bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree leaf and root traits mediate soil faunal contribution to litter decomposition across an elevational gradient
Authors: Fujii Saori , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Berg Matty P. , Mori Akira S.
Published: December 2017

Plant litter decomposition is key to carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil fauna are important litter decomposers, but how their contribution to decomposition changes with alterations in plant composition and climate is not well established.

Here, we quantified how soil mesofauna affect decomposition rate interactively with climate and leaf and root traits. We conducted an in situ decomposition experiment using eight dominant tree species per forest site across four elevations (50, 400, 600 and 1,000 m a.s.l.) in northern Japan. We used litterbags with different mesh sizes to control litter accessibility to soil mesofauna.

We found stronger effects of plant litter quality on both decomposition rates and faunal contribution thereto, and perhaps of local variation in soil nutritional and moisture regimes, than climatic effects of elevation. This suggests that changing climate likely alters forest litter decomposition rates indirectly through shifts in tree community composition more than directly through changing abiotic regimes. Considering both leaves and roots as litter resources enlarged the overall contribution of variation in litter quality to decomposition rates and faunal effects thereupon, because litter quality and decomposition rate varied more between leaves and roots overall than among leaves within and across elevations.

The contribution of mesofauna to litter decomposition was larger in nutrient‐rich litter than in recalcitrant litter across the elevational gradient, suggesting amplification of the effect of litter traits on decomposition through preference of soil fauna for their food resources.

Our findings highlight the importance of considering synergistic influences of soil faunal activities with litter traits of both leaves and roots for better understanding biogeochemical processes across environmental gradients over space or time.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Habitat heterogeneity induces rapid changes in the feeding behaviour of generalist arthropod predators
Authors: Staudacher Karin , Rennstam Rubbmark Oskar , Birkhofer Klaus , Malsher Gerard , Sint Daniela , Jonsson Mattias , Traugott Michael
Published: December 2017

The “habitat heterogeneity hypothesis” predicts positive effects of structural complexity on species coexistence. Increasing habitat heterogeneity can change the diversity (number of species, abundances) and the functional roles of communities. The latter, however, is not well understood as species and individuals may respond very differently and dynamically to a changing environment.

Here, we experimentally test how habitat heterogeneity affects generalist arthropod predators, including epigaeic spiders, carabid and staphylinid beetles, under natural conditions by assessing their diversity and directly measuring their trophic interactions (which provide a proxy for their functional roles). The experiment was conducted in spring barley fields in Southern Sweden where habitat heterogeneity was manipulated by increasing within‐field plant diversity.

Increased habitat heterogeneity triggered rapid changes in the feeding behaviour of generalist predators characterized by lower trophic specialization at both network (H2’, degree of interaction specialization in the entire network) and species level (d’, degree of interaction specialization at the species level). We presume that this is because spatial separation resulted in relaxed competition and allowed an increased overlap in resources used among predator species. Predators collected from heterogenous habitats also showed greater individual‐level dietary variability which might be ascribed to relaxed intraspecific competition.

Our results provide conclusive evidence that habitat heterogeneity can induce rapid behavioural responses independent of changes in diversity, potentially promoting the stability of ecosystem functions.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Dose rectification of an imbalance between DPP4 and GLP‐1 ameliorates chronic stress‐related vascular aging and atherosclerosis?
Authors: Cheng Xian Wu , Narisawa Megumi , Jin Enze , Yu Chenglin , Xu Wenhu , Piao Limei
Published: December 2017

Exposure to psychosocial stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including vascular aging and regeneration. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) exerts many physiological and pharmacological functions by regulating its extremely abundant substrates [eg., glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α/C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type‐4, etc.]. Over the past decade, emerging data has revealed unexpected roles for DPP‐4 and GLP‐1 in intracellular signaling, oxidative stress production, lipid metabolism, cell apoptosis, immune activation, insulin resistance, and inflammation. This mini review focuses on recent findings in this field, highlighting an imbalance between DPP4 and GLP‐1 as a potential therapeutic target in the management of vascular aging and atherosclerosis in animals under experimental stress conditions.
Muslim gay men: identity conflict and politics in a Muslim majority nation
Authors: Hamdi Nassim , Lachheb Monia , Anderson Eric
Published: December 2017

While a number of investigations have examined how gay Muslim men view homosexuality in relation to religious Western homophobia, this research constitutes the first account of the experiences of self‐identified gay men living in an African, Muslim nation, where same‐sex sex is both illegal and actively persecuted. We interviewed 28 gay men living in Tunisia in order to understand how they assimilate their sexual, religious and ethnic identities within a highly homophobic culture. Utilizing notions of homoerasure and homohysteria (McCormack and Eric Anderson ,b), and examining the intersection of identity conflict and new social movement theory, we highlight four strategies that participants use to negotiate the dissonance of living with conflicting identities in a context of religious homophobia: (1) privileging their Islamic identities and rejecting homosexuality as a legitimate sexual identity; (2) rejecting Islam and accepting homosexuality as a legitimate sexual identity; (3) interpreting Islam to be supportive of homosexuality; and (4) creating a non‐penetrative homosexuality to be compatible with literal Qur'anic interpretations. We discuss the multiple difficulties these men face in relation to religious intolerance and ethnic heteronormativity, and reflect upon the possibilities and obstacles of using Western identity politics towards the promotion of social justice within a framework of growing homohysteria.
The Double Delegitimatisation of Julia Gillard: Gender, the Media, and Australian Political Culture
Authors: Holland Jack , Wright Katharine A.M.
Published: December 2017

This article explores Australian media coverage of Julia Gillard's leadership. It employs a comparative discourse analysis of the gendered nature of media reporting on her sexism and misogyny speech and eventual demise. The article places these gendered framings within two contexts: that of the more general gendered expectations of the double bind facing all women leaders; and the more specific challenge to Australia's women leaders, posed by exclusivist national identity narratives. These narratives — of mateship, the ANZAC myth, and various apparently ideal‐type masculinities — serve to further disassociate Australian women from positions of national leadership. Together, we argue that the twin constraints of gender expectations and exclusivist national identity narratives amounted to a double delegitimisation of Julia Gillard's leadership, on the basis of her being a woman leader, generally, and an Australian woman leader, specifically.
Eating out with a food allergy in the UK: Change in the eating out practices of consumers with food allergy following introduction of allergen information legislation
Authors: Begen F. M. , Barnett J. , Payne R. , Gowland M. H. , DunnGalvin A. , Lucas J. S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Strict allergen avoidance is important in day‐to‐day management of food allergy and avoidance when eating outside the home can present particular difficulties. EU legislation (EU FIC) introduced in December 2014 aimed to improve food allergen information provision for customers by requiring retailers of non‐prepacked foods to provide information related to the content of one or more of 14 specified food allergens within their foods.

Objectives

To investigate the impact of EU FIC on the behaviours, experiences and attitudes of consumers with food allergy when eating out.

Methods

As part of longitudinal research, participants with food allergy from across the UK took part in either (A) pre and post legislation in‐depth interviews, or (B) pre and post legislation surveys. In‐depth interviews were carried out with 28 participants pre and post legislation and analysed using the framework approach. Self‐report surveys were completed by 129 participants pre and post legislation, and responses were subject to quantitative analyses.

Results

Improvements in allergen information provision and raised awareness of food allergy in eating out venues were reported following introduction of EU FIC. Whilst participants favoured written allergen information, they expressed greater confidence in communicating with eating out staff and in trusting the allergen information that they provided. Improvements were judged to be gradual, sporadic or inconsistent in implementation.

Conclusion & clinical relevance

For many participants, the “ideal” eating out experience was one in which a range of information resources were available and where written allergen information was complemented by proactive and accommodating staff within an allergy‐aware environment. Whilst the onus is on legislators and food providers to ensure that adequate allergen information is provided, clinicians play an important role in encouraging patients with food allergy to pursue their legal right to make allergen enquiries to avoid accidental allergen ingestion when eating out.
Gene expression profiles of M1 and M2 microglia characterized by comparative analysis of public datasets
Authors: Satoh Jun‐ichi
Published: December 2017

Objective

Microglia, immunocompetent cells in the central nervous system, adopt two distinct activation phenotypes, composed of a pro‐inflammatory and neurotoxic “classical” activation (M1) phenotype by exposure to lipopolysaccharide and interferon‐γ, and an anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective “alternative” activation (M2) phenotype after treatment with interleukin‐4 and interleukin‐13. Recently, gene expression profiling using DNA microarray and high‐throughput sequencing technologies identified valid markers specific for microglia. However, we have fairly limited knowledge on comprehensive gene expression signatures of functionally polarized microglia. By comparative analysis of public datasets, we attempted to characterize the set of the genes specific for microglia polarized to M1, M2a and Mtgf, and the overlap of these marker genes in distinct activation phenotypes.

Methods

We retrieved five different microarray datasets of microglial gene expression from Gene Expression Omnibus, and analyzed them by GEO2R. We identified overlapping genes in various experimental conditions by Gene List Venn Diagram.

Results

We found that the set of M1, M2a and Mtgf marker genes are highly variable among distinct datasets analyzed. Human microglia showed gene expression profiles quite different from those of mouse microglia. Rat amoeboid microglia in part showed the M1‐polarized phenotype. A substantial number of the genes upregulated under both M1‐polarizing and M2a‐polarizing conditions suggest common signaling pathways for M1 and M2 activation of microglia. Counteracting regulation was found between M1 and Mtgf gene expression.

Conclusions

The great variability of M1 and M2 microglial gene expression profiles is attributable to differences in the methods of preparation of microglia, culture conditions and platforms of microarray analyzed.
Cytokine‐induced differentiation of hematopoietic cells into microglia‐like cells in vitro
Authors: Igarashi Ayuko , Sakuma Hiroshi , Hayashi Masaharu , Noto Daisuke , Miyake Sachiko , Okumura Akihisa , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Microglia are the immune cells of the central nervous system. Several in vitro methods have been reported to induce the formation of microglia from hematopoietic cells, using granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and interleukin‐34 (IL‐34). However, the phenotype of these cells has not been fully characterized. The objective of the present study was to clarify the differential roles of colony‐stimulating factors and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in the differentiation of hematopoietic cells to microglia‐like cells.

Methods

Murine bone marrow lineage‐negative (BMLN) cells were co‐cultured with astrocytes for 1 week in the presence or absence of colony‐stimulating factors. Surface markers for microglia were examined by flow cytometry.

Results

BMLN cells co‐cultured with astrocytes developed into microglia‐like cells (CD11b+ CD45lo F4/80lo CX3CR1hi), whose expression pattern of surface markers was distinct from bone marrow‐derived macrophages (CD11b+ CD45hi F4/80hi CX3CR1lo). Morphologically, microglia‐like cells were found to possess actively extending and retracting long branched processes. Additionally, these cells were found to proliferate significantly during differentiation and this was dependent on colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor signaling. Macrophage colony‐stimulating factor or granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor induced the differentiation of BMLN cells into CD11bhi CD45hi cells that were different from microglia. In contrast, IL‐34 induced differentiation into CD11b+ CD45lo microglia‐like cells with relatively higher CX3CR1 expression. Although TGF‐β failed to induce the formation of microglia‐like cells with process‐bearing morphology, BMLN cells cultured with both IL‐34 and TGF‐β developed into microglia‐like cells that had finely branched processes and lower F4/80 expression.

Conclusions

IL‐34 and TGF‐β collectively promote the development of microglia‐like cells from hematopoietic cells.
Primary bilateral uveal melanoma: a population‐based study and systematic review
Authors: Scott Jeffrey F , Vyas Ritva , Galvin Jessica , Gotow Erica , Fiessinger Lori , Gerstenblith Adam T , Gerstenblith Meg R
Published: December 2017

Importance

Primary bilateral uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare and incompletely described entity. It is not known how these patients compare to those with unilateral UM.

Background

We sought to comprehensively characterize and compare patients with primary bilateral and unilateral UM.

Design

Retrospective, population‐based and systematic review.

Participants

Patients with bilateral (n = 52) and unilateral UM (n = 8915).

Methods

We analysed cases of primary bilateral UM from three data sources: (i) the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center pathology database from 1996 to 2016 (n = 1); (ii) the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End‐Results (SEER)‐18 database from 1973 to 2013 (n = 5) and (iii) a systematic review of the English language literature (n = 46). Cases of unilateral UM were obtained from the SEER‐18 database from 1973 to 2013 for comparison (n = 8915).

Main Outcome Measures

Demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, treatments and survival.

Results

There were no differences in sex, race, mean age at diagnosis, site of uveal involvement, metastases at diagnosis, or treatment among patients with bilateral as compared to unilateral UM. Additionally, there were no clinicopathological differences between the two UMs in each patient with bilateral disease. Overall survival did not differ between unilateral and bilateral UM patients, or between bilateral UM patients who presented with, or subsequently developed, bilateral disease.

Conclusions and Relevance

Bilateral and unilateral UM patients share similar demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, treatments and prognoses. Moreover, the development of bilateral disease does not portend a poorer prognosis and patients should be treated similarly to those with unilateral disease.
Hepatitis C virus genotyping of organ donor samples to aid in transplantation of HCV‐positive organs
Authors: Gentile Caren , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Goldberg David S. , Reese Peter P. , Hasz Richard D. , Abt Peter , Blumberg Emily , Farooqi Midhat S.
Published: December 2017

Given the availability of new highly efficacious anti‐HCV therapies, some clinicians have advocated for wider use of kidneys from hepatitis C virus‐positive (HCV+) donors, including transplanting them into HCV‐negative recipients. As treatment regimens for HCV are commonly guided by genotype, pretransplant HCV genotyping of tissue donors would be beneficial. To our knowledge, donor HCV genotyping has never been reported. We retrieved archived frozen plasma samples for 17 previous organ donors through a local organ procurement organization. We performed HCV genotyping using the eSensor HCVg Direct Test (GenMark Diagnostics) and also by Sanger sequencing, for confirmation (Retrogen). In addition, viral loads were measured using the COBAS AmpliPrep/TaqMan system (Roche Diagnostics). We found that most of the samples (n = 14) were HCV Genotype 1a with the remainder being Genotype 2b (n = 1) or Genotype 3 (n = 2). All genotyping results were concordant with Sanger sequencing. The average HCV viral load in the sample group was ~ 1.6 million IU/mL (range: ~16 000 IU/mL to 7 million IU/mL). We demonstrate that viral RNA from organ donor plasma can be successfully genotyped for HCV. This ability suggests that transplantation of HCV+ kidneys into HCV‐negative recipients, followed by genotype‐guided antiviral therapy, could be feasible.
Deep brain stimulation for drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Li Michael C. H. , Cook Mark J.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To review clinical evidence on the antiepileptic effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for drug‐resistant epilepsy, its safety, and the factors influencing individual outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the medical literature (PubMed, Medline) was conducted to identify relevant articles investigating DBS therapy for drug‐resistant epilepsy. Reference lists of these articles were used to source further articles.

Results

Stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) and hippocampus (HC) has been shown to decrease the frequency of refractory seizures. Half of all patients from clinical studies experienced a 46%‐90% seizure reduction with ANT‐DBS, and a 48%‐95% seizure reduction with HC‐DBS. The efficacy of stimulating other targets remains inconclusive due to lack of evidence. Approximately three‐fourths of patients receiving ANT, HC, or centromedian nucleus of the thalamus (CMT) stimulation are responders—experiencing a seizure reduction of at least 50%. The time course of clinical benefit varies dramatically, with both an initial lesional effect and ongoing stimulation effect at play. Improved quality of life and changes to cognition or mood may also occur. Side effects are similar in nature to those reported from DBS therapy for movement disorders. Several factors are potentially associated with stimulation efficacy, including an absence of structural abnormality on imaging for ANT and HC stimulation, and electrode position relative to the target. Certain seizure types or syndromes may respond more favorably to specific targets, including ANT stimulation for deep temporal or limbic seizures, and CMT stimulation for generalized seizures and Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome.

Significance

We have identified several patient, disease, and stimulation factors that potentially predict seizure outcome following DBS. More large‐scale clinical trials are needed to explore different stimulation parameters, reevaluate the indications for DBS, and identify robust predictors of patient response.
Measuring social tolerance: An experimental approach in two lemurid primates
Authors: Fichtel Claudia , Schnoell Anna V. , Kappeler Peter M.
Published: December 2017

Social tolerance crucially affects the life of group‐living animals as it can influence, among other things, their competitive regimes, access to food, learning behavior, and recruitment. However, social tolerance tests were mainly conducted in semi‐free or captive populations, and we know little about the behavioral mechanisms and consequences of social tolerance under natural conditions. We therefore developed a co‐feeding experiment to measure social tolerance in groups of wild and captive animals across two primate species. Specifically, we recorded the social tolerance level of redfronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons, four wild, one captive group) and ringtailed lemurs (Lemur catta, three wild, three captive groups) by presenting a clumped food resource in an experimental arena, and recorded patterns of resource use during the experiment. Because redfronted lemurs exhibit lower levels of decided conflicts than ringtailed lemurs, we predicted that they would be socially more tolerant. The probability for an individual to feed in the arena was higher in redfronted lemurs than in ringtailed lemurs. In addition, in both species, the probability for an individual to feed in the arena was higher in the captive populations than in their wild counterparts, suggesting that proximate factors, such as a relaxation of feeding competition in captivity, may adapt species‐specific levels of social tolerance to local levels of food availability. Hence, the number of individuals co‐feeding on a valuable food resource appears to be a useful proxy of social tolerance that could be measured with this experimental setup in other wild and captive species as well.
Contrasting effects of functionally distinct tadpole species on nutrient cycling and litter breakdown in a tropical rainforest stream
Authors: Ramamonjisoa Noelikanto , Natuhara Yosihiro
Published: December 2017

There is growing interest in predicting how loss of species diversity and abundance affect the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Tadpole diversity and abundance can be exceptionally high in tropical streams, but, compared to other groups, relatively little is known about their functional roles. We assessed the trophic niches and investigated the contribution of tadpoles to nutrient recycling (excretion and egestion) and litter breakdown in streams.

We used two ecomorphologically distinct tadpoles belonging to the two most dominant feeding guilds in Ranomafana, Madagascar: Boophis quasiboehmei (hereafter BQ, generalised mouthpart, grazer) and Mantidactylus melanopleura (hereafter MM, umbelliform funnel mouthpart, suspension feeder). We conducted field incubation experiments to quantify nutrients recycled from excretion and egestion, and set enclosures to analyse the effects of tadpoles on litter breakdown (leaves of Pauridiantha sp. and Chrysophyllum sp.) in nine treatments: control (no tadpoles), monospecific treatment (BQ or MM) at three densities (low, medium, high: 3, 6, 12 tadpoles/0.0625 m2, respectively) and mix‐species treatment (3 BQ + 3 MM, 6 BQ + 6 MM).

BQ and MM occupied the same trophic level but tended to differ in their carbon isotopic signatures. MM excreted nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) at higher rates, but the two species had similar N:P molar excretion ratio. Nutrients recycled from faecal pellets (egestion) were not immediately available but needed to be mineralised: N increased with time in the water column and was more than 25 times higher in concentration at the end of the experiment (day 16), whereas P concentration showed a hump‐shaped pattern with a maximum value at day 4 of incubation. Effects of tadpoles on litter breakdown depended on tadpole identity, density and litter identity. Particularly, no breakdown occurred at low tadpole density, and effects were generally stronger on the softer texture leaves Pauridiantha sp. We found additive effects of tadpole diversity on litter breakdown.

These findings indicate that (1) tadpoles with different mouthparts play different roles on the ecosystem; (2) tadpole faecal pellets are important latent sources of nutrients in freshwater environments; and (3) tadpole abundance exerted stronger effects than species diversity on litter breakdown, emphasising the importance of tadpole biomass and communities in tropical streams. Interspecific variation in nutrient recycling and differential effects on litter breakdown illustrate a strong linkage between species identity and ecosystem function.
Comparing spatial patterns
Authors: Long Jed , Robertson Colin
Published: December 2017

The comparison of spatial patterns is a fundamental task in geography and quantitative spatial modelling. With the growth of data being collected with a geospatial element, we are witnessing an increased interest in analyses requiring spatial pattern comparisons (e.g., model assessment and change analysis). In this paper, we review quantitative techniques for comparing spatial patterns, examining key methodological approaches developed both within and beyond the field of geography. We highlight the key challenges using examples from widely known datasets from the spatial analysis literature. Through these examples, we identify a problematic dichotomy between spatial pattern and process—a widespread issue in the age of big geospatial data. Further, we identify the role of complex topology, the interdependence of spatial configuration and composition, and spatial scale as key (research) challenges. Several areas ripe for geographic research are discussed to establish a consolidated research agenda for spatial pattern comparison grounded in quantitative geography. Hierarchical scaling and the modifiable areal unit problem are highlighted as ideas which can be exploited to identify pattern similarities across spatial and temporal scales. Increased use of “time‐aware” comparisons of spatial processes are suggested, which properly account for spatial evolution and pattern formation. Simulation‐based inference is identified as particularly promising for integrating spatial pattern comparison into existing modelling frameworks. To date, the literature on spatial pattern comparison has been fragmented, and we hope this work will provide a basis for others to build on in future studies.
Impact of pain and functional impairment in US adults with haemophilia: Patient‐reported outcomes and musculoskeletal evaluation in the pain, functional impairment and quality of life (P‐FiQ) study
Authors: Kempton C. L. , Recht M. , Neff A. , Wang M. , Buckner T. W. , Soni A. , Quon D. , Witkop M. , Boggio L. , Gut R. Z. , Cooper D. L.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Standardized and disease‐specific patient‐reported outcome (PRO) instruments assessing pain, functional impairment and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with haemophilia (PWH) have been used in studies, but infrequently in comprehensive care settings for individual assessment or treatment planning.

Aim

To assess the impact of pain and functional impairment on HRQoL in PWH.

Methods

P‐FiQ enrolled 381 adult PWH with a history of joint pain/bleeding and included 5 PROs and a clinical joint evaluation (Hemophilia Joint Health Score v2.1 [HJHS]).

Results

Median age was 34 years; 49.9% reported a history of joint procedure or surgery. On EQ‐5D‐5L, most reported problems with mobility (61.4%), usual activities (53.2%) and pain/discomfort (76.1%). On Brief Pain Inventory v2 Short Form, median worst pain (range 0‐10) was 6, least pain 1, average pain 3 and current pain 2. Ankles were most frequently reported as the most painful joints (37.4%), followed by knees (23.7%) and elbows (18.9%). On International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 51% reported no activity in the prior week. On SF‐36v2 health survey, median subscores were worse for 4 physical health domains vs 4 mental health domains. Among Hemophilia Activities List domains (range 0 [worst]‐100 [best]), functions of the legs (median, 66.7) and lying/sitting/kneeling/standing (median, 67.5) were most impacted and self‐care least impacted (median, 100.0). On HJHS, ankle scores (median, 6.0; range, 0‐40) were worse than elbow/knee scores (median, 4.0/4.0). Results were consistent across PROs/HJHS.

Conclusion

Data demonstrate challenges of predominantly ankle/knee pain and lower extremity functional impairment in US adult PWH, affecting HRQoL across PROs/HJHS.
First evidence of bacterial translocation from the intestinal tract as a route of Helicobacter cinaedi bacteremia
Authors: Araoka Hideki , Baba Masaru , Okada Chikako , Kimura Muneyoshi , Sato Tomoaki , Yatomi Yutaka , Moriya Kyoji , Yoneyama Akiko
Published: December 2017

Background

The route of Helicobacter cinaedi bacteremia has not yet been clarified. Although bacterial translocation from the intestinal tract into the circulation has been suggested, it has not been demonstrated thus far. The objective of this study was to investigate the port of entry of this bacterium.

Material and Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on patients with H. cinaedi bacteremia between March 2009 and May 2013. Records of patients in whom H. cinaedi was detected in both blood and stool cultures were extracted. H. cinaedi was identified using gyrB‐targeted PCR. Pulse‐field gel electrophoresis was used to investigate the consistency of the genotypes.

Results

Seventy‐one patients were diagnosed with H. cinaedi bacteremia during the study period. H. cinaedi was detected in both blood and stool samples of 21 patients. Pulse‐field gel electrophoresis was used to investigate the consistency of the genotypes in 18 evaluable strains (from 9 patients). The pulse‐field gel electrophoresis patterns of the stool‐ and blood‐derived strains of H. cinaedi were consistent among all 9 patients. Most of the 9 patients analyzed were immunocompromised and being treated with anticancer drugs or steroids, which suggests reduced intestinal immunity.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate that bacterial translocation from the intestinal tract could represent one route of H. cinaedi bacteremia.
Hepatic progenitor cells in metastatic liver carcinomas
Authors: Delladetsima Ioanna , Sakellariou Stratigoula , Govaere Olivier , Poulaki Elpida , Felekouras Evangelos , Tiniakos Dina
Published: December 2017

Aims

Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) are activated in various liver diseases, but their role in the carcinomatous environment remains unknown. We aimed to identify the possible presence and topography of HPCs in liver metastases.

Methods and results

We examined 14 liver resection specimens for colorectal adenocarcinoma (n = 13) and anal squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1) metastases. Immunohistochemical markers of colonic origin (keratin 20 and CDX2) and squamous cell origin (p63), HPC [keratin 19 (K19) and CD56] and stem cell (CD44) markers, and the biliary marker keratin 7 (K7), which may also highlight HPCs, were applied on routinely processed tissue sections. Double immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence (K7/CDX2) and confocal microscopy were used on selected sections. K7‐positive, Κ19‐positive and CD56‐positive ductular structures were encountered within the metastatic tumour (tumour interior and periphery), and in the immediate peritumoral area. Hybrid structures composed of HPCs and metastatic adenocarcinoma cells were recognised and confirmed by double immunostaining (K7/CDX2). Carcinoma cells were also observed singly or in groups within the epithelium of interlobular bile ducts and/or ductules in portal tracts without evidence of carcinomatous infiltration and at a distance from the metastatic foci.

Conclusions

HPCs are observed at the periphery and in the interior of liver metastatic carcinomas. Bile ductules and small interlobular bile ducts may attract carcinoma cells serving as a potential ‘metastatic niche’, in line with their recognised role as HPC niches in non‐neoplastic liver.
Invasive mucinous carcinoma of the breast and response patterns after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC)
Authors: Didonato Rosemarie , Shapiro Nella , Koenigsberg Tova , D'Alfonso Timothy , Jaffer Shabnam , Fineberg Susan
Published: December 2017

Aims

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is often used to treat localised invasive breast cancer. Invasive mucinous carcinoma (IMC) is considered to be an indolent form of invasive breast cancer, and is rarely treated with NAC. We report the largest series of IMCs treated with NAC, and report a characteristic, but not well recognised, pattern of pathological response.

Methods and results

Our series included seven patients with IMC treated with NAC. Three patients presented with locally advanced disease, three patients had tumours that were HER‐2/neu‐positive, and four patients had tumours with admixed mucinous and micropapillary features. Clinical and imaging assessment of response showed persistent and, in some cases, progressive disease, despite evidence of significant pathological response in these cases. Pathological assessment after NAC demonstrated marked reduction in tumour cellularity, but persistent space‐occupying mucin pools, showing acellular mucin in one case, <1% tumour cellularity in three cases, and 5–10% cellularity in three cases in both the treated breast and axillary lymph nodes.

Conclusions

Persistent mass‐forming low‐cellular or acellular mucin pools can result in discordant clinical, imaging and pathological findings in IMC treated with NAC.
Digital image analysis of Ki67 in hot spots is superior to both manual Ki67 and mitotic counts in breast cancer
Authors: Stålhammar Gustav , Robertson Stephanie , Wedlund Lena , Lippert Michael , Rantalainen Mattias , Bergh Jonas , Hartman Johan
Published: December 2017

Aims

During pathological examination of breast tumours, proliferative activity is routinely evaluated by a count of mitoses. Adding immunohistochemical stains of Ki67 provides extra prognostic and predictive information. However, the currently used methods for these evaluations suffer from imperfect reproducibility. It is still unclear whether analysis of Ki67 should be performed in hot spots, in the tumour periphery, or as an average of the whole tumour section. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical relevance of mitoses, Ki67 and phosphohistone H3 in two cohorts of primary breast cancer specimens (total n = 294).

Methods and results

Both manual and digital image analysis scores were evaluated for sensitivity and specificity for luminal B versus A subtype as defined by PAM50 gene expression assays, for high versus low transcriptomic grade, for axillary lymph node status, and for prognostic value in terms of prediction of overall and relapse‐free survival. Digital image analysis of Ki67 outperformed the other markers, especially in hot spots. Tumours with high Ki67 expression and high numbers of phosphohistone H3‐positive cells had significantly increased hazard ratios for all‐cause mortality within 10 years from diagnosis. Replacing manual mitotic counts with digital image analysis of Ki67 in hot spots increased the differences in overall survival between the highest and lowest histological grades, and added significant prognostic information.

Conclusions

Digital image analysis of Ki67 in hot spots is the marker of choice for routine analysis of proliferation in breast cancer.
Africa's Contextual Realities: Foundation for the Church's Holistic Mission
Authors: Nkansah‐Obrempong James
Published: December 2017

This article discusses Africa's contextual realities and argues why these realities should inform the church's mission agenda. The article explores the nature, role, and purpose of the church. It argues that the church is people. It is made up of the community of God's people, who have been reconciled to God through the atoning death of Jesus Christ. They are salt and light to the world. The characterization of the church as salt and light relates to the church's mission. The church's mission, the article argues, is summed up in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19‐20 and the Great Commandment in Mark 12:30‐31. The mission of the church, therefore, has a dual purpose: outreach and social responsibility or service. Both are critical for the church's mission activities. Giving the contextual realities in Africa, the article asserts the mission of the church in Africa must be holistic to address effectively the needs of the continent. The article asserts this mission model has its grounding in the scriptures. It further argues that the mission of the church is grounded in and determined by God's mission in the world. God's approach to mission was holistic. Furthermore, this was the mission model Jesus and the apostles used. The article suggests integral or holistic mission for the church's mission agenda if it wants to see transformation in Africa. The article concludes that using an integral or holistic approach will help the church to address the many challenges – moral, spiritual, material, psychological, and emotional – facing humanity and the world today. That way, the church will fulfil the three‐fold mission approach of Jesus: evangelism or outreach; discipleship; and service to humanity and God's creation. In doing this, the church will glorify God.
Contextual Challenges to African Women in Mission
Authors: Ayanga Hazel O.
Published: December 2017

When the first missionaries came to Africa, they described it as the Dark Continent: a continent whose people were steeped in savagery and superstition. These descriptions were unjustifiable, yet not altogether unreasonable. The Western Christian missionaries were responding to a “difference” they could not readily comprehend. They found themselves in a context incredibly different from their own. But rather than look for answers that would help them understand their missiological context and environment, they judged all that was not European as pagan, superstitious, and primitive. However, the situation has dramatically changed, mainly as the result of the rapid social‐economic and political developments that Africa is experiencing. These developments, both positive and negative, have far‐reaching implications for missiology and mission. They require critical analysis and understanding, particularly for those who would be involved in mission. This paper describes some of the results of the rapid change that Africa is experiencing, results that in one way or another affect missiology and the missiological context in Africa. There is socio‐economic development, yet there are still alarming levels of poverty leading to the development of other challenging situations and teachings. These include the mushrooming of prosperity gospel churches and movements, human trafficking and modern‐day slavery, and information and communication technologies. Further, the paper seeks to describe how these developments enhance or hinder the involvement of African women in mission. Since mission of necessity requires an understanding and appreciation of the context of mission or the mission field, the paper suggests that relevant theological education of African women is of paramount importance if they are to be effectively involved in mission. Finally, the paper does not seek to provide answers to the challenges described. This is because mission and missiology are of necessity very context specific. Thus would‐be missionaries need to understand the issues and respond to them in context‐appropriate ways without compromising the integrity of the message of the gospel.
Monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells as prognostic factor in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients treated with dasatinib
Authors: Giallongo Cesarina , Parrinello Nunziatina L. , La Cava Piera , Camiolo Giuseppina , Romano Alessandra , Scalia Marina , Stagno Fabio , Palumbo Giuseppe A. , Avola Roberto , Li Volti Giovanni , Tibullo Daniele , Di Raimondo Francesco
Published: December 2017

Myeloid suppressor cells are a heterogeneous group of myeloid cells that are increased in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) inducing T cell tolerance. In this study, we found that therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) decreased the percentage of granulocytic MDSC, but only patients treated with dasatinib showed a significant reduction in the monocytic subset (M‐MDSC). Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between number of persistent M‐MDSC and the value of major molecular response in dasatinib‐treated patients. Serum and exosomes from patients with CML induced conversion of monocytes from healthy volunteers into immunosuppressive M‐MDSC, suggesting a bidirectional crosstalk between CML cells and MDSC. Overall, we identified M‐MDSC as prognostic factors in patients treated with dasatinib. It might be of interest to understand whether MDSC may be a candidate predictive markers of relapse risk following TKI discontinuation, suggesting their potential significance as practice of precision medicine.
Impact of anti‐infective periodontal therapy on parameters of vascular health
Authors: Jockel‐Schneider Yvonne , Bechtold Markus , Haubitz Imme , Störk Stefan , Fickl Stefan , Harks Inga , Eigenthaler Martin , Vollrath Oliver , Baulmann Johannes , Schlagenhauf Ulrich
Published: December 2017

Aim

This study assessed the impact of anti‐infective periodontal therapy on the status of vascular health.

Materials and Methods

Periodontal and vascular health of 55 patients with severe untreated chronic periodontitis was evaluated before and 12 months after anti‐infective periodontal therapy. Observed parameters were bleeding on probing (BoP), pocket probing depth (PPD), periodontal inflamed surface area index (PISA), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), central pulse pressure (PPao) and peripheral systolic pressure (RRsys).

Results

ΔPISA (baseline‐12 months) correlated with ΔPWV (τ 0.21; p < .03), ΔAIx (τ 0.29; p < .002) and ΔPPao (τ 0.23; p < .02). ΔBoP% (baseline‐12 months) correlated with ΔPWV (τ 0.18; p < .05) and ΔAIx (τ 0.25; p < .01), while mean ΔPPD (baseline‐12 months) correlated with ΔPWV (τ 0.24; p < .01) and ΔAIx (τ 0.21; p < .03). Grouping patients evenly into three groups based on tertiles of BoP resolution after 12 months revealed a significant decrease in the observed PWV median value by −0.6 m/s (p < .04) in the best response tertile (ΔBoP ≥ 88%). In the worst response tertile (ΔBoP ≤ 66%), by contrast, significant increase in PPao (+10.5 mmHg; p < .02) and AIx (+5.5; p < .02) was observed.

Conclusion

Efficacious resolution of periodontal inflammation may beneficially impact on vascular health.
Caught in the Act: States Doing Some Things Right in Juvenile Justice
Authors: Howell James C. , Wilson John J. , Sickmund Melissa H. , Hodges Nancy J. , Howell Megan Q.
Published: December 2017

Bashing of juvenile justice systems in the United States is commonplace. We wondered if this is justified. As a product of our everyday practice and academic assessment, this article draws attention to salutary developments on several fronts, including reduced confinement, systematic assessment of child risks and needs, including use of structured decision‐making tools, evidence based services, and construction of comprehensive service plans. Our goal is to draw attention to best practices such as these that can lead to further advancements in juvenile justice systems.
Morphological and molecular identification of Colletotrichum species associated with cassava anthracnose in Thailand
Authors: Sangpueak Rungthip , Phansak Piyaporn , Buensanteai Natthiya
Published: December 2017

The objective of this study was to identify the causal agent of anthracnose disease of cassava in Thailand. The study was carried out by collecting cassava samples with anthracnose symptoms from various planting areas including 10 districts of eight provinces in Thailand. One hundred and thirty‐six Colletotrichum samples were isolated from cassava anthracnose lesions on leaves, petioles and stems. Thirty‐eight single‐spore isolates were subsequently obtained and cultured on half potato dextrose agar for morphological and molecular characterizations. All 38 isolates were pathogenic with varying degrees of virulence when tested on detached leaves of Kasetsart 50, a susceptible cassava cultivar. Based on their growth habit, colony morphology, conidial morphology and the internal transcribed spacer sequences similarity to that of Colletotrichum accessions in the GenBank, one isolate was identified as C. capsici, one as C. lindemuthianum, two as C. aeschynomene, four as C. boninense and 28 C. gloeosporioides species complex. Geographically, the cosmopolitan C. gloeosporioides species complex was found in all regions, but other species were found only in particular regions. This is, so far, the first report of Colletotrichum complex species associated with cassava anthracnose in Thailand.
Prevalence of foot disorders in captive Sardinian partridges (Alectoris barbara barbara Bonnaterre, 1790) as useful indicators of fitness to natural environment
Authors: Cappai M. G. , Abd El‐Wahab A. , Arru G. , Muzzeddu M. , Pinna W.
Published: December 2017

Foot health represents an issue in wild avifauna breeding practices. In particular, prevalence of digital ulceration (DU) and foot pad dermatitis (FPD) are valid indicators of welfare in wildlife conservation centres and may be interpreted as to fitness for bird's reintroduction into the wild. This study meant to test the effects of raising practices on foot pad health in captive Sardinian partridges (Alectoris barbara barbara Bonnaterre, 1790) reared for biodiversity conservation, to assess welfare and fitness to reintroduction into nature. A total of 22 couples were allotted into two experimental groups. In one group, 10 couples were housed in 10 cages for breeding partridges, consisting of two animals each, with metal wire flooring system, above trays where droppings were collected. The remaining 12 couples were housed in six aviaries, consisting of four animals each, on natural (earth and stones) ground. In both groups, partridges were fed identical diets. No significant differences of food pad scoring were found between birds housed in cages (2.3 ± 0.4) and those reared in aviaries on natural ground (2.5 ± 0.6). Moreover, scores of male foot pads for both groups (2.4 ± 0.6) had no significant differences in comparison with female foot pads, independently on housing (2.5 ± 0.4). Body mass (BM) was higher (+4.36%) than average BM reported for wild Sardinian partridges. Digital ulceration was found in the 20% of females, exclusively from the cage group. Body mass of females in cages with metal wire flooring appeared to be significantly (p < .001) and negatively correlated (r = −.528) with DU prevalence. These results suggest that housing conditions impacts differently on behaviour of females and males in one same couple, and this relates to foot health, in particular as to DU prevalence.