bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti‐cancer therapy with TNFα and IFNγ: A comprehensive review
Authors: Shen Jing , Xiao Zhangang , Zhao Qijie , Li Mingxing , Wu Xu , Zhang Lin , Hu Wei , Cho Chi H.
Published: February 2018

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) were originally found to be produced by inflammatory cells and play important roles in the immune system and surveillance of tumour growth. By activating distinct signalling pathways of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and JAK/STAT, TNFα and IFNγ were reported to effectively trigger cell death and perform powerful anti‐cancer effects. In this review, we will discuss the new advancements of TNFα and IFNγ in anti‐cancer therapy.
How to take better photomicrographs: A step‐wise approach
Authors: Cocks Margaret , Rehman Jamaal , Barker Norm , Auerbach Jena , Cowper Shawn , Rodic Nemanja
Published: February 2018

The objective of our study was to establish a detailed photomicrographing protocol for pathologists and dermatopathologists using standard overhead camera and image editing packages. Through a trial‐and‐error approach we devised a series of steps that comprise our photomicrographing protocol. Descriptive and interpretive data analyses were performed to highlight how each step improves tinctorial quality of digital photomicrographs.
Warming weakens facilitative interactions between decomposers and detritivores, and modifies freshwater ecosystem functioning
Authors: Bernabé Tiago N. , de Omena Paula M. , Santos Viviane Piccin dos , de Siqueira Virgínia M. , de Oliveira Valéria M. , Romero Gustavo Q.
Published: February 2018

Warming is among the major drivers of changes in biotic interactions and, in turn, ecosystem functioning. The decomposition process occurs in a chain of facilitative interactions between detritivores and microorganisms. It remains unclear, however, what effect warming may have on the interrelations between detritivores and microorganisms, and the consequences for the functioning of natural freshwater ecosystems. To address these gaps, we performed a field experiment using tank bromeliads and their associated aquatic fauna. We manipulated the presence of bacteria and detritivorous macroinvertebrates (control, “bacteria,” and “bacteria + macroinvertebrates”) under ambient and warming scenarios, and analyzed the effects on the microorganisms and ecosystem functioning (detritus mass loss, colored dissolved organic matter, and nitrogen flux). We applied antibiotic solution to eliminate or reduce bacteria from control bromeliads. After 60 days incubation, bacterial density was higher in the presence than in the absence of macroinvertebrates. In the absence of macroinvertebrates, temperature did not influence bacterial density. However, in the presence of macroinvertebrates, bacterial density decreased by 54% with warming. The magnitude of the effects of organisms on ecosystem functioning was higher in the combined presence of bacteria and macroinvertebrates. However, warming reduced the overall positive effects of detritivores on bacterial density, which in turn, cascaded down to ecosystem functioning by decreasing decomposition and nitrogen flux. These results show the existence of facilitative mechanisms between bacteria and detritivores in the decomposition process, which might collapse due to warming. Detritivores seem to contribute to nutrient cycling as they facilitate bacterial populations, probably by increasing nutrient input (feces) in the ecosystem. However, increased temperature mitigated these beneficial effects. Our results add to a growing research body that shows that warming can affect the structure of aquatic communities, and highlight the importance of considering the interactive effects between facilitation and climatic drivers on the functioning of freshwater ecosystems.
Resisting the Logic of Ambivalence: Bad Faith as Subversive, Anticolonial Practice
Authors: Sealey Kris
Published: February 2018

This article critiques Homi Bhabha's proposal that mimicry, as a transgressive performance of ambivalence, disrupts the colonial violence of the stereotype, and as such, generates emancipatory conditions for postcolonial subjects. I am critical of this naming of mimicry as enabling a possible liberation from colonial violence not only because it fails to address the loss of belonging that significantly marks the experience of being so violated, but also because it seems to intensify this loss in the hybridity and fragmentation that it celebrates. Through the work of María Lugones and Mariana Ortega, I propose a reimagined sense of Sartrean bad faith as one that corrects for this failure. This account of bad faith—as subversive, anticolonial practice—legitimizes my longing for a stability made impossible by the violent ambivalence that pervades both the colonial and postcolonial condition. Lugones's accounts of multiplicity and ontological plurality, as well as Ortega's conception of hometactics, help me argue that this reimagined conception of bad faith ought to be considered productive when it comes to existential strategies that pursue the possibility of free black life.
ON THE WELFARE EFFECTS OF CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
Authors: Chiu Jonathan , Dong Mei , Shao Enchuan
Published: February 2018

This article studies the welfare effects of credit arrangements and how these effects depend on the trading mechanism and inflation. In a competitive market, credit arrangements can be welfare reducing, because high consumption by credit users drives up the price level, reducing consumption by money users who are subject to a binding liquidity constraint. By adopting an optimal trading mechanism, however, these welfare implications can be overturned. Both price discrimination and nonlinear pricing are essential features of an optimal mechanism.
Transcriptional regulation of the vitellogenin gene through a fecundity‐related single nucleotide polymorphism within a GATA‐1 binding motif in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Sun Z.‐X. , Kang K. , Cai Y.‐J. , Zhang J.‐Q. , Zhai Y.‐F. , Zeng R.‐S. , Zhang W.‐Q.
Published: February 2018

Identifying the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) with functions in insect fecundity promises to provide novel insight into genetic mechanisms of adaptation and to aid in effective control of insect populations. We previously identified several SNPs within the vitellogenin (Vg) promoter region between a high‐fecundity population (HFP) and a low‐fecundity population (LFP) of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Here, we found that an A‐to‐T (HFP allele to LFP allele) transversion at nucleotide −953 upstream of Vg in a Nilaparvata lugens GATA‐1 (NlGATA‐1) binding motif is associated with the level of Vg transcription. We also characterized NlGATA‐1, containing a double CX2CX17CX2C zinc finger, which has been implicated in the activation of Vg gene expression. Knockdown of the NlGATA‐1 gene results in a reduced basal level of expression of the Vg gene and fewer offspring of N. lugens in vivo, whereas overexpression of NlGATA‐1 in cells increased Vg promoter activity. Moreover, upon cotransfection with NlGATA‐1 expression vector, the luciferase activities of Vg reporter vectors with the A allele were significantly higher than those with the T allele. These findings support a mechanism in which a SNP within the promoter of Vg is associated with the level of Vg transcription by altering the binding activity of NlGATA‐1 and subsequently affecting fecundity in N. lugens.
Developmental Change in Action Perception: Is Motor Experience the Cause?
Authors: Loucks Jeff , Sommerville Jessica
Published: February 2018

Human actions are complex stimuli containing several perceptual dimensions an observer could attend to. Research indicates that attention to the perceptual dimensions of action undergoes a process of perceptual narrowing between 4 and 10 months, during which infants’ attention to configural and temporal information in action decreases over time, while attention to hand information is maintained. This research explored whether infants’ active experience with grasping is related to perceptual narrowing in action. Across two studies, we tested 6‐month‐old infants’ attention to changes in these action dimensions and also assessed their grasping ability. Infants who were more proficient at grasping showed a pattern more consistent with perceptual narrowing (decreasing attention to configural and temporal information) relative to those less proficient at grasping, especially for attention to configural information. In addition, attention to hand information appears to undergo U‐shaped development between 4 and 10 months, as 6‐month‐olds did not recover attention to the hand change. These findings add to a growing body of research showing that infants’ motor experience broadly influences their perception of others’ action and may follow a complex developmental pathway that diverges from perceptual narrowing over the first year.
Comparing deregression methods for genomic prediction of test‐day traits in dairy cattle
Authors: de Oliveira H.R. , Silva F.F. , Brito L.F. , Guarini A.R. , Jamrozik J. , Schenkel F.S.
Published: February 2018

We aimed to investigate the performance of three deregression methods (VanRaden, VR; Wiggans, WG; and Garrick, GR) of cows’ and bulls’ breeding values to be used as pseudophenotypes in the genomic evaluation of test‐day dairy production traits. Three scenarios were considered within each deregression method: (i) including only animals with reliability of estimated breeding value (RELEBV
) higher than the average of parent reliability (RELPA
) in the training and validation populations; (ii) including only animals with RELEBV
higher than 0.50 in the training and RELEBV
higher than RELPA
in the validation population; and (iii) including only animals with RELEBV
higher than 0.50 in both training and validation populations. Individual random regression coefficients of lactation curves were predicted using the genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP), considering either unweighted or weighted residual variances based on effective records contributions. In summary, VR and WG deregression methods seemed more appropriate for genomic prediction of test‐day traits without need for weighting in the genomic analysis, unless large differences in RELEBV
between training population animals exist.
Investigation of Cry3Bb1 resistance and intoxication in western corn rootworm by RNA sequencing
Authors: Rault L. C. , Siegfried B. D. , Gassmann A. J. , Wang H. , Brewer G. J. , Miller N. J.
Published: February 2018

The western corn rootworm (WCR) Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte is a major pest of corn that has evolved resistance to transgenic maize that produces insecticidal Cry toxins. The specific mode of action of Cry3Bb1 and mechanism of resistance in WCR are unknown. This study compared gene expression between Cry3Bb1‐susceptible and Cry3Bb1‐resistant WCR neonates, in the presence and absence of Cry3Bb1. RNA‐Seq data were analysed to identify differentially expressed transcripts between strains of WCR, providing candidate transcripts for resistance to Cry3Bb1. Constitutive and Cry3Bb1‐induced differences between strains caused the differential expression of 608 transcripts after 8 hr. Differentially expressed transcripts between strains included ABC transporters, proteases and α‐amylases, which known to be receptors or activators of Cry toxins and involved in resistance to Cry toxins in other insects. The response to Cry3Bb1 treatment resulted in approximately 5,000 differentially expressed transcripts in the susceptible strain and included the same annotation categories found between strains but also included metalloproteases, cadherins and signalling proteins. None of these annotations were identified in the response of the resistant strain to Cry3Bb1, which was represented by only 12 transcripts. Tissue‐specific expression analysis of selected transcripts revealed that an α‐amylase and a protease were expressed in the midgut, the target organ of Cry toxins. A protease inhibitor and two ABC transporters were expressed outside the midgut, suggesting a limited role in resistance. Numerous polymorphic sites were identified from the RNA‐Seq data that showed allele frequency differences between the resistant and susceptible strains. Analysis of these polymorphisms in a larger set WCR strains suggested that the differences were due to genetic drift rather than being associated with resistance to Cry3Bb1. Polymorphisms identified in genes with known roles in resistance to Cry toxins did not appear to differ in frequency between resistant and susceptible strains.
Impact of myosteatosis on skeletal muscle volume loss in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Tachi Yoshihiko , Kozuka Akihiro , Hirai Takanori , Ishizu Yoji , Honda Takashi , Kuzuya Teiji , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Ishigami Masatoshi , Goto Hidemi
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim

Severe muscle volume loss is a recognized negative prognostic factor in patients with chronic liver disease. However, the effect of skeletal muscle fat deposition, referred to as myosteatosis on muscle volume loss remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between myosteatosis and skeletal muscle volume loss.

Methods

We enrolled 362 patients with chronic liver disease (186 men, 176 women; mean age 68.4 ± 10.0 years, 94 with cirrhosis) who underwent liver biopsy and computed tomography scanning between January 2013 and February 2017. A transverse computed tomography image of each scan at the third lumbar vertebra was used to evaluate skeletal muscle tissues.

Results

Prevalence of skeletal muscle volume loss and myosteatosis were 36% and 82%, respectively. Of those with skeletal muscle volume loss, 93% have concomitant myosteatosis. Univariate analysis revealed that higher age, female, lower body mass index (BMI), higher serum albumin, lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lower gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, lower total bilirubin, lower α‐fetoprotein, lower skeletal muscle attenuation, and liver steatosis were significantly associated with skeletal muscle volume loss. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that lower BMI (odds ratio [OR] 5.26, 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.21–8.54; P < 0.001), presence of myosteatosis (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.26–6.30; P < 0.001), lower ALT (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.18–3.52; P = 0.010), and female (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.04–2.28; P = 0.034) were significant independent factors associated with skeletal volume loss.

Conclusions

Myosteatosis, low BMI, low ALT, and female are associated with skeletal muscle volume loss in patients with chronic liver disease.
GABAA receptor subunit expression changes in the human Alzheimer's disease hippocampus, subiculum, entorhinal cortex and superior temporal gyrus
Authors: Kwakowsky Andrea , Calvo‐Flores Guzmán Beatriz , Pandya Madhavi , Turner Clinton , Waldvogel Henry J. , Faull Richard L.
Published: February 2018

Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA type A receptors (GABAARs) are severely affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the distribution and subunit composition of GABAARs in the AD brain are not well understood. This is the first comprehensive study to show brain region‐ and cell layer‐specific alterations in the expression of the GABAAR subunits α1‐3, α5, β1‐3 and γ2 in the human AD hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and superior temporal gyrus. In late‐stage AD tissue samples using immunohistochemistry we found significant alteration of all investigated GABAARs subunits except for α3 and β1 that were well preserved. The most prominent changes include an increase in GABAAR α1 expression associated with AD in all layers of the CA3 region, in the stratum (str.) granulare and hilus of the dentate gyrus. We found a significant increase in GABAAR α2 expression in the str. oriens of the CA1‐3, str. radiatum of the CA2,3 and decrease in the str. pyramidale of the CA1 region in AD cases. In AD there was a significant increase in GABAAR α5 subunit expression in str. pyramidale, str. oriens of the CA1 region and decrease in the superior temporal gyrus. We also found a significant decrease in the GABAAR β3 subunit immunoreactivity in the str. oriens of the CA2, str. granulare and str. moleculare of the dentate gyrus. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the expression of the GABAAR subunits shows brain region‐ and layer‐specific alterations in AD, and these changes could significantly influence and alter GABAAR function in the disease.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14179.
Congenital lymphangioma circumscriptum of vulva presenting as multiple giant mass lesions: a case report and literature review
Authors: Akhavan Setareh , Agah Jila , Nili Fatemeh
Published: February 2018

A G2L2 33‐year‐old woman presented to our clinic with large verrucous warty masses in labia major, perinea and the end portion of her spine measuring about 15 × 7, 9 × 7 and 8 × 8 cm, which had been enlarged following puberty and pregnancy. Her right upper and left lower limbs had gross congenital lymphedema. The masses were removed by superficial partial vulvectomy with a qualified margin and repaired without skin graft. Pathology report showed lymphangioma circumscriptum. Several months of follow up revealed normal healing and no recurrence. In conclusion, congenital vulvar lymphangioma, which is a rare disorder, can be highly triggered by hormonal‐stimulating situations like puberty and pregnancy. Thus, it is better to visit the affected cases in a timely manner in order to excise these lesions before massive enlargement. In our experience, a superficial partial vulvectomy without skin graft can be a sufficient procedure. Obviously, an appropriate approach during and after surgery would be very important for obtaining a desirable healing.
Early Blood‐Brain Barrier Disruption after Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Shi Zhong‐Song , Duckwiler Gary R. , Jahan Reza , Tateshima Satoshi , Szeder Viktor , Saver Jeffrey L. , Kim Doojin , Sharma Latisha K. , Vespa Paul M. , Salamon Noriko , Villablanca J. Pablo , Viñuela Fernando , Feng Lei , Loh Yince , Liebeskind David S.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The impact of blood‐brain barrier (BBB) disruption can be detected by intraparenchymal hyperdense lesion on the computed tomography (CT) scan after endovascular stroke therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether early BBB disruption predicts intracranial hemorrhage and poor outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

METHODS

We analyzed patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy and identified BBB disruption on the noncontrast CT images immediately after endovascular treatment. Follow‐up CT or magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed at 24 hours to assess intracranial hemorrhage. We dichotomized patients into those with moderate BBB disruption versus those with minor BBB disruption and no BBB disruption. We evaluated the association of moderate BBB disruption after mechanical thrombectomy with intracranial hemorrhage and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Moderate BBB disruption after mechanical thrombectomy was found in 56 of 210 patients (26.7%). Moderate BBB disruption was independently associated with higher rates of hemorrhagic transformation (OR 25.33; 95% CI 9.93‐64.65; P < .001), parenchymal hematoma (OR 20.57; 95% CI 5.64‐74.99; P < .001), and poor outcome at discharge (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.09‐5.07; P = .03). The association of BBB disruption with intracranial hemorrhage remained in patients with successful reperfusion after mechanical thrombectomy. The location of BBB disruption was not associated with intracranial hemorrhage and poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate BBB disruption is common after mechanical thrombectomy in a quarter of patients with acute ischemic stroke and increases the risk of intracranial hemorrhage and poor outcome.
Evaluation of potential serum biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in dogs with liver disease
Authors: Raghu Chantel , Ekena Joanne , Cullen John M. , Webb Craig B. , Trepanier Lauren A.
Published: February 2018

Background

Serum interleukin 6 (IL‐6), chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and the ratio of aspartate transaminase to alanine transaminase (AST:ALT) have been correlated with fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in humans with various hepatopathies.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine whether increases in serum IL‐6, CCL2, CRP, or AST:ALT were associated with moderate to severe fibrosis or necroinflammatory activity in dogs with various hepatopathies.

Animals

Forty‐four client‐owned dogs with clinical evidence of liver disease and 10 healthy purpose‐bred dogs, all undergoing liver biopsies by laparoscopy or laparotomy.

Methods

Measurement of serum IL‐6, CCL2, CRP, AST, and ALT before scheduled liver biopsy and evaluation of liver histopathology using the METAVIR scoring system used in human medicine, blinded to clinical presentation.

Results

Median serum IL‐6 was approximately twice as high in dogs with high fibrosis scores (15.5 pg/mL; range, 1.4 to 235 pg/mL) compared to dogs with low fibrosis scores (7.6 pg/mL; range, 1.4 to 148.1 pg/mL), with marginal significance (P = .05). Median serum CCL2 was significantly higher in dogs with active necroinflammation (444 pg/mL; range, 144 to 896 pg/mL) compared to dogs without detectable necroinflammation (326 pg/mL; range, 59 to 1692 pg/mL; P = .008), but with considerable overlap between groups. Neither serum CRP nor AST:ALT ratios were significantly different based on fibrosis or necroinflammatory scores.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Because of substantial variability among dogs, single measurements of IL‐6 and CCL2 have limited diagnostic utility for identifying fibrosis or necroinflammation, respectively, in dogs with various chronic liver diseases. The value of these biomarkers should be explored further in monitoring response to treatment in individual dogs with chronic hepatopathies.
Inconsistencies in the note of Dávila‐Fernández, Oreiro and Punzo
Authors: Lavoie Marc
Published: February 2018

This rejoinder is a rebuttal of the claims made by Dávila‐Fernández, Oreiro, and Punzo (in press) in their comment on Lavoie (). All three points that they make are mistaken: I did not pretend that the introduction of autonomous noncapacity expenditures would on its own allow the neo‐Kaleckian growth model to converge toward the normal rate of capacity utilization; the ‘Keynesian’ message is not eliminated when investment expenditures are essentially induced in a neo‐Kaleckian model; and the equations that they provide to endogenize the normal rate of capacity utilization are meaningless.
A novel Meloidogyne graminicola effector, MgMO237, interacts with multiple host defence‐related proteins to manipulate plant basal immunity and promote parasitism
Authors: Chen Jiansong , Hu Lili , Sun Longhua , Lin Borong , Huang Kun , Zhuo Kan , Liao Jinling
Published: February 2018

Plant‐parasitic nematodes can secrete effector proteins into the host tissue to facilitate their parasitism. In this study, we report a novel effector protein, MgMO237, from Meloidogyne graminicola, which is exclusively expressed within the dorsal oesophageal gland cell and markedly up‐regulated in parasitic third‐/fourth‐stage juveniles of M. graminicola. Transient expression of MgMO237 in protoplasts from rice roots showed that MgMO237 was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the host cells. Rice plants overexpressing MgMO237 showed an increased susceptibility to M. graminicola. In contrast, rice plants expressing RNA interference vectors targeting MgMO237 showed an increased resistance to M. graminicola. In addition, yeast two‐hybrid and co‐immunoprecipitation assays showed that MgMO237 interacted specifically with three rice endogenous proteins, i.e. 1,3‐β‐glucan synthase component (OsGSC), cysteine‐rich repeat secretory protein 55 (OsCRRSP55) and pathogenesis‐related BetvI family protein (OsBetvI), which are all related to host defences. Moreover, MgMO237 can suppress host defence responses, including the expression of host defence‐related genes, cell wall callose deposition and the burst of reactive oxygen species. These results demonstrate that the effector MgMO237 probably promotes the parasitism of M. graminicola by interacting with multiple host defence‐related proteins and suppressing plant basal immunity in the later parasitic stages of nematodes.
Anesthesia of thoracic surgery in children
Authors: Semmelmann Axel , Kaltofen Heike , Loop Torsten
Published: February 2018

Providing anesthesia in children with thoracic disease is a challenging task. The effects of the underlying disease, the surgical interventions, and preexisting condition of the patient need to be considered when planning perioperative care. The perioperative care for children undergoing thoracic surgery requires specific techniques adapted to the pediatric physiology and anatomy. This review is focused on anesthetic strategies for thoracic surgery with an emphasis on perioperative analgesia including neuraxial techniques.
Driving performance of stable outpatients with depression undergoing real‐world treatment
Authors: Miyata Akemi , Iwamoto Kunihiro , Kawano Naoko , Aleksic Branko , Ando Masahiko , Ebe Kazutoshi , Fujita Kiyoshi , Yokoyama Motonori , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Igarashi Yoshio , Ozaki Norio
Published: February 2018

Aim

Although the effects of psychotropics on driving ability have received much attention, little research is available on driving performance of stable outpatients with depression undergoing real‐world treatment. This observational study investigated driving performance, cognitive functions, and depressive symptomatology of partly remitted outpatients with depression under daily‐practice psychopharmacologic treatment.

Methods

Seventy stable outpatients with depression and 67 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Patients’ prescriptions were not controlled in order to capture the real‐world treatment environment. Participants underwent three driving tasks – road‐tracking, car‐following, and harsh‐braking – using a driving simulator, and three cognitive tasks – Continuous Performance Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Trail‐Making Test. The Symptom Assessment Scale – Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory‐II, Social Adaptation Self‐Evaluation Scale, and Stanford Sleepiness Scale were also completed.

Results

Although many patients received various pharmacologic treatments, there were no significant differences in the three driving tasks between outpatients with depression and healthy controls. Difficulty of maintaining set in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test was significantly increased in patients with depression. Results on the Social Adaptation Self‐Evaluation Scale were significantly associated with road‐tracking and car‐following performance, in contrast to results on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory‐II.

Conclusion

We conclude that partly remitted depressive patients under steady‐state pharmacologic treatment do not differ from healthy controls with respect to driving performance, which seems to be more affected by psychosocial functioning than by pharmacologic agents. This, however, should be investigated systematically in an off/on study.
Looking Back over My 45 Years of Involvement with Government Reform Efforts
Authors: Kamensky John M.
Published: February 2018

This Viewpoint presents a typology of options for future government reformers to help guide the design and implementation of a reform initiative, based on the author's experiences and observations over the past 45 years. Successful reformers need to be clear up front about what they are attempting to achieve and frame their efforts in ways that maximize the success and sustainability of the effort. In this article, the author offers a series of questions and answers to help future reformers choose among various design and implementation options and to help them chart their paths.
Reintroduction of rare arable plants: seed production, soil seed banks, and dispersal 3 years after sowing
Authors: Lang Marion , Prestele Julia , Wiesinger Klaus , Kollmann Johannes , Albrecht Harald
Published: February 2018

Diversity of arable plants in Europe has markedly declined during the past decades and many species have become threatened. Low‐intensity farming can offer potential retreats for these species, while spontaneous dispersal between such fields is unlikely. Thus, reintroduction of endangered species is necessary to restore agrobiodiversity. To test the applicability under real farm conditions, we seeded a mixture of three winter annuals (Legousia speculum‐veneris, Consolida regalis, Lithospermum arvense) at 850 seeds/m2 on four organic farms near Munich, Germany, in autumn 2011. Seed production and soil seed banks were investigated on four plots within one field on each farm for 3 years. In addition, we evaluated seed dispersal caused by arable management along the main machining direction. In the first year, winter cereals were cultivated and the study species emerged at all sites with a seed production mostly exceeding the initial sowing rates. In the third year, species establishment varied depending on crop rotations. Seed production of L. speculum‐veneris was higher than in the two other species, and exceeded the number of originally sown seeds up to 20 times. While L. speculum‐veneris became very common in the seed bank, C. regalis was less abundant and L. arvense hardly developed a soil seed bank. Seeds of L. speculum‐veneris and L. arvense were found up to 15 m and seeds of C. regalis up to 13 m away from the sown plots. We suggest using seed production, seed bank, and dispersal as key indicators to evaluate establishment of reintroduced arable plants.
Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to a warm reactive anti‐A1
Authors: Helmich Floris , Baas Inge , Ligthart Peter , Bosch Milou , Jonkers Femke , de Haas Masja , van der Graaf Fedde
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Anti‐A1 are regularly observed by reverse testing and are generally considered clinically irrelevant. For compatibility testing and the selection of blood, we use the type‐and‐screen (T&S) strategy, in which ABO confirmation of patients with a definitive blood group is performed by forward grouping only. Because anti‐A1 seem clinically irrelevant, it is our policy to provide group A blood in patients with an anti‐A1.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a case report of a 96‐year‐old woman who died shortly after transfusion of blood group A red blood cells (RBCs). She was known to have blood group A2 with an anti‐A1 and the absence of other RBC antibodies. Directly after starting transfusion, acute dyspnea was observed, while other clinical signs for a transfusion reaction were absent. In the laboratory, indications for a severe hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR) triggered serologic investigations and complement deposition experiments.

RESULTS

Analyses revealed that the anti‐A1 was present as a high‐titer IgM class immunoglobulin that induced complement deposition on A1 RBCs. The anti‐A1 reacted in a wide temperature amplitude up to 37°C with A1 RBCs, while weak agglutination was observed with A2 RBCs at room temperature.

CONCLUSION

A pretransfusion detectable anti‐A1 caused a severe HTR that, in view of the rapid onset of clinical symptoms and concomitant deterioration, contributed to the death of the patient. Considering its clinical significance in this case, we encourage an unambiguous procedure for patients with an anti‐A1, especially when T&S is used for donor RBC selection.
In vitro assessment of the effect of acidemia on coagulation in dogs
Authors: Burton Andrew G. , Burges Julie , Borchers Angela , Hopper Kate
Published: February 2018

Objective

Minimal data are available assessing the effect of acidemia on coagulation in dogs. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of in vitro acidification of canine blood on coagulation as measured via thromboelastography (TEG) and traditional tests of coagulation. We hypothesized that worsening acidemia would lead to progressive impairment on coagulation.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Six client‐owned dogs.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Blood was collected into 3.2% sodium citrate vacutainer tubes. The pH of blood was adjusted from baseline using hydrochloric acid to create weak acidemia and strong acidemia. Coagulation was assessed using TEG, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time. Kruskal–Wallis tests with Dunn's post hoc comparison tests were used to compare groups.

Strong acidemia samples were significantly more acidic than baseline based on pH (P < 0.0005), HCO3− (P < 0.0062), pCO2 (P < 0.0001), and base excess (P < 0.0001). Using TEG, in vitro acidification of blood caused significant, progressive impairment of maximum amplitude (P = 0.0282) and alpha angle (P = 0.0312). Acidification of blood had no significant effect on prothrombin time (P = 0.345) or activated partial thromboplastin time (P = 0.944).

Conclusions

In vitro acidification of canine whole blood results in hypocoagulability as measured by some TEG variables.
Identifying Best Practice for Healthcare Providers Caring for Autistic Children Perioperatively
Authors: Gettis Margaret A. , Wittling Katherine , Palumbo‐Dufur Jessica , McClain Ashley , Riley Linda
Published: February 2018

This column shares the best evidence‐based strategies and innovative ideas on how to facilitate the learning and implementation of EBP principles and processes by clinicians as well as nursing and interprofessional students. Guidelines for submission are available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1741-6787
Religion and Corporate Innovation
Authors: Wang Meng , Gan Lining
Published: February 2018

Innovation ability is an important factor to measure firms’ strength and is vital to the long-term development of the enterprises, previous studies have shown that financial position and corporate governance can have effects on corporate innovation, but put little attention on the informal system which may influence on innovation. This article selects religion as one of the informal system and tries to explore the impact of religion on the innovation input and output of enterprises. Using the data of A-sh are listed companies from 2008 to 2015, the empirical results show that there is a significantly positive correlation between religion and innovation inputs and outputs, and this positive correlation between religion and innovation is negatively regulated by the politics and marketization index. The results prove that politics and marketization index are substitution of religion on corporate innovation. In further analysis, the religion is divided into eastern and western parts, the results show that both eastern and western religions can promote corporate innovation, but the promotion effect of western religions is stronger. Negative moderating effect of political and marketization index on the positive correlation between religion and innovation still exists, and basically showing a more forceful inhibitory effect made by western religions on corporate innovation.
Female Athlete Triad/Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport: A Perspective Interview With Professor Barbara Drinkwater
Authors: Carter Susan
Published: February 2018

Barbara Drinkwater has been a lifelong champion of equality for women in many areas of life well before it was widely accepted. Her “walking the walk” of women breaking barriers in traditional male roles in administration and leadership is exemplified by her election as the first woman president of the American College of Sports Medicine in 1988. Some of the controversial areas in which Barbara was vocal in the arena of women in sport, besides triad/relative energy deficiency in sport, include increased opportunity and participation, total equality, acceptance of diversity, intolerance of harassment and abuse, and fairness with transgender athletes. She co-founded the evidence-based advocacy group on the international stage known as Women Sport International. As a physiologist, Barbara has had a major influence on attention to the health of the female athlete, and she produced the original pioneering work in the field. Her impactful study, “Bone mineral density after resumption of menses in amenorrheic athletes,” was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1986. Since that time, the female athlete triad has set the stage for research and treatment to enhance women in physical activity at all levels.
Wdpcp promotes epicardial EMT and epicardium-derived cell migration to facilitate coronary artery remodeling
Authors: Liu Xiangyang , Wang Ye , Liu Feng , Zhang Min , Song Hejie , Zhou Bin , Lo Cecilia W. , Tong Shilu , Hu Zhenlei , Zhang Zhen
Published: February 2018

Coronary artery remodeling during development requires the activity of Wdpcp in the epicardial cell layer.
Characterization of the Complete Nucleotide Sequences of IMP-4-Encoding Plasmids, Belonging to Diverse Inc Families, Recovered from Enterobacteriaceae Isolates of Wildlife Origin
Authors: Dolejska Monika , Papagiannitsis Costas C. , Medvecky Matej , Davidova-Gerzova Lenka , Valcek Adam
Published: February 2018

The complete nucleotide sequences of six IMP-4-encoding plasmids recovered from
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates of wildlife origin were characterized. Sequencing data showed that plasmids of different incompatibility groups (IncM, IncI1, IncF, and nontypeable [including an IncX5_2 and two pPrY2001-like]) carried the
bla
IMP-4
-carrying integrons In809 or In1460. Most of the plasmids carried an
mph
(A) region, and
chrA
-like,
aac(3)-IId
, and
bla
TEM-1b
genes. Finally, plasmid analysis revealed the involvement of two different IS
26
- and Tn
1696
-associated mechanisms in the mobilization of IMP-4-encoding integrons.
Stress Suppressor Screening Leads to Detection of Regulation of Cyclic di-AMP Homeostasis by a Trk Family Effector Protein in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Zarrella Tiffany M. , Metzger Dennis W. , Bai Guangchun
Published: February 2018

Cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) is a newly discovered bacterial second messenger. However, regulation of c-di-AMP homeostasis is poorly understood. In
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, a sole diadenylate cyclase, CdaA, produces c-di-AMP and two phosphodiesterases, Pde1 and Pde2, cleave the signaling dinucleotide. To expand our knowledge of the pneumococcal c-di-AMP signaling network, we performed whole-genome sequencing of Δ
pde1
Δ
pde2
heat shock suppressors. In addition to their effects on surviving heat shock, these suppressor mutations restored general stress resistance and improved growth in rich medium. Mutations in CdaA or in the potassium transporter TrkH paired with an insertion leading to a frameshift at the C terminus of CdaA significantly reduced c-di-AMP levels. These observations indicate that the elevated c-di-AMP levels in the Δ
pde1
Δ
pde2
mutant enhance susceptibility of
S. pneumoniae
to the stress conditions. Interestingly, we have previously shown that TrkH complexes with a Trk family c-di-AMP-binding protein, CabP, to mediate potassium uptake. In this study, we found that deletion of
cabP
significantly reduced pneumococcal c-di-AMP levels. This is the first observation that a c-di-AMP effector protein modulates bacterial c-di-AMP homeostasis.

IMPORTANCE
Second messengers, including c-di-AMP, are prevalent among bacterial species. In
S. pneumoniae
, c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase-encoding gene null mutants are attenuated during mouse models of infection, but the role of c-di-AMP signaling in pneumococcal pathogenesis is enigmatic. In this work, we found that heat shock suppressor mutations converge on undermining c-di-AMP toxicity by changing intracellular c-di-AMP concentrations. These mutations improve the growth and restore the stress response generally in c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase-deficient pneumococci, thereby demonstrating the essentiality for tight regulation of c-di-AMP homeostasis in order to respond to stress. Likewise, this work demonstrates that a c-di-AMP effector protein, CabP, affects c-di-AMP homeostasis, which provides new perception into c-di-AMP regulation. This study has implications for c-di-AMP-producing bacteria since many species contain CabP homologs.
Role of Microvesicles in the Spread of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 in Oligodendrocytic Cells
Authors: Bello-Morales Raquel , Praena Beatriz , de la Nuez Carmen , Rejas María Teresa , Guerra Milagros , Galán-Ganga Marcos , Izquierdo Manuel , Calvo Víctor , Krummenacher Claude , López-Guerrero José Antonio
Published: February 2018

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic pathogen that can infect many types of cells and establishes latent infections in the neurons of sensory ganglia. In some cases, the virus spreads into the central nervous system, causing encephalitis or meningitis. Cells infected with several different types of viruses may secrete microvesicles (MVs) containing viral proteins and RNAs. In some instances, extracellular microvesicles harboring infectious virus have been found. Here we describe the features of shedding microvesicles released by the human oligodendroglial HOG cell line infected with HSV-1 and their participation in the viral cycle. Using transmission electron microscopy, we detected for the first time microvesicles containing HSV-1 virions. Interestingly, the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line, which is resistant to infection by free HSV-1 virions, was susceptible to HSV-1 infection after being exposed to virus-containing microvesicles. Therefore, our results indicate for the first time that MVs released by infected cells contain virions, are endocytosed by naive cells, and lead to a productive infection. Furthermore, infection of CHO cells was not completely neutralized when virus-containing microvesicles were preincubated with neutralizing anti-HSV-1 antibodies. The lack of complete neutralization and the ability of MVs to infect nectin-1/HVEM-negative CHO-K1 cells suggest a novel way for HSV-1 to spread to and enter target cells. Taken together, our results suggest that HSV-1 could spread through microvesicles to expand its tropism and that microvesicles could shield the virus from neutralizing antibodies as a possible mechanism to escape the host immune response.

IMPORTANCE
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic pathogen that can infect many types of cells and establishes latent infections in neurons. Extracellular vesicles are a heterogeneous group of membrane vesicles secreted by most cell types. Microvesicles, which are extracellular vesicles which derive from the shedding of the plasma membrane, isolated from the supernatant of HSV-1-infected HOG cells were analyzed to find out whether they were involved in the viral cycle. The importance of our investigation lies in the detection, for the first time, of microvesicles containing HSV-1 virions. In addition, virus-containing microvesicles were endocytosed into CHO-K1 cells and were able to actively infect these otherwise nonpermissive cells. Finally, the infection of CHO cells with these virus-containing microvesicles was not completely neutralized by anti-HSV-1 antibodies, suggesting that these extracellular vesicles might shield the virus from neutralizing antibodies as a possible mechanism of immune evasion.
Can obesity and physical activity predict outcomes of elective knee or hip surgery due to osteoarthritis? A meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Pozzobon Daniel , Ferreira Paulo H , Blyth Fiona M , Machado Gustavo C , Ferreira Manuela L
Published: February 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to identify whether obesity or the regular practice of physical activity are predictors of clinical outcomes in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data source and eligibility criteria

A systematic search was performed on the Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Web of Science electronic databases. Longitudinal cohort studies were included in the review. To be included, studies needed to have assessed the association between obesity or physical activity participation measured at baseline and clinical outcomes (ie, pain, disability and adverse events) following hip or knee arthroplasty.

Data extraction

Two independent reviewers extracted data on pain, disability, quality of life, obesity, physical activity and any postsurgical complications.

Results

62 full papers were included in this systematic review. From these, 31 were included in the meta-analyses. Our meta-analysis showed that compared to obese participants, non-obese participants report less pain at both short term (standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.43; 95% CI −0.67 to −0.19; P<0.001) and long term post-surgery (SMD −0.36; 95% CI −0.47 to −0.24; P<0.001), as well as less disability at long term post-surgery (SMD −0.32; 95% CI −0.36 to −0.28; P<0.001). They also report fewer postsurgical complications at short term (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.91; P<0.001) and long term (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.74; P<0.001) along with less postsurgical infections after hip arthroplasty (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.59; P<0.001), and knee arthroplasty (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.78; P=0.006).

Conclusions

Presurgical obesity is associated with worse clinical outcomes of hip or knee arthroplasty in terms of pain, disability and complications in patients with osteoarthritis. No impact of physical activity participation has been observed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016032711.
Obligation for transparency regarding treating physician credentials at academic health centres
Authors: Martin Paul J , Skill N James , Koniaris Leonidas G
Published: February 2018

Academic health centres have historically treated patients with the most complex of diseases, served as training grounds to teach the next generations of physicians and fostered an innovative environment for research and discovery. The physicians who hold faculty positions at these institutions have long understood how these key academic goals are critical to serve their patient community effectively. Recent healthcare reforms, however, have led many academic health centres to recruit physicians without these same academic expectations and to partner with non-faculty physicians at other health systems. There has been limited transparency in regard to the expertise among the physicians and the academic faculty within these larger entities. Such lack of transparency may lead to confusion among patients regarding the qualifications of who is actually treating them. This could threaten the ethical principles of patient autonomy, benevolence and non-maleficence as patients risk making uninformed decisions that might lead to poorer outcomes. Furthermore, this lack of transparency unjustly devalues the achievements of physician faculty members as well as potentially the university they represent. In this paper, it is suggested that academic health centres have an obligation to foster total transparency regarding what if any role a physician has at a university or medical school when university or other academic monikers are used at a hospital.