bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of laryngectomy alone for treatment of locally advanced laryngeal cancer: A stage‐ and subsite‐specific survival analysis
Authors: Cervenka B. P. , Rao S. , Farwell D. G. , Bewley A. F.
Published: October 2017

Objective

Total laryngectomy is a well‐established treatment for locally advanced laryngeal cancer. Evidence for the benefit of post‐operative radiotherapy after laryngectomy in patients with locally advanced primaries and N0 or N1 nodal disease is limited. This study aimed to determine whether total laryngectomy alone is adequate therapy for certain patient subgroups with locally advanced laryngeal cancer.

Design

We performed a retrospective survival analysis of patients in the surveillance epidemiology and end results (SEER) database with locally advanced laryngeal cancer between 2004 and 2012.

Outcome Measures

Primary outcome measure was overall survival.

Results

For all patients with T3‐4aN0‐1 tumours, overall survival was worse for those treated with laryngectomy only when compared using the Kaplan‐Meier with a log‐rank test and when accounting for demographic and tumour data using a Cox multivariate regression. Other independent predictors of poor survival included age >65 years old, Medicaid or uninsured payor status, supraglottic primary and N1 nodal disease. Stage‐ and subsite‐specific analysis revealed that patients with T4a primary tumours, N1 nodal disease and supraglottic subsite had worse overall survival when treated with laryngectomy alone. Alternatively, patients with T3 primary tumours, N0 nodal disease, glottic subsite had equivalent overall survival and disease‐specific survival when treated with laryngectomy alone vs laryngectomy with post‐operative radiotherapy.

Conclusion

Locally advanced laryngeal cancer patients with T3 primaries, no nodal disease or primaries of the glottis may not benefit from post‐operative radiotherapy when treated with primary total laryngectomy.
Semantic Information and the Syntax of Propositional Attitude Verbs
Authors: White Aaron S. , Hacquard Valentine , Lidz Jeffrey
Published: October 2017

Propositional attitude verbs, such asthinkandwant, have long held interest for both theoretical linguists and language acquisitionists because their syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic properties display complex interactions that have proven difficult to fully capture from either perspective. This paper explores the granularity with which these verbs’ semantic and pragmatic properties are recoverable from their syntactic distributions, using three behavioral experiments aimed at explicitly quantifying the relationship between these two sets of properties. Experiment 1 gathers a measure of 30 propositional attitude verbs’ syntactic distributions using an acceptability judgment task. Experiments 2a and 2b gather measures of semantic similarity between those same verbs using a generalized semantic discrimination (triad or “odd man out”) task and an ordinal (Likert) scale task, respectively. Two kinds of analyses are conducted on the data from these experiments. The first compares both the acceptability judgments and the semantic similarity judgments to previous classifications derived from the syntax and semantics literature. The second kind compares the acceptability judgments to the semantic similarity judgments directly. Through these comparisons, we show that there is quite fine‐grained information about propositional attitude verbs’ semantics carried in their syntactic distributions—whether one considers the sorts of discrete qualitative classifications that linguists traditionally work with or the sorts of continuous quantitative classifications that can be derived experimentally.
Instrumental learning and cognitive flexibility processes are impaired in children exposed to early life stress
Authors: Harms Madeline B. , Shannon Bowen Katherine E. , Hanson Jamie L. , Pollak Seth D.
Published: October 2017

Children who experience severe early life stress show persistent deficits in many aspects of cognitive and social adaptation. Early stress might be associated with these broad changes in functioning because it impairs general learning mechanisms. To explore this possibility, we examined whether individuals who experienced abusive caregiving in childhood had difficulties with instrumental learning and/or cognitive flexibility as adolescents. Fifty‐three 14–17‐year‐old adolescents (31 exposed to high levels of childhood stress, 22 control) completed an fMRI task that required them to first learn associations in the environment and then update those pairings. Adolescents with histories of early life stress eventually learned to pair stimuli with both positive and negative outcomes, but did so more slowly than their peers. Furthermore, these stress‐exposed adolescents showed markedly impaired cognitive flexibility; they were less able than their peers to update those pairings when the contingencies changed. These learning problems were reflected in abnormal activity in learning‐ and attention‐related brain circuitry. Both altered patterns of learning and neural activation were associated with the severity of lifetime stress that the adolescents had experienced. Taken together, the results of this experiment suggest that basic learning processes are impaired in adolescents exposed to early life stress. These general learning mechanisms may help explain the emergence of social problems observed in these individuals.
Identification of barriers to insulin therapy and approaches to overcoming them
Authors: Russell‐Jones David , Pouwer Frans , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: October 2017

Poor glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global problem despite the availability of numerous glucose‐lowering therapies and clear guidelines for T2D management. Tackling clinical or therapeutic inertia, where the person with diabetes and/or their healthcare providers do not intensify treatment regimens despite this being appropriate, is key to improving patients’ long‐term outcomes. This gap between best practice and current level of care is most pronounced when considering insulin regimens, with studies showing that insulin initiation/intensification is frequently and inappropriately delayed for several years. Patient‐ and physician‐related factors both contribute to this resistance at the stages of insulin initiation, titration and intensification, impeding achievement of optimal glycaemic control. The present review evaluates the evidence and reasons for this delay, together with available methods for facilitation of insulin initiation or intensification.
Treatment satisfaction with ITCA 650, a novel drug‐device delivering continuous exenatide, versus twice‐daily injections of exenatide in type 2 diabetics using metformin
Authors: Henry Robert , Rosenstock Julio , McCarthy John F. , Carls Ginger , Alessi Tom , Yee John , Baron Michelle
Published: October 2017

Aims

To evaluate treatment satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) not adequately controlled by metformin, randomized to ITCA 650 (continuous exenatide in osmotic mini‐pump) vs twice‐daily exenatide injections (Ex‐BID).

Materials and methods

The Diabetes Medication Satisfaction Tool (DM‐SAT) was administered and assessments were made at baseline, Week 8 and Week 20 during a 24‐week open‐label phase 2 trial. In Stage I (Weeks 1‐12), 155 patients, comprising the ITT population, were randomized to 3 groups: ITCA 650 20 μg/day, ITCA 650 40 μg/day and Ex‐BID 10 μg BID. In Stage II (Weeks 13‐24), ITCA 650 groups were re‐randomized to either remain on the Stage I dose or receive a higher dose. Patients treated with Ex‐BID were randomized to 40 or 60 μg/day ITCA 650.

Results

Patients using ITCA 650 reported significant increases in overall treatment satisfaction by Week 8 vs those using Ex‐BID (P < .01), despite similar clinical efficacy and overall rates of nausea. During Stage II, further improvement in HbA1c and weight were seen after 3‐fold dose escalation of ITCA 650 and treatment satisfaction was maintained. When patients using Ex‐BID were switched to ITCA 650, treatment satisfaction increased and reached levels similar to those initially treated with ITCA 650. Neither GI side effects of nausea and/or vomiting, nor the procedure to sub‐dermally place ITCA 650, significantly impacted treatment satisfaction scores.

Conclusion

ITCA 650 added to metformin for patients with T2D, and for those who switched to ITCA 650 from Ex‐BID, meaningfully improved glucose control and significantly increased overall treatment satisfaction.
Effects of common cold and concomitant administration of nasal decongestant on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nasal glucagon in otherwise healthy participants: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Guzman Cristina B. , Dulude Helene , Piché Claude , Rufiange Marianne , Sadoune Aziz A. , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Carballo Dolores , Triest Myriam , Zhang Michelle Xiaotian , Zhang Shuyu , Tafreshi Maryam , Sicard Eric
Published: October 2017

Aims

Nasal glucagon (NG) is a nasally‐administered glucagon powder, absorbed through the nasal mucosa, designed for treatment of severe hypoglycaemia. This study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of NG in otherwise healthy participants with common colds and after recovery from cold symptoms, with and without concomitant nasal decongestant.

Materials and Methods

This was a single‐centre, open‐label study. Cohort 1 participants (N = 18) received 2 doses of NG: one while experiencing nasal congestion and another after recovery from cold symptoms. Cohort 2 participants (N = 18), who also had colds with nasal congestion, received a single dose of NG 2 hours after treatment with the decongestant oxymetazoline. Total symptoms score and other safety measures were assessed before and after NG administration.

Results

NG was well tolerated, without serious adverse events. Common adverse events (transient lacrimation, nasal discomfort, rhinorrhea and nausea) were more frequent in both Cohorts 1 and 2 during nasal congestion. Glucagon levels peaked 18 minutes post‐dose and glucose levels peaked 30 to 42 minutes post‐dose in all groups. Nasal congestion, with or without concomitant nasal decongestant, did not significantly affect PK of NG. Although glucose AUECs0‐t was different between Cohort 1 with nasal congestion and Cohort 2, glucose concentrations at 30 minutes appeared similar in all groups.

Conclusions

There were no clinically relevant differences in safety or PK/PD of NG associated with nasal congestion or concomitant administration of nasal decongestant, suggesting that NG can be used to treat severe hypoglycaemia in individuals experiencing nasal congestion.
Multi‐sectoral collaboration for improved nutrition: The problems and prospects of implementation in Ethiopia
Authors: Chisholm Nick
Published: October 2017

Implementing nutrition initiatives through multi‐sectoral collaboration is challenging. This qualitative study explores these challenges in two regions of Ethiopia, through interviews with development staff at lower administrative levels. Respondents identified structural and attitudinal causes of undernutrition. The health sector was perceived to have primary responsibility to address nutrition. The Women's Affairs office had a lesser role than expected. Agricultural officers still saw their primary mandate as increasing cereal production. Cross‐sectoral collaboration was stronger in addressing short‐term food crises rather than chronic undernutrition. There is a need to build a shared understanding of the causes of undernutrition, including the many constraints faced by resource‐poor households, to provide more resources for implementation and to adopt a more gendered focus.
Effect of interruption of over‐flooding releases of transgenic mosquitoes over wild population ofAedes aegypti: two case studies in Brazil
Authors: Garziera Luiza , Pedrosa Michelle Cristine , de Souza Fabrício Almeida , Gómez Maylen , Moreira Márcia Bento , Virginio Jair Fernandes , Capurro Margareth Lara , Carvalho Danilo Oliveira
Published: October 2017

The number of mosquito populations resistant to insecticides is increasing along with the reemerging of vector‐borne diseases. New technologies are under evaluation to complement the strategies used against these mosquitoes. Transgenic mosquitoes are one approach that some countries are considering and they are being evaluated to control the wild population. Although they have achieved success in population suppression ofAedes aegypti(L.) (Diptera:Culicidae), these studies have not demonstrated what the outcomes are when releases are interrupted (ceased). In this study, after demonstrating suppression ofAe. aegyptiusing transgenic technology, changes in the spatial distribution of the infestation and the abundance of the vectorAe. aegyptiwere assessed in the post‐release period, along with fluctuation of transgenic mosquitoes in two areas of Brazil. In both pilot trials, there was an average suppression of ca. 70% of the wild population due to the release of transgenic males compared to the pre‐release period. In Juazeiro (Mandacaru), in the post‐release phase, the number of eggs per trap ranged between 0.06 and 14.41 (mean ± SE = 4.44 ± 0.44), and the ovitrap index (OI = number of ovitraps with eggs/total number of ovitraps recovered) ranged from 0.01 to 0.43 (0.13 ± 0.01). In Jacobina (Pedra Branca), during the post‐release phase, the number of eggs per trap ranged between 1 and 7.2 (1.72 ± 0.72), and theOIranged from 1 to 0.83 (0.095 ± 0.032). The mosquito population in Juazeiro (Mandacaru) remained suppressed for 17 weeks after the release interruption, whereas in Jacobina (Pedra Branca) suppression lasted 32 weeks. In Juazeiro, transgenic larvae were detected up to 5 months after the interruption of the over‐flooding releases of transgenic males. In Jacobina, they were found up to 2 months after the release interruption. The number of eggs collected increased 4–5 months after the release interruption, which indicated that theAe. aegyptipopulation had been re‐established after the interruption of releases. The results demonstrate that the technique requires a continuous release in the treated areas, and after suppression, the release rate can be decreased and used as a barrier against external migration.
Factor structure of the Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire in a first‐episode psychosis sample
Authors: Birnbaum Michael L. , Cleary Sean D. , Ramsay Wan Claire , Pauselli Luca , Compton Michael T.
Published: October 2017

Aim

The Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ) was developed to measure the subjective experiences of cannabis use both during and after intoxication. Despite the need to better understand the nature of the complex and significant relationship between cannabis use and early psychosis, this questionnaire has rarely been used in individuals with first‐episode psychosis.

Methods

We conducted a set of factor analyses using CEQ data from 194 first‐episode psychosis patients who used cannabis in order to uncover the underlying factor structure of the questionnaire and thus the overarching types of psychological experiences during/after using cannabis in young people with psychotic disorders.

Results

Our exploratory factor analysis identified 4 subscales, including: Distortions of Reality and Self‐Perception (Factor 1), Euphoria Effects (Factor 2), Slowing and Amotivational Effects (Factor 3), and Anxiety and Paranoia Effects (Factor 4).

Conclusions

Elucidating the underlying factor structure of the CEQ in first‐episode psychosis samples could help researchers move towards a deeper understanding of the types of experiences associated with cannabis intoxication among young adults with first‐episode psychosis and could inform the development of programs designed to reduce use, improve the course of illness, and possibly delay or prevent the onset of psychotic symptoms in those at risk.
Changes in soil redox potential in response to flood irrigation with waste water in central Mexico
Authors: González‐Méndez B. , Webster R. , Fiedler S. , Siebe C.
Published: October 2017

Irrigation with untreated sewage water adds fresh organic matter to the soil. When it is applied by flooding, as in the Mezquital Valley of Mexico, many of the pores in the soil become temporarily waterlogged and depleted of oxygen, and reduction generates nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4). We monitored the redox potential, Eh, in the soil at two sites in the Mezquital Valley to discover whether the short‐term gaseous emissions matched the changes in Eh. One site is irrigated periodically by flooding with waste water and has alfalfa, rye grass and maize grown in succession; the other site grows maize with water from summer rain only. Each electrode buried in the soil for the purpose produced sequences of measurements that were correlated in time. We modelled the correlation and took it into account to analyse the effects of the irrigation by residual maximum likelihood (reml). After each flooding, the redox potential under alfalfa and rye grass decreased by 150–200 mV from a norm of about 450 mV for 2 days, after which it returned to its norm. The short‐term response to flooding under maize was similar, but the redox potential did not recover completely; instead there was a decrease from one irrigation event to another, in particular as a result of heavy rain in September that saturated the soil. The soil under rain‐fed maize was slower to respond, partly, we believe, because infiltration into the less aggregated clay soil and drainage from it were also slow. Irrigation with untreated sewage water caused a sharp decrease in Eh lasting 1–2 days. It seems to have depleted the soil of oxygen, causing reduction in microhabitats rich in carbon and nitrogen and generation of N2O, which was captured in the closed chambers that we had installed.

Highlights

Land in the Mezquital Valley of Mexico emits much greenhouse gas when irrigated with sewage water.

The soil's redox potential was monitored in situ as crops were irrigated or depended solely on rain.

Each irrigation caused a decrease in the soil's redox potential of 150–200 mV for 2 days.

The decrease in redox potential corresponded in time with emission of nitrous oxide.
Look beyond the door, not through the keyhole: evidence from a cognitive assessment including social cognition evaluation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Carotenuto A.
Published: October 2017

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this volume.
Looking into cognitive impairment in primary‐progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Petracca M. , Sumowski J. , Fabian M. , Miller A. , Lublin F. , Inglese M.
Published: October 2017

Background and purpose

Cognitive impairment in primary‐progressive multiple sclerosis (PP‐MS) is correlated with global brain atrophy. Unfortunately, brain volume computation requires processing resources that are not widely available in clinical practice. Therefore, we decided to test the predictive role of retinal atrophy metrics on cognitive decline, applying them as a proxy of gray matter atrophy in PP‐MS.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with PP‐MS completed the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis and underwent spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and 3.0‐T magnetic resonance imaging. We tested, through a stepwise logistic regression, whether OCT metrics [retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and total macular volume] predicted cognitive impairment and explored the role of gray matter atrophy in mediating these correlations.

Results

Among OCT metrics, only GCIPL was associated with cognitive impairment (rp = 0.448, P = 0.036) and predictive of objective cognitive impairment (Wald [1] = 4.40, P = 0.036). Controlling for demographics, normalized brain volume and thalamic volume were correlated with GCIPL (rp = 0.427, P = 0.047 and rp = 0.674, P = 0.001, respectively) and cognitive scores (rp = 0.593, P = 0.004 and rp = 0.501, P = 0.017, respectively), with thalamic volume nearly mediating the association between GCIPL and cognition (Sobel z = 1.86, P = 0.063).

Conclusions

The GCIPL thickness is a suitable measure of neurodegeneration. In comparison with brain atrophy, GCIPL offers higher histopathological specificity, being a pure correlate of neuronal loss, and may be a non‐invasive, easy‐to‐perform way to quantitatively evaluate and monitor neuronal loss related to cognitive impairment in PP‐MS.
A direct aspiration first pass technique for acute stroke therapy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gory B. , Armoiry X. , Sivan‐Hoffmann R. , Piotin M. , Mazighi M. , Lapergue B. , Blanc R. , Turjman F.
Published: October 2017

Background and purpose

A direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT), involving the first‐line use of a large‐bore distal aspiration catheter, is a new strategy in the mechanical thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke caused by large‐vessel occlusion. However, its impact on reperfusion rates, clinical outcomes and complication rates has not been fully examined.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature searching multiple databases for reports on thrombectomy of acute stroke with ADAPT and performed meta‐analyses of clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Results

We selected 16 articles that included a total of 1378 patients treated with ADAPT. The mean admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17 and pre‐treatment intravenous thrombolysis was used in 51% of cases. The successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia 2b‐3) rate was 66% [95% confidence interval (CI), 59–72%] with ADAPT and a rescue stent retriever was used in 31% of cases (95% CI, 24–37%) yielding an overall thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia 2b‐3 rate of 89% (95% CI, 85–92%). We found a pooled estimate of 50% (95% CI, 45–54%) for functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) at 90 days, 15% (95% CI, 10–21%) for mortality within 90 days and 5% (95% CI, 3–7%) for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Conclusions

ADAPT therapy is associated with similar reperfusion rates, clinical outcomes and complication rates compared with thrombectomy with stent retrievers. However, the major limitations of current evidence (i.e. retrospective studies and selection bias) indicate a need for adequately powered, multicenter randomized controlled trials to determine the best strategy.
Morphological changes of the internal carotid artery: prevalence and characteristics. A clinical and ultrasonographic study in a series of 19 804 patients over 25 years old
Authors: Martins H. F. G. , Mayer A. , Batista P. , Soares F. , Almeida V. , Pedro A. J. , Oliveira V.
Published: October 2017

Background and purpose

Morphological changes of the internal carotid arteries (McICA) are frequently found during cervical ultrasound studies. However, the etiology of McICA remains controversial. During this study, the prevalence and demographic characteristics of McICA, such as kinking, coiling or looping identified by Doppler ultrasound, were analysed and its relationship with vascular risk factors and stroke was assessed.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed by analysing 19 804 patients who were subjected to cervical ultrasonographic study between January 2000 and June 2012. The data were statistically analysed with SPSS® 20 and a multivariate logistic regression was performed. Statistical significance was accepted for P < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used.

Results

Morphological changes of the internal carotid arteries were present in 2678 patients (13.5%) and were unilateral in 61.6% of these cases. Carotid kinking was found in 80% of the patients, coiling in 16% and looping in 1%. In multivariate analysis, the presence of McICA was related to older groups (1.04; 95% CI, 1.04–1.05; P < 0.01), female gender (1.78; 95% CI, 1.64–1.94; P < 0.01), patients with hyperlipidemia (1.28; 95% CI, 1.17–1.40; P < 0.01), carotid thickness (1.22; 95% CI, 1.13–1.33; P < 0.01) and cardiac or cardioembolic disease (1.11; 95% CI, 1.01–1.21; P = 0.02). The results of this study indicate that kinking in the carotid artery was associated with ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events (1.43; 95% CI, 1.040–1.958; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Morphological changes of the internal carotid arteries were associated with aging, female gender and patients with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Kinking was associated with ipsilateral cerebral ischemia.
Galectin‐3: an emerging biomarker in stroke and cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Venkatraman A. , Hardas S. , Patel N. , Singh Bajaj N. , Arora G. , Arora P.
Published: October 2017

The carbohydrate‐binding molecule galectin‐3 has garnered significant attention recently as a biomarker for various conditions ranging from cardiac disease to obesity. Although there have been several recent studies investigating its role in stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases, awareness of this emerging biomarker in the wider neurology community is limited. We performed a systematic search in PubMed,Embase, Scopus,CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov and the Cochrane library in November and December 2016 for articles related to galectin‐3 and cerebrovascular disease. We included both human and pre‐clinical studies in order to provide a comprehensive view of the state of the literature on this topic. The majority of the relevant literature focuses on stroke, cerebral ischemia and atherosclerosis, but some recent attention has also been devoted to intracranial and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Higher blood levels of galectin‐3 correlate with worse outcomes in atherosclerotic disease as well as in intracranial and subarachnoid hemorrhage in human studies. However, experimental evidence supporting the role of galectin‐3 in these phenotypes is not as robust. It is likely that the role of galectin‐3 in the inflammatory cascade within the central nervous system following injury is responsible for many of its effects, but its varied physiological functions and multiple sites of expression mean that it may have different effects depending on the nature of the disease condition and the time since injury. In summary, experimental and human research raises the possibility that galectin‐3, which is closely linked to the inflammatory cascade, could be of value as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in cerebrovascular disease.
Hair coat properties of donkeys, mules and horses in a temperate climate
Authors: Osthaus B. , Proops L. , Long S. , Bell N. , Hayday K. , Burden F.
Published: October 2017

Background

There are clear differences between donkeys and horses in their evolutionary history, physiology, behaviour and husbandry needs. Donkeys are often kept in climates that they are not adapted to and as such may suffer impaired welfare unless protection from the elements is provided.

Objectives

To compare some of the hair coat properties of donkeys, mules and horses living outside, throughout the year, in the temperate climate of the UK.

Study design

Longitudinal study.

Methods

Hair samples were taken from 42 animals: 18 donkeys (4 females, 14 males), 16 horses (6 females, 10 males) and eight mules (5 females, 3 males), in March, June, September and December. The weight, length and width of hair were measured, across the four seasons, as indicators of the hair coat insulation properties.

Results

Donkeys’ hair coats do not significantly differ across the seasons. All three measurements of the insulation properties of the hair samples indicate that donkeys do not grow a winter coat and that their hair coat was significantly lighter, shorter and thinner than that of horses and mules in winter. In contrast, the hair coats of horses changed significantly between seasons, growing thicker in winter.

Main limitations

The measurements cover only a limited range of features that contribute to the thermoregulation of an animal. Further research is needed to assess shelter preferences by behavioural measures, and absolute heat loss via thermoimaging.

Conclusions

Donkeys, and to a lesser extent mules, appear not to be as adapted to colder, wet climates as horses, and may therefore require additional protection from the elements, such as access to a wind and waterproof shelter, in order for their welfare needs to be met.
Deficiency of p38α in macrophage ameliorates d‐galactosamine/TNF‐α‐induced acute liver injury in mice
Authors: Liu Jiao , Zhang Shengjie , Cao Hongchao , Wang Hui , Sun Chao , Liu Shengnan , Yu Shuxian , Li Yan , Liu Wei , Wang Hui , Jiang Jingjing , Ying Hao
Published: October 2017

Growing evidence suggests that hepatic macrophages play an important role in tissue repair after liver injury by coordinating the induction and resolution of inflammation, removing apoptotic cells, and promoting hepatocyte proliferation. Understanding the role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of liver injury will help pave the way to future therapeutics. Here, we investigated whether macrophage p38α plays a regulatory role in the tissue repair following d‐galactosamine (GalN)/tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced acute liver injury. We found that macrophage p38α‐deficient mice displayed decreased mortality and relieved liver injury as evident from less apoptosis, accelerated regeneration, decreased granulocytes recruitment, monocytes infiltration, and cytokine production after GalN/TNF‐α treatment. Mechanistically, we found that p38 signaling was activated by lipopolysaccharide/interferon‐γ treatment but not by inteleukin‐4 stimulation, while pharmaceutical inhibition of p38α induced a shift in polarization from M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages. Together, our results indicated that macrophage p38α signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of liver injury induced by GalN/TNF‐α, and inhibition of p38α signaling in macrophage could ameliorate liver injury and accelerate regeneration, probably by promoting the polarization of macrophages from the M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype.
Apparent annual survival estimates of tropical songbirds better reflect life history variation when based on intensive field methods
Authors: Martin Thomas E. , Riordan Margaret M. , Repin Rimi , Mouton James C. , Blake William M.
Published: October 2017

Aim

Adult survival is central to theories explaining latitudinal gradients in life history strategies. Life history theory predicts higher adult survival in tropical than north temperate regions given lower fecundity and parental effort. Early studies were consistent with this prediction, but standard‐effort netting studies in recent decades suggested that apparent survival rates in temperate and tropical regions strongly overlap. Such results do not fit with life history theory. Targeted marking and resighting of breeding adults yielded higher survival estimates in the tropics, but this approach is thought to overestimate survival because it does not sample social and age classes with lower survival. We compared the effect of field methods on tropical survival estimates and their relationships with life history traits.

Location

Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

Time period

2008–2016.

Major taxon

Passeriformes.

Methods

We used standard‐effort netting and resighted individuals of all social and age classes of 18 tropical songbird species over 8 years. We compared apparent survival estimates between these two field methods with differing analytical approaches.

Results

Estimated detection and apparent survival probabilities from standard‐effort netting were similar to those from other tropical studies that used standard‐effort netting. Resighting data verified that a high proportion of individuals that were never recaptured in standard‐effort netting remained in the study area, and many were observed breeding. Across all analytical approaches, addition of resighting yielded substantially higher survival estimates than did standard‐effort netting alone. These apparent survival estimates were higher than for temperate zone species, consistent with latitudinal differences in life histories. Moreover, apparent survival estimates from addition of resighting, but not from standard‐effort netting alone, were correlated with parental effort as measured by egg temperature across species.

Main conclusions

Inclusion of resighting showed that standard‐effort netting alone can negatively bias apparent survival estimates and obscure life history relationships across latitudes and among tropical species.
Trait correlations equalize spread velocity across plant life histories
Authors: Lustenhouwer Nicky , Moran Emily V. , Levine Jonathan M.
Published: October 2017

Aim

Forecasting species migration with climate change and the advance of biological invasions requires a better understanding of species' relative migration capacity. Although theory predicts that species combining high fecundity and dispersal with early maturation should spread the fastest, possible correlations between these traits greatly complicate predictions of species' relative spread velocity. We asked whether the demographic and dispersal rates controlling plant population spread are correlated across species, and which observed association of these traits leads to the fastest spread.

Location

Worldwide.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

Eighty species of herbaceous and woody plants from 35 families and 64 genera.

Methods

We examined the relationships between age at maturity, dispersal and fecundity for 80 plant species, ranging from annual herbs to trees. We incorporated these rates into a model predicting spread velocities, in order to estimate species' spread capacity as a function of their life history.

Results

Across species, age at maturity was positively associated with both dispersal and fecundity. Given that these traits have opposing effects on spread, our models predict that species widely spaced along an age‐at‐maturity gradient should spread at comparable rates. This result was driven by variation between rather than within life‐forms; the traits controlling spread were not correlated within annual herbs, perennial herbs or trees. The predicted spread velocities for these plant life‐forms overlapped considerably, although on average, trees were predicted to spread faster than herbaceous species.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that very different plant life histories allow for similar rates of biological invasion or native species migration under climate change. Determining where species fall within the correlated suite of traits controlling spread might provide the most effective way to predict relative spread velocities.
Light and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria effects on Brachiaria brizantha growth and phenotypic plasticity to shade
Authors: Lopes M. J. S. , Dias‐Filho M. B. , Castro T. H. R. , Silva G. B.
Published: October 2017

This is the first report on the effect of light intensity and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth of a tropical forage grass, being a relevant study to improve pasture management in conventional farming and integrated crop‐livestock‐forestry systems. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the effects of light intensity and Burkholderia pyrrocinia and Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculation on Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã growth, and phenotypic plasticity to shade. The experiment was conducted in a semi‐controlled environment. Seedlings of B. brizantha were allocated to full sun and shade. P. fluorescens and B. pyrrocinia were inoculated individually or co‐inoculated by soil drench, 14 days after seedling emergence. We evaluated morphogenesis, structural and growth parameters. Irrespective of the light regime, co‐inoculated plants had greater leaf area and SPAD index (chlorophyll content). Increase in total biomass production in co‐inoculated plants was over 100% and 300%, under full sun and shade respectively. Co‐inoculated P. fluorescens and B. pyrrocinia increased shade tolerance in B. brizantha, improving plant performance. Co‐inoculation promoted growth in B. brizantha under both sun and shade, indicating its potential as a bio‐fertilizer in conventional and integrated systems, especially in silvopastoral systems, where light availability to pasture growth may be limited.
International Political Risk Management: Perspectives, Approaches and Emerging Agendas
Authors: John Anna , Lawton Thomas C.
Published: October 2017

This paper reviews the extant and emerging perspectives on, and approaches to, political risk management, particularly in the context of foreign direct investment. The authors identify and classify the various theoretical lenses in the domain of political risk management, and suggest a future research agenda. The paper contributes by conceptually categorizing and mapping the extant research onto three approaches to the management of political risk. Through conducting a narrative literature review, the authors suggest three theoretical perspectives on political risk management: institutions; resources and capabilities; and resource dependence. They argue that the institutions approach to political risk management is reactive, responding to external stimuli, whereas the resources‐ and capabilities‐based approach is proactive, preparing and acting in anticipation. The resource dependence domain offers an intermediate approach – the active management of political risk. The authors also suggest that the effectiveness of the domains’ approaches may vary across different national contexts.
T‐cell epitope content comparison (EpiCC) of swine H1 influenza A virus hemagglutinin
Authors: Gutiérrez Andres H. , Rapp‐Gabrielson Vicki J. , Terry Frances E. , Loving Crystal L. , Moise Leonard , Martin William D. , De Groot Anne S.
Published: October 2017

Background

Predicting vaccine efficacy against emerging pathogen strains is a significant problem in human and animal vaccine design. T‐cell epitope cross‐conservation may play an important role in cross‐strain vaccine efficacy. While influenza A virus (IAV) hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers are widely used to predict protective efficacy of 1 IAV vaccine against new strains, no similar correlate of protection has been identified for T‐cell epitopes.

Objective

We developed a computational method (EpiCC) that facilitates pairwise comparison of protein sequences based on an immunological property—T‐cell epitope content—rather than sequence identity, and evaluated its ability to classify swine IAV strain relatedness to estimate cross‐protective potential of a vaccine strain for circulating viruses.

Methods

T‐cell epitope relatedness scores were assessed for 23 IAV HA sequences representing the major H1 swine IAV phylo‐clusters circulating in North American swine and HA sequences in a commercial inactivated vaccine (FluSure XP®). Scores were compared to experimental data from previous efficacy studies.

Results

Higher EpiCC scores were associated with greater protection by the vaccine against strains for 23 field IAV strain vaccine comparisons. A threshold for EpiCC relatedness associated with full or partial protection in the absence of cross‐reactive HI antibodies was identified. EpiCC scores for field strains for which FluSure protective efficacy is not yet available were also calculated.

Conclusion

EpiCC thresholds can be evaluated for predictive accuracy of protection in future efficacy studies. EpiCC may also complement HI cross‐reactivity and phylogeny for selection of influenza strains in vaccine development.
Mortality burden from seasonal influenza and 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza in Beijing, China, 2007‐2013
Authors: Wu Shuangsheng , Wei Zaihua , Greene Carolyn M. , Yang Peng , Su Jianting , Song Ying , Iuliano Angela D. , Wang Quanyi
Published: October 2017

Background

Data about influenza mortality burden in northern China are limited. This study estimated mortality burden in Beijing associated with seasonal influenza from 2007 to 2013 and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Methods

We estimated influenza‐associated excess mortality by fitting a negative binomial model using weekly mortality data as the outcome of interest with the percent of influenza‐positive samples by type/subtype as predictor variables.

Results

From 2007 to 2013, an average of 2375 (CI1002‐8688) deaths was attributed to influenza per season, accounting for 3% of all deaths. Overall, 81% of the deaths attributed to influenza occurred in adults aged ≥65 years, and the influenza‐associated mortality rate in this age group was higher than the rate among those aged <65 years (113.6 [CI49.5‐397.4] versus 4.4 [CI1.7‐18.6] per 100 000,P < .05). The mortality rate associated with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in 2009/2010 was comparable to that of seasonal influenza during the seasonal years (19.9 [CI10.4‐33.1] vs 17.2 [CI7.2‐67.5] per 100 000). People aged <65 years represented a greater proportion of all deaths during the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic period than during the seasonal epidemics (27.0% vs 17.7%,P < .05).

Conclusions

Influenza is an important contributor to mortality in Beijing, especially among those aged ≥65 years. These results support current policies to give priority to older adults for seasonal influenza vaccination and help to define the populations at highest risk for death that could be targeted for pandemic influenza vaccination.
Assessing the reporting quality of influenza outbreaks in the community
Authors: Lo Calvin , Mertz Dominik , Loeb Mark
Published: October 2017

Background

High‐quality reporting of outbreak characteristics is fundamental to understand the behaviour of various strains of influenza virus and the impact of outbreak management strategies. However, few studies have systematically evaluated the quality of outbreak reporting.

Objectives

To conduct a systematic analysis and assessment for reporting quality of influenza outbreaks based on a modified version of the STROBE statement, and to examine characteristics associated with reporting quality.

Methods

A literature search was conducted across 3 online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE) for reports of influenza outbreaks (pandemic H1N1, avian, seasonal). The quality of reports meeting our eligibility criteria was assessed using the Modified STROBE criteria and assigned a score of 30. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported for comparisons of study characteristics.

Results

Sixty‐four outbreak reports were available for analyses. The average Modified STROBE score was 20/30. Peer‐reviewed articles were associated with a better quality of reporting (MD 2.79, 95% CI 0.79‐4.78). Likewise, reports from authors affiliated with public health agencies were associated with better quality than those from academic institutions (MD 1.65, 95% CI−0.27‐3.56).

Conclusions

The development of explicit reporting guidelines specifically geared towards reporting of outbreak investigations proved to be useful. Providing information on patient characteristics, investigation details in introduction and results, as well as addressing limitations that could have biased the findings, were frequently missing in the published reports.
Research Review: Cognitive bias modification of interpretations in youth and its effect on anxiety: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Krebs Georgina , Pile Victoria , Grant Sean , Degli Esposti Michelle , Montgomery Paul , Lau Jennifer Y.F.
Published: October 2017

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that cognitive bias modification of interpretations (CBM‐I) is effective in altering interpretation biases and reducing anxiety in adults. Less is known about the impact of CBM‐I in young people, but some recent findings, including a meta‐analysis of combined cognitive bias modification of interpretation and attention techniques, have cast doubt on its clinical utility. Given the current debate, this meta‐analysis sought to establish the independent effects of CBM‐I on interpretations biases and anxiety in youth.

Methods

Studies were identified through a systematic literature search of PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, Web of Science and EMBASE between January 1992 and March 2017. Eligible studies aimed to target interpretation biases; did not combine CBM‐I with another intervention; included a control condition; randomly allocated participants to conditions; assessed interpretation bias and/or anxiety as an outcome; included individuals up to age 18; and did not present previously reported data. Reference lists of included articles were checked for further eligible studies, and authors were contacted for unpublished data.

Results

We identified 26 studies meeting eligibility criteria that included in the meta‐analysis. CBM‐I had moderate effects on negative and positive interpretations (g = −0.70 and g = −0.52, respectively) and a small but significant effect on anxiety assessed after training (g = −0.17) and after a stressor (g = −0.34). No significant moderators were identified.

Conclusions

In contrast to previous meta‐analytic findings, our results indicate that CBM‐I has potential but weak anxiolytic effects in youth. Our findings suggest that it may be premature to disregard the potential value of CBM‐I research and further research in this field is warranted.
Beyond Amyloid – Widening the View on Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Behl Christian , Ziegler Christine
Published: October 2017

For 25 years, the amyloid cascade hypothesis, based on the finding that mutations in the amyloid precursor protein are closely linked to familial forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), dominated the research on this disease. Recent failures of clinical anti‐amyloidogenic trials, however, substantially support the reasoning (i) that the pathomechanisms that trigger familial AD, namely the generation, aggregation, and deposition of amyloid beta, cannot necessarily be extrapolated to sporadic cases and (ii) that amyloid beta represents a prominent histopathological feature in AD but not its exclusive causative factor. In autumn 2016, the Volkswagen Foundation hosted the Herrenhausen Symposium ‘Beyond Amyloid – Widening the View on Alzheimer's Disease’ in Hannover, Germany, to bring together current knowledge on cellular and molecular processes that contribute to AD pathogenesis independent of or alongside with the amyloid biochemistry. The following mini review series was authored by key speakers at the meeting, and highlights some of the mechanisms potentially involved in AD etiology that provide alternative viewpoints and mechanisms beyond the amyloid cascade hypothesis.

This article is part of the series “Beyond Amyloid”.