bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-regulation of transcription by BRG1 and BRM, two mutually exclusive SWI/SNF ATPase subunits
Authors: Raab Jesse R. , Runge John S. , Spear Camarie C. , Magnuson Terry
Published: August 2017

Background

SWI/SNF is a large heterogenous multi-subunit chromatin remodeling complex. It consists of multiple sets of mutually exclusive components. Understanding how loss of one sibling of a mutually exclusive pair affects the occupancy and function of the remaining complex is needed to understand how mutations in a particular subunit might affect tumor formation. Recently, we showed that the members of the ARID family of SWI/SNF subunits (ARID1A, ARID1B, and ARID2) had complex transcriptional relationships including both antagonism and cooperativity. However, it remains unknown how loss of the catalytic subunit(s) affects the binding and genome-wide occupancy of the remainder complex and how changes in occupancy affect transcriptional output.

Results

We addressed this gap by depleting BRG1 and BRM, the two ATPase subunits in SWI/SNF, and characterizing the changes to chromatin occupancy of the remaining subunit and related this to transcription changes induced by loss of the ATPase subunits. We show that depletion of one subunit frequently leads to loss of the remaining subunit. This could cause either positive or negative changes in gene expression. At a subset of sites the sibling subunit is either retained or gained. Additionally, we show genome-wide that BRG1 and BRM have both cooperative and antagonistic interactions with respect to transcription. Importantly, at genes where BRG1 and BRM antagonise one another we observe a nearly complete rescue of gene expression changes in the combined BRG/BRM double knockdown.

Conclusion

This series of experiments demonstrate that mutually exclusive SWI/SNF complexes have heterogenous functional relationships and highlights the importance of considering the role of the remaining SWI/SNF complexes following loss or depletion of a single subunit.
White Matter and Social Cognition
Authors: Wang Yin , Metoki Athanasia , Alm Kylie H. , Olson Ingrid R.
Published: August 2017

There is a growing consensus that social cognition and behavior emerge from interactions across distributed regions of the “social brain”. Social neuroscience has traditionally focused its attention on functional response properties of these gray matter networks and neglected the vital role of white matter (WM) connections in establishing such networks and their functions. In this article, we conduct a comprehensive review of prior research on structural connectivity in social neuroscience and highlight the importance of this literature in clarifying brain mechanisms of social cognition. We pay particular attention to the research on three key social processes: face processing, embodied cognition, and theory of mind, and their respective underlying neural networks. To fully identify and characterize the anatomical architecture of these networks, we further implement probabilistic tractography on a large sample of diffusion-weighted imaging data. The combination of an in-depth literature review and the empirical investigation gives us an unprecedented, well-defined landscape of WM pathways underlying major social brain networks. Finally, we discuss current problems in the field, outline suggestions for best practice in diffusion imaging data collection and analysis, and offer new directions for future research.

Abbreviations

ACC

anterior cingulate cortex

AD

axial diffusivity

AF

arcuate fasciculus

AI

anterior insula

ALS

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

AMG

amygdala

ASD

autism spectrum disorders

ATL

anterior temporal lobe

ATR

anterior thalamic radiation

CC

corpus callosum

CING

cingulum bundle

CST

cortico-spinal tract

DES

direct electrical stimulation

dMPFC

dorsal medial prefrontal cortex

dMRI

diffusion-weighted MRI

DP

developmental prosopagnosia

DTI

diffusion tensor imaging

FA

fractional anisotropy

FFA

fusiform face area

IFG

inferior frontal gyrus

IFOF

inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus

ILF

inferior longitudinal fasciculus

IPL

inferior parietal lobe

MCI

mild cognitive impairment

MD

mean diffusivity

MPFC

medial prefrontal cortex

MS

multiple sclerosis

OFA

occipital face area

OFC

orbitofrontal cortex face patch

PCC

posterior cingulate cortex

PD

Parkinson’s disease

PP

progressive prosopagnosia

PreC

precuneus

RD

radial diffusivity

ROI

region-of-interest

sMRI

structural MRI

STS

superior temporal sulcus

TBSS

tract-based spatial statistics

ToM

Theory of Mind

TPJ

temporo-parietal junction

UF

uncinate fasciculus

VBM

voxel based morphometry

vMPFC

ventral medial prefrontal cortex

WM

white matter
Insight into 3D micro-CT data: exploring segmentation algorithms through performance metrics
Authors: Perciano Talita , Ushizima Daniela , Krishnan Harinarayan , Parkinson Dilworth , Larson Natalie , Pelt Daniël M. , Bethel Wes , Zok Frank , Sethian James
Published: August 2017

Three-dimensional (3D) micro-tomography (µ-CT) has proven to be an important imaging modality in industry and scientific domains. Understanding the properties of material structure and behavior has produced many scientific advances. An important component of the 3D µ-CT pipeline is image partitioning (or image segmentation), a step that is used to separate various phases or components in an image. Image partitioning schemes require specific rules for different scientific fields, but a common strategy consists of devising metrics to quantify performance and accuracy. The present article proposes a set of protocols to systematically analyze and compare the results of unsupervised classification methods used for segmentation of synchrotron-based data. The proposed dataflow for Materials Segmentation and Metrics (MSM) provides 3D micro-tomography image segmentation algorithms, such as statistical region merging (SRM), k-means algorithm and parallel Markov random field (PMRF), while offering different metrics to evaluate segmentation quality, confidence and conformity with standards. Both experimental and synthetic data are assessed, illustrating quantitative results through the MSM dashboard, which can return sample information such as media porosity and permeability. The main contributions of this work are: (i) to deliver tools to improve material design and quality control; (ii) to provide datasets for benchmarking and reproducibility; (iii) to yield good practices in the absence of standards or ground-truth for ceramic composite analysis.
Chilean tourism sector “B Corporations”: evidence of social entrepreneurship and innovation
Authors: Zebryte Ieva , Jorquera Hector
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the question of how social entrepreneurs achieve the desired impact-based model of business.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research design included semi-structured in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs of three Chilean Tourism B Corporations (B Corps), participant observation of the Latin American B Movement, and print, digital and social media clippings.

Findings

This research unearths the practices by which entrepreneurs implement their aspirations of balancing profit and social impact obligations within their business models.

Research limitations/implications

Though an intentional sample is not representative in quantitative terms, the employed research design allowed the authors to deepen the understanding of the processes which are taking place in Chile, Latin America, and on the Global scale. The authors concluded that social benefit commitment guides innovation in business models of Chilean entrepreneurs seeking to have a broader positive impact on vulnerable communities and the society at large.

Practical implications

This research shows that traditional businesses have the possibility of hybridizing management, combining the necessary organization that defines its mission with social or environmental purposes. The latter is likely to open up new markets for traditional businesses.

Social implications

Social entrepreneurship is the principal means for new generations of entrepreneurs to make changes in businesses and in vulnerable local communities through global aspirations. But the need for more open political discussion within the B Movement is clear, especially regarding the nexus between the “negative externalities” of the traditional economy and social or environmental problems which the B Corps intend to solve. Such debate would allow companies and the movement to more easily identify new courses of action.

Originality/value

This study gives account of regional nuances of social entrepreneurship and social innovation phenomena. In particular, there has been a surge of impact-oriented rather than profit-oriented innovation initiatives in neoliberal-oriented Latin American states, such as Chile. These initiatives offer us a wealth of empirical information about the development of alternative business models.
Rework in Malaysian building construction: impacts, causes and potential solutions
Authors: Yap Jeffrey Boon Hui , Low Pak Lian , Wang Chen
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Rework is detrimental to project outcomes. However, there is still a lack of attention about rework within the Malaysian construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of rework on schedule and cost performance, to explore the causes of rework and to propose effective measures to minimise the occurrence of rework in building construction projects in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 114 construction stakeholders consisting of 39 clients, 36 consultants and 39 contractors from the Klang Valley region, the authors investigated the variables on rework through a questionnaire survey. The level of importance of the causes and the potential solutions was ranked and correlated.

Findings

From the primary data analysis, the study on Malaysian building projects unveiled the cost of rework to range from 3.1 to 6.0 per cent of the project value and the schedule growth due to rework to range from 5.1 to 10.0 per cent. The significant causes of rework were identified and prioritised. The 18 causes were further categorised into five underlying dimensions by using a factor analysis. Effective rework reduction measures were also given. Finally, the relationships between the causes of rework and the potential solutions were identified using correlation tests.

Research limitations/implications

While this study is limited to rework in Malaysian building construction, rework in infrastructure projects is a potential area to discover new causes and possible solutions.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights into the effects of rework to project outcomes, causes of rework and feasible solutions in reducing rework in building construction projects.

Originality/value

Rework has been the focal point of research; however, empirical studies on rework have been under-represented in the Malaysian construction industry. This paper seeks to fill the gap by conducting an in-depth investigation on rework in the context of Malaysia.
Compact design strategies of cultural centres in South China
Authors: Yang Wang , Misheng Lin , Lijun Sun , Hao Tang , Hongwei Ma
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The number of cultural centres in South China shows an increasing trend. However, there is still a lack of research of this public building type and its related design strategy. This paper aims to identify general characteristics and presents design principles of cultural centres and thus enriches the theory of compact design strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 66 cases of cultural centres in South China have been investigated. The design patterns of these cultural centres projects are analysed by Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). The theory of compact design strategies is thus used to emphasize the systemic characteristics of cultural centres.

Findings

Cultural centres mostly have an overall floor area between 20,000-40,000 square metres (m2). Much cultural centres consist of three to four functional components. Different functional blocks are intensively organized in parallel or in series along a horizontal or vertical direction. The combination of multiple functions is divided into four usual composition types. The most common type is the “synthetical integration”. There are a total of four different distribution modes of integrated layout. Each of these modes can express different narrative themes according its needs, and four kinds of narrative themes are summarized.

Practical implications

Appropriate compact design strategies may be applied to improve the quality of public buildings in a region with the problem of land use limitation. Applications of results of this paper may enhance design efficiency or lead to more appropriate works.

Originality/value

Compact design strategies can be a guide for appropriate architectural design. The findings of this research provide regular design patterns for designers and engineers to streamline their design process.
IE *peug′‐ /*peuk′‐ ‘to pierce’ in Celtic: Old Irish og ‘sharp point’, ogam, and uaigid ‘stitches’, Gallo‐Latin Mars Ugius, Old Welsh ‐ug and Middle Welsh ‐y ‘fist’, Middle Welsh vch ‘fox’, and ancient names like Uccius
Authors: Sims‐Williams Patrick
Published: August 2017

A systematic search for Celtic derivatives of IE *peug′‐ /*peuk′‐ ‘to pierce’ illustrates the extent to which Indo‐European etymological dictionaries have tended to overlook the existence of cognates in the Celtic languages.
Accuracy of self‐reported smoking abstinence in clinical trials of hospital‐initiated smoking interventions
Authors: Scheuermann Taneisha S. , Richter Kimber P. , Rigotti Nancy A. , Cummins Sharon E. , Harrington Kathleen F. , Sherman Scott E. , Zhu Shu‐Hong , Tindle Hilary A. , Preacher Kristopher J. ,   the Consortium of Hospitals Advancing Research on Tobacco (CHART)
Published: August 2017

Aims

To estimate the prevalence and predictors of failed biochemical verification of self‐reported abstinence among participants enrolled in trials of hospital‐initiated smoking cessation interventions.

Design

Comparison of characteristics between participants who verified and those who failed to verify self‐reported abstinence.

Settings

Multi‐site randomized clinical trials conducted between 2010 and 2014 in hospitals throughout the United States.

Participants

Recently hospitalized smokers who reported tobacco abstinence 6 months post‐randomization and provided a saliva sample for verification purposes (n = 822).

Measurements

Outcomes were salivary cotinine‐verified smoking abstinence at 10 and 15 ng/ml cut‐points. Predictors and correlates included participant demographics and tobacco use; hospital diagnoses and treatment; and study characteristics collected via surveys and electronic medical records.

Findings

Usable samples were returned by 69.8% of the 1178 eligible trial participants who reported 7‐day point prevalence abstinence. The proportion of participants verified as quit was 57.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 54.4, 61.2; 10 ng/ml cut‐off] or 60.6% (95% CI = 57.2, 63.9; 15 ng/ml). Factors associated independently with verification at 10 ng/ml were education beyond high school education [odds ratio (OR) = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.07, 2.11], continuous abstinence since hospitalization (OR = 2.82; 95% CI = 2.02, 3.94), mailed versus in‐person sample (OR = 3.20; 95% CI = 1.96, 5.21) and race. African American participants were less likely to verify abstinence than white participants (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.44, 0.93). Findings were similar for verification at 15 ng/ml. Verification rates did not differ by treatment group.

Conclusions

In the United States, high rates (40%) of recently hospitalized smokers enrolled in smoking cessation trials fail biochemical verification of their self‐reported abstinence.
Breastfeeding beyond the big smoke: Who provides support for mothers in rural Western Australia?
Authors: Cox Kylee , Giglia Roslyn , Binns Colin W.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Despite strong and growing evidence for the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months of age, few infants in developed countries reach this milestone. Although breastfeeding practice and its determinants are well described for women in metropolitan areas, there is limited evidence for rural and regional areas of Australia. This paper describes the influence of advice and support on breastfeeding duration for women in rural areas of Western Australia in the first 6 months of their infants' lives.

Methods

A cohort of 427 women and their infants were recruited from hospitals in regional Western Australia and followed up for a period of 12 months. Information about feeding methods was gathered in hospital and at a further seven follow‐up contacts.

Results

Women who had attended antenatal classes were less likely to have ceased exclusively breastfeeding before 6 months than those who had not attended classes (aHR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41–0.91). No significant associations were found between provision of information alone and duration of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding advice and support in the first 6 months was most commonly sought from Child Health Nurses, General Practitioners and friends.

Conclusions

Antenatal group education is effective in supporting breastfeeding duration for rural women and should be a key priority for rural health service providers. Health professionals are common sources of breastfeeding support postnatally, however creating and maintaining positive and supportive social networks for mothers might also contribute to increasing the proportion of rural infants who meet the World Health Organization guidelines for exclusive breastfeeding.
The effects of tourist and boat traffic on parrot geophagy in lowland Peru
Authors: Lee Alan T. K. , Marsden Stuart J. , Tatum‐Hume Emma , Brightsmith Donald J.
Published: August 2017

Ecotourism generates important revenue in many developing economies, but poorly regulated ecotourism can threaten the long‐term viability of key biological resources. We determined the effects of tourism, boat traffic, and natural disturbances on parrot geophagy (soil consumption) across seven riverine claylicks in the lowlands of Madre de Dios, Peru. Claylick use significantly decreased when visitors did not follow good practice guidelines and tourist numbers exceeded the capacity of the observation blinds. Otherwise, tourist presence and natural disturbance did not have a significant effect. However, large macaws, particularly Red‐and‐green Macaws (Ara chloropterus), avoided visiting claylicks during periods of peak tourist numbers. Where parrots had multiple geophagy sites to choose from, they preferred sites further from tourist groups. The effect of boat disturbance was greatest on a narrow river with infrequent boat events. On a wider river with heavier traffic, boat disturbance had less of an effect and this effect was inversely proportional to the distance of boats from the claylick. Where visitors followed good‐practice tourism guidelines, they had a low overall negative effect on parrot geophagy. We recommend that visitors respect the claylick observation guidelines to minimize anthropogenic disturbance on parrots and maintain these sites for the benefit of wildlife and humans alike.
Parrots consume sodium‐rich palms in the sodium‐deprived landscape of the Western Amazon Basin
Authors: Brightsmith Donald J. , Cáceres Aimy
Published: August 2017

Herbivorous animals face shortages of different minerals in different geographic areas. In the Amazon Basin, sodium is often limiting, driving herbivores to seek supplemental sources. In the lowlands of the western Amazon Basin, parrots commonly consume sodium‐rich soils at clay licks but lick use varies widely among species, and to date, parrots in the region have not been reported consuming other supplemental sodium sources. We document 11 species of psittacines consuming sodium‐rich leaves and trunks ofAttalea butyraceapalms growing on sodium‐rich soils in lowland Peru. Consumed palms had more sodium and less potassium than uneatenA. butyraceapalms and other palm species in the area. AmongA. butyraceapalm parts, sodium and Na:K ratios were highest in trunks (consumed by parrots in 94% of the 387 foraging bouts recorded) and lowest in leaves (consumed in only 14% of foraging bouts). The low potassium and high Na:K ratio suggest that birds may be seeking not just any sodium sources, but those low in potassium, as potassium is known to exacerbate dietary sodium shortages. Use of the palms and species’ abundance in the study area were not correlated. Instead, parrot species that consumed palms the most were those that use relatively few traditional soil clay licks. This finding suggests that parrot species in the region have fundamental differences in preferred strategies for obtaining supplemental sodium and may help explain documented interspecific differences in geophagy.
Causal Learning Across Culture and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Wente Adrienne O. , Kimura Katherine , Walker Caren M. , Banerjee Nirajana , Fernández Flecha María , MacDonald Bridget , Lucas Christopher , Gopnik Alison
Published: August 2017

Extensive research has explored the ability of young children to learn about the causal structure of the world from patterns of evidence. These studies, however, have been conducted with middle‐class samples from North America and Europe. In the present study, low‐income Peruvian 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds and adults, low‐income U.S. 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds in Head Start programs, and middle‐class children from the United States participated in a causal learning task (N = 435). Consistent with previous studies, children learned both specific causal relations and more abstract causal principles across culture and socioeconomic status (SES). The Peruvian children and adults generally performed like middle‐class U.S. children and adults, but the low‐SES U.S. children showed some differences.
B cell activating factor (BAFF) and BAFF receptors: fakes and facts
Authors: Ferraccioli G , Gremese E
Published: August 2017

Analysis of B cell activating factor (BAFF) receptors before and after B cell depletion therapy (BCDT) might offer a clue to the understanding of whether some B cell subsets may represent useful biomarkers of biological and clinical responses. Among the BAFF receptors in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, the AA have shown, by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis of median fluorescence intensity (MFI), that transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) do not change, whereas the most important, BAFF receptor 3 (BR3), appears to be decreased before as well as after BCDT in all B cell subsets but not in plasmablasts, the most important subset, depleted by BCDT.
Families beyond boundaries: Conceptualising kinship in gay and lesbian adoption and fostering
Authors: Wood Kate
Published: August 2017

This paper discusses some key findings taken from a qualitative study conducted with gay and lesbian adopters and foster carers in England and Wales. The study examined the experiences of 24 self‐identified lesbians and gay men, who had been involved in adoption or fostering processes since the introduction of the Adoption and Children Act, 2002. This article will explore why participants chose to adopt or foster and their approach to relationships generated through these routes. Findings indicate that gay and lesbian applicants troubled dominant conceptualisations of family and kinship and revealed both heteronormative and nuclear constructions of parenting within adoption and fostering social work. In contrast, participants often demonstrated a reflexive and creative approach to caring for looked after children. This paper will therefore consider how professionals can recognise nuanced or complex relationships, situated beyond traditional frameworks, through drawing upon wider concepts within sociological literature.
Psychosocial function following pediatric stroke: at 1 year and 5 years on
Authors: Westmacott Robyn
Published: August 2017

This commentary is on the original articles by Greenham et al. on pages 1027–1033 and 1034–1041 of this issue.
Monetary integration, soft budget constraints, and the EMU sovereign debt crises
Authors: Baskaran Thushyanthan , Hessami Zohal
Published: August 2017

One possible explanation for the European sovereign debt crises is that the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) gave rise to consolidation fatigue or even deliberate over‐borrowing. This paper explores the validity of this explanation by studying how three decisive stages in the history of the EMU affected public borrowing in EU member states: the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, the introduction of the Euro, and the suspension of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). The methodology relies on difference‐in‐difference regressions for 26 OECD countries over the 1975–2009 period. The findings indicate that the Maastricht treaty reduced deficits especially in traditionally high‐deficit countries. In contrast, the introduction of the Euro and the watering down of the original SGP led on average to higher borrowing. These results indicate that the introduction of the Euro and the suspension of the SGP led to soft budget constraints in the EMU.
The implementation of internationalisation in Israeli teacher training colleges
Authors: Yemini Miri , Hermoni Julie , Holzmann Vered , Shokty Liron , Jayusi Wurud , Natur Nazeh
Published: August 2017

Higher education institutions worldwide are increasingly investing in ‘internationalisation’, although its meanings and measures differ significantly between contexts, countries, and institutions. This article analyses the implementation of internationalisation in three second‐tier higher education institutions specialising in teacher training programmes in Israel under an EU‐funded TEMPUS (Trans‐European Mobility Programme for University Studies) project. We show how internationalisation is implemented at these institutions, where diverse motivations, power relations, and ideas intervene. We discuss the main themes that emerged through semi‐structured interviews with the colleges’ leadership, supporting our findings with a content analysis of the colleges’ strategic plans. Our study provides new insights, revealing how the EU internationalisation agenda is interpreted locally in such settings, thereby highlighting the importance of the particular context in this process.
Phenotypic change in trigeminal ganglion neurons associated with satellite cell activation via extracellular signal‐regulated kinase phosphorylation is involved in lingual neuropathic pain
Authors: Mikuzuki Lou , Saito Hiroto , Katagiri Ayano , Okada Shinji , Sugawara Shiori , Kubo Asako , Ohara Kinuyo , Lee Jun , Toyofuku Akira , Iwata Koichi
Published: August 2017

Iatrogenic trigeminal nerve injuries remain a common and complex clinical problem. Satellite glial cell (SGC) activation, associated phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), and neuropeptide expression in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) are known to be involved in trigeminal neuropathic pain related to trigeminal nerve injury. However, the involvement of these molecules in orofacial neuropathic pain mechanisms is still unknown. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in lingual nerve crush (LNC) rats was observed in SGCs. To evaluate the role of neuron–SGC interactions under neuropathic pain, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP)‐immunoreactive (IR), phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2)‐IR and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐IR cells in the TG were studied in LNC rats. The number of CGRP‐IR neurons and neurons encircled with pERK1/2‐IR SGCs was significantly larger in LNC rats compared with sham rats. The percentage of large‐sized CGRP‐IR neurons was significantly higher in LNC rats. The number of CGRP‐IR neurons, neurons encircled with pERK1/2‐IR SGCs, and neurons encircled with GFAP‐IR SGCs was decreased following CGRP receptor blocker CGRP8‐37 or mitogen‐activated protein kinase/ERK kinase 1 inhibitor PD98059 administration into the TG after LNC. Reduced thresholds to mechanical and heat stimulation to the tongue in LNC rats were also significantly recovered following CGRP8‐37 or PD98059 administration. The present findings suggest that CGRP released from TG neurons activates SGCs through ERK1/2 phosphorylation and TG neuronal activity is enhanced, resulting in the tongue hypersensitivity associated with lingual nerve injury. The phenotypic switching of large myelinated TG neurons expressing CGRP may account for the pathogenesis of tongue neuropathic pain.
Evidence for systemic age underestimation in shark and ray ageing studies
Authors: Harry Alastair Varley
Published: August 2017

Numerous studies have now demonstrated that the most common method of ageing sharks and rays, counting growth zones on calcified structures, can underestimate true age. I reviewed bomb carbon dating (n = 15) and fluorochrome chemical marking (n = 44) age validation studies to investigate the frequency and magnitude of this phenomenon. Age was likely to have been underestimated in nine of 29 genera and 30% of the 53 populations studied, including 50% of those validated using bomb carbon dating. Length and age were strongly significant predictors of occurrence, with age typically underestimated in larger and older individuals. These characteristics suggest age underestimation is likely a systemic issue associated with the current methods and structures used for ageing. Where detected using bomb carbon dating, growth zones were reliable up to 88% of asymptotic length (L∞) and 41% of maximum age (AMax). The maximum magnitude of age underestimation, ΔMax, ranged from five to 34 years, averaging 18 years across species. Current perceptions of shark and ray life histories are informed to a large extent by growth studies that assume calcified ageing structures are valid throughout life. The widespread age underestimation documented here shows this assumption is frequently violated, with potentially important consequences for conservation and management. In addition to leading to an underestimation of longevity, the apparent loss of population age‐structure associated with it may unexpectedly bias growth and mortality parameters. Awareness of these biases is essential given shark and ray population assessments often rely exclusively on life history parameters derived from ageing studies.
Efficacy of three‐in‐one capsule bismuth quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication in clinical practice in a multinational patient population
Authors: Miehlke Stephan , Frederking Dorothea , Günther Thomas , Glocker Erik , Eisele Bianca , Andresen Viola , Schröder Sören , Morgner Andrea
Published: August 2017

Background

Bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) has been proven superior to standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication in randomized clinical trials; however, little is known about the efficacy of BQT in daily routine practice.

Methods

In a single‐center cohort study, we analyzed consecutive H. pylori‐positive patients in whom three‐in‐one capsule BQT (Pylera® + omeprazole) has been prescribed. All patients were instructed in a standardized fashion, and a prospective follow‐up was planned. PCR on gastric biospies for clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance was performed before treatment in a subgroup of patients. Treatment outcome was assessed by 13C urea breath test or by histology not earlier than 4 weeks after end of treatment.

Results

Three‐in‐one capsule BQT has been prescribed in 322 patients. Approximately 70.2% of patients had a migrational background. PCR results were available in 163 patients and identified resistance to clarithromycin and levofloxacin in 29 (17.8%) and 20 (12.3%) of cases, respectively. BQT was prescribed as first‐line, second‐line, and salvage treatments in 74%, 17%, and 9% of cases, respectively. Five patients discontinued treatment due to side effects (1.8%). By modified intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyzes, the overall H. pylori eradication rates were 95.0% (95% CI 94.92%‐95.08%) and 96.7% (95% CI 94.6%‐98.8%), respectively. The low number of treatment failures (n = 9) did not allow to identify risk factors for failure.

Conclusion

Three‐in‐one capsule bismuth quadruple therapy is effective and safe for treatment of H. pylori infection in routine practice, irrespective of the patient's migrational background or the number of previous treatment failures.
Association of baseline vitamin D level with genetic determinants and virologic response in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Yu Rui , Tan Deming , Ning Qin , Niu Junqi , Bai Xuefan , Chen Shijun , Cheng Jun , Yu Yanyan , Wang Hao , Xu Min , Shi Guangfeng , Wan Mobin , Chen Xinyue , Tang Hong , Sheng Jifang , Dou Xiaoguang , Shi Junping , Ren Hong , Wang Maorong , Zhang Hongfei , Gao Zhiliang , Chen Chengwei , Ma Hong , Jia Jidong , Hou Jinlin , Xie Qing , Sun Jian
Published: August 2017

Aim

The role of vitamin D in individuals with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is unclear. We aimed to explore the association of baseline vitamin D level with genetic determinants and week‐104 treatment outcome in CHB patients.

Methods

Baseline serum 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) levels and genetic polymorphism within GC, DHCR7, and CYP2R1 were determined in stored serum of 560 patients who were enrolled into a multicenter, randomized, controlled study and completed 104 weeks of telbivudine monotherapy or telbivudine‐based optimized therapy. Virologic response was defined as hepatitis B virus DNA <300 copies/mL (52 IU/mL) at week 104.

Results

The mean 25(OH)D value was 29.64 ng/mL. The percentage of patients with vitamin D insufficiency (<30 ng/mL) and vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) were 55.0% and 20.9%, respectively. Gender, season, latitude, and GC rs2282679 polymorphism were independent factors of vitamin D status. Patients with sufficient vitamin D (≥30 ng/mL) achieved a higher virologic response rate than those with vitamin D insufficiency (81.7% vs. 67.2%, P < 0.001). The area under the curve of 25(OH)D to predict virologic response was 0.65 (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.67). On multivariate analysis, 25(OH)D level was an independent predictor of virologic response, but not associated with hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization.

Conclusions

Vitamin D insufficiency was highly prevalent in treatment‐naïve CHB patients in mainland China. Latitude and genetic determinants affect vitamin D status. Baseline vitamin D level can predict week‐104 virologic response, but not HBeAg seroconversion or ALT normalization.
Argon plasma coagulation treatment of anal high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in men who have sex with men living with HIV: results of a 2‐year prospective pilot study
Authors: de Pokomandy A , Rouleau D , Lalonde R , Beauvais C , de Castro C , Coutlée F
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV are at high risk for anal high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) and cancer. The best management of anal HSIL remains unclear. Our objective was to assess whether argon plasma coagulation (APC) could be safe, well tolerated and efficient to treat anal HSILs in MSM living with HIV.

Methods

A prospective phase II, open‐label, pilot study was conducted to evaluate APC to treat anal HSILs in 20 HIV‐positive MSM. Participants were followed for 2 years after their first treatment.

Results

Twenty men with persistent HSILs completed the 2‐year study. Their baseline median CD4 count was 490 cells/μL and 85% had undetectable HIV viral loads. Overall, 65% (13/20) of participants were clear of HSILs at their 24‐month visit. The initial response rates after the first, second and third APC treatments were 45%, 44% and 67%, respectively, but recurrences were common. The main side effect was pain during and within 1 week after the treatments. There were no long‐term side effects, nor serious adverse events related to the procedure. Cost is a drawback.

Conclusions

APC can be used to treat anal HSILs in HIV‐seropositive MSM, and requires repeated treatment because of a high recurrence rate. As successful treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or eradication of the anal transitional zone remains impossible, HSIL treatment is challenging and requires long‐term follow‐up.
Dermoscopy of borderline tuberculoid leprosy
Authors: Ankad Balachandra S. , Sakhare Punit S.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous condition caused by Mycobacterium leprae, and borderline tuberculoid (BT) leprosy is the most common type of leprosy and presents with large, well‐ to ill‐defined hypopigmented patches. It is known for atypical presentations. Dermoscopy of granulomatous conditions is well documented. However, there is no description of dermoscopy of BT leprosy in the literature. Authors evaluated the dermoscopic patterns of BT leprosy.

Case report

Patients with BT leprosy were studied for dermoscopic patterns. A total of 12 patients (8 male, 4 female) with a median age of 25 years were present. Mean duration of disease was 6 months. The most frequent pattern was white areas (100%) followed by decreased density of hairs. Yellow globules were observed in 8 (66.66%) patients. Decreased white dots (represent sweat duct openings) and branching vessels were noted in 6 (50%) and 4 (33.33%) patients, respectively.

Conclusion

This is the first report of dermoscopy of BT leprosy in the literature, and new dermoscopic observations were made by the authors. Dermoscopy of BT leprosy shows characteristic patterns, thus it adds valuable information for the diagnosis of BT leprosy.
Colorectal cancer in Taiwan: A case‐control retrospective analysis of the impact of a case management programme on refusal and discontinuation of treatment
Authors: Chiang Ting‐Yu , Wang Chao‐Hui , Lin Yu‐Fen , You Jeng‐Fu , Chen Jinn‐Shiun , Chen Shu‐Ching
Published: August 2017

Aims

The purposes of this study were to identify the impact of a case management programme on the related factors of refusing treatment or discontinuing treatment in Taiwanese colorectal cancer patients.

Background

Side effects of anti‐cancer treatments are associated with refusing treatment and discontinuing treatment.

Design

This case–control study, longitudinal database and secondary analysis of population‐based data was conducted from 2009–2012.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to reveal the factors related to refusing or discontinuing treatment.

Results

Of the 68 patients who refused treatment, the top reasons for refusing treatment were patients or their family considered the patients poor physical condition, difficulty in enduring any condition likely to cause physical discomfort from the disease treatment, selected complementary and alternative medicine, patients or their families or friends experienced negative treatment effects and worried about the side effects of treatment, older age, poor family support and lost contact. Of the 278 patients who discontinued treatment, the most common reasons for discontinuing treatment were patients or their families or friends experienced negative treatment effects and worried about the side effects of treatment, inconvenient transportation, patients or their family considered the patients poor physical condition, difficulty in enduring any condition likely to cause physical discomfort from the disease treatment, poor treatment effect and selected complementary and alternative medicine.

Conclusion

Case managers can provide positive communication and available resources in relation to cancer treatment. A case management programme can help patients cope with the difficulties encountered during the treatment period.
Healthy lifestyle behaviours for people with intellectual disabilities: An exploration of organizational barriers and enablers
Authors: O'Leary Lisa , Taggart Laurence , Cousins Wendy
Published: August 2017

Background

The health‐related behaviours of people with intellectual disabilities may be determined by organisational influences. This innovative study aimed to explore managers’ and staffs’ perspectives on organisational influences on the promotion of healthy behaviours for this population.

Method

A qualitative methodology was employed. Four focus groups with staff and eleven telephone interviews with managers were undertaken across three residential services in one region (Northern Ireland) of the UK. Transcripts were analysed thematically.

Findings

The organisations involved in this study did not have the cultural ethos or capacity to sustain consistent support for staff involvement in health promotion. Organisational support and outcome‐focused strategies are recommended for encouraging staff involvement in health promotion activities.

Conclusion

These findings have implications for some organisations that support people with intellectual disabilities in improving the way they facilitate health promotion. They highlight the need for organisational cultures to facilitate knowledge translation and embrace evidence‐based health promotion interventions.
Sex‐specific shifts in morphology and colour pattern polymorphism during range expansion of an invasive lizard
Authors: Miller Kimberly A. , Duran Andressa , Melville Jane , Thompson Michael B. , Chapple David G.
Published: August 2017

Aim

Human‐assisted range expansion of animals to new environments can lead to phenotypic shifts over ecological time‐scales. We investigated whether phenotypic changes are sex‐specific using an invasive lizard (Lampropholis delicata).

Location

Pacific region (Hawaiian Islands, Lord Howe Island, New Zealand, eastern Australia).

Methods

Using our knowledge of the introduction history of L. delicata, we examined museum specimens of individuals collected across the native and introduced range to determine whether shifts in morphology or colour pattern polymorphism had occurred during its range expansion, and if so, whether they differed between the sexes.

Results

Sexual dimorphism in both size and shape was documented within the native range of the delicate skink. However, during range expansion, phenotypic shifts were observed in shape, but not size. In two of the three invasive populations, these phenotypic shifts were sex‐specific. In the Hawaiian Islands, changes in shape were driven by males, whereas in New Zealand it was due to shifts in females. Similarly, changes in the frequency of a colour pattern polymorphism, a mid‐lateral stripe shown to have sex‐specific impacts on fitness (positive in females, negative in males), occurred following colonization of the Hawaiian Islands and Lord Howe Island. In Hawaii, the incidence of the polymorphism increased over time in females, and decreased in males.

Main conclusions

Phenotypic shifts during the range expansion of invasive species may be sex‐specific, and are potentially related to the degree of realized niche shift that has occurred between the source and introduced range.
Gesture recognition and sensorimotor learning‐by‐doing of motor skills in manual professions: A case study in the wheel‐throwing art of pottery
Authors: Glushkova Alina , Manitsaris Sotiris
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a methodological framework for the use of gesture recognition technologies in the learning/mastery of the gestural skills required in wheel‐throwing pottery. In the case of self‐instruction or training, learners face difficulties due to the absence of the teacher/expert and the consequent lack of guidance. Motion capture technologies, machine learning, and gesture recognition may provide a way of overcoming such issues. The proposed methodology is used to record and model expert gestures and then to compare this model in real time with the gestures performed by the learner. Differences in kinematic aspects such as hand distances are detected, and optical/sonic sensorimotor feedback is provided to the learner by the system, alerting him/her when errors occur and guiding him/her to achieve better results. In the case described here, the system was evaluated with 11 learners. With the use of our system, the gestural performance of learners during self‐training has been improved in comparison to cases of self‐training without computer assistance.
Development of the Sydney Falls Risk Screening Tool in brain injury rehabilitation: A multisite prospective cohort study
Authors: McKechnie Duncan , Fisher Murray J , Pryor Julie , Bonser Melissa , Jesus Jhoven De
Published: August 2017

Aims and objectives

To develop a falls risk screening tool (FRST) sensitive to the traumatic brain injury rehabilitation population.

Background

Falls are the most frequently recorded patient safety incident within the hospital context. The inpatient traumatic brain injury rehabilitation population is one particular population that has been identified as at high risk of falls. However, no FRST has been developed for this patient population. Consequently in the traumatic brain injury rehabilitation population, there is the real possibility that nurses are using falls risk screening tools that have a poor clinical utility.

Design

Multisite prospective cohort study.

Methods

Univariate and multiple logistic regression modelling techniques (backward elimination, elastic net and hierarchical) were used to examine each variable's association with patients who fell. The resulting FRST's clinical validity was examined.

Results

Of the 140 patients in the study, 41 (29%) fell. Through multiple logistic regression modelling, 11 variables were identified as predictors for falls. Using hierarchical logistic regression, five of these were identified for inclusion in the resulting falls risk screening tool: prescribed mobility aid (such as, wheelchair or frame), a fall since admission to hospital, impulsive behaviour, impaired orientation and bladder and/or bowel incontinence. The resulting FRST has good clinical validity (sensitivity = 0.9; specificity = 0.62; area under the curve = 0.87; Youden index = 0.54). The tool was significantly more accurate (p = .037 on DeLong test) in discriminating fallers from nonfallers than the Ontario Modified STRATIFY FRST.

Conclusion

A FRST has been developed using a comprehensive statistical framework, and evidence has been provided of this tool's clinical validity.

Relevance to clinical practice

The developed tool, the Sydney Falls Risk Screening Tool, should be considered for use in brain injury rehabilitation populations.
The epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in women of reproductive age in highly endemic areas in China
Authors: Zheng H. , Cui F. Q. , Wang F. Z. , Huang L. F. , Shao X. P. , Du J. F. , Li J. , Zhou Y. , Zheng H. Z. , Zhuo J. T. , Zeng X. X. , Zhang G. M. , Miao N. , Sun X. J. , Liang X. F. , Luo H. M.
Published: August 2017

We describe the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among women of reproductive age residing in areas of China that are highly endemic for chronic HBV, and provide evidence useful for decision‐makers to guide strategies for preventing mother‐to‐child transmission of HBV, and assess the impact of perinatal transmission PMTCT by projecting HBsAg prevalence trends without interventions. We conducted a cross‐sectional HBV serological survey of women, 15‐49 years of age, residing in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan provinces. Demographic and other subject‐level data were collected in face‐to‐face interviews, after which we obtain blood specimens. Specimens were tested for HBV sero‐markers by ELISA (Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy), and HBV DNA was tested with PCR (Hunan Sansure Biotech). Weighted HBsAg and HBV (either HBsAg+ or anti‐HBc+ indicating either present or past infection) prevalences were 11.82% and 57.16%, respectively. Among the HBsAg‐positive women, 27% were also HBeAg positive. The proportion of individuals with HBV DNA loads >105IU/mL declined with increasing age. Among HBsAg‐negative women, 0.9% had occult HBV infection. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection among reproductive women in these highly endemic provinces is high, posing a threat to maternal health and risk of mother‐to‐child transmission. Prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission remains critically important.