bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morality and Aesthetics of Food
Authors: Liao Sam , Meskin Aaron
Published: January 2018

This chapter explores the interaction between the moral value and aesthetic value of food, in part by connecting it to existing discussions of the interaction between moral and aesthetic values of art. Along the way, this chapter considers food as art, the aesthetic value of food, and the role of expertise in uncovering aesthetic value. Ultimately, this chapter argues against both food autonomism (the view that food’s moral value is unconnected to its aesthetic value) and Carolyn Korsmeyer’s food moralism (the view that moral flaws can only make food aesthetically worse). Instead, it argues for the position of food immoralism: sometimes a moral flaw can make an item of food aesthetically better. This chapter concludes by drawing out broader implications of this position for discussions on the ethics of food and discussions on the interaction between the moral and aesthetic values of art.
Food Sovereignty, Justice, and Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Whyte Kyle Powys
Published: January 2018

Indigenous peoples often claim that colonial powers, such as settler states, violate Indigenous peoples’ collective self-determination over their food systems, or food sovereignty. Violations of food sovereignty are often food injustices. Yet Indigenous peoples claim that one of the solutions to protecting food sovereignty involves the conservation of particular foods, from salmon to wild rice. This chapter advances an argument that claims of this kind advance particular theories of food sovereignty and food injustice that are not actually grounded in static conceptions of Indigenous cultures; instead, such claims offer important contributions for understanding how settler colonial domination is a form of injustice that undermines key relationships that support Indigenous collective self-determination as an adaptive capacity.
Religious Dietary Practices and Secular Food Ethics; or, How to Hope that Your Food Choices Make a Difference Even When You Reasonably Believe That They Don’t
Authors: Chignell Andrew
Published: January 2018

Religious dietary practices foster a sense of communal identity, certainly, but traditionally they are also regarded as pleasing to God (or the gods, or the ancestors) and spiritually beneficial. In other words, for many religious people, the effects of fasting go well beyond what is immediately observed or empirically measurable, and that is a large part of what motivates participation in the practice. The goal of this chapter is to develop that religious way of thinking into a response to a motivational problem that arises from our awareness of the insensitivity of contemporary food supply chains. If someone can have faith, or at least tenacious hope, that the significance of her food choices goes well beyond what is immediately observed or empirically measurable, then she may be less demoralized by the apparent inefficacy of those choices. The chapter concludes by considering a way in which this broadly religious way of thinking might be available to secular people as well.
OAO/MITSuME photometry of dwarf novae. II. HV Virginis and OT J012059.6+325545
Authors: Imada Akira , Isogai Keisuke , raki Takahiro , Tanada Shunsuke , Yanagisawa Kenshi , Kawai Nobuyuki
Published: January 2018

We report on multicolor photometry of WZ Sge-type dwarf novae HV Vir and OT J012059.6+325545 during superoutbursts. These systems show early superhumps with mean periods of 0.057093(45) d for HV Vir and 0.057147(15) d for OT J012059.6+325545. The observed early superhumps showed a common feature that the brightness minima corresponded to the bluest peaks in color variations, which may be a ubiquitous phenomenon among early superhumps of WZ Sge-type dwarf novae. We confirmed that the amplitudes of early superhumps depend on wavelength: amplitudes with longer bandpass filters show larger values. This indicates that the light source of early superhumps is generated at the outer region of the vertically extended accretion disk. On the other hand, amplitudes of ordinary superhumps are likely to be independent of wavelength. This implies that the superhump light source is geometrically thin. We also examined color variations of ordinary superhumps and found that the bluest peaks in g΄ − Ic tend to coincide with the brightness minima, particularily in stage B superhumps. This may reflect that the pressure effect plays a dominant role during stage B superhumps.
AtOZF1 Positively Regulates Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens and NPR1-Independent Salicylic Acid Signaling
Authors: Singh Nidhi , Swain Swadhin , Singh Anupriya , Nandi Ashis Kumar
Published: January 2018

Plant hormone salicylic acid (SA) plays critical roles in defense signaling against biotrophic pathogens. Pathogen inoculation leads to SA accumulation in plants. SA activates a transactivator protein NPR1, which, in turn, transcriptionally activates many defense response genes. Reports also suggest the presence of NPR1-independent pathways for SA signaling in Arabidopsis. Here, we report the characterization of a zinc-finger protein-coding gene AtOZF1 that positively influences NPR1-independent SA signaling. Mutants of AtOZF1 are compromised, whereas AtOZF1-overexpressing plants are hyperactive for defense against virulent and avirulent pathogens. AtOZF1 expression is SA-inducible. AtOZF1 function is not required for pathogenesis-associated biosynthesis and accumulation of SA. However, it is required for SA responsiveness. By generating atozf1npr1 double mutant, we show that contributions of these two genes are additive in terms of defense. We identified AtOZF1-interacting proteins by a yeast-two-hybrid screening of an Arabidopsis cDNA library. VDAC2 and NHL3 are two AtOZF1-interacting proteins, which are positive regulators of basal defense. AtOZF1 interacts with NHL3 and VDAC2 in plasma membrane and mitochondria, respectively. Our results demonstrate that AtOZF1 coordinates multiple steps of plant-pathogen interaction.
Detection and Molecular Characterization of Resistance to the Dicarboximide and Benzamide Fungicides in Botrytis cinerea From Tomato in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Adnan M. , Hamada M. S. , Li G. Q. , Luo C. X.
Published: January 2018

Altogether, 192 Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from tomato greenhouses at different locations in Hubei Province were evaluated for their sensitivity to fungicides procymidone and zoxamide. The mean effective concentration to cause 50% growth inhibition (EC50) values of procymidone for sensitive and resistant isolates were 0.25 and 3.60 μg/ml, respectively. The frequency of procymidone-resistant (ProR) isolates was 18%, and the highest frequency was recorded in Jingmen. Positive cross-resistance was observed for ProR isolates to other dicarboximide fungicides but not to phenylpyrroles. Significant differences were observed for fitness parameters (i.e., mycelial growth, osmotic sensitivity, and virulence between sensitive and resistant isolates). Amino acid sequence of the Bos1 gene revealed that ProR isolates carried either point mutations at codon 365 (I365S) or a pair of point mutations at codons 369 (Q369P) and 373 (N373S). For zoxamide, the mean EC50 values for sensitive and resistant isolates were 0.22 and 5.32 μg/ml, respectively. Approximately 14% of the isolates were found to be resistant to zoxamide, and the highest frequency of resistance was also observed in Jingmen. There was positive cross-resistance for zoxamide-resistant (ZoxR) isolates to carbendazim. No significant differences were observed for fitness parameters between zoxamide-sensitive and ZoxR isolates. Sequence analysis of the β-tubulin gene of Botrytis cinerea revealed two previously reported point mutations (E198A and E198K) and one new point mutation (T351I). This new mutation was detected in only those isolates which possessed the E198K but not E198A substitution. This study allows for a better understanding of the resistance development profile in Hubei Province. Results will be useful for the improvement of fungicide resistance management strategies.
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Authors: Jarrett Claudius D. , Papatheodorou Loukia K. , Sotereanos Dean G.
Published: January 2018

Cubital tunnel syndrome is one of the most frequent causes of painful paresthesias in the upper extremity. As the ulnar nerve travels around the elbow, it is subjected to compressive, tensile, and frictional forces that potentially jeopardize its physiologic function. A detailed physical examination remains the primary mode of diagnosis. Recently, high-resolution ultrasound has garnered enthusiasm as an additional diagnostic and prognostic tool. With mild symptoms, many patients can be effectively treated conservatively. In advanced stages, surgical intervention should be recommended. Continued advancement in surgical techniques now allows several equally effective alternatives for both primary and recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome.
Facilitating Adoption of an Electronic Documentation System
Authors: Jones Nazarine T. , Seckman Charlotte
Published: January 2018

Best practice recommends the integration of clinical documentation into the hospital electronic health record to support safe, efficient, and timely patient care. A major barrier to successful adoption and optimization of computerized documentation systems is user satisfaction. The purpose of this descriptive, performance improvement initiative was to implement and evaluate user satisfaction with an electronic documentation system to facilitate successful adoption. The Clinical Procedure Flowsheets application was implemented in a geriatric extended care unit of a large healthcare system. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation and Davis’ Technology Acceptance Model were used to guide system adoption and improve user experience of the innovation. The Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use questionnaire was distributed to 24 nursing staff working in the unit 9 weeks after implementation. Results indicated that respondents perceived the Clinical Procedure Flowsheets as easy to use and useful in accomplishing their documentation tasks. The overall mean satisfaction score of 72.17 (SD, 12.13) implied a strong level of user acceptance. The positive perception of the nursing staff in the geriatric extended care unit suggests a high probability of system use that can enhance the documentation of patient care. Further research is recommended to evaluate factors related to system adoption and user satisfaction.
Diagnostic Ability and Structure-function Relationship of Peripapillary Optical Microangiography Measurements in Glaucoma
Authors: Rao Harsha L. , Dasari Srilakshmi , Riyazuddin Mohammed , Puttaiah Narendra K. , Pradhan Zia S. , Weinreb Robert N. , Mansouri Kaweh , Webers Carroll A.B.
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic abilities of peripapillary optical microangiography (OMAG) measurements in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and to evaluate the relationship of these measurements with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and visual sensitivities in different peripapillary sectors.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, 97 eyes of 57 control subjects and 101 eyes of 66 POAG patients underwent OMAG and RNFL imaging with optical coherence tomography. POAG was diagnosed on the basis of the masked evaluation of optic disc stereo photographs. Area under receiver operating characteristic curves and sensitivities at 90% specificity of the OMAG and RNFL thickness measurements in different peripapillary sectors were evaluated. Association between OMAG, RNFL thickness, and visual sensitivity measurements were evaluated using fractional polynomial regression models.

Results:

All OMAG and RNFL measurements were significantly less in the POAG compared with the control eyes. Diagnostic abilities of the best OMAG measurement (inferior sector vessel length density, area under receiver operating characteristic curves: 0.84, sensitivity at 90%, specificity: 65%) were significantly less (P<0.05) than that of the best RNFL measurement (inferior sector RNFL thickness, 0.94 and 81%). Inferior sector vessel length density showed the strongest association with inferior sector RNFL thickness (R
2=0.66, P<0.001) and the superior sector visual sensitivity loss (R
2=0.21, P=0.006).

Conclusions:

The inferior sector OMAG measurements had the best diagnostic ability in glaucoma and the strongest association with RNFL and the visual sensitivity measurements. Diagnostic ability of OMAG measurements, however, were significantly less than the RNFL thickness measurements.
Computerised training improves cognitive performance in chronic pain: a participant-blinded randomised active-controlled trial with remote supervision
Authors: Baker Katharine S. , Georgiou-Karistianis Nellie , Lampit Amit , Valenzuela Michael , Gibson Stephen J. , Giummarra Melita J.
Published: January 2018

Chronic pain is associated with reduced efficiency of cognitive performance, and few studies have investigated methods of remediation. We trialled a computerised cognitive training protocol to determine whether it could attenuate cognitive difficulties in a chronic pain sample. Thirty-nine adults with chronic pain (mean age = 43.3, 61.5% females) were randomised to an 8-week online course (3 sessions/week from home) of game-like cognitive training exercises, or an active control involving watching documentary videos. Participants received weekly supervision by video call. Primary outcomes were a global neurocognitive composite (tests of attention, speed, and executive function) and self-reported cognition. Secondary outcomes were pain (intensity; interference), mood symptoms (depression; anxiety), and coping with pain (catastrophising; self-efficacy). Thirty participants (15 training and 15 control) completed the trial. Mixed model intention-to-treat analyses revealed significant effects of training on the global neurocognitive composite (net effect size [ES] = 0.43, P = 0.017), driven by improved executive function performance (attention switching and working memory). The control group reported improvement in pain intensity (net ES = 0.65, P = 0.022). Both groups reported subjective improvements in cognition (ES = 0.28, P = 0.033) and catastrophising (ES = 0.55, P = 0.006). Depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and pain interference showed no change in either group. This study provides preliminary evidence that supervised cognitive training may be a viable method for enhancing cognitive skills in persons with chronic pain, but transfer to functional and clinical outcomes remains to be demonstrated. Active control results suggest that activities perceived as relaxing or enjoyable contribute to improved perception of well-being. Weekly contact was pivotal to successful program completion.
The effect of arthropathies on illness perceptions, coping strategies, outcomes, and their changes over time in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a 12-month follow-up study
Authors: van Erp Sanne J.H. , van der Have Mike , Fidder Herma H. , van der Heijde Désirée , Wolterbeek Ron , Hommes Daniel W. , Kaptein Ad A. , van der Meulen-de Jong Andrea E.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Arthropathies are a common extraintestinal manifestation (EIM) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study evaluated the differences in illness perceptions, coping strategies, and illness outcomes between patients with IBD with and without arthropathies at baseline and examined changes at 12 months in these variables in patients with arthropathies.

Methods

In total, 204 patients with (n=123) and without (n=81) arthropathies completed questionnaires at baseline and after 1 year, assessing illness perceptions, coping strategies, quality of life, and work and activity impairment. A linear regression analysis assessed the effect of arthropathies on these factors compared with patients without arthropathies. A mixed model analysis evaluated changes in illness perceptions, coping strategies, and outcomes in patients with arthropathies over time.

Results

Patients with arthropathies had more persistent thoughts on symptomatology and the variability of symptoms, held more negative views on the effects of illness, had heightened emotions that affected daily functioning, and had a poorer understanding of IBD than patients without arthropathies. Patients with arthropathies could more efficiently divert attention, felt more useful to others, and perceived a reduced physical and mental health and an increased activity impairment compared with patients without arthropathies. At follow-up, patients with arthropathies were more sceptical about the effectiveness of medical treatment but were better able to adapt their activities to their complaints compared with baseline.

Conclusion

Patients with arthropathies in IBD adopt different illness perceptions and coping strategies and have different outcomes compared with patients without arthropathies, which is important to know when designing behavioral and physical interventions to improve functioning.
Leveraging Linkage of Cohort Studies With Administrative Claims Data to Identify Individuals With Cancer
Authors: Bronson Mackenzie R. , Kapadia Nirav S. , Austin Andrea M. , Wang Qianfei , Feskanich Diane , Bynum Julie P.W. , Grodstein Francine , Tosteson Anna N.A.
Published: January 2018

Background:

In an effort to overcome quality and cost constraints inherent in population-based research, diverse data sources are increasingly being combined. In this paper, we describe the performance of a Medicare claims-based incident cancer identification algorithm in comparison with observational cohort data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS).

Methods:

NHS-Medicare linked participants’ claims data were analyzed using 4 versions of a cancer identification algorithm across 3 cancer sites (breast, colorectal, and lung). The algorithms evaluated included an update of the original Setoguchi algorithm, and 3 other versions that differed in the data used for prevalent cancer exclusions.

Results:

The algorithm that yielded the highest positive predictive value (PPV) (0.52–0.82) and κ statistic (0.62–0.87) in identifying incident cancer cases utilized both Medicare claims and observational cohort data (NHS) to remove prevalent cases. The algorithm that only used NHS data to inform the removal of prevalent cancer cases performed nearly equivalently in statistical performance (PPV, 0.50–0.79; κ, 0.61–0.85), whereas the version that used only claims to inform the removal of prevalent cancer cases performed substantially worse (PPV, 0.42–0.60; κ, 0.54–0.70), in comparison with the dual data source-informed algorithm.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest claims-based algorithms identify incident cancer with variable reliability when measured against an observational cohort study reference standard. Self-reported baseline information available in cohort studies is more effective in removing prevalent cancer cases than are claims data algorithms. Use of claims-based algorithms should be tailored to the research question at hand and the nature of available observational cohort data.
Overexpression of the Long Noncoding RNA HomeoboxA Transcript at the Distal Tip Predicts Poor Prognosis in a KRAS-Independent Manner in Periampullary Region Tumors
Authors: Balcin Ozkan , Ak Aksoy Secil , Tunca Berrin , Kaya Ekrem , Egeli Unal , Tezcan Gulcin , Ugras Nesrin , Cecener Gulsah , Isik Ozgen , Dundar Halit Ziya , Yerci Omer
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Periampullary region tumors (PRTs) are the fifth highest cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although recent studies have highlighted the prognostic value of the long noncoding RNA HomeoboxA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the relationship between HOTTIP and clinical outcome of all PRTs remains obscure. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic significance of HOTTIP in patients with all PRTs related to KRAS mutational status.

Methods

HomeoboxA transcript at the distal tip expression was detected in 100 PRT samples using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The associations between HOTTIP levels, clinicopathological factors, and patient prognosis were also analyzed.

Results

The expression of HOTTIP was found to be significantly upregulated by 32-fold (P = 0.031) in tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. The over expression of HOTTIP was related with presence of invasion and metastasis (P = 0.0467, P = 0.0256). In addition, increased HOTTIP expression was associated with poor prognosis independent of KRAS mutation (P < 0.001; n = 72). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that high HOTTIP expression was an unfavorable prognostic factor for overall survival.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that high levels of HOTTIP expression have the potential to be an independent, unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with PRT.
Predictive Effect of the Total Number of Examined Lymph Nodes on N Staging and Survival in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Zhang Xianbin , Lu Lili , Liu Peng , Cao Fei , Wei Yushan , Ma Li , Gong Peng
Published: January 2018

Objectives

We aim to examine the predictive effect of the total number of examined lymph nodes on N stage and survival in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) and to determine the optimal threshold.

Methods

A pNENs data set from 2004 to 2013 was extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result database. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards model were used to identify predictive factors associated with N stage and survival, respectively.

Results

Totally, 1280 pNENs were analyzed. The 11 to 15 lymph nodes examined showed a strong association with the N1 stage (6–10 vs 11–15: odds ratio, 0.672; P = 0.042; 11–15 vs 16–20: odds ratio, 1.049; P = 0.840). However, it failed to show any survival benefit in pNENs with or without lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

Examining at least 11 lymph nodes may be useful to accurately classify the N stage for pNENs.
Utility of Endoscopic Ultrasonography Screening for Small Pancreatic Cancer and Proposal for a New Scoring System for Screening
Authors: Sagami Ryota , Nishikiori Hidefumi , Anami Katsuhiro , Fujiwara Shozo , Honda Koichi , Ikuyama Shoichiro , Kitano Masayuki , Murakami Kazunari
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of endoscopic ultrasonography screening for small pancreatic cancer (PC) and propose a new simple scoring system for selecting individuals who should be screened.

Methods

Risk factors or symptoms related to PC were tentatively divided into high- and low-grade risk groups based mainly on reported relative risk values. Numbers of risk factors were designated as risk scores. Endoscopic ultrasonography screening was performed for 632 individuals. We analyzed scores for PC detection prospectively, and risk factors and scores of PC patients retrospectively.

Results

We detected 10 small malignant pancreatic neoplasms (size ≤20 mm; 8 PCs; 9 Tis or T1) and 14 advanced PCs. All small PCs and 95.5% of PCs were found in individuals with low-grade risk scores of at least 3 points (P) or high-grade risk scores of at least 1P. Both average risk scores were significantly higher in patients with small PCs (P ≤ 0.04). Cutoffs for low- and high-grade risk scores implying the presence of small PC and all PC were 3P and 1P, respectively. When subjects having one or both cutoff scores were screened, sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 64.4% for small PCs and 95.5% and 64.4% for all PCs.

Conclusion

Endoscopic ultrasonography screening combining new scoring is effective for detecting small PC.
Simultaneous Presentation of Wilms’ Tumor and Contralateral Ganglioneuroma in a Child: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bayramoglu Zuhal , Adaletli Ibrahim , Caliskan Emine , Kilicaslan Isin , Karaoglan Cagla S. , Celik Alaattin , Gun Soysal Feryal , Bay Sema B. , Zulfikar Bulent
Published: January 2018

We demonstrate a 4-year-old girl who presented with progressive, asymmetrical, firm abdominal distention and was diagnosed with synchronous Wilms’ tumor and left para-aortic ganglioneuroma (GN). Although synchronous tumors in the pediatric population are commonly associated with malignancy-predisposing syndromes, the patient in question was found to be otherwise healthy and had no clinical evidence nor family history of a syndrome. This case is the second one in the literature diagnosed with synchronous presentation of Wilms’ tumor and GN in a previously healthy child. In addition, a GN foci presumed to be a previous metastasis of a neurogenic tumor that subsequently matured to GN was depicted within a left para-aortic lymph node. We aimed to emphasize an extremely rare synchronous occurrence of these embryonal tumors, increase the awareness of physicians, and discuss the radiologic differential diagnosis and management.
Cost-effectiveness and Improved Parent and Provider Satisfaction With Outpatient Management of Pediatric Oncology Patients, With Low-risk Fever and Neutropenia
Authors: Bavle Abhishek , Grimes Amanda , Zhao Sibo , Zinn Daniel , Jackson Andrea , Patel Binita , Porea Timothy , Dutta Ankhi , Russell Heidi , Heczey Andras
Published: January 2018

On the basis of significant evidence for safety, the international pediatric fever and neutropenia committee recommends the identification and management of patients with “low-risk fever and neutropenia” (LRFN), outpatient with oral antibiotics, instead of traditional inpatient management. The aim of our study was to compare the cost-per-patient with these 2 strategies, and to evaluate parent and provider satisfaction with the outpatient management of LRFN. Between March 2016 and February 2017, 17 LRFN patients (median absolute neutrophil count, 90/μL) were managed at a single institution, per new guidelines. Fifteen patients were discharged on presentation or at 24 to 48 hours postadmission on oral levofloxacin, and 2 were inadvertently admitted off protocol. The mean cost of management for the postimplementation cohort was compared with a historic preimplementation control group. Satisfaction surveys were completed by parents and health care providers of LRFN patients. The mean total cost of an LRFN episode was $12,500 per patient preimplementation and $6168 postimplementation, a decrease of $6332 (51%) per patient. All parents surveyed found outpatient follow-up easy; most (12/14) parents and all (16/16) providers preferred outpatient management. Outpatient management of LRFN patients was less costly, and was preferred by a majority of parents and all health care providers, compared with traditional inpatient management.
The Importance of Parental Connectedness and Relationships With Healthcare Professionals in End-of-Life Care in the PICU*
Authors: Falkenburg Jeannette L. , Tibboel Dick , Ganzevoort Ruard R. , Gischler Saskia J. , van Dijk Monique
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

Support from healthcare professionals in a PICU is highly valuable for parents of dying children. The way they care for the patients and their families affects the parents’ initial mourning process. This study explores what interaction with hospital staff is meaningful to parents in existential distress when their child is dying in the PICU.

Design:

Qualitative interview study.

Setting:

Level 3 PICU in the Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, and the Netherlands.

Subjects:

Thirty-six parents of 20 children who had died in this unit 5 years previously.

Interventions:

Parents participated in audio-recorded interviews in their own homes. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative methods.

Measurements and Main Results:

Parents’ narratives of their child’s end-of-life stage in the PICU bespeak experiences of estrangement, emotional distancing, and loneliness. Significant moments shared with hospital staff that remained valuable even after 5 years primarily involved personal connectedness, reflected in frequent informational updates, personal commitment of professionals, and interpersonal contact with doctors and nurses.

Conclusions:

Parents whose children died in the PICU value personal connectedness to doctors and nurses when coping with existential distress. Medical and nursing training programs should raise awareness of parents’ need for contact in all interactions but especially in times of crisis and apprehension.
Gadolinium Retention, Brain T1 Hyperintensity, and Endogenous Metals
Authors: Rasschaert Marlène , Emerit Andréa , Fretellier Nathalie , Factor Cécile , Robert Philippe , Idée Jean-Marc , Corot Claire
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This preclinical study was designed to compare gadolinium (Gd) brain uptake after repeated injections of a macrocyclic Gd-based contrast agent (GBCA) (gadoterate meglumine) or 2 linear GBCAs (L-GBCAs) (gadobenate dimeglumine or gadodiamide) on a translational model of moderate renal impairment in rats.

Methods

The study was carried out in subtotally nephrectomized rats. Animals received 4 intravenous injections per week of GBCA (gadoterate meglumine, gadobenate dimeglumine, or gadodiamide) for 5 weeks, resulting in a cumulative dose of 12 mmol/kg, followed by a 1-month injection-free period. T1 hyperintensity in the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCNs) was investigated, and brain structures were carefully dissected to determine elemental Gd, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) distribution by mass spectrometry. Urinary excretion of endogenous metals was also investigated soon after GBCA administration and several days later in order to assess a potential transmetalation phenomenon.

Results

Unlike gadoterate, repeated injections of L-GBCAs gadobenate and gadodiamide both induced T1 hyperintensity in the DCNs. Fine dissection of cerebral and cerebellar structures demonstrated very low levels or absence of Gd after repeated injections of gadoterate, in contrast to the two L-GBCAs, for which the highest total Gd concentration was demonstrated in the DCNs (Gd concentration in DCNs after 4.5 weeks of injection-free period: 27.1 ± 6.5 nmol/g for gadodiamide [P < 0.01 vs saline and P < 0.05 vs gadoterate]; 12.0 ± 2.6 nmol/g for gadobenate [P < 0.09 vs saline]; compared with 1.4 ± 0.2 nmol/g for gadoterate [ns vs saline]). The distribution of Gd concentration among the various brain structures dissected was also well correlated with the Fe distribution in these structures. No difference in endogenous metal levels in brain structures was observed. However, injection of gadobenate or gadodiamide resulted in an increase in urinary Zn excretion (urinary Zn concentrations: 57.9 ± 20.5 nmol/mL with gadobenate [P < 0.01 vs gadoterate and saline] and 221.6 ± 83.3 nmol/L with gadodiamide [P < 0.0001 vs all other treatments] vs 8.1 ± 2.3 nmol/L with saline and 10.6 ± 4.8 nmol/L with gadoterate]).

Conclusions

In a model of renally impaired rats, only traces of gadoterate meglumine were detected in the brain with no T1 hyperintensity of the DCNs, whereas marked Gd retention was observed in almost all brain areas after injections of the L-GBCAs, gadobenate dimeglumine and gadodiamide. Brain structures with higher Gd uptake corresponded to those structures containing more Fe. Urinary Zn excretion was significantly increased after a single injection of L-GBCAs.
Ulinastatin Protects Against LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury By Attenuating TLR4/NF-κB Pathway Activation and Reducing Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Cao Chao , Yin Chengfen , Shou Songtao , Wang Jun , Yu Lechang , Li Xuening , Chai Yanfen
Published: January 2018

Acute lung injury (ALI) and its severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome, remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units. Ulinastatin (UTI), a serine protease inhibitor, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and has been suggested to modulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis; thus, it is now widely used in the treatment of pancreatitis, sepsis, and septic shock. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an essential LPS signaling receptor, plays a critical role in the activation of innate immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether UTI alleviates ALI by attenuating TLR4 expression and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. Male C56BL/6 mice were administered UTI intravenously 1 h before and 6 h after exposure to LPS by intratracheal instillation. Human lung epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells were incubated with LPS in the presence or absence of UTI. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect levels of inflammatory cytokines. Western blot analysis was performed to detect changes in TLR4 expression and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. UTI significantly protected animals from LPS-induced ALI, decreasing the lung wet/dry weight ratio, ALI score, total cells, neutrophils, macrophages, myeloperoxidase activity, and malondialdehyde content, factors associated with lung histological damage. UTI treatment also markedly attenuated levels of TLR4 and other proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, UTI significantly attenuated LPS-induced increases in TLR4 protein expression and NF-κB activation in lung tissues. Similarly, UTI markedly attenuated TLR4 expression and NF-κB activation in LPS-stimulated BEAS-2B cells. These findings indicate that UTI ameliorates LPS-induced ALI by attenuating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation.
Transanal Minimally Invasive Anal Canal Polyp Resection
Authors: Dapri Giovanni , Fabres Anny Cadenas , Nicod Olivier , Rodrigo Garces Duran , Muls Vinciane , Van Gossum Marc
Published: January 2018

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are operative endoscopies that have been performed since a long time. Recently, an evolution of laparoscopy called transanal minimally invasive surgery began to be popularized, and it can be adopted in the face of difficult cases for EMR/ESD. In this video, a 36-year-old woman was submitted to transanal minimally invasive surgery resection, after unsuccessful ESD, for a 2-cm polyp located anteriorly in the anal canal, just beyond the pectineal line. Preoperative workup showed a uT1m versus T1sm N0 M0 lesion. The procedure was performed with a new reusable transanal platform and a monocurved coagulating hook and grasping forceps. The operative time was 90 minutes. No perioperative complications were registered, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 1. The pathologic report showed a villotubular adenoma with high-grade dysplasia and distant-free margins. After 1 year, the patient was going well, without any recurrent disease. Transanal minimally invasive surgery resection is a good alternative to conventional endoscopic therapies, allowing a meticulous dissection under the magnified operative field's exposure, and a mucosal-submucosal flap closure under satisfactory surgeon's ergonomics.
Evidence-based Interpretation of Amyloid-β PET Results
Authors: Bergeron David , Ossenkoppele Rik , Jr Laforce Robert
Published: January 2018

Background:

Amyloid-β positron emission tomography (PET) allows for in vivo detection of fibrillar amyloid plaques, a pathologic hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, amyloid-β PET interpretation is limited by the imperfect correlation between PET and autopsy, and the fact that it is positive in about 20% to 30% of cognitively normal individuals and non-AD dementias, especially when older or carrying the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE4). When facing a positive amyloid PET, clinicians have to evaluate the probability of a pathologic false positive as well as the probability of amyloid positivity being age-related, comorbid to a primary non-AD dementia (clinicopathologic false positive). These probabilities can be calculated to reach an evidence-based interpretation of amyloid-β. As literature review and calculations cannot be easily performed in the day-to-day clinic, we propose a clinician friendly, evidence-based Bayesian approach to the interpretation of amyloid-β PET results in the differential diagnosis of patients with cognitive impairment.

Methods:

We defined AD as a clinicopathologic entity in which amyloid-β is the primary cause of cognitive impairment. We systematically reviewed the literature to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of amyloid-β PET against neuropathologic examination. We inferred rates of clinicopathologic false positivity (non-AD dementia with comorbid amyloid) based on age-dependent and ApoE-dependent prevalence of amyloid positivity in normal individuals and AD patients provided in large meta-analyses published by the Amyloid Biomarker Study Group. We calculated positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of amyloid-β PET, which are presented in a clinician-friendly table.

Results:

PPV of PET is highest in young ApoE4− patients with high pre-PET probability of AD. In older ApoE4+ patients with low pre-PET probability of AD, positive amyloid-β PET scans must be interpreted with caution. A negative amyloid-β PET makes a diagnosis of AD unlikely except in old patients with high pre-PET probability of AD.

Conclusion:

This evidence-based approach might provide guidance to clinicians and nuclear medicine physicians to interpret amyloid-β PET results for early and differential diagnosis of patients with progressive cognitive impairment.
E-cadherin bridges cell polarity and spindle orientation to ensure prostate epithelial integrity and prevent carcinogenesis in vivo
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhang Kai , Ji Zhongzhong , Cheng Chaping , Zhao Huifang , Sheng Yaru , Li Xiaoxia , Fan Liancheng , Dong Baijun , Xue Wei , Gao Wei-Qiang , Zhu Helen He
Published: January 2018

Cell polarity and correct mitotic spindle positioning are essential for the maintenance of a proper prostate epithelial architecture, and disruption of the two biological features occurs at early stages in prostate tumorigenesis. However, whether and how these two epithelial attributes are connected in vivo is largely unknown. We herein report that conditional genetic deletion of E-cadherin, a key component of adherens junctions, in a mouse model results in loss of prostate luminal cell polarity and randomization of spindle orientations. Critically, E-cadherin ablation causes prostatic hyperplasia which progresses to invasive adenocarcinoma. Mechanistically, E-cadherin and the spindle positioning determinant LGN interacts with the PDZ domain of cell polarity protein SCRIB and form a ternary protein complex to bridge cell polarity and cell division orientation. These findings provide a novel mechanism by which E-cadherin acts an anchor to maintain prostate epithelial integrity and to prevent carcinogenesis in vivo.
Genome-wide scans of selection highlight the impact sof biotic and abiotic constraints in natural populations of the model grassBrachypodium distachyon
Authors: Bourgeois Yann , Stritt Christoph , Walser Jean-Claude , Gordon Sean P. , Vogel John P. , Roulin Anne C.
Published: January 2018

Grasses are essential plants for ecosystem functioning. Quantifying the selective pressures that act on natural variation in grass species is therefore essential regarding biodiversity maintenance. In this study, we investigate the selection pressures that act on two distinct populations of the grass modelBrachypodium distachyonwithout prior knowledge about the traits under selection. We took advantage of whole-genome sequencing data produced for 44 natural accessions ofB. distachyonand used complementary genome-wide scans of selection (GWSS) methods to detect genomic regions under balancing and positive selection. We show that selection is shaping genetic diversity at multiple temporal and spatial scales in this species and affects different genomic regions across the two populations. Gene Ontology annotation of candidate genes reveals that pathogens may constitute important factors of positive and balancing selection inBrachypodium distachyon. We eventually cross-validated our results with QTL data available for leaf-rust resistance in this species and demonstrate that, when paired with classical trait mapping, GWSS can help pinpointing candidate genes for further molecular validation. Thanks to a near-base perfect reference genome and the large collection of freely available natural accessions collected across its natural range,B. distachyonappears as a prime system for studies in ecology, population genomics and evolutionary biology.
An integrated, pipeline-based approach for cryo-EM structure determination and atomic model refinement in the cloud
Authors: Cianfrocco Michael A. , Lahiri Indrajit , DiMaio Frank , Leschziner Andres E.
Published: January 2018

Access to streamlined computational resources remains a significant bottleneck for new users of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). To address this, we have built upon our previous work (Cianfrocco & Leschziner 2015) to develop software tools that will submit cryo-EM analysis routines and atomic model building jobs directly to Amazon Web Services (AWS) from a local computer or laptop. These new software tools (“cryoem-cloud-tools”) have incorporated optimal data movement, security, and cost-saving strategies, giving novice users access to complex cryo-EM data processing pipelines. Integrating these tools into the RELION processing pipeline and graphical user interface we determined a 2.2 Å structure of ß-galactosidase in ~55 hours on AWS. We implemented a similar strategy to submit Rosetta atomic model building and refinement to AWS. These software tools dramatically reduce the barrier for entry of new users to cloud computing for cryo-EM and are freely available at cryoem-tools.cloud.
Stochastic exits from dormancy give rise to heavy-tailed distributions of descendants in bacterial populations
Authors: Wright Erik S. , Vetsigian Kalin H.
Published: January 2018

Variance in reproductive success is a major determinant of the degree of genetic drift in a population. While many plants and animals exhibit high variance in their number of progeny, far less is known about these distributions for microorganisms. Here, we used a strain barcoding approach to quantify variability in offspring number among replicate bacterial populations and developed a Bayesian method to infer the distribution of descendants from this variability. We applied our approach to measure the offspring distributions for 5 strains of bacteria from the genusStreptomycesafter germination and growth in a homogenous laboratory environment. The distributions of descendants were heavy-tailed, with a few cells effectively “winning the jackpot” to become a disproportionately large fraction of the population. This extreme variability in reproductive success largely traced back to initial populations of spores stochastically exiting dormancy, which provided early-germinating spores with an exponential advantage. In simulations with multiple dormancy cycles, heavy-tailed distributions of descendants decreased the effective population size by many orders of magnitude and led to allele dynamics differing substantially from classical population genetics models with matching effective population size. Collectively, these results demonstrate that extreme variability in reproductive success can occur even in growth conditions that are far more homogeneous than the natural environment. Thus, extreme variability in reproductive success might be an important factor shaping microbial population dynamics with implications for predicting the fate of beneficial mutations, interpreting sequence variability within populations, and explaining variability in infection outcomes across patients.
Mechanical assembly assistance using marker-less augmented reality system
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhang Shusheng , Yang Sen , He Weiping , Bai Xiaoliang
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a real-time augmented reality (AR)-based assembly assistance system using a coarse-to-fine marker-less tracking strategy. The system automatically adapts to tracking requirement when the topological structure of the assembly changes after each assembly step.

Design/methodology/approach

The prototype system’s process can be divided into two stages: the offline preparation stage and online execution stage. In the offline preparation stage, planning results (assembly sequence, parts position, rotation, etc.) and image features [gradient and oriented FAST and rotated BRIEF (ORB)features] are extracted automatically from the assembly planning process. In the online execution stage, too, image features are extracted and matched with those generated offline to compute the camera pose, and planning results stored in XML files are parsed to generate the assembly instructions for manipulators. In the prototype system, the working range of template matching algorithm, LINE-MOD, is first extended by using depth information; then, a fast and robust marker-less tracker that combines the modified LINE-MOD algorithm and ORB tracker is designed to update the camera pose continuously. Furthermore, to track the camera pose stably, a tracking strategy according to the characteristic of assembly is presented herein.

Findings

The tracking accuracy and time of the proposed marker-less tracking approach were evaluated, and the results showed that the tracking method could run at 30 fps and the position and pose tracking accuracy was slightly superior to ARToolKit.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this work are as follows: First, the authors present a coarse-to-fine marker-less tracking method that uses modified state-of-the-art template matching algorithm, LINE-MOD, to find the coarse camera pose. Then, a feature point tracker ORB is activated to calculate the accurate camera pose. The whole tracking pipeline needs, on average, 24.35 ms for each frame, which can satisfy the real-time requirement for AR assembly. On basis of this algorithm, the authors present a generic tracking strategy according to the characteristics of the assembly and develop a generic AR-based assembly assistance platform. Second, the authors present a feature point mismatch-eliminating rule based on the orientation vector. By obtaining stable matching feature points, the proposed system can achieve accurate tracking results. The evaluation of the camera position and pose tracking accuracy result show that the study’s method is slightly superior to ARToolKit markers.
Examining diversity beliefs and leader performance across cultures
Authors: Weber Todd J. , Sadri Golnaz , Gentry William A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The global nature of today’s business environment, coupled with technological advances, has resulted in leaders working with an increasingly diverse workforce worldwide. An emerging stream of research examines the beliefs that individuals, groups, and organizations have regarding diversity. The purpose of this paper is to add to this work by looking at subordinate perceptions of a leader’s beliefs about diversity and how that relates to a leader’s performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using archival data, the authors examine 33,976 leaders (from 36 different countries and more than 4,000 companies). This study includes performance ratings from each leader’s supervisor as well as perceptual measures of diversity beliefs from their direct reports and a measure of national culture as a moderator.

Findings

The research finds that employee perceptions of a leader’s diversity beliefs are related to supervisor ratings of the target leader’s performance. In addition, the relationship between a leader’s diversity beliefs and the target leader’s performance rating is stronger in cultures high in performance orientation (PO) than in cultures low in PO.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations include the use of an archival data set as well as an assigned country score for our measure of culture.

Originality/value

While existing research has examined the impact of self-rated measures of diversity beliefs, there is little empirical research that examines how employee perceptions of a leader’s diversity beliefs will impact performance. The authors address this need by examining whether employee-rated perceptions of the leader’s diversity beliefs are related to a supervisor-rated measure of leader performance. In addition, the authors examine the moderating influence of societal culture on this relationship.