bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing client feedback into marriage and family therapy supervision: a qualitative study examining the transition to empirically informed supervision
Authors: McComb Jennifer L. , Diamond Rachel M. , Breunlin Douglas C. , Chambers Anthony L. , Murray Kimberly S. F.
Published: March 2018

The use of client feedback in clinical supervision provides a way for supervisors to access clients' experiences of the treatment process and monitor clinical progress of their trainees' cases. The present qualitative study investigated a marriage and family therapy training programme's early experience of introducing the Systemic Therapy Inventory of Change (STIC®; Pinsof et al., 2009) into clinical supervision. Supervisors (N = 8) and trainees (N = 14) were interviewed to elicit their experience using the STIC in supervision with a focus on understanding the frequency of use as well as the facilitators and constraints to implementation. The analysis of the narratives resulted in the development of five themes (time, supervisors' expectations, broader training system influences, client feedback training, and perceived helpfulness) that contributed to decreased usage over time. Recommendations to the field for integrating client feedback into empirically informed training and supervision are provided.

Practitioner points

Training programmes should consider the potential benefits of utilizing client feedback measures for outcome‐based training and supervision

Training programmes adopting a client feedback measure need to be aware of the potential challenges of implementation

The additional time needed to use a client feedback measure in the clinical supervision process must be considered as it is the most notable constraint to implementation
Recapturing the household: reflections on labour, productive relations, and economic value
Authors: Melhuus Marit
Published: March 2018

Labour regimes organize the economy; they also organize lives. With the continued deregulation of the labour market and the simultaneous drive to cut labour costs, there lies a challenge to grasp not only the workings of capital but also the way such processes impact on the organization of everyday labouring lives. This implies a focus that is attentive to value, combining political economy with moral economy. I suggest that household analysis represents one way to address such issues. Household analysis provides a means of ethnographic access to a particular temporal dynamic that is revealing of a layered texture of precariousness, capturing at one and the same time the material realities and the intimate relations of living. Regimes of labour and regimes of value can thus be brought into the same frame, indicating relational dependencies as well as structures of social inequality. Drawing on earlier ethnography amongst landless tobacco growers in Corrientes, Argentina, I draw attention to the potentials of a particular perspective, all the while paying attention to the specific historical and political context. Anthropology is well placed to grasp contemporary configurations of labour and how these both are framed by and contribute towards reproducing social and economic inequalities, not only locally but also at a more global scale.
Physicochemical and sensory properties of goat cheeses and their fatty acid profile in relation to the geographic region of production
Authors: Barłowska Joanna , Pastuszka Robert , Rysiak Anna , Król Jolanta , Brodziak Aneta , Kędzierska‐Matysek Monika , Wolanciuk Anna , Litwińczuk Zygmunt
Published: March 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical composition, colour and sensory profile of rennet goat cheeses, taking into account their geographic region of production. The relationships between the botanical composition of the goats’ pasture to the fatty acid (FA) profiles and health indicators of the fat of cheese produced from their milk in artisanal conditions were also determined. Grazing of goats on natural pastures with greater floristic richness and, above all, the presence of more meadow species and herbs, not only increased the proportions of beneficial FAs in the cheese but also improved sensory characteristics valued by consumers.
Impact of a New York City Supportive Housing Program on Housing Stability and Preventable Health Care among Homeless Families
Authors: Lim Sungwoo , Singh Tejinder P. , Hall Gerod , Walters Sarah , Gould L. Hannah
Published: March 2018

Objective

To assess the impact of a New York City supportive housing program on housing stability and preventable emergency department (ED) visits/hospitalizations among heads of homeless families with mental and physical health conditions or substance use disorders.

Data Sources

Multiple administrative data from New York City and New York State for 966 heads of families eligible for the program during 2007–12.

Study Design

We captured housing events and health care service utilization during 2 years prior to the first program eligibility date (baseline) and 2 years postbaseline. We performed sequence analysis to measure housing stability and compared housing stability and preventable ED visits and hospitalizations between program participants (treatment group) and eligible applicants not placed in the program (comparison group) via marginal structural modeling.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We matched electronically collected data.

Principal Findings

Eighty‐seven percent of supportive housing tenants experienced housing stability in 2 years postbaseline. Compared with unstably housed heads of families in the comparison group, those in the treatment group were 0.60 times as likely to make preventable ED visits postbaseline (95% CI = 0.38, 0.96).

Conclusions

Supportive housing placement was associated with improved housing stability and reduced preventable health care visits among homeless families.
Exposure, Occurrence, and Chemistry of Fumonisins and their Cryptic Derivatives
Authors: Braun Markus Santhosh , Wink Michael
Published: March 2018

Fumonisins are mycotoxins mainly produced by Fusarium proliferatum and Fusarium verticillioides. Because of their wide distribution, the potential health hazard, and economic significance, they are considered one of the most important mycotoxin classes. Epidemiological evidence suggests a relationship between the Fusarium load in corn, exposure to fumonisins, and esophageal cancer. However, mechanisms of actions of fumonisins are not yet fully resolved and epidemiological studies suffer from various confounding factors. Correspondingly, the most relevant congener of the fumonisin family (fumonisin B1) has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans and maximum limits have been set for corn and corn‐based products. However, many non‐corn‐based products are also susceptible to fumonisin contamination. Indeed, some of them contain very high amounts of fumonisins, but enter the market legally. Furthermore, fumonisin exposure of consumers is probably consistently being underestimated because only a fraction of fumonisins can be detected by routine analysis. The bioavailability and toxicity of most nondetectable (cryptic) forms has not been resolved. In this work, we review the developments of cancer research into fumonisins since their discovery in 1988 until today and provide an overview of the contributions of various foodstuffs to fumonisin exposure, including those products that have been largely neglected in the past. In conclusion, (1) corn remains the principal source of fumonisin ingestion, but fumonisins in non‐corn‐based commodities require continuous monitoring; (2) cryptic fumonisins should be included in risk assessment studies; and (3) certain population groups (for example children) may suffer from enhanced exposure and could face increased health risks.
Synthesis of Galactooligosaccharides in Milk and Whey: A Review
Authors: Fischer Christin , Kleinschmidt Thomas
Published: March 2018

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are synthesized by the enzyme β‐galactosidase during the hydrolysis of lactose. In this so‐called transgalactosylation reaction the galactosyl moiety is transferred to another sugar molecule instead of water resulting in oligosaccharides of different chain lengths and glycosidic linkages. Because their structures are similar to oligosaccharides present in human breast milk, they act as prebiotics, which has been shown for infants and adults to be alike. While so far most of the research to maximize GOS yield has been carried out using buffered lactose solution as a starting material, more and more work is now conducted with dairy by‐products such as whey and whey permeate, or even milk, for direct GOS synthesis in order to develop new GOS‐enriched dairy products. This review aims to summarize the results obtained with various dairy liquids, and it rates their suitabilities to act as raw material for GOS production. Most of the studies using whey or milk have been carried out with enzymes from Aspergillus oryzae, Kluyveromyces lactis, Bacillus circulans, Streptococcus thermophilus, and several Lactobacillus species. As the initial lactose concentration (ILC) is known to be a crucial factor for high GOS yield, most of the research has been done with concentrated or supplemented milk and whey. However, a clear dependency on ILC could only be observed for the A. oryzae lactase, indicating a strong influence of milk components like minerals and proteins on the transfer activities of most enzymes.
The empowerment expectation–perception gap: An examination of three alternative models
Authors: Wong Sut I. , Kuvaas Bård
Published: March 2018

Previous empowerment research has focused on subordinate perceptions of empowering leadership and its outcomes. Met‐expectations theory suggests that subordinate expectations of leader behaviours are essential in forming their a posteriori evaluations. To address the lack of investigation of individual expectations in the empowerment literature, in this study, we explore how subordinates' empowerment expectations and perceptions combine to influence their job satisfaction and psychological empowerment based on three alternative, theoretically derived met‐expectation models, namely, the disconfirmation model, the ideal‐point model, and the experiences‐only model. The results of a 2‐stage study of 114 respondents indicate that employees are more satisfied with their work when perceived empowerment exceeds expectations. However, both empowerment perceptions and expectations positively contribute to higher psychological empowerment. We then discuss implications and directions for future research.
Phenotypic trait matching predicts the topology of an insular plant–bird pollination network
Authors: BIDDICK Matthew , BURNS Kevin C.
Published: March 2018

Conceptualizing species interactions as networks has broadened our understanding of ecological communities. However, the factors shaping interaction patterns among species and, therefore, network structure remain unclear. One potentially important factor is the matching of phenotypic traits. Here, we tested for trait matching in a bird–flower visitation network from New Zealand. We first quantified the overall network structure and tested whether flower size could account for differences in the visitation rates of flowering plants. We then explored the relationship between the flower size and bill size. The results showed that the interaction network is nested. Plant species with large flowers received more visits from birds than plant species with small flowers. Moreover, plant species with large flowers were visited more frequently by birds with large bills, while species with smaller flowers were visited more frequently by birds with small bills. Overall, the interaction patterns between birds and flowering plants could be predicted by their morphology, suggesting that phenotypic trait matching is an important predictor of network structure.
The Effects of Residual Air and Viscosity on the Rate of Heat Penetration of Retort Food Simulant in Pouch When Using Static and Oscillating Motions
Authors: MacNaughton Mollye S. , Whiteside William S. , Rieck James R. , Thomas Ronald L.
Published: March 2018

The objectives of this work were to determine the effect of 3 levels of residual air and 2 different retort motions on the value of the average heating slope of the rate of heat penetration of 3 different viscosities of a food simulant in flexible retort pouches. Pouches were thermally processed in a water spray automated batch retort system using 2 different methods of motion: static and oscillating continuously at a speed of 10.5 rotations per min (RPM) with an angle of 15°. Nine residual air and viscosity combinations were processed during each experimental run: low viscosity with no residual air (LV‐NRA), medium viscosity with no residual air (MV‐NRA), high viscosity with no residual air (HV‐NRA), low viscosity with medium residual air (LV‐MRA), medium viscosity with medium residual air (MV‐MRA), high viscosity with medium residual air (HV‐MRA), low viscosity with high residual air (LV‐HRA), medium viscosity with high residual air (MV‐HRA), and high viscosity with high residual air (HV‐HRA). As the amount of residual air in the pouches increased, the average heating slope value decreased in both static and oscillating motions. As the viscosity of the product increased the amount of residual air affected the average heating slope less in static and oscillating motions. Overall, the oscillating motion resulted in faster rates of heat penetration in all viscosities compared to static mode. The oscillating motion reduced processing times up to 27% compared to static mode.

Practical Application

This research can be applied to food manufacturers that are retorting foods in pouches. Residual air in pouches has been studied previously; however, with the development of new retort motions, more research needs to be conducted about the effect of residual air in a pouch using the different motions. Food manufacturers can use this information to optimize their amount of residual air based on their product viscosity and retort motion. This could dramatically lower processing time which would save money and increase output as well as potentially increases product quality. This research is aimed at influencing food manufacturers, process authorities, and product developers.
Treatment of vitamin D deficiency in Chinese inflammatory bowel disease patients: A prospective, randomized, open‐label, pilot study
Authors: Tan Bei , Li Pan , Lv Hong , Yang Hong , Li Yue , Li Ji , Wang Ou , Qian Jia Ming
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE

To assess the necessity and efficacy of vitamin D (VitD) supplementation in Chinese ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) patients with vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency.

METHODS

UC and CD patients were randomly assigned into one of the three arms for 12 months: arm A (VitD3 150 000 IU once per 3 months plus elemental calcium 200 mg thrice daily), arm B (elemental calcium 200 mg thrice daily) and arm C (vehicle control group), in addition to conventional treatment. Improvement in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level was the primary outcome of the study. Secondary outcomes were changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and disease activity.

RESULTS

Sixty‐five UC and 59 CD patients completed the study. The difference in the pre‐and post‐treatment 25(OH)D [Δ25(OH)D] of arm A was significantly higher than in arm B or C (UC: 17.47 ± 13.01 ng/mL vs 5.30 ± 6.28 ng/mL or 2.02 ± 6.19 ng/mL, P < 0.001; CD: 12.47 ± 9.15 ng/mL vs 4.73 ± 6.97 ng/mL or 1.36 ± 4.75 ng/mL, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between pre‐ and post‐treatment BMD and disease activity in arm A compared to those in arms B and C (P > 0.05). Although the Mayo score and Crohn’s disease activity index decreased by conventional treatment, serum 25(OH)D did not improve in arm C without vitamin D supplementation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

VitD supplementation is necessary to treat hypovitaminosis D in UC and CD patients, even with background amelioration of disease activity.
Resuscitation of viable but non‐culturable bacteria to enhance the cellulose‐degrading capability of bacterial community in composting
Authors: Su Xiaomei , Zhang Shuo , Mei Rongwu , Zhang Yu , Hashmi Muhammad Zaffar , Liu Jingjing , Lin Hongjun , Ding Linxian , Sun Faqian
Published: March 2018

Nowadays, much of what we know regarding the isolated cellulolytic bacteria comes from the conventional plate separation techniques. However, the culturability of many bacterial species is controlled by resuscitation‐promoting factors (Rpfs) due to entering a viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state. Therefore, in this study, Rpf from Micrococcus luteus was added in the culture medium to evaluate its role in bacterial isolation and enhanced effects on cellulose‐degrading capability of bacterial community in the compost. It was found that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were two main phyla in the compost sample. The introduction of Rpf could isolate some unique bacterial species. The cellulase activity of enrichment cultures with and without Rpf treatment revealed that Rpf treatment significantly enhanced cellulase activity. Ten isolates unique in Rpf addition displayed carboxymethyl‐cellulase (CMCase) activity, while six isolates possessed filter paper cellulase (FPCase) activity. This study provides new insights into broader cellulose degraders, which could be utilized for enhancing cellulosic waste treatment.
Genetic constraints on wing pattern variation in Lycaeides butterflies: A case study on mapping complex, multifaceted traits in structured populations
Authors: Lucas Lauren K. , Nice Chris C. , Gompert Zachariah
Published: March 2018

Patterns of phenotypic variation within and among species can be shaped and constrained by trait genetic architecture. This is particularly true for complex traits, such as butterfly wing patterns, that consist of multiple elements. Understanding the genetics of complex trait variation across species boundaries is difficult, as it necessitates mapping in structured populations and can involve many loci with small or variable phenotypic effects. Here, we investigate the genetic architecture of complex wing pattern variation in Lycaeides butterflies as a case study of mapping multivariate traits in wild populations that include multiple nominal species or groups. We identify conserved modules of integrated wing pattern elements within populations and species. We show that trait covariances within modules have a genetic basis and thus represent genetic constraints that can channel evolution. Consistent with this, we find evidence that evolutionary changes in wing patterns among populations and species occur in the directions of genetic covariances within these groups. Thus, we show that genetic constraints affect patterns of biological diversity (wing pattern) in Lycaeides, and we provide an analytical template for similar work in other systems.
Integrating abundance and diet data to improve inferences of food web dynamics
Authors: Ferguson Jake M. , Hopkins John B. , Witteveen Briana H.
Published: March 2018

Both population abundances and chemical tracers are useful tools for studying consumer‐resource interactions. Food web models parameterized with abundances are often used to understand how interactions structure communities and to inform management decisions of complex ecological systems. Unfortunately, collecting abundance data to parameterize these models is often expensive and time‐consuming. Another approach is to use chemical tracers to estimate the proportional diets of consumers by relating the tracers in their tissues to those found in their food sources. Although tracer data are often inexpensive to collect, these diet proportions provide little information on the per‐capita consumption rates of consumers. Here, we show how coupling these data sources leads to better estimates of consumption rates.

Our modelling approach integrates traditional multispecies population abundance models with proportional diet estimates. We used simulations to determine whether integrated food web datasets were more informative than the standard abundance datasets and demonstrated the use of our integrated approach by estimating consumption rates of hump‐back whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the western Gulf of Alaska using abundances coupled with stable isotopes as tracers.

Our simulations demonstrated that integrated models improved the ability to resolve alternative hypotheses about the functional response and yielded more precise parameter estimates relative to standard food web models. The integrated data approach was especially informative under low sample sizes or high process variance. Our application of the integrated modelling approach to humpback whales indicated that fish averaged about 25% of whale diets, though this proportion declined over the course of the study. We also found that traditional abundance model estimates of humpback whale consumption were non‐estimable and that the integrated food web model led to estimable consumption rates.

Our results show that integrating stable isotopes and abundance datasets provides an exciting way forward for parameterizing multispecies models in data‐limited systems. We expect that future developments of these integrated approaches will extend current food web theory by allowing ecologists to study predation dynamics over seasonal time‐scales and at the individual level.
Genome‐wide association study in Finnish twins highlights the connection between nicotine addiction and neurotrophin signaling pathway
Authors: Hällfors Jenni , Palviainen Teemu , Surakka Ida , Gupta Richa , Buchwald Jadwiga , Raevuori Anu , Ripatti Samuli , Korhonen Tellervo , Jousilahti Pekka , Madden Pamela A.F. , Kaprio Jaakko , Loukola Anu
Published: March 2018

The heritability of nicotine dependence based on family studies is substantial. Nevertheless, knowledge of the underlying genetic architecture remains meager. Our aim was to identify novel genetic variants responsible for interindividual differences in smoking behavior. We performed a genome‐wide association study on 1715 ever smokers ascertained from the population‐based Finnish Twin Cohort enriched for heavy smoking. Data imputation used the 1000 Genomes Phase I reference panel together with a whole genome sequence‐based Finnish reference panel. We analyzed three measures of nicotine addiction—smoking quantity, nicotine dependence and nicotine withdrawal. We annotated all genome‐wide significant SNPs for their functional potential. First, we detected genome‐wide significant association on 16p12 with smoking quantity (P = 8.5 × 10−9), near CLEC19A. The lead‐SNP stands 22 kb from a binding site for NF‐κB transcription factors, which play a role in the neurotrophin signaling pathway. However, the signal was not replicated in an independent Finnish population‐based sample, FINRISK (n = 6763). Second, nicotine withdrawal showed association on 2q21 in an intron of TMEM163 (P = 2.1 × 10−9), and on 11p15 (P = 6.6 × 10−8) in an intron of AP2A2, and P = 4.2 × 10−7 for a missense variant in MUC6, both involved in the neurotrophin signaling pathway). Third, association was detected on 3p22.3 for maximum number of cigarettes smoked per day (P = 3.1 × 10−8) near STAC. Associating CLEC19A and TMEM163 SNPs were annotated to influence gene expression or methylation. The neurotrophin signaling pathway has previously been associated with smoking behavior. Our findings further support the role in nicotine addiction.
Germination response of common annual and perennial forbs to heat shock and smoke treatments in the Chaco Serrano, central Argentina
Authors: Arcamone Julieta R. , Jaureguiberry Pedro
Published: March 2018

Fire is a key ecological factor affecting plant dynamics. In the last few decades, fire occurrence in the Chaco region has increased noticeably, challenging the adaptive capacity of plants to regenerate after a fire. Broad‐leaved forb species have been much less studied than woody and graminoids, although they are an important component of fire dynamics. Here we analysed the germination response to heat shock of 70 and 110°C, smoke and their combination in 10 broad‐leaved herbaceous species frequently occurring in the Chaco Serrano of Córdoba province, central Argentina, including five annual (Bidens subalternans, Conyza bonariensis, Schkuhria pinnata, Tagetes minuta and Zinnia peruviana) and five perennial species (Borreria eryngioides, Sida rhombifolia, Solidago chilensis, Taraxacum officinale and Verbena litoralis). We also compared the response of annual versus perennial species. Six species had highest germination when treated with heat and smoke combined, whereas two had lowest germination under this treatment, indicating synergistic and antagonistic interaction of these factors respectively. Most of the species tolerated heat shock (i.e. germination was similar to that in control treatment), whereas others had higher germination in response to heat shock, especially under the moderate 70°C treatment. Germination was higher than control (i.e. no heat and no smoke) after smoke treatment in four species. Perennial species showed higher average germination than annuals in both heat treatments and in the control. Annual species had higher average germination for all treatments involving smoke. The high variability observed at the species level, and the limited number of species studied calls for precaution in interpreting and extrapolating results. Nevertheless, our study shows a general positive response of both perennial and annual species to fire cues, suggesting an advantage of these species for colonizing post‐fire environments, and being favoured under scenarios of increasingly frequent low‐to‐medium intensity fires.
Ocular ultrasonographic and biometric features of European brown hares (Lepus europaeus)
Authors: Meomartino L. , Pasolini M. P. , Lamagna B. , Mennonna G. , Auletta L. , Murino C. , Della Valle G. , Esposito L.
Published: March 2018

The aim of this work is to assess the normal ultrasonographic features and dimensions of eyes in European hares. Corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth and eye axial length were measured by ultrasound in 40 healthy hares (Lepus europaeus), 20 males and 20 females, mean age of 5.5 months (range 2–15 months). The effects of sex, side, age and body weight on each feature were recorded. Results show that ocular dimensions were not affected by considered variables except for the lenses thickness and axial length that were correlated with age and body weight. Our study concludes that although ocular structures had similar feature compared to other species, the description of the characteristics of the eye of the European hare is important to widen the knowledge of a species not completely known from the normal anatomical point of view. The lens dimensions could have a predictive value in determining the age of young hares.
Tomographic and anatomical study of the orbit and nasolacrimal duct in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris—Linnaeus, 1766)
Authors: Hirota I. N. , Alves L. S. , Gandolfi M. G. , Félix M. , Ranzani J. J. T. , Brandão C. V. S.
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to describe the reference values of cranial measurements of capybaras, correlating the ocular orbit with the nasolacrimal duct. The documentation of its results can contribute to standardizing characteristics of anatomical normality and favouring the correct diagnosis and treatment of changes. The capybara carcasses, maintained by freezing, were distributed in two groups (G) designated GA (n = 12) adult animals (A) and GY (n = 13) for young animals (Y). All subjects underwent dacryocystography examination by computed tomography (CT) and cranial measurements. Descriptive analyses of cranial and nasolacrimal duct measurements and statistical analysis of the Pearson correlation with the variable weight were performed. In GA, there was no correlation between the nasolacrimal and cranial duct measurements. However, in the GY, a correlation was verified with facial length (r = .6233), facial width (r = .5771), cranial height (r = .6981), cranial length (r = .7116), total right length (r = .7517) and left length (r = .7999). Thus, in the young animals, cranial length measurements were strongly correlated with nasolacrimal duct lengths. However, this biological behaviour was not observed in adults, demonstrating stability in development. The capybara's ocular orbit was found to be circular and incomplete, with developed zygomatic process of the maxilla. CT dacryocystography is indicated to evaluate the nasolacrimal canal pathway in capybaras, emphasizing the importance of normal anatomical study to aid in treating animals affected by diseases.
Review of the surface architecture of the equine neopallium: Principle elements of a cartographic pattern of sulci revisited and further elaborated
Authors: Lang A. , Wirth G. , Gasse H.
Published: March 2018

The surface architecture of the equine telencephalon is far more complex and complicated than, for example, that of the carnivore's brain, and basic organization patterns are more difficult to recognize. This is due to species differences, to interindividual variations and even to asymmetries between right and left hemispheres. Moreover, a very heterogeneous anatomical terminology, especially in the pioneering older literature, does not allow easy access to a unanimous topographical orientation. This review article presents the key features of this heterogeneity and its anatomical and terminological backgrounds, focusing on the cerebral sulci. The abundant, often divergent data from the reviewed literature are displayed by means of graphical illustrations highlighting the key issues and comparing them with the terminology of the present Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria. These illustrations are supposed to convey the relevant conformities and discrepancies regarding locations, courses and names of cerebral sulci in an easier and more effective manner than written texts could possibly do with such a complex and heterogeneous matter. The data from the selected literature are supplemented by and discussed together with photographs and drawings of brains from our own collection. This combination of a classic review article and own findings is supposed to confirm, to further elaborate and to evaluate the key sulci serving as landmarks for an orientation on the equine neopallium. These are, laterally, the Sulcus suprasylvius, coronalis and praesylvius; dorsally, the Sulcus marginalis; and medially, the Sulcus genualis, cinguli and splenialis. Special attention is also given to the Fissura sylvia; a Fissura sylvia accessoria is proposed.
Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase 1D modulate trophoblast cell function
Authors: Qin Xiaoli , Liang Yan , Guo Yuna , Liu Xiaorui , Zeng Weihong , Wu Fan , Lin Yi , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2018

Problem

Trophoblast cells regulate embryo implantation and placental development. Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) is an initiator of translation involved in cellular processes, such as migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. However, the function of eIF5A in trophoblast cells is unknown.

Method of study

We inhibited eIF5A and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase 1D (CAMK1D) expression in HTR8 cells using RNA interference. The effects of eIF5A and CAMK1D on HTR8 cells were investigated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, flow cytometry, cell transfection assays, cell migration assays, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling.

Results

eIF5A inhibition decreased CAMK1D expression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, but upregulated apoptosis, in HTR8 cells.

Conclusion

Cross‐talk between eIF5A and CAMK1D enhances proliferation, migration, and invasion, but inhibits apoptosis, in trophoblasts.
ILC2 frequency and activity are inhibited by glucocorticoid treatment via STAT pathway in patients with asthma
Authors: Yu Q. N. , Guo Y. B. , Li X. , Li C. L. , Tan W. P. , Fan X. L. , Qin Z. L. , Chen D. , Wen W. P. , Zheng S. G. , Fu Q. L.
Published: March 2018

Background

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) were closely associated with asthma. However, there were no perspective studies about the effects of glucocorticoid on ILC2s in asthma patients. Our objective was to perform a perspective study and evaluate the ILC2 activity after glucocorticoid therapy in asthma patients.

Methods

The asthma and asthma with allergic rhinitis patients were treated with glucocorticoid for 3 months. The circulating ILC2 levels were evaluated. The effects of glucocorticoid on ILC2s and possible signalling pathways were investigated in vitro.

Results

The patients were well‐controlled, and the high ILC2 levels were significantly decreased at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Peripheral blood monocytes from allergic patients produced dramatic IL‐5, IL‐13 and IL‐9 in response to IL‐25, IL‐33 plus IL‐2, and glucocorticoid significantly decreased their levels. Moreover, ILC2s were identified to be the predominant source of IL‐5, IL‐13 and IL‐9, and glucocorticoid treatment was able to reverse their high levels. STAT3, STAT5, STAT6, JAK3 and MEK signalling pathways were proved to be involved in regulating ILC2 activity under the glucocorticoid treatment.

Conclusion

The data suggested that glucocorticoid administration could be effective in treating asthma by regulating ILC2s via MEK/JAK‐STAT signalling pathways. This provides a new understanding of glucocorticoid application in regard to allergic diseases.
Morbidity and mortality with atrial fibrillation following colorectal surgery
Authors: Quinn Rakesh , Mansfield Marie , Brown Alexandra , Rangiah David
Published: March 2018

Post‐operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common, self‐limiting complication following non‐cardiac surgery. It is associated with other complications such as pneumonia and sepsis, increased hospital stay and in‐hospital mortality. The aim of the study is to identify risk factors, morbidity and mortality associated with POAF.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 571 consecutive patients who presented for colorectal surgery at The Canberra Hospital. Seventy‐four patients were excluded due to history of atrial fibrillation and a further 124 patients were lost to follow‐up at 1 year. Patient characteristics, intraoperative factors and post‐operative outcomes were retrospectively collected. One‐year mortality data were collected for 373 patients in the cohort.

Results

A total of 497 patients were included, 33 (6.6%) developed POAF within 30 days of surgery. POAF is associated with ischaemic heart disease (24.2 versus 11.6%, P = 0.035), emergency (66.7 versus 34.1%, P = 0.0001) and open procedures (87.9 versus 70.9%, P = 0.036). There is a higher incidence of post‐operative complications including pneumonia (24.2 versus 9.1%, P = 0.006), abdominal collection (21.2 versus 9.7%, P = 0.049) and sepsis (21.2 versus 7.5%, P < 0.0001). POAF had a higher in‐hospital mortality (9.1 versus 2.6%, P = 0.035) and 1‐year mortality (33.3 versus 8.8%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

POAF is a common presentation following colorectal surgery and is associated with infective complications, reflecting an inflammatory process. Risk factors for POAF have been clearly identified in the literature; however, further studies need to be conducted on preventative strategies. There is a significantly higher 1‐year mortality rate compared with the controls, the aetiology of which has not yet been widely reviewed.
Material Footprints: The Struggle for Borders by Bedouin‐Palestinians in Israel
Authors: Plonski Sharri
Published: March 2018

In the following article, borders become an epistemology for reading the social and political history of settler geographies, and their particular manifestation in the southern Naqab region of Israel. It takes as its starting point the idea that borders are activated in an assemblage of encounters; and that they act as markers, not only of the power of the settler state to rupture and control indigenous life and mobility, but of the multiple resistances that divert, disrupt and unsettle settler movements and spaces. Based on more than three years of fieldwork with the Unrecognised Bedouin‐Palestinian communities of the Naqab, the article investigates the significance of borders in spaces the state has conceived and structured as empty and dead. In exploring the multiple modes of resistance and resilience that constitute Bedouin struggles for recognition in Israel, it finds relevance in the lines they carve out, and the living spaces that persist and evolve in their shadows.
Prospective study of flavonoid intake and risk of primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Kang Jae H. , Ivey Kerry L. , Boumenna Tahani , Rosner Bernard , Wiggs Janey L. , Pasquale Louis R.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the association between flavonoid intake and incident primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

We followed 65 516 women from the Nurses’ Health Study (from 1984) and 42 156 men from the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (from 1986) biennially to 2012, who were 40+ years old, free of POAG, and reported eye examinations. Dietary flavonoid intake was assessed with validated repeated semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Incident POAG cases (n = 1575) were confirmed with medical record review. Cohort‐specific multivariable‐adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and meta‐analysed.

Results

Total flavonoid intake was not associated with risk of POAG development [RR for highest (Q5: median ~645 mg/day) versus lowest quintile (Q1: ~130 mg/day) = 0.91 (95% CI = 0.77, 1.08); p for trend (p‐trend) = 0.19]; the flavonoid subclasses of flavones, flavanones, polymeric flavanols or anthocyanidins were also not associated (Q5 versus Q1 comparison p‐values ≥0.05 and p‐trend ≥0.09). Higher intakes of flavonols and monomeric flavanols were nominally associated with lower POAG risk, based on the Q5 versus Q1 comparisons or p‐trends. The Q5 versus Q1 comparison RRs were: for flavonols, 0.82 (95% CI = 0.69, 0.97; p‐trend = 0.05; ~28 versus ~8 mg/day), and for monomeric flavanols, 0.86 (95% CI = 0.72, 1.02; p‐trend=0.04; ~110 versus 10 mg/day). The food/beverage that contributed most to both the variation of flavonols and monomeric flavanols was tea; consuming ~2 cups/day was associated with 18% lower POAG risk (RR=0.82; 95% CI = 0.68, 0.99; p‐trend = 0.02).

Conclusion

Total flavonoid intake was not associated with POAG risk. Greater intakes of flavonols and monomeric flavanols and of tea showed suggestive modest associations with lower risk; these results need confirmation.
Type, severity, management and outcome of ocular and adnexal firework‐related injuries: the Rotterdam experience
Authors: Frimmel Sonja , de Faber J. Tjeerd , Wubbels Rene J. , Kniestedt Christoph , Paridaens Dion
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To study the type, severity, management and outcome of firework‐related adnexal and ocular injuries during New Year's Eve festivities.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 123 injured patients (143 eyes) treated at the Rotterdam Eye Hospital between 2009 and 2013. All ages were included and analysed according to age, gender, active participant or bystander, laterality, location, dimension and severity of injury. Outcome parameter was the final best‐corrected visual acuity.

Results

The mean age was 22 ± 13 years with 87% males and 53% bystanders. 52% were ≤18 years. There was a higher number of female than male bystanders (63% versus 51%, p = 0.30). 50% of the eyes sustained mild, 13% moderate and 37% severe trauma. Adults suffered more from severe injuries compared to children (42% versus 31%). The most frequent intervention was gunpowder removal (20%), followed by traumatic cataract surgery (12%) and amniotic membrane grafting (8%). 76% of patients were followed over 1 year. At the end of follow‐up, 88 (61.5%) eyes had recovered fully, while 55 (38.5%) eyes suffered from persistent complications with reduced vision ≤0.8 in 30% of injured eyes. 15 patients (12%, 10 adults, five children) were considered legally blind (vision ≤0.1). Three (2%) eyes were subject to evisceration.

Conclusion

Every year, around New Year's Eve 30–45 victims were referred to the Rotterdam Eye Hospital; 50% sustained moderate‐to‐severe trauma. In severe firework injuries, patients required multiple treatments that may not prevent permanent blindness and/or functional/cosmetic disfigurement. The majority was bystander and younger than 18 years.
Local partial depletion of CD11b+ cells and their influence on choroidal neovascularization using the CD11b‐HSVTK mouse model
Authors: Brockmann Claudia , Kociok Norbert , Dege Sabrina , Davids Anja‐Maria , Brockmann Tobias , Miller Kelly R. , Joussen Antonia M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To assess the influence of retinal macrophages and microglia on the formation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Therefore, we used a transgenic mouse (CD11b‐HSVTK) in which the application of ganciclovir (GCV) results in a depletion of CD11b+ cells.

Methods

We first investigated if a local depletion of CD11b+ macrophages and microglia in the retina is feasible. In a second step, the influence of CD11b+ cell depletion on CNV formation was analysed. One eye of each CD11b‐HSVTK mouse was injected with GCV, and the fellow eye received sodium chloride solution (NaCl). Cell counting was performed at day 3 and 7 (one injection) or at day 14 and 21 (two injections). Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was induced by argon laser and analysed at day 14.

Results

The most effective CD11b+ cell depletion was achieved 7 days after a single injection and 14 days after two injections of GCV. After two injections of GCV, we found a significant reduction of CD11b+ cells in central (52 ± 23.9 cells/mm2) and peripheral retina (53 ± 20.6 cells/mm2); compared to eyes received NaCl (216 ± 49.0 and 210 ± 50.5 cells/mm2, p < 0.001, respectively). Regarding CNV areas, no statistical significance was found between the groups.

Conclusion

The CD11b‐HSVTK mouse is a feasible model for a local depletion of CD11b+ cells in the retina. Nevertheless, only a partial depletion of CD11b+ cells could be achieved compared to baseline data without any intravitreal injections. Our results did not reveal a significant reduction in CNV areas. In the light of previous knowledge, the potential influence of systemic immune cells on CNV formation might be more relevant than expected.
Risks for upper respiratory infections in infants during their first months in day care included environmental and child‐related factors
Authors: Laursen Rikke Pilmann , Larnkjær Anni , Ritz Christian , Hojsak Iva , Michaelsen Kim , Mølgaard Christian
Published: March 2018

Aim

We examined the frequency and potential risk factors for respiratory infections, diarrhoea and absences in infants during their first months in day care.

Methods

This prospective cohort study comprised 269 Danish infants aged eight months to 14 months and was part of a study that examined how probiotics affected absences from day care due to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. The risk factors examined were the household, child characteristics and type of day care facility. Parents registered upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), diarrhoea and day care absences on web‐based questionnaires.

Results

Over a mean of 5.6 months in day care, 36% and 20% of the infants had at least one URTI or LRTI, and 60% had diarrhoeal episodes. The risk of at least one URTI was increased by previous respiratory infections, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.65, but was inversely associated with having a pet (OR: 0.43), being cared for by registered child minders compared to day care centres (OR: 0.36), birthweight (OR 0.40) and age at day care enrolment (OR: 0.64). No significant risk factors for LRTIs and diarrhoea were found.

Conclusion

Infection risks were associated with environmental factors and factors related to the child.
Economic growth, inequality, and poverty in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Cuong V. , Pham Nguyet M.
Published: March 2018

This study examines how poverty reduction has been associated with economic growth and inequality in Vietnam. It finds that although the speed of poverty reduction was lower in the 2000s than in the 1990s, economic growth was more pro‐poor in the latter period. During the 1993–98 period, expenditure inequality increased and the poverty reduction during this period was mainly caused by economic growth. During the 2004–08 period, however, expenditure inequality decreased, thereby contributing to poverty reduction. The poverty incidence declined by around 5 percentage points, of which expenditure growth and redistribution contributed 2.8 and 2.2 percentage points of poverty reduction, respectively.
High efficacy of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and impact of baseline resistance‐associated substitutions in hepatitis C genotype 3 infection
Authors: von Felden J. , Vermehren J. , Ingiliz P. , Mauss S. , Lutz T. , Simon K. G. , Busch H. W. , Baumgarten A. , Schewe K. , Hueppe D. , Boesecke C. , Rockstroh J. K. , Daeumer M. , Luebke N. , Timm J. , Schulze zur Wiesch J. , Sarrazin C. , Christensen S.
Published: March 2018

Background

Twelve weeks of the pangenotypic direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) combination sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) was highly efficient in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3 (GT3) infection in the ASTRAL‐3 approval study. However, presence of resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) in the HCV nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) was associated with lower treatment response.

Aim

To assess the efficacy and safety of SOF/VEL ± ribavirin (RBV) and the impact of NS5A RASs and RBV use on treatment outcome in HCV GT3 infection in a real‐world setting.

Methods

In this multicentre cohort study, GT3 patients from ten treatment centres across Germany were included. Sustained virological response was assessed 12 weeks after end‐of‐treatment (SVR12) in modified intention‐to‐treat (mITT) and per‐protocol analysis (PP). NS5A RASs were tested by population‐based sequencing.

Results

A total of 293 GT3 patients were included. The median age was 48 years, 70% were male, 25.3% were cirrhotic, 9.2% were HCV/HIV co‐infected and 21.8% were treatment‐experienced, including 4.1% with DAA experience. Baseline NS5A RASs (Y93H, A30K, L31M) were detected in 11.2%. RBV was added in 5% of noncirrhotic and 58.9% of cirrhotic patients, respectively. SVR12 rates for SOF/VEL±RBV were 95.9% (mITT) and 99.5% (PP), respectively. Only 1 virological relapse occurred in a cirrhotic patient previously treated with SOF/RBV. No treatment‐related major adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

Twelve weeks of SOL/VEL±RBV was safe and highly efficient in HCV GT3 across a diverse patient population. Baseline NS5A RASs were rarely observed and presence did not seem to impact SVR, regardless of the use of RBV.