bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competition between co‐occurring invasive and native consumers switches between habitats
Authors: Zwerschke Nadescha , van Rein Henk , Harrod Chris , Reddin Carl , Emmerson Mark C. , Roberts Dai , O'Connor Nessa E.
Published: September 2018

The introduction of a non‐native species frequently has adverse direct effects on native species. The underlying mechanisms, however, often remain unclear, in particular where native and invasive species are taxonomically similar.

We found evidence of direct competitive interactions between a globally distributed invasive species (the Pacific oyster, Magallana gigas) and its native counterpart (the European oyster, Ostrea edulis). We also discovered that the competitive outcome differed between different habitat types and orientation by identifying context‐dependent responses driven by environmental conditions and stress (i.e. intertidal compared to subtidal habitats; and vertical versus horizontal substratum). This is particularly important because the European oyster is threatened, or in decline, throughout most of its range, and restoration efforts are underway in many regions.

We combined experimental manipulations and stable isotope analysis (SIA) to identify the direct effects of competition and the mechanisms by which the invasive and native species compete. We identified negative effects of the invasive species on the native oyster, but these were limited to the subtidal habitat (lower stress environment) and determined by substratum orientation (habitat structure). Crucially, we found that effects of the invasive species on the native species were not always negative and under certain conditions (e.g. on vertical substrata) were positive. Shifts in isotopic niches of both species when co‐occurring, alongside mixing models, indicate that exploitative competition for food is most likely to underpin niche partitioning between both species.

We have identified different foraging strategies under different contexts, and our findings highlight the importance of exploitative competition as a driving mechanism behind the co‐occurrence of two seemingly functionally similar consumers. The combination of experimental manipulations with SIA is a powerful tool, and we illustrate how this approach should be incorporated, into multiple environmental contexts at appropriate scales, to more accurately predict impacts of the spread of invasive species on native communities.
Are there missed opportunities for occupational therapy for people with dementia? An audit of practice in Australia
Authors: Rahja Miia , Comans Tracy , Clemson Lindy , Crotty Maria , Laver Kate
Published: September 2018

Background/aim

Randomised trials have demonstrated that occupational therapy can delay functional decline, improve quality of life and increase leisure participation in people with dementia. However, surveys conducted with occupational therapists suggest that clinical practice does not reflect the type of intervention shown to be effective in research studies. Case note audits can be used to quantify practice and demonstrate how and where provision of care could improve without the potential bias associated with self‐report.

Method

A total of 87 occupational therapy case notes were audited from different service contexts in two states in Australia. The case notes were reviewed against criteria including duration of service, assessments conducted and interventions used. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data and examine associations between intervention, age of the person with dementia and whether or not the person lived alone.

Results

Services tended to be short‐term with an average of 2.1 consultations per referral. The most common assessments related to home safety, falls risk and function. Intervention most commonly focussed on referrals to other services, environmental modification advice and assistive device prescription.

Conclusion

This audit reveals that current occupational therapy practice for people with dementia focusses on assessment and management of risk and is usually limited to a couple of consultations. Future work should seek to evaluate if such approaches to care are effective for people with dementia.
Seasonal succession of small planktonic eukaryotes inhabiting surface waters of a coastal upwelling system
Authors: Hernández‐Ruiz Marta , Barber‐Lluch Esther , Prieto Antero , Álvarez‐Salgado Xosé Antón , Logares Ramiro , Teira Eva
Published: September 2018

Small eukaryotes (0.2–20 μm cell‐size) represent a significant fraction of the microbial plankton community in shelf waters of NW‐Spain. The community composition of small eukaryotes living at the surface and at the base of the photic zone was analysed by means of 18S rDNA high‐throughput sequencing on a circa‐monthly basis over a 23 months period. Ostreococcus was the most abundant taxon in surface waters, showing marked peaks in read abundance in spring and late summer, while Syndiniales dominated at the base of the photic zone. A well‐defined seasonal pattern of community composition, linked to the succession of the dominant taxa, was found in surface waters. Seasonality was less apparent at the base of the euphotic zone. Temporal changes in abiotic factors significantly correlated with changes in community composition in surface (r = 0.71) and at the base of the photic zone (r = 0.38). Changes in community composition significantly correlated with changes in community function‐related variables (including biomass, primary production and respiration) only in surface water (r = 0.36). Co‐occurrence network analyses revealed 45 significant interspecies associations among the 50 most abundant taxa with highly connected OTUs belonging to cryptophyceans. The network topology, with small‐world characteristics, suggests a stabilizing role of biotic interactions to environmental disturbance.
Assessing Consumer and Producer Preferences for Animal Welfare Using a Common Elicitation Format
Authors: Latacz‐Lohmann Uwe , Schreiner Julia Anette
Published: September 2018

We assess pig farmers’ willingness‐to‐accept (WTA) higher farm animal welfare (FAW) standards and consumers’ willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for thus enhanced standards. The analysis is based on discrete choice experiments with nearly identical choice sets for both farmers (N=140) and consumers (N=554). Based on preference estimates from a random parameter logit (RPL) model, supply and demand curves for high‐welfare pork in Germany are estimated and market equilibria are derived for alternative levels of FAW. We find that estimates of consumer WTP are significantly positive for all FAW attributes: consumers value more surface space per pig, more bedding and manipulable material, less surgical interventions and shorter transportation times. In contrast, our model revealed significant producer WTA estimates only for surface area per pig and the amount of bedding material on offer, but not for the other FAW attributes. Farmers who expect to continue farming and engage in direct marketing are more likely to adopt higher FAW standards. Male consumers and those who find price more important than brand, origin or taste are less likely to buy high‐welfare pork, as are consumers who never purchase organic meat products. Market simulations for high‐welfare pork indicate increasing divergence between demand and supply with rising FAW standards. We estimate a market share of 44.6% for pork produced in compliance with an entry‐level FAW programme with standards only slightly above the legal minimum. Programmes with more demanding standards are estimated to gain much smaller market shares.
Further advancements in the taxonomy of Trechona spiders (Araneae: Dipluridae): two new species, redescription of Trechona uniformis Mello‐Leitão, 1935, additions to descriptions of Trechona rufa Vellard, 1924 and Trechona venosa (Latreille, 1832) and key to the species
Authors: Pedroso Denis Rafael , de Miranda Gustavo Silva , Baptista Renner Luiz Cerqueira
Published: September 2018

The taxonomy of the Trechona C. L. Koch, 1850 species is revisited with the description of two new species from Southeastern Brazil: Trechona excursora sp. nov., from the state of Minas Gerais, and Trechona cotia sp. nov., from the state of São Paulo. Trechona uniformis Mello‐Leitão, 1935 is redescribed, its female newly described and new data are added to descriptions of Trechona rufa Vellard, 1924 and Trechona venosa (Latreille, 1832). A key is given to males and females of all known species of Trechona, and an updated distribution map is presented.
Missed opportunities: unnecessary medicine use in patients with lung cancer at the end of life – an international cohort study
Authors: Todd Adam , Al‐Khafaji Jaafar , Akhter Nasima , Kasim Adetayo , Quibell Rachel , Merriman Kelly , Holmes Holly M.
Published: September 2018

Aims

The aims of the current study were: (i) to examine the prescribing of preventative medication in a cohort of people with advanced lung cancer on hospital admission and discharge across different healthcare systems; and (ii) to explore the factors that influence preventative medication prescribing at hospital discharge.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted across two centres in the UK and the US. The prescribing of preventative medication was examined at hospital admission and discharge for patients who died of lung cancer. A zero‐inflated negative binomial regression model was used to examine the association between preventative medications at discharge and patient‐ and hospital‐based factors. The classes of preventative medication prescribed included were: vitamins and minerals, and antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidaemic and antiplatelet medications.

Results

In the UK site (n = 125), the mean number of preventative medications prescribed was 1.9 [standard deviation (SD) 1.7) on admission, and 1.7 (SD 1.7) on discharge, and in the US site (n = 191) the mean was 2.6 (SD 2.2) on admission and 1.9 (SD 2.2) on discharge. The model found a significant association between the number of preventative drugs prescribed on admission and the number on discharge; it also found a significant association between the total number of drugs prescribed on discharge and the number of preventative medications on discharge. Other indicators related to patient and hospital factors were not significantly associated with the number of preventative medications supplied on discharge.

Conclusions

The use of preventative medication was common in lung cancer patients, despite undergoing discharge. Patient‐ and hospital‐based factors did not influence the prescribing of preventative medication.
Visuospatial processing improvements in students with Down Syndrome through the autonomous use of technologies
Authors: Herrero Laura , Theirs Cecilia I. , Ruiz‐Iniesta Almudena , González Almudena , Sanchez Victor , Pérez‐Nieto Miguel A.
Published: September 2018

The main purpose of our study was to examine whether autonomous training through the use of technologies could be associated with improvements in selective attention, visuospatial short‐term memory and visuospatial processing in students with Down Syndrome (DS). In addition, our study aimed to analyse how the improvements in selective attention and visuospatial short‐term memory tasks could predict improvements in visuospatial processing. Twenty‐six children and adolescents with DS who belong to specialized schools for ID participated in the study. Three different mobile applications, Bubbles (selective attention), Pairs and Learn (visuospatial short‐term memory) and Tangram (visuospatial processing) developed by Smile and Learn were used during a three‐month period by the students. The results showed significant improvements through training in both, Pairs and Learn and Tangram, whereas there was no significant improvement in Bubbles. The results also showed that Pairs and Learn performance could predict a 36% variance in Tangram one. Cognitive and educational implications of these results are discussed.
Understanding the relationship between levels of mobile technology use in high school physics classrooms and the learning outcome
Authors: Zhai Xiaoming , Zhang Meilan , Li Min , Zhang Xuejie
Published: September 2018

Mobile technology has been increasingly adopted in science education. We generally assume that more innovative use of mobile technology leads to a greater learning outcome. Yet, there is a lack of empirical research to support this assumption. To fill in the gap, we drew upon data from 803 high school students who had used mobile devices for five months in physics classrooms. Using the SAMR model (ie, Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition), we distinguished their uses into two levels: Substitution (replacing traditional instructional approach with mobile technology without functional improvement), and augmentation (enhancing instruction with affordances provided by mobile technology). Using Hierarchical Linear Modeling analysis, we found that the augmentation level of use was positively correlated with the physics learning outcome, but the substitution level of use was not. We further identified four sub‐types of uses within the augmentation level. We found that after‐school remediating activities and student–teacher displaying activities were positively correlated with student physics achievement, but teacher‐assigned activities had no significant correlation and learning aid activities had a negative correlation with the learning outcome. This study provided empirical evidence to support the assumption that a higher level of mobile technology use may be related to a greater learning outcome and that the impact of mobile technology may be determined by multiple factors such as who initiates the use and whether the use enhances or distracts students' knowledge construction.
Alternative lengthening of telomeres, ATRX loss and H3‐K27M mutations in histologically defined pilocytic astrocytoma with anaplasia
Authors: Rodriguez Fausto J. , Brosnan‐Cashman Jacqueline A. , Allen Sariah J. , Vizcaino M. Adelita , Giannini Caterina , Camelo‐Piragua Sandra , Webb Milad , Matsushita Marcus , Wadhwani Nitin , Tabbarah Abeer , Hamideh Dima , Jiang Liqun , Chen Liam , Arvanitis Leonidas D. , Alnajar Hussein H. , Barber John R. , Rodríguez‐Velasco Alicia , Orr Brent , Heaphy Christopher M.
Published: September 2018

Anaplasia may be identified in a subset of tumors with a presumed pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) component or piloid features, which may be associated with aggressive behavior, but the biologic basis of this change remains unclear. Fifty‐seven resections from 36 patients (23 M, 13 F, mean age 32 years, range 3–75) were included. A clinical diagnosis of NF1 was present in 8 (22%). Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) was assessed by telomere‐specific FISH and/or CISH. A combination of immunohistochemistry, DNA sequencing and FISH were used to study BRAF, ATRX, CDKN2A/p16, mutant IDH1 p.R132H and H3‐K27M proteins. ALT was present in 25 (69%) cases and ATRX loss in 20 (57%), mostly in the expected association of ALT+/ATRX‐ (20/24, 83%) or ALT‐/ATRX+ (11/11, 100%). BRAF duplication was present in 8 (of 26) (31%). H3‐K27M was present in 5 of 32 (16%) cases, all with concurrent ATRX loss and ALT. ALT was also present in 9 (of 11) cases in the benign PA precursor, 7 of which also had ATRX loss in both the precursor and the anaplastic tumor. In a single pediatric case, ALT and ATRX loss developed in the anaplastic component only, and in another adult case, ALT was present in the PA‐A component only, but ATRX was not tested. Features associated with worse prognosis included subtotal resection, adult vs. pediatric, presence of a PA precursor preceding a diagnosis of anaplasia, necrosis, presence of ALT and ATRX expression loss. ALT and ATRX loss, as well as alterations involving the MAPK pathway, are frequent in PA with anaplasia at the time of development of anaplasia or in their precursors. Additionally, a small subset of PA with anaplasia have H3‐K27M mutations. These findings further support the concept that PA with anaplasia is a neoplasm with heterogeneous genetic features and alterations typical of both PA and diffuse gliomas.
Therapeutic effects of bee venom and its major component, melittin, on atopic dermatitis in vivo and in vitro
Authors: An Hyun‐Jin , Kim Jung‐Yeon , Kim Woon‐Hae , Gwon Mi‐Gyeong , Gu Hye Min , Jeon Min Ji , Han Sang‐Mi , Pak Sok Cheon , Lee Chong‐Kee , Park In Sook , Park Kwan‐Kyu
Published: September 2018

Background and Purpose

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial skin condition with complex interactions of innate and adaptive immune responses. There are several existing therapies for AD, including topical glucocorticosteroids, emollients, phototherapies, calcineurin inhibitors and immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporine A. Although these therapies reduce inflammation, they also cause serious side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic approaches for AD treatment without side effects. There are several studies on natural materials or toxins, such as herbs, ginseng extract and snake venom, for AD treatment. However, treatment of AD with bee venom and its major component, melittin has rarely been studied.

Experimental Approach

Effects of bee venom and melittin were studied in a model of AD in vivo induced by 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (DNCB) in female Balb/c mice and in cultures of human keratinocytes, stimulated by TNF‐α/IFN‐γ. The potential pharmacological effects of bee venom and melittin on these in vivo and in vitro AD‐like skin disease models were studied.

Key Results

Bee venom and melittin exhibited potent anti‐atopic activities, shown by decreased AD‐like skin lesions, induced by DNCB in mice. In vitro studies using TNF‐α/IFN‐γ‐stimulated human keratinocytes showed that bee venom and melittin inhibited the increased expression of chemokines, such as CCL17 and CCL22, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ, through the blockade of the NF‐κB and STAT signalling pathways.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results suggest that bee venom and melittin would be suitable for epicutaneous application, as topical administration is often appropriate for the treatment of AD.
Clinical practice guidance for next‐generation sequencing in cancer diagnosis and treatment (Edition 1.0)
Authors: Sunami Kuniko , Takahashi Hideaki , Tsuchihara Katsuya , Takeda Masayuki , Suzuki Tatsuya , Naito Yoichi , Sakai Kazuko , Dosaka‐Akita Hirotoshi , Ishioka Chikashi , Kodera Yasuhiro , Muto Manabu , Wakai Toshifumi , Yamazaki Kentaro , Yasui Wataru , Bando Hideaki , Fujimoto Yumi , Fukuoka Shota , Harano Kenichi , Kawazoe Akihito , Kimura Gen , Koganemaru Shigehiro , Kogawa Takahiro , Kotani Daisuke , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Matsumoto Shingo , Mishima Saori , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Sawada Kentaro , Shingaki Sumito , Shitara Kohei , Umemoto Kumiko , Umemura Shigeki , Yasuda Kayo , Yoshino Takayuki , Yamamoto Noboru , Nishio Kazuto ,   Japanese Society of Medical Oncology,   Japan Society of Clinical Oncology,   Japanese Cancer Association
Published: September 2018

In Japan, the social (medical) health‐care system is on the way to being developed to advance personalized medicine through the implementation of cancer genomic medicine, known as “cancer clinical sequencing,” which uses a next‐generation sequencer. However, no Japanese guidance for cancer genomic testing exists. Gene panel testing can be carried out to help determine patient treatment, confirm diagnosis, and evaluate prognostic predictions of patients with mainly solid cancers for whom no standard treatment is available. This guidance describes how to utilize gene panel testing according to the type of cancer: childhood cancer, rare cancer, carcinoma of unknown primary, and other cancers. The level of evidence classification for unified use in Japan is also detailed. This guidance establishes the basic principles of the quality control of specimens, requirements of medical institutions, informed consent, handling of data during the postanalysis stage, and treatment options based on the evidence level. In Japan, gene panel testing for cancer treatment and diagnosis is recommended to comply with this guidance. This is a collaborative work of the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology, Japan Society of Clinical Oncology, and the Japanese Cancer Association.
Cerebral palsy trends in Australia (1995–2009): a population‐based observational study
Authors: Galea Claire , Mcintyre Sarah , Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , Reid Susan M , Gibson Catherine , Delacy Michael , Watson Linda , Goldsmith Shona , Badawi Nadia , Blair Eve ,   the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register Group
Published: September 2018

Aim

To investigate trends in birth prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) overall and by gestational age, and examine the distribution of motor type, spastic topography, and severity using Australian CP Register data from 1995 to 2009.

Method

Prenatal and perinatal CP data were collated from state/territory CP registers. Birth prevalence estimates per 1000 live births and per 1000 neonatal survivors (NNS) were calculated in five epochs. Data from three state registers with population‐level ascertainment were used to investigate birth prevalence trends by gestational age using Poisson regression. Distribution of motor type, spastic topography, and moderate to severe disability (IQ≤50 and/or Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III–V) were evaluated within birthweight categories.

Results

Birth prevalence of CP varied across population‐level states but within each state declined significantly over time (p<0.05). Birth prevalence per 1000 neonatal survivors declined amongst children born before 28 weeks (South Australia, Victoria p<0.001) and those born at or after 37 weeks (Victoria p<0.001, Western Australia p<0.002). Across Australia the percentage of children with bilateral spastic CP declined amongst those born less than 1000g. The percentage of children with moderate to severe disability decreased (48%–34%, p<0.001).

Interpretation

Birth prevalence of CP declined. Encouragingly, the percentage of children with CP whose disability was moderate to severe also decreased.

What this paper adds

Birth prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) differed but declined across Australian states (1995–2009).

Australian CP birth prevalence declined significantly amongst children born before 28 weeks and those born at or after 37 weeks.

The percentage of children with moderate to severe disability decreased.
Health‐related quality of life after post‐haemorrhagic hydrocephalus in children born preterm
Authors: Gigi Moran , Roth Jonathan , Eshel Rina , Constantini Shlomi , Bassan Haim
Published: September 2018

Aim

To determine the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of children born preterm (gestational age <32wks) after post‐haemorrhagic hydrocephalus requiring shunt (PHH‐S), and to examine the impact of perinatal and neurological morbidity on their QoL.

Method

Forty infants (18 females, 22 males; aged 2y 2mo–8y 4.5mo) born preterm with PHH‐S were matched for gestational age, birthweight, and sex with infants born preterm with normal cranial ultrasonography. Pediatric QoL Inventory parent‐proxy report was administered at a mean age of 5 years 8 months.

Results

Children with PHH‐S exhibited significantly lower mean HRQoL compared with controls in motor (36 [SD 34.9] vs 96.2 [SD 6.6]), emotional (59.8 [SD 26.7] vs 80.6 [SD 18.8]), social (55.6 [SD 29.7] vs 89.6 [SD 16.6]), and school (40.5 [SD 22.9] vs 89.7 [SD 15.2]) domains (p<0.001). Multivariate regression incorporating neonatal risk factors revealed an independent effect of parenchymal brain involvement (β=−0.6, p<0.01) and neonatal seizures (β=−0.2, p<0.02) on total HRQoL. Low HRQoL of children with PHH‐S was associated with neurodevelopmental morbidities: cerebral palsy (CP), epilepsy, vision and feeding problems, low cognitive, personal–social, and adaptive scores (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated an independent contribution from severe CP (β=−0.4, p<0.001) and low personal–social score (β=0.5, p<0.001).

Interpretation

Children born preterm after PHH‐S exhibit significantly lower HRQoL scores compared with preterm born peers. HRQoL is associated with neonatal cerebral complications and neurodevelopmental morbidities.

What this paper adds

Children born preterm, after post‐haemorrhagic hydrocephalus requiring shunt, have low health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

A low HRQoL is associated with parenchymal brain involvement and with neurological morbidity.

Severe cerebral palsy and low personal–social developmental scores have independent contributions to HRQoL.
The Gross Motor Function Classification System: clinicians need to spread the word
Authors: Brunton Laura
Published: September 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Bailes et al. on pages 1264–1270 of this issue.
Comparison of the regenerative effect of adipose‐derived stem cells, fibrin glue scaffold, and autologous bone graft in experimental mandibular defect in rabbit
Authors: Mehrabani Davood , Khodakaram‐Tafti Azizollah , Shaterzadeh‐Yazdi Hanieh , Zamiri Barbad , Omidi Mahsa
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims

One of the main concerns for maxillofacial and orthopedic surgeons is finding a method to improve regeneration of large craniofacial bone defects. The aim of this study was to investigate the healing and regenerative effects of fibrin glue associated with adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) and fibrin glue scaffold alone with autologous bone grafts in experimental mandibular defects of the rabbit.

Methods

Bilateral uni‐cortical osteotomies were performed in the mandible of 20 male Dutch rabbits. The animals were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. In one group, the defect on the right side was treated by fibrin glue associated withADSCs and the defect on the other side remained as the control. In another group, the defect on the right side was treated with fibrin glue and on the left side with autologous bone graft. After 28 and 56 days, five rabbits from each group were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and histopathological examinations.

Results

CoronalCTshowed a remarkable reconstruction of cortical bone in the fibrin glue associated withADSCs group at 28 and 56 days post‐surgery. Histopathologically, new cortical bony bridge formation was seen increasingly in the fibrin glue, fibrin glue associated withADSCs, and autologous bone graft groups after 28 days. Statistical analysis of the thickness of new cortical bone in the treatment versus control groups showed a significant difference between fibrin glue alone and fibrin glue associated withADSCs groups (P = 0.02). No significant difference was found between the fibrin glue associated withADSCs and the autologous bone graft groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The healing process had a significant increase in the thickness of new cortical bone when fibrin glue scaffold associated withADSCs was used.
Inequality in turbulent times: income distribution in Germany and Britain, 1900–50
Authors: Gómez León María , De Jong Herman J.
Published: September 2018

Using social tables, this article provides new data on inequality in Germany and Britain on an annual basis for the first half of the twentieth century. Inequality trends in these two countries tended to follow opposite patterns. The decline in inequality in Germany was interrupted during the First World War and the Nazi period, while in Britain the reversal took place between the end of the First World War and the Great Depression. Results show that the drop in inequality during the twentieth century in Europe did not follow secular trends, thus supporting the notion of inequality cycles.
NKT cells — New players in CAR cell immunotherapy?
Authors: Kriegsmann Katharina , Kriegsmann Mark , von Bergwelt‐Baildon Michael , Cremer Martin , Witzens‐Harig Mathias
Published: September 2018

Low levels of peripheral blood natural killer T (NKT) cells in cancer patients and a favorable outcome associated with a high number of tumor‐infiltrating NKT cells demonstrated in several studies indicated the important role of these immune cells in the antitumor response. With effective antitumor immunity via direct tumor lysis, cytokine modulation of effector cells and regulation of immunosuppressive cells, type I NKT cells display interesting features/properties for the rapidly developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology. Due to their restriction to the monomorphic HLA‐like molecule CD1d, but not to the polymorphic human leukocyte antigen (HLA), NKT CAR cells show potential for enabling autologous and allogeneic/off‐the‐shelf cancer immunotherapy. Promising results were obtained in preclinical NKT CAR cell studies, but clinical trials have not yet been conducted. In this review, we summarize the biological features of NKT cells, their role in antitumor immunity and recent advances in the development of NKT CAR cells.
Seizure susceptibility and infraslow modulatory activity in the intracranial electroencephalogram
Authors: Joshi Rasesh B. , Duckrow Robert B. , Goncharova Irina I. , Gerrard Jason L. , Spencer Dennis D. , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Godwin Dwayne W. , Zaveri Hitten P.
Published: September 2018

Objective

Studies of infraslow amplitude modulations (<0.15 Hz) of band power time series suggest that these envelope correlations may form a basis for distant spatial coupling in the brain. In this study, we sought to determine how infraslow relationships are affected by antiepileptic drug (AED) taper, time of day, and seizure.

Methods

We studied intracranial electroencephalographic (icEEG) data collected from 13 medically refractory adult epilepsy patients who underwent monitoring at Yale–New Haven Hospital. We estimated the magnitude‐squared coherence (MSC) at <0.15 Hz of traditional EEG frequency band power time series for all electrode contact pairs to quantify infraslow envelope correlations between them. We studied, first, hour‐long background icEEG epochs before and after AED taper to understand the effect of taper. Second, we analyzed the entire record for each patient to study the effect of time of day. Finally, for each patient, we reviewed the clinical record to find all seizures that were at least 6 hours removed from other seizures and analyzed infraslow envelope MSC before and after them.

Results

Infraslow envelope MSC increased slightly, but significantly, after AED taper, and increased on average during the night and decreased during the day. It was also increased significantly in all frequency bands up to 3 hours preseizure and 1 hour postseizure as compared to background icEEG (61 seizures studied). These changes occurred for both daytime and nighttime seizures (28 daytime, 33 nighttime). Interestingly, there was significant spatial variability to these changes, with the seizure onset area peaking at 3 hours preseizure, then showing progressive desynchronization from 3 hours preseizure to 1 hour postseizure.

Significance

Infraslow envelope analysis may be used to understand long‐term changes over the course of icEEG monitoring, provide unique insight into interictal electrophysiological changes related to ictogenesis, and contribute to the development of novel seizure forecasting algorithms.
Epilepsy‐predictive magnetic resonance imaging changes following experimental febrile status epilepticus: Are they translatable to the clinic?
Authors: Curran Megan M. , Haddad Elizabeth , Patterson Katelin P. , Choy Mankin , Dubé Celine M. , Baram Tallie Z. , Obenaus Andre
Published: September 2018

Objective

A subset of children with febrile status epilepticus (FSE) are at risk for development of temporal lobe epilepsy later in life. We sought a noninvasive predictive marker of those at risk that can be identified soon after FSE, within a clinically realistic timeframe.

Methods

Longitudinal T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T2WI MRI) of rat pups at several time points after experimental FSE (eFSE) was performed on a high‐field scanner followed by long‐term continuous electroencephalography. In parallel, T2WI MRI scans were performed on a 3.0‐T clinical scanner. Finally, chronic T2WI MRI signal changes were examined in rats that experienced eFSE and were imaged months later in adulthood.

Results

Epilepsy‐predicting T2 changes, previously observed at 2 hours after eFSE, persisted for at least 6 hours, enabling translation to the clinic. Repeated scans, creating MRI trajectories of T2 relaxation times following eFSE, provided improved prediction of epileptogenesis compared with a single MRI scan. Predictive signal changes centered on limbic structures, such as the basolateral and medial amygdala. T2WI MRI changes, originally described on high‐field scanners, can also be measured on clinical MRI scanners. Chronically elevated T2 relaxation times in hippocampus were observed months after eFSE in rats, as noted for post‐FSE changes in children.

Significance

Early T2WI MRI changes after eFSE provide a strong predictive measure of epileptogenesis following eFSE, on both high‐field and clinical MRI scanners. Importantly, the extension of the acute signal changes to at least 6 hours after the FSE enables its inclusion in clinical studies. Chronic elevations of T2 relaxation times within the hippocampal formation and related structures are common to human and rodent FSE, suggesting that similar processes are involved across species.
Salvage logging in the world’s forests: Interactions between natural disturbance and logging need recognition
Authors: Leverkus Alexandro B. , Lindenmayer David B. , Thorn Simon , Gustafsson Lena
Published: September 2018

Aim

Large disturbances increasingly shape the world's forests. Concomitantly, increasing amounts of forest are subject to salvage logging. Understanding and managing the world's forests thus increasingly hinges upon understanding the combined effects of natural disturbance and logging disturbance, including interactions so far unnoticed. Here, we use recent advances in disturbance‐interaction theory to disentangle and describe the mechanisms through which natural disturbance (e.g., wildfire, insect outbreak or windstorm) can interact with anthropogenic disturbance (logging) to produce unanticipated effects. We also explore to what extent such interactions have been addressed in empirical research globally.

Insights

First, many ecological responses to salvage logging likely result from interaction modifications—i.e., from non‐additive effects– between natural disturbance and logging. However, based on a systematic review encompassing 209 relevant papers, we found that interaction modifications have been largely neglected. Second, salvage logging constitutes an interaction chain because natural disturbances increase the likelihood, intensity and extent of subsequent logging disturbance due to complex socio‐ecological interactions. Both interaction modifications and interaction chains can be driven by nonlinear responses to the severity of each disturbance. We show that, whereas many of the effects of salvage logging likely arise from the multiple kinds of disturbance interactions between natural disturbance and logging, they have mostly been overlooked in research to date.

Conclusions

Interactions between natural disturbance and logging imply that increasing disturbances will produce even more disturbance, and with unknown characteristics and consequences. Disentangling the pathways producing disturbance interactions is thus crucial to guide management and policy regarding naturally disturbed forests.
Antigens and Antibodies in Disease With Specifics About CGRP Immunology
Authors: Taylor Frederick R.
Published: September 2018

Growth in knowledge about calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in the pathophysiology of migraine brought CGRP antagonism to headache medicine. Failures in development of small molecule CGRP receptor antagonists and increasing knowledge and use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in medicine led to the breakthrough development of large molecule anti‐CGRP mAbs: eptinezumab, erenumab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab. This specifics about CGRP immunology aims to outline: (1) knowledge needed for CGRP antagonism and (2) developmental issues of specific CGRP antagonists for provider use. This clinically oriented review documents IgG structure and function; state of the art of monoclonal IgG production and ligand‐antigen‐antibodies in migraine therapeutics contributing to immunogenic risks and off‐target toxicities. Specifics to CGRP ligand, receptor, antagonism, and molecules, small and large, complete this review. Completion will facilitate assessment of the similarities, differences, and application of the forthcoming anti‐CGRP receptor and ligand antagonists for patients.
The self‐concept of Ukrainian doctoral students: Means–ends decoupling at the state level
Authors: Hladchenko Myroslava , Westerheijden Don F.
Published: September 2018

Employing the Twenty Statements Test and a framework of self‐motives (self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, authenticity), this paper examines the self‐concept of Ukrainian doctoral students while means–ends decoupling takes place at the state level. The latter implies that the practices of state policies are disconnected from the state’s core goal of creating public welfare. Data are taken from a survey of 125 doctoral students at one Ukrainian university and supplemented with 30 personal interviews within the sample of respondents. The findings reveal that in the Ukrainian case, means–ends decoupling at the state level causes institutional complexity, which results in means–ends decoupling at the organisational level, which in turn leads to cultural complexity. Institutional and cultural complexities experienced by doctoral students trigger them to sustain means–ends decoupling at the individual level. The main decoupling for most Ukrainian PhD students is that doctoral education neither increases their employability nor contributes to the development of science, economy or society. Means–ends decoupling at all levels results not only in a severe diversion of financial and human capital but also has a negative impact on individuals’ well‐being, hindering their personal and professional development and evoking a sense of meaninglessness, alienation and cognitive dissonance.
Fabrication of superhydrophobic titanium surfaces by anodization and surface mechanical attrition treatment
Authors: Tsai Bin‐Fang , Chen Yi‐Cheng , Ou Shih‐Fu , Wang Kuang‐Kuo , Hsu Yen‐Chi
Published: September 2018

A superhydrophobic surface of titanium was fabricated by anodization in sodium chloride solution followed by immersion in perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane. The surface characteristics of the anodic film (morphology, composition, microstructure, and adhesion) were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scratch testing. The anodic film was comprised of TiO2 and TiCl3 with a thickness of 50 nm. The anodized titanium surface exhibited a hierarchical structure, which consisted of a microscale horn structure with a nanoscale strip‐overlay. This structure provided superhydrophobicity (water contact angle: 151.9° and sliding angle: 3°) following the immersion process. Furthermore, coverage of the hierarchical structure on the anodized titanium surface was improved by performing surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) to grain‐refine titanium surface which was then anodized and it enhanced a slightly increased water contact angle. The thickness (200 nm) of the anodic film on the SMAT‐pretreated titanium surface was much higher than that on the titanium surface (50 nm). This resulted from a large number of grain boundaries on the surface serving as a fast diffusion path during anodization. However, the adhesion of the SMAT‐and‐anodized film was worse than that formed by anodization only. This is due to a large number of pores within the SMAT‐and‐anodized film.
Correlation of clinical and pathologic evaluation of scarring alopecia
Authors: Zampella John G. , Kwatra Shawn G. , Alhariri Jihad
Published: September 2018

Background

Differentiating scarring and nonscarring alopecia poses a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians, with histopathology used to distinguish. The extent to which dermatologists are able to clinically classify alopecia has not been evaluated.

Methods

A retrospective study of pathology reports on 458 patients was used to calculate a kappa coefficient to correlate clinical presence of scarring or nonscarring alopecia to histopathologic presence of scarring or nonscarring. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess for associations with scarring.

Results

The kappa correlation coefficient was 0.59 (P < 0.0001), indicating moderate agreement and varied by race and sex. There were 15 times higher odds of making the clinical diagnosis of scarring alopecia (OR 14.64 95% CI [8.64–24.18]; P < 0.001), and this increased with age.

Conclusions

These results suggest that clinical exam is moderately reliable in distinguishing between scarring and nonscarring alopecia. Our results highlight the need for education and diagnostic schemata for evaluation of alopecia based on gender and in skin of color.
Effects of particle size on physiochemical and in vitro digestion properties of durum wheat bran
Authors: Junejo Shahid Ahmed , Geng Huihui , Wang Naifu , Wang Haisong , Ding Yuanyuan , Zhou Yibin , Rashid Alam
Published: September 2018

In order to promote the potential health benefits of high fibre products, wheat bran is the main focus of the food industry. The physiochemical and in vitro digestion properties of wheat bran containing different particle size were investigated and compared against raw bran samples. Firstly, the bran sample containing superfine particles (11.63 μm) was hydrolyzed by the α‐amylase, pepsin, and pancreatin enzymes separately using a single factor and orthogonal test. Secondly, optimized hydrolysis parameters of superfine particles were employed to measure in vitro digestibility of macronutrients in raw, coarse, medium, and superfine bran particles. The maximum degree of hydrolysis obtained via α‐Amylase (concentration 10 mg mL−1, pH 6.6, and time 12.5 min) was 55.71%; pepsin (concentration 50 mg mL−1, pH 1.2, and time 9 h) was 82.10%; and pancreatin (concentration 100 mg mL−1, pH 7.0 and time 12 h) was 84.71%, respectively. The highest in vitro digestibility rate of reducing sugar, protein, fat, and soluble fibre content was observed in superfine bran samples to 33.4%, 82.55%, 91.53%, and 21.66%, respectively.
Hop bitter acids inhibit carbohydrate metabolism, enhance biogenic amine metabolism and alter L‐malic acid, glutamic acid and arginine metabolism of Lactobacillus brevis 49
Authors: Sun Zhen , Xu Jiuxiang , Ren Wenjing , Tang Wenzhu , Yu Zhimin , Li Xianzhen
Published: September 2018

Beer contains only limited amounts of readily fermentable carbohydrates and amino acids. Beer spoilage lactic acid bacteria have to come up with metabolic strategies in order to deal with selective nutrient content. The research was performed to investigate the influence of iso‐α‐acids on the metabolism of organic acids, biogenic amines (BAs), off‐flavour compounds, carbohydrates and amino acids of Lactobacillus brevis 49. Only glyoxylic acid and ethyl formate in de man, rogosa, sharpe broth was consumed, and multiple organic acids, BAs and off‐flavour compounds were produced. By supplementing a series of concentrations of hop iso‐α‐acids, consumption of L‐malic acid, glutamic acid and arginine and generation of BAs were found benefit for bacteria to develop hop‐resistance. In the metabolism of carbohydrates, glucose was preferred over maltose and maltriose, and hops significantly inhibited the utilisation of carbohydrates. The results provide comprehensive information of metabolites of L. brevis 49 under various concentrations of hop stress.
Thermal and mechanical properties of CeO2
Authors: Suzuki Kiichi , Kato Masato , Sunaoshi Takeo , Uno Hiroki , Carvajal‐Nunez Ursula , Nelson Andrew T. , McClellan Kenneth J.
Published: September 2018

The thermal and mechanical properties of cerium dioxide (CeO2) were assessed using a range of experimental techniques. The oxygen potential of CeO2 was measured by the thermogravimetric technique, and a numerical fit for the oxygen potential of CeO2 is derived based on defect chemistry. Mechanical properties of CeO2 were obtained using sound velocity measurement, resonant ultrasound spectroscopy and nanoindentation. The obtained mechanical properties of CeO2 are then used to evaluate the Debye temperature and Grüneisen constant. The heat capacity and thermal conductivity of CeO2 were also calculated using the Debye temperature and the Grüneisen constant. Finally, the thermal conductivity was calculated based upon laser flash analysis measurements performed on pellets fabricated using a range of feedstock purities to resolve discrepancies in the existing literature.
Cardiac Disease in Elderly Holocaust Survivors Who Live in Israel: A Case for Risk and Resilience
Authors: Blazer Dan G. , Pieper Carl F.
Published: September 2018

This editorial comments on the article by Omri Zamstein et al.
Impact of administration mode on Oro‐facial Appearance assessment using the Oro‐facial Esthetic Scale
Authors: Neophytou Sophia , Sierwald Ira , Michelaki Ioanna , Reissmann Daniel R.
Published: September 2018

Background

Oro‐facial Appearance is increasingly recognised as an important component of patient‐reported outcomes in dentistry. While the Oro‐facial Esthetic Scale (OES) has sufficient psychometric properties to characterise dental patient's global assessment of Oro‐facial Appearance, the equivalence of alternative methods of administration has not been demonstrated so far.

Objective

Aim of this study was to investigate whether and to what extent method of administration affectsOESscores.

Methods

Participants were recruited as convenience sample of 42 adult dental patients registered for a regular recall visit and with no actual need of dental interventions. Oro‐facial Appearance was assessed using the German version of theOESapplying three methods of administration: (a) face‐to‐face interview, (b) self‐administered questionnaire and (c) telephone interview, in a randomised order with a period of about one week between assessments.

Results

Oro‐facial Esthetic Scale summary scores did not differ substantially or statistically significantly between the different methods of administration (two‐wayANOVA;P = 0.209). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for pairwise comparisons of administration modes ranged from 0.67 to 0.84 indicating fair to excellent test‐retest reliability. Internal consistency was satisfactory with lower limits of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.82 to 0.88 for the administration modes. Correlations of theOESsummary score with a single item assessing global Oro‐facial Appearance supported convergent validity with lower limits of theCIof the correlation coefficients ranging between 0.58 and 0.75.

Conclusion

The administration mode has no significant impact on Oro‐facial Appearance assessment when using theOES.
New viral biomarkers for Hepatitis B: Are we able to change practice?
Authors: Höner zu Siederdissen Christoph , Maasoumy Benjamin , Cornberg Markus
Published: September 2018

Summary

The management of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is challenged by its varying natural course and its stealthy nature. Not all HBV‐infected patients will develop complications of infection; however, it is of utmost importance to identify patients who are at risk and require antiviral treatment and/or close surveillance. Hepatic inflammation and quantification of HBV DNA have guided treatment decisions in the last decade, and these guided interventions have been shown to reduce liver‐related complications and death. Data on the quantification of additional HBV markers such as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) and hepatitis B virus RNA (HBV RNA) have accumulated in recent years. Here, we review the current evidence of how to use these markers and discuss open issues that require additional research.