bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wine yeast phenomics: a standardized fermentation method for assessing quantitative traits ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains in enological conditions
Authors: Peltier Emilien , Bernard Margaux , Trujillo Marine , Prodhomme Duyên , Barbe Jean-Christophe , Gibon Yves , Marullo Philippe
Published: September 2017

This work describes the set up of a small scale fermentation methodology for measuring quantitative traits of hundreds of samples in an enological context. By using standardized screw cap vessels, the alcoholic fermentation kinetics ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains were measured by following the weight loss over time. Preliminary results showed that the kinetic parameters measured are in agreement with those observed in larger scale vats. The small volume used did not impair any analysis of the strain performance. Indeed, this fermentation system was coupled with robotized enzymatic assays and 8 end-point metabolites of enological interest were measured accurately. Moreover, the vessel used offers the possibility to assay 32 volatiles compounds using a headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry approach. Data presented demonstrates that the shaking conditions significantly impacted the mean and the variance of kinetic parameters, primary metabolites, and the production of volatile compounds. This effect was likely due to an enhanced transfer of dissolved oxygen during the first hours of the alcoholic fermentation. To test the efficiency of this experimental design, the phenotypic response of 35 wine industrial starters was measured in five grape juices from the Bordeaux area. A multivariate analysis illustrated that strains were better discriminated by some grape must, than others. The technological performances as well as the phenotypic robustness of these strains was measured and discussed. The optimized methodology developed allows investigating multiple fermentation traits for numerous yeast strains and conditions and greatly contributes in achieving quantitative genetics studies as well as yeast selection programs.
Superior stimulation of female fecundity by subordinate males provides a mechanism for telegony
Authors: Pascoal Sonia , Jarrett Benjamin J. M. , Evans Emma , Kilner Rebecca M.
Published: September 2017

When females mate promiscuously, sperm compete within females to fertilise the ova. In theory, a male can increase his success at siring offspring by inducing the female to lay more eggs, as well as by producing more competitive sperm. Here we report that the evolutionary consequences of fecundity stimulation extend beyond rival males, by experimentally uncovering effects on offspring. With experiments on the burying beetleNicrophorus vespilloides, we show that smaller subordinate males are better able to stimulate female fecundity than larger, dominant males. Furthermore dominant males also benefit from the greater fecundity induced by smaller males, and so gain from the female’s earlier promiscuity just as predicted by theory. By inducing females to produce more offspring on a limited resource, smaller males cause each larva to be smaller, even those they do not sire themselves. Fecundity stimulation thus promotes the non-genetic inheritance of offspring body size, and provides a mechanism for telegony.
Enhanced food-related responses in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex in orexin-deficient patients
Authors: van Holst Ruth Janke , Janssen Lieneke K. , van Mierlo Petra , Lammers Gert Jan , Cools Roshan , Overeem Sebastiaan , Aarts Esther
Published: September 2017

Background

Narcolepsy Type 1 is a chronic sleep disorder caused by a deficiency of orexin (hypocretin). In addition to sleep regulation, orexin is important for motivated control processes. Weight gain and obesity are common in narcolepsy. However, the neurocognitive processes associated with food-related control and overeating in orexin-deficient patients are unknown. We explored the neural correlates of general and food-related attentional control in narcolepsy patients (n=23) and healthy BMI-matched controls (n=20). In secondary analyses, we included patients with idiopathic hypersomnia (n=15) to assess sleepiness-related influences.

Methods

We measured attentional bias to food words with a Food Stroop task and general executive control with a Classic Stroop task during fMRI. Moreover, with correlational analyses, we assessed the relative contribution of the neural findings on the Food Stroop and Classic Stroop tasks to spontaneous snack intake.

Results

Relative to healthy controls, narcolepsy patients showed enhanced ventral medial prefrontal cortex responses and connectivity with motor cortex during the Food Stroop task, but attenuated dorsal medial prefrontal cortex responses during the Classic Stroop task. The ventral medial prefrontal cortex responses on the Food Stroop task, not the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex responses on the Classic Stroop task, were a significant predictor of snack intake. Comparing the narcolepsy patients with idiopathic hypersomnia patients revealed similar results.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that orexin deficiency is associated with decreased dorsal medial prefrontal cortex responses during general executive control and enhanced ventral medial prefrontal cortex responses during food-driven attention, with the latter predicting increases in food intake.

Statement of Significance

Patients with orexin (hypocretin) deficient narcolepsy type-1 often suffer from obesity as well as increased food craving, in addition to the sleep symptoms. However, whether and how orexin deficiency relates to neural differences in food-directed attention is unclear. We employed a Food Stroop task during fMRI and provide experimental evidence that the ventral medial prefrontal cortex responds more strongly to food words in narcolepsy patients than in controls. The hypothesis that this mechanism contributes to weight problems in narcolepsy is strengthened by the observation that ventral medial prefrontal cortex responses during the Food Stroop task were predictive of snack intake. These mechanistic data might thus advance the development of treatment targets for obesity in narcolepsy.
Tolerance of chronic HDACi-administration used for treatment of neurological and visceral disease including lung pathogenesis
Authors: Alam Md. Suhail , Cooper Bruce , Haldar Kasturi
Published: September 2017

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are of significant interest as drugs. However, their use in neurological disorders has raised concern because HDACs are required for brain function. We have previously shown that a triple combination formulation (TCF) of the pan HDACi vorinostat (Vo) improves pharmacokinetic exposure and entry of Vo into the brain. TCF treatment significantly delayed both neurodegeneration and death in the Npc1nmf164 murine model of Niemann Pick Type C (NPC) disease. The TCF induces no metabolic toxicity, but it’s risk to normal brain functions and potential utility in treating lung disease, a major NPC clinical complication, remain unknown. Here we report that TCF administered for 8-10 months was not detrimental to brain or neuromuscular functions of healthy mice, based on quantitative analyses of major Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum, inflammation in the hippocampus and symptoms of progressive neurocognitive/muscular disease. The TCF was also not injurious to lung tissue but rather improved delivery of Vo to lungs and reduced accumulation of foamy macrophages in Npc1nmf164 mice. Together these data support feasibility of tolerable, chronic administration of an HDACi formulation to treat brain and systemic disease including lung pathology, a frequent cause of death in NPC and possibly other neurological diseases.
Dephosphorylation is the Mechanism of Fibroblast Growth Factor Inhibition of Guanylyl Cyclase-B
Authors: Robinson Jerid W. , Egbert Jeremy R. , Davydova Julia , Schmidt Hannes , Jaffe Laurinda A. , Potter Lincoln R.
Published: September 2017

Activating mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) and inactivating mutations of guanylyl cyclase-B (GC-B, also called NPRB or NPR2) cause dwarfism. FGF exposure inhibits GC-B activity in a chondrocyte cell line, but the mechanism of the inactivation is not known. Here, we report that FGF exposure causes dephosphorylation of GC-B in rat chondrosarcoma cells, which correlates with a rapid, potent and reversible inhibition of C-type natriuretic peptide-dependent activation of GC-B. Cells expressing a phosphomimetic mutant of GC-B that cannot be inactivated by dephosphorylation because it contains glutamate substitutions for all known phosphorylation sites showed no decrease in GC-B activity in response to FGF. We conclude that FGF rapidly inactivates GC-B by a reversible dephosphorylation mechanism, which may contribute to the signaling network by which activated FGFR3 causes dwarfism.

Highlights

Guanylyl Cyclase-B is expressed in rat chondrosarcoma cells

FGF2 induces a rapid, potent, and reversible inhibition of GC-B

FGF2 treatment causes GC-B dephosphorylation

FGF2 does not inhibit a dephosphorylation-resistant form of GC-B

Dephosphorylation is the mechanism of FGF2-dependent inhibition of GC-B

Abbreviations

cGMP

cyclic guanosine monophosphate

GC

guanylyl cyclase

NP

natriuretic peptide

PBS

phosphate buffered saline

WT

wild type
MuClone: Somatic mutation detection and classification through probabilistic integration of clonal population structure
Authors: Dorri Fatemeh , Jewell Sean , Bouchard-Côté Alexandre , Shah Sohrab P.
Published: September 2017

Accurate detection and classification of somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) is important in defining the clonal composition of human cancers. Existing tools are prone to miss low prevalence mutations and methods for classification of mutations into clonal groups across the whole genome are underdeveloped. Increasing interest in deciphering clonal population dynamics over multiple samples in time or anatomic space from the same patient is resulting in whole genome sequence (WGS) data from phylogenetically related samples. With the access to this data, we posited that injecting clonal structure information into the inference of mutations from multiple samples would improve mutation detection.

We developed MuClone: a novel statistical framework for simultaneous detection and classification of mutations across multiple tumour samples of a patient from whole genome or exome sequencing data. The key advance lies in incorporating prior knowledge about the cellular prevalences of clones to improve the performance of detecting mutations, particularly low prevalence mutations. We evaluated MuClone through synthetic and real data from spatially sampled ovarian cancers. Results support the hypothesis that clonal information improves sensitivity in detecting somatic mutations without compromising specificity. In addition, MuClone classifies mutations across whole genomes of multiple samples into biologically meaningful groups, providing additional phylogenetic insights and enhancing the study of WGS-derived clonal dynamics.
Failure analysis of the left waterwall tube of boiler furnace in the steam power plant based on thickness changes and pressure
Authors: Drastiawati Novi Sukma , Agustin H.C. Kis
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the failure of the left waterwall tube of a boiler furnace in the steam power plant which led to cracks and rupture. Macro visual observation showed the rupture like a fish mouth with slag adhering at the outer surface of the tube. Magnetite as a protective layer was peeled off. Changes in the thickness were analyzed through dimensional measurement. In this research, an analysis to find the cause and determine the fracture mechanism is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

A physical analysis was performed through visual observation of changes in the thickness. Micro visual testing with a metallography test provided the data required to measure the change of grain size. The mechanical analysis used Von Mises criteria and API 530 standard and provided the pressure limits data.

Findings

The thickness of the tube decreased at the peak curvature of the tube. The smallest thickness at the peak curvature of the tube was 0.108 inches. The working pressure was 40.74 percent from permit limits with Von Mises calculations. The percentage of pressure calculated by the API standard was 48.42 percent from permit limits. Larger crystal grains occurred only in the nearby area of the oxide layer and at the end of the crack tip. It indicated that part of the inner surface had a relatively high temperature and plastic deformation occurred because of the pressure from inside the tube. Combining all these factors ruptured the tube at this location because the cross-section could not hold up the pressure.

Originality/value

The analysis of this discussion focuses on the combined effect of those factors causing the ability to decrease stress being received. It restricts the tube from holding up the stress and furthermore it will generate fractures.
Stakeholder Corporate Social Responsibility Orientation Congruence, Entrepreneurial Orientation and Environmental Performance of Chinese Small and Medium‐sized Enterprises
Authors: Tang Zhi , Tang Jintong
Published: September 2017

Stakeholder studies have discovered that strong stakeholder corporate social responsibility (CSR) orientation can motivate firms to engage better in environmental activities. However, when multiple stakeholders are involved, strong yet incongruent stakeholder pressure may not lead to improved environmental performance. The authors integrate complexity science with stakeholder management theory to address this issue. Using a sample of 149 Chinese small and medium‐sized enterprises, they find that the average stakeholder's CSR orientation improves environmental strengths, but generates an inverted U‐shaped relationship with environmental concerns. Further, results indicate that the congruence in stakeholders’ CSR orientation enhances this inverted U‐shaped relationship, and that the moderating impact of congruence is weaker when entrepreneurial orientation is higher.
‘Rules that apply in times of crisis’: time, agency, and norm‐remaking during Nepal's People's War
Authors: Zharkevich Ina
Published: September 2017

This article explores how people in the former Maoist heartland of Nepal adopted previously transgressive norms and practices during the decade of the People's War (1996‐2006). By examining the rise in practices of beef‐eating and inter‐caste commensality, this article suggests that the temporal dimension of wartime ‘when different rules apply’ was crucial in making people accept new ideas and break established norms on a scale atypical for the ‘normal’ times of peace. Analysing the agency of Maoist activists, who self‐consciously tried to implement a project of radical social transformation, and those people who were caught in the midst of the Maoist transformative endeavour, this article argues that the contours of the ‘new society’ emerged not only due to revolutionaries’ intentional actions but also because of the ‘exceptional’ nature of wartime, which forced people to radically re‐create their daily lives. By transgressing social norms, ‘ordinary’ people did not deliberately undermine the normative order, but rather responded to the constraints of wartime, when people's agency and ethical choices were mostly driven by the need to secure the survival of their families and ensure the continuity of life itself.
Financialization of Housing in Brazil: New Frontiers
Authors: Pereira Alvaro Luis Dos Santos
Published: September 2017

The financialization of housing has been increasingly identified as an important driver of social and economic change in contemporary capitalism. Focusing on the Brazilian context, this article considers the extent to which recent changes in housing regulations, policies and markets confirm or challenge narratives about the financialization of housing in the international academic debate. I argue that while many of the trends stressed in the literature are apparent, more extreme processes of financialization within the Brazilian housing sector remain limited––not only because of institutional and regulatory constraints, path dependence or political resistance, but also because of fundamental structural conditions of Brazil's position as a peripheral economy. Three different but mutually reinforcing processes are scrutinized in order to evaluate the financialization of housing and its limits in Brazil: the re‐regulation of the real estate financial sector initiated in the 1990s; the changing funding patterns among real estate companies since the mid‐2000s; and the increasing commodification of housing induced by a large‐scale and heavily subsidized housing program launched in 2009.
Fetal head position and perineal distension associated with the use of the BD Odon Device™ in operative vaginal birth: a simulation study
Authors: O'Brien SM , Winter C , Burden CA , Boulvain M , Draycott TJ , Crofts JF
Published: September 2017

Objective

To investigate (1) the placement of the BD Odon Device on the model fetal head and (2) perineal distention during simulated operative vaginal births conducted with the BD Odon Device.

Design

Observational simulation study.

Setting

North Bristol NHS Trust, UK.

Population or sample

Four hundred and forty simulated operative vaginal births.

Methods

Three bespoke fetal mannequins were developed to represent (1) bi‐parietal diameter of the 50th centile at term, (2) bi‐parietal diameter at the 5th centile at term, and (3) 50th centile head with 2 cm of caput. Siting of the BD Odon Device on model heads was determined before and after 400 simulated operative vaginal births. Variables were analysed to determine their effect on device siting and movement during birth. The fetal mannequins were placed inside a maternal mannequin and the BD Odon Device was placed around the fetal head as per the instructions for use. The location of the air cuff was determined before and after the head was delivered. Perineal distension was determined by recording maximum perineal distention during a simulated operative vaginal birth using the same procedure, as well as scenarios employing an inappropriately non‐deflated air cuff (for the BD Odon Device), the Kiwi ventouse and non‐rotational forceps.

Main outcome measures

Site and displacement during birth of the BD Odon Device on a model head. Maximal perineal distension during birth.

Results

The BD Odon Device was reliably sited in a standard over the fetal head position (approximately 40 mm above the fetal chin) for all stations, head sizes and positions with no significant displacement. In occipito‐posterior births, compared with occipito‐anterior or transverse, the BD Odon Device routinely sited further down the fetal head (toward the chin). The BD Odon Device was not associated with more perineal distension compared with forceps or Kiwi ventouse (respectively 21, 26 and 21 mm at posterior fourchette).

Conclusions

The BD Odon Device reliably sited over a safe area of the fetal head in 400 simulated births representative of clinical practice. The BD Odon Device generates similar levels of perineal distension compared with Kiwi ventouse when used correctly.

Tweetable abstract

Location of the BD Odon Device on a fetal head in simulation
From design to adoption: generating evidence for new technology designed to address leading global health needs
Authors:   BD Odon Device Experts’ Group, Merialdi M
Published: September 2017

Transition from design to adoption of innovations must be evidence‐based and inform product development, regulatory approval and adoption
Spending per Medicare Beneficiary Is Higher in Hospital‐Owned Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Physician Practices
Authors: Pesko Michael F. , Ryan Andrew M. , Shortell Stephen M. , Copeland Kennon R. , Ramsay Patricia P. , Sun Xuming , Mendelsohn Jayme L. , Rittenhouse Diane R. , Casalino Lawrence P.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To examine the relationship of physician versus hospital ownership of small‐ and medium‐sized practices with spending and utilization of care.

Data Source/Study Setting/Data Collection

Survey data for 1,045 primary care‐based practices of 1–19 physicians linked to Medicare claims data for 2008 for 282,372 beneficiaries attributed to the 3,010 physicians in these practices.

Study Design

We used generalized linear models to estimate the associations between practice characteristics and outcomes (emergency department visits, index admissions, readmissions, and spending).

Principal Findings

Beneficiaries linked to hospital‐owned practices had 7.3 percent more emergency department visits and 6.4 percent higher total spending compared to beneficiaries linked to physician‐owned practices.

Conclusions

Physician practices are increasingly being purchased by hospitals. This may result in higher total spending on care.
Estimating Input Complementarities with Unobserved Heterogeneity: Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Abay Kibrom A. , Berhane Guush , Taffesse Alemayehu Seyoum , Abay Kibrewossen , Koru Bethelhem
Published: September 2017

The level of technology adoption is often characterised as low in Africa. Recent evidence, however, points to the coexistence of substantial heterogeneity across farm households and the lack of a suitable mix of inputs for farmers to take advantage of input complementarities. We use a random coefficients multivariate probit model to quantify the complementarities between agricultural inputs and alternative forms of unobserved heterogeneity effects in modeling farmers' technology adoption decisions. The empirical analysis reveals that, conditional on various types of unobserved heterogeneity effects, farmers' technology adoption decisions exhibit strong complementarity for some inputs. The analysis also reveals substantial unobserved heterogeneity effects. We show that ignoring these behavioural features (unobserved heterogeneity and input complementarity) has important implications in quantifying the effect of some policy interventions that are meant to facilitate technology adoption. In particular, ignoring these features leads to significant overestimation of the effectiveness of extension services.
Forecasting the Probability of Future Groundwater Levels Declining Below Specified Low Thresholds in the Conterminous U.S.
Authors: Dudley Robert W. , Hodgkins Glenn A. , Dickinson Jesse E.
Published: September 2017

We present a logistic regression approach for forecasting the probability of future groundwater levels declining or maintaining below specific groundwater‐level thresholds. We tested our approach on 102 groundwater wells in different climatic regions and aquifers of the United States that are part of the U.S. Geological Survey Groundwater Climate Response Network. We evaluated the importance of current groundwater levels, precipitation, streamflow, seasonal variability, Palmer Drought Severity Index, and atmosphere/ocean indices for developing the logistic regression equations. Several diagnostics of model fit were used to evaluate the regression equations, including testing of autocorrelation of residuals, goodness‐of‐fit metrics, and bootstrap validation testing. The probabilistic predictions were most successful at wells with high persistence (low month‐to‐month variability) in their groundwater records and at wells where the groundwater level remained below the defined low threshold for sustained periods (generally three months or longer). The model fit was weakest at wells with strong seasonal variability in levels and with shorter duration low‐threshold events. We identified challenges in deriving probabilistic‐forecasting models and possible approaches for addressing those challenges.
Effects of short‐term add‐on ezetimibe to statin treatment on expression of adipokines and inflammatory markers in diabetic and dyslipidemic patients
Authors: Guimarães Elizandra Silva , Cerda Alvaro , Dorea Egidio Lima , Bernik Marcia Martins Silveira , Gusukuma Maria Cecilia , Pinto Gelba Almeida , Fajardo Cristina Moreno , Hirata Mario Hiroyuki , Hirata Rosario Dominguez Crespo
Published: September 2017

Aim

The influence of short‐term add‐on ezetimibe to simvastatin treatment on expression of adipokines and inflammatory markers was investigated in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Method

Hypercholesterolemic nondiabetic (HC, n = 37) and diabetic (DM, n = 47) patients were treated with simvastatin (SV, 10 or 20 mg/d/8‐wk) and then SV plus ezetimibe (SV + EZ, 10 mg each/d/4 wk). Serum lipids, glycemic profile, and inflammatory markers (hsCRP, adiponectin, resistin, VCAM‐1, and ICAM‐1) were evaluated before and after the add‐on ezetimibe therapy. mRNA expression of ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, RETN, VCAM1, and ICAM1 was measured by real‐time PCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Results

Serum concentrations of LDL and HDL cholesterol, and adiponectin were higher in HC than DM patients (P < .05). The add‐on ezetimibe therapy reduced total and LDL cholesterol, apoB and adiponectin serum levels in HC and DM groups, and resistin in HC subjects (P < .05). DM patients showed higher expression of ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, RETN, and VCAM1 in PBMC than subjects in HC group, before and after add‐on ezetimibe therapy (P < .05). PBMC RETN mRNA expression was reduced by add‐on ezetimibe therapy in HC individuals (P < .05), but not in DM subjects.

Conclusion

Short‐term add‐on ezetimibe to simvastatin treatment suppressing effects on hypercholesterolemia and adiponectinemia is independent of the diabetes status. Resistin serum levels and leukocyte mRNA expression are influenced by add‐on ezetimibe to statin treatment.
National clinical practice guidelines for allergen immunotherapy: An international assessment applying AGREE‐II
Authors: Larenas‐Linnemann D. E. S. , Antolín‐Amérigo D. , Parisi C. , Nakonechna A. , Luna‐Pech J. A. , Wedi B. , Davila I. , Gómez M. , Levin M. , Ortega Martell J. A. , Klimek L. , Rosario N. , Muraro A. M. , Agache I. , Bousquet J. , Sheikh A. ,   EAACI International Societies Council, Pfaar O.
Published: September 2017

Background

Since 1988, numerous allergen immunotherapy guidelines (AIT‐GLs) have been developed by national and international organizations to guide physicians in AIT. Even so, AIT is still severely underused.

Objective

To evaluate AIT‐GLs with AGREE‐II, developed in 2010 by McMaster University methodologists to comprehensively evaluate GL quality.

Methods

Allergist, from different continents, knowledgeable in AIT and AGREE‐II trained were selected into the project team. The project received methodologists’ guidance. AIT‐GLs in any language were sought from 1980 to 2016; AIT‐GLs were AGREE II‐evaluated by at least 2 team members, independently; discrepancies were resolved in a second round, by team discussion or methodologists’ consulting.

Results

We found 31 AIT‐GLs (15 post‐2010), ranging from local consensus reports to international position papers (EAACI, AAAAI‐ACAAI, WAO). Pre‐2010 GLs scored 1.6‐4.6 (23%‐67%) and post‐2010 GLs scored 2.1‐6 (30%‐86%), on a 7‐point Likert scale. The highest scores went to: German‐Austrian‐Swiss (6.0), Mexican (5.1), and the AAAAI/ACAAI AIT‐GL (4.7). These were also the only 3 GLs that received “yes” of both evaluators to the item: “I would recommend this GL for use.” The domains of “Stakeholder involvement” and “Rigor of Development” only scored 3/7, and “Applicability” scored the lowest. Strikingly, newer GLs only scored clearly better in “Editorial independence” and “Global evaluation.”

Conclusions

In AIT‐GLs, there is still a lot of room for improvement, especially in domains crucial for the dissemination. For some GLs, the “Scientific rigor” domain flawed. When resources are limited, transculturizing a high‐quality GL might be preferable over developing a GL from zero. Our study and AGREE‐II could help to select the best candidate.

Clinical Implications

We here evaluate allergen immunotherapy guideline (AIT‐GL) quality. Only high‐quality AIT‐GLs should be consulted for AIT management decisions. In low‐resource settings, transculturization of these is preferred over developing low‐quality guidelines.
Preterm and term‐equivalent age general movements and 1‐year neurodevelopmental outcomes for infants born before 30 weeks' gestation
Authors: Olsen Joy E , Allinson Leesa G , Doyle Lex W , Brown Nisha C , Lee Katherine J , Eeles Abbey L , Cheong Jeanie L Y , Spittle Alicia J
Published: September 2017

Aim

To examine the associations between Prechtl's General Movements Assessment (GMA), conducted from birth to term‐equivalent age, and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months corrected age, in infants born very preterm.

Method

One hundred and thirty‐seven infants born before 30 weeks' gestation had serial GMA (categorized as ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’) before term and at term‐equivalent age. At 12 months corrected age, neurodevelopment was assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS); Neurological, Sensory, Motor, Developmental Assessment (NSMDA); and Touwen Infant Neurological Examination (TINE). The relationships between GMA at four time points and 12‐month neurodevelopmental assessments were examined using regression models.

Results

Abnormal GMA at all time points were associated with worse continuous scores on the AIMS, NSMDA, and TINE (p<0.05). Abnormal GMA before term and at term‐equivalent age were associated with increased odds of mild–severe dysfunction on the NSMDA (odds ratio [OR] 4.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55–11.71, p<0.01; and OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.55–11.17, p<0.01 respectively) and abnormal GMA before term with increased odds of suboptimal–abnormal motor function on the TINE (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.10–6.85, p=0.03).

Interpretation

Abnormal GMA before term and at term‐equivalent age were associated with worse neurodevelopment at 12 months corrected age in children born very preterm.

What this paper adds

Abnormal general movements before term predict developmental deficits at 1 year in infants born very preterm.

General Movements Assessment before term identifies at‐risk infants born very preterm.
Latitudinal variation in plant chemical defences drives latitudinal patterns of leaf herbivory
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Castagneyrol Bastien , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Berny‐Mier y Teran Jorge C. , Timmermans Bart G. H. , Bruun Hans Henrik , Covelo Felisa , Glauser Gaétan , Rasmann Sergio , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: September 2017

A long‐standing paradigm in ecology holds that herbivore pressure and thus plant defences increase towards lower latitudes. However, recent work has challenged this prediction where studies have found no relationship or opposite trends where herbivory or plant defences increase at higher latitudes. Here we tested for latitudinal variation in herbivory, chemical defences (phenolic compounds), and nutritional traits (phosphorus and nitrogen) in leaves of a long‐lived tree species, the English oak Quercus robur. We further investigated the underlying climatic and soil factors associated with such variation. Across 38 populations of Q. robur distributed along an 18° latitudinal gradient, covering almost the entire latitudinal and climatic range of this species, we observed strong but divergent latitudinal gradients in leaf herbivory and leaf chemical defences and nutrients. As expected, there was a negative relationship between latitude and leaf herbivory where oak populations from lower latitudes exhibited higher levels of leaf herbivory. However, counter to predictions there was a positive relationship between leaf chemical defences and latitude where populations at higher latitudes were better defended. Similarly, leaf phosphorus and nitrogen increased with latitude. Path analysis indicated a significant (negative) effect of plant chemical defences (condensed tannins) on leaf herbivory, suggesting that the latitudinal gradient in leaf herbivory was driven by an inverse gradient in defensive investment. Leaf nutrients had no independent influence on herbivory. Further, we found significant indirect effects of precipitation and soil porosity on leaf herbivory, which were mediated by plant chemical defences. These findings suggest that abiotic factors shape latitudinal variation in plant defences and that these defences in turn underlie latitudinal variation in leaf herbivory. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of latitudinal variation in plant–herbivore interactions by determining the identity and modus operandi of abiotic factors concurrently shaping plant defences and herbivory.
Estimating winter survival of winter wheat by simulations of plant frost tolerance
Authors: Bergjord Olsen A. K. , Persson T. , de Wit A. , Nkurunziza L. , Sindhøj E. , Eckersten H.
Published: September 2017

Based on soil temperature, snow depth and the grown cultivar's maximum attainable level of frost tolerance (LT50c), the FROSTOL model simulates development of frost tolerance (LT50) and winter damage, thereby enabling risk calculations for winter wheat survival. To explore the accuracy of this model, four winter wheat cultivars were sown in a field experiment in Uppsala, Sweden in 2013 and 2014. The LT50 was determined by tests of frost tolerance in November, and the cultivars’ LT50c was estimated. Further, recorded winter survival from 20 winter wheat field variety trials in Sweden and Norway was collected from two winter seasons with substantial winter damages. FROSTOL simulations were run for selected cultivars at each location. According to percentage of winter damage, the cultivar survival was classified as “survived,” “intermediate” or “killed.” Mean correspondence between recorded and simulated class of winter survival was 75% and 37% for the locations in Sweden and Norway, respectively. Stress factors that were not accounted for in FROSTOL might explain the poorer accuracy at the Norwegian locations. The accuracy was poorest for cultivars with intermediate LT50c levels. When low temperature was the main cause of damage, as at the Swedish locations, the model accuracy was satisfying.
Preliminary studies on the use of pertussis toxin for the modulation of intravaginal SIV transmission in rhesus macaques
Authors: Ortiz Kristina , Sampathkumar Rebecca S. , Ansari Aftab A. , Byrareddy Siddappa N.
Published: September 2017

Background

Pertussis toxin (PTX) blocks GPCR signaling resulting in the inhibition of chemotaxis/cell adhesion. It was reasoned that inhibition of cell trafficking may be an approach to prevent HIV/SIV transmission.

Methods

In this study, PTX in HEC gel was applied to the vaginal wall of monkeys that were then challenged intravaginally with SIVmac251.

Results

Results of these studies showed that 2 of 4 animals were resistant to infection. Furthermore, infection was correlated with a marked increase in the plasma and cervicovaginal lavage levels of select chemokines and cytokines.

Conclusions

Results from this preliminary feasibility study dictate that further studies that include a larger number of animals are required to optimize this protocol and establish the efficacy of this approach. In addition, such future studies will provide important information on the role of specific chemokines that play a role in lymphocyte trafficking within the genital tract and serve as additional therapeutic targets.
Evaluation of cutaneous rejuvenation associated with the use of ortho‐silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed marine collagen
Authors: Petersen Vitello Kalil Célia Luiza , Campos Valéria , Cignachi Stela , Favaro Izidoro Juliana , Prieto Herman Reinehr Clarissa , Chaves Christine
Published: September 2017

Background

Organic silicon plays an important role in dermal structure by promoting neocollagenesis. Thus, the supplementation of silicon in a highly bioavailable form can be used for skin rejuvenation.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate skin changes associated with the use of ortho‐silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen.

Patients/Methods

Patients were randomized to receive 600 mg of ortho‐silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen (group 1, n = 11) or placebo (group 2, n = 11) to be taken 15 minutes before breakfast for 90 days. Clinical, photographical, and patients’ subjective evaluations were conducted.

Results

A total of 22 patients were included. Clinical evaluations demonstrated changes in skin texture, firmness, and hydration statistically superior in group 1. Brightness, firmness, and overall appearance showed trends for a difference favoring group 1 according to patients’ subjective evaluations. Objective images showed no statistical differences. No side effects, hypersensitivity, or systemic symptoms were observed in group 1. Treatment satisfaction in group 1 reached 80%.

Conclusions

Ortho‐silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen in a daily dose of 600 mg showed positive results in skin rejuvenation according to clinical evaluation in firmness, hydration, and skin texture. Further studies with larger and representative samples should be conducted to confirm our results.
Comparison of transcatheter aortic valve replacement risk score against currently accepted surgical risk models as predictors of 30‐day mortality in transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Yatsynovich Yan , Khattak Himad , Ali Mohammed , Schwartz Brian , Pak Stella , Chen Tian
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Aim of the study was to assess the predictive capability of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Risk Score (TAVR‐RS) in comparison with Society of Thoracic Surgeon‐Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS PROM) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II) on 30‐day mortality following TAVR.

Background

With exponentially increasing use of TAVR, a risk stratification model to accurately predict mortality risks in patients undergoing TAVR is urgently warranted.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 182 TAVRs between 2014 and 2017, 179 by transfemoral, 3 by subclavian approach. Clinical, laboratory and echocardiography variables were collected. The performance of risk models was evaluated using equivalence tests, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the ROC curve (AUC). Outcome was 30‐day mortality prediction.

Results

Observed 30‐day mortality was 5.49%. TAVR‐RS underestimated (4.0%) while surgical models (STS PROM and EuroSCORE II) overestimated mortality, 7.24% and 8.14%, respectively. The TAVR‐RS was found to have statistically significant correlation with both individual and group mortalities. AUC was highest for TAVR‐RS 0.66 (95%CI: 0.31–0.96), but no difference in 30‐day mortality prediction was found in comparison with STS PROM (P = 0.06) or EuroSCORE II (P = 0.2161).

Conclusions

The TAVR‐RS was a better predictor of both group and individual mortality at 30 days. The outcomes were comparable on pairwise testing against surgical risk models, although TAVR‐RS was on verge of significance when compared to STS PROM. This study supports the current dogma that a risk model specifically tailored for TAVR population should be implemented to obtain a better patient selection.
Social Attitudes Regarding Same‐Sex Marriage and LGBT Health Disparities: Results from a National Probability Sample
Authors: Hatzenbuehler Mark L. , Flores Andrew R. , Gates Gary J.
Published: September 2017

This study examined the health consequences for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations of exposure to communities with relatively high versus low levels of support for same‐sex marriage. We used data from the Gallup Daily tracking survey, the largest probability‐based sample of LGBT‐identified adults in the United States (N= 11,949 LGBT respondents;N= 352,343 non‐LGBT respondents), which was linked to attitudinal responses on same‐sex marriage obtained from the 2012 Cooperative Congressional Election Survey (N= 54,535). Controlling for potential confounders, higher levels of local approval of same‐sex marriage lowered the probability that LGBT (and non‐LGBT) individuals reported smoking and fair/poor self‐rated health; further, LGBT disparities in smoking were lower in communities where residents were most likely to support same‐sex marriage. Findings suggest that local attitudes may be related to the health of LGBT individuals and contribute to sexual orientation health disparities, providing further evidence for the role of structural stigma in shaping LGBT health.
Social Factors Linking Stigma‐Related Stress with Alcohol Use among Lesbians
Authors: Lewis Robin J. , Winstead Barbara A. , Lau‐Barraco Cathy , Mason Tyler B.
Published: September 2017

A conceptual model linking stigma‐related stress and lesbian women's alcohol use and related problems via social factors (i.e., social constraints and social isolation), depressive symptoms, and negative reinforcement drinking motives (i.e., coping and conformity) was tested. Self‐identified lesbian women (N = 1,048), age 18–35 years in the United States completed an online survey of discrimination, stigma consciousness, social isolation, social constraints, depressive symptoms, drinking motives, alcohol use, and related problems. The hypothesized path model showed excellent model fit. The predicted pathway of stigma‐related stressors to alcohol outcomes via social factors, depressive symptoms, and coping/conformity motives was largely supported. Results highlight the importance of social factors in linking stigma‐related stress to alcohol use and related problems among lesbians. Understanding the underlying social mechanisms connecting stigma to negative health outcomes may help inform intervention efforts to reduce alcohol use and related problems among lesbians and associated health disparities.
Community‐based screening to detect school readiness problems in very preterm children
Authors: Rajput Nitin , McKinlay Chris , Purdie Gordon , Filipovska Julia , Battin Malcolm , Patel Harshad , Tuohy Pat
Published: September 2017

Aim

Very preterm (VPT) children (≤32 weeks) have school readiness difficulties across multiple domains, but routine follow‐up is often limited. We assessed the performance of VPT children on the Before School Check (B4SC), a community‐based screening programme of school readiness at 4 years of age.

Methods

VPT children discharged from Wellington and Auckland Neonatal Intensive Care Units (2005–2009) were compared to a national control cohort born during the same period. Outcome measures included Parental Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), parent and teacher versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ‐P and SDQ‐T) and vision and hearing screening, and were related to perinatal and demographic characteristics obtained from the Australia and New Zealand Neonatal Network database.

Results

Of 1105 VPT children, 920 were matched to the B4SC database, of whom 814 (88%) had one or more B4SC screening outcomes recorded. Compared with controls, VPT children were more likely to have abnormal PEDS (odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, 1.53–2.10), SDQ‐P (OR = 1.82, 1.49–2.23), SDQ‐T (OR = 1.51, 1.10–2.06), vision (OR = 2.00, 1.54–2.60) and hearing (OR = 1.95, 1.65–2.31) screen outcomes. While VPT children with an abnormal screen were more likely to be referred for further assessment, only 34%, 22%, 94% and 51% with abnormal PEDS, SDQ or vision and hearing screen, respectively, had evidence of appropriate referral. School readiness difficulties were significantly associated with birthweight z‐score ≤ −1, vaginal delivery, significant cranial ultrasound abnormalities, younger maternal age, higher deprivation neighbourhood and ventilation ≥72 h.

Conclusion

Community‐based screening may be useful for identifying VPT children with school readiness difficulties, but low referral rates may limit the effectiveness of such programmes.
Carvacryl acetate, a novel semisynthetic monoterpene ester, binds to the TRPA1 receptor and is effective in attenuating irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis in mice
Authors: Alvarenga Elenice M , Sousa Nayara A , de Araújo Simone , Júnior José L P , Araújo Alyne R , Iles Bruno , Pacífico Dvison M , Brito Gerly Anne C , Souza Emmanuel P , Sousa Damião P , Medeiros Jand Venes R
Published: September 2017

Objectives

We aimed to determine whether carvacryl acetate acts as a TRPA1 receptor agonist and its effects against irinotecan (CPT-11) induced intestinal mucositis in mice.

Methods

TRPA1 structure was obtained from a protein databank, and the 3D structure of carvacryl acetate was determined. Appropriate binding conformations were discovered via automatic docking simulations. To determine the effect of carvacryl acetate in vivo, mice were treated with either DMSO 2%, CPT-11, carvacryl acetate followed by CPT-11, or HC-030031, a TRPA1 antagonist, followed by carvacryl acetate. Jejunum samples were taken and structural, inflammatory and antioxidant parameters were studied.

Key findings

Eight amino acids residues in TRPA1 established stable interactions with carvacryl acetate, which led to pharmacological efficacy against CPT-11-induced intestinal mucositis via reduction of both neutropenia and bacteremia, increase in villi height and crypt depth, decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, keratinocyte chemoattractant and tumour necrosis factor-α) and decrease in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide metabolite levels in the jejunum.

Conclusions

Carvacryl acetate is a promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, a fact confirmed through observations of its interactions with TRPA1 in CPT-11-induced intestinal mucositis in mice.
Effect of Laparoscopic‐assisted Gastropexy on Gastrointestinal Transit Time in Dogs
Authors: Balsa I.M. , Culp W.T.N. , Drobatz K.J. , Johnson E.G. , Mayhew P.D. , Marks S.L.
Published: September 2017

Background

Prophylactic gastropexy has been promoted as a means of preventing gastric volvulus during gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) syndrome. Little is known about the impact of gastropexy on gastrointestinal transit time.

Hypothesis

Laparoscopic‐assisted gastropexy (LAG) will not alter gastrointestinal transit times when comparing gastric (GET), small and large bowel (SLBTT), and whole gut transit times (TTT) before and after surgery.

Animals

10 healthy client‐owned large‐breed dogs.

Methods

Prospective clinical trial. Before surgery, all dogs underwent physical examination and diagnostic evaluation to ensure normal health status. Dogs were fed a prescription diet for 6 weeks before determination of gastrointestinal transit with a wireless motility capsule.LAGwas then performed, and dogs were fed the diet for 6 additional weeks. Measurement of transit times was repeated 6 weeks after surgery.

Results

Ten dogs of various breeds at‐risk forGDVwere enrolled. No complications were encountered associated with surgery or capsule administration. There were no significant differences inGET429 [306–1,370] versus 541 [326–1,298] (P= 0.80),SLBTT1,243 [841–3,070] versus 1,540 [756–2,623] (P= 0.72), orTTT1,971 [1,205–3,469] versus 1,792 [1,234–3,343] minutes (median, range) (P= 0.65) before and afterLAG.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

An effect ofLAGon gastrointestinal transit time was not identified, and wireless motility capsule can be safely administered in dogs afterLAG.