bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural representations of aversive value encoding in pain catastrophizers
Authors: Brown Christopher A. , Almarzouki Abeer F. , Brown Richard J. , Jones Anthony K. P.
Published: March 2018

Chronic pain is exacerbated by maladaptive cognition such as pain catastrophizing (PC). Biomarkers of PC mechanisms may aid precision medicine for chronic pain. Here, we investigate EEG biomarkers using mass univariate and multivariate (machine learning) approaches. We test theoretical notions that PC results from a combination of augmented aversive-value encoding (“magnification”) and persistent expectations of pain (“rumination”). Healthy individuals with high or low levels of PC underwent an experimental pain model involving nociceptive laser stimuli preceded by cues predicting forthcoming pain intensity. Analysis of EEG acquired during the cue and laser stimulation provided event-related potentials (ERPs) identifying spatially and temporally-extended neural representations associated with pain catastrophizing. Specifically, differential neural responses to cues predicting high vs. low intensity pain (i.e. aversive value encoding) were larger in the high PC group, largely originating from mid-cingulate and superior parietal cortex. Multivariate spatiotemporal EEG patterns evoked from cues with high aversive value selectively and significantly differentiated the high PC from low PC group (64.6% classification accuracy). Regression analyses revealed that neural patterns classifying groups could be partially predicted (R2 = 28%) from those neural patterns classifying the aversive value of cues. In contrast, behavioural and EEG analyses did not provide evidence that PC modifies more persistent effects of prior expectation on pain perception and nociceptive responses. These findings support the hypothesis of magnification of aversive value encoding but not persistent expression of expectation in pain catastrophizers. Multivariate patterns of aversive value encoding provide promising biomarkers of maladaptive cognitive responses to chronic pain that have future potential for psychological treatment development and clinical stratification.
Aneuploidy promotes intestinal dysplasia in Drosophila
Authors: Resende Luís Pedro , Monteiro Augusta , Brás Rita , Lopes Tatiana , Sunkel Claudio E.
Published: March 2018

Aneuploidy is associated with different human diseases, particularly cancer, but how different cell types within tissues respond to aneuploidy is not fully understood. In some studies, aneuploidy has been shown to have a deleterious effect and lead to cell death, however it has also been shown to be a causal event of tumorigenesis in other contexts.

Here, we show that Drosophila intestinal stem cells have a particular tolerance to aneuploidy and do not activate apoptosis in response to chromosome misegregation like other non-stem cells. Instead, we observe the development of tissue dysplasia characterized by an accumulation of progenitor cells, increased stem cell proliferation rate, and an excess of cells of the enteroendocrine lineage. Our findings highlight the importance of mechanisms acting to prevent aneuploidy within tissue stem cells and provide an in vivo model of how these cells can act as reservoirs for genomic alterations that can lead to dysplasia.
Stages and trigger factors in the development of academic spin-offs
Authors: Parmentola Adele , Ferretti Marco
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to combine studies that describe the spin-off creation process with studies that analyze spin-off determinants to understand the phenomenon of spin-off development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a theoretical framework to improve our understanding of academic spin-off development in southern Italy. Following a systematic combining approach, the framework is constructed by iteratively matching the concepts derived by the literature on spin-off processes and spin-off determinants with the empirical findings obtained through a case study of 19 spin-offs in southern Italy.

Findings

The combination of empirical results and literature analysis helps us to identify a general model for spin-off creation that could be particularly useful to explain the criticalities of their development.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides implications for policy-makers in southern Italy regarding factors for which intervention would support the creation of new spin-offs. This study also provides useful implications for policy-makers in other contexts, such as areas that may or may not be at a disadvantage.

Originality/value

The resulting framework represents an original contribution to the literature because it: links two aspects – the stages of spin-off creation and determinants of spin-off development – which are often considered separately in existing studies; explores factors that either impede or facilitate the different stages of spin-off development; provides a series of findings that can be successively tested in other studies; and sheds more light on the context of southern Italy, which has been investigated in only a limited number of previous studies.
Inconsistency in intertemporal choice: a behavioral approach
Authors: González Fernández Isabel , Cruz Rambaud Salvador
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the main measures of inconsistency in the context of intertemporal choice and to identify the relationships between them (more specifically, the measures by Prelec, Takahashi and Rohde). In effect, Thaler (1981), awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics 2017, argued that when a preference must be expressed between two reward options, some people may reverse their original preference when a significant delay is introduced before the reward is to be received. This anomaly is known as inconsistency in intertemporal choice.

Design/methodology/approach

After a revision of the existing literature and by using the methods from mathematical calculus, the authors have derived the logical relationships between the measures presented in this paper.

Findings

The main contribution of this paper is the proposal of a novel parameter, the so-defined ratio of two instantaneous discount rates, which the authors call the instantaneous variation rate, which allows relating some other measures of inconsistency, namely the measures described by Prelec and Rohde. A limitation of this paper is the unavailability of empirical information about the inconsistency measures needed to substantiate the theoretical findings. Indeed, this paper has social implications because recent behavioral and neuroeconomic studies have shown the existence of preference reversal or time inconsistency in other areas. The authors’ models can be implemented in these fields in order to better analyze the situations of inconsistency.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the authors’ aim to bring some order to the proposed measures of inconsistency which have arisen as a result of the different approaches adopted.
Entrepreneurial orientation and sustainability initiatives in family firms
Authors: Mullens Drake
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between family firm generation, performance and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in investments in sustainability initiatives. The objective of this research is to establish EO as an important antecedent of investments in sustainability initiatives, assess EO’s interaction with firm performance and establish that later-generation family firms are more environmentally and socially responsible.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in-person from 151 top managers in automobile and motorcycle dealerships in the southwestern USA. Regression analysis was utilized to analyze the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

EO is significantly and positively related to investments in sustainability initiatives. That relationship is dependent on the performance of the firm. At low levels of EO, high-performing firms invest significantly more in sustainability initiatives. However, at high levels of EO, low-performing firms invest slightly more in sustainability initiatives. The generation of the family business is moderately related to sustainability investments, with later-generation family firms investing more.

Originality/value

The findings herein bridge the gap between the entrepreneurship and sustainability literature by establishing EO as an important antecedent of corporate responsibility. Further, the results indicate that firm mechanisms such as EO are more important than the performance of the firm or slack resources available.
Service robots: value co-creation and co-destruction in elderly care networks
Authors: Čaić Martina , Odekerken-Schröder Gaby , Mahr Dominik
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential roles for service robots (i.e. socially assistive robots) in value networks of elderly care. Taking an elderly person’s perspective, it defines robot roles according to their value co-creating/destroying potential for the elderly user (i.e. focal actor), while acknowledging consequences for a network of users around the elderly (i.e. network actors).

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative, interpretative study employs in-depth phenomenographic interviews, supported by generative cards activities (i.e. Contextual Value Network Mapping), to elicit an elderly person’s tacit knowledge and anticipate the effects of introducing an automated actor on institutionalized value co-creation practices.

Findings

The proposed typology identifies six roles of socially assistive robots in an elderly person’s value network (enabler, intruder, ally, replacement, extended self, and deactivator) and links them to three health-supporting functions by robots: safeguarding, social contact, and cognitive support.

Research limitations/implications

Elderly people have notable expectations about the inclusion of a socially assistive robot as a new actor in their value networks. The identified robot roles inform service scholars and managers about both the value co-destruction potential that needs to be avoided through careful designs and the value co-creation potential that should be leveraged.

Originality/value

Using network-conscious phenomenographic interviews before the introduction of a novel value proposition sheds new light on the shifting value co-creation interplay among value network actors (i.e. elderly people, formal and informal caregivers). The value co-creation/destruction potential of socially assistive robots and their corresponding roles in care-based value networks offer insights for the design of meaningful robotic technology and its introduction into the existing service networks.
The Fakegate scandal
Authors: Olson Erik L.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Although ethics are frequently debated within the social marketing literature, there has been very little empirical study of deliberate ethical transgressions in promoting a good cause. The current study therefore aims to contribute by examining public reaction to the Fakegate scandal involving a climate scientist’s use of ethically questionable tactics in the “selling” of the anthropogenic global warming (AGW) cause.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis catalogues the Fakegate justifications and criticisms used by eight UK and US print media editorials and 1,010 associated reader comments.

Findings

Among the argument classification categories, the most common Fakegate justifications rely on a utilitarian “greater good” ethics perspective, while the most frequent criticisms rely on a normative “violation of rules” ethics perspective. AGW believers represent nearly all the scandal justifiers, while AGW skeptics and a substantial minority of AGW believers represent the critics.

Research limitations/implications

Content material is limited to only the Fakegate case and people with enough interest to contribute a relevant comment, although the expressed viewpoints may be more widely representative because they are generally consistent with findings from the AGW public opinion polls.

Originality/value

This study provides an understanding of the ethical dilemma that social marketers face when assigned a “difficult-to-sell” good cause. The findings of the widespread public skepticism toward the AGW cause suggest that social marketers should resist the temptation of using ethically questionable tactics in such difficult cases. Unfortunately, honest and effective AGW “selling” may be impossible until current technology and policy tradeoffs are reduced.
When service failure leads to sin
Authors: Chong Yit Sean , Ahmed Pervaiz K.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the notion of “service transgression” which violates customers’ religious beliefs through observing certain dietary guidelines that shape their religious identity. While service transgression and customer forgiveness are predominantly examined using experimental procedures or questionnaire survey in existing studies, this study adopts an interpretive paradigm to explore the complexities and idiosyncratic narratives of individual perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Detailed narrative accounts of 15 participants consisting of five Muslims, five Buddhists and five Hindus; who are working adults residing in Malaysia were gathered via in-depth interviews. Critical incident technique was employed with interpretive approach being undertaken to uncover key themes that form the essence of experiences in service transgressions.

Findings

The responses from participants were mainly contingent to the individuals’ interpretations of their religious expectations in the assessment of the incidents. Observations from the interview protocols reveal common themes in the consideration of whether one has indeed transgressed against the religious norms, the assignment of blame and responsibility and reparation of relationships. From the findings of this study, the authors developed a typology of conflict framing categories: “damaged identity”, “identity at risk” and “identity preservation” by considering both dyadic and triadic service relationships in service failure incidents which involve a violation of customers’ religious belief systems.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study seeks to inform service providers on the impact of service transgression of this nature upon consumers particularly in a multi-faith society. Additionally, this study provides insights into the implementation of service recovery strategies if and when such situation arises.

Originality/value

By undertaking a narrative enquiry, this study uncovers personal sense making in this phenomenon within the contextual frame of societal and historical norms. The outcome of this study provides insights to service providers on the impact of service transgression upon consumers particularly in a multi-faith context such as Malaysia. Additionally, this study discusses managerial implications associated with the implementation of service recovery strategies if and when such situation arises.
Recovery heroes from the past: Charles Dickens (1859:2003): “it was the best of times it was the worst of times”
Authors: Longworth Gail , Carson Jerome
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of the novelist Charles Dickens.

Design/methodology/approach

Several biographies and articles about the life of Charles Dickens were examined, to see if there was evidence that he experienced mental health problems.

Findings

While Dickens has been acclaimed for his ability to authentically portray the living conditions of the poor in the nineteenth-century Britain, there is comparatively little historical record of the fact that he may have experienced bipolar disorder. This paper suggests that he displayed many of the characteristic symptoms of bipolar.

Research limitations/implications

The story of Dickens’ own childhood is an amazing example of personal resilience. It no doubt enhanced the quality of his writing, but it may also have “sown the seeds” of a later mental illness.

Practical implications

So much attention has been focused on the colourful characters from Dickens’ novels, but little on the problems of the man himself.

Social implications

The story of Charles Dickens is as fascinating as any of the fictional characters he created, if not even more intriguing. His story confirms the link between writers, creativity and mood disorders.

Originality/value

Given the huge attention and worldwide acclaim paid to the books of Charles Dickens, which have inspired numerous films as well as musicals, it is surprising how little attention has been paid to the author himself and his struggles with mental illness.
Pets, animal-assisted therapy and social inclusion
Authors: Holttum Sue
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Humans have close relationships with animals for companionship and in working roles. The purpose of this paper is to discuss recent papers on pets and dog-assisted interventions, and relates their findings to social inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

A search was carried out for recent papers on pets, animal-assisted therapy and social inclusion/exclusion.

Findings

One paper discusses theories (often lacking in studies of animal-assisted therapy) of why animals may be good for human health and development. A recent review shows evidence that family pet ownership may aid children’s well-being, learning and social development, but too few studies have followed children over time in pet and non-pet households. Studies of dog-assisted interventions show stress-reduction, which in turn may explain why therapy for mental health in young people and adults was more effective with a dog than without. Social inclusion is hinted at but not measured directly, yet dog-assisted therapy might be helpful in this regard.

Originality/value

All the papers discussed in detail here represent up-to-date understanding in this area of knowledge. Benefits of human-animal bonds, especially with dogs, appear to be well-supported by biological as well as observational and self-report evidence. More research is needed on how much these attachments may assist social relating and relationships with other people, and social inclusion.
The effectiveness of support groups: a literature review
Authors: Worrall Hugh , Schweizer Richard , Marks Ellen , Yuan Lin , Lloyd Chris , Ramjan Rob
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Support groups are a common feature of the mental health support engaged by carers and consumers. The purpose of this paper is to update and consolidate the knowledge and the evidence for the effectiveness of mental health support groups.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a systematic literature review of relevant databases around support groups for mental health. Support groups are defined as meetings of people with similar experiences, such as those defined as carers of a person living with a mental illness or a person living with a mental illness. These meetings aim to provide support and companionship to one another.

Findings

The results show that there is a consistent pattern of evidence, over a long period of time, which confirms the effectiveness of mental health support groups for carers and people living with mental illness. There is strong, scientifically rigorous evidence which shows the effectiveness of professionally facilitated, family-led support groups, psychoeducation carers support groups, and professionally facilitated, program-based support groups for people living with mental illness.

Research limitations/implications

This research implies the use of support groups is an important adjunct to the support of carers and people with mental illness, including severe mental illness.

Originality/value

This research brings together a range of studies indicating the usefulness of support groups as an adjunct to mental health therapy.
The role of marketing capabilities, absorptive capacity, and innovation performance
Authors: da Costa Juliana Conceição Noschang , Camargo Shirlei Miranda , Machado Toaldo Ana Maria , Didonet Simone Regina
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze effects of absorptive capacity (ACAP) on organizational performance. The model looks at the mediating influence of marketing capabilities (innovative capability and new product development capability (NPDC)) and innovation performance (IP).

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes a quantitative approach by using survey data from 333 Brazilian manufacturer managers involved with strategic marketing processes. Structural equation modeling was used to test the theoretical hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicate that ACAP does not have a direct impact on organizational performance. The relation is fully mediated by marketing capabilities (innovative capability and NPDC) and IP.

Research limitations/implications

According to the research findings, managers should put efforts in the ACAP as well as marketing capabilities that will result in better organizational performance. This research is limited to the context of manufacturer firms in Brazil. However, it is suggested that an application of this research can be conducted in different industries and different countries.

Originality/value

This study contributes to theory and management practice. First, no study has explored all these constructs together. Through the relationship between ACAP and performance, the authors found that marketing capabilities and IP can fully mediate the former proposed relation. The authors’ contribution is the understanding of the role of ACAP influence on performance. Managers should be encouraged to invest in companies’ ACAP as well as marketing capabilities to differentiate themselves from competitors and improve performance.
FACIES HETEROGENEITIES IN A RAMP CARBONATE RESERVOIR ANALOGUE: A NEW HIGH‐RESOLUTION APPROACH FOR 3D FACIES MODELLING
Authors: Petrovic A. , Aigner T. , Pontiggia M.
Published: March 2018

In contrast to the conventional view that facies distribution patterns on carbonate ramps are relatively simple, outcrop analogue studies point to a high degree of internal facies complexity. Depending on the diagenetic overprint, this complex pattern may result in reservoir compartmentalization due to the presence of interflow baffles. The often subseismic scale heterogeneities may not be included in conventional reservoir modelling. In order to evaluate how facies heterogeneities in shoal reservoirs can be modelled realistically, this paper presents a facies modelling workflow which includes a new approach to the design of training images for multiple‐point statistics (MPS). The workflow was developed in the course of a reservoir outcrop analogue study of a Ladinian (Middle Triassic) coquinadominated shoal complex in SW Germany which was deposited on an epicontinental, gently inclined carbonate ramp. The data set was based on an intensive field study and includes 3D facies and sequence stratigraphic analyses of the largest shoal complex in the Quaderkalk Formation (Upper Muschelkalk). This several metre thick shoal complex represents a subseismic scale, bioclast‐rich reservoir analogue and has a very heterogeneous facies pattern.

Integrating 1D facies logs and sequence stratigraphic trends from tens of outcrop sections and cores, two nested 3D geocellular facies models were produced: (i) a large‐scale (30 × 30 km) model based on truncated Gaussian simulation (TGS); this formed the basis for (ii) a smaller‐scale (10 × 10 km), more detailed model based on multiple point statistics. In addition, a new approach for training image design was developed to honour small‐scale sequence stratigraphic trends and lateral facies patterns observed in modern analogues. Compared to facies patterns in modern analogues, the large‐scale model presents geologically‐feasible facies distribution patterns and geometries, and in addition shows a vertical facies distribution which is similar to the observed sequence stratigraphic architecture of the outcrop data‐set used. Due to the new training image design, the final small‐scale model has a distribution pattern of facies heterogeneities which looks similar to modern facies distributions in the offshore UAE and thus represents a valuable method of producing realistic reservoir facies models.

The modelling workflow and the new approach for training image design presented will help to reduce uncertainties in the understanding and modelling of subsurface reservoirs by using a systematic combination of outcrop data and modern analogues, with the consistent application of sequence stratigraphic principles. In addition, this study emphasises the importance of careful training image design, derived from modern analogues, which can be used as realistic inputs in order to optimize multiple point simulations, and which may be applied to producing bioclastic reservoirs such as those located on the Arabian Plate or offshore Brazil.
Clinical use of plasma lactate concentration. Part 2: Prognostic and diagnostic utility and the clinical management of hyperlactatemia
Authors: Rosenstein Patricia G. , Tennent‐Brown Brett S. , Hughes Dez
Published: March 2018

Objective

To review the current literature pertaining to the use of lactate as a prognostic indicator and therapeutic guide, the utility of measuring lactate concentrations in body fluids other than blood or plasma, and the clinical management of hyperlactatemia in dogs, cats, and horses.

Data Sources

Articles were retrieved without date restrictions primarily via PubMed, Scopus, and CAB Abstracts as well as by manual selection.

Human and Veterinary Data Synthesis

Increased plasma lactate concentrations are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In populations with high mortality, hyperlactatemia is moderately predictive in identifying nonsurvivors. Importantly, eulactatemia predicts survival better than hyperlactatemia predicts death. Consecutive lactate measurements and calculated relative measures appear to outperform single measurements. The use of lactate as a therapeutic guide has shown promising results in people but is relatively uninvestigated in veterinary species. Increased lactate concentrations in body fluids other than blood should raise the index of suspicion for septic or malignant processes. Management of hyperlactatemia should target the underlying cause.

Conclusion

Lactate is a valuable triage and risk stratification tool that can be used to separate patients into higher and lower risk categories. The utility of lactate concentration as a therapeutic target and the measurement of lactate in body fluids shows promise but requires further research.
Antibiotic Hybrids: the Next Generation of Agents and Adjuvants against Gram-Negative Pathogens?
Authors: Domalaon Ronald , Idowu Temilolu , Zhanel George G. , Schweizer Frank
Published: March 2018

The global incidence of drug-resistant Gram-negative bacillary infections has been increasing, and there is a dire need to develop novel strategies to overcome this problem. Intrinsic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, such as their protective outer membrane and constitutively overexpressed efflux pumps, is a major survival weapon that renders them refractory to current antibiotics. Several potential avenues to overcome this problem have been at the heart of antibiotic drug discovery in the past few decades. We review some of these strategies, with emphasis on antibiotic hybrids either as stand-alone antibacterial agents or as adjuvants that potentiate a primary antibiotic in Gram-negative bacteria. Antibiotic hybrid is defined in this review as a synthetic construct of two or more pharmacophores belonging to an established agent known to elicit a desired antimicrobial effect. The concepts, advances, and challenges of antibiotic hybrids are elaborated in this article. Moreover, we discuss several antibiotic hybrids that were or are in clinical evaluation. Mechanistic insights into how tobramycin-based antibiotic hybrids are able to potentiate legacy antibiotics in multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli are also highlighted. Antibiotic hybrids indeed have a promising future as a therapeutic strategy to overcome drug resistance in Gram-negative pathogens and/or expand the usefulness of our current antibiotic arsenal.
Novel Antifungal Compounds Discovered in Medicines for Malaria Venture’s Malaria Box
Authors: Jung Eric H. , Meyers David J. , Bosch Jürgen , Casadevall Arturo
Published: March 2018

Much like the recent increase in drug-resistant bacteria, there is a rise in antifungal-resistant strains of pathogenic fungi. There is a need for novel and more potent antifungal therapeutics. Consequently, we investigated a mixed library of drug-like and probe-like compounds with activity in
Plasmodium
spp. for activity against two common fungal pathogens,
Cryptococcus neoformans
and
Candida albicans
, along with two less common pathogenic species,
Lomentospora prolificans
and
Cryptococcus gattii
. We uncover a previously uncharacterized drug with higher broad-spectrum antifungal activity than some current treatments. Our findings may eventually lead to a compound added to the arsenal of antifungal therapeutics.
Systematic Bias Introduced by Genomic DNA Template Dilution in 16S rRNA Gene-Targeted Microbiota Profiling in Human Stool Homogenates
Authors: Multinu Francesco , Harrington Sean C. , Chen Jun , Jeraldo Patricio R. , Johnson Stephen , Chia Nicholas , Walther-Antonio Marina R.
Published: March 2018

The genomic DNA input for stool samples utilized for microbiome composition has not been determined. In this study, we determined the reliable threshold level under which conclusions drawn from the data may be compromised. We also determined the type of microbial bias introduced by less-than-ideal genomic input.
Heterogeneous Antimicrobial Susceptibility Characteristics in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Qin Xuan , Zhou Chuan , Zerr Danielle M. , Adler Amanda , Addetia Amin , Yuan Shuhua , Greninger Alexander L.
Published: March 2018

Patients with cystic fibrosis endure “chronic focal infections” with a variety of microorganisms. One microorganism,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, adapts to the host and develops resistance to a wide range of antimicrobials. Interestingly, as the infection progresses, multiple isogenic strains of
P. aeruginosa
emerge and coexist within the airways of these patients. Despite a common parental origin, the multiple strains of
P. aeruginosa
develop vastly different susceptibility patterns to actively used antimicrobial agents—a phenomenon we define as “heterogeneous MICs.” By sequencing pairs of
P. aeruginosa
isolates displaying heterogeneous MICs, we observed widespread isogenic gene lesions in drug transporters, DNA mismatch repair mechanisms, and many other structural or cellular functions. Coupled with the heterogeneous MICs, these genetic lesions demonstrated a symbiotic response to host selection and suggested evolution of a multicellular syntrophic bacterial lifestyle. Current laboratory standard interpretive criteria do not address the emergence of heterogeneous growth and susceptibilities
in vitro
with treatment implications.
Development of the Human Mycobiome over the First Month of Life and across Body Sites
Authors: Ward Tonya L. , Dominguez-Bello Maria Gloria , Heisel Tim , Al-Ghalith Gabriel , Knights Dan , Gale Cheryl A.
Published: March 2018

Humans are colonized by diverse fungi (mycobiome), which have received much less study to date than colonizing bacteria. We know very little about the succession of fungal colonization in early life and whether it may relate to long-term health. To better understand fungal colonization and its sources, we studied the skin, oral, and anal mycobiomes of healthy term infants and the vaginal and anal mycobiomes of their mothers. Generally, infants were colonized by few fungal taxa, and fungal alpha diversity did not increase over the first month of life. There was no clear community maturation over the first month of life, regardless of body site. Key body-site-specific taxa, but not overall fungal community structures, were impacted by birth mode. Thus, additional studies to characterize mycobiome acquisition and succession throughout early life are needed to form a foundation for research into the relationship between mycobiome development and human disease.
Genome-Scale, Constraint-Based Modeling of Nitrogen Oxide Fluxes during Coculture of
Nitrosomonas europaea
and
Nitrobacter winogradskyi
Authors: Mellbye Brett L. , Giguere Andrew T. , Murthy Ganti S. , Bottomley Peter J. , Sayavedra-Soto Luis A. , Chaplen Frank W. R.
Published: March 2018

Modern agriculture is sustained by application of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizer in the form of ammonium (NH
4
+
). Up to 60% of NH
4
+
-based fertilizer can be lost through leaching of nitrifier-derived nitrate (NO
3
−
), and through the emission of N oxide gases (i.e., nitric oxide [NO], N dioxide [NO
2
], and nitrous oxide [N
2
O] gases), the latter being a potent greenhouse gas. Our approach to modeling of nitrification suggests that both biotic and abiotic mechanisms function as important sources and sinks of N oxides during microaerobic conditions and that previous models might have underestimated gross NO production during nitrification.
Diagnosis of sporadic neurofibromatosis type 2 in the paediatric population
Authors: Anand Geetha , Vasallo Grace , Spanou Maria , Thomas Saumya , Pike Michael , Kariyawasam Didu Sanduni , Mehta Sanjay , Parry Allyson , Durie-Gair Juliette , Nicholson James , Lascelles Karine , Everett Vanessa , Gibbon Frances Mary , Jarvis Nicola , Elston John , Evans Dafydd Gareth , Halliday Dorothy
Published: March 2018

Objective

Onset of symptoms in severe sporadic neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is typically within childhood; however, there is poor awareness of presenting features in young children, potentially resulting in delayed diagnosis and poorer outcome. We have reviewed presentation of sporadic paediatric NF2 to raise awareness of early features, highlighting those requiring further investigation.

Design

Patients diagnosed with NF2 at age ≤16 and seen between 2012 and 2015 were notified via the British Paediatric Neurology Surveillance Unit or identified through the English NF2 service.

Results

Epidemiological data estimate that 1 in 110 611 births are affected with childhood-onset NF2. Notes of 32 patients with sporadic NF2 were reviewed. Of those presenting under the age of 5, 89% (17/19) had ocular, 74% (14/19) dermatological and 58% (11/19) neurological signs; in 84% (16/19) features were multisystemic. Sixty-six per cent (21/32) had ≥1 atypical feature, including cerebellar hypoplasia in three cases (9%) and focal cortical dysplasia in five out of seven seizure-related presentations. Five cases presented with a sometimes transient or intermittent cranial nerve mononeuropathy. The mean delay to diagnosis was 3.16 years; in eight cases (25%) this exceeded 6 years. Most significant delay occurred in mononeuropathy, ophthalmological and/or seizure presentations, with a mean delay of 3, 4.5 and 6 years, respectively. Eighty-four per cent (27/32) of cases needed intervention in childhood.

Conclusions

All non-vestibular schwannoma NF2 presentations in childhood had significant diagnostic delay. We emphasise the importance of detailed assessment of skin and eyes in unusual presentations and propose an aide to prompt timely referral to specialist services.
Proactive community case management and child survival in periurban Mali
Authors: Johnson Ari D , Thiero Oumar , Whidden Caroline , Poudiougou Belco , Diakité Djoumé , Traoré Fousséni , Samaké Salif , Koné Diakalia , Cissé Ibrahim , Kayentao Kassoum
Published: March 2018

The majority of the world’s population lives in urban areas, and regions with the highest under-five mortality rates are urbanising rapidly. This 7-year interrupted time series study measured early access to care and under-five mortality over the course of a proactive community case management (ProCCM) intervention in periurban Mali. Using a cluster-based, population-weighted sampling methodology, we conducted independent cross-sectional household surveys at baseline and at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 months later in the intervention area. The ProCCM intervention had five key components: (1) active case detection by community health workers (CHWs), (2) CHW doorstep care, (3) monthly dedicated supervision for CHWs, (4) removal of user fees and (5) primary care infrastructure improvements and staff capacity building. Under-five mortality rate was calculated using a Cox proportional hazard survival regression. We measured the percentage of children initiating effective antimalarial treatment within 24 hours of symptom onset and the percentage of children reported to be febrile within the previous 2 weeks. During the intervention, the rate of early effective antimalarial treatment of children 0–59 months more than doubled, from 14.7% in 2008 to 35.3% in 2015 (OR 3.198, P<0.0001). The prevalence of febrile illness among children under 5 years declined after 7 years of the intervention from 39.7% at baseline to 22.6% in 2015 (OR 0.448, P<0.0001). Communities where ProCCM was implemented have achieved an under-five mortality rate at or below 28/1000 for the past 6 years. In 2015, under-five mortality was 7/1000 (HR 0.039, P<0.0001). Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action and generalizability of ProCCM.
The liver as an organ at risk forToxoplasmatransmission during transplantation: myth or reality?
Authors: Autier Brice , Dion Sarah , Robert-Gangneux Florence
Published: March 2018

Aim

Toxoplasmosis following liver transplant with donor–recipient mismatch is rare, but is often life-threatening. However, there are no data on the frequency of cyst carriage in the liver, nor consensual chemoprophylaxis guidelines. This study aimed at describing frequency and localisation ofToxoplasmacysts in the liver in a mouse model of chronic infection to predict the risk in liver transplantation.

Methods

Heart, brain and liver lobes of 21 mice chronically infected withToxoplasmawere collected for DNA extraction and amplification ofToxoplasma gondiirep529 sequence by real-time PCR.

Results

Parasite DNA was detected in the liver of 19/21 mice (90.5%), with no preferential anatomical localisation, but with higher parasite loads in the papillary process. Parasite loads in the liver were far lower than in brain and heart. The number of infected lobes was inversely correlated to the total liver weight, but was independent of the brain parasite load and of the parasite strain.

Conclusions

The liver is a frequent site of cyst carriage, confirming that transplantation of an organ from a seropositive donor to seronegative recipient is at high risk for acquired toxoplasmosis. Systematic serological screening prior to transplantation and chemoprophylaxis in patients at risk are fully justified.
Immersion with menthol improves recovery between 2 cycling exercises in hot and humid environment
Authors: Rinaldi Kévin , Trong Than Tran , Riera Florence , Appel Katharina , Hue Olivier
Published: March 2018

Endurance exercise performance is impaired in a hot and humid environment. This study compared the effects of cold water immersion, with (CMWI) and without (CWI) menthol, on the recovery of cycling performance. Eight heat-acclimatized cyclists (age, 24.1 ± 4.4 years; mass, 65.3 ± 5.2 kg) performed 2 randomized sessions, each consisting of a 20-min cycling trial (T1) followed by 10 min of immersion during recovery and then a second 20-min cycling trial (T2). Mean power output and perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded for both trials. Rectal (Trec) and skin temperatures were measured before and immediately after T1, immersion, and T2. Perceived thermal sensation (TS) and comfort were measured immediately after T1 and T2. Power output was significantly improved in T2 compared with T1 in the CMWI condition (+15.6%). Performance did not change in the CWI condition. After immersion, Trec was lower in CWI (–1.17 °C) than in CMWI (–0.6 °C). TS decreased significantly after immersion in both conditions. This decline was significantly more pronounced in CMWI (5.9 ± 1 to 3.6 ± 0.5) than in CWI (5.6 ± 0.9 to 4.4 ± 1.2). In CMWI, RPE was significantly higher in T1 (6.57 ± 0.9) than in T2 (5.14 ± 1.25). However, there was no difference in TC. This study suggests that menthol immersion probably (i) improves the performance of a repeated 20-min cycling bout, (ii) decreases TS, and (iii) impairs thermoregulation processes.
Hyaluronan content and distribution in the rat ventral prostate after castration
Authors: Della-Colleta Heloisa H.M. , Carvalho Hernandes F.
Published: March 2018

Hyaluronan (HA) has been implicated in tissue remodeling, healing, and tumor growth. This study investigated the variation in hyaluronan content, distribution, and metabolism in the rat ventral prostate (VP) in response to androgen deprivation after castration. The mRNA abundance of hyaluronan synthases (Has1–3) and hyaluronidases (Hyal 1–3) were assessed by reverse transcription (RT)–PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The results demonstrated an increased concentration, but an overall reduction in HA content. HA was located in both epithelium and stroma of the prostate of both the noncastrated and castrated animals. Quantitative RT–PCR (qRT–PCR) showed that Has1 and Has2 are major synthases, and that Hyal 1 was the predominant hydrolase expressed in the VP. qRT–PCR also showed that Has1 and Has2 mRNA increased transiently after castration, whereas Has3 mRNA declined markedly. While Hyal 1 mRNA increased slowly up to day 21 after castration, Hyal 2 and Hyal 3 mRNA dropped significantly. CD44 was found in the epithelial cells and in some stromal cells in both hormonal conditions. In conclusion, castration results in increased abundance of Has1 and Has2 mRNA, but is associated with a decrease in the total content of HA, with an increased concentration, and a predominance of short-chain HA molecules.
Tsunami generation by potential, partially submerged rockslides in an abandoned open-pit mine: the case of Black Lake, Quebec, Canada
Authors: Leblanc Jonathan , Turmel Dominique , Locat Jacques , Harbitz Carl B. , Løvholt Finn , Kim Jihwan , Grenon Martin , Locat Ariane
Published: March 2018

The Black Lake rockslide is located on the east wall of an open-pit mine initially operated by LAB Chrysotile near Thetford Mines, Quebec. Movements were observed in July 2012 when a volume of 2.0 × 107m3was mobilized, destroying a large portion of Highway 112. Mining operations ceased in 2012, causing the complete shutdown of the pumping system whose goal was to prevent the rise of water level in the pit. As the water level increases in the pit, it is essential to determine the potential of tsunami generation by possible partially submerged rockslides and to understand the potential impacts. A series of possible scenarios have been analysed with regard to velocity and acceleration of the potential rockslide as well as the corresponding wave generation and inundation. Results from the simulation show that when the factor of safety of the global slope is less than unity, inundation would not reach the potentially vulnerable infrastructures. Maximum wave height will vary as a function of the filling of the lake, and the lower wave height relative to water depth will happen when the lake is completely filled.
Model development: establishing pigs with homogenous microbial profile in the hind gut
Authors: Kiros Tadele G. , Pinloche Eric , D’Inca Romain , Auclair Eric , Van Kessel Andrew
Published: March 2018

The considerable animal-to-animal variation in microbial profiles is a challenge in elucidating the role of gut microbiota in host metabolism. The main purpose of this study was, therefore, to develop a pig model with reduced animal-to-animal variation in gut microbial profile. Twelve piglets from four sows were reared conventionally and 12 piglets from four sows were reared artificially in high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered isolators. All isolator-reared piglets were given an artificial colostrum formula containing the combined fecal material from all eight sows. All piglets were killed at 21 d of age and intestinal contents subjected to 16s rRNA gene-based terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) profiling. Resulting T-RFLP profiles clustered into two distinct groups representing the two treatment groups. Furthermore, Bray–Curtis dissimilarity distance values and Dice similarity indices showed reduced beta diversity in isolator-reared pigs indicating animal-to-animal variation was reduced in isolator-reared compared to conventional piglets. However, surprisingly, increased alpha diversity was observed in isolator-reared piglets compared with conventional piglets. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that rearing of piglets under conditions of controlled environment reduced animal-to-animal variation in the hindgut microbiota while paradoxically increasing within animal microbial diversity. Isolator rearing may be useful as a model to improve detection of treatment effects on gut microbiota.
Identification of serum metabolites associated with the risk of metritis in transition dairy cows
Authors: Hailemariam Dagnachew , Zhang Guanshi , Mandal Rupasri , Wishart David S. , Ametaj Burim N.
Published: March 2018

In this study, we aimed to identify metabolite signatures that characterize metritis prior to, during, and after the disease incidence. Blood samples were collected from 100 Holstein cows at five time points before and after parturition. Six cows that developed metritis and 20 controls were selected for metabolomics analysis in a nested case-control study. Twenty nine serum metabolites were quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. Results showed that similar panels of metabolites differentiated pre-metritic and control cows at 8 and 4 wk prepartum. The top most important metabolites that differentiated the two groups of cows at 8 wk prepartum were oxalate, ornithine, pyroglutamic acid, d-mannose, and glutamic acid, and at 4 wk prepartum were ornithine, pyroglutamic acid, d-mannose, glutamic acid, and phosphoric acid, suggesting their potential use as risk biomarkers for metritis. Area under the curve with values of 1.0 and 0.969 at 8 and 4 wk, respectively, indicated that those panels of metabolites have a very high sensitivity and specificity to be used as risk biomarkers for metritis. Overall, results showed that specific serum metabolite signatures can be used to screen cows for susceptibility to metritis during the dry off period, and to better understand the etiopathobiology of the disease.
Effects of the lipid-coated zinc oxide dietary supplement on intestinal mucosal morphology and gene expression associated with the gut health in weanling pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88
Authors: Han Jeong Hee , Song Min Hye , Kim Ha Na , Jang Insurk , Lee C. Young , Park Byung-Chul
Published: March 2018

Effects of a lipid-coated zinc oxide (ZnO) Shield Zn® (SZ) vs. ZnO were evaluated. Forty 25-d-old weanling pigs were fed a nursery diet supplemented with 100 mg kg−1 Zn with ZnO (ZnO-100), ZnO-2500, SZ-100, -200, or -400. All piglets were challenged orally with 5 × 108 colony-forming units of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 on day 7 and euthanized on day 14. The fecal consistency score (FCS) was less for the SZ group vs. ZnO-100 (P < 0.05). The intestinal villus height:crypt depth ratio and goblet cell density were greater for the SZ group vs. ZnO-100. By regression analyses, SZ-100 to -200 and SZ-300 to -400 were comparable to ZnO-2500 in the FCS and intestinal variables, respectively. The jejunal mucosal mRNA level did not differ between the SZ group and either ZnO group in insulin-like growth factor-I and multiple structural proteins and cytokines including zonula occludens protein (ZO) 1 and interleukin (IL) 10 except for lower ZO-1 and IL-10 mRNA levels for the SZ group than for ZnO-2500 and ZnO-100, respectively. The ZO-1 mRNA level regressed positively on the supplemental SZ concentration. Results suggest that SZ play a role in epithelial barrier function and inflammation by modulating the expression of ZO-1 and IL-10.