bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeated exposure to sucrose for procedural pain in mouse pups leads to long-term widespread brain alterations
Authors: Tremblay Sophie , Ranger Manon , Chau Cecil M.Y. , Ellegood Jacob , Lerch Jason P. , Holsti Liisa , Goldowitz Daniel , Grunau Ruth E.
Published: May 2017

Oral sucrose is administered routinely to reduce pain of minor procedures in premature infants and is recommended as standard care in international guidelines. No human or animal studies on effects of early repeated sucrose exposure on long-term brain development have been done in the context of pain. We evaluated the effects of repeated neonatal sucrose treatment before an intervention on long-term brain structure in mouse pups. Neonatal C57Bl/6J mice (n = 109) were randomly assigned to one of 2 treatments (vehicle vs sucrose) and one of 3 interventions (handling, touch, or needle-prick). Mice received 10 interventions daily from postnatal day 1 to 6 (P1-6). A dose of vehicle or 24% sucrose was given orally 2 minutes before each intervention. At P85-95, brains were scanned using a multichannel 7.0 T MRI. Volumes of 159 independent brain regions were obtained. Early repetitive sucrose exposure in mice (after correcting for whole brain volume and multiple comparisons) lead to smaller white matter volumes in the corpus callosum, stria terminalis, and fimbria (P < 0.0001). Cortical and subcortical gray matter was also affected by sucrose with smaller volumes of hippocampus and cerebellum (P < 0.0001). These significant changes in adult brain were found irrespective of the type of intervention in the neonatal period. This study provides the first evidence of long-term adverse effects of repetitive sucrose exposure and raises concerns for the use of this standard pain management practice during a period of rapid brain development in very preterm infants.
Falls and Related Injuries in Hospitalized Patients With Cancer in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Li-Yun , Campbell Malcolm , Chen Ching-Ju , Hsieh Ruey-Kuen , Chien Hui-Hsien , Tsai Jung-Mei
Published: May 2017

Background:

Falls and fall-related injuries are important indicators for quality of nursing care in institutions. Few studies have been conducted specifically on this topic for hospitalized patients with cancer in Taiwan.

Purpose:

The aims of this study were to understand falls and levels of injury; to identify associations among fall-related injuries, demographics, and causes of falling; and to predict fall-related injuries in hospitalized patients with cancer.

Methods:

A retrospective survey design was used. Data were retrieved from the Taiwan Patient-Safety Reporting system query fall incidences for persons hospitalized with cancer at a medical center in northern Taiwan from 2010 to 2012. Data were encoded and analyzed with descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics version 18.0.

Results:

One hundred fifty-six (85%) of the 184 hospitalized patients with cancer had fall-related injuries. Falling tended to be more frequent in men without a history of falls and more prevalentat night. The results of regression analysis showed that the variables being with companions at the time of a fall (OR = 5.411, 95% CI [1.619, 18.081]), lower limb weakness (OR = 0.284, 95% CI [0.097, 0.832]), postural hypotension (OR = 0.101, 95% CI [0.014, 0.733]), total score of fall risk factors (OR = 1.688, 95% CI [1.071, 2.660]), and a fall occurring at the bedside (OR = 3.493, 95% CI [1.119, 10.903]) were all positively associated with fall-related injuries, with a Nagelkerke R
2 of 42.8%.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

The risk factors for falls that affect hospitalized patients with cancer are complex. Nursing staff must evaluate the risk factors and treatment methods for each patient and facilitate fall prevention measures to achieve safety-centered quality of care. This study provides an example for nursing staff when assessing factors associated with falls and working to reduce fall-related injuries among patients with cancer.
Professional Reimbursement by Medicaid for Cochlear Implants and Related Services
Authors: Conduff Joseph H. , Coelho Daniel H.
Published: May 2017

Hypothesis:

Medicaid reimbursement rates for cochlear implants and related services fall short of the federal benchmark set by Medicare.

Background:

The financial hardships of cochlear implant centers around the United States may be a repercussion of poor Medicaid reimbursement. In time, these reimbursement discrepancies could force additional Otolaryngologists and cochlear implant centers to not provide these crucial services due to financial limitations.

Methods:

Based on Medicare (MCR) claims data, current procedural terminology (CPT) codes used for cochlear implantation and related services were selected. Medicaid (MCD) and Medicare (MCR) payment schemes were queried for the same services in 49 states and Washington, D.C. The difference in MCD and MCR payment in dollars and percent was determined and reimbursement per relative value of work (RVU) calculated. MCD reimbursement differences (by dollar amount and by percentage) were qualified as a shortfall or excess as compared with the MCR benchmark.

Results:

Marked differences in MCD and MCR reimbursement exist for all cochlear implant related services, most commonly as a substantial shortfall. The MCD shortfall varied in amount between states and great variability in reimbursement exists within and between audiology, surgery, and speech services. Shortfalls and excesses were not consistent between procedures or states.

Conclusions:

The variation in MCD payment models reflects marked differences in the value of the same work provided, which in many cases is far less than federal benchmarks. These results question the fairness of the MCD reimbursement scheme in cochlear implantation with potential serious implications on access to care for this underserved patient population.
Masseteric to buccal branch nerve transfer
Authors: Bayrak Sinehan B. , Kriet J. David , Humphrey Clinton D.
Published: May 2017

Purpose of review

To review recent literature pertaining to the use of masseteric–facial nerve neurorrhaphy (MFNN) for facial reanimation in patients with facial paralysis.

Recent findings

First, MFNN effectively restores some midface tone and function, including the ability to smile. Second, use of the masseteric nerve minimizes synkinesis, dysarthria, and dysphagia that frequently occur after hypoglossal-facial nerve neurorrhaphy. Third, concurrent cable grafting to the zygomatic branch from an intact proximal facial nerve remnant – when available – can restore dynamic eye closure.

Masseteric nerve transfer is an alternative to hypoglossal nerve transfer that improves midface appearance and function for properly selected patients with facial paralysis.
Biallelic PMS2 Mutation and Heterozygous DICER1 Mutation Presenting as Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency With Corpus Callosum Agenesis: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Cheyuo Cletus , Radwan Walid , Ahn Janice , Gyure Kymberly , Qaiser Rabia , Tomboc Patrick
Published: May 2017

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome is a cancer predisposition syndrome caused by autosomal recessive biallelic (homozygous) germline mutations in the mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2). The clinical spectrum includes neoplastic and non-neoplastic manifestations. We present the case of a 7-year-old boy who presented with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and glioblastoma, together with non-neoplastic manifestations including corpus callosum agenesis, arachnoid cyst, developmental venous anomaly, and hydrocephalus. Gene mutation analysis revealed pathogenic biallelic mutations of PMS2 and heterozygous DICER1 variant predicted to be pathogenic. This report is the first to allude to a possible interaction of the mismatch repair system with DICER1 to cause corpus callosum agenesis.
Disenfranchised Grief in the PICU: Crying for Attention
Authors: Crowe Suzanne
Published: May 2017

Theme:

The death of any child is distressing to parents, family, friends, and healthcare staff alike. However, the close family circle is accorded the right to grieve by society, as the nature of the relationship with the child is acknowledged and socially validated. The relationship between the child and the staff caring for the child is not acknowledged to the same extent, and this may cause difficulties for staff who grieve following the death of the child. This experience is repeated many times when working in the PICU.

Case Studies:

This article describes two cases that illustrate the unrecognized nature of disenfranchised grief for pediatric healthcare staff.

Discussion:

Addressing the cumulative effects of bereavement on the staff in the PICU through formal and informal systems of support may reduce emotional exhaustion, improve staff retention, and enhance the care of children and families.
Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Wall Jessica J. , Iyer Ramesh V.
Published: May 2017

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is a rare cause of exercise-induced arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in the pediatric patient. This arrhythmia is difficult to diagnose in the emergency department, given the range of presentations; thus, a familiarity with and high index of suspicion for this pathology are crucial. Furthermore, recognition of the characteristic electrocardiogram findings and knowledge of the management of the symptomatic patient are necessary, given the risk of arrhythmia recurrence and cardiac arrest. In this review, we discuss the presentation, differential diagnosis, and management of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia for the emergency care provider.
Surgically Induced Changes in Gut Microbiome and Hedonic Eating as Related to Weight Loss: Preliminary Findings in Obese Women Undergoing Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Sanmiguel Claudia P. , Jacobs Jonathan , Gupta Arpana , Ju Tiffany , Stains Jean , Coveleskie Kristen , Lagishetty Venu , Balioukova Anna , Chen Yijun , Dutson Erik , Mayer Emeran A. , Labus Jennifer S.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Weight loss surgery results in significant changes in the anatomy, function, and intraluminal environment of the gastrointestinal tract affecting the gut microbiome. Although bariatric surgery results in sustained weight loss, decreased appetite, and hedonic eating, it is unknown whether the surgery-induced alterations in gut microbiota play a role in the observed changes in hedonic eating. We explored the following hypotheses: (1) laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) results in changes in gut microbial composition; (2) alterations in gut microbiota are related to weight loss; (3) alterations in gut microbiome are associated with changes in appetite and hedonic eating.

Methods

Eight obese women underwent LSG. Their body mass index, body fat mass, food intake, hunger, hedonic eating scores, and stool samples were obtained at baseline and 1-month postsurgery. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was performed on stool samples. DESeq2 changes in microbial abundance. Multilevel-sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis was applied to genus-level abundance for discriminative microbial signatures.

Results

LSG resulted in significant reductions in body mass index, food intake, and hedonic eating. A microbial signature composed of five bacterial genera discriminated between pre- and postsurgery status. Several bacterial genera were significantly associated with weight loss (Bilophila, q = 3E-05; Faecalibacterium q = 4E-05), lower appetite (Enterococcus, q = 3E-05), and reduced hedonic eating (Akkermansia, q = .037) after surgery.

Conclusions

In this preliminary analysis, changes in gut microbial abundance discriminated between pre- and postoperative status. Alterations in gut microbiome were significantly associated with weight loss and with reduced hedonic eating after surgery; however, a larger sample is needed to confirm these findings.
Brief Report: Selection of HIV-1 Variants With Higher Transmission Potential by 1% Tenofovir Gel Microbicide
Authors: Ngandu Nobubelo K. , Carlson Jonathan M. , Chopera Denis R. , Ndabambi Nonkululeko , Abdool Karim Quarraisha , Abdool Karim Salim , Williamson Carolyn
Published: May 2017

Background:

Women in the CAPRISA 004 trial assigned to use 1% tenofovir (TFV) microbicide gel, who became HIV-1 infected, had higher viral load set-point and slower antibody avidity maturation compared with placebo participants. We investigated whether TFV gel was selected for viruses with altered genetic characteristics.

Setting:

The participants of the CAPRISA 004 trial (n = 28 TFV and 43 placebo) were from KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa and were infected with HIV-1 subtype C. After HIV-1 diagnosis, they were recruited into the CAPRISA 002 cohort.

Methods:

We analyzed gag sequences from the earliest time point post infection (within 3 months of estimated time of infection). Transmission index was measured using a model which predicts the likelihood of an amino acid to be transmitted. Phylogenetic distance from a regional consensus sequence was calculated from a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree.

Results:

Transmission index and distance from the most common (consensus) sequence have been shown to be markers of transmission fitness. We found that viruses infecting TFV gel recipients were closer to the consensus sequence of regional strains (P = 0.003) and had higher transmission index (P = 0.01). The transmission index was weakly correlated with concomitant viral load (Spearman r = 0.22, P = 0.06).

Conclusion:

Decreased acquisition risk may have increased the barrier to infection therefore selecting for fitter, more consensus-like viruses. Such virus fitness effects will need to be considered for future pre-exposure prophylaxis and vaccine trials.
Substance Use and HIV Risk Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sandfort Theodorus G. M. , Knox Justin R. , Alcala Carolina , El-Bassel Nabila , Kuo Irene , Smith Laramie R.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Substance use and its relation to HIV risk among men who have sex in Africa, a population at high risk for HIV, has received little attention.

Methods:

This systematic review summarizes and discusses findings from 68 empirical studies, published between 1980 and 2016 that included data about substance use in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Africa.

Results:

Substance use has rarely been the primary focus of studies in African MSM. In general, measurement of substance use was suboptimal. Whereas prevalence of alcohol use varied across studies, partly resulting from variety in assessment strategies, it seemed higher than in the general male population across countries. Alcohol use was associated with sexual risk practices, but not with HIV infection. The most frequently reported drug used by African MSM was cannabis. The use of other drugs, such as cocaine and heroin seemed relatively rare, although injection drug use was exceptionally high in a few studies. As alcohol, drugs were regularly used in conjunction with sex. Both alcohol and drug use were often associated with other risk factors for HIV infection, including violence and transactional sex. No interventions were found addressing substance use among African MSM.

Conclusions:

Given high HIV risk and prevalence in this population, substance use should be studied more in-depth, taking into account the specific social and cultural context. Assessment of substance use practices in this population has to be improved. The available information suggests, though, that there is an urgent need for interventions addressing substance use tailored to the needs of this critical population.
CHA2DS2-VASc Score, Warfarin Use, and Risk for Thromboembolic Events Among HIV-Infected Persons With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chau Katherine Hsin-Yu , Scherzer Rebecca , Grunfeld Carl , Hsue Priscilla Ying , Shlipak Michael G.
Published: May 2017

Background:

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the HIV-infected population is growing, but the ability of the CHA2DS2-VASc score to predict thromboembolic (TE) risk is unknown in this population.

Setting:

Within the Veterans Affairs HIV Clinical Case Registry, 914 patients had an atrial fibrillation diagnosis between 1997 and 2011 and no previous TE events.

Methods:

We compared TE incidence by CHA2DS2-VASc scores and stratified by warfarin use. Using Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustment for competing risks, we modeled associations of CHA2DS2-VASc scores and warfarin use with TE risk.

Results:

At baseline, the distribution of CHA2DS2-VASc scores was 0 (n = 208), 1 (n = 285), and 2+ (n = 421); 34 patients developed 38 TE events during a median of 3.8 years follow-up. Event rates by CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 0, 1, and 2+ were 5.4, 9.3, and 8.1 per 1000 person years, respectively; multivariate-adjusted hazards ratios (HRs) were 1.70 (95% confidence interval: 0.65 to 4.45) for CHA2DS2-VASc score 1 (P = 0.28) and HR = 1.34 (0.51, 3.48) for score 2+ versus 0 (P = 0.55). Baseline warfarin use was associated with increased TE risk, although not statistically significant [HR 2.06 (0.86, 4.93), P = 0.11] with similar results when modeled as time-updated use and duration of use.

Conclusion:

In this national registry of HIV-infected veterans with atrial fibrillation, CHA2DS2-VASc scores were only weakly associated with TE risk. Furthermore, warfarin did not seem to be effective at preventing TE events. These results should raise concerns about the optimal strategy for TE prevention among HIV-infected persons with atrial fibrillation.
Indinavir Plus Methylprednisolone Ameliorates Experimental Acute Lung Injury In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Ji Yunxia , Zhang Guanghua , Zhu Haibo , Li Defang , Jiang Wanglin
Published: May 2017

Background:

An abnormal HMGB1 activation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ALI.

Methods:

In this study, the effects of Indinavir plus methylprednisolone on the LPS-mediated activation in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs), on the injury of AT I in vitro, and on rats with LPS-induced two-hit model with or without methylprednisolone were investigated.

Results:

Indinavir treatment resulted in a reduction of HMGB1, its receptor TLR-4, and HMGB1's downstream p-NF-κB, attenuating a decrease of VE-cadherin in LPS-stimulated HPMECs. Apoptosis of AT I was attenuated with an increase of RAGE and aquaporin 5. Compared to methylprednisolone alone, methylprednisolone plus Indinavir attenuated the decrease of GRα and IκB-α in cytoplasm and avoid GRα deficiency in LPS-stimulated HPMECs for 96 h, attenuated the increase of p-NF-κB in nucleus. Indinavir ameliorated histopathological changes of two-hit ALI model of rats with reductions in microvascular permeability, lower HMGB1, TLR4, p-NF-κB, and MPO expression, whereas higher RAGE, aquaporin 5, and VE-cadherin in LPS-instilled lungs. Compared to methylprednisolone alone, methylprednisolone plus Indinavir attenuated the decrease of GRα and IκB-α in cytoplasm, decreased p-NF-κB in nucleus of lung tissue of two-hit ALI rats, and enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of methylprednisolone for avoiding GRα deficiency.

Conclusion:

It demonstrated that Indinavir prevented experimental ALI model of rats by modulating the HMGB1/TLR-4 pathway to resolve systemic inflammation response in a greater degree with methylprednisolone, reduced the use time and dose of methylprednisolone, and avoided GRα deficiency in ALI and ARDS.
Exercise medicine for advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Hart Nicolas H. , Galvão Daniel A. , Newton Robert U.
Published: May 2017

Purpose of review

Exercise is a provocative medicine, known for its preventive, complimentary and rehabilitative role in the management of cancer. Impressively, exercise is also emerging as a synergistic and targeted medicine to enhance symptom control, modulate tumour biology and delay disease progression, with the potential to increase overall survival. Given the complex clinical presentation of advanced prostate cancer patients and their omnipresent comorbidities, this review describes the current and potential role of exercise medicine in advanced prostate cancer.

Recent findings

Exercise has been shown to be safe, feasible and effective for advanced prostate cancer patients, inclusive of patients with bone metastases; a previously excluded population due to patient and clinician fear of adverse events. Preclinical data provide insight into the ability of exercise to modulate cancer-specific outcomes, may synergistically increase the potency of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and may endogenously and/or mechanically suppress tumour formation, growth and invasion in visceral and skeletal tissue. Epidemiological studies have also shown an association between physical activity and increased survival.

Exercise oncology is rapidly evolving, with impressive possibilities that may directly improve patient outcomes in advanced prostate cancer. Research must focus on translating preclinical trials into human clinical trials and investigate the direct effect of exercise on overall survival.
Respiratory involvement in neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Boentert Matthias , Wenninger Stephan , Sansone Valeria A.
Published: May 2017

Purpose of review

In numerous neuromuscular disorders (NMDs), respiratory muscle weakness is present, and acute or chronic respiratory failure may evolve. Very often, respiratory involvement substantially adds to the burden of disease, impairs quality of life, or reduces life expectancy. This article summarizes new aspects of both diagnosis and management of respiratory muscle weakness in patients with NMDs.

Recent findings

Drugs like deflazacort, ataluren, eteplirsen, and nusinersen are now approved treatments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and others are on their way in NMDs. Although observing how innovative drugs will change the natural history of these diseases, including respiratory function over time, adequate symptomatic treatment remains meaningful and is strongly recommended. Physicians should systematically take respiratory involvement into account to improve patients’ quality of life and prognosis.

First, it is outlined in which subtypes of NMD respiratory muscle dysfunction is particularly relevant. Second, new developments regarding diagnostic procedures, including respiratory muscle strength testing, spirometry, and sleep studies, are covered. Third, this article gives an overview on current concepts of ventilatory support and management of secretions in patients with NMD.
The balanced and introspective brain
Authors: Robinson P. A.
Published: May 2017

Transfers of large-scale neural activity into, within and between corticothalamic neural populations and brain hemispheres are analysed using time-integrated transfer functions and state parameters obtained from neural field theory for a variety of arousal states. It is shown that the great majority of activity results from feedbacks within the corticothalamic system, including significant transfer between hemispheres, but only a small minority arises via net input from the external world, with the brain thus in a near-critical, highly introspective state. Notably, the total excitatory and inhibitory influences on cortical neurons are balanced to within a few per cent across arousal states. Strong negative intrahemispheric feedforward exists to the cortex, and even larger interhemispheric positive feedforward, but these are modified by feedback loops to yield near-critical positive overall gain. The results underline the utility of transfer functions for the analysis of brain activity.
Covert linear polarization signatures from brilliant white two-dimensional disordered wing structures of the phoenix damselfly
Authors: Nixon M. R. , Orr A. G. , Vukusic P.
Published: May 2017

The damselflyPseudolestes mirabilisreflects brilliant white on the ventral side of its hindwings and a copper-gold colour on the dorsal side. Unlike many previous investigations of odonate wings, in which colour appearances arise either from multilayer interference or from wing-membrane pigmentation, the whiteness on the wings ofP. mirabilisresults from light scattered by a specialized arrangement of flattened waxy fibres and the copper-gold colour is produced by pigment-based filtering of this light scatter. The waxy fibres responsible for this optical signature effectively form a structure that is disordered in two dimensions and this also gives rise to distinct optical linear polarization. It is a structure that provides a mechanism enablingP. mirabilisto display its bright wing colours efficiently for territorial signalling, both passively while perched, in which the sunlit copper-gold upperside is presented against a highly contrasting background of foliage, and actively in territorial contests in which the white underside is also presented. It also offers a template for biomimetic high-intensity broadband reflectors that have a pronounced polarization signature.
The counterbend dynamics of cross-linked filament bundles and flagella
Authors: Coy Rachel , Gadêlha Hermes
Published: May 2017

Cross-linked filament bundles, such as in cilia and flagella, are ubiquitous in biology. They are considered in textbooks as simple filaments with larger stiffness. Recent observations of flagellar counterbend, however, show that induction of curvature in one section of a passive flagellum instigates a compensatory counter-curvature elsewhere, exposing the intricate role of the diminutive cross-linking proteins at large scales. We show that this effect, a material property of the cross-linking mechanics, modifies the bundle dynamics and induces a bimodalL2−L3length-dependent material response that departs from the Euler–Bernoulli theory. Hence, the use of simpler theories to analyse experiments can result in paradoxical interpretations. Remarkably, the counterbend dynamics instigates counter-waves in opposition to driven oscillations in distant parts of the bundle, with potential impact on the regulation of flagellar bending waves. These results have a range of physical and biological applications, including the empirical disentanglement of material quantities via counterbend dynamics.
A microfluidics assay to study invasion of human placental trophoblast cells
Authors: Abbas Yassen , Oefner Carolin Melati , Polacheck William J. , Gardner Lucy , Farrell Lydia , Sharkey Andrew , Kamm Roger , Moffett Ashley , Oyen Michelle L.
Published: May 2017

Pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth are major pregnancy disorders throughout the world. The underlying pathogenesis of these diseases is defective placentation characterized by inadequate invasion of extravillous placental trophoblast cells into the uterine arteries. How trophoblast invasion is controlled remains an unanswered question but is influenced by maternal uterine immune cells called decidual natural killer cells. Here, we describe an
in vitro
microfluidic invasion assay to study the migration of primary human trophoblast cells. Each experiment can be performed with a small number of cells making it possible to conduct research on human samples despite the challenges of isolating primary trophoblast cells. Cells are exposed to a chemical gradient and tracked in a three-dimensional microenvironment using real-time high-resolution imaging, so that dynamic readouts on cell migration such as directionality, motility and velocity are obtained. The microfluidic system was validated using isolated trophoblast and a gradient of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, a cytokine produced by activated decidual natural killer cells. This microfluidic model provides detailed analysis of the dynamics of trophoblast migration compared to previous assays and can be modified in future to study
in vitro
how human trophoblast behaves during placentation.
The evolution of an ancient technology
Authors: Buckley Christopher D. , Boudot Eric
Published: May 2017

We investigate pattern and process in the transmission of traditional weaving cultures in East and Southeast Asia. Our investigation covers a range of scales, from the experiences of individual weavers (‘micro’) to the broad-scale patterns of loom technologies across the region (‘macro’). Using published sources, we build an empirical model of cultural transmission (encompassing individual weavers, the household and the community), focussing on where cultural information resides and how it is replicated and how transmission errors are detected and eliminated. We compare this model with macro-level outcomes in the form of a new dataset of weaving loom technologies across a broad area of East and Southeast Asia. The lineages of technologies that we have uncovered display evidence for branching, hybridization (reticulation), stasis in some lineages, rapid change in others and the coexistence of both simple and complex forms. There are some striking parallels with biological evolution and information theory. There is sufficient detail and resolution in our findings to enable us to begin to critique theoretical models and assumptions that have been produced during the last few decades to describe the evolution of culture.
A technical note on variable inter-frame interval as a cause of non-physiological experimental artefacts in ultrasound
Authors: Miguez D. , Hodson-Tole E. F. , Loram I. , Harding P. J.
Published: May 2017

Ultrasound (US) imaging is a well-recognized technique for the study of static tissues but its suitability for studying tissue dynamics depends upon accurate frame time information, which may not always be available to users. Here we present methods to quantify the inter-frame interval (IFI) variability, and evaluate different procedures for collecting temporal information from two US-imaging devices. The devices tested exhibited variable IFIs that could only be confirmed by direct measures of timing signals, available by means of electrical signals (triggers) and/or temporal information contained in the software used for the US data collection. Interpolating frame-by-frame measures of dynamic changes within image sequences using individual IFI values provided improved synchronization between measures of skeletal muscle movement and activation; validating US as a valuable technique for the study of musculoskeletal tissue dynamics, when correctly implemented.
Unsupervised clustering and epigenetic classification of single cells
Authors: Zamanighomi Mahdi , Lin Zhixiang , Daley Timothy , Chen Xi , Duren Zhana , Schep Alicia , Greenleaf William J , Wong Wing Hung
Published: May 2017

Characterizing epigenetic heterogeneity at the cellular level is a critical problem in the modern genomics era. Assays such as single cell ATAC-seq (scATAC-seq) offer an opportunity to interrogate cellular level epigenetic heterogeneity through patterns of variability in open chromatin. However, these assays exhibit technical variability that complicates clear classification and cell type identification in heterogeneous populations. We presentscABC,an R package for the unsupervised clustering of single cell epigenetic data, to classify scATAC-seq data and discover regions of open chromatin specific to cell identity.
Untargeted metabolomics suffers from incomplete data analysis
Authors: Baran Richard
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Untargeted metabolomics is a powerful tool for biological discoveries. Significant advances in computational approaches to analyzing the complex raw data have been made, yet it is not clear how exhaustive and reliable are the data analysis results.

Objectives

Assessment of the quality of data analysis results in untargeted metabolomics.

Methods

Five published untargeted metabolomics studies acquired using instruments from different manufacturers were reanalyzed.

Results

Omissions of at least 50 relevant compounds from original results as well as examples of representative mistakes are reported for each study.

Conclusion

Incomplete data analysis shows unexplored potential of current and legacy data.
Complete Transcriptome Profiling of Normal and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Eye Tissues Reveals Changes in Regulation of Non-Coding RNA and Extreme Disregulation of Anti-Sense Transcription
Authors: Kim Eun Ji , Grant Gregory G. , Bowman Anita S. , Haider Naqi , Gudiseva Harini V. , Chavali Venkata Ramana Murthy
Published: May 2017

Strand specific RNA sequencing of retina and RPE-Choroid-Scleara (RCS) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and matched normal controls reveals striking impact on anti-sense transcription and changes in the regulation of non-coding RNA that has not previously been reported. Hundreds of genes, which do not express anti-sense transcripts in normal retina and RCS, demonstrate extreme anti-sense expression in AMD. And conversely anti-sense transcription is completely abrogated in many genes which express a high level of anti-sense transcripts in normal retina and RCS. Several pathways are very highly enriched in the upregulated anti-sense transcripts - in particular the EIF2 signaling pathway. These results call for a deeper investigation into anti-sense and noncoding RNA regulation in AMD and their potential as therapeutic targets.
Characterization of Vif domains that mediate Feline Immunodeficiency Virus antagonism of APOBEC3-H and APOBEC3-CH restriction
Authors: Sims Olivia L. , Maynard Ernest L. , Poeschla Eric M.
Published: May 2017

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) Vif mediates degradation of two anti-lentiviral feline APOBEC3 (fA3) proteins, fA3Z3 and fA3Z2bZ3. HIV-1 Vif targets the restriction factor human APOBEC3G (A3G, hA3Z2g-Z1c) for proteasome degradation to mediate viral evasion. Despite this similarity, FIV and HIV-1 Vif share limited homology. Vif binds hA3Z2g-Z1c through its N-terminal region, while its C-terminal region binds to an E3-ligase complex containing Cullin5 and Elongin B/C. Further, HIV-1 Vif contains critical domains in its C-terminus, including an adjacent BC box, the only shared domain between FIV and HIV-1 Vif, and a non-classical zinc finger (HCCH) domain. Felid lentivirus Vif, however, contains a highly conserved KCCC motif. While both Vifs have evolved to counteract select A3 antiretroviral proteins, the FIV Vif domains necessary to target fA3s for degradation are incompletely understood. To identify these domains, we used the well-characterized HIV-1 Vif domains to show that distinct mutations within the BC box of FIV Vif prevent fA3Z3 and fA3Z2bZ3 degradation and reduce virion infectivity. We also found that mutating any single residue in the KCCC motif blocked fA3 targeting and impaired FIV infectivity and replication. These mutations also failed to disrupt the FIV Vif and Cullin5 interaction. Further, we showed that, in contrast to the HCCH domain in HIV-1 Vif, the KCCC domain of FIV Vif does not bind zinc. However, unlike HIV-1 Vif, FIV Vif (C36 isolate) reduces intracellular levels of co-expressed Cullin5 proteins, a novel finding. Our results reveal important C-terminal residues in FIV Vif and show that the BC box and KCCC regions are critical for fA3 degradation, infectivity, and spreading replication.
Consumption strategies and motivations of Chinese consumers
Authors: Henninger Claudia Elisabeth , Alevizou Panayiota J. , Tan JiaoLin , Huang Qiwen , Ryding Daniella
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore Chinese consumers’ motivations to purchase luxury fashion products in the UK and how far sustainability plays a role in the decision-making process, by extending the consumer typology of translators, exceptors, selectors. The authors further add an additional dimension to defining “luxury”.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory design utilising multiple qualitative research tools (semi-structured interviews, focus groups) provides the basis for this research. A grounded analysis was applied.

Findings

Findings map motivational drivers to purchasing luxury products and establish a fourth consumer type “indulgers”. Well-being further emerged as a key characteristic that defines “luxury”.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is limited to Chinese consumers purchasing luxury fashion in the UK, and thus may not be generalised.

Practical implications

This research helps managers to understand the consumer types and underlying motivations of Chinese consumers purchasing luxury fashion in the UK. As one of the largest target groups, this research informs managers on how to further capitalise on this market.

Originality/value

This paper creates a new consumer typology that not only categorises consumers according to their consumption aspects, but further identifies their underlying motivations to do so.
Key drivers of an agile, collaborative fast fashion supply chain
Authors: Moon Ka-Leung Karen , Lee Ji-yeon , Lai Sze-yeung Charlotte
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the market structure and the key drivers of the competitiveness of an agile and collaborative fast fashion supply chain using South Korea’s Dongdaemun fashion market – one of the world’s largest and most competitive fashion hubs – as an example.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach is employed with a two-stage study. The first stage is a preliminary study based on a desk research and several field visits, while the second is an in-depth interview study with seven informants collectively representative of the members of all echelons along a fashion supply chain.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the Dongdaemun fashion market has a complex market structure and a unique business pattern. Supply chain agility and collaboration are two important components of its success, which are supported by five factors: self-sufficient structure, multiple-integrated network, strong entrepreneurship, close and long-lasting buyer-seller relationships, and quick-response product delivery and inventory replenishment.

Originality/value

This study extends our knowledge of supply chain management in the fast fashion industry and provides insights to assist in the development of supply chain strategies in other fashion markets and/or other industries. The extended conceptual framework as well as the proposed questions may serve as points of reference for future studies in the subject area.
Re-visiting an old topic with a new approach: the case of ethical clothing
Authors: Magnuson Bryce , Reimers Vaughan , Chao Fred
Published: May 2017

Purpose

A recent study by Reimers et al. (2016) suggests that the attitude-behaviour gap, as it applies to ethical clothing, may be due to academics having defined it differently to the way that consumers do. The purpose of this paper is to serve as a direct follow-up to that study by employing their consumer-based definition in order to help identify the clothing attributes that influence the purchase of ethical clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

A consumer household sample in combination with a quantitative survey approach was used to collect the data, while structural equation modelling was used to analyse it.

Findings

In spite of the ethical clothing context, only two of the four ethical clothing dimensions were found to influence consumer attitudes. In contrast, all three conventional dimensions were found to be significant.

Originality/value

Ethical clothing has typically been operationalised using just two of these four dimensions. Ironically, one of the two dimensions often overlooked by academics, slow fashion, had one of the strongest influences on consumer attitudes. In addition, the cost of buying ethical clothing has often been defined in unidimensional terms; typically price. This study adopted a broader conceptualisation, defining it in terms of price, time and effort, and found it to serve as a salient influence over consumers’ attitudes to ethical clothing.
Responses of Economic Activity to Global Oil Market Shocks: A Comparative Analysis of Major Net Oil‐Producing and ‐Consuming Countries
Authors: Sotoudeh M‐Ali , Worthington Andrew C.
Published: May 2017

We argue that four channels drive oil price shocks during 1986M5–2013M1, namely the oil supply, aggregate demand, oil‐specific demand and real exchange rates. Our findings are that oil price shocks driven by oil supply positively affect net oil‐consumer countries faster than net oil‐producer countries. Oil price shocks driven by aggregate demand are largely country‐specific. Oil shocks driven by other demands influence net oil‐producers faster than net oil‐consumers negatively, and persistently mostly among net oil‐producers. Other shocks have large negative effects on the industrial production of all countries, with responses appearing very quickly and persisting for at least a year.
All spending is not equal: European Union public spending, policy feedback and citizens’ support for the EU
Authors: DELLMUTH LISA M. , CHALMERS ADAM W.
Published: May 2017

While public support is central to the problem‐solving capacity of the European Union, we know little about when and why the EU can increase its citizens’ support through spending. Extensive research finds that citizens living in countries that are net beneficiaries of the EU budget are more supportive of the EU, assuming that citizens care equally about all forms of spending. It is argued in this article, however, that the amount of spending is only part of the story. Understanding the effects of spending on support requires a consideration of how transfers are spent. Drawing on policy feedback theories in comparative politics, it is shown that support for the EU is a function of the fit between the spending area and economic need in individuals’ immediate living context. Results from a statistical analysis of EU spending on human capital, infrastructure, agriculture, energy and environmental protection in 127 EU regions over the period 2001–2011 corroborate this argument. As the EU and other international organisations become increasingly publicly contested, the organisations themselves may increasingly try to shore up public support through spending, but they will only be successful under specific conditions.
Identification of Free Radical Scavengers from Brazilian Green Propolis Using Off‐Line HPLC‐DPPH Assay and LC‐MS
Authors: Zhang Cuiping , Shen Xiaoge , Chen Jiawei , Jiang Xiasen , Hu FuLiang
Published: May 2017

Brazilian green propolis is known as an appreciable natural antioxidant with abundant polyphenolic compounds. For quality control, a fingerprint‐efficacy study of Brazilian green propolis was carried out in this work. Chemical fingerprints of Brazilian green propolis from 22 different sources were determined by HPLC and investigated by similarity analysis. The fingerprint‐efficacy relationships between chemical fingerprint and DPPH radical‐scavenging activity were established. The results showed that 14 characteristic common peaks were identified, and 9 compounds were discovered with free radical‐scavenging activities. Caffeoylquinic acids and artepillin C might be the major effective components for quality control of Brazilian green propolis due to their specificity and strong antioxidant activity. This study provides new markers for the quality assessment of Brazilian green propolis and its derived products.
“Where every breeze speaks of courage and liberty”: Offshore Humanism and Marine Xenology, or, Racism and the Problem of Critique at Sea Level
Authors: Gilroy Paul
Published: May 2017

The 2015 Antipode RGS‐IBG Lecture was delivered by Prof. Paul Gilroy on 2 September at the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) Annual International Conference. Prof. Gilroy's lecture interrogates the contemporary attractions of post‐humanism and asks questions about what a “reparative humanism” might alternatively entail. He uses a brief engagement with the conference theme—“geographies of the Anthropocene”—to frame his remarks and try to explain why antiracist politics and ethics not only require consideration of nature and time but also promote a timely obligation to roam into humanism's forbidden zones.
Providing teachers with education on epilepsy increased their willingness to handle acute seizures in children from one to 10 years of age
Authors: Dumeier Henriette Karoline , Neininger Martina Patrizia , Bernhard Matthias Karl , Merkenschlager Andreas , Kiess Wieland , Bertsche Thilo , Bertsche Astrid
Published: May 2017

Aim

In Germany, preschool teachers supervise children up to six years of age and are also responsible for supervising older pupils after school. This study explored the impact of a teaching session on epilepsy for teachers in charge of children from 1 to 10 years of age.

Methods

We evaluated the benefit of a teaching session offered to all preschool teachers in Leipzig, Germany, in 2014–2015, by asking them to complete the same questionnaire 12–24 months pre‐intervention, and 12 months postintervention.

Results

Both questionnaires were completed by 123 teachers. The number of teachers who felt they were prepared to handle an acute seizure rose from 36 (29%) pre‐intervention to 65 (53%) post‐intervention (p < 0.001) and their willingness to administer a prescribed rescue medication rose from 66 (54%) to 93 (76%, p < 0.001). The session also increased the number of teachers who were prepared to take children with epilepsy on excursions under any circumstance from 38 (31%) to 52 (42%, p < 0.05). In addition, the number of teachers who would place a solid object in the child's mouth during an attack fell from 16 (13%) to seven (6%) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Providing a teaching session on epilepsy increased the teachers’ knowledge and willingness to act and reduced obsolete, counterproductive measures.
Curcumin Ameliorates Kidney Function and Oxidative Stress in Experimental Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ali Badreldin H. , Al‐Salam Suhail , Al Suleimani Yousuf , Al Kalbani Jamila , Al Bahlani Shadia , Ashique Mohammed , Manoj Priyadarsini , Al Dhahli Buthaina , Al Abri Nadia , Naser Heba T. , Yasin Javed , Nemmar Abderrahim , Al Za'abi Mohammed , Hartmann Christina , Schupp Nicole
Published: May 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known to involve inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Here, we investigated the impact of curcumin (diferuloyl methane, a phenolic turmeric pigment), which has strong antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic activities on kidney structure and function in rats with adenine‐induced CKD. Rats were treated for 5 weeks with adenine to induce CKD‐like renal damage and combined with three doses of curcumin. Markers of kidney function and oxidative stress were quantified in plasma, urine, renal homogenates and on kidney tissue. Curcumin was found to significantly abate adenine‐induced toxic effects such as reduced creatinine clearance, elevated neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin levels and raised urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase activities. Curcumin markedly reduced renal morphological damage and histopathological markers of inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis. Curcumin further reduced adenine‐induced hypertension, urinary albumin, the inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α, cystatin C and adiponectin. It restored plasma sclerostin concentrations and lowered oxidative stress in renal homogenates. In animals treated with the two higher curcumin concentrations, alone or in combination with adenine, an increased expression of the antioxidative transcription factor Nrf2 was found as well as up‐regulation of the activity of its direct target glutathione reductase, and of an indirect target, the glutathione level. In conclusion, curcumin exhibits salutary effects against adenine‐induced CKD in rats by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress via up‐regulation of the transcription factor Nrf2.