bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prioritizing sites for ecological restoration based on ecosystem services
Authors: Comín Francisco A. , Miranda Beatriz , Sorando Ricardo , Felipe‐Lucia María R. , Jiménez Juan J. , Navarro Enrique
Published: January 2018

Restoration ecology that maximizes ecosystem services (ES) requires planning at large spatial scales, which are often the most meaningful for ecosystem functioning and ES supply. As economic resources to undertake ecological restoration at large scales are scarce, prioritizing sites to enhance multiple ES supply is critical.

We present the Relative Aggregated Value of Ecosystem Services (RAVES) index, to prioritize sites for ecological restoration based on the assessment of multiple ES. We tested the spatial heterogeneity of ES to identify the relevant scale to managing ES and to apply the RAVES index using a local case study. We also used the RAVES index to compare three alternative restoration scenarios to enhance ES based on the availability of socio‐economic resources.

The highest RAVES values were found in areas with natural vegetation and in gorges with riparian forests. The lowest values were found in crop fields, steep slopes and river stretches without riparian forest. The multiscale spatial analysis indicated that most ES showed significant heterogeneity at multiple spatial scales, especially at broad (20–30 km) and very broad (40–50 km) scales. For spatial scales smaller than 2 km, only biological control showed significant heterogeneity.

The optimal socio‐economic conditions to enhance ES supply were met when both private and public land, together with economic funds, were available to implement ecological restoration. As most areas with low RAVES were in private lands, even with limited funds restoration of private lands would result in a large increase in RAVES.

Synthesis and applications. The Relative Aggregated Value of Ecosystem Services (RAVES) index is a practical tool to hierarchically prioritize sites for ecological restoration across large spatial scales. The RAVES index integrates both ecological information and societal values by weighting ecosystem services (ES) via a multicriteria analysis and can be used in scenario analysis to identify optimal management scenarios. We highlight the importance of analysing the spatial heterogeneity of ES to identify the most relevant scale to applying the RAVES index and to managing ES via ecological restoration.
Ideas of the change process: family and therapist perspectives on systemic psychotherapy for children with conduct disorder
Authors: Morino Yuriko
Published: January 2018

This report is based on a small‐scale qualitative study exploring therapist and client perspectives on the therapeutic change process in home‐based family therapy for children with conduct disorder. The study consisted of focus group discussions with therapists, interviews with client families and audiotaped therapy sessions. The findings suggested that home‐based therapy (home visits) was effective in improving hard‐to‐reach clients’ access to help, resources, and opportunities, as well as the therapists’ access to invaluable information about their clients. Home‐based therapy also helped the therapists to develop professionally, making it possible for them and their clients to engage in different power relationships, which were seen by both parties as one of the principal motivating forces and important aspects of the change process. In addition, exploring clients’ perspectives appeared to be useful.

Practitioner points

The process of engaging with hard‐to‐reach families starts in the context of specific therapist‐client power relationships with the therapist encouraging the family to take charge

Home‐based therapy is useful for children with conduct disorder

Home‐based therapy provides children, family and therapists with information, resources, opportunities and good access, which are not always available in customary clinical settings
Emerging Spectroscopic and Spectral Imaging Techniques for the Rapid Detection of Microorganisms: An Overview
Authors: Wang Kaiqiang , Pu Hongbin , Sun Da‐Wen
Published: January 2018

Microorganism contamination and foodborne disease outbreaks are of public concern worldwide. As such, the food industry requires rapid and nondestructive methods to detect microorganisms and to control food quality. However, conventional methods such as culture and colony counting, polymerase chain reaction, and immunoassay approaches are laborious, time‐consuming and require trained personnel. Therefore, the emergence of rapid analytical methods is essential. This review introduces 6 spectroscopic and spectral imaging techniques that apply infrared spectroscopy, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy, laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and multispectral imaging for microorganism detection. Recent advances of these technologies from 2011 to 2017 are outlined. Challenges in the application of these technologies for microorganism detection in food matrices are addressed. These emerging spectroscopic and spectral imaging techniques have the potential to provide rapid and nondestructive detection of microorganisms. They should also provide complementary information to enhance the performance of conventional methods to prevent disease outbreaks and food safety problems.
The Hydration of Grains: A Critical Review from Description of Phenomena to Process Improvements
Authors: Miano Alberto Claudio , Augusto Pedro Esteves Duarte
Published: January 2018

Hydration is a crucial step during grain processing. It is performed prior to many other processes, such as germination, cooking, extraction, malting and fermentation. The number of publications on this topic studying the description of the mechanisms involved and recent technologies for processing enhancement has increased recently. However, due to the complexity of the hydration process, there are still many aspects that are little understood. For that reason, this review provides not only an overview of recent developments in this field, but also a critical discussion of publications from the last 2 decades, as well as suggestions for future innovative studies. This review discusses the importance of hydration in the grain industries, the pathway for water entry into the various grains, the mass transfer and fluid flow mechanisms in the process, the behavior of the hydration kinetics, the mathematical modelling, the technologies used to accelerate the process and other necessary requirements that must be performed to complement and complete our knowledge of this process.
Developing and Testing a Soil Property Database for Forensic Applications in Southern California
Authors: Menchaca Patricia R. , Graham Robert C. , Younglove Theodore
Published: January 2018

The research sought to develop and test a forensic database of surface soil variability within previously mapped geologic and soil units in southern California. This type of database could be used to link suspects to crime scenes or determine source locations of soil sample evidence. Variability was evaluated using (i) color, (ii) magnetic susceptibility, and (iii) particle‐size distribution. Soil properties were analyzed for their ability to discriminate source areas using stepwise discriminant analysis. The percent correct predictions for geologic unit groups ranged from 30% to 100%. A blind study experiment matched four of the 18 samples to their unit of origin with the first choice by stepwise discriminant analysis, and eight were matched as second and third choices. The probability of selecting the appropriate unit of origin increased by 54% over random chance and eliminated as much as 99% of the field area as a potential search location.
Early developmental exposure to inorganic mercury does not alter affiliative behavior of adult prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)
Authors: CHEN Yue , LEWIS Robert , CURTIS J. Thomas
Published: January 2018

Mercury chloride exposure through drinking water in adult male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) has been shown to alter their social behavior. Here, we examined the potential disruption of adult social behavior in prairie voles that were exposed to 60 ppm mercury during early development. We used a cross‐fostering approach to test the effects of mercury exposure: (1) from conception until birth; (ii) from birth until weaning; and (iii) from conception until weaning, on adult affiliative behavior. Untreated and mercury‐treated voles were given the option of remaining in an empty cage or affiliating with a same‐sex conspecific in a 3‐h choice test. We found that early developmental mercury exposure had little if any effect on the reproductive success of breeder pairs or on affiliative behavior by either sex when subjects were tested as adults. These results suggest that, at least in the context of the behavior tested, the effects of early developmental exposure to mercury do not permanently alter adult prairie vole affiliative behavior, or do so in a way that is too subtle to be detected using the current testing paradigm.
Adjusting to climate: Acclimation, adaptation and developmental plasticity in physiological traits of a tropical rainforest lizard
Authors: LLEWELYN John , MACDONALD Stewart L. , MORITZ Craig , MARTINS Felipe , HATCHER Amberlee , PHILLIPS Ben L.
Published: January 2018

The impact of climate change may be felt most keenly by tropical ectotherms. In these taxa, it is argued, thermal specialization means a given shift in temperature will have a larger effect on fitness. For species with limited dispersal ability, the impact of climate change depends on the capacity for their climate‐relevant traits to shift. Such shifts can occur through genetic adaptation, various forms of plasticity, or a combination of these processes. Here we assess the extent and causes of shifts in 7 physiological traits in a tropical lizard, the rainforest sunskink (Lampropholis coggeri). Two populations were sampled that differ from each other in both climate and physiological traits. We compared trait values in each animal soon after field collection versus following acclimation to laboratory conditions. We also compared trait values between populations in: (i) recently field‐collected animals; (ii) the same animals following laboratory acclimation; and (iii) the laboratory‐reared offspring of these animals. Our results reveal high trait lability, driven primarily by acclimation and local adaptation. By contrast, developmental plasticity, resulting from incubation temperature, had little to no effect on most traits. These results suggest that, while specialized, tropical ectotherms may be capable of rapid shifts in climate‐relevant traits.
Protein profile in Aspergillus nidulans recombinant strains overproducing heterologous enzymes
Authors: Zubieta Mariane Paludetti , Contesini Fabiano Jares , Rubio Marcelo Ventura , Gonçalves Any Elisa de Souza Schmidt , Gerhardt Jaqueline Aline , Prade Rolf Alexander , Damasio André Ricardo de Lima
Published: January 2018

Filamentous fungi are robust cell factories and have been used for the production of large quantities of industrially relevant enzymes. However, the production levels of heterologous proteins still need to be improved. Therefore, this article aimed to investigate the global proteome profiling of Aspergillus nidulans recombinant strains in order to understand the bottlenecks of heterologous enzymes production. About 250, 441 and 424 intracellular proteins were identified in the control strain Anid_pEXPYR and in the recombinant strains Anid_AbfA and Anid_Cbhl respectively. In this context, the most enriched processes in recombinant strains were energy pathway, amino acid metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, translation, endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress, and repression under secretion stress (RESS). The global protein profile of the recombinant strains Anid_AbfA and Anid_Cbhl was similar, although the latter strain secreted more recombinant enzyme than the former. These findings provide insights into the bottlenecks involved in the secretion of recombinant proteins in A. nidulans, as well as in regard to the rational manipulation of target genes for engineering fungal strains as microbial cell factories.
Anti‐fibrotic effects of pirfenidone by interference with the hedgehog signalling pathway in patients with systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Xiao Hua , Zhang Guang‐feng , Liao Xiang‐ping , Li Xiao‐jie , Zhang Jian , Lin Haobo , Chen Zhe , Zhang Xiao
Published: January 2018

Aim

To determine whether pirfenidone attenuates lung fibrosis by interfering with the hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway in patients with systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD).

Methods

Twenty‐five SSc‐ILD patients (20 first visit, five who underwent pirfenidone treatment for 6 months) and 10 healthy controls were recruited. Lung tissues were obtained by open‐chest surgery, and primary lung fibroblasts were isolated, cultured and stimulated with pirfenidone. The levels of the proteins glioma‐associated oncogene 1 (GLI1), suppressor of fused (Sufu), α‐smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin in lung tissues or fibroblasts were determined by Western blotting. The messenger RNA levels of GLI1, glioma‐associated oncogene 2, protein patched homolog 1, and Sufu in lung tissues or fibroblasts were determined by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Meanwhile, the levels of phosphorylation glycogen synthase kinasep‐3β (pGSK‐3β), phosphorylation SMAD2 (pSMAD2), and phosphorylation c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (pJNK) in fibroblasts were determined by Western blotting.

Results

Hh pathway activation was increased in the lung tissue of SSc‐ILD patients and was decreased by pirfenidone, Sufu was upregulated in lung fibroblasts isolated from SSc‐ILD patients after pirfenidone challenge, and pirfenidone inhibited the phosphorylation of GSK‐3β signalling.

Conclusion

Pirfenidone has anti‐fibrotic effects in SSc‐ILD patients by interfering with both the Hh signalling pathway and the GSK‐3β signalling pathway via the regulation of Sufu expression. These results might promote its use in other Hh driven lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and especially the interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue diseases.
The mitochondrial ATP synthase is a shared drug target for aging and dementia
Authors: Goldberg Joshua , Currais Antonio , Prior Marguerite , Fischer Wolfgang , Chiruta Chandramouli , Ratliff Eric , Daugherty Daniel , Dargusch Richard , Finley Kim , Esparza‐Moltó Pau B. , Cuezva José M. , Maher Pamela , Petrascheck Michael , Schubert David
Published: January 2018

Aging is a major driving force underlying dementia, such as that caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD). While the idea of targeting aging as a therapeutic strategy is not new, it remains unclear how closely aging and age‐associated diseases are coupled at the molecular level. Here, we discover a novel molecular link between aging and dementia through the identification of the molecular target for the AD drug candidate J147. J147 was developed using a series of phenotypic screening assays mimicking disease toxicities associated with the aging brain. We have previously demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of J147 in several mouse models of AD. Here, we identify the mitochondrial α‐F1‐ATP synthase (ATP5A) as a target for J147. By targeting ATP synthase, J147 causes an increase in intracellular calcium leading to sustained calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase β (CAMKK2)‐dependent activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway, a canonical longevity mechanism. Accordingly, modulation of mitochondrial processes by J147 prevents age‐associated drift of the hippocampal transcriptome and plasma metabolome in mice and extends lifespan in drosophila. Our results link aging and age‐associated dementia through ATP synthase, a molecular drug target that can potentially be exploited for the suppression of both. These findings demonstrate that novel screens for new AD drug candidates identify compounds that act on established aging pathways, suggesting an unexpectedly close molecular relationship between the two.
Association Between Paternal Alcohol Consumption Before Conception and Anogenital Distance of Offspring
Authors: Xia Ruilan , Jin Longmei , Li Dekun , Liang Hong , Yang Fen , Chen Jianping , Yuan Wei , Miao Maohua
Published: January 2018

Background

There are limited studies on the effects of paternal alcohol consumption, before conception, on the reproductive development of offspring. Anogenital distance (AGD), the distance from the center of the anus to the genitals, is a sensitive biomarker of reproductive hormone abnormalities during the critical developmental window. The relationship between paternal alcohol consumption and AGD of human offspring has not been studied yet.

Methods

This cohort study included 1,292 pregnant women recruited in Shanghai. An in‐person interview was conducted to collect information on demographic characteristics of couples, and husbands’ lifestyles, including drinking habits. AGD (boys, AGD‐AP [anus‐penis], AGD‐AS [anus‐scrotum]; girls, AGD‐AC [anus‐clitoris], AGD‐AF [anus‐fourchette]) measurements were performed at birth, and at 6 and 12 months of age. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between paternal alcohol consumption before conception, and the AGDs of offspring.

Results

Data included AGD measurements of infants at birth (N = 980), at 6 months (N = 592, 60.4%), and at 12 months (N = 543, 55.4%). Boys in the paternal alcohol‐exposed group had shorter AGDs, irrespective of the areas measured (AGD‐AP and AGD‐AS) and time of measurements, than those in the unexposed group. However, only the differences in AGD‐AP at birth and AGD‐AS at 6 months were statistically significant. For girls, the associations were similar at birth; however, the AGD‐AC and AGD‐AF were longer in the paternal alcohol‐exposed group than the unexposed group at 12 months.

Conclusions

Our findings provide first, but preliminary evidence, that paternal alcohol consumption within 3 months before conception may be associated with shorter AGD in the offspring, especially in boys, which indicates that paternal alcohol drinking may have an adverse effect on their reproductive development. Further studies should be conducted to validate these results.
Subgroup analysis of East Asian patients in REGARD: A phase III trial of ramucirumab and best supportive care for advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Chung Hyun Cheol , Kok Victor C. , Cheng Rebecca , Hsu Yanzhi , Orlando Mauro , Fuchs Charles , Cho Jae Yong
Published: January 2018

Aim

We describe a subgroup analysis assessing the efficacy and safety of ramucirumab monotherapy in East Asian (EA) patients from the REGARD trial.

Methods

Patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma with progressive disease were randomized 2:1 to receive ramucirumab (8 mg/kg) plus best supportive care (BSC) or placebo plus BSC every 2 weeks. Post hoc subset analyses were performed on the EA and non‐EA intention‐to‐treat populations.

Results

Of 355 intention‐to‐treat patients, 26 patients from EA were randomized to ramucirumab (n = 18) or placebo (n = 8). Median overall survival was 6.5 months in the ramucirumab arm and 4.8 months in the placebo arm (hazard ratio [HR] 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27–1.82) for EA patients, and 5.2 months in the ramucirumab arm and 3.8 months in the placebo arm (HR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.60–1.02) for non‐EA patients. The rate of disease control was numerically higher in ramucirumab patients versus placebo; 61% versus 38% respectively for EA patients, and 48% versus 22% for non‐EA patients. The incidence of grade ≥3 treatment emergent adverse events was higher in the ramucirumab arm compared to placebo (39% vs 13%).

Conclusion

Despite limitations, this subgroup analysis suggests that ramucirumab monotherapy improves efficacy outcomes with a tolerable safety profile in EA patients with previously treated advanced gastric cancer.
Risk of febrile neutropenia and early treatment cessation in men receiving standard and dose‐reduced 3‐weekly docetaxel for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Hamid Anis A. , Willson Kaspar , Vincent Andrew D. , Tamjid Babak , Lee Margaret , Bergin Alice , Gan Chun , Campbell Ainsley , Stewart Josephine , Pezaro Carmel , Tran Ben , Weickhardt Andrew J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Docetaxel is an effective therapy for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC); however, many patients experience febrile neutropenia (FN) and cease treatment early due to toxicity. It is not known whether lower dose (LD) q3‐weekly docetaxel impacts toxicity or efficacy.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study included 166 patients with mCRPC who received q3‐weekly docetaxel between 2010 and 2015. Demographic, disease, chemotherapy (standard dose, SD60 mg/m2 vs LD60 mg/m2) and toxicity data were collected. Univariable and multivariable logistic and competing risk regression models evaluated docetaxel‐dose association with FN and early treatment cessation (ETC) due to toxicity. Associations between dose and efficacy end points were also evaluated. Analyses were repeated employing inverse propensity score weights.

Results

Patients who received LD docetaxel (28.9%) were older with poorer Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status. Fifteen percent of patients experienced FN, with a nonsignificant trend to lower incidence in the LD group (multiple adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.42; P = 0.21). Neither baseline patient nor prior treatment factors were predictive of FN. ETC due to toxicity occurred in 35%, with risk associated with increasing age, comorbidity count and poorer ECOG. There was no difference between LD and SD with respect to ETC due to toxicity, in unweighted and weighted analyses (LD vs SD, multivariable weighted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.47; P = 0.08). LD was associated with reduced prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response (50% vs 66.1%, multivariable weighted HR = 0.54; P = 0.03) and overall survival (median 7.9 vs 13.8 months, multivariable weighted HR = 2.19; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

LD docetaxel for mCRPC did not mitigate the risk of FN or ETC due to toxicity. Dose reduction may result in poorer PSA response and survival.
Circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, nasopharyngeal airway metabolome, and bronchiolitis severity
Authors: Hasegawa K. , Stewart C. J. , Celedón J. C. , Mansbach J. M. , Tierney C. , Camargo C. A.
Published: January 2018

Low circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels are a risk factor for acute respiratory infection (eg, bronchiolitis) in children. However, little is known about the relation of circulating 25OHD with the many downstream functional molecules in target organs—such as the airway—and with clinical outcomes. In this prospective multicenter study of infants (age <1 year) hospitalized with bronchiolitis, we measured serum 25OHD levels and profiled the metabolome of 144 nasopharyngeal airway samples. Among 254 metabolites identified, we defined a set of 20 metabolites that are related to lower serum 25OHD and higher vitamin D‐binding protein levels. Of these metabolites, 9 metabolites were associated with a significantly higher risk of positive pressure ventilation use. These metabolites were glycerophosphocholines esterified with proinflammatory fatty acids (palmitate, arachidonate, linoleate, and stearate), sphingomyelins, alpha‐hydroxyisovalerate, 2‐hydroxybutyrate, and 3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)lactate (all FDR<0.05). Based on the multicenter data, vitamin D‐related airway metabolites were associated with risks of bronchiolitis severity.
Factors increasing the risk for a severe reaction in anaphylaxis: An analysis of data from The European Anaphylaxis Registry
Authors: Worm M. , Francuzik W. , Renaudin J.‐M. , Bilo M. B. , Cardona V. , Scherer Hofmeier K. , Köhli A. , Bauer A. , Christoff G. , Cichocka‐Jarosz E. , Hawranek T. , Hourihane J. O.’B. , Lange L. , Mahler V. , Muraro A. , Papadopoulos N. G. , Pföhler C. , Poziomkowska‐Gęsicka I. , Ruëff F. , Spindler T. , Treudler R. , Fernandez‐Rivas M. , Dölle S.
Published: January 2018

Background

Preventive measures to decrease the frequency and intensity of anaphylactic events are essential to provide optimal care for allergic patients. Aggravating factors may trigger or increase the severity of anaphylaxis and therefore need to be recognized and avoided.

Objective

To identify and prioritize factors associated with an increased risk of developing severe anaphylaxis.

Methods

Data from the Anaphylaxis Registry (122 centers in 11 European countries) were used in logistic regression models considering existing severity grading systems, elicitors, and symptoms to identify the relative risk of factors on the severity of anaphylaxis.

Results

We identified higher age and concomitant mastocytosis (OR: 3.1, CI: 2.6‐3.7) as the most important predictors for an increased risk of severe anaphylaxis. Vigorous physical exercise (OR: 1.5, CI: 1.3‐1.7), male sex (OR: 1.2, CI: 1.1‐1.3), and psychological burden (OR: 1.4, CI: 1.2‐1.6) were more often associated with severe reactions. Additionally, intake of beta‐blockers (OR: 1.9, CI: 1.5‐2.2) and ACE‐I (OR: 1.28, CI: 1.05, 1.51) in temporal proximity to allergen exposition was identified as an important factor in logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion

Our data suggest it may be possible to identify patients who require intensified preventive measures due to their relatively higher risk for severe anaphylaxis by considering endogenous and exogenous factors.
Early‐life gut microbiome and egg allergy
Authors: Fazlollahi M. , Chun Y. , Grishin A. , Wood R. A. , Burks A. W. , Dawson P. , Jones S. M. , Leung D. Y. M. , Sampson H. A. , Sicherer S. H. , Bunyavanich S.
Published: January 2018

Background

Gut microbiota may play a role in egg allergy. We sought to examine the association between early‐life gut microbiota and egg allergy.

Methods

We studied 141 children with egg allergy and controls from the multicenter Consortium of Food Allergy Research study. At enrollment (age 3 to 16 months), fecal samples were collected, and clinical evaluation, egg‐specific IgE measurement, and egg skin prick test were performed. Gut microbiome was profiled by 16S rRNA sequencing. Analyses for the primary outcome of egg allergy at enrollment, and the secondary outcomes of egg sensitization at enrollment and resolution of egg allergy by age 8 years, were performed using Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States, and Statistical Analysis of Metagenomic Profiles.

Results

Compared to controls, increased alpha diversity and distinct taxa (PERMANOVA P = 5.0 × 10−4) characterized the early‐life gut microbiome of children with egg allergy. Genera from the Lachnospiraceae, Streptococcaceae, and Leuconostocaceae families were differentially abundant in children with egg allergy. Predicted metagenome functional analyses showed differential purine metabolism by the gut microbiota of egg‐allergic subjects (Kruskal‐Wallis Padj = 0.021). Greater gut microbiome diversity and genera from Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae were associated with egg sensitization (PERMANOVA P = 5.0 × 10−4). Among those with egg allergy, there was no association between early‐life gut microbiota and egg allergy resolution by age 8 years.

Conclusion

The distinct early‐life gut microbiota in egg‐allergic and egg‐sensitized children identified by our study may point to targets for preventive or therapeutic intervention.
Consensus document on dog and cat allergy
Authors: Dávila I. , Domínguez‐Ortega J. , Navarro‐Pulido A. , Alonso A. , Antolín‐Amerigo D. , González‐Mancebo E. , Martín‐García C. , Núñez‐Acevedo B. , Prior N. , Reche M. , Rosado A. , Ruiz‐Hornillos J. , Sánchez M. C. , Torrecillas M.
Published: January 2018

The prevalence of sensitization to dogs and cats varies by country, exposure time and predisposition to atopy. It is estimated that 26% of European adults coming to the clinic for suspected allergy to inhalant allergens are sensitized to cats and 27% to dogs. This document is intended to be a useful tool for clinicians involved in the management of people with dog or cat allergy. It was prepared from a consensus process based on the RAND/UCLA method. Following a literature review, it proposes various recommendations concerning the diagnosis and treatment of these patients, grounded in evidence and clinical experience. The diagnosis of dog and cat allergy is based on a medical history and physical examination that are consistent with each other and is confirmed with positive results on specific IgE skin tests. Sometimes, especially in polysensitized patients, molecular diagnosis is strongly recommended. Although the most advisable measure would be to avoid the animal, this is often impossible and associated with a major emotional impact. Furthermore, indirect exposure to allergens occurs in environments in which animals are not present. Immunotherapy is emerging as a potential solution to this problem, although further supporting studies are needed.
Usefulness of fluorescence vascular imaging for evaluating splenic perfusion
Authors: Kawasaki Yota , Maemura Kosei , Kurahara Hiroshi , Mataki Yuko , Iino Satoshi , Sakoda Masahiko , Shinchi Hiroyuki , Natsugoe Shoji
Published: January 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to confirm whether intraoperative fluorescence vascular imaging using indocyanine green (FVI‐ICG) is useful for evaluating splenic perfusion after spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) performed with the Warshaw technique (SPDP‐W).

Methods

We evaluated the blood perfusion of the spleen with an intraoperative FVI‐ICG system after SPDP‐W. All of the patients underwent dynamic computed tomography (CT) scans at one post‐operative week and one post‐operative month to evaluate the post‐operative blood perfusion of the spleen. Then, the post‐operative perfusion status of the spleen according to CT and the intraoperative fluorescence status of the spleen were compared.

Results

Five patients were enrolled in this study. None of the patients required secondary splenectomies. We detected a tendency towards a close relationship between the intraoperative fluorescence level of the spleen according to FVI‐ICG performed after SPDP‐W and post‐operative splenic perfusion as evaluated by CT. Improved splenic perfusion was seen at one post‐operative month in all cases, including a case in which poor splenic perfusion was initially detected.

Conclusion

We detected a close relationship between the fluorescence level of the spleen on intraoperative FVI‐ICG and the post‐operative perfusion status of the spleen among patients who underwent SPDP‐W. Intraoperative FVI‐ICG could help surgeons to safely preserve the spleen after SPDP‐W.
The Impact of Internet Investor Relations on the Cost of Capital: Evidence from Companies Listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Authors: Nel G.F. , Smit E.v.d.M , Brümmer L.M.
Published: January 2018

Given the voluntary nature of internet investor relations (IIR), the decision to engage can be viewed in terms of a cost–benefit framework. This study aims to investigate one potential benefit of IIR: a reduction in the cost of capital (measured as the weighted average cost of equity and cost of debt). Contrary to the majority of related studies to date that have used either an indirect proxy or examined the annual report, this study entails a content analysis of corporate websites using a comprehensive measurement instrument. IIR is found to be significantly and negatively related to the cost of debt. Although the level of IIR is also found to be significantly and negatively related to the cost of equity, this association only prevails after an adjustment is made to the cost of equity of smaller companies. Finally, the level of IIR is found to be significantly and negatively related to the cost of capital, both before and after an adjustment to the cost of equity of smaller companies is made. Although the current study deals with Johannesburg Stock Exchange data, the problem investigated is universal in nature and according to our knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively examine the impact of IIR on the cost of capital.
A Systematic Review on Insulin Overdose Cases: Clinical Course, Complications and Treatment Options
Authors: Johansen Nicklas Järvelä , Christensen Mikkel Bring
Published: January 2018

A large overdose of insulin is a serious health matter. Information concerning administration and duration of intravenous (IV) glucose, other treatment options or complications besides hypoglycaemia following large insulin overdoses is not readily apparent from the literature. A systematic search, compilation and review of case reports on insulin overdoses, published 1986–2017, was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and PROSPERO databases. Of 1523 published articles, 45 cases of insulin overdoses were included with a total median insulin dose of 900 international units (IU) (range 26–4800 IU). Hospitalization occurred in 44 cases with a median hospitalization duration of 94 hr (range 12–721 hr), and one‐third (n = 15) admitted to the intensive care unit. First‐line treatment was IV glucose treatment in 95% of cases. Treatment options besides IV glucose that were reported beneficial included glucagon IV or intramuscular (IM), octreotide IV or IM, surgical excision, hydrocortisone IV and oral intake of complex carbohydrates. Prevalent complications were intermittent cerebral impairment (73%), hypokalaemia (49%), other electrolyte disturbances (42%), and hepatic disturbances (7%) and cardiac toxicity (e.g. cardiac arrhythmia) (9%). Long‐term consequences were one case of lasting hypoglycaemic encephalopathy and one death. In conclusion, following large insulin overdoses, in‐hospital admission and treatment with IV glucose may be needed for up to a week. Monitoring of electrolytes and hepatic and cardiac functions seems important. Several experimental treatment options may be considered in addition to glucose administration. With appropriate pre‐ and in‐hospital treatment, cases with severe hypoglycaemia and neurologic complications may have a favourable outcome.
Alterations of the cerebellum and basal ganglia in bipolar disorder mood states detected by quantitative T1ρ mapping
Authors: Johnson Casey P , Christensen Gary E , Fiedorowicz Jess G , Mani Merry , Shaffer Joseph J , Magnotta Vincent A , Wemmie John A
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Quantitative mapping of T1 relaxation in the rotating frame (T1ρ) is a magnetic resonance imaging technique sensitive to pH and other cellular and microstructural factors, and is a potentially valuable tool for identifying brain alterations in bipolar disorder. Recently, this technique identified differences in the cerebellum and cerebral white matter of euthymic patients vs healthy controls that were consistent with reduced pH in these regions, suggesting an underlying metabolic abnormality. The current study built upon this prior work to investigate brain T1ρ differences across euthymic, depressed, and manic mood states of bipolar disorder.

Methods

Forty participants with bipolar I disorder and 29 healthy control participants matched for age and gender were enrolled. Participants with bipolar disorder were imaged in one or more mood states, yielding 27, 12, and 13 imaging sessions in euthymic, depressed, and manic mood states, respectively. Three‐dimensional, whole‐brain anatomical images and T1ρ maps were acquired for all participants, enabling voxel‐wise evaluation of T1ρ differences between bipolar mood state and healthy control groups.

Results

All three mood state groups had increased T1ρ relaxation times in the cerebellum compared to the healthy control group. Additionally, the depressed and manic groups had reduced T1ρ relaxation times in and around the basal ganglia compared to the control and euthymic groups.

Conclusions

The study implicated the cerebellum and basal ganglia in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and its mood states, the roles of which are relatively unexplored. These findings motivate further investigation of the underlying cause of the abnormalities, and the potential role of altered metabolic activity in these regions.
Optimising outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia on ibrutinib therapy: European recommendations for clinical practice
Authors: Gribben John G. , Bosch Francesc , Cymbalista Florence , Geisler Christian H. , Ghia Paolo , Hillmen Peter , Moreno Carol , Stilgenbauer Stephan
Published: January 2018

Ibrutinib is indicated in Europe for the treatment of several B‐cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). However, despite the high efficacy and favourable toxicity profile of ibrutinib, recent data suggest that it is not always administered optimally in clinical practice, with an increased tendency for dose reduction and a higher frequency of discontinuation. An expert panel of European haematologists was convened to identify practical issues pertinent to physicians involved in the therapeutic management of ibrutinib‐treated CLL patients and here we outline the findings. Practical management recommendations are given for treating patients with ibrutinib and clinical considerations for the management of adverse events (AEs) that can be associated with ibrutinib treatment are addressed. This article highlights that patients should be monitored for treatment emergent adverse events, most of which are mild, transient and generally occur early in therapy and that, even with more challenging AEs, patients can often be maintained on therapy with minimal disruption through careful management. The necessity to use the correct ibrutinib dose, along with increased awareness, vigilance, mitigation and management of AEs, are all recommended to maximise outcomes for CLL patients treated with ibrutinib.
The Layering of Meso‐Level Institutional Effects on Employment Systems in Japan
Authors: Morris Jonathan , Delbridge Rick , Endo Takahiro
Published: January 2018

Japan's corporate governance and employment relations systems have been under considerable pressures to reform towards a more Anglo‐American model, against a back‐drop of intensified global competition and slow economic growth over two ‘lost’ decades. But what is the relationship between these systems, and specifically, how does corporate governance structure condition employment relations practice? This paper adopts the ‘Systems, Society, Dominance and Corporate (SSDC) effects’ framework in order to contextualize and evaluate the outcomes of these pressures, particularly in the period following the 2007–2008 global financial crisis. It reports case study data from various parts of the Japanese economy drawn from a series of firm‐based interviews and a variety of secondary sources. It is argued that there has been a strong degree of continuity in certain employment practices, such as lifetime employment, even in relatively new high technology firms, but that the pattern for other practices, such as seniority‐based pay, is more mixed with increasing differentiation between industries and individual organizations. We articulate a layered assessment of the varying SSDC effects at play in corporate Japan. This differentiation across industries and organizations is a function both of strategic choice (corporate effects) and also the increasing variation in the meso‐level institutional pressures that are experienced at organizational level; that is, the differentiation in the sources and nature of dominance effects that are relevant.
Ethnic diversity and value sharing: A longitudinal social network perspective on interactive group processes
Authors: Meeussen Loes , Agneessens Filip , Delvaux Ellen , Phalet Karen
Published: January 2018

People often collaborate in groups that are increasingly diverse. As research predominantly investigated effects of diversity, the processes behind these effects remain understudied. We follow recent research that shows creating shared values is important for group functioning but seems hindered in high diversity groups – and use longitudinal social network analyses to study two interpersonal processes behind value sharing: creating relations between members or ‘social bonding’ (network tie formation and homophily) and sharing values – potentially through these relationships – or ‘social norming’ (network convergence and influence). We investigate these processes in small interactive groups with low and high ethnic diversity as they collaborate over time. In both low and high diversity groups, members showed social bonding and this creation of relations between members was not organized along ethnic lines. Low diversity groups also showed social norming: Members adjusted their relational values to others they liked and achievement values converged regardless of liking. In high diversity groups, however, there was no evidence for social norming. Thus, ethnic diversity seems to especially affect processes of social norming in groups, suggesting that targeted interventions should focus on facilitating social norming to stimulate value sharing in high diversity groups.
Numerical approximation of the observed information matrix with Oakes' identity
Authors: Chalmers R. Philip
Published: January 2018

An efficient and accurate numerical approximation methodology useful for obtaining the observed information matrix and subsequent asymptotic covariance matrix when fitting models with theEMalgorithm is presented. The numerical approximation approach is compared to existing algorithms intended for the same purpose, and the computational benefits and accuracy of this new approach are highlighted. Instructive and real‐world examples are included to demonstrate the methodology concretely, properties of the estimator are discussed in detail, and a Monte Carlo simulation study is included to investigate the behaviour of a multi‐parameter item response theory model using three competing finite‐difference algorithms.
Prophylactic benefits of systemically delivered simvastatin treatment in a house dust mite challenged murine model of allergic asthma
Authors: Jha Aruni , Ryu Min H , OO Ojo , Bews Hilary J , Carlson Jules C , Schwartz Jacquie , Basu Sujata , Wong Charles S , Halayko Andrew J
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose

Systemically delivered statins can blunt airway inflammation in ovalbumin‐challenged mice. However, in asthma clinical trials the beneficial effects of introducing oral statins are not compelling. We have invetigated this discrepancy using a clinically relevant murine model of allergic asthma, and by including a prophylactic study arm.

Experimental Approach

Adult mice were: 1) challenged with house dust mite (HDM) alone or with subcutaneous (s.c.) simvastatin for two weeks; or 2) also treated with simvastatin for one week prior to HDM challenge. We assayed lung function, inflammatory cell influx and cytokine profile, goblet cell abundance, and simvastatin concentration in serum, lung lavage and tissue.

Key Results

Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry revealed that pharmacologically active simvastatin reached peak serum concentration after 8 h, but declined rapidly. Prophylactic treatment doubled peak serum simvastatin and repeated s.c. delivery established stable serum levels, but simvastatin was undetectable in the lungs. Both simvastatin treatment arms suppressed indices of HDM‐induced airway inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia, but this was significantly greater with prophylactic therapy, in particular, inhibition of neutrophil and eosinophil influx, and cytokine accumulation. Conversely, neither acute nor prophylactic delivery of simvastatin prevented HDM challenge‐induced airway hyperreactivity.

Conclusion and Implications

Systemically administered simvastatin accumulates in the blood, but not in lung tissues, and reduces leukocyte influx and associated lung inflammation. Prophylactic therapy has the greatest anti‐inflammatory effects, but as observed in human clinical trials, systemic simvastatin therapy does not prevent allergic airway hyperreactivity.
Respiratory impedance is correlated with airway narrowing in asthma using three‐dimensional computed tomography
Authors: Karayama M. , Inui N. , Mori K. , Kono M. , Hozumi H. , Suzuki Y. , Furuhashi K. , Hashimoto D. , Enomoto N. , Fujisawa T. , Nakamura Y. , Watanabe H. , Suda T.
Published: January 2018

Background

Respiratory impedance comprises the resistance and reactance of the respiratory system and can provide detailed information on respiratory function. However, details of the relationship between impedance and morphological airway changes in asthma are unknown.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the correlation between imaging‐based airway changes and respiratory impedance in patients with asthma.

Methods

Respiratory impedance and spirometric data were evaluated in 72 patients with asthma and 29 reference subjects. We measured the intraluminal area (Ai) and wall thickness (WT) of third‐ to sixth‐generation bronchi using three‐dimensional computed tomographic analyses, and values were adjusted by body surface area (BSA, Ai/BSA, and WT/the square root (√) of BSA).

Results

Asthma patients had significantly increased respiratory impedance, decreased Ai/BSA, and increased WT/√BSA, as was the case in those without airflow limitation as assessed by spirometry. Ai/BSA was inversely correlated with respiratory resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and 20 Hz (R20). R20 had a stronger correlation with Ai/BSA than did R5. Ai/BSA was positively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio, percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and percentage predicted mid‐expiratory flow. WT/√BSA had no significant correlation with spirometry or respiratory impedance.

Conclusions & Clinical Relevance

Respiratory resistance is associated with airway narrowing.
A patient‐specific approach to develop an exclusion diet to manage food allergy in infants and children
Authors: Venter C. , Groetch M. , Netting M. , Meyer R.
Published: January 2018

Food allergy is becoming increasingly common in infants and young children. This article set out to explain the different factors that should be taken into account during an individualized allergy consultation: Foods to avoid and degree of avoidance, suitable alternatives, self‐management skills, co‐ and cross‐reactive allergens and novel allergens alongside the role of the industry in allergen avoidance, importance of nutritional aspects of the diet and the future directions that nutritional guidance make take. Allergy management advice should be individualized to provide a patient‐specific approach. Changes in the management of food allergies have in particular occurred in nut, milk and egg allergies over the past few years. There has also been a progressive increase in our understanding of cross‐reactivity between different foods and also food and aero‐allergens. A patient‐specific approach of allergen avoidance should consider factors relating to industry and the environment such as food and nutrition literacy, threshold levels, cross‐contact/contamination and safe eating away from home. Increasing migration and travel has also led to exposure of unfamiliar foods. As understanding improves on individual allergens and threshold levels, food labels and food labelling laws are affected. Allergy specialist dietitians should also keep up to date with the latest information on nutrition, the gut microbiome and the immune system to incorporate nutrition strategies in a dietetic consultation using an evidence‐based approach.
Gender Matters: Rethinking the Childcare Model in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Lai‐ching
Published: January 2018

This study aims to reveal the gendered practices in childcare under the family care model and the effects of these practices on carers in Hong Kong. Familial ideology remains a dominant welfare principle in childcare policy in Hong Kong, which assumes that family care is the best form of care provision. However, this policy assumption fails to respond to the needs in childcare arising from the social changes and development. The suggested possible solution for this issue is the shifting of the family care model to the social care model, in which childcare responsibilities are shared between the family and the state.