bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The sexual selection paradigm: have we overlooked other mechanisms in the evolution of male ornaments?
Authors: Candolin Ulrika , Tukiainen Iina
Published: October 2015

Extravagant male ornaments expressed during reproduction are almost invariably assumed to be sexually selected and evolve through competition for mating opportunities. Yet in species where male reproductive success depends on the defence of offspring, male ornaments could also evolve through social competition for offspring survival. However, in contrast to female ornaments, this possibility has received little attention in males. We show that a male ornament that is traditionally assumed to be sexually selected—the red nuptial coloration of the three-spined stickleback—is under stronger selection for offspring survival than for mating success. Males express most coloration during parenting, when they no longer attract females, and the colour correlates with nest retention and hatching success but not with attractiveness to females. This contradicts earlier assumptions and suggests that social selection for offspring survival rather than for sexual selection for mating success is the main mechanism maintaining the ornament in the population. These results suggest that we should consider other forms of social selection beyond sexual selection when seeking to explain the function and evolution of male ornaments. An incorrect assignment of selection pressures could hamper our understanding of evolution.
Genetic polymorphisms of the human cytomegalovirus UL144 gene in colorectal cancer and its association with clinical outcome
Authors: Chen Hsin-Pai , Jiang Jeng-Kai , Chan Chia-Hao , Teo Wan-Huai , Yang Chih-Yung , Chen Yen-Chung , Chou Teh-Ying , Lin Chi-Hung , Chan Yu-Jiun
Published: October 2015

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been increasingly detected in colorectal cancer (CRC), and genetic polymorphisms in HCMV affect its pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate HCMV genetic polymorphisms in CRC and its correlation with the clinical outcomes. We performed PCR and sequencing of a viral immunomodulatory gene,UL144, in clinical isolates and CRC specimens. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences were aligned, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. The clinical, pathological and survival data were compared among tumours with differentUL144genotypes. HCMV was detected in 49 (47.8 %) of the tumour specimens. Genotype A predominated in 43 samples (22/43; 51.2 %) with successful sequencing, followed by genotype B (13/43; 30.2 %) and genotype C (8/43; 18.6 %). The genotypic distribution was similar to that of the clinical isolates and those reported in other Asian populations. The amino acid sequence of genotype B was the most conserved. For stage II and III CRC patients with HCMV-positive tumours, disease-free survival (DFS) varied among the three major genotypes (P = 0.0046). The presence of genotype B virus in the tumours was associated with a shorter DFS and independently predicted tumour recurrence in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio, 5.79; 95 % confidence interval, 1.30–25.81;P = 0.021). By reverse transcription PCR, tumour samples with genotype B viruses had the highest rate ofUL144expression. Our results suggest that genetic polymorphisms of HCMVUL144are associated with clinical outcome in CRC and that HCMV may play an immunomodulatory role in the tumour microenvironment of CRC.
A paediatric case of lymphadenitis by toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans
Authors: Terada Tomomasa , Suga Kenichi , Yamamoto Akihiko , Ono Akemi , Inoue Miki , Kawahito Masami , Mori Kazuhiro
Published: October 2015

Introduction:

Corynebacterium ulcerans, a potentially toxigenic zoonotic agent, may produce diphtheria toxin and causes varied types of infections in humans. Cases of infection due to toxigenic C. ulcerans infection have been increasingly reported.

Case presentation:

A 6-year-old Japanese girl who had been vaccinated using diphtheria toxoid presented with fever and swelling in the left neck. Ultrasonography showed cervical lymphadenitis with cellulitis. C. ulcerans was isolated from the drainage specimen. The infection was cured with erythromycin administration. Her anti-diphtheria toxoid antibody level was at an adequate level for diphtheria prevention on admission and was significantly increased 3 weeks later. Zoonotic infection was considered likely, because a family cat had shown rhinitis and skin ulcers prior to symptom onset in the child.

Conclusion:

In addition to the number of reported cases of infection in adults, C. ulcerans infection in previously vaccinated children should also be a subject of concern in Japan.
Molecular Mechanisms for the Biological Storage of Renewable Energy
Authors: Barstow Buz
Published: October 2015

Recent and ongoing discoveries in the field of extracellular electron transport offer the potential to electrically power highly flexible, carbon-fixing microbial metabolisms and generate a rich variety of chemicals and fuels. This process, electrosynthesis, creates the opportunity to use biology for the low cost storage of renewable electricity and the synthesis of fuels that produce no net carbon dioxide. This article highlights recent discoveries on the molecular machinery underpinning electrosynthesis and reviews recent work on the energy conversion efficiency of photosynthesis to begin to establish a framework to quantify the overall energy storage and conversion efficiency of electrosynthesis.
Results of an attempt to reproduce the STAP phenomenon
Authors: Aizawa Shinichi
Published: October 2015

This reports the results of an attempt by Haruko Obokata to replicate the phenomenon of stimulus-triggered acquisition of pluripotency (STAP), which was first reported in a pair of papers authored by Obokata and colleagues in 2014. The most conclusive evidence for the pluripotency of so-called STAP cells was their purported ability to contribute to chimera formation. In the follow-up trial presented here, putative STAP cells prepared by Obokata were injected into 1154 embryos, of which 671 were recovered. However, the injected cells made no significant contribution in any tissue in any of the embryos developed.
“Teleswallowing”: a case study of remote swallowing assessment
Authors: Bidmead Elaine , Reid Tilly , Marshall Alison , Southern Veronica
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Telemedicine has enabled speech and language therapists (SLTs) to remotely assess swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) experienced by nursing home residents. The new technique, “teleswallowing”, was designed by the Speech and Language Therapy Service at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It allows prompt assessment, avoiding potential risks of aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, poor rehabilitation, increased hospital stays and reduced quality of life (Hinchey et al., 2005; Langmore et al., 1998). The purpose of this paper is to report on a second pilot of teleswallowing and the concomitant adoption study.

Design/methodology/approach

– The adoption study employed qualitative methods, including consultations with senior managers, semi-structured interviews with nursing home matrons/managers and nurses, two focus groups and semi-structured interviews with SLTs. The project clinical lead kept an activity log, which was used to estimate resource savings.

Findings

– Over a three-month period, six SLTs and 17 patients in five nursing homes participated in teleswallowing assessments. Teleswallowing benefited both patients and participating nursing homes. Better use of therapist time and cost savings were demonstrated and evidence showed that the service could be successfully scaled up. Despite this, a number of barriers to service transformation were identified.

Originality/value

– This is the first implementation of teleswallowing in the UK, but it has been used in Australia (Ward et al., 2012). The approach to engaging stakeholders to understand and address barriers to adoption is novel. The value lies in the lessons learned for future innovations.
Telemedicine in care homes in Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven
Authors: Hex Nick , Tuggey Justin , Wright Dianne , Malin Rebecca
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to observe and analyse the effects of the use of telemedicine in care homes on the use of acute hospital resources.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was an uncontrolled retrospective observational review of data on emergency hospital admissions and Emergency Department (ED) visits for care home residents in Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven. Acute hospital activity for residents was observed before and after the installation of telemedicine in 27 care homes. Data from a further 21 care homes that did not use telemedicine were used as a control group, using the median date of telemedicine installation for the “before and after” period. Patient outcomes were not considered.

Findings

– Care homes with telemedicine showed a 39 per cent reduction in the costs of emergency admissions and a 45 per cent reduction in ED attendances after telemedicine installation. In the control group reductions were 31 and 31 per cent, respectively. The incremental difference in costs between the two groups of care homes was almost £1.2 million. The cost of telemedicine to care commissioners was £177,000, giving a return on investment over a 20-month period of £6.74 per £1 spent.

Research limitations/implications

– The results should be interpreted carefully. There is inherent bias as telemedicine was deployed in care homes with the highest use of acute hospital resources and there were some methodological limitations due to poor data. Nevertheless, controlling the data as much as possible and adopting a cautious approach to interpretation, it can be concluded that the use of telemedicine in these care homes was cost-effective.

Originality/value

– There are very few telemedicine studies focused on care homes.
The economics of health service transformation
Authors: Rachev Boris T
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This is a report on a recent development of an innovative coordinated care solution named the Care Coordination Centre (CCC), which targets coordinated care arrangements for a populations expected to benefit the most. The purpose of this paper is to identify the patients who might comprise this group, and to assess the best ways to meet their health, community, and social care needs before and after introducing the coordinated care solution across care settings.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a summary of the author’s experience in the design and development of a care coordination business model for US providers and UK Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) using coordinated care not only as a cost-cutting tool, but as a mechanism for creating a flexible and responsive patient-centered care. The author makes an assessment of the economic benefits of coordinated care resulting from: the shift to less costly interventions; reduction in readmissions; reduced unplanned admissions; increased time allocation efficiency of healthcare staff; and the overall reduction in per-patient costs.

Findings

– The health and social care systems in the USA and the UK are facing the biggest challenges in their history. Payers, providers, governments, and communities need to work to build better coordination and integration mechanisms to manage the increasing demand on health and social care in a period of stagnant health and social care budgets. New innovative models of coordinated care have been developed in both countries, at the local economy level, as the health service systems are undergoing crucial transformation from a supply to a demand-based model. In the UK, the Trafford CCG has commissioned a new CCC, responsible for the delivery of high-quality coordinated care. The CCC is designed to function at clinical, service, and community levels across multiple providers to cover, among other tasks, chronic condition patient case management, risk stratification of preventative, elective, and unscheduled care for the whole region.

Originality/value

– Insights from the work with Trafford CCG would be of considerable methodological and practical interest to researchers, policy makers, commissioners, healthcare professionals, and innovators.
Saving lives through effective patient engagement around NHS health checks
Authors: Alpsten Tobias
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Putting behavioural insights theory into practice a trial in Southwark using iPLATO Hub to communicate with over 13,000 patients concluded that the right combination of text messaging and letter content increased uptake of NHS Health Checks by 65 per cent. This iPLATO case study, based on a randomised controlled trial with the Department of Health, Public Health England and Southwark Council, reported in July 2015. The purpose of this paper is to spread best practice and help other parts of the country transform uptake to NHS Health Checks.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research – led by the Department of Health and Southwark Council – was designed to test the impact of certain forms of communication informed by insights from behavioural science. These insights involved small, pragmatic and very low cost or free changes to the invitation process, for example, how messages are framed and the language used. These changes are designed to fit within existing practice, which means they can easily be scaled up across all CCGs.

Findings

– Results from the trial also indicate that a combination of the deadline commitment letter and just a reminder text message (no primer message) was nearly as effective as two texts, while the new letters on their own (without any text messages) increased uptake to 21 per cent. This suggests that clear and concise text messages from the iPLATO Hub delivered the major impact on uptake.

Originality/value

– iPLATO is working with the research group to expand the research and improve on the reported findings while helping to spread best practice across the NHS.
Lean Six Sigma project selection using hybrid approach based on fuzzy DEMATEL–ANP–TOPSIS
Authors: Vinodh S , Swarnakar Vikas
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to select the optimal Lean Six Sigma (LSS) project using hybrid fuzzy-based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach for an automotive component manufacturing organization.

Design/methodology/approach

– The LSS project selection has been formulated as the MCDM problem. Hybrid MCDM method based on Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Model (DEMATEL), Analytical Network Process (ANP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) has been used to select the optimal LSS project. The methodology enabled the practitioners to systematically prioritize LSS projects.

Findings

– The finding of this study is that, out of five LSS projects, project P3 is the best LSS project. P3 is the optimal LSS project with reduced failure risk, and efforts are being taken to implement the selected project.

Research limitations/implications

– The problem formulation and methodology has been tested for a single study. In future, more number of studies could be conducted using the hybrid approach. This method is presently applied for an automotive component manufacturing organization; in future, the approach could be applied in different industrial sectors for improving its effectiveness.

Practical implications

– The case study has been conducted in a real-time industrial problem. The practitioners expressed the usefulness of the methodology for prioritizing LSS projects Hence, the inferences derived are found to possess practical relevance.

Originality/value

– The original contribution of the study is the selection of optimal LSS project using hybrid MCDM technique.
Materiality and external assurance in corporate sustainability reporting
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a preliminary examination of the extent to which the UK’s leading house builders are embracing the concept of materiality and commissioning independent external assurance as part of their sustainability reporting processes and to offer some wider reflections on materiality and external assurance in sustainability reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper begins with a review of the characteristics of materiality and external assurance and a brief outline of house building in the UK and of the sustainability challenges the industry faces. The information on which the paper is based is drawn for the top twenty UK house builders’ corporate Websites.

Findings

– The paper reveals that only a minority of the UK’s top 20 house builders had embraced materiality or commissioned some form of independent external assurance or verification as an integral part of their sustainability reporting processes. In many ways this reduces the reliability and credibility of the house builders’ sustainability reports. Looking to the future growing stakeholder pressure may force the UK’s house builders to embrace materiality and commission external assurance as systematic and integral elements in the sustainability reporting process.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an accessible review of the current status of materiality and external assurance in the UK house builders’ sustainability reporting process, and as such it will interest professionals, practitioners, academics and students interested in sustainability in the construction industry.
Neoclassical economics and new institutional economics
Authors: Agboola Alirat Olayinka
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the provisions of both the neoclassical economics and new institutional economics theses and assesses the implications of their methodologies for property market analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research is based on secondary literature review and desk-based study.

Findings

– It is argued that new institutional economics, grounded on firmer foundations of human behaviour, offers an analytical approach to the study of the property market which emphasizes the institutionally contingent nature of real estate exchange, thus placing real estate within its socio-economic context.

Originality/value

– In-depth examination and juxtaposition of the provisions, assumptions, philosophical orientations and limitations of these main traditions of economic thought towards the achievement of a representative study of the workings of the property market.
From impact to advocacy: working together toward public library sustainability
Authors: Cottrill Julia , Letelier Fernando , Blanco Pablo Andrade , García Henry , Chiranov Marcel , Tkachuk Yuliya , Liubyva Tetiana , Crocker Rachel , Vanderwerff Matthew , Cistoviene Giedre , Krauls-Ward Ineta , Stratilatovas Eugenijus , Mount Dan , Kurutyte Agniete , . Triyono
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to outline the Bill
&
Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries (GLs) initiative approach to advocacy and how it informs, guides, and integrates impact data to support sustainability of GL program results.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper defines advocacy in the context of GL, and explores the GL grant planning process, tools, and collaboration between advocacy and impact specialists. Results are demonstrated through grantee examples that illustrate a variety of approaches to library advocacy using impact data at local, country, and regional levels.

Findings

– The paper demonstrates the importance of identifying community needs, designing impact measures to demonstrate how libraries help to address those needs, and the variety of ways impact evidence can be used to effectively advocacy for public libraries. This basic formula can be applied to advocacy efforts ranging from a broad national policy to a small incremental change in perceptions of libraries by local decision makers.

Originality/value

– This paper reinforces the essential link between library impact measurement data and successful advocacy.
Slowed atrial and atrioventricular conduction and depressed HRV in a murine model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lim Wei‐Wen , Baumert Mathias , Neo Melissa , Kuklik Pawel , Ganesan Anand N , Lau Dennis H , Tsoutsman Tatiana , Semsarian Christopher , Sanders Prashanthan , Saint David A
Published: October 2015

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common heritable cardiac disorder with diverse clinical outcomes including sudden death, heart failure, and stroke. Depressed heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of cardiac autonomic regulation, has been shown to predict mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Cardiac autonomic remodelling in animal models of HCM are not well characterised. This study analysed Gly203Ser cardiac troponin‐I transgenic (TG) male mice previously demonstrated to develop hallmarks of HCM by age 21 weeks. 33 mice aged 30 and 50 weeks underwent continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) recording for 30 min under anaesthesia. TG mice demonstrated prolonged P‐wave duration (P < 0.001) and PR intervals (P < 0.001) compared to controls. Additionally, TG mice demonstrated depressed standard deviation of RR intervals (SDRR; P < 0.01), coefficient of variation of RR intervals (CVRR; P < 0.001) and standard deviation of heart rate (SDHR; P < 0.001) compared to controls. Additionally, total power was significantly reduced in TG mice (P < 0.05). No significant age‐related difference in either strain was observed in ECG or HRV parameters. Mice with HCM developed slowed atrial and atrioventricular conduction and depressed HRV. These changes were conserved with increasing age. This finding may be indicative of atrial and ventricular hypertrophy or dysfunction, and perhaps an indication of worse clinical outcome in heart failure progression in HCM patients.
Validity and reliability of the Arabic Token Test for children
Authors: Alkhamra Rana A. , Al‐Jazi Aya B.
Published: October 2015

Background: The Token Test for Children (2nd edition) (TTFC) is a measure for assessing receptive language. In this study we describe the translation process, validity and reliability of the Arabic Token Test for Children (A‐TTFC).

Aims: The aim of this study is to translate, validate and establish the reliability of the Arabic Token Test for Children (A‐TTFC) for the purpose of assessing Arabic‐speaking children with receptive language problems.

Methods & Procedures: The translation of the A‐TTFC complied with the international translation procedures guidelines. After a multiple step translation process the A‐TTFC was pilot tested and amended for any noted problems. The final version of the A‐TTFC was administered to 397 typically developing Jordanian children, age range 3;0–12;11 (years; months). Children were purposefully sampled from randomly selected schools in Amman, Jordan. Another 35 bilingual children, age range 6;0–12;11, participated in the bilingual validation of the A‐TTFC.

Results: Construct validity of the A‐TTFC was tested using factor analysis. Factor analysis results indicated that loadings of the items on the A‐TTFC were similar to the English version item loadings. Alpha‐coefficients for each test section varied from 0.78 to 0.94. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) scores from bilingual children supported bilingual validity of the test > 0.80. ICC between scores for repeated assessments varied from 0.76 to 0.90 supporting test–retest reliability.

Conclusions & Implications: The results support the appropriateness of using A‐TTFC in assessing Arabic‐speaking children with receptive language problems.
Fate of Foodborne Viruses in the “Farm to Fork” Chain of Fresh Produce
Authors: Li Dan , De Keuckelaere Ann , Uyttendaele Mieke
Published: October 2015

Norovirus (NoV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are the most important foodborne viruses. Fresh produce has been identified as an important vehicle for their transmission. In order to supply a basis to identify possible prevention and control strategies, this review intends to demonstrate the fate of foodborne viruses in the farm to fork chain of fresh produce, which include the introduction routes (contamination sources), the viral survival abilities at different stages, and the reactions of foodborne viruses towards the treatments used in food processing of fresh produce. In general, the preharvest contamination comes mainly from soli fertilizer or irrigation water, while the harvest and postharvest contaminations come mainly from food handlers, which can be both symptomatic and asymptomatic. Foodborne viruses show high stabilities in all the stages of fresh produce production and processing. Low‐temperature storage and other currently used preservation techniques, as well as washing by water have shown limited added value for reducing the virus load on fresh produce. Chemical sanitizers, although with limitations, are strongly recommended to be applied in the wash water in order to minimize cross‐contamination. Alternatively, radiation strategies have shown promising inactivating effects on foodborne viruses. For high‐pressure processing and thermal treatment, efforts have to be made on setting up treatment parameters to induce sufficient viral inactivation within a food matrix and to protect the sensory and nutritional qualities of fresh produce to the largest extent.
Survival and High‐Hydrostatic Pressure Inactivation of Foodborne Pathogens in Salmorejo, a Traditional Ready‐to‐Eat Food
Authors: Toledo Del Árbol Julia , Pulido Rubén Pérez , Grande Mª José , Gálvez Antonio , Lucas Rosario
Published: October 2015

Salmorejo is a traditional tomato‐based creamy product. Because salmorejo is not heat‐processed, there is a risk of contamination with foodborne pathogens from raw materials. Even though bacterial growth in salmorejo is strongly inhibited because of its acidic pH (close to 3.9), the growth and survival of 3 foodborne pathogens in this food has not been studied before. In this study, 3 cocktails consisting of Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes strains were inoculated in freshly prepared salmorejo. The food was treated by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 400, 500, or 600 MPa for 8 min, or left untreated, and stored at 4 °C for 30 d. Viable cell counts were determined on selective media and also by the triple‐layer agar method in order to detect sublethally injured cells. In control samples, L. monocytogenes viable cells decreased by 2.4 log cycles at day 7 and were undetectable by day 15. S. enterica cells decreased by 0.5 or 2.4 log cycles at days 7 and 15 respectively, but still were detectable at day 30. E. coli O157 cells survived much better in salmorejo, decreasing only by 1.5 log cycles at day 30. Treatments at pressures of 400 MPa or higher reduced viable counts of L. monocytogenes and S. enterica to undetectable levels. HHP treatments significantly (P < 0.05) reduced E. coli counts by approximately 5.2 to 5.4 log cycles, but also yielded surviving cells that apparently were sublethally injured. Only samples treated at 600 MPA for 8 min were devoid of detectable E. coli cells during storage.
Slight Fermentation with Lactobacillus fermentium Improves the Taste (Sugar:Acid Ratio) of Citrus (Citrus reticulata cv. chachiensis) Juice
Authors: Yu Yuanshan , Xiao Gengsheng , Xu Yujuan , Wu Jijun , Fu Manqin , Wen Jing
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that fermentation with Lactobacillus fermentium, which can metabolize citric acid, could be applied in improving the taste (sugar:acid ratio) of citrus juice. During fermentation, the strain of L. fermentium can preferentially utilize citric acid of citrus (Citrus reticulata cv. Chachiensis) juice to support the growth without the consumption of sugar. After 6 h of fermentation with L. fermentium at 30 °C, the sugar:acid ratio of citrus juice increased to 22:1 from 12:1, which resulted in that the hedonic scores of sweetness, acidity and overall acceptability of fermented‐pasteurized citrus juice were higher than the unfermented‐pasteurized citrus juice. Compared with unfermented‐pasteurized citrus juice, the ORAC value and total amino acid showed a reduction, and no significant change (P > 0.05) in the L*, a*, b*, total soluble phenolics and ascorbic acid (Vc) content in the fermented‐pasteurized citrus juice was observed as compared with unfermented‐pasteurized citrus juice. Hence, slight fermentation with L. fermentium can be used for improving the taste (sugar:acid ratio) of citrus juice with the well retaining of quality.
Use of Consumer Acceptability as a Tool to Determine the Level of Sodium Reduction: A Case Study on Beef Soup Substituted With Potassium Chloride and Soy‐Sauce Odor
Authors: Lee Cho Long , Lee Soh Min , Kim Kwang‐Ok
Published: October 2015

In this study, consumer acceptability was considered as a tool of reducing sodium rather than just using it as a final examination of the successfulness of the substitution. This study consisted of 4 experimental steps. First, by gradually reducing the concentrations of NaCl, consumer rejection threshold (CRT) of NaCl in beef soup was examined. Then, the amount of KCl that can increase preference was examined in 2 low sodium beef soups, with sodium concentrations slightly above or below the CRT. Relative saltiness of various KCl and NaCl/KCl mixtures were also measured. Finally, consumers evaluated acceptability and intensities of sensory characteristics for 9 beef soup samples that differed with respect to NaCl content and/or KCl content with/without addition of salty‐congruent odor (soy‐sauce odor). The results showed that in the “above CRT” system, consumer acceptability as well as sensory profile of low sodium beef soup substituted using KCl had similar profile to the control although saltiness was not fully recovered, whereas in the “below CRT” system, consumer acceptability was not recovered using KCl solely as a substitute. Potential of using salty‐congruent odor as a final touch to induce salty taste was observed; however, the results inferred the importance of having almost no artificialness in the odor and having harmony with the final product when using it as a strategy to substitute sodium. Overall, the results of the study implied the importance of considering consumer acceptability when approaching sodium reduction to better understand the potentials of the sodium substitutes and salty‐congruent odor.
Anesthetic considerations in HELLP syndrome
Authors: del‐Rio‐Vellosillo M. , Garcia‐Medina J. J.
Published: October 2015

Background

HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) is an obstetric complication with heterogonous presentation and multisystemic involvement. It is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes by intravascular breakdown of fibrin in hepatic sinusoids and reduction of platelet circulation by its increased consumption.

Methods

In terms of these patients' anesthetic management, it is essential to consider some details: (1) effective, safe perioperative management by a multidisciplinary approach, and quick, good communication among clinical specialists to achieve correct patient management; (2) neuroaxial block, particularly spinal anesthesia, is the first choice to do the cesarean if there is only moderate, but not progressive thrombocytopenia; (3) if a general anesthesia is required, it is necessary to control the response to stress produced by intubation, especially in patients with either severe high blood pressure or neurological signs, or to prevent major cerebral complications; (4) invasive techniques, e.g., as tracheostomy, arterial, and deep‐vein canalization, should be considered; (5) if contraindication for neuroaxial anesthesia exists, rapid sequence intubation with general anesthesia should be regarded as an emergency in patients with full stomach; (6) increased risk of difficult airways should be taken into account.

Results

Optimal patient management can be chosen after considering the risks and benefits of each anesthetic technique, and based on good knowledge of these patients' pathophysiological conditions.

Conclusion

Later, close patient monitoring is recommended for potential development of hemorrhagic complications, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or eclampsia.
Reproductive outcome in globozoospermic men: update and prospects
Authors: Chansel‐Debordeaux L. , Dandieu S. , Bechoua S. , Jimenez C.
Published: October 2015

Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples in reproductive age. Male infertility is estimated to represent about 20% of the etiologies. Among them, a rare type of teratozoospermia known as globozoospermia leads to disappointing pregnancy outcomes. Morphological, physiological and genetic aspects of this severe disorder have been described. We undertook a complete review of the available data on the reproductive outcomes in globozoospermic patients. To this end, a literature review in both English and French, over a 20‐year time period using PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Scopus was performed. A total of 45 publications describing 172 attempts of treatment with assisted reproduction techniques (ICSI or IMSI with or without oocyte activation) were identified. We reviewed 28 deliveries and 34 children. However, for these patients, the fertilization rate after ICSI remained low. The present review suggests that oocyte activation (in particular with calcium ionophore) could improve the pregnancy rate significantly when dealing with globozoospermia. Once the exact pathogenesis of human globozoospermia is clearly identified, it is likely that other treatments such as recombinant phospholipase C zeta (PLC zeta, PLCζ), which seems to be a promising biological tool, would be developed.
FSHB ‐211G>T stratification for follicle‐stimulating hormone treatment of male infertility patients: making the case for a pharmacogenetic approach in genetic functional secondary hypogonadism
Authors: Busch A. S. , Kliesch S. , Tüttelmann F. , Gromoll J.
Published: October 2015

Male infertility contributes to a substantial share to couple infertility. Despite scientific efforts, most cases of male infertility remain ‘idiopathic’ and male‐specific therapeutic options are sparse. Given the crucial role of the follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) for spermatogenesis, FSH is used empirically to improve semen parameters. Furthermore, a recently updated Cochrane review points to a beneficial effect of FSH treatment in idiopathic infertile men on spontaneous pregnancy rates. However, since response to FSH varies strongly even in selected patients and given the lack of powerful evidence of FSH treatment regimens, intra‐cytoplasmic spermatozoa injection (ICSI) is widely used in idiopathic male infertility, though the treatment burden is high for the couple and it entails considerable costs and some risks. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within FSH ligand/receptor genes (FSHB/FSHR), significantly influencing reproductive parameters in men, represent promising candidates to serve as pharmacogenetic markers to improve prediction of response to FSH. However, there is an evident lack of information which patients should be treated and how many patients in an andrological outpatient clinic would be eligible for such a treatment, a crucial decision criterion for clinicians and also pharmaceutical industry to start such a pharmacogenetic intervention therapy. After screening our andrological patient cohort, we present a realistic scenario and a basis for further prospective studies using FSH in idiopathic infertile men.
Reproductive function in male patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: La Vignera S. , Condorelli R. A. , Di Mauro M. , Lo Presti D. , Mongioì L. M. , Russo G. , Calogero A. E.
Published: October 2015

This study was undertaken to evaluate conventional and some of the main bio‐functional spermatozoa parameters, serum gonadal hormones and didymo‐epididymal ultrasound features in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). DM1 affects an increasing number of men of reproductive age. Diabetes may affect male reproduction by acting on the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis, causing sexual dysfunction or disrupting male accessory gland function. However, data on spermatozoa parameters and other aspects of the reproductive function in these patients are scanty. Thirty‐two patients with DM1 [27.0 (25.0–30.0 years)] and 20 age‐matched fertile healthy men [28.0 (27.25–30.75 years)] were enrolled. Patients with diabetic neuropathy, other endocrine disorders or conditions known to alter spermatozoa parameters were excluded. Each subject underwent semen analysis, blood withdrawal for fasting and post‐prandial glycaemia, hormonal analysis and didymo‐epididymal ultrasound evaluation before and after ejaculation. Patients with DM1 had a lower percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motility [10.0 (7.0–12.75) vs. 45.0 (42.0–47.75) %; p < 0.01] and a higher percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal mitochondrial function than controls [47.0 (43.0–55.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0–5.0) %; p < 0.01]. Patients also had greater post‐ejaculatory diameters of cephalic [11.5 (10.2–13.6) vs. 6.0 (4.0–7.0) mm; p < 0.01] and caudal epididymis [5.5 (4.00–7.55) vs. 3.0 (2.0–4.0) mm; p < 0.01] compared to controls, suggesting a lack of the physiological post‐ejaculation epididymal shrinkage. Correlation analysis suggested that progressive motility was associated with fasting glucose (r = −0.68; p < 0.01). The other parameters did not show any significant difference. Patients with DM1 had a lower percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motility, impaired mitochondrial function and epididymal post‐ejaculatory dysfunction. These findings may explain why patients with DM1 experience fertility disturbance. Larger multi‐centric studies are necessary to confirm these results.
The early effect of sunitinib on insulin clearance in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Thijs Anna Maria J. , Tack Cees J. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Rongen Gerard A. , van Herpen Carla M. L.
Published: October 2015

Aims

In patients with diabetes treated with sunitinib symptomatic hypoglycaemia has been reported. To explore the mechanism of this adverse effect we performed a prospective study to investigate the effect of sunitinib on insulin concentration, insulin clearance and insulin sensitivity.

Methods

We studied the early effects of sunitinib on insulin sensitivity and insulin clearance with a hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp (insulin infusion rate 60 mU m−2 min−1; steady‐state 90–120 min) in patients with renal cell carcinoma before and 1 week after the start of sunitinib 50 mg day−1. Insulin sensitivity index (SI) was defined as steady‐state glucose disposal divided by the steady‐state plasma insulin.

Results

Ten patients (one with diabetes, treated with metformin) were included in the study protocol. Steady‐state insulin concentrations during the clamp increased after 1 week of sunitinib (from 128.9 ± 9.0 mU l−1 to 170.8 ± 12.8 mU l−1, P < 0.05; 95% CI on difference − 64.3, −19.6). The calculated insulin sensitivity index decreased from 0.22 ± 0.04 before to 0.18 ± 0.02 μmol kg−1 min−1 per mU l−1 insulin (P < 0.05; 95% CI on difference 0.07, 0.08). As the insulin infusion rate was similar for both clamps, the increased steady‐state insulin concentration indicates reduced insulin clearance.

Conclusion

Sunitinib affects insulin clearance which could possibly lead to overexposure to insulin in patients using insulin or insulin‐secretion stimulating agents.
The proton‐coupled oligopeptide transporter 1 plays a major role in the intestinal permeability and absorption of 5‐aminolevulinic acid
Authors: Xie Yehua , Hu Yongjun , Smith David E.
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose

5‐Aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) has been widely used in photodynamic therapy and immunofluorescence of tumours. In the present study, the intestinal permeability and oral pharmacokinetics of 5‐ALA were evaluated to probe the contribution of the proton‐coupled oligopeptide transporter 1 (PEPT1) to the oral absorption and systemic exposure of this substrate.

Experimental Approach

In situ single‐pass intestinal perfusions and in vivo oral pharmacokinetic studies were performed in wildtype and Pept1 knockout mice. Perfusion studies were performed as a function of concentration dependence, specificity and permeability of 5‐ALA in different intestinal segments. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed after 0.2 and 2.0 μmoL·g−1 doses of 5‐ALA.

Key Results

The permeability of 5‐ALA was substantial in duodenal, jejunal and ileal regions of wildtype mice, but the residual permeability of 5‐ALA in the small intestine from Pept1 knockout mice was only about 10% of that in wildtype animals. The permeability of 5‐ALA in jejunum was specific for PEPT1 with no apparent contribution of other transporters, including the proton‐coupled amino acid transporter 1 (PAT1). After oral dosing, the systemic exposure of 5‐ALA was reduced by about twofold during PEPT1 ablation, and the pharmacokinetics were dose‐proportional after the 0.2 and 2.0 µmol·g−1 doses. PEPT1 had a minor effect on the disposition and peripheral tissue distribution of 5‐ALA.

Conclusion and Implications

Our findings suggested a major role of PEPT1 in the intestinal permeability and oral absorption of 5‐ALA. In contrast, another proton‐coupled transporter, PAT1, appeared to play a limited role, at best.
Homoharringtonine binds to and increases myosin‐9 in myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Zhang Ting , Shen Shuijie , Zhu Zhijuan , Lu Shasha , Yin Xiufeng , Zheng Jiang , Jin Jie
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose

Homoharringtonine (HHT) is a natural alkaloid isolated from various Cephalotaxus species. HHT has been used to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), chronic lymphocyte leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Although HHT inhibits protein synthesis and promotes apoptosis of leukaemia cells in preclinical studies, its molecular target proteins remain unknown. The aim of this study was to identify target proteins of HHT.

Experimental Approach

We have synthesized a biotinylated affinity column and used it to identify targets of HHT and confirmed the results by MS and Western blots. We also examined the effects of HHT on the target protein and determined roles of the target protein in anti‐leukaemia activities of HHT through Western blots, flow cytometry and retrovirus transfection.

Key Results

Myosin‐9, a member of the myosin super‐family, was identified as a direct interactor of HHT. Furthermore, HHT up‐regulated the expression level of myosin‐9 in both AML and CML cell lines in a time‐dependent manner. Thus, HHT‐induced apoptosis of leukaemia cells begins in 6 h and continues to increase for 24 h. There is a positive correlation between up‐regulated myosin‐9 expression level and increased percentage of apoptotic cells mediated by HHT. Overexpression of myosin‐9 could increase the sensitivity of the leukaemia cells to the cytotoxicity of HHT and arrest cells in S and G2/M phases.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results indicated that myosin‐9 was the target protein of HHT and played an important role in the HHT‐induced apoptosis of leukaemia cells.
Light Response of Seedlings of a Central African Timber Tree Species, Lophira alata (Ochnaceae), and the Definition of Light Requirements
Authors: Biwolé Achille Bernard , Dainou Kasso , Fayolle Adeline , Hardy Olivier J. , Brostaux Yves , Coste Sabrina , Delion Sebastien , Betti Jean Lagarde , Doucet Jean‐Louis
Published: October 2015

Light is of primary importance in structuring tropical tree communities. Light exposure at seedling and adult stages has been used to characterize the ecological profile of tropical trees, with many implications in forest management and restoration ecology. Most shade‐tolerance classification systems have been proposed based on empirical observations in a specific area and thus result in contradictions among categories assigned to a given species. In this study, we aimed to quantify the light requirements for seedling growth of a Central African timber tree, Lophira alata (Ochnaceae), taking into account effects of population origin. In two controlled experiments: a light response experiment and a comparative population experiment, conducted in southwestern Cameroon, using seeds collected from four populations (three from Cameroon and one from Gabon), we examined the quantitative responses to irradiance of seedlings. After 2 years, mortality was very low (<3%), even in extremely low irradiance. Growth and biomass allocation patterns varied in response to light, with intermediate irradiance (24–43%) providing optimal conditions. Light response differed between populations. The Boumba population in the northeastern edge of the species' distribution exhibited the highest light requirements, suggesting a local adaptation. As a result of positive growth at low irradiance and maximum growth at intermediate irradiance, we concluded that L. alata exhibits characteristics of both non‐pioneer and pioneer species. Implications of our results to propose an objective way to assign the light requirement for tropical tree species are discussed.
Influence of the IL17A and IL17F gene polymorphisms on the long‐term kidney allograft function and return to dialysis after kidney transplantation
Authors: Romanowski Maciej , Kłoda Karolina , Osękowska Bogumiła , Domański Leszek , Pawlik Andrzej , Safranow Krzysztof , Ciechanowski Kazimierz
Published: October 2015

The immune response after allogenic transplantation is a complex phenomenon involving cytokines, chemokines, and other mediators of inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the IL17A and IL17F gene polymorphisms on long‐term kidney allograft function, graft function loss/return to dialysis, and mortality after kidney transplantation. This study enrolled 269 Caucasian deceased donor renal transplant recipients. The rs2275913:G>A (−197G>A) polymorphism within the IL17A gene promoter and rs2397084:T>C (Glu126Gly), rs11465553:G>A (Val155Ile), and rs763780:T>C (His167Arg) polymorphisms within the IL17F gene were genotyped. Creatinine concentrations 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after transplantation were significantly higher in recipients with the rs2275913:A>G IL17A GG genotype (GG vs. GA + AA: p = 0.03, p = 0.004, p = 0.006, p = 0.03, p = 0.04, respectively). Moreover, the GG genotype was statistically significantly associated with increased risk of delayed graft function. This association remained significant in multivariate regression analysis adjusted for recipients' age and sex. In the case of the rs11465553, IL17F univariate Cox regression analysis showed statistically significant association of GA genotype with higher risk of graft loss/return to dialysis (GA vs. GG: HR = 2.795, 95%CI = 1.031–7.579, p = 0.04). The results of our study suggest that the GG genotype of the rs2275913 IL17A gene promoter polymorphism is associated with significantly impaired long‐term kidney allograft function, whereas the GA genotype of the rs11465553 IL17F gene polymorphism may be associated with a significantly higher risk of graft function loss and return to dialysis after kidney transplantation.