bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights in host-associated microbial diversity with broad and accurate taxonomic resolution
Authors: Agler Matthew T. , Mari Alfredo , Dombrowski Nina , Haquard Stéphane , Kemen Eric M.
Published: April 2016

Deep microbiome profiling has sparked a revolution in biology, recontextualizing mechanisms such as macroorganismal adaptation and evolution. Amplicon sequencing has been critical for characterization of highly diverse microbiomes, but several challenges still hinder their investigation: (1) Poor coverage of the full diversity, (2) Read depth losses and (3) Erroneous diversity inflation/distortion.

We developed a modular approach to quickly profile at least 8 interchangeable loci in a single sequencing run, including a simple and cost-effective way to block amplification of non-targets (like host DNA). We further correct observed distortion in amplified diversity by phylogenetically grouping erroneous OTUs, creating a phylogeny-based unit we call OPUs.

Our approach achieves full, accurate characterization of a mixed-kingdom mock community of bacteria, fungi and oomycetes at high depth even in non-target contaminated systems. The OPU concept enables much more accurate estimations of alpha and beta diversity trends than OTUs and overcomes disagreements between studies caused by methodology. Leveraging the approach in theArabidopsis thalianaphyllosphere, we generated to our knowledge the most complete microbiome survey to date.

Microbiomes are extremely diverse, extending well beyond bacteria and fungi. Our method makes new questions in a variety of fields tractable with accurate, systems-based overviews of microbial community structures.
Direct binding to RPA-coated ssDNA allows recruitment of the ATR activator TopBP1 to sites of DNA damage
Authors: Acevedo Julyana , Yan Shan , Michael Matthew
Published: April 2016

A critical event for the ability of cells to tolerate DNA damage and replication stress is activation of the ATR kinase. ATR activation is dependent on the BRCT repeat-containing protein TopBP1. Previous work has shown that recruitment of TopBP1 to sites of DNA damage and stalled replication forks is necessary for downstream events in ATR activation, however the mechanism for this recruitment was not known. Here, we use protein binding assays and functional studies inXenopusegg extracts to show that TopBP1 makes a direct interaction, via its BRCT2 domain, with RPA-coated ssDNA. We identify a point mutant that abrogates this interaction, and show that this mutant fails to accumulate at sites of DNA damage, and that the mutant cannot activate ATR. These data thus supply a mechanism for how the critical ATR activator, TopBP1, senses DNA damage and stalled replication forks to initiate assembly of checkpoint signaling complexes.
Scalable Production of Human Erythrocytes from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Ying , Gao Yongxing , He Chaoxia , Ye Zhaohui , Gerecht Sharon , Cheng Linzhao
Published: April 2016

In vitro production of erythrocytes in physiologic numbers from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) holds great promise for improved transfusion medicine and novel cell therapies. We report here, for the first time, a strategy for scalable and xeno-free differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from hiPSCs and subsequent erythrocytes specification, by using stepwise cell culture conditions and by integrating spinner flasks and rocker. This system supported robust and reproducible definitive hematopoietic differentiation of multiple hiPSC lines. We demonstrated an ultra-high yield of up to 4×109CD235a+erythrocytes at >98% purity when using a 1-litre spinner flask for suspension culture. Erythrocytes generated from our system can reach a mature stage with red blood cell (RBC) characteristics of enucleation, β-globin protein expression and oxygen-binding ability. The entire process is xeno-free and clinically compliant, allowing future mass production of hiPSC-derived RBCs for transfusion medicine purposes.
PODOCYTURIA mRNAs: EARLIER AND SUPERIOR PREDICTORS OF CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES
Authors: Eid Assaad A. , Habib Robert H. , Abdel Fattah Ahmed , Al Jalbout Nour , Badr Kamal F.
Published: April 2016

Increased filtration of albumin, a result of injury to glomerular endothelial and epithelial cells (podocytes), leads to increased albumin excretion rate (AER) which defines “moderate albuminuria”, a predictor of cardiovascular events (CVD). Since filtered albumin is modified by renal proximal tubule albumin retrieval, we hypothesized that urinary podocyte shedding (podocyturia), as a biomarker of ongoing glomerular microvascular injury, may be a more relevant and earlier predictor of CVD than moderate albuminuria.

Type II diabetic subjects (mean age: 46/60 men/women) with normal AER [<2.26 mg/mmole (20 μg/mg) creatinine] and free of overt cardiovascular disease (CVD) were studied. AER and podocyte-specific proteins (podocin and nephrin) mRNAs were measured at baseline (Visit 1), 3-4 years later (Visit 2) and at 7 years (Visit 3). Development of CVD (acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and/or peripheral vascular disease) was collected as outcome. Seven-year Kaplan-Meier time-to-event (log rank) data were compared among baseline biomarker tercile groups (low, intermediate, high).

All three biomarkers increased significantly between visits. Visit 1AER terciles exhibited similar time to CVD (p=0.127), in contrast with step-wise and substantial increases in CVD events predicted by Visit 1 podocin and nephrin terciles. Considered as continuous factors, the covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) [HR] were highest for podocin mRNA [HR=15.9 (6.1-41.8); p<0.001], intermediate for nephrin mRNA [HR=7.61 (3.75-15.5); p<0•001] and lowest for AER [HR=1.17 (1.01-1.36); p=0•041].

Compared to moderate albuminuria, podocyturia predicts more accurately and at a significantly earlier time point the presence of silent systemic vascular injury ultimately manifesting as overt cardiovascular events.
Genetic and chemical differentiation ofCampylobacter coliandCampylobacter jejunilipooligosaccharide pathways
Authors: Culebro Alejandra , Revez Joana , Pascoe Ben , Friedmann Yasmin , Hitchings Matthew D , Stupak Jacek , Sheppard Samuel K , Li Jianjun , Rossi Mirko
Published: April 2016

Despite the importance of lipooligosaccharides (LOS) in the pathogenicity of campylobacteriosis, little is known about the genetic and phenotypic diversity of LOS inC. coli. In this study, we investigated the distribution of LOS locus classes among a large collection of unrelatedC. coliisolates sampled from several different host species. Furthermore, we pairedC. coligenomic information and LOS chemical composition for the first time to identify mechanisms consistent with the generation of LOS phenotypic heterogeneity. After classifying three new LOS locus classes, only 85% of the 144 isolates tested were assigned to a class, suggesting higher genetic diversity than previously thought. This genetic diversity is at the basis of a completely unexplored LOS structure heterogeneity. Mass spectrometry analysis of the LOS of nine isolates, representing four different LOS classes, identified two features distinguishingC. coliLOS fromC. jejuni’s. GlcN-GlcN disaccharides were present in the lipid A backbone in contrast to the GlcN3N-GlcN backbone observed inC. jejuni. Moreover, despite that many of the genes putatively involved in Qui3pNAcyl were absence in the genomes of various isolates, this rare sugar was found in the outer core of allC. coli. Therefore, regardless the high genetic diversity of LOS biosynthes is locus inC. coli, we identified species-specific phenotypic features ofC. coliLOS which might explain differences betweenC. jejuniandC. coliin terms of population dynamics and host adaptation.

Depositories (where applicable)

The whole genome sequences ofC. coliare publicly available on the RAST server (http://rast.nmpdr.org) with guest account (login and password ‘guest’) under IDs: 195.91, 195.96-195.119, 195.124-195.126, 195.128-195.130, 195.133, 195.134, 6666666.94320
Measuring healthcare productivity – from unit to system level
Authors: Kämäräinen Vesa Johannes , Peltokorpi Antti , Torkki Paulus , Tallbacka Kaj
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Healthcare productivity is a growing issue in most Western countries where healthcare expenditure is rapidly increasing. Therefore, accurate productivity metrics are essential to avoid sub-optimization within a healthcare system. In this article, we focus on healthcare production system productivity measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditionally, healthcare productivity has been studied and measured independently at the unit, organization, and system level. Suggesting that productivity measurement should be done in different levels, while simultaneously linking productivity measurement to incentives, this study presents the challenges of productivity measurement at the different levels. The study introduces different methods to measure productivity in healthcare. In addition, it provides background information on the methods used to measure productivity and the parameters used in these methods. A pilot investigation of productivity measurement is used to illustrate the challenges of measurement, to test the developed measures, and to prove the practical information for managers.

Findings

The study introduces different approaches and methods to measure productivity in healthcare.

Research limitations/implications

Practical implications

A pilot investigation of productivity measurement is used to illustrate the challenges of measurement, to test the developed measures, and to prove the practical benefits for managers.

Originality/value

We focus on the measurement of the whole healthcare production system and try to avoid sub-optimization. Additionally considering an individual patient approach, productivity measurement is examined at the unit level, the organizational level, and the system level.
Healthcare managers’ construction of the manager role in relation to the medical profession
Authors: von Knorring Mia , Alexanderson Kristina , Eliasson Miriam A
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how healthcare managers construct the manager role in relation to the medical profession in their organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 18 of Sweden’s 20 healthcare chief executive officers (CEOs) and 20 clinical department managers (CDMs) were interviewed about their views on management of physicians. Interviews were performed in the context of one aspect of healthcare management; i.e., management of physicians’ sickness certification practice. A discourse analysis approach was used for data analysis.

Findings

– Few managers used a management-based discourse to construct the manager role. Instead, a profession-based discourse dominated and managers frequently used the attributes “physician” or “non-physician” to categorise themselves or other managers in their managerial roles. Some managers, both CEOs and CDMs, shifted between the management- and profession-based discourses, resulting in a kind of “yes, but […]” approach to management in the organisations. The dominating profession-based discourse served to reproduce the power and status of physicians within the organisation, thereby rendering the manager role weaker than the medical profession for both physician and non-physician managers.

Research limitations/implications

– Further studies are needed to explore the impact of gender, managerial level, and basic profession on how managers construct the manager role in relation to physicians.

Practical implications

– The results suggest that there is a need to address the organisational conditions for managers’ role taking in healthcare organisations.

Originality/value

– Despite the general strengthening of the manager position in healthcare through political reforms during the last decades, this study shows that a profession-based discourse clearly dominated in how the managers constructed the manager role in relation to the medical profession on the workplace level in their organisations.
Accounting, identity, autopoiesis + sustainability
Authors: Khan Tehmina , Gray Rob
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper is prompted by an analysis of accounting and accounting education by Lawrence et al. (2013) in this journal. In that paper, the authors use the theory of autopoiesis to articulate and explore, what they argue is, an inappropriate conservatism in accounting. This aims to develop the insights offered by Lawrence et al., to advance the understanding of autopoiesis and to use the insights from the theory of autopoiesis to try and confront (what we see as) the resistance shown in business and accounting to the possibilities of a more substantive sustainability agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The essay takes its departure point as the paper by Lawrence et al. and uses the theory of autopoiesis as a metaphorical lens through which to re-examine accounting, business and educational practice with respect to sustainability.

Findings

This paper depart somewhat from Lawrence et al.’s arguments and inferences but broadly supports their contentions that accounting and accounting education are autopoietic. Some advances are offered to the theory and some issues for future research are briefly speculated upon. The analysis succeeds in highlighting that the accounting, business and educational systems may well be protecting their “cores” but are doing so by ignoring crucial and life-threatening information. In autopoietic terms, the sub-systems are behaving as closed systems that are causing self-harm and are being psychopathic. It is speculate that accounting educators may be, themselves, acting as autopoietic persons.

Research limitations/implications

The essay, in identifying some of the empirical weaknesses inherent in the theory of autopoiesis in a social science context, suggests that the persuasiveness or otherwise of the theory will probably lie in the extent to which a reader finds the heuristic plausible and not in any easily testable propositions. The implications, if this limitation is accepted, are, broadly, that accounting and accounting education are acting psychopathically in the face of (arguably) life-threatening data.

Practical Implications

There are extensive implications for research and policy but only those for education are explored here.

Social Implications

If the analysis is persuasive, the implication for engagement with the exigencies of sustainability is profound and disturbing.

Originality/value

The paper has two primary purposes: to challenge and develop debate around Lawrence et al.’s arguments and to use autopoiesis as one explanation for the inertia around sustainability, business and accounting. The paper extends the theory of autopoiesis as articulated in accounting to embrace both the issue of nesting systems and the autopoietic person. The combination of these contributions is combined with Lawrence et al., in offering a substantive challenge to accounting educators: albeit a substantively different one than those authors offered. It is these matters of difference that ultimately challenge the authors’ roles as educators, researchers and accountants.
Role of tumour necrosis factor‐a in the regulation of T‐type calcium channel current in HL‐1 cells
Authors: Rao Fang , Xue Yu‐mei , Wei Wei , Yang Hui , Liu Fang‐zhou , Chen Shao‐xian , Kuang Su‐juan , Zhu Jie‐ning , Wu Shu‐lin , Deng Chun‐yu
Published: April 2016

Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation contributes to the initiation and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels are increased in patients with AF, the role of TNF‐α in the pathogenesis of AF remains unclear. Besides L‐type Ca2+ currents (ICa,L), T‐type Ca2+ currents (ICa,T) also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AF. This study was designed to use the whole‐cell voltage‐clamp technique and biochemical assays to explore if TNF‐α is involved in the pathogenesis of AF through regulating ICa,T in atrial myocytes. It was found that compared with sinus rhythm (SR) controls, T‐type calcium channel (TCC) subunit mRNA levels were decreased, while TNF‐α expression levels were increased, in human atrial tissue from patients with AF. In murine atrial myocyte HL‐1 cells, after culturing for 24 h, 12.5, 25 and 50 ng/mL TNF‐α significantly reduced the protein expression levels of the TCC α1G subunit in a concentration‐dependent manner. The peak current was reduced by the application of 12.5 or 25 ng/mL TNF‐α in a concentration‐dependent manner (from −15.08 ± 1.11 pA/pF in controls to −11.89 ± 0.83 pA/pF and −8.54 ± 1.55 pA/pF in 12.5 or 25 ng/mL TNF‐α group respectively). TNF‐α application also inhibited voltage‐dependent inactivation of ICa,T, shifted the inactivation curve to the left. These results suggest that TNF‐α is involved in the pathogenesis of AF, probably via decreasing ICa,T current density in atrium‐derived myocytes through impaired channel function and down‐regulation of channel protein expression. This pathway thus represents a potential pathogenic mechanism in AF.
INCARCERATION AND POPULATION HEALTH IN WEALTHY DEMOCRACIES*
Authors: WILDEMAN CHRISTOPHER
Published: April 2016

Everywhere you look, incarceration seems to be doing harm. Research has implicated incarceration not only in worse outcomes for individuals, their families, and their communities but also in growing inequality. Yet incarceration may not always harm society—even if it does harm those who experience it. To consider this possibility, I build an argument demonstrating how the macro‐level consequences of incarceration may be distinctively harmful in the United States, focusing on the incarceration–health relationship as one indicator of a broader phenomenon. I then test my hypothesis by using an unbalanced panel data set including 21 developed democracies (N = 414) and a series of ordinary least‐squares models predicting three measures of population health as a function of incarceration. Models including only a main effect of incarceration demonstrate an inverse association between changes in incarceration and changes in population health. Models including an incarceration by U.S. interaction, however, indicate that the population health consequences of changes in incarceration are far worse in the United States than elsewhere. Taken together, the results indicate that the United States is exceptional for both its rate of incarceration and its effects of incarceration, although it is unclear what drives this exceptionalism in effects.
C‐di‐GMP regulates the expression of lapA and bcs operons via FleQ in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Xiao Yujie , Nie Hailing , Liu Huizhong , Luo Xuesong , Chen Wenli , Huang Qiaoyun
Published: April 2016

Cyclic diguanylate (c‐di‐GMP) positively modulates the production of biofilm matrix components from the transcriptional to the post‐translational level in a variety of bacterial species. However, mechanisms by which it regulates these opponents in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 remain unclear. Here we show that c‐di‐GMP regulates the adhesin LapA, LapF and exopolysaccharides Bcs, Pea at transcriptional level. Transcriptional regulator FleQ is required for the modulation of lapA and bcs expression by c‐di‐GMP, but seems not to be necessary for that of lapF and pea. We also found that fleQ mutant of P. putida was defective in biofilm formation and had smooth colony morphology. Transcription assay indicates that FleQ acts as an activator of lapA, but a repressor of bcs. In vitro experiments show that FleQ binds to lapA and bcs promoter DNA. The binding to lapA promoter was slightly promoted by c‐di‐GMP, while binding to bcs promoter was inhibited by c‐di‐GMP. Our results show that c‐di‐GMP regulates the expression of lapA and bcs operons via FleQ in P. putida.
Postoperative Mycoplasma hominis infection after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: A case report
Authors: Yokoyama Hitoshi , Domen Takahisa , Hiragata Shiro , Ogawa Teruyuki , Matsumoto Takehisa , Ishizuka Osamu
Published: April 2016

A 59‐year‐old man developed a high fever, elevated white blood cell count, elevated C‐reactive protein level, and perineal pain 5 days after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Treatment with cefmetazole was ineffective. A urine specimen was submitted for culture on postoperative day 7, and Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) was detected 1 week later. Cefmetazole was therefore switched to quinolone. The clinical symptoms and laboratory data immediately showed marked improvement. M. hominis has been shown to inhabit the genitourinary tract. Although it is considered to induce urethritis, its pathogenicity in healthy male subjects has not been investigated. M. hominis is difficult to detect and is resistant to β‐lactams because it lacks a cell wall. Urine culture sometimes results in false‐negative results. In cases where empirical therapy for postoperative infection is ineffective, surgeons should recognize the possibility of M. hominis involvement and consider changing the antibiotic used.
Indications for the laparoscopic approach to acute small bowel obstruction: A retrospective review of 50 cases, a literature review, and a single hospital's preliminary experience
Authors: Cantarella Francesco , Evoli Luca Pio , Renzi Claudio , Cavazzoni Emanuel , Contine Alessandro , Cesari Maurizio , Donini Annibale
Published: April 2016

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is mainly caused by postoperative adhesions, but a broad spectrum of diseases may cause this pathogenetic condition. Laparoscopic treatment represents an efficient approach to SBO. The aim of this paper was to review a single center's experience with a minimally invasive approach to multiple pathologic scenarios causing SBO. From January 2010 to December 2012, 50 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for mechanical SBO. In 90% of patients, the surgical procedure was totally laparoscopic, while 10% required conversion to midline laparotomy. In‐hospital morbidity was 15% among totally laparoscopic patients and 40% among those who underwent conversion to midline laparotomy. Thirty‐day mortality was zero. One patient died 4 months postoperatively from neoplastic disease progression; the remaining patients were free from occlusive symptoms at follow‐up. The minimally invasive technique applies to a broad spectrum of cases. A larger cohort of patients seems necessary to reproduce our results and confirm the effectiveness of a laparoscopic approach to SBO.
Neuroprotection of ischemic preconditioning is mediated by thioredoxin 2 in the hippocampal CA1 region following a subsequent transient cerebral ischemia
Authors: Lee Jae‐Chul , Park Joon Ha , Kim In Hye , Cho Geum‐Sil , Ahn Ji Hyeon , Tae Hyun‐Jin , Choi Soo Young , Cho Jun Hwi , Kim Dae Won , Kwon Young‐Guen , Kang Il Jun , Won Moo‐Ho , Kim Young‐Myeong
Published: April 2016

Preconditioning by brief ischemic episode induces tolerance to a subsequent lethal ischemic insult, and it has been suggested that reactive oxygen species are involved in this phenomenon. Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), a small protein with redox‐regulating function, shows cytoprotective roles against oxidative stress. Here, we had focused on the role of Trx2 in ischemic preconditioning (IPC)‐mediated neuroprotection against oxidative stress followed by a subsequent lethal transient cerebral ischemia. Animals used in this study were randomly assigned to six groups; sham‐operated group, ischemia‐operated group, IPC plus (+) sham‐operated group, IPC + ischemia‐operated group, IPC + auranofin (a TrxR2 inhibitor) + sham‐operated group and IPC + auranofin + ischemia‐operated group. IPC was subjected to a 2 minutes of sublethal transient ischemia 1 day prior to a 5 minutes of lethal transient ischemia. A significant loss of neurons was found in the stratum pyramidale (SP) of the hippocampal CA1 region (CA1) in the ischemia‐operated‐group 5 days after ischemia‐reperfusion; in the IPC + ischemia‐operated‐group, pyramidal neurons in the SP were well protected. In the IPC + ischemia‐operated‐group, Trx2 and TrxR2 immunoreactivities in the SP and its protein level in the CA1 were not significantly changed compared with those in the sham‐operated‐group after ischemia‐reperfusion. In addition, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression, superoxide anion radical (
) production, denatured cytochrome c expression and TUNEL‐positive cells in the IPC + ischemia‐operated‐group were similar to those in the sham‐operated‐group. Conversely, the treatment of auranofin to the IPC + ischemia‐operated‐group significantly increased cell damage/death and abolished the IPC‐induced effect on Trx2 and TrxR2 expressions. Furthermore, the inhibition of Trx2R nearly cancelled the beneficial effects of IPC on SOD2 expression,
production, denatured cytochrome c expression and TUNEL‐positive cells. In brief, this study shows that IPC conferred neuroprotection against ischemic injury by maintaining Trx2 and suggests that the maintenance or enhancement of Trx2 expression by IPC may be a legitimate strategy for therapeutic intervention of cerebral ischemia.
Development of polymeric micelles for targeting intractable cancers
Authors: Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Matsumura Yasuhiro , Kataoka Kazunori
Published: April 2016

In relation to recent advances in nanobiotechnologies, cancer‐targeted therapy using nano‐scaled drug carriers (nanocarriers) has been attracting enormous attention with success in clinical studies. Polymeric micelles, core–shell‐type nanoparticles formed through the self‐assembly of block copolymers, are one of the most promising nanocarrier, because their critical features such as size, stability, and drug incorporation efficiency and release rate can be modulated by designing the constituent block copolymers. The utilities of polymeric micelles have been reported not only in experimental tumor models in mice but also in clinical studies. In this article, we aim to explain the rationale of designing polymeric micelles for targeting intractable cancers such as pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, and metastases. Also, we review recent progress in clinical studies on polymeric micelles incorporating anticancer drugs. In addition, we introduce the next generation of polymeric micelles as the platform integrated with smart functionalities such as targetability, environmental sensitivity, and imaging properties. Thus, polymeric micelles can realize safe and effective cancer therapy, and offer tailor‐made medicines for individual patients.
A systematic review of the surgical techniques for the treatment of internal nasal valve collapse: where do we stand?
Authors: Goudakos J.K. , Fishman J.M. , Patel K.
Published: April 2016

Background

A myriad of interventions have been described to address the restoration or preservation of the internal nasal valve, the narrowest portion of nasal airway.

Objective of review

To review systematically available knowledge and evidence about management options of the collapse of the internal nasal valve area.

Type of review

Systematic review.

Search strategy

A MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and CENTRAL database search, followed by extensive hand searching for the identification of relevant studies.

Evaluation method

Review of all English‐language studies addressing the treatment of the internal nasal valve collapse.

Results

Fifty‐three studies were eventually identified and systematically reviewed. The majority (50 of 53) of the included articles are graded as level IV evidence and only one randomised trial was identified. The included randomised study reported no significant difference in improvement between the intervention group (autospreader flap) and placebo arms. The majority of the included studies presented in this systematic review provide level IV evidence concerning the optimal approach for cases of nasal valve collapse. Current research is driven more by reports of techniques than patient outcomes.

Conclusions

Proper evaluation and identification of the cause of the internal nasal valve collapse is paramount prior to selection of the preferred surgical solution. The three‐dimensional construction of the nasal valve implies that many pathologies cannot be restored by a single solution. Treatment approaches should be directed at specific involved sites. Present systematic review of the literature revealed that the available evidence is based on low‐level studies and focuses more on the description of various surgical techniques rather than on patient‐reported outcome measures. Future studies are needed, including homogenous patient groups, comparing different surgical techniques and incorporating patient‐reported outcome measures.
Social values and biodiversity conservation in a dynamic world
Authors: Dietsch Alia M. , Teel Tara L. , Manfredo Michael J.
Published: April 2016

Understanding what shape values (which ultimately shape human behavior) will help improve the effectiveness of conservation solutions that depend on public support. To contribute to this understanding, we investigated the influence of societal‐level changes, such as modernization, on values in a multilevel framework. We collected survey responses (n = 4183) to questionnaires mailed to a random selection of households within each county in Washington (U.S.A.) (response rate 32%). We used multilevel modeling to determine the relationship between modernization (e.g., county‐level urbanization, wealth, and education) and wildlife value orientations (values that shape thought about wildlife) while controlling for individual‐level sociodemographics. We then explored how values influence conservation support at different levels (e.g., individual and county) and how values explain conservation support in a case study of public responses to wolf (Canis lupis) recovery. We found positive associations between county‐level examples of modernization and mutualism (a wildlife value orientation that prioritizes the perceived needs of wildlife) independent of a respondent's sociodemographics, and negative associations between modernization and domination (a wildlife value orientation that prioritizes human needs). Our results suggest that context has an additive impact on one's values; certain locations exhibited domination values, whereas others exhibited a mix of value types. This finding is important because actions that restrict human interests to promote biodiversity were negatively associated with domination and positively associated with mutualism. In the wolf case study, mutualism was strongly correlated with less social conflict over wolf recovery in many, but not all, counties (e.g., Pearson's r correlation = 0.59 in one county and a nonsignificant correlation in another). Our findings suggest that modernization operates on values within a state with implications for biodiversity, but other factors in addition to values must be investigated to fully understand what leads to proconservation behavior.
Comparison of conservation metrics in a case study of lemurs
Authors: Gudde Renske , Venditti Chris
Published: April 2016

Conservation planning is important to protect species from going extinct now that natural habitats are decreasing owing to human activity and climate change. However, there is considerable controversy in choosing appropriate metrics to weigh the value of species and geographic regions. For example, the added value of phylogenetic conservation‐selection criteria remains disputed because high correlations between them and the nonphylogenetic criteria of species richness have been reported. We evaluated the commonly used conservation metrics species richness, endemism, phylogenetic diversity (PD), and phylogenetic endemism (PE) in a case study on lemurs of Madagascar. This enabled us to identify the conservation target of each metric and consider how they may be used in future conservation planning. We also devised a novel metric that uses a phylogeny scaled according to the rate of phenotypic evolution as a proxy for a species’ ability to adapt to change. High rates of evolution may indicate generalization or specialization. Both specialization and low rates of evolution may result in an inability to adapt to changing environments. We examined conservation priorities by using the inverse of the rate of body mass evolution to account for species with low rates of evolution. In line with previous work, we found high correlations among species richness and PD (r= 0.96), and endemism and PE (r= 0.82) in Malagasy lemurs. Phylogenetic endemism in combination with rates of evolution and their inverse prioritized grid cells containing highly endemic and specialized lemurs at risk of extinction, such asAvahi occidentalisandLepilemur edwardsi, 2 endangered lemurs with high rates of phenotypic evolution and low‐quality diets, andHapalemur aureus, a critically endangered species with a low rate of body mass evolution and a diet consisting of very high doses of cyanide.
Use of ecoacoustics to determine biodiversity patterns across ecological gradients
Authors: Grant Paul B. C. , Samways Michael J.
Published: April 2016

The variety of local animal sounds characterizes a landscape. We used ecoacoustics to noninvasively assess the species richness of various biotopes typical of an ecofriendly forest plantation with diverse ecological gradients and both nonnative and indigenous vegetation. The reference area was an adjacent large World Heritage Site protected area (PA). All sites were in a global biodiversity hotspot. Our results showed how taxa segregated into various biotopes. We identified 65 singing species, including birds, frogs, crickets, and katydids. Large, natural, protected grassland sites in the PA had the highest mean acoustic diversity (14.1 species/site). Areas covered in nonnative timber or grass species were devoid of acoustic species. Sites grazed by native and domestic megaherbivores were fairly rich (5.1) in acoustic species but none were unique to this habitat type, where acoustic diversity was greater than in intensively managed grassland sites (0.04). Natural vegetation patches inside the plantation mosaic supported high mean acoustic diversity (indigenous forests 7.6, grasslands 8.0, wetlands 9.1), which increased as plant heterogeneity and patch size increased. Indigenous forest patches within the plantation mosaic contained a highly characteristic acoustic species assemblage, emphasizing their complementary contribution to local biodiversity. Overall, acoustic signals determined spatial biodiversity patterns and can be a useful tool for guiding conservation.
Optical coherence tomography angiography for longitudinal monitoring of vascular changes in human cutaneous burns
Authors: Gong Peijun , Es'haghian Shaghayegh , Wood Fiona M. , Sampson David D. , McLaughlin Robert A.
Published: April 2016

Assessment of vasculature is an important aspect of monitoring healing of cutaneous burn injuries. Recent advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT) have enabled it to be used to perform high‐resolution imaging of the cutaneous vasculature in vivo, with the potential to provide a superior alternative to the conventional assessment of scoring skin color. The goal of this study is to investigate the feasibility of OCT angiography for longitudinal monitoring of vasculature and identification of vascular features in human cutaneous burns. We integrate several OCT imaging protocols and image‐processing techniques into a systematic method for longitudinal monitoring and automatic quantification. The demonstration of this method on a partial‐thickness burn shows the accurate co‐location of longitudinal scans; characteristic vascular features in different healing phases; and eventual decrease of the elevated vasculature area density and vessel diameter to normal levels. Such a method holds promise for longitudinal monitoring of vasculature in burn injures as well as in other cutaneous vascular pathologies and responses to treatment.
Usefulness of chair stand time as a surrogate of gait speed in diagnosing sarcopenia
Authors: Nishimura Takayuki , Arima Kazuhiko , Okabe Takuhiro , Mizukami Satoshi , Tomita Yoshihito , Kanagae Mitsuo , Goto Hisashi , Horiguchi Itsuko , Abe Yasuyo , Aoyagi Kiyoshi
Published: April 2016

Aim

Determining gait speed as a measure of physical performance is recommended in diagnosing sarcopenia. Gait speed measurements require a certain amount of space (e.g. a 6‐m course), and might not be feasible in clinical settings or heath checkup examination sites. We developed a formula to estimate chair stand time based on gait speed, and examined the validity (sensitivity and specificity) of using the estimated chair stand time cut‐off point as a surrogate for the recommended gait speed cut‐off point.

Methods

Chair stand time was defined as the time it took to stand up from a standard chair five times. Gait speed was calculated from the time required for participants to walk a 6‐m course at their usual pace.

Results

Simple regression analysis showed a significant negative relationship between chair stand time and gait speed (P < 0.0001), and the estimated formula was derived as follows: five times chair stand time = −8.41 × gait speed + 20.0 (R2 = 0.34). Therefore, the chair stand time cut‐off point was estimated to be 13.3 s by inserting the recommended gait speed cut‐off of 0.8 m/s in the above formula. Rounding off to make its use simpler, the estimated chair stand time cut‐off was 13 s. The sensitivity and specificity of the estimated chair stand time cut off were 0.75 and 0.94, respectively.

Conclusions

Chair stand time might be useful as a surrogate of gait speed when screening for sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 659–661.
Improving anti‐bullying laws and policies to protect youth from weight‐based victimization: parental support for action
Authors: Puhl R. M. , Suh Y. , Li X.
Published: April 2016

Background

Weight‐based bullying is a prevalent problem among youth with overweight and obesity, but remains neglected in existing policy‐level strategies to address youth bullying. Parental support is an influential catalyst motivating political will for policy decisions affecting youth, but has received limited research attention.

Objectives

To assess levels of, and predictors of, parental support for school‐based policies and state/federal legal measures to address weight‐based bullying in 2014 and 2015.

Methods

Identical online questionnaires were completed by two independent national samples of parents in 2014 and 2015 (N = 1804).

Results

Parental support for all policy actions was high (at least 81%) and significantly increased from 2014 to 2015 for legal measures that would a) require state anti‐bullying laws to add protections against weight‐based bullying, and b) enact a federal anti‐bullying law that includes weight‐based bullying.

Conclusions

These findings can inform policy discourse about remedies for youth bullying, and suggest that parental support for improved legal protections against weight‐based bullying is present, consistent, and strong.
Viral protein suppresses oxidative burst and salicylic acid‐dependent autophagy and facilitates bacterial growth on virus‐infected plants
Authors: Zvereva Anna S. , Golyaev Victor , Turco Silvia , Gubaeva Ekaterina G. , Rajeswaran Rajendran , Schepetilnikov Mikhail V. , Srour Ola , Ryabova Lyubov A. , Boller Thomas , Pooggin Mikhail M.
Published: April 2016

Virus interactions with plant silencing and innate immunity pathways can potentially alter the susceptibility of virus‐infected plants to secondary infections with nonviral pathogens.

We found that Arabidopsis plants infected with Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) or transgenic for CaMV silencing suppressor P6 exhibit increased susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) and allow robust growth of the Pst mutant hrcC‐, which cannot deploy effectors to suppress innate immunity. The impaired antibacterial defense correlated with the suppressed oxidative burst, reduced accumulation of the defense hormone salicylic acid (SA) and diminished SA‐dependent autophagy.

The viral protein domain required for suppression of these plant defense responses is dispensable for silencing suppression but essential for binding and activation of the plant target‐of‐rapamycin (TOR) kinase which, in its active state, blocks cellular autophagy and promotes CaMV translation.

Our findings imply that CaMV P6 is a versatile viral effector suppressing both silencing and innate immunity. P6‐mediated suppression of oxidative burst and SA‐dependent autophagy may predispose CaMV‐infected plants to bacterial infection.
Activated PI3Kδ syndrome type 2: Two patients, a novel mutation, and review of the literature
Authors: Olbrich Peter , Lorenz Myriam , Cura Daball Paola , Lucena José Manuel , Rensing‐Ehl Anne , Sanchez Berta , Führer Marita , Camacho‐Lovillo Marisol , Melon Marta , Schwarz Klaus , Neth Olaf , Speckmann Carsten
Published: April 2016

Background

Autosomal dominant gain‐of‐function mutations in PIK3R1 encoding for the regulatory subunit (p85α, p55α, and p50α) of Class IA phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) result in the activated PI3Kδ syndrome (APDS) type 2 characterized by childhood‐onset combined immunodeficiency, lymphoproliferation, and immune dysregulation. To improve clinical awareness and understanding of these rare diseases, we reviewed all hitherto published cases with APDS type 1 and type 2 for their clinical and immunologic symptoms and added novel clinical, immunologic, and genetic findings of two patients with APDS type 2.

Methods

Clinical, immunologic, and genetic evaluation of two new patients with APDS2 was performed followed by the systematic collection of all available previously published data of patients with APDS1 and APDS2.

Results

Patients with APDS type 1 (n = 49) and type 2 (n = 15) showed an indistinguishable immunologic phenotype. Overlapping clinical features shared by APDS type 1 and type 2 were observed, but our review also revealed previously unnoticed clinical differences such as remarkably high incidence of microcephaly, poor growth/short stature in patients with APDS2. Clinical management and outcome were variable and included prophylactic antibiotics, immunosuppression, immunoglobulin substitution, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Conclusions

A disease‐specific registry collecting prospective and long‐term follow‐up data of patients with APDS, as currently set up by the European Society for Immunodeficiencies, are needed to better understand the natural history and to optimize treatment concepts and thereby improving the outcome of this heterogenous patient group.
Governing Complexity: Recent Developments in Environmental Politics and Policy
Authors: Fahey Bridget K. , Pralle Sarah B.
Published: April 2016

Using a large sample of articles and books published between 2012 and 2015, this review shows the recent trends in environmental politics and policy scholarship. Environmental policy scholarship has embraced the concept of governance to explain the variety of actors and institutions that surround environmental problems and solutions. Scholars in the past three years used theories and methods to capture these governing dynamics in far‐reaching and complicated issues like climate change. This article discusses recent patterns in the literature and demonstrates that new methods, recent theoretical focuses, and even the environmental issues covered by scholars reflect the field's acknowledgement that scholars can and should account for complexity in their work. However, the literature has neglected certain regions and processes, such as the developing world and policy feedback processes, leaving significant gaps in our understanding.
Retrospective study of dental trauma in children with autism spectrum disorders: a paired study
Authors: Andrade Natália Silva , Dutra Thaís Torres Barros , Fernandes Regina Fátima , Moita Neto José Machado , Mendes Regina Ferraz , Prado Júnior Raimundo Rosendo
Published: April 2016

The objective was to evaluate the history of traumatic dental injury (TDI) among children with and without autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at the Centro Integrado de Educação Especial (CIES), in Teresina, Brazil. The dental records of 228 children, 114 with ASD (SG = study group) and 114 without ASD (CG = control group), paired by age, gender and socioeconomic characteristics between January 2007 and September 2014 were reviewed. Data were analyzed using chi‐square test and multivariate logistic regression (alpha = 5.0%). Dental trauma in SG was lower than in the CG (24.6% and 41.2%, respectively, p = 0.007). The risk of trauma was lower among males in SG (OR: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.18 to 0.67). The likelihood of TDI in SG was 3.17 higher in females than that of males (p = 0.040). The prevalence of TDI was lower in ASD individuals compared to controls. Dental trauma was higher among ASD girls than ASD boys.
‘My wife converted me’: Gendered values and gendered conversion in Pentecostal households in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Authors: Maggio Rodolfo
Published: April 2016

Church organization, the notion of person, and the charismatic discourse on value in Pentecostal denominations deeply influence gender relations among church members. In turn, gender relations influence the ways in which the charismatic discourse is received and concretised. My analysis explores this complex process of mutual transformations of gender roles and conversion meanings among Pentecostal Christians in an illegal settlement on the outskirts of Honiara, Solomon Islands. In particular, I focus on how husband and wife in Pentecostal households change the way they look at each other as they undertake a process of charismatic renewal. My aim is to illustrate how the statement of a Kwara'ae man reveals the meaning of conversion as a long‐term process that takes place relationally and under the influence of gendered values.
Early warning epidemic surveillance in the Pacific island nations: an evaluation of the Pacific syndromic surveillance system
Authors: Craig Adam T. , Kama Mike , Samo Marcus , Vaai Saine , Matanaicake Jane , Joshua Cynthia , Kolbe Anthony , Durrheim David N. , Paterson Beverley J. , Biaukula Viema , Nilles Eric J.
Published: April 2016

Objective

The Pacific Syndromic Surveillance System (PSSS), launched in 2010, provides a simple mechanism by which 121 sentinel surveillance sites in 21 Pacific island countries and areas perform routine indicator‐ and event‐based surveillance for the early detection of infectious disease outbreaks. This evaluation aims to assess whether the PSSS is meeting its objectives, what progress has been made since a formative evaluation of the system was conducted in 2011, and provides recommendations to enhance the PSSS's performance in the future.

Methods

Twenty‐one informant interviews were conducted with national operators of the system and regional public health agencies that use information generated by it. Historic PSSS data were analysed to assess timeliness and completeness of reporting.

Results

The system is simple, acceptable and useful for public health decision‐makers. The PSSS has greatly enhanced Pacific island countries' ability to undertake early warning surveillance and has contributed to efforts to meet national surveillance‐related International Health Regulation (2005) capacity development obligations. Despite this, issues with timeliness and completeness of reporting, data quality and system stability persist.

Conclusion

A balance between maintaining the system's simplicity and technical advances will need to be found to ensure its long‐term sustainability, given the low‐resource context for which it is designed.