bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rehospitalization Over 10 Years Among Survivors of TBI: A National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study
Authors: Dams-O'Connor Kristen , Mellick Dave , Dreer Laura E. , Hammond Flora M. , Hoffman Jeanne , Landau Alexandra , Zafonte Ross , Pretz Christopher
Published: November 2016

Objective:

To describe the rates and causes for rehospitalization over 10 years after moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to characterize longitudinal trajectories of the probability of rehospitalization using generalized linear mixed models and individual growth curve models conditioned on factors that help explain individual variability in rehospitalization risk over time.

Design:

Secondary analysis of data from a multicenter longitudinal cohort study.

Setting:

Acute inpatient rehabilitation facilities and community follow-up.

Participants:

Individuals 16 years and older with a primary diagnosis of TBI.

Main Outcome Measures:

Rehospitalization (and reason for rehospitalization) as reported by participants or proxy during follow-up telephone interviews at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years postinjury.

Results:

The greatest number of rehospitalizations occurred in the first year postinjury (27.8% of the sample), and the rates of rehospitalization remained largely stable (22.1%–23.4%) at 2, 5, and 10 years. Reasons for rehospitalization varied over time: Orthopedic and reconstructive surgery rehospitalizations were most common in year 1, whereas general health maintenance was most common by year 2 with rates increasing at each follow-up. Longitudinal models indicate that multiple demographic and injury-related factors are associated with the probability of rehospitalization over time.

Conclusions:

These findings can inform the content and timing of interventions to improve health and longevity after TBI.
Pediatricians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors to Screening Children After Complicated Mild TBI: A Survey
Authors: Keenan Heather T. , Bratton Susan L. , Dixon Rebecca R.
Published: November 2016

Objective:

To understand pediatricians' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors about the care of children with complicated mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Participants:

A total of 3500 pediatricians randomly selected from the American Medical Association Master File.

Design:

It was a cross-sectional survey.

Main Measures:

A survey developed to assess pediatricians' attitudes toward following children with complicated mild TBI for cognitive and behavioral sequelae; their knowledge of TBI sequelae; and their usual evaluation and management of children after TBI.

Results:

There were 576 (16.5%) completed responses. Most pediatricians (51%) see 1 or 2 patients with complicated mild TBI annually. Most do not think that pediatricians are the correct clinician group to be primarily responsible for following children with complicated mild TBI for cognitive (74%) or behavioral sequelae (54%). Pediatricians report difficulty referring children for cognitive (56%) and behavioral (48%) specialty services. Pediatricians have good knowledge of short-term complications of complicated mild TBI.

Conclusion:

Pediatricians do not think they are the clinicians that should primarily care for children after hospitalization for complicated mild TBI; however, other clinicians are frequently not accessible. Pediatricians need educational and referral support to provide surveillance for injury sequelae in this group of children.
LONG-TERM RESULTS OF TOTAL RETINECTOMY IN CASES WITH ADVANCED PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY
Authors: Karacorlu Murat , Sayman Muslubas Isil , Hocaoglu Mumin , Arf Serra , Ersoz Mehmet Giray
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate the long-term results of total retinectomy in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Methods:

Seven eyes of 7 patients had pars plana vitrectomy, with or without pars plana lensectomy, and total retinectomy, with or without silicone oil tamponade, for the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (Grade D1–3) after previous complex vitreoretinal surgery procedures. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, details of previous operations, and development of complications were evaluated retrospectively.

Results:

Five eyes had a history of penetrating eye trauma, one had persistent fetal vasculature, and one had Coats disease. Patients were all male, with a mean age of 15 ± 11 years (range, 2–31). The mean follow-up was 49.7 ± 50.2 months (range, 12–132). In 3 eyes (42%), enucleation and evisceration were avoided over a mean 100 ± 30.2 month follow-up. All 7 eyes had corneal opacity and band keratopathy after a mean 4.4 ± 3.2 months. Four eyes had phthisis bulbi after a mean 7 ± 4.2 months. No patients developed rubeosis iridis related to the total retinectomy.

Conclusion:

Total retinectomy may be a last option to preserve the eyeball in cases with massive fibrosis and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, despite previous complex surgical treatments.
CORRELATION OF MICROVASCULAR STRUCTURES ON OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY WITH VISUAL ACUITY IN RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION
Authors: Kang Joon-Won , Yoo Romi , Jo Youn Hye , Kim Hyung Chan
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To analyze the correlation of superficial and deep capillary plexuses using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography with visual acuity in eyes with retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 33 patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO; branch retinal vein occlusion in 21 patients, central retinal vein occlusion in 12 patients) and included 33 healthy subjects as a control group, who were evaluated by OCT angiography. The OCT angiography was performed on a 3 mm × 3-mm region centered on the fovea and parafoveal area. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ), and foveal and parafoveal vascular density (VD) in superficial and deep vascular plexuses were analyzed using OCT angiography.

Results:

The area of superficial and deep FAZ in eyes with RVO were larger than those in fellow eyes and control eyes (P = 0.034, P = 0.018). The superficial and deep parafoveal VDs in eyes with RVO were significantly lower than those in fellow eyes and control eyes (P = 0.001, P< 0.001). The area of superficial FAZ was negatively correlated with best-corrected visual acuity, and the superficial and deep parafoveal VDs were positively correlated with best-corrected visual acuity. Eighteen of the total 21 eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (85.7%) showed a high concordance rate with respect to the location of branch retinal vein occlusion and the lowest parafoveal VD area. The multivariate analysis showed that the deep parafoveal VD was associated with best-corrected visual acuity.

Conclusion:

The OCT angiography allows to detect FAZ enlargement, increased parafoveal capillary nonperfusion, and decreased parafoveal VD in eyes with RVO. The area of superficial FAZ and the parafoveal VD are correlated with best-corrected visual acuity in eyes with RVO.
INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN IN THE TREATMENT OF JUVENILE RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA–ASSOCIATED CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA AND UVEITIS
Authors: Ediriwickrema Lilangi S. , Chhadva Priyanka , Rodger Damien C. , Ameri Hossein , Rao Narsing A.
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of cystoid macular edema and uveitis caused by juvenile retinitis pigmentosa in a woman interested in planning a pregnancy.

Methods:

Descriptive case report. A 25-year-old woman with retinitis pigmentosa presented with decreased visual acuity, interested in a second opinion.

Results:

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was begun at 2-week intervals. Visual acuity improved from 20/100 to 20/70 by 6 weeks, where it stabilized for the remaining year. Serial optical coherence tomography imaging revealed marked improvement in cystoid macular edema after 2 treatments of intravenous immunoglobulin at 2 weeks of follow-up, with complete resolution noted at 4 months, a finding that persisted at 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion:

Our findings support the use of intravenous immunoglobulin as a therapeutic option for the resolution of cystoid macular edema and management of uveitis secondary to juvenile retinitis pigmentosa.
Management of peritoneal surface malignancies in laparoscopic era: a concise review
Authors: Shaligram Abhijit
Published: November 2016

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is seldom curable. Maximal cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been used in efforts to improve survival. There has been a recent explosion of interest in this modality of treatment with various centers employing its use throughout the world. This is a complex procedure associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This makes patient selection very critical and hence there has been immense interest in the evaluation of various prognostic indicators being evaluated. In addition, with the advent of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy is being increasingly utilized in different capacity. Newer indications for treatment and possible prevention of peritoneal carcinomatosis are being evaluated especially in colorectal cancer. The aim of this brief review is to synthesize and present the recent data available regarding the outcomes and evolving trends associated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Discharge Instructions for Concussion: Are We Meeting the Patient Needs?
Authors: Bergman Karen , Louis Susan
Published: November 2016

Education to improve symptom management is an agreed-upon strategy to reduce the impact of symptoms on the quality of life for persons with mild traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether current discharge education practices are deemed adequate by persons treated and released from the emergency department with concussion. A review of current literature identified a need for patient education improvements in emergency departments. Strategies for improving information retention in the mild traumatic brain injury patient population for effective symptom management are identified. A concussion symptom management booklet was created using current scientific information. The concussion education booklet along with standardized postconcussion education was provided to patients with mild traumatic brain injuries who were discharged from a level I trauma center emergency department. A prospective small-scale study was performed to establish the ease of use and usefulness of the newly created concussion education booklet and determine whether patients preferred the booklet of information over the standard discharge instructions.
Approach to a Standardized Injury Prevention Coordinator Training Curriculum
Authors: Violano Pina , Weston Ian , Tinkoff Glen
Published: November 2016

The effectiveness of trauma center-based injury prevention programs is constrained by a number of variables. These include the wide range of injury types, the variety of possible interventions, institutional support and funding, and the knowledge and experience of the persons responsible for these programs. As the field of injury prevention has increased in complexity, so must the role and professional development of these injury prevention professionals responsible for these programs. Trauma center-based injury prevention coordinators are a diverse group with variable education and professional background especially related to public health, advocacy, epidemiology, biostatistics, and research. Furthermore, inconsistencies exist with their job titles, responsibilities, accountability, and authority, as well as the associated professional resources available to them. The American Trauma Society, with facilitation by the member organizations of the Trauma Prevention Coalition, has addressed the need to standardize the educational foundation for injury prevention coordinators by providing the basis of core competencies that are necessary to successfully oversee an American College of Surgeon's Committee on Trauma-verified trauma center's injury prevention program. This inaugural Injury Prevention Coordinators Course was launched in conjunction with the Society of Trauma Nurses 2015 annual conference in Jacksonville, FL, with 7 additional courses having been held through March 2016, comprising 150 participants. The goal of this 2-day, formal trauma center-based, course is to address and standardize key educational segments, including impact of trauma, program development, program evaluation, public health models, injury and data analysis, epidemiology, advocacy, building partnerships and coalitions, and the use of media promotion to ensure consistency throughout the industry.
The Association of Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Insurance on Trauma Mortality
Authors: Mikhail Judy N. , Nemeth Lynne S. , Mueller Martina , Pope Charlene , NeSmith Elizabeth G. , Wilson Kenneth L. , McCann Michael , Fakhry Samir M.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Although race, socioeconomic status, and insurance individually are associated with trauma mortality, their complex interactions remain ill defined.

Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study from a single Level I center in a racially diverse community was linked by socioeconomic status, insurance, and race from 2000 to 2009 for trauma patients aged 18–64 years with an injury severity score more than 9. The outcome measure was inpatient mortality. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate confounding variables known to predict trauma mortality.

Results:

A total of 4,007 patients met inclusion criteria. Individually, race, socioeconomic status, and insurance were associated with increased mortality rate; however, in multivariate analysis, only insurance remained statistically significant and varied by insurance type with age. Odds of death were higher for Medicare (odds ratio [OR] = 3.63, p = .006) and other insurance (OR = 3.02, p = .007) than for Private Insurance. However, when grouped into ages 18–40 years versus 41–64 years, the insurance influences changed with Uninsured and Other insurance (driven by Tricare) predicting mortality in the younger age group, while Medicare remained predictive in the older age group.

Conclusions:

Insurance type, not race or socioeconomic status, is associated with trauma mortality and varies with age. Both Uninsured and Tricare insurance were associated with mortality in younger age trauma patients, whereas Medicare was associated with mortality in older age trauma patients. The lethality of the Tricare group warrants further investigation.
Trauma Information Group: A Level I Trauma Center's Integrated Approach to Family Support
Authors: Rutherford Logan G. , von Wenckstern Toni
Published: November 2016

As their loved one is admitted to the hospital, family members/significant others of trauma patients have specific needs for information, patient and health care provider access, and psychosocial support. The idea to offer an information group for family members of trauma patients was developed and implemented in a large, Level I Trauma Center in the Southwestern United States. The intervention, strategies, and considerations for successful implementation, program evaluation by family members, and implications for practice are described in this article. Providing specific, helpful information in response to family members' immediate needs can lead to improved patient outcomes and patient/family satisfaction with the care provided by an organization after a traumatic event.
A Statewide Collaboration: Ohio Level III Trauma Centers' Approach to the Development of a Benchmarking System
Authors: Lang Carrie L. , Simon Diane , Kilgore Jane
Published: November 2016

The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma revised the Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient to include the criteria for trauma centers to participate in a risk-adjusted benchmarking system. Trauma Quality Improvement Program is currently the risk-adjusted benchmarking program sponsored by the American College of Surgeons, which will be required of all trauma centers to participate in early 2017. Prior to this, there were no risk-adjusted programs for Level III verified trauma centers. The Ohio Society of Trauma Nurse Leaders is a collaborative group made up of trauma program managers, coordinators, and other trauma leaders who meet 6 times a year. Within this group, a Level III Subcommittee was formed initially to provide a place for the Level III centers to discuss issues specific to the Level III centers. When the new requirement regarding risk-adjustment became official, the subcommittee agreed to begin reporting simple data points with the idea to risk adjust in the future.
Exploring Opioid-Sparing Multimodal Analgesia Options in Trauma: A Nursing Perspective
Authors: Sullivan Denise , Lyons Mary , Montgomery Robert , Quinlan-Colwell Ann
Published: November 2016

Challenges with opioids (e.g., adverse events, misuse and abuse with long-term administration) have led to a renewed emphasis on opioid-sparing multimodal management of trauma pain. To assess the extent to which currently available evidence supports the efficacy and safety of various nonopioid analgesics and techniques to manage trauma pain, a literature search of recently published references was performed. Additional citations were included on the basis of authors' knowledge of the literature. Effective options for opioid-sparing analgesics include oral and intravenous (IV) acetaminophen; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs available via multiple routes; and anticonvulsants, which are especially effective for neuropathic pain associated with trauma. Intravenous routes (e.g., IV acetaminophen, IV ketorolac) may be associated with a faster onset of action than oral routes. Additional adjuvants for the treatment of trauma pain are muscle relaxants and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. Ketamine and regional techniques play an important role in multimodal therapy but require medical and nursing support. Nonpharmacologic treatments (e.g., cryotherapy, distraction techniques, breathing and relaxation, acupuncture) supplement pharmacologic analgesics and can be safe and easy to implement. In conclusion, opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia addresses concerns associated with high doses of opioids, and many pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options are available to implement this strategy. Nurses play key roles in comprehensive patient assessment; administration of patient-focused, opioid-sparing, multimodal analgesia in trauma; and monitoring for safety concerns.
Review of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Therapy
Authors: Spray Jeffery W.
Published: November 2016

Intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) is an important source of calories and essential fatty acids for patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Administered as an individual infusion or combined with PN, the fats provided by IVFE are vital for cellular structural function and metabolism. The affinity of some medications to lipids has led to the use of IVFE as a treatment for any lipophilic drug overdose. This article will explain the available formulations of IVFE, administration, and maintenance issues, as well as the risks and benefits for various applications.
The functional significance of morphological changes in the dentitions of early mammals
Authors: Conith Andrew J. , Imburgia Michael J. , Crosby Alfred J. , Dumont Elizabeth R.
Published: November 2016

The Mesozoic marked a time of experimentation in the tooth morphology of early mammals. One particular experiment involved the movement of three points, or cusps, on the surface of a molar tooth from a line into a triangle. This transition is exemplified by two extinct insectivorous mammals,Morganucodon(cusps in a line) andKuehneotherium(cusps in a triangle). Here we test whether this difference in cusp arrangement, alongside cusp heights and angles between cusps, is associated with differences in the ability of the teeth to fracture proxy-insect prey. We gathered measurements from molar teeth of both species and used them to create physical models. We then measured the force, time and energy at fracture and peak force, and the amount of damage inflicted by the models on hard and soft gels encased in a tough film that mimicked the material properties of insects. TheMorganucodonmodel required less force and energy to fracture hard gels and reach peak force compared withKuehneotherium.Kuehneotheriumrequired a similar time, force and energy to fracture soft gels but reduced the time, force and energy to reach peak force. More importantly,Kuehneotheriumalso inflicted more damage to both the hard and the soft gels. These results suggest that changes in dental morphology in some early mammals was driven primarily by selection for maximizing damage, and secondarily for maximizing biomechanical efficiency for a given food material property.
Robust cell tracking in epithelial tissues through identification of maximum common subgraphs
Authors: Kursawe Jochen , Bardenet Rémi , Zartman Jeremiah J. , Baker Ruth E. , Fletcher Alexander G.
Published: November 2016

Tracking of cells in live-imaging microscopy videos of epithelial sheets is a powerful tool for investigating fundamental processes in embryonic development. Characterizing cell growth, proliferation, intercalation and apoptosis in epithelia helps us to understand how morphogenetic processes such as tissue invagination and extension are locally regulated and controlled. Accurate cell tracking requires correctly resolving cells entering or leaving the field of view between frames, cell neighbour exchanges, cell removals and cell divisions. However, current tracking methods for epithelial sheets are not robust to large morphogenetic deformations and require significant manual interventions. Here, we present a novel algorithm for epithelial cell tracking, exploiting the graph-theoretic concept of a ‘maximum common subgraph’ to track cells between frames of a video. Our algorithm does not require the adjustment of tissue-specific parameters, and scales in sub-quadratic time with tissue size. It does not rely on precise positional information, permitting large cell movements between frames and enabling tracking in datasets acquired at low temporal resolution due to experimental constraints such as phototoxicity. To demonstrate the method, we perform tracking on the
Drosophila
embryonic epidermis and compare cell–cell rearrangements to previous studies in other tissues. Our implementation is open source and generally applicable to epithelial tissues.
Using sperm morphometry and multivariate analysis to differentiate species of gray
Mazama
Authors: Cursino Marina Suzuki , Duarte José Maurício Barbanti
Published: November 2016

There is genetic evidence that the two species of Brazilian gray
Mazama
,
Mazama gouazoubira
and
Mazama nemorivaga
, belong to different genera. This study identified significant differences that separated them into distinct groups, based on characteristics of the spermatozoa and ejaculate of both species. The characteristics that most clearly differentiated between the species were ejaculate colour, white for
M. gouazoubira
and reddish for
M. nemorivaga
, and sperm head dimensions. Multivariate analysis of sperm head dimension and format data accurately discriminated three groups for species with total percentage of misclassified of 0.71. The individual analysis, by animal, and the multivariate analysis have also discriminated correctly all five animals (total percentage of misclassified of 13.95%), and the canonical plot has shown three different clusters: Cluster 1, including individuals of
M. nemorivaga
; Cluster 2, including two individuals of
M. gouazoubira
; and Cluster 3, including a single individual of
M. gouazoubira
. The results obtained in this work corroborate the hypothesis of the formation of new genera and species for gray
Mazama
. Moreover, the easily applied method described herein can be used as an auxiliary tool to identify sibling species of other taxonomic groups.
Chimpanzee fathers bias their behaviour towards their offspring
Authors: Murray Carson M. , Stanton Margaret A. , Lonsdorf Elizabeth V. , Wroblewski Emily E. , Pusey Anne E.
Published: November 2016

Promiscuous mating was traditionally thought to curtail paternal investment owing to the potential costs of providing care to unrelated infants. However, mounting evidence suggests that males in some promiscuous species can recognize offspring. In primates, evidence for paternal care exists in promiscuous Cercopithecines, but less is known about these patterns in other taxa. Here, we examine two hypotheses for paternal associations with lactating mothers in eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii): paternal effort, whereby males associate and interact more with their own infants, and mating effort, whereby males invest in mothers and offspring for mating privileges. We found that fathers associated more with their offspring than they did with non-kin infants, particularly early in life when infanticide risk is highest. Additionally, fathers and their infant offspring interacted more than expected. Notably, association between fathers and mother–infant pairs did not predict the probability of siring the mother's next offspring. Our results support the paternal effort, but not the mating effort hypothesis in this species. Chimpanzees are one of the most salient models for the last common ancestor betweenPanandHomo, thus our results suggest that a capacity for paternal care, possibly independent of long-term mother–father bonds, existed early in hominin evolution.
Amy2Bcopy number variation reveals starch diet adaptations in ancient European dogs
Authors: Ollivier Morgane , Tresset Anne , Bastian Fabiola , Lagoutte Laetitia , Axelsson Erik , Arendt Maja-Louise , Bălăşescu Adrian , Marshour Marjan , Sablin Mikhail V. , Salanova Laure , Vigne Jean-Denis , Hitte Christophe , Hänni Catherine
Published: November 2016

Extant dog and wolf DNA indicates that dog domestication was accompanied by the selection of a series of duplications on theAmy2Bgene coding for pancreatic amylase. In this study, we used a palaeogenetic approach to investigate the timing and expansion of theAmy2Bgene in the ancient dog populations of Western and Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to estimate the copy numbers of this gene for 13 ancient dog samples, dated to between 15 000 and 4000 years before present (cal. BP). This evidenced an increase ofAmy2Bcopies in ancient dogs from as early as the 7th millennium cal. BP in Southeastern Europe. We found that the gene expansion was not fixed across all dogs within this early farming context, with ancient dogs bearing between 2 and 20 diploid copies of the gene. The results also suggested that selection for the increasedAmy2Bcopy number started 7000 years cal. BP, at the latest. This expansion reflects a local adaptation that allowed dogs to thrive on a starch rich diet, especially within early farming societies, and suggests a biocultural coevolution of dog genes and human culture.
Evolution in eggs and phases: experimental evolution of fecundity and reproductive timing inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Alicea Bradly
Published: November 2016

To examine the role of natural selection in fecundity in a variety ofCaenorhabditis elegansgenetic backgrounds, we used an experimental evolution protocol to evolve 14 distinct genetic strains over 15–20 generations. We were able to generate 790 distinct genealogies, which provided information on both the effects of natural selection and the evolvability of each strain. Among these genotypes are a wild-type (N2) and a collection of mutants with targeted mutations in thedaf-c, daf-dand AMPK pathways. Differences are observed in reproductive fitness along with related changes in reproductive timing. The majority of selective effects on fecundity occur during the first few generations of evolution, while the negative selection for reproductive timing occurs on longer time scales. In addition, positive selection on fecundity results in positive and negative strain-dependent selection on reproductive timing. A derivative of population size per generation called reproductive carry-over (RCO) may be informative in terms of developmental selection. While these findings transcend mutations in a specific gene, changes in the RCO measure may nevertheless be products of selection. In conclusion, the broader implications of these findings are discussed, particularly in the context of genotype-fitness maps and the role of uncharacterized mutations in individual variation and evolvability.
Lack of aggression and apparent altruism towards intruders in a primitive termite
Authors: Cooney Feargus , Vitikainen Emma I. K. , Marshall Harry H. , van Rooyen Wilmie , Smith Robert L. , Cant Michael A. , Goodey Nicole
Published: November 2016

In eusocial insects, the ability to discriminate nest-mates from non-nest-mates is widespread and ensures that altruistic actions are directed towards kin and agonistic actions are directed towards non-relatives. Most tests of nest-mate recognition have focused on hymenopterans, and suggest that cooperation typically evolves in tandem with strong antagonism towards non-nest-mates. Here, we present evidence from a phylogenetically and behaviourally basal termite species that workers discriminate members of foreign colonies. However, contrary to our expectations, foreign intruders were the recipients of more rather than less cooperative behaviour and were not subjected to elevated aggression. We suggest that relationships between groups may be much more peaceable in basal termites compared with eusocial hymenoptera, owing to energetic and temporal constraints on colony growth, and the reduced incentive that totipotent workers (who may inherit breeding status) have to contribute to self-sacrificial intergroup conflict.
The exploration of risk factors of concurrent bacteraemia in patients critically ill with severe dengue
Authors: Chen Chin-Ming , Chan Khee-Siang , Cheng Kuo-Chen , Chou Willy , Chao Hui-Chun , Yeh Chiu-Yin , Yu Wen-Liang
Published: November 2016

We investigated the clinical features of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with concomitant severe dengue infection and bacteraemia to identify risk factors for this comorbidity. The records of all ICU dengue patients admitted during the period of 31 July–30 November 2015 were reviewed. Patients with ‘concurrent bacteremia’ (positive bacterial blood culture within 72 h of ICU admission) were identified. ICU admission was required for 142 patients, of which 22 (15.5 %) had concurrent bacteraemia. Species of the genus Streptococcus was the most common pathogens, followed by Escherichia coli then species of the genus Staphylococcus. Patients with a severe dengue infection and bacteraemia had higher APACHE II and TISS scores, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and leukocyte counts, positive fluid balances, longer activated partial thromboplastin times (APTTs), higher lactate levels and more kidney failure, but controls (severe dengue patients without bacteraemia) had higher Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, higher albumin levels and more abdominal pain (all P<0.05). Patients with bacteraemia had a higher mortality rate than did ontrols (40.9 vs 18.3 %; P=0.018). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that bacteraemia was significantly positively associated with the following independent predictors: higher CRP levels [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.026; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.008–1.044; P=0.005], and longer APTTs (aOR: 1.034; 95 CI: 1.004–1.065; P=0.027). Concurrent bacteraemia is not uncommon in severe dengue patients in the ICU, and it is associated with high mortality. Higher CRP levels and longer APTTs were two independent risk factors associated with bacteraemia.
Exploiting expression patterns across multiple gene isoforms to identify radiation response biomarkers in early-stage breast cancer patients
Authors: Acharya Chaitanya R. , Owzar Kouros , Horton Janet K. , Allen Andrew S.
Published: November 2016

In an effort to understand the underlying biology of radiation response along with whole transcriptome effects of preoperative radiotherapy in early-stage breast tumors, we propose two efficient score-based statistical methods that exploit gene expression patterns across all available gene transcript isoforms and identify potential biomarkers in the form of differentially expressed genes and differentially enriched gene-sets. We demonstrate the effectiveness of these two methods using extensive simulation studies that show that both of our methods give improved performance, in terms of statistical power, over the most commonly used methods. By exploiting radiation-induced changes in all available gene transcript isoforms, we identified several statistically significant differentially expressed genes related to PI3K-AKT and JAK-STAT signaling pathways along with radiation-induced oncogenic signaling pathways and tumor microenvironment gene signatures that could be potential targets to improve response to radiotherapy in breast tumors.
ploidyNGS: Visually exploring ploidy with Next Generation Sequencing data
Authors: Santos Renato Augusto Corrêa dos , Goldman Gustavo Henrique , Riaño-Pachón Diego Mauricio
Published: November 2016

ploidyNGSis a model-free, open source tool to visualize and explore ploidy levels in a newly sequenced genome, exploiting short read data. We testedploidyNGSusing both simulated and real NGS data of the model yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae.ploidyNGSallows the identification of the ploidy level of a newly sequenced genome in a visual way.

Availability and implementation

ploidyNGSis available under the GNU General Public License (GPL) athttps://github.com/diriano/ploidyNGS.ploidyNGSis implemented in Python and R.

Contact

diego.riano@bioetanol.org.br
A Critical-like Collective State Leads to Long-range Cell Communication inDictyostelium discoideumAggregation
Authors: De Palo Giovanna , Yi Darvin , Endres Robert G.
Published: November 2016

The transition from single-cell to multicellular behavior is important in early development but rarely studied. The starvation-induced aggregation of the social amoebaDictyostelium discoideuminto a multicellular slug is known to result from single-cell chemotaxis towards emitted pulses of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). However, how exactly do transient short-range chemical gradients lead to coherent collective movement at a macroscopic scale? Here, we developed a multiscale model verified by quantitative microscopy to describe wide-ranging behaviors from chemotaxis and excitability of individual cells to aggregation of thousands of cells. To better understand the mechanism of long-range cell-cell communication and hence aggregation, we analyzed cell-cell correlations, showing evidence of self-organization at the onset of aggregation (as opposed to following a leader cell). Surprisingly, cell collectives, despite their finite size, show features of criticality known from phase transitions in physical systems. By comparing wild-type and mutant cells with impaired aggregation, we found the longest cellcell communication distance in wild-type cells, suggesting that criticality provides an adaptive advantage and optimally sized aggregates for the dispersal of spores.

Author Summary

Cells are often coupled to each other in cell collectives, such as aggregates during early development, tissues in the developed organism, and tumors in disease. How do cells communicate over macroscopic distances much larger than the typical cell-cell distance to decide how they should behave? Here, we developed a multiscale model of social amoeba, spanning behavior from individuals to thousands of cells. We show that local cell-cell coupling via secreted chemicals may be tuned to a critical value, resulting in emergent long-range communication and heightened sensitivity. Hence, these aggregates are remarkably similar to bacterial biofilms and neuronal networks, all communicating in a pulse-like fashion. Similar organizing principles may also aid our understanding of the remarkable robustness in cancer development.
Agribusiness development and the role of value chain business associations
Authors: Ndyetabula Daniel Wilson , Sørensen Olav Jull , Temu Anna A.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the rationale for value chain business associations and construct a conceptual framework for establishing and managing a value chain association, using the value chain for dried fruits and vegetables in Tanzania as the empirical basis.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objectives of the paper, a conventional approach involving literature review, framework development, and data collection and analysis was used to conceptualise the organisation of a value chain association in a developing country context.

Findings

The study finds rationale for a value chain-based business association based on the literature review, observations and discussions from the stakeholder workshop.

Research limitations/implications

It has been suggested that upgrading the currently fragmented dried fruit and vegetable value chain to encompass all value chain actors might have implications towards “creativity”, “innovation” and “entrepreneurial abilities” along the value chain, i.e. resources and competences that could enhance the value of the market offer and thus the competitiveness of the whole value chain. A value chain-based business association might be one of the stepping-stones to enhance innovative and entrepreneurial abilities for strong and competitive value chain activities.

Originality/value

If the literature has been relatively silent on business associations understood primarily as industry associations, it has been completely silent on value chain associations. This paper therefore makes explicit contribution on the conceptualization of value chain association with a particular focus on the developing country setting.
Nonperforming loans and bank profitability: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Laryea Esther , Ntow-Gyamfi Matthew , Alu Angela Azumah
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants of nonperforming loans (NPLs) as well as the impact of NPLs on bank profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 22 Ghanaian banks over the period 2005-2010, the study employs a fixed effect panel model in estimating three different empirical models.

Findings

The study finds new evidence of bank-specific factors as well as macroeconomic factors determining NPLs. Inflation and industry concentration are not significant in determining NPLs, although both are positively related to NPLs.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have important implications for policy makers and bank managers.

Originality/value

The paper offers significant value in shaping and improving the banking sector of emerging markets.
When good animals love bad restored habitats: how maladaptive habitat selection can constrain restoration
Authors: Hale Robin , Swearer Stephen E.
Published: November 2016

Restoration is increasingly undertaken to ameliorate the risks of habitat loss and transformation to biodiversity. Despite significant expenditure of time and resources world‐wide, restored habitats commonly fail to achieve these objectives.

Restoration could fail because animals either avoid restored habitats (perceptual traps) or prefer restored habitats where their fitness is reduced (ecological traps). Consequently, restoration may have a neutral impact or more worryingly provide an additional risk to population persistence. Whether traps arise as an unintended consequence of restoration has largely been unexplored.

Our aim is to highlight how traps can compromise restoration efforts and propose ways to reduce this possibility. We first highlight five criteria for successful habitat restoration to identify how and where ecological and perceptual traps could arise and use case studies to demonstrate some of the diverse ways restoration could cause traps. Managing traps that form via restoration depends on reinstating the links between habitat quality and preference. We suggest resource‐based habitat approaches, which consider what represents functional habitats from the perspective of animals, are a potentially useful tool in this regard. Furthermore, cognitive theory may help to improve our understanding of how animals select habitats and to address problematic behaviours as they arise.

Synthesis and applications. Restoration will fail if habitat quality and preference are not strongly linked, but this possibility has received limited attention. Our review will help ensure that restored habitats provide the resources required by animals, and that animals assess and respond to these habitats adaptively. We hope to stimulate further discussion between evolutionary, behavioural and restoration ecologists to improve the success of habitat restoration.
The influence ofHelicobacter pylorion the ethnic distribution of Barrett's metaplasia
Authors: Sonnenberg A. , Turner K. O. , Spechler S. J. , Genta R. M.
Published: November 2016

Background

Environmental risk factors associated with ethnicity may contribute to the occurrence of Barrett's metaplasia.

Aim

To investigate the interaction between ethnicity andHelicobacter pyloriinfection in the occurrence ofBarrett's metaplasiaamong patients undergoing oesophago‐gastro‐duodenoscopy.

Methods

The Miraca Life Sciences Database is an electronic repository of histopathological patient records. A case–control study evaluated the influence of age, gender, ethnicity and histological diagnosis ofH. pylorion the occurrence of Barrett's metaplasia.

Results

The total study population comprised 596 479 subjects, of whom 76 475 harboured a diagnosis of Barrett's metaplasia. Male sex, age andH. pyloriinfection in declining order exerted the strongest influence on the occurrence ofBM. In comparison with the population comprising Caucasians and African Americans, Barrett's metaplasia was less common among subjects of African (OR= 0.09, 95%CI= 0.01–0.43), Middle Eastern (0.26, 0.20–0.34), East Asian (0.35, 0.31–0.40), Indian (0.39, 0.32–0.47), Hispanic (0.62, 0.59–0.64) or Jewish descent (0.50, 0.45–0.54), but more common among subjects of Northern European descent (1.14, 1.03–1.26). With the exception of Jews and Northern Europeans, all other ethnic subgroups were characterised by a higher prevalence ofH. pylorithan the comparison group. A low prevalence ofH. pyloriwas significantly associated with a high prevalence of Barrett's metaplasia (R2= 0.82,P< 0.001), as well as dysplasia or oesophageal adenocarcinoma (R2= 0.81,P< 0.001).

Conclusion

Our analysis reveals an inverse relationship between the prevalence of Barrett's metaplasia andH. pylorigastritis among different ethnic groups within the United States.
I, River?: New materialism, riparian non‐human agency and the scale of democratic reform
Authors: Smith James L.
Published: November 2016

This article is a discussion of the “discourse on the unthinkable” surrounding potential future democratic engagements with rivers as non‐human persons or natural objects. In the context of the Asia–Pacific region, this article suggests that the developments in material philosophy entitled “new materialism” are essential tools in the reconceptualisation of rivers as democratic entities but that local socio‐historical conditions must also be taken into the account. In order to make its case, the article not only surveys the context for considering rivers as non‐human persons in a juridical context but also discusses the new material context that assists modern democracies in the renegotiation of the demos that forms the body politic of democracy – often in the face of neoliberal exploitation and a legacy of extremes in instrumentalism. The article argues that the incorporation of water in the democratic project of enfranchisement is an essential exercise born of many Western beliefs and ideals but articulated uniquely at a regional and national level.
Successful laparoscopic resection of a retroperitoneal schwannoma arising from the femoral nerve: A case report
Authors: Ishizaki Tetsuo , Katsumata Kenji , Enomoto Masanobu , Matsudo Takaaki , Shigoka Masatoshi , Hisada Masayuki , Tsuchida Akihiko
Published: November 2016

We report on a 45‐year‐old man who presented with pain in the left leg, which he had had for 2 months. A contrast‐enhanced CT scan displayed a 25‐mm tumor in the lateral side of the left psoas muscle. For this suspected retroperitoneal tumor, we performed laparoscopic resection of the tumor, which was encapsulated by the funicular femoral nerve, using surgical scissors rather than a surgical energy device and preserved the normal fascicles wherever possible. Pathological examination indicated a benign ancient schwannoma arising from the femoral nerve. The patient was able to return to his job 3 weeks after surgery, and he has shown no evidence of recurrence. This was thought to be because of the use of surgical scissors, rather than a surgical energy device, combined with visual magnification. Therefore, the laparoscopic approach is an effective and minimally invasive option for the resection of femoral nerve schwannoma.
11C‐acetate positron‐emission tomography/computed tomography imaging for detection of recurrent disease after radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Esch Lukas Hendrik , Fahlbusch Melanie , Albers Peter , Hautzel Hubertus , Müller‐Mattheis Volker
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To evaluate, in a prospective study, the effectiveness of computed tomography (CT)‐matched 11C‐acetate (AC) positron‐emission tomography (PET) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) who had prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) relapse after radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiotherapy (RT).

Patients and Methods

In 103 relapsing patients after RP (n = 97) or RT (n = 6) AC‐PET images and CT scans were obtained. In patients with AC‐PET‐positive results with localized PCa recurrence, detected lesions were resected and histologically verified or, after local RT, followed‐up by PSA testing. Patients with distant disease on AC‐PET were treated with androgen deprivation/chemotherapy.

Results

Of 103 patients, 42 were AC‐PET‐positive. PSA levels were <1.0, <2.0 and <4.0 ng/mL in six, 16 and 20 patients, respectively. In 25/42 patients AC‐PET suggested lymph node metastases: 16/25 patients underwent surgery (10/16 metastasis, 6/16 inflammation); 9/25 patients underwent RT of lymph node metastases, which was followed by decreasing PSA level. In 17/42 patients who had distant disease, systemic treatment was commenced. Combining patients who underwent surgery and those who underwent RT, 19/25 patients were true‐positive in terms of AC‐PET (positive predictive value 76%). In 5/19 patients, PSA level was <2.0 ng/mL, in 2/19 patients it was <1.0 ng/mL and in 14/19 patients it was 5.4–23.1 ng/mL. In AC‐PET‐positive patients after surgery or RT (without androgen deprivation), median (range) time to renewed PSA increase was 6 (5–9) months.

Conclusions

Only a minority of patients with relapsing PCa appear to benefit from AC‐PET for guiding potential local treatment. False‐positive results show that factors other than tumour metabolism induce increased AC uptake. The time free of recurrence after local treatment was shorter than expected.