bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Favourable areas for co‐occurrence of parapatric species: niche conservatism and niche divergence in Iberian tree frogs and midwife toads
Authors: Reino Luís , Ferreira Mário , Martínez‐Solano Íñigo , Segurado Pedro , Xu Chi , Márcia Barbosa A.
Published: August 2016

Aim

The study of areas of sympatry of species with predominantly parapatric distributions can provide valuable insights into their evolutionary history and the factors shaping patterns of species co‐occurrence. This information is key in biogeography, evolutionary biology and conservation planning. In this study we analyse the distributions of two pairs of partially co‐occurring congeneric amphibian species: tree frogs (Hyla molleri and H. meridionalis) and midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans and A. cisternasii).

Location

Iberian Peninsula (SW Europe).

Methods

We obtained distribution data from the herpetological atlases of Portugal and Spain, consisting of presences and absences on UTM 10 × 10 km grid cells. We built an environmental favourability model for each species, using 24 potential predictor variables representative of physiography, climate and human activity. Variables were selected for each model using both information and significance criteria. Models were evaluated using both calibration and discrimination measures. Models were then combined using fuzzy intersection, and compared using correlation analysis (accounting for spatial autocorrelation), niche comparison metrics and fuzzy similarity indices.

Results

We found significant dissimilarity between the favourability patterns for A. obstetricans and A. cisternasii, indicating environmental segregation of these two midwife toad species. In tree frogs, we found significant similarity between favourability for H. meridionalis and for its co‐occurrence with H. molleri – that is, sympatry occurs mainly in areas that are favourable for H. meridionalis.

Main conclusions

These results provide clues to understand the evolutionary history of these four species, including the evolution of reproductive isolation, and suggest that conservation efforts for tree frogs may be focused on the areas that are favourable for both species, whereas midwife toads will require specific measures tailored for each species.
Rise and fall of vector infectivity during sequential strain displacements by mosquito‐borne dengue virus
Authors: Andrade C. C. , Young K. I. , Johnson W. L. , Villa M. E. , Buraczyk C. A. , Messer W. B. , Hanley K. A.
Published: August 2016

Each of the four serotypes of mosquito‐borne dengue virus (DENV‐1‐4) comprises multiple, genetically distinct strains. Competitive displacement between strains within a serotype is a common feature of DENV epidemiology and can trigger outbreaks of dengue disease. We investigated the mechanisms underlying two sequential displacements by DENV‐3 strains in Sri Lanka that each coincided with abrupt increases in dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) incidence. First, the post‐DHF strain displaced the pre‐DHF strain in the 1980s. We have previously shown that post‐DHF is more infectious than pre‐DHF for the major DENV vector, Aedes aegypti. Then, the ultra‐DHF strain evolved in situ from post‐DHF and displaced its ancestor in the 2000s. We predicted that ultra‐DHF would be more infectious for Ae. aegypti than post‐DHF but found that ultra‐DHF infected a significantly lower percentage of mosquitoes than post‐DHF. We therefore hypothesized that ultra‐DHF had effected displacement by disseminating in Ae. aegypti more rapidly than post‐DHF, but this was not borne out by a time course of mosquito infection. To elucidate the mechanisms that shape these virus–vector interactions, we tested the impact of RNA interference (RNAi), the principal mosquito defence against DENV, on replication of each of the three DENV strains. Replication of all strains was similar in mosquito cells with dysfunctional RNAi, but in cells with functional RNAi, replication of pre‐DHF was significantly suppressed relative to the other two strains. Thus, differences in susceptibility to RNAi may account for the differences in mosquito infectivity between pre‐DHF and post‐DHF, but other mechanisms underlie the difference between post‐DHF and ultra‐DHF.
A comparison of techniques for studying oogenesis in the European eel Anguilla anguilla
Authors: Mazzeo I. , Giorgini E. , Gioacchini G. , Maradonna F. , Vílchez M. C. , Baloche S. , Dufour S. , Pérez L. , Carnevali O. , Asturiano J. F.
Published: August 2016

A multi‐technique approach was used to study the changes occurring in European eel Anguilla anguilla ovaries during hormonally‐induced vitellogenesis. Aside from classic techniques used to monitor the vitellogenic process, such as ovary histology, fat content analysis, sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and vitellogenin enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a new technique, Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) microspectroscopy, was used to analyse A. anguilla ovaries. The results from the different techniques provided different ways of approaching the same process. Although it is considered a time consuming approach, of all the employed techniques, histology provided the most direct evidences about vitellogenesis. SDS–PAGE and ELISA were also useful for studying vitellogenesis, whereas fat analysis cannot be used for this purpose. The FT‐IR analysis provided a representative IR spectrum for each ovarian stage (previtellogenic stage, early vitellogenic stage, mid‐vitellogenic stage and late vitellogenic stage), demonstrating that it is a valid method able to illustrate the distribution of the oocytes within the ovary slices. The chemical maps obtained confirmed changes in lipid concentrations and revealed their distribution within the oocytes at different maturational stages. When the results and the accuracy of the FT‐IR analysis were compared with those of the traditional techniques commonly used to establish the vitellogenic stage, it became evident that FT‐IR is a useful and reliable tool, with many advantages, including the fact that it requires little biological material, the costs involved are low, analysis times are short and last but not least, the fact that it offers the possibility of simultaneously analysing various biocomponents of the same oocyte.
Carry Trades, Order Flow, and the Forward Bias Puzzle
Authors: BREEDON FRANCIS , RIME DAGFINN , VITALE PAOLO
Published: August 2016

We investigate the relation between foreign exchange (FX) order flow and the forward bias. We outline a decomposition of the forward bias according to which a negative correlation between interest rate differentials and order flow creates a time‐varying risk premium consistent with that bias. Using 10 years of data on FX order flow, we find that more than half of the forward bias is accounted for by order flow—with the rest being explained by expectational errors. We also find that carry trading increases currency‐crash risk in that order flow generates negative skewness in FX returns.
Optimal Monetary Policy and Transparency under Informational Frictions
Authors: TAMURA WATARU
Published: August 2016

This paper examines the optimal monetary policy and central bank transparency in an economy where firms set prices under informational frictions. The economy is subject to two types of shocks determining the efficient output level and firms' desired markups. To minimize the welfare‐reducing output gap and price dispersion between firms, the central bank controls firms' incentives and expectations by using a monetary instrument and disclosing information on the realized shocks. This paper shows that an optimal policy comprises the disclosure of a linear combination of the two shocks and the adjustment of monetary instruments contingent on the disclosed information.
Amyloid β attenuates metabotropic zinc sensing receptor, mZnR/GPR39, dependent Ca2+, ERK1/2 and Clusterin signaling in neurons
Authors: Abramovitch‐Dahan Chen , Asraf Hila , Bogdanovic Milos , Sekler Israel , Bush Ashley I. , Hershfinkel Michal
Published: August 2016

A hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) deposits, which are associated with neuronal dysfunction, spine loss, and impaired Ca2+ homeostasis. Amyloid beta (Aβ) binds to and is aggregated by Zn2+, a metal released from synaptic glutamatergic vesicles during neuronal activity. Synaptically released Zn2+ activates a metabotropic Gq‐coupled Zn2+‐sensing receptor, mZnR/GPR39, and induces Ca2+‐signaling in post‐synaptic neurons. We examined if Aβ, as a Zn2+ binding protein, regulates neuronal Zn2+‐signaling mediated by mZnR/GPR39 using SHSY‐5Y cells and cortical neurons from GPR39 wild‐type and knockout mice. Following acute or chronic treatment with Aβ neuronal Zn2+‐dependent Ca2+ release via mZnR/GPR39 is significantly reduced. This impairment is overcome when excess Zn2+ is applied, suggesting that impaired Ca2+‐signaling results from Aβ binding of Zn2+. The Zn2+‐dependent mZnR/GPR39 activation triggers phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase and up‐regulates expression of the chaperone protein clusterin (Clu). Importantly, neuronal Zn2+‐dependent extracellular regulated kinase1/2 phosphorylation and up‐regulation of Clu are attenuated by silencing mZnR/GPR39 as well as by Aβ treatment. In contrast, Zn2+‐dependent AKT phosphorylation is not mediated by mZnR/GPR39 and is not attenuated by Aβ treatment. Thus, Zn2+ signaling via mZnR/GPR39 is distinctively disrupted by a critical pathological component of Alzheimer's disease.

image

Synaptically released Zn2+ activates a Zn2+‐sensing receptor, mZnR/GPR39, and induces Ca2+‐signaling, followed by ERK1/2 MAPK activation and up‐regulation of clusterin. Amyloid beta (Aβ) binds to Zn2+ thus forming oligomers that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. We show that Aβ attenuates Zn2+‐dependent Ca2+‐responses, abolishes ERK1/2 activation and down‐regulates clusterin expression. Thus, Zn2+ signaling via mZnR/GPR39 is disrupted by Aβ, a critical pathological component of Alzheimer's disease.
Descriptive terminology for the sensory evaluation of soy sauce
Authors: Imamura Miho
Published: August 2016

Although soy sauce is a globally used seasoning, its sensory properties have not been fully revealed. Here, the sensory characteristics of 149 soy sauces were examined using descriptive analyses. Eighty‐eight attributes were identified and integrated them into a flavor wheel. Aroma was the sensory modality described most often, suggesting that soy sauce's aroma is likely important in characterizing its sensory quality. Nineteen out of 88 attributes were found in all soy sauces implying their importance in representing a soy sauce‐like quality. These 19 attributes allowed the discrimination of manufacturing methods and the successful generation of a comparison map. Other attributes appeared infrequently, indicating that all soy sauces are unique and that these attributes can be utilized to describe subtle differences in their characters.

Practical application

Since soy sauce has become a globally used seasoning, it is meaningful to define its attributes for sensory evaluation. Establishing the sensory attributes of soy sauce allows us to describe each soy sauce objectively and share sensory perceptions among consumers, producers, and researchers. A flavor wheel would facilitate people's systematical understanding of the sensory characteristics of soy sauce. Also sensory evaluation using a flavor wheel would be helpful in finding previously unrecognized attractive or non‐attractive characteristics in soy sauces, which ultimately affects purchase decisions. Defining the minimum attributes required for creating a soy sauce positioning map would save a great deal of time and money for product development. Finally, knowledge about the relationship between sensory qualities and the manufacturing process and/or production area would be helpful in regards to product development and purchasing decisions.
Pathogen and antimicrobial resistance profiles of culture‐proven neonatal sepsis in Southwest China, 1990–2014
Authors: Lu Qi , Zhou Min , Tu Yan , Yao Yao , Yu Jialin , Cheng Shupeng
Published: August 2016

Aim

Neonatal sepsis (NS) sustains high mortality and morbidity in China, but data on the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns of NS pathogens are limited.

Methods

The clinical features, aetiology and antimicrobial resistance of culture‐proven NS were analysed over a period of 25 years in the metropolitan city of Chongqing in Southwest China.

Results

The occurrence rates of neonatal early‐onset sepsis (EOS) were found to gradually decrease while late‐onset sepsis (LOS) was kept stable from 1990 to 2014. Although coagulase‐negative staphylococcus (CoNS) sepsis accounted for most infections, the occurrence rates of CoNS sepsis gradually decreased, especially in EOS. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella were common Gram‐negative bacteria. The occurrence rates of E. coli and Klebsiella remained stable in EOS; however, in LOS, those had increased mildly, especially from 2009 to 2014. Although a high‐degree resistance to common first‐ and second‐line antimicrobials was observed for the main causative pathogens of NS, the gentamicin‐resistance rate declined gradually from the year 2003. Similarly, the ceftazidime‐resistance rate of E. coli dropped gradually from the year 2007.

Conclusions

The alarmingly high degree of antibiotic resistance calls for urgent evaluation and development of antibiotic policy and protocols for the treatment of NS. Clinicians should strictly control the antibiotics use, decrease invasive manipulations and shorten hospitalisation to prevent LOS.
Infection Process of Burkholderia glumae Before Booting Stage of Rice
Authors: Li Lu , Wang Ling , Liu Lian‐Meng , Hou Yu‐Xuan , Li Qi‐Qin , Huang Shi‐Wen
Published: August 2016

Burkholderia glumae is a well‐known pathogen for causing bacterial panicle blight of rice. In this study, the infection process of B. glumae in rice plants at different growing stages was tracked by means of real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Burkholderia glumae tended to colonize at the growing point of rice plants, and the biomass of population was 104 to 108 CFU/g. The most intensive colonization was detected in the upmost leaf in the two‐leaf period. However, after the two‐leaf period, the population of pathogens decreased significantly, and they successfully recovered in the booting stage and broke out in panicles. We also illustrated the incubation location of B. glumae by presenting the infection pattern in the seedling and tillering stage of rice. Under fluorescent microscopy, the gfp‐labelled pathogens were first found in the vascular bundle of lateral roots, taproots and injured cells, then they were observed in the root hairs, epidermal cells and main root cap. The pathogens in the vascular bundle laterally dispersed towards the epidermal cells. By spray application of a bacterial suspension, the pathogens landed on the leaf sheaths and leaves, colonized in the epidermal hairs and leaf hairs, or invaded into the cells through the stomas. At the same time, the pathogens from the vascular bundle of the roots spread into the vascular bundle of leaf sheaths and leaves, which caused the leaves to curl and wilt, beginning from the tip.
The Effect of Exposure to Decreasing Relative Humidity on the Viability of Phytophthora ramorum sporangia
Authors: Tooley Paul W. , Browning Marsha
Published: August 2016

Sporangia of three isolates of Phytophthora ramorum representing three different clonal lineages were subjected to relative humidity (RH) levels between 80 and 100% for exposure periods ranging from 1 to 24 h at 20°C in darkness. Plastic containers (21.5 × 14.5 × 5 cm) were used as humidity chambers with 130 ml of glycerine solution added to each container. Glycerine concentrations corresponded to 100, 95, 90, 85 and 80% RH based on refractive index measurements. Sporangia suspensions were pipeted onto nitrile mesh squares (1.5 × 1.5 cm, 15 micron pore size) which were placed in the humidity chambers and incubated at 20°C in darkness. Following exposure periods of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h, mesh squares were inverted onto Petri dishes of selective medium and sporangia germination assessed after 24 and 48 h. At 100% RH, we observed a mean value of 88% germination after 1 h exposure declining to 18% germination following 24 h incubation. At 95% RH, a steeper decline in germination was noted, with means ranging from 79% at 1 h to less than 1% at 24 h exposure. At 90% RH, no germination was noted after 8 or more h exposure, and values were 57%, 22% and 3% germination for the 1, 2 and 4 h exposures, respectively. Germination was only observed at 1 h exposure for both the 85% RH treatment (52% germination) and the 80% RH treatment (38% germination). The three isolates responded similarly over the range of RH values tested. The germination response of P. ramorum sporangia to RH values between 80% and 100% was comparable to that reported for other Phytophthora species. Knowledge of conditions that affect P. ramorum sporangia germination can shed light on pathogenesis and epidemic potential and lead to improved control recommendations.
Molecular Identification and Diversity of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ Associated with Red‐leaf Disease of Salvia miltiorrhiza in China
Authors: Yang Ruihuan , Wang Guiwei , Wang Sai , Zhang Di , Wei Liangzhu , Chen Haimin , Li Ou , Hu Xiufang
Published: August 2016

Reddening disease has recently been threatening Salvia miltiorrhiza in China, ranging from 30 to 50%. The main symptoms observed, such as plant stunting, inflorescence malformation, leaf reddening, fibrous roots browning, skin blackening and eventually root rot, are typically associated with phytoplasma infection. The presence of phytoplasmas was demonstrated through phytoplasma‐specific PCR, with the expected amplification (1.8 kb) from symptomatic S. miltiorrhiza plants from Shangluo, Shangzhou and Luonan fields in Shaanxi Province of China. The sequences of 16S rRNA, tuf, secY and vmp1 genes amplified from LN‐1 phytoplasma shared the closest homologies of 99%, 100%, 99% and 98% with those of the reference strain Candidatus Phytoplasma solani (subgroup 16SrXII‐A), respectively. The phylogenetic trees showed that LN‐1 phytoplasma clustered with the members of 16SrXII‐A group, including Ca. P. solani. Computer‐simulated restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis further supported this classification. Diversity analysis showed that all ‘Ca. P. solani’ strains identified from the three different regions examined shared 100% identical 16S rRNA, tuf, secY and vmp1 nucleotide sequences. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of phytoplasma infecting the medicinal plant of S. miltiorrhiza. The results demonstrate that ‘Ca. P. solani’ is the presumptive aetiological agent of S. miltiorrhiza reddening disease in China.
Penetration and Reproduction of Meloidogyne javanica on Leguminous Crops
Authors: Miamoto Angélica , Dias‐Arieira Cláudia R. , Cardoso Michelly R. , Puerari Heriksen H.
Published: August 2016

The use of antagonist plants is one of the most effective methods in the management of root–knot nematodes, and several plants recommended for this purpose are nitrogen‐fixing plants that act as green manure because of the amount of mass produced. The mode of action of some species has already been investigated, but this has yet to be elucidated for many plants researched as antagonists. Thus, this study aimed to assess the penetration and reproduction of Meloidogyne javanica on the root system of three species of crotalaria, as well as Mucuna deeringiana, Cajanus cajan, Canavalia ensiformis, Macrotyloma axillare and Stylosanthes capitata, with soya bean used as control treatment. Thus, plants inoculated with the nematode were assessed 5, 10, 15 and 20 days after inoculation (DAI), for nematode penetration and development. After 60 days of inoculation, the nematode reproduction factor (RF) was assessed. The plants did not prevent M. javanica penetration, which differed at varying degrees, according to the time of assessment and the plant species investigated. However, the nematode reproduction was impaired in all the leguminous crops assessed, with (RF)<1 in all the plants, while in soya bean the RF values were 2.85 and 2.56, in the respective experiments.
A Cocktail ELISA Semi‐nested RT‐PCR Assay to Detect Bean pod mottle virus in Soya bean Seeds
Authors: Jin Jing , Shen Jianguo , Cai Wei , Liao Furong , Gao Fangluan , Chen Xihong , Wu Zujian
Published: August 2016

Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) has been identified as an important pathogen for plant quarantine in China because large quantities of soya bean seeds (approximately 7 × 107 tons) are imported annually. To develop a practical detection programme for BPMV, a cocktail enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) nested RT‐PCR using a combination of serological and molecular methods was designed for soya bean seeds. The single‐vessel detection assay was performed in a 96‐well ELISA plate, which served as a carrier for the subsequent nested RT‐PCR assay. Assay specificity was demonstrated by the production of the expected 330‐ and 296‐bp bands using the external and internal primers, respectively. This method was 104‐fold more sensitive than immunocapture‐RT‐PCR (IC‐RT‐PCR). In particular, it is important to note that this assay resulted in successful micro‐extraction from soya bean seeds and combined the advantages of each individual technique. The cocktail ELISA nested RT‐PCR is a specific, sensitive, rapid and economical procedure to rapidly identify and characterize BPMV and could be suitable for both primary‐level platforms and laboratories.
Molecular cloning of melatonin 3‐hydroxylase and its production of cyclic 3‐hydroxymelatonin in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Lee Kyungjin , Zawadzka Anna , Czarnocki Zbigniew , Reiter Russel J. , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: August 2016

Melatonin is metabolized in animals to cyclic 3‐hydroxymelatonin (3‐OHM) not by an enzymatic pathway, but by interaction with hydroxyl radicals. The production of 3‐OHM in animals suggests the possible presence of 3‐OHM in plants. Prior to the identification of 3‐OHM in plants, we directly cloned the corresponding gene(s) responsible for 3‐OHM synthesis using Escherichia coli library strains expressing genes belonging to the 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase (2‐ODD) superfamily from rice. Three of 35 E. coli library strains supplemented with 1 mmol/L melatonin were found to produce 3‐OHM in their extracellular medium, suggestive of three 2‐ODD genes involved in 3‐OHM production. The purified recombinant 2‐ODD 11, 2‐ODD 26, and 2‐ODD 33 proteins were shown to catalyze the metabolism of melatonin to 3‐OHM, with 2‐ODD 11 showing the highest melatonin 3‐hydroxylase (M3H) catalytic activity. Consistent with the presence of M3H genes, rice leaves supplemented with 5 mmol/L melatonin produced 3‐OHM [233 μg/g fresh weight (FW)], 2‐hydroxymelatonin (21 μg/g FW), and N1‐acetyl‐N2‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (5 μg/g FW). Three M3H transcripts were induced upon the treatment of rice leaves with cadmium followed by an increase in M3H enzyme activity. Cloning of M3H genes in plants has paved the way for the studies of melatonin in plants in terms of its multiple physiological roles.
Development and preliminary evaluation of culturally specific web‐based intervention for parents of adolescents
Authors: Choi H. , Kim S. , Ko H. , Kim Y. , Park C. G.
Published: August 2016

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Problematic parent–child relationships have been identified as one of the main predictors of adolescents' mental health problems, but there are few existing interventions that address this issue.

The format and delivery method of existing interventions for parents are relatively inaccessible for parents with full‐time jobs and families living in rural areas.

What does this paper add to existing knowledge?

The newly developed ‘Stepping Stone’ culturally specific web‐based intervention, which is intended to help Korean parents of adolescents to acquire both knowledge and communication and conflict management skills, was found to be feasible and well‐accepted by parents.

This study enabled us to identify areas for improvement in the content and format of the intervention and strategies. This will potentially increase effect sizes for the outcome variables of parents' perception and behaviours.

What are the implications for practice?

This web‐based intervention could be delivered across diverse settings, such as schools and community mental health centers, to increase parents' knowledge of adolescent's mental health and allow for early detection of mental health problems.

Mental health nurses working in schools may spend a significant amount of time addressing students' mental health issues; thus, this web‐based intervention could be a useful resource to share with parents and children. In this way, the mental health nurses could facilitate parental engagement in the intervention and then help them to continue to apply and practice the knowledge and skills obtained through the program.

Introduction

There is a need for accessible, culturally specific web‐based interventions to address parent–child relationships and adolescents' mental health.

Aims

This study developed and conducted a preliminary evaluation of a 4‐week web‐based intervention for parents of adolescents aged 11 to 16 years in Korea.

Methods

We used a two‐group, repeated measures, quasi‐experimental study design to assess the feasibility of developing and implementing a web‐based intervention for parents. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square and t tests, and mixed effect modeling were used for data analysis.

Results

The intervention and 1‐month follow‐up survey were completed by 47 parents in the intervention group and 46 parents in the attention control (AC) group. The intervention was found to be feasible and well‐accepted by parents.

Discussion

This culturally specific web‐based intervention is a useful tool for knowledge dissemination among large numbers of parents. Areas for improvement in the content and format of the intervention and strategies to elicit significant parent–child interactions are provided.

Implications for practice and conclusion

The intervention could be disseminated in collaboration with mental health nurses working in schools to facilitate parents' participation.
Time and Transcendence: Narrating Higher Authority at the Caribbean Court of Justice
Authors: Cabatingan Lee
Published: August 2016

This article examines the relationship between time and authority in courts of law. Newness, in particular, poses an obstacle to a court's efforts to establish authority because it tethers the institution to a timeline in which the human origins of the court and the political controversies preceding it are easily recalled. Moreover, the abbreviated timeline necessarily limits the body of legal authority (namely, the number of judgments) that could have been produced. This article asks how a court might establish its authority when faced with such problematic newness. Based on extensive ethnographic research at the Caribbean Court of Justice, I demonstrate how the staff and judges at this relatively young tribunal work to create a narrative in which the Court transcends its own troublesome timeline. They do this by attempting to construct a time-transcendent principle of Caribbeanness and proffering the Court as a manifestation of this higher authority. The Court's narrative of its timelessness, however, is regularly challenged by far more familiar tales of its becoming, suggesting that in this court, as in all courts, the work of building and maintaining authority is ongoing.
Regorafenib induced severe toxic hepatitis: characterization and discussion
Authors: Sacré Anne , Lanthier Nicolas , Dano Hélène , Aydin Selda , Leggenhager Daniela , Weber Achim , Dekairelle Anne‐France , De Cuyper Astrid , Gala Jean‐Luc , Humblet Yves , Sempoux Christine , Van den Eynde Marc
Published: August 2016

Background

Regorafenib is the first small‐molecule multikinase inhibitor which showed survival benefits in pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Besides classical adverse events of this drug class, hepatotoxicity has been described as a frequent side effect.

Material and Methods

Patients with refractory mCRC treated with regorafenib in our institution were reviewed. Severe treatment‐related liver toxicity was investigated. Clinical history, liver histology and genetic assessment (sequence analysis) of cytochrome P3A4 (CYP3A4) and uridine diphosphate‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A9 (UGT1A9) involved in regorafenib metabolization were here reported for patients with severe hepatotoxicity.

Results

Among the 93 reviewed patients, 3 presented severe and icteric toxic hepatitis which was fatal for 1 patient. Histopathological liver lesions were different depending on the onset of hepatotoxicity (acute or subacute): acinar zone 3 necrosis in case of acute symptoms, and portal tract inflammation with porto‐central bridging and fibrosis in the delayed presentation. None of the patients had CYP3A4 gene mutations. Similar polymorphisms in UGT1A9 gene promoter region (UGT1A9 variant –118T9>10 [rs3832043]) were found in both patients who presented acute hepatitis. Moreover, it appears retrospectively that both of them already experienced significant toxicity under irinotecan‐based chemotherapy.

Conclusion

This is the first report of severe hepatotoxicity with available liver histology and genetic assessment of enzymes involved in regorafenib metabolization. This report also reminds the importance of close liver tests monitoring during regorafenib treatment.
Lack of genetic variation prevents adaptation at the geographic range margin in a damselfly
Authors: Takahashi Yuma , Suyama Yoshihisa , Matsuki Yu , Funayama Ryo , Nakayama Keiko , Kawata Masakado
Published: August 2016

What limits a species' distribution in the absence of physical barriers? Genetic load due to asymmetric gene flow and the absence of genetic variation due to lack of gene flow are hypothesized to constrain adaptation to novel environments in marginal populations, preventing range expansion. Here, we examined the genetic structure and geographic variation in morphological traits in two damselflies (Ischnura asiatica and I. senegalensis) along a latitudinal gradient in Japan, which is the distribution centre of I. asiatica and the northern limit of I. senegalensis. Genomewide genetic analyses found a loss of genetic diversity at the edge of distribution in I. senegalensis but consistently high diversity in I. asiatica. Gene flow was asymmetric in a south–north direction in both species. Although body size and wing loading showed decreasing latitudinal clines (smaller in north) in I. asiatica in Japan, increasing latitudinal clines (larger in north) in these phenotypic markers were observed in I. senegalensis, particularly near the northern boundary, which coincided well with the location where genetic diversity began a sharp decline. In ectothermic animals, increasing latitudinal cline in these traits was suggested to be established when they failed to adapt to thermal gradient. Therefore, our findings support the possibility that a lack of genetic variation rather than geneflow swamping is responsible for the constraint of adaptation at the margin of geographic distribution.
Sub‐state national identities among minority groups in Britain: a comparative analysis of 2011 census data
Authors: Bond Ross
Published: August 2016

Using data from a new question in the 2011 UK census, national identities across minority ethno‐religious groups in England, Wales and Scotland are compared. The findings not only substantiate earlier work showing high levels of British identification among minority groups but also demonstrate that this does not extend to sub‐state national identities. The extent of sub‐state national identification varies between different minorities, but the nature of this variation also depends on the specific (sub‐state) national context. The findings may be understood in relation to key biographical ‘markers’ of national identity. These markers help explain variations in sub‐state national identities to a much greater extent than British identity, but their effect also varies across the different nations. The analysis demonstrates the importance of examining sub‐state as well as state (British) identities and heeding differences in the ways in which these identities might be conceived and asserted across national borders within the same state.
Meningeal Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral PNET: Clinicopathological, Immunohistochemical and FISH study of four cases
Authors: Ke Changshu , Duan Qiuhong , Yang Hui , Zhu Feng , Yan Meng , Xu San‐peng , Zhou Sheng , Wan Feng , Shu Kai , Lei Ting , Xia Li‐ming
Published: August 2016

Meningeal Ewing Sarcoma (ES)/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET) is a rare diagnostically challenging small round cell tumor in the CNS. This study investigates the clinical pathological features of four cases of this tumor from archives of 6 years in our hospital. Patients were within the median age of 21.5 years and male to female ratio was 1:1. The tumors distributed at the supra‐tentorial location, posterior fossa and lumbar vertebral canal, usually presenting as the dura‐sited nodule or having close connection with the meninges within the cranium or vertebral canal. Histopathologically, small round undifferentiated tumor cells with hypercellularities, scant cytoplasm and inconspicuous nucleoli were observed, although some components such as atypical larger vesicular nuclei, prominent nucleoli of tumor cells, necrotic foci and mesenchymal collagen proliferation forming the lobular structure, were also appreciated. Immunohistochemally, tumor cells displayed membranous positivity of CD99 (4/4), nuclear positivity of FLI‐1 (4/4) and NKX2.2 (4/4), negativity of EMA, GFAP and synaptophysin expression. The histochemical PAS staining showed weak positivity in one case. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test using EWSR1 (22q12) dual color break apart rearrangement probe showed positive results in two cases. Results suggest that using a panel of immunohistochemical markers, including NKX2.2, CD99, FLI‐1, EMA, GFAP and synaptophysin, combined with the supplementary EWSR1 FISH test, helps to define the diagnosis of meningeal ES/pPNET of CNS.
Stigmatization toward irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease in an online cohort
Authors: Taft T. H. , Bedell A. , Naftaly J. , Keefer L.
Published: August 2016

Background

Stigma is associated with many negative health outcomes. Research has examined perceived and internalized stigma in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but less has been done to evaluate levels of enacted stigma associated with these conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of enacted stigma toward IBS and IBD in the general population compared to an adult‐onset asthma (AOA) control group.

Methods

Participants were recruited via social media and a research‐dedicated website and completed all measures online. Participants were randomized to one of six clinical vignettes: (i) IBD male, (ii) IBD female, (iii) IBS male, (iv) IBS female, (v) AOA male, or (vi) AOA female. Participants read the assigned vignette and then completed measures of emotional empathy, level of familiarity, and enacted stigma.

Key Results

Participants reported higher levels of enacted stigma toward IBS compared to both IBD and AOA. No differences in stigma were found between IBD and AOA. Higher levels of familiarity were most strongly correlated with reduced IBD‐related stigma, with weaker but still significant correlations between level of familiarity and IBS and AOA. Higher levels of emotional empathy were associated with reduced stigma for IBD, IBS, and AOA.

Conclusions & Inferences

Individuals with IBS experience greater levels of enacted stigma compared to IBD and AOA. This finding is consistent with previous research that has shown greater levels of perceived and internalized stigma in IBS compared to IBD.
The Metaphysics of Super‐Substantivalism
Authors: Lehmkuhl Dennis
Published: August 2016

Recent decades have seen a revived interest in super‐substantivalism, the idea that spacetime is the only fundamental substance and matter some kind of aspect, property or consequence of spacetime structure. However, the metaphysical debate so far has misidentified a particular variant of super‐substantivalism with the position per se. I distinguish between a super‐substantival core commitment and different ways of fleshing it out. I then investigate how general relativity and alternative spacetime theories square with the different variants of super‐substantivalism.
Perioperative complications and outcomes in children with cerebral palsy undergoing scoliosis surgery
Authors: Bendon Anju A. , George Khristine A. , Patel Davandra
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Neuromuscular scoliosis is a known risk factor for postoperative complications after corrective spine surgery. Few studies have looked at the preoperative factors affecting postoperative complications in children with cerebral palsy.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the factors that might influence postoperative course in patients with cerebral palsy undergoing spine surgery for scoliosis.

Methods

Nineteen case notes of children with cerebral palsy who had spine surgery (2008–2014) were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative comorbidities and postoperative complications were noted and complications were classified as major and minor.

Results

Thirteen out of 19 (68.4%) patients had two or more systemic comorbidities. Most common comorbidities included reflux and seizure disorder. Nine patients (49%) had at least one major complication. About 5/19 patients had respiratory complications requiring ventilation and 4/19 had massive blood loss. A higher incidence of postoperative major complication was recorded in the group with two systemic comorbidities as compared to those with less than two systemic comorbidities (47% vs 16%). Both patients who had a single‐stage anterior release and posterior fixation had a major complication.

Conclusion

Presence of two or more comorbidities and thoracotomy are risk factors for perioperative complications in children with cerebral palsy undergoing surgery for scoliosis correction.
A Meta‐Analysis of Voice and Its Promotive and Prohibitive Forms: Identification of Key Associations, Distinctions, and Future Research Directions
Authors: Chamberlin Melissa , Newton Daniel W. , Lepine Jeffery A.
Published: August 2016

This article reports meta‐analyses intended to clarify and enhance our understanding of voice and its promotive and prohibitive forms. We find that undifferentiated constructive voice is associated with a wide range of antecedents that fit in Morrison's (2014) five categories: (a) dispositions, (b) job and organizational attitudes and perceptions, (c) emotions, beliefs, and schemas, (d) supervisor and leader behavior, and (e) contextual factors. However, relative weight analyses reveal a highly dominant variable within each category (personal initiative, felt responsibility, engagement, leader–member exchange, and positive workplace climate). We also find that undifferentiated constructive voice has a moderate zero‐order association with job performance that is nonsignificant when task performance and organizational citizenship behavior are also considered. Finally, we explore how associations vary as a function of whether voice is promotive or prohibitive. First, there are significant differences in associations with over a third of the antecedents (core self‐evaluations, felt responsibility, organizational commitment, detachment, psychological safety, ethical leadership, and leader openness). Second, although promotive voice has a positive association with job performance, the opposite is true for prohibitive voice. We conclude with suggestions to enhance our understanding of voice, especially with respect to efforts needed to clarify and distinguish promotive and prohibitive voice.
Masting behaviour in a Mediterranean pine tree alters seed predator selection on reproductive output
Authors: Moreira X. , Abdala‐Roberts L. , Zas R. , Merlo E. , Lombardero M. J. , Sampedro L. , Mooney K. A.
Published: August 2016

Context‐dependency in species interactions is widespread and can produce concomitant patterns of context‐dependent selection. Masting (synchronous production of large seed crops at irregular intervals by a plant population) has been shown to reduce seed predation through satiation (reduction in rates of seed predation with increasing seed cone output) and thus represents an important source of context‐dependency in plant‐animal interactions. However, the evolutionary consequences of such dynamics are not well understood.

Here we describe masting behaviour in a Mediterranean model pine species (Pinus pinaster) and present a test of the effects of masting on selection by seed predators on reproductive output. We predicted that masting, by enhancing seed predator satiation, could in turn strengthen positive selection by seed predators for larger cone output. For this we collected six‐year data (spanning one mast year and five non‐mast years) on seed cone production and seed cone predation rates in a forest genetic trial composed by 116P. pinastergenotypes.

Following our prediction, we found stronger seed predator satiation during the masting year, which in turn led to stronger seed predator selection for increased cone production relative to non‐masting years.

These findings provide evidence that masting can alter the evolutionary outcome of plant‐seed predator interactions. More broadly, our findings highlight that changes in consumer responses to resource abundance represent a widespread mechanism for predicting and understanding context dependency in plant‐consumer evolutionary dynamics.
Evaluating Political Acculturation Strategies: The Perspective of the Majority and Other Minority Groups
Authors: Hindriks Paul , Verkuyten Maykel , Coenders Marcel
Published: August 2016

Applying the acculturation framework to the political domain, this research examines how Dutch majority members and members of different minority groups evaluate the political acculturation strategies of an immigrant‐origin group. Using an experimental vignette design (N = 664), the results show that the strategy of political assimilation (only advance the interests of society) was evaluated most positively, followed by integration (advance the interest of society and of the minority group), and then separation (only advance the interest of the minority group). This was found for the native Dutch as well as the immigrant‐origin groups. This suggest that minority members do not view minority outgroups as potential allies to counter the dominance of the majority group, but rather as competitors for political influence. Furthermore, the role of dual identification for the evaluation of ingroup political acculturation depended on the type of political acculturation strategy.
Oral inflammation and infection, and chronic medical diseases: implications for the elderly
Authors: Scannapieco Frank A. , Cantos Albert
Published: August 2016

Oral diseases, such as caries and periodontitis, not only have local effects on the dentition and on tooth‐supporting tissues but also may impact a number of systemic conditions. Emerging evidence suggests that poor oral health influences the initiation and/or progression of diseases such as atherosclerosis (with sequelae including myocardial infarction and stoke), diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and others). Aspiration of oropharyngeal (including periodontal) bacteria causes pneumonia, especially in hospitalized patients and the elderly, and may influence the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This article addresses several pertinent aspects related to the medical implications of periodontal disease in the elderly. There is moderate evidence that improved oral hygiene may help prevent aspiration pneumonia in high‐risk patients. For other medical conditions, because of the absence of well‐designed randomized clinical trials in elderly patients, no specific guidance can be provided regarding oral hygiene or periodontal interventions that enhance the medical management of older adults.
Treatment of periodontal disease in older adults
Authors: Renvert Stefan , Persson G. Rutger
Published: August 2016

Within the next 40 years the number of older adults worldwide will more than double. This will impact periodontal treatment needs and presents a challenge to health‐care providers and governments worldwide, as severe periodontitis has been reported to be the sixth most prevalent medical condition in the world. Older adults (≥ 80 years of age) who receive regular dental care retain more teeth than those who do not receive such care, but routine general dental care for these individuals is not sufficient to prevent the progression of periodontitis with the same degree of success as in younger individuals. There is a paucity of data on the efficacy of different periodontal therapies for older individuals. However, considering the higher prevalence of chronic medical conditions seen in older adults, it cannot be assumed that periodontal therapy will yield the same degree of success seen in younger individuals. Furthermore, medications can influence the status of the periodontium and the delivery of periodontal care. As an example, anticoagulant drugs are common among older patients and may be a contraindication to certain treatments. Newer anticoagulants will, however, facilitate surgical intervention in older patients. Furthermore, prescription medications taken for chronic conditions, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases, can affect the periodontium in a variety of ways. In summary, consideration of socio‐economic factors, general health status and multiple‐drug therapies will, in the future, be an important part of the management of periodontitis in older adults.
Law Is the Command of the Sovereign: H. L. A. Hart Reconsidered
Authors: Stumpff Morrison Andrew
Published: August 2016

This article presents a critical reevaluation of the thesis—closely associated with H. L. A. Hart, and central to the views of most recent legal philosophers—that the idea of state coercion is not logically essential to the definition of law. The author argues that even laws governing contracts must ultimately be understood as “commands of the sovereign, backed by force.” This follows in part from recognition that the “sovereign,” defined rigorously, at the highest level of abstraction, is that person or entity identified by reference to game theory and the philosophical idea of “convention” as the source of signals with which the subject population has become effectively locked, as a group, into conformity.