bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell death and immunity in cancer: From danger signals to mimicry of pathogen defense responses
Authors: Garg Abhishek D. , Agostinis Patrizia
Published: October 2017

The immunogenicity of cancer cells is an emerging determinant of anti‐cancer immunotherapy. Beyond developing immunostimulatory regimens like dendritic cell‐based vaccines, immune‐checkpoint blockers, and adoptive T‐cell transfer, investigators are beginning to focus on the immunobiology of dying cancer cells and its relevance for the success of anticancer immunotherapies. It is currently accepted that cancer cells may die in response to anti‐cancer therapies through regulated cell death programs, which may either repress or increase their immunogenic potential. In particular, the induction of immunogenic cancer cell death (ICD), which is hallmarked by the emission of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs); molecules analogous to pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) acting as danger signals/alarmins, is of great relevance in cancer therapy. These ICD‐associated danger signals favor immunomodulatory responses that lead to tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs)‐directed T‐cell immunity, which paves way for the removal of residual, treatment‐resistant cancer cells. It is also emerging that cancer cells succumbing to ICD can orchestrate “altered‐self mimicry” i.e. mimicry of pathogen defense responses, on the levels of nucleic acids and/or chemokines (resulting in type I interferon/IFN responses or pathogen response‐like neutrophil activity). In this review, we exhaustively describe the main molecular, immunological, preclinical, and clinical aspects of immunosuppressive cell death or ICD (with respect to apoptosis, necrosis and necroptosis). We also provide an extensive historical background of these fields, with special attention to the self/non‐self and danger models, which have shaped the field of cell death immunology.
Dysregulated cellular functions and cell stress pathways provide critical cues for activating and targeting natural killer cells to transformed and infected cells
Authors: Raulet David H. , Marcus Assaf , Coscoy Laurent
Published: October 2017

Natural killer (NK) cells recognize and kill cancer cells and infected cells by engaging cell surface ligands that are induced preferentially or exclusively on these cells. These ligands are recognized by activating receptors on NK cells, such as NKG2D. In addition to activation by cell surface ligands, the acquisition of optimal effector activity by NK cells is driven in vivo by cytokines and other signals. This review addresses a developing theme in NK cell biology: that NK‐activating ligands on cells, and the provision of cytokines and other signals that drive high effector function in NK cells, are driven by abnormalities that arise from transformation or the infected state. The pathways include genomic damage, which causes self DNA to be exposed in the cytosol of affected cells, where it activates the DNA sensor cGAS. The resulting signaling induces NKG2D ligands and also mobilizes NK cell activation. Other key pathways that regulate NKG2D ligands include PI‐3 kinase activation, histone acetylation, and the integrated stress response. This review summarizes the roles of these pathways and their relevance in both viral infections and cancer.
High‐mobility group box 1 protein orchestrates responses to tissue damage via inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity, and tissue repair
Authors: Bianchi Marco E. , Crippa Massimo P. , Manfredi Angelo A. , Mezzapelle Rosanna , Rovere Querini Patrizia , Venereau Emilie
Published: October 2017

A single protein, HMGB1, directs the triggering of inflammation, innate and adaptive immune responses, and tissue healing after damage. HMGB1 is the best characterized damage‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP), proteins that are normally inside the cell but are released after cell death, and allow the immune system to distinguish between antigens that are dangerous or not. Notably, cells undergoing severe stress actively secrete HMGB1 via a dedicated secretion pathway: HMGB1 is relocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and then to secretory lysosomes or directly to the extracellular space. Extracellular HMGB1 (either released or secreted) triggers inflammation and adaptive immunological responses by switching among multiple oxidation states, which direct the mutually exclusive choices of different binding partners and receptors. Immune cells are first recruited to the damaged tissue and then activated; thereafter, HMGB1 supports tissue repair and healing, by coordinating the switch of macrophages to a tissue‐healing phenotype, activation and proliferation of stem cells, and neoangiogenesis. Inevitably, HMGB1 also orchestrates the support of stressed but illegitimate tissues: tumors. Concomitantly, HMGB1 enhances the immunogenicity of mutated proteins in the tumor (neoantigens), promoting anti‐tumor responses and immunological memory. Tweaking the activities of HMGB1 in inflammation, immune responses and tissue repair could bring large rewards in the therapy of multiple medical conditions, including cancer.
Metabolic regulation of macrophage phenotype and function
Authors: Saha Shilpi , Shalova Irina N. , Biswas Subhra K.
Published: October 2017

Studies in the last 20 years have given us a remarkable insight into the functional and phenotypic diversity of macrophages which reflects their integral role in host defence, homeostasis and pathogenesis. Mouse genetics, transcriptomic and epigenetic studies have provided an ontogenic and molecular perspective to the phenotypic diversity of these cells. Recently, metabolic studies have revealed the crucial role of metabolism and metabolites in shaping the phenotype and function of macrophages. Evidence pertaining to this aspect will be reviewed here.
Transformation through Repetition: Walking, Listening and Drawing on Tlicho Lands
Authors: Ruiz Adolfo
Published: October 2017

As part of my PhD practice‐based research on Tlicho lands (a self‐governed Indigenous region in Canada's Northwest Territories), drawing is being used to embody intangible cultural heritage (which includes activities such as oral history and the social practice of walking). Recent work to emerge from this research consists of two drawings created by Tlicho elders, and an animated film made of 900 graphite drawings referencing regional oral history. The process of rendering these drawings embodied experiences on the land that are repetitive, albeit transformative, such as walking or listening to multiple versions of a single story. The entanglement of continually moving lines, evident through the animation, provides a counter‐narrative to colonial interpretations of the land – particularly narratives constructed through Cartesian coordinate systems (on which computer graphics and the geometry of built environments are based). This article will describe the production of this film, while also inquiring into how line‐making provides a trace of memory, rhythmic movement and epistemology.
Drawing Analogies to Deepen Learning
Authors: Fava Michelle
Published: October 2017

This article offers examples of how drawing can facilitate thinking skills that promote analogical reasoning to enable deeper learning. The instructional design applies cognitive principles, briefly described here. The workshops were developed iteratively, through feedback from student and teacher participants. Elements of theUKNational Curriculum's key stage 3 science were covered in these examples, but the method of ‘drawing analogies’ can theoretically be applied in any subject.
No need for stepping stones: Direct, joint dispersal of the lichen‐forming fungus Mastodia tessellata (Ascomycota) and its photobiont explains their bipolar distribution
Authors: Garrido‐Benavent Isaac , de los Ríos Asunción , Fernández‐Mendoza Fernando , Pérez‐Ortega Sergio
Published: October 2017

Aim

The hypotheses proposed to explain the high percentage of bipolar lichens in Antarctica have never been explicitly tested. We used the strictly bipolar, coastal lichenized fungus Mastodia tessellata (Verrucariaceae, Ascomycota) and its photobionts (Prasiola, Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) as model species to discern whether this extraordinary disjunction originated from vicariance or long‐distance dispersal.

Location

Coasts of Antarctica, Tierra del Fuego (Chile), Alaska (USA) and British Columbia (Canada).

Methods

Based on a comprehensive geographical (315 specimens and 16 populations from Antarctica, Tierra del Fuego and North America) and molecular sampling (three and four loci for the fungus and algae respectively), we implemented explicit Bayesian methods to compare alternative hypotheses of speciation and migration, and performed dating analyses for the fungal and algal partner, in order to infer the timing of the colonization events and the direction of gene flow among distant, disjunct areas.

Results

Mastodia tessellata comprises two fungal species which in turn associate with three photobiont lineages along the studied distribution range. Independent estimation of divergence ages for myco‐ and photobionts indicated a middle to latest Miocene species split in the Southern Hemisphere, and a late Miocene to Pleistocene acquisition of the bipolar distribution. Comparison of migration models and genetic diversity patterns suggested an austral origin for the bipolar species.

Main conclusions

The complex evolutionary history of Mastodia tessellata s.l. can be explained by a combination of vicariant and long‐distance dispersal mechanisms. We provide novel evidence of a pre‐Pleistocene long‐term evolution of lichens in Antarctica as well as for bipolar distributions shaped by Southern to Northern Hemisphere migratory routes without the need for stepping stones.
Progression of late postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Ramdjan Tanwier T.T.K. , Mouws Elisabeth M.J.P. , Teuwen Christophe P. , Sitorus Gustaf D.S. , Houck Charlotte A. , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , de Groot Natasja M.S.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

ToF patients are at risk for ventricular deterioration at a relatively young age, which can be aggravated by AF development. Therefore, knowledge on AF development and its timespan of progression is essential to guide treatment strategies for AF.

Objective

We examined late postoperative AF onset and progression in ToF patients during long‐term follow‐up after ToF correction. In addition, coexistence of AF with regular supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVT) and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTA) was analyzed.

Methods and results

ToF patients (N  =  29) with AF after ToF correction referred to the electrophysiology department between 2000 and 2015 were included. All available rhythm registrations were reviewed for AF, regular SVT, and VTA. AF progression was defined as transition from paroxysmal AF to (longstanding) persistent/permanent AF or from (longstanding) persistent AF to permanent AF. At the age of 44 ± 12 years, ToF patients presented with paroxysmal (N  =  14, 48%), persistent (N  =  13, 45%) or permanent AF (N  =  2, 7%). Age of AF development was similar among patients who either underwent initial shunt creation (N  =  15, 45 ± 11 [25–57] years) or primary total ToF correction (N  =  14, 43 ± 13 [26–66] years) (P  =  0.785). AF coexisted with regular SVT (N  =  18, 62%) and VTA (N  =  13, 45%). Progression of AF occurred in 11 patients (38%) within 5 ± 5 years after AF onset despite antiarrhythmic drug class II (AAD, P  =  0.052) or III (P  =  0.587) usage.

Conclusions

AF in our ToF population developed at a young age and showed rapid progression. Rhythm control by pharmacological therapy was ineffective in preventing AF progression.
The drivers of sea lice management policies and how best to integrate them into a risk management strategy: An ecosystem approach to sea lice management
Authors: Jackson D , Moberg O , Stenevik Djupevåg E M , Kane F , Hareide H
Published: October 2017

The control of sea lice infestations on cultivated Atlantic salmon is a major issue in many regions of the world. The numerous drivers which shape the priorities and objectives of the control strategies vary for different regions/jurisdictions. These range from the animal welfare and economic priorities of the producers, to the mitigation of any potential impacts on wild stocks. Veterinary ethics, environmental impacts of therapeutants, and impacts for organic certification of the produce are, amongst others, additional sets of factors which should be considered. Current best practice in both EU and international environmental law advocates a holistic ecosystem approach to assessment of impacts and risks. The issues of biosecurity and ethics, including the impacts on the stocks of species used as cleaner fish, are areas for inclusion in such a holistic ecosystem assessment. The Drivers, Pressures, State, Impacts, Responses (DPSIR) process is examined as a decision‐making framework and potential applications to sea lice management are outlined. It is argued that this is required to underpin any integrated sea lice management (ISLM) strategy to balance pressures and outcomes and ensure a holistic approach to managing the issue of sea lice infestations on farmed stock on a medium to long‐term basis.
Factors associated with ambulatory care sensitive emergency department visits for South Carolina Medicaid members with intellectual disability
Authors: McDermott S. , Royer J. , Mann J. R. , Armour B. S.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) can be seen as failure of access or management in primary care settings. Identifying factors associated with ACSCs for individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ID) provide insight into potential interventions.

Method

To assess the association between emergency department (ED) ACSC visits and a number of demographic and health characteristics of South Carolina Medicaid members with ID.

A retrospective cohort of adults with ID was followed from 2001 to 2011. Using ICD‐9‐CM codes, four ID subgroups, totalling 14 650 members, were studied.

Results

There were 106 919 ED visits, with 21 214 visits (19.8%) classified as ACSC. Of those, 82.9% were treated and released from EDs with costs averaging $578 per visit. People with mild and unspecified ID averaged greater than one ED visit per member year. Those with Down syndrome and other genetic cause ID had the lowest rates of ED visits but the highest percentage of ACSC ED visits that resulted in inpatient hospitalisation (26.6% vs. an average of 16.8% for other subgroups). When compared with other residential types, those residing at home with no health support services had the highest ED visit rate and were most likely to be discharged back to the community following an ED visit (85.2%). Adults residing in a nursing home had lower rates of ED visits but were most likely to be admitted to the hospital (38.9%) following an ED visit. Epilepsy and convulsions were the leading cause (29.6%) of ACSC ED visits across all subgroups and residential settings.

Conclusion

Prevention of ACSC ED visits may be possible by targeting adults with ID who live at home without health support services.
Increased maternal insulin resistance promotes placental growth and decreases placental efficiency in pregnancies with obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tanaka Kei , Yamada Kenji , Matsushima Miho , Izawa Tomoko , Furukawa Seishi , Kobayashi Yoichi , Iwashita Mitsutoshi
Published: October 2017

Aim

Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was measured during pregnancy to analyze placental weight and efficiency in relation to maternal insulin resistance.

Methods

A retrospective study of 510 pregnant women (130 with gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM], 380 with normal glucose tolerance) was conducted. We reviewed the patients’ demographic data (age, parity, pre‐pregnancy body mass index [BMI]) and perinatal outcomes (birth weight, placental weight, BMI at delivery, maternal weight gain, HOMA‐IR). The birth weight to placental weight (B/P) ratio was calculated for placental efficiency. The subjects were categorized by BMI at delivery, and maternal, neonatal and placental characteristics were compared between the groups to investigate the determinants of placental weight and B/P ratios.

Results

Obesity was significantly associated with heavier placental weight and lower B/P ratios. The presence of GDM did not affect placental weight, whereas the B/P ratios in women with GDM were significantly lower than in women with normal glucose tolerance. HOMA‐IR was positively correlated with placental weight (ρ = 0.217, P < 0.001) and negatively with B/P ratio (ρ = −0.181, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Increased maternal insulin resistance promoted placental growth and inhibited placental efficiency. Maternal insulin resistance may be one of the pathophysiological conditions responsible for altered placental size and function in pregnancies with obesity and GDM.
Cost effectiveness analysis of carbetocin during cesarean section in a high volume maternity unit
Authors: Voon Hian Yan , Shafie Asrul A. , Bujang Mohamad A. , Suharjono Haris N.
Published: October 2017

Aim

To evaluate the cost effectiveness of carbetocin compared to oxytocin when used as prophylaxis against post‐partum hemorrhage (PPH) during cesarean deliveries.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify randomized controlled trials that compared the use of carbetocin to oxytocin in the context of cesarean deliveries. Cost effectiveness analysis was then performed using secondary data from the perspective of a maternity unit within the Malaysian Ministry of Health, over a 24 h time period.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials with over 2000 patients comparing carbetocin with oxytocin during cesarean section were identified. The use of carbetocin in our center, which has an average of 3000 cesarean deliveries annually, would have prevented 108 episodes of PPH, 104 episodes of transfusion and reduced the need for additional uterotonics in 455 patients. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio of carbetocin for averting an episode of PPH was US$278.70.

Conclusion

Reduction in retreatment, staffing requirements, transfusion and potential medication errors mitigates the higher index cost of carbetocin. From a pharmacoeconomic perspective, in the context of cesarean section, carbetocin was cost effective as prophylaxis against PPH. Ultimately, the relative value placed on the outcomes above and the individual unit's resources would influence the choice of uterotonic.
Effect of Royal Jelly on behavioural patterns, feather quality, egg quality and some haematological parameters in laying hens at the late stage of production
Authors: El‐Tarabany M. S.
Published: October 2017

The aim was to elucidate the impact of Royal Jelly (RJ) on behavioural patterns, feather cover, egg quality and some blood haematological indices in laying hens (58–64 weeks of age). A total of 108 Tetra Brown laying hens were used in the current trial. The birds were divided into three equal groups (36 birds each). The pure RJ was prepared for immediate injection subcutaneously, as follows: the first treated group (RJ1:100 mg/kg); the second treated group (RJ2:200 mg/kg); the control group. The eating and drinking activities in the RJ2 group were significantly (p = .009 and .015 respectively) higher than the control and RJ1 groups. Furthermore, the aggressive pecks, feather pecks and threating behaviour in the RJ2 group were significantly (p = .005, .001 and .039 respectively) lower than the control and RJ1 groups. Both RJ‐treated groups had the best feather cover on the neck and abdomen regions (p = .010 and .001 respectively; Figure ). Both RJ‐treated groups had a significantly higher eggshell ratio (p = .019) and shell thickness (p = .001) in comparison with the control group. The albumen height, Haugh units and yolk index in both RJ‐treated groups were significantly greater than those recorded in the control group (p = .026, .001 and .022 respectively). The erythrocyte and total leucocyte counts in the RJ2 group were significantly higher than those reported in the control and RJ1 groups (p = .029 and .013 respectively); however, the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and heterophil % in both RJ‐treated groups were significantly the lowest (p = .001 and .039). In conclusion, birds in the RJ2 group had superior feather cover, welfare and behavioural indices, probably due to the impact of active flavonoids components of RJ on laying hen performance. Furthermore, the RJ‐treated groups had significantly improved egg quality parameters and some blood haematological indices.
Buffalo heifers selected for lower residual feed intake have lower feed intake, better dietary nitrogen utilisation and reduced enteric methane production
Authors: Sharma V. K. , Kundu S. S. , Datt C. , Prusty S. , Kumar M. , Sontakke U. B.
Published: October 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the utilisation of the residual feed intake (RFI) as a feed efficiency selection tool and its relationship with methane emissions. Eighteen Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifers were fed ad libitum with total mixed ration (TMR) for 120 days. Based on linear regression models involving dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) and mid‐test metabolic body size (MBW0.75), heifers were assigned into low and high RFI groups. The RFI varied from −0.09 to +0.12 kg DM/day with average RFI of −0.05 and 0.05 kg DM/day in low and high RFI heifers respectively. Low RFI heifers ate 11.6% less DM each day, yet average daily gain (ADG) and feed utilisation were comparable among low and high RFI groups. Low RFI heifers required significantly (p < .05) less metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEm) compared to high RFI heifers. Apparent nutrient digestibility showed non‐significant difference (p > .05) among low and high RFI groups. Although the nitrogen balance was similar among heifers of low and high RFI groups, nitrogen metabolism was significantly higher (p > .05) in high RFI heifers. Comparison of data from heifers exhibiting the low (n = 9) and high (n = 9) RFI showed that the low RFI heifers have lower enteric methane production and methane losses than high RFI heifers. In conclusion, results of this study revealed that selection of more efficient buffalo heifers has multiple benefits, such as decreased feed intake and less emission of methane.
Chiari‐like malformation in two cats
Authors: Minato S. , Baroni M.
Published: October 2017

Two male, neutered, domestic, shorthaired cats were evaluated for progressive paresis and ataxia. Neurological examinations suggested a spinal cord lesion in each case. Complete blood examination and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were unremarkable in both cats. MRI revealed malformation of the occipital bone with herniation of the cerebellar vermis through the foramen magnum but without syringomyelia. Chiari‐like malformation was suspected in both patients. MRI repeated one year later in both cats because of progression of clinical signs yielded the same findings as the initial scans. Foramen magnum decompression in one cat was associated with resolution of clinical signs.
Glioplasticity in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Lilli N. L. , Quénéhervé L. , Haddara S. , Brochard C. , Aubert P. , Rolli‐Derkinderen M. , Durand T. , Naveilhan P. , Hardouin J.‐B. , De Giorgio R. , Barbara G. , Bruley des Varannes S. , Coron E. , Neunlist M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Growing evidence indicates a wide array of cellular remodeling in the mucosal microenvironment during irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which possibly contributes to pathophysiology and symptom generation. Here, we investigated whether enteric glial cells (EGC) may be altered, and which factors/mechanisms lead to these changes.

Methods

Colonic mucosal biopsies of IBS patients (13 IBS‐Constipation [IBS‐C]; 10 IBS‐Diarrhea [IBS‐D]; 11 IBS‐Mixed [IBS‐M]) and 24 healthy controls (HC) were analyzed. Expression of S100β and GFAP was measured. Cultured rat EGC were incubated with supernatants from mucosal biopsies, then proliferation and Ca2+ response to ATP were analyzed using flow cytometry and Ca2+ imaging. Histamine and histamine 1‐receptor (H1R) involvement in the effects of supernatant upon EGC was analyzed.

Key Results

Compared to HC, the mucosal area immunoreactive for S100β was significantly reduced in biopsies of IBS patients, independently of the IBS subtype. IBS‐C supernatants reduced EGC proliferation and IBS‐D and IBS‐M supernatants reduced Ca2+ response to ATP in EGC. EGC expressed H1R and the effects of supernatant upon Ca2+ response to ATP in EGC were blocked by pyrilamine and reproduced by histamine via H1R. IBS supernatants reduced mRNA expression of connexin‐43. The S100β‐stained area was negatively correlated with the frequency and intensity of pain and bloating.

Conclusion and Inferences

Changes in EGC occur in IBS, involving mucosal soluble factors. Histamine, via activation of H1R‐dependent pathways, partly mediates altered Ca2+ response to ATP in EGC. These changes may contribute to the pathophysiology and the perception of pain and bloating in patients with IBS.
Complexity of intravenous iron nanoparticle formulations: implications for bioequivalence evaluation
Authors: Pai Amy Barton
Published: October 2017

Intravenous iron formulations are a class of complex drugs that are commonly used to treat a wide variety of disease states associated with iron deficiency and anemia. Venofer® (iron–sucrose) is one of the most frequently used formulations, with more than 90% of dialysis patients in the United States receiving this formulation. Emerging data from global markets outside the United States, where many iron–sucrose similars or copies are available, have shown that these formulations may have safety and efficacy profiles that differ from the reference listed drug. This may be attributable to uncharacterized differences in physicochemical characteristics and/or differences in labile iron release. As bioequivalence evaluation guidance evolves, clinicians should be educated on these potential clinical issues before a switch to the generic formulation is made in the clinical setting.
Covariation between the physiological and behavioral components of pathogen transmission: host heterogeneity determines epidemic outcomes
Authors: White Lauren A. , Forester James D. , Craft Meggan E.
Published: October 2017

Although heterogeneity in contact rate, physiology, and behavioral response to infection have all been empirically demonstrated in host–pathogen systems, little is known about how interactions between individual variation in behavior and physiology scale‐up to affect pathogen transmission at a population level. The objective of this study is to evaluate how covariation between the behavioral and physiological components of transmission might affect epidemic outcomes in host populations. We tested the consequences of contact rate covarying with susceptibility, infectiousness, and infection status using an individual‐based, dynamic network model where individuals initiate and terminate contacts with conspecifics based on their behavioral predispositions and their infection status. Our results suggest that both heterogeneity in physiology and subsequent covariation of physiology with contact rate could powerfully influence epidemic dynamics. Overall, we found that 1) individual variability in susceptibility and infectiousness can reduce the expected maximum prevalence and increase epidemic variability; 2) when contact rate and susceptibility or infectiousness negatively covary, it takes substantially longer for epidemics to spread throughout the population, and rates of epidemic spread remained suppressed even for highly transmissible pathogens; and 3) reductions in contact rate resulting from infection‐induced behavioral changes can prevent the pathogen from reaching most of the population. These effects were strongest for theoretical pathogens with lower transmissibility and for populations where the observed variation in contact rate was higher, suggesting that such heterogeneity may be most important for less infectious, more chronic diseases in wildlife. Understanding when and how variability in pathogen transmission should be modelled is a crucial next step for disease ecology.
Alleles on the two dwarfing loci on 4B and 4D are main drivers of FHB‐related traits in the Canadian winter wheat population “Vienna” × “25R47”
Authors: Tamburic‐Ilincic Ljiljana , Barcellos Rosa Silvia
Published: October 2017

Fusarium head blight (FHB), leaf rust and stem rust are among the most destructive wheat diseases. High‐yielding, native disease resistance sources are available in North America. The objective of this study was to map loci associated with FHB traits, leaf rust, stem rust and plant height in a “Vienna”/”25R47” population. DArT markers were used to generate a genetic map, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was performed by evaluating 113 doubled haploid lines across three environments in Ontario, Canada. FHB resistance QTL were identified on chromosomes 4D, 4B, 2D and 7A, while a QTL for leaf and stem rust resistance was identified on chromosome 1B. The dwarfing alleles of both Rht‐B1 and Rht‐D1 were associated with increased FHB index and DON content.
Emotion regulation dimensions and relationship satisfaction in clinical couples
Authors: RICK JENNIFER L. , FALCONIER MARIANA K. , WITTENBORN ANDREA K.
Published: October 2017

The present study explored the relation between the multidimensional construct of emotion regulation and relationship satisfaction in 104 couples seeking couple or family therapy. Satisfaction was assessed via the Dyadic Satisfaction Subscale of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, whereas the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale was used to assess the 6 dimensions of emotion regulation (acceptance, goals, impulse, awareness, strategies, clarity). Significant relations were found between relationship satisfaction and acceptance, impulse, awareness, and strategies. Relations were not always found in expected directions, and although actor effects were found for both genders, only women displayed partner effects. Findings point to the importance of considering context when studying emotion regulation and highlight the clinical importance of evaluating its specific dimensions.
Early predictors of mortality in children with pulmonary complications after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Choi Yu Hyeon , Jeong Hyung Joo , An Hong Yul , Kim You Sun , Lee Eui Jun , Lee Bongjin , Kang Hyoung Jin , Shin Hee Young , Park June Dong
Published: October 2017

PC are a main cause of death following HSCT in children. We aimed to evaluate early predictors of mortality in paediatric recipients with PCs. A retrospective observational study of 35 patients with 49 episodes of PI on chest radiography (of 124 patients) who had undergone HSCT at a tertiary university hospital between January 2011 and December 2012 was performed. During follow‐up (median 26.1 months), 15 episodes led to death (30.6%). An aetiologic diagnosis was made by non‐invasive tests in 24 episodes (49.0%) and by adding bronchoalveolar lavage and/or lung biopsy in 7 episodes with diagnostic yield (77.8%, P = .001). Thus, a specific diagnosis was obtained in 63.3% of the episodes. Aetiology identification and treatment modification after diagnosis did not decrease mortality (P = .057, P = .481). However, the number of organ dysfunctions at the beginning of PI was higher in the mortality group, compared to the survivor group (1.7 ± 1.2 vs 0.32 ± 0.59; P = .001). Hepatic dysfunction (OR, 11.145; 95% CI, 1.23 to 101.29; P = .032) and neutropaenia (OR, 10.558; 95% CI, 1.07 to 104.65; P = .044) were independently associated with risk of mortality. Therefore, hepatic dysfunction and neutropaenia are independent early predictors of mortality in HSCT recipients with PCs.
Divine necessity
Authors: Bohn Einar Duenger
Published: October 2017

Divine necessity is the thesis that God must exist. In this paper, I give a brief survey of what the thesis is more exactly, the main arguments for it, and the main arguments against it.
Animal models for analyzing metabolic syndrome‐associated liver diseases
Authors: Tsuneyama Koichi , Nishitsuji Kazuchika , Matsumoto Minoru , Kobayashi Tomoko , Morimoto Yuki , Tsunematsu Takaaki , Ogawa Hirohisa
Published: October 2017

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a worldwide healthcare issue and a dominant risk factor for the development of incurable diseases affecting the entire body. The hepatic manifestations of MS include nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive variant, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is known to progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Excellent animal models for determining the mechanism of pathogenesis and establishing therapeutic treatment of NASH/HCC are strongly required worldwide. We recently reported that two previously established mouse models of obesity and diabetes mellitus, namely, Tsumura‐Suzuki Obese Diabetes (TSOD) mice and MSG mice, developed MS‐associated NASH and that their clinical course and pathological characteristics closely mimicked those of human MS–NASH patients. Interestingly, most of the mice developed HCC with advancing age, and the pathological and functional characteristics of this condition were identical to those of human HCC. We further established a novel mouse model of HCC based on type 1 diabetes (DIAR–nSTZ mice) and reported its histopathological features. By comparing various aspects of these mouse models, specific and useful characteristics in a suitable model of MS‐associated liver diseases, including hepato‐carcinogenesis, can be highlighted.
International trade and the division of labor
Authors: Soo Kwok Tong
Published: October 2017

This paper develops a model of international trade based on the division of labor under perfect competition. International trade, by eliminating the duplication of coordination costs, leads to a greater variety of tasks, each produced at a larger scale than in autarky. The greater variety of tasks implies greater division of labor and hence gains from trade. Extending the model to two factors of production yields the additional result that if the two countries are sufficiently similar in their relative endowments, then both factors of production can experience gains from trade.
Democracy, Geography and Model Uncertainty
Authors: Oberdabernig Doris A. , Humer Stefan , Crespo Cuaresma Jesus
Published: October 2017

We analyse the nature of robust determinants of differences in democracy levels across countries taking explicitly into account uncertainty in the choice of covariates and spatial spillovers. We make use of recent developments in Bayesian model averaging to assess the effect of a large number of potential factors affecting democratisation processes and account for several specifications of spatial linkages. Our results indicate that spatial spillovers are present in the data even after controlling for a large number of geographical covariates. Addressing the determinants of democracy without modelling such spillovers may lead to flawed inference about the nature of the determinants of democratisation processes. In particular, our results emphasise the role played by Muslim religion, population size, trade volumes, English language, natural resource rents, GDP per capita, being a MENA country and the incidence of armed conflicts as factors affecting democracy robustly.
Characteristics of Quality Improvement Champions in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review With Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Woo Kyungmi , Milworm Gvira , Dowding Dawn
Published: October 2017

Background

Improving care quality while reducing cost has always been a focus of nursing homes. Certified nursing assistants comprise the largest proportion of the workforce in nursing homes and have the potential to contribute to the quality of care provided. Quality improvement (QI) initiatives using certified nursing assistants as champions have the potential to improve job satisfaction, which has been associated with care quality.

Aims

To identify the role, use and preparation of champions in a nursing home setting as a way of informing future QI strategies in nursing homes.

Methods

A systematic literature review. Medical Subject Headings and text words for “quality improvement” were combined with those for “champion*” to search Medline, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs Institute, MedLine In‐Process, and other Nonindexed Citations. After duplicates were removed, a total of 337 potential articles were identified for further review. After full text review, seven articles from five original studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the synthesis.

Results

Various types of QI initiatives and implementation strategies were used together with champions. Champions were identified by study authors as one of the single most effective strategies employed in all studies. The majority of studies described the champion role as that of a leader, who fosters and reinforces changes for improvement. Although all the included studies suggested that implementing nurse or aid champions in their QI initiatives were important facilitators of success, how the champions were selected and trained in their role is either missing or not described in any detail in the studies included in the review.

Linking Evidence to Action

Utilizing certified nursing assistants as QI champions can increase participation in QI projects and has the potential to improve job satisfaction and contribute to improve quality of care and improved patient outcomes in nursing homes.
Impact of Bullying and Low Perceived Social Support on Ultra- High-Risk for Psychosis in Immigrant Adolescents: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Riva Anna , Bomba Monica , Maserati Elisa , Neri Francesca , Nacinovich Renata
Published: October 2017

The purpose of our research is to identify, in a sample of immigrant adolescents, the presence of Ultra-High-Risk (UHR) for psychosis and to analyze the interaction between UHR, experience of bullying victimization and low social support. Data were collected from the medical records of 31 immigrant adolescents. CAARMS (Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States) was used to determine the presence of ultra high risk (UHR) of developing psychosis, while MSPSS (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) for the perceived social support. 45.2% of subjects resulted at high risk for psychosis (UHR). In the UHR group the 57.1% of the subjects told to be victims of bullying (p = 0,007). The MSPSS outlined that 17.2% of the subjects declared that they received a low social support, the 58.6% average, and the 24.1% a high support. Significant differences between UHR and NOT UHR group considering a low perceived social support emerged. Considering the fixed variable “being or not being bullied”, a direct correlation between bullying (ρ = 0.431) and UHR and an indirect correlation between the MSPSS total score (ρ = -0.273) and UHR emerged. Results of the multiple linear regression considering UHR as a dependent variable confirmed that both the variables are significant (p = 0.0082) and that they both contribute to the risk of psychosis. Preliminary results of our study suggest a relevant and causal relation between bullying, low social support and psychosis in immigrant adolescents.
Older hospitalized patients’ experiences of dialogue with healthcare providers in hospitals: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Nielsen Gitte , Larsen Karen Lyng , Uhrenfeldt Lisbeth
Published: October 2017

Review question/objective:

: The objective is to identify and synthesize findings from qualitative studies of older (over 65 years) hospitalized patients’ experiences of the barriers and facilitators to their dialogues with healthcare providers (HCPs) concerning their health and well-being.

Specifically, the review questions are:

1. How do older patients in hospitals describe their experiences of dialogues with HCPs?

2. What are the barriers and facilitators to older patients’ dialogues with HCPs regarding their health and well-being?
Hilvanar tecnologías digitales y procesos de tejido o costura artesanal: una revisión crítica de prácticas
Authors: Pérez - Bustos Tania
Published: October 2017

El presente artículo busca identificar las tensiones y encuentros que existen entre los saberes asociados a lo textil y artesanal, y los relativos a la tecnología y la informática. En particular, el artículo se enfoca en tres tipos de diseño de tecnologías de la información: en primera instancia, en aquel orientado a la construcción de repositorios digitales de prácticas textiles artesanales; en segundo lugar, en el desarrollo de interfaces tangibles de usuario inspiradas en la materialidad de lo textil y, por último, en iniciativas que, para idear tecnologías digitales, se centran en el potencial creativo de los lenguajes-materiales de la producción textil artesanal. El artículo se cierra con una reflexión establecida en torno a las posibilidades de co-aprendizaje que emergen de los encuentros que se dan entre tecnología digital y tejido o bordado artesanal.
Condiciones contingentes y establecimiento de la agenda mediática en provincias cubanas: el caso de Santiago de Cuba
Authors: Muñiz Zúñiga Viviana , Fonseca Valido Rafael Ángel
Published: October 2017

Esta investigación analiza las condiciones contingentes que influyen en la relación existente entre las agendas mediáticas de los órganos de prensa provinciales de Santiago de Cuba y la agenda pública de la provincia a lo largo de los años 2014 y 2015, al nivel de los objetos y atributos que se presentan en ambas dimensiones. Aplica un diseño mixto secuencial, en el cual se utilizan métodos como el de análisis-síntesis y el inductivodeductivo, y técnicas como la del análisis de contenido, la correlación de Spearman, la observación participante, los grupos de discusión y la encuesta. El estudio demuestra la baja relación temática que hay entre las agendas de los medios analizados y la agenda pública, lo que está determinado por la incidencia de factores de naturaleza psicológica y sociológica, como la necesidad de orientación, los tipos de temas, el interés por la información y el consumo mediático, entre otros.
Desarrollo cognitivo y educación formal: análisis a partir de la propuesta de L. S. Vygotsky
Authors: Gómez Martínez Leonardo
Published: October 2017

El artículo muestra la relación entre educación formal y desarrollo cognitivo según Vygotsky a partir del capítulo 6 de Pensamiento y lenguaje “El desarrollo de los conceptos científicos en la niñez: bosquejo de una hipótesis de trabajo”. Posteriormente, enmarca la propuesta de Vygotsky en la teoría de desarrollo cognitivo de Annette Karmiloff-Smith. La idea central es que la educación formal es fundamental en el desarrollo mental del niño porque permite al pequeño tomar conciencia de su pensamiento espontáneo, esto es, reconocer el pensamiento espontáneo como una instancia particular de un pensamiento más general y abstracto, a saber, el pensamiento científico. Finalmente, se plantean algunas objeciones a esta idea y se sugiere que la postura de Vygotsky no es incompatible con las investigaciones actuales sobre el desarrollo conceptual, sino que las complementa.
Imaginación y voluntad: repensar la educación desde la herencia husserliana de la fenomenología eidética de Paul Ricoeur
Authors: Ascárate Coronel Luz María
Published: October 2017

La influencia de la fenomenología husserliana en los inicios del pensamiento de Paul Ricoeur, en donde este elabora una fenomenología de la voluntad, es un tema de común acuerdo entre los especialistas. A este respecto, una de las herencias husserlianas más evidentes de las descripciones fenomenológicas ricoeurianas de lo voluntario y lo involuntario es el método de descripción eidética, que sitúa a la imaginación en un lugar privilegiado. La relación que puede encontrarse en estas reflexiones entre los temas de la imaginación y la voluntad, creemos, puede darnos una perspectiva novedosa para repensar las problemáticas de la educación en la época contemporánea. Así, en el presente artículo, luego de presentar algunas de estas problemáticas de la educación desde la perspectiva de Ricoeur, buscaremos una posible respuesta a ellas desde aquel ámbito de la fenomenología ricoeuriana en donde se cruzan los temas de la imaginación y la voluntad.
Sócrates: gesto y palabra política
Authors: Gómez Pérez Gustavo
Published: October 2017

La tesis central del artículo es que para Sócrates la virtud política se realiza exclusivamente en la esfera del lenguaje o el gesto. La argumentación consta de tres partes. En primer lugar, siguiendo las lecciones tituladas ¿Qué significa pensar?, examino la interpretación heideggeriana de la figura de Sócrates en relación con los temas del gesto y lenguaje. Al concluir este análisis planteo que Heidegger omite aspectos importantes de la comprensión socrática de la relación entre virtud política y habla. Seguidamente, con base en el análisis de un pasaje central de la Apología de Platón, argumento que la virtud exige la comunicabilidad pública de la palabra, y se impone en el lenguaje y los gestos como un principio de acción que precede y excede al saber conceptual. Finalmente, concluyo que el poder político se restringe a la medialidad del lenguaje, a lo que la palabra hace o dice por sí misma.
Thermal nanoimprint to improve the morphology of MAPbX3 (MA = methylammonium, X = I or Br)
Authors: Mayer Andre , Buchmüller Maximilian , Wang Si , Steinberg Christian , Papenheim Marc , Scheer Hella-Christin , Pourdavoud Neda , Haeger Tobias , Riedl Thomas
Published: October 2017

Perovskites have high potential for future electronic devices, in particular, in the field of opto-electronics. However, the electronic and optic properties of these materials highly depend on the morphology and thus on the preparation; in particular, highly crystalline layers with large crystals and without pinholes are required. Here, nanoimprint is used to improve the morphology of such layers in a thermal imprint step. Two types of material are investigated, MAPbI3 and MAPbBr3, with MA being methylammonium, CH3NH3+. The perovskite layers are prepared from solution, and the crystal size of the domains is substantially increased by imprinting them at temperatures of 100–150 °C. Although imprint is performed under atmospheric conditions which, in general, enhances the degradation, the stamp that covers the layer under elevated temperature is able to protect the perovskite largely from decomposition. Comparing imprinting experiments with pure annealing at a similar temperature and time proves this. Furthermore, imprint is capable of patterning the surface of the perovskite layers; lines and spaces of 150 nm width were reproducibly obtained under imprint at 150 °C. Moreover, a through-layer patterning is possible by using the partial cavity filling approach. Although not yet optimized, this simple way to define isolated perovskite patterns within a layer simply by thermal nanoimprint is of impact for the preparation of devices, as patterning of perovskite layers by conventional techniques is limited.