing food.
Protective effects of quality certified traditional Doenjang in Korea on TNF-α-induced vascular inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Kim Eun-Ju , Jang Yeon-Jeong , Kim So-Young , Choi Hye-Sun , Park Shin-Young
Published: September 2016

Anti-atherogenic effects in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) are involved in the suppression of oxidative stress, cell adhesion molecules, and pro-inflammatory factors. This study investigated the vascular inflammation inhibitory activity of traditional Doenjang plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis. The protective effects of Korean Deonjang was investigated on the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Deonjang extracts (20, 50, 100 μg/mL) decreased the expression of 20 ng/mL TNF-α-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 proteins, and their corresponding mRNA levels. Nitric oxides (NO) produced by endothlial nitric oxides synthase (eNOS) dilated blood vessels, which had protective effects against platelet and leukocyte adhesion. While TNF-α-induced suppressed the production of nitric oxide in HUVECs, Doenjang restored NO production in HUVECs. In addition, Deonjang reduced the TNF-α-induced expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA levels. These results suggested that Doenjang can inhibited the production of cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators, which could be a potential candidate for preventing atherosclerosis.
Antioxidant properties of brownish natural dyeing agents from medicinal plant
Authors: Kim Yeon-Soon , Kwon O-Jun , Suh Hwa-Jin , Park Shin
Published: September 2016

The antioxidant activities of brownish natural dyeing agents, extracted from seven kinds of plants, were tested. Total polyphenol content, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, and singlet oxygen quenching effect were determined for hot water extracts and floral waters of plants. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activites increased with increasing amounts of the extracts from Uncaria gambir R. and Terminalia chebula R. displayed remarkable scavenging effects at concentrations below 0.1 mg/mL, in comparison with the positive control, ascorbic acid. However, antioxidant effects of the floral water, obtained from steam distillation of tested plants, were inefficient at concentration below 0.2 mg/mL. In particular, the natural dyeing agent effectively suppressed singlet oxygen induced by photosensitizer in in vitro assay systems. The concentrations (IC50) required to exert 50% of singlet oxygen were 120 and 190 μg/mL for hot water extracts from Uncaria gambir R. and Phellinus linteus, respectively. Among all the tested samples, the Uncaria gambir R. and Phellinus linteus extracts contained higher amount of total phenolic contents. The results suggest that naturally occurring dyeing agents are beneficial as natural antioxidants, encouraging further extensive studies.
Formation of biogenic amines and bioactivities of Makgeolli under different fermentation conditions
Authors: Kang Seung Mi , Kim Seon Jeong , Ko Keon Hee , Nam Sanghae
Published: September 2016

Generation of biogenic amines (BAs) and physiological activities of Makgeolli, Korean rice wine, were investigated during fermentation under different temperatures (20, 25, and 30℃) and time (3, 5, and 7 days). The pH was 3.96~4.36 during fermentation and the acidity increased proportionally with temperature and time. Alcohol and total phenolic contents peaked on day 5 at 25 by 9.0~9.8% and 3.01±0.07 mg/g, respectively. The organic acid mostly produced was lactic acid, which increased gradually with temperature and time. Formation of biogenic amines comprised of tryptamine and putrescine was observed during fermentation: 6.91, 11.70, and 15.63 mg/mL of tyramine on day 7 at 20, 25, and 30℃, respectively. Antioxidant activities from DPPH and FRAP assay were high in the order of 25℃>20℃>30℃ while that from ABTS assay was high regardless of temperature. Processed at 1 mg/mL and 30℃, the inhibitory effect on α-amylase was 67.99±0.11, 73.64±0.43, and 75.51±0.26% on days 3, 5, and 7, respectively, which increased proportionally with temperature and time. Inhibitory activity on lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was the highest in Makgeolli fermented on day 5 at 25℃. This study shows that fermentation at 25℃ for 5 days yields Makgeolli of the best quality with high bioactivities but no biogenic amines.
적하수오 및 백하수오 추출물의 항산화 및 항균 활성
Authors: Choi Hyunkyung , Jang Yuyi , Oh Jun-Hyun
Published: September 2016

The objective of this research was to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Jeok Hasuo (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., PM) and Baek Hasuo (Cynanchi wilfordii Radix, CW) root extracts. Total phenolic contents of PM and CW root extracts were determined and the antioxidant activities of the root extracts were determined by scavenging activity of diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. The antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes were determined and expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The disc diffusion method was also used to determine the zone of inhibition. The butanol extracts of PM and CW roots exhibited greater total phenolic contents (1,212.6 and 1,454.5 mg/g GAE, respectively) than those of ethanol and water extracts. The ethanol (89.0%) and butanol extracts (88.9%) of PM exhibited significantly greater DPPH radical scavenging activities than that of water extracts (73.1%) (p<0.05). Only ethanol extract exhibited an MIC of 0.8 mg/mL against both bacteria. Zones of inhibition started to form when the concentration of extract was greater than 5 mg/disc. The diameters of the zone of inhibition of PM and CW were measured to be 8.9 and 9.2 mm against S. aureus and P. acnes, respectively, exhibiting the greatest antimicrobial activities among the extracts. This research demonstrated that the PM and CW root extracts possessed not only antioxidant activity but also strong antimicrobial activity against skin-related bacteria.
Estimating the freezing and supercooling points of Korean agricultural products from experimental and quality characteristics
Authors: Park Jong Woo , Kim Jinse , Park Seok Ho , Choi Dong Soo , Choi Seung Ryul , Kim Yong Hoon , Lee Soo Jang , Park Chun Wan , Han Gui Jeung
Published: September 2016

This study was performed to determine the optimal freezing point for the reliable cold storage of Korean agricultural products, and to provide basic data for determining the storage temperature based on the quality characteristics. Additional supercooling temperature analysis was conducted to explore the possibility of supercooling storage. To determine the effects of quality characteristics on the freezing point, the hardness, acidity, moisture and sugar content were analyzed. The crops were frozen using customized cooling unit and their freezing and supercooling points were determined based on their heat release points. The freezing temperatures of garlic, leek, cucumber, hot pepper, grape, oriental melon, netted melon, peach, cherry tomato, plum, daikon, sweet persimmon, apple, sweet potato, mandarin, pear, and strawberry were -1.6, -0.5, -0.5, -0.7, -1.6, -1.6, -1.3, -0.8, -0.3, -1.1, -0.3, -1.7, -1.5, -1.5, -0.8, -1.5, and -0.9℃, respectively; otherwise, supercooling points were -7.8, -3.7, -3.3, -4.9, -5.7, -4.6, -2.8, -3.3, -5.9, -4.2, -0.8, -4.7, -3.2, -3.7, -4.7, -4.2, and -3.4℃, respectively. These results suggest that the ideal freezing temperature of crops could be estimated through freezing point depression because of their sugar content, and this technique should be used to maintain an optimum storage temperature. However, cold storage is complicated and further study is required because of the effects of long-term cold storage on the crops.
Whole-genome sequencing of two probands with hereditary spastic paraplegia reveals novel splice-donor region variant and known pathogenic variant in SPG11
Authors: Yu Allen Chi-Shing , Chan Anne Yin-Yan , Au Wing Chi , Shen Yun , Chan Ting Fung , Chan Ho-Yin Edwin
Published: September 2016

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a group of heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders, which are often presented with overlapping phenotypes such as progressive paraparesis and spasticity. To assist the diagnosis of HSP subtypes, next-generation sequencing is often used to provide supporting evidence. In this study, we report the case of two probands from the same family with HSP symptoms, including bilateral lower limb weakness, unsteady gait, cognitive decline, dysarthria, and slurring of speech since the age of 14. Subsequent whole-genome sequencing revealed that the patients are compound heterozygous for variants in the SPG11 gene, including the paternally inherited c.6856C>T (p.Arg2286*) variant and the novel maternally inherited c.2316+5G>A splice-donor region variant. Variants in SPG11 are the common cause of autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia type 11. According to the ClinVar database, there are already 101 reported pathogenic variants in SPG11 that are associated with HSPs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SPG11 variants in our local population. The novel splice variant identified in this study enriches the catalog of SPG11 variants, potentially leading to better genetic diagnosis of HSPs.
Affective capitalism of knowing and the society of search engine
Authors: Huvila Isto
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the affective premises and economics of the influence of search engines on knowing and informing in the contemporary society.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual discussion of the affective premises and framings of the capitalist economics of knowing is presented.

Findings

The main proposition of this text is that the exploitation of affects is entwined in the competing market and emancipatory discourses and counter-discourses both as intentional interventions, and perhaps even more significantly, as unintentional influences that shape the ways of knowing in the peripheries of the regime that shape cultural constellations of their own. Affective capitalism bounds and frames our ways of knowing in ways that are difficult to anticipate and read even from the context of the regime itself.

Originality/value

In the relatively extensive discussion on the role of affects in the contemporary capitalism, influence of affects on knowing and their relation to search engine use has received little explicit attention so far.
Collaborative information seeking in student group projects
Authors: Leeder Chris , Shah Chirag
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the collaborative information seeking (CIS) behaviors of students conducting authentic group work projects, and the features of a collaborative search system that are most useful to these students.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory study was conducted with 41 participants in ten groups working on an in class, for-credit group project assignment utilizing a collaborative search system. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered on the everyday search practices of students over the course of the group project, along with quality scores for the sources found.

Findings

Results showed that student behavior during their CIS related to the quality of their search outcomes, as the effective and efficient searchers found better quality sources. Students’ pre-task attitudes and experiences toward group work also relate to the quality of their search outcomes. Student feedback demonstrated the importance of making collaborative search tools convenient, lightweight, and easy to use.

Practical implications

These findings may be useful to researchers designing and studying the effectiveness of collaborative search tools, and to instructors planning to incorporate group projects into their classes.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors document the authentic behaviors and attitudes of students conducting group projects in an classroom setting, and offer specific recommendations for developers of collaborative search systems. These findings provide greater context for CIS research into the collaborative search behaviors of students conducting group work projects.
Developing a standard for youth modified therapeutic communities
Authors: Northam Jaimie Chloe , Magor-Blatch Lynne
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of the Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association (ATCA) Standard to Australian youth-specific modified therapeutic communities (MTCs). An Interpretive Guide for Youth MTCs and Residential Rehabilitation (RR) Services was developed and a pilot trial conducted with three Australian youth MTC services.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed-methods design, this study included three components: a consultation process with residential youth MTCs (N=15), which informed the development of the ATCA Standard Interpretive Guide for Youth MTCs and RR Services; a pilot trial of the materials with three Australian youth MTCs (N=53); and an evaluation of the interpretive guide and assessment of applicability of the ATCA standard to youth MTCs through pre- (N=32) and post- (N=19) pilot trial administrations of the Survey of Essential Elements Questionnaires (SEEQ), and post-pilot trial focus groups (N=21).

Findings

Results indicate that the ATCA Standard is applicable to youth MTC settings when applied with the Interpretive Guide, although no significant differences were found between the pre- and post-pilot trial administrations of the SEEQ.

Practical implications

Future research is recommended to explore active mechanisms of youth-specific MTCs, differences between adults and youth MTCs, and the development of TC-specific training.

Originality/value

To date, no standard for youth residential substance use services in Australia has been developed, and this is the first study of its kind internationally to explore the efficacy of standards in a youth MTC.
Length of stay as a predictor of reliable change in psychological recovery and well being following residential substance abuse treatment
Authors: Turner Brie , Deane Frank Patrick
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Longer length of stay (LOS) in residential alcohol and other drug treatment has been associated with more favourable outcomes, but the optimal duration has yet to be determined for reliable change indices. Optimal durations are likely to be a function of participant and problem characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether LOS in a residential therapeutic community for alcohol and other drug treatment community independently predicts reliable change across a range of psychological recovery and well-being measures.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 380 clients from Australian Salvation Army residential alcohol and other drug treatment facilities were assessed at intake and three months post-discharge using the Addiction Severity Index 5th ed., The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, The Recovery Assessment Scale, the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form and The Life Engagement Test.

Findings

The findings confirm LOS as an independent predictor of reliable change on measures of well-being and client perceived assessment of recovery. The mean LOS that differentiated reliable change from no improvement was 37.37 days.

Originality/value

The finding of LOS as a predictor of reliable change and the identification of an estimated time requirement may be useful for residential drug treatment providers in modifying treatment durations.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is not associated with the metabolic syndrome based on body type: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vossen Allard R. J. V. , van der Zee Hessel H. , Onderdijk Armanda J. , Boer Jurr , Prens Errol P.
Published: September 2016

A body type with a high waist circumference or elevated waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), known as the “apple” body type, represents central/visceral obesity and is associated with the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to simultaneously investigate the body mass index (BMI) and WHR in order to classify body types in individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) compared with a general dermatological population. A hospital‐based cross‐sectional study was performed in the Netherlands. One hundred and six HS patients and 212 controls were included. The BMI was significantly higher in the HS group in comparison with the control group, at 27.8 ± 5.4 and 25.6 ± 4.8, respectively (P < 0.001). The WHR did not significantly differ between HS patients and the control dermatological population (P > 0.05). A more peripheral pattern of bodyweight distribution was seen in 43% of the 37 obese HS individuals, in contrast to 19% of 31 obese patients in the control group (P = 0.036). In conclusion, the body type in obese HS patients, based on the WHR, shows a more peripheral pattern and differs from the WHR in the BMI‐matched general dermatological population.
Compound heterozygosity for novel splice site mutations of ITGA6 in lethal junctional epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia
Authors: Masunaga Takuji , Ogawa Junki , Akiyama Masashi , Nishikawa Takeji , Shimizu Hiroshi , Ishiko Akira
Published: September 2016

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia (PA‐JEB) is a rare congenital bullous disease with gastrointestinal disturbance that has been associated with mutations in ITGA6 or ITGB4 encoding the α6 or β4 subunit of integrin, respectively. Only six ITGA6 mutations in PA‐JEB have been reported while many ITGB4 mutations have been identified, and all the ITGA6 mutations were homozygous. Here, we report a case of lethal type PA‐JEB, in which immunofluorescence showed the lack of both α6 and β4 integrins resulting from compound heterozygous splice site mutation in ITGA6, c.387G>T and c.2506‐1G>C. Maternal c.387G>T induced the skipping of the entire exon 3 and both exons 3 and 4, resulting in premature termination codon and in‐frame deletion, respectively. Paternal c.2506‐1G>C caused the skipping of the exon 20 and resulted in in‐frame deletion. As a reason why the present case showed lethal phenotype despite the in‐frame deletion mutation, rapid degradation of neo‐synthesized α6 protein and/or impaired transport of integrin were suggested from previous reports, and the lack of localization of integrin α6β4 to the epidermal basement membrane resulted in skin fragility. Our case expands the variety of integrin α6 mutations in PA‐JEB.
Usefulness of real‐time tissue elastography for detecting the border of basal cell carcinomas
Authors: Tanaka Takamitsu , Tada Yayoi , Ohnishi Takamitsu , Watanabe Shinichi
Published: September 2016

Preoperative evaluation of tumor thickness and silhouette in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the important assessments to be done. However, evaluation is not always sufficient even utilizing sonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Recently, a new technique called real‐time tissue elastography (RTE) was developed that can display the hardness of tissue as a color overlay of a sonographic image. Therefore, RTE could be used as a tool for detecting the tumor border according to differences in tissue rigidity. In the present study, the correlation between histopathological and RTE tumor thickness measurements was evaluated for BCC. Eleven BCC (six nodular, three superficial, and two adenoid or cystic) from individual patients were evaluated. Tumor silhouette and thickness were detected using conventional B‐mode sonography and RTE. All lesions were surgically excised and tumor thickness was also examined histologically. In the six nodular BCC, the tumor silhouette determined by RTE showed a close correlation with the results of histopathology. Particularly, for four out of the six cases, the correlation was excellent. In addition, the mean difference in tumor thickness measurements between histology and RTE (−0.368 mm) was lower than that between histology and B‐mode sonography (−0.835 mm). As for the superficial BCC, tumor thickness was too thin to evaluate. Tumor thickness measured by B‐mode sonography and RTE was identical for two cases of adenoid or cystic BCC. In conclusion, RTE is useful in the preoperative assessment of tumor thickness, especially with the nodular type of BCC, and allows us to determine adequate surgical margins.
Do Foreign Currency Accounts Help Relax Credit Constraints? Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Maskay Nephil Matangi , Steinkamp Sven , Westermann Frank
Published: September 2016

We analyse a novel bank‐level data set from Nepal, where domestic and foreign currency (FX) deposits are reported separately on the liability side of commercial bank balance sheets. In a panel regression analysis, we estimate semi‐accounting‐identities that allow us to identify the marginal sources of financing for various asset positions. We find that banks hedge against FX exposure via their sectoral lending composition: banks with a large share of FX deposits primarily lend to firms in traded‐goods sectors. Loans to non‐traded sectors are mostly financed by domestic deposits. While earlier studies have documented a positive impact of FX accounts on financial development, our analysis suggests that this does not need to imply that severely credit constrained sectors are the main beneficiaries of this process.
Reasons of Power: Explaining Non‐cooptation in Participatory Budgeting
Authors: Holdo Markus
Published: September 2016

Research on the use of participatory budgeting (PB) in urban politics has, perhaps not surprisingly, found that PB participants are often coopted by the government. From a realist perspective, however, it is more surprising that cooptation does not always occur and the mechanisms of non‐cooptation are still not well understood. Previous research has often explained successful outcomes in terms of the ideology of incumbents or the strength of social movements demanding participation. In contrast to both these explanations, this article suggests that an important part is played by the political interest of political elite actors in the independence of PB participants from the government. Presenting the case of PB in Rosario, Argentina, the article finds that three conditions made it rational for political actors not to coopt participants. First, a legitimacy crisis created incentives to invest in a new field of state–civil society interaction. Second, state actors involved in the creation of the field came to invest in the meanings and values of the field. Third, the field of PB could produce legitimacy for the government by being perceived as independent. The article reasons that we can expect these mechanisms of non‐cooptation to be at work in much the same way in other places under similar circumstances.
Reducing Young Adults’ Health Care Spending through the ACA Expansion of Dependent Coverage
Authors: Chen Jie , Vargas‐Bustamante Arturo , Novak Priscilla
Published: September 2016

Objective

To estimate health care expenditure trends among young adults ages 19–25 before and after the 2010 implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provision that extended eligibility for dependent private health insurance coverage.

Data Sources

Nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 2008 to 2012.

Study Design

We conducted repeated cross‐sectional analyses and employed a difference‐in‐differences quantile regression model to estimate health care expenditure trends among young adults ages 19–25 (the treatment group) and ages 27–29 (the control group).

Principal Findings

Our results show that the treatment group had 14 percent lower overall health care expenditures and 21 percent lower out‐of‐pocket payments compared with the control group in 2011–2012. The overall reduction in health care expenditures among young adults ages 19–25 in years 2011–2012 was more significant at the higher end of the health care expenditure distribution. Young adults ages 19–25 had significantly higher emergency department costs at the 10th percentile in 2011–2012. Differences in the trends of costs of private health insurance and doctor visits are not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Increased health insurance enrollment as a consequence of the ACA provision for dependent coverage has successfully reduced spending and catastrophic expenditures, providing financial protections for young adults.
Contextual influences on animal decision‐making: Significance for behavior‐based wildlife conservation and management
Authors: OWEN Megan A. , SWAISGOOD Ronald R. , BLUMSTEIN Daniel T.
Published: September 2016

Survival and successful reproduction require animals to make critical decisions amidst a naturally dynamic environmental and social background (i.e. “context”). However, human activities have pervasively, and rapidly, extended contextual variation into evolutionarily novel territory, potentially rendering evolved animal decision‐making mechanisms and strategies maladaptive. We suggest that explicitly focusing on animal decision‐making (ADM), by integrating and applying findings from studies of sensory ecology, cognitive psychology, behavioral economics and eco‐evolutionary strategies, may enhance our understanding of, and our ability to predict how, human‐driven changes in the environment and population demography will influence animal populations. Fundamentally, the decisions animals make involve evolved mechanisms, and behaviors emerge from the combined action of sensory integration, cognitive mechanisms and strategic rules of thumb, and any of these processes may have a disproportionate influence on behavior. Although there is extensive literature exploring ADM, it generally reflects a canalized, discipline‐specific approach that lacks a unified conceptual framework. As a result, there has been limited application of ADM theory and research findings into predictive models that can enhance management outcomes, even though it is likely that the relative resilience of species to rapid environmental change is fundamentally a result of how ADM is linked to contextual variation. Here, we focus on how context influences ADM, and highlight ideas and results that may be most applicable to conservation biology.
Progressive‐Change BACIPS: a flexible approach for environmental impact assessment
Authors: Thiault Lauric , Kernaléguen Laëtitia , Osenberg Craig W. , Claudet Joachim
Published: September 2016

The Before‐After Control‐Impact Paired Series (BACIPS) design distinguishes natural spatial and temporal variability from variation induced by an environmental impact (or intervention) of interest. BACIPS is a powerful tool to derive inferences about interventions when classic experimental approaches (e.g. which rely on spatial replicates and random assignment of treatments) are not feasible or desirable. Previously applied BACIPS designs generally assume that effects are sudden, constant and long‐lived: that is, that systems exhibit ‘step‐changes’ in response to interventions. However, complex ecological interactions or gradual interventions may create delayed and/or progressive responses, potentially impeding the reliability of classic (step‐change) analyses.

We propose a novel approach, the Progressive‐Change BACIPS, which generalizes and expands the scope of BACIPS analyses. We evaluate the relative performance of this approach using both simulated and real data that exhibit step‐change, linear, asymptotic and sigmoid responses following an intervention. We quantify the statistical power and accuracy of the Progressive‐Change BACIPS under varying initial population densities, intensity of spatial sampling, effect sizes and number of sampling dates After the intervention.

We show that Progressive‐Change BACIPS identified the correct model among the set of candidate models under most conditions and led to accurate estimates of the parameters that were used to generate the simulated data. When data were sparse, and the dynamics complex, simpler (more parsimonious) models were favoured over the more complex models that actually generated the simulated data. Application of the Progressive‐Change BACIPS to existing data sets from the literature led to strong support for specific models (over alternatives) and led to more specific inferences than possible under the classic BACIPS approach.

The Progressive‐Change BACIPS proposed here is more flexible than the original BACIPS formulation because the data are used to inform the form of the final model, rather than having the form of the model imposed on the data. This leads to better estimates of the effects of environmental impacts and the time‐scales over which they operate. As a result, the Progressive‐Change BACIPS should be applicable to a wide range of studies and should help improve investigation of time‐dependent effects. R code to perform Progressive‐Change BACIPS analysis is provided.
The effect of a multidisciplinary obstetric emergency team training program, the In Time course, on diagnosis to delivery interval following umbilical cord prolapse – A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Copson Sean , Calvert Katrina , Raman Puvaneswary , Nathan Elizabeth , Epee Mathias
Published: September 2016

Background

Cord prolapse is an uncommon obstetric emergency, with potentially fatal consequences for the baby if prompt action is not taken. Simulation training provides a means by which uncommon emergencies can be practised, with the aim of improving teamwork and clinical outcomes.

Aims

This study aimed to determine if the introduction of a simulation‐based training course was associated with an improvement in the management of cord prolapse, in particular the diagnosis to delivery interval. We also aimed to investigate if an improvement in perinatal outcomes could be demonstrated.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed. All cases of cord prolapse in the designated time period were identified and reviewed and a comparison of outcome measures pre‐ and post‐training was undertaken.

Results

Thirty‐one cases were identified in the pre‐training period, and compared to 64 cases post‐training. Documentation improved significantly post‐training. There were non‐significant improvements in use of spinal anaesthetic, and in the length of stay in the special care neonatal unit. There was a significant increase in the number of babies with Apgar scores less than seven at 5 min. There were no differences in the diagnosis to delivery interval, or in perinatal mortality rates.

Conclusion

Obstetric emergency training was associated with improved teamwork, as evidenced by the improved documentation post‐training in this study, but not with improved diagnosis to delivery interval. Long‐term follow‐up studies are required to ascertain whether training has an impact on longer‐term paediatric outcomes, such as cerebral palsy rates.
In vivo assessment by parents and a physician using the Amsterdam Infant Stool Scale provided better inter‐rater agreement than photographic evaluation
Authors: Wojtyniak Katarzyna , Horvath Andrea , Dziechciarz Piotr
Published: September 2016

Aim

This study assessed the inter‐rater variability of stool assessment, comparing the judgement of parents and a physician using the Amsterdam Infant Stool Scale (AISS) and the evaluation by another physician using photographs.

Methods

The stools of children aged two to 18 months, who were not toilet‐trained, were independently assessed in vivo using the AISS by the parents and the first physician. Another physician, unaware of the results of the in vivo evaluation, assessed two stool photographs taken by the first physician with a smartphone.

Results

Having analysed 100 stools, we found excellent inter‐rater agreement between the parents and the first physician for consistency (κ: 0.87; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.78–0.95) and colour (κ: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71–0.91) and good inter‐rater agreement for the amount (κ: 0.79; 95% CI 0.7–0.88). We found moderate inter‐rater agreement between the parents’ in vivo assessment and the second physician's photographic assessment for stool consistency (κ: 0.5; 95% CI 0.36–0.64) and amount (κ: 0.44; 95% CI 0.29–0.59) and a fair inter‐rater agreement for colour (κ: 0.33; 95% CI 0.21–0.45).

Conclusion

When parents and a physician used the AISS under in vivo conditions, there was better inter‐rater agreement than photographic evaluation by a second physician.
Early primary biliary cholangitis is characterised by brain abnormalities on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Grover V. P. B. , Southern L. , Dyson J. K. , Kim J. U. , Crossey M. M. E. , Wylezinska‐Arridge M. , Patel N. , Fitzpatrick J. A. , Bak‐Bol A. , Waldman A. D. , Alexander G. J. , Mells G. F. , Chapman R. W , Jones D. E. J. , Taylor‐Robinson S. D.
Published: September 2016

Background

Brain change can occur in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), potentially as a result of cholestatic and/or inflammatory processes. This change is linked to systemic symptoms of fatigue and cognitive impairment.

Aim

To identify whether brain change occurs early in PBC. If the change develops early and is progressive, it may explain the difficulty in treating these symptoms.

Methods

Early disease brain change was explored in 13 patients with newly diagnosed biopsy‐proven precirrhotic PBC using magnetisation transfer, diffusion‐weighted imaging and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results were compared to 17 healthy volunteers.

Results

Cerebral magnetisation transfer ratios were reduced in early PBC, compared to healthy volunteers, in the thalamus, putamen and head of caudate with no greater reduction in patients with greater symptom severity. Mean apparent diffusion coefficients were increased in the thalamus only. No 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy abnormalities were seen. Serum manganese levels were elevated in all PBC patients, but no relationship was seen with imaging or symptom parameters. There were no correlations between neuroimaging data, laboratory data, symptom severity scores or age.

Conclusions

This is the first study to be performed in this precirrhotic patient population, and we have highlighted that neuroimaging changes are present at a much earlier stage than previously demonstrated. The neuroimaging abnormalities suggest that the brain changes seen in PBC occur early in the pathological process, even before significant liver damage has occurred. If such changes are linked to symptom pathogenesis, this could have important implications for the timing of second‐line‐therapy use.
Corporate Profit, Social Welfare, and the Logic of Capitalism
Authors: Reiter S. L.
Published: September 2016

Business ethics scholars have proposed strategies for mitigating the ill effects brought on by a wealth maximization business strategy by urging managers to either embrace corporate social responsibility (CSR) or to manage according to stakeholder theory. In this article I argue that these strategies are often ineffective in bringing about the behavior they promote because it is antithetical to the nature and logic of capitalism. I examine the organizing principles of capitalism and the role it assigns to capitalists, and juxtapose these with the behavior prescribed by three normative frameworks: strategic management theory (SMT), the CSR initiative, and stakeholder theory. Unlike the behaviors prescribed by the CSR initiative and stakeholder management theory, the behavior prescribed by SMT is consistent with the role of capitalists as defined by the organizing principles of capitalism, and SMT's “rules” have instilled habits that have, in turn, been able to mold managers’ aspirations and purposes. CSR and stakeholder theory must not only combat the habits instilled by the entrenched SMT, they must also find some way of instilling habits that run contrary to those defined by the nature and logic of capitalism itself.
CSR as Value Attunement within Governance Processes: Stakeholder Dialogue, Corporate Principles and Regulation
Authors: de Graaf Frank Jan
Published: September 2016

I argue that a governance perspective on corporate social responsibility (CSR) makes it possible to explain why the concept will always be under‐defined, is normative and thus political by nature, and is and should be difficult to measure. The perspective also makes it possible to understand the interaction between corporate values and stakeholders values.

In processes of dialogue within governance systems and governance structures, changing insights into the principles of CSR can lead to regulation or its adjustment. Power is important in these dialogues. Principles are at least partly shaped within governance systems and governance structures, and they influence the outcomes of corporate policies. Changes within the regulatory framework could also lead to changes in the principles of CSR.

Value attunement processes could lead to regulation, which again influences the governance structures and thus the power of stakeholders within the dialogue. The theoretical model provided helps to analyze why CSR is different in companies, cultures and academic traditions.
Advances in understanding prognosis in myeloma
Authors: Smith Dean , Yong Kwee
Published: September 2016

In the last two decades outcomes in multiple myeloma (myeloma) have greatly improved, due to the introduction of newer, more effective therapies. This improvement is not uniform. Response to treatment and survival remains heterogeneous, with some patients living for 1–2 years whilst others are alive and progression‐free at 10 years. This variation in outcome is due to patient characteristics plus features intrinsic to the myeloma tumour. Alongside the introduction of novel therapies there has been a greater understanding of disease biology and mechanisms of resistance. This has led to an increase in the number of prognostic markers that can be used in myeloma. This is important not only for more accurate counselling of patients in terms of disease outcome, but also in paving the way for risk‐adapted therapy. Both newer and traditional prognostic markers need to be used in the context of planned therapy. Indeed, the prognostic value of certain markers varies according to which therapy the patient receives. As such, these prognostic factors will require constant re‐evaluation as agents with new mechanisms of action are added into the myeloma treatment algorithm. This article summarises current concepts of prognostic markers in myeloma.
Genetic alterations related to BRAF‐FGFR genes and dysregulated MAPK/ERK/mTOR signaling in adult pilocytic astrocytoma
Authors: Pathak Pankaj , Kumar Anupam , Jha Prerana , Purkait Suvendu , Faruq Mohammed , Suri Ashish , Suri Vaishali , Sharma Mehar C. , Sarkar Chitra
Published: September 2016

Pilocytic astrocytomas occur rarely in adults and show aggressive tumor behavior. However, their underlying molecular‐genetic events are largely uncharacterized. Hence, 59 adult pilocytic astrocytoma (APA) cases of classical histology were studied (MIB‐1 LI: 1%–5%). Analysis of BRAF alterations using qRT‐PCR, confirmed KIAA1549‐BRAF fusion in 11 (19%) and BRAF‐gain in 2 (3.4%) cases. BRAF‐V600E mutation was noted in 1 (1.7%) case by sequencing. FGFR1‐mutation and FGFR‐TKD duplication were seen in 7/59 (11.9%) and 3/59 (5%) cases, respectively. Overall 36% of APAs harbored BRAF and/or FGFR genetic alterations. Notably, FGFR related genetic alterations were enriched in tumors of supratentorial region (8/25, 32%) as compared with other locations (P = 0.01). The difference in age of cases with FGFR1‐mutation (Mean age ± SD: 37.2 ± 15 years) vs. KIAA1549‐BRAF fusion (Mean age ± SD: 25.1 ± 4.1 years) was statistically significant (P = 0.03). Combined BRAF and FGFR alterations were identified in 3 (5%) cases. Notably, the cases with more than one genetic alteration were in higher age group (Mean age ± SD: 50 ± 12 years) as compared with cases with single genetic alteration (Mean age ± SD: 29 ± 10; P = 0.003). Immunopositivity of p‐MAPK/p‐MEK1 was found in all the cases examined. The pS6‐immunoreactivity, a marker of mTOR activation was observed in 34/39 (87%) cases. Interestingly, cases with BRAF and/or FGFR related alteration showed significantly lower pS6‐immunostatining (3/12; 25%) as compared with those with wild‐type BRAF and/or FGFR (16/27; 59%) (P = 0.04). Further, analysis of seven IDH wild‐type adult diffuse astrocytomas (DA) showed FGFR related genetic alterations in 43% cases. These and previous results suggest that APAs are genetically similar to IDH wild‐type adult DAs. APAs harbor infrequent BRAF alterations but more frequent FGFR alterations as compared with pediatric cases. KIAA1549‐BRAF fusion inversely correlates with increasing age whereas FGFR1‐mutation associates with older age. Activation of MAPK/ERK/mTOR signaling appears to be an important oncogenic event in APAs and may be underlying event of aggressive tumor behavior. The findings provided a rationale for potential therapeutic advantage of targeting MAPK/ERK/mTOR pathway in APAs.
Loss of the proprioception and touch sensation channel PIEZO2 in siblings with a progressive form of contractures
Authors: Mahmud A.A. , Nahid N.A. , Nassif C. , Sayeed M.S.B. , Ahmed M.U. , Parveen M. , Khalil M.I. , Islam M.M. , Nahar Z. , Rypens F. , Hamdan F.F. , Rouleau G.A. , Hasnat A. , Michaud J.L.
Published: September 2016

Dominant mutations in PIEZO2, which codes for the principal mechanotransduction channel for proprioception and touch sensation, have been found to cause different forms of distal arthrogryposis. Some observations suggest that these dominant mutations induce a gain‐of‐function effect on the channel. Here, we report a consanguineous family with three siblings who showed short stature, scoliosis, gross motor impairment, and a progressive form of contractures involving the distal joints that is distinct from that found in patients with dominant mutations in PIEZO2. These siblings also displayed deficits in proprioception and touch sensation. Whole‐exome sequencing performed in the three affected siblings revealed the presence of a rare homozygous variant (c.2708C>G; p.S903*) in PIEZO2. This variant is predicted to disrupt PIEZO2 function by abolishing the pore domain. Sanger sequencing confirmed that all three siblings are homozygous whereas their parents and an unaffected sibling are heterozygous for this variant. Recessive mutations in PIEZO2 thus appear to cause a progressive phenotype that overlaps with, while being mostly distinct from that associated with dominant mutations in the same gene.
Central retinal artery occlusion, an early sign of crizotinib resistance in an alk positive adenocarcinoma of lung: A rare case report
Authors: Madabhavi Irappa , Patel Apurva , Anand Asha , Panchal Harsha , Parikh Sonia
Published: September 2016

About 4% of non‐small‐cell lung carcinomas involve an EML4‐ALK tyrosine kinase fusion gene and occur almost absolutely in carcinomas arising in non‐smokers. Crizotinib, the first inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ROS1 and c‐Met receptor kinase, has been used in the treatment of ALK‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer. Side effects of crizotinib mostly consist of grade 1–2 gastrointestinal events (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation), grade 1–2 edema and fatigue; grade 1 visual disorders, rare cases of elevated liver enzymes and pneumonitis. We are presenting a case of adenocarcinoma of lung, who progressed on first‐line chemotherapy and received crizotinib as second line therapy for 9 months. Patient has very good partial response to crizotinib and had some side effects of crizotinib like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, asthenia and anorexia, asymptomatic transaminitis in the first 2 to 3 weeks of therapy and managed symptomatically. But after 9 months, he developed sudden onset left sided vision loss. On fundoscopic examination he was found to have “cherry red spot” and fundus flourescein angiography revealed central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). After 15 days of vision loss patient developed pleural effusion, and pleural fluid cytology was positive for malignant cells. Visual symptoms are very well known in the literature as side effects of crizotinib, but CRAO is not yet been documented. As this patient is not having any prothrombotic state like diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, hyperhomocysteinemia or any genetic disorders except malignancy. Hypercoagulability disorders are known to be commonly associated with a variety of cancer types including lung cancer. This appears to be a sign of early crizotinib resistance in this patient because there was no history of prior hypercoagulable state. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report in the world literature, as CRAO presenting as a sign of crizotinib resistance in an adenocarcinoma of lung patient who was on crizotinib.