bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mechanisms involved in ochratoxin A elimination by Yarrowia lipolytica Y‐2
Authors: Zhang X. , Yang H. , Apaliya M.T. , Zhao L. , Gu X. , Zheng X. , Hu W. , Zhang H.
Published: July 2018

Biological control of mycotoxin in cereals, fruits and vegetables have emerged as a promising method. In a previous study, Yarrowia lipolytica Y‐2 isolated by our research team showed biocontrol effect on the post‐harvest decay of grapes and ochratoxin A (OTA) elimination in polytoma medium. The aim of this study was to elucidate the possible mechanisms of OTA elimination by Y. lipolytica Y‐2. The results indicated that OTA elimination by Y. lipolytica Y‐2 was attributed to the degradation action of intracellular enzymes but not extracellular enzymes. A degradation product was identified as ochratoxin alpha (OTα) by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The intracellular enzymes precipitated with 65% saturation of ammonium sulphate degrade OTA the most quickly and 97.2% OTA was degraded within 4 h. Analysis of this fraction showed that two proteins of carboxypeptidase were expressed in Y. lipolytica Y‐2 but not in Y. lipolytica Polh without the ability to degrade OTA. The results of the protein identification combined with product identification indicated that OTA was degraded to OTα by Y. lipolytica Y‐2 through the hydrolysis activity of carboxypeptidases. Additionally, many proteins of Y. lipolytica Y‐2 involved in stress response and reactive O2 species elimination also played essential role in OTA degradation.
Tight insect–host phenological synchrony constrains the life‐history strategy of European pine sawfly
Authors: Chorbadjian Rodrigo A. , Phelan P. Larry , Herms Daniel A.
Published: July 2018

The synchronization of insect and plant phenologies may impose ecological constraints on host specialization and the evolution of life histories.

European pine sawfly Neodiprion sertifer (Geoffroy) feeds on mature foliage of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. during a limited temporal period in early spring and is univoltine despite the continual presence of this resource throughout the growing season. Reciprocal manipulation of host and insect phenologies demonstrated that larval performance was highest in mid‐April, with the window of host susceptibility closing rapidly thereafter.

As the host phenology advanced, the foliar concentration of nitrogen, amino acids and soluble carbohydrates decreased, whereas that of terpenoids increased. As the foliar quality declined, larvae ate more in an attempt to compensate, although they were less efficient at converting consumed foliage to body mass.

The phenological window for larval development began to reopen late in the growing season as the quality of mature foliage started to improve until it once again supported larval development during the next spring.

Neodiprion sertifer must synchronize its life cycle with an ephemeral phenological window of host suitability that closes too early and reopens too late to permit a second generation.
Oogenesis is accompanied by cyclic morphological changes in hepatocytes of Neotropical freshwater fish Piabina argentea
Authors: Thomé Ralph G. , de Oliveira Cardoso Isabella Cristina , de Oliveira Sabrina Elisa , Santos Hélio Batista dos
Published: July 2018

We determined for the first time the reproductive biology of Piabina argentea through macroscopic and microscopic analysis of ovaries and evaluated the morphological changes in hepatocytes. Two hundred and 46 specimens were collected, 204 females and 42 males, between March 2014 and February 2015. Biometrics data were obtained. From females, gonad and liver samples were conducted to histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Mature ovaries were used to determine absolute and relative fecundity. Total length and body weight values indicated that females were larger than males. The estimated weight–length ratio showed negative allometric growth. The absolute fecundity average was 171.83 ± 59.89 oocytes per ovary. In addition, females spawning capable and regressing stages were found throughout the sampling period and the presence of all oocyte types in regressing stage ovaries indicated asynchronous oocyte development and multiple spawning. From regenerating to spawning capable stage the oocytes accumulated yolk in cytoplasm became bigger. While in the liver hepatocytes with a larger cell area during regenerating stage and proliferative activity in the spawning capable stage were observed. Thus, our results indicate that P. argentea had an opportunistic reproductive strategy and cyclic morphological changes of hepatocytes occurred during the oogenesis.
CRISPR‐Cas9: A cornerstone for the evolution of precision medicine
Authors: Razzouk Sleiman
Published: July 2018

Modern genetic therapy incorporates genomic testing and genome editing. It is the finest approach for precision medicine. Genome editing is a state‐of‐the‐art technology to manipulate gene expression thus generating a particular genotype. It encompasses multiple programmable nuclease‐based approaches leading to genetic changes. Not surprisingly, this method triggered internationally a wide array of controversies in the scientific community and in the public since it transforms the human genome. Given its importance, the pace of this technology is exceptionally fast. In this report, we introduce one aspect of genome editing, the CRISPR/Cas9 system, highlight its potential to correct genetic mutations and explore its utility in clinical setting. Our goal is to enlighten health care providers about genome editing and incite them to take part of this vital debate.
Improved Outcome in an Animal Model of Prolonged Cardiac Arrest Through Pulsatile High Pressure Controlled Automated Reperfusion of the Whole Body
Authors: Kreibich Maximilian , Trummer Georg , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Scherer Christian , Förster Katharina , Taunyane Itumeleng , Benk Christoph
Published: July 2018

The reperfusion period after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation has been recognized as a key player in improving the outcome after cardiac arrest (CA). Our aim was to evaluate the effects of high mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulsatile flow during controlled automated reperfusion of the whole body. Following 20 min of normothermic CA, high MAP, and pulsatile blood flow (pulsatile group, n = 10) or low MAP and nonpulsatile flow (nonpulsatile group, n = 6) controlled automated reperfusion of the whole body was commenced through the femoral vessels of German landrace pigs for 60 min. Afterwards, animals were observed for eight days. Blood samples were analyzed throughout the experiment and a species‐specific neurologic disability score (NDS) was used for neurologic evaluation. In the pulsatile group, nine animals finished the study protocol, while no animal survived postoperative day four in the nonpulsatile group. NDS were significantly better at any given time in the pulsatile group and reached overall satisfactory outcome values. In addition, blood analyses revealed lower levels of lactate in the pulsatile group compared to the nonpulsatile group. This study demonstrates superior survival and neurologic outcome when using pulsatile high pressure automated reperfusion following 20 min of normothermic CA compared to nonpulsatile flow and low MAP. This study strongly supports regulating the reperfusion period after prolonged periods of CA.
Islands of vulnerability and resilience: Manufactured stereotypes?
Authors: Kelman Ilan
Published: July 2018

This paper interrogates the aspects of islandness labelled “vulnerability” and “resilience” through analysing the concepts’ definitions from a development perspective. The investigation is conducted through the lens of four assumed islandness aspects: boundedness, smallness, isolation and littorality. Discussion examines how and why core concepts of vulnerability and resilience have emerged from island studies, demonstrating how these two aspects of islandness are socially and culturally constructed, can influence development approaches taken and are enhanced by island geographies. Insights from island geographies, and comparing island and non‐island perspectives, show how manufactured islands of vulnerability and resilience can slant discourses and reinforce stereotypes. Island geographies in their diversity teach that vulnerability and resilience, being neither opposites nor independent variables nor objective variables, are most supportive of island development endeavours when accepted as being subjective, contextualised and nuanced. The lessons yield advice on ensuring that development contexts for vulnerability and resilience are widened and deepened, drawing strength rather than constraints from the four assumed aspects of islandness. Within boundedness, smallness, isolation and littorality, the two aspects vulnerability and resilience can be empowering and disempowering for development.
Early gastric cancer successfully treated by endoscopic submucosal resection 1 year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal‐jejunal bypass
Authors: Seki Yosuke , Kasama Kazunori , Tanaka Tatsuro , Baba Satoshi , Ito Masayoshi , Kurokawa Yoshimochi
Published: July 2018

This case involved a 64‐year‐old female patient with a BMI of 35.3 kg/m2 and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed chronic, atrophic gastritis. Helicobacter pylori antibody was negative. The patient underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal‐jejunal bypass as a metabolic surgery to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. At 1 year postoperatively, routine endoscopy detected a flat elevated lesion at the distal gastric sleeve, near the posterior wall of the antrum; biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic submucosal resection was performed without complication. This case shows the advantage of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal‐jejunal bypass in screening the excluded stomach as compared to laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass. Therefore, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal‐jejunal bypass can be a viable alternative to laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass for regions where gastric cancer is endemic.
The Effect of Forward‐looking Criteria and IFRS on the Informativeness of Banks’ Loan Loss Allowances: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Lee Mi Joo , Hwang In Tae , Kang Sun Min
Published: July 2018

This study analyses how forward‐looking criteria (FLC) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as well as changes in accounting principles, affect the informativeness of banks’ loan loss allowances. The results indicate that although the relationship between non‐performing loans and loan loss allowances strengthened after the application of FLC, the relationship between non‐performing loans and loan loss allowances weakened and that between net charge‐offs and loan loss allowances strengthened after the application of IFRS, presumably because banks delayed the reflection of insolvent loans on loan loss allowances in the latter case. Moreover, the introduction of IFRS did not improve the ability to predict the future charge‐off scale using loan loss allowances, referred to as the ‘informativeness of loan loss allowances’. This result occurred because IFRS's incurred loss model does not incorporate the impact of macroeconomic situations into loan loss allowances in the early stage, although it does enhance the accuracy of loan loss allowances. By exploring the effect of accounting principles on the determinants of loan loss allowances, this study has implications for the assessment of loan loss allowances, capital adequacy and asset quality for stakeholders such as depositors, creditors, capital markets and financial supervisory authorities.
Antibiotics and lactation: An overview of relative infant doses and a systematic assessment of clinical studies
Authors: van Wattum Johannes J. , Leferink Thomas M. , Wilffert Bob , ter Horst Peter G. J.
Published: July 2018

Breastfeeding is important for the development of the child. Many antibiotics are considered safe during breastfeeding. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of lactation studies with antibiotics using the FDA and International Lactation Consultant Association quality guidelines for lactation studies. The secondary goal was to determine the exposure of the breastfed infant to antibiotics in relation to bacterial resistance and the developing microbiome. A literature search was performed and the included studies were scored on methodology, parameters concerning maternal exposure to antibiotics, maternal plasma and milk sampling. The infant exposure has been calculated and expressed as a percentage of a normal infant therapeutic dose. Sixty‐six studies were included in five antibiotic groups (broad‐spectrum penicillin, cephalosporins, macrolides and lincosamides, quinolones and sulphonamides). Cephalosporins were the most studied group of antibiotics (n = 21). Fifteen studies met all the criteria of “mother exposure to antibiotic”. Six studies met every criterion related to “plasma sampling”. Only one case report met all listed criteria for lactation studies. The correct calculation of infant exposure to antibiotics via the milk:plasma ratio (AUC) varies between 13% for macrolides and 38% for broad‐spectrum penicillin. The highest assessed exposure as a percentage of infant therapeutic dose was for metronidazole (11%). The studies meet to a limited extent with the quality standards for lactation research. The breastfed infants are exposed to a subtherapeutic concentration of antibiotics.
Medication adherence for resistant hypertension: Assessing theoretical predictors of adherence using direct and indirect adherence measures
Authors: Durand Hannah , Hayes Peter , Harhen Brendan , Conneely Ann , Finn David P. , Casey Monica , Murphy Andrew W. , Molloy Gerard J.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

This study examined theoretical predictors of long‐term medication adherence (i.e., treatment‐related beliefs, coherence of beliefs from experience with medication, habit strength, and pill burden) for patients with apparent treatment‐resistant hypertension in primary care, using a composite adherence score derived from direct and indirect measures (i.e., prescription refill, self‐report, and bioanalytical assays of urine).

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Individual patient records were screened for prescription refill adherence. Patients provided a urine sample for adherence screening and completed a battery of psychometric scales, including two self‐report adherence measures (N = 204). Convergence of adherence measures was assessed, a composite adherence score was calculated, and hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine the role of theoretical predictors of adherence.

Results

Non‐adherence estimates ranged from 20.3 to 41.1%, depending on the assessment method used. Associations among adherence measures were weak to moderate (ρ = .00–.53). Medication‐taking habit strength was the strongest predictor of adherence, explaining 19% incremental variance in adherence beyond treatment‐related beliefs. Beliefs and coherence did not predict adherence, even for patients with weaker habits. Pill burden was not associated with habit strength or adherence for this sample.

Conclusions

Associations among unique adherence measures were weak overall, providing further evidence that multiple measures are necessary to accurately assess adherence. Habit strength is a key predictor of adherence for chronic conditions. Both habit strength and pill burden represent important intervention targets for improving long‐term medication adherence. Longitudinal inception studies are needed to properly test Common‐Sense Model propositions and elucidate the role of beliefs, coherence, and habits in predicting adherence at various stages of the chronic illness trajectory.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Non‐adherence to antihypertensives is a leading cause of apparent treatment‐resistant hypertension (aTRH).

Behaviour maintenance (vs. initiation) factors may be more predictive of long‐term adherence.

What does this study add?

Associations among direct and indirect measures of adherence are generally weak.

Habit strength is the strongest predictor of long‐term adherence for aTRH in primary care.

Inception studies are needed to further validate Common‐Sense Model propositions.
Families Created by Egg Donation: Parent–Child Relationship Quality in Infancy
Authors: Imrie Susan , Jadva Vasanti , Fishel Simon , Golombok Susan
Published: July 2018

Increasing numbers of children are being born through egg donation and thus do not share a genetic relationship with their mother. Parent–infant relationship quality was examined in 85 egg donation families and a comparison group of 65 in vitro fertilization families (infant M = 11 months). Standardized interview and observational measures were used to assess mother–infant and father–infant relationship quality at the representational and behavioral levels. Few differences were found between family types in parents’ representations of the parent–infant relationship. Differences were found between family types in the observational assessment of mother–infant relationship quality, indicating less optimal interactions in egg donation families. Findings suggest that egg donation families function well in infancy overall, but there may be subtle yet meaningful differences in mother–infant interaction quality.
Blockade of receptors of advanced glycation end products ameliorates diabetic osteogenesis of adipose‐derived stem cells through DNA methylation and Wnt signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Maorui , Li Yong , Rao Pengcheng , Huang Kui , Luo Daowen , Cai Xiaoxiao , Xiao Jingang
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus‐related osteoporosis is caused by the imbalance between bone absorption and bone formation. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are considered a cause of diabetic osteoporosis. Although adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) are promising adult stem cells in bone tissue regeneration, the ability of osteogenesis of ASCs in diabetic environment needs to explore. This study aimed to investigate the influence of AGEs on the osteogenic potential of ASCs and to explore the signalling pathways involved in its effect.

Materials and methods

ASCs were isolated from inguinal fat and cultured in osteogenic media with or without AGEs and FPS‐ZM1, an inhibitor of receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Alizarin red‐S, Oil Red‐O and Alcian blue staining were used to confirm osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic potential of ASCs, respectively. Immunofluorescence, western blotting and real‐time PCR were used to measure changes in markers of osteogenic differentiation, DNA methylation and Wnt signalling.

Results

The multipotentiality of ASCs was confirmed. Treated with AGEs, OPN and RUNX2 expressions of ASCs were reduced and there was a noticeable loss of mineralization, concomitant with an increase in the expression of RAGE, 5‐MC, DNMT1 and DNMT3a. AGEs treatment also led to a loss of Wnt signalling pathway markers, including β‐Catenin and LEF1, with an increase in GSK‐3β. Treatment with the RAGE inhibitor, FPS‐ZM1, rescued AGEs‐induced loss of osteogenic potential, modulated DNA methylation and upregulated Wnt signalling in ASCs.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that AGEs‐RAGE signalling inhibits the osteogenic potential of ASCs under osteoinductive conditions by modulating DNA methylation and Wnt signalling. FPS‐ZM1 can rescue the negative effects of AGEs and provide a possible treatment for bone tissue regeneration in patients with diabetic osteoporosis.
Malignancy in the tracheal bronchus: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: Levin Elina , Bowling Mark R.
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims

The tracheal bronchus is a rare congenital abnormality with incidence reported in a range of 0.1%‐2%. Infrequently, malignancy has been reported as occurring in the tracheal bronchus. In order to ascertain a relationship between malignancy and the tracheal bronchus, we performed a literature review and present a case series.

Methods

We reviewed 21 case reports of malignancy occurring in the tracheal bronchus.

Conclusion

Although the number of cases is limited, it appears that bronchoscopy is the most frequently utilized diagnostic tool. Surgery portends the best clinical results even in higher stages of malignancy. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of malignancy to occur in the tracheal bronchus.
Are China's Exports Crowding Out or Being Crowded Out? Evidence from Japan's Imports
Authors: Liu Yan , Shi Xunpeng , Laurenceson James
Published: July 2018

Previous studies have investigated whether Chinese exports have crowded out those from other countries. However, what has yet to be considered is the evidence based on different quality varieties. Using the most detailed Harmonized System 9‐digit product‐level data, the present paper provides evidence of crowding‐out and crowded‐out effects across different product quality segments and across manufacturing sectors by quality segments. The empirical evidence presented in this paper shows that the crowding‐out effects of Chinese exports have been greatest at the lower end of the quality spectrum but less significant at the higher quality spectrum. Moreover, since 2007, China's own exports of lower quality manufactured goods have been increasingly crowded out. The key policy implication is that China's export path is in line with that taken by other Asian economies in previous decades; the crowded‐out effect could achieve win–win outcomes for countries involved; and lower income countries would do well to be open to receive those relocated low value‐added industries from China. However, the relocation policy in China is best implemented gradually as climbing up the product quality ladder takes time.
Intra‐provincial Revenue Sharing and the Subnational Government's Fiscal Capacity in China: The Case of Zhejiang Province
Authors: Qian Tao , Zhang Qi
Published: July 2018

This study investigates whether the tax‐sharing system has deteriorated the fiscal capacity of subnational governments by analyzing how fiscal revenues are divided between provincial and sub‐provincial governments. Our study of county‐level fiscal data from Zhejiang Province in China during 1994–2007 shows that intra‐provincial revenue‐sharing rules favor county governments in two ways: (i) they improve county governments ‘fiscal autonomy in terms of using their own revenues; and (ii) they enhance county governments ‘fiscal capacity through province‐to‐county general transfers. In addition, we find that intra‐provincial fiscal revenue‐sharing rules and transfers reduce fiscal disparity between counties.
Enhanced Special Drawing Rights: How China Could Contribute to a Reformed International Monetary Architecture
Authors: Harrison Matthew , Xiao Geng
Published: July 2018

Since the end of the Bretton Woods era, the world has operated on a de facto system of free‐floating exchange rates, with the US dollar as the dominant international currency. The system, characterized by large pro‐cyclical capital flows and chronic imbalances, is inherently unstable, and has contributed to repeated crises, recessions and geopolitical tensions. One potentially “least‐difficult” line of reform would be to allow the evolution of a multi‐currency system, underpinned by an expanded role for Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). Attempts to promote wider use of the SDR have foundered on the liquidity premium. However, for Chinese corporations and institutions, at present restricted in their capital account activities, the SDR liquidity premium would appear less daunting. The Chinese authorities could provide policy encouragement for the use of SDRs by their institutions. This initiative, supported by China's Special Administrative Region Hong Kong, would kick‐start an international SDR ecosystem, and encourage even broader use of SDRs, to the benefit of international monetary stability.
Royal College of Psychiatrists Liaison Faculty & Joint British Diabetes Societies (JBDS): guidelines for the management of diabetes in adults and children with psychiatric disorders in inpatient settings
Authors: Price H. C. , Ismail K. ,   the Joint British Diabetes Societies (JBDS) for Inpatient Care
Published: July 2018

The Royal College of Psychiatrists Liaison Faculty & Joint British Diabetes Societies (JBDS) for Inpatient Care guidelines for the management of diabetes in adults and children with psychiatric disorders in inpatient settings are available in full at: www.diabetes.org.uk/joint-british-diabetes-society and https://abcd.care/joint-british-diabetes-societies-jbds-inpatient-care-group. This article summarizes the guidelines and recommendations. Commissioners are urged to ensure that the needs of people with diabetes and severe mental illness are specifically addressed in contracts with providers of inpatient care, and to avoid financial or other barriers to cross‐organizational working and to ensure that patient‐structured education is commissioned to meets the complex needs of people with diabetes and severe mental illness. Acute trusts are asked to develop joint pathways with mental health providers and facilitate multidisciplinary working and to screen for mental ill health in those admitted with acute complications of diabetes whose aetiology is unclear or not medically explained. Mental health trusts should create a diabetes register, screen for diabetes, particularly in those prescribed second‐generation antipsychotics and ensure that staff are trained in managing and avoiding hypoglycaemia, and the safe use of insulin. Finally, clinical teams should ensure that all staff can access training in diabetes and mental health to support them to care for people with both diabetes and severe mental illness, develop local pathways for joint working and ensure best practice tariff criteria are met for diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycaemia, and for children and young people with diabetes.
Simple models combining competition, defence and resource availability have broad implications in pelagic microbial food webs
Authors: Våge Selina , Bratbak Gunnar , Egge Jorun , Heldal Mikal , Larsen Aud , Norland Svein , Lund Paulsen Maria , Pree Bernadette , Sandaa Ruth‐Anne , Skjoldal Evy Foss , Tsagaraki Tatiana M. , Øvreås Lise , Thingstad T. Frede
Published: July 2018

In food webs, interactions between competition and defence control the partitioning of limiting resources. As a result, simple models of these interactions contain links between biogeochemistry, diversity, food web structure and ecosystem function. Working at hierarchical levels, these mechanisms also produce self‐similarity and therefore suggest how complexity can be generated from repeated application of simple underlying principles. Reviewing theoretical and experimental literature relevant to the marine photic zone, we argue that there is a wide spectrum of phenomena, including single cell activity of prokaryotes, microbial biodiversity at different levels of resolution, ecosystem functioning, regional biogeochemical features and evolution at different timescales; that all can be understood as variations over a common principle, summarised in what has been termed the ‘Killing‐the‐Winner’ (KtW) motif. Considering food webs as assemblages of such motifs may thus allow for a more integrated approach to aquatic microbial ecology.
Mosaics, mixtures, rotations or pyramiding: What is the optimal strategy to deploy major gene resistance?
Authors: Rimbaud Loup , Papaïx Julien , Barrett Luke G. , Burdon Jeremy J. , Thrall Peter H.
Published: July 2018

Once deployed uniformly in the field, genetically controlled plant resistance is often quickly overcome by pathogens, resulting in dramatic losses. Several strategies have been proposed to constrain the evolutionary potential of pathogens and thus increase resistance durability. These strategies can be classified into four categories, depending on whether resistance sources are varied across time (rotations) or combined in space in the same cultivar (pyramiding), in different cultivars within a field (cultivar mixtures) or among fields (mosaics). Despite their potential to differentially affect both pathogen epidemiology and evolution, to date the four categories of deployment strategies have never been directly compared together within a single theoretical or experimental framework, with regard to efficiency (ability to reduce disease impact) and durability (ability to limit pathogen evolution and delay resistance breakdown). Here, we used a spatially explicit stochastic demogenetic model, implemented in the R package landsepi, to assess the epidemiological and evolutionary outcomes of these deployment strategies when two major resistance genes are present. We varied parameters related to pathogen evolutionary potential (mutation probability and associated fitness costs) and landscape organization (mostly the relative proportion of each cultivar in the landscape and levels of spatial or temporal aggregation). Our results, broadly focused on qualitative resistance to rust fungi of cereal crops, show that evolutionary and epidemiological control are not necessarily correlated and that no deployment strategy is universally optimal. Pyramiding two major genes offered the highest durability, but at high mutation probabilities, mosaics, mixtures and rotations can perform better in delaying the establishment of a universally infective superpathogen. All strategies offered the same short‐term epidemiological control, whereas rotations provided the best long‐term option, after all sources of resistance had broken down. This study also highlights the significant impact of landscape organization and pathogen evolutionary ability in considering the optimal design of a deployment strategy.
Distinct modes of stress granule assembly mediated by the KH‐type RNA‐binding protein Rnc1
Authors: Satoh Ryosuke , Hara Nobuki , Kawasaki Aki , Takasaki Teruaki , Sugiura Reiko
Published: July 2018

We have previously identified the KH‐type RNA‐binding protein Rnc1 as an important regulator of the posttranscriptional expression of the MAPK phosphatase Pmp1 in fission yeast. Rnc1 localization in response to stress has not been elucidated thus far. Here, we report the dual roles of Rnc1 in assembly of stress granules (SGs), nonmembranous cytoplasmic foci composed of messenger ribonucleoproteins. Rnc1 can localize to poly(A)‐binding protein (Pabp)‐positive SGs upon various stress stimuli, including heat shock (HS) and arsenite treatment. Furthermore, Rnc1 deletion results in decreased SGs, indicating that Rnc1 is a new component and a regulator of SGs. Notably, Rnc1 translocates to the dot‐like structures faster than Pabp, and this stress‐induced Rnc1 translocation does not require its RNA‐binding ability, as the Rnc1KH1,2,3GD mutant protein with impaired RNA‐binding activity forms dots rather more efficiently than the wild‐type Rnc1 upon HS. Interestingly, in the absence of stress, Rnc1 overproduction induced massive aggregation of Pabp‐positive SGs and eIF2α phosphorylation. In clear contrast, overproduction of the Rnc1KH1,2,3GD mutant failed to induce Pabp aggregation and eIF2α phosphorylation, indicating that Rnc1 overproduction‐induced SG assembly requires Rnc1 RNA‐binding activity. Collectively, Rnc1 regulates SG assembly, dependently or independently of its RNA‐binding activity.
Clinical application of magnetic resonance elastography in chronic liver disease
Authors: Abe Hayato , Midorikawa Yutaka , Okada Masahiro , Takayama Tadatoshi
Published: July 2018

Recent evidence highlighted that the accurate assessment of liver fibrosis is important for evaluating the progression of chronic liver disease. During the past decade, many non‐invasive methods have been developed to reduce the need for core‐needle biopsy in fibrosis staging and to overcome its limitations, such as invasiveness, high cost, low reproducibility, and poor patient consent. The diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is promising for use in clinical practice to evaluate not only liver fibrosis, but also survival and major clinical end‐points such as liver decompensation, portal hypertension, development of hepatocellular carcinoma, and surgical outcomes. Together with other clinical markers, MRE can be used to better categorize patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, and assign them to different classes of risk for significant clinical outcomes. This review discusses clinical applications of MRE in the management strategy of patients with chronic liver disease.
Pathological features of total gastrectomy specimens from asymptomatic hereditary diffuse gastric cancer patients and implications for clinical management
Authors: Rocha João P , Gullo Irene , Wen Xiaogang , Devezas Vítor , Baptista Manuela , Oliveira Carla , Carneiro Fátima
Published: July 2018

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterised by multigenerational diffuse gastric cancer, and is mainly caused by germline alterations in the CDH1 gene. Currently, endoscopy has limited diagnostic accuracy, and total gastrectomy (TG) is the treatment of choice for asymptomatic CDH1 carriers. In this study, we aimed to obtain a better understanding of HDGC syndrome by exploring the histopathological findings of TG specimens from asymptomatic HDGC patients. A comprehensive literature review was carried out, searching for TGs performed in asymptomatic HDGC patients. Fourteen unpublished cases, analysed in our institution, were also included. The series encompassed 174 CDH1 carriers. Preoperative endoscopic biopsies were positive in 28.3%. A macroscopic lesion was apparent in 11.7% of TGs. Histopathological analysis revealed intraepithelial lesions and/or intramucosal signet ring cell carcinoma in 87.9% of TGs. When we explored the type of protocol used for handling the specimens, we found that microscopic cancer foci were detected in 95.3% of TGs when a total‐embedding protocol (assessment of the totality of gastric mucosa) was applied, and only in 62.5% when no specific protocol was used (P < 0.001). Helicobacter pylori infection was found in 23.4% cases. In conclusion, a thorough histopathological examination of gastric mucosa remains the gold standard for detection of cancer foci in HDGC gastrectomy specimens, requiring experienced pathologists for an accurate diagnosis. A better understanding of the natural history of HDGC will enable better clinical management of HDGC patients, particularly regarding the optimal timing for the performance of TG.
Illness perceptions of Chinese women with breast cancer and relationships with socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics
Authors: Ma Chunhua , Yan Jun , Wu Yan , Huang Wanbing
Published: July 2018

Aims

The aim of the study is to explore the illness perceptions of Chinese women with breast cancer and relationships with their socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

A descriptive, correlational, and exploratory design was used. The Chinese version of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire was modified and used to collect data.

Results

Of the 16 common symptoms of breast cancer, the participants recognized only 2.81 symptoms, on average. Of the 6 causal factors, “uncontrollable factors” had the highest mean score, while “behavioural factors” received the lowest score. Most of the participants knew little about the disease, perceived that this illness is cyclic in nature and would not last for a long time, believed that the illness could have serious consequences but could be controlled, and reported having negative emotional responses to this illness. Most of the dimensions of illness perception were significantly correlated with one another. Furthermore, some socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics were confirmed to be predictors of illness perceptions.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that illness perceptions should be regarded as a whole to guide the coping process of Chinese women with breast cancer and provide new clinical information to support care for this group.
Erectile dysfunction and atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai , Thongprayoon Charat , Pachariyanon Pavida , Sharma Konika , Ungprasert Patompong , Bathini Tarun , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: July 2018

Objective

To investigate the pooled incidence or the prevalence of erectile dysfunction, and to assess the risk of erectile dysfunction in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods

A systematic review was carried out in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from inception through January 2018 to identify: (i) studies that reported the incidence and/or prevalence of erectile dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients; or (ii) studies that assessed the association between atrial fibrillation and erectile dysfunction. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random effects model.

Results

Five observational studies (27 841 patients) were enrolled. The pooled estimated prevalence of erectile dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients was 57% (95% confidence interval 50–64, I2 = 0). A study showed an incidence of newly diagnosed erectile dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients of 0.96% during the mean follow‐up duration of 4.67 ± 3.20 years. There was a significant association of atrial fibrillation with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction, with a pooled odds ratio of 1.79 (95% confidence interval 1.44–2.23, I2 = 0%). The data on the risk of atrial fibrillation development in patients with erectile dysfunction were limited. A study showed the comparable risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with erectile dysfunction (odds ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.67–1.5), when compared with those without erectile dysfunction.

Conclusions

The present study suggests a significant association between erectile dysfunction and atrial fibrillation. The overall estimated prevalence of erectile dysfunction among atrial fibrillation patients is 57%. However, despite limited data, the current evidence suggests a low incidence of new erectile dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients.
Does Geographic Proximity Change the Passiveness of Equity Ownership by Bank Trust?
Authors: Chang Kiyoung , Li Ying , Yi Ha‐Chin
Published: July 2018

We provide evidence that while concentrated bank trust ownership is passive with distant firms, it is nonpassive with local firms and reduce their risk‐taking. Concentrated local bank trust ownership is associated with (i) lower future firm equity beta and (ii) less uncertain corporate policies. The results cannot be explained by private information alone, are not driven by local bank trusts as a mixed debt‐equity holder, and are robust to various tests for endogeneity. We also explore channels through which local bank trusts could exert their influence, including their stabilizing function during crisis periods and joining force with local independent directors.
Tax Avoidance, Near‐Future Earnings, and Resource Availability
Authors: Lee Namryoung
Published: July 2018

This study examines the impact of near‐future earnings and resource availability on current‐year tax avoidance behavior from the perspective of both tax and non‐tax costs. Two conclusions are reached. First, when firms expect high‐earnings performance in the near future, they aggressively engage in current‐year tax planning to manage potential future tax and non‐tax costs. Second, firms that expect high‐resource availability in the near future put tax audit risks and resultant non‐tax costs on the front burner. Therefore, they are unlikely to undertake aggressive tax avoidance behavior.
Genetic analysis of production traits in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) using random regression models based on molecular relatedness
Authors: Schlicht Kristina , Krattenmacher Nina , Lugert Vincent , Schulz Carsten , Thaller Georg , Tetens Jens
Published: July 2018

Reliable estimates of genetic parameters for growth traits as a trajectory of age are needed to optimize existing turbot breeding programmes. To evaluate the potential of early selection strategies, the use of biometric body measurements, length (L), width (W) and area (A), at early ages as alternative indicators for the selection trait at harvest was explored. Random regression model (RRM) based on molecular relatedness (MR) was used to analyse the trajectory of genetic parameters for growth traits in turbot from 162 to 756 days posthatch (dph). Heritability estimates for body weight (BW) ranged from 0.34 to 0.54. Heritability estimates for W, A and L were also moderate to high ranging from 0.18 to 0.43. Estimates for L and W declined with age, while those for A increased towards harvest age. Genetic (rG) and phenotypic (rP) correlations between BW and the three morphometric traits L, A and W were estimated using simple bivariate animal models at young (AC1), medium (AC2) and old (AC3) age classes. Correlations between BW and morphometric body traits were high, ranging from 0.7 to 0.9 in all three age groups. Genetic correlations between traits were highest (>0.9) in AC3. To explore the potential for early selection, genetic correlations were derived from the RRM between all days of measurement for all traits separately. From dph 300 onwards, intratrait estimates of rG were moderate to high (above 0.7 for dph 410 and higher ages for traits BW, L and A). Results showed that genetic selection for BW, L and A is promising and that A and L could be successfully used as alternative indicator traits if measurements of BW are not available. Large BW and A at harvest could be achieved as a correlated response to early selection for these traits at around 500 dph.
Computing inbreeding coefficients and the inverse numerator relationship matrix in large populations of honey bees
Authors: Bernstein Richard , Plate Manuel , Hoppe Andreas , Bienefeld Kaspar
Published: July 2018

The inbreeding coefficients are considered in breeding decisions, and the inverse numerator relationship matrix A−1 is a prerequisite for breeding value estimation. Polyandry and haploid males are among the specifics of relationships between honey bees. Brascamp and Bijma (2014) averaged out the manifold possible relationships among honey bees that appear to have the same parents in a pedigree and assigned a single entry in A to animals that behave as a unit, for example, the workers of a hive. Their methods of calculation connected full‐sibs in the variance matrix of the Mendelian sampling terms D, via nonzero off‐diagonal elements. This impedes the inversion of A and the closely connected calculation of inbreeding coefficients, because efficient algorithms for this task take D to be a diagonal matrix. Memory limitations necessitate their use for large data sets. We adapted the quickest of them to the block diagonal matrix D, that is postulated for the honey bee. To our knowledge, the presented algorithm is the first one that facilitates the method of Brascamp and Bijma (2014) on large data sets.
Frequency of in‐hospital adverse outcomes and cost utilization associated with cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator implantation in the United States
Authors: Patel Nilay , Viles‐Gonzalez Juan , Agnihotri Kanishk , Arora Shilpkumar , Patel Nileshkumar J. , Aneja Ekta , Shah Mahek , Badheka Apurva O. , Pothineni Naga Venkata , Kancharla Krishna , Mulpuru Siva , Noseworthy Peter A. , Kusumoto Fred , Cha Yong Mei , Deshmukh Abhishek J.
Published: July 2018

Background: The utilization of cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) has increased significantly, since its initial approval for use in selected patients with heart failure. Limited data exist as for current trends in implant‐related in‐hospital complications and cost utilization. The aim of our study was to examine in‐hospital complication rates associated with CRT‐D and their trends over the last decade.

Methods and Results: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we estimated 378 248 CRT‐D procedures from 2003 to 2012. We investigated common complications, including mechanical, cardiovascular, pericardial complications (hemopericardium, cardiac tamponade, or pericardiocentesis), pneumothorax, stroke, vascular complications (consisting of hemorrhage/hematoma, incidents requiring surgical repair, and accidental arterial puncture), and in‐hospital deaths described with CRT‐D, defining them by the validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code. Mechanical complications (5.9%) were the commonest, followed by cardiovascular (3.6%), respiratory failure (2.4%), and pneumothorax (1.5%). Age (≥65 years), female gender (OR, 95% CI; P value) (1.08, 1.03‐1.13; 0.001), and the Charlson score ≥3 (1.52, 1.45‐1.60; <0.001) were significantly associated with increased mortality/complications.

Conclusions: The overall complication rate in patients undergoing CRT‐D has been increasing in the last decade. Age (≥65), female sex, and the Charlson score ≥3 were associated with higher complications. In patients who underwent CRT‐D implantation, postoperative complications were associated with significant increases in cost.
The evolution of GRADE (part 2): Still searching for a theoretical and/or empirical basis for the GRADE framework
Authors: Mercuri Mathew , Gafni Amiram
Published: July 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The GRADE framework has been widely adopted as the preferred method for developing clinical practice recommendations. In the first article of our three part series examining the evolution of GRADE, we showed an absence (in the first two versions of GRADE) of a theoretical basis and/or empirical data to support why the presented criteria for determining the quality of evidence regarding the effect estimate and the components under consideration for determining the strength of the recommendation were included and other criteria/components excluded. Furthermore, often, it was not clear how to operationalize the included criteria/components (and integrate them) when using the framework. In part 2 of this series, we examine if version 3 of GRADE offered improvements on previous versions with respect to a justification scheme and how to operationalize the framework's criteria/components.

Methods

Narrative review.

Results

Our examination suggests that version 3 has done little to improve on the justification scheme that sustains GRADE. Still absent is a justification (theoretical and/or empirical) for why the criteria/components were chosen. Likewise, version 3 is still lacking clarity regarding how to implement and integrate the criteria/considerations in the framework (ie, operationalize the framework) when determining the quality of evidence or strength of recommendation. Transparency is now emphasized as the merit of GRADE. However, we are offered no theoretical justification for how the use of GRADE should achieve transparency or empirical evidence to support that transparency is achieved.

Conclusions

While version 3 reveals acknowledgement by the authors of GRADE that the framework is a work in progress, it still lacks a justification scheme (theoretical and/or empirical) to sustain it and clarity in its criteria/components to operationalize it. As was suggested in part 1, such issues limit one's ability to scientifically assess the appropriateness of GRADE for its stated purpose.