bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
p53 protects against genome instability following centriole duplication failure
Authors: Lambrus Bramwell G. , Uetake Yumi , Clutario Kevin M. , Daggubati Vikas , Snyder Michael , Sluder Greenfield , Holland Andrew J.
Published: July 2015

Centriole function has been difficult to study because of a lack of specific tools that allow persistent and reversible centriole depletion. Here we combined gene targeting with an auxin-inducible degradation system to achieve rapid, titratable, and reversible control of Polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4), a master regulator of centriole biogenesis. Depletion of Plk4 led to a failure of centriole duplication that produced an irreversible cell cycle arrest within a few divisions. This arrest was not a result of a prolonged mitosis, chromosome segregation errors, or cytokinesis failure. Depleting p53 allowed cells that fail centriole duplication to proliferate indefinitely. Washout of auxin and restoration of endogenous Plk4 levels in cells that lack centrioles led to the penetrant formation of de novo centrioles that gained the ability to organize microtubules and duplicate. In summary, we uncover a p53-dependent surveillance mechanism that protects against genome instability by preventing cell growth after centriole duplication failure.
Schwann cell autophagy, myelinophagy, initiates myelin clearance from injured nerves
Authors: Gomez-Sanchez Jose A. , Carty Lucy , Iruarrizaga-Lejarreta Marta , Palomo-Irigoyen Marta , Varela-Rey Marta , Griffith Megan , Hantke Janina , Macias-Camara Nuria , Azkargorta Mikel , Aurrekoetxea Igor , De Juan Virginia Gutiérrez , Jefferies Harold B.J. , Aspichueta Patricia , Elortza Félix , Aransay Ana M. , Martínez-Chantar María L. , Baas Frank , Mato José M. , Mirsky Rhona , Woodhoo Ashwin , Jessen Kristján R.
Published: July 2015

Although Schwann cell myelin breakdown is the universal outcome of a remarkably wide range of conditions that cause disease or injury to peripheral nerves, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that make Schwann cell–mediated myelin digestion possible have not been established. We report that Schwann cells degrade myelin after injury by a novel form of selective autophagy, myelinophagy. Autophagy was up-regulated by myelinating Schwann cells after nerve injury, myelin debris was present in autophagosomes, and pharmacological and genetic inhibition of autophagy impaired myelin clearance. Myelinophagy was positively regulated by the Schwann cell JNK/c-Jun pathway, a central regulator of the Schwann cell reprogramming induced by nerve injury. We also present evidence that myelinophagy is defective in the injured central nervous system. These results reveal an important role for inductive autophagy during Wallerian degeneration, and point to potential mechanistic targets for accelerating myelin clearance and improving demyelinating disease.
Sally Horne-Badovinac: Taking a spin around morphogenesis
Authors: Powell Kendall
Published: July 2015

Horne-Badovinac tracks how coordinated cellular movements mold tissues.
Hypodermic self-insemination as a reproductive assurance strategy
Authors: Ramm Steven A. , Schlatter Aline , Poirier Maude , Schärer Lukas
Published: July 2015

Self-fertilization occurs in a broad range of hermaphroditic plants and animals, and is often thought to evolve as a reproductive assurance strategy under ecological conditions that disfavour or prevent outcrossing. Nevertheless, selfing ability is far from ubiquitous among hermaphrodites, and may be constrained in taxa where the male and female gametes of the same individual cannot easily meet. Here, we report an extraordinary selfing mechanism in one such species, the free-living flatwormMacrostomum hystrix.To test the hypothesis that adaptations to hypodermic insemination of the mating partner under outcrossing also facilitate selfing, we experimentally manipulated the social environment of these transparent flatworms and then observed the spatial distribution of received spermin vivo. We find that this distribution differs radically between conditions allowing or preventing outcrossing, implying that isolated individuals use their needle-like stylet (male copulatory organ) to inject own sperm into their anterior body region, including into their own head, from where they then apparently migrate to the site of (self-)fertilization. Conferring the ability to self could thus be an additional consequence of hypodermic insemination, a widespread fertilization mode that is especially prevalent among simultaneously hermaphroditic animals and probably evolves due to sexual conflict over the transfer and subsequent fate of sperm.
Cross-generational impact of a male murine pheromone 2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazole in female mice
Authors: Koyama Sachiko , Soini Helena A. , Wager-Miller James , Alley William R. , Pizzo Matthew J. , Rodda Cathleen , Alberts Jeffrey , Crystal Jonathon D. , Lai Cary , Foley John , Novotny Milos V.
Published: July 2015

The current understanding of the activity of mammalian pheromones is that endocrine and behavioural effects are limited to the exposed individuals. Here, we demonstrate that the nasal exposure of female mice to a male murine pheromone stimulates expansion of mammary glands, leading to prolonged nursing of pups. Subsequent behavioural testing of the pups from pheromone-exposed dams exhibited enhanced learning. Sialic acid components in the milk are known to be involved in brain development. We hypothesized that the offspring might have received more of this key nutrient that promotes brain development. The mRNA for polysialyltransferase, which produces polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecules related to brain development, was increased in the brain of offspring of pheromone-exposed dams at post-natal day 10, while it was not different at embryonic stages, indicating possible differential brain development during early post-natal life.
Multiple N—H...NC, C—H...NC and nitrile...π interactions in 4,4′-bipyridine-1,1′-diium bis(1,1,3,3-tetracyano-2-ethoxypropenide): structure determination and DFT calculations of anion...π cation interaction energies
Authors: Setifi Fatima , Geiger David K. , Abdul Razak Ibrahim , Setifi Zouaoui
Published: July 2015

Polynitrile anions are important in both coordination chemistry and molecular materials chemistry, and are interesting for their extensive electronic delocalization. The title compound crystallizes with two symmetry-independent half 4,4′-bipyridine-1,1′-diium (bpyH22+) cations and two symmetry-independent 1,1,3,3-tetracyano-2-ethoxypropenide (tcnoet−) anions in the asymmetric unit. One of the bpyH22+ions is located on a crystallographic twofold rotation axis (canted pyridine rings) and the other is located on a crystallographic inversion center (coplanar pyridine rings). The ethyl group of one of the tcnoet−anions is disordered over two sites with equal populations. The extended structure exhibits two separate N—H...NC hydrogen-bonding motifs, which result in a sheet structure parallel to (010), and weak C—H...NC hydrogen bonds form joined rings. Two types of multicenter CN...π interactions are observed between the bpyH22+rings and tcnoet−anions. An additonal CN...π interaction between adjacent tcnoet−anions is observed. Using density functional theory, the calculated attractive energy between cation and anion pairs in the tcnoet−...π(bipyridinediium) interactions were found to be 557 and 612 kJ mol−1for coplanar and canted bpyH22+cations, respectively.
Weak C—H...O and C—H...π hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions in a series of fourN′-[(E)-(aryl)methylidene]-N-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidine-4-carbohydrazides
Authors: Nogueira Thais C. M. , Pinheiro Alessandra C. , Wardell James L. , Souza Marcus V. N. de , Abberley Jordan P. , Harrison William T A
Published: July 2015

Oxazolidin-2-ones are widely used as protective groups for 1,2-amino alcohols and chiral derivatives are employed as chiral auxiliaries. The crystal structures of four differently substituted oxazolidinecarbohydrazides, namelyN′-[(E)-benzylidene]-N-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidine-4-carbohydrazide, C12H12N3O3, (I),N′-[(E)-2-chlorobenzylidene]-N-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidine-4-carbohydrazide, C12H12ClN3O3, (II), (4S)-N′-[(E)-4-chlorobenzylidene]-N-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidine-4-carbohydrazide, C12H12ClN3O3, (III), and (4S)-N′-[(E)-2,6-dichlorobenzylidene]-N,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidine-4-carbohydrazide, C13H13Cl2N3O3, (IV), show that an unexpected mild-condition racemization from the chiral starting materials has occurred in (I) and (II). In the extended structures, the centrosymmetric phases, which each crystallize with two molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit, formA+Bdimers linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, albeit with different O-atom acceptors. One dimer is composed of one molecule with anSconfiguration for its stereogenic centre and the other with anRconfiguration, and possesses approximate local inversion symmetry. The other dimer consists of eitherR,RorS,Spairs and possesses approximate local twofold symmetry. In the chiral structure, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules intoC(5) chains, with adjacent molecules related by a 21screw axis. A wide variety of weak interactions, including C—H...O, C—H...Cl, C—H...π and π–π stacking interactions, occur in these structures, but there is little conformity between them.
Assessing the gender gap in labour market index: volatility of results and reliability
Authors: Castellano Rosalia , Rocca Antonella
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The construction and use of composite indicators has recently increased considerably because such indicators permit the comparison and ranking of countries with respect to complex phenomena of global importance. Together with the diffusion of these composite indicators, a major debate has emerged over their real capacity to produce objective and reliable results. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, an analysis of the results of the Gender Gap Labour Market Index (GGLMI) – an ad hoc composite indicator constructed by the authors to analyse the gender gap in European labour markets – is proposed, in order to identify the most appropriate choices in the construction of composite indicators, to obtain reliable results. This is a sensible approach, especially when various aspects (some of them controversial) have to be synthesised.

Findings

– In addition to highlighting the greater robustness of non-compensatory methods, this analysis confirms the variability of countries’ rankings on graded positional lists, and suggests the need to use a procedure based on a set of alternative methods conveniently combined in each step of the composite indicator construction.

Research limitations/implications

– The research identifies the weak steps in composite indicator construction and the data characteristics which increase the volatility. Only an approach based on various alternative paths can control for it.

Practical implications

– It offers some reflections on the extent to which gender disparities in labour market still persist in European countries and the different ways in which it manifests.

Social implications

– The analysis of characteristics and policies activated in countries at the top of the ranking can suggest initiatives to promote gender equality.

Originality/value

– Besides of testing the robustness of results, an effort in order to identify the best way to obtain a synthetic and reliable single rank is made. Further, the results produced by the GGLMI for the year 2011 are presented and discussed.
A comparison on financial literacy between welfare recipients and non-welfare recipients in Brunei
Authors: Pg Md Salleh Ak Md Hasnol Alwee
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide insights onto the level of financial literacy in Brunei, notably focussing on the findings of welfare recipient’s vis-à-vis non-welfare recipients.

Design/methodology/approach

– Findings are based on structured interviews with 431 heads of households (215 welfare recipients and 216 non-welfare recipients), within the realm of money management, emergency planning and investing for goals. To analyze the data, Pearson’s χ2 test and logistic regressions are undertaken.

Findings

– The findings underline the importance of enhancing the level of financial literacy, notably for low-income households and those in poverty, as the analysis highlighted their level of financial literacy was significantly lower than non-welfare recipients.

Research limitations/implications

– Future researches may want to consider a random sampling approach and/or using other districts in the country, to ascertain a representative set of findings.

Practical implications

– The implication of the findzings highlights the need for welfare programs to consider incorporating financial literacy programs, designed specifically for welfare recipients, distinct from non-welfare recipients.

Originality/value

– There is currently no known research on financial literacy related to Brunei. Further, the paper also focusses on financial literacy, as a means to assist those in welfare or poverty, in order to enhance their financial well-being.
African Pentecostalism as entrepreneurial space
Authors: Ojo Sanya
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to intend to examine how African Pentecostals use the structure of their religion to re-enact their entrepreneurial ideals and uniqueness and develop enterprising attitude and altitude. Also to appraise how they manipulate their ethnic cultural assets and faith-based networks to stimulate and maintain their entrepreneurial activities.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study of a specific religious organisation was exploited whereby a few number of adherents from a particular ethnic church in the UK were interviewed. The theoretical framework of Mead’s symbolic interaction was explored to accomplish the study’s objectives.

Findings

– Findings demonstrate the ability of an ethnic minority group to adjust to a secondary range of social conditions in the country of residence through adoption of a theology that tracks the contours of their culture.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper emphasises the significance of material expressions of spiritual agency that acts as instrument of establishing the active, progressing self of ethnic minority group in the country of residence, thus, illuminating the interconnections between religion and enterprise. Such understandings present great prospects to fabricate new sites of meaning among a particular minority group through understanding various contradictions embedded in their religious practices.

Practical implications

– The study stresses the significance of material expressions of spiritual agency that acts as avenue for disadvantaged group to engage in entrepreneurial activities. The Pentecostal enclave thus helps immigrants to keep body and soul together in an environment that is embedded with ethnic penalties.

Social implications

– The African Pentecostal movement serves, not only as instrument of converting others, but its Prosperity gospel emphasis the significance of material expression of spiritual agency. This acts as a means of establishing the active, progressing self, with capacity to produce law-abiding citizenry among ethnic groups.

Originality/value

– The study illuminates the interconnections between religion and enterprise that offer great opportunities to fabricate new sites of meaning among a particular minority group through understanding various contradictions embedded in their religious practices.
A look at female entrepreneurship in Kosovo: an exploratory study
Authors: Ramadani Veland , Rexhepi Gadaf , Abazi-Alili Hyrije , Beqiri Bersant , Thaçi Abdullah
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims at focusing on female entrepreneurs in Kosovo. It treats the conditions and perspectives of female entrepreneurship development and an array of problems that female entrepreneurs are facing.

Design/methodology/approach

– To get a better picture on the profile of the female entrepreneurs in Kosovo, motives, problems and perspectives that stand in front of female entrepreneurs in Kosovo, a survey was conducted during the period of January-February 2015. From 90 distributed questionnaires, 70 responses were received, which means the response rate was 78 per cent.

Findings

– The authors found that the majority of female entrepreneurs in Kosovo operate micro-businesses; are well educated; mostly operate in the trade sector; majority of them generate incomes from 20,000-40,000; most of them have business experience up to six years; obtaining financing sources is the main problem; and are good in financial management.

Practical implications

– A useful information source for students, academics and policy-makers.

Originality/value

– This paper addresses an under-researched country, that is Kosovo.
Effect of environmental factors on seed germination and emergence of Lepidium vesicarium
Authors: Amini Rouhollah , Mobli Ahmadreza , Ghanepour Sanam
Published: July 2015

Lepidium vesicarium is a weed species with a wide distribution in the rangelands and dry‐land farming in East Azarbaijan, Iran. The experiments were undertaken to assay the effects of light, temperature, pH, osmotic potential, NaCl concentration and burial depth on seed germination and emergence of L. vesicarium. Germination was maintained at high levels (> 80%) over a wide day/night temperature range (10/5 to 30/20°C), but a severe reduction in the germination rate of L. vesicarium was found below 20/10°C. Germination of L. vesicarium was influenced by different light/dark regimes, as the germination rate was highest at 16 h light for the all treatments (0, 8, 12, 16 and 24 h light). Germination was 92–95% over a wide range of pH (2‐10). Germination was >50% at a water potential of −0.7 MPa and salinity of 21 dS/m, indicating that drought and salt conditions have a minimal impact on seed germination. With increasing burial depth from 0 to 2 cm, the number of days required for 50% emergence increased and no germination was observed at burial depths deeper than 3 cm. This suggests that L. vesicarium would become troublesome in the rangelands and for growers in reduced‐tillage cropping systems. The ability to emerge from shallow depths, coupled with tolerance of a wide pH range, drought and salinity at germination, should be taken into account when managing this weed species.
Technocratic Governments in Europe: Getting the Critique Right
Authors: Pastorella Giulia
Published: July 2015

In Europe, technocratic governments have become a popular topic of debate. Commentators have condemned them as a ‘suspension of democracy’ or even as ‘the end of democracy as we know it’. However, no academic analysis has assessed whether technocratic governments are indeed undemocratic. This article is intended to fill this gap by assessing technocratic governments’ democratic credentials. It compares them to party governments along the main dimensions of party democracy, including representation, deliberation, constitutionality and legitimacy. It concludes that technocratic governments in Europe are not undemocratic per se, but are still a worrying phenomenon insofar as they reveal shortcomings that remain hidden in normal party governments: a loosening of delegation and accountability ties between voters, parties and cabinets; increasing external pressures on domestic political actors; and the weakening of partisan ideology-based politics. The article will add further elements to reinforce the already vast literature on the crisis of – especially party – democracy in Europe.
Setting Parliamentary Calendars: How Parties Allocate Time for Plenary Debates on Bills
Authors: Giannetti Daniela , Pinto Luca , Pedrazzani Andrea
Published: July 2015

Compared to other aspects of agenda control, the organisation of legislative calendars has received scarce scholarly attention. However, setting the floor timetable affects parliament’s decisions and may therefore become crucial for understanding the policy-making process better. This article examines the allocation of speaking time for plenary debates on bills by combining an interparty perspective with a focus on the agenda-setting powers of collective directing bodies in the parliament. It shows that, due to time pressures, parties have to make explicit trade-offs among bill proposals. Using an original dataset including information about 472 bill proposals scheduled for floor debates in three Italian legislative terms in the period 2001–13, the article provides evidence that parties agree to schedule longer debates for divisive and salient issues, while they decide to move more quickly on less divisive proposals.
The role of managerial risk‐taking in the ‘rise and fall’ of the CDS market
Authors: Dias Roshanthi
Published: July 2015

Since the innovation of credit default swaps (CDSs) in 1997, the market for CDSs grew dramatically to $62 trillion in 2007 (ISDA 2010). However, this market declined significantly with the onset of the GFC, prompting the question, ‘What lies behind the phenomenal growth and the eventual collapse of the CDS market?’ Using CDS spread data from 319 bank and non‐bank financial institutions across 33 countries over the period 2001–2010, I provide evidence of the determinants that affect risk‐taking by financial institutions, proxied by CDS spreads, and argue within an agency theoretical framework that managerial risk‐taking contributed to the ‘rise and fall’ of the CDS market.
Ventricular Assist Device in Single‐Ventricle Heart Disease and a Superior Cavopulmonary Anastomosis
Authors: Niebler Robert A. , Shah Tejas K. , Mitchell Michael E. , Woods Ronald K. , Zangwill Steven D. , Tweddell James S. , Berger Stuart , Ghanayem Nancy S.
Published: July 2015

Our objective is to describe the use of a ventricular assist device (VAD) in single‐ventricle patients with circulatory failure following superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (SCPA). We performed a retrospective chart review of all single‐ventricle patients supported with a VAD following SCPA. Implantation techniques, physiologic parameters while supported, medical and surgical interventions postimplant, and outcomes were reviewed. Four patients were supported with an EXCOR Pediatric (Berlin Heart Inc., The Woodlands, TX, USA) following SCPA for a median duration of 10.5 days (range 9–312 days). Selective excision of trabeculae and chords facilitated apical cannulation in all patients without inflow obstruction. There were two pump exchanges in the one patient supported for 312 days. Two patients were evaluated by cardiac catheterization while supported. Three of four patients were successfully bridged to transplantation. One patient died while supported. All patients had significant bleeding at the time of transplantation, and one required posttransplant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with subsequent full recovery. VAD support can provide a successful bridge to transplantation in patients with single‐ventricle circulation following SCPA. A thorough understanding of the challenges encountered during this support is necessary for successful outcomes.
Sexual Concerns of Patients With Implantable Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Merle Pascal , Maxhera Bujar , Albert Alexander , Ortmann Philipp , Günter Mareile , Lichtenberg Artur , Saeed Diyar
Published: July 2015

The growing field of implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) lacks studies that evaluate the sexual and psychosocial concerns of LVAD patients. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the sexual and psychosocial behaviors of these patients. A sexual and psychosocial survey was conducted in patients who underwent the implantation of LVAD. Inclusion criteria were patients who were discharged home. The survey consisted of 17 questions with main focus on the sexual life and activities. The survey was sent to 38 patients. Twelve patients had either no partners or did not respond to the survey. Data of the remaining 26 patients with a mean age of 54 ± 13 years old were analyzed. The mean time between LVAD implantation and the first sexual activity was 16 ± 13 weeks (6–42 weeks). Following LVAD implantation, there was a steady improvement in the physical condition and quality of life. However, a remarkable decrease in the degree of satisfaction with sexual life following LVAD implantation (5.5 ± 2.2 vs. 4.1 ± 2.5) was observed (P = 0.05) (a scale of 1–7, with 7 being very satisfied and 1 not satisfied). Decreasing sexual activities after LVAD implantation was mainly to avoid partner disappointment, sudden cardiac arrest, and LVAD failure. There is a notable reduction in the degree of satisfaction with sexual life after LVAD implantation. The majority of the patients avoid discussing this issue with their physicians. Psychological and psychosocial support of LVAD patients is mandatory to improve their life quality.
Ageing effect on flicker‐induced diameter changes in retinal microvessels of healthy individuals
Authors: Seshadri Swathi , Ekart Aniko , Gherghel Doina
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To compare flicker‐induced retinal vessel diameter changes in varying age groups with low cardiovascular risk.

Methods

Retinal vascular reactivity to flicker light was assessed by means of dynamic retinal vessel analysis in 57 participants aged 19–30 years, 75 participants aged 31–50 years and 62 participants aged 51–70 years participants. Other assessments included carotid intima–media thickness (c‐IMT), augmentation index (AIx), blood pressure profiles, blood lipid metabolism markers and Framingham risk scores (FRS).

Results

Retinal arterial dilation amplitude (DA) and postflicker percentage constriction (MC%) were significantly decreased in the oldest group compared to the middle‐aged (p = 0.028; p = 0.021) and youngest group (p = 0.003; p = 0.026). The arterial constriction slope (SlopeAC) was also decreased in the oldest group compared to the youngest group (p = 0.027). On the venous side, MC% was decreased in the middle‐aged and oldest groups in comparison with the youngest group (p = 0.015; p = 0.010, respectively). Additionally, men exhibited increased arterial DA (p = 0.007), and percentage dilation (MD%, p < 0.001) in comparison with women, but only in the youngest age group. Both AIx and c‐IMT scores increased with age (both p < 0.001); however, no correlations were found between the observed differences in the measured retinal vascular function and systemic parameters.

Conclusion

In individuals with low cardiovascular risk, there are age‐related differences in flicker‐induced retinal vessel diameter changes throughout the entire functional response curve for arteries and veins. Gender differences mainly affect the arterial dilatory phase and are only present in young individuals.
Stacked scale frames: building hegemony for fracking across scales
Authors: Sica Carlo E
Published: July 2015

This paper introduces the concept of stacked scale frames and explains how they can legitimate a particular set of interests as general interests. Specifically, it examines how shale gas development proceeded in Pennsylvania, and finds that stacked scale frames were a tool for establishing the legitimacy of fracking. Fracking is a technique for extracting oil and natural gas from shale rock formations using highly pressurised water, sand and chemicals. It has produced dramatic amounts of gas and wealth over the past seven to eight years, but poses risks to the environment and public health that are largely understudied and misunderstood. Previous studies of fracking have explained the rise of fracking in Pennsylvania using analyses of advertisements and corporate promotional materials. This study builds on their work and adds an understanding of the fracking boom seen through the concept of hegemony. The data used in this paper draw from a set of interviews with ‘intellectuals’ in Gramsci's sense of the word: societal elites who mould and shape public opinion. In the case of fracking, these elites included representatives of oil and gas capital, the state, academia, NGOs and civil society living near fracking sites. Overall, the benefits of fracking were recognised by all groups and the costs were less commonly represented. This paper contributes the concept of stacked scale frames to literature on social production of scale in human geography. Stacked scale frames made capitalist economic development appear to benefit a wider section of society spread across multiple scales simultaneously. In contrast, opponents of fracking framed the costs of fracking at individual scales and in a piecemeal fashion. It concludes that anti‐fracking forces, and political ecologists in general, should embrace a critique that draws together social and environmental harms across multiple scales simultaneously.
Impact of treatment algorithms on the prescribing of antithrombotic therapy in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome – a prospective audit
Authors: Cameron Alan C. , McCallum Linsay , Gardiner Thomas , Darroch Claire , Walters Matthew R. , Oldroyd Keith G.
Published: July 2015

Aims

Chest pain presentations are common although most patients do not have an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We hypothesized that our local therapeutic guideline was leading to many low risk patients being inappropriately treated with potent anti‐thrombotic therapy for ACS.

Methods

We conducted a prospective analysis of patients presenting with suspected ACS to the Western Infirmary Glasgow over a 2 month period between 6/10/13–3/11/13 and 5/4/14–2/5/14. We collated data on demographics, investigation, initial management and final diagnosis. Patients taking warfarin were excluded. We calculated sensitivity, specificity and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for our local guideline, the SIGN guideline and a new guideline proposal.

Results

We studied 202 patients of whom 112 (55%) were male with mean (SD) age 60 (15) years. Full anti‐thrombotic therapy for ACS was recommended in 91 patients (45%) according to the NHS GG&C guideline, 37 (18%) by the SIGN guideline and 30 (15%) by our new guideline proposal. The final diagnosis was ACS in 39 patients (19%). The current NHS GG&C guideline had a sensitivity of 80%, specificity 63% and AUROC 0.71 (95% CI 0.63, 0.80). The respective values were 62%, 92% and 0.77 (95% CI 0.67, 0.86) for the SIGN guideline and 54%, 94% and 0.74 (95% CI 0.64, 0.84) for our new proposed guideline.

Conclusions

Only one‐fifth of patients who present with chest pain or suspected ACS have ACS as their final diagnosis. Our new guideline proposal is highly specific and would minimize unnecessary administration of potent anti‐thrombotic therapy to low risk patients.
Transition Probability Estimates for Non-Markov Multi-State Models
Authors: Titman Andrew C.
Published: July 2015

Non-parametric estimation of the transition probabilities in multi-state models is considered for non-Markov processes. Firstly, a generalization of the estimator of Pepe et al., (1991) (Statistics in Medicine) is given for a class of progressive multi-state models based on the difference between Kaplan–Meier estimators. Secondly, a general estimator for progressive or non-progressive models is proposed based upon constructed univariate survival or competing risks processes which retain the Markov property. The properties of the estimators and their associated standard errors are investigated through simulation. The estimators are demonstrated on datasets relating to survival and recurrence in patients with colon cancer and prothrombin levels in liver cirrhosis patients.
Echocardiographic evaluation in subjects with α1‐Antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Vizzardi Enrico , Corda Luciano , Sciatti Edoardo , Roca Elisa , Redolfi Stefania , Arici Marianna , Pini Laura , Bonadei Ivano , Metra Marco , Tantucci Claudio
Published: July 2015

Background

α1‐Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition associated with early‐onset panacinar emphysema and, less often, vascular disease. Recently, abnormal elastic properties of ascending aortic wall were described in ZZ genotype AATD subjects who incidentally showed an increased left ventricular mass.

Materials and methods

To evaluate biventricular dimensions, valvular apparatus, systolic and diastolic function, 33 AATD subjects with ZZ genotype and 33 healthy subjects matched for age and sex underwent a complete echocardiographic assessment.

Results

Compared to controls, AATD subjects showed increased left ventricular mass (160 ± 59 g vs. 121 ± 70 g, P < 0·001), a higher incidence of left and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction (30% vs. 16%, P < 0·001 and 45% vs. 20%, P < 0·001, respectively) and mitral valve prolapse (35% vs. 6%, P < 0·001). In contrast, there was no difference between the two groups in diameters and systolic function of both ventricles and in the ejection fraction of left ventricle. The functions of aortic and tricuspidal valves were also similar.

Conclusions

In the presence of greater left ventricular mass, a significantly higher incidence of left and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction and mitral valve prolapse occurs in AATD subjects (ZZ genotype). These findings strongly suggest an abnormal remodelling process in cardiac tissue in AATD.
Impact of non‐pathogenic bacteria on insect disease resistance: importance of ecological context
Authors: SHIKANO IKKEI , OLSON GRANT L. , CORY JENNY S.
Published: July 2015

1. The aerial surface of plants is a habitat for large and diverse microbial communities; termed the phyllosphere. These microbes are unavoidably consumed by herbivores, and while the entomopathogens are well studied, the impact of non‐pathogenic bacteria on herbivore life history is less clear.

2. Previous work has suggested that consumption of non‐entomopathogenic bacteria induces a costly immune response that might decrease the risk of infection. However, we hypothesised that insect herbivores should be selective in how they respond to commonly encountered non‐pathogenic bacteria on their host plants to avoid unnecessary and costly immune responses.

3. An ecologically realistic scenario was used in which we fed cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni Hübner, larvae on cabbage or cucumber leaves treated with the common non‐entomopathogenic phyllosphere bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens and P. syringae. Their constitutive immunity and resistance to a pathogenic bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis; Bt) and a baculovirus (T. ni single nucleopolyhedrovirus) were then examined.

4. While feeding on bacteria‐treated leaves reduced the growth rate and condition of T. ni, there was no effect on immunity (haemolymph antibacterial and phenoloxidase activities and haemocyte numbers). Phyllosphere bacteria weakly affected the resistance of T. ni to Bt but the direction of this effect was concentration dependent; resistance to the virus was unaffected. Host plant had an impact, with cucumber‐fed larvae being more susceptible to Bt.

5. The lack of evidence for a costly immune response to non‐entomopathogenic bacteria suggests that T. ni are probably adapted to consuming common phyllosphere bacteria, and highlights the importance of the evolutionary history of participants in multi‐trophic interactions.
Understanding the ecology and evolution of host–parasite interactions across scales
Authors: Penczykowski Rachel M. , Laine Anna‐Liisa , Koskella Britt
Published: July 2015

Predicting the emergence, spread and evolution of parasites within and among host populations requires insight to both the spatial and temporal scales of adaptation, including an understanding of within‐host up through community‐level dynamics. Although there are very few pathosystems for which such extensive data exist, there has been a recent push to integrate studies performed over multiple scales or to simultaneously test for dynamics occurring across scales. Drawing on examples from the literature, with primary emphasis on three diverse host–parasite case studies, we first examine current understanding of the spatial structure of host and parasite populations, including patterns of local adaptation and spatial variation in host resistance and parasite infectivity. We then explore the ways to measure temporal variation and dynamics in host–parasite interactions and discuss the need to examine change over both ecological and evolutionary timescales. Finally, we highlight new approaches and syntheses that allow for simultaneous analysis of dynamics across scales. We argue that there is great value in examining interplay among scales in studies of host–parasite interactions.
Global trade will accelerate plant invasions in emerging economies under climate change
Authors: Seebens Hanno , Essl Franz , Dawson Wayne , Fuentes Nicol , Moser Dietmar , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , van Kleunen Mark , Weber Ewald , Winter Marten , Blasius Bernd
Published: July 2015

Trade plays a key role in the spread of alien species and has arguably contributed to the recent enormous acceleration of biological invasions, thus homogenizing biotas worldwide. Combining data on 60‐year trends of bilateral trade, as well as on biodiversity and climate, we modeled the global spread of plant species among 147 countries. The model results were compared with a recently compiled unique global data set on numbers of naturalized alien vascular plant species representing the most comprehensive collection of naturalized plant distributions currently available. The model identifies major source regions, introduction routes, and hot spots of plant invasions that agree well with observed naturalized plant numbers. In contrast to common knowledge, we show that the ‘imperialist dogma,’ stating that Europe has been a net exporter of naturalized plants since colonial times, does not hold for the past 60 years, when more naturalized plants were being imported to than exported from Europe. Our results highlight that the current distribution of naturalized plants is best predicted by socioeconomic activities 20 years ago. We took advantage of the observed time lag and used trade developments until recent times to predict naturalized plant trajectories for the next two decades. This shows that particularly strong increases in naturalized plant numbers are expected in the next 20 years for emerging economies in megadiverse regions. The interaction with predicted future climate change will increase invasions in northern temperate countries and reduce them in tropical and (sub)tropical regions, yet not by enough to cancel out the trade‐related increase.
The shifting influence of drought and heat stress for crops in northeast Australia
Authors: Lobell David B. , Hammer Graeme L. , Chenu Karine , Zheng Bangyou , McLean Greg , Chapman Scott C.
Published: July 2015

Characterization of drought environment types (ETs) has proven useful for breeding crops for drought‐prone regions. Here, we consider how changes in climate and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations will affect drought ET frequencies in sorghum and wheat systems of northeast Australia. We also modify APSIM (the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator) to incorporate extreme heat effects on grain number and weight, and then evaluate changes in the occurrence of heat‐induced yield losses of more than 10%, as well as the co‐occurrence of drought and heat. More than six million simulations spanning representative locations, soil types, management systems, and 33 climate projections led to three key findings. First, the projected frequency of drought decreased slightly for most climate projections for both sorghum and wheat, but for different reasons. In sorghum, warming exacerbated drought stresses by raising the atmospheric vapor pressure deficit and reducing transpiration efficiency (TE), but an increase in TE due to elevated CO2 more than offset these effects. In wheat, warming reduced drought stress during spring by hastening development through winter and reducing exposure to terminal drought. Elevated CO2 increased TE but also raised radiation‐use efficiency and overall growth rates and water use, thereby offsetting much of the drought reduction from warming. Second, adding explicit effects of heat on grain number and grain size often switched projected yield impacts from positive to negative. Finally, although average yield losses associated with drought will remain generally higher than that for heat stress for the next half century, the relative importance of heat is steadily growing. This trend, as well as the likely high degree of genetic variability in heat tolerance, suggests that more emphasis on heat tolerance is warranted in breeding programs. At the same time, work on drought tolerance should continue with an emphasis on drought that co‐occurs with extreme heat.
The influence of patient beliefs and treatment satisfaction on the discontinuation of current first‐line antiretroviral regimens
Authors: Casado JL , Marín A , Romero V , Bañón S , Moreno A , Perez‐Elías MJ , Moreno S , Rodriguez‐Sagrado MA
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Large cohort studies have shown a high rate of first‐line combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimen discontinuation in HIV‐infected patients, attributed to characteristics of the cART regimen or toxicity.

Methods

A cohort study of 274 patients receiving a first‐line regimen was carried out. Patients' perceptions and beliefs prior to initiation were assessed using an attitude towards medication scale (0−15 points), and their satisfaction during therapy was assessed using an HIV treatment satisfaction questionnaire (HIVTSQ). Treatment discontinuation was defined as any switch in the cART regimen.

Results

During 474.8 person‐years of follow‐up, 63 (23%) patients changed their cART regimen, mainly because of toxicity/intolerance (42; 67%). The overall rate of change was 13.2 per 100 patient‐years [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.1–16.4 per 100 patient‐years]. An efavirenz (EFV)‐based single tablet regimen showed the highest rate of adverse events (27%), but the lowest rate of change (16%; 7.44 per 100 patient‐years). Cox regression revealed a decreased hazard of first regimen termination with better initial attitude towards drugs [hazard ratio (HR) 0.76; 95% CI 0.62–0.93; P < 0.01] and higher satisfaction (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.89–0.99; P = 0.01), and an increased hazard of termination with the presence of adverse events (HR 7.7; 95% CI 2.4–11.6; P < 0.01). One‐third of patients (18 of 59; 31%) with mild/moderate adverse events (which were mainly central nervous system symptoms) continued the regimen; these patients, compared with those discontinuing therapy, showed better perception of therapy (mean score 14.4 versus 12.1, respectively; P = 0.05) and greater satisfaction during therapy (mean score 50.6 versus 44.6, respectively; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Patients' beliefs and satisfaction with therapy influence the durability of the first antiretroviral regimen. These patient‐related factors modulate the impact of mild adverse events, and could explain differences in the rate of discontinuation.
Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations: Hyperacute Stroke Care Guidelines, Update 2015
Authors: Casaubon Leanne K. , Boulanger Jean-Martin , Blacquiere Dylan , Boucher Scott , Brown Kyla , Goddard Tom , Gordon Jacqueline , Horton Myles , Lalonde Jeffrey , LaRivière Christian , Lavoie Pascale , Leslie Paul , McNeill Jeanne , Menon Bijoy K. , Moses Brian , Penn Melanie , Perry Jeff , Snieder Elizabeth , Tymianski Dawn , Foley Norine , Smith Eric E. , Gubitz Gord , Hill Michael D. , Glasser Ev , Lindsay Patrice
Published: July 2015

The 2015 update of the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations Hyperacute Stroke Care guideline highlights key elements involved in the initial assessment, stabilization, and treatment of patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA), ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and acute venous sinus thrombosis. The most notable change in this 5th edition is the addition of new recommendations for the use of endovascular therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke and proximal intracranial arterial occlusion. This includes an overview of the infrastructure and resources required for stroke centers that will provide endovascular therapy as well as regional structures needed to ensure that all patients with acute ischemic stroke that are eligible for endovascular therapy will be able to access this newly approved therapy; recommendations for hyperacute brain and enhanced vascular imaging using computed tomography angiography and computed tomography perfusion; patient selection criteria based on the five trials of endovascular therapy published in early 2015, and performance metric targets for important time-points involved in endovascular therapy, including computed tomography-to-groin puncture and computed tomography-to-reperfusion times. Other updates in this guideline include recommendations for improved time efficiencies for all aspects of hyperacute stroke care with a movement toward a new median target door-to-needle time of 30 min, with the 90th percentile being 60 min. A stronger emphasis is placed on increasing public awareness of stroke with the recent launch of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada FAST signs of stroke campaign; reinforcing the public need to seek immediate medical attention by calling 911; further engagement of paramedics in the prehospital phase with prehospital notification to the receiving emergency department, as well as the stroke team, including neuroradiology; updates to the triage and same-day assessment of patients with transient ischemic attack; updates to blood pressure recommendations for the hyperacute phase of care for ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The goal of these recommendations and supporting materials is to improve efficiencies and minimize the absolute time lapse between stroke symptom onset and reperfusion therapy, which in turn leads to better outcomes and potentially shorter recovery times.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for refractory radiation‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis
Authors: Ribeiro de Oliveira Tiago M , Carmelo Romão António J , Gamito Guerreiro Francisco M , Matos Lopes Tomé M
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To analyze the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of radiation‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis and to identify factors associated with successful treatment.

Methods

Clinical records from 176 patients with refractory radiation‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis treated at the Portuguese Navy Center for Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine, during a 15‐year period, were retrospectively analyzed. Evolution of macroscopic hematuria was used to analyze treatment efficacy and correlated with other external variables.

Results

From a total of 176 treated patients, 23.9% evidenced other radiation‐induced soft tissue lesions. After an average on 37 sessions, 89.8% of patients showed resolution of hematuria, with only 1.7% of adverse events. In our sample, hematuria resolution after treatment with hyperbaric oxygen was statistically associated to the need for transfusion therapy (P = 0.026) and the number of sessions of hyperbaric oxygen (P = 0.042). No relationship was found with the remaining variables.

Conclusions

Refractory radiation‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis can be successfully and safely treated with hyperbaric oxygen. Treatment effectiveness seems to be correlated with the need for transfusion therapy and the number of sessions performed.