bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Lung Ultrasound Useful for Diagnosing Pneumonia in Children?
Authors: Xin Hua , Li Jie , Hu Hai-Yang
Published: November 2017

Background

Childhood mortality due to pneumonia is high. Chest radiography is the primary imaging modality used for the evaluation of pneumonia in children. Lung ultrasonography (LUS) is a newer, alternative diagnostic method that has been gaining popularity in recent years. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the diagnostic usefulness of LUS for childhood pneumonia.

Methods

All studies included in this meta-analysis were retrieved from PubMed, Elsevier's Science Direct, and Springer, and by manual searches including the use of reference lists, through March 31, 2017. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated risks of bias in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the meta-analysis, we calculated the pooled sensitivity and specificity, pooled positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and the diagnostic odds ratio. Summary receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the overall performance of LUS.

Results

Our search identified 1038 articles, and we selected 51 of these for detailed review. Eight studies containing 1013 patients met all the inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of pneumonia using LUS were 93.0% (95% confidence interval, 88.0%–96.0%) and 96.0% (95% confidence interval, 92.0%–98.0%), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 25.8 (11.0, 60.4), 0.07 (0.05, 0.12), and 344 (104, 1140), respectively. In addition, the summary receiver operating characteristic area under the curve was calculated to be 0.98 (0.97, 0.99). A Fagan plot analysis demonstrated that when pretest probabilities were 25%, 50%, and 75%, the positive posttest probabilities were 90%, 96%, and 99%, respectively, and the negative posttest probabilities were 2%, 7%, and 18%, respectively. Four clinical signs were most frequently observed using LUS in the screening of children with pneumonia: pulmonary consolidation, positive air bronchogram, abnormal pleural line, and pleural effusion.

Conclusions

Current evidence supports LUS as a useful imaging alternative for the diagnosis of childhood pneumonia. That it is easily carried out, readily available, relatively inexpensive, and free from the hazards of radiation make it an attractive alternative to chest radiography and physical examination for the diagnosis and the follow-up of pneumonia in children.
The Development and Validation of a Concise Instrument for Formative Assessment of Team Leader Performance During Simulated Pediatric Resuscitations
Authors: Nadkarni Lindsay D. , Roskind Cindy G. , Auerbach Marc A. , Calhoun Aaron W. , Adler Mark D. , Kessler David O.
Published: November 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of a formative feedback instrument for leaders of simulated resuscitations.

Methods

This is a prospective validation study with a fully crossed (person × scenario × rater) study design. The Concise Assessment of Leader Management (CALM) instrument was designed by pediatric emergency medicine and graduate medical education experts to be used off the shelf to evaluate and provide formative feedback to resuscitation leaders. Four experts reviewed 16 videos of in situ simulated pediatric resuscitations and scored resuscitation leader performance using the CALM instrument. The videos consisted of 4 pediatric emergency department resuscitation teams each performing in 4 pediatric resuscitation scenarios (cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, seizure, and sepsis). We report on content and internal structure (reliability) validity of the CALM instrument.

Results

Content validity was supported by the instrument development process that involved professional experience, expert consensus, focused literature review, and pilot testing. Internal structure validity (reliability) was supported by the generalizability analysis. The main component that contributed to score variability was the person (33%), meaning that individual leaders performed differently. The rater component had almost zero (0%) contribution to variance, which implies that raters were in agreement and argues for high interrater reliability.

Conclusions

These results provide initial evidence to support the validity of the CALM instrument as a reliable assessment instrument that can facilitate formative feedback to leaders of pediatric simulated resuscitations.
The growing clinical spectrum of cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Wermer Marieke J.H. , Greenberg Steven M.
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is diagnosed primarily as a cause of lobar intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) in elderly patients. With improving MRI techniques, however, the role of CAA in causing other symptoms has become clear. Recognizing the full clinical spectrum of CAA is important for diagnosis and treatment. In this review we summarize recent insights in clinical CAA features, MRI biomarkers, and management.

Recent findings

The rate of ICH recurrence in CAA is among the highest of all stroke subtypes. Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) and cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) are important imaging predictors for recurrent ICH. CAA also causes cognitive problems in multiple domains. In patients with nondemented CAA, the risk of developing dementia is high especially after ICH. CAA pathology probably starts years before the first clinical manifestations. The first signs in hereditary CAA are white matter lesions, cortical microinfarcts, and impaired occipital cerebral vasoreactivity. Visible centrum semiovale perivascular spaces, lobar located lacunes, and cortical atrophy are new nonhemorrhagic MRI markers.

CAA should be in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients with lobar ICH but also in those with cognitive decline and episodic transient neurological symptoms. Physicians should be aware of the cognitive effects of CAA. In patients with a previous ICH, cSS, or cSAH, anticoagulation should be considered risky. The increasing number of MRI markers may help to discriminate CAA from other small vessel diseases and dementia subtypes.
Decision landscapes: visualizing mouse-tracking data
Authors: Zgonnikov A. , Aleni A. , Piiroinen P. T. , O'Hora D. , di Bernardo M.
Published: November 2017

Computerized paradigms have enabled gathering rich data on human behaviour, including information on motor execution of a decision, e.g. by tracking mouse cursor trajectories. These trajectories can reveal novel information about ongoing decision processes. As the number and complexity of mouse-tracking studies increase, more sophisticated methods are needed to analyse the decision trajectories. Here, we present a new computational approach to generating decision landscape visualizations based on mouse-tracking data. A decision landscape is an analogue of an energy potential field mathematically derived from the velocity of mouse movement during a decision. Visualized as a three-dimensional surface, it provides a comprehensive overview of decision dynamics. Employing the dynamical systems theory framework, we develop a new method for generating decision landscapes based on arbitrary number of trajectories. This approach not only generates three-dimensional illustration of decision landscapes, but also describes mouse trajectories by a number of interpretable parameters. These parameters characterize dynamics of decisions in more detail compared with conventional measures, and can be compared across experimental conditions, and even across individuals. The decision landscape visualization approach is a novel tool for analysing mouse trajectories during decision execution, which can provide new insights into individual differences in the dynamics of decision making.
Study on orally delivered paclitaxel nanocrystals: modification, characterization and activity in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Liu Runcong , Chang Ya-Nan , Xing Gengmei , Li Min , Zhao Yuliang
Published: November 2017

Drug nanocrystals (NCs) can improve the solubility and bioavailability of insoluble drugs for oral administration. However, the biocompatibility and mechanisms of transmittance of drug NCs through the intestinal epithelial tissue are still not well understood. In this work, the physico-chemical properties and interactions with biomolecules in oral delivery pathways, as well as the transmittance through mimical intestinal epithelial cells, of NCs of paclitaxel (PTX) are investigated. PTX was previously demonstrated to be an effective anti-cancer drug. It is found that maximum 1% (w/v) poly(styrenesulfonate) is sufficient to keep PTX NCs monodisperse in varied biological environments and presents no significant interaction with extracellular biomolecules for at least 24 h. The concentration of PTX NCs is kept carefully controlled to avoid serious toxicity to cells (10 µg ml
−1
in our experiments but this also depends on NC size). The transmittance of PTX NCs through mimical intestinal epithelial reached 25% in 6 h, demonstrating its comparatively high oral bioavailability in the human body. This work demonstrates the great potential of PTX NC treated in oral delivery.
A phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis of antimycin biosynthesis
Authors: Joynt Rebecca , Seipke Ryan F.
Published: November 2017

Streptomyces species and other Actinobacteria are ubiquitous in diverse environments worldwide and are the source of, or inspiration for, the majority of antibiotics. The genomic era has enhanced biosynthetic understanding of these valuable chemical entities and has also provided a window into the diversity and distribution of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters. Antimycin is an inhibitor of mitochondrial cytochrome c reductase and more recently was shown to inhibit Bcl-2/Bcl-XL-related anti-apoptotic proteins commonly overproduced by cancerous cells. Here we identify 73 putative antimycin biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in publicly available genome sequences of Actinobacteria and classify them based on the presence or absence of cluster-situated genes antP and antQ, which encode a kynureninase and a phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase), respectively. The majority of BGCs possess either both antP and antQ (L-form) or neither (S-form), while a minority of them lack either antP or antQ (IQ- or IP-form, respectively). We also evaluate the biogeographical distribution and phylogenetic relationships of antimycin producers and BGCs. We show that antimycin BGCs occur on five of the seven continents and are frequently isolated from plants and other higher organisms. We also provide evidence for two distinct phylogenetic clades of antimycin producers and gene clusters, which delineate S-form from L- and I-form BGCs. Finally, our findings suggest that the ancestral antimycin producer harboured an L-form gene cluster which was primarily propagated by vertical transmission and subsequently diversified into S-, IQ- and IP-form biosynthetic pathways.
New pharmaceutical salts containing pyridoxine
Authors: Cvetkovski Aleksandar , Ferretti Valeria , Bertolasi Valerio
Published: November 2017

Two mixed crystals were obtained by crystallizing the active pharmaceutical ingredient pyridoxine [systematic name: 4,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-ol, PN] with (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid (ferulic acid) and 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid (syringic acid). PN and the coformers crystallize in the form of pharmaceutical salts in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio, namely 3-hydroxy-4,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridin-1-ium (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate, C8H12NO3
+·C9H9O5
−, and 3-hydroxy-4,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridin-1-ium 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoate monohydrate, C8H12NO3
+·C10H11O5
−·H2O, the proton exchange between PN and the acidic partner being supported by the differences of the pK
a values of the two components and by the C—O bond lengths of the carboxylate groups. Besides complex hydrogen-bonding networks, π–π interactions between aromatic moieties have been found to be important for the packing architecture in both crystals. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to explore the intermolecular interactions in detail and compare them with the interactions found in similar pyridoxine/carboxylic acid salts.
Transformational leadership and turnover
Authors: Sahu Sangeeta , Pathardikar Avinash , Kumar Anupam
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a study which examines the relationship between transformational leadership and intention to leave through the mediating role of employee engagement, employer branding, and psychological attachment.

Design/methodology/approach

Transformational leadership, employee engagement, employer branding, and psychological attachment were assessed in an empirical study based on a sample of 405 full-time employees working in information technology (IT) organizations in India. The data which were obtained using Google doc and a printed questionnaire was analyzed through structural and measurement model.

Findings

The results reveal that transformational leadership style directly influences employee intention to leave. Transformational leadership and employer branding is mediated by employee engagement. The leadership relation with psychological attachment is mediated by employer branding.

Practical implications

The implications of the study are of utmost importance for Indian IT industries facing high voluntary turnover in recent times. Transformational leaders in teams contribute to develop employee engagement, employer branding, and psychological attachment. Imparting transformational leadership training to team leaders can help in generating psychological attachment with the employees which would go a long way.

Originality/value

This study explores the relationship among transformational leadership style, employee engagement, employer branding, and psychological attachment which has not been explored theoretically and tested empirically in an Indian context.
An application of waveform denoising for microseismic data using polarization–linearity and time–frequency thresholding
Authors: Akram Jubran
Published: November 2017

Noise suppression or signal‐to‐noise ratio enhancement is often desired for better processing results from a microseismic dataset. In this paper, a polarization–linearity and time–frequency‐thresholding‐based approach is used for denoising waveforms. A polarization–linearity filter is initially applied to preserve the signal intervals and suppress the noise amplitudes. This is followed by time–frequency thresholding for further signal‐to‐noise ratio enhancement in the S transform domain. The parameterisation for both polarization filter and time–frequency thresholding is also discussed. Finally, real microseismic data examples are shown to demonstrate the improvements in processing results when denoised waveforms are considered in the workflow. The results indicate that current denoising approach effectively suppresses the background noise and preserves the vector fidelity of signal waveform. Consequently, the quality of event detection, arrival‐time picking, and hypocenter location improves.
Reconstruction of the near‐offset gap in marine seismic data using seismic interferometric interpolation
Authors: Xu Zhuo , Sopher Daniel , Juhlin Christopher , Han Liguo
Published: November 2017

In conventional seismic exploration, especially in marine seismic exploration, shot gathers with missing near‐offset traces are common. Interferometric interpolation methods are one of a range of different methods that have been developed to solve this problem. Interferometric interpolation methods differ from conventional interpolation methods as they utilise information from multiples in the interpolation process. In this study, we apply both conventional interferometric interpolation (shot domain) and multi‐domain interferometric interpolation (shot and receiver domain) to a synthetic and a real‐towed marine dataset from the Baltic Sea with the primary aim of improving the image of the seabed by extrapolation of a near‐offset gap. We utilise a matching filter after interferometric interpolation to partially mitigate artefacts and coherent noise associated with the far‐field approximation and a limited recording aperture size. The results show that an improved image of the seabed is obtained after performing interferometric interpolation. In most cases, the results from multi‐domain interferometric interpolation are similar to those from conventional interferometric interpolation. However, when the source–receiver aperture is limited, the multi‐domain method performs better. A quantitative analysis for assessing the performance of interferometric interpolation shows that multi‐domain interferometric interpolation typically performs better than conventional interferometric interpolation. We also benchmark the interpolated results generated by interferometric interpolation against those obtained using sparse recovery interpolation.
Impact of octenyl succinylated pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) starch addition as fat replacer on the rheological, textural and sensory characteristics of reduced‐fat yoghurt
Authors: Sharma Monika , Yadav Deep N , Singh Ashish K , Vishwakarma R K , Sabikhi Latha
Published: November 2017

The current study evaluated the impact of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)‐esterified pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) starch as a fat replacer (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) on various characteristics of reduced‐fat yoghurt (1.5% fat). Firmness, flow point, storage and loss modulus increased with increasing levels of the OSA starch. The Herschel–Bulkley model was best fit for elucidating their pseudoplastic behaviour. Syneresis decreased considerably, whereas sensory acceptability improved with increasing OSA starch level. Owing to this reduced syneresis, improved structural strength and sensory acceptability, OSA‐esterified pearl millet starch functions as a fat replacer in reduced‐fat yoghurt.
Multifractal Approaches of the Ring Tensile Rupture Patterns of Dried Laver (Porphyra) as Affected by the Relative Humidity
Authors: Jung Hwabin , Yoon Won Byong
Published: November 2017

The effect of water activity (aw) or the relative humidity (RH) on the tensile rupture properties of dried laver (DL) associated with structures formed with phycocolloids was investigated. The morphological characteristics of tensile ruptured DL samples at various relative humidities were evaluated by multifractal analysis. The RH of the microclimate was controlled from 10% to 90% at 25 °C using supersaturated salt solutions. The sorption isotherm of DL was experimentally obtained and quantitatively analyzed using mathematical models. The monolayer moisture contents from the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) model was 5.92% (w.b.). An increase in the RH resulted in increasing ring tensile stress and maintaining constant ring tensile strain up to 58% to 75% RH, whereas the ring tensile stress and the ring tensile strain rapidly decreased and increased, respectively, when the RH was higher than 75%. The general fractal dimensions and the multifractal spectra f(α) manifested that the patterns of the lowest and the highest moisture content of dried laver showed high irregularity. The different multifractal parameters obtained from the DL at various RHs well‐represented the transient moment of the structures from the monolayer moisture to texture changes associated with RH. Overall, the ring tensile test and the multifractal analysis were useful tools to analyze the change of crispness of DL from its structural characteristics. In addition, the results of this study revealed that the integration and disintegration properties of DL occurred through the networks of phycocolloids at various moisture contents.

Practical Application

Texture properties are the most important quality attributes for commercial dried laver (DL) products. The relative humidity influences the texture properties of DL during production, storage, shipping, and consuming. This study well characterized the effect of the relative humidity on the texture properties of DL using the tensile tests under microclimate conditions. This information is very practical and can be immediately applied to control the relative humidity of the packaging and the storage room for DL.
Chemical Mapping of Essential Oils, Flavonoids and Carotenoids in Citrus Peels by Raman Microscopy
Authors: Yang Ying , Wang Xiaohe , Zhao Chengying , Tian Guifang , Zhang Hua , Xiao Hang , He Lili , Zheng Jinkai
Published: November 2017

Citrus peels, by‐products in large quantity, are rich in various functional and beneficial components which have wide applications. Chemical analysis of these components in citrus peels is an important step to determine the usefulness of the by‐products for further applications. In this study, we explored Raman microscopy for rapid, nondestructive, and in situ chemical mapping of multiple main functional components from citrus peels. The relative amount and distribution in different locations (flavedo, albedo, and longitudinal section) of 3 main functional components (essential oils, carotenoids, and flavonoids) in citrus peels were systematically investigated. The distribution profiles of these components were heterogeneous on the peels and varied between different species of citrus peels. Essential oil was found mainly existed in the oil glands, while carotenoids were in the complementary location. Some flavonoids were observed in the oil glands. This study showed the capability of Raman microscopy for rapid and nondestructive analysis of multiple bio‐components without extraction from plants. The information obtained from this study would assist the better production and application of the functional and beneficial components from citrus by products in an effective and sustainable manner.

Practical Application

This study indicated the capability of Raman microscopy for rapid and nondestructive analysis of multiple bioactive components in plant tissues. The information obtained from the study would be valuable for developing effective and sustainable strategy of utilization of citrus peels for further applications.
Fashionable Diseases in Georgian Bath: Fiction and the Emergence of a British Model of Spa Sociability
Authors: Cossic‐Pericarpin Annick
Published: November 2017

Published at different times, Christopher Anstey's The New Bath Guide (1766), Tobias Smollett's The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (1771) and Jane Austen's Persuasion (1818) testify to the emergence of new forms of social interaction, particularly on display in spas. Their apprehension of the role of illness, a major agent of sociability in Bath, varies considerably. This essay interrogates the function of fashionable diseases in three literary genres: the satirical epistle, the epistolary novel and the novel of sensibility. Most particularly, it examines the way these genres negotiate the construction or the destruction of a specific model of spa sociability.
Kawasaki disease: epidemiology and the lessons from it
Authors: Nakamura Yosikazu
Published: November 2017

A half of century has passed since Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki reported his 50 cases with Kawasaki disease (KD) in 1967. Since then, more than 300 000 cases have been reported to the nationwide epidemiologic surveys in Japan. However, the etiology and risk factors of the disease are still unknown. In this paper, the author emphasizes that the epidemiology of KD may indicate an infectious agent to be a potential trigger of disease in susceptible children.
Pathological outcomes in rectal cancer following laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Cheung Henry Yan Chi , Dent Owen F. , Richardson Gillian L. , Chan Charles , Keshava Anil , Young Christopher J.
Published: November 2017

Aim

This study examined pathological quality‐of‐surgery indicators in laparoscopic and open rectal cancer resection specimens.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of consecutive, prospectively recorded laparoscopic (LR) or open (OR) resections for rectal cancer. Indicators included integrity of the perirectal fascial envelope, circumferential margin clearance, lymph node yield and distal margin clearance.

Results

Between January 2007 and December 2013, 168 LR and 189 OR were performed. Univariate analysis showed that the presence of tumor within 1 mm of the circumferential margin was lower in LR (13/168 vs 28/189 cases, P = 0.039) as was a distal margin of clearance of < 1 cm (3/165 vs 12/186, P = 0.032). There was no difference in the surgical disruption of the fascial envelope (P = 0.091) or the percentage of specimens with a lymph node yield < 12 (P = 0.576) between the LR and OR groups. Multivariate analysis did not reveal any significant differences in pathological outcomes.

Conclusion

With careful case selection, laparoscopic surgery has similar pathological outcomes to open surgery for rectal cancer.
MicroRNA profiles in neuroblastoma: Differences in risk and histology groups
Authors: Ergin Kemal , Aktaş Safiye , Altun Zekiye , Dınız Gülden , Olgun Nur
Published: November 2017

Aim

To determine the miRNA expression profiles of neuroblastomas with different clinical and histological characteristics.

Methods

In this study 24 samples from 17 patients, paraffin blocks were used. Their microRNA profiles were compared by five different analysis: analysis I: well‐poorly differentiated, analysis II: before–after chemotherapy, analysis III: favorable–unfavorable histology, analysis IV: neuroblastoma–ganglioneuroma, analysis V: low‐risk–middle‐risk–high risk groups. Clinical data were compared with differentially expressed microRNAs.

Results

It was found that 25 miRNAs between well‐poorly differentiated tumors, eight miRNAs before and after of the chemotherapy, three miRNAs between favorable and unfavorable histology, four miRNAs between neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroma, seven miRNAs between low and middle risk, one miRNA between middle and high risk, 14 miRNAs between low and high risk were differently expressed (P < 0.01). These miRNA's targeted mostly the cancer pathway by the KEGG pathway analysis. The most marked difference was seen in miR‐132 and miR‐490, comparing the clinical data and all microRNAs. The most fold change was detected at miR‐98‐5p between the tissues of high‐ and low‐risk patients.

Conclusion

In this study, we represent microRNA expression profiles of neuroblastoma patients’ tissue with different clinical, histological grade, differentiation, and treatment status, and which could be informative for new therapies targeting microRNAs.
Relationship of the conception rate and the side (left or right) of preovulatory follicle location at artificial insemination in dairy heifers
Authors: Miura Ryotaro , Izumi Taiki
Published: November 2017

In this study, we examined the locational effect (left or right ovary) of the preovulatory follicle (PF) on fertility in dairy heifers. In total, 1,111 artificial inseminations (AI) were analyzed. At AI, PF locations were examined using rectal palpation, and heifers were divided into two groups on their PF locations: (i) the PF located in the left ovary (L‐PF); and (ii) the PF located in the right ovary (R‐PF). Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal palpation 60 days after AI. The conception rate was 50.7% in all heifers. Conception rate was significantly higher in the L‐PF (60.1%) than in the R‐PF (46.2%). The conception rate was significantly lower by sexed semen (48.6%) than conventional semen (59.1%). Conception rates divided by the semen type (sexed: n = 896, conventional: n = 215) were significantly higher in the L‐PF than in the R‐PF for both semen types (sexed; L‐PF vs. R‐PF: 57.3% vs. 44.4%, conventional; L‐PF vs. R‐PF: 72.3% vs. 53.3%). In addition, season, age, AI number, and the number of re‐inseminations at the same estrus did not affect conception rates. In summary, PF development in the left ovary was associated with increased conception rates in dairy heifers.
The Economic Effects of IFRS Goodwill Reporting
Authors: Amorós Martínez Araceli , Cavero Rubio José Antonio
Published: November 2017

The promotion of the international harmonisation of goodwill accounting has led to the approval of SFAS 141 and 142 and IFRS 3, IAS 36 and IAS 38. The aim was to improve the quality and comparability of financial statements through these standards by eliminating the pooling of interests method and substituting the application of amortisation with an annual impairment test. However, recent decisions by regulating bodies such as the FASB, the IASB and the European Parliament have compromised this harmonisation. Currently, steps are being taken to reintroduce systematic amortisation in conjunction with the impairment test. In this dual normative scenario, where two accounting methods coexist (impairment test or amortisation), we analyse the economic consequences of the application of one method over the other in the information transmitted by the firms listed in the Spanish securities market. The contrast of two periods, pre‐IFRS (1998 to 2004) and post‐IFRS (2005 to 2011), reveals that the application of either of these methods affects financial statements and the usefulness of the information. Therefore, the possibility of opting for one or the other could distort the quality and comparability of the information transmitted by firms and the accurate assessment of future cash flows.
Microbial biotransformations in the human distal gut
Authors: Bik Elisabeth M , Ugalde Juan A , Cousins Jon , Goddard Audrey D , Richman Jessica , Apte Zachary S
Published: November 2017

The human distal gut is home to a rich and dense microbial community with representatives of all three domains of life which are intricately connected with our physiology and health. The combined genomes of these microbes, collectively called the human microbiome, vastly expand the metabolic capacities of our own genome, allowing us to break down and extract energy from dietary compounds that human enzymes cannot digest. In addition, the variable composition of these communities and their biotransformations might explain inter‐individual differences in toxicities, tolerances and efficacies for certain drugs. Recent advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics have provided exciting new insights into the genomes of our microbial symbionts, their functional capacities and the interactions between these microbes and their human host. This review summarizes the metabolic conversions of dietary components and pharmaceuticals that take place in the human distal gut, as well as their implications for human health.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on When Pharmacology Meets the Microbiome: New Targets for Therapeutics? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.24/issuetoc
Let's Talk: Parents’ Mental Talk (Not Mind‐Mindedness or Mindreading Capacity) Predicts Children's False Belief Understanding
Authors: Devine Rory T. , Hughes Claire
Published: November 2017

Although one might expect parents’ mind‐mindedness (MM; the propensity to view children as mental agents) to relate to everyday mental‐state talk (MST) and theory‐of‐mind capacity, evidence to support this view is lacking. In addition, both the uniqueness and the specificity of relations between parental MM, parental MST, and children's false belief understanding (FBU) are open to question. To address these three gaps, this study tracked 117 preschoolers (60 boys) and their parents across a 13‐month period (Mage = 3.94 years, SD = 0.53, at Time 1). Parental MM, MST, and theory‐of‐mind capacity showed little overlap. Both MM and MST were weakly associated with children's concurrent FBU, but in line with social constructivist accounts, only MST predicted later FBU.
Illegal fishing and territorial user rights in Chile
Authors: Oyanedel Rodrigo , Keim Andres , Castilla Juan Carlos , Gelcich Stefan
Published: November 2017

Illegal fishing poses a major threat to conservation of marine resources worldwide. However, there is still limited empirical research that quantifies illegal catch levels. We used the randomized response technique to estimate the proportion of divers and the quantities of loco (Concholepas concholepas) they extracted illegally. Loco have been managed for the past 17 years through a territorial user rights for fisheries system (TURFs) in Chile. Illegal fishing of loco was widespread within the TURFs system. Official reported landings (i.e., legal landings) accounted for 14–30% of the total loco extraction. Our estimates suggest that ignoring the magnitude of illegal fishing and considering only official landing statistics may lead to false conclusions about the status and trends of a TURFs managed fishery. We found evidence of fisher associations authorizing their members to poach inside TURFs, highlighting the need to design TURFs systems so that government agencies and fishers’ incentives and objectives align through continuous adaptation. Government support for enforcement is a key element for the TURFs system to secure the rights that are in place.
Gender aspects on exercise‐induced ECG changes in relation to scintigraphic evidence of myocardial ischaemia
Authors: Akil Shahnaz , Hedén Bo , Pahlm Olle , Carlsson Marcus , Arheden Håkan , Engblom Henrik
Published: November 2017

Background

This retrospective study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of exercise‐induced ST response in relation to findings by myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (MPS), with focus on gender differences, in patients with suspected or established stable ischemic heart disease.

Methods

MPS findings of 1 021 patients (518 females) were related to the exercise‐induced ST response alone (blinded and unblinded to gender) and ST response together with additional exercise stress test (EST) variables (exercise capacity, blood pressure and heart rate response).

Results

Exercise‐induced ischaemia by MPS was found in 9% of females and 23% of males. Diagnostic performance of exercise‐induced ST response in relation to MPS findings in females versus males was: sensitivity = 48%,70%; specificity = 67%, 64%; PPV = 13%, 38%; NPV = 93%, 87%. Adding more EST variables to the ST response interpretation yielded in females vs males: sensitivity = 44%, 51%; specificity = 84%, 83%; PPV = 22%, 48% and NPV = 93%, 85%.

Conclusions

In patients who have performed EST in conjunction with MPS, there is a gender difference in the diagnostic performance of ST response at stress, with a significantly lower PPV in females compared to males. For both genders, specificity can be significantly improved, and a higher PPV can be obtained, while the sensitivity might be compromised by considering more EST variables, in addition to the ST response.
Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy to probe sensorimotor region activation during electrical stimulation‐evoked movement
Authors: Muthalib Makii , Ferrari Marco , Quaresima Valentina , Kerr Graham , Perrey Stephane
Published: November 2017

This study used non‐invasive functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) neuroimaging to monitor bilateral sensorimotor region activation during unilateral voluntary (VOL) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)‐evoked movements. Methods. In eight healthy male volunteers, fNIRS was used to measure relative changes in oxyhaemoglobin (O2Hb) and deoxyhaemoglobin (HHb) concentrations from a cortical sensorimotor region of interest in the left (LH) and right (RH) hemispheres during NMES‐evoked and VOL wrist extension movements of the right arm. Results. NMES‐evoked movements induced significantly greater activation (increase in O2Hb and concomitant decrease in HHb) in the contralateral LH than in the ipsilateral RH (O2Hb: 0·44 ± 0·16 μM and 0·25 ± 0·22 μM, P = 0·017; HHb: −0·19 ± 0·10 μM and −0·12 ± 0·09 μM, P = 0·036, respectively) as did VOL movements (0·51 ± 0·24 μΜ and 0·34 ± 0·21 μM, P = 0·031; HHb: −0·18 ± 0·07 μΜ and −0·12 ± 0·04 μΜ, P = 0·05, respectively). There was no significant difference between conditions for O2Hb (P = 0·144) and HHb (P = 0·958). Conclusion. fNIRS neuroimaging enables quantification of bilateral sensorimotor regional activation profiles during voluntary and NMES‐evoked wrist extension movements.
Correct allometric analysis is always helpful for scaling flow‐mediated dilation in research and individual patient contexts
Authors: Lolli Lorenzo , Batterham Alan M. , Atkinson Greg
Published: November 2017

McLay et al. (Clin Physiol Funct Imaging (2017); DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12465) recently examined whether the allometric scaling of flow‐mediated dilation influenced the mean difference between samples of young and older adults compared with the traditional percentage change approach. They also explored whether a new scaling calculation improved the ability to obtain individually scaled flow‐mediated dilation. In our response to their study, we can demonstrate that McLay et al. (Clin Physiol Funct Imaging, 2017) have (i) managed to formulate a new scaling index which does nothing to remove the dependency of that index on baseline diameter and (ii) suggested, incorrectly, that the original allometric approach cannot be used to derive individually‐adjusted values of flow‐mediated dilation, which can be interpreted in a similar way to a percentage change.
Protective effect of GDNF‐engineered amniotic fluid‐derived stem cells on the renal ischaemia reperfusion injury in vitro
Authors: Wang Jia , Wang Fengzhen , Wang Zhuojun , Li Shulin , Chen Lu , Liu Caixia , Sun Dong
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Amniotic fluid‐derived stem cells (AFSCs) possessing multilineage differentiation potential are proposed as a novel and accessible source for cell‐based therapy and tissue regeneration. Glial‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been hypothesized to promote the therapeutic effect of AFSCs on markedly ameliorating renal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether AFSCs equipped with GDNF (GDNF‐AFSCs) had capabilities of attenuating mouse renal tubular epithelial cells (mRTECs) apoptosis and evaluate its potential mechanisms.

Materials and methods

A hypoxia‐reoxygenation (H/R) model of the mRTECs was established. Injured mRTECs were co‐cultured with GDNF‐AFSCs in a transwell system. The mRNA expressions of hepatocytes growth factor (HGF) and fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were detected by qRT‐PCR. Changes of intracelluar reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were examined. The expressions of nitrotyrosine, Gp91‐phox, Bax, and Bcl‐2 were determined by Western blotting. Cell apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry, and caspase‐3 activity was monitored by caspase‐3 activity assay kit.

Results

Our study revealed that expression of growth factors was increased and oxidative stress was dramatically counteracted in GDNF‐AFSCs‐treated group. Furthermore, apoptosis induced by H/R injury was inhibited in mRTECs by GDNF‐AFSCs.

Conclusions

These data indicated that GDNF‐AFSCs are beneficial to repairing damaged mRTECs significantly in vitro, which suggests GDNF‐AFSCs provide new hopes of innovative interventions in different kidney disease.
Predictive capacity of prodromal symptoms in first‐episode psychosis of recent onset
Authors: Barajas Ana , Pelaez Trinidad , González Olga , Usall Judith , Iniesta Raquel , Arteaga Maria , Jackson Chris , Baños Iris , Sánchez Bernardo , Dolz Montserrat , Obiols Jordi E. , Haro Josep M. ,   GENIPE Group, Ochoa Susana
Published: November 2017

Background

Both the nature and number of a wide range of prodromal symptoms have been related to the severity and type of psychopathology in the psychotic phase. However, at present there is an incomplete picture focused mainly on the positive pre‐psychotic dimension.

Aim

To characterize the prodromal phase retrospectively, examining the number and nature of prodromal symptoms as well as their relationship with psychopathology at the onset of first‐episode psychosis.

Methods

Retrospective study of 79 patients experiencing a first‐episode psychosis of less than 1 year from the onset of full‐blown psychosis. All patients were evaluated with a comprehensive battery of instruments including socio‐demographic and clinical questionnaire, IRAOS interview, PANSS, stressful life events scale (PERI) and WAIS/WISC (vocabulary subtest). Bivariate associations and multiple regression analysis were performed.

Results

Regression models revealed that several prodromal dimensions of IRAOS (delusions, affect, language, behaviour and non‐hallucinatory disturbances of perception) predicted the onset of psychosis, with positive (22.4% of the variance) and disorganized (25.6% of the variance) dimensions being the most widely explained.

Conclusion

In addition to attenuated positive symptoms, other symptoms such as affective, behavioural and language disturbances should also be considered in the definitions criteria of at‐high‐risk people.
The course of neuropsychological functioning in young people with attenuated vs discrete mental disorders
Authors: Tickell Ashleigh M. , Lee Rico S. C. , Hickie Ian B. , Hermens Daniel F.
Published: November 2017

Aim

Clinical staging of mental disorders is designed to facilitate the selection of stage‐appropriate interventions, early in the course of illness. Neuropsychological performance, particularly at early stages of mental disorder, is a strong predictor of medium‐term functional outcomes. Despite this, the longitudinal examination of neuropsychological profiles in early stages of illness is poorly researched. Thus, we examined baseline and longitudinal neuropsychological profiles of young patients with attenuated syndromes vs those with discrete disorders.

Methods

Neuropsychological testing of 497 help‐seeking young people (21.2 ± 3 years; 56% female). Clinical staging, assigned separately from testing, rated 262 individuals as “attenuated syndrome” (stage 1b) and 235 as “discrete” or “persistent” disorder (stage 2+). Follow‐up testing was undertaken in 170 individuals (54% at stage 1b) after 19.8 ± 9 months (range: 3 to 51 months).

Results

At baseline, attenuated and discrete/persistent disorders significantly differed in 4 of the 9 neuropsychological measures (verbal learning, verbal memory, visual memory and set shifting). Despite this, both groups showed similar improvement in neuropsychological functioning at follow‐up, particularly in processing speed, sustained attention and visual memory. Longitudinal improvement in cognition corresponded with increases in socio‐occupational functioning.

Discussion

The degree of baseline neuropsychological dysfunction discriminates those with attenuated syndromes from those with a discrete/persistent disorder. Furthermore, improvement in neuropsychological functioning corresponded with improvement in clinical and functional status, despite stage of illness. This suggests that neuropsychological functioning remains relatively stable in young people with a mental illness and may be a critical window for intervention.
Thrombotic microangiopathy with concomitant GI aGVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Risk factors and outcome
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐hui , Liu Xiao , Wang Qian‐ming , He Yun , Zhu Xiao‐lu , Zhang Jia‐min , Han Wei , Chen Huan , Chen Yu‐hong , Wang Feng‐rong , Wang Jing‐zhi , Zhang Yuan‐yuan , Mo Xiao‐dong , Chen Yao , Wang Yu , Fu Hai‐xia , Chang Ying‐jun , Xu Lan‐ping , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To explore the possible risk factors for the occurrence and mortality of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) with concomitant acute graft‐vs‐host disease (aGVHD) and to investigate outcomes and treatments of this disorder after allo‐HSCT.

Methods

Fifty cases diagnosed with TMA with concomitant aGVHD and 150 controls were identified from a cohort composed of 3992 patients who underwent allo‐HSCT from 2008 to 2016.

Results

Grade III‐IV aGVHD (P = .000), acute kidney injury (AKI) (P = .033), and hypertension (P = .028) were significant independent risk factors associated with the occurrence of TMA with concomitant aGVHD. A haptoglobin level below normal (P = .013), a maximum volume of diarrhea >2500 mL/d (P = .015), and bloody diarrhea (P = .049) were significant markers for death in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients diagnosed with TMA with concomitant aGVHD had a lower overall survival (OS), a higher non‐relapse mortality (NRM), but a lower risk of relapse.

Conclusions

Thrombotic microangiopathy with concomitant aGVHD is a significant complication after allo‐HSCT, with a worse outcome, including significantly lower OS and higher NRM. There are specific risk factors associated with occurrence and mortality of this complication.
Apathy in rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder is common and under‐recognized
Authors: Barber T. R. , Muhammed K. , Drew D. , Lawton M. , Crabbe M. , Rolinski M. , Quinnell T. , Zaiwalla Z. , Ben‐Shlomo Y. , Husain M. , Hu M. T. M.
Published: November 2017

Background and purpose

Apathy is an important neuropsychiatric feature of Parkinson's disease (PD), which often emerges before the onset of motor symptoms. Patients with rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) have a high probability of developing PD in future. Neuropsychiatric problems are common in RBD, but apathy has not previously been detailed in this key prodromal population.

Methods

Eighty‐eight patients with polysomnographically proven RBD, 65 patients with PD and 33 controls were assessed for apathy using the Lille Apathy Rating Scale. Cognition and depression were also quantified. The sensitivity of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale screening questions for apathy and depression was calculated.

Results

A total of 46% of patients with RBD were apathetic, compared with 31% of patients with PD in our sample. Most patients with RBD with depression were apathetic but more than half of apathetic patients were not depressed. The sensitivity of the single Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale screening question was only 33% for mild apathy and 50% for severe apathy.

Conclusions

Apathy is common in RBD and is underestimated by a single self‐report question. Recognition of apathy as a distinct neuropsychiatric feature in RBD could aid targeted treatment interventions and might contribute to the understanding of prodromal PD.