bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the role of striatal D1 and D2 medium spiny neurons in action selection using a virtual robotic framework
Authors: Bahuguna Jyotika , Weidel Philipp , Morrison Abigail
Published: June 2018

The basal ganglia have been hypothesized to be involved in action selection, i.e. resolving competition between simultaneously activated motor programs. It has been shown that the direct pathway facilitates action execution whereas the indirect pathway inhibits it. However, as the pathways are both active during an action, it remains unclear whether their role is co‐operative or competitive. In order to investigate this issue, we developed a striatal model consisting of D1 and D2 medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and interfaced it to a simulated robot moving in an environment. We demonstrate that this model is able to reproduce key behavioral features of several experiments involving optogenetic manipulation of the striatum, such as freezing and ambulation. We then investigate the interaction of D1‐ and D2‐MSNs. We find that their fundamental relationship is co‐operative within a channel and competitive between channels; this turns out to be crucial for action selection. However, individual pairs of D1‐ and D2‐MSNs may exhibit predominantly competition or co‐operation depending on their distance, and D1‐ and D2‐MSNs population activity can alternate between co‐operation and competition modes during a stimulation. Additionally, our results show that D2–D2 connectivity between channels is necessary for effective resolution of competition; in its absence, a conflict of two motor programs typically results in neither being selected.
Reviving the no‐bad‐action problem in Kant's ethics
Authors: Kemp Ryan S.
Published: June 2018

In the final section of the Groundwork, Kant famously declares that “a free will and a will under moral laws are one and the same.” Though this claim is put to use in Kant's eventual deduction of the moral law, it appears to introduce a difficulty of its own: It complicates Kant's ability to describe immoral action as free action. Over the last 3 decades, no scholar has done more to exonerate Kant from this apparent problem than Henry Allison. Allison's chief strategy has been to show (a) that the volitional apparatus (i.e., the executive will) Kant develops in his late Religion is present from the beginning of the critical project and (b) that this apparatus dissolves the apparent worry. In this paper, I argue that even if Allison succeeds in establishing (a), it puts him no closer to establishing (b). Kant does not think that agents, good or bad, can act out of character.
Psychological treatments for adults and children with epilepsy: Evidence‐based recommendations by the International League Against Epilepsy Psychology Task Force
Authors: Michaelis Rosa , Tang Venus , Goldstein Laura H. , Reuber Markus , LaFrance William Curt , Lundgren Tobias , Modi Avani C. , Wagner Janelle L.
Published: June 2018

Given the significant impact that psychosocial factors and epilepsy treatments can have on the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of individuals with epilepsy and their families, there is great clinical interest in the role of psychological evaluation and treatments to improve HRQOL and comorbidities. Therefore, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) charged the Psychology Task Force with the development of recommendations for clinical care based on evaluation of the evidence from their recent Cochrane review of psychological treatments in individuals with epilepsy. The literature search for a recent Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials investigating psychological treatments for individuals with epilepsy constitutes the key source of evidence for this article. To provide practical guidance to service providers, we provide ratings on study research designs based on (1) the American Academy of Neurology's Level of Evidence system and (2) the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. This paper is the culmination of an international collaboration process involving pediatric and adult psychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychiatrists. The process and conclusions were reviewed and approved by the ILAE Executive Committee. The strongest evidence for psychological interventions was identified for the most common mental health problems, including depression, neurocognitive disturbances, and medication adherence. Psychological interventions targeting the enhancement of HRQOL and adherence and a decrease in comorbidity symptoms (anxiety, depression) should be incorporated into comprehensive epilepsy care. There is a range of psychological strategies (ie, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness‐based therapies) that show promise for improving the lives of persons with epilepsy, and clinical recommendations are provided to assist epilepsy health care providers in treating the comorbidities and challenges associated with epilepsy and its treatments.
Evolution over time of SUDEP incidence: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Tomson Torbjörn , Sveinsson Olafur , Carlsson Sofia , Andersson Tomas
Published: June 2018

Prompted by a recent report on declining incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) following implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), we analyzed SUDEP risk over 6 years in a population‐based cohort of 60 952 epilepsy patients in Sweden. All deaths from July 1, 2006 through December 31, 2011, were identified. Those with epilepsy mentioned on the death certificate were adjudicated for SUDEP using medical records and autopsy reports. In all, 292 SUDEP cases were identified. Comparing the first years (2006‐2007) with the subsequent 4 years (2008‐2011), the crude and standardized (to the US 2000 population) incidence of SUDEP (whether or not possible SUDEP was included) was significantly lower during the second time period; Incidence rate ratios based on standardized rates was estimated at 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60‐0.97, P = .027) for SUDEP. The incidence of SUDEP decreased by 7% per year during the 6‐year follow‐up. Our data thus suggest that, for unknown reasons, incidence of SUDEP decreases with duration of follow‐up. This has implications for patient counseling as well as for the design of studies attempting to assess the effectiveness of an intervention against SUDEP, which clearly needs to include a control group.
Female preference for males that have exclusively marked or invaded territories depends on male presence and its identity in the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum
Authors: Fanjul María Sol , Varas María Florencia , Zenuto Roxana Rita
Published: June 2018

Territorial scent‐marking provides chemical records of male competitive interactions that are available to females, who gain valuable information to assess and identify best quality partners. In this context, the solitary subterranean rodent tuco‐tuco (Ctenomys talarum) offers excellent possibilities to evaluate the effects of male exclusive scent‐marking of territories on female assessment. For evaluation, we used wild caught individuals of C. talarum, manipulated their scent marks within the territories in captive conditions and staged preference tests where females were able to choose between exclusive and invaded territories. The evaluation was performed in two scenarios considering the identity of the intruder scent mark: territories invaded by a strange male and territories invaded by a neighbour male. Females investigated the chemical cues deposited on the substrate of the exclusively marked territory more frequently. Next, females displayed equal interest to scent samples of both males presented in a Y‐maze. Finally, when females could gain access to both individually isolated males and their scent‐marked territories, they spent more time within invaded territories despite they visited them with the same frequency. Moreover, females tried to get in contact by scratching the mesh of the owner of the invaded territory more frequently. We found that females of C. talarum evaluate the homogeneity (exclusiveness) of scent marks within a male territory and then show preferences in relation to the identity of the intruder's scent –whether strange or neighbour.
Cryptic castes, social context and colony defence in a social bee, Tetragonula carbonaria
Authors: Wittwer Bernadette , Elgar Mark A.
Published: June 2018

Division of labour in social insect colonies is facilitated in two ways: through temporal sharing of tasks or by morphologically specialised castes. In casteless species, colony defence is maintained by morphologically indistinct workers, who lack the obvious defensive specialisation of polymorphic species. Discrimination of intruders is carried out via antenna, which also detects defensive social cues such as alarm pheromones. Despite their functional importance however, antennal morphology is rarely considered in studies of nestmate recognition. We investigated antennal morphology and the necessity of social cues in mediating defensive behaviour across differentially tasked workers of a casteless social bee, Tetragonula carbonaria. Our results suggest that the current understanding of division of labour in casteless worker species remains poorly understood, with differences in antennal morphology and aggression creating morphologically and behaviourally distinct ‘cryptic castes’. Further, we found that defensive behaviour was only elicited near nest odours, highlighting the importance of mediating aggression among workers.
Health in fishing communities: A global perspective
Authors: Woodhead Anna J. , Abernethy Kirsten E. , Szaboova Lucy , Turner Rachel A.
Published: June 2018

In resource‐dependent communities such as fishing communities, human health underpins the ability of individuals and families to maintain viable livelihoods. Fishing is a dangerous occupation, in which fishers are exposed to health risks both on and offshore. Many of these risks and associated health concerns also extend to fishing families and wider communities. Despite the importance of health, there is a lack of understanding of the breadth of health issues affecting people associated with fishing. This study presents the findings of a scoping review of peer‐reviewed literature that identifies the range of health issues and health determinants studied in fishing communities around the world. The findings reveal a wide variety of documented health issues, but with greater emphasis on physical health and occupational and behavioral factors, with limited attention paid to mental health. The majority of studies focused on fishers themselves, as opposed to other subgroups within fishing communities. Geographic differences in the health topics investigated highlight prevalent concerns and offer potential to share insights and solutions across contexts. The breadth of findings illustrates the complexity of health for people dependent on fishing, and the relevance of the many health determinants in maintaining viable fishing communities. We propose that a social well‐being approach offers an integrative lens through which a better understanding of human health in fisheries can be achieved and used to inform fisheries management that is ecologically and socially sustainable.
Involvement of the luteinizing hormone surge in the regulation of ovary and oviduct clock gene expression in mice
Authors: Kobayashi Momoko , Watanabe Kaya , Matsumura Ritsuko , Anayama Nozomi , Miyamoto Akio , Miyazaki Hitoshi , Miyazaki Koyomi , Shimizu Takashi , Akashi Makoto
Published: June 2018

Circadian dysfunction perturbs the female reproductive cycle. In particular, mice lacking the clock gene Bmal1 show severe infertility, implying that BMAL1 plays roles in ovulation and luteinization. Here, we examined temporal changes in clock gene expression in the ovary and oviduct before and during gonadotropin‐induced follicular growth, ovulation, and luteinization in sexually immature mice. While the oviduct did not show a drastic change in clock gene expression, Bmal1 expression in the ovary was higher than that in control mice during the period from 4 to 16 hr after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Bmal1 expression reached a maximum at 16 hr after hCG administration, when follicle luteinization occurred. In an interesting manner, administration of hCG to ex vivo‐cultured oviduct triggered a shorter circadian period and inevitably resulted in phase advance. Together, our present data suggest that LH surge induces continuous expression of BMAL1 in the mouse ovary and modulates circadian phase in the mouse oviduct.
Orthostatic Headache After Suboccipital Craniectomy Without CSF Leak: Two Case Reports
Authors: Montenegro Monique M. , Cutsforth‐Gregory Jeremy K.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To review the clinical and radiographic characteristics of orthostatic headache following suboccipital craniectomy without CSF leak after encountering 2 such patients.

Background

Orthostatic headache may occur without CSF leak, suggesting alternative mechanisms for postural head pain in some patients.

Methods

Patients who were referred for orthostatic headache and suspected CSF leak within 1 year after suboccipital craniectomy but who had negative post‐operative head and spine MRI, normal radioisotope cisternography, and normal or elevated CSF opening pressure were identified and their medical records reviewed.

Results

Two patients satisfied all inclusion criteria. One underwent suboccipital craniectomy for treatment of Chiari malformation type I in adolescence; the same surgical approach was used to resect a posterior fossa meningioma in the second. Both patients had non‐orthostatic headache before surgery and newly developed orthostatic headache later. Delay from surgery to orthostatic headache onset was variable (2–9 months). Headaches were predominantly occipital and pressure‐like, worsened by upright posture, bending forward, and exertion. MRI consistently showed adequate decompression of the posterior fossa. Epidural blood patches were unhelpful in the one patient in whom they were performed.

Conclusions

Orthostatic headaches may develop after suboccipital craniectomy in the absence of CSF leak. Possible mechanisms include (1) scarring of the dura in the posterior fossa that leads to compensatory increased distensibility of lumbar dura and (2) sensitization of mechanosensitive dural nociceptors from altered skull‐dura apposition.
Towards capturing meaningful outcomes for people with dementia in psychosocial intervention research: A pan‐European consultation
Authors: Øksnebjerg Laila , Diaz‐Ponce Ana , Gove Dianne , Moniz‐Cook Esme , Mountain Gail , Chattat Rabih , Woods Bob
Published: June 2018

Background

People with dementia are often marginalized and excluded from influence, also in relation to dementia research. There is, however, a growing requirement for inclusion through Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), but there is still limited knowledge on how researchers can fully benefit from the involvement of people with dementia in the development and testing of psychosocial interventions. This paper describes the results of a pan‐European consultation with people with dementia, synthesizing their views on outcomes of psychosocial interventions.

Objective

To involve people with dementia in establishing what are meaningful outcomes when participating in psychosocial interventions.

Setting and participants

Consultations took place at four divergent sites across Europe, involving twenty‐five people with dementia from nine European countries.

Methods

The methods used for the consultation were developed through an iterative process involving people with dementia. Data from the consultation were analysed from a thematic analysis approach.

Results

The results suggested that people with dementia wish to participate in interventions that enhance their well‐being, confidence, health, social participation and human rights. This highlights a need for improvements in psychosocial research to capture these outcomes.

Discussion and conclusions

Involving people with dementia in discussions of psychosocial interventions has enhanced our understanding about meaningful outcome measures in research and methods of data collection. This study suggests that new outcome measures in psychosocial research are needed where concepts of positive psychology and social health can guide innovation and outcome measurement.
Public and patient involvement in quantitative health research: A statistical perspective
Authors: Hannigan Ailish
Published: June 2018

Background

The majority of studies included in recent reviews of impact for public and patient involvement (PPI) in health research had a qualitative design. PPI in solely quantitative designs is underexplored, particularly its impact on statistical analysis. Statisticians in practice have a long history of working in both consultative (indirect) and collaborative (direct) roles in health research, yet their perspective on PPI in quantitative health research has never been explicitly examined.

Objective

To explore the potential and challenges of PPI from a statistical perspective at distinct stages of quantitative research, that is sampling, measurement and statistical analysis, distinguishing between indirect and direct PPI.

Conclusions

Statistical analysis is underpinned by having a representative sample, and a collaborative or direct approach to PPI may help achieve that by supporting access to and increasing participation of under‐represented groups in the population. Acknowledging and valuing the role of lay knowledge of the context in statistical analysis and in deciding what variables to measure may support collective learning and advance scientific understanding, as evidenced by the use of participatory modelling in other disciplines. A recurring issue for quantitative researchers, which reflects quantitative sampling methods, is the selection and required number of PPI contributors, and this requires further methodological development. Direct approaches to PPI in quantitative health research may potentially increase its impact, but the facilitation and partnership skills required may require further training for all stakeholders, including statisticians.
Pathologist's health‐care value in the triage of Oncotype DX® testing: a value‐based pathology study of tumour biology with outcomes
Authors: Dabbs David J , Clark Beth Z , Serdy Kate , Onisko Agnieszka , Brufsky Adam M , Smalley Sherie , Perkins Stephen , Bhargava Rohit
Published: June 2018

Aims

Pathologists provide expert tissue assessment of breast cancer, yet their value to guide the appropriate use of breast cancer gene expression profile tests (GEPT) is underutilised. The specific aims of this study are to report morpho‐immunohistological characteristics of breast tumours with Oncotype DX® (ODx) recurrence scores (RS) of 10 or fewer (ultra‐low risk) and 25 or fewer (low risk) in order to determine if pathologists can identify prospectively patient tumours that do not require ODx testing.

Methods and results

Oncotype DX® cases with RS < 10 from 2005 to 2010 comprised 441 of 2594 (17%) of clinical cases; this cohort had 5 years’ follow‐up and was treated with endocrine therapy alone. Tumours were analysed for tumour type, Nottingham grade, mitosis score (MS) semi‐quantitative (H‐score) hormone receptor content and Magee equation 3. Knowledge derived from this data set was used to develop algorithms in order to identify prospectively tumours with RS of 10 or fewer or 25 or fewer. Thirty‐four per cent of tumours were low‐grade special types, while the remainder were enriched with high hormone receptor content with MS of 1. These algorithmic selection criteria identified correctly all patient cases below the chemotherapy cut‐point, i.e. RS < 25, indicating that these oncotype test orders were an unnecessary cost.

Conclusions

This unique study demonstrates that (i) pathologists add great value to triage breast cancer for GEPT; and (ii) can identify prospectively low‐grade tumour biology with high sensitivity and high specificity for those cases which do not require chemotherapy (RS < 25) using MS and hormone receptor content.
Suppressive effects of γ‐conglutin on differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Wojciechowicz Tatiana , Czubiński Jarosław , Billert Maria , Półciennik Artur , Nowak Krzysztof W. , Skrzypski Marek
Published: June 2018

Lupin seed protein γ‐conglutin positively modulates lipid and glucose homoeostasis by interacting with peripheral tissues such as muscles, liver or pancreas. By contrast, the influence of γ‐conglutin on adipose tissue functions has not been elucidated so far. Since adipose tissue is involved in controlling glucose and lipid metabolism we hypothesised that γ‐conglutin may affect energy homoeostasis by interacting with adipocytes including fat tissue formation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterise the influence of γ‐conglutin on adipogenesis using 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. We found that γ‐conglutin had no effects on viability and proliferation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. By contrast, γ‐conglutin suppressed the expression of adipogenic markers (Pparγ, C/ebpα, Fabp4 and leptin) during differentiation process. Furthermore, 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes differentiated with γ‐conglutin showed reduced intracellular lipid content comparing with control cells. In conclusion, these results showed that γ‐conglutin suppresses differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes into mature fat cells.
‘Outside the Original Remit’: Co‐production in UK mental health research, lessons from the field
Authors: Lambert Nicky , Carr Sarah
Published: June 2018

The aim of this discursive paper was to explore the development of co‐production and service user involvement in UK university‐based mental health research and to offer practical recommendations for practitioners co‐producing research with service users and survivors, informed by an overview of the key literature on co‐production in mental health and from a critical reflection on applied research through the medium of a case study. The paper is co‐written by a mental health nurse academic and a service user/survivor researcher academic. The authors argue that the implications of co‐production for mental health research remain underexplored, but that both the practitioner and service user/survivor researcher experience and perspective of co‐production in research can provide practical reflections to inform developing research practice. The theories and values of emancipatory research can provide a framework from which both practitioners and service users can work together on a research project, in a way that requires reflection on process and power dynamics. The authors conclude that whilst co‐produced investigations can offer unique opportunities for advancing emancipatory and applied research in mental health, practitioner researchers need to be more radical in their consideration of power in the research process.
Molecular structure of CaO–FeOx–SiO2 glassy slags and resultant inorganic polymer binders
Authors: Peys Arne , White Claire E. , Olds Daniel , Rahier Hubert , Blanpain Bart , Pontikes Yiannis
Published: June 2018

The molecular structures of CaO–FeOx–SiO2 slags and their inorganic polymer counterparts were determined using neutron and X‐ray scattering with subsequent pair distribution function (PDF) analysis. The slags were synthesized with approximate molar compositions: 0.17CaO–0.83FeO–SiO2 and 0.33CaO–0.67FeO–SiO2 (referred to as low‐Ca and high‐Ca, respectively). The PDF data on the slags reasserted the predominantly glassy nature of this iron‐rich industrial byproduct. The dominant metal‐metal correlation was Fe–Si (3.20‐3.25 Å), with smaller contributions from Fe–Ca (3.45‐3.50 Å) and Fe–Fe (2.95‐3.00 Å). After inorganic polymer synthesis, a rise in the amount of Fe3+ was observed via the shift of the Fe–O bond length to shorter distances. This shortening of the Fe–O distance in the binder is also evidenced by the apparent rise of the Fe–Fe correlation at 2.95‐3.00 Å, although this feature may also suggest a potential aggregation of FeOx clusters. In general, the atomic arrangements of the reaction product was shown to be very similar to the precursor structure and the dominance of the Fe–Si correlation suggests the participation of Fe in the silicate network. The binder was shown to be glassy, as no distinct atom‐atom correlations were observed beyond 8 Å.
Comparison of complications between peripheral arm ports and central chest ports: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Shanshan , Li Wanjiao , Zhang Qiongxiao , Li Shuting , Wang Lizi
Published: June 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare peripheral arm ports versus central chest ports in complication rates.

Background

Late complications of arm ports versus chest ports, including catheter‐related infection, venous thrombosis and catheter obstruction, remain controversial.

Design

A meta‐analysis conducted following the Cochrane handbook.

Data Sources

Studies published between 1950–August 2017 were searched through Pubmed, Embase, Web of science and Cochrane library.

Review Methods

Two authors independently searched the eligible studies and extracted the data. Studies reporting complications of arm ports compared with chest ports, published in full texts and abstracts, were included. The quality of the studies was assessed with the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. We did subgroup analyses according to cancer type, age, follow‐up and anticoagulant. Relative ratios were calculated with different models.

Results

A total of 15 articles covering 3,524 tumour patients met the eligibility criteria. There was no difference in catheter‐related infection and catheter obstruction between arm ports and chest ports. After reducing the high heterogeneity, no difference was observed in thrombosis overall; however, arm ports had a lower thrombosis rate than chest ports in patients with head and neck cancer, while a higher thrombosis rate was observed in patients <60 years old or follow up ≥1 year. Further studies are needed in venous thrombosis.

Conclusions

Arm ports are a safe option beside chest ports for adult patients with malignancy, especially in patients with head‐neck cancer or breast cancer. Patients should be well informed of the advantages and disadvantages of different vascular access devices and provided a choice.
Factors affecting Pap smear uptake in a maternity hospital: A descriptive cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yeo Celestine , Fang Huang , Thilagamangai  , Koh Serena Siew Lin , Shorey Shefaly
Published: June 2018

Aim

To understand factors that influence women's decisions to go for Pap smears.

Background

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. In Singapore, cervical cancer is on the rise and has been found to be the eighth highest cause of death among women. Research has shown that regular screening for cervical cancer with Pap smear reduces cervical cancer‐related mortality. However, Pap smear awareness is still limited and its uptake in Singapore is highly opportunistic, requiring the need for a deeper understanding of the factors that influence Pap smear uptake among women in Singapore.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study design was used.

Methods

Convenience sampling was used to recruit 350 participants (postnatal women of at least 21 years old) from a local maternity hospital. Data were collected using validated questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to analyse the data.

Results

Demographic factors, such as age, ethnicity and religion, as well as women's beliefs about the effectiveness of Pap smear in detecting cervical cancer, the desire to discover health problems early and considering Pap smear to be painful, were found to be factors significantly influencing Pap smear uptake. Healthcare professionals need to be mindful of these factors to address women's needs to encourage women to go for Pap smears.

Conclusion

Various factors were found to influence Pap smear uptake. Future interventions can take these factors into account for increasing Pap smear awareness.
Comparative study between: Carboxytherapy, platelet‐rich plasma, and tripolar radiofrequency, their efficacy and tolerability in striae distensae
Authors: Ahmed Naglaa A , Mostafa Osama M
Published: June 2018

Background

Striae distensae are very common cutaneous disorders that produce great psychological stress for women.

Objective

measure and compare between efficacy and tolerability of three modalities for treatment of striae distensae.

Patients and Methods

Forty‐five female patients with striae distensae were randomly selected from the outpatient dermatology clinics of Al‐Zahra university Hospital within 6 months period. Patients divided into three groups according to the therapeutic modalities were used. Group A: treated with carboxytherapy using carbon dioxide (CO2) injection, Group B: where patients were treated with intradermal injection of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), and Group C: where we used tripolar radiofrequency (RF) for treatment.

Results

All treated groups showed overall clinical improvement as regards the width, texture, and overall improvement after treatment (P > .05), with no statistically significant differences between the three groups. Patient's satisfaction was statistically significantly better in both group C (93.33%) and group A (80%) while group B (53.33%) was less with minimal side effects such as pain and ecchymosis, which were more frequent in group B than the other two groups; but with no statistically significance differences both groups A and C were effective with no significant differences in both types of striae and in any site of the body but group B is significantly more effective on striae rubra on trunk, with better improvement of lesions texture.

Conclusion

The three modalities of treatments proved to be effective clinically and histopathologically in treating both types of striae, which were well tolerated by the patients with minimal, transient side effects and our study results gave us guidelines for their clinical application.
EXTENDED ABSTRACT: RE‐OS GEOCHRONOLOGY AND CHEMOSTRATIGRAPHY OF THE MAIKOP SERIES SOURCE ROCKS OF EASTERN AZERBAIJAN
Authors: Washburn A. M. , Hudson S. M. , Selby D. , Abdullayev N. , Shiyanova N.
Published: June 2018

The Oligocene – Miocene Maikop Series is a world‐class source interval and is the most important source rock for the petroleum systems of the South Caspian Basin and surrounding region. The Maikop is a thick (up to 3 km) succession of silty mudstones with intervals of high organic carbon content. However correlation of organic‐rich intervals within the South Caspian Basin and beyond to basins of the Eastern Paratethys is problematic. Current age constraints are based primarily on microfaunal assemblages, but the assemblages are lacking in precision and are sparsely dispersed.

This study provides a numerical age datum for Maikopian strata that may be used to improve correlation of organic‐rich intervals both locally and regionally. The age date obtained was produced via Re‐Os isotope geochronology. Of the five sample suites analyzed, one Re‐Os data‐set yielded an isochron of 17.2 ± 3.2 Ma. Re‐Os data sets that failed to produce statistically meaningful isochrons provide qualitative age constraints by comparing calculated initial 187Os/188Os ratios from these samples to187Os/188Os ratios in seawater through time.
Food intake and energy expenditure in growing cats with and without a predisposition to overweight
Authors: Ghielmetti Vivien , Wichert Brigitta , Rüegg Simon , Frey Diana , Liesegang Annette
Published: June 2018

Overweight and obesity are multifactorial diseases caused by an imbalance in energy metabolism. An underlying genetic predisposition is often a factor in these conditions. In the cat breeding family of the Institute of Animal Nutrition at the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, a segregating overweight phenotype with a genetic contribution was observed. From this breeding family, 26 kittens were followed from birth up to 8 months of age. During this time, food intake was measured using an automatic feeding station, and energy expenditure was investigated using indirect calorimetry at the ages of 4 and 6 months. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed and blood glucose, leptin and insulin were measured at the ages of 4, 6 and 8 months. The kittens were also weighed daily for the first 2 weeks of life, every second day until weaning and once per week until 8 months of age. The body condition score (BCS) was evaluated monthly between 2 and 8 months of age. The main finding of this study is that a predisposition to overweight is connected to a higher food intake early in life, with no significant alterations in energy expenditure. The leptin blood levels were related to body fat percentage, and insulin sensitivity did not seem to be affected.
Genomics reveals abundant speciation in the coral reef building alga Porolithon onkodes (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Gabrielson Paul W. , Hughey Jeffery R. , Diaz‐Pulido Guillermo
Published: June 2018

An essential suite of coral reef ecosystem engineers is coralline red algae. Among these, the smooth, encrusting Porolithon onkodes has historically been considered the most important and common reef building species worldwide. We assess P. onkodes biodiversity by performing a genomic analysis of the lectotype specimen collected in 1892 from the Tami Islands, Gulf of Huon, east of New Guinea. Comparisons of DNA sequences from the lectotype specimen to those deposited in GenBank and to newly generated sequences from both field‐collected and historical specimens demonstrate that at least 20 distinct species are passing under P. onkodes. We hypothesize that there were multiple evolutionary drivers including ecophysiology, hydrodynamic regimes, and biotic interactions as well as historical biogeography, which resulted in this high diversity of smooth, encrusting Porolithon species throughout the tropics. Our results emphasize the need to document the biodiversity, ecophysiology, and habitats of these tropical, reef‐building algae in light of climate change and ocean acidification.
Evolution of heat‐shock protein expression underlying adaptive responses to environmental stress
Authors: Chen Bing , Feder Martin E. , Kang Le
Published: June 2018

Heat‐shock proteins (Hsps) and their cognates are primary mitigators of cell stress. With increasingly severe impacts of climate change and other human modifications of the biosphere, the ability of the heat‐shock system to affect evolutionary fitness in environments outside the laboratory and to evolve in response is topic of growing importance. Since the last major reviews, several advances have occurred. First, demonstrations of the heat‐shock response outside the laboratory now include many additional taxa and environments. Many of these demonstrations are only correlative, however. More importantly, technical advances in “omic” quantification of nucleic acids and proteins, genomewide association analysis, and manipulation of genes and their expression have enabled the field to move beyond correlation. Several consequent advances are already evident: The pathway from heat‐shock gene expression to stress tolerance in nature can be extremely complex, mediated through multiple biological processes and systems, and even multiple species. The underlying genes are more numerous, diverse and variable than previously appreciated, especially with respect to their regulatory variation and epigenetic changes. The impacts and limitations (e.g., due to trade‐offs) of natural selection on these genes have become more obvious and better established. At last, as evolutionary capacitors, Hsps may have distinctive impacts on the evolution of other genes and ecological consequences.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation signatures of infection status in Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Hu Juntao , Pérez‐Jvostov Felipe , Blondel Léa , Barrett Rowan D. H.
Published: June 2018

Epigenetic modification, especially DNA methylation, can play an important role in mediating gene regulatory response to environmental stressors and may be a key process affecting phenotypic plasticity and adaptation. Parasites are potent stressors with profound physiological and ecological effects on their hosts, yet it remains unclear how parasites influence host methylation patterns. Here, we used a well‐studied host–parasite system, the guppy Poecilia reticulata and its ectoparasitic monogenean Gyrodactylus turnbulli to gain mechanistic insight into the dynamics of DNA methylation in host–parasite interactions. To explore this, we quantitatively measured genome‐wide DNA methylation in guppy skin tissue using reduced representation bisulphite sequencing and characterized differential methylation patterns in guppies during distinct phases of infection. We identified 365, 313, and 741 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between infected and control fish in early infection, peak infection and recovery phases, respectively. The magnitude of the methylation difference was moderate in DMRs, with an average of 29% (early infection), 27% (peak infection) and 30% (recovery) differential methylation per DMR. Approximately 50% of DMRs overlapped with CpG islands, and over half of the DMRs overlapped with gene bodies, several of which encode proteins relevant to immune response. These findings provide the first evidence of an epigenetic signature of infection by ectoparasites and demonstrate the changing relationship between epigenetic variation and immune response in distinct phases of infection.
Diagnostic cut‐off of Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific IgG in the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Sehgal Inderpaul Singh , Choudhary Hansraj , Dhooria Sahajal , Aggarwal Ashutosh Nath , Garg Mandeep , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Agarwal Ritesh
Published: June 2018

Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific IgG is pivotal in making the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). However, the cut‐off value for A. fumigatus‐specific IgG remains unknown. We included consecutive treatment‐naïve subjects with chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA, cases). The controls were subjects with treated pulmonary tuberculosis, who had residual radiological abnormality and minimal symptoms. The diagnosis of CCPA was based on consistent clinicoradiological features along with demonstration of Aspergillus infection (growth of Aspergillus in sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid [BALF] culture; serum or BALF galactomannan index >0.5 and >1, respectively). For determining the cut‐off of A. fumigatus‐specific IgG (Phadia), subjects were randomly classified as derivation (two‐thirds) and validation (one‐third) cohort. One hundred and thirty‐seven cases and 50 controls were included. The best cut‐off value for A. fumigatus‐specific IgG (derivation cohort) was 27.3 mgA/L (AUROC, 0.976) at a sensitivity and specificity of 95.6% and 100%, respectively. Using a cut‐off of 27 mgA/L, the sensitivity and specificity in the validation cohort was 91.3% and 100%, respectively. In contrast, the sensitivity of Aspergillus precipitins was only 25.5%. At a cut‐off value of 27 mgA/L, A. fumigatus‐specific IgG is a reliable test with high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of CPA. More studies are required to confirm our findings.
Epidemiology of fungaemia in Sweden: A nationwide retrospective observational survey
Authors: Klingspor Lena , Ullberg Måns , Rydberg Johan , Kondori Nahid , Serrander Lena , Swanberg Jonas , Nilsson Kenneth , Jendle Bengtén Cecilia , Johansson Marcus , Granlund Margareta , Törnqvist Eva , Nyberg Anders , Kindlund Karin , Ygge Minna , Kartout‐Boukdir Dalila , Toepfer Michael , Hålldin Eva , Kahlmeter Gunnar , Özenci Volkan
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To identify the epidemiology and antifungal susceptibilities of Candida spp. among blood culture isolates to identify the epidemiology and antifungal susceptibilities of Candida spp. among blood culture isolates in Sweden.

Methods

The study was a retrospective, observational nationwide laboratory‐based surveillance for fungaemia and fungal meningitis and was conducted from September 2015 to August 2016.

Results

In total, 488 Candida blood culture isolates were obtained from 471 patients (58% males). Compared to our previous study, the incidence of candidaemia has increased from 4.2/100 000 (2005‐2006) to 4.7/100 000 population/year (2015‐2016). The three most common Candida spp. isolated from blood cultures were Candida albicans (54.7%), Candida glabrata (19.7%) and species in the Candida parapsilosis complex (9.4%). Candida resistance to fluconazole was 2% in C. albicans and between 0% and 100%, in non‐albicans species other than C. glabrata and C. krusei. Resistance to voriconazole was rare, except for C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. tropicalis. Resistance to anidulafungin was 3.8% while no Candida isolate was resistant to amphotericin B.

Conclusions

We report an overall increase in candidaemia but a minor decrease of C. albicans while C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis remain constant over this 10‐year period.
The requirement for calcification differs between ecologically important coccolithophore species
Authors: Walker Charlotte E. , Taylor Alison R. , Langer Gerald , Durak Grażyna M. , Heath Sarah , Probert Ian , Tyrrell Toby , Brownlee Colin , Wheeler Glen L.
Published: June 2018

Coccolithophores are globally distributed unicellular marine algae that are characterized by their covering of calcite coccoliths. Calcification by coccolithophores contributes significantly to global biogeochemical cycles. However, the physiological requirement for calcification remains poorly understood as non‐calcifying strains of some commonly used model species, such as Emiliania huxleyi, grow normally in laboratory culture.

To determine whether the requirement for calcification differs between coccolithophore species, we utilized multiple independent methodologies to disrupt calcification in two important species of coccolithophore: E. huxleyi and Coccolithus braarudii. We investigated their physiological response and used time‐lapse imaging to visualize the processes of calcification and cell division in individual cells.

Disruption of calcification resulted in major growth defects in C. braarudii, but not in E. huxleyi. We found no evidence that calcification supports photosynthesis in C. braarudii, but showed that an inability to maintain an intact coccosphere results in cell cycle arrest.

We found that C. braarudii is very different from E. huxleyi as it exhibits an obligate requirement for calcification. The identification of a growth defect in C. braarudii resulting from disruption of the coccosphere may be important in considering their response to future changes in ocean carbonate chemistry.
Perioperative outcomes and management in midface advancement surgery: a multicenter observational descriptive study from the Pediatric Craniofacial Collaborative Group
Authors: Glover Chris D. , Fernandez Allison M. , Huang Henry , Derderian Christopher , Binstock Wendy , Reid Russell , Dalesio Nicholas M. , Zhong John , Stricker Paul A. ,   The Pediatric Craniofacial Collaborative Group
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims

The evolution of Le Fort III and Monobloc procedures with utilization of distraction devices has resulted in shortened surgical times, greater facial advancements, and decreased transfusion requirements. The aim of this observational study was to utilize data from the multicenter Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery Perioperative Registry to present and compare patient characteristics and outcomes in children undergoing midface advancement with distraction osteogenesis.

Methods

We queried the Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery Perioperative Registry for children undergoing midface advancement involving distractor application from June 2012 to September 2016. Data extracted included demographics, perioperative management, complications, fluid and transfusion volumes, and length of stay. The extracted patient characteristics and perioperative variables were summarized and compared.

Results

The query yielded 72 cases from 11 institutions: 49 children undergoing Le Fort III and 23 undergoing Monobloc procedures. Monobloc patients were younger, weighed less, and more likely to have tracheostomies along with elevated intracranial pressure. Greater transfusion was observed in the Monobloc group for nearly all of the transfusion outcomes evaluated. Median ICU and hospital length of stay were 2 and 3 days longer, respectively, in the Monobloc group. Perioperative complications were not uncommon, occurring in 18% of patients in the Le Fort III group and 30% in the Monobloc group.

Conclusion

Monobloc procedures were associated with greater transfusion and longer ICU and hospital length of stay. Perioperative complications were more prevalent in the Monobloc group.
New drugs and regimens for tuberculosis
Authors: Chang Kwok‐Chiu , Nuermberger Eric , Sotgiu Giovanni , Leung Chi‐Chiu
Published: June 2018

Since standardized rifampin‐based first‐line regimens and fluoroquinolone‐based second‐line regimens were used to treat tuberculosis (TB), unfortunately without timely modification according to the drug resistance profile, TB and drug‐resistant disease are still important public health threats worldwide. Although the last decade has witnessed advances in rapid diagnostic tools and use of repurposed and novel drugs for better managing drug‐resistant TB, we need an appropriate TB control strategy and a well‐functioning health infrastructure to ensure optimal operational use of rapid tests, judicious use of effective treatment regimens that can be rapidly tailored according to the drug resistance profile and timely management of risk factors and co‐morbidities that promote infection and its progression to disease. We searched the published literature to discuss (i) standardized versus individualized therapies, including the choice between a single one‐size‐fit‐all regimen versus different options with different key drugs determined mainly by rapid drug susceptibility testing, (ii) alternative regimens for managing drug‐susceptible TB, (iii) evidence for using the World Health Organization (WHO) longer and shorter regimens for multidrug‐resistant TB and (iv) evidence for using repurposed and novel drugs. We hope an easily applicable combination of biomarkers that accurately predict individual treatment outcome will soon be available to ultimately guide individualized therapy.
Women's self‐defense and sexual assault resistance: The state of the field
Authors: Hollander Jocelyn A.
Published: June 2018

Public attention to sexual assault has increased dramatically over the last decade, spurring questions about how it can be prevented. One approach that has received scant attention is women's self‐defense training (sometimes known as sexual assault resistance training). This neglect is curious because empowerment‐based women's self‐defense (ESD) training is so far theonlyapproach that has produced substantively significant decreases in victimization rates. In this article, I review the research evidence on women's self‐defense training. Does resisting a sexual assault affect the outcome of sexual violence? Does self‐defensetrainingfurther reduce women's risk of violence? What are the other consequences of self‐defense training? How does self‐defense work for different groups of women—for example, those who have survived prior victimizations? Are the critiques of women's self‐defense training valid? Finally, what do we still need to learn about women's self‐defense? Overall, I argue that this evidence presents a compelling case that women's self‐defense training should be central to any efforts to prevent sexual violence.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A*02 allele, HLA‐A*02:01:01:32, in a deceased Caucasoid donor
Authors: Sherrill J. B. , Turner T. R. , Abraham J. P. , Ho C. S.
Published: June 2018

HLA‐A*02:01:01:32 differs from HLA‐A*02:01:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution (G→A) at position 2456.