bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine monotherapy among Korean patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy: A long‐term, randomized, open‐label trial
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Lee Sang Kun , Loesch Christian , Namgoong Kyungsun , Lee Hyang Woon , Hong Seung Bong ,   the Korean N01367 Study Group
Published: April 2017

This open‐label, multicenter, randomized phase IV trial (NCT01498822) of noninferiority design compared the long‐term effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of levetiracetam (LEV) monotherapy with those of oxcarbazepine (OXC) monotherapy in adults with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. Korean patients (16–80 years), with ≥2 unprovoked focal seizures in the year preceding the trial, who had not taken any antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the last 6 months, were randomized to receive LEV or OXC (1:1). Effectiveness, safety, and tolerability were assessed over a 50‐week period. Treatment failure rates (per protocol set) were 15/118 (12.7%) in the LEV‐treated group and 30/128 (23.4%) in the OXC‐treated group, an absolute difference of −10.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] −20.2, −1.2). Because the upper 95% CI limit was less than the pre‐specified noninferiority margin of 15%, LEV was considered noninferior to OXC. Twenty‐four‐week and 48‐week seizure freedom rates were 53.8% and 34.7% for LEV vs. 58.5% and 40.9% for OXC. Both LEV and OXC were well tolerated, with 8.7% and 8.6% of patients reporting serious treatment‐emergent adverse events, respectively. By comparing LEV with OXC, another newer AED, LEV can be considered a useful option as initial monotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy.
The association between health utility and joint status among people with severe haemophilia A: findings from the KAPPA register
Authors: Osooli M. , Steen Carlsson K. , Baghaei F. , Holmström M. , Rauchensteiner S. , Holme P. A. , Hvitfeldt L. , Astermark J. , Berntorp E.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

People with severe haemophilia A have reportedly impaired health related quality of life (utility) mainly due to recurrent bleeding, arthropathy and treatment burden.

Aim

To estimate utilities and evaluate their potential correlates – most importantly the joint status – among people with severe haemophilia A.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, eligible participants had severe haemophilia A, were aged ≥15, negative for factor VIII inhibitor and included in the KAPPA register of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Data on demographics, treatment history, haemophilia joint health score, and EQ‐5D utility were obtained from the register. We used box plots to present utilities and joint status and ordinary least squares regression to evaluate correlates of utilities. Participants were consecutively enrolled in the KAPPA register between April 2013 and June 2016.

Results

Overall, 173 participants with median age of 34 (interquartile range: 25–45) were included. Twelve (6.9%) participants were on episodic treatment while 161 (93.1%) were treated using prophylaxis. Concomitant diseases and positive inhibitor history were reported for 73 (43.2%) and 21 (12.1%) participants, respectively. The highest median utility (1.0) was observed among those aged <29 on prophylaxis and those aged 30–44 who had started prophylaxis by age 3. In the multi‐variable regression, joint scores of 16–25 (Coef. −0.18, 95% CI: −0.30, −0.06), 26–35 (Coef. −0.21, 95% CI: −0.36, −0.06) and >35 (Coef. −0.37, 95% CI: −0.52, −0.23) were associated with lower utilities.

Conclusion

Moderate to severe joint manifestations are associated with reduced utilities among persons with severe haemophilia A.
Influence of different commercial active dry yeasts on histaminol production during wine alcoholic fermentation
Authors: Bordiga Matteo , Guzzon Raffaele , Larcher Roberto , Travaglia Fabiano , Arlorio Marco , Coïsson Jean Daniel
Published: April 2017

The performance of different selected yeast strains regarding the capacity to convert histidine into histaminol during fermentation has been described and discussed in a model grape must (Chardonnay). First, the activity of 10 commercial active dry yeast strains (ADY) in the native grape must both with and without a nitrogen supplementation has been compared. In the second set of fermentations, after selecting the four best‐performing strains, their performances using four different nitrogen sources have been tested. During fermentation process it was not possible to identify a common trend. In some cases, histaminol content appeared related to the nutrient supplementation, however, in other cases a different behaviour emerged. However, as shown by the experimental evidences, among the two variables considered the nature of yeast strain was slightly prevalent.
Fermented soy‐powder milk with Lactobacillus plantarum P1201 protects against high‐fat diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Xie Cheng‐liang , Hwang Chung Eun , Oh Cheol Kyu , Yoon Nal Ae , Ryu Jin Hyun , Jeong Joo Yeon , Roh Gu Seob , Kim Hyun Joon , Cho Gyeong Jae , Choi Wan Sung , Kang Sang Soo , Cho Kye Man , Lee Dong Hoon
Published: April 2017

Fermented soy‐powder milk (FSPM) with Lactobacillus plantarum P1201 contains more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and isoflavone aglycones compared with unfermented soy‐powder milk (UFSPM). In this study, the antiobesity effect of FSPM was investigated in a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity model. Results showed that FSPM reduced the weight of body, body weight gain, liver and mesenteric white adipose tissue by 10.7%, 17.7%, 32.8% and 24.1%, respectively, compared with the HFD group. Meanwhile, FSPM suppressed the HFD‐induced increase of serum parameters such as total and low‐density lipoprotein, cholesterol, alanine transaminase, glucose and c‐peptide. To investigate how FSPM ameliorated obesity, several lipid metabolism and inflammation‐related genes in liver were analysed. FSPM significantly ameliorated HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis by down‐regulating peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, acetyl CoA carboxylase, adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein, tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta. Our results showed FSPM can protect against HFD‐induced obesity.
Physical, antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil nanoemulsion
Authors: Shahabi Nasim , Tajik Hossein , Moradi Mehran , Forough Mehrdad , Ezati Parya
Published: April 2017

It was evaluated physical, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZEO) and its nanoemulsion. Long‐term stability of nanoemulsion prepared by emulsion phase inversion was satisfying based on low narrow size distribution (polydispersity index ˜0.2) and low droplet size (200 nm) over 21 days of storage. Nanoemulsion showed lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on Listeria monocytogenes (2500 µg mL−1) than Salmonella Typhimurium (5000 µg mL−1). Killing kinetics study revealed that nanoemulsion was more effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria in milk than culture media. Both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects were observed depending on the type of bacteria, nanoemulsion concentration and the time of exposure. Nanoemulsion at 4×MIC concentration reduced 64% and 75% of one‐day‐old biofilm of L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium, respectively. In conclusion, nanoemulsion revealed antimicrobial activity, but converting the ZEO to nanoemulsion did not improve its antibacterial activity; however, antibiofilm properties were enhanced.
Protection des travailleurs et emploi informel en Europe, 2004–2012
Authors: FLÓREZ Luz Adriana , PERALES Francisco
Published: April 2017

L'emploi informel nuit à la productivité, réduit l'assiette fiscale, freine la croissance. On s'attache partout à le combattre, alors qu'il semble paradoxalement renforcé par les mesures de lutte contre le chômage à l'honneur dans beaucoup de pays européens depuis 2008, à savoir des dispositions visant à limiter la protection de l'emploi et restreindre les prestations sociales. Les auteurs tentent d'en savoir plus et parviennent à établir, avec des méthodes sur pseudo‐panel et des données de l'Enquěte sociale européenne pour 2004–2012, que la protection contre le licenciement, les prestations de chômage et les dépenses sociales contribuent effectivement à réduire l'emploi informel salarié.
A cytochrome P450 gene plays a role in the recognition of sex pheromones in the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura
Authors: Feng B. , Zheng K. , Li C. , Guo Q. , Du Y.
Published: April 2017

Cytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP) genes are involved in fundamental physiological functions, and might be also associated with the olfactory recognition of sex pheromones in beetles and moths. A P450 gene, Spodoptera litura CYP4L4 (SlituCYP4L4), was cloned for the first time from the antennae of S. litura. SlituCYP4L4 was almost exclusively expressed in the adult stage and predominantly expressed in the adult antennae. In situ hybridization showed that SlituCYP4L4 localized mainly at the base of the long sensilla trichoidea, which responds to sex pheromone components. Pretreatment with an S. litura sex pheromone significantly reduced the expression levels of SlituCYP4L4, consistent with other genes involved in sex pheromone recognition. The expression level of SlituCYP4L4 was different in moths collected with different ratios of sex pheromone lures and collected in different geographical locations. After gene knockdown of SlituCYP4L4 in the antennae, the electroantennogram (EAG) responses of male and female moths to (9Z,11E)‐tetradecadienyl acetate or (9Z,12E)‐tetradecadienyl acetate were significantly decreased. In contrast, EAG responses to plant volatiles and sex pheromones of other moth species were not significantly influenced in these moths. SlituCYP4L4 was also expressed in the gustatory tissues and sensilla, which suggests that SlituCYP4L4 may have other functions in the chemosensory system. Our results have shown for the first time the function of a CYP gene with appendage‐specific expression in insect sex pheromone recognition, especially in adult moths.
Nanocrystalline buildup, relaxor behavior, and polarization characteristic in PZT–PNZN quaternary ferroelectrics
Authors: Zheng Mupeng , Hou Yudong , Ai Zhirong , Zhu Mankang
Published: April 2017

The Pb(Zr0.47Ti0.53)O3–Pb[(Ni0.6Zn0.4)1/3Nb2/3]O3 (PZT–PNZN) quaternary ferroelectrics presenting the high piezoelectric coefficients are the active element in a range of piezoelectric devices. However, the buildup of nanoceramics with stable perovskite structure is still a big challenge, which prohibits the miniaturization of piezoelectric devices. In this work, the high dense PZT–PNZN nanoceramics with average grain size of 130 nm were prepared by a combination of high‐energy ball milling (HEBM) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The domain configuration and relaxor behavior in this nanoceramic are reported for the first time. Although the noncubic crystal structure and dielectric anomaly suggest a ferroelectric behavior, only very slim polarization–electric (P–E) hysteresis loops are observed. The suppression of macroscopic ferroelectric polarization mainly originates from the decrease in crystal tetragonality and the enhanced clamping effect on domain wall motion. The piezoelectric properties, d33=65 pC/N and kp=17%, raise the possibility of PZT–PNZN nanoceramics for application in multilayer piezoelectric devices.
Marked alteration of glycemic profile surrounding lanreotide administration in acromegaly: A case report
Authors: Tanaka Sho , Haketa Akira , Yamamuro Shun , Suzuki Toshiko , Kobayashi Hiroki , Hatanaka Yoshinari , Ueno Takahiro , Fukuda Noboru , Abe Masanori , Yoshino Atsuo , Soma Masayoshi
Published: April 2017

Whether somatostatin analogs for acromegaly improve or worsen a patient's glycemic profile is controversial. A risk of hypoglycemia should be presumed, especially when patients receive insulin therapy, as the package inserts caution. However, a detailed clinical course of such a case has never been reported in research articles. An 80‐year‐old Japanese female diabetes patient treated with insulin therapy was diagnosed with acromegaly, and the somatostatin analog, lanreotide, was given. On day 4 of lanreotide treatment, repeated hypoglycemia as a result of exogenous insulin arose and the patient required inpatient care. After lanreotide treatment, the total daily insulin dose could be reduced, but her fasting C‐peptide level decreased from 1.6 to 0.4 ng/mL, implying improved insulin resistance and impaired endogenous insulin secretion. In the present case, marked alteration surrounding lanreotide administration was observed; careful co‐administration with insulin therapy is required, as the package insert cautions.
Perceptions and opinions of Canadian pet owners about anaesthesia, pain and surgery in small animals
Authors: Steagall P. V. , Monteiro B. P. , Ruel H. L. M. , Beauchamp G. , Luca G. , Berry J. , Little S. , Stiles E. , Hamilton S. , Pang D.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceptions and opinions of Canadian pet owners about anaesthesia, pain and surgery in dogs and cats.

Methods

Six Canadian veterinary hospitals participated. Each practice received 200 copies of a questionnaire that were distributed to pet owners. Questions regarding the use of analgesics, anaesthesia, surgery and onychectomy (cats) were included. Responses were transformed into ordinal scores and analysed with a Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel test.

Results

A total of 849 out of 1200 questionnaires were returned. Owners believed more frequently that analgesics are needed for surgical procedures than for the medical conditions. Owners rated as very important/important: “knowing what to expect during illness/injury/surgery” (99·3%), “being assured that all necessary analgesic drugs/techniques will be used” (98·6%), “being informed about procedures/risk” (98·5%), and having a board‐certified anaesthesiologist (90·5%). Most owners agreed/partly agreed that pain impacts quality of life (94·2%), and affects their pet's behaviour (89·5%). Most respondents (69%) were women; they were significantly more concerned than men about anaesthesia, pain, cost and client‐communication. Cat owners believed that analgesics were necessary for some procedures/conditions significantly more often than canine‐only owners. Pet owners with previous surgery disagreed more frequently that “pain after surgery can be helpful” and that “pain in animals is easy to recognize” than those without previous surgery. Most owners think onychectomy should be banned in cats (56·4%).

Clinical Significance

This study identified important areas of client communication regarding pain and its control in pets.
Is Decentralization Really Welfare Enhancing? Empirical Evidence from Survey Data (1994‐2011)
Authors: Espasa Marta , Esteller‐Moré Alejandro , Mora Toni
Published: April 2017

Decentralization is believed to constitute the optimal institutional arrangement for the provision of public expenditure. In contrast to centralization, it is thought to offer a better match between the provision of public services and individual preferences. We test this fundamental hypothesis propounded by the fiscal federalism literature by analyzing the process of decentralization undergone by Spain since the beginning of the 1980s. We exploit survey data in which respondents (coded according to their region of residence) are asked about their level of satisfaction with the provision of public goods. A higher degree of satisfaction is expressed when responsibility for education and health expenditure is assigned to the intermediate tier of government rather than to central government. This level of satisfaction, however, is not recorded in the case of Spain's largest regions. Likewise, the simultaneous presence of tax revenue decentralization does not guarantee further welfare gains. In the case of the administration of justice—where the nature of the responsibility assigned to some regional governments is of a merely administrative nature—decentralization does not appear to have any impact on the level of satisfaction expressed.
Deciphering conjugative plasmid permissiveness in wastewater microbiomes
Authors: Jacquiod Samuel , Brejnrod Asker , Morberg Stefan M. , Abu Al‐Soud Waleed , Sørensen Søren J. , Riber Leise
Published: April 2017

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are designed to robustly treat polluted water. They are characterized by ceaseless flows of organic, chemical and microbial matter, followed by treatment steps before environmental release. WWTPs are hotspots of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria via conjugative plasmids, leading to dissemination of potentially hazardous genetic material such as antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRGs). While current focus is on the threat of AMRGs spreading and their environmental maintenance, conjugative plasmid transfer dynamics within and between bacterial communities still remains largely uncharted. Furthermore, current in vitro methods used to assess conjugation in complex microbiomes do not include in situ behaviours of recipient cells, resulting in partial understanding of transfers. We investigated the in vitro conjugation capacities of WWTP microbiomes from inlet sewage and outlet treated water using the broad‐host range IncP‐1 conjugative plasmid, pKJK5. A thorough molecular approach coupling metagenomes to 16S rRNA DNA/cDNA amplicon sequencing was established to characterize microbiomes using the ecological concept of functional response groups. A broad diversity of recipient bacterial phyla for the plasmid was observed, especially in WWTP outlets. We also identified permissive bacteria potentially able to cross WWTPs and engage in conjugation before and after water treatment. Bacterial activity and lifestyle seem to influence conjugation extent, as treated water copiotrophs were the most represented strategist amongst transconjugants. Correlation analysis highlighted possible plasmid transmission routes into communities between the sewage to the environment, with identification of keystone members (e.g., Arcobacter) potentially involved in cross‐border exchanges between distant Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative phyla.
Quantitative analysis of the tomato nuclear proteome during Phytophthora capsici infection unveils regulators of immunity
Authors: Howden Andrew J. M. , Stam Remco , Martinez Heredia Victor , Motion Graham B. , ten Have Sara , Hodge Kelly , Marques Monteiro Amaro Tiago M. , Huitema Edgar
Published: April 2017

Plant–pathogen interactions are complex associations driven by the interplay of host and microbe‐encoded factors. With secreted pathogen proteins (effectors) and immune signalling components found in the plant nucleus, this compartment is a battleground where susceptibility is specified. We hypothesized that, by defining changes in the nuclear proteome during infection, we can pinpoint vital components required for immunity or susceptibility.

We tested this hypothesis by documenting dynamic changes in the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) nuclear proteome during infection by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora capsici. We enriched nuclei from infected and noninfected tissues and quantitatively assessed changes in the nuclear proteome. We then tested the role of candidate regulators in immunity through functional assays.

We demonstrated that the host nuclear proteome dynamically changes during P. capsici infection. We observed that known nuclear immunity factors were differentially expressed and, based on this observation, selected a set of candidate regulators that we successfully implicated in immunity to P. capsici.

Our work exemplifies a powerful strategy to gain rapid insight into important nuclear processes that underpin complex crop traits such as resistance. We have identified a large set of candidate nuclear factors that may underpin immunity to pathogens in crops.
Inflation Target Credibility: Do the Financial Markets Find the Targets Believable?
Authors: Tas Bedri Kamil Onur , Peker Mustafa Cagri
Published: April 2017

We investigate the credibility of inflation targeting (IT) central banks (CBs) by estimating perceived inflation targets of the financial markets. We calculate financial markets’ beliefs about the inflation targets of 24 IT countries. Then, we analyse whether the financial markets’ beliefs about inflation targets match the announced targets. We conclude that the perceived upper bound of the inflation target is significantly higher than the announced one in many countries. Additionally, the perceived target band is narrower and asymmetric around the mid‐point of the target for most CBs. We examine the implications of these findings and find that IT CBs are more likely to miss their targets when the perceptions of the financial markets are higher than the announced IT targets. These results indicate that IT CBs should pay attention to the perceptions of the announced targets when implementing policy actions.
Grouped factors of the ‘SSADE: signs and symptoms accompanying dementia while eating’ and nutritional status—An analysis of older people receiving nutritional care in long‐term care facilities in Japan
Authors: Takada Kento , Tanaka Kazumi , Hasegawa Mihoko , Sugiyama Michiko , Yoshiike Nobuo
Published: April 2017

Background

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are very common among older people, and previous studies showed that BPSD affects eating behaviour negatively, possibly resulting in undernutrition. In a previous study, we constructed a set of 11 items based on direct observations of older people with dementia during mealtime and named them ‘SSADE: signs and symptoms accompanying dementia while eating’.

Aims

This study aimed to conduct a factor analysis to clarify the structure of the set of 11 SSADE items and to analyse the relationship of the SSADE with nutritional status.

Methods

We sampled 259 older people from 14 institutional facilities in Japan. To assess the status of the SSADE, we quantified each item according to its frequency and severity, using a 5‐point scale. We also collected information regarding characteristics and nutritional status (body mass index [BMI], dietary intakes, body weight change, serum albumin level). We performed an exploratory factor analysis on the SSADE. In addition, associations between grouped factor scores and nutritional status were analysed.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis indicated four factors. ‘Hypoactivity’ including ‘dietary agnosia’ and ‘drowsiness’ correlated negatively with BMI and serum albumin levels. ‘Hyperactivity’ including ‘agitation’, ‘delusion’, ‘wandering’ and ‘eating too rapidly’ correlated negatively with BMI. ‘Obsessiveness’ including ‘food refusal’ and ‘fad eating’ correlated negatively with BMI, dietary intake and body weight change. ‘Aberrant behaviours’ including ‘eating apraxia’, ‘pica’ and ‘stealing food’ correlated positively with dietary intake.

Conclusion

The identified factors of the SSADE were related to nutritional status, which may suggest acceptable factorial validity.

Implications for practice

We expected the SSADE to contribute to the prevention and improvement of undernutrition, through the development of a concrete strategy for nutritional care planning by professional teams including dietitians in long‐term care facilities.
The legal‐normative conditions of police transparency: A configurational approach to open data adoption using qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Ingrams Alex
Published: April 2017

In the United States, there is mounting political pressure on public agencies to publish internal data. But transparency policy innovation brings a unique set of legal and normative challenges regarding how sensitive information will be used. It is therefore an open question as to what legal‐normative conditions favour innovation. Are there specific kinds of laws, rules, or normative conditions that are related to adoption of new, potentially risky, transparency policies? In this article, qualitative comparative analysis with secondary data from multiple sources is used to find out what configurations of conditions are associated with open data use in 122 police departments. Results show three different paths to innovation among police departments: mandate driven, city‐stakeholder convergence, and network learning. The findings are examined and developed through interviews with experts from a national police transparency initiative.
The Norm‐Diffusion Capacity of ASEAN: Evidence and Challenges
Authors: Allison‐Reumann Laura
Published: April 2017

Norms associated with the “ASEAN Way,” namely non‐interference, respect for sovereignty, informality, and consensus, primarily reflect processes of interaction. Yet these processes have rarely been examined from the perspective of ASEAN's attempts at norm diffusion. To date, greater attention has been placed on ASEAN as a norm recipient. This article asks how and to what extent ASEAN is a norm entrepreneur both within the region and beyond. It provides examples of norm diffusion by ASEAN by offering two diffusion mechanisms – enmeshed and innocuous – and analyzes the challenges associated with norm diffusion. These mechanisms demonstrate how ASEAN diffuses norms as reflected through its normative framework and internal and external pressures.
Interactive web‐based format vs conventional brochure material for information transfer to children and parents: a randomized controlled trial regarding preoperative information
Authors: Lööf Gunilla , Liljeberg Cecilia , Eksborg Staffan , Lönnqvist Per‐Arne
Published: April 2017

Background

Information transfer to patients is an integral part of modern medicine. Internet‐based alternatives represent a new and attractive way for information transfer.

Methods

The study used a prospective observer‐blinded design. Children (3–12 years) and parents were instructed to get further preoperative information either through an interactive web‐based platform, the Anaesthesia‐Web, or conventional brochure material until day of outpatient surgery. On the day of surgery, children and parents were separately asked six different questions. The primary end‐point was to compare the total question score in children between the two information options (maximum score = 36). Secondary aims were the total question score for parents and the influence of age, sex, and time between the preoperative visit and day of surgery.

Results

A total of 125 children were recruited, of which 103 were included in the final analysis (the Anaesthesia‐Web group, n = 49; the brochure material group, n = 54). At the predetermined interim analysis, the total question score in children was found to be substantially higher in the Anaesthesia‐Web group than in the brochure material group (median score: 27; IQR: 16.5–33 and median score: 19.5; IQR: 11.25–27.75, respectively, P = 0.0076). The median difference in score was 6; 95% CI: 0–9. The total question score in parents was also higher in the Anaesthesia‐Web group than in the brochure material group. Increasing child age was associated with a higher total question score in both groups. Sex did not influence the total question score in the Anaesthesia‐Web group, whereas girls scored better than boys in the brochure material group.

Conclusions

Children in the age range 3–12 years of age as well as their parents do better attain preoperative information from an interactive web‐based platform compared to conventional brochure material.
The burnt matchstick
Authors: Passaretti Davide , Vistocco Domenico
Published: April 2017

In an informal study, two versions of a story involving probability are introduced to undergraduates. The findings reveal that students have troubles detecting equal probabilities in a sampling scheme without replacement in which no information on earlier draws is available.
ASN1‐encoded asparagine synthetase in floral organs contributes to nitrogen filling in Arabidopsis seeds
Authors: Gaufichon Laure , Marmagne Anne , Belcram Katia , Yoneyama Tadakatsu , Sakakibara Yukiko , Hase Toshiharu , Grandjean Olivier , Clément Gilles , Citerne Sylvie , Boutet‐Mercey Stéphanie , Masclaux‐Daubresse Céline , Chardon Fabien , Soulay Fabienne , Xu Xiaole , Trassaert Marion , Shakiebaei Maryam , Najihi Amina , Suzuki Akira
Published: April 2017

Despite a general view that asparagine synthetase generates asparagine as an amino acid for long‐distance transport of nitrogen to sink organs, its role in nitrogen metabolic pathways in floral organs during seed nitrogen filling has remained undefined. We demonstrate that the onset of pollination in Arabidopsis induces selected genes for asparagine metabolism, namely ASN1 (At3g47340), GLN2 (At5g35630), GLU1 (At5g04140), AapAT2 (At5g19950), ASPGA1 (At5g08100) and ASPGB1 (At3g16150), particularly at the ovule stage (stage 0), accompanied by enhanced asparagine synthetase protein, asparagine and total amino acids. Immunolocalization confined asparagine synthetase to the vascular cells of the silique cell wall and septum, but also to the outer and inner seed integuments, demonstrating the post‐phloem transport of asparagine in these cells to developing embryos. In the asn1 mutant, aberrant embryo cell divisions in upper suspensor cell layers from globular to heart stages assign a role for nitrogen in differentiating embryos within the ovary. Induction of asparagine metabolic genes by light/dark and nitrate supports fine shifts of nitrogen metabolic pathways. In transgenic Arabidopsis expressing promoterCaMV35S::ASN1 fusion, marked metabolomics changes at stage 0, including a several‐fold increase in free asparagine, are correlated to enhanced seed nitrogen. However, specific promoterNapin2S::ASN1 expression during seed formation and a six‐fold increase in asparagine toward the desiccation stage result in wild‐type seed nitrogen, underlining that delayed accumulation of asparagine impairs the timing of its use by releasing amide and amino nitrogen. Transcript and metabolite profiles in floral organs match the carbon and nitrogen partitioning to generate energy via the tricarboxylic acid cycle, GABA shunt and phosphorylated serine synthetic pathway.
Changes in acute pulmonary vascular responsiveness to hypoxia during a progressive ascent to high altitude (5300 m)
Authors: Luks Andrew M. , Levett Denny , Martin Daniel S. , Goss Christopher H. , Mitchell Kay , Fernandez Bernadette O. , Feelisch Martin , Grocott Michael P. , Swenson Erik R. ,   the Caudwell Xtreme Everest Investigators
Published: April 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Do the pulmonary vascular responses to hypoxia change during progressive exposure to high altitude and can alterations in these responses be related to changes in concentrations of circulating biomarkers that affect the pulmonary circulation?

What is the main finding and its importance?

In our field study with healthy volunteers, we demonstrate changes in pulmonary artery pressure suggestive of remodelling in the pulmonary circulation, but find no changes in the acute responsiveness of the pulmonary circulation to changes in oxygenation during 2 weeks of exposure to progressive hypoxia. Pulmonary artery pressure changes were associated with changes in erythropoietin, 8‐isoprostane, nitrite and guanosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate.

We sought to determine whether changes in pulmonary artery pressure responses to hypoxia suggestive of vascular remodelling occur during progressive exposure to high altitude and whether such alterations are related to changes in concentrations of circulating biomarkers with known or suspected actions on the pulmonary vasculature during ascent. We measured tricuspid valve transvalvular pressure gradients (TVPG) in healthy volunteers breathing air at sea level (London, UK) and in hypoxic conditions simulating the inspired O2 partial pressures at two locations in Nepal, Namche Bazaar (NB, elevation 3500 m) and Everest Base Camp (EBC, elevation 5300 m). During a subsequent 13 day trek, TVPG was measured at NB and EBC while volunteers breathed air and hyperoxic or hypoxic mixtures simulating the inspired O2 partial pressures at the other locations. For each location, we determined the slope of the relationship between TVPG and arterial oxygen saturation () to estimate the pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia. Mean TVPG breathing air was higher at any at EBC than at sea level or NB, but there was no change in the slope of the relationship between and TVPG between locations. Nitric oxide availability remained unchanged despite increases in oxidative stress (elevated 8‐isoprostane). Erythropoietin, pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide and interleukin‐18 levels progressively increased on ascent. Associations with TVPG were observed only with erythropoietin, 8‐isoprostane, nitrite and guanosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate. Although the increased TVPG for any given at EBC suggests that pulmonary vascular remodelling might occur during 2 weeks of progressive hypoxia, the lack of change in the slope of the relationship between TVPG and indicates that the acute pulmonary vascular responsiveness to changes in oxygenation does not vary within this time frame.
A Study of the External Exposure Decay Curves as a Function of Several Clinical Parameters for Patients Treated With Therapeutic 131I
Authors: Ginzburg Dimitry , Lantsberg Sophia , Faermann Sergio
Published: April 2017

Hyperthyroid and thyroid carcinoma patients treated with radioactive 131I (RAI) are a potential source of external and internal exposure to members of the public, to medical staff and especially to family members, who are in close contact with these patients. The relationship between radiation dose rates and various clinical parameters, including gender, age, thyroid size and weight, and iodine uptake, was assessed. Dose rates were measured on eight patients with thyroid carcinoma after total or subtotal thyroidectomy and on six patients with hyperthyroidism. All measurements were taken at 1 m from the patient on two levels—anterior to the neck and body center. Dose rates were measured at three or four times—at the time of RAI administration, and after 24 h, 48 h, and 168 h. Based on these measurements, retention curves were obtained. The effective half-life was derived by fitting an exponential equation and was estimated to be 12.8 h.
Reciprocity in international student exchange: Challenges posed by neo-colonialism and the dominance of the Western voice
Authors: Zuchowski Ines Sofia , Gopalkrishnan Narayan , King Julie , Francis Abraham
Published: April 2017

INTRODUCTION: Internationalisation of social work education is part of a rapidly growing international tertiary education sector; one that is actively being promoted by governments and universities to support student learning and engagement and to develop global citizens. International partnership programmes form a core part of the internationalisation of social work education, and these programmes may involve inequity in the benefits to the different partners. This article critically reflects on, and explores, concepts of reciprocity and collaboration in international social work student exchanges with a specific focus on exchanges between Australia and the Asia-Pacific.METHOD: A critical lens was applied to the literature that conceptualises international student exchanges with a particular focus on reciprocity and collaboration. The concept of neo-colonialism is used to explore international student exchanges and consider ways forward; the term is used to refer to newer and more subtle forms of colonialism that are often based on linguistic or cultural domination.  The discussion is further drawn out with anecdotal evidence from the authors’ own long-term engagement with international student exchange as well as an Australian government funded project “Going Places” that explores internationalisation in social work education.FINDINGS: A critical review of the literature highlights the continued dominance of the Western voice and issues of neo-colonialism as challenges to ensuring equitable processes in the internationalisation of social work education. Reciprocity is a contested concept that needs deep engagement to support transformative partnerships.CONCLUSIONS: It is argued that concepts of reciprocity, voice and collaboration have to be carefully considered in order to create transformative partnerships in international social work education.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Drug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Isolates from Dairy Cattle and Humans in New York and Washington States Reveals Source and Geographic Associations
Authors: Carroll Laura M. , Wiedmann Martin , den Bakker Henk , Siler Julie , Warchocki Steven , Kent David , Lyalina Svetlana , Davis Margaret , Sischo William , Besser Thomas , Warnick Lorin D. , Pereira Richard V.
Published: April 2017

Multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Salmonella enterica
can be spread from cattle to humans through direct contact with animals shedding
Salmonella
as well as through the food chain, making MDR
Salmonella
a serious threat to human health. The objective of this study was to use whole-genome sequencing to compare antimicrobial-resistant (AMR)
Salmonella enterica
serovars Typhimurium, Newport, and Dublin isolated from dairy cattle and humans in Washington State and New York State at the genotypic and phenotypic levels. A total of 90 isolates were selected for the study (37
S
. Typhimurium, 32
S
. Newport, and 21
S
. Dublin isolates). All isolates were tested for phenotypic antibiotic resistance to 12 drugs using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion. AMR genes were detected in the assembled genome of each isolate using nucleotide BLAST and ARG-ANNOT. Genotypic prediction of phenotypic resistance resulted in a mean sensitivity of 97.2 and specificity of 85.2. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim resistance was observed only in human isolates (
P
< 0.05), while resistance to quinolones and fluoroquinolones was observed only in 6
S
. Typhimurium isolates from humans in Washington State.
S
. Newport isolates showed a high degree of AMR profile similarity, regardless of source.
S
. Dublin isolates from New York State differed from those from Washington State based on the presence/absence of plasmid replicons, as well as phenotypic AMR susceptibility/nonsusceptibility (
P
< 0.05). The results of this study suggest that distinct factors may contribute to the emergence and dispersal of AMR
S. enterica
in humans and farm animals in different regions.

IMPORTANCE
The use of antibiotics in food-producing animals has been hypothesized to select for AMR
Salmonella enterica
and associated AMR determinants, which can be transferred to humans through different routes. Previous studies have sought to assess the degree to which AMR livestock- and human-associated
Salmonella
strains overlap, as well as the spatial distribution of
Salmonella
's associated AMR determinants, but have often been limited by the degree of resolution at which isolates can be compared. Here, a comparative genomics study of livestock- and human-associated
Salmonella
strains from different regions of the United States shows that while many AMR genes and phenotypes were confined to human isolates, overlaps between the resistomes of bovine and human-associated
Salmonella
isolates were observed on numerous occasions, particularly for
S
. Newport. We have also shown that whole-genome sequencing can be used to reliably predict phenotypic resistance across
Salmonella
isolated from bovine sources.
New Insights into PhaM-PhaC-Mediated Localization of Polyhydroxybutyrate Granules in Ralstonia eutropha H16
Authors: Bresan Stephanie , Jendrossek Dieter
Published: April 2017

The formation and localization of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) granules inRalstonia eutrophaare controlled by PhaM, which interacts both with the PHB synthase (PhaC) and with the bacterial nucleoid. Here, we studied the importance of proline and lysine residues of two C-terminal PAKKA motifs in PhaM for their importance in attaching PHB granules to DNA byin vitroandin vivomethods. Substitution of the lysine residues but not of the proline residues resulted in detachment of formed PHB granules from the nucleoid. Instead, formation of PHB granule clusters at polar regions of the rod-shaped cells and an unequal distribution of PHB granules to daughter cells were observed. The formation of PHB granules was studied by the expression of chromosomally anchored gene fusions of fluorescent proteins with PhaM and PhaC in different backgrounds. PhaM and PhaC fusions showed a distinct colocalization at formed PHB granules in the nucleoid region of the wild type. In aΔphaCbackground, PhaM and the catalytically inactive PhaCC319Aprotein were not able to form fluorescent foci, indicating that correct positioning requires the formation of PHB. Furthermore, time-lapse experiments revealed that PhaC and PhaM proteins detach from formed PHB granules at later stages, resulting in a nonhomogeneous population of PHB granules. This could explain why growth of individual PHB granules stops under PHB-permissive conditions at a certain size.

IMPORTANCEPHB granules are storage compounds for carbon and energy in many prokaryotes. Equal distribution of accumulated PHB granules during cell division is therefore important for optimal fitness of the daughter cells. InR. eutropha, PhaM is responsible for maximal activity of PHB synthase, for initiation of PHB granule formation at discrete regions in the cells, and for association of formed PHB granules with the nucleoid. Here we found that four lysine residues of C-terminal PhaM sequence motifs are essential for association of PHB granules with the nucleoid. Furthermore, we followed PHB granule formation by time-lapse microscopy and provide evidence for aging of PHB granules that is manifested by detachment of previously PHB granule-associated PhaM and PHB synthase.
Microbial Community Structure in a Serpentine-Hosted Abiotic Gas Seepage at the Chimaera Ophiolite, Turkey
Authors: Neubeck Anna , Sun Li , Müller Bettina , Ivarsson Magnus , Hosgörmez Hakan , Özcan Dogacan , Broman Curt , Schnürer Anna
Published: April 2017

The surface waters at the ultramafic ophiolitic outcrop in Chimaera, Turkey, are characterized by high pH values and high metal levels due to the percolation of fluids through areas of active serpentinization. We describe the influence of the liquid chemistry, mineralogy, and H
2
and CH
4
levels on the bacterial community structure in a semidry, exposed, ultramafic environment. The bacterial and archaeal community structures were monitored using Illumina sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA gene. At all sampling points, four phyla,
Proteobacteria
,
Actinobacteria
,
Chloroflexi
, and
Acidobacteria
, accounted for the majority of taxa. Members of the
Chloroflexi
phylum dominated low-diversity sites, whereas
Proteobacteria
dominated high-diversity sites. Methane, nitrogen, iron, and hydrogen oxidizers were detected as well as archaea and metal-resistant bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
Our study is a comprehensive microbial investigation of the Chimaera ophiolite. DNA has been extracted from 16 sites in the area and has been studied from microbial and geochemical points of view. We describe a microbial community structure that is dependent on terrestrial, serpentinization-driven abiotic H
2
, which is poorly studied due to the rarity of these environments on Earth.
Operational strategies to manage non-elective orthopaedic surgical flows: a simulation modelling study
Authors: Persson Marie , Hvitfeldt-Forsberg Helena , Unbeck Maria , Sköldenberg Olof Gustaf , Stark Andreas , Kelly-Pettersson Paula , Mazzocato Pamela
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To explore the value of simulation modelling in evaluating the effects of strategies to plan and schedule operating room (OR) resources aimed at reducing time to surgery for non-elective orthopaedic inpatients at a Swedish hospital.

Methods

We applied discrete-event simulation modelling. The model was populated with real world data from a university hospital with a strong focus on reducing waiting time to surgery for patients with hip fracture. The system modelled concerned two patient groups that share the same OR resources: hip-fracture and other non-elective orthopaedic patients in need of surgical treatment. We simulated three scenarios based on the literature and interaction with staff and managers: (1) baseline; (2) reduced turnover time between surgeries by 20 min and (3) one extra OR during the day, Monday to Friday. The outcome variables were waiting time to surgery and the percentage of patients who waited longer than 24 hours for surgery.

Results

The mean waiting time in hours was significantly reduced from 16.2 hours in scenario 1 (baseline) to 13.3 hours in scenario 2 and 13.6 hours in scenario 3 for hip-fracture surgery and from 26.0 hours in baseline to 18.9 hours in scenario 2 and 18.5 hours in scenario 3 for other non-elective patients. The percentage of patients who were treated within 24 hours significantly increased from 86.4% (baseline) to 96.1% (scenario 2) and 95.1% (scenario 3) for hip-fracture patients and from 60.2% (baseline) to 79.8% (scenario 2) and 79.8% (scenario 3) for patients with other non-elective patients.

Conclusions

Healthcare managers who strive to improve the timelines of non-elective orthopaedic surgeries may benefit from using simulation modelling to analyse different strategies to support their decisions. In this specific case, the simulation results showed that the reduction of surgery turnover times could yield the same results as an extra OR.
Diagnosis and repair of perineal injuries: knowledge before and after expert training—a multicentre observational study among Palestinian physicians and midwives
Authors: Zimmo Kaled , Laine Katariina , Vikanes Åse , Fosse Erik , Zimmo Mohammed , Ali Hadil , Thakar Ranee , Sultan Abdul H , Hassan Sahar
Published: April 2017

Objective

To assess whether a 2 days training with experts teaching on diagnosis and repair of perineal injuries among Palestinian midwives and physicians could change their level of knowledge towards the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Study design

Multicentre observational study.

Setting

Obstetric departments in 6 government Palestinian hospitals.

Participants

All physicians and midwives who attended the training.

Methods

A questionnaire comprising of 14 questions on the diagnosis and repair of perineal tears was distributed to all participants before the training (n=150; 64 physicians and 86 midwives) and 3 months after the training (n=124, 53 and 71, respectively). Characteristics, differences of the study population and level of knowledge before and after the training were presented as frequencies and percentages. Consistency in responses was tested by estimating the p value of McNemar test.

Results

Among physicians only 11.4% had accurate knowledge on perineal anatomy before the training compared with 78.85% after the training (p<0.001). For midwives, the corresponding numbers were 9.8% and 54.2%, respectively (p<0.001). Before the training, 5.8% of the physicians were aware that rectal examination is mandatory before and after suturing of episiotomies compared with 45.8% after the training (p<0.001). The corresponding numbers for midwives were 0% and 18% (p<0.001), respectively. Physicians knowledge of best practice of skin repair following episiotomy improved from 36.5% to 64.5% (p=0.008) and among midwives from 26.1% to 50.7% (p<0.001). Physicians knowledge of the overlap technique in the repair of full thickness external anal sphincter tears improved from 28.5% to 42.8% (p=0.05), whereas knowledge of repairing torn internal anal sphincter separately improved from 12.8% to 86.8% (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Improvement in the level of knowledge on diagnosis and repair of perineal tears was observed for all physicians and midwives who attended the 2 days' expert training. Regular ongoing training will serve to maintain the newly acquired knowledge.