bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working (wo)man's suicide: transnational relocations of capital – repercussions for labour in South Korea and the Philippines
Authors: Schober Elisabeth
Published: March 2018

In South Korea, 2011 was marked by the rise of a social movement against precarity, the emergence of which was dependent upon effective and affective mobilizing strategies amongst workers. The impetus was provided by a struggle at a shipyard in Pusan, where an activist held a crane occupied for 309 days. The role of affect in constituting neoliberal workplaces has recently received much attention in anthropology. The question of how emotions figure into the mobilizing efforts of labour, rather than those of management, however, has been overlooked. Hope and despair are two emotive themes amongst activists involved in the Hanjin dispute that are closely linked to the practice of suicide amongst unionized workers in the country. Since the 1997 Asian financial crisis, suicide has also become an all‐too‐ordinary response to pressures imposed upon an increasingly precarious Korean workforce. I look into the affective mobilizing cultures that have allowed the ‘Hope Bus’ movement to excel in Korea, and explore the less successful efforts that were made by Korean and Filipino activists to link up their struggles.
Moral ecologies of subsistence and labour in a migration‐affected community of Nepal
Authors: Campbell Ben
Published: March 2018

Labour migration from subsistence households in Tamang‐speaking communities of Northern Nepal heralds their transition from an agrarian to a remittance economy. This migration entails the abandonment of subsistence labour processes that once wove households together in reciprocal mutuality. Migration thus dislocates persons from moral economic institutions and norms, and reciprocity is replaced by cash‐calculative decisions about food systems. However, migration is a broader sociocultural response to historical precarities and struggle over de‐territorializing effects of state development. Moving beyond standard ‘peasant economy’ forms of analysis, and domestic autarky in particular, this essay explores neglected areas of the comparative anthropology of subsistence labour, and situates the ethnography of work and power relations in indigenous and other critiques of development nationalism in Nepal. Redirecting labour abroad creates tensions in domestic reproduction. These surface in intra‐clan gift exchange, in managing agro‐pastoral viability, and in the ritual maintenance of order among humans and nonhumans that invokes ancestral migrations for dealing with dilemmas about contemporary dispersals.
Laryngeal Realism and the Prehistory of Celtic
Authors: Eska Joseph F.
Published: March 2018

This paper examines the proto‐Celtic plosive system through the lens of Laryngeal Realism. Drawing upon phonetic data from contemporary Celtic languages and philological data from medieval Insular Celtic and ancient Continental Celtic languages, it concludes that the active Laryngeal feature in these languages is not [voice], but [spread glottis], and that this feature should be projected back to proto‐Celtic. Such an analysis allows for a much more straightforward analysis of the evolution of the early Celtic plosive system, and, in particular, allows for a non‐stipulative analysis of perhaps the best known of Celtic sound changes, the loss of proto‐IE*/p/, in simple aerodynamic terms. It is demonstrated, furthermore, that the loss of proto‐IE*/p/ cannot be explained by contact with pre‐Basque or Iberian, but, instead, was, in all likelihood, a natural development.
Regulating Complex Contracting: A Socio‐legal Study of Decision‐Making Under EU and UK law
Authors: Aspey Eleanor , Craven Richard
Published: March 2018

The article evaluates interview data on decision‐making under public procurement law using Halliday's analytical model on compliance with administrative law. In this study, unlike other studies on administrative compliance, the decisions faced by public bodies are not routine; they relate to the award of complex, high‐value contracts. Two contrasting decisions in the procurement process are discussed: the decision over the choice of procedure at the outset of the process, and the decision over the extent to which the public body should negotiate with the winning bidder towards the end of the process. The article considers the rationales behind decisions, and finds that, although public bodies are generally predisposed to comply, legal uncertainty means the relevance of commercial pressures and challenge risk impact heavily on approaches to compliance, even shaping understanding of what compliant behaviour actually is.
From ‘Doctor Knows Best’ to Dignity: Placing Adults Who Lack Capacity at the Centre of Decisions About Their Medical Treatment
Authors: Jackson Emily
Published: March 2018

In 1989, the House of Lords first derived a ‘best interests’ test for the medical treatment of adults who lack capacity from the doctrine of necessity and, now codified, the test continues to apply today. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 sets out a non‐exhaustive checklist of relevant considerations, but it gives no particular priority to the patient's wishes. There is also no formal expectation that the patient will participate directly in any court proceedings in which her best interests are to be determined. This article will consider the advantages and disadvantages of providing additional guidance to decision‐makers in order to help them navigate both taking seriously the wishes of people who lack capacity and, at the same time, not abandoning patients who need help and support. More specifically, this article advocates formalising current best practice in the Court of Protection through the introduction of a series of rebuttable presumptions, or starting points.
Of Values and Legitimacy – Discourse Analytical Insights on the Copyright Case Law of the Court of Justice of the European Union
Authors: Kalimo Harri , Meyer Trisha , Mylly Tuomas
Published: March 2018

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) increasingly faces societal value‐conflicts in EU law disputes. For example, in EU copyright law, in the digital age, diverse fundamental values, as well as cultural and societal developments, are at stake. This article discusses the role of the CJEU in the European value discourse, using copyright law as a case study. The methodological approach used, critical discourse analysis, is seldom applied in jurisprudential studies, but is well suited for teasing out value‐related aspects of case law. Exploratory research of seminal copyright cases suggests that the CJEU's discourse of the various values seems unnecessarily one‐sided and shallow. A lack of discursiveness in the jurisprudence would diminish the legitimacy of the Court's decisions, and would not offer adequate guidance to national courts or private decision‐makers, to whom the Court at the same time may be leaving more of the task of value reconciliation.
Nikinake: the mobilization of labour and skill development in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Leta Gerba , Kelboro Girma , Stellmacher Till , Van Assche Kristof , Hornidge Anna‐Katharina
Published: March 2018

A public mobilization approach known as nikinake drives implementation and technology upscaling in Ethiopia's agricultural extension. This study investigates and describes the processes and effectiveness of nikinake as an extension method used for natural resource management (NRM). The paper draws on empirical field research conducted in Oromia and the southern region of Ethiopia by looking at nikinake in the context of a watershed management campaign in 2015 and 2016. Nikinake is used as an approach to mobilize the public and to promote the skills of farmers and development actors. In principle, the implementation of NRM is voluntary; however, it is largely planned top‐down and enforced through state actors and informal institutions. This study suggests effective integration of social mobilization with reliable extension and a paradigm shift in emphasis from spatial coverage to an effective outcome. Additionally, sustainability and scalability of NRM interventions could be ameliorated by improving experts’ technical skills, raising farmers’ awareness, improving an incentive system, building trust, and better integrating past watershed management and future planning activities. We reflect on the significance of the nikinake experience in Ethiopia for a broader theory of extension‐as‐mobilization for rural development. From the Ethiopian case, a more general recommendation emerges for extension‐as‐mobilization schemes. For long‐term development, it is worthwhile to consider the fit between yearly campaigns as ad hoc project organizations and the existing pattern of actors and institutions responsible for rural development.
Embeddedness across contexts: A two‐country study on the additive and buffering effects of job embeddedness on employee turnover
Authors: Sender Anna , Rutishauser Lea , Staffelbach Bruno
Published: March 2018

Despite the growing body of literature on the effects of job embeddedness on turnover, there are few studies on how job embeddedness operates in different countries. This study, based on the Conservation of Resources theory, addresses this research gap by investigating both the additive and the buffering effects of on‐the‐job and off‐the‐job embeddedness using employee data from China (n = 373) and Switzerland (n = 268). Results showed that on‐the‐job embeddedness reduced the likelihood of turnover more strongly in Switzerland than in China (additive effect). Additionally, in China, the unsolicited job offer–turnover relationship was stronger when employees had lower levels of off‐the‐job embeddedness (buffering effect). This research contributes to the understanding of the relative role of on‐the‐job and off‐the‐job embeddedness for turnover in different countries.
CT‐guided nephrostomy: Re‐inventing the wheel for the occasional interventionalist
Authors: Smith Paul Edmund , Luong Ian Thuan Hien , van der Vliet Andrew Hans
Published: March 2018

Percutaneous nephrostomy insertion has, in recent times, become a subspecialised skill performed by an interventional trained Radiologist. However, this creates access issues, particularly in remote and regional medical centres. In this article, we describe a simple and effective method for computed tomography (CT)‐guided percutaneous nephrostomy insertion, utilising the CT interventional skills of the general radiologist.
Two enzymes of the acetone degradation pathway of Desulfococcus biacutus: coenzyme B12‐dependent 2‐hydroxyisobutyryl‐CoA mutase and 3‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase
Authors: Frey Jasmin , Schneider Fabian , Huhn Thomas , Spiteller Dieter , Schink Bernhard , Schleheck David
Published: March 2018

Degradation of acetone by the sulfate‐reducing bacterium Desulfococcus biacutus involves an acetone‐activation reaction different from that used by aerobic or nitrate‐reducing bacteria, because the small energy budget of sulfate‐reducing bacteria does not allow for major expenditures into ATP‐consuming carboxylation reactions. In the present study, an inducible coenzyme B12‐dependent conversion of 2‐hydroxyisobutyryl‐CoA to 3‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA was demonstrated in cell‐free extracts of acetone‐grown D. biacutus cells, together with a NAD+‐dependent oxidation of 3‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA to acetoacetyl‐CoA. Genes encoding two mutase subunits and a dehydrogenase, which were found previously to be strongly induced during growth with acetone, were heterologously expressed in E. coli. The activities of the purified recombinant proteins matched with the inducible activities observed in cell‐free extracts of acetone‐grown D. biacutus: proteins (IMG locus tags) DebiaDRAFT_04573 and 04574 constituted a B12‐dependent 2‐hydroxyisobutyryl‐CoA/3‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA mutase, and DebiaDRAFT_04571 was a 3‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase. Hence, these enzymes play key roles in the degradation of acetone and define an involvement of CoA esters in the pathway. Further, the involvement of 2‐hydroxyisobutyryl‐CoA strongly indicates that the carbonyl‐C2 of acetone is added, most likely, to formyl‐CoA through a TDP‐dependent enzyme that is co‐induced in acetone‐grown cells and is encoded in the same gene cluster as the identified mutase and dehydrogenase.
Automatic specimen identification of Harpacticoids (Crustacea:Copepoda) using Random Forest and MALDI‐TOF mass spectra, including a post hoc test for false positive discovery
Authors: Rossel Sven , Martínez Arbizu Pedro
Published: March 2018

Ecological studies require accurate identification of specimens. This is very time consuming when processing plankton, meiobenthos or soil biota samples due to the presence of a high number of minute specimens. A solution to this problem may be MALDI‐TOF MS, an emerging technique for identification of metazoan species. As an alternative to factory delivered software or clustering approaches, Random Forest (RF) models can be trained to identify species, using MALDI‐TOF data. However, in a real‐world scenario, RF models will fail in detecting species which were not included in the training dataset as well, thus producing false positives (misidentifications).

We produced MALDI‐TOF MS spectra for meiofauna species and trained RF models, using MALDI‐TOF bins as predictors and species as multi‐level target class. We used the empirical beta distribution of the probability of class assignment in the model to design a post hoc test for false positive discovery. Two strategies increase the final accuracy of species identification: (1) “class smoothing” consisting of in silico observations of classes, created by bootstrapping the value of each predictor within each class and: (2) adding a “null class” to the training dataset by bootstrapping predictor values and shuffling predictor labels creating a class without multivariate signal.

We prove that RF is an excellent method for species identification, using MALDI‐TOF MS data. The models are flexible enough to correctly classify observations created in silico by smoothing the classes. Our post hoc test unmasks false positive classifications successfully. Smoothing the classes and adding a null class to the training model attracts assignment of false positives to this class. In our example, a 100% false positive discovery could be achieved, while maintaining very high overall prediction accuracy.

Combining MALDI‐TOF MS and RF models is a step towards a fully automatic species identification workflow that is particularly necessary for species‐rich communities of small organism for ecological studies but also for routine monitoring. The post hoc test for false positive discovery can be applied to any RF multilevel classification model, not only in a biological context.
Identification of immunohistochemical localization of irisin in the dwarf hamster (Phodopus roborovskii) tissues
Authors: Gür F. M. , Timurkaan S. , Gençer Tarakçi B. , Yalçin M. H. , Özkan Z. E. , Baygeldi S. B. , Yilmaz S. , Eröksüz H.
Published: March 2018

Irisin is mainly secreted by heart and skeletal muscle cells. It is an exercise‐induced protein that converts white adipose tissue to brown. Increased irisin expression was lead to weight loss and improved glucose tolerance. We investigated irisin immunoreactivity in various tissues of the dwarf hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii). Tissues were processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 μm and stained immunohistochemically for irisin. In the retina, irisin was found almost all layers, except outer nuclear layer. Also, irisin immunoreactivity was observed in the skin, cornea, striated muscle, parotid gland, tongue, oesophagus, stomach and small intestine. The findings from this study support the notion that skeletal muscle is not the primary source of irisin.
Stress, anxiety, and depression of both partners in infertile couples are associated with cytokine levels and adverse IVF outcome
Authors: Haimovici Florina , Anderson Janis L. , Bates Gordon W. , Racowsky Catherine , Ginsburg Elizabeth S. , Simovici Dan , Fichorova Raina N.
Published: March 2018

Problem

Psychiatric disorders and stress in women have been associated with poor IVF outcome. We hypothesized that both partners in the infertile couples are emotionally affected, and cytokines in both may link psychological to reproductive outcome.

Method of Study

Forty‐five IVF couples completed questionnaires and visual analog scales for stress and psychiatric disorders and had cytokines measured in serum, semen, cervicovaginal, and follicular fluids. Multivariable analyses, t tests, maximum likelihood estimates, Spearman correlation, and data mining were applied.

Results

Psychopathology was found in 72% of the couples. Female and male stress were associated with stress, anxiety, and depression in the respective partner, and with a lower likelihood of clinical pregnancy and live birth. Lower serum TGF‐β and higher cervicovaginal IL‐6 and IL‐1β were associated with stress. In data decision trees, cytokines in relation to stress and depression in both partners were found indicative of IVF failure.

Conclusion

Infertile couples may benefit from psychiatric evaluation and treatment of both partners.
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter type‐2 inhibitors: pharmacology and peri‐operative considerations
Authors: Milder D. A. , Milder T. Y. , Kam P. C. A.
Published: March 2018

Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are an emerging class of oral hypoglycaemic agents with therapeutic benefits beyond better glycaemic control. A major concern of the sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors is their propensity to cause euglycaemic ketoacidosis in the peri‐operative period and the potential for this critical diagnosis to be delayed or missed entirely. This review attempts to collate the case reports of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor ketoacidosis associated with surgery to highlight and put a perspective on this peri‐operative issue. Preventive strategies and the management of the ketoacidosis are discussed.
Prognostic Factors in Acute Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning: A Risk‐Prediction Nomogram Approach
Authors: Farzaneh Esmaeil , Ghobadi Hassan , Akbarifard Mahdieh , Nakhaee Samaneh , Amirabadizadeh Alireza , Akhavanakbari Ghodrat , Keyler Daniel E. , Mehrpour Omid
Published: March 2018

Aluminium phosphide (AlP) is a toxic agent associated with a high mortality rate following acute exposure from various routes. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and laboratory findings useful for predicting the medical outcome of AlP‐poisoned patients using established scoring systems. This is a prospective study of AlP‐poisoned patients from 2010 to 2015 in Ardabil, Iran. All patients that presented with a confirmed diagnosis of acute AlP poisoning in the study interval were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory data, using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) scoring systems, were compared for their predictive value in determining differences between survived and non‐survived patients. Univariate analysis (Mann–Whitney or t‐test), multiple logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Pearson correlation test were performed using STATA/SE 13.0 and the Nomolog Software. A total of 68 AlP‐poisoned patients with confirmed acute AlP poisoning were included for evaluation. Of these, 36 were non‐survived. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using parameters and values derived from patient clinical and laboratory data, and revealed that four factors were significant for predicting mortality: Glasgow coma score (GCS); systolic blood pressure (SBP); urinary output (UOP); and serum HCO3. A four‐variable, risk‐prediction nomogram was developed for identifying high‐risk patients and predicting the risk of mortality. Study results showed that SBP of <92.5 mmHg (p = 0.006); HCO3‐ < 12.9 mEq/L (p = 0.01), UOP < 1725 mL/day (p = 0.04); and GCS < 14.5 (p = 0.003) were significant predictors of AlP mortality. Scoring systems analysis showed SAPS II score >24.5, APACHE II score >8.5 and SOFA score >7.5 were predictive of non‐survival patients. The results of our study showed that SBP, GCS, UOP and serum HCO3 levels are the best prognostic factors for predicting mortality in AlP‐poisoned patients. According to the area under the ROC curve of the APACHE II score, when compared with SOFA and SAPS II scores, the APACHE II score can more effectively discriminate between non‐survivors and survived patients.
Randomized trial comparing caregiver‐only family‐focused treatment to standard health education on the 6‐month outcome of bipolar disorder
Authors: Perlick Deborah A , Jackson Carlos , Grier Savannah , Huntington Brittney , Aronson Andrew , Luo Xiaodong , Miklowitz David J
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Caregivers of people with bipolar disorder often have depression and health problems. This study aimed to evaluate the sustained effects of a 12‐15 week psychoeducational intervention on the health and mental health of caregivers of persons with bipolar disorder. We also evaluated the effects of the intervention on patients’ mood symptoms over 6 months post‐treatment.

Methods

Caregivers of 46 persons with bipolar disorder were randomized to 12‐15 weeks of a caregiver‐only adaptation of family‐focused treatment (FFT), in which caregivers were instructed on self‐care strategies and ways to assist the patient in managing the illness, or to 8‐12 sessions of standard health education. Independent evaluators assessed caregivers’ depression and physical health and patients’ mood symptoms before treatment, immediately after the treatment, and at 6 months post‐treatment.

Results

Randomization to FFT was associated with greater decreases in depression for both caregivers and patients over a 6‐month follow‐up period post‐treatment. Reductions in patients’ depression scores over 6 months post‐treatment were mediated by reductions in caregivers’ depression scores (z = −2.74, P < .01).

Conclusions

Interventions that are effective in reducing mood symptoms and improving health behavior in caregivers may have important health and mental health benefits for patients with bipolar disorder. Specifically, a treatment focused on caregiver education about bipolar disorder and the need for the caregiver to attend to his/her own health and mental health can benefit patients, even without their direct participation.
Racial disparities in bipolar disorder treatment and research: a call to action
Authors: Akinhanmi Margaret O , Biernacka Joanna M , Strakowski Stephen M , McElroy Susan L , Balls Berry Joyce E , Merikangas Kathleen R , Assari Shervin , McInnis Melvin G , Schulze Thomas G , LeBoyer Marion , Tamminga Carol , Patten Christi , Frye Mark A
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Health disparities between individuals of African and European ancestry are well documented. The disparities in bipolar disorder may be driven by racial bias superimposed on established factors contributing to misdiagnosis, including: evolving empirically based diagnostic criteria (International Classification of Diseases [ICD], Research Diagnostic Criteria [RDC] and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [DSM]), multiple symptom domains (i.e. mania, depression and psychosis), and multimodal medical and additional psychiatric comorbidity.

Methods

For this paper, we reviewed the phenomenological differences between bipolar individuals of African and European ancestry in the context of diagnostic criteria and clinical factors that may contribute to a potential racial bias.

Results

Published data show that bipolar persons of African ancestry, compared with bipolar persons of non‐African ancestry, are more often misdiagnosed with a disease other than bipolar disorder (i.e. schizophrenia). Additionally, studies show that there are disparities in recruiting patients of African ancestry to participate in important genomic studies. This gap in biological research in this underrepresented minority may represent a missed opportunity to address potential racial differences in the risk and course of bipolar illness.

Conclusion

A concerted effort by the research community to increase inclusion of diverse persons in studies of bipolar disorder through community engagement may facilitate fully addressing these diagnostic and treatment disparities in bipolar individuals of African ancestry.
Relationship of systemic inflammation and cellular immunity with advancement of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kawai Ukichiro , Uchida Nobuaki , Oono Miki , Fujita‐Nakata Michiyo , Nakanishi Megumi , Sanada Mitsuru , Nagayama Shigemi , Matsui Makoto
Published: March 2018

Objective

Systemic inflammation is known to be associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) advancement. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships of cognitive function in AD patients with the presence of systemic inflammation and immunological alterations.

Methods

Eight patients with AD and nine elderly individuals as a control group were enrolled, none of whom had a history of autoimmune diseases or were suffering from an infection. C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels in serum were measured, while lymphocyte subsets were also determined using a flow cytometry system. In addition, two of the AD patients received repeated cognitive function and blood testing on an outpatient basis.

Results

In the AD group, the percentages of CD3−CD16+CD56+ (natural killer) and CD4+CCR5+ (type 1 helper T) cells, and CD8+CD11a+ (cytotoxic T) lymphocytes were increased, whereas the percentages of CD19+ (B lymphocytes) and CD4+CD25brightCD127dim (regulatory T) cells were decreased as compared with the controls. Systemic inflammation, represented by elevated C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6, was shown to aggravate cognitive function in both patients who underwent follow‐up outpatient examinations. However, lymphocyte subsets did not change in parallel with cognitive function.

Conclusions

Inflammatory acute clinical events have the potential to reduce cognitive function in AD patients, which could be partially attributed to a decrease in regulatory T cells in the blood. Furthermore, increased numbers of natural killer cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes and type 1 helper T cells in these patients might reflect the presence of chronic inflammation, thus forming an immunological background.
Selecting and applying indicators of ecosystem collapse for risk assessments
Authors: Rowland Jessica A. , Nicholson Emily , Murray Nicholas J. , Keith David A. , Lester Rebecca E. , Bland Lucie M.
Published: March 2018

Ongoing ecosystem degradation and transformation are major threats to biodiversity. Measuring ecosystem change toward collapse relies on monitoring indicators that quantify key ecological processes. Yet little guidance is available on selection and use of indicators for ecosystem risk assessment. We reviewed indicator use in ecological studies of ecosystem collapse in marine pelagic and temperate forest ecosystems. We examined indicator‐selection methods, indicator types (geographic distribution, abiotic, biotic), methods of assessing multiple indicators, and temporal quality of time series. We compared how these factors were applied in the ecological studies with how they were applied in risk assessments by using the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Ecosystems (RLE), for which indicators are used to estimate risk of ecosystem collapse. Ecological studies and RLE assessments rarely reported how indicators were selected, particularly in terrestrial ecosystems. Few ecological studies and RLE assessments quantified ecosystem change based on all 3 indicator types, and indicators types used differed between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Several studies used indices or multivariate analyses to assess multiple indicators simultaneously, but RLE assessments did not because as RLE guidelines advise against them. Most studies and RLE assessments used time‐series data that spanned at least 30 years, which increases the probability of reliably detecting change. Limited use of indicator‐selection protocols and infrequent use of all 3 indicator types may hamper accurate detection of change. To improve the value of risk assessments for informing policy and management, we recommend using explicit protocols, including conceptual models, to identify and select indicators; a range of indicators spanning distributional, abiotic, and biotic features; indices and multivariate analyses with extreme care until guidelines are developed; time series with sufficient data to increase ability to accurately diagnose directional change; data from multiple sources to support assessments; and explicitly reporting steps in the assessment process.
TNF receptor‐associated factor 1 as a biomarker for assessment of non‐small cell lung cancer metastasis and overall survival
Authors: Wen Xiaoxing , Wang Bingping , Feng Tao , Yuan Wei , Zhou Jian , Fang Tao
Published: March 2018

Background and aim

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which comprises 80%‐85% of all lung cancer cases, is one of the most common human malignancies. Despite great improvements in diagnostic technology and the introduction of new therapeutic agents in recent years, the 5‐year survival rate of NSCLC is still low. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor‐associated factor 1 (TRAF1) plays an important role in the TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) associated signal pathway.

Methods

In this study, we aim to illuminate the function of TRAF1 in NSCLC. Toward that end, TRAF1 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in specimens from 200 NSCLC patients. The function of TRAF1 in the A549 and H1299 cell lines was evaluated by colony formation and MTT assays.

Results

Our data showed that TRAF1 was significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues. TRAF1 expression was positively associated with NSCLC lymphatic metastasis and clinical stage and was negatively associated with overall patient survival. TRAF1 promoted NSCLC cell proliferation

Conclusion

TRAF1 expression was positively associated with NSCLC lymphatic metastasis and histological grade and was negatively associated with overall patient survival. TRAF1 may be an important therapeutic target for NSCLC.
FOSB immunoreactivity in endothelia of epithelioid hemangioma (angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia)
Authors: Ortins‐Pina Ana , Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Turpin Sara , Soares‐de‐Almeida Luís , Filipe Paulo , Kutzner Heinz
Published: March 2018

Background

Accurate distinction of epithelioid hemangioma (EH) from its malignant mimics is paramount but remains challenging due to its wide morphological spectrum and lack of objective molecular markers. FOSB oncogenic activation was recently identified as a key event in endothelial proliferation. We sought to investigate the FOSB staining pattern in EH with angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (EH‐AHLE) morphology and to evaluate its value in differential diagnosis of epithelioid vascular tumors.

Methods

From the authors' files, 15 representative cases of EH‐ALHE were selected and evaluated for their FOSB immunostaining pattern. Other vascular proliferations which can be morphological mimics were also tested: epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) (5 cases) and epithelioid angiosarcoma (EAS) (5 cases).

Results

All 15 cases of EH‐ALHE showed strong and homogeneous FOSB nuclear expression in endothelial cells with ample cytoplasm and intracytoplasmic vacuoles. All cases of EHE and EAS lacked FOSB immunoreactivity or showed only incidental weak FOSB immunoreactivity in less than 5 nuclei per lesion.

Conclusions

FOSB immunohistochemistry is sensitive in the diagnosis of EH‐ALHE, and allows differentiation from its histological mimics. An immunohistochemical panel including not only pan‐cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and endothelial markers, but also FOSB, helps in the diagnosis of epithelioid vascular tumors.
Early limb patterning in the direct‐developing salamander Plethodon cinereus revealed by sox9 and col2a1
Authors: Kerney Ryan R. , Hanken James , Blackburn David C.
Published: March 2018

Direct‐developing amphibians form limbs during early embryonic stages, as opposed to the later, often postembryonic limb formation of metamorphosing species. Limb patterning is dramatically altered in direct‐developing frogs, but little attention has been given to direct‐developing salamanders. We use expression patterns of two genes, sox9 and col2a1, to assess skeletal patterning during embryonic limb development in the direct‐developing salamander Plethodon cinereus. Limb patterning in P. cinereus partially resembles that described in other urodele species, with early formation of digit II and a generally anterior‐to‐posterior formation of preaxial digits. Unlike other salamanders described to date, differentiation of preaxial zeugopodial cartilages (radius/tibia) is not accelerated in relation to the postaxial cartilages, and there is no early differentiation of autopodial elements in relation to more proximal cartilages. Instead, digit II forms in continuity with the ulnar/fibular arch. This amniote‐like connectivity to the first digit that forms may be a consequence of the embryonic formation of limbs in this direct‐developing species. Additionally, and contrary to recent models of amphibian digit identity, there is no evidence of vestigial digits. This is the first account of gene expression in a plethodontid salamander and only the second published account of embryonic limb patterning in a direct‐developing salamander species.
Effect of cDMEM media containing Ectoine on human periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cell survival and differentiation
Authors: Tuncer Budanur Damla , Zibandeh Noushin , Genç Deniz , Gökalp Muazzez , Kaşali Kamber , Akkoç Tunç , Sepet Elif
Published: March 2018

Background/Aim

Ectoine is an amino acid that can preserve osmotic balance and has more preservative activity than other osmoregulators. There are no published reports on the osmoregulators’ effects on viability or differentiation of dental stem cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ectoine as a storage media on the viability and differentiation potential of human periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells (hPDLMSCs).

Materials and Methods

hPDLMSCs were obtained from impacted third molar teeth. The cells were isolated, submitted to trilineage differentiation, and characterized by flow cytometer (FC). hPDLMSCs were incubated with different media containing Ectoine, complete DMEM (cDMEM), Ectoine+cDMEM, milk, and tap water for 2, 6, 12, and 24 h. The cells were analyzed by FC for viability, early‐apoptosis, late apoptosis, and necrosis rates. Osteogenic and fibroblastic differentiation in hPDLMSCs were investigated by Alizarin red stain and vimentin expression.

Results

All treated groups showed significant decreases in cell viability after 2 h. Significant increases were detected in the number of dead cells between 2 and 12 h in all groups except the Ectoine+cDMEM group. The deposition of mineral matrix nodules was significantly higher in cells cultured with Ectoine+cDMEM compared with the other media. Higher vimentin expressions were detected in cells cultured with cDMEM and Ectoine+cDMEM media, respectively.

Conclusions

Ectoine added to cDMEM media, promoted cell survival plus osteogenic and fibroblastic differentiation of hPDLMSCs.
Clinical response to Nabiximols correlates with the downregulation of immune pathways in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sorosina M. , Clarelli F. , Ferrè L. , Osiceanu A. M. , Unal N. T. , Mascia E. , Martinelli V. , Comi G. , Benigni F. , Esposito F. , Martinelli Boneschi F.
Published: March 2018

Background and purpose

Nabiximols (Sativex®) is a cannabinoid‐based compound used for the treatment of moderate to severe spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the administration of Nabiximols on blood transcriptome profile of patients with MS and to interpret it in the context of pathways and networks.

Methods

Whole‐genome expression profiling was performed in whole blood of 33 subjects with MS at baseline and after 4 weeks of drug treatment. Patients were classified as responders (n = 19) and non‐responders (n = 14). Pathway and network analyses on genes modulated by the drug were performed, followed by in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with pro‐inflammatory agents to support the immunomodulatory properties of the drug.

Results

Individual effect size was modest; however, we observed a downregulation of several immune‐related pathways after 4 weeks of treatment, which was more pronounced when restricting analyses to responders. Interesting hub molecules functionally related to the immune system emerged from network analysis, including NFKB1, FYN, MAP14 and TP53. The immunomodulatory properties of the drug were confirmed through in vitro assays in peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from patients with MS.

Conclusions

Our findings support the immunomodulatory activity of cannabinoids in patients with MS. Further studies in more specific cell types are needed to refine these results.
A novel heterozygous variant in ERLIN2 causes autosomal dominant pure hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Rydning S. L. , Dudesek A. , Rimmele F. , Funke C. , Krüger S. , Biskup S. , Vigeland M. D. , Hjorthaug H. S. , Sejersted Y. , Tallaksen C. , Selmer K. K. , Kamm C.
Published: March 2018

Background and purpose

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous monogenic disorders. To date, nearly 70 genes are known to be causative. The aim of this project was to identify the genetic cause of autosomal dominantly inherited pure HSP in two large, unrelated non‐consanguineous families.

Methods

The two families were characterized clinically and selected members underwent whole exome sequencing. Potentially disease‐causing variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and their functional consequences on protein function were predicted by bioinformatic prediction tools.

Results

The patients presented with pure spastic paraplegia with age of onset between 9 and 46 years. In both families, a novel heterozygous missense variant in ERLIN2, c.386G>C; p.Ser129Thr, was the only potentially pathogenic variant identified that segregated with the disease.

Conclusions

Biallelic variants in ERLIN2 are known to cause recessive HSP type SPG18. Here, the first two families with an autosomal dominant, pure form of HSP caused by a novel ERLIN2 heterozygous missense variant are described. These findings expand the mutational and inheritance spectrum of SPG18. ERLIN2 variants should also be considered in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with autosomal dominant HSP.
Automated trajectory planning for laser interstitial thermal therapy in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Vakharia Vejay N. , Sparks Rachel , Li Kuo , O'Keeffe Aidan G. , Miserocchi Anna , McEvoy Andrew W. , Sperling Michael R. , Sharan Ashwini , Ourselin Sebastien , Duncan John S. , Wu Chengyuan
Published: March 2018

Objective

Surgical resection of the mesial temporal structures brings seizure remission in 65% of individuals with drug‐resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LiTT) is a novel therapy that may provide a minimally invasive means of ablating the mesial temporal structures with similar outcomes, while minimizing damage to the neocortex. Systematic trajectory planning helps ensure safety and optimal seizure freedom through adequate ablation of the amygdalohippocampal complex (AHC). Previous studies have highlighted the relationship between the residual unablated mesial hippocampal head and failure to achieve seizure freedom. We aim to implement computer‐assisted planning (CAP) to improve the ablation volume and safety of LiTT trajectories.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients who had previously undergone LiTT for MTLE were studied retrospectively. The EpiNav platform was used to automatically generate an optimal ablation trajectory, which was compared with the previous manually planned and implemented trajectory. Expected ablation volumes and safety profiles of each trajectory were modeled. The implemented laser trajectory and achieved ablation of mesial temporal lobe structures were quantified and correlated with seizure outcome.

Results

CAP automatically generated feasible trajectories with reduced overall risk metrics (P < .001) and intracerebral length (P = .007). There was a significant correlation between the actual and retrospective CAP‐anticipated ablation volumes, supporting a 15 mm diameter ablation zone model (P < .001). CAP trajectories would have provided significantly greater ablation of the amygdala (P = .0004) and AHC (P = .008), resulting in less residual unablated mesial hippocampal head (P = .001), and reduced ablation of the parahippocampal gyrus (P = .02).

Significance

Compared to manually planned trajectories CAP provides a better safety profile, with potentially improved seizure‐free outcome and reduced neuropsychological deficits, following LiTT for MTLE.
Effect of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, whey protein concentrate and soy protein isolate enrichment on characteristics of gluten‐free rice dough and bread
Authors: Srikanlaya Chonnikarn , Therdthai Nantawan , Ritthiruangdej Pitiporn , Zhou Weibiao
Published: March 2018

Due to a lack of gluten, rice dough needed some additives to improve its properties. This study aimed to investigate effect of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), whey protein concentrate (WPC) and soy protein isolate (SPI) on rice dough and bread. HPMC increased water absorption of the rice dough (P ≤ 0.05). Adding SPI (2–4 g per 100 g flour) together with HPMC tended to increase stability time and reduce tolerance index. During fermentation, HPMC increased maximum dough height, while SPI increased final dough height (P ≤ 0.05). All addition improved tan δ (G″/G′) to be comparable to the wheat dough, but it could not improve gas production and retention. Therefore, specific volume, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness of rice bread were lower than those of wheat bread (P ≤ 0.05). Percentage of small pores in rice bread was reduced to be comparable to wheat bread, by adding WPC. All addition could improve porosity of the rice bread.
How did I not see that? Perspectives of nonconsumer mental health researchers on the benefits of collaborative research with consumers
Authors: Happell Brenda , Gordon Sarah , Bocking Julia , Ellis Pete , Roper Cath , Liggins Jackie , Platania‐Phung Chris , Scholz Brett
Published: March 2018

Coproduction of research between consumers of mental health services and nonconsumer mental health researchers is increasing. There is some research available describing consumer perspectives of this experience. However, there is a notable lack of research on other (nonconsumer) researcher experiences of and views about consumer involvement in coproduced research. A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken to examine perspectives of mental health researchers about consumer involvement in research. In‐depth individual interviews were undertaken with 11 nonconsumer mental health researchers in Australia and New Zealand. Interview transcripts were analysed to identify major themes. There were three interacting themes: the salience of experiential difference, expanded learning, and enhanced research. The dynamic between different perspectives and learning had the effect of enhancing research across the spectrum of study phases and in ensuring research was of value to different groups. The findings emphasize the important contribution consumer researchers can make to mental health research by bringing their unique perspective and enhancing an environment of mutual learning. Findings also point to the need for foregrounding the numerous benefits of joint research between consumer and other researchers to enhance and improve clinical practice and the development of policy.
Oral health self‐perception, dental caries, and pain: the role of dental fear underlying this association
Authors: Goettems Marília Leão , Shqair Ayah Qassem , Bergmann Veridiana Fischer , Cadermatori Mariana Gonzalez , Correa Marcos Britto , Demarco Flávio Fernando
Published: March 2018

Background

Oral health perception has multidimensional nature and can be influenced not only by clinical conditions but also by psychosocial characteristics.

Hypothesis

Dental fear could modify the association between dental caries and dental pain and the perception of negative impact.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with (n = 1,196) children aged 8–12 years attending public and private schools in Pelotas/Brazil. Children were interviewed and examined. Oral health perception was assessed using a global oral health impact item. Crude and adjusted multivariable regression models were built and effect modification of dental fear in the association between clinical indicators and perception of impact was tested.

Results

Compared with children without fear and caries, children with fear and dental caries presented a 1.45 higher prevalence of negative impact (95% CI: 1.18–1.79) while those without fear and with dental caries had a 1.31 higher prevalence (95% CI: 1.11–1.54) after adjustments. Also, the prevalence of negative perception was higher for children with fear and dental pain (PR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.59–2.39) and for children without fear and with pain (PR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.29–1.80), compared to children without fear and pain.

Conclusion

The presence of fear increased the effect of pain and caries on children's oral health perception.
Predatory behavior of giant Antarctic sea spiders (Colossendeis) in nearshore environments
Authors: Moran Amy L. , Woods H. Arthur , Shishido Caitlin M. , Lane Steven J. , Tobalske Bret W.
Published: March 2018

Pycnogonids in the genus Colossendeis are found in the deep sea and Southern Ocean. Although the genus contains the largest and most conspicuous species of sea spiders, little is known about their ecology or behavior. We documented two species feeding on a variety of benthic and pelagic invertebrates during three diving field seasons at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Individuals of one species, Colossendeis megalonyx, fed on a variety of pelagic organisms, particularly the pteropod Clione antarctica. We used video to document rapid capture of individuals of C. antarctica by captive specimens of C. megalonyx in the laboratory, and we suggest that, at least in the nearshore environment, pelagic invertebrates are an important food source for this and potentially other pycnogonid species.