bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of acute cholecystitis
Authors: Bagla Prabhava , Sarria Juan C. , Riall Taylor S.
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review

Various aspects of the management of acute calculous cholecystitis, including type and timing of surgery, role of antibiotics, and nonoperative management, remain controversial. This review focuses on recently published studies addressing the timing of cholecystectomy, use of cholecystostomy tubes, and role of antibiotics in this condition.

Recent findings

In most cases, the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis can be initially confirmed with an abdominal ultrasound. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (within 24–72 h of symptom onset) is better than delayed surgery (>7 days) for most patients with grade I and II diseases. Percutaneous cholecystostomy and novel endoscopic gallbladder drainage interventions may be used as a temporizing measure or as definitive therapy in those who are too sick to undergo surgery. Studies are conflicting as to whether antibiotics are required for the treatment of uncomplicated cases.

Cholecystectomy remains the only definitive therapy for acute cholecystitis. Current guidelines recommend treatment on the basis of disease severity at presentation. Antibiotics and a variety of minimally invasive nonsurgical interventions, although not definitive, play an adjunctive role in the management of the disease.
Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Surgery for Obstructive Colorectal Cancer After Tube Decompression
Authors: Kanemitsu Kiyonori , Sumi Yasuo , Yamashita Kimihiro , Ymamoto Masashi , Kanaji Shingo , Oshikiri Taro , Nakamura Tetsu , Suzuki Satoshi , Toyokawa Akihiro , Kakeji Yoshihiro
Published: July 2016

Background:

It is debatable whether laparoscopic surgery is suitable for obstructive colorectal cancer.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and oncological effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery after tube decompression for obstructive colorectal cancer in 54 patients (18 laparoscopic resections, 36 open resections).

Results:

There were no significant differences between groups with respect to mean size, location, depth, and stage of tumor, median operating times, or median number of lymph nodes retrieved. Abdominal wound infection rate was significantly lower in the laparoscopic than in the open group (0%:22%, P=0.02), as were mean times to first gas passage after surgery (2.3:3.4 d, P=0.002) and mean postoperative hospital stays (16:24.3 d, P=0.03). The 3-year disease-free survival rate of curative resection cases in the laparoscopic (85%) and open (72%) groups were not significantly different.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic surgery after tube decompression achieves faster recovery and equal oncological outcome as open surgery and should be a treatment of choice for obstructive colorectal cancer.
Comparison of Perioperative Complications by Route of Hysterectomy Performed for Benign Conditions
Authors: Rahimi Salma , Jeppson Peter C. , Gattoc Leda , Westermann Lauren , Cichowski Sara , Raker Chris , Weber LeBrun Emily , Sung Vivian
Published: July 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare perioperative complications by route of hysterectomy before and after the introduction of robotic surgery.

Methods

This is an ancillary analysis of a multicenter, retrospective cohort study with historical controls through the Fellows’ Pelvic Research Network. Hysterectomies performed for benign conditions were collected prior to introduction of the robot (prerobot) and the year after introduction of the robot (postrobot) at each institution. To obtain a representative annual case distribution for each institution, a maximum of 20 cases per month were selected using stratified random sampling. Patient demographics and intraoperative and postoperative complication data were collected.

Results

One thousand four hundred forty cases were included in this study, 732 in the prerobot and 708 in the postrobot period. Intraoperative complications in the prerobot group were highest in the abdominal group (7.4%) followed by vaginal (3.9%) and laparoscopic (3.7%) groups. Postoperative complications were higher in the vaginal (8.3%) and abdominal (7.4%) groups compared with laparoscopic (1.8%) groups (P = 0.03), because of a higher proportion of infections. In the postrobot period, intraoperative complications were lower in the vaginal (2.8%), robotic (3%), and laparoscopic (4.6%) groups compared with abdominal (10.8%) (P = 0.04). Postoperative complications were lowest in the vaginal (5.1%), laparoscopic (3.6%), and robotic (3%) approaches compared with the abdominal (13.9%) approach (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Vaginal hysterectomy has comparable rates of perioperative complications when compared with robotic and laparoscopic approaches and should be considered as a primary surgical approach in the growing armamentarium of minimally invasive approaches for hysterectomy for benign conditions.
One-Year Outcomes After Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Kenton Kimberly , Mueller Elizabeth R. , Tarney Christopher , Bresee Catherine , Anger Jennifer T.
Published: July 2016

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to report anatomic, symptom, and quality of life outcomes in women with symptomatic stage 2 or greater prolapse 1 year after randomization to robotic and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

Methods

This is a planned ancillary analysis of the Abdominal Colpopexy: Comparison of Endoscopic Surgical Strategies trial, a randomized comparative effectiveness trial comparing costs and outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy at 2 academic medical centers. At baseline and 1 year after surgery, women underwent standardized assessment including validated subjective pelvic floor outcomes and physical examination with prolapse assessment.

Results

Sixty six (85%) of 78 randomized participants completed 1-year follow-up: 33 (87%) of 38 in the laparoscopic arm and 33 (83%) of 40 in the robotic arm (P = 0.59). Ninety-seven percent (32/33) in the laparoscopic group and 100% (33/33) in the robotic arm considered that their prolapse symptoms improved (P = 0.999). The cohort had significant improvement in all pelvic floor symptom and quality of life measures, which did not differ by treatment arm. Of women who were sexually active at 1 year, sexual function improved in both cohorts. No new serious adverse events, including mesh exposure or reoperation for prolapse, were identified between 6 months and 1 year after surgery. No women had a sacrocolpopexy mesh complication or reoperation for mesh exposure.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy is associated with significant improvement in pelvic floor symptoms, anatomy, and sexual function. In addition, mesh exposure rates with lightweight polypropylene mesh seem to be lower than those reported with multifilament and heavier polypropylene mesh.
Acetyl-l-Carnitine Augmentation of Clozapine in Partial-Responder Schizophrenia: A 12-Week, Open-Label Uncontrolled Preliminary Study
Authors: Bruno Antonio , Pandolfo Gianluca , Crucitti Manuela , Lorusso Simona , Zoccali Rocco Antonio , Muscatello Maria Rosaria Anna
Published: July 2016

Objectives

This was the first 12-week, open-label, uncontrolled trial aimed at exploring the efficacy of acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) add-on pharmacotherapy on clinical symptoms and cognitive functioning in 15 schizophrenia patients with suboptimal clinical response despite receiving clozapine (CLZ) monotherapy at the highest tolerated dosage.

Methods

After clinical (Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale [PANSS]) and neuropsychological (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Color-Word Test, Verbal Fluency Test) assessments, patients received 1 g/d of ALC for 12 weeks.

Results

A final sample of 9 subjects completed the study. Acetyl-l-carnitine augmentation of CLZ significantly reduced only PANSS domains “positive” (P = 0.049); at end point, only 2 subjects (22.2% of the completers) reached a minimal improvement (25% reduction in PANSS total score). No significant differences emerged in cognitive performances at the end of the study; effect sizes were small in each explored cognitive dimension.

Conclusions

The findings provide preliminary evidence that ALC added to ongoing CLZ treatment appeared to be ineffective to improve symptoms in schizophrenia patients who have failed to respond sufficiently to CLZ. Further trials with adequately powered methodology are needed to identify which augmentation strategies are more effective in schizophrenia patients showing a suboptimal response to CLZ.
Ganglion Cell Complex Loss in Chiasmal Compression by Brain Tumors
Authors: Tieger Marisa G. , Hedges Thomas R. , Ho Joseph , Erlich-Malona Natalie K. , Vuong Laurel N. , Athappilly Geetha K. , Mendoza-Santiesteban Carlos E.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Patterns of ganglion cell complex (GCC) loss detected by optical coherence tomography provide an objective measure of optic nerve injury. These patterns aid in early diagnosis and localization of chiasmal lesions.

Methods:

Twenty-three patients with chiasmal compression seen between 2010 and 2015 were imaged with the Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography macular cube 512 × 128, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) scan protocols and automated (30-2 Humphrey) visual fields (VFs). Age-matched controls were included for comparison. Generalized estimating equations were performed comparing RNFL and GCC thicknesses between patients and their controls. Effect size (d) was calculated to assess the magnitude of difference between patients and controls. The average GCC and RNFL thicknesses also were correlated with VF mean deviation (MD). Pre operative average GCC thickness was correlated to post operative VF MD.

Results:

Patterns of GCC thinning corresponded to VF defects. The average GCC thickness was 67 ± 9 μm in patients and 86 ± 5 μm in controls (P < 0.001). The effect size was the greatest for GCC thickness (d = 2.72). The mean deviation was better correlated with GCC thickness (r2 =0.25) than RNFL thicknesses (r2 =0.15). Postoperatively, VF MD improved in 7 of 8 patients with persistent nasal GCC thinning. Six patients had no VF defect and showed statistically significant loss of GCC compared with controls (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Distinct patterns of GCC loss were identified in patients with chiasmal compression. Binasal GCC loss was typical and could be seen with minimal or no detectable VF loss. Thinning of the GCC may be detected before loss of the RNFL in some patients. After decompression, the majority of patients showed improvement in VF despite persistent GCC loss. Patients with less GCC loss before decompression had better postoperative VFs. Therefore, GCC analysis may be an objective method to diagnose and follow patients with chiasmal lesions.
Persistent activation of interlinked Th2-airway epithelial gene networks in sputum-derived cells from aeroallergen-sensitized symptomatic atopic asthmatics
Authors: Jones Anya C. , Troy Niamh M. , White Elisha , Hollams Elysia M. , Gout Alexander M. , Ling Kak-Ming , Kicic Anthony , Sly Peter D , Holt Patrick G , Hall Graham L , Bosco Anthony
Published: July 2016

Rationale

Atopic asthma is a persistent disease characterized by intermittent wheeze and progressive loss of lung function. The disease is thought to be driven primarily by chronic aeroallergen-induced Th2-associated airways inflammation. However, the vast majority of atopics do not develop asthma-related wheeze, despite ongoing exposure to aeroallergens to which they are strongly sensitized, indicating that additional pathogenic mechanism(s) operate in conjunction with Th2 immunity to drive asthma pathogenesis.

Objectives

Employ systems level analyses to identify inflammation-associated gene networks operative at baseline in sputum-derived RNA from house dust mite-sensitized (HDMs) subjects with/without wheezing history; identify networks characteristic of the ongoing asthmatic state. All subjects resided in the constitutively-HDMhigh Perth environment.

Methods

Genome wide expression profiling by RNASeq followed by gene coexpression network analysis.

Measurements/Results

HDMs-nonwheezers displayed baseline gene expression in sputum including IL-5, IL-13 and CCL17. HDMs-wheezers showed equivalent expression of these classical Th2-effector genes but their overall baseline sputum signatures were more complex, comprising hundreds of Th2-associated and epithelial-associated genes, networked into two separate coexpression modules. The first module was connected by the hubs EGFR, ERBB2, CDH1 and IL-13. The second module was associated with CDHR3, and contained genes that control mucociliary clearance.

Conclusions

Our findings provide new insight into the inflammatory mechanisms operative at baseline in the airway mucosal microenvironment in atopic asthmatics undergoing natural perennial aeroallergen exposure. The molecular mechanism(s) that determine susceptibility to asthma amongst these subjects involve interactions between Th2-and epithelial function-associated genes within a complex co-expression network, which is not operative in equivalently sensitized/exposed atopic non-asthmatics.

Funding

This study was funded by the Asthma Foundation WA, the Department of Health WA, and the NHMRC. AB is funded by a BrightSpark Foundation McCusker Fellowship. GLH is a NHMRC Fellow. AG is supported by the McCusker Charitable Foundation Bioinformatics Centre. ACJ is a recipient of an Australian Postgraduate Award and a Top-Up Award from the University of Western Australia.
R-spondin1 regulates muscle progenitor cell fusion through control of antagonist Wnt signaling pathways
Authors: Lacour Floriane , Vezin Elsa , Bentzinger Florian , Sincennes Marie-Claude , Mitchell Robert D. , Patel Ketan , Rudnicki Michael A. , Chaboissier Marie-Christine , Chassot Anne-Amandine , Le Grand Fabien
Published: July 2016

Tissue regeneration requires the selective activation and repression of specific signaling pathways in stem cells. As such, the Wnt signaling pathways have been shown to control stem cell fate. In many cell types, the R-Spondin (Rspo) family of secreted proteins acts as potent activators of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we identify Rspo1 as a mediator of skeletal muscle tissue repair. Firstly we show thatRspo1-nullmuscles do not display any abnormalities at the basal level. However deletion ofRspo1results in global alteration of muscle regeneration kinetics following acute injury. We found that muscle stem cells lackingRspo1show delayed differentiation. Transcriptome analysis further demonstrated that Rspo1 is required for the activation of Wnt/β-catenin target genes in muscle cells. Furthermore, muscle cells lackingRspo1fuse with a higher frequency than normal cells, leading to larger myotubes containing more nuclei bothin vitroandin vivo. We found the increase in muscle fusion was dependent on up-regulation of non-canonical Wnt7a/Fzd7/Rac1 signaling. We conclude that antagonistic control of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways by Rspo1 in muscle stem cell progeny is important for restitution of normal muscle architecture during skeletal muscle regeneration.
ADPriboDB: The Database of ADP-ribosylated Proteins
Authors: Vivelo Christina A. , Wat Ricky , Agrawal Charul , Yi Tee Hui , Leung Anthony K. L.
Published: July 2016

ADP-ribosylation refers to the addition of one or more ADP-ribose units onto proteins post-translationally. This protein modification is often added by ADP-ribosyltransferases, commonly known as PARPs, but it can also be added by other enzymes, including sirtuins or bacterial toxins. While past literature has utilized a variety of methods to identify ADP-ribosylated proteins, recent proteomics studies bring the power of mass spectrometry to determine sites of the modification. To appreciate the diverse roles of ADP-ribosylation across the proteome, we have created ADPriboDB—a database of ADP-ribosylated proteins (http://ADPriboDB.leunglab.org). Each entry of ADPriboDB is annotated manually by at least two independent curators from the literature between January 1975 and July 2015. The current database includes over 12,400 protein entries from 459 publications, identifying 2,389 unique proteins. Here we describe the structure and the current state of ADPriboDB as well as the criteria for entry inclusion. Using this aggregate data, we identified a statistically significant enrichment of ADP-ribosylated proteins in non-membranous RNA granules. To our knowledge, ADPriboDB is the first publicly available database encapsulating ADP-ribosylated proteins identified from the past 40 years, with a hope to facilitate the research of both basic scientists and clinicians to better understand ADP-ribosylation at the molecular level.
Interfibrillar packing of bovine cornea by table-top and synchrotron scanning SAXS microscopy
Authors: Sibillano T. , De Caro L. , Scattarella F. , Scarcelli G. , Siliqi D. , Altamura D. , Liebi M. , Ladisa M. , Bunk O. , Giannini C.
Published: July 2016

Bovine cornea was studied with scanning small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) microscopy, by using both synchrotron radiation and a microfocus laboratory source. A combination of statistical (adaptive binning and canonical correlation analysis) and crystallographic (pair distribution function analysis) approaches allowed inspection of the collagen lateral packing of the supramolecular structure. Results reveal (i) a decrease of the interfibrillar distance and of the shell thickness around the fibrils from the periphery to the center of the cornea, (ii) a uniform fibril diameter across the explored area, and (iii) a distorted quasi-hexagonal arrangement of the collagen fibrils. The results are in agreement with existing literature. The overlap between laboratory and synchrotron-radiation data opens new perspectives for further studies on collagen-based/engineered tissues by the SAXS microscopy technique at laboratory-scale facilities.
A holistic school-based nutrition program fails to improve teachers’ nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in rural China
Authors: Wang Dongxu , Stewart Donald , Chang Chun
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of a holistic school-based nutrition programme using the health-promoting school (HPS) approach, on teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in relation to nutrition in rural China.

Design/methodology/approach

– A cluster-randomised intervention trial design was employed. Two middle schools were randomly selected and assigned to either the intervention school using the HPS framework (HPS School), or to the Control School, in Miyun County, Beijing. From each school 20 teachers were randomly selected to complete the survey. Nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour were measured at pre- and post-intervention surveys with the same instrument. The nutrition intervention last for six months.

Findings

– The holistic school-based nutrition programme using the HPS framework had no statistical impact on improving teacher’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in relation to nutrition (p> 0.05).

Practical implications

– Future holistic school-based nutrition programmes targeting adolescents should also design and implement longer and more intensive interventions for teachers focusing on how to equip them with the awareness and ability to disseminate their knowledge, positive attitudes and role model behaviours to students, rather than on how to teach them basic knowledge and skills.

Originality/value

– Although teachers play a critical role in the HPS framework, there is very limited published research investigating the change in teachers’ nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour as a result of a nutrition promotion programme.
Developing a school-based preventive life skills program for youth in a remote Indigenous community in North Australia
Authors: Robinson Gary , Leckning Bernard , Midford Richard , Harper Helen , Silburn Sven , Gannaway Jess , Dolan Kylie , Delphine Tim , Hayes Craig
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of development and the pilot implementation of a preventive life skills curriculum for Indigenous middle school students in a very remote community college in the West Arnhem region of North Australia. The curriculum integrates proven educational and psychological techniques with culturally informed notions of relatedness and was developed as a contribution to efforts to prevent alarming rates of suicide among remote Indigenous youth. In this paper, the term, Indigenous refers to Australians of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on reviews of research literature on school-based suicide prevention and social and emotional learning in both general and Indigenous populations, and following detailed community consultations, a 12 week curriculum was drafted and implemented in two middle school classes (combined years 7-9). Lessons were videotaped and later analyzed and detailed commentary was sought from participating school staff.

Findings

– The pilot program has yielded important insights into requirements of a curriculum for young people with low English literacy levels and with variable school attendance patterns. It confirmed the need to adjust both pedagogical approach and curriculum content for the program to have resonance with students from this linguistic and cultural background and with varying levels of exposure to multiple stressors in disadvantaged community settings.

Practical implications

– The project has identified and resolved key questions for sustainable implementation of a preventive curriculum in challenging community circumstances.

Originality/value

– There are to date no examples of the systematic adaptation and design of a universal preventive intervention specifically for remote Australian Indigenous youth. The project is the first step toward the formal evaluation of the efficacy of a classroom-based approach to suicide prevention in remote community schools.
Rationale of early adopters of fossil fuel divestment
Authors: Beer Christopher Todd
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This research uses the social science perspectives of institutions, ecological modernization and social movements to analyze the rationale used by the early-adopting universities of fossil fuel divestment in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Through analysis of qualitative data from interviews with key actors at the universities that divested their endowments from fossil fuels, the paper examines how institutions navigate competing logics and frame their rationale.

Findings

The results show that while many institutions relied on ecological values embedded in their missions to justify their decision to divest, many also continued to embrace an altered version of market logic.

Research limitations/implications

This research is primarily limited by its small population size. If the number of adoptees increases in the future, quantitative analysis should look for statistically robust trends.

Practical implications

The implications of this research are that we can expect more universities to commit to divesting from fossil fuels if their mission statements provide them with cultural material to rationalize the decision, but also expect them to couch the decision in continued goals and concerns for fiduciary responsibility and the subsequent growth of their endowment.

Social implications

Social actors engaged in the fossil fuel divestment campaign may take this research and conclude that they need to build their arguments around the existing institutional logics and cultural identity.

Originality/value

This paper contributes original primary data documenting how institutional actors confront dominant logics using both a mixture of internal cultural identity and the reframing of the legitimated market logics.
Greening the campus: a theoretical extension of the dialogic communication approach
Authors: Carpenter Serena , Takahashi Bruno , Lertpratchya Alisa P. , Cunningham Carie
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the strategic organization-public dialogic communication practices of universities in the USA. The authors used the dialogic model of communication to explore the extent to which higher education sustainability leaders (SL) at the top 25 USA sustainable engage in relational communication strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with campus sustainability and student group leaders from a mix of regional areas in the USA. The authors examined the transcripts for concepts argued to exist within the dialogic model of communication from the public relations field.

Findings

Results reveal that SL rely on dialogic communication strategies to recruit active participants, build stakeholder bridges across campus and empower individuals to have an impact within specific sustainability areas. Communicators most likely engaged in empathy, followed by propinquity, mutuality, commitment and risk of the dialogic model.

Research limitations/implications

The authors extended the dialogic model of communication by identifying theoretical issues and scale items that can be used to measure each dimension of the model in future work.

Practical implications

The results reveal several ways that institutes of higher education could successfully use relational strategies to promote sustainability across multiple campus groups and departments by recruiting campus ambassadors, collectively defining sustainability and sharing public progress reports.

Originality/value

Few studies of sustainability in higher education holistically examine the relationship building practices of organizations that promote sustainability, despite the fact that communication is identified as a key factor in the successful implementation of sustainable actions.
Influence of Staff Encouragement on Perceived Burden of Dietary Restriction Among Patients Living Alone
Authors: Ikenoue Tatsuyoshi , Fukuma Shingo , Yamamoto Yosuke , Yamazaki Shin , Akizawa Tadao , Akiba Takashi , Saito Akira , Kurokawa Kiyoshi , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: July 2016

To help relieve the burden of dietary restrictions experienced by many hemodialysis (HD) patients, dialysis staff may encourage patients, with no consideration to the degree of family support. Here, we clarified the effect of staff encouragement and living conditions on the burden of dietary restrictions in HD patients. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) I and III. We enrolled patients aged 18–75 years on HD therapy for at least 3 months. We categorized patients into four groups based on combinations of level of staff encouragement (high or low) and living condition (alone or with family) at baseline survey. Patients who felt they received high staff encouragement and lived with their family were set as the control. The main outcome was increase in patients' perceived burden of dietary restriction after 1 year. 1377 (69.1%) felt they received high staff encouragement, and 176 (9.1%) were living alone. After 1 year, 537 (26.9%) patients reported feeling an increased burden of dietary restriction. A low level of staff encouragement did not increase the burden in any patients, regardless of living situation. However, a high level of staff encouragement did increase the burden in patients living alone (adjusted odds ratio: 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–2.36). We observed an unexpected association between high staff encouragement and increased burden of dietary restriction among patients living alone. Staff encouragement may not relieve patients' burden with respect to dietary restriction and may in fact exacerbate it.
Therapeutic Apheresis in Pregnancy: Three Differential Indications With Positive Maternal and Fetal Outcome
Authors: Perrone Giuseppina , Brunelli Roberto , Marcoccia Eleonora , Zannini Ilaria , Candelieri Miriam , Gozzer Maria , Stefanutti Claudia
Published: July 2016

Therapeutic apheresis (TA) is a complex extracorporeal procedure for the treatment of several acute and chronic diseases. TA in pregnancy is considered safe for both mother and fetus and has the same indications of non‐pregnant patients. TA can be used during the entire course of the pregnancy with the following purposes: (i) to treat several maternal acute and chronic conditions; (ii) to treat fetal conditions; (iii) to avoid administration of drugs potentially harmful to the fetus; and (iv) to reach a more advanced gestational age in order to prevent fetal prematurity. We report three successfully treated patients throughout pregnancy, for differential indications: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, red blood cells alloimmunization and ulcerative colitis. Multiple courses of TA have been performed without any complications for the mother and the fetus. A review and a discussion on the particular TA implications related to maternal‐fetal medicine have been reported. When approaching TA in pregnancy, clinicians have to consider the severity of disease, the strength of the indications, and the gestational age. Each case must be evaluated individually on the basis of existing evidence since, despite the increasing use, specific guidelines for apheresis in pregnancy are still lacking.
Hyperadherence of Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120ΔC increases productivity of (S)‐styrene oxide formation
Authors: Schmutzler Karolin , Kupitz Katharina , Schmid Andreas , Buehler Katja
Published: July 2016

The attachment strength of biofilm microbes is responsible for the adherence of the cells to surfaces and thus is a critical parameter in biofilm processes. In tubular microreactors, aqueous‐air segmented flow ensures an optimal oxygen supply and prevents excessive biofilm growth. However, organisms growing in these systems depend on an adaptation phase of several days, before mature and strong biofilms can develop. This is due to strong interfacial forces. In this study, a hyperadherent mutant of Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120ΔCeGFP possessing an engineered cyclic diguanylate metabolism, was applied to a continuous biofilm process for the production of (S)‐styrene oxide. Cells of the mutant P.  taiwanensis VLB120ΔCeGFP Δ04710, showing the same specific activity as the wild type, adhered substantially stronger to the substratum. Adaptation to the high interfacial forces was not necessary in these cases. Thereby, 40% higher final product concentrations were achieved and the maximal volumetric productivity of the parent strain was significantly surpassed by P. taiwanensis VLB120ΔCeGFP Δ04710. Applying mutants with strong adhesion in biofilm‐based catalysis opens the door to biological process control in future applications of catalytic biofilms using other industrially relevant strains.
Pharmacokinetic Profile of Oral Magnesium Hydroxide
Authors: Dolberg Mette Konow Bøgebjerg , Nielsen Lars Peter , Dahl Ronald
Published: July 2016

Despite the presumption of a beneficial effect of magnesium (Mg) supplementation on various diseases, little is known concerning the pharmacokinetics of Mg hydroxide. This study was designed to provide a pharmacokinetic profile of Mg hydroxide after a single oral dose. Ten healthy male adults participated in this cross‐over study with three 24‐hr study days. Interventions were (i) none (baseline), (ii) oral intake of three (3 × 360 mg) tablets of Mg hydroxide (Mablet®) and (iii) IV bolus infusion of 2 g Mg sulphate (index drug). Blood samples were collected before the single dose, after (i.e. after treatment administration) 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. and after 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hr. Urine was collected in four 6‐hr periods per study day. Blood (N = 10) and urine (N = 6) Mg were analysed by descriptive statistics. Bioavailability was 14.9% (CI: 8.3; 26.8), blood clearance was 5.1 L/hr (CI: 2.1; 17.0), apparent volume of distribution was 60.2 L (CI: 35.6; 102.0), elimination constant was 0.08 per hour (CI: 0.05; 0.14), half‐life was 8.3 hr (CI: 4.8; 14.1), Cmax was 0.11 mmol/L (CI: 0.07; 0.14), and AUC[0–24] was 92.3 mmol/L × min. (CI: 45.5; 139.1). Urine Mg excretion augmented by 17.7% (CI: 8.9; 35.0) from baseline. No severe side effects were observed. The bioavailability of Mg hydroxide was 15%, and it constitutes a clinically relevant option for oral Mg supplementation. No severe side effects were seen.
Traumatic biliary neuroma after orthotopic liver transplantation: a possible cause of “unexplained” anastomotic biliary stricture
Authors: Navez Julie , Golse Nicolas , Bancel Brigitte , Rode Agnès , Ducerf Christian , Mezoughi Salim , Mohkam Kayvan , Mabrut Jean‐Yves
Published: July 2016

Background

Traumatic biliary neuromas (TBNs) represent a rare cause of biliary stricture (BS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Diagnosis is challenging preoperatively and is most often made at pathology after resection. Herein, we report a 20‐year experience of TBN‐related BS.

Patients and methods

Medical records of 1030 adult patients undergoing OLT from 1991 to 2014 were reviewed. Patients with histologically proven TBN were identified among those presenting a BS.

Results

Over the study period, 52 patients developed an anastomotic BS. Of these, 17 had repeat surgery and specimen examination identified TBN in five instances. All five patients with TBN had a duct‐to‐duct biliary reconstruction during OLT. Median delay from OLT to onset of symptoms was 69 months (range 4–239). Preoperative imaging showed a compressive mass in one patient. Four patients underwent TBN resection combined with hepaticojejunostomy and had an uneventful postoperative course. One patient underwent TBN resection and duct‐to‐duct reconstruction; he died from acute pancreatitis on postoperative day 21. After a median follow‐up of 40.5 months (range 10–54), no recurrent BS occurred.

Conclusion

Traumatic biliary neuromas represent a possible diagnosis for unexplained anastomotic BS after OLT. Surgical excision combined with hepaticojejunostomy is effective, allows histological diagnosis, and prevents from recurrence.
Association between opioid use and readmission following liver transplantation
Authors: Rogal Shari , Mankaney Gautham , Udawatta Viyan , Good Chester B. , Chinman Matthew , Zickmund Susan , Bielefeldt Klaus , Jonassaint Naudia , Jazwinski Alison , Shaikh Obaid , Hughes Christopher , Humar Abhinav , DiMartini Andrea , Fine Michael J.
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the independent association between pre‐transplant prescription opioid use and readmission following liver transplantation. We reviewed the medical records of all patients at a single medical center undergoing primary, single‐organ, liver transplantation from 2004 to 2014. We assessed factors associated with hospital readmission 30 days and 1 year after hospital discharge using multivariable competing risk regression models. Among 1056 transplant recipients, 49 (4.6%) were prescribed pre‐transplant prescription opioids. Readmission occurred in 421 (40%) patients within 30 days and 689 (65%) within 1 year. Patients with pre‐transplant opioid use had a significantly higher risk of readmission at 30 days (HR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1–2.5) and a non‐significantly elevated risk at 1 year (HR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0–1.9) when controlling for other potential confounders. Although pain was the major reason for readmission in only 12 (3%) patients at 30 days and 33 (6%) patients at 1 year, pre‐transplant opioid use was significantly associated with pain‐related readmission at both time points. In conclusion, prescription opioid use pre‐transplantation was significantly associated with all‐cause 30‐day readmissions and pain‐related readmissions at 30 days and 1 year.
The Tax Exemption to Subchapter S Banks: Who Gets the Benefit?
Authors: Chang Chun‐Hao , Jain Ajeet , Lawrence Edward R. , Prakash Arun J.
Published: July 2016

The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 allows U.S. banks to adopt the Subchapter S status. We investigate if the Subchapter S banks use tax benefits for the intended purposes of “protecting jobs,” “creating opportunities” and “increasing take home pay of workers.” We find that the tax benefits: (a) are not used in expenses related to protection of jobs, (b) do not lead to greater employment opportunities within the Subchapter S banks, and (c) do not benefit the employees in the form of increased salaries and benefits. Our results indicate that bank owners are sole beneficiaries of the tax exemption benefits.
Mitigating Estimation Risk in Asset Allocation: Diagonal Models Versus 1/N Diversification
Authors: Stivers Chris , Sun Licheng
Published: July 2016

Recent literature suggests that optimal asset‐allocation models struggle to consistently outperform the 1/N naïve diversification strategy, which highlights estimation‐risk concerns. We propose a dichotomous classification of asset‐allocation models based on which elements of the inverse covariance matrix that a model uses: diagonal only versus full matrix. We argue that parsimonious diagonal‐only strategies, which use limited information such as volatility or idiosyncratic volatility, are likely to offer a good tradeoff between incorporating limited information while mitigating estimation risk. Evaluating five sets of portfolios over 1926–2012, we find that 1/N is generally not optimal when compared with these diagonal strategies.
Pseudohypoparathyroidism type I‐b with neurological involvement is associated with a homozygous PTH1R mutation
Authors: Guerreiro R. , Brás J. , Batista S. , Pires P. , Ribeiro M. H. , Almeida M. R. , Oliveira C. , Hardy J. , Santana I.
Published: July 2016

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1b (PHP1b) is characterized by hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, increased levels of circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH), and no skeletal or developmental abnormalities. The goal of this study was to perform a full characterization of a familial case of PHP1b with neurological involvement and to identify the genetic cause of disease. The initial laboratory profile of the proband showed severe hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and normal levels of PTH, which was considered to be compatible with primary hypoparathyroidism. With disease progression the patient developed cognitive disturbance, PTH levels were found to be slightly elevated and a picture of PTH resistance syndrome seemed more probable. The diagnosis of PHP1b was established after the study of family members and blunted urinary cAMP results were obtained in a PTH stimulation test. Integration of whole genome genotyping and exome sequencing data supported this diagnosis by revealing a novel homozygous missense mutation in PTH1R (p.Arg186His) completely segregating with the disease. Here, we demonstrate segregation of a novel mutation in PTH1R with a phenotype of PHP1b presenting with neurological symptoms, but no bone defects. This case represents the extreme end of the spectrum of cognitive impairment in PTH dysfunction and defines a possible novel form of PHP1b resulting from the impaired interaction between PTH and PTH1R.
Primary productivity is weakly related to floristic alpha and beta diversity across Australia
Authors: Burley Hugh M. , Mokany Karel , Ferrier Simon , Laffan Shawn W. , Williams Kristen J. , Harwood Tom D.
Published: July 2016

Aim Ecosystem functions such as productivity may be influenced not only by the biological diversity at each location (α‐diversity) but also by the biological turnover between locations (β‐diversity). We perform a continental‐scale test of the strength and direction of relationships between gross primary productivity (GPP) and both α‐ and β‐diversity.

Location Continental Australia.

Methods Species occurrence records were used to quantify the taxonomic α‐diversity of vascular plants in approximately 11,000 1 km × 1 km grid cells across Australia, and to calculate the average β‐diversity within a 10‐km radius around each cell. The magnitude and variability of monthly, MODIS‐derived remotely sensed GPP (2001–12) were summarized for continental Australia, as were rainfall and temperature over the same period. Generalized additive models were then used to test whether the magnitude or variability of GPP were distinctly influenced by either biodiversity measure, over and above the influence of environmental conditions.

Results Precipitation and temperature explained large proportions of deviance in the magnitude (75.6%) and variability (38.3%) of GPP across the Australian continent. GPP was marginally more strongly related to species richness than it was to species turnover. However, neither diversity measure provided substantial increases in the explanatory power of GPP models over and above that of environment‐only models (always < 1%).

Main conclusions The relationship between primary productivity and taxonomic α‐ and β‐diversity was weak for the Australian flora. Our findings question the generality of key assumptions, predictions and results in the literature regarding the strength of empirical relationships between productivity and biodiversity across multiple biological levels (α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversity) at macroecological scales.
Novel Triggered Nocturnal Blood Pressure Monitoring for Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Distribution and Reproducibility of Hypoxia‐Triggered Nocturnal Blood Pressure Measurements
Authors: Kuwabara Mitsuo , Hamasaki Haruna , Tomitani Naoko , Shiga Toshikazu , Kario Kazuomi
Published: July 2016

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes blood pressure (BP) surges during sleep, which may lead to increased sleep‐onset cardiovascular events. The authors recently developed a triggered nocturnal BP monitoring system that initiates BP measurements when oxygen desaturation falls below a variable threshold. The distribution and reproducibility of hypoxia‐triggered nocturnal BP parameters compared with those of fixed‐interval nocturnal BP parameters for two consecutive nights in 147 OSA patients (mean age 59.4 years, 86.4% men) were evaluated. The mean and distribution (standard deviation [SD]) of the hypoxia‐peak systolic BP (SBP) were significantly greater than that of the mean nocturnal SBP (mean±SD: 148.8±20.5 vs 123.4±14.2 mm Hg, P<.001). The repeatability coefficient (expressed as %MV) of hypoxia‐peak SBP between night 1 and night 2 was comparable to that of mean nocturnal SBP (43% vs 32%). In conclusion, hypoxia‐peak nocturnal BP was much higher than mean nocturnal BP, and it was as reproducible as mean nocturnal BP.
Dietary patterns and risk of colorectal adenoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Godos J. , Bella F. , Torrisi A. , Sciacca S. , Galvano F. , Grosso G.
Published: July 2016

Background

Current evidence suggests that dietary patterns may play an important role in colorectal cancer risk. The present study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies exploring the association between dietary patterns and colorectal adenomas (a precancerous condition).

Methods

Pubmed and EMBASE electronic databases were systematically searched to retrieve eligible studies. Only studies exploring the risk or association with colorectal adenomas for the highest versus lowest category of exposure to a posteriori dietary patterns were included in the quantitative analysis. Random‐effects models were applied to calculate relative risks (RRs) of colorectal adenomas for high adherence to healthy or unhealthy dietary patterns. Statistical heterogeneity and publication bias were explored.

Results

Twelve studies were reviewed. Three studies explored a priori dietary patterns using scores identifying adherence to the Mediterranean, Paleolithic and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and reported an association with decreased colorectal adenoma risk. Two studies tested the association with colorectal adenomas between a posteriori dietary patterns showing lower odds of disease related to plant‐based compared to meat‐based dietary patterns. Seven studies identified 23 a posteriori dietary patterns and the analysis revealed that higher adherence to healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns was significantly associated risk of colorectal adenomas (RR = 0.81, 95% confidence interval = 0.71, 0.94 and RR = 1.24, 95% confidence interval = 1.13, 1.35, respectively) with no evidence of heterogeneity or publication bias.

Conclusions

The results of this systematic review and meta‐analysis indicate that dietary patterns may be associated with the risk of colorectal adenomas.
Effects of Prior Knowledge on Memory: Implications for Education
Authors: Shing Yee Lee , Brod Garvin
Published: July 2016

The encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of events and facts form the basis for acquiring new skills and knowledge. Prior knowledge can enhance those memory processes considerably and thus foster knowledge acquisition. But prior knowledge can also hinder knowledge acquisition, in particular when the to‐be‐learned information is inconsistent with the presuppositions of the learner. Therefore, taking students' prior knowledge into account and knowing about the way it affects memory processes is important for optimization of students' learning. Recent behavioral and neuroimaging experiments have shed new light on the neural mechanisms through which prior knowledge affects memory. However, relatively little is known about developmental differences in the ability to make efficient use of one's knowledge base for memory purposes. In this article, we review and integrate recent empirical evidence from developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience about the effects of prior knowledge on memory processes. In particular, this may entail an extended shift from processing in the medial temporal lobes of the brain toward processing in the neocortex. Such findings have implications for students as developing individuals. Therefore, we highlight recent insights from cognitive neuroscience that call for further investigation in educational settings, discussing to what extent these novel insights may inform teaching in the classroom.
Activation tagging in indica rice identifies ribosomal proteins as potential targets for manipulation of water‐use efficiency and abiotic stress tolerance in plants
Authors: Moin Mazahar , Bakshi Achala , Saha Anusree , Udaya Kumar M. , Reddy Attipalli R. , Rao K. V. , Siddiq E. A. , Kirti P. B.
Published: July 2016

We have generated 3900 enhancer‐based activation‐tagged plants, in addition to 1030 stable Dissociator‐enhancer plants in a widely cultivated indica rice variety, BPT‐5204. Of them, 3000 were screened for water‐use efficiency (WUE) by analysing photosynthetic quantum efficiency and yield‐related attributes under water‐limiting conditions that identified 200 activation‐tagged mutants, which were analysed for flanking sequences at the site of enhancer integration in the genome. We have further selected five plants with low Δ13C, high quantum efficiency and increased plant yield compared with wild type for a detailed investigation. Expression studies of 18 genes in these mutants revealed that in four plants one of the three to four tagged genes became activated, while two genes were concurrently up‐regulated in the fifth plant. Two genes coding for proteins involved in 60S ribosomal assembly, RPL6 and RPL23A, were among those that became activated by enhancers. Quantitative expression analysis of these two genes also corroborated the results on activating–tagging. The high up‐regulation of RPL6 and RPL23A in various stress treatments and the presence of significant cis‐regulatory elements in their promoter regions along with the high up‐regulation of several of RPL genes in various stress treatments indicate that they are potential targets for manipulating WUE/abiotic stress tolerance.