bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spike-timing pattern operates as gamma-distribution across cell types, regions and animal species and is essential for naturally-occurring cognitive states
Authors: Li Meng , Xie Kun , Kuang Hui , Liu Jun , Wang Deheng , Fox Grace E. , Wei Wei , Li Xiaojian , Li Yuhui , Zhao Fang , Chen Liang , Shi Zhifeng , Cui He , Mao Ying , Tsien Joe Z.
Published: June 2017

Spike-timing patterns - crucial for synaptic plasticity and neural computation - are often modeled as Poisson-like random processes, log-normal distribution or gamma-distribution patterns, each with different underlying assumptions that may or may not be biologically true. However, it is not entirely clear whether (and how well) these different models would or would not capture spike-timing statistical patterns across different neurons, regions, animal species and cognitive states. Here, we examine statistical patterns of spike-timing irregularity in 13 different cortical and subcortical regions from mouse, hamster, cat and monkey brains. In contrast to the widely-assumed Poisson or log-normal distribution patterns, we show that spike-timing patterns of various projection neurons-including cortical excitatory principal cells, hippocampal pyramidal cells, inhibitory striatal medium spiny neurons and dopaminergic neurons, as well as fast-spiking interneurons – all invariantly conform to the gamma-distribution model. While higher regularity in spike-timing patterns are observed in a few cases, such as mouse DA neurons and monkey motor cortical neurons, there is no clear tendency in increased firing regularity from the sensory and subcortical neurons to prefrontal or motor cortices, as previously entertained. Moreover, gamma shapes of spike-timing patterns remain robust over various natural cognitive states, such as sleep, awake periods, or during fearful episodic experiences. Interestingly, ketamine-induced general anesthesia or unconsciousness is associated with the breakdown of forebrain spike patterns from a singular gamma distribution into two distinct subtypes of gamma distributions, suggesting the importance of this spike-timing pattern in supporting natural cognitive states. These results suggest that gamma-distribution patterns of spike timing reflect not only a fundamental property conserved across different neurons, regions and animal species, but also an operation crucial for supporting natural cognitive states. Such gamma-distribution-based spike-timing patterns can also have important implications for real-time neural coding and realistic neuromorphic computing.
Dynamical predictors of an imminent phenotypic switch in bacteria
Authors: Wang Huijing , Ray J. Christian J.
Published: June 2017

Single cells can stochastically switch across thresholds imposed by regulatory networks. Such thresholds can act as a tipping point, drastically changing global phenotypic states. In ecology and economics, imminent transitions across such tipping points can be predicted using dynamical early warning indicators. A typical example is "flickering" of a fast variable, predicting a longer-lasting switch from a low to a high state or vice versa. Considering the different timescales between metabolite and protein fluctuations in bacteria, we hypothesized that metabolic early warning indicators predict imminent transitions across a network threshold caused by enzyme saturation. We used stochastic simulations to determine if flickering predicts phenotypic transitions, accounting for a variety of molecular physiological parameters, including enzyme affinity, burstiness of enzyme gene expression, homeostatic feedback, and rates of metabolic precursor influx. In most cases, we found that metabolic flickering rates are robustly peaked near the enzyme saturation threshold. The degree of fluctuation was amplified by product inhibition of the enzyme. We conclude that sensitivity to flickering in fast variables may be a possible natural or synthetic strategy to prepare physiological states for an imminent transition.
The β3-integrin endothelial adhesome regulates microtubule dependent cell migration
Authors: Atkinson Samuel J , Gontarczyk Aleksander M , Ellison Tim S , Johnson Robert T , Kirkup Benjamin M , Alghamdi Abdullah , Fowler Wesley J , Silva Bernardo C , Schneider Jochen J , Weilbaecher Katherine N , Mogensen Mette M , Bass Mark D , Edwards Dylan R , Robinson Stephen D
Published: June 2017

Integrin β3 is seen as a key anti-angiogenic target for cancer treatment due to its expression on neovasculature, but the role it plays in the process is complex; whether it is pro- or anti-angiogenic depends on the context in which it is expressed. To understand precisely β3’s role in regulating integrin adhesion complexes in endothelial cells, we characterised, by mass spectrometry, the β3- dependent adhesome. We show that depletion of β3-integrin in this cell type leads to changes in microtubule behaviour that control their migration. β3- integrin regulates microtubule stability in endothelial cells through Rcc2/Anxa2 driven control of Rac1 activity. Our findings reveal that angiogenic processes, bothin vitroandin vivo, are more sensitive to microtubule targeting agents when β3-integrin levels are reduced.
Epigenetic resetting of human pluripotency
Authors: Guo Ge , Meyenn Ferdinand von , Rostovskaya Maria , Clarke James , Dietmann Sabine , Baker Duncan , Sahakyan Anna , Myers Samuel , Bertone Paul , Reik Wolf , Plath Kathrin , Smith Austin
Published: June 2017

Much attention has focussed on conversion of human pluripotent stem cells (PSC) to a more naive developmental status. Here we provide a method for resetting via transient histone deacetylase inhibition. The protocol is effective across multiple PSC lines and can proceed without karyotype change. Reset cells can be expanded without feeders with a doubling time of around 24 hours. WNT inhibition stabilises the resetting process. The transcriptome of reset cells diverges markedly from primed PSC and shares features with human inner cell mass (ICM). Reset cells activate expression of primate-specific transposable elements. DNA methylation is globally reduced to the level in the ICM but is non-random, with gain of methylation at specific loci. Methylation imprints are mostly lost, however. Reset cells can be re-primed to undergo tri-lineage differentiation and germline specification. In female reset cells, appearance of bi-allelic X-linked gene transcription indicates re-activation of the silenced X chromosome. On re-conversion to primed status, XIST-induced silencing restores monoallelic gene expression. The facile and robust conversion routine with accompanying data resources will enable widespread utilisation, interrogation, and refinement of candidate naïve cells.
Comprehensive global genome dynamics of Chlamydia trachomatis show ancient diversification followed by contemporary mixing and recent lineage expansion
Authors: Hadfield James , Harris Simon R. , Seth-Smith Helena M.B. , Parmar Surendra , Andersson Patiyan , Giffard Philip M. , Schachter Julius , Moncada Jeanne , Ellison Louise , Vaulet María Lucía Gallo , Fermepin Marcelo Rodríguez , Radebe Frans , Mendoza Suyapa , Ouburg Sander , Morré Servaas A. , Sachse Konrad , Puolakkainen Mirja , Korhonen Suvi J. , Sonnex Chris , Wiggins Rebecca , Jalal Hamid , Brunelli Tamara , Casprini Patrizia , Pitt Rachel , Ison Cathy , Savicheva Alevtina , Shipitsyna Elena , Hadad Ronza , Kari Laszlo , Burton Matthew J. , Mabey David , Solomon Anthony W. , Lewis David , Marsh Peter , Unemo Magnus , Clarke Ian N. , Parkhill Julian , Thomson Nicholas R.
Published: June 2017

Chlamydia trachomatis is the world's most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection and leading infectious cause of blindness, yet it is one of the least understood human pathogens, in part due to the difficulties of in vitro culturing and the lack of available tools for genetic manipulation. Genome sequencing has reinvigorated this field, shedding light on the contemporary history of this pathogen. Here, we analyze 563 full genomes, 455 of which are novel, to show that the history of the species comprises two phases, and conclude that the currently circulating lineages are the result of evolution in different genomic ecotypes. Temporal analysis indicates these lineages have recently expanded in the space of thousands of years, rather than the millions of years as previously thought, a finding that dramatically changes our understanding of this pathogen's history. Finally, at a time when almost every pathogen is becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobials, we show that there is no evidence of circulating genomic resistance in C. trachomatis.
Actors with intellectual disabilities in mental health simulation training
Authors: Attoe Chris , Billon Gregoire , Riches Samantha , Marshall-Tate Karina , Wheildon James , Cross Sean
Published: June 2017

Purpose

People with intellectual disabilities experience poorer health outcomes than the general population, and a significantly increased risk of mental health comorbidity. Their access to healthcare has been consistently shown as inadequate, and their access to mental health support is still largely wanting. Adequate training and education should improve these shortcomings but there is limited evidence available as to the best way to achieve this. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on the co-production and co-delivery of a simulation training course to support healthcare professionals to provide care for people with intellectual disabilities, with a particular focus on their mental health needs. This training was designed with actors with intellectual disabilities, who participated as simulated patients in scenarios during the course and subsequently provided feedback on their experience.

Findings

This paper focusses on the positive experiences of the simulated patients, reporting on and interpreting their direct feedback on their experience of contributing to the development and delivery of the course and being involved as co-educators.

Originality/value

It is highlighted that the co-production and delivery of this simulation training with people with intellectual disabilities has the potential to realise some of the key principles called upon when attempting to improve how they are treated, by illustrating concrete participation, independence, and access to fulfilling lives. The value and benefits of interprofessional education to achieve these educational aims is further highlighted, particularly for the potential to generate a sense of shared responsibility within mainstream services in caring for people with intellectual disabilities.
Reconstructing lives: transformative services for human trafficking survivors
Authors: Loomba Arvinder P.S.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a transformative service-based model, which analyzes tripartite service interaction logics among trafficking survivors, anti-trafficking agencies and the community during a process of actively- and passively transformative exchanges. It aims to help researchers and practitioners better understand services that facilitate reintegration of trafficking survivors into society.

Design/methodology/approach

Using theory development from sociological and liminality schools of thought, this paper explores a variety of coping strategies that anti-trafficking agencies can offer human-trafficking survivors in post-trafficking service settings.

Findings

A novel transformative service-based framework extends current conceptualizations of social and service exchange in a tripartite interaction setting. Anti-trafficking agencies can create a supportive community environment to offer trafficking survivors passively transformative services and to cultivate and nurture their coping skills towards reintegration into society.

Research limitations/implications

Important implications for transformative service-based theory and practice of serving trafficking survivors are discussed. In addition, the study limitations are addressed.

Practical implications

The transformative service-based model analyzes tripartite service interaction logics during a process of exchanges between trafficking survivors, anti-trafficking agency and community ecosystem to achieve meaningful post-trafficking reintegration into society.

Social implications

Using the transformative service model, community ties need to be re-established for trafficking survivors to achieve successful reintegration into society, and for communities to heal and restore human dignity.

Originality/value

This research proposes a new framework for actively- and passively-transformative service logic for anti-trafficking agencies to offer assistance to trafficking survivors, based on sociological and liminality schools of thought.
An exploration of servicescapes’ exclusion and coping strategies of consumers with “hidden” auditory disorders
Authors: Beudaert Anthony , Gorge Hélène , Herbert Maud
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is both to explore how people with “hidden” auditory disorders experience exclusion in servicescapes and to unfold the coping strategies they set up to deal with it.

Design/methodology/approach

Findings from 15 semi-structured interviews and participant observations with individuals suffering from auditory disorders are presented through the paper.

Findings

The findings indicate that individuals with auditory disorders deploy three types of coping strategies when exposed to sensory overload in servicescapes: choosing between physical servicescapes, opting for electronic devices and e-servicescapes and delegating shopping to relatives.

Practical implications

The study underlines how, through temporary or permanent modifications of servicescape cues, service providers give consumers opportunities to bypass situations involving sensory overload. Implications for e-servicescapes and public policy are also raised.

Originality/value

The findings reveal how the coping strategies used by individuals with auditory disorders contribute to their exclusion from the marketplace on the basis of both individual characteristics and types of servicescapes.
Responding to the global skills crisis
Authors: King Michael , Marshall Anthony , Zaharchuk David
Published: June 2017

Purpose

An IBM survey of business, government and education leaders concluded that if left unresolved, an emerging global skills crisis will likely have profound effects on businesses and economies worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

To gauge current skills challenges and assess future needs, the IBM Institute for Business Value in cooperation with Oxford Economics surveyed more than 5,600 global executives representing 18 industries and 48 countries

Findings

Fifty-five percent of all executives surveyed conclude that inadequate investment from private industry is the most important challenge to overcome in addressing skills development in the future.

Practical implications

Personalized learning, powered by data-driven cognitive technologies, can enable personalized education – allowing individuals to readily take more responsibility over their skills future and improve outcomes for stakeholders across the business ecosystem.

Originality/value

Sixty-nine percent of industry executives from outperforming companies…indicate their organizations are already collaborating with ecosystem partners to address skills-related issues, as opposed to less than half of lower performing businesses.
Livelihoods and Child Welfare among Poor Rural Farmers in East Africa
Authors: Inder Brett , Kabore Carolyn , Nolan Sharna , Cornwell Katy , Contreras Suarez Diana , Crawford Anne , Kamara Joseph K.
Published: June 2017

This paper explores aspects of household livelihoods and welfare among poor rural farmers in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The models use data from an extensive cross‐sectional household survey undertaken in 2013 of over 3,500 rural households. Interest is in identifying the main input constraints to improving farm production, with a particular focus on labour constraints, and the impacts of farm production on the well‐being of children — their food security, resilience and engagement in school. The results show low agricultural productivity, and that yields per hectare decline significantly with land size. This is consistent with poor quality land and a labour constraint in agricultural activity: there is insufficient return on labour to justify further investment of effort to cultivate the land, given the typically low‐input, labour‐intensive farming methods. Food shortage models also show that adult labour is relatively unproductive: having more adults in the household produces little reduction in the incidence of food shortages. Overall the results suggest some directions for development interventions, by highlighting that the critical issue for economic and social development among these communities is to improve the productivity of both land and labour.
In Search of Rural Entrepreneurship: Non‐farm Household Enterprises (NFEs) as Instruments of Rural Transformation in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Abebe Ejigu , Adesina Jimi O.
Published: June 2017

Sub‐Saharan Africa is mainly agricultural and rural transformation remains slow owing to weak market‐orientation and entrepreneurship development. This study aims at investigating determinants of households’ enterprise engagement and effect on livelihood. Logit model and propensity score matching were employed to analyse data captured from 415 households in Ethiopia. The empirical model reveals that education, cooperatives, socio‐economy, access to transport, communication, credit, and FTC were drivers of households’ engagement in NFE. Livelihood was also significantly better for engaged households. It is suggested that policies to improve infrastructure, credit and extension, and promote rural cooperation would enhance Africa's smallholders’ enterprise development.
Development and Initial Validation of the Alcohol Expectancy Task
Authors: Kuntsche Emmanuel , Kuntsche Sandra
Published: June 2017

Background

Although studies have shown that alcohol expectancies are prominent predictors of alcohol initiation and subsequent drinking levels, the questionnaires used to assess these expectancies among young adolescents have been criticized as being time‐intensive, biased, and inappropriate.

Methods

In response, we developed the Alcohol Expectancy Task (AET), in which 8 scenarios featuring adults in everyday situations and in different emotional states, accompanied by photographs of a range of beverages (4 alcoholic, 8 nonalcoholic), are displayed on a tablet screen, and participants are then asked to tap on the beverage they think the given person had been drinking.

Results

In a first study among 184 adults (75.1% women; mean age = 37.8, SD = 12.2), results from a repeated‐measures analysis of variance revealed a strong correspondence between the emotions depicted in the scenarios and how the participants interpreted them. In a second study, this time among 283 third and fourth graders (50.2% girls; mean age = 10.6, SD = 0.69), a confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 4‐factor structure of the AET. The results from a logistic regression analysis showed that the more often young adolescents assigned alcohol to the adults in an arousal‐positive mood than to those in a sedation‐negative mood, the more likely they were to have already consumed alcohol more than twice. Questionnaire‐assessed expectancies were unrelated to adolescents’ drinking and did not affect the associations of the AET.

Conclusions

The AET has the advantage of being time‐efficient and convenient and could overcome certain limitations associated with questionnaire‐based assessments of alcohol expectancy.
APOBEC3G is increasingly expressed on the human uterine cervical intraepithelial neoplasia along with disease progression
Authors: Iizuka Takashi , Wakae Kousho , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Kitamura Koichi , Ono Masanori , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Muramatsu Masamichi
Published: June 2017

Problem

APOBEC3G (A3G) is a cytidine deaminase that exhibits antiviral activity by introducing C‐to‐T hypermutation in viral DNA. We recently observed the distinct presence of C‐to‐T hypermutation of human papillomavirus DNA in uterine cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), suggesting the possible involvement of A3G in the mutation‐inducing process. Consequently, we investigated the association of A3G expression with CIN progression in this study.

Method of study

Patients who had undergone cervical conization due to CIN1 (n=11), CIN2 (n=9), CIN3 (n=12), and micro‐invasive squamous cell carcinoma (n=2) were included. The expression profiles of A3G and p16 proteins in cervical lesions and A3G‐positive immune cells around the lesions were examined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Immunoreactive A3G protein was detected in the CIN and squamous cell carcinoma lesions. Its expression intensity and positive areas were increased and spread in accordance with the progression of CIN, respectively. The co‐expression of p16 was observed on the A3G‐positive atypical cells. The numbers of A3G‐positive immune cells in CIN3 lesions were significantly higher than those of CIN1‐2 lesions.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that A3G is associated with CIN, suggesting its important roles in human papillomavirus‐induced pathophysiological processes such as CIN progression and viral elimination.
Digging into My Past: Archaeology and Humanism in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Searles Edmund
Published: June 2017

The legal battles ensuing from the discovery of the “Kennewick Man” brought mass media attention to a longstanding divide between the science of archaeology and contemporary indigenous peoples. In this essay, I reflect on this divide as experienced from the perspective of a student of archaeology who later became a cultural anthropologist specializing in the anthropology of Inuit/settler relations in Nunavut. Building on the concept of community‐oriented approaches to archaeology, I examine how a humanistic approach to archaeological data can further unite indigenous peoples and professional archaeology.
Technical Performance and Clinical Effectiveness of Drop Type With Adjustable Concentrator‐Cell Free and Concentrated Ascites Reinfusion Therapy
Authors: Yamada Yosuke , Harada Makoto , Yamaguchi Akinori , Kobayashi Yasuko , Chino Takashi , Minowa Takashi , Kosuge Takashi , Tsukada Wataru , Hashimoto Koji , Kamijo Yuji
Published: June 2017

Cell‐free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) is a very useful treatment method for refractory ascites but is difficult for many hospitals to employ due to its need for specialized equipment. We have therefore developed drop‐type with adjustable concentrator CART (DC‐CART) that uses a drop‐type filtration mechanism and requires only a simple pump and pressure monitor for its concentration process. Easy adjustment of ascites concentration is possible through a recirculation loop, and filter membrane washing is aided by DC‐CART's external pressure‐type filtration to enable the processing of any quality or quantity of ascites. Moreover, the absence of a roller pump before filtration avoids inflammatory substance release from compressed cells. A total of 268 sessions of DC‐CART using ascites from 98 patients were performed with good clinical results at our hospitals between January 2012 and June 2016. This report presents the detailed methods of DC‐CART and summarizes its clinical effectiveness using patient ascites and blood data obtained from 59 sessions between March 2015 and February 2016. This novel technique successfully processed refractory ascites in numerous diseases with no serious adverse events. DC‐CART could concentrate large amounts of ascites (from median weight: 4900 g [max: 20 200 g] to median weight: 695 g; median concentration ratio: 7.4), and a high amount of protein (median weight: 73 g [max: 294 g]) could be reinfused. Serum albumin levels were significantly increased (P = 0.010) and kidney function and systemic hemodynamics were well maintained in treated subjects. Additional concentration of ascites and adjustment of ascites volume were easily performed by recirculation (from median weight: 615 g to median weight: 360 g; median concentration ratio: 1.5). Time was needed during DC‐CART for filter membrane cleaning, especially for viscous ascites. Overall, DC‐CART represents a safe and useful treatment method for various forms of refractory ascites that can be performed at a wide range of health care institutions.
Editorial: the Millennium study cohort―evaluating environmental determinates of IBD in the 21st century
Authors: Kaplan G. G.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Porter et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13991 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14088.
Editorial: non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease―a pandemic in need of novel treatments and endpoints
Authors: Ajmera V. , Loomba R.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Kim et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13981.
From Silence to Solidarity: Locating the Absent ‘Child Voice’ in the Struggle Against Benefit Sanctions
Authors: Benson Lucy , Rosen Rachel
Published: June 2017

This article interrogates childhood politics through a case study of voluntary sector responses to benefit sanctions in the UK. This article explores the absent ‘voices’ of children in this resistance and considers, in contrast, the possibilities of engaging with children's perspectives in political endeavours. We argue for the importance of moving away from both simple platitudes about listening to ‘the voice of the child’ and the political retreatism that results from a sole focus on the impossibilities of representation. Whilst aware of inevitable power relations between children and adults, we suggest ‘solidarity’ as an animating concept, emphasising attention to the processes whereby people are differently impoverished.
MIDWEEK EFFECT ON SOCCER PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM THE GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Authors: Krumer Alex , Lechner Michael
Published: June 2017

The home advantage phenomenon is a well‐established feature in sports competitions. In this study, we examine data from 2,013 soccer matches played in the German Bundesliga during the seasons from 2007–2008 to 2016–2017. Using a very rich data set, our econometric analysis that is based on matching methods reveals that the usual home advantage disappears when the game is in the middle of the week instead of being on the weekend. Our results indicate that, as the midweek matches are unevenly allocated among teams, the actual schedules of the Bundesliga favor teams with fewer home games in midweek. The study also shows that these soccer‐specific findings may have some implications for the design of contests in general. (JELD00,L00,D20,Z20)
Hypothalamic hamartoma: Neuropathology and epileptogenesis
Authors: Kerrigan John F. , Parsons Angela , Tsang Candy , Simeone Kristina , Coons Stephen , Wu Jie
Published: June 2017

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) are congenital malformations of the ventral hypothalamus resulting in treatment‐resistant epilepsy and are intrinsically epileptogenic for the gelastic seizures that are the hallmark symptom of this disorder. This paper reviews the neuropathologic features ofHHs associated with epilepsy, with an emphasis on characterizing neuron phenotypes and an ultimate goal of understanding the cellular model of ictogenesis occurring locally within this tissue. We also present previously unpublished findings on Golgi staining ofHH. The microarchitecture ofHHis relatively simple, with nodular clusters of neurons that vary in size and abundance with poorly defined boundaries. Approximately 80–90% ofHHneurons have an interneuron‐like phenotype with small, round soma and short, unbranched processes that lack spines. These neurons express glutamic acid decarboxylase and likely utilize γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) as their primary neurotransmitter. They have intrinsic membrane properties that lead to spontaneous pacemaker‐like firing activity. The remainingHHneurons are large cells with pleomorphic, often pyramidal, soma and dendrites that are more likely to be branched and have spines. These neurons appear to be excitatory, projection‐type neurons, and have the functionally immature behavior of depolarizing and firing in response toGABAligands. We hypothesize that the irregular neuronal clusters are the functional unit for ictogenesis. Further research to define and characterize these local networks is required to fully understand the cellular mechanisms responsible for gelastic seizures.
Medical management and antiepileptic drugs in hypothalamic hamartoma
Authors: Helen Cross J. , Spoudeas Helen
Published: June 2017

Hypothalamic hamartoma may present with epilepsy, specifically gelastic or dacrystic seizures, or endocrine dysfunction, commonly precocious puberty. The epilepsy in many patients is drug resistant, and has a high association with progressive cognitive, learning and behavioral difficulty. Medical treatment of seizures remains problematic, with many resistant to drug treatment. Surgical resection, or disconnection of the hamartoma provides the optimal chance of seizure control but with a relatively high risk of endocrine dysfunction, the result of interference with the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis in many. Careful assessment and monitoring by specialist centers with discussion of optimal intervention is required for individual cases.
Cognition in epilepsy patients with hypothalamic hamartomas
Authors: Wagner Kathrin , Wethe Jennifer V. , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Trippel Michael , Rekate Harold , Prigatano George P. , Kerrigan John F.
Published: June 2017

Many patients with epilepsy caused by hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) have cognitive impairments during the course of the disease or following neurosurgical treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess cognitive function in these patients, as well as factors influencing preoperative cognitive performance and cognitive outcome after neurosurgical treatment. Using the two largest and most detailed neuropsychology datasets on HH and epilepsy from two centers, we retrospectively report on cognitive functions in 48 patients with structural epilepsy due to HH (mean age ± standard deviation [SD] 20 ± 12 years, range 5–53 years, median 16 years; disease duration mean 17 ± 11 years). Intelligence, verbal learning and recall, and speed and executive functions (processing speed and cognitive flexibility) were assessed before and on average 19 (±11) months after surgery (interstitial radiosurgery: N = 22; neurosurgical resection/disconnection: N = 26). Prior to neurosurgical treatment, 52% of patients showed impaired executive and 62% showed reduced verbal memory functions. A trend for a detrimental effect of higher drug load on cognitive functioning was found. After neurosurgical treatment, intellectual functions for the entire cohort tended to increase. This correlated with improved seizure frequency and decreased number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, postoperative outcomes for individual patients were highly variable, with significant deteriorations in 17% (processing speed) to 34% (cognitive flexibility and verbal learning), and performance increases in 17% (intellectual functioning) up to 39% (processing speed) of the patients. Higher levels of presurgical performance were significant predictors of cognitive decline after surgery. These results are highly relevant for patient consultation and may help with therapeutic decisions.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery for hypothalamic hamartoma preserves endocrine functions
Authors: Castinetti Frederic , Brue Thierry , Morange Isabelle , Carron Romain , Régis Jean
Published: June 2017

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GK) is an effective treatment for hypothalamic hamartoma. No precise data are available on the risk of endocrine side effects of this treatment. In this study, 34 patients with hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) were followed prospectively at the Department of Endocrinology, La Timone Hospital, Marseille, France, for a mean follow‐up of >2 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 3.6 ± 2 years). Initial pre‐ and post‐GK radiosurgery evaluations were performed, including weight, body mass index (BMI), and a complete endocrinological workup. At diagnosis, eight patients presented with central precocious puberty at a mean age of 5.4 ± 2.4 years. At the time of GK (mean age 18.2 ± 11.1 years), two patients previously treated with surgery presented with luteinizing hormone/follicle‐stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) deficiency. After GK, only one patient presented with a new thyrotropin‐stimulating hormone (TSH) deficiency, 2 years after the procedure. The other pituitary axes remained normal in all but two patients (who had LH/FSH deficiency prior to GK). There was no significant difference between pre‐ and post‐GK mean BMI (26.9 vs. 25.1 kg/m2, p = 0.59). To conclude, in this group of 34 patients, GK did not induce major endocrinologic side effects reported with all the other surgical techniques in the literature. It is, thus, a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of hypothalamic hamartoma.
Public Input Provision in Asymmetric Regions with Labor Market Imperfections
Authors: Gillet Holger , Pauser Johannes
Published: June 2017

This paper examines efficiency in public input provision in two large regions with labor market imperfections. Because employment and pecuniary externalities are associated with public input provision, the provision level exceeds the optimal amount under the presence of wage rigidities in the capital-exporting jurisdiction if only head taxes are used to finance government expenditures. Efficiency in public input provision will remain ambiguous in the capital-importing jurisdiction unless a specific functional form is assumed for the production technology. The constrained efficient provision with public inputs can be restored with an additional tax (subsidy) on capital that is used to strategically influence the interest rate on the common capital market and to increase employment by attracting foreign capital.
Simulating Head Recovery and Intermittent Discharge in Free Flowing Wells
Authors: Székely Ferenc
Published: June 2017

Modeling of the head recovery (buildup) in and intermittent operation of flowing wells lacks rigorous analytical tools. Presently different methods are applied in discharging and recovery phases. The presented reliable approximate solution considers a continuous free flow process and time variant screen loss parameters. The latter are temporarily set to large value to prevent inflow into the well bore during the single recovery or in repeated shut down periods. This method is called as screen loss control or SLC technique and is verified by means of comparative analysis with the constant rate pumping‐recovery test simulated in leaky aquifer. The evaluation of the free flow and recovery test in the free flowing well 28 (Artesia Heights) concluded with calibrated parameters close to those obtained in the earlier analyses based on split well flow process. The simulation of intermittent flowing well operation also underwent successful validation resulting in reasonable values of the Qw and s response functions.
Genetic relationships of Plagioscion squamosissimus (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) from five Neotropical river basins evaluated using mitochondrial atpase6/8 gene sequences
Authors: Diamante N. A. , Prioli S. M. A. P. , Oliveira A. V. , Fabrin T. M. C. , Prioli L. M. , Prioli A. J.
Published: June 2017

The genetic relationships of native or introduced Plagioscion squamosissimus in five Brazilian Neotropical basins were evaluated using the mitochondrial atpase6/8 genes. Results revealed that the population of the Tocantins River basin is more basal than the native populations of the Amazon and Parnaíba River basins. Moreover, the populations of P. squamosissimus that were introduced in the São Francisco and upper Paraná River basins originated from the population of the Parnaíba River.
The role of the microbiome and the use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders in adults in the Asia‐Pacific region ‐ background and recommendations of a regional consensus meeting
Authors: Ghoshal Uday C , Gwee Kok‐Ann , Holtmann Gerald , Li Yanmei , Park Soo Jung , Simadibrata Marcellus , Sugano Kentaro , Wu Kaichun , Quigley Eamonn M M , Cohen Henry
Published: June 2017

The Asia‐Pacific region is diverse, with regard to ethnicity, culture, and economic development incorporating some of the world's least and most developed nations. Gastrointestinal diseases are common in the Asia‐Pacific region, and their prevalence, presentation, and management vary considerably within the region. There is growing evidence for an important role for the human gut microbiota in gastrointestinal health. As a consequence, geographic variations in the composition of the gut microbiota may contribute to variations in both the prevalence and response to therapy of specific diseases. Probiotics have been proposed as a valuable option in the prevention and treatment of a number of gastrointestinal illnesses, but the quality of available evidence to support their efficacy is variable. A meeting of international experts in adult and pediatric gastroenterology was held at the Sorbonne University, Paris, France, on April 11 and 12, 2016, to discuss current evidence supporting the use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders in the Asia‐Pacific region. This article provides an overview of the discussions held at this meeting and recommends the formation of an Asia‐Pacific Consortium on Gut Microbiota similar to those established in Europe and North America.
Enhanced dissolution and bioavailability of Nateglinide by microenvironmental pH-regulated ternary solid dispersion: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation
Authors: Wairkar Sarika , Gaud Ram , Jadhav Namdeo
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Nateglinide, an Antidiabetic drug (BCS II), shows pH-dependent solubility and variable bioavailability. The purpose of study was to increase dissolution and bioavailability of Nateglinide by development of its microenvironmental pH-regulated ternary solid dispersion (MeSD).

Methods

MeSD formulation of Nateglinide, poloxamer-188 and Na2CO3 was prepared by melt dispersion in 1 : 2 : 0.2 w/w ratio and further characterised for solubility, In-vitro dissolution, microenvironmental pH, crystallinity/amorphism, physicochemical interactions, bioavailability in Wistar rats.

Key findings

Solubility of Nateglinide was increased notably in MeSD, and its in-vitro dissolution study showed fourfold increase in the dissolution, particularly in 1.2 pH buffer. Prominent reduction in the peak intensity of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and absence of endotherm in DSC thermogram confirmed the amorphism of Nateglinide in MeSD. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed the hydrogen bond interactions between Nateglinide and poloxamer-188. In-vivo study indicated that MeSD exhibited fourfold increase in area under curve over Nateglinide. Tmax of MeSD was observed at 0.25 h, which is beneficial for efficient management of postprandial sugar. Instead of mere transformation of the Nateglinide to its amorphous form as evidenced by DSC and XRPD, formation of a soluble carboxylate compound of Nateglinide in MeSD was predominantly responsible for dissolution and bioavailability enhancement.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates the utility of MeSD in achieving pH-independent dissolution, reduced Tmax and enhanced bioavailability of Nateglinide.
Sex differences in telomeres and lifespan in Soay sheep: From the beginning to the end
Authors: Dantzer Ben , Garratt Michael
Published: June 2017

There is tremendous diversity in ageing rates and lifespan not only among taxa but within species, and particularly between the sexes. Women often live longer than men, and considerable research on this topic has revealed some of the potential biological, psychological and cultural causes of sex differences in human ageing and lifespan. However, sex differences in lifespan are widespread in nonhuman animals suggesting biology plays a prominent role in variation in ageing and lifespan. Recently, evolutionary biologists have borrowed techniques from biomedicine to identify whether similar mechanisms causing or contributing to variation in ageing and lifespan in humans and laboratory animals also operate in wild animals. Telomeres are repetitive noncoding DNA sequences capping the ends of chromosomes that are important for chromosomal stability but that can shorten during normal cell division and exposure to stress. Telomere shortening is hypothesized to directly contribute to the ageing process as once telomeres shorten to some length, the cells stop dividing and die. Men tend to have shorter telomeres and faster rates of telomere attrition with age than women, suggesting one possible biological cause of sex differences in lifespan. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Watson et al. () show that telomere lengths in wild Soay sheep are similar between females and males near the beginning of life but quickly diverge with age because males but not females showed reduced telomere lengths at older ages. The authors further show that some of the observed sex difference in telomere lengths in old age may be due to male investment in horn growth earlier in life, suggesting that sexually dimorphic allocation to traits involved in sexual selection might underlie sex differences in telomere attrition. This study provides a rare example of how biological mechanisms potentially contributing to sex differences in lifespan in humans may also operate in free‐living animals. However, future studies using a longitudinal approach are necessary to confirm these observations and identify the ultimate and proximate causes of any sex differences in telomere lengths. Collaborations between evolutionary biologists and gerontologists are especially needed to identify whether telomere lengths have a causal role in ageing, particularly in natural conditions, and whether this directly contributes to sex differences in lifespan.
Genetic analysis of mechanisms associated with inheritance of resistance to sheath rot of rice
Authors: Mvuyekure Simon Martin , Sibiya Julia , Derera John , Nzungize John , Nkima Germain
Published: June 2017

Understanding genetic mechanisms controlling inheritance of disease resistance traits is essential in breeding investigations targeting development of resistant genotypes. Using North Carolina design II, 32 F1 hybrids were generated by crossing eight susceptible to four resistant parents and submitted for field evaluation. The analysis of general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA) indicated involvement of additive and non‐additive gene action controlling inheritance of horizontal resistance to sheath rot of rice. High GCA/SCA ratio and high heritability estimates revealed additive effects and were more predominant than none additive ones. The level of dominance indicated dominant genes was more important than recessive genes. Estimates of GCA and SCA analysis suggested that crop improvement programmes should be directed towards selection of superior parents or good combiners, emphasizing on GCA. As far as source of resistance is concerned, most promising genotypes were Cyicaro, Yunertian and Yunkeng. The predominance of additive genetic effects together with the relevance of dominant genes suggested possibilities of improving the resistance by introgression of resistance genes through recurrent selection coupled with phenotypic selection.
Association between Breast Feeding and Paediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing: a Systematic Review
Authors: Ponce‐Garcia Cecilia , Hernandez Ivonne Angelica , Major Paul , Flores‐Mir Carlos
Published: June 2017

Background

Breast feeding has been suggested as a potential protective factor against childhood snoring and sleep disordered breathing (SDB). SDB can have major health consequences. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesise the available literature concerning any potential association between infant feeding methods and SDB in young children.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched. All searches were inclusive until August 5, 2016. Two authors independently reviewed potentially relevant articles for eligibility. Any prospective or retrospective study, case‐control study, cohort study, clinical trial, and cross‐sectional study that evaluated the association between infant feeding methods and SDB were included. Data on study design, aim of study, sample size, study population, assessment tool, infant feeding methods, and outcome measures were extracted.

Results

Nine studies fulfilled the criteria to be finally included in this review, only cohorts and cross‐sectional studies were identified. While seven of the selected studies reported a statistically significant association between breast feeding and reduced risk of SDB, the remaining two studies did not report any association. The main methodological limitation was high heterogeneity in the diagnostic criteria and assessment tools to identify SDB and limited data collection on infant feeding methods.

Conclusions

The current evidence may point to a protective association, however, as uncertainty is moderate, any suggestion that breast feeding may or may not decrease the risk of SDB is currently unwarranted. More research on the topic is required to resolve some of the contradictions between included studies.
Detailed analysis of the Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test, revised version
Authors: Moriyama Yasushi , Yoshino Aihide , Muramatsu Taro , Mimura Masaru
Published: June 2017

Aim

The number‐transcoding task on the Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test (RDST‐J) requires mutual conversion between Arabic and Chinese numerals (209 to 二百九, 4054 to 四千五十四, 六百八十一 to 681, 二千二十七 to 2027). In this task, question and answer styles of Chinese numerals are written horizontally. We investigated the impact of changing the task so that Chinese numerals are written vertically.

Methods

Subjects were 211 patients with very mild to severe Alzheimer's disease and 42 normal controls. Mini‐Mental State Examination scores ranged from 26 to 12, and Clinical Dementia Rating scores ranged from 0.5 to 3.

Results

Scores of all four subtasks of the transcoding task significantly improved in the revised version compared with the original version. The sensitivity and specificity of total scores ≥9 on the RDST‐J original and revised versions for discriminating between controls and subjects with Clinical Dementia Rating scores of 0.5 were 63.8% and 76.6% on the original and 60.1% and 85.8% on revised version.

Conclusions

The revised RDST‐J total score had low sensitivity and high specificity compared with the original RDST‐J for discriminating subjects with Clinical Dementia Rating scores of 0.5 from controls.