bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ReClustOR: a re‐clustering tool using an open‐reference method that improves operational taxonomic unit definition
Authors: Terrat Sébastien , Djemiel Christophe , Journay Corentin , Karimi Battle , Dequiedt Samuel , Horrigue Walid , Maron Pierre‐Alain , Chemidlin Prévost‐Bouré Nicolas , Ranjard Lionel
Published: October 2019

Environmental microbial communities are now widely studied using metabarcoding approaches, thanks to the democratization of high‐throughput DNA sequencing technologies. The massive number of reads produced with these technologies requires bioinformatic solutions to be treated. A key step in the analysis is to cluster reads into Operational Taxonomic Units (or OTUs) and thus reduce the amount of data for downstream analyses. Due to the important impact of the clustering method on the quantity and quality of OTUs, finding an equilibrium between the reliability and time‐consuming nature of the chosen strategy is a real challenge. The present article proposes a new post‐clustering tool called ReClustOR aimed at improving the stability and reliability of OTUs whatever the initial clustering method.

We compared several clustering methods: a homemade de novo method, VSEARCH, Swarm and ReClustOR associated with these three clustering methods, and the ESV definition, using two datasets (a simulated one and an environmental one). All methods were analysed for their ability to efficiently describe microbial diversity in terms of alpha‐diversity, beta‐diversity and phylogeny.

Dataset analysis showed that post‐clustering with ReClustOR improved OTU detection not only in terms of diversity, but also in terms of reliability and stability as compared to the initial clustering methods. More precisely, the post‐clustering step improved the congruence of the results (alpha‐diversity, beta‐diversity, composition) whatever the initial clustering method. Moreover, ReClustOR, by defining a database of centroids, precludes the need to re‐cluster all the reads each time when new reads are generated.

ReClustOR is a new post‐clustering method that overcomes problems (OTU stability and reliability) associated with classical clustering methods and thereby increases the quality and the congruence of the reconstructed OTUs. Moreover, the OTU database defined with ReClustOR can be used as a reference gradually enriched by merging new studies and samples. In this way, huge datasets (e.g. the Earth Microbiome Project or the Tara Oceans project) can be used as references for other projects within their range of application, and increase the quality of comparisons among studies and datasets.
Halitosis: prevalence, risk factors, sources, measurement and treatment – a review of the literature
Authors: Wu J , Cannon RD , Ji P , Farella M , Mei L
Published: October 2019

Halitosis, an offensive breath odour, has multiple sources and negative impacts on people’s social interactions and quality of life. It is important for health care professionals, including general physicians and dental professionals, to understand its aetiology and risk factors in order to diagnose and treat patients appropriately. In this study, we have reviewed the current literature on halitosis regarding its prevalence, classification, risk factors, sources, measurement and treatment.
Keywords and key words in AE
Authors: SASTRAMIDJAJA YATUN
Published: October 2019

The keywords and titles of articles published in American Ethnologist from 2016 to 2019 show a striking intersection of anthropological scholarship and world‐event trends. Tables and word clouds generated from recurring words expose the centrality of critical events, which appears to support recent contentions about a “crisis‐chasing” mode in anthropology today. But it conceals the multivocality of authors’ engagement with current events, while the idiosyncratic words that fill most of the keyword lists and titles in AE disrupt any generalization about anthropology's primary concerns. Therefore, aggregated key words cannot be taken at face value as signposts of relevance in anthropological scholarship. Yet those isolated words are increasingly influential in an era of digitized publishing, which compels scholars to adapt keywords to algorithmic logics of recognition. [keywords, aggregation, algorithm, relevance, anthropology, American Ethnologist]
A different background of arrhythmia in siblings with a positive family history of sudden death at young age
Authors: Stępień‐Wojno Małgorzata , Franaszczyk Maria , Bodalski Robert , Śpiewak Mateusz , Baranowski Rafał S. , Grzybowski Jacek , Płoski Rafał , Bilińska Zofia T.
Published: October 2019

We present two symptomatic sisters who had a positive family history of sudden death. None of them had structural heart disease. In the 25‐year‐old proband, complex ventricular arrhythmia, cardiac conduction system disease, and skeletal muscle weakness were found. Genetic examination showed a pathogenic intronic variant in the desmin gene in the proband only. In the elder sister with palpitations, complex ventricular arrhythmia (>46 000 ectopic beats) was removed by radiofrequency ablation. This family case shows that complex ventricular arrhythmia may have different background within one family, genetic examinations should be performed in a person with broadest spectrum of symptoms.
Tweeting the meeting: an analysis of Twitter activity at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress from 2015 to 2018
Authors: Gricks Benjamin , Woo Henry H. , Lai Christine Su‐Li
Published: October 2019

Background

Twitter has been shown to expand the audience and impact of material discussed at medical conferences, however, this phenomenon has not been analysed at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress. The purpose of this study is to document the amount of Twitter activity at the Annual Scientific Congress, and to describe the way delegates use Twitter.

Methods

The number of tweets, retweets and contributors from the 2015 to 2018 congresses were determined using the Twitter advanced search function. Tweets were categorized broadly as academic, social or promotional. Union Metrics, an online software, was used to calculate estimates of impact including impressions and reach at the 2018 congress. Popular topics of discussion at all congresses were defined and counted.

Results

Twelve thousand five hundred and eight‐six tweets were created with the official hashtag at the time of the four congresses. Activity increased over time except in the number of original tweets between the 2016 and 2018 congresses. Sixty‐six percent of the tweets were directly related to congress content, and 23% were social in nature. At the 2018 congress, 16–34% of contributors were matched with a congress delegate.

Conclusion

The tweets analysed were mainly informative. Twitter expanded the audience for material discussed at the Annual Scientific Congresses, and the amount of Twitter activity generally increased. It is in the interest of conference organizers to encourage and regulate Twitter use for maximum effectiveness because it is a powerful tool and use is likely to continue increasing in future.
The chronotherapeutic treatment of bipolar disorders: A systematic review and practice recommendations from the ISBD task force on chronotherapy and chronobiology
Authors: Gottlieb John F. , Benedetti Francesco , Geoffroy Pierre A. , Henriksen Tone E. G. , Lam Raymond W. , Murray Greg , Phelps James , Sit Dorothy , Swartz Holly A. , Crowe Marie , Etain Bruno , Frank Ellen , Goel Namni , Haarman Bartholomeus C. M. , Inder Maree , Kallestad Håvard , Jae Kim Seong , Martiny Klaus , Meesters Ybe , Porter Richard , Riemersma‐van der Lek Rixt F. , Ritter Philipp S. , Schulte Peter F. J. , Scott Jan , Wu Joseph C. , Yu Xin , Chen Shenghao
Published: October 2019

Aims

To systematically review the literature on the efficacy and tolerability of the major chronotherapeutic treatments of bipolar disorders (BD)—bright light therapy (LT), dark therapy (DT), treatments utilizing sleep deprivation (SD), melatonergic agonists (MA), interpersonal social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for BD (CBTI‐BP)—and propose treatment recommendations based on a synthesis of the evidence.

Methods

PRISMA‐based systematic review of the literature.

Results

The acute antidepressant (AD) efficacy of LT was supported by several open‐label studies, three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and one pseudorandomized controlled trial. SD showed rapid, acute AD response rates of 43.9%, 59.3%, and 59.4% in eight case series, 11 uncontrolled, studies, and one RCT, respectively. Adjunctive DT obtained significant, rapid anti‐manic results in one RCT and one controlled study. The seven studies on MA yielded very limited data on acute antidepressant activity, conflicting evidence of both antimanic and maintenance efficacy, and support from two case series of improved sleep in both acute and euthymic states. IPSRT monotherapy for bipolar II depression had acute response rates of 41%, 67%, and 67.4% in two open studies and one RCT, respectively; as adjunctive therapy for bipolar depression in one RCT, and efficacy in reducing relapse in two RCTs. Among euthymic BD subjects with insomnia, a single RCT found CBTI‐BP effective in delaying manic relapse and improving sleep. Chronotherapies were generally safe and well‐tolerated.

Conclusions

The outcome literature on the adjunctive use of chronotherapeutic treatments for BP is variable, with evidence bases that differ in size, study quality, level of evidence, and non‐standardized treatment protocols. Evidence‐informed practice recommendations are offered.
Myxoid glioneuronal tumor, PDGFRA p.K385‐mutant: clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic features
Authors: Lucas Calixto‐Hope G. , Villanueva‐Meyer Javier E. , Whipple Nicholas , Oberheim Bush Nancy Ann , Cooney Tabitha , Chang Susan , McDermott Michael , Berger Mitchel , Cham Elaine , Sun Peter P. , Putnam Angelica , Zhou Hong , Bollo Robert , Cheshier Samuel , Poppe Matthew M. , Fung Kar‐Ming , Sung Sarah , Glenn Chad , Fan Xuemo , Bannykh Serguei , Hu Jethro , Danielpour Moise , Li Rong , Alva Elizabeth , Johnston James , Van Ziffle Jessica , Onodera Courtney , Devine Patrick , Grenert James P. , Lee Julieann C. , Pekmezci Melike , Tihan Tarik , Bollen Andrew W. , Perry Arie , Solomon David A.
Published: October 2019

“Myxoid glioneuronal tumor, PDGFRA p.K385‐mutant” is a recently described tumor entity of the central nervous system with a predilection for origin in the septum pellucidum and a defining dinucleotide mutation at codon 385 of the PDGFRA oncogene replacing lysine with either leucine or isoleucine (p.K385L/I). Clinical outcomes and optimal treatment for this new tumor entity have yet to be defined. Here, we report a comprehensive clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic assessment of eight cases. In addition to its stereotypic location in the septum pellucidum, we identify that this tumor can also occur in the corpus callosum and periventricular white matter of the lateral ventricle. Tumors centered in the septum pellucidum uniformly were associated with obstructive hydrocephalus, whereas tumors centered in the corpus callosum and periventricular white matter did not demonstrate hydrocephalus. While multiple patients were found to have ventricular dissemination or local recurrence/progression, all patients in this series remain alive at last clinical follow‐up despite only biopsy or subtotal resection without adjuvant therapy in most cases. Our study further supports “myxoid glioneuronal tumor, PDGFRA p.K385‐mutant” as a distinct CNS tumor entity and expands the spectrum of clinicopathologic and radiologic features of this neoplasm.
Primary adrenal insufficiency: New genetic causes and their long‐term consequences
Authors: Buonocore Federica , Achermann John C.
Published: October 2019

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a potentially life‐threatening condition that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. Whilst the most common causes are congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in childhood and autoimmune adrenal insufficiency in adolescence and adulthood, more than 30 other physical and genetics cause of PAI have been reported. Reaching a specific diagnosis can have implications for management and for monitoring associated features, as well as for counselling families about recurrence risk in siblings and relatives. Here, we describe some recent insights into the genetics of adrenal insufficiency and associated molecular mechanisms. We discuss (a) the role of the nuclear receptors DAX‐1 (NR0B1) and steroidogenic factor‐1 (SF‐1, NR5A1) in human adrenal and reproductive dysfunction; (b) multisystem growth restriction syndromes due to gain‐of‐function in the growth repressors CDKN1C (IMAGE syndrome) and SAMD9 (MIRAGE syndrome), or loss of POLE1; (c) nonclassic forms of STAR and P450scc/CYP11A1 insufficiency that present with a delayed‐onset adrenal phenotype and represent a surprisingly prevalent cause of undiagnosed PAI; and (d) a new sphingolipidosis causing PAI due to defects in sphingosine‐1‐phosphate lyase‐1 (SGPL1). Reaching a specific diagnosis can have life‐long implications for management. In some situations, milder or nonclassic forms of these conditions can first present in adulthood and may have been labelled, “Addison's disease.”
Young children combine sensory cues with learned information in a statistically efficient manner: But task complexity matters
Authors: Bejjanki Vikranth R. , Randrup Emily R. , Aslin Richard N.
Published: October 2019

Human adults are adept at mitigating the influence of sensory uncertainty on task performance by integrating sensory cues with learned prior information, in a Bayes‐optimal fashion. Previous research has shown that young children and infants are sensitive to environmental regularities, and that the ability to learn and use such regularities is involved in the development of several cognitive abilities. However, it has also been reported that children younger than 8 do not combine simultaneously available sensory cues in a Bayes‐optimal fashion. Thus, it remains unclear whether, and by what age, children can combine sensory cues with learned regularities in an adult manner. Here, we examine the performance of 6‐ to 7‐year‐old children when tasked with localizing a ‘hidden’ target by combining uncertain sensory information with prior information learned over repeated exposure to the task. We demonstrate that 6‐ to 7‐year‐olds learn task‐relevant statistics at a rate on par with adults, and like adults, are capable of integrating learned regularities with sensory information in a statistically efficient manner. We also show that variables such as task complexity can influence young children's behavior to a greater extent than that of adults, leading their behavior to look sub‐optimal. Our findings have important implications for how we should interpret failures in young children's ability to carry out sophisticated computations. These ‘failures’ need not be attributed to deficits in the fundamental computational capacity available to children early in development, but rather to ancillary immaturities in general cognitive abilities that mask the operation of these computations in specific situations.
Efficacy and safety of everolimus treatment on liver transplant recipients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Guan Tong‐Wei , Lin Yi‐Jin , Ou Meng‐Ying , Chen Ke‐Bao
Published: October 2019

Background

Everolimus is an effective immunosuppressant in organ transplantation without impaired renal function. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of everolimus therapy in liver transplant recipients.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify the eligible studies. The quality of the included studies was assessed. The outcomes of interest were biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, death, renal function and adverse events.

Results

Eight trials involving 1570 participants were included. Compared to the standard exposure to calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), the incidences of BPAR, graft loss and death were not increased in the everolimus combined with reduced CNIs group. The renal function was significantly improved after everolimus combined with reduced CNI therapy, and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated to be elevated by 5.59 (95% CI: 2.17‐9.01, P = .001) as compared to the standard exposure to CNIs. The risk of any adverse event was increased by everolimus combined with reduced CNI therapy (RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.42, P = .01) as compared to the standard exposure to CNIs. The likelihood of infection was not associated with the regimen. Any publication bias was not identified.

Conclusions

Although everolimus combined with reduced CNI therapy significantly improved the renal function in liver transplant recipients, it did not influence the incidence of BPAR, graft loss and death. This regimen might be associated with an increased risk of adverse events, which needs to be elucidated further.
Developmental plasticity associated with early structural integration and evolutionary patterns: Examples of developmental bias and developmental facilitation in the skeletal system
Authors: Kavanagh Kathryn
Published: October 2019

The relation of developmental plasticity to evolutionary diversification is a key component of evolutionary theory involving developmental bias, but the basis of the relationship varies among traits and among taxa. Here I review some scenarios of how structural integration during early organogenesis could influence this relationship. When condensations are highly integrated and dependent on each other during early organogenesis, both plasticity and evolution are restricted, for example size proportions in molar tooth rows and phalanges within a digit. When similar condensations develop and remain separate (in tracheal cartilages and feather buds), they show high levels of variation and diversity in number but not in shape and size, at least at early stages. When non‐similar structures form separately and then integrate while still undergoing patterning, high levels of plasticity (in number, size, shape; in rib uncinate processes) or new dimensions of ecologically‐significant variation (cusp offset, in mammal teeth) are seen. Although each of these structural integration scenarios is unique, the modulation of evolvability is detectable and informative. Parsing the influence of structural integration at these developmental levels, rather than later‐stage structural correlations or only through genetic covariation, may be necessary to advance understanding of evolvability of the phenotype.
Medical doctors’ knowledge of dental trauma management: A review
Authors: Yeng Thai , O’Sullivan Anthony J. , Shulruf Boaz
Published: October 2019

Education in dental trauma is extremely important to promote knowledge on the assessment and management of a traumatized tooth. Medical doctors are normally only required to manage the emergency phase of traumatic dental injury (TDI) treatment before referring to a dentist, endodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon for continuing care. Medical doctors who possess sufficient theoretical knowledge and are competent enough clinically to handle TDI can provide a higher standard of treatment care and ultimately achieve a better patient outcome. The aim of this literature review was to assess the extent of medical doctors’ knowledge of dental trauma management for injuries in the following four areas: (a) tooth structure; (b) to the supporting bone; (c) to the periodontal tissues; and (d) to the soft tissues. Based on the findings from this literature review, an overall deficiency in knowledge and confidence in managing dental trauma has been identified. Knowledge and understanding to categorize TDI using the same classification of dental injuries commonly used amongst dentists would allow medical doctors to better manage and communicate with dental colleagues concerning referral for further care. If the medical education curriculum provided medical doctors with more information and skills for the management of dental trauma and an understanding of the importance of early management, then more favourable outcomes may prevail for dental trauma patients.
Antiepileptic drug monotherapy for epilepsy in the elderly: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Lattanzi Simona , Trinka Eugen , Del Giovane Cinzia , Nardone Raffaele , Silvestrini Mauro , Brigo Francesco
Published: October 2019

Objective

To estimate the comparative efficacy and safety of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the elderly with new‐onset epilepsy.

Methods

We searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of monotherapy AEDs to treat epilepsy in elderly. The following outcomes were analyzed: seizure freedom and withdrawal from the study for any cause at 6 and 12 months; withdrawal from the study for any adverse event (AE) at 12 months; and occurrence of any AE at 12 months. Effect sizes were estimated by network meta‐analyses within a frequentist framework. The hierarchy of competing interventions was established using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) and mean ranks.

Results

Five RCTs (1425 patients) were included. Included AEDs were carbamazepine immediate‐ and controlled‐release (CBZ‐IR, CBZ‐CR), gabapentin (GBP), lacosamide (LCM), lamotrigine (LTG), levetiracetam (LEV), phenytoin (PHT), and valproic acid (VPA). At the pairwise and network meta‐analyses, there were no differences in any of the comparison according to 6‐ and 12‐month seizure freedom. The treatment with CBZ‐IR and CBZ‐CR was associated with a higher risk of withdrawal than LTG, LEV, or VPA, and CBZ‐IR had the overall highest probability of discontinuation across all AEDs. According to SUCRA, the following had the greatest likelihood ranking best for seizure freedom at 6 and 12 months: LCM, LTG, and LEV. CBZ‐CR and CBZ‐IR had the highest probabilities of being worst for the 12‐month retention. CBZ‐IR, CBZ‐CR, and GBP had the highest probabilities of withdrawal from the study for AEs, , and VPA had the highest probability of being the best‐tolerated option.

Significance

Although no significant difference in efficacy was found across treatments, LCM, LTG, and LEV had the highest probability of ranking best for achieving seizure freedom. CBZ‐IR and CBZ‐CR showed a poor tolerability profile, leading to higher withdrawal rates compared to LEV and VPA.
Why is hair curly?—Deductions from the structure and the biomechanics of the mature hair shaft
Authors: Wortmann Franz J. , Wortmann Gabriele , Sripho Therakanya
Published: October 2019

The final shape of a head hair is predetermined through a variety of factors during its formation in the follicle. These are genetic pathways, specific growth factors, cell differentiation and segregation, etc, with spatial as well as chronological dynamics. The cortex of hair consists of two major cell groups. These are characterized by parallel (para‐type) or roughly helical arrangements (ortho‐type) of the intermediate filaments (IF). There are also cell‐specific differences in the disulphide content, that is, of the cross‐link density of the IF‐associated matrix proteins. Given the current state of the academic discussion, we consider it as timely to support and broaden the view that, the structural differences of the cell types together with their lateral segregation are the main driving factor of curl formation. The mechanical effects, which derive thereof, are triggered in the transition zone of the follicle, that is, upon formation of the mature hair shaft. Furthermore, an irregular, “flat” cross section of the hair shaft is shown to be a synergistic but not determining factor of curl formation. The degree of cell type segregation along the mature hair shaft together with dynamic changes of the location of the plane of segregation, namely in a non‐circular cross section can account for very complex curl patterns. Against the background of these views, we argue that contributions to hair curl are implausible, if they relate to physical mechanisms which are active below the transition zone from the living to the mature (dead) hair.
Performance peer groups in CEO compensation contracts
Authors: Bakke Tor‐Erik , Mahmudi Hamed , Newton Ashley
Published: October 2019

How do firms choose performance peer groups used in chief executive officer (CEO) relative performance evaluation contracts? We find that while firms, for the most part, choose performance peers to better identify their CEOs’ impact on firm performance, they also tend to select underperforming peers. Dynamically, we find that peers that are added and retained every year are weaker than ones that were not chosen. These findings suggest managers may have some influence on the choice of performance peers. Finally, using a quasi‐natural experiment, we find that enhanced disclosure did not affect the tendency of firms to select underperforming peers.
DETECTING AND ANALYZING THE EFFECTS OF TIME‐VARYING PARAMETERS IN DSGE MODELS
Authors: Canova Fabio , Ferroni Filippo , Matthes Christian
Published: October 2019

We study how structural parameter variations affect the decision rules and economic inference. We provide diagnostics to detect parameter variations and to ascertain whether they are exogenous or endogenous. A constant parameter model poorly approximates a time‐varying data generating process (DGP), except in a handful of relevant cases. Linear approximations do not produce time‐varying decision rules; higher‐order approximations can do this only if parameter disturbances are treated as decision rule coefficients. Structural responses are time invariant regardless of order of approximation. Adding endogenous variations to the parameter controlling leverage in Gertler and Karadi's model substantially improves the fit of the model.
Practitioner Review: Twenty years of research with adverse childhood experience scores – Advantages, disadvantages and applications to practice
Authors: Lacey Rebecca E. , Minnis Helen
Published: October 2019

Background

Adverse childhood experience (ACE) scores have become a common approach for considering childhood adversities and are highly influential in public policy and clinical practice. Their use is also controversial. Other ways of measuring adversity ‐ examining single adversities, or using theoretically or empirically driven methods ‐ might have advantages over ACE scores.

Methods

In this narrative review we critique the conceptualisation and measurement of ACEs in research, clinical practice, public health and public discourse.

Results

The ACE score approach has the advantages – and limitations – of simplicity: its simplicity facilitates wide‐ranging applications in public policy, public health and clinical settings but risks over‐simplistic communication of risk/causality, determinism and stigma. The other common approach – focussing on single adversities ‐ is also limited because adversities tend to co‐occur. Researchers are using rapidly accruing datasets on ACEs to facilitate new theoretical and empirical approaches but this work is at an early stage, e.g. weighting ACEs and including severity, frequency, duration and timing. More research is needed to establish what should be included as an ACE, how individual ACEs should be weighted, how ACEs cluster, and the implications of these findings for clinical work and policy. New ways of conceptualising and measuring ACEs that incorporate this new knowledge, while maintaining some of the simplicity of the current ACE questionnaire, could be helpful for clinicians, practitioners, patients and the public.

Conclusions

Although we welcome the current focus on ACEs, a more critical view of their conceptualisation, measurement, and application to practice settings is urgently needed.
Partial Identification of Answer Reviewing Effects in Multiple‐Choice Exams
Authors: Kim Yongnam
Published: October 2019

Does reviewing previous answers during multiple‐choice exams help examinees increase their final score? This article formalizes the question using a rigorous causal framework, the potential outcomes framework. Viewing examinees’ reviewing status as a treatment and their final score as an outcome, the article first explains the challenges of identifying the causal effect of answer reviewing in regular exam‐taking settings. In addition to the incapability of randomizing the treatment selection (reviewing status) and the lack of other information to make this selection process ignorable, the treatment variable itself is not fully known to researchers. Looking at examinees’ answer sheet data, it is unclear whether an examinee who did not change his or her answer on a specific item reviewed it but retained the initial answer (treatment condition) or chose not to review it (control condition). Despite such challenges, however, the article develops partial identification strategies and shows that the sign of the answer reviewing effect can be reasonably inferred. By analyzing a statewide math assessment data set, the article finds that reviewing initial answers is generally beneficial for examinees.
Microbiota profile is different for early and invasive colorectal cancer and is consistent throughout the colon
Authors: Zorron Cheng Tao Pu Leonardo , Yamamoto Kenta , Honda Takashi , Nakamura Masanao , Yamamura Takeshi , Hattori Shun , Burt Alastair D , Singh Rajvinder , Hirooka Yoshiki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim

Microbiota have been associated with several diseases including colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to evaluate the microbiota in early/invasive CRC utilizing stool and cytological brushes to determine differences in relative abundance (RA).

Methods

Colonoscopy patients referred for endoscopic submucosal dissection or previous to CRC surgery were prospectively enrolled. Stool was collected pre‐bowel preparation; and brush samples were taken during colonoscopy (three regions). DNA extraction, 16S rRNA next generation sequencing, and biostatistics (qiime and stamp software packages) followed. Primary outcome was the difference in RA of the Fusobacterium genus between the groups. Secondary outcomes included analyses of other microbiota.

Results

Twenty‐five patients were included, of which 14 had invasive cancer (≥ 1000 mm into the submucosa). The three major genera for invasive cancer were Bacterioides, Oribacterium, and Fusobacterium, whereas for early cancer were Oribacterium, Bacterioides, and Prevotella (decreasing order of RA). There was a significantly higher RA of Fusobacterium in the invasive cancer group (9.65% vs 0.95%, respectively, P < 0.001). The RA of all genera was similar throughout the colon. In addition to Fusobacterium, the genera Corynebacterium, Enterococcus, Neisseria, Porphyromonas, and Sclegelella showed statistically higher RA in the invasive cancer group. Conversely, the genera Oribacterium, Desulfovibrio, Clostridiales, and Lactobacillus showed lower RA in the invasive cancer group.

Conclusions

The RA of Fusobacterium is higher with invasive CRC than in early CRC patients. In addition, five other bacteria genera were found to be increased, and four decreased in invasive CRC patients. The microbiota per patient was similar throughout the colon.
The governance of sexuality in a Recovery‐oriented mental health service: Psychosis, consumers and clinical approaches
Authors: Evans Alicia M. , Quinn Chris , McKenna Brian
Published: October 2019

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject

The intersection of sexuality and psychosis has a long history, yet research in this area has been minimal over the past few decades.

Mental health clinicians practice from within the confines of a mental health system that is founded on a conflict between containment and care and that positions the consumer as an object of care.

At the same time, mental health services often have a Recovery approach to care. This presents a difficulty and tension in mental health clinical work because the Recovery approach is opposed to positioning the consumer as an object.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

The findings suggest that sexuality and sexual needs are common to both clinicians and consumers, and via identification, make the two groups more similar than different.

Sexuality can problematize and so open up questions about the objectification of consumers.

Consideration of consumers' sexuality and sexual needs can therefore work as a resistance to the dominant mental health approach and, in doing so, produce a more Recovery‐oriented approach to treatment in terms of how the consumer is positioned.

Other aspects of living that escape capture by the diagnostic system may also operate as organizing factors for a more subject‐to‐subject approach to treatment.

The implications for practice

Focusing on sexuality and other aspects of living that escape capture by the diagnostic system can bring into question the way consumers are objectified by the psychiatric model of care.

Introduction

The Recovery approach introduced a radical shift in the positioning of consumers as subjects rather than objects of mental health treatment. While this approach has been internationally adopted, the practice of Recovery has been under‐researched and a knowledge gap exists regarding the intersection of sexuality and psychosis.

Aim

The study aim was to investigate how sexuality was governed in a long‐stay mental health rehabilitation facility that was Recovery‐oriented.

Method

A case study methodology with a conceptual framework using Foucault's work on disciplinary power was used.

Results

The findings illustrated how mental health clinicians were caught between two main and incompatible models of care: a psychiatric one and a Recovery one.

Discussion

While the policy framework authorized a Recovery approach, clinicians practised surveillance, hierarchical observation and normalization, which are tenants of a psychiatric model of care. However, the study found that sexuality was an area that opened questions about the psychiatric model for clinicians. Consideration of consumers' sexual needs allowed the clinicians to think of consumers more as subjects like themselves than as objects to be treated.

Implications for practice

Consideration of consumers' sexuality opens up possibilities for questioning the objectification of the consumer via the psychiatric model.
Leaf functional traits vary within and across tree species in tropical cloud forest on rock outcrop versus volcanic soil
Authors: Vergara‐Gómez Diana , Williams‐Linera Guadalupe , Casanoves Fernando
Published: October 2019

Question

Functional leaf traits are used to classify plants into ecological strategies according to the leaf economic spectrum. Geological substrate has an important effect on functional trait variation; however, interspecific and intraspecific trait variation on contrasting substrates needs to be documented for tropical humid forests. We hypothesized that a conservative resource strategy is prevalent in forests on rocky outcrops (FOR) and an acquisitive strategy is prevalent in forests on volcanic substrate (FOV). Our aim was to determine interspecific and intraspecific variation in functional traits of tree species on FOR and FOV.

Location

Tropical cloud forests on limestone outcrops and deep volcanic soil close to each other, Veracruz, Mexico.

Methods

At four sites in FOR and four sites in FOV, we selected 16 native tree species: five occurring only in FOR, five occurring only in FOV, six common to both. We determined leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), stomatal density (SD), and foliar C, N and P content. Functional trait differences between FOR and FOV were determined using linear mixed models.

Results

Leaf traits differed between substrates and interspecifically. LA, SLA and foliar C content were higher in FOV than in FOR. Tree species common to both substrates displayed significant substrate × species interaction, but LA, SLA, SD and foliar C showed different trends in each substrate. Our results indicate that tree species on different substrates within the same vegetation type display different functional strategies.

Conclusions

Leaf trait variation supports the hypothesis that tree species use strategies congruent with resource conservation in FOR and resource acquisition in FOV. Intraspecific variation of LA, SLA and SD in tree species growing on both substrates suggests plasticity to adapt locally to changes in substrate conditions. LA and SLA are critical indicator traits of the use and allocation of resources in FOR and FOV.
Needle electromyography, muscle MRI, and muscle pathology: Correlations in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Aoki Reika , Kokubun Norito , Komagamine Tomoko , Shimizu Jun , Nishino Ichizo , Kurasawa Kazuhiro , Hirata Koichi
Published: October 2019

Background

On needle electromyography (EMG), abnormal spontaneous activity is considered a feature of active myositis. However, the correlation between needle EMG and muscle pathology is not always clear. Moreover, the changes in EMG findings after corticosteroid therapy are not fully understood.

Aim

To investigate the correlations among muscle pathology, needle EMG and muscle MRI findings in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs).

Methods

The clinical features, laboratory results, needle EMG, muscle MRI findings and pathological features of 50 consecutive patients with IIMs who underwent muscle biopsies were reviewed. We also describe the changes in these findings between before and after corticosteroid treatments.

Results

The most common IIM was dermatomyositis (40%). On needle EMG, fibrillation/positive sharp waves (Fib/PSWs) were observed in 72% of the patients. MRI abnormalities were observed in 86% of the patients. In the pathology study, 88% of patients had inflammatory markers. The incidence of Fib/PSWs did not differ between pretreatment patients (79%) and steroid‐treated patients (62%). In the pathology study, perimysium/perivascular cell infiltration also did not differ between before and after treatment. However, endomysium cell infiltration was significantly less frequent in steroid‐treated patients (0%) than in pretreatment patients (29%) (P < .05).

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that Fib/PSWs on needle EMG and muscle MRI were sensitive guides for diagnosing IIMs, and Fib/PSWs might be correlated with muscle fiber injuries or segmental necrosis rather than inflammatory cell infiltration in the affected muscles. Before treatment and within at least 1 month after starting corticosteroid treatment, Fib/PSWs could be detected by needle EMG.
The effect of rikkunshito on gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric motor function: The first study in a Belgian functional dyspepsia population
Authors: Masuy Imke , Carbone Florencia , Holvoet Lieselot , Vandenberghe Alain , Vanuytsel Tim , Tack Jan
Published: October 2019

Background

Rikkunshito, a traditional Kampo medicine, has shown efficacy to treat functional dyspepsia (FD) in controlled trials in Japan. Its putative benefit for European patients and mechanism of action has not been established.

Methods

This study examined the effect of rikkunshito on gastric motility and GI symptom perception in FD‐PDS patients in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study. After a 2‐week run‐in period, patients received rikkunshito or matching placebo (2.5 g t.i.d.) for 4 weeks, separated by a 4‐week washout period. Symptoms were assessed by the Leuven Postprandial Distress Scale (LPDS) diary throughout the study. At baseline and after both treatment arms, intragastric pressure (IGP) was measured to evaluate gastric accommodation and gastric motility. Simultaneously, GI symptoms were scored on a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Validated symptom questionnaires (PAGI‐SYM, VSI, DSS, and PHQ) were completed each study visit.

Key Results

Twenty‐three patients completed the study (33 ± 14 years, 22.7 ± 3.22 kg/m2). Intragastric pressure was numerically, but not significantly, lower after rikkunshito compared with baseline and placebo (P = .14). No differences were found in gastric accommodation, nutrient volume tolerance, and symptoms assessed during IGP measurements. Early satiation and postprandial fullness (daily diary) decreased after rikkunshito compared with baseline (P < .041 for both). Placebo also improved most other symptoms assessed. No significant changes in VSI scores occurred. No adverse reactions occurred.

Conclusions

Rikkunshito did not alter gastric motility. Treatment with rikkunshito improved upper GI symptoms in FD patients but similarly high placebo effects were observed using the LPDS diary, PAGI‐SYM, SF‐NDI, and DSS scores. Rikkunshito was safe and well‐tolerated.
Lightning is a major cause of large tree mortality in a lowland neotropical forest
Authors: Yanoviak Stephen P. , Gora Evan M. , Bitzer Phillip M. , Burchfield Jeffrey C. , Muller‐Landau Helene C. , Detto Matteo , Paton Steven , Hubbell Stephen P.
Published: October 2019

The mortality rates of large trees are critical to determining carbon stocks in tropical forests, but the mechanisms of tropical tree mortality remain poorly understood. Lightning strikes thousands of tropical trees every day, but is commonly assumed to be a minor agent of tree mortality in most tropical forests.

We use the first systematic quantification of lightning‐caused mortality to show that lightning is a major cause of death for the largest trees in an old‐growth lowland forest in Panama. A novel lightning strike location system together with field surveys of strike sites revealed that, on average, each strike directly kills 3.5 trees (> 10 cm diameter) and damages 11.4 more.

Given lightning frequency data from the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network and historical total tree mortality rates for this site, we conclude that lightning accounts for 40.5% of the mortality of large trees (> 60 cm diameter) in the short term and probably contributes to an additional 9.0% of large tree deaths over the long term.

Any changes in cloud‐to‐ground lightning frequency due to climatic change will alter tree mortality rates; projected 25–50% increases in lightning frequency would increase large tree mortality rates in this forest by 9–18%. The results of this study indicate that lightning plays a critical and previously underestimated role in tropical forest dynamics and carbon cycling.
Effect of floristic composition and configuration on plant root mycobiota: a landscape transposition at a small scale
Authors: Mony Cendrine , Brunellière Philomène , Vannier Nathan , Bittebiere Anne‐Kristel , Vandenkoornhuyse Philippe
Published: October 2019

Fungal communities in the root endosphere are heterogeneous at fine scale. The passenger hypothesis assumes that this heterogeneity is driven by host plant distribution. Plant composition and host plant configuration should then influence root fungal assemblages.

We used a large‐scale experimental design of 25 mixtures of grassland plants. We sampled Brachypodium pinnatum in each mesocosm, and used amplicon mass‐sequencing to analyze the endospheric mycobiota. We used plant distribution maps to assess plant species richness and evenness (heterogeneity of composition), and patch size and the degree of isolation of B. pinnatum (heterogeneity of configuration) on fungal community assembly.

The Glomeromycotina community in B. pinnatum roots was not related to either floristic heterogeneity or productivity. For Ascomycota, the composition of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was driven by plant evenness while OTU richness decreased with plant richness. For Basidiomycota, richness increased with host plant aggregation and connectivity. Plant productivity influenced Ascomycota, inducing a shift in OTU composition and decreasing evenness.

Plant heterogeneity modified root mycobiota, with potential direct (i.e. host preference) and indirect (i.e. adaptations to abiotic conditions driven by plant occurrence over time) effects. Plant communities can be envisioned as microlandscapes consisting of a variety of fungal niches.
Entrepreneurship among Nonprofit Arts Organizations: Substituting between Wage and Flexible Labor
Authors: Woronkowicz Joanna , Noonan Douglas , LeRoux Kelly
Published: October 2019

Nonprofit entrepreneurship is largely viewed through the lens of commercialization, overshadowing other ways that entrepreneurship manifests within the sector. One such way involves nonprofits' tendency to meet workforce needs by substituting flexible for wage labor, which may be especially attractive to arts organizations given the proclivity of workers in this sector to be self‐employed. The authors examine the use of flexible versus wage labor by nonprofit arts organizations, relying on panel data to account for changes in organizational size over time. The results provide evidence of a substitution effect, in which the use of wage labor by arts organizations declines in response to greater reliance on flexible labor. The findings suggest that nonprofit arts organizations are innovative employers, responding to changes in their resource environments by adjusting their mix of wage and flexible labor while also providing outlets for freelance arts workers to pursue their chosen line of work.
Participation rationales, regulatory enforcement, and compliance motivations in a voluntary program context
Authors: Carter David P. , Siddiki Saba
Published: October 2019

This article extends the study of regulatory compliance motivations from “traditional” regulatory settings to a government‐sponsored voluntary one. We argue that the rationale(s) which motivate participants to engage a voluntary program likely shape which motivations drive them toward (or away from) program compliance. Our study examines the possible influence of program participation rationales alongside that of regulatory agents' enforcement styles and strategies. Leveraging a national survey of certified United States Department of Agriculture organic producers, we find that the more a producer pursues organic certification to increase profits, the more likely they are to report deterrent fears as an important compliance motivation. In contrast, the more a producer becomes certified to support the organic movement, the more heavily they weigh a personal sense of duty to comply. We discuss the implications of these, and other, study findings for compliance motivations theory and voluntary program integrity.
Theory of mind and peer relationships: The role of social anxiety
Authors: Ronchi Luca , Banerjee Robin , Lecce Serena
Published: October 2019

Recent research has shown that individual differences in theory of mind (ToM) during middle childhood are linked with individual differences in children's peer relationships. The present longitudinal study investigated this association more deeply, exploring the potential mediating role played by children's social anxiety. We tested a group of 66 children (11.5 years old at Time 1) three times over one year after their transition to secondary school. Over and above language, SES and stability in individual differences, ToM performance shortly after starting secondary school (Time 1) predicted higher peer acceptance, as well as lower peer rejection, one year later (Time 3) via lower levels of social anxiety over time (Time 2). This study extends our knowledge about the links between social understanding and interpersonal relations in middle childhood. The results suggest that ToM may play an important role in children's adjustment when confronting new social contexts.