bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual‐hemostat port closure technique with customized surgical suture after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Single‐center experience
Authors: Kawai Hironari , Misawa Takeyuki , Sasaya Kazuto , Aoyama Yoshishige
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Dual‐hemostat techniques for port closure have previously been reported, but their safety and efficacy have not been evaluated. Here, we describe the dual‐hemostat port closure technique employed at our institution, which uses a customized surgical suture for safe and certain port closure, and we assess the incidence rate of trocar‐site hernia (TSH) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

From March 1999 to March 2017 at our institution, 316 patients underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by a single experienced surgeon. We routinely used a dual‐hemostat technique with a customized surgical suture to achieve safe and certain port closure. We assessed the incidence rate of TSH after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (defined as a reoperation for a TSH or clinical hernia at the port site) based on follow‐up data from patient questionnaires and clinical examinations.

Results

After 67 patients were excluded because of death, unknown address, or conversion to open cholecystectomy, 249 eligible patients received questionnaires, of which 173 were returned (response rate, 69.5%). From these responses, TSH was suspected in three patients, but only one underwent reoperation for TSH after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Thus, the incidence rate of TSH after laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 0.6% (1/173).

Conclusions

Our single‐center experience demonstrated that our port closure technique using a dual‐hemostat technique with customized surgical suture provides an appropriate option for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially given its ease and low incidence of TSH.
Debate: Pediatric bipolar disorder – the elephant in the room
Authors: Duffy Anne
Published: January 2019

Read the Editors’ introduction at: doi: 10.1111/camh.12315

Read the core debate at: doi: 10.1111/camh.12231; doi: 10.1111/camh.12243; doi: 10.1111/camh.12296; doi: 10.1111/camh.12306

Read more perspectives in this debate at: doi: 10.1111/camh.12318 doi: 10.1111/camh.12317; doi: 10.1111/camh.12313; doi: 10.1111/camh.12310; doi: 10.1111/camh.12314
A combined drug discovery strategy based on machine learning and molecular docking
Authors: Zhang Yanmin , Wang Yuchen , Zhou Weineng , Fan Yuanrong , Zhao Junnan , Zhu Lu , Lu Shuai , Lu Tao , Chen Yadong , Liu Haichun
Published: January 2019

Data mining methods based on machine learning play an increasingly important role in drug design and discovery. In the current work, eight machine learning methods including decision trees, k‐Nearest neighbor, support vector machines, random forests, extremely randomized trees, AdaBoost, gradient boosting trees, and XGBoost were evaluated comprehensively through a case study of ACC inhibitor data sets. Internal and external data sets were employed for cross‐validation of the eight machine learning methods. Results showed that the extremely randomized trees model performed best and was adopted as the first step of virtual screening. Together with structure‐based virtual screening in the second step, this combined strategy obtained desirable results. This work indicates that the combination of machine learning methods with traditional structure‐based virtual screening can effectively strengthen the ability in finding potential hits from large compound database for a given target.
Lost at high latitudes: Arctic and endemic plants under threat as climate warms
Authors: Niskanen Annina Kaisa Johanna , Niittynen Pekka , Aalto Juha , Väre Henry , Luoto Miska
Published: January 2019

Aim

Species’ biogeographical patterns are already being altered by climate change. Here, we provide predictions of the impacts of a changing climate on species’ geographical ranges within high‐latitude mountain flora on a sub‐continental scale. We then examined the forecasted changes in relation to species’ biogeographic histories.

Location

Fennoscandia, Northern Europe (55–72°N).

Methods

We examined the sensitivity of 164 high‐latitude mountain species to changing climate by modelling their distributions in regard to climate, local topography and geology at a 1 km2 resolution. Using an ensemble of six statistical modelling techniques and data on current (1981–2010) and future (2070–2099) climate based on three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs 2.6, 4.5, 8.5), we developed projections of current and future ranges.

Results

The average species richness of the mountain flora is predicted to decrease by 15%–47% per 1 km2 cell, depending on the climate scenario considered. Arctic flora is projected to undergo severe range loss along with non‐poleward range contractions, while alpine flora is forecasted to find suitable habitat in a warmer North. A substantial majority (71%–92%) of the studied species are projected to lose more than half of their present range by the year 2100. Species predicted to lose all suitable habitat had ranges centred in the northernmost (>68°N) part of continental Europe.

Main conclusions

Climate change is predicted to substantially diminish the extent and richness of Europe's high‐latitude mountain flora. Interestingly, species' biogeographic histories affect their vulnerability to climate change. The vulnerability of true Arctic and endemic species marks them as highly important for conservation decisions.
Efficacy of diacerein in reducing liver steatosis and fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Leite Nathalie C. , Viegas Bianca B. , Villela‐Nogueira Cristiane A. , Carlos Fernanda O. , Cardoso Claudia R.L. , Salles Gil F.
Published: January 2019

The aim was to assess, in a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial, the efficacy of diacerein, an anti‐inflammatory drug, in improving liver fibrosis and steatosis in patients with type 2 diabetes and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Sixty‐nine diabetic patients with NAFLD were randomized to 24‐month treatment with placebo (35 patients) or diacerein 100 mg/day (34 patients). Liver stiffness and steatosis were assessed by transient elastography (Fibroscan®) at baseline, and 12 and 24 months of follow‐up. The primary outcome was the difference in mean liver stiffness and steatosis changes during treatment. Adjusted differences in mean changes on intention‐to‐treat analyses were estimated by generalized repeated‐measures mixed‐effects regressions. Diacerein significantly reduced liver stiffness in contrast to placebo by 1.6 kPa (95% CI: –2.6 to −0.5 kPa; p = 0.003), whereas no significant difference in mean changes in liver steatosis was observed. The reduction in liver stiffness was already evident at the 12‐month examination, and accentuated at the 24‐month examination. Eight patients reduced liver fibrosis stage during treatment, seven of whom were in the diacerein group (p = 0.020). In conclusion, a 2‐year treatment with diacerein significantly reduced liver fibrosis in diabetic patients with NAFLD.
Equine retrobulbar disease: Diagnoses and outcomes of 15 horses with exophthalmos (1988–2017)
Authors: Knickelbein K. E. , Holmberg B. J. , Lassaline M. E.
Published: January 2019

Retrobulbar disease, while rare in horses, can pose a clinical challenge due to the advanced diagnostic procedures necessary to determine the underlying aetiology and extent of disease. The goal of this study was to explore definitive causes of exophthalmos within a hospital population and investigate prognoses for the various aetiologies. Retrospective medical record review was used to identify 15 horses diagnosed with a definitive cause of exophthalmos. Patient signalment, disease duration, eye affected, diagnostic procedures, therapies, and histopathological diagnosis were evaluated. Geldings (12/15, or 80%) were over‐represented (P = 0.014). Mean age at presentation (14 ± 6.7 years) was not significantly different for horses with (14 ± 8.5 years) and without (15 ± 4.4 years) a diagnosis of neoplasia. Diagnosis of a neoplastic process was made in 8/15 horses (53.3%) with neuroendocrine tumour being most common. Eight of the 15 cases were classified as primary orbital disease, and seven represented extension from paranasal sinus disease. Two novel diagnoses were identified: cystic hamartoma arising from the lacrimal gland and orbital aspergillosis secondary to sinonasal disease. In total, eight of 12 horses for which follow‐up was available were euthanised due to orbital disease, two immediately following computed tomography of the skull and six due to disease progression. One horse was euthanised following a peri‐anaesthetic complication. Three horses were lost to follow‐up. Of the 12 horses for which follow‐up was available, only four (33.3%) were alive 21 months post‐diagnosis. Considering only patients for whom a definitive diagnosis was obtained, retrobulbar disease was associated with a poor prognosis for life.
Behavioral flexibility in a mouse model for obsessive‐compulsive disorder: Impaired Pavlovian reversal learning in SAPAP3 mutants
Authors: van den Boom Bastijn J.G. , Mooij Adriana H. , Misevičiūtė Ieva , Denys Damiaan , Willuhn Ingo
Published: January 2019

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessive thinking, compulsive behavior and anxiety, and is often accompanied by cognitive deficits. The neuropathology of OCD involves dysregulation of cortical‐striatal circuits. Similar to OCD patients, SAPAP3 knockout mice 3 (SAPAP3−/−) exhibit compulsive behavior (grooming), anxiety and dysregulated cortical‐striatal function. However, it is unknown whether SAPAP3−/− display cognitive deficits and how these different behavioral traits relate to one another. SAPAP3−/− and wild‐type (WT) littermates were trained in a Pavlovian conditioning task pairing visual cues with the delivery of sucrose solution. After mice learned to discriminate between a reward‐predicting conditioned stimulus (CS+) and a non‐reward stimulus (CS−), contingencies were reversed (CS+ became CS− and vice versa). Additionally, we assessed grooming, anxiety and general activity. SAPAP3−/− acquired Pavlovian approach behavior similarly to WT, albeit less vigorously and with a different strategy. However, unlike WT, SAPAP3−/− were unable to adapt their behavior after contingency reversal, exemplified by a lack of re‐establishing CS+ approach behavior (sign tracking). Surprisingly, such behavioral inflexibility, decreased vigor, compulsive grooming and anxiety were unrelated. This study shows that SAPAP3−/− are capable of Pavlovian learning, but lack flexibility to adapt associated conditioned approach behavior. Thus, SAPAP3−/− not only display compulsive‐like behavior and anxiety, but also cognitive deficits, confirming and extending the validity of SAPAP3−/− as a suitable model for the study of OCD. The observation that compulsive‐like behavior, anxiety and behavioral inflexibility were unrelated suggests a non‐causal relationship between these traits and may be of clinical relevance for the treatment of OCD.
Liver stiffness regression after successful Hepatitis C treatment is independent of HIV coinfection
Authors: Malin JJ , Boesecke C , Schwarze‐Zander C , Wasmuth JC , Schlabe S , Trebicka J , Spengler U , Llibre JM , Jou T , Vasylyev M , Clotet B , Rockstroh JK
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the regression of liver stiffness after successful direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfection and HCV/‐HIV coinfection. In addition, we aimed to identify factors associated with liver stiffness regression.

Methods

We studied patients treated with interferon‐free DAA regimens with a sustained virological response at week 12 (SVR12) or 24 (SVR24) post‐treatment. Liver stiffness was assessed by transient elastography (TE) before the initiation and after the end of treatment (median 12 weeks).

Results

Of 214 enrolled patients, 85 (40%) were HCV monoinfected and 129 (60%) HCV/HIV coinfected. Baseline median TE values were 7.8 kPa [interquartile range (IQR) 5.9–12.0 kPa] in mono‐infected patients and 10.7 kPa (IQR 7.8–17.0 kPa) in coinfected patients. Overall, the median TE value decreased from 10.1 to 6.8 kPa (n = 214; P < 0.0001). There was no difference between mono‐ and coinfected patients (−2.2 versus −3.3 kPa, respectively; P = 0.88), which was verified by an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusting for baseline TE values. Significant (≥ 30%) regression of liver stiffness was achieved by 45% of patients (54% with baseline TE ≥ 7.1 kPa). In multivariate analysis, a prior HCV treatment was a negative predictor of liver stiffness regression [odds ratio (OR) 0.31; P = 0.001]. A higher baseline TE value was positively associated with achieving a significant regression (OR 1.06; P = 0.02). HIV coinfection status, HCV genotype, age, sex, treatment duration, controlled attenuation parameter value, bilirubin concentration, platelet count and aspartate aminotransferase concentration were not associated with liver stiffness regression.

Conclusions

Regression of liver stiffness after successful DAA treatment did not differ in patients with HCV monoinfection and those with HCV/HIV coinfection. Half of all patients achieved a significant (≥ 30%) regression. Prior treatment for HCV was a negative predictor for this endpoint, while a higher baseline TE value was positively associated with regression.
Livestock areas with canopy cover sustain dung beetle diversity in the humid subtropical Chaco forest
Authors: Guerra Alonso Celeste Beatriz , Zurita Gustavo A. , Bellocq M. Isabel
Published: January 2019

We assessed differences in the alpha and beta diversity of dung beetles in native forest and two livestock systems (with and without canopy cover) typical of the Argentine Chaco region and related the dung beetle assemblages to environmental conditions.

Dung beetles were sampled in native forest and two livestock systems in the spring (2015–2016), in two areas of the humid Chaco region in northern Argentina. In each area, five sampling sites were selected for each habitat type, and ten pitfall traps were baited with human faeces and carrion and placed at each site.

The livestock systems with canopy cover preserved the environmental conditions from the native forest (temperature and vegetation structure) and the richness and composition of the native forest dung beetle community in the two areas studied, whereas the open pastures exhibited higher ground temperature, simplified vegetation structure and lower dung beetle richness and similarity in species composition in relation to the native forest.

In livestock systems of the humid Chaco, the canopy cover is the main determinant of dung beetle communities through the maintenance of temperature and humidity. In the light of these results, livestock production in silvopastoral systems preserving canopy cover can be an alternative compatible with conservation of the dung beetle diversity of native forests. Considering the central role of dung beetles in maintaining soil structure and fertility (through the relocation of cow dung), silvopastoral systems will probably maintain the productivity compared to open pastures.
Congenital absence of all primary and permanent lateral incisors in a carrier of X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia
Authors: McLAUGHLIN W. S.
Published: January 2019

A case report is presented of congenital absence of all primary and permanent lateral incisors in a female patient who was a carrier of X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Congenital absence of all lateral incisors is extremely rare.
Why do teachers leave? A comprehensive occupational health study evaluating intent‐to‐quit in public school teachers
Authors: Chambers Mack Jaime , Johnson Angela , Jones‐Rincon Amanda , Tsatenawa Victoria , Howard Krista
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Utilizing data from an online comprehensive occupational health survey, this study aimed to systematically evaluate the factors most strongly associated with intent‐to‐quit the profession for public school teachers.

Methods

A total of 2,588 teachers from 46 Texas school districts responded to a comprehensive occupational health survey. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify specific demographic, occupational, and health factors associated with intentions to quit the teaching profession within 1 year.

Results

Teachers with fewer years’ experience and alternative certificates were more likely to quit the profession. Teachers with lower organizational commitment, lower job involvement, lower perceived support, lower job control, poorer school climate, and more school problems indicated higher likelihood of leaving the profession. Poorer mental quality of life, higher levels of stress, and the presence of major depression, panic disorder, anxiety disorder, and somatization disorder were significantly related to higher intentions to quit (all ps < 0.05). The key factors related to intent‐to‐quit to be low organizational commitment, low job control, female gender, and the presence of major depressive disorder.

Conclusions

While some of the factors associated with intent‐to‐quit are not modifiable, interventions focusing on improving workplace factors, decreasing stress, and improving mental health may help reduce attrition for public school teachers.
Effects of ipragliflozin on glycemic control, appetite and its related hormones: A prospective, multicenter, open‐label study (SOAR‐KOBE Study)
Authors: Miura Hiroshi , Sakaguchi Kazuhiko , Okada Yuko , Yamada Tomoko , Otowa‐Suematsu Natsu , So Anna , Komada Hisako , Hirota Yushi , Ohara Takeshi , Kuroki Yasuo , Hara Kenta , Matsuda Tomokazu , Kishi Minoru , Takeda Akihiko , Yokota Kazuki , Tamori Yoshikazu , Ogawa Wataru
Published: January 2019

Aims/Introduction

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors improve blood glucose control, as well as reducing bodyweight by promoting urinary glucose excretion. The weight loss is less than expected from urinary glucose loss, however, likely because of an increase in food intake. To investigate whether SGLT‐2 inhibitors might increase appetite by affecting related hormones, we examined the effects of the SGLT‐2 inhibitor, ipragliflozin, including those on appetite‐regulating hormones, in individuals with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

The present prospective, multicenter, open‐label study was carried out with 96 patients with a body mass index of ≥22 kg/m2 who were treated with ipragliflozin (50 mg/day) for 16 weeks. Parameters including glycated hemoglobin level, bodyweight, circulating leptin and active ghrelin concentrations, and appetite as assessed with a visual analog scale were measured before and during treatment.

Results

Both glycated hemoglobin level (from 7.9 ± 0.8 to 7.1 ± 0.7%) and bodyweight (from 75.2 ± 12.6 to 72.6 ± 12.4 kg) were significantly decreased after treatment for 16 weeks. The fasting serum leptin level was significantly decreased after 2 weeks (from 19.5 ± 13.1 to 18.1 ± 12.4 ng/mL) and remained decreased up to 16 weeks, even after adjustment for bodyweight, whereas the plasma active ghrelin level showed no significant change. The visual analog scale score for hunger was significantly increased at 2 and 8 weeks.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that ipragliflozin improved glycemic control and reduced bodyweight, but also reduced serum leptin levels and might thereby have increased appetite.
High‐resolution urban flood model for risk mitigation validated with records collected by the affected community
Authors: Re Mariano , Kazimierski Leandro David , Badano Nicolás Diego
Published: January 2019

The Dupuy catchment (Laferrere, Metropolitan Region of Buenos Aires) has suffered numerous floods in recent years. The frequency and magnitude of these events, coupled with the large number of people affected, has led to some community representatives organising themselves to collect flood records, increase awareness of the problem and push for solutions and mitigating actions. That campaign inspired the study of the flooding dynamics of the catchment, with the aim of developing simple tools for risk mitigation. To analyse the water dynamics in the catchment, a high‐resolution urban numerical model was implemented with the EPA‐SWMM software. Due to the lack of systematic observations of flow variables, the model was validated using data collected by the affected community itself. More than 500 simulations of different synthetic storms were run on a high‐performance computational cluster and analysed. These processed results, coupled with the observation of rainfall intensities during an event, may be used by the community and risk managers to reduce exposure and mitigate flood risk.
The Anatomy of a Philosophical Hoax
Authors: Spera Rebekah , Peña‐Guzmán David M.
Published: January 2019

This article reflects upon the state of the philosophical profession vis‐à‐vis a close reading of the hoax perpetrated against the International Journal of Badiou Studies in 2016. This hoax is not a subversive act of disciplinary criticism (as the hoaxers contend). Rather, it is a poorly disguised attempt to enforce a partisan and myopic conception of philosophy and to delegitimize an entire subfield of philosophical production—namely, continental philosophy. The hoax is symptomatic of a deeper problem that plagues the profession today: the willingness exhibited by many philosophers to police the boundaries of the discipline by engaging in what we call “acts of force.” The prevalence of acts of force demonstrates that professional philosophy is shaped not only by the giving and taking of reasons but also by shopworn disciplinary tribalisms (for example, continental versus analytic) and asymmetrical power relations involving agents with unequal amounts of social, professional, and philosophical capital.
RELATE: Relationship of limited sampling strategy and adverse effects of mycophenolate mofetil in pediatric renal transplant patients
Authors: Berger Iona , Haubrich Kathryn , Ensom Mary H. H. , Carr Roxane
Published: January 2019

MMF, a prodrug converted to the active form MPA, is an immunosuppressant used to prevent rejection in solid organ transplant recipients. MPA exposure, defined by AUC, can be estimated using limited sampling strategies (LSS). The relationship between MPA AUC and clinical outcomes has not been studied in pediatrics. The objectives were to describe the relationship of MPA AUC (estimated via LSS) with adverse effects and rates of rejection, and to compare clinical outcomes between different MPA monitoring practices. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographics, adverse effects, and rejection. Thirty‐three patients (91 trough concentrations and 12 LSS sets) aged 2‐20 years old were included. The estimated median MPA AUCs (David‐Neto and Filler) were higher for those who did not have any adverse effects reported (65.85 and 85.05 mg*h/L, respectively) compared to those who had an adverse effect (60.75 and 54.2 mg*h/L, respectively). The median trough concentration when no adverse effects occurred was comparable to when adverse effects occurred. The median MPA AUC at which rejection occurred was lower than in those without rejection. The median trough concentration at which rejection occurred was higher than those without rejection (3.1 mg/L compared to 1.9 mg/L). The occurrence of adverse effects or rejection was not shown to be related to measured MPA trough or AUC outside of the target therapeutic range. The value of MPA concentration monitoring remains unclear; therefore, the practice of monitoring MPA AUC by LSS or trough concentrations should be reconsidered.
Influence of Air Temperature on the UV Exposure of Different Body Sites Due to Clothing of Young Women During Daily Errands
Authors: Schmalwieser Alois W. , Schmalwieser Veronika T. , Schmalwieser Susanne S.
Published: January 2019

Clothing is one of the main influencing factors for personal ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Despite that, little attention was put on this topic till now. In this study, the clothing habits of young females have been investigated in dependence of meteorological conditions. Observations were made from spring to autumn during daylight in the urban region of Vienna, Austria. For this, a scheme dividing the body into six different sections was developed as well as a coding scale that corresponds to the different garments and indicates the body sites that are exposed. It was found that air temperature is the dominating factor for exposure. With increasing temperature, the first area of the body to be exposed to solar UVR is, aside from face and hands, the décolleté, followed by nape, ankles, instep and forearms. Observations further indicate that the frequency of people's being outdoors decreases significantly at temperatures higher than 30°C. This paper provides detailed frequency distributions of uncovered body sites in dependence of temperature. These can be used together with measurements of temperature and UVR to calculate the relative exposure at any time and at many locations, and could help to explain the body distribution of UVR caused skin alterations.
Clinicopathological analysis of clinically occult extrapulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis in intra‐pelvic and para‐aortic lymph nodes associated with pelvic malignant tumors: A study of nine patients
Authors: Uehara Keiichiro , Kawakami Fumi , Hirose Takanori , Morita Hiroki , Kudo Eiji , Yasuda Masanori , Märkl Bruno , Zen Yoh , Itoh Tomoo , Imai Yukihiro
Published: January 2019

The clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of clinically occult extrapulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis in lymph nodes (LN‐LAM) being dissected during surgical staging of pelvic malignancy have not been well investigated. We assessed samples from nine female patients (median age, 61). None had past or familial history of tuberous sclerosis and had LAM lesions other than LN such as lung. The primary malignancies included four endometrial endometrioid carcinomas, one endometrial carcinosarcoma, three ovarian serous carcinomas and one urothelial carcinoma. Median follow‐up was 43 months. The number of affected LNs ranged from 1 to 15 (median, 2) with sizes ranging from 1 to 13 mm (median, 3.0). Six cases had clinically occult LN‐LAM only within the pelvic LNs, two only within para‐aortic LNs, and one within both pelvic and para‐aortic lymph nodes. Immunohistochemically, LAM cells exhibited a strong diffuse positivity for β‐catenin and E‐cadherin in all nine cases. Clinically occult LN‐LAM mainly affects peri‐ or post‐menopausal women. On rare occasions, occult LN‐LAM may manifest as systemic LAM, including in the lung. β‐catenin and E‐cadherin carry potential utility as additional diagnostic markers.
How Web Comments Affect Perceptions of Political Interviews and Journalistic Control
Authors: Clementson David E.
Published: January 2019

People are often exposed to polarized viewpoints in web comment sections. Inspired by attribution theory and framing theory, this article tests the effects of comments that frame a politician or a journalist as triggering evasiveness in a media interview. We compare attributions ascribing deceptiveness to the politician versus external attributions implicating the media situation. In the first experiment, comment sections affect perceptions of evasiveness, credibility of the politician relative to the journalist, and people’s attitudes toward the politician and journalist. A second study replicates, and voters type comments which largely reflect the comments to which they were exposed. Also, perceptions of external control by the journalist affect perceptions of the politician. The article extends attribution theory and framing theory via commonly encountered online exposure which affects people’s perceptions of politicians as deceptive relative to their journalistic arbiters.
Overview of strategies that contribute to the environmental sustainability of pond aquaculture: rearing systems, residue treatment, and environmental assessment tools
Authors: Henares Matheus N.P. , Medeiros Mateus V. , Camargo Antonio F.M.
Published: January 2019

Aquaculture is responsible for almost 50% of the global production of aquatic organisms. However, the activity generates residues that cause environmental impacts. Several strategies can be adopted from the planning stage to the residue treatment to reduce these negative impacts. Alternative rearing systems, such as integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA), integrated aquaculture‐agriculture systems, recirculation systems (RAS) and biofloc (BFT), can be implemented in place of the traditional monocultures. At the residue treatment stage, the solids particles can be removed by the settlement of suspended solids in tanks or mechanical filters. The reduction in dissolved nutrients is used in biological filters, constructed wetlands or the irrigation of agricultural crops. Finally, we describe the methodologies that are used to estimate the aquaculture environmental impacts. These methodologies allow the stages and processes that have a higher environmental impact in the production chain to be identified. Among them, we can highlight the life‐cycle assessment (LCA), emergy analysis and ecological footprint. The strategies described in this study can contribute to increasing aquaculture sustainability; however, studies should be developed that focus on more than just productivity and profitability, as it is necessary to include social and environmental issues.
Oral characteristics and medical considerations in the dental treatment of individuals with Williams syndrome
Authors: Castro Talita , de Paula Martins Santos Cintia , de Oliveira Lira Ortega Adriana , Gallottini Marina
Published: February 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate oral characteristics and comorbidities that may affect dental treatment of individuals with Williams syndrome (WS).

Methods and results

Fifty‐two subjects diagnosed with WS were included in this observational study. Demographic data and medical history were compiled. Facial aspects, tooth abnormalities and oral characteristics were obtained through clinical and radiographic evaluation by a researcher/dentist. Among 52 subjects, 25 were also evaluated for temporomandibular and occlusal disorders, caries and periodontal disease. From the 52 subjects, 23 (44.2%) were female and the average age was of 20 years old (range from 4 to 35 years old). Cognitive impairment and congenital heart disease were the most common medical disorders found in all 52 (100%) and in 41 (78.8%) subjects, respectively. Among the 52 subjects, 51 (98%) presented at least one dental developmental abnormality, with generalized diastemas (72.5%) and hypodontia (50.9%) being the most frequent ones. Angle class III malocclusion was observed in 52% (13/25) of the subjects.

Conclusions

The dentist should be aware of the medical conditions of individuals with WS and thus offer an adequate dental treatment. The high prevalence of tooth abnormalities and occlusal disorders requires an early dental treatment planning.
Use of maintenance therapy and incidence of recurrent Cytomegalovirus DNAemia among allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Camargo Jose F. , Anderson Anthony D. , Rosa Rossana , Kimble Erik , Komanduri Krishna V. , Morris Michele I.
Published: January 2019

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common infection following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Preemptive antiviral therapy is highly effective at halting viral replication and preventing CMV disease; however, recurrence rates after clearance of CMV DNAemia are high (50‐70%). Current treatment guidelines recommend maintenance therapy after initial clearance. Yet, the effectiveness of this intervention to prevent recurrence is not well defined.

Objectives

We aimed to assess the impact of maintenance therapy on the probability of recurrent CMV in allogeneic HCT recipients with early CMV reactivation.

Study design

Sixty‐six patients with an initial episode of early CMV reactivation who achieved viral clearance in response to preemptive therapy were included. We compared the incidence of recurrent CMV DNAemia in patients who received maintenance therapy vs those who underwent early discontinuation of antiviral therapy.

Results

Recurrence occurred in 47/64 (73%) patients, including 11/14 (79%) patients without maintenance therapy and 36/50 (72%) of patients who received maintenance therapy (P = 0.74). The propensity score adjusted risk ratio for the effect of maintenance therapy on recurrence was 0.89 (95% CI 0.64‐1.25; P = 0.41). In a time to event analysis using the unweighted cohort, the 90‐day probability of CMV recurrence was similar between patient groups independent of maintenance therapy administration (54% vs 64% for maintenance vs non‐maintenance groups, respectively; log‐rank P = 0.37).

Conclusion

These data suggest that maintenance antiviral therapy does not reduce the incidence of CMV recurrence while off therapy and is of limited value in HCT recipients who have successfully eradicated CMV DNAemia in response to preemptive therapy. Larger studies in this area are needed.
Soft tissue sarcoma in dogs: A treatment review and a novel approach using electrochemotherapy in a case series
Authors: Torrigiani Filippo , Pierini Alessio , Lowe Ron , Simčič Petra , Lubas George
Published: January 2019

Canine soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are locally invasive mesenchymal neoplasms. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an antitumour local ablative treatment that uses electric pulses to enhance the intracellular delivery of cytotoxic drugs. The aim of this retrospective study was to review the current treatment for STSs and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ECT with bleomycin in canine STSs. Fifty‐two dogs with 54 STSs were included. Three groups were arranged: (a) ECT alone, (b) intra‐operative ECT and (c) adjuvant ECT. Signalment, tumour size, location, histological grade and margins and ECT parameters were collected. Recurrence rate (RR) and disease‐free interval (DFI) were calculated. Treatment toxicity was assessed using a 6‐point scale. STSs were mostly located on limbs (77.8%). Median tumour size was 4.3 cm (range 0.4‐17.0 cm). Most STSs were grade I (47.7%) and II (50.0%), and histological margins were incomplete in 94.5% of cases. Two complete remissions, one partial remission and one stable disease were recorded in group 1. Group 2 and 3 were similar for tumour location, size and grade, histological margins, treatment toxicity, pulse frequency and voltage. Moreover, RR and DFI were similar between group 2 and 3 (23% and 25%, 81.5 and 243 days, respectively). Local toxicity post ECT was mild (score ≤ 2) in 66.7% of cases. Higher toxicity score was associated with higher pulse voltage (1200 vs 1000 V/cm) (P = 0.0473). ECT coupled with bleomycin resulted safe and efficient in tumour local control and should be considered as an option for treatment of canine STSs.
Misericordia ilimitada: revisión del modelo antropológico “bienes limitados” en Mt 5,7
Authors: Zúñiga Valerio Hanzel José
Published: January 2019

A partir de una revisión de los modelosantropológicos del Context Group, y al avanzar hacia una crítica del modelo de “bienes limitados”, el autor argumenta que las Bienaventuranzas deben ser entendidas como proclamaciones de gracia, no de honor; como expresión de júbilo ante bienes ilimitados, no como aforismos de reputación y dignidad. La misericordia enunciada en Mt 5,7 es entonces un don ilimitado, una gracia no enmarcada en las condiciones retributivas aún presentes en el primer Evangelio, pues esto no correspondería a la visión libre del Dios Abba que Jesús proclamaba. La reflexión teológica al final del artículo puntualiza esta distinción.
The anal secretory apparatus of Eriophyoidea and description of Phyllocoptes bilobospinosus n. sp. (Acariformes: Eriophyidae) from Tamarix (Tamaricaceae) from Ukraine, Crimea and USA
Authors: Chetverikov Philipp , Bolton Samuel J. , Gubin Alexander I. , Letukhova Viktoria Yu. , Vishnyakov Andrey E. , Zukoff Sarah
Published: January 2019

A new vagrant phyllocoptine species, Phyllocoptes bilobospinosus n. sp. (Eriophyidae, Phyllocoptinae), found on tamarisks (Tamarix tetrandra Pallas, T. smyrnensis Bunge, T. ramossisima Ledeb) in Donbass (Ukraine), Crimea, and USA is described based on conventional light microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Apart from two distinct areas of ventral cuticle bearing large, spike-like microtubercles, the new species possesses a thin translucent supracapitular plate (situated below the frontal lobe of the prodorsal shield), a short longitudinal ventral ridge anterior to the anal lobes, and unusual internal tube-like structures associated with the rectum. Careful examination of purposefully made slide mounts of partially cleared specimens revealed that adults of P. bilobospinosus possess a complex of structures associated with the rectum, including a hypertrophied, four-lobed putative anal gland and four thin tubes connected with a rectal sac. Similar tubular structures previously described in aberoptine mites of the genus Aberoptus from Brazilian Cesalpiniaceae are discussed. The synonymy of genera Aberoptus Keifer and Aceria Keifer is rejected and a new combination, Aberoptus inusitatus (Britto & Navia (in Britto et al. 2008)) n. comb., is proposed. A brief review of the anal glands of Eriophyoidea is given, including a discussion on homology and the variety of forms of the anal secretory apparatus among eriophyoid genera. Further research is needed on the anatomy of anal glands in Eriophyoidea, including transmission electron microscopy based histological analyses and additional studies of eriophyoids with well-developed secretory structures associated with the rectum. These methods will lead to a much better understanding of the evolution and homology of the anal secretory apparatus, which may render it useful for future phylogenetic studies.
Acoustic attenuation of a curved duct containing a curved axial microperforated panel
Authors: Yang Cheng
Published: January 2019

This paper is an extension of the previous work by Yang [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 143, 1102–1105 (2018)], which dealt with achieving acoustic absorption using a microperforated panel (MPP) in the absence of the backing cavity. It was shown experimentally that a MPP can attenuate the acoustic wave without necessarily being accompanied by a backing cavity, provided it is placed in an acoustic environment where the acoustic pressure on the two sides of the MPP is different in terms of the amplitude and/or phase. Such an environment was found in a curved duct with a curved MPP aligned along its axial direction. To further obtain the physics underlying the design, a model is developed in this work to study the property of the acoustic transmission through the duct bend and an eigenvalue analysis is made to study its influence on the decay rate of each mode. It is shown that the treatment results in attenuation for all duct modes including the fundamental mode. A geometrical acoustic approximation is made to assist in interpreting the acoustic absorption effect on each mode and a comparison with the finite element method result is used to validate the proposed model.
Improving sound transmission loss at ring frequency of a curved panel using tunable 3D-printed small-scale resonators
Authors: Droz Christophe , Robin Olivier , Ichchou Mohamed , Atalla Noureddine
Published: January 2019

An important dip in the sound transmission loss of curved panels occurs at the ring frequency. The relevance of using small-scale resonators to solve this issue is experimentally demonstrated on an aircraft sidewall panel. The effect of varying the spatial distribution of single frequency resonators (including combination with a broadband soundproofing treatment), as well as using multi-frequency resonators with a fixed spatial distribution is studied. Large improvement of the measured sound transmission loss under a diffuse acoustic field excitation is obtained around the ring frequency with limited added mass and very small alteration of the overall sound insulation performance.
Promises and Challenges of the Type Three Secretion System Injectisome as an Antivirulence Target
Authors: Fasciano Alyssa C. , Shaban Lamyaa , Mecsas Joan
Published: February 2019

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health threat that has stimulated the scientific community to search for nontraditional therapeutic targets. Because virulence, but not the growth, of many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens depends on the multicomponent type three secretion system injectisome (T3SSi), the T3SSi has been an attractive target for identifying small molecules, peptides, and monoclonal antibodies that inhibit its function to render the pathogen avirulent. While many small-molecule lead compounds have been identified in whole-cell-based high-throughput screens (HTSs), only a few protein targets of these compounds are known; such knowledge is an important step to developing more potent and specific inhibitors. Evaluation of the efficacy of compounds in animal studies is ongoing. Some efforts involving the development of antibodies and vaccines that target the T3SSi are further along and include an antibody that is currently in phase II clinical trials. Continued research into these antivirulence therapies, used alone or in combination with traditional antibiotics, requires combined efforts from both pharmaceutical companies and academic labs.
Host-Microbe Coevolution: Applying Evidence from Model Systems to Complex Marine Invertebrate Holobionts
Authors: O’Brien Paul A. , Webster Nicole S. , Miller David J. , Bourne David G.
Published: January 2019

Marine invertebrates often host diverse microbial communities, making it difficult to identify important symbionts and to understand how these communities are structured. This complexity has also made it challenging to assign microbial functions and to unravel the myriad of interactions among the microbiota.
Simulating Multilevel Dynamics of Antimicrobial Resistance in a Membrane Computing Model
Authors: Campos Marcelino , Capilla Rafael , Naya Fernando , Futami Ricardo , Coque Teresa , Moya Andrés , Fernandez-Lanza Val , Cantón Rafael , Sempere José M. , Llorens Carlos , Baquero Fernando
Published: January 2019

The work that we present here represents the culmination of many years of investigation in looking for a suitable methodology to simulate the multihierarchical processes involved in antibiotic resistance. Everything started with our early appreciation of the different independent but embedded biological units that shape the biology, ecology, and evolution of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Genes, plasmids carrying these genes, cells hosting plasmids, populations of cells, microbial communities, and host's populations constitute a complex system where changes in one component might influence the other ones. How would it be possible to simulate such a complexity of antibiotic resistance as it occurs in the real world? Can the process be predicted, at least at the local level? A few years ago, and because of their structural resemblance to biological systems, we realized that membrane computing procedures could provide a suitable frame to approach these questions. Our manuscript describes the first application of this modeling methodology to the field of antibiotic resistance and offers a bunch of examples—just a limited number of them in comparison with the possible ones to illustrate its unprecedented explanatory power.
Genetic Analysis of
Candida auris
Implicates Hsp90 in Morphogenesis and Azole Tolerance and Cdr1 in Azole Resistance
Authors: Kim Sang Hu , Iyer Kali R. , Pardeshi Lakhansing , Muñoz José F. , Robbins Nicole , Cuomo Christina A. , Wong Koon Ho , Cowen Leah E.
Published: January 2019

Fungal pathogens pose a serious threat to public health.
Candida auris
is an emerging fungal pathogen that is often resistant to commonly used antifungal drugs. However, the mechanisms governing drug resistance and virulence in this organism remain largely unexplored. In this study, we adapted a conditional expression system to modulate the transcription of an essential gene,
HSP90
, which regulates antifungal resistance and virulence in diverse fungal pathogens. We showed that Hsp90 is essential for growth in
C. auris
and is important for tolerance of the clinically important azole antifungals, which block ergosterol biosynthesis. Further, we established that the Cdr1 efflux transporter regulates azole resistance. Finally, we discovered that
C. auris
transitions from yeast to filamentous growth in response to Hsp90 inhibition, accompanied by global transcriptional remodeling. Overall, this work provides a novel insight into mechanisms regulating azole resistance in
C. auris
and uncovers a distinct developmental program regulated by Hsp90.
Inhibition of Classical and Alternative Modes of Respiration in
Candida albicans
Leads to Cell Wall Remodeling and Increased Macrophage Recognition
Authors: Duvenage Lucian , Walker Louise A. , Bojarczuk Aleksandra , Johnston Simon A. , MacCallum Donna M. , Munro Carol A. , Gourlay Campbell W.
Published: January 2019

Current approaches to tackling fungal infections are limited, and new targets must be identified to protect against the emergence of resistant strains. We investigated the potential of targeting mitochondria, which are organelles required for energy production, growth, and virulence, in the human fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
. Our findings suggest that mitochondria can be targeted using drugs that can be tolerated by humans and that this treatment enhances their recognition by immune cells. However, release of
C. albicans
cells from respiratory inhibition appears to activate a stress response that increases the levels of traits associated with virulence. Our results make it clear that mitochondria represent a valid target for the development of antifungal strategies but that we must determine the mechanisms by which they regulate stress signaling and virulence ahead of successful therapeutic advance.
Dynamics of Human Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Response to Dietary Interventions with Three Fermentable Fibers
Authors: Baxter Nielson T. , Schmidt Alexander W. , Venkataraman Arvind , Kim Kwi S. , Waldron Clive , Schmidt Thomas M.
Published: January 2019

These results reveal that not all fermentable fibers are equally capable of stimulating SCFA production, and they highlight the importance of the composition of an individual’s microbiota in determining whether or not they respond to a specific dietary supplement. In particular,
R. bromii
or
C. chartatabidum
may be required for enhanced butyrate production in response to RS. Bifidobacteria, though proficient at degrading RS and inulin, may not contribute to the butyrogenic effect of those fermentable fibers in the short term.
Alterations in Gut Glutamate Metabolism Associated with Changes in Gut Microbiota Composition in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Wang Mingbang , Wan Jing , Rong Han , He Fusheng , Wang Hui , Zhou Jiaxiu , Cai Chunquan , Wang Yan , Xu Ruihuan , Yin Zhaoqing , Zhou Wenhao
Published: January 2019

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the gut microbiota may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ASD, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. Through a comprehensive gut metagenomic and metabolome study of children with ASD, alterations in gut metabolite composition were found in children with ASD, and these alterations were linked to changes in gut microbiota composition. This may give us a deeper understanding of the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of ASD.