bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole Proteome Clustering of 2,307 Genomes Reveals Remarkable Conservation of Four Proteins Among Proteobacteria While Revealing Significant Annotation Issues
Authors: Lockwood Svetlana , Brayton Kelly A. , Daily Jeff A. , Broschat Shira L.
Published: June 2018

To explore the concept of a minimal gene set, we clustered 8.76 M protein sequences deduced from 2,307 completely sequenced Proteobacterial genomes. To our knowledge this is the first study of this scale. Clustering resulted in 707,311 clusters of which 224,442 ranged in size from 2 to 2,894 sequences. The resulting clusters allowed us to ask the question: Is a set of proteins conserved across all Proteobacteria? We chose four essential proteins, the chaperonin GroEL, DNA dependent RNA polymerase subunits beta and beta’ (RpoB/RpoB’), and DNA polymerase I (PolA), representing fundamental cellular functions, and examined their distribution in the clusters. We found these proteins to be remarkably conserved. Although thegroELgene was universally conserved in all the organisms in the study, the protein was not represented in all the deduced proteomes. The genes for RpoB and RpoB’ were missing from two genomes and merged in 88 genomes, and the sequences were sufficiently divergent that they formed separate clusters for 18 RpoB proteins (seven clusters) and 14 RpoB’ proteins (three clusters). For PolA, 52 organisms lacked an identifiable sequence, and seven sequences were sufficiently divergent that they formed five separate clusters. Interestingly, organisms lacking an identifiable PolA and those with divergent RpoB/RpoB’ were almost all endosymbionts. Furthermore, we present a range of examples of annotation issues that caused the deduced proteins to be incorrectly represented in the proteome. These annotation issues represent a significant obstacle for high throughput analyses.
Mediator is essential for small nuclear and nucleolar RNA transcription in yeast
Authors: Tourigny Jason P. , Saleh Moustafa M. , Zentner Gabriel E.
Published: June 2018

Eukaryotic RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcribes mRNA genes as well as non-protein coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including small nuclear and nucleolar RNAs (sn/snoRNAs). In metazoans, RNAPII transcription of sn/snoRNAs is facilitated by a number of specialized complexes, but no such complexes have been discovered in yeast. It has thus been proposed that yeast sn/snoRNA promoters use the same complement of factors as mRNA promoters, but the extent to which key regulators of mRNA genes act at sn/snoRNA genes in yeast is unclear. Here, we investigated a potential role for the Mediator complex, essential for mRNA gene transcription, in the transcription of sn/snoRNA genes. We found that the complete Mediator complex maps to most sn/snoRNA gene regulatory regions and that loss of Mediator function results in a robust reduction in RNAPII and TFIIB occupancy at sn/snoRNA genes. Furthermore, deletion of subunits of the activator-interacting Mediator tail module does not affect Mediator recruitment to, or transcription of, sn/snoRNAs. Taken together, our analyses indicate that Mediator promotes PIC formation and transcription at sn/snoRNA genes, expanding the role of this critical regulator beyond its known functions in mRNA gene transcription and demonstrating further mechanistic similarity between the transcription of mRNA and sn/snoRNA genes.
Selective sweeps in populations of the broad host range plant pathogenic fungusSclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Derbyshire Mark C , Denton-Giles Matthew , Hane James K , Chang Steven , Mousavi-Derazmahalleh Mahsa , Raffaele Sylvain , Buchwaldt Lone , Kamphuis Lars G
Published: June 2018

The pathogenic fungusSclerotinia sclerotioruminfects over 600 species of plant. It is present in numerous environments throughout the world and causes significant damage to many agricultural crops. Fragmentation and lack of gene flow between populations may lead to population sub-structure. Within discrete recombining populations, positive selection may lead to a ‘selective sweep’. This is characterised by an increase in frequency of a favourable allele leading to reduction in genotypic diversity in a localised genomic region due to the phenomenon of genetic hitchhiking.

We aimed to assess whether isolates ofS. sclerotiorumfrom around the world formed genotypic clusters associated with geographical origin and to determine whether signatures of population-specific positive selection could be detected. To do this, we sequenced the genomes of 25 isolates ofS. sclerotiorumcollected from four different continents - Australia, Africa (north and south), Europe and North America (Canada and the northen United States) and conducted SNP based analyses of population structure and selective sweeps.

Among the 25 isolates, there was evidence for four population clusters. One of these consisted of 11 isolates from Canada, the USA and France (population 1), another consisted of five isolates from Australia and one from Morocco (population 2). A further cluster was made up of Australian isolates, and the single South African isolate appeared to be from a separate population. We found that there was evidence of distinct selective sweeps between population 1 and population 2. Many of these sweeps overlapped genes involved in transcriptional regulation, such as transcription factors. It is possible that distinct populations ofS. sclerotiorumfrom differing global environments have undergone selective sweeps at different genomic loci. This study lays the foundation for further work into investigation of the differing selective pressures thatS. sclerotiorumpopulations are subjected to on a global scale.
In silicomodeling and simulation of neuroendocrine-immune modulation through adrenergic and 17β-estradiol receptors in lymphocytes show differential activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)
Authors: Priyanka H. P. , Thiyagaraj A. , Nair R.S. , Krithika G. , Hima L. , Hopper W. , ThyagaRajan S.
Published: June 2018

Sympathetic innervation of lymphoid organs and presence of 17β-estradiol (estrogen or E2) and adrenergic receptors (ARs) on lymphocytes suggests that sympathetic stimulation and hormonal activation may influence immune functions. Simulation of these pathways may help to understand the dynamics of neuroendocrine-immune modulation at the cellular and molecular level.

Dose- and receptor-dependent effects of 17β-estradiol and AR sub-type-specific agonists were established in vitro on lymphocytes from young male Sprague-Dawley rats and modeled in silico using MATLAB Simbiology toolbox. Kinetic principles were assigned to define receptor-ligand dynamics and concentration/time plots were obtained using Ode15s solvers at different time intervals for key regulatory molecules. Comparisons were drawn between in silico andin vitrodata for validating the constructed model with sensitivity analysis of key regulatory molecules to assess their individual impacts on the dynamics of the system.

Adrenergic activation triggered pro-apoptotic signals while 17β-estradiol enhanced survival signals showing contradictory effects as observed in vitro. Treatment of lymphocytes with 17β-estradiol shows ten-fold increase in survival signals in a dose-dependent manner. cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) activation is crucial for the activation of survival signals through p-ERK (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase) and p-CREB (cAMP Responsive Element Binding) protein.

Thus, the cross-talk between 17β-estradiol and adrenergic signaling pathways determines lymphocyte functions in a receptor subtype- and co-activation-dependent manner in health and disease.
The impact of auditor conservatism on accruals and going concern opinion: Iranian angle
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Tarighi Hossein , Sahebkar Haydar
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine high-quality auditors’ conservatism in Iran market based on the classification of Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) in terms of their reaction to client’s earnings management behavior and their limitations to issue the going concern opinions (GCOs) over an eight-year period from 2009 to 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The study population consists of 1,376 observations and 172 companies listed on the TSE during the years 2009-2016. Following the prior studies, the authors used the modified Jones model to measure discretionary accruals as a proxy for earnings management.

Findings

The results witnessed a negative relationship between the size of the audit firm and discretionary accruals; besides, the relationship between abnormal accruals and GCO on companies audited by high-quality audit firms is higher than other companies. In other words, firms with GCO, which were audited by the Iranian large auditors, report negative abnormal accruals less than those audited by non-large auditors. In short, in spite of the special features of Iran market because of economic sanctions, this paper extends prior literature clarifying that auditors’ conservatism induces accrual reversals when auditors issue GCOs. One interpretation of this result is that the existence of such association is because of not only auditor conservatism but also financially distressed firms.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this paper will help to fill the knowledge gap related to this issue between developing and developed countries because this investigation exposed more than ever the vital role of the auditor as an observer on the financial statements. Without any exaggeration, this research will make investors and stakeholders aware of this fact that auditor conservatism will be effective in reducing the manipulation of financial reporting and agency problems in emerging markets, particularly those markets facing with economic sanctions like Iran.

Originality/value

Because of Iran’s dire economic situation during the period under consideration, this is one of the most comprehensive research among the countries of the Middle East that surveys the impact of auditor conservatism on accruals and GCO in an emerging market, namely, Iran.
The effect of export market-oriented culture on export performance
Authors: Olabode Oluwaseun Eniola , Adeola Ogechi , Assadinia Shahin
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how export learning capability and export environmental turbulence serve as mechanisms and boundary conditions to link export market-oriented culture to export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was undertaken to analyse longitudinal data of 249 small- and medium-sized exporting firms in Nigeria, a Sub-Saharan African economy.

Findings

Four major findings emerged from the study. First, export market-oriented culture positively influences export performance. Second, possessing an export market-oriented culture results in the development of high export learning capabilities. Third, export learning capability mediates the relationship between export market-oriented culture and export performance. Fourth, increases in export environment turbulence weaken the positive effect of export learning capability on export performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not investigate moderating effects which might affect the relationship between export market-oriented culture and export learning capability as this was beyond the scope of this study.

Originality/value

This study looks at developing economy environment as a unique context to examine the direct, mediating, and moderating effects of export market-oriented culture on export performance.
Effects of organizational values and employee contact on e-recruiting
Authors: Harrison Teresa , Stone Dianna L.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the degree to which job seekers’ cultural values moderate the relations between organizational values displayed on an e-recruiting websites and organizational attraction by adapting a Cultural Vales Model of Recruitment. The authors also assessed the moderating relation of collectivism on the relation between an opportunity to contact an employee in the organization and attraction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a 2 × 2 design and data from 235 students who were seeking jobs.

Findings

Individualism moderated the relation between website achievement values and organizational attraction. Individuals’ collectivism values moderated the relation between the opportunity to contact an employee and attraction.

Practical implications

Organizations that display achievement values on websites may attract individuals with highly value individualism. This may inadvertently limit diversity. Findings also suggest that providing an opportunity to contact an employee is likely to attract individuals with high rather than low levels of collectivism.

Social implications

Content displayed on e-recruiting websites may inadvertently limit diversity in organizations.

Originality/value

This was the first study to examine the effects of the congruence of individual cultural values with organizational values, and the opportunity to contact an employee on attraction in an e-recruiting context.
Chronicles of one woman’s journey towards well-being: preparations
Authors: Mullen Jo
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences and reflections of one woman’s journey towards well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative approach has been taken to structure reflections based on lived experience.

Findings

Reflections are offered based on a personal journey towards well-being.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the accounts of lived experience of the journey towards well-being, and as such contributes to the understanding of the process of rebuilding a life.
Analytical solution of fractional order photo-thermoelasticity in a non-homogenous semiconductor medium
Authors: Hobiny Aatef , Abbas Ibrahim
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the wave propagation in a non-homogenous semiconducting medium through the photothermal process using the fractional order photo-thermoelastic without neglecting the coupling between the plasma and thermoelastic waves that photogenerated through traction free and loaded thermally by exponentially decaying pulse boundary heat flux.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical solutions in the transformed domain by the eigenvalue approach were observed through the transform techniques of Laplace.

Findings

Silicon-like semiconductor was used to achieve the numerical computations.

Originality/value

Some comparisons are shown in the figures to estimate the effects of the fractional order and non-homogeneous parameters.
Impact of cross diffusion on MHD viscoelastic fluid flow past a melting surface with exponential heat source
Authors: K. Anantha Kumar , J.V. Ramana Reddy , V. Sugunamma , Sandeep N.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose the knowledge of thermal transport of magneto hydrodynamic non-Newtonian fluid flow over a melting sheet in the presence of exponential heat source.

Design/methodology/approach

The group of PDE is mutated as dimension free with the assistance of similarity transformations and these are highly nonlinear and coupled. The authors solved the coupled ODE’s with the help of fourth-order Runge–Kutta based shooting technique. The impact of dimensionless sundry parameters on three usual distributions of the flow was analyzed and bestowed graphically. Along with them friction factor, heat and mass transfer rates have been assessed and represented with the aid of table.

Findings

Results exhibited that all the flow fields (velocity, concentration and temperature) are decreasing functions of melting parameter. Also the presence of cross-diffusion highly affects the heat and mass transfer performance.

Originality/value

Present paper deals with the heat and mass transfer characteristics of magnetohydrodynamics flow of non-Newtonian fluids past a melting surface. The effect of exponential heat source is also considered. Moreover this is a new work in the field of heat transfer in non-Newtonian fluid flows.
The dilemma down under
Authors: Ricco Michael E. , Hultberg Patrik
Published: June 2018

Synopsis

The dilemma down under is a two-party distributive negotiation with integrative potential. A large airline, Transpacific Airlines (TPA), created an internal tour operator brand named Transpacific Vacations as a separate profit center. After licensing its brand to Global Tour Services and establishing operations in the UK, negotiations to take over the internal tour operations of TPA-Australia are about to begin. The case involves the negotiation between Mr Edwards, representative of GTS, and Ms Bentley, representative of TPA-Australia.

Research methodology

The dilemma down under is based on a real negotiation with altered names and facts. All names of companies have been changed. All names of protagonists have been changed. The year of the case has also been altered. The case was created after an extensive interview with an individual engaged in the actual negotiation.

Relevant courses and levels

Students in courses related to negotiation and/or decision making. The case also works in international management/strategy courses where students are asked to apply market entry mode decisions along with the accompanying negotiations. The case is most appropriate for undergraduate courses, but can be used for graduate courses. The case can easily be used with common negotiation textbooks, such as Negotiation, 7th edition by Lewicki et al. (2014).

Theoretical bases

The exercise will be able to reinforce basic distributive negotiation concepts, including identifying issues, positions, interests, alternatives to a negotiated agreement, reservation (resistance) points, target (aspiration) points and opening bids, while at the same time challenge students to look for integrative potential among and across the issues. The case also provides an opportunity to explore the connection between negotiation and international market entry choice.
Kombinowanie: agency, informality, and the poetics of self in Highland Poland
Authors: Makovicky Nicolette
Published: June 2018

This article asks what role local models of agency and subjectivity play in the structure and interpretation of informal economic practices, and how this influences the ways in which people narrate their behaviour to others. Exploring the use of a common Polish idiom for informal activities – kombinowanie – amongst villagers in the Carpathian Highlands, it argues that the term acts as a ‘master‐trope’ for local identity, providing villagers with a narrative model for asserting and broadcasting their social agency to peers. Furthermore, it shows how in this particular ethnographic context, the retelling of instances of informal or illegal activity as kombinowanie can be seen as part of a Highlander ‘poetics of self’, in that each manifestation of the term carries with it a series of implicit sociohistorical and normative meanings that relate to notions of ‘typical’ Górale (Highland) behaviour. By characterizing kombinowanie as a type of tactics, I open up the term for comparative analysis with other local conceptions of agency which value insubordination.
Chasing bacterial chassis for metabolic engineering: a perspective review from classical to non‐traditional microorganisms
Authors: Calero Patricia , Nikel Pablo I.
Published: June 2018

The last few years have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of novel bacterial species that hold potential to be used for metabolic engineering. Historically, however, only a handful of bacteria have attained the acceptance and widespread use that are needed to fulfil the needs of industrial bioproduction – and only for the synthesis of very few, structurally simple compounds. One of the reasons for this unfortunate circumstance has been the dearth of tools for targeted genome engineering of bacterial chassis, and, nowadays, synthetic biology is significantly helping to bridge such knowledge gap. Against this background, in this review, we discuss the state of the art in the rational design and construction of robust bacterial chassis for metabolic engineering, presenting key examples of bacterial species that have secured a place in industrial bioproduction. The emergence of novel bacterial chassis is also considered at the light of the unique properties of their physiology and metabolism, and the practical applications in which they are expected to outperform other microbial platforms. Emerging opportunities, essential strategies to enable successful development of industrial phenotypes, and major challenges in the field of bacterial chassis development are also discussed, outlining the solutions that contemporary synthetic biology‐guided metabolic engineering offers to tackle these issues.
Survival rates after lobectomy versus sublobar resection for early‐stage right middle lobe non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lv Xiayi , Cao Jinlin , Dai Xiaona , Rusidanmu Aizemaiti
Published: June 2018

Background

Lung cancer in the right middle lobe has a poorer prognosis than tumors located in other lobes. The optimal surgical procedure for early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the right middle lobe has not yet been elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare survival rates after lobectomy and sublobar resection for early‐stage right middle lobe NSCLC.

Methods

Patients who underwent lobectomy or sublobar resection for stage IA right middle lobe NSCLC tumors ≤ 2 cm between 2004 and 2014 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database of 18 registries. Cox regression model analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic factors. The lung cancer‐specific survival (LCSS) and overall survival (OS) rates between the two groups were compared.

Results

A total of 861 patients met our criteria, including 662 (76.9%) patients who underwent lobectomy and 199 (23.1%) patients who underwent sublobar resection. No statistical differences in LCSS and OS rates were identified between the groups of patients with stage IA right middle lobe NSCLC ≤ 1 cm. For tumors > 1–2 cm, lobectomy was associated with more favorable LCSS and OS rates compared to sublobar resection.

Conclusion

Lobectomy and sublobar resection deliver a comparable prognosis for patients with stage IA right middle lobe NSCLC ≤ 1 cm. For tumors > 1–2 cm, lobectomy showed better survival rates than sublobar resection.
P16INK4a gene promoter methylation as a biomarker for the diagnosis of non‐small cell lung cancer: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Tuo Lei , Sha Sha , Huayu Zhang , Du Ke
Published: June 2018

Background

This meta‐analysis was conducted to investigate the diagnostic performance of P16INK4a gene promoter methylation as a biomarker of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Two reviewers independently searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biomedical Literature databases. Publications relevant to P16INK4a gene promoter methylation in serum or bronchoalveolar fluid/sputum were screened and included in this meta‐analysis. Pooled diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and symmetric receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated.

Results

Twenty‐six publications with 1768 lung cancer cases and 1323 controls were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.46 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43–0.48), 0.90 (95% CI 0.88–0.91), 6.33 (95% CI 3.89–10.30), 0.57 (95% CI 0.50–0.65) and 10.72 (95% CI 6.94–16.56), respectively, for P16INK4a gene promoter methylation as a biomarker for the diagnosis of NSCLC. The area under the symmetric receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.75 with a standard error of 0.004. No publication bias was detected via line regression test (t = 0.95; P = 0.35) and Begg's funnel plot.

Conclusion

P16INK4a gene promoter methylation detection in serum or bronchoalveolar fluid/sputum may be a potential biomarker for NSCLC diagnosis; however, the sensitivity was relatively low, which is not suitable for NSCLC screening.
Inotropic and lusitropic effects of levosimendan and milrinone assessed by strain echocardiography—A randomised trial
Authors: Fredholm M. , Jörgensen K. , Houltz E. , Ricksten S.‐E.
Published: June 2018

Background

We compared the direct inotropic and lusitropic effects of two inodilators, milrinone and levosimendan in patients after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis.

Methods

In this randomised, blinded study, 31 patients with normal LV function, were randomised to either levosimendan (0.1 and 0.2 μg/kg/min, n = 15) or milrinone (0.4 and 0.8 μg/kg/min, n = 16) after aortic valve replacement. The effects on LV performance, LV strain, systolic (SR‐S) and early diastolic (SR‐E) strain rate were assessed by a pulmonary artery catheter and transoesophageal two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography of the LV inferior wall. To circumvent the inodilator‐induced hemodynamic changes on LV systolic and diastolic deformation, central venous pressure (CVP), systolic artery pressure (SAP), and heart rate were maintained constant by colloid infusion, phenylephrine‐induced vasoconstriction and atrial pacing, respectively, during drug infusion.

Results

Both inotropic agents induced a dose‐dependent increase in cardiac index and stroke volume index by approximately 20% at the highest infusion rates with no differences between groups (P = .139 and .249, respectively). CVP, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, SAP and heart rate were maintained constant in both groups. LV strain and SR‐S increased with both agents, dose‐dependently, by 17%‐18% and 25%‐30%, respectively, at the highest infusion rates, with no difference between groups (P = .434 and .284, respectively). Both agents improved early LV relaxation with no differences between groups (P = .637). At the higher doses, both agents increased SR‐E by 30%.

Conclusions

At clinically relevant infusion rates and a certain increase in LV performance the direct inotropic and lusitropic of milrinone and levosimendan were comparable.
Lactate, lactate clearance and outcome after cardiac arrest: A post‐hoc analysis of the TTM‐Trial
Authors: Düring J. , Dankiewicz J. , Cronberg T. , Hassager C. , Hovdenes J. , Kjaergaard J. , Kuiper M. , Nielsen N. , Pellis T. , Stammet P. , Vulto J. , Wanscher M. , Wise M. , Åneman A. , Friberg H.
Published: June 2018

Background

Admission lactate and lactate clearance are implemented for risk stratification in sepsis and trauma. In out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest, results regarding outcome and lactate are conflicting.

Methods

This is a post‐hoc analysis of the Target Temperature Management trial in which 950 unconscious patents after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest were randomized to a temperature intervention of 33°C or 36°C. Serial lactate samples during the first 36 hours were collected. Admission lactate, 12‐hour lactate, and the clearance of lactate within 12 hours after admission were analyzed and the association with 30‐day mortality assessed.

Results

Samples from 877 patients were analyzed. In univariate logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for death by day 30 for each mmol/L was 1.12 (1.08‐1.16) for admission lactate, P < .01, 1.21 (1.12‐1.31) for 12‐hour lactate, P < .01, and 1.003 (1.00‐1.01) for each percentage point increase in 12‐hour lactate clearance, P = .03. Only admission lactate and 12‐hour lactate levels remained significant after adjusting for known predictors of outcome. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.65 (0.61‐0.69), P < .001, 0.61 (0.57‐0.65), P < .001, and 0.53 (0.49‐0.57), P = .15 for admission lactate, 12‐hour lactate, and 12‐hour lactate clearance, respectively.

Conclusions

Admission lactate and 12‐hour lactate values were independently associated with 30‐day mortality after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest while 12‐hour lactate clearance was not. The clinical value of lactate as the sole predictor of outcome after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest is, however, limited.
CYP3A4 gene polymorphism is correlated with individual consumption of sufentanil
Authors: Lv J. , Liu F. , Feng N. , Sun X. , Tang J. , Xie L. , Wang Y.
Published: June 2018

Background

Pain is one of the major adverse clinical outcomes of cesarean section (CS). In the past few years, researchers and physicians have been optimizing post‐operative analgesic modalities, but the results are still undesirable for the parturient. The cytochrome P‐450 3A4 (CYP3A4) gene has been reported to contribute significantly to human liver microsomal oxidation of sufentanil and alfentanil.

Methods

We detected the frequency of CYP3A4 mutant allele, which is associated with the metabolism of diverse drugs, including opioids used for anesthesia. We then investigated the correlation between sufentanil (an opioid analgesic) consumption and CYP3A4 genetic polymorphism.

Results

We found the frequency of the CYP3A4∗1G (the mutant form of CYP3A) variant allele to be 0.279 in 71 parturients undergoing cesarean section and 137 age‐matched parturients with vaginal delivery. Interestingly, the parturients with homozygous CYP3A4∗1G showed less sufentanil consumption compared with those having the wild‐type genotype.

Conclusion

In summary, we found a correlation between CYP3A4 genetic polymorphism and sufentanil consumption. This might be helpful for optimizing the anesthesia strategies and reducing their side effects.
Mesh use in urogynaecological procedures between 2005 and 2016: An Australian cohort study
Authors: Gillam Marianne H. , Kerr Mhairi , Pratt Nicole L. , Lim Renly , Roughead Elizabeth E.
Published: June 2018

Background

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are common conditions. The use of mesh in the surgical treatment of these conditions in Australia is unclear.

Aim

To examine the use of mesh in POP and SUI procedures in an Australian national cohort of older women.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study using data from the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) database. The cohort consisted of older women who had POP and SUI procedures between 1 July, 2005 and 31 December, 2016. Women who received mesh were identified by matching device billing codes with the Australian Government's Prosthesis List.

Results

In total, 3129 women experienced 3472 hospitalisations for POP and SUI procedures, with 74% of the women aged 75 years and older. There were 2276 (66%) hospitalisations with single POP repairs, 608 (18%) with single SUI procedures and 588 (17%) with concomitant POP and SUI procedures. Mesh was used in 23% of single procedures for POP, in 89% of single procedures for SUI and in 90% of concomitant POP and SUI procedures. The use of mesh in POP procedures decreased from a peak of 33% in 2008 down to 8% by 2016, whereas the use of mesh in SUI procedures increased from 77% in 2006 to 91% by 2016.

Conclusion

Mesh was commonly used in SUI procedures, whereas use of mesh in POP repair was less common and the use decreased rapidly after 2011, when warnings about use of mesh in POP were first issued.
Heart rate, respiratory rate, apnoeas and peripheral arterial oxygen saturation in healthy term neonates during quiet sleep
Authors: Bohnhorst B , Seidel K , Böhne C , Peter C , Pirr S
Published: June 2018

Aim

This study compiled percentiles for cardiorespiratory parameters in healthy term neonates during quiet sleep.

Methods

We enrolled 215 healthy term neonates born at Hannover Medical School, Germany, between October 2011 and March 2013. They were prospectively observed on the maternity ward at a median age of two days using six‐hour recordings of pulse oximeter plethysmography, oxygen saturation, thoracic breathing movements and electrocardiogram during sleep in a supine position. We examined their heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation during quiet sleep, plus bradycardias, apnoeas lasting at least four‐seconds and desaturations below 85%.

Results

The 3rd, 50th and 97th percentiles were calculated as follows: heart rate 87, 112 and 133 beats per minute, respiratory rate 32, 44 and 57 per minute and oxygen saturation 94, 98 and 100%. Desaturations, apnoeas and bradycardias below 80 beats per minute were common and recorded in 54%, 98% and 30% of participants. In contrast, only 7% experienced bradycardias of less than two‐thirds of the baseline heart rate and 5% experienced apnoeas exceeding 15 seconds.

Conclusion

Our results will facilitate the evidence‐based valuation of cardiorespiratory parameters in term neonates and help validate the significance of cardiorespiratory events in preterm infants at discharge.
Incidence and characteristics of the nocebo response from meta‐analyses of the placebo arms of clinical trials of olanzapine for bipolar disorder
Authors: Dodd Seetal , Walker Adam J , Brnabic Alan J M , Hong Nancy , Burns Amber , Berk Michael
Published: June 2018

Objectives

In the clinical setting, the nocebo phenomenon is where clinical worsening or adverse events occur as a response to a treatment, in a situation in which conditioning from previous treatment exposure and/or expectations of sickness or symptoms lead to sickness and symptoms in a conditioned or expectant individual. The nocebo response may thus be a confounder in clinical treatment and clinical research. There is a need to know how to predict if an individual is likely to be a nocebo responder, and how significant and commonplace the nocebo effect might be.

Methods

An analysis was conducted on nine placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trials of olanzapine for the treatment of bipolar disorder using data from placebo‐treated study participants only. Data were analysed to identify participant or study characteristics associated with a nocebo event, defined as any treatment‐emergent adverse event (TEAE) or an increase in score from baseline to endpoint for primary measures of clinical symptoms.

Results

A total of 1185 participants were randomized to placebo, of whom 806 (68%) reported a TEAE. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) data were only available for 649 placebo‐treated participants, of whom 321 (49.5%) demonstrated worsening. Nocebo events were significantly associated with: not being treatment‐naïve, younger age, being located in the USA, being a participant in an earlier study, and being classified as obese compared with normal weight.

Conclusions

A pattern to identify nocebo responders did not emerge, although some prognostic variables were associated with a greater probability of nocebo response. There was some evidence to support the role of expectancy as a cause of nocebo reactions.
Multigenerational transmission of liability to psychiatric illness in offspring of parents with bipolar disorder
Authors: Post Robert M , Altshuler Lori L , Kupka Ralph , McElroy Susan L , Frye Mark A , Rowe Michael , Grunze Heinz , Suppes Trisha , Keck Paul E , Leverich Gabriele S , Nolen Willem A
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Instead of the typical assessment of risk of illness in the offspring based on a parent with bipolar disorder, we explored the potential multigenerational conveyance across several disorders of the vulnerability to illness in the offspring of a patient with bipolar disorder.

Methods

A total of 968 outpatients (average age 41 years) with bipolar illness gave informed consent and filled out a detailed questionnaire about a family history in their parents, grandparents, and offspring of: depression; bipolar disorder; alcohol abuse; substance abuse; suicide attempt; or “other” illness. Of those with children, 346 were from the USA and 132 were from Europe. Amount and type of illness in progenitors in two and three previous generations were related to offspring illness.

Results

The type of illness seen in both prior generations was associated with the same type of illness in the offspring of a bipolar patient, including depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol and substance abuse and “other” illness, but not suicide attempts. There was an impact of multiple generations, such that depression in grandparents and/or great‐grandparents increased the risk of depression in the offspring from 12.6% to 41.4%.

Conclusions

A family history of illness burden in prior generations was previously related to an earlier age of onset of bipolar illness in our adult patients with bipolar disorder and is now also found to be related to the incidence of multiple psychiatric illnesses in their offspring. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms deserve consideration for this multigenerational conveyance of illness vulnerability, and clinical and public health attempts to prevent or slow this transmission are indicated.
Future time perspective and interpersonal empathy: Implications for preferring autonomy‐ versus dependency‐oriented helping
Authors: Chernyak‐Hai Lily , Halabi Samer
Published: June 2018

We examined whether potential help givers’ future time perspective (FTP) accounts for the decision to give a person in need dependency‐oriented help (i.e., providing the complete solution) or autonomy‐oriented help (i.e., providing the means to solve a problem). In addition, building on past research on the effects of empathy in help giving decisions, the present research explored whether helpers’ willingness to offer specific type of help is predicted by the interaction between FTP and interpersonal empathy. We explored FTP as both a personal predisposition (Study 1) and an experimentally induced state of mind (Study 2). The present research provides a novel perspective on theory and research on help giving behaviour, FTP, and empathy, by showing that when interpersonal empathy is high, considerations of the future predict readiness to give help that promotes person's present and future independent coping rather than help that creates and preserves social dependence.
Clinical outcome of single‐incision slings, excluding TVT‐Secur, vs standard slings in the surgical management of stress incontinence: an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Aram , Kim Min Seo , Park Young‐Jin , Choi Woo Suk , Park Hyoung Keun , Paick Sung Hyun , Choo Myung‐Soo , Kim Hyeong Gon
Published: June 2018

The aim of the present paper was to assess and compare the long‐term efficacy and safety of single‐incision mini‐slings (SIMSs), except tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT)‐Secur, with standard midurethral slings (SMUSs) for female stress urinary incontinence through an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing these two surgical methods. A literature review of all RCTs comparing SIMSs (Mini‐Arc, Contasure‐Needleless, Ophira, Tissue Fixation System and Ajust), except TVT‐Secur, with SMUSs was performed. The Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Controlled Trial Register databases were reviewed. We retrieved 29 RCTs (including a total of 2 986 patients) that compared SIMSs, except TVT‐Secur, with SMUSs. Meta‐analysis of long‐term results showed no significant difference in the patient‐reported cure rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44–1.60); however, we found that SMUSs had a significantly superior objective cure rate (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.99; P = 0.04). SIMSs were associated with a significantly shorter operation time, lower immediate postoperative pain based on a visual analogue scale score, lower intra‐operative blood loss, and lower postoperative voiding dysfunction. The meta‐analysis showed clear evidence of the superiority of SMUSs over SIMSs, except TVT‐Secur, in terms of the objective cure rate, after long‐term follow‐up; however, SIMSs were superior with respect to immediate postoperative pain, intra‐operative blood loss, and postoperative voiding dysfunction.
IL11RA‐related Crouzon‐like autosomal recessive craniosynostosis in 10 new patients: Resemblances and differences
Authors: Brischoux‐Boucher E. , Trimouille A. , Baujat G. , Goldenberg A. , Schaefer E. , Guichard B. , Hannequin P. , Paternoster G. , Baer S. , Cabrol C. , Weber E. , Godfrin G. , Lenoir M. , Lacombe D. , Collet C. , Van Maldergem L.
Published: June 2018

By describing 10 new patients recruited in centres for Human Genetics, we further delineate the clinical spectrum of a Crouzon‐like craniosynostosis disorder, officially termed craniosynostosis and dental anomalies (MIM614188). Singularly, it is inherited according to an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. We identified six missense mutations in IL11RA, a gene encoding the alpha subunit of interleukin 11 receptor, 4 of them being novel, including 2 in the Ig‐like C2‐type domain. A subset of patients had an associated connective tissue disorder with joint hypermobility and intervertebral discs fragility. A smaller number of teeth anomalies than that previously reported in the two large series of patients evaluated in dental institutes points toward an ascertainment bias.
Accuracy of printed casts generated from digital implant impressions versus stone casts from conventional implant impressions: A comparative in vitro study
Authors: Alshawaf Bahaa , Weber Hans-Peter , Finkelman Matthew , El Rafie Khaled , Kudara Yukio , Papaspyridakos Panos
Published: June 2018

Objectives

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the accuracy of printed implant casts from digital impressions with two intra‐oral scanners (IOS) to stone casts from conventional impressions. The hypothesis was that printed casts would be more accurate than stone casts from conventional impressions.

Materials and methods

A mandibular stone cast with Kennedy class II edentulism was fabricated using two internal connection tissue‐level implants at 30 degrees to each other (Replace Select RP, Nobel Biocare) to serve as master. Digital impressions (n = 10) were made with the white light (WL) and Active Wavefront Sampling technology (AWST) IOS. The resultant standard tessellation language (STL) datasets were used to print implant casts through stereolithography (SLA) prototyping. The conventional casts (n = 10) were produced with splinted open tray impression technique and polyether material in type IV stone. The master cast and all groups were digitized with lab reference scanner. The test groups STL datasets were superimposed to master cast STL in inspection software (Geomagic control 2015) to calculate root‐mean‐square error.

Results

The conventional, WL IOS and AWST IOS groups had mean values of 53.49 μm (SD 9.47), 108.09 μm (SD 9.59) and 120.39 μm (SD 5.91), respectively. The Shapiro–Wilk test showed no evidence of nonnormality (p = 0.131) and Levene's test showed no evidence of heterogeneity of variance (p = 0.518). The one‐way ANOVA demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) showed statistically significant differences between all groups: for the comparison of AWST IOS and WL IOS, the p‐value was 0.009, and the p‐values of the other post hoc tests were <0.001.

Conclusion

Printed casts generated from digital impressions for partially edentulous posterior mandibular arches had inferior accuracy to conventional stone casts fabricated from splinted open tray impressions. The printed casts from WL IOS had better accuracy compared to AWST IOS.
Contact allergy to oxidized geraniol among Swedish dermatitis patients—A multicentre study by the Swedish Contact Dermatitis Research Group
Authors: Hagvall Lina , Bruze Magnus , Engfeldt Malin , Isaksson Marléne , Lindberg Magnus , Ryberg Kristina , Stenberg Berndt , Svedman Cecilia , Karlberg Ann‐Therese , Bråred Christensson Johanna
Published: June 2018

Background

Geraniol is a widely used fragrance terpene, and is included in fragrance mix I. Geraniol is prone to autoxidation, forming the skin sensitizers geranial, neral, and geraniol‐7‐hydroperoxide. Oxidized geraniol has previously been patch tested in 1 clinic, giving 1% to 4.6% positive reactions in consecutive patients when tested at 2% to 11%.

Aim

To compare test reactions to pure and oxidized geraniol, to compare 2 different test concentrations of oxidized geraniol and to investigate the pattern of concomitant reactions to fragrance markers of the baseline series in a multicentre setting.

Methods

One thousand four hundred and seventy‐six consecutive patients referred for patch testing were patch tested with geraniol 6% pet. and oxidized geraniol 6% and 11% pet.

Results

Pure geraniol 6% pet., oxidized geraniol 6% pet. and oxidized geraniol 11% pet. gave 1%, 3% and 8% positive patch test reactions and 0.7%, 3% and 5% doubtful reactions, respectively. Approximately 50% of the patients with doubtful reactions to oxidized geraniol 6% pet. had positive reactions to oxidized geraniol 11% pet.

Conclusions

Oxidized geraniol 11% pet. provides better detection than oxidized geraniol 6% pet. As most patients reacted only to oxidized geraniol, it is important to explore further whether oxidized geraniol should be included in a baseline patch test series.
Benign paroxysmal torticollis, benign paroxysmal vertigo, and benign tonic upward gaze are not benign disorders
Authors: Humbertclaude Véronique , Krams Benjamin , Nogue Erika , Nagot Nicolas , Annequin Daniel , Tourniaire Barbara , Tournier‐Lasserve Elisabeth , Riant Florence , Roubertie Agathe ,   The Episodic Syndromes Consortium
Published: June 2018

Aim

Benign paroxysmal torticollis (BPT), benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV), and benign tonic upward gaze (BTU) are characterized by transient and recurrent episodes of neurological manifestations. The purpose of this study was to analyse the clinical relationships between these syndromes, associated comorbidities, and genetic bases.

Method

In this cross‐sectional study, clinical data of patients with BPT, BPV, or BTU were collected with a focus on developmental achievements, learning abilities, and rehabilitation. Neuropsychological assessment and genetic testing were performed.

Results

Fifty patients (median age at inclusion 6y) were enrolled. Psychomotor delay, abnormal neurological examination, and low or borderline IQ were found in 19%, 32%, and 26% of the patients respectively. Cognitive dysfunction was present in 27% of the patients. CACNA1A gene mutation was identified in eight families, and KCNA1 and FGF14 mutation in one family respectively. The identification of a CACNA1A mutation was significantly associated with BTU (p=0.03) and with cognitive dysfunction (p=0.01). Patients with BPV were less likely to have cognitive dysfunction.

Interpretation

Children with BPT, BPV, or BTU are at high risk of impaired psychomotor and cognitive development. These syndromes should not be regarded as benign and should be considered as part of the spectrum of a neurodevelopmental disorder.

What this paper adds OK

Patients with benign paroxysmal torticollis (BPT), benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV), and benign tonic upward gaze (BTU) have an increased risk of psychomotor delay.

These patients also have an increased risk of abnormal neurological examination and cognitive dysfunction.

Gene mutations, especially in CACNA1A, were identified in 21% of the families.

BPT, BTU, and BPV should not be regarded as benign.

BPT, BTU, and BPV should be considered as part of the spectrum of a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Global development and adaptive functioning in children with epilepsy
Authors: Kirsch Alexandra C , Zaccariello Michael J
Published: June 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Reilly et al. on pages 145–151 of this issue.
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets: moving forward
Authors: Kraus de Camargo Olaf
Published: June 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Schiariti et al. on pages 933–941 of this issue.
Face reading difficulties in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: towards more personalized treatments
Authors: Kornreich Charles
Published: June 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Lewis et al. on pages 174–180 of this issue.