bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons from the past? Cultural memory in Dutch integration policy
Authors: BATTEAU JESSEKA , PRINCEN SEBASTIAAN , RIGNEY ANN
Published: October 2017

This article explores the contribution that cultural memory studies can make to the debate about the role of ideas and the dynamics of ideational change in policy making. Cultural memory studies engage with the cultural dimensions of remembering, and analyse how shared images of the past are mediated and transferred across distance and time. Such research shows how the past may continue to influence the present by informing the frameworks through which groups and individuals interpret and give meaning to events and phenomena. Since policy makers operate within a cultural context, shared memories are likely also to affect the way they think about the nature and roots of policy issues and the appropriateness and feasibility of policy options. In this article, policy memory (the memory shared by policy makers about earlier policies) is identified as a subcategory of cultural memory. The role of cultural memory among policy makers is studied with reference to Dutch integration policies in two periods: the mid‐1990s and the early 2000s. On the basis of an in‐depth analysis of policy reports and parliamentary debates, references to the past and the role they play in the policy debate are identified. Different modes of dealing with the past are found in the two periods studied, reflecting the different political contexts in which the debates took place. In the 1990s, the memory of earlier policy was invoked in the mode of continuity – that is, policy change was legitimised (conceived) as part of a positive tradition. In the 2000s, memory was invoked in the mode of discontinuity. The same policies were reinterpreted in more negative terms and policy change legitimised by the perceived need to break with the past. Arguably, this reinterpretation of the past was a precondition for the shift in policy beliefs that took place around that time.
The New Paradigm for Lipid Oxidation and Insights to Microencapsulation of Omega‐3 Fatty Acids
Authors: Ghnimi Sami , Budilarto Elisabeth , Kamal‐Eldin Afaf
Published: October 2017

The consumption of omega‐3 fatty acids provides a wide range of health benefits. However, the incorporation of these fatty acids in foods is limited because of their high oxidative instability. A new paradigm has emerged to better explain the oxidation mechanism of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which will be discussed here with reference to bulk lipids considered a special case of water in oil microemulsion. This paradigm suggests that lipid oxidation reactions are initiated by heterogeneous catalysis by metal oxides followed by the formation of micelles containing initial hydroperoxides, water, and other amphiphilic compounds. The induction period comes to the end when the formed micelles reach a critical micelle concentration and start to decompose opening the way to intense free radical reactions. Antioxidants and synergists extend the induction period not only by scavenging free radicals but also by stabilizing the micelles. With better understanding of the lipid oxidation mechanism, a tailored choice of antioxidants and synergistic combinations, and efficient encapsulation methods may be optimized to provide stable encapsulates containing highly n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Smart processing and encapsulation technologies utilizing properly stabilized oils as well as optimized packaging parameters aiming to enhance n‐3 fatty acid stability by smart selection/design of antioxidants, control of the interfacial physics and chemistry, and elimination of surface oil are needed for this purpose.
Depuration of Cadmium from Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) by Protein Hydrolysate–Fe2+ Complex: The Role of Metallothionein
Authors: Zhang Bin , Fang Chuan‐dong , Xu Jun‐hui , Cao Hui‐juan
Published: October 2017

Metallothionein (MT) plays a major role in the detoxification of toxic metal ions in mussel. This study served to investigate the effects of prepared protein hydrolysate–Fe2+ (PH–Fe2+) on depuration of cadmium salt (Cd2+) from blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). The results indicated that Cd2+ concentrations in control ranged from 46.1 to 47.1 μg/g during 15 d of depuration. While, 40 mg/L PH–Fe2+ feed mussels exhibited obvious changes in Cd2+ concentration variables, which decreased by 22.8 μg/g after 15 d of depuration, making them significantly lower than the values of the control. Our assumption was that Cd2+ could be dissociated effectively from the complex of MT–Cd2+ in mussels affected by the incorporation of PH–Fe2+ during the feeding period. Further results of homology modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) confirmed that the combined power between MT and Cd2+ weakened significantly by PH–Fe2+. This condition affected the charge density and/or the loop flexibility of MT and decreased the interaction energy within MT–Cd2+ complex and resulted in the release of Cd2+ from the complex, thereby exhibiting excretion detoxification. Finally, by comparing the experimental results to MD results, significant positive correlations were observed between PH–Fe2+ and the depuration of Cd2+ from MT–Cd2+ complex. Overall, the findings of this study may help better understand the depuration mechanisms of Cd2+ combined with MT, and the PH–Fe2+ can be recommended as a depuration agent to decrease Cd2+ concentrations in mussels.

Practical Application

Metallothionein (MT) is a low‐molecular‐weight protein with high metal–ion affinity. If the intracellular concentrations of metals are too high or if toxic metals are present within the cell, then the synthesis of MTs is induced and generated. In our previous work, it was found that the prepared hydrolysate‐metal element complex showed obvious depuration activity of heavy metals (Cd2+) from blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). This study provided further the depuration mechanisms of Cd2+ from mussel (M. edulis), in particular to the role of MT and its chelate during the depuration process.
Effects of interruptions of external beam radiation therapy on outcomes in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Dong Yanqun , Zaorsky Nicholas G , Li Tianyu , Churilla Thomas M , Viterbo Rosalia , Sobczak Mark L , Smaldone Marc C , Chen David YT , Uzzo Robert G , Hallman Mark A , Horwitz Eric M
Published: October 2017

Introduction

To evaluate if interruptions of external beam radiation therapy impact outcomes in men with localized prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

We included men with localized PCa treated with three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D‐CRT) or intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) of escalated dose (≥74 Gy in 1.8 or 2 Gy fractions) between 1992 and 2013 at an NCI‐designated cancer centre. Men receiving androgen deprivation therapy were excluded. The non‐treatment day ratio (NTDR) was defined as the number of non‐treatment days divided by the total elapsed days of therapy. NTDR was analysed for each National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk group.

Results

There were 1728 men included (839 low‐risk, 776 intermediate‐risk and 113 high‐risk), with a median follow up of 53.5 months (range 12–185.8). The median NTDR was 31% (range 23–71%), translating to approximately 2 breaks (each break represents a missed treatment that will be made up) for 8 weeks of RT with 5 treatments per week. The 75 percentile of NTDR was 33%, translating to approximately 4 breaks, which was used as the cutoff for analysis. There were no significant differences in freedom from biochemical failure, freedom from distant metastasis, cancer specific survival, or overall survival for men with NTDR ≥33% compared to NTDR<33% for each risk group. Multivariable analyses including NTDR, age, race, Gleason score, T stage, and PSA were performed using the proportional hazards regression procedure. NTDR≥33% was not significantly associated with increased hazard ratio for outcomes in each risk group compared to NTDR<33%.

Conclusion

Unintentional treatment breaks during dose escalated external beam radiation therapy for PCa did not cause a significant difference in outcomes, although duration of follow up limits the strength of this conclusion.
Mollusc shells as metagenomic archives: The true treasure is the chest itself
Authors: Coutellec Marie‐Agnès
Published: October 2017

Mollusc shells, beyond the treasure of information inherently conveyed through their morphology and chemical composition also have the capacity to preserve DNA sequences over the long term in their inner structure. This has been clearly demonstrated for the first time in the study published in this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources by Der Sarkissian et al. (). With a methodology specifically dedicated to ancient DNA and solid matrices, the authors were able to successfully extract and amplify DNA from marine shells spanning the last 7,000 years. Furthermore, using metagenomic analyses, they could identify important factors affecting DNA recovery. Using reference genomes and sequences in a targeted approach to assign high‐throughput sequencing reads, the authors revealed both the presence of endogenous mollusc DNA and a potent pathogen of Manilla clam. Collectively, the results presented in this study open extremely promising research avenues, from palaeogenomics and evolutionary biology to ecological genomics at population and community levels, as well as the opportunity to fine‐tune diagnostic tools for conservation and aquaculture purposes. Last but not least, this study also offers exciting perspectives in epigenomics and the evolution of regulatory processes in the context of adaptation to global change. It can be easily expected that the approach developed by Der Sarkissian et al. () will be pursued and extensively investigated in the near future by the scientific community interested in these issues.
Dopamine Transporter Gene Methylation is Associated with Nucleus Accumbens Activation During Reward Processing in Healthy but not Alcohol‐Dependent Individuals
Authors: Muench Christine , Wiers Corinde E. , Cortes Carlos R. , Momenan Reza , Lohoff Falk W.
Published: October 2017

Background

Alcohol's reinforcement is mediated by dopamine signaling in the ventral striatum, which is modulated by the dopamine transporter (DAT). We hypothesized that methylomic variation in the DAT gene (DAT1/SLC6A3) affects DAT expression, thus contributing to differences in brain reward circuitry in individuals with alcohol dependence (ALC).

Methods

Blood from 45 recently detoxified ALC and 45 healthy control (HC) individuals was used to assess DNA methylation across 5 functional regions of SLC6A3. Participants completed the monetary incentive delay task in a 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Employing regression models, we examined effects of SLC6A3 methylation on nucleus accumbens (NAc) blood‐oxygen‐level dependent (BOLD) responses during anticipation of high/low reward/loss.

Results

Results showed that decreased methylation of the promoter region of SLC6A3 predicted NAc activation during high loss anticipation (p = 0.028) and low loss anticipation (at trend‐level; p = 0.057) in HC but not in individuals with ALC. Specifically, percentage of methylation at 2 CpG sites, located −1,001 and −993 base pairs from the transcription start site, accounted for significant variability in NAc activation in the HC group during high (ps ≤ 0.010) and low (ps ≤ 0.006) loss anticipation. There was no effect on reward anticipation. Furthermore, promoter methylation was positively associated with age, which replicates previous findings.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that methylation in the promoter region of SLC6A3 predicts NAc activation during the anticipation of monetary loss in HCs. However, this effect was not present in the ALC group, suggesting that epigenetic regulation of striatal DAT expression might be disrupted in ALC, which may contribute to previously reported differences in sensitivity to reward and punishment in this population. Alternatively, it is possible that a similar relationship in the ALC group remained undetected possibly due to methodological limitations inherent in functional MRI (e.g., poor spatial resolution, low signal‐to‐noise ratio) that generally restrict interpretations regarding mechanisms of epigenetic factors involved in group differences in BOLD responses. Future neuroimaging studies are needed to further elucidate the relationship between SLC6A3 methylation and NAc activation in ALC.
The prognostic significance of early and late right precordial lead (V4R) ST‐segment elevation in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction
Authors: Keskin Muhammed , Uzun Ahmet Okan , Börklü Edibe Betül , Hayıroğlu Mert İlker , Türkkan Ceyhan , Tekkeşin Ahmet İlker , Kozan Ömer
Published: October 2017

Background

The predictive significance of ST‐segment elevation (STE) in lead V4R in patients with anterior ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not been well‐understood. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of early and late STE in lead V4R in patients with anterior STEMI.

Methods

A total 451 patients with anterior STEMI who treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients were classified according to presence of STE (>1 mm) in lead V4R at admission and/or 60 min after PPCI. Based on this classification, all patients were divided into three subgroups as no V4R STE (Group 1), early but not late V4R STE (Group 2) and late V4R STE (Group 3).

Results

In‐hospital mortality had higher rates at group 2 and 3 and that had 2.1 and 4.1‐times higher mortality than group 1. Late V4R STE remained as an independent risk factor for cardiogenic shock (odds ratio [OR] 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–4.3; p < .001) and in‐hospital mortality (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.8–4.1; p < .001). The 12‐month overall survival for group 1, 2, and 3 were 91.1%, 82.4%, and 71.4% respectively. However, the long‐term mortality also had the higher rate at group 3; late V4R STE did not remain as an independent risk factor for long‐term mortality (OR 1.5; 95% CI 0.8–4.1; p: .159).

Conclusion

Late V4R STE in patients with anterior STEMI is strongly associated with poor prognosis. The record of late V4R in patients with anterior STEMI has an important prognostic value.
Returning to work after laparoscopic myomectomy: a prospective observational study
Authors: Huff Keren O , Aref‐Adib Mehrnoosh , Magama Zwelihle , Vlachodimitropoulou Evangelia K , Oliver Reeba , Odejinmi Funlayo
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Laparoscopic myomectomy offers women many benefits over conventional open surgery, including an expedited recovery and return to employment. Our study evaluates the time taken for women to return to work after laparoscopic myomectomy and identifies factors prolonging recovery to > 8 weeks.

Material and methods

We prospectively evaluated 94 women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy by a single surgeon between January 2012 and March 2015. Women had standardized preoperative counseling and completed a validated return to work questionnaire 3 months postoperatively via telephone, post or in clinic.

Results

In all, 71/94 (75.5%) women completed the questionnaire. Results were analyzed comparing women who returned to work in ≤ 8 weeks [43/71 (60.6%)] with those who returned > 8 weeks postoperatively [28/71 (39.4%)]. A higher proportion of Asian and Caucasian women returned to work in ≤ 8 weeks (24/29) compared with black African and Caribbean women (19/42) (p = 0.003). Mean number of fibroids removed (2.59 and 5.75, respectively) was the only significantly differing factor between the two groups (p = 0.004). There was a significant difference in body mass index (BMI) and time to return to normal activity between the ≤ 8‐week and > 8‐week groups (p = 0.027, p = 0.011, respectively). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that BMI and time to return to normal activity were the only factors prolonging recovery to > 8 weeks (p = 0.039, p = 0.015, respectively).

Conclusions

Time to return to normal activity and BMI significantly influenced the time taken for women to work after laparoscopic myomectomy. Further data would support clinicians in counseling women appropriately and optimizing their postoperative return to employment.
Identification and characterization of a metastatic suppressor BRMS1L as a target gene of p53
Authors: Koyama Ryota , Tamura Miyuki , Nakagaki Takafumi , Ohashi Tomoko , Idogawa Masashi , Suzuki Hiromu , Tokino Takashi , Sasaki Yasushi
Published: October 2017

The tumor suppressor p53 and its family members, p63 and p73, play a pivotal role in the cell fate determination in response to diverse upstream signals. As transcription factors, p53 family proteins regulate a number of genes that are involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence, and maintenance of genomic stability. Recent studies revealed that p53 family proteins are important for the regulation of cell invasion and migration. Microarray analysis showed that breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1‐like (BRMS1L) is upregulated by p53 family proteins, specifically p53, TAp63γ, and TAp73β. We identified two responsive elements of p53 family proteins in the first intron and upstream of BRMS1L. These response elements are well conserved among mammals. Functional analysis showed that ectopic expression of BRMS1L inhibited cancer cell invasion and migration; knockdown of BRMS1L by siRNA induced the opposite effect. Importantly, clinical databases revealed that reduced BRMS1L expression correlated with poor prognosis in patients with breast and brain cancer. Together, these results strongly indicate that BRMS1L is one of the mediators downstream of the p53 pathway, and that it inhibits cancer cell invasion and migration, which are essential steps in cancer metastasis. Collectively, our results indicate that BRMS1L is involved in cancer cell invasion and migration, and could be a therapeutic target for cancer.
Anti‐NT5C1A autoantibodies for the diagnosis and study of the pathogenesis of sporadic inclusion body myositis
Authors: Yamashita Satoshi , Tawara Nozomu , Ando Yukio
Published: October 2017

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory myopathy that is commonest in the population aged >50 years. Asymmetric muscle weakness and wasting of the quadriceps, and finger and wrist flexor muscles are characteristic of sIBM. Histological findings for sIBM are characterized by a combination of inflammatory and myodegenerative pathologies. The pathogenesis of sIBM is not yet fully understood, and serum markers have not been identified for diagnosis of the disease or assessment of therapeutic efficacy. Recently, autoantibodies against cytosolic 5′‐nucleotidase 1A have been identified in plasma and serum samples from patients with sIBM. Various methods with clinical utility have been established to detect anti‐cN1A autoantibodies for the diagnosis of sIBM. Importantly, the autoantibodies might have direct roles in the development of the disease by causing dysfunction in proteasomal and lysosomal degradation. Future studies should be carried out to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which the sarcoplasmic autoantigen is recognized and involved in the degeneration of myofibers. Additional research is essential to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the inflammatory and degenerative processes of sIBM.
Cell‐free DNA noninvasive prenatal screening for aneuploidy versus conventional screening: A systematic review of economic evaluations
Authors: Nshimyumukiza L. , Menon S. , Hina H. , Rousseau F. , Reinharz D.
Published: October 2017

Although noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for aneuploidies using cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal blood has been reported to have a high accuracy, only little evidence about its cost‐effectiveness is available. We systematically reviewed and assessed quality of economic evaluation studies published between January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2016 where NIPT was compared to the current screening practices consisting of biochemical markers with or without nuchal translucency (NT) and/or maternal age. We included 16 studies and we found that, at current level of NIPT prices, contingent NIPT provide the best value for money, especially for publicly funded screening programs. NIPT as first‐line test was found not cost‐effective in the majority of studies. The NIPT unit cost, the risk cut‐offs for current screening practice, the screening uptake rates (first‐ and second‐line screening) as well as the costs and uptake rates of invasive diagnostic screening were the most common uncertain variables. The overall quality of included studies was fair. Considering a possible drop in prices and an ongoing NIPT expansion to include other chromosomes abnormalities other than T21, T18, T13 and sex chromosomes aneuploidies, future research are needed to examine the potential cost‐effectiveness of implementing NIPT as first‐line test.
Pooled efficacy and safety of eslicarbazepine acetate as add‐on treatment in patients with focal‐onset seizures: Data from four double‐blind placebo‐controlled pivotal phase III clinical studies
Authors: Elger Christian , Koepp Mathias , Trinka Eugen , Villanueva Vicente , Chaves João , Ben‐Menachen Elinor , Kowacs Pedro A. , Gil‐Nagel António , Moreira Joana , Gama Helena , Rocha José‐Francisco , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Pooled evaluation of the key efficacy and safety profile of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) added‐on to stable antiepileptic therapy in adults with focal‐onset seizures.

Methods

Data from 1703 patients enrolled in four phase III double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled studies were pooled and analyzed. Following a 2 week titration period, ESL was administered at 400 mg, 800 mg, and 1200 mg once‐daily doses for 12 weeks (maintenance period). Pooled efficacy variable was standardized (/4 weeks) seizure frequency (SSF) analyzed over the maintenance period as reduction in absolute and relative SSF and proportion of responders (≥50% reduction in SSF). Pooled safety was analyzed by means of adverse events and clinical laboratory assessments.

Results

SSF was significantly reduced with ESL 800 mg (P < 0.0001) and 1200 mg (P < 0.0001) compared to placebo. Median relative reduction in SSF was 33.4% for ESL 800 mg and 37.8% for 1200 mg (placebo: 17.6%), and responder rate was 33.8% and 43.1% (placebo: 22.2%). ESL was more efficacious than placebo regardless of gender, geographical region, epilepsy duration, age at time of diagnosis, seizure type, and type of concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AED). Incidence of adverse events (AEs) and AEs leading to discontinuation was dose dependent. Most common AEs (>10% patients) were dizziness, somnolence, and nausea. The incidence of treatment‐emergent AEs (dizziness, somnolence, ataxia, vomiting, and nausea) was lower in patients who began taking ESL 400 mg (followed by 400 mg increments to 800 or 1200 mg) than in those who began taking ESL 600 mg or 800 mg.

Conclusions

Once‐daily ESL 800 mg and 1200 mg showed consistent results across all efficacy and safety endpoints, independent of study population characteristics and type of concomitant AEDs. Treatment initiated with ESL 400 mg followed by 400 mg increments to 800 or 1200 mg provides optimal balance of efficacy and tolerability.
Forging a ‘Good Diaspora’: Political Mobilization among Somalis in the UK
Authors: Liberatore Giulia
Published: October 2017

This article is about a campaign that was initiated by Somalis in London in 2013 against Barclays Bank's decision to shut down the accounts of four Somali remittance companies in the UK. It explores how young Somalis mobilized politically around the issue, and how, in the process, they created and reified a particular ‘imagined community’. By drawing on multicultural notions of community, and development idioms of diaspora engagement, they fashioned themselves around a notion of ‘good diaspora’ based on generation, pan‐Somali unity, and ideas of ‘professionalism’. In so doing, they were able to mobilize politically as both national and transnational actors, but were also confronted with some of the limits of the ‘good diaspora’ identity category. This article establishes a dialogue between the literature on diaspora engagement and that on migrant political mobilization by exploring how young Somalis navigate across these different national and transnational conversations, discourses and social categories.
“Candidatus Phytoplasma solani” associated with Eucalyptus witches’ broom in Iran
Authors: Baghaee‐Ravari S. , Jamshidi E. , Falahati‐Rastegar M.
Published: October 2017

During summer of 2015, Eucalyptus camaldulensis plants showing witches’ broom, little leaf and general yellowing of the foliage were observed in west of Fars and Khozestan province of Iran. DNA from samples of 22 symptomatic and two asymptomatic trees was extracted and subjected to molecular analyses. Nested‐PCR test using R16F2n/R16R2 primers confirmed phytoplasma presence in 63% of symptomatic Eucalyptus plants. Sequence analysis along with virtual RFLP of the 16S ribosomal DNA allowed to classify three Eucalyptus witches’ broom strains into the “stolbur” (“Candidatus phytoplasma solani”) 16SrXII‐A subgroup. Comparison of the secA and secY gene sequences with sequences deposited in GenBank confirmed the phytoplasma identity. Real and virtual RFLPs of the amplified secY gene using HaeIII, MseI and RsaI restriction enzymes showed profiles indistinguishable from each other. This is the first study reporting E. camaldulensis as a new host species for “Ca. P. solani.”
Increased water‐use efficiency translates into contrasting growth patterns of Scots pine and sessile oak at their southern distribution limits
Authors: Martínez‐Sancho Elisabet , Dorado‐Liñán Isabel , Gutiérrez Merino Emilia , Matiu Michael , Helle Gerhard , Heinrich Ingo , Menzel Annette
Published: October 2017

In forests, the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations (Ca) has been related to enhanced tree growth and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE). However, in drought‐prone areas such as the Mediterranean Basin, it is not yet clear to what extent this “fertilizing” effect may compensate for drought‐induced growth reduction. We investigated tree growth and physiological responses at five Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and five sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) sites located at their southernmost distribution limits in Europe for the period 1960–2012 using annually resolved tree‐ring width and δ13C data to track ecophysiological processes. Results indicated that all 10 natural stands significantly increased their leaf intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and consequently iWUE. Different trends in the theoretical gas‐exchange scenarios as a response to increasing Ca were found: generally, Ci tended to increase proportionally to Ca, except for trees at the driest sites in which Ci remained constant. Ci from the oak sites displaying higher water availability tended to increase at a comparable rate to Ca. Multiple linear models fitted at site level to predict basal area increment (BAI) using iWUE and climatic variables better explained tree growth in pines (31.9%–71.4%) than in oak stands (15.8%–46.8%). iWUE was negatively linked to pine growth, whereas its effect on growth of oak differed across sites. Tree growth in the western and central oak stands was negatively related to iWUE, whereas BAI from the easternmost stand was positively associated with iWUE. Thus, some Q. petraea stands might have partially benefited from the “fertilizing” effect of rising Ca, whereas P. sylvestris stands due to their strict closure of stomata did not profit from increased iWUE and consequently showed in general growth reductions across sites. Additionally, the inter‐annual variability of BAI and iWUE displayed a geographical polarity in the Mediterranean.
Molecular characterizations of DNA methyltransferase 3 and its roles in temperature tolerance in the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean
Authors: Dai T.‐M. , Lü Z.‐C. , Wang Y.‐S. , Liu W.‐X. , Hong X.‐Y. , Wan F.‐H.
Published: October 2017

The Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species is an invasive pest, distributed worldwide, with high ecological adaptability and thermotolerance. DNA methylation (a reversible chromatin modification) is one possible change that may occur within an organism subjected to environmental stress. To assess the effects of temperature stress on DNA methyltransferase 3 (Dnmt3) in MED, we cloned and sequenced BtDnmt3 and identified its functions in response to high and low temperatures. The full‐length cDNA of BtDnmt3 was 3913 bp, with an open reading frame of 1962 bp, encoding a 73.89 kDa protein. In situ hybridization showed that BtDnmt3 was expressed mainly in the posterior region. BtDnmt3 messenger RNA expression levels were significantly down‐regulated after exposure to heat shock and significantly up‐regulated after exposure to cold shock. Furthermore, after feeding on double‐stranded RNA specific for BtDnmt3, both heat resistance and cold resistance were significantly decreased, suggesting that BtDnmt3 is associated with thermal stress response and indicating a differential response to high‐ and low‐temperature stress in MED. Together, these results highlight a potential role for DNA methylation in thermal resistance, which is a process important to successful invasion and colonization of an alien species in various environments.
Achieving Social and Economic Equality by Unifying Business and Ethics: Adam Smith as the Cause of and Cure for the Separation Thesis
Authors: Newbert Scott L.
Published: October 2017

Adam Smith's famous argument that self‐interested decisions will ultimately improve social welfare seems inconsistent with the social and economic inequality characterizing Smith's time and today. I contend that these inequalities are the result of Smith's failure to explicitly situate the economic man he describes in The Wealth of Nations within the broader social context he articulates in The Theory of the Moral Sentiments, an omission which has since given rise to the separation thesis, which states that business decisions have no moral content and moral decisions have no business content. In response to this modern‐day Adam Smith problem, I integrate Smith's notions of sympathy, intimacy, and justice into a unification thesis that articulates how individuals might balance their self‐interested and benevolent motives. By reuniting the discourses of business and ethics, this research may inform contemporary theories of business ethics and provide normative guidance for managers.
Influences of different dietary contents of macrominerals on the availability of trace elements in horses
Authors: Neustädter L.‐T. , Kamphues J. , Ratert C.
Published: October 2017

In this study, influences of a reduced macromineral intake on the trace element metabolism in horses at maintenance were investigated. Background of this study is the revised recommendation on the macromineral supply for horses (GfE ). Balance studies on three adult pony geldings with body weights of 405 / 348 / 384 kg were performed to obtain data on apparent digestibility (aD), retention and serum concentrations of different trace elements (Cu, Zn, Se) at different dietary macromineral levels. A mineral supplement or a complementary feed—with a reduced macromineral content—was added to a hay‐based diet (daily 5.5 kg hay per animal, split in three servings a day), beside distilled water was offered. The diets were offered one after the other in a way that all ponies had the same sequence of treatments. The native macromineral contents of the daily offered amount of hay already surpassed the new recommendations whereas dietary trace elements needed to be supplemented. There were no statistically significant differences (p ≤ .05) concerning the aD of copper, zinc and selenium comparing the diets with and without macromineral supplementation. Serum levels of these three trace elements were not affected by the different macromineral content of the diet. Results of this study, based on a 22‐day feeding period for each treatment, indicate that a macromineral supplementation of a hay‐based diet for adult horses at maintenance was not necessary. However, no negative effects of added macrominerals on the trace element metabolism occurred in this study.
Timeliness of Breast Cancer Treatment Within The Alaska Tribal Health System
Authors: Kelley Stacy F. , Day Gretchen M. , DeCourtney Christine A. , Nash Sarah H.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study examined the time from breast cancer diagnosis to initiation of treatment among Alaska Native (AN) women. We evaluated the impact of age, cancer stage, and rural/urban residence at diagnosis.

Methods

We evaluated characteristics of women recorded in the Alaska Native Tumor Registry who received a first diagnosis of breast cancer between 2009 and 2013. Median time from diagnosis to treatment was assessed. Associations of demographic and clinical characteristics with timely initiation of treatment were evaluated using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐eight (278) AN women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in years 2009‐2013. Mean age at diagnosis was 56.8 years (SD = 13.0). The median time from diagnosis to initiation of treatment was 23 days (P < .05) with most (94.6%, n = 263) meeting the ≤60‐day guideline target. Time to treatment was not associated with rural/urban residence, age, or stage at cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that most AN women diagnosed with breast cancer within the AN Tribal Health System receive timely treatment after diagnosis.
Risk Factors for Death in Dogs Treated for Esophageal Foreign Body Obstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 222 Cases (1998–2017)
Authors: Burton A.G. , Talbot C.T. , Kent M.S.
Published: October 2017

Background

Limited data exist describing risk factors for death, and long‐term outcomes in dogs with esophageal foreign body (EFB) obstruction.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate short‐ and long‐term outcomes, and analyze risk factors for death in dogs with EFB obstruction. We hypothesized duration of entrapment and treatment type would affect outcome.

Animals

A total of 222 dogs were treated for EFB obstruction at an emergency and referral hospital between March 1998 and March 2017.

Methods

Medical records for dogs with EFB were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Foreign material most frequently was osseous (180/222 [81%]), with distal esophagus the most common location (110/222 [49.5%]). Duration of clinical signs was not associated with risk of death (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.99–1.17; P = 0.2). Entrapment was treated by endoscopy (204/222 [91.8%]), surgery after endoscopic attempt (13/222 [5.9%]), and repeat endoscopy after surgery was recommended but declined (5/222 [2.3%]). In‐hospital case fatality rate was 11/222 (5%). Risk of death was significantly higher with surgery (OR = 20.1, 95% CI 3.59–112.44; P = 0.001), and 5/5 (100%) of dogs died if undergoing endoscopy after surgery was recommended but declined. Increasing numbers of postprocedural complications (OR = 3.44, CI 2.01–5.91; P < 0.001), esophageal perforation (OR = 65.47, CI 4.27–1004.15; P = 0.003), and postprocedure esophageal hemorrhage (OR = 11.81, CI 1.19–116.77; P = 0.04) increased in‐hospital risk of death. Esophageal strictures were reported in 4/189 (2.1%) of survivors available for follow‐up.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Death is uncommon in canine EFB; however, treatment type affects outcome, and these data should be used to guide decision‐making in dogs with EFB.
The Frequency and Clinical Implications of Bacteriuria in Chronically Paralyzed Dogs
Authors: Rafatpanah Baigi S. , Vaden S. , Olby N.J.
Published: October 2017

Background

Paralysis is a known risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTI), sepsis, and death in paralyzed people, but there are no data available on diagnostic criteria for UTI versus bacteriuria, their frequency, or clinical implications in chronically paralyzed dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

That chronically paralyzed dogs suffer frequent bacteriuria causing reduced duration of survival. We documented the frequency of bacteriuria, associated clinical signs, and survival rate in chronically paralyzed dogs.

Animals

Forty‐seven client‐owned dogs paralyzed with no pelvic limb pain perception for >3 months and at least one urine culture (UC) performed.

Methods

Retrospective, observational study. Medical records of dogs meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed for results of UC, urinalysis, and clinical signs. Outcome was compared between dogs with and without bacteriuria.

Results

Thirty‐five of 47 dogs had at least 1 positive UC, and 13 had recurrent bacteriuria. Rectal temperature and urinalysis results were extracted from records. Fever was present at time of UC in 5 of 68 observations, 2 with and 3 without bacteriuria. Pyuria was significantly associated with positive cultures (P < 0.001), cloudiness was not (P = 0.076). Survival data in 35 dogs (8 dead) showed no association between bacteriuria and survival (P = 0.69).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Bacteriuria is common in paralyzed dogs but does not cause fever; diagnostic criteria of UTI are unclear. We did not detect an association of bacteriuria with survival, but this needs further confirmation.
PufQ regulates porphyrin flux at the haem/bacteriochlorophyll branchpoint of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis via interactions with ferrochelatase
Authors: Chidgey Jack W. , Jackson Philip J. , Dickman Mark J. , Hunter C. Neil
Published: October 2017

Facultative phototrophs such as Rhodobacter sphaeroides can switch between heterotrophic and photosynthetic growth. This transition is governed by oxygen tension and involves the large‐scale production of bacteriochlorophyll, which shares a biosynthetic pathway with haem up to protoporphyrin IX. Here, the pathways diverge with the insertion of Fe2+ or Mg2+ into protoporphyrin by ferrochelatase or magnesium chelatase, respectively. Tight regulation of this branchpoint is essential, but the mechanisms for switching between respiratory and photosynthetic growth are poorly understood. We show that PufQ governs the haem/bacteriochlorophyll switch; pufQ is found within the oxygen‐regulated pufQBALMX operon encoding the reaction centre–light‐harvesting photosystem complex. A pufQ deletion strain synthesises low levels of bacteriochlorophyll and accumulates the biosynthetic precursor coproporphyrinogen III; a suppressor mutant of this strain harbours a mutation in the hemH gene encoding ferrochelatase, substantially reducing ferrochelatase activity and increasing cellular bacteriochlorophyll levels. FLAG‐immunoprecipitation experiments retrieve a ferrochelatase‐PufQ‐carotenoid complex, proposed to regulate the haem/bacteriochlorophyll branchpoint by directing porphyrin flux toward bacteriochlorophyll production under oxygen‐limiting conditions. The co‐location of pufQ and the photosystem genes in the same operon ensures that switching of tetrapyrrole metabolism toward bacteriochlorophyll is coordinated with the production of reaction centre and light‐harvesting polypeptides.
Environmental and genetic regulation of white‐opaque switching in Candida tropicalis
Authors: Zheng Qiushi , Zhang Qiuyu , Bing Jian , Ding Xuefen , Huang Guanghua
Published: October 2017

Phenotypic switching is a strategy by which microbial organisms adapt to environmental changes. The human fungal pathogens, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, are closely related species and capable of undergoing morphological transitions. C. albicans primarily exists in human or warm‐blooded animals as a commensal, whereas C. tropicalis not only exists as a commensal but also is widely distributed in the environment. In this study, we describe the environmental and genetic regulatory mechanisms of white‐opaque switching in C. tropicalis, which is associated with virulence and sexual mating. A comparative study with C. albicans demonstrated that C. tropicalis responds to environmental stimuli, such as elevated CO2 levels and pH changes, in opposite manners. An acidic pH and elevated CO2 levels promote the opaque phenotype in C. albicans but have an opposite effect in C. tropicalis, whereas alkaline pH conditions facilitate white‐to‐opaque switching and sexual mating in C. tropicalis. The conserved Rim101‐mediated pH sensing and Ras1‐cAMP/PKA signaling pathways are involved in this regulation. By screening an overexpression library of transcription factors, we identified 26 white‐opaque regulators, including WOR1, AHR1, EFG1, CUP9, BCR1 and SFL2. Transcriptional analysis indicated that the pH sensing and Ras1‐cAMP/PKA signaling pathways and transcriptional regulators coordinately regulate white‐to‐opaque switching.
Candida albicans possess a highly versatile and dynamic high‐affinity iron transport system important for its commensal‐pathogenic lifestyle
Authors: Mamouei Zeinab , Zeng Guisheng , Wang Yan‐Ming , Wang Yue
Published: October 2017

Iron is an essential nutrient for nearly all organisms, but iron overdose is toxic. The human commensal‐pathogenic fungus Candida albicans traverses host niches with markedly different iron availability. During systemic infection, C. albicans must activate the high‐affinity iron permease Ftr1 to acquire iron sequestered by the host's iron‐withholding defense and suppresses iron uptake while residing in the iron‐rich gut to avoid toxicity. Ftr1 associates with a ferroxidase to form an iron transporter. C. albicans contains four permeases and five ferroxidase homologs, suggesting 20 possible subunit combinations. Here, we investigated the iron‐dependent expression, cellular localization and interacting partners of all permeases and ferroxidases and the significance of each subunit for gastrointestinal colonization and systemic infection in mice. We uncovered three distinct patterns of iron‐dependent expression and highly flexible ferroxidase‐permease partnerships, which underlie a dynamic iron transport system that can be deftly tuned according to iron availability. We found functional differentiation as well as redundancy among the ferroxidases and permeases during both gastrointestinal colonization and bloodstream infection. We propose that C. albicans possesses a sophisticated iron acquisition and utilization system befitting its commensal‐pathogenic lifestyle. Our findings reveal new possibilities for medical intervention of C. albicans infection.
Transplant tourism following the declaration of Istanbul: Poor outcomes and nephrologist dilemma
Authors: AlBugami Meteb M , AlOtaibe Fahad E , Alabadi Abdulnaser M , Hamawi Khaled , Bel'eed‐Akkari Khalid
Published: October 2017

Aim

Transplant tourism (TT) violates many international laws and documents. Despite all efforts, TT seems to be increasing. The aim of this study is to review outcomes of recipients of commercially transplanted kidneys since the Declaration of Istanbul.

Methods

All recipients of kidney transplantation done abroad and then returning to our centre, from September 2008 to December 2015, were included (tourists). Demographics and outcomes were collected from patients’ charts. All data were compared with all recipients of living donor kidney transplants done at our centre (locals).

Results

A total of 86 tourists and 365 locals were included. Both groups had similar age and gender. Re‐grafting rates were the same, however, more pre‐emptive transplants were done abroad. TT increased over time. Tourists presented early after TT, median 17.5 (IQR 7–30) days, and 47.7% were encountered initially in the emergency department. One‐year graft and patient survivals were significantly lower among tourists compared with locals (87.2% vs. 98.0%, P < 0.001 and 90.7% vs. 98.0%, P < 0.001, respectively). Tourists had a significantly higher rate of acute cellular rejection (19.8% vs. 7.1%, P < 0.001), and they sustained significantly higher rates of serious viral, bacterial and fungal infections compared with the locals.

Conclusion

Transplant tourism seems to be increasing despite international condemnation and efforts to stop it. Outcomes are significantly worse when compared to local transplant recipients. Concerted effort is needed to better inform patients about the ethical and physical harms related to TT, and to point them towards ethically sound and medically safer alternatives.
Technical success of the ultrasound‐guided supra‐inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block in older children and adolescents for hip arthroscopy
Authors: Eastburn Elizabeth , Hernandez Maria A. , Boretsky Karen
Published: October 2017

Background

Hip arthroscopic surgery is performed on older pediatric patients. Fascia iliaca compartment block has proven efficacy in providing analgesia following hip surgery and can be performed with target location of local anesthetic below or above the inguinal ligament. The reported success of ultrasound‐guided infra‐inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block is lower when compared to traditional landmark technique, while the reliability of supra‐inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block is unreported.

Aim

The primary aim was to report the results in obtaining sensory changes in the distribution of the femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves following supra‐inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block in patients undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery. Secondary outcomes are the ability to find echogenic landmarks and to report pain scores and opioid consumption.

Methods

We reviewed the electronic medical record and regional anesthesia database of patients receiving ultrasound‐guided fascia iliaca compartment block for arthroscopic hip surgery. Sensory changes to the femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves were determined. Identification of echogenic landmarks was quantified. Pain scores and opioid consumption were determined.

Results

Seventeen patients of mean age 15.4 years old (SD 1.3; range 13‐17 years) were included. Sensory changes to both the femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves occurred in 94% of patients (95% CI: 82%‐100%). The average volume of ropivacaine 0.2% was 0.53 mL/Kg (SD 0.11 mL/Kg). Echogenic landmarks were identified in all patients. Pain scores and opioid consumption were generally low.

Conclusion

A supra‐inguinal location for the deposition of local anesthetic when performing fascia iliaca nerve block for hip surgery is reliable in anesthetizing the femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves and should encourage investigation into the clinical efficacy.