bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depositional processes of impactites from the YAX‐1 drill core in the Chicxulub impact structure inferred from vertical profiles of PDF orientations and grain size distributions of shocked quartz
Authors: Chang Yu , Goto Kazuhisa , Sekine Yasuhito , Tajika Eiichi
Published: April 2018

Core samples from the Chicxulub impact structure provide insights into the formation processes of a shallow‐marine‐target, complex crater. Although previous studies investigated the impactites (generally suevitic and polymict breccias) of the Yaxcopoil‐1 (YAX‐1) drill core in the Chicxulub impact structure, the interpretation of its deposition remains controversial. Here, we analyze planar deformation features (PDFs), grain size, and abundance of shocked quartz throughout the YAX‐1 impactite sequence (794–895 m in depth). PDF orientations of most quartz grains in YAX‐1 impactites show a distribution of both low angles ({104}, {103}, {102}) and high angles (orientations higher than 55° to c‐axis), while the lower part of the impactite sequence contains quartz showing only PDF orientations of low angles. High‐abundance, coarse‐grained shocked quartz is found from the lower to middle parts of the impactites, whereas it abruptly changes to low‐abundance, fine‐grained shocked quartz within the upper part. In the uppermost part of the impactites, repeated oscillations in contents of these two components are observed. PDF orientation pattern suggests most of the shocked quartz grains experienced a range of shock pressure, except two samples in the lower part of impactites, which experienced only a high level of shock. We suggest that the base and lower part of the impactite sequence were formed by ejecta curtain and melt surge deposits, respectively. Our results are also consistent with the interpretation that the middle part of the impactite sequence is fallback ejecta from the impact plume. Additionally, we support the contention that massive seawater resurges into the crater occurred during the deposition of the upper and uppermost part of the impactites.
Experimental investigation into the effects of oxidation during petrogenesis of the Tissint meteorite
Authors: Castle Nicholas , Herd Christopher D. K.
Published: April 2018

We report on the results of an experimental study based on the petrology of the Tissint meteorite, an olivine‐phyric shergottite that preserves evidence of an oxidation event during its petrogenesis. We find that oxidation occurring after olivine saturation modifies the Cr zoning profiles in experimental run products, and note that similar Cr‐depleted olivine profiles occur in the natural sample. We consider processes that could operate to modify Cr zoning profiles in experimentally produced olivine, and find that diffusion operates too slowly; furthermore, peritectic resorption of olivine, which occurs during oxidation, does not adequately shorten the diffusion length to account for the depletion. Fine‐grained (<10 μm) spinel grains are observed within olivine crystals exclusively in cooling rate experiments involving an oxidation step, suggesting that the mechanism causing modification of Cr zoning profiles in olivine is the oxidation‐induced exsolution of Cr‐spinel, consistent with observations of natural samples. A replicate experiment with V included in the composition shows that V is similarly affected. Known partitioning behavior suggests that Ni and Co should be similarly affected due to preferential partitioning into spinel. We consider implications of our observations for the interpretation of the petrogenetic histories of other olivine‐phyric shergottites, and provide a new petrographic tool for recognizing oxidation events in olivine‐phyric shergottites.
Infant formula feeding practices associated with rapid weight gain: A systematic review
Authors: Appleton Jessica , Russell Catherine Georgina , Laws Rachel , Fowler Cathrine , Campbell Karen , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth
Published: April 2018

Excess or rapid weight gain during the first 2 years of life is associated with an increased risk of later childhood and adult overweight and obesity. When compared with breastfed infants, formula fed infants are more likely to experience excess or rapid weight gain, and this increased risk in formula fed infant populations may be due to a number of different mechanisms. These mechanisms include the nutrient composition of the formula and the way formula is prepared and provided to infants. This systematic literature review examines the association between formula feeding practice and excess or rapid weight gain. This review explores these different mechanisms and provides practical recommendations for best practice formula feeding to reduce rapid weight gain. Eighteen studies are included in this review. The findings are complicated by the challenges in study design and accuracy of measurements. Nevertheless, there are some potential recommendations for best practice formula feeding that may reduce excess or rapid weight gain, such as providing formula with lower protein content, not adding cereals into bottles, not putting a baby to bed with a bottle, and not overfeeding formula. Although further well designed studies are required before more firm recommendations can be made.
Effectiveness of interventions on breastfeeding self‐efficacy and perceived insufficient milk supply: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Galipeau Roseline , Baillot Aurélie , Trottier Alexia , Lemire Linda
Published: April 2018

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the efficacy on an intervention on breastfeeding self‐efficacy and perceived insufficient milk supply outcomes. The literature search was conducted among 6 databases (CINAHL, Medline, PsyncInfo, Scopus, Cochrane, and ProQuest) in between January 2000 to June 2016. Two reviewers independently assessed the articles for the following inclusion criteria: experimental or quasi‐experimental studies; healthy pregnant women participants intending to breastfeed or healthy breastfeeding women who gave birth to a term singleton and healthy baby; intervention administered could have been educational, support, psycho‐social, or breastfeeding self‐efficacy based, offered in prenatal or postnatal or both, in person, over the phone, or with the support of e‐technologies; breastfeeding self‐efficacy or perceived insufficient milk supply as outcomes. Seventeen studies were included in this review; 12 were randomized controlled trials. Most interventions were self‐efficacy based provided on 1‐to‐1 format. Meta‐analysis of RCTs revealed that interventions significantly improved breastfeeding self‐efficacy during the first 4 to 6 weeks (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI 0.11–0.69, p = 0.006). This further impact exclusive breastfeeding duration. Only 1 study reported data on perceived insufficient milk supply. Women who have made the choice to breastfeed should be offered breastfeeding self‐efficacy‐based interventions during the perinatal period. Although significant effect of the interventions in improving maternal breastfeeding self‐efficacy was revealed by this review, there is still a paucity of evidence on the mode, format, and intensity of interventions. Research on the modalities of breastfeeding self‐efficacy should be pursued.
Asymmetric oceanographic processes mediate connectivity and population genetic structure, as revealed byRADseq, in a highly dispersive marine invertebrate (Parastichopus californicus)
Authors: Xuereb Amanda , Benestan Laura , Normandeau Éric , Daigle Rémi M. , Curtis Janelle M. R. , Bernatchez Louis , Fortin Marie‐Josée
Published: April 2018

Marine populations are typically characterized by weak genetic differentiation due to the potential for long‐distance dispersal favouring high levels of gene flow. However, strong directional advection of water masses or retentive hydrodynamic forces can influence the degree of genetic exchange among marine populations. To determine the oceanographic drivers of genetic structure in a highly dispersive marine invertebrate, the giant California sea cucumber (Parastichopus californicus), we first tested for the presence of genetic discontinuities along the coast of North America in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Then, we tested two hypotheses regarding spatial processes influencing population structure: (i)isolation by distance(IBD: genetic structure is explained by geographic distance) and (ii)isolation by resistance(IBR: genetic structure is driven by ocean circulation). UsingRADseq, we genotyped 717 individuals from 24 sampling locations across 2,719 neutralSNPs to assess the degree of population differentiation and integrated estimates of genetic variation with inferred connectivity probabilities from a biophysical model of larval dispersal mediated by ocean currents. We identified two clusters separating north and south regions, as well as significant, albeit weak, substructure within regions (FST = 0.002,p = .001). After modelling the asymmetric nature of ocean currents, we demonstrated that local oceanography (IBR) was a better predictor of genetic variation (R2 = .49) than geographic distance (IBD) (R2 = .18), and directional processes played an important role in shaping fine‐scale structure. Our study contributes to the growing body of literature identifying significant population structure in marine systems and has important implications for the spatial management ofP. californicusand other exploited marine species.
Similarities in temperature‐dependent gene expression plasticity across timescales in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Metzger David C. H. , Schulte Patricia M.
Published: April 2018

Phenotypic plasticity occurs at a variety of timescales, but little is known about the degree to which plastic responses at different timescales are associated with similar underlying molecular processes, which is critical for assessing the effects of plasticity on evolutionary trajectories. To address this issue, we identified differential gene expression in response to developmental temperature in the muscle transcriptome of adult threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) exposed to 12, 18 and 24°C until hatch and then held at 18°C for 9 months and compared these results to differential gene expression in response to adult thermal acclimation in stickleback developed at 18°C and then acclimated to 5 and 25°C as adults. Adult thermal acclimation affected the expression of 7,940 and 7,015 genes in response to cold and warm acclimation, respectively, and 4,851 of these genes responded in both treatments. In contrast, the expression of only 33 and 29 genes was affected by cold and warm development, respectively. The majority of the genes affected by developmental temperature were also affected by adult acclimation temperature. Many genes that were differentially expressed as a result of adult acclimation were associated with previously identified temperature‐dependent effects on DNA methylation patterns, suggesting a role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating gene expression plasticity during acclimation. Taken together, these results demonstrate similarities between the persistent effects of developmental plasticity on gene expression and the effects of adult thermal acclimation, emphasizing the potential for mechanistic links between plasticity acting at these different life stages.
Blood parasites shape extreme major histocompatibility complex diversity in a migratory passerine
Authors: Biedrzycka Aleksandra , Bielański Wojciech , Ćmiel Adam , Solarz Wojciech , Zając Tadeusz , Migalska Magdalena , Sebastian Alvaro , Westerdahl Helena , Radwan Jacek
Published: April 2018

Pathogens are one of the main forces driving the evolution and maintenance of the highly polymorphic genes of the vertebrate major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Although MHC proteins are crucial in pathogen recognition, it is still poorly understood how pathogen‐mediated selection promotes and maintains MHC diversity, and especially so in host species with highly duplicated MHC genes. Sedge warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) have highly duplicated MHC genes, and using data from high‐throughput MHC genotyping, we were able to investigate to what extent avian malaria parasites explain temporal MHC class I supertype fluctuations in a long‐term study population. We investigated infection status and infection intensities of two different strains of Haemoproteus, that is avian malaria parasites that are known to have significant fitness consequences in sedge warblers. We found that prevalence of avian malaria in carriers of specific MHC class I supertypes was a significant predictor of their frequency changes between years. This finding suggests that avian malaria infections partly drive the temporal fluctuations of the MHC class I supertypes. Furthermore, we found that individuals with a large number of different supertypes had higher resistance to avian malaria, but there was no evidence for an optimal MHC class I diversity. Thus, the two studied malaria parasite strains appear to select for a high MHC class I supertype diversity. Such selection may explain the maintenance of the extremely high number of MHC class I gene copies in sedge warblers and possibly also in other passerines where avian malaria is a common disease.
An outbreak due to Candida auris with prolonged colonisation and candidaemia in a tertiary care European hospital
Authors: Ruiz‐Gaitán Alba , Moret Ana M. , Tasias‐Pitarch María , Aleixandre‐López Ana I. , Martínez‐Morel Héctor , Calabuig Eva , Salavert‐Lletí Miguel , Ramírez Paula , López‐Hontangas José L. , Hagen Ferry , Meis Jacques F. , Mollar‐Maseres Juan , Pemán Javier
Published: April 2018

Multidrug‐resistant Candida auris has emerged as a cause of insidious hospital outbreaks and complicated infections. We present the analysis of an ongoing C. auris outbreak including the largest published series of C. auris bloodstream infection. All C. auris‐positive patients from April‐2016 to January‐2017 were included. Environmental, clinical and microbiological data were recorded. Definitive isolate identification was performed by ITS‐rDNA sequencing, and typing by amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting. One hundred and forty patients were colonised by C. auris during the studied period (68% from surgical intensive care). Although control measures were implemented, we were not able to control the outbreak. Forty‐one invasive bloodstream infections (87.8% from surgical intensive care) were included. Clinical management included prompt intravascular catheter removal and antifungal therapy with echinocandins. All isolates were fluconazole‐ and voriconazole‐resistant, but echinocandin‐ and amphotericin B‐susceptible. Thirty‐day mortality rate was 41.4%, and severe septic metastasis as spondylodiscitis and endocarditis were observed in 5 patients (12%). C. auris was also recovered from inanimate patient surroundings and medical equipment. Despite antifungal treatment, high mortality and late complication rates were recorded. Molecular typing suggested a clonal outbreak different from those previously published.
Effect of historical factors on genetic variation in three terrestrial Cephalanthera species (Orchidaceae) with different breeding system on the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Chung Mi Yoon , Lu Nhan Thien , López‐Pujol Jordi , Herrando‐Moraira Sonia , Chung Jae Min , Tian Huai Zhen , Suetsugu Kenji , Kawahara Takayuki , Yukawa Tomohisa , Maki Masayuki , Kumar Pankaj , Kim Young‐Dong , Chung Myong Gi
Published: April 2018

Previous studies have shown that levels of genetic diversity in species of the genus Cephalanthera covary with the breeding system. In the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, the three self‐compatible terrestrial orchids Cephalanthera erecta, C. falcata and C. longibracteata flower synchronously in sympatric populations. The food‐deceptive C. falcata with bright yellow flowers is predominantly outcrossing, whereas autogamy is the dominant strategy in both C. erecta and C. longibracteata, whose white flowers do not open fully. We examined genetic diversity (by means of allozymes) of the three species in sympatric populations (600 × 600 m area) in the Yeonwhasan Provincial Park (YPP) and in non‐sympatric populations outside YPP, South Korea. Thirteen out of 20 putative loci were variable across the three species, but there was a complete lack of allozyme variation within each species and we found no evidence of hybridisation. Our results suggest that historical factors, i.e. the Quaternary climate oscillations, have played a major role in determining levels of genetic diversity in the three Cephalanthera species. The Korean populations of C. erecta (a warm‐temperate/temperate element) and C. falcata (a warm‐temperate element) may have been established by a single introduction from a genetically depauperate ancestral population, likely located outside the Korean Peninsula. On the other hand, since C. longibracteata is a boreal/temperate element, it may have survived the Last Glacial Maximum in microrefugia located in low elevation regions within the Peninsula where it has been subjected to population bottlenecks reducing its genetic diversity.
Assessment of brain activity during voluntary anal sphincter contraction: Comparative study in women with and without fecal incontinence
Authors: Parés D. , Martínez‐Vilalta M. , Ortiz H. , Soriano‐Mas C. , Maestre‐Gonzalez Y. , Pujol J. , Grande L.
Published: April 2018

Background

Voluntary anal sphincter function is driven by an extended network of brain structures, most of which are still unknown. Disturbances in this function may cause fecal incontinence. The aim of this study was to characterize the cerebral areas involved in voluntary contraction of the anorectal sphincter in healthy women and in a group of patients with fecal incontinence by using a standardized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) protocol.

Methods

This comparative study included 12 healthy women (mean age 53.17 ± 4.93 years) and 12 women with fecal incontinence (56.25 ± 6.94 years). An MRI‐compatible anal manometer was used to register voluntary external anal sphincter contraction. During brain fMRI imaging, participants were cued to perform 10‐s series of self‐paced anal sphincter contractions at an approximate rate of 1 Hz. Brain structures linked to anal sphincter contractions were mapped and the findings were compared between the 2 study groups.

Key Results

There were no differences in the evoked brain activity between the 2 groups. In healthy women, group fMRI analysis revealed significant activations in medial primary motor cortices, supplementary motor area, bilateral putamen, and cerebellum, as well as in the supramarginal gyrus and visual areas. In patients with fecal incontinence, the activation pattern involved similar regions without significant differences with healthy women.

Conclusions & Inferences

This brain fMRI‐anorectal protocol was able to map the brain regions linked to voluntary anal sphincter function in healthy and women with fecal incontinence.
Abnormal small bowel motility in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Wixner J. , Törnblom H. , Karling P. , Anan I. , Lindberg G.
Published: April 2018

Background

Gastrointestinal complications are common in hereditary transthyretin amyloid (ATTRm) amyloidosis. The underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, and the patients’ small bowel function remains largely unexplored. The aim of the present study was to compare the small bowel motility in ATTRm amyloidosis patients with that in non‐amyloidosis patient controls.

Methods

ATTRm amyloidosis patients undergoing evaluation for liver transplantation were consecutively investigated with 24‐hour duodenojejunal manometry (n = 19). The somatostatin analogue octreotide was used to induce fasting motility. Patients with age at onset of ≥50 years were defined as late‐onset cases. For each patient, three age‐ and sex‐matched patient controls (n = 57) were selected from the total pool of investigated patients.

Key Results

Manometry was judged as abnormal in 58% of the patients and in 26% of the patient controls (P = .01). Patients displayed significantly more daytime phase III migrating motor complexes than patient controls (median 4 vs 2, P < .01), and had a higher frequency of low‐amplitude complexes (16% vs 4%; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance, P = .10). Furthermore, late‐onset patients showed a delay in octreotide response (5.4 vs 3.8 minutes, P < .01), but this was not observed for early‐onset patients or within the control group.

Conclusions and Inferences

Patients with ATTRm amyloidosis displayed abnormalities in their small bowel motility more frequently than non‐amyloidosis patient controls, and the manometric pattern was probably best consistent with a combined neuromyopathic disorder. The delayed octreotide response in late‐onset patients warrants further investigation.
Tree differences in primary and secondary growth drive convergent scaling in leaf area to sapwood area across Europe
Authors: Petit Giai , von Arx Georg , Kiorapostolou Natasa , Lechthaler Silvia , Prendin Angela Luisa , Anfodillo Tommaso , Caldeira Maria C. , Cochard Hervé , Copini Paul , Crivellaro Alan , Delzon Sylvain , Gebauer Roman , Gričar Jožica , Grönholm Leila , Hölttä Teemu , Jyske Tuula , Lavrič Martina , Lintunen Anna , Lobo‐do‐Vale Raquel , Peltoniemi Mikko , Peters Richard L. , Robert Elisabeth M. R. , Roig Juan Sílvia , Senfeldr Martin , Steppe Kathy , Urban Josef , Van Camp Janne , Sterck Frank
Published: April 2018

Trees scale leaf (AL) and xylem (AX) areas to couple leaf transpiration and carbon gain with xylem water transport. Some species are known to acclimate in AL : AX balance in response to climate conditions, but whether trees of different species acclimate in AL : AX in similar ways over their entire (continental) distributions is unknown.

We analyzed the species and climate effects on the scaling of AL vs AX in branches of conifers (Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies) and broadleaved (Betula pendula, Populus tremula) sampled across a continental wide transect in Europe.

Along the branch axis, AL and AX change in equal proportion (isometric scaling: b ˜ 1) as for trees. Branches of similar length converged in the scaling of AL vs AX with an exponent of b = 0.58 across European climates irrespective of species. Branches of slow‐growing trees from Northern and Southern regions preferentially allocated into new leaf rather than xylem area, with older xylem rings contributing to maintaining total xylem conductivity.

In conclusion, trees in contrasting climates adjust their functional balance between water transport and leaf transpiration by maintaining biomass allocation to leaves, and adjusting their growth rate and xylem production to maintain xylem conductance.
The tomato MAX1 homolog, SlMAX1, is involved in the biosynthesis of tomato strigolactones from carlactone
Authors: Zhang Yanxia , Cheng Xi , Wang Yanting , Díez‐Simón Carmen , Flokova Kristyna , Bimbo Andrea , Bouwmeester Harro J. , Ruyter‐Spira Carolien
Published: April 2018

Strigolactones (SLs) are rhizosphere signalling molecules exuded by plants that induce seed germination of root parasitic weeds and hyphal branching of arbuscular mycorrhiza. They are also phytohormones regulating plant architecture. MORE AXILLARY GROWTH 1 (MAX1) and its homologs encode cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes that catalyse the conversion of the strigolactone precursor carlactone to canonical strigolactones in rice (Oryza sativa), and to an SL‐like compound in Arabidopsis. Here, we characterized the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) MAX1 homolog, SlMAX1.

The targeting induced local lesions in genomes method was used to obtain Slmax1 mutants that exhibit strongly reduced production of orobanchol, solanacol and didehydro‐orobanchol (DDH) isomers. This results in a severe strigolactone mutant phenotype in vegetative and reproductive development.

Transient expression of SlMAX1 – together with SlD27, SlCCD7 and SlCCD8 – in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that SlMAX1 catalyses the formation of carlactonoic acid from carlactone.

Plant feeding assays showed that carlactone, but not 4‐deoxy‐orobanchol, is the precursor of orobanchol, which in turn is the precursor of solanacol and two of the three DDH isomers. Inhibitor studies suggest that a 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase is involved in orobanchol biosynthesis from carlactone and that the formation of solanacol and DDH isomers from orobanchol is catalysed by CYPs.
A pair of nonspecific phospholipases C, NPC2 and NPC6, are involved in gametophyte development and glycerolipid metabolism in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ngo Anh H. , Lin Ying‐Chen , Liu Yu‐chi , Gutbrod Katharina , Peisker Helga , Dörmann Peter , Nakamura Yuki
Published: April 2018

Phospholipases play crucial roles in plant membrane lipid homeostasis. Nonspecific phospholipase C (NPCs) establish a unique class of phospholipases found only in plants and certain bacteria. Here, we show that two previously uncharacterized NPC isoforms, NPC2 and NPC6, are required for male and female gametophyte development in Arabidopsis.

Double mutant plants of npc2‐1 npc6‐2 could not be retrieved because npc2‐1 npc6‐2 ovule and pollen development is affected. Genetic complementation, reciprocal crossing and microscope observation of npc2‐1/– npc6‐2/+ and npc2‐1/+ npc6‐2/– plants suggest that NPC2 and NPC6 are redundant and are required for normal gametophyte development. Both NPC2 and NPC6 proteins are localized to the plastids. Promoter‐GUS assays in transgenic Arabidopsis revealed that NPC2 and NPC6 are preferentially expressed in floral organs rather than in leaves.

In vitro enzyme assays showed that NPC2 and NPC6 hydrolyze phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, but not phosphatidate, being consistent with the reported substrate selectivity of NPCs. The amounts of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol were increased in buds but not in flowers of npc2‐1/– npc6‐2/+ and npc2‐1/+ npc6‐2/– plants, presumably due to reduced phospholipid hydrolysis activity in developing flowers.

Our results demonstrate that NPC2 and NPC6 play crucial roles in gametogenesis during flower development.
Guard cells in fern stomata are connected by plasmodesmata, but control cytosolic Ca2+ levels autonomously
Authors: Voss Lena J. , McAdam Scott A. M. , Knoblauch Michael , Rathje Jan M. , Brodribb Tim , Hedrich Rainer , Roelfsema M. Rob G.
Published: April 2018

Recent studies have revealed that some responses of fern stomata to environmental signals differ from those of their relatives in seed plants. However, it is unknown whether the biophysical properties of guard cells differ fundamentally between species of both clades.

Intracellular micro‐electrodes and the fluorescent Ca2+ reporter FURA2 were used to study voltage‐dependent cation channels and Ca2+ signals in guard cells of the ferns Polypodium vulgare and Asplenium scolopendrium.

Voltage clamp experiments with fern guard cells revealed similar properties of voltage‐dependent K+ channels as found in seed plants. However, fluorescent dyes moved within the fern stomata, from one guard cell to the other, which does not occur in most seed plants. Despite the presence of plasmodesmata, which interconnect fern guard cells, Ca2+ signals could be elicited in each of the cells individually.

Based on the common properties of voltage‐dependent channels in ferns and seed plants, it is likely that these key transport proteins are conserved in vascular plants. However, the symplastic connections between fern guard cells in mature stomata indicate that the biophysical mechanisms that control stomatal movements differ between ferns and seed plants.
Fosphenytoin for control of electrical storm in acute myocardial infarction and Purkinje fiber‐mediated arrhythmias
Authors: Rai Maneesh K. , Pai Narasimha , Patel Kashyap , Prabhu Mukund A. , Marla Jayashanker , Kamath Padmanabh , Kamath Ramanath L.
Published: April 2018

Background

Purkinje fiber‐mediated arrhythmias in the setting of acute myocardial infarction are poorly responsive to conventional antiarrhythmic therapy, increases overall mortality and often requires radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for control. In this study, we report the use of intravenous Fosphenytoin for the control of arrhythmic storm in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and results

Six patients with acute myocardial infarction (5 AW/1 LW) and Purkinje‐triggered ventricular arrhythmias refractory to conventional antiarrhythmics were treated with intravenous Fosphenytoin before considering RFA. Arrhythmia control was obtained in all patients after the initial bolus dose. Breakthrough episodes were seen in 5/6 within 24–36 hours of the initial bolus, necessitating a second bolus. Complete arrhythmia control was obtained in all patients within 72 hours and 5/6 patients were successfully discharged from the hospital. One patient succumbed to sepsis in hospital while another patient succumbed to Sub Dural Hematoma after 3 months.

Conclusions

Intravenous Fosphenytoin should be considered before RFA for control of Purkinje fiber‐mediated refractory arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction patients.
Flat Emergence
Authors: Sartenaer Olivier
Published: April 2018

The main contention of this article is that current approaches to ontological emergence are not comprehensive, in that they share a common bias that make them blind to some conceptual space available to emergence. In this article, I devise an alternative perspective on ontological emergence called ‘flat emergence’, which is free of such a bias. The motivation is twofold: not only does flat emergence constitute another viable way to fulfill the initial emergentist promise, but it also allows for making sense of some emergence ascriptions that traditional accounts are unable to accommodate.
Prenatal predictors of neonatal intensive care unit admission due to respiratory distress
Authors: Kitano Taito , Takagi Kumiko , Arai Ikuyo , Yasuhara Hajime , Ebisu Reiko , Ohgitani Ayako , Minowa Hideki
Published: April 2018

Background

Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to respiratory distress is determined according to subjective clinician judgement. We investigated prenatal factors predictive of NICU admission in neonates with respiratory distress.

Methods

This case–control study was conducted at Nara Prefecture General Medical Center, Nara, Japan, from February 2013 to April 2017 and included neonates with birthweight ≥2,000 g, ≥36 weeks of gestational age, who required oxygen due to respiratory distress at birth. The cases consisted of neonates admitted to the NICU, and the control group consisted of neonates who did not require NICU admission. Perinatal factors between the groups were compared, and multivariate logistic regression analysis carried out to evaluate predictive factors.

Results

The NICU group consisted of 94 neonates, and the control group, 417 neonates during the period reviewed. On multivariate analysis, maternal anemia (OR, 2.97; 95%CI: 1.42–6.21), infertility treatment (OR, 2.79; 95%CI: 1.36–5.71), threatened preterm labor (OR, 2.16; 95%CI: 1.10–4.23), premature rupture of membranes (OR, 5.30, 95%CI: 2.52–11.17), fibroids (OR, 6.06; 95%CI: 1.57–23.41), history of uterine surgery (OR, 3.53, 95%CI: 1.13–11.06), abruptio placentae (OR, 10.21; 95%CI: 1.83–57.17), intrauterine growth restriction (OR, 6.69; 95%CI: 1.96–22.85), and having twins (OR, 0.23; 95%CI: 0.09–0.58) were significant prenatal predictors of NICU admission.

Conclusion

Factors that potentially predict NICU admission were identified. Clinicians may wish to consider these factors when treating neonates with respiratory distress.
Urinary fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products measured using an anti‐fibrinogen antibody predict orthostatic proteinuria
Authors: Kanai Hiroaki , Sawanobori Emi , Kobayashi Anna , Goto Miwa , Higashida Kosuke , Sugita Kanji
Published: April 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of urinary fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (uFDP) measured using an anti‐fibrinogen antibody in patients with orthostatic proteinuria (OP), and their use in differentiating between OP and glomerulonephritis (GN).

Methods

uFDP were measured using first urine in the morning (supine) and non‐first urine during a hospital visit (upright) and then normalized to urine creatinine (uFDP/Cr, ng/mgCr). We compared (i) OP patients (n = 16); (ii) those in remission from nephrotic syndrome (NS, n = 14) and from GN (IgA nephropathy [IgAN], n = 14; Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis [HSPN], n = 12); and (iii) those with active GN (IgAN, n = 12; HSPN, n = 19).

Results

The uFDP/Cr ratio increased from supine to upright urine in patients with OP (P < 0.001), but decreased in one case. uFDP were excreted in supine urine in 94% of OP patients, with no excretion in NS remission patients or in 92% of GN remission patients (P < 0.001 for both). uFDP/Cr in supine urine was similar between the OP and active GN patients (P = 0.40), whereas proteinuria in supine urine was in the normal range in all OP patients, but was significantly higher in upright urine in the OP patients (P < 0.001). In upright urine, urinary protein/creatinine ratio was significantly lower in patients with OP than in those with active GN (P = 0.005). A uFDP/Cr ratio cut‐off of 1,108 ng/mgCr in upright urine correctly differentiated OP from active GN, with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 100%.

Conclusion

Comparison of uFDP levels in supine/upright urine can be reliable for diagnosing OP and for differentiating it from active GN.
Clinical features of, and association of bladder ultrasound and uroflowmetry with, overactive bladder recovery period in children
Authors: Fuyama Masaki , Ikeda Hirokazu , Oyake Chisato , Onuki Yuta , Watanabe Tsuneki , Isoyama Keiichi
Published: April 2018

Background

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptomatic syndrome defined by urinary urgency, usually accompanied by increased urination frequency and nocturia, with or without urinary incontinence. The prevalence of pediatric OAB in 5–13 year olds is as high as 16.6%, but the pathophysiology and epidemiology have not been sufficiently elucidated.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records in 117 children with OAB aged between 5 and 15 years during the years 2012–2016. At initial presentation, abdominal ultrasound and uroflowmetry were performed, and behavioral modifications, such as timed voiding, and constipation therapy were initiated. If there was no response after 4 weeks, antimuscarinic treatment was added. We evaluated the clinical features of OAB and factors related to the recovery period, which was defined as the period from the start of behavioral modifications to cure.

Results

The average recovery period was 11.9 ± 9.73 months. There was no significant difference in the recovery period according to age, gender, percentage of urination frequency, nocturnal enuresis, or constipation. The recovery period was significantly shorter in the group with bladder wall thickness ≥5 mm than with bladder wall thickness <5 mm. Children with a tower‐shaped curve on uroflowmetry had a significantly shorter recovery period than those with a bell‐shaped curve.

Conclusions

Bladder wall thickness and uroflow curve shape are related to the recovery period of pediatric OAB.
Physical activity modifies the FTO effect on body mass index change in Japanese adolescents
Authors: Shinozaki Keiko , Okuda Masayuki , Okayama Naoko , Kunitsugu Ichiro
Published: April 2018

Background

Evidence of the effects of fat mass and obesity‐associated (FTO) variation and long‐term effects of physical activity (PA) on adiposity in adolescents is largely scarce. This study therefore investigated whether PA modulates the effects of the FTO on body mass index (BMI) changes in Japanese adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 years.

Methods

Data on 343 subjects (156 boys; 187 girls) who were enrolled in 2006 and 2007 at schools in Shunan City, Japan, were collected. Genotyping (rs1558902) was conducted, and anthropometry and blood test results were recorded for subjects in the eighth grade. A second survey involving self‐reporting of anthropometry was conducted when the subjects were in the 12th grade. PA was estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. BMI and the standard deviation score for BMI (BMI‐SDS) were calculated. BMI changes and BMI‐SDS changes were compared between FTO genotypes using a multivariate model.

Results

The effect of the interaction between PA and the FTO genotype on BMI changes was significant in boys but not in girls. In boys, PA had a significant negative influence on BMI‐SDS changes in those with the AA genotype and a significant positive influence on BMI and BMI‐SDS changes in those with the TT genotype.

Conclusion

The influence of PA on BMI change and BMI‐SDS change varies on the basis of genotype. PA modified the effect of FTO on BMI change in Japanese boys.
Maximization of calcium and phosphate in neonatal total parenteral nutrition
Authors: Maruyama Hidehiko , Saito Jumpei , Nagai Miki , Mochizuki Mai , Ishikawa Yoichi , Ito Yushi
Published: April 2018

Background

Appropriate calcium and phosphate supplementation is essential for bone growth in preterm infants. Using Rehabix‐K2™ (AY Pharmaceuticals, Tokyo, Japan) and Pleamin‐P Injection™ (Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Osaka, Japan) as the total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and amino acid solution, respectively, we investigated ways of maximizing calcium and phosphate in the TPN solution.

Methods

Rehabix‐K2, Pleamin‐P, calcium gluconate, sodium phosphate, 50% glucose, and water were mixed in varying proportions to create 16 formulations. Precipitation assessment was done three times for each of the 16 formulations, and was based on the Japanese Pharmacopeia.

Result

Precipitation was observed 24 h after mixing when the calcium and phosphate were 60 mEq/L and 30 mmol/L or 80 mEq/L and 40 mmol/L, respectively. No precipitation was observed when the calcium and phosphate were 20 mEq/L and 10 mmol/L, respectively. Precipitation was observed once out of three times, when the calcium and phosphate were 40 mEq/L and 20 mmol/L, respectively, and the amino acids were 2% and 3% (mean pH, 6.13 and 6.26, respectively). No precipitation was observed, however, when the calcium and phosphate were 40 mEq/L and 20 mmol/L, respectively, and the amino acids were 0% and 1% (mean pH, 5.88 and 6.05, respectively).

Conclusion

Not only the concentration of calcium and phosphate, but also the pH of the TPN solution, are crucial factors for precipitation. Based on these results, a well‐balanced TPN solution maximizing calcium and phosphate availability will be able to be formulated.
High incidence of BK virus‐associated hemorrhagic cystitis in children after second or third allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Umeda Katsutsugu , Kato Itaru , Kawaguchi Koji , Tasaka Keiji , Kamitori Tatsuya , Ogata Hideto , Mikami Takashi , Hiramatsu Hidefumi , Saito Ryoichi , Ogawa Osamu , Takahashi Takayuki , Adachi Souichi
Published: April 2018

BKV‐HC is a serious complication of allogeneic HSCT. To characterize the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of post‐HSCT BKV‐HC, we retrospectively analyzed 112 patients who underwent one or more allogeneic HSCTs at our hospital between 2001 and 2017. Twenty underwent second or third HSCT thereafter. Ten patients developed BKV‐HC at a median of 30 days after HSCT. The 100‐day cumulative incidences of grade 0‐4 and grade 2‐4 BKV‐HC were 7.8% and 6.2%, respectively. HSCTs performed in 2011‐2017 associated with significantly higher 100‐day cumulative incidence of grade 2‐4 BKV‐HC (14.0%) than HSCTs performed in 2001‐2010 (1.3%, P = 0.004). On multivariate analysis, second or third HSCT was the only independent significant risk factor for development of grade 2‐4 BKV‐HC (P = 0.015). Serial PCR monitoring of urine and blood BKV load did not predict BKV‐HC. The recent increase in the incidence of BKV‐HC may reflect recent innovations in transplant technologies that facilitate second or third HSCT, which are known to cause prolonged immune deficiency. If safe and effective treatment or prophylaxis becomes available, it could be used to target the high‐risk patients for BKV‐HC.
Biliary drainage as treatment for allograft steatosis following liver transplantation for PFIC‐1 disease: A single‐center experience
Authors: Alrabadi Leina S. , Morotti Raffaella A. , Valentino Pamela L. , Rodriguez‐Davalos Manuel I. , Ekong Udeme D. , Emre Sukru H.
Published: April 2018

Development of macrovesicular steatosis post–LT in patients with PFIC‐1 is increasingly being observed, with the etiology not fully understood. We highlight successful and effective EBD for reversal of allograft steatosis in 2 patients with PFIC‐1 disease and discuss our experience with internal biliary diversion in this patient population.
The importance of melanoma inhibitory activity gene family in the tumor progression of oral cancer
Authors: Sasahira Tomonori , Bosserhoff Anja Katrin , Kirita Tadaaki
Published: April 2018

Oral squamous cell carcinoma has a high potential for locoregional invasion and nodal metastasis. Consequently, early detection of such malignancies is of immense importance. The melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) gene family comprises MIA, MIA2, transport and Golgi organization protein 1 (TANGO), and otoraplin (OTOR). These members of the MIA gene family have a highly conserved Src homology 3 (SH3)‐like structure. Although the molecules of this family share 34–45% amino acid homology and 47–59% cDNA sequence homology, those members, excluding OTOR, play different tumor‐associated functions. MIA has a pivotal role in the progression and metastasis of melanoma; MIA2 and TANGO have been suggested to possess tumor‐suppressive functions; and OTOR is uniquely expressed in cochlea of the inner ear. Therefore, the definite functions of the MIA gene family in cancer cells remain unclear. Since the members of the MIA gene family are secreted proteins, these molecules might be useful tumor markers that can be detected in the body fluids, including serum and saliva. In this review, we described the molecular biological functions of the MIA gene family in oral cancer.
Mary Jane Rocks the Vote: The Impact of Climate Context on Support for Cannabis Initiatives
Authors: Branton Regina , McGauvran Ronald J.
Published: April 2018

Recent research on direct democracy has focused on the spatial component of voter decision making, finding that when the benefits from a proposed initiative are geographically dependent, support for the initiative in that area increases. However, the existing research has yet to fully specify the factors that lead to benefits for geographically adjacent individuals. Using a unique wave of direct democracy initiatives, and developing a new measure for “climate context,” we test the link between climates favorable for cultivation and the support for the legalization of recreational cannabis. Employing spatial regression analysis and geographically specific voting data for ballot measures in Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington from 2010 to 2016, we find there is an observable relationship between climate and support for legalization, indicating that when climate attributes are favorable for cultivation, support for these measures increase. Our findings suggest that climate context is an important, and previously unspecified, factor for ballot measures with a climatic component.

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Bureaucratic Politics and the Implementation of Liberalization Reforms in Nigeria: A Study of the Unbundling and Reorganization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
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