bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the gustatory cortex in incidental experience-evoked enhancement of later taste learning
Authors: Flores Veronica L. , Parmet Tamar , Mukherjee Narendra , Nelson Sacha , Katz Donald B. , Levitan David
Published: July 2018

The strength of learned associations between pairs of stimuli is affected by multiple factors, the most extensively studied of which is prior experience with the stimuli themselves. In contrast, little data is available regarding how experience withincidentalstimuli (independent of any conditioning situation) impacts later learning. This lack of research is striking given the importance of incidental experience to survival. We have recently begun to fill this void using conditioned taste aversion (CTA), wherein an animal learns to avoid a taste that has been associated with malaise. We previously demonstrated that incidental exposure to salty and sour tastes (taste pre-exposure—TPE) enhances aversions learned later to sucrose. Here, we investigate the neurobiology underlying this phenomenon. First, we use immediate early gene (c-Fos) expression to identify gustatory cortex (GC) as a site at which TPE specifically increases the neural activation caused by taste-malaise pairing (i.e., TPE did not change c-Fos induced by either stimulus in isolation). Next, we use site-specific infection with the optical silencer Archaerhodopsin-T to show that GC inactivation during TPE inhibits the expected enhancements of both learning and CTA-related c-Fos expression, a full day later. Thus, we conclude that GC is almost certainly a vital part of the circuit that integrates incidental experience into later associative learning.
scPred: Cell type prediction at single-cell resolution
Authors: Alquicira-Hernández José , Sathe Anuja , Ji Hanlee P , Nguyen Quan , Powell Joseph E
Published: July 2018

Single-cell RNA sequencing has enabled the characterization of highly specific cell types in many human tissues, as well as both primary and stem cell-derived cell lines. An important facet of these studies is the ability to identify the transcriptional signatures that define a cell type or state. In theory, this information can be used to classify an unknown cell based on its transcriptional profile; and clearly, the ability to accurately predict a cell type and any pathologic-related state will play a critical role in the early diagnosis of disease and decisions around the personalized treatment for patients. Here we present a new generalizable method (scPred) for prediction of cell type(s), using a combination of unbiased feature selection from a reduced-dimension space, and machine-learning classification. scPred solves several problems associated with the identification of individual gene feature selection, and is able to capture subtle effects of many genes, increasing the overall variance explained by the model, and correspondingly improving the prediction accuracy. We validate the performance of scPred by performing experiments to classify tumor versus non-tumor epithelial cells in gastric cancer, then using independent molecular techniques (cyclic immunohistochemistry) to confirm our prediction, achieving an accuracy of classifying the disease state of individual cells of 99%. Moreover, we apply scPred to scRNA-seq data from pancreatic tissue, colorectal tumor biopsies, and circulating dendritic cells, and show that scPred is able to classify cell subtypes with an accuracy of 96.1-99.2%. Collectively, our results demonstrate the utility of scPred as a single cell prediction method that can be used for a wide variety of applications. The generalized method is implemented in software available here: https://github.com/IMB-Computational-Genomics-Lab/scPred/
The Evolution of SlyA/RovA Transcription Factors From Repressors to Counter-Silencers inEnterobacteriaceae
Authors: Will W. Ryan , Brzovic Peter , Trong Isolde Le , Stenkamp Ronald E. , Lawrenz Matthew B. , Karlinsey Joyce E. , Navarre William W. , Main-Hester Kara , Miller Virginia L. , Libby Stephen J. , Fang Ferric C.
Published: July 2018

Gene duplication and subsequent evolutionary divergence have allowed conserved proteins to develop unique roles. The MarR family of transcription factors (TFs) has undergone extensive duplication and diversification in bacteria, where they act as environmentally-responsive repressors of genes encoding efflux pumps that confer resistance to xenobiotics, including many antimicrobial agents. We have performed structural, functional, and genetic analyses of representative members of the SlyA/RovA lineage of MarR TFs, which retain some ancestral functions, including repression of their own expression and that of divergently-transcribed multidrug efflux pumps, as well as allosteric inhibition by aromatic carboxylate compounds. However, SlyA and RovA have acquired the ability to counter-silence horizontally-acquired genes, which has greatly facilitated the evolution ofEnterobacteriaceaeby horizontal gene transfer. SlyA/RovA TFs in different species have independently evolved novel regulatory circuits to provide the enhanced levels of expression required for their new role. Moreover, in contrast to MarR, SlyA is not responsive to copper. These observations demonstrate the ability of TFs to acquire new functions as a result of evolutionary divergence of bothcis-regulatory sequences andin transinteractions with modulatory ligands.
Segregational drift and the interplay between plasmid copy number and evolvability
Authors: Ilhan Judith , Kupczok Anne , Woehle Christian , Wein Tanita , Hülter Nils F. , Rosenstiel Philip , Landan Giddy , Mizrahi Itzhak , Dagan Tal
Published: July 2018

The ubiquity of plasmids in all prokaryotic phyla and habitats and their ability to transfer between cells marks them as prominent constituents of prokaryotic genomes. Many plasmids are found in their host cell in multiple copies. This leads to an increased mutational supply of plasmid-encoded genes and genetically heterogeneous plasmid genomes. Nonetheless, the segregation of plasmid copies into daughter cells during cell division is considered to occur in the absence of selection on the plasmid alleles. We investigate the implications of random genetic drift of multicopy plasmids during cell division – termed heresegregational drift– to plasmid evolution. Performing experimental evolution of low- and high-copy non-mobile plasmids inEscherichia coli, we find that the evolutionary rate of multicopy plasmids does not reflect the increased mutational supply expected according to their copy number. In addition, simulated evolution of multicopy plasmid alleles demonstrates that segregational drift leads to increased loss frequency and extended fixation time of plasmid mutations in comparison to haploid chromosomes. Furthermore, an examination of the experimentally evolved hosts reveals a significant impact of the plasmid type on the host chromosome evolution. Our study demonstrates that segregational drift of multicopy plasmids interferes with the retention and fixation of novel plasmid variants. Depending on the selection pressure on newly emerging variants, plasmid genomes may evolve slower than haploid chromosomes, regardless of their higher mutational supply. We suggest that plasmid copy number is an important determinant of plasmid evolvability due to the manifestation of segregational drift.
A nucleus-like compartment shields bacteriophage DNA from CRISPR-Cas and restriction nucleases
Authors: Mendoza Senén D. , Berry Joel D. , Nieweglowska Eliza S. , Leon Lina M. , Agard David A. , Bondy-Denomy Joseph
Published: July 2018

All viruses require strategies to inhibit or evade the immunity pathways of cells they infect. The viruses that infect bacteria, bacteriophages (phages), must avoid nucleic-acid targeting immune pathways such as CRISPR-Cas and restriction endonucleases to replicate efficiently1. Here, we show that a jumbo phage infectingPseudomonas aeruginosa, phage ΦKZ, is resistant to many immune systemsin vivo, including CRISPR-Cas3 (Type I-C), Cas9 (Type II-A), Cas12 (Cpf1, Type V-A), and Type I restriction-modification (R-M) systems. We propose that ΦKZ utilizes a nucleus-like shell to protect its DNA from attack. Supporting this, we demonstrate that Cas9 is able to cleave ΦKZ DNAin vitro, but notin vivoand that Cas9 is physically occluded from the shell assembled by the phage during infection. Moreover, we demonstrate that the Achilles heel for this phage is the mRNA, as translation occurs outside of the shell, rendering the phage sensitive to the RNA targeting CRISPR-Cas enzyme, Cas13a (C2c2, Type VI-A). Collectively, we propose that the nucleus-like shell assembled by jumbo phages enables potent, broad spectrum evasion of DNA-targeting nucleases.
An interdisciplinary study around the reliquary of the late cardinal Jacques de Vitry
Authors: Decorte Ronny , Polet Caroline , Boudin Mathieu , Tilquin Françoise , Matroule Jean-Yves , Dieu Marc , Charles Catherine , Carlier Aurore , Lebecque Fiona , Deparis Olivier
Published: July 2018

The reliquary of Jacques de Vitry, a prominent clergyman and theologian in the early 13th century, has experienced several transfers over the last centuries, which seriously question the attribution of the remains to the late Cardinal. Uncertainty about the year of his birth poses an additional question regarding his age at death in 1240. The reliquary, located in the Saint Marie d’Oigines church, Belgium, was reopened in 2015 for an interdisciplinary study around his relics as well as the Treasure of Oignies, a remarkable cultural heritage notably built from Jacques de Vitry’s donation. Anthropological, isotopic and genetic analyses were performed independently on the remains found in the reliquary. Results of the analyses provided evidence that the likelihood that these remains are those of Jacques de Vitry is very high: the remains belong to the same human male individual and the historical tradition about his age is confirmed. In addition, a separate relic (left tibia) was analysed and found to match with the remains of the reliquary (right tibia). The unique Jacques de Vitry’s mitre, made of parchment, was sampled non-destructively and the extracted parchment collagen was analysed by a proteomic method in order to determine the animal species. The results showed that, surprisingly, not all parts of the mitre were made from the same species. All together, these findings are expected to fertilize knowledge carried by historical tradition around the relics of Jacques de Vitry and his related cultural heritage.
Host adaptation and convergent evolution increases antibiotic resistance without loss of virulence in a major human pathogen
Authors: Fajardo-Lubián Alicia , Ben Zakour Nouri L. , Agyekum Alex , Iredell Jonathan R.
Published: July 2018

As human population density and antibiotic exposure increases, specialised bacterial subtypes have begun to emerge. Arising among species that are common commensals and infrequent pathogens, antibiotic-resistant ‘high-risk clones’ have evolved to better survive in the modern human. Here, we show that the major matrix porin (OmpK35) ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeis not required in the mammalian host for colonisation, pathogenesis, nor for antibiotic resistance, and that it is commonly absent in pathogenic isolates. This is found in association with, but apparently independent of, a highly specific change in the co-regulated partner porin, the osmoporin (OmpK36), which provides enhanced antibiotic resistance without significant loss of fitness in the mammalian host. These features are common in well-described ‘high-risk clones’ ofK. pneumoniae, as well as in unrelated members of this species and similar adaptations are found in other members of the Enterobacteriaceae that share this lifestyle. Available sequence data indicates evolutionary convergence, with implications for the spread of lethal antibiotic-resistant pathogens in humans.

Author summary

Klebsiella pneumoniaeis a Gram-negative enterobacteria and a significant cause of human disease. It is a frequent agent of pneumonia, and systemic infections can have high mortality rates (60%). OmpK35 and OmpK36 are the major co-regulated outer membrane porins ofK. pneumoniae. OmpK36 absence has been related to antibiotic resistance but decreased bacterial fitness and diminished virulence. A mutation that constricts the porin channel (Gly134Asp135 duplication in loop 3 of the porin, OmpK36GD) has been previously observed and suggested as a solution to the fitness cost imposed by loss of OmpK36.

In the present study we constructed isogenic mutants to verify this and test the impact of these porin changes on antimicrobial resistance, fitness and virulence. Our results show that loss of OmpK35 has no significant cost in bacterial survival in nutrient-rich environments nor in the mammalian host, consistent with a predicted role outside that niche. When directly compared with the complete loss of the partner osmoporin OmpK36, we found that isogenic OmpK36GD strains maintain high levels of antibiotic resistance and that the GD duplication significantly reduces neither gut colonisation nor pathogenicity in a pneumonia mouse model. These changes are widespread in unrelated genomes. Our data provide clear evidences that specific variations in the loop 3 of OmpK36 and the absence of OmpK35 inK. pneumoniaeclinical isolates are examples of successful adaptation to human colonization/infection and antibiotic pressure, and are features of a fundamental evolutionary shift in this important human pathogen.
Tribological performance, electrochemical behavior and biocompatibility of high-temperature gas-nitrided Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Kao Wen-Hsien , Su Yean-Liang , Horng Jeng-Haur , Yang Shu-Er
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the tribology, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of high-temperature gas-nitrided Ti6Al4V alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

The tribological properties were studied by reciprocating wear tester. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by using potentiodynamic polarization test. The purified mouse leukaemic monocyte macrophage cells are used to investigate the biocompatibility.

Findings

The results show that the nitriding treatment leads to a significant improvement in the hardness and tribological properties of Ti6Al4V alloy. Specifically, compared to untreated Ti6Al4V, the hardness increases from 3.24 to 9.02 GPa, while the wear rate reduces by 12.5 times in sliding against a Ti6Al4V cylinder and 19.6 times in sliding against a Si3N4 ball. Furthermore, the nitriding treatment yields an improved corrosion resistance and a biocompatibility similar to that of untreated Ti6Al4V.

Originality/value

The nitrided Ti6Al4V alloy is an ideal material for the fabrication of load-bearing artificial implants.
Client-identified auditor’s initial negotiation tactics: a social-identity perspective
Authors: Svanberg Jan , Öhman Peter , Neidermeyer Presha E.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the connection between the type of negotiation tactics auditors use when they ask their clients to make adjustments to their financial reports, focusing on three distributive and two integrative negotiation tactics, and whether the auditors identify with their clients.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was used to capture 152 experienced Swedish audit partners’ perspectives on what type of negotiation technique they would use thinking about their largest client in a hypothetical situation.

Findings

The results show that the more auditors identify with their clients, the more likely they are to adopt two of the distributive negotiation tactics, conceding and compromising.

Originality/value

Building on the findings in the accounting literature that auditors’ identification with clients constrains their judgments, this study finds that auditors’ identification with clients also has an impact on the auditors’ initial selection of negotiation tactics.
Value of emergency department triage data to describe and understand patterns and mechanisms of cycling injuries
Authors: Eley Rob , Vallmuur Kirsten , Catchpoole Jesani
Published: July 2018

Objective

To characterise patients presenting to EDs for a bicycle‐related injury, identify contributing factors to the injuries and describe the data gaps.

Methods

A retrospective study of bicycle‐related injury presentations over the 5 year period 2010–2014 to two major metropolitan EDs. Data collected from the emergency presentation database consisted of patient demographics, presenting complaint, discharge diagnosis and details about the circumstances and mechanism of the accident.

Results

Bicycle injuries (n = 4144) increased from 20.0 to 25.2 per 1000 injury presentations over 5 years. Patients were 80% male across all age groups and 35% of presentations occurred at the weekend. Fractures accounted for one‐third (34%) of all injuries, while injuries to the upper extremities and head resulted in 36% and 19% of cases, respectively. Admission rate was 17%. The number of falls exceeded collisions (1611 vs 937), and in the 13.3% of the fall cases where documentation was present for which how the fall occurred, over half were attributed to bike handling errors. Information related to type of bicycle, accident location, type of activity, protective clothing worn (including helmets) and visibility aids was not recorded for over 95% of the cases.

Conclusion

Bicycle injuries carry a considerable burden to the ED and the incidence of presentations appears to be rising. The current triage data, designed to provide a rapid assessment for medical urgency, are limited to describing broad demographics, trends and causes.
Effect of a clinical flowchart incorporating Wells score, PERC rule and age‐adjusted D‐dimer on pulmonary embolism diagnosis, scan rates and diagnostic yield
Authors: Buntine Paul , Thien Francis , Stewart John , Woo Yee Ping , Koolstra Martin , Bridgford Lindsay , Datta Mineesh , Gwini Stella M
Published: July 2018

Objective

To assess the association between the use of a flowchart incorporating Wells score, PERC rule and age‐adjusted D‐dimer and subsequent imaging and yield rates of computed tomography pulmonary angiogram and nuclear medicine ventilation perfusion scans being ordered in the ED for the assessment of pulmonary embolism.

Methods

A flowchart governing ED pulmonary embolism investigation was introduced across three EDs in Melbourne, Australia for a 12 month period. Comparison of pulmonary embolism imaging rates and yield with the preceding 12 months was performed.

Results

A total of 1815 pre‐implementation scans were performed compared with 1116 scans post‐implementation. Because of growth in patient attendances over this time, this equated to an imaging rate of 14.5 per 1000 presentations pre‐implementation and 8.6 per 1000 presentations post‐implementation (P < 0.001). Overall pulmonary embolism imaging yield rates rose from 9.9% to 16.5% (P < 0.001). A total of 179 pre‐implementation pulmonary embolisms were identified, with an incidence of 1.4 per 1000 presentations. This compared to 184 pulmonary embolisms post‐implementation, with an incidence of 1.4 per 1000 presentations (P = 0.994).

Conclusion

The introduction of a clinical flowchart incorporating Wells score, PERC rule and age‐adjusted D‐dimer was associated with an increase in ED computed tomography pulmonary angiogram and nuclear medicine ventilation perfusion yield rate from 9.9% to 16.5% across the three enrolment hospitals when investigating possible pulmonary embolism. This corresponded to a 40% relative reduction in pulmonary embolism imaging. Diagnosis rates remained unchanged and no cases of missed pulmonary embolism attributable to the flowchart were identified.
Emergency Plan for Water Supply in Consecutive Droughts and Sustainable Water Resources Management in Beijing
Authors: LI Wenpeng , ZHENG Yuejun , YE Chao , LI Haitao
Published: July 2018

Beijing, the capital city of China, has suffered from acute water shortage, with only 300 m3/a of water resources available per capita. In addition, Beijing has experienced a prolonged period of consecutive droughts from 1999 to 2010. Water crisis has constrained the socio‐economic development of Beijing. Meanwhile, the national “South‐to‐North Water Transfer” (STNWT) project, which is expected to provide some relief to the water crisis in Beijing, is still under development. In order to ensure the security of water supply in Beijing before the completion of the STNWT project, several measures have been implemented to cope with droughts, including pumping groundwater from emergency well fields, water saving, recycling of water, rain and flood water harvesting, and the diversion of water from neighboring rivers and groundwater basins. Groundwater from four emergency well fields contributes the most to the public and domestic water supplies in Beijing, supplying a total volume of 1.8×109 m3. The water crisis is supposed to be mitigated by the completion of the STNWT project. After the completion of this project, more sustainable management of water resources will be implemented, including the use of aquifers as groundwater reservoirs and conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater resources.
The role of immigration and reinforcement in the population dynamics of a long‐lived bird: implications for the conservation of threatened species
Authors: Soriano‐Redondo A. , Hilton G. M. , Gutiérrez J. S. , Lock L. , Stanbury A. , Votier S. C. , Bearhop S.
Published: July 2018

Understanding population dynamics requires knowledge of the differential effects of survival, productivity and dispersal on population growth. This is particularly important for the conservation of small and recently established populations, where stochastic births and deaths may result in negative growth and even extinction. Here, we investigated the population dynamics of a small population of Eurasian cranes Grus grus in the UK and the effect of a population reinforcement in population growth. We also estimated the probability that the conservation status of cranes improves in the future. We developed stochastic population models to assess the population dynamics and the effect of adding 90 individuals between 2010 and 2014. The best‐supported models suggest that the crane population is self‐sustaining with an annual adult survival of 0.88, but suffers from low productivity. In addition, much of the population increase has been driven by immigration of birds from continental Europe. We found that population reinforcement resulted in a 50% increase in the projected population size, from 178 to 275 breeding pairs over the next 50 years. We showed that the relative contribution of immigration to population growth declined from 43%, when the translocated birds were not considered, to 29%, when they were included in the breeding pool. Moreover, after the population reinforcement, the probability of the population improving its conservation status increased from just above zero to 32%. In light of the recent increase in translocation programs worldwide, our study highlights the need to consider population dynamics to successfully predict the increase in population size when management strategies, such as reintroductions and reinforcements, are planned.
Confronting ageism: The potential of intergenerational contemporary art events to increase understandings of older adults and ageing
Authors: Cook Peta S , Vreugdenhil Anthea , Macnish Brienna
Published: July 2018

Objective

To explore the impact of an innovative intergenerational art event showcasing retirement village life on attendees’ understandings of older adults and ageing.

Methods

A survey of 93 art event attendees was conducted immediately after 16 sessions of the event (78% response rate). Respondents reported on their event experience and its impact on their understandings of older adults and attitudes towards ageing. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) used to test for differences between age groups (18–34, 35–64 and 65+ years).

Results

Over 90% of attendees reported the art event helped them develop an understanding of the lives of older people, with the greatest impact on young and middle‐aged adults. The majority of young and middle‐aged adults, however, expressed concern about their own ageing.

Conclusion

Results suggest that intergenerational art events have the potential to increase understandings of older adults and their lives, but this may not translate into personalised comfort with ageing.
Language experience influences audiovisual speech integration in unimodal and bimodal bilingual infants
Authors: Mercure Evelyne , Kushnerenko Elena , Goldberg Laura , Bowden‐Howl Harriet , Coulson Kimberley , Johnson Mark H , MacSweeney Mairéad
Published: July 2018

Infants as young as 2 months can integrate audio and visual aspects of speech articulation. A shift of attention from the eyes towards the mouth of talking faces occurs around 6 months of age in monolingual infants. However, it is unknown whether this pattern of attention during audiovisual speech processing is influenced by speech and language experience in infancy. The present study investigated this question by analysing audiovisual speech processing in three groups of 4‐ to 8‐month‐old infants who differed in their language experience: monolinguals, unimodal bilinguals (infants exposed to two or more spoken languages) and bimodal bilinguals (hearing infants with Deaf mothers). Eye‐tracking was used to study patterns of face scanning while infants were viewing faces articulating syllables with congruent, incongruent and silent auditory tracks. Monolinguals and unimodal bilinguals increased their attention to the mouth of talking faces between 4 and 8 months, while bimodal bilinguals did not show any age difference in their scanning patterns. Moreover, older (6.6 to 8 months), but not younger, monolinguals (4 to 6.5 months) showed increased visual attention to the mouth of faces articulating audiovisually incongruent rather than congruent faces, indicating surprise or novelty. In contrast, no audiovisual congruency effect was found in unimodal or bimodal bilinguals. Results suggest that speech and language experience influences audiovisual integration in infancy. Specifically, reduced or more variable experience of audiovisual speech from the primary caregiver may lead to less sensitivity to the integration of audio and visual cues of speech articulation.
Combination of solifenacin with tamsulosin reduces prostate volume and vascularity as opposed to tamsulosin monotherapy in patients with benign prostate enlargement and overactive bladder symptoms: Results from a randomized pilot study
Authors: Sakalis Vasileios , Sfiggas Vasileios , Vouros Ioannis , Salpiggidis George , Papathanasiou Athanasios , Apostolidis Apostolos
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To identify the potential influence of antimuscarinics on morphometric parameters of the prostate in patients with benign prostatic enlargement and overactive bladder.

Methods

Non‐neurological patients with prostate volume >30 mL, predominately storage lower urinary tract symptoms, three or more urgency episodes per 24 h, maximum flow rate ≥10 mL/s and post‐void residual ≤100 mL were recruited for this study. They were randomized to receive either tamsulosin or tamsulosin + solifenacin. Patients were submitted to transrectal and transvesical ultrasonography, pressure‐flow study and prostate‐specific antigen test, and completed the International Prostate Symptom Score, bladder diary and overactive bladder questionnaire at induction and at 6 months. End‐study changes in morphometric prostate parameters (total prostate and adenoma volumes, prostate vascularity), as measured by transrectal ultrasound, were the principal outcomes.

Results

A reduction in total prostate volume (mean −9.5%) was noted in the combination group, as opposed to an increase in the monotherapy group (+9.2%; P < 0.001). Similar changes were reflected in adenoma volume (monotherapy +17.4% vs combination −12.5%, P = 0.001) and in prostate vascularity (monotherapy +149.3% vs combination −19.8%, P = 0.001). Both treatment regimens improved the International Prostate Symptom Score (P = 0.001); monotherapy improved the voiding subscale (P = 0.01) more, whereas combination therapy improved the storage subscale (P = 0.024). Cystometric capacity improved in the combination group (P < 0.001). Post‐void residual was increased in the combination group (+34.79%), as opposed to a decrease in the monotherapy group (−17.05%; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this pilot study suggest that solifenacin might affect morphometric properties of the prostate, decreasing total prostate and adenoma volume, as well as vascularity. A molecular effect of antimuscarinics on the prostate, in parallel with their expected bladder effect, warrants further investigation.
Role of increasing leukocyturia for detecting the transition from asymptomatic bacteriuria to symptomatic infection in women with recurrent urinary tract infections: A new tool for improving antibiotic stewardship
Authors: Cai Tommaso , Lanzafame Paolo , Caciagli Patrizio , Migno Serena , Mereu Liliana , Mattevi Daniele , Luciani Lorenzo G , Tateo Saverio , Malossini Gianni , Bjerklund Johansen Truls E
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the importance of leukocyturia in detecting the transition from asymptomatic bacteriuria to symptomatic infection in women with recurrent urinary tract infections.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we evaluated all women with recurrent urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria who had been enrolled in two previous studies. Data from urological visits, urine analyses and microbiological evaluations were collected. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with symptomatic recurrence (group A) and patients without recurrence (group B), with a mean follow‐up period of 38.8 months. Data on leukocyturia and clinical data were compared. Logistic regression analyses were carried out and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated.

Results

A total of 301 women with symptomatic urinary tract infection were included in group A, whereas 249 women without clinical infection were included in group B. Group A showed a higher level of leukocytes in the urinary analysis taken at the moment of recurrence when compared with the baseline value (mean leukocytes per high power field 54 ± 5 vs 19 ± 6 at baseline; P < 0.0001). When an increase of leukocytes/mm3 of >150% from baseline was used for logistic regression, the area under the receiver operating characteristic of the model was 0.82 (95% CI 0.78–0.94; P = 0.01). An increase of leukocytes/mm3 of >150% from baseline had a sensitivity of 90.1% and a specificity of 91.2% for symptomatic urinary tract infection.

Conclusions

This study shows that an increase of leukocyturia of >150% from baseline has a predictive role for the transition from asymptomatic bacteriuria to symptomatic urinary tract infection in women with recurrent urinary tract infections.
Epidermal grafting for leukoderma resulting from 1064‐nm quality‐switched neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser toning
Authors: Wang Yen‐Jen , Chang Chang‐Cheng
Published: July 2018

Leukoderma secondary to Q‐switched 1064‐nm neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser is usually refractory to treatment. The pathogenesis was cumulative phototoxic damage to melanocytes and eventually resulted in melanocytopenia. Wood's light or UV imaging can help observe early leukoderma before it becomes apparent clinically and determine the degree of melanocytopenia before conducting a biopsy. NB‐UVB phototherapy and 308‐nm excimer laser can potentially worsen the pre‐existing melasma lesions and may not be effective if the lesions have already become melanocytopenic. Epidermal grafting can replenish the hypopigmented area with melanocytes without worsening melasma.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health‐care delivery: The views of health‐care professionals in Sydney's tertiary paediatric hospitals
Authors: Nyanga Rita , Biviano Lyn , Warren Shirley , Windsor Josie , Zwi Karen , Gunasekera Hasantha
Published: July 2018

Aim

To determine the cultural competency training, knowledge and attitudes of health professionals about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter referred to as Aboriginal) health‐care delivery.

Methods

Survey of medical (n = 200), nursing (n = 200) and other health professionals (n = 210) working in two tertiary paediatric hospitals in December 2013. The main outcome measures were training in Aboriginal health‐care delivery, knowledge of Aboriginal health and services, attitudes to identification of Aboriginal patients and suggested ways to improve health‐care delivery to Aboriginal patients.

Results

We received responses from 286 of 572 (50.0%) staff with valid emails: 75 medical, 88 nursing and 123 other health professionals. A minority reported receiving specific Aboriginal health training (126/286, 44.8%) and Aboriginal cultural competency training (106/286, 37.1%). Medical staff were less likely than others to report Aboriginal health‐care training (P = 0.01), cultural competency training (P < 0.001) and that their training equipped them to manage Aboriginal patients (P = 0.04). Few medical staff reported a good/very good knowledge of the services provided by the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (20.0%), the Federal Government Closing the Gap initiative (14.7%) or the Royal Australasian College of Physicians' Reconciliation Action Plan (8.0%). Only 62 of 286 (21.7%) staff agreed that they usually asked patients/parents whether they identified as Aboriginal. Although 256 of 286 (89.5%) agreed that Aboriginal staff were an important resource, only 125 of 286 (43.7%) had referred Aboriginal patients to one.

Conclusion

The opportunities we have identified to improve health‐care delivery to Aboriginal patients include: increasing Aboriginal cultural competency training, correct identification of Aboriginal patients, referring Aboriginal patients to Aboriginal health‐care services and increased awareness of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
Comparing of allometric models of single‐tree biomass intended for airborne laser sensing and terrestrial taxation of carbon pool in the forests of Eurasia
Authors: Usoltsev Vladimir Andreevich , Shobairi Seyed Omid Reza , Chasovskikh Viktor Petrovich
Published: July 2018

For the main tree species in North America, Europe, and Japan, a number of thousands of allometric equations for single‐tree biomass estimation using mostly tree height and stem diameter at breast height are designed. An innovative airborne laser method of the forest canopy sensing allows to process online a number of morphological indices of trees, to combine them with the biomass allometric models, and to evaluate the forest carbon pools. The database of 28 wood and shrub species containing 2.4 thousand of definitions is compiled for the first time in the forests of Eurasia, and on its basis the allometric transcontinental models of fractional structure of biomass of two types and dual use are developed. The first of them include as regressors the tree height and crown diameter and are intended for airborne laser location, whereas the latter have a traditional appointment for terrestrial forest biomass taxation using tree height and stem diameter. It is found that the explanatory capacity of the first model in comparison with the second one for foliage, branches, and roots is lower, but this difference is not statistically significant. The same capacity for the stem and aboveground biomass is lower too but this difference is statistically significant. Both models are designed for two different methods of taxation and cannot replace one another.

Summary for Managers

We develop an innovative airborne laser method of the forest canopy sensing to evaluate the forest carbon pools.

We show this approach is highly reliable: in the most cases, there is more than 90% of tree biomass variability.

Processing speed of laser location, incommensurable with the terrestrial mensuration, gives the possibility to assess the change of carbon pool of forests on some territory during its periodic overflights.

The proposed information can be useful when implementing activities on climate stabilization, as well as in the validation of the simulation results when evaluating the carbon depositing capacity of forests.
Biologics and stem cell‐based therapies for rotator cuff repair
Authors: Bianco Spencer T. , Moser Helen L. , Galatz Leesa M. , Huang Alice H.
Published: July 2018

The rotator cuff is composed of several distinct muscles and tendons that function in concert to coordinate shoulder motion. Injuries to these tendons frequently result in permanent dysfunction and persistent pain. Despite considerable advances in operation techniques, surgical repair alone still does not fully restore rotator cuff function. This review focuses on recent research in the use of biologics and stem cell‐based therapies to augment repair, highlighting promising avenues for future work and remaining challenges. While a number of animal models are used for rotator cuff studies, the anatomy of the rotator cuff varies dramatically between species. Since the rodent rotator cuff shares the most anatomical features with the human, this review will focus primarily on rodent models to enable consistent interpretation of outcome measures.
An overview of offshore wind energy resources in Europe under present and future climate
Authors: deCastro Maite , Costoya Xurxo , Salvador Santiago , Carvalho David , Gómez‐Gesteira Moncho , Sanz‐Larruga Francisco Javier , Gimeno Luis
Published: July 2018

Long‐term sustainable development of European offshore wind energy requires knowledge of the best places for installing offshore wind farms. To achieve this, a good knowledge of wind resources is needed, as well as knowledge of international, European, and national regulations regarding conflict management, marine environment conservation, biodiversity protection, licensing processes, and support regimes. Such a multidisciplinary approach could help to identify areas where wind resources are abundant and where conflicts with other interests are scarce, support measures are greater, and licensing processes are streamlined. An overview of offshore wind power studies at present, and of their future projections for the 21st century, allows for determining the optimal European locations to install or maintain offshore wind farms. Only northern Europe, the northwest portion of the Iberian Peninsula, the Gulf of Lyon, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the northwest coast of Turkey show no change or increase in wind power, revealing these locations as the most suitable for installing and maintaining offshore wind farms in the future. The installation of wind farms is subject to restrictions established under international law, European law, and the domestic legal framework of each EU member state. Europe is moving toward streamlining of licensing procedures, reducing subsidies, and implementing auction systems.
Subtropical cyclones over the oceanic basins: a review
Authors: da Rocha Rosmeri Porfírio , Reboita Michelle Simões , Gozzo Luiz Felippe , Dutra Lívia Márcia Mosso , de Jesus Eduardo Marcos
Published: July 2018

Subtropical cyclones are hybrid systems presenting a warm core at low levels, as tropical cyclones, and a cold core at upper levels, as extratropical cyclones. Their genesis can be as proper subtropical system or from the transitions (extratropical to subtropical or tropical to subtropical). Subtropical cyclones occur mostly over the sea and generate intense near surface winds with great impacts on human activities and ecosystems. We present a review of the main features, as obtained from observations and numerical simulations, for subtropical cyclone development over the major oceanic basins.
Phenotypic instability of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis: on a path to hypertrophy
Authors: Singh Purva , Marcu Kenneth B. , Goldring Mary B. , Otero Miguel
Published: July 2018

Articular chondrocytes are quiescent, fully differentiated cells responsible for the homeostasis of adult articular cartilage by maintaining cellular survival functions and the fine‐tuned balance between anabolic and catabolic functions. This balance requires phenotypic stability that is lost in osteoarthritis (OA), a disease that affects and involves all joint tissues and especially impacts articular cartilage structural integrity. In OA, articular chondrocytes respond to the accumulation of injurious biochemical and biomechanical insults by shifting toward a degradative and hypertrophy‐like state, involving abnormal matrix production and increased aggrecanase and collagenase activities. Hypertrophy is a necessary, transient developmental stage in growth plate chondrocytes that culminates in bone formation; in OA, however, chondrocyte hypertrophy is catastrophic and it is believed to initiate and perpetuate a cascade of events that ultimately result in permanent cartilage damage. Emphasizing changes in DNA methylation status and alterations in NF‐κB signaling in OA, this review summarizes the data from the literature highlighting the loss of phenotypic stability and the hypertrophic differentiation of OA chondrocytes as central contributing factors to OA pathogenesis.
Targeting tumor necrosis factor receptors in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Lata Michal , Hettinghouse Aubryanna S. , Liu Chuan‐ju
Published: July 2018

Over the past two decades, considerable advances in our understanding of inflammatory and immune pathways have allowed for the growing use of targeted biologic therapy. Most notably, the introduction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors has dramatically changed the management of autoimmune inflammatory disorders, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Despite the efficacy of TNF inhibitors documented in multiple clinical trials, anti‐TNF therapy in AS is far from foolproof; it is associated with serious adverse effects and limited response to therapy in some patients. Moreover, specific questions regarding the role of TNF as a mediator of AS remain unanswered. Therefore, additional efforts are needed in order to better understand the role of TNF in the pathogenesis of AS and to develop safer and more effective treatment strategies. The purpose of this review is to better the understanding of the physiologic and pathogenic roles of TNF signaling in the course of AS. Relevant TNF biology and novel approaches to TNF blockade in AS are discussed.
A pairwise output coding method for multi-class EEG classification of a self-induced BCI
Authors: Gursel Ozmen Nurhan , Gumusel Levent
Published: July 2018

In brain computer interface (BCI) research, electroencephalography (EEG) is the most widely used method due to its noninvasiveness, high temporal resolution and portability. Most of the EEG-based BCI studies are aimed at developing methodologies for signal processing, feature extraction and classification. In this study, an experimental EEG study was carried out with six subjects performing imagery mental and motor tasks. We present a  multi-class EEG decoding with a novel pairwise output coding method of EEGs to improve the performance of self-induced BCI systems. This method involves an augmented one-versus-one multiclass classification with less time and reduced number of electrodes. Furthermore, a train repetition number is introduced in the training step to optimize the data selection. The difference among right and left hemispheres is also searched. Finally, the difference between experienced and novice subjects is also observed. The experimental results have demonstrated that, the use of proposed classification algorithm produces high classification accuracies (98%) with nine channels. Reduced numbers of channels (four channels) have 100% accuracies for mental tasks and 87% accuracies for motor tasks with Support Vector Machines (SVM). The classification accuracies are quite high though the proposed one-versus-one technique worked well compared to the classical method. The results would be promising for a real-time study.
Mechanisms underlying the role of DISC1 in synaptic plasticity
Authors: Tropea Daniela , Hardingham Neil , Millar Kirsty , Fox Kevin
Published: July 2018

Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is an important hub protein, forming multimeric complexes by self‐association and interacting with a large number of synaptic and cytoskeletal molecules. The synaptic location of DISC1 in the adult brain suggests a role in synaptic plasticity, and indeed, a number of studies have discovered synaptic plasticity impairments in a variety of different DISC1 mutants. This review explores the possibility that DISC1 is an important molecule for organizing proteins involved in synaptic plasticity and examines why mutations in DISC1 impair plasticity. It concentrates on DISC1's role in interacting with synaptic proteins, controlling dendritic structure and cellular trafficking of mRNA, synaptic vesicles and mitochondria. N‐terminal directed mutations appear to impair synaptic plasticity through interactions with phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) and hence protein kinase A (PKA)/GluA1 and PKA/cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) signalling pathways, and affect spine structure through interactions with kalirin 7 (Kal‐7) and Rac1. C‐terminal directed mutations also impair plasticity possibly through altered interactions with lissencephaly protein 1 (LIS1) and nuclear distribution protein nudE‐like 1 (NDEL1), thereby affecting developmental processes such as dendritic structure and spine maturation. Many of the same molecules involved in DISC1's cytoskeletal interactions are also involved in intracellular trafficking, raising the possibility that impairments in intracellular trafficking affect cytoskeletal development and vice versa. While the multiplicity of DISC1 protein interactions makes it difficult to pinpoint a single causal signalling pathway, we suggest that the immediate‐term effects of N‐terminal influences on GluA1, Rac1 and CREB, coupled with the developmental effects of C‐terminal influences on trafficking and the cytoskeleton make up the two main branches of DISC1's effect on synaptic plasticity and dendritic spine stability.

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