bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insects and associated arthropods analyzed during medicolegal death investigations in Harris County, Texas, USA: January 2013-April 2016
Authors: Sanford Michelle R.
Published: August 2016

The application of insect and arthropod information to medicolegal death investigations is one of the more exacting applications of entomology. Historically limited to homicide investigations, the integration of full time forensic entomology services to the medical examiner’s office in Harris County has opened up the opportunity to apply entomology to a wide variety of manner of death classifications and types of scenes to make observations on a number of different geographical and species-level trends in Harris County, Texas, USA. In this study, a retrospective analysis was made of 203 forensic entomology cases analyzed during the course of medicolegal death investigations performed by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston, TX, USA from January 2013 through April 2016. These cases included all manner of death classifications, stages of decomposition and a variety of different scene types that were classified into decedents transported from the hospital (typically associated with myiasis or sting allergy; 3.0%), outdoor scenes (32.0%) or indoor scenes (65.0%). Ambient scene air temperature at the time scene investigation was the only significantly different factor observed between indoor and outdoor scenes with average indoor scene temperature being slightly cooler (25.2°C) than that observed outdoors (28.0°C). Relative humidity was not found to be significantly different between scene types. Most of the indoor scenes were classified as natural (43.3%) whereas most of the outdoor scenes were classified as homicides (12.3%). All other manner of death classifications came from both indoor and outdoor scenes. Several species were found to be significantly associated with indoor scenes as indicated by a binomial test, includingBlaesoxipha plinthopyga(Sarcophagidae), all Sarcophagidae includingB.plinthopyga,Megaselia scalaris(Phoridae),Synthesiomyia nudiseta(Muscidae) andLucilia cuprina(Calliphoridae). The only species that was a significant indicator of an outdoor scene wasLucilia eximia(Calliphoridae). All other insect species that were collected in five or more cases were collected from both indoor and outdoor scenes. A species list with month of collection and basic scene characteristics with the length of the estimated time of colonization is also presented. The data presented here provide valuable casework related species data for Harris County, TX and nearby areas on the Gulf Coast that can be used to compare to other climate regions with other species assemblages and to assist in identifying new species introductions to the area. This study also highlights the importance of potential sources of uncertainty in preparation and interpretation of forensic entomology reports from different scene types.
Prototyping ofBacillus megateriumgenetic elements through automated cell-free characterization and Bayesian modelling
Authors: Moore Simon J. , MacDonald James T. , Weinecke Sarah , Kylilis Nicolas , Polizzi Karen M. , Biedendieck Rebekka , Freemont Paul S.
Published: August 2016

Automation and factorial experimental design together with cell-freein vitrotranscription-translation systems offers a new route to the precise characterization of regulatory components. This now presents a new opportunity to illuminate the genetic circuitry from arcane microbial chassis, which are difficult to assessin vivo. One such host,Bacillus megaterium, is a giant microbe with industrial potential as a producer of recombinant proteins at gram per litre scale. Herein, we establish aB. megateriumcell-free platform and characterize a refactored xylose-repressor circuit using acoustic liquid handling robotics to simultaneously monitor 324 reactionsin vitro. To accurately describe the system, we have applied a Bayesian statistical approach to infer model parameters by simultaneously using information from multiple experimental conditions. These developments now open up a new approach for the rapid and accurate characterization of genetic circuitry using cell-free reactions from unusual microbial cell chasses for bespoke applications.
Growth Factors do not regulate Golgi Complex-to-ER relocation of GalNAc-Ts in HeLa cells
Authors: Herbomel Gaetan G. , Rojas Raul E. , Tran Duy T. , Ajinkya Monica , Beck Lauren , Tabak Lawrence A.
Published: August 2016

Mucin-type O-glycosylation is initiated by the UDP-GalNAc polypeptide:N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (GalNAc-T) family of enzymes. Their activity results in the GalNAc α1-O-Thr/Ser structure, termed the Tn antigen, which is further decorated with additional sugars. In neoplastic cells, the Tn antigen is often overexpressed. Because O-glycosylation is controlled by the activity of GalNAc-Ts, their regulation is of great interest. Previous reports suggest that growth factors, EGF or PDGF, induce Golgi complex-to-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) relocation of both GalNAc-Ts and Tn antigen in HeLa cells, offering a mechanism for Tn antigen overexpression termed “GALA”. However, we were unable to reproduce these findings. Upon treatment of HeLa cells with either EGF or PDGF we observed no change in the co-localization of endogenous GalNAc-T1, GalNAc-T2 or Tn antigen with the Golgi complex marker TGN46. There was also no enhancement of localization with the ER marker calnexin. We conclude that growth factors do not cause redistribution of GalNAc-Ts from the Golgi complex to the ER in HeLa cells.
The negative synergistic effect of internationalization and corporate social responsibility on US restaurant firms’ value performance
Authors: Jung SoYeon , Lee Seoki , Dalbor Michael
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the possible existence of a synergistic effect of internationalization and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on a firm’s value performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To empirically test the argument, this study analyzed data from 40 US-based publicly traded restaurant companies (251 observations) from 2000 to 2011 by performing a two-way fixed-effects model.

Findings

This study’s findings support the hypothesis that when implemented simultaneously, internationalization and CSR have a negative synergistic impact on a restaurant firm’s value performance.

Practical implications

Restaurant managers might need to inquire thoroughly into the timing and content of CSR investment strategies while entering into new international markets. Restaurant executives may additionally need to focus more on effective risk management than other issues (e.g. growth or reputation) when developing both internationalization and CSR strategies simultaneously.

Originality/value

By suggesting and demonstrating a negative synergistic effect of internationalization and CSR on a firm’s value, this study presents new and unique insights into previous research regarding the combined effect of the two strategies.
Social media communication strategies
Authors: Floreddu Paola Barbara , Cabiddu Francesca
Published: August 2016

Purpose

While a great amount of literature has focused on the relationship between communication strategies and corporate reputation, there is no systematic research on the different kinds of social media communication strategies. Based on the corporate reputation and social media literature, this paper aims to contribute to this gap in the research in two main ways. First identifying which social media communication strategy is more effective with contrasting levels of reputations; second, analyzing the differences between high- and low-reputation companies with respect to their ability to use corporate communication.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a longitudinal explorative multiple-case study and theoretical sampling. The research setting is the Italian insurance context. The focus of this analysis on one medium, Facebook, because it is the most exploited in the context of the Italian insurance sector.

Findings

Six complementary social media communication strategies were identified: egocentric, conversational, selective, openness, secretive and supportive. The results also reveal distinct ways in which high-, medium- and low-reputation companies’ utilize the six complementary strategies of communications.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a single industry and on one single geographical market, and care should thus be taken in generalizing the findings to other contexts. Therefore emerges the opportunity to broaden this research to other similar service sector, such as banking, to assess and generalize the results obtained. In addition, a possible direction of research, especially from a methodological standpoint, should investigate companies from different countries. Such a comparative study would examine in depth whether and to what extent the institutional framework may impact on communication strategies implemented by companies. This study only analyzed one social media (Facebook); hence, we cannot draw firm conclusions about what may constitute a successful social media communication strategy.

Practical implications

From this study, managers can learn how to combine the six communication strategies to have an effective impact on the corporate reputation. They can also learn how the number of interactions and the time taken to respond to questions from customers improve the corporate reputation and provide communication that is more effective.

Originality/value

This research extends the previous literature on corporate reputation and corporate communication, showing the relationship between them in a social media context and providing different strategies of managing this combination.
Attraction during the service encounter: examining the other side of the coin
Authors: Kuppelwieser Volker G. , Touzani Mourad
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The existing literature dealing with attractiveness during a service encounter focuses on employee attractiveness and its consequences. This paper aims to consider the other side of the coin by focusing on customers’ attractiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of two studies, this paper presents and tests a model explaining the specific role that employee social attraction plays in customer service perception and satisfaction judgment.

Findings

It suggests that the appraisal of customers’ physical attractiveness and homophily may lead to situations in which employees are socially attracted to customers, thus influencing customer service perception.

Originality/value

Consequently, this research provides insights into the role of attraction determinants in a service context. In addition, it demonstrates how employees’ social attraction is triggered in a service context. The findings contribute to satisfaction research by extending prior research perceptions on dyadic service encounters and examining both employee attitude and customer perceptions in service interactions.
Testing additive versus interactive effects of person-organization fit and organizational trust on engagement and performance
Authors: Alfes Kerstin , Shantz Amanda , Alahakone Ratnesvary
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To date, most research has assumed an additive relationship between work-related predictors and engagement. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the refinement of engagement theory by exploring the extent to which two predictors – person-organization fit and organizational trust – interact to influence employees’ engagement, which in turn, positively influences their task performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A test of moderated mediation was conducted using survey data collected from 335 employees and matched performance records from the Human Resource department in a support services organization in the UK.

Findings

Engagement was best predicted by the interactive model, rather than the additive model, as employees who felt a close fit with their organization and who trusted their organization were most engaged with their work. Further, engagement mediated the relationship between the interaction and task performance.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to a refinement of engagement theory by presenting and testing a model that explains the synergistic effect of work-related factors on engagement.
The occurrence of demotions regarding job level, salary and job authority
Authors: Verheyen Tanja , Deschacht Nick , Guerry Marie-Anne
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the occurrence of job level, salary and job authority demotions in the workplace through the analysis of Belgian Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (SILC)-data of 2007-2011.

Design/methodology/approach

Three hypotheses are tested:H1: there is a gender inequality in job authority demotions.H2: the level of education and the probability of being subject to a job level, salary or job authority demotion are negatively correlated.H3: age is negatively correlated with job level, salary or job authority demotion probabilities. The cross-sectional data of the SILC cover a specific time period with data on inter alia living conditions. The longitudinal data give information on inter alia income and non-monetary variables over a period of four years. The authors estimate multivariate regression models for binary demotion variables. These analyses allow the authors to estimate the odds of being demoted. The authors discuss the demotion rates, the bivariate correlations and the regression analysis.

Findings

The data analysis result in the fact that base salary demotions are not commonly applied as literature and the Belgian law on salary protection endorses. Fringe benefits demotions, as for instance the abolition of a company car or a bonus are, however, more frequent. There is a gender gap with regard to job authority demotion. Highly educated respondents are less confronted with job authority demotions. Age is negatively correlated with base salary/fringe benefits or job authority demotion probabilities, but not with job-level demotions.H1is thus confirmed.H2andH3only partly confirmed.

Research limitations/implications

Several analyses were restricted because the EU-SILC did not question all dimensions of demotion in detail.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the scarce literature on demotion and to empirical studies on demotions regarding job level, salary and job authority.
An exploratory study of jobseekers’ decision-making styles, recruitment information sources and organisational attractiveness
Authors: Liu Yu-Lun , Keeling Kathleen A. , Papamichail K. Nadia
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the consequences of jobseeker decision-making style on information search behaviour, information evaluation and perceptions of organisational attractiveness (OA). In this study, the authors assess whether, when presented with a realistic job information searching scenario of receiving basic job information from a typical formal short job advertisement, maximisers and satisficers differ on need for further information and evaluation of further information from informal information sources in relation to valence and tie strength.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario-based experiment was conducted on 280 participants from the USA, with work experience in retail, using Amazon Mechanical Turk.

Findings

The results show that, compared to satisficers, significantly more maximisers chose to search for further information about the company/vacancy after receiving a typical short advertisement message. Furthermore, the results highlight the moderating effects of decision-making style (maximiser vs satisficer), tie strength (strong-tie vs weak-tie provider) and message valence (positive vs negative) on jobseekers’ perceived OA.

Practical implications

Companies seeking to increase their candidate pool should consider accommodating the different decision-making styles of jobseekers by carefully designing the content of recruitment information and utilising recruitment information sources. Although conducted in just one sector, the ubiquity of the maximiser/satisficer decision-making style implies further research to assess the implications for other sectors.

Originality/value

Research on decision-making style in recruitment is relatively limited. This study demonstrates the differences between maximisers and satisficers in terms of job-related information needs, and the evaluation of the source/content, when searching for a retail trade job.
The MTMM matrix approach: implications for HRM research
Authors: Hamdani Maria Riaz , Valcea Sorin , Buckley Michael Ronald
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the suitability of the multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) matrix approach for examining construct validity in human resource management (HRM) research. The authors also provide a number of suggestions on how to use MTMM more effectively in HRM research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors start by presenting a basic introduction to MTMM approach. Next the authors briefly review the limitations of MTMM approach and suggested improvements. The authors elaborate on these limitations by providing HRM examples. To further illustrate these issues, the authors review employment interview research.

Findings

The construct validity analysis in HRM research suffers from three problematic assumptions of the classical MTMM approach: uncorrelated trait-method units, uncorrelated methods, and uncorrelated traits. The review of interview research shows that classical MTMM approach is by far the most popular approach given its relative simplicity and modest sample size requirements. This popularity stresses the significance of the review in highlighting these issues.

Originality/value

Several improvements to quantify the interpretations of MTMM analysis are available to researchers. This review closely examines how these limitations and proposed improvements influence HRM research, thereby making the methodological advances concerning the MTMM approach more accessible to HRM researchers and practitioners.
Metadherin peptides containing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes as a therapeutic vaccine candidate against cancer
Authors: Dhiman Gourav , Lohia Neha , Jain Sahil , Baranwal Manoj
Published: August 2016

The concept of peptide‐based vaccines against cancer has made noteworthy progress. Metadherin (MTDH) overexpression and its role in the development of diverse cancers make it an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. In the current study, six different T cell epitope prediction tools were run to identify MTDH peptides with multiple immunogenic regions. Further, molecular docking was performed to assess HLA‐peptide binding interactions. Nine and eleven peptides fragments containing multiple CD8 + and CD4 + T‐cell epitopes, ranging from 9 to 20 amino acids, respectively, were obtained using a consensus immunoinformatics approach. The three peptides that were finally identified as having overlapping CD4 + and CD8 + T‐ cell epitopes are ARLREMLSVGLGFLRTELG, FLLGYGWAAACAGAR, YIDDEWSGLNGLSSADP. These peptides were found to not only have multiple T cell epitopes but also to have binding affinity with wide HLA molecules. A molecular docking study revealed that the predicted immunogenic peptides (with single or multiple T cell epitopes) of MTDH have comparable binding energies with naturally bound peptides for both HLA classes I and II. Thus, these peptides have the potential to induce immune responses that could be considered for developing synthetic peptide vaccines against multiple cancers.
Statistical facies classification from multiple seismic attributes: comparison between Bayesian classification and expectation–maximization method and application in petrophysical inversion
Authors: Grana Dario , Lang Xiaozheng , Wu Wenting
Published: August 2016

We present here a comparison between two statistical methods for facies classifications: Bayesian classification and expectation–maximization method. The classification can be performed using multiple seismic attributes and can be extended from well logs to three‐dimensional volumes. In this work, we propose, for both methods, a sensitivity study to investigate the impact of the choice of seismic attributes used to condition the classification. In the second part, we integrate the facies classification in a Bayesian inversion setting for the estimation of continuous rock properties, such as porosity and lithological fractions, from the same set of seismic attributes. The advantage of the expectation–maximization method is that this algorithm does not require a training dataset, which is instead required in a traditional Bayesian classifier and still provides similar results. We show the application, comparison, and analysis of these methods in a real case study in the North Sea, where eight sedimentological facies have been defined. The facies classification is computed at the well location and compared with the sedimentological profile and then extended to the 3D reservoir model using up to 14 seismic attributes.
Role of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in renal function and ischaemia–reperfusion induced kidney injury
Authors: Alshaman Reem , Truong Luan , Oyekan Adebayo
Published: August 2016

Despite the presence of many studies on the role of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in cardiorenal tissues, the definitive role of mTOR in the pathogenesis of renal injury subsequent to ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) remains unclear. The aims of the current study were to characterize the role of mTOR in normal kidney function and to investigate the role of mTOR activation in IR‐induced kidney injury. In euvolemic anaesthetized rats, treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin increased blood pressure (121 ± 2 to 144 ± 3 mmHg; P<.05), decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR; 1.6 ± 0.3 to 0.5 ± 0.2 mL/min; P<.05) and increased urinary sodium excretion (UNaV; 14 ± 1 to 109 ± 25 mmol/L per hour; P<.05). In rats subjected to IR, autophagy induction, p‐mTOR expression and serum creatinine increased (1.9 ± 0.2 to 3 ± 0.3 mg/dL; P<.05); treatment with rapamycin blunted p‐mTOR expression but further increased autophagy induction and serum creatinine (3 ± 0.3 to 5 ± 0.6 mg/dL; P<.05). In contrast, clenbuterol, an mTOR activator, blunted the effect of rapamycin on serum creatinine (4 ± 0.6 vs 2.3 ± 0.3 mg/dL; P<.05), autophagy induction and p‐mTOR expression. IR also increased 24 hour protein excretion (9 ± 3 to 17 ± 2 mg/day; P<.05) and kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) expression, and rapamycin treatment further increased KIM‐1 expression. Clenbuterol exacerbated protein excretion (13 ± 2 to 26 ± 4 mg/day; P<.05) and antagonized the effect of rapamycin on KIM‐1 expression. Histopathological data demonstrated kidney injury in IR rats that was worsened by rapamycin treatment but attenuated by clenbuterol treatment. Thus, mTOR signalling is crucial for normal kidney function and protecting the kidney against IR injury through autophagy suppression.
Use and knowledge of single dose activated charcoal: A survey of Australian doctors
Authors: Corcoran Gabriela , Chan Betty , Chiew Angela
Published: August 2016

Objective

The use of single dose activated charcoal (SDAC) as a means of gastric decontamination is declining. The present study examined the potential use of SDAC in common overdose scenarios by Australian emergency doctors, compared with clinical toxicologists and current guidelines.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of emergency doctors and toxicologists on the use of SDAC. The survey covered demographic data, education and previous use of SDAC and six clinical scenarios. The scenarios selected included agents not bound to SDAC, sustained‐release preparations and ingestions at varying time points. Statistical calculations were performed using Fisher's exact test.

Results

There were 397 emergency doctors and 20 toxicologists who responded to the survey. Seventy‐one per cent (n = 280/397) of emergency doctors indicated they had received some education on decontamination. Eighty‐three per cent (n = 331/397) had administered SDAC during their medical career, 29% (n = 117/397) within the past year. There was a significant difference in responses between emergency doctors and toxicologists in two scenarios; a toxic paracetamol ingestion presenting within 1 h (P = 0.009) and verapamil ingestion in a 3 year old boy (P = 0.001). Toxicologists were more likely to administer SDAC in these scenarios, 89% (n = 16/18) and 88% (n = 15/17), respectively, compared with 52% (n = 197/381) and 43% (n = 158/371) of emergency doctors.

Conclusions

Our study showed that there is a significant variation in the use of SDAC between toxicologists and emergency doctors in some scenarios. Clinical toxicologists are more likely to administer SDAC in certain overdose settings. It is essential to provide education on the benefits versus actual risks of SDAC in acute poisoning so that doctors will understand when to administer SDAC or seek further advice.
Pathophysiology of peripheral arterial disease in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yang Shao‐ling , Zhu Lv‐yun , Han Rui , Sun Lei‐lei , Li Jun‐xia , Dou Jing‐tao
Published: August 2016

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) increases the risk of lower extremity amputation. It is also an independent predictor of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemic events, affecting both the quality and expectancy of life. Many studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of PAD in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is higher than in non‐diabetic patients. In diabetic patients, PAD occurs early with rapid progression, and is frequently asymptomatic. Multiple metabolic aberrations in DM, such as advanced glycation end‐products, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and abnormal oxidative stress, have been shown to worsen PAD. However, the role of DM in PAD is not completely understood. The purpose of the present article is to review and discuss the pathophysiology of PAD in DM.
Vegetation, fire and soil feedbacks of dynamic boundaries between rainforest, savanna and grassland
Authors: MacDermott Harry J. , Fensham Roderick J. , Hua Quan , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: August 2016

At fine spatial scales, savanna‐rainforest‐grassland boundary dynamics are thought to be mediated by the interplay between fire, vegetation and soil feedbacks. These processes were investigated by quantifying tree species composition, the light environment, quantities and flammability of fuels, bark thickness, and soil conditions across stable and dynamic rainforest boundaries that adjoin grassland and eucalypt savanna in the highlands of the Bunya Mountains, southeast Queensland, Australia. The size class distribution of savanna and rainforest stems was indicative of the encroachment of rainforest species into savanna and grassland. Increasing dominance of rainforest trees corresponds to an increase in woody canopy cover, the dominance of litter fuels (woody debris and leaf), and decline in grass occurrence. There is marked difference in litter and grass fuel flammability and this result is largely an influence of strongly dissimilar fuel bulk densities. Relative bark thickness, a measure of stem fire resistance, was found to be generally greater in savanna species when compared to that of rainforest species, with notable exceptions being the conifers Araucaria bidwillii and Araucaria cunninghamii. A transect study of soil nutrients across one dynamic rainforest – grassland boundary indicated the mass of carbon and nitrogen, but not phosphorus, increased across the successional gradient. Soil carbon turnover time is shortest in stable rainforest, intermediate in dynamic rainforest and longest in grassland highlighting nutrient cycling differentiation. We conclude that the general absence of fire in the Bunya Mountains, due to a divergence from traditional Aboriginal burning practices, has allowed for the encroachment of fire‐sensitive rainforest species into the flammable biomes of this landscape. Rainforest invasion is likely to have reduced fire risk via changes to fuel composition and microclimatic conditions, and this feedback will be reinforced by altered nutrient cycling. The mechanics of the feedbacks here identified are discussed in terms of landscape change theory.
Fractalkine/CX3CR1 is involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis by regulating endometrial stromal cell proliferation and invasion
Authors: Hou Xin‐Xin , Zhou Wen‐Jie , Wang Xiao‐Qiu , Li Da‐Jin
Published: August 2016

Problem

Chemokines have been reported to play a sovereign role in the establishment and progression of endometriosis. Fractalkine is a chemokine that is upregulated in many inflammatory diseases including endometriosis. Fractalkine functions as a chemotactic role for lymphocytes and monocytes. In this study, we investigated the role of fractalkine/CX3CR1 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Method of study

In this study, immunohistochemistry was performed on normal endometrium (taken from controls), eutopic endometrium (taken from patients with endometriosis), and ectopic tissues to analyze fractalkine/CX3CR1 expression. The levels of fractalkine in peritoneal fluid and the cell culture supernatant were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) cell proliferation assay was applied to detect the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). The invasion of ESCs was measured by transwell invasion assay. The protein levels of Bcl2, MMP2, MMP9, p‐AKT/AKT, p‐p38/p38, p‐JNK/JNK, and p‐ERK/ERK were analyzed by Western blot.

Results

We found that the eutopic endometrium had significantly higher expression of fractalkine and CX3CR1 compared to normal endometrium, and the ectopic tissues had the highest expression. The concentrations of fractalkine in peritoneal fluid of endometriosis patients were obviously higher than that of the control and correlate very well with the severity of endometriosis. Fractalkine enhanced ESCs proliferation and invasion via activating AKT and p38 signal pathways. Moreover, high concentration of estradiol (10−7, 10−6 mol L−1) induced fractalkine expression while high concentration of progesterone (10−6, 10−5 mol L−1) inhibited fractalkine expression in ESCs.

Conclusion

The results revealed that the high levels of fractalkine in ectopic milieu promoted proliferation and invasion of ESCs through activating AKT and p38 signal pathways. Estradiol has a stimulating effect on the expression of fractalkine. The present results increase our understanding of the significance of fractalkine in the progression of endometriosis and shed some lights on the targeted fractalkine/CX3CR1 therapies.
The first instar larva of two species of Miltogramminae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from the Middle East – examples of peculiar morphology
Authors: Szpila Krzysztof , Pape Thomas
Published: August 2016

The first instar larva is described for two species of Miltogramminae flesh flies representing the genera Miltogramma Meigen and Phrosinella Robineau‐Desvoidy. Using a combination of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the habitus is documented along with all important exoskeletal and cephaloskeletal structures. The described first instar larvae show substantial modifications of their morphology in comparison with the saprophagous ground plan defined for calyptrate flies. Miltogramma (Miltogrammidium) efflatouni Rohdendorf possesses the general set of derived character states shared with other species of Miltogramma and shares larval synapomorphies with species representing the subgenera Anacanthothecum Rohdendorf, Cylindrothecum Rohdendorf and Miltogrammidium Rohdendorf. Unique character states of the first instar larva of this species are the spine‐like shape of antennal complex, laterally compressed apical part of mouthhooks and an extreme elongation of the sensilla of the maxillary palpus. Phrosinella (Asiometopa) ujgura (Rohdendorf) possesses a pair of retractable, robust processes on the ventral margin of the first thoracic segment and a very strong, elongated labrum. Both character states are present in other known first instar larvae of genus Phrosinella. A reduction of cuticular ridges on dorsal and lateral surfaces of abdominal segments supports a monophylum consisting of the subgenera Asiometopa Rohdendorf and Caspiomyia Rohdendorf within genus Phrosinella.
Toxicity of Atorvastatin on Pancreas Mitochondria: A Justification for Increased Risk of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sadighara Melina , Amirsheardost Zahra , Minaiyan Mohsen , Hajhashemi Valiollah , Naserzadeh Parvaneh , Salimi Ahmad , Seydi Enayatollah , Pourahmad Jalal
Published: August 2016

Statins (including atorvastatin) are a widely used class of drugs, and like all medications, they have a potential for adverse effects. Recently, it has been shown that statins also exert side effects on the pancreas. In vitro studies have suggested that this class of drugs induced a reduction in insulin secretion. Also, the use of statins is associated with a raised risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), but the mechanisms underlying statin‐induced diabetes are poorly known. Literature data indicate that several statins are able to induce apoptosis signalling. This study was designed to examine the mechanism of atorvastatin on mitochondria obtained from rat pancreas. In our study, mitochondria were obtained from the pancreas and then exposed to atorvastatin and vehicle to investigate probable toxic effects. The results showed that atorvastatin (25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 μM) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial swelling, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release, the orchestrating factor for mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis signalling. Atorvastatin also reduced the ATP levels. These results propose that the toxicity of atorvastatin on pancreas mitochondria is a key point for drug‐induced apoptotic cell loss in the pancreas and therefore a justification for increased risk of DM.
DETERMINANTS OF SOVEREIGN BONDS RATINGS: A ROBUSTNESS ANALYSIS
Authors: Soudis Dimitrios
Published: August 2016

Several studies have attempted to deduce the determinants of sovereign bond ratings. In this study, Extreme Bounds Analysis is applied to approximately 30 factors proposed by the literature in order to assess their robustness with a focus on the relative importance that economic and political variables receive in the shaping of the ratings. We find that policies that constrain the public sector are among the most robust. Variables such as rule of law, openness to economic flows, central bank independence, and market friendly policies are found to be more robustly correlated with the ratings than foreign reserves, fiscal deficit, sovereign bond yields, and economic growth.
Influence of plasma cleaning procedure on the interaction between soft tissue and abutments: a randomized controlled histologic study
Authors: Garcia Berta , Camacho Fabio , Peñarrocha David , Tallarico Marco , Perez Sara , Canullo Luigi
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Plasma application can lead to an improved adhesion between soft tissue and abutments and promotes cell spreading.

Objective

A triple‐blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was performed to in vivo test the effect of cleaning abutment titanium surfaces with plasma of argon on cell adhesion and collagen fiber orientation at an early healing time.

Material and methods

Thirty healthy patients with 30 submerged implants, at the second surgery, randomly received either a specially designed abutment with no additional treatment (as they come from industry; control group, G1) or cleaned by plasma of argon (test group, G2). Two weeks thereafter, a small biopsy including abutment and soft tissues around the abutment was performed. Abutments were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to assess cell adhesion to the abutment surface. Outcome measures were the following: percentage of area occupied by cells, the presence or absence of cells, aspect of adhered cells, and the presence of contaminants. At the same time, the soft tissue histological analysis evaluated density and orientation of collagen fibers. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test and Levene variance homogeneity test. Data were analyzed using a nonparametric ranking test. The associations between the different qualitative variables were studied using Pearson's chi‐squared test. The Mann–Whitney U‐test (for two independent samples) was applied for quantitative variables.

Results

Mean percentages of area occupied by cells were 15.14% (range 2.91–44.27) and 33.75% (range 2.37–68.4) for G1 and G2, respectively. Differences were close to significance (P = 0.089). The proportion of samples presenting adhered cells was homogeneous between the two groups (P = 0.142). In all cases, cells presented a flattened aspect, but not in three cases in the G2; in 17 cases, cells were efficiently adhered, and in 11 cases, cells presented filopodia with no statistical differences between groups (P > 0.05). No case from G2 showed contamination with cocobacteria with statistical differences between groups (P = 0.006). Collagen fiber density was higher in the basal, medial, and coronal area of G2 compared to G1 with a statistical difference in the internal area (P < 0.05). The orientation of the fibers varied according to the coordinate area with oblique fibers predominant in G2 than in G1.

Conclusion

Plasma of argon may promote cell adhesion and positively influence collagen fiber orientation. A greater sample is necessary to confirm these preliminary results.
The dorsal pancreatic artery in pancreas procurement and transplantation: anatomical considerations and potential implications
Authors: Baranski André G. , Lam Hwai‐Ding , Braat Andries E. , Schaapherder Alexander F.
Published: August 2016

Aim

Organ procurement errors account for almost 20% of discarded pancreatic allografts. For this reason, the anatomical significance of the dorsal pancreatic artery (DPA) was reviewed.

Methods

A strategy on dealing with an often overlooked DPA is evaluated.

Results

The DPA provides together with the splenic artery the main blood supply to the pancreatic tail. Three different arterial variations have been described. In the rare instances when the DPA arises from the common hepatic artery or the celiac trunk, instead of the splenic origin, the DPA can easily be overlooked by surgeons not familiar with this artery. This may result in an unintentional damage to the pancreatic tail blood supply. If unrecognized during the back‐table inspection, it could potentially jeopardize the pancreatic graft after reperfusion. When a cut DPA is encountered during inspection, efforts should be attempted to revascularize the graft, especially if there is no backflow from the splenic artery as sign of absent collateral circulation.

Conclusion

The DPA may play a more prominent role in the vascularization of pancreas transplants than currently assumed. Better understanding of the vascular anatomy may lead to improved results in pancreas transplantation.
In situandex situdiversity analysis of priority crop wild relatives in Norway
Authors: Phillips Jade , Asdal Åsmund , Magos Brehm Joana , Rasmussen Morten , Maxted Nigel
Published: August 2016

Aim

To contribute directly to Norway's national and international commitments to systematic, long‐term conservation of crop wild relatives (CWR) by ensuring both thein situandex situprotection and availability of a broad range of CWR genetic diversity within the country.

Location

Norway.

Methods

We created a priority list of CWR within Norway based upon four main criteria including economic value from national to global level of associated crops and inclusion in Annex 1 of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). Species presence data were gathered from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and used for predictive species distribution modelling in MaxEnt.capfitogensoftware was utilized to create an ecogeographic land characterization (ELC) map and to identify complementaryin situgenetic reserves andex situcollecting priorities which target the full range of ecogeographic diversity of taxa.

Results

An inventory of 204 priority CWR within Norway was compiled. A grid cell complementary network of 19in situareas (~10 km2) conserved 201 priority CWR, and a separate analysis identified a protected area complementary network of 23 reserves that conserved 181 priority taxa. Forex situconservation, 177 taxa did not haveex situaccessions and of the 24 with accessions, 15 had the minimum of five populations conserved throughout their ecogeographic range.

Main conclusions

We present the first comprehensive national recommendations forin situandex situconservation of 204 priority CWR in Norway. Proposals target the conservation of the ecogeographic diversity of the priority CWR and hence their genetic diversity. Both the priority taxa and the methodology used are applicable at regional and global scales with the recommendations not only helping Norway to meet its international obligations for conservation of genetic diversity of CWR but also ensuring this genetic diversity is available for use in tackling global food security.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of diagnosed and non‐diagnosed psychotic disorders in the community
Authors: Michel Chantal , Schimmelmann Benno G. , Schultze‐Lutter Frauke
Published: August 2016

Aim

Retrospective studies of first‐episode psychosis patients have reported that psychosis often remains untreated for some time. Yet, from clinical samples, the characteristics and number of non‐diagnosed untreated psychosis patients in a community can only be estimated. Thus, this short report compares socio‐demographic and clinical features of diagnosed and non‐diagnosed psychotic individuals assessed in the community.

Methods

Using telephone interviews, we clinically assessed 2682 community participants (aged 16–40 years) in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, to examine the characteristics of non‐diagnosed psychosis.

Results

Of the 41 detected psychosis patients (1.5% of the sample), 21 (54%) had already been diagnosed and treated. Non‐diagnosed individuals experienced a delusional disorder (DD) (n = 10) more frequently than diagnosed individuals (n = 1), but did not differ in other socio‐demographic characteristics.

Conclusion

Further study of DD should be emphasized, along with increased awareness of the condition in primary healthcare services, as individuals with DD might present themselves for other complaints.
Epilepsy due to mutations in the mitochondrial polymerase gamma (POLG) gene: A clinical and molecular genetic review
Authors: Anagnostou Maria‐Eleni , Ng Yi Shiau , Taylor Robert W. , McFarland Robert
Published: August 2016

We performed a systematic review of the clinical, molecular, and biochemical features of polymerase gamma (POLG)–related epilepsy and current evidence on seizure management. Patients were identified from a combined electronic search of articles using Ovid Medline and Scopus databases, published from January 2000 to January 2015. Only patients with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of POLG mutations were considered. Seventy‐two articles were included for analysis. We identified 128 pathogenic variants in 372 patients who had POLG‐related epilepsy. Among these, 84% of the cases harbored at least one of these pathogenic variants: p.Ala467Thr, p.Trp748Ser, and p.Gly848Ser. A bimodal distribution of disease onset was present in early childhood (<5 years) and adolescence; female patients had a later presentation than male patients (median age 4.00 vs. 1.83 years, p‐value = 0.041). Focal‐onset seizure including convulsive, myoclonus, and occipital seizures was common at the outset and was refractory to pharmacotherapy. We confirmed that homozygous pathogenic variants located in the linker region of POLG were associated with later age of onset and longer survival compared to compound heterozygous variants. In addition, biochemical and molecular heterogeneities in different tissues were frequently observed. POLG‐related epilepsy is clinically heterogeneous, and the prognosis is, in part, influenced by the location of the variants in the gene and the presence of hepatic involvement. Normal muscle and fibroblast studies do no exclude the diagnosis of POLG‐related mitochondrial disease and direct sequencing of the POLG gene should be the gold standard when investigating suspected cases.
Early cardiac electrographic and molecular remodeling in a model of status epilepticus and acquired epilepsy
Authors: Brewster Amy L. , Marzec Kyle , Hairston Alexandria , Ho Marvin , Anderson Anne E. , Lai Yi‐Chen
Published: August 2016

Objectives

A myriad of acute and chronic cardiac alterations are associated with status epilepticus (SE) including increased sympathetic tone, rhythm and ventricular repolarization disturbances. Despite these observations, the molecular processes underlying SE‐associated myocardial remodeling remain to be identified. Here we determined early SE‐associated myocardial electrical and molecular alterations using a model of SE and acquired epilepsy.

Methods

We performed electrocardiography (ECG) assessments in rats beginning at 2 weeks following kainate‐induced SE, and calculated short‐term variability (STV) of the corrected QT intervals (QTc) as a marker of ventricular stability. Using western blotting, we quantified myocardial β1‐adrenergic receptors (β1‐AR) and ventricular gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) levels as makers of increased sympathetic tone. We determined the activation status of three kinases associated with sympathetic stimulation and their downstream ion channel targets: extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), protein kinase A (PKA), Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CamKII), hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel subunit 2 (HCN2), and voltage‐gated potassium channels 4.2 (Kv4.2). We investigated whether SE was associated with altered Ca2+ homeostasis by determining select Ca2+‐handling protein levels using western blotting.

Results

Compared with the sham group, SE animals exhibited higher heart rate, longer QTc interval, and higher STV beginning at 2 weeks following SE. Concurrently, the myocardium of SE rats showed lower β1‐AR and higher Cx43 protein levels, higher levels of phosphorylated ERK, PKA, and CamKII along with decreased HCN2 and Kv4.2 channel levels. In addition, the SE rats had altered proteins levels of Ca2+‐handling proteins, with decreased Na+/Ca2+ exchanger‐1 and increased calreticulin.

Significance

SE triggers early molecular alterations in the myocardium consistent with increased sympathetic tone and altered Ca2+ homeostasis. These changes, coupled with early and persistent ECG abnormalities, suggest that the observed molecular alterations may contribute to SE‐associated cardiac remodeling. Additional mechanistic studies are needed to determine potential causal roles.