bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CpG-mediated augmentation of CD8+ T-cell responses in mice is attenuated by a water-in-oil emulsion (Montanide ISA-51) but enhanced by an oil-in-water emulsion (IDRI SE)
Authors: Makinen Shawn R. , Zhu Qin , Davis Heather L. , Weeratna Risini D.
Published: April 2016

Adjuvants are a key component in enhancing immunogenicity of vaccines and play a vital role in facilitating the induction of the correct type of immunity required for each vaccine to be optimally efficacious. Several different adjuvants are found in licensed vaccines, and many others are in pre-clinical or clinical testing. Agonists for TLRs are potent activators of the innate immune system and some, such as CpG (TLR9 agonist), are particularly good for promoting cellular immunity because of the induction of Th1 cytokines. Emulsions that have both delivery and adjuvant properties are classified as water-in-oil (W/O) or oil-in-water (O/W) formulations. The W/O emulsion Montanide ISA-51, often combined with CpG, has been widely tested in cancer vaccine clinical trials. Squalene-based O/W emulsions are in licensed influenza vaccines, and T-cell responses have been assessed pre-clinically. No clinical study has compared the two types of emulsions, and the continued use of W/O with CpG in cancer vaccines may be because the lack of single adjuvant controls has masked the interference issue. These findings may have important implications for the development of vaccines where T-cell immunity is considered essential, such as those for cancer and chronic infections. Using particulate (hepatitis B surface antigen) and soluble protein (ovalbumin) antigen, we show in mice that a W/O emulsion (ISA-51) abrogates CpG-mediated augmentation of CD8+ T-cell responses, whereas a squalene-based O/W emulsion significantly enhanced them.
Complex heterochrony underlies the evolution of hermaphrodite self-fertility and sex allocation in experimentalC. eleganspopulations
Authors: Poullet Nausicaa , Vielle Anne , Gimond Clotilde , Carvalho Sara , Teotónio Henrique , Braendle Christian
Published: April 2016

Hermaphroditic organisms are common both in plants and animals, and have served as key models to study the evolution of sex allocation. Despite extensive past research, the specific developmental mechanisms by which hermaphrodite sex allocation can evolve remain largely unknown. To address this problem, we here use experimental evolution ofCaenorhabditis eleganshermaphrodite-male populations to directly quantify changes in germline and somatic development that underlie adaptive shifts in hermaphrodite sex allocation associated with the evolution of improved self-fertility. Specifically, we test whether the evolution of hermaphrodite sex allocation is due to heterochrony, i.e. evolutionary changes in the relative timing of developmental processes.

We show that the experimental evolution of improved hermaphrodite self-fertility occurred through complex modification of a suite of developmental and reproductive traits: increased sperm production, accelerated oogenesis and ovulation rates, and increased embryo retentionin utero. The experimental evolution of increased sperm production delayed entry into oogenesis – as expected, given the sequentially coupled production of spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Surprisingly, however, delayed oogenesis onset did not delay reproductive maturity, nor did it trade-off with gamete or embryo size. Comparing developmental dynamics of germline and soma indicates that the evolution of increased sperm production did not delay reproductive maturity due to a globally accelerated larval development during the period of spermatogenesis.

We conclude that the integration of multiple heterochronic events in gametogenesis and soma can explain the experimental evolution of hermaphrodite sex allocation and self-fertility. Our results thus support the idea that heterochrony can represent a specific mechanism that explains the maintenance of partial selfing in natural populations with mixed reproduction modes and different forms of hermaphroditism. More generally, our results provide a quantitative perspective on how natural selection can operate on developmental characters – and their integration – during the evolution of life history at the population level.
Insights into telomerase action from high-throughput sequencing ofS. pombetelomeres
Authors: Bennett Henrietta W. , Liu Na , Hu Yan , King Megan C.
Published: April 2016

We have developed a high-throughput sequencing approach that enables us to determine terminal telomere sequences from tens of thousands of individualSchizosaccharomyces pombetelomeres. This method provides unprecedented coverage of telomeric sequence complexity in fission yeast.S. pombetelomeres are composed of modular degenerate repeats that can be explained by variation in usage of the TER1 RNA template during reverse transcription. Taking advantage of this deep sequencing approach, we find that “like” repeat modules are highly correlated within individual telomeres. Moreover, repeat module preference varies with telomere length, suggesting that existing repeats promote the incorporation of like repeats and/or that specific conformations of the telomerase holoenzyme efficiently and/or processively add repeats of like nature. After the loss of telomerase activity, this sequencing and analysis pipeline defines a population of telomeres with altered sequence content. This approach should be adaptable to study telomeric repeats in other organisms and can provide new insights into telomere sequence content at high density.
SLICER: Inferring Branched, Nonlinear Cellular Trajectories from Single Cell RNA-seq Data
Authors: Welch Joshua D. , Hartemink Alexander , Prins Jan F.
Published: April 2016

Single cell experiments provide an unprecedented opportunity to reconstruct a sequence of changes in a biological process from individual “snapshots” of cells. However, nonlinear gene expression changes, genes unrelated to the process, and the possibility of branching trajectories make this a challenging problem. We developed SLICER (Selective Locally Linear Inference of Cellular Expression Relationships) to address these challenges. SLICER can infer highly nonlinear trajectories, select genes without prior knowledge of the process, and automatically determine the location and number of branches and loops. SLICER more accurately recovers the ordering of points along simulated trajectories than existing methods. We demonstrate the effectiveness of SLICER on previously published data from mouse lung cells and neural stem cells.
Anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha therapy improves endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: A 6‐month prospective study
Authors: Pina Trinitario , Corrales Alfonso , Lopez‐Mejias Raquel , Armesto Susana , Gonzalez‐Lopez Marcos A. , Gómez‐Acebo Ines , Ubilla Begoña , Remuzgo‐Martínez Sara , Gonzalez‐Vela M. Carmen , Blanco Ricardo , Hernández Jose L. , Llorca Javier , Gonzalez‐Gay Miguel A.
Published: April 2016

The aim of the present study was to determine if the use of the anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α monoclonal antibody adalimumab could improve endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. This was a prospective study on a series of consecutive patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who completed 6 months of therapy with adalimumab. Patients with history of cardiovascular events, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, hypertension or body mass index of 35 kg/m2 or more were excluded. Assessment of endothelial function by brachial artery reactivity measuring flow‐mediated endothelial dependent vasodilatation (FMD%), and carotid arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV) was performed at the onset of treatment (time 0) and at month 6. Twenty‐nine patients were studied. Anti‐TNF‐α adalimumab therapy yielded a significant improvement of endothelial function. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) FMD% values increased from 6.19 ± 2.44% at the onset of adalimumab to 7.46 ± 2.43% after 6 months of treatment with this biologic agent (P = 0.008). Likewise, following the use of adalimumab, PWV levels decreased from 6.28 ± 1.04 m/s at the onset of adalimumab to 5.69 ± 1.31 m/s at 6 months (P = 0.03). In conclusion, patients with moderate to severe psoriasis exhibit improvement of endothelial function and arterial stiffness following anti‐TNF‐α therapy. These findings are of potential relevance due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with severe psoriasis.
Research Note: Compact Depth from Extreme Points: a tool for fast potential field imaging
Authors: Baniamerian Jamaledin , Fedi Maurizio , Oskooi Behrooz
Published: April 2016

We propose a fast method for imaging potential field sources. The new method is a variant of the “Depth from Extreme Points,” which yields an image of a quantity proportional to the source distribution (magnetization or density). Such transformed field is here transformed into source‐density units by determining a constant with adequate physical dimension by a linear regression of the observed field versus the field computed from the “Depth from Extreme Points” image. Such source images are often smooth and too extended, reflecting the loss of spatial resolution for increasing altitudes. Consequently, they also present too low values of the source density. We here show that this initial image can be improved and made more compact to achieve a more realistic model, which reproduces a field consistent with the observed one. The new algorithm, which is called “Compact Depth from Extreme Points” iteratively produces different source distributions models, with an increasing degree of compactness and, correspondingly, increasing source‐density values. This is done through weighting the model with a compacting function. The compacting function may be conveniently expressed as a matrix that is modified at any iteration, based on the model obtained in the previous step. At any iteration step the process may be stopped when the density reaches values higher than prefixed bounds based on known or assumed geological information. As no matrix inversion is needed, the method is fast and allows analysing massive datasets. Due to the high stability of the “Depth from Extreme Points” transformation, the algorithm may be also applied to any derivatives of the measured field, thus yielding an improved resolution. The method is investigated by application to 2D and 3D synthetic gravity source distributions, and the imaged sources are a good reconstruction of the geometry and density distributions of the causative bodies. Finally, the method is applied to microgravity data to model underground crypts in St. Venceslas Church, Tovacov, Czech Republic.
Phylogenetic ecology and the greening of cities
Authors: MacIvor James S. , Cadotte Marc W. , Livingstone Stuart W. , Lundholm Jeremy T. , Yasui Simone‐Louise E.
Published: April 2016

Ecologists are increasingly involved in city‐making, especially in the development of green infrastructure and other designed plant communities.

Plant communities that are more phylogenetically related are more similar in functional traits and adaptations to their environment than distant relatives.

Knowledge of how evolutionary relationships among plant species influence ecosystem functions could be applied to green infrastructure to improve benefits such as urban cooling, habitat creation and stormwater management.

The intended outcomes of manipulations of phylogenetic diversity (PD) may vary depending on project goals, particularly when considering the trade‐offs between multiple ecosystem functions. For instance, constraining PD could improve survival and performance in stressful environments or short growing seasons. Increasing PD could improve habitat diversity, aesthetics and other direct human benefits.

Synthesis and applications. Given the potential benefits of considering phylogenetic relationships of plant communities in green infrastructure, we recommend that ecologists work with landscape architects and other design professionals to test how ecophylogenetics – the application of phylogenies in ecology – might aid in achieving desired outcomes for green infrastructure.
Priority effects: natives, but not exotics, pay to arrive late
Authors: Stuble Katharine L. , Souza Lara
Published: April 2016

Assembly history can determine ecosystem structure and function by influencing the relative abundances of species. Priority effects (impacts associated with early arrival) likely promote the success of exotic invaders, which often arrive at larger propagule sizes and germinate earlier than native species and tend to grow more quickly. However, the potential for exotic species to tolerate late arrival is unknown.

Using a suite of native and exotic old‐field plant species, we established a mesocosm experiment varying the order of species arrival to address the following question: Does plant origin influence a species' response to priority effects?

We found that, while all plant groups benefited from arriving early to a similar extent, arriving late came at a lower cost for exotic species.

Synthesis. We suggest that, when exploring assembly mechanisms in community ecology, the costs associated with late arrival may be as important as the benefits of arriving early. These priority effects may ultimately play a role in promoting the local success and overall distribution of exotic invaders.
Exotic invasive plants increase productivity, abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria and nitrogen availability in intermountain grasslands
Authors: McLeod Morgan Luce , Cleveland Cory C. , Lekberg Ylva , Maron John L. , Philippot Laurent , Bru David , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: April 2016

Exotic plant invasion is often associated with dramatic increases in above‐ground net primary productivity and soil nitrogen. However, most evidence for these increases comes from correlative studies of single species, leaving open the question of whether invasive plants drive these processes and whether they are consistent among invaders.

We combined field surveys and measurements within experimental plantings to examine how plant productivity, soil nitrogen and the abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) change in response to invasions by four exotic species.

The relationship between plant productivity and soil nitrate differed among native and invasive species, suggesting a fundamental disparity in the effects of natives and invaders on ecosystem processes. In field surveys, dense patches of all invasive species had higher abundances of AOB than native‐dominated sites. Three of the four invasive species had higher productivity, soil nitrate concentrations and rates of potential nitrification as compared to nearby native‐dominated communities. In our experimental plantings, we found that two invasive species drove increases in soil nitrate and one invader caused increased productivity after a single season.

Synthesis. Our results highlight the importance of the N cycling soil microbial community in how exotic invasive plants alter ecosystem function and show that shifts in function can occur rapidly.
Could everyday technology improve access to assessments? A pilot study on the feasibility of screening cognition in people with Parkinson's disease using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment via Internet videoconferencing
Authors: Stillerova Tereza , Liddle Jacki , Gustafsson Louise , Lamont Robyn , Silburn Peter
Published: April 2016

Background

The distances and distribution of people, and pressures on the health system in Australia mean that access to services for people living with a neurodegenerative condition may be inadequate. Telehealth may offer ways to provide timely and efficient monitoring and support. People with Parkinson's disease require regular screening of their symptoms and needs, but may have limited access to health professionals. Cognitive changes can impact on occupational performance, thus timely monitoring of cognition is important for informing occupational therapy interventions.

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility of screening cognition in people with Parkinson's disease using available technology in their homes.

Method

Eleven participants with Parkinson's disease completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment face‐to‐face and then via videoconferencing one week later using the technology available at their home. Participants and assessors provided feedback on their experience.

Results

All Montreal Cognitive Assessment items could be completed over videoconference (e.g. Skype), with a median difference of 2 (IQR: 1–2.5) between face‐to‐face and videoconference scores. Higher scores were not favoured by either mode of assessment. Three participants received inconsistent cognitive classifications between the two assessment methods. Participant and assessor feedback indicated reported benefits including convenience as well as technological limitations.

Conclusions

Given the pressures on the health system and the apparent acceptability to consumers, occupational therapists may explore the utility of readily accessible technology to enable timely monitoring of cognition for people with Parkinson's disease. Further research is needed to develop and demonstrate the reliability and validity of this approach.
Role of Simvastatin on fracture healing and osteoporosis: a systematic review onin vivoinvestigations
Authors: Moshiri Ali , Sharifi Ali Mohammad , Oryan Ahmad
Published: April 2016

Simvastatin is a lipid lowering drug whose beneficial role on bone metabolism was discovered in 1999. Severalin vivostudies evaluated its role on osteoporosis and fracture healing, however, controversial results are seen in the literature. For this reason, Simvastatin has not been the focus of any clinical trials as yet. This systematic review clears the mechanisms of action of Simvastatin on bone metabolism and focuses onin vivoinvestigations that have evaluated its role on osteoporosis and fracture repair to find out (i) whether Simvastatin is effective on treatment of osteoporosis and fracture repair, and (ii) which of the many available protocols may have the ability to be translated in the clinical setting. Simvastatin induces osteoinduction by increasing osteoblast activity and differentiation and inhibiting their apoptosis. It also reduces osteoclastogenesis by decreasing both the number and activity of osteoclasts and their differentiation. Controversial results between thein vivostudies are mostly due to the differences in the route of administration, dose, dosage and carrier type. Local delivery of Simvastatin through controlled drug delivery systems with much lower doses and dosages than the systemic route seems to be the most valuable option in fracture healing. However, systemic delivery of Simvastatin with much higher doses and dosages than the clinical ones seems to be effective in managing osteoporosis. Simvastatin, in a particular range of doses and dosages, may be beneficial in managing osteoporosis and fracture injuries. This review showed that Simvastatin is effective in the treatment of osteoporosis and fracture healing.
Dynamic, mechanistic, molecular‐level modelling of cyanobacteria: Anabaena and nitrogen interaction
Authors: Hellweger Ferdi L. , Fredrick Neil D. , McCarthy Mark J. , Gardner Wayne S. , Wilhelm Steven W. , Paerl Hans W.
Published: April 2016

Phytoplankton (eutrophication, biogeochemical) models are important tools for ecosystem research and management, but they generally have not been updated to include modern biology. Here, we present a dynamic, mechanistic, molecular‐level (i.e. gene, transcript, protein, metabolite) model of Anabaena – nitrogen interaction. The model was developed using the pattern‐oriented approach to model definition and parameterization of complex agent‐based models. It simulates individual filaments, each with individual cells, each with genes that are expressed to yield transcripts and proteins. Cells metabolize various forms of N, grow and divide, and differentiate heterocysts when fixed N is depleted. The model is informed by observations from 269 laboratory experiments from 55 papers published from 1942 to 2014. Within this database, we identified 331 emerging patterns, and, excluding inconsistencies in observations, the model reproduces 94% of them. To explore a practical application, we used the model to simulate nutrient reduction scenarios for a hypothetical lake. For a 50% N only loading reduction, the model predicts that N fixation increases, but this fixed N does not compensate for the loading reduction, and the chlorophyll a concentration decreases substantially (by 33%). When N is reduced along with P, the model predicts an additional 8% reduction (compared to P only).
Response of bacterial communities from California coastal waters to alginate particles and an alginolytic Alteromonas macleodii strain
Authors: Mitulla Maximilian , Dinasquet Julie , Guillemette Ryan , Simon Meinhard , Azam Farooq , Wietz Matthias
Published: April 2016

Alginate is a major cell wall polysaccharide from marine macroalgae and nutrient source for heterotrophic bacteria. Alginate can form gel particles in contact with divalent cations as found in seawater. Here, we tested the hypothesis that alginate gel particles serve as carbon source and microhabitat for marine bacteria by adding sterile alginate particles to microcosms with seawater from coastal California, a habitat rich in alginate‐containing macroalgae. Alginate particles were rapidly colonized and degraded, with three‐ to eightfold higher bacterial abundances and production among alginate particle‐associated (PA) bacteria. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that alginate PA bacteria were enriched in OTUs related to Cryomorphaceae, Saprospiraceae (Bacteroidetes) and Phaeobacter (Alphaproteobacteria) towards the end of the experiment. In microcosms amended with alginate particles and the proficient alginolytic bacterium Alteromonas macleodii strain 83‐1, this strain dominated the community and outcompeted Cryomorphaceae, Saprospiraceae and Phaeobacter, and PA hydrolytic activities were over 50% higher. Thus, alginolytic activity by strain 83‐1 did not benefit non‐alginolytic strains by cross‐feeding on alginate hydrolysis or other metabolic products. Considering the global distribution and extensive biomass of alginate‐containing macroalgae, the observed bacterial dynamics associated with the utilization and remineralization of alginate microhabitats promote the understanding of carbon cycling in macroalgae‐rich waters worldwide.
Talking About Versus Talking With: an experiential self of the therapist exercise for family therapy training
Authors: Sude Michael E. , Gambrel Laura Eubanks
Published: April 2016

This article describes an experiential self of the therapist exercise for use in family therapy training. It provides guidelines for instructors to integrate the activity into their courses including step‐by‐step directions, examples of processing questions, and potential readings to accompany the activity. The Talking About Versus Talking With exercise was designed to help family therapy students have a felt sense of some of the differences between individual and relational therapy. It provides trainers with a way to teach therapists in training about clients’ experiences in relational therapy where they talk about relational difficulties directly with someone, as opposed to talking about those same difficulties in individual therapy. The exercise also offers an opportunity for students to do self of the therapist work with a strained relationship in their personal lives, and students report that it is both rewarding and emotionally intense.

Practitioner points

Differences between individual and relational therapy may not be easily understood by family therapy students

Self of the therapist work, including working with difficult personal relationships, is a vital component of family therapy training

The experiential nature of the exercise provides students with a felt sense of some differences between individual and relational therapy
Using Weighted Shapley Values to Measure the Systemic Risk of Interconnected Banks
Authors: Lin Junshan
Published: April 2016

A macro‐prudential approach to financial regulation should reasonably evaluate the systemic risk of individual institutions. We introduce a measure of the systemic risk of interconnected banks using the weighted Shapley value, which characterizes banks' systemic risk by capturing two characteristics: (i) a bank's risk exposure of the primitive asset structure; and (ii) its position in the interbank network. An empirical implementation reveals that the primitive asset structure and interbank connections are main drivers of each bank's systemic risk. In addition, different types of interbank linkages (debt or share) make significant differences in affecting an individual bank's systemic risk.
A Critique of the Bucket Classification of Journals: The ABDCList as an Example
Authors: Moosa Imad A.
Published: April 2016

Journal ranking is a hazardous endeavour even if it is based on objective criteria. Additional problems arise from the use of an opinion‐based bucket classification of journals. As a bucket classification system, the ABDC list encourages rent‐seeking and arbitrage whereby a researcher goes for the lowest‐quality journal within each bucket or moves to another bucket. The quality of research output should not be judged on the basis of a predetermined list. It would be beneficial if theAustralianBusinessDeansCouncil list were abandoned for the same reasons that led to the abandonment of theExcellence inResearch forAustralia list.
Knowledge on DNA Success Rates to Optimize the DNA Analysis Process: From Crime Scene to Laboratory
Authors: Mapes Anna A. , Kloosterman Ate D. , van Marion Vincent , de Poot Christianne J.
Published: April 2016

DNA analysis has become an essential intelligence tool in the criminal justice system for the identification of possible offenders. However, it appears that about half of the processed DNA samples contains too little DNA for analysis. This study looks at DNA success rates within 28 different categories of trace exhibits and relates the DNA concentration to the characteristics of the DNA profile. Data from 2260 analyzed crime samples show that cigarettes, bloodstains, and headwear have relatively high success rates. Cartridge cases, crowbars, and tie‐wraps are on the other end of the spectrum. These objective data can assist forensics in their selection process.The DNA success probability shows a positive relation with the DNA concentration. This finding enables the laboratory to set an evidence‐based threshold value in the DNA analysis process. For instance, 958 DNA extracts had a concentration value of 6 pg/μL or less. Only 46 of the 958 low‐level extracts provided meaningful DNA profiling data.
Cuticular protein LmTwdl1 is involved in molt development of the migratory locust
Authors: Song Tian‐Qi , Yang Mei‐Ling , Wang Yan‐Li , Liu Qing , Wang Hui‐Min , Zhang Jie , Li Tao
Published: April 2016

The cuticle, an essential structure for insects, is produced from cuticular proteins and chitin via a series of biochemical reactions. Tweedle genes are important members of the cuticular protein family and have four conserved motifs binding to chitin. Tweedle family genes have been found to play a profound effect on cuticle development. Here, we report that the cuticular protein gene LmTwdl1 of Locusta migratoria belongs to the Tweedle family. In situ hybridization showed that LmTwdl1 is localized to epidermal cells of the cuticle. The expression patterns of LmTwdl1 showed low expression in the cuticle during the early and middle stages of the fifth‐instar nymphs; in contrast, its expression rapidly increased in the late stages of fifth‐instar nymphs. We performed RNA interference to examine the function of LmTwdl1 in locusts. Silencing of LmTwdl1 resulted in high mortality during the molting process before the next stage. Also, the epicuticle of nymphs failed to molt, tended to be thinner and the arrangement of chitin in the procuticle appeared to be disordered compare to the control group. These results demonstrate that LmTwdl1 plays a critical role in molting, which contributes to a better understanding of the distinct functions of the Tweedle family in locusts.
Exploring novel candidate genes from the Mouse Genome Informatics database: Potential implications for avian migration research
Authors: CONTINA Andrea , BRIDGE Eli S. , KELLY Jeffrey F.
Published: April 2016

To search for genes associated with migratory phenotypes in songbirds, we selected candidate genes through annotations from the Mouse Genome Informatics database and assembled an extensive candidate‐gene library. Then, we implemented a next‐generation sequencing approach to obtain DNA sequences from the Painted Bunting genome. We focused on those sequences that were conserved across avian species and that aligned with candidate genes in our mouse library. We genotyped short sequence repeats from the following candidate genes: ADRA1d, ANKRD17, CISH and MYH7. We studied the possible correlations between allelic variations occurring in these novel candidate migration genes and avian migratory phenotypes available from the published literature. We found that allele variation at MYH7 correlated with a calculated index of speed of migration (km/day) across 11 species of songbirds. We highlight the potential of the Mouse Genome Informatics database in providing new candidate genes that might play a crucial role in regulating migration in birds and possibly in other taxa. Our research effort shows the benefits and limitations of working with extensive genomic datasets and offers a snapshot of the challenges related to cross‐species validation in behavioral and molecular ecology studies.
Antimicrobial Activity of Nisin and Natamycin Incorporated Sodium Caseinate Extrusion‐Blown Films: A Comparative Study with Heat‐Pressed/Solution Cast Films
Authors: Colak Basak Yilin , Peynichou Pierre , Galland Sophie , Oulahal Nadia , Prochazka Frédéric , Degraeve Pascal
Published: April 2016

Antimicrobial edible films based on sodium caseinate, glycerol, and 2 food preservatives (nisin or natamycin) were prepared by classical thermomechanical processes. Food preservatives were compounded (at 65 °C for 2.5 min) with sodium caseinate in a twin‐screw extruder. Anti‐Listeria activity assays revealed a partial inactivation of nisin following compounding. Thermoplastic pellets containing food preservatives were then used to manufacture films either by blown‐film extrusion process or by heat‐press. After 24 h of incubation on agar plates, the diameters of K. rhizophila growth inhibition zones around nisin‐incorporated films prepared by solution casting (control), extrusion blowing or heat pressing at 80 °C for 7 min of nisin‐containing pellets were 15.5 ± 0.9, 9.8 ± 0.2, and 8.6 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. Since heat‐pressing for 7 min at 80 °C of nisin‐incorporated pellets did not further inactivate nisin, this indicates that nisin inactivation during extrusion‐blowing was limited. Moreover, the lower diameter of the K. rhizophila growth inhibition zone around films prepared with nisin‐containing pellets compared to that observed around films directly prepared by solution casting confirms that nisin inactivation mainly occurred during the compounding step. Natamycin‐containing thermoplastic films inhibited Aspergillus niger growth; however, by contrast with nisin‐containing films, heat‐pressed films had higher inhibition zone diameters than blown films, therefore suggesting a partial inactivation of natamycin during extrusion‐blowing.
Recent trends in the use of antidiabetic medications from 2008 to 2013: A nation‐wide population‐based study from Taiwan
Authors: Ou Huang‐Tz , Chang Kai‐Cheng , Liu Ya‐Ming , Wu Jin‐Shang
Published: April 2016

Background

Studies from other countries indicate that utilization patterns of antidiabetic drugs change significantly after the introduction of newer classes of antidiabetic drugs (e.g. dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors [DPP‐4i]). Evidence on recent trends regarding antidiabetic drug use in Taiwan is lacking, especially for times after the introduction of newer classes of drugs (e.g. DPP‐4i). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess: (i) recent trends in the use and spending on antidiabetic drugs; (ii) changes in utilization patterns after introduction of newer classes of antidiabetic drugs; and (iii) factors associated with the choice of newer versus older classes of antidiabetic drugs.

Methods

Cases of type 2 diabetes were derived from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Antidiabetic drug use was measured in terms of total quantity of drug exposure and healthcare spending in each calendar year from 2008 to 2103. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with drug choice.

Results

The use of and healthcare spending on DPP‐4i increased significantly from 2008 to 2013, whereas healthcare spending on sulfonylureas decreased. For monotherapy, sulfonylureas were the most common alternatives to metformin, whereas in dual and triple antidiabetic therapies, a DPP‐4i was the most common alternative to initial regimens. The use of a DPP‐4i was positively associated with the use of beta‐blockers, angiotensin II‐converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers, and lipid‐lowering agents, but negatively correlated with age, hypertension, severity of diabetes complications, and the use of diuretics and calcium channel blockers.

Conclusions

With growing spending on newer antidiabetic drugs, future research on the comparative cost‐effectiveness and safety of antidiabetic drugs is anticipated.
Unused genetic resources: a case study of Polish common oat germplasm
Authors: Boczkowska M. , Onyśk A.
Published: April 2016

Landraces and old, obsolete cultivars are a rich source of diversity and could become important and easy‐to‐use germplasm resources for breeding. They are characterised by yield stability, broad adaptation, tolerance to diseases and a greater competitiveness in the presence of weeds. The main objective of this study was to estimate and compare the genetic diversity among and within landraces, old cultivars and modern cultivars of common oat. Inter simple sequence repeats were used to study the genetic diversity of 12 modern Polish cultivars, 23 old Polish cultivars, 19 native landraces and 5 contemporary European cultivars. The results indicated a low amount of diversity among Polish modern cultivars, but an even lower diversity among old Polish cultivars, as well as large differences between these two gene pools. As expected, the landraces were the most diverse group and showed the highest internal variation. The landraces and old cultivars might serve as sources of useful alleles that have never been used in breeding. Additionally, it was possible to identify errors and inconsistencies in the passport data of gene‐bank accessions. These results can be applied to the maintenance and management of gene‐bank collections.
Fluid filtration and vascular compliance during cardiopulmonary bypass: effects of two volatile anesthetics
Authors: Svendsen Ø. S. , Elvevoll B. , Mongstad A. , Stangeland L. B. , Kvalheim V. L. , Husby P.
Published: April 2016

Background

As intraoperative fluid accumulation may negatively impact post‐operative organ function, strategies minimizing edema generation should be sought for. During general anesthesia, isoflurane in contrast to sevoflurane has been associated with increased fluid extravasation and edema generation. In this study, we tested sevoflurane against isoflurane with focus on vascular compliance and fluid shifts in an experimental cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) model.

Methods

Sixteen pigs underwent 120 min of cardiopulmonary bypass with isoflurane or sevoflurane anesthesia. Net fluid balance, plasma volume, serum‐electrolytes, serum‐albumin, serum‐protein, colloid osmotic pressures in plasma and interstitial fluid, hematocrit levels, and total tissue water content were recorded. Intra‐abdominal and intracranial pressures were measured directly, and fluid extravasation rates were calculated.

Results

Fluid extravasation rate increased dramatically in both groups during initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, with no group differences. The animals of the sevoflurane group needed significantly more fluid supplementation to maintain a constant reservoir volume in the CPB circuit during bypass. Plasma volumes prior to bypass were 56.5 ± 7.9 ml/kg (mean ± SD) and 58.7 ± 3.8 ml/kg in the isoflurane group and sevoflurane group, respectively. During bypass, plasma volumes in the isoflurane group decreased about 25%, and remained significantly lowered when compared to the sevoflurane group, where the values remained stable.

Conclusions

No differences in fluid extravasation rates were observed between sevoflurane and isoflurane. The increased net fluid balance in the sevoflurane group during cardiopulmonary bypass was not associated with edema generation. Plasma volume was retained in the sevoflurane group, in contrast to the isoflurane group.
Tweet Now, See You In the ED Later? Examining the Association Between Alcohol‐related Tweets and Emergency Care Visits
Authors: Ranney Megan L. , Chang Brian , Freeman Joshua R. , Norris Brian , Silverberg Mark , Choo Esther K.
Published: April 2016

Background

Alcohol use is a major and unpredictable driver of emergency department (ED) visits. Regional Twitter activity correlates ecologically with behavioral outcomes. No such correlation has been established in real time.

Objectives

The objective was to examine the correlation between real‐time, alcohol‐related tweets and alcohol‐related ED visits.

Methods

We developed and piloted a set of 11 keywords that identified tweets related to alcohol use. In‐state tweets were identified using self‐declared profile information or geographic coordinates. Using Datasift, a third‐party vendor, a random sample of 1% of eligible tweets containing the keywords and originating in state were downloaded (including tweet date/time) over 3 discrete weeks in 3 different months. In the same time frame, we examined visits to an urban, high‐volume, Level I trauma center that receives > 25% of the emergency care volume in the state. Alcohol‐related ED visits were defined as visits with a chief complaint of alcohol use, positive blood alcohol, or alcohol‐related ICD‐9 code. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to examine the hourly correlation between alcohol‐related tweets, alcohol‐related ED visits, and all ED visits.

Results

A total of 7,820 tweets (representing 782,000 in‐state alcohol‐related tweets during the 3 weeks) were identified. Concurrently, 404 ED visits met criteria for being alcohol‐related versus 2939 non–alcohol‐related ED visits. There was a statistically significant relationship between hourly alcohol‐related tweet volume and number of alcohol‐related ED visits (rs = 0.31, p < 0.00001), but not between hourly alcohol‐related tweet volume and number of non–alcohol‐related ED visits (rs = –0.07, p = 0.11).

Conclusion

In a single state, a statistically significant relationship was observed between the hourly number of alcohol‐related tweets and the hourly number of alcohol‐related ED visits. Real‐time Twitter monitoring may help predict alcohol‐related surges in ED visits. Future studies should include larger numbers of EDs and natural language processing.
Response to commentaries on ‘Which medications are suitable for agonist drug maintenance’
Authors: Darke Shane , Farrell Michael
Published: April 2016

Commentary to: Which medications are suitable for agonist drug maintenance?
Paternal exposures to environmental chemicals and time‐to‐pregnancy: overview of results from theLIFEstudy
Authors: Buck Louis G. M. , Barr D. B. , Kannan K. , Chen Z. , Kim S. , Sundaram R.
Published: April 2016

Published findings from the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) Study regarding the relation between environmental chemicals and couple fecundity, as measured by time‐to‐pregnancy (TTP), are reviewed with a particular focus on role of the male partner. TheLIFEStudy recruited 501 couples from 16 counties in two U.S. states upon discontinuing contraception for purposes of becoming pregnant. Upon enrollment, couples provided a blood and urine sample for the quantification of persistent and non‐persistent environmental chemicals, respectively, and then completed daily journals until pregnant or up to one year of trying. Female partners used fertility monitors to aid the timing of intercourse relative to ovulation, and digital home pregnancy test kits on the day of expected menses. Chemical classes included: metals, persistent organic pollutants, environmental phenols, and phthalates that were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or isotope dilution high‐resolution or tandem mass spectrometry. Time‐to‐pregnancy (TTP) was defined as the number of prospectively observed menstrual cycles required for pregnancy. Fecundability odds ratios (FORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for each chemical and partner after adjusting for potential confounders and accounting for right censoring and time off contraception.FORs < 1 are suggestive of diminished fecundity or a longerTTP. Significant reductions (ranging from 17–31%) in couple fecundity were observed for male partners' concentration of lead (0.83; 0.70, 0.98), 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrahydroxybenzophenone (0.69; 0.49, 0.97), monobenzyl (0.80; 0.67, 0.97), and monomethyl (0.81; 0.70, 0.94) phthalates after adjusting for the female partners' concentrations. SevenPCBcongeners quantified in men's serum were associated with a 17–29% reduction in couple fecundity. Our findings underscore the importance of a couple‐based exposure design, inclusive of the male partner, when assessing couple‐dependent outcomes such asTTPto avoid misinterpretation of results based only upon the female partner.
Determination of testicular function in adolescents with varicocoele – a proteomics approach
Authors: Del Giudice P. T. , Belardin L. B. , Camargo M. , Zylbersztejn D. S. , Carvalho V. M. , Cardozo K. H. M. , Bertolla R. P. , Cedenho A. P.
Published: April 2016

The goal of this study was to determine seminal plasma biomarkers of testicular function in adolescents with varicocoele and to verify enriched gene ontology terms associated to these differential proteomes. An observational study was carried out in an academic research environment. A total of 77 adolescent patients were recruited from a local public school, of which 23 were without varicocoele and with normal semen analysis (control group), 37 were with varicocoele and normal semen (VNS) parameters, and 17 were with varicocoele and altered semen (VAS) parameters. Two semen collections were provided with a 1‐week interval, after 2–5 days of ejaculatory abstinence. Seminal plasma proteins were identified and quantified utilizing a label‐free shotgun proteomics approach, generating (i) proteins differentially expressed in each group (control, VNS, and VAS) and putative biomarkers using multivariate statistics followed by discriminant analysis. Confirmatory analysis was performed for two proteins by western blotting. Enriched biological processes and molecular functions were determined using gene ontology analysis. In total, 541 proteins were identified and quantified: 108 exclusive or overexpressed in controls, 26 in the VNS group, and 13 in the VAS group. The suggested biomarkers are Cab45/SDF4 (Q9BRK5), protein lefty‐1 (O75610), DNase I (P24855), PAP2‐alpha (O14494), IBP‐7 (Q16270), HDC (P01860), and CRISP‐3 (P54108). Western blotting results showed that Cab45 was significantly underexpressed in both varicocoele groups, and CRISP‐3 was significantly overexpressed in seminal plasma of adolescents with VAS. In conclusion, specific biomarkers of spermatogenesis and homeostasis are observed in adolescents without varicocoele, and the presence of a palpable varicocoele progressively shifts these adolescents toward initially an immune response, and finally toward a chronic inflammatory profile. This shift is accompanied by decreased semen quality.
Endoscopic balloon dilatation of Crohn's strictures: a safe method to defer surgery in selective cases
Authors: Asairinachan Ashwinna , An Vinna , Daniel Eric S. , Johnston Michael J. , Woods Rodney J.
Published: April 2016

Background

Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) provides a valuable alternative to surgery for strictures in Crohn's disease (CD). Data are lacking regarding the factors that improve the safety and effectiveness of EBD in CD. The aim of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of EBD and the clinical variables, which are predictive of successful treatment of CD strictures with EBD.

Methods

The records of all patients with CD in whom EBD was attempted between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed. Procedures were conducted at a single tertiary referral centre using a Boston Scientific CRE® TTS balloon. Technical success was defined as the ability to traverse the stricture with the endoscope and clinical success as the resolution of obstructive symptoms at review.

Results

Forty‐seven patients with a total of 58 strictures (19 primary and 39 anastomotic strictures) were treated with EBD with median follow‐up of 37 months. A total of 161 dilatation procedures were performed, with technical success reported in 139/158 (88%) cases and clinical success reported in 105/137 (76.7%) cases with complete data. Complications occurred in 7/161 dilatations (4.3% dilatations, 15% patients), three patients with perforation, one with acute bleeding and three admitted with abdominal pain. Eighteen of the 47 patients required surgery (38%). Strictures of <50 mm (P = 0.04) and those dilated to a diameter of ≥15 mm (P = 0.031) were less likely to require surgical resection.

Conclusions

EBD is safe for both primary and post‐surgical strictures. Stricture length and diameter of dilatation are predictive of success. In selected patients, treatment with EBD may reduce or delay the need for surgery.
Gestational age is more important for short‐term neonatal outcome than microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity or intra‐amniotic inflammation in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes
Authors: Rodríguez‐Trujillo Adriano , Cobo Teresa , Vives Irene , Bosch Jordi , Kacerovsky Marian , Posadas David E. , Ángeles Martina A. , Gratacós Eduard , Jacobsson Bo , Palacio Montse
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), the impact on short‐term neonatal outcome of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC), intra‐amniotic inflammation (IAI), and the microorganisms isolated in women with MIAC, when gestational age is taken into account.

Material and methods

Prospective cohort study. We included women with PPROM (22.0–34.0 weeks of gestation) with available information about MIAC, IAI and short‐term neonatal outcome. MIAC was defined as positive aerobic/anaerobic/genital Mycoplasma culture in amniotic fluid. Definition of IAI was based on interleukin‐6 levels in amniotic fluid. Main outcome measures were Apgar score <7 at 5 min, umbilical artery pH ≤7.0, days in the neonatal intensive care unit, and composite neonatal morbidity, including any of the following: intraventricular hemorrhage grade III–IV, respiratory distress syndrome, early‐onset neonatal sepsis, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and fetal or neonatal death. Labor was induced after 32.0 weeks if lung maturity was confirmed; and otherwise after 34.0 weeks.

Results

MIAC and IAI were found in 38% (72/190) and 67% (111/165), respectively. After adjustment for gestational age at delivery, no differences in short‐term neonatal outcome were found between women with either MIAC or IAI, compared with the non‐infection/non‐inflammation (“No‐MIAC/No‐IAI”) group. Furthermore, short‐term neonatal outcome did not differ between the MIAC caused by Ureaplasma spp. group, the MIAC caused by other microorganisms group and the “No‐MIAC/No‐IAI” group.

Conclusions

Gestational age at delivery seems to be more important for short‐term neonatal outcome than MIAC or IAI in PPROM.