bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant phenolic acids affect the virulence of Pectobacterium aroidearum and P. carotovorum ssp. brasiliense via quorum sensing regulation
Authors: Joshi Janak Raj , Burdman Saul , Lipsky Alexander , Yariv Shaked , Yedidia Iris
Published: July 2015

Several studies have reported effects of the plant phenolic acids cinnamic acid (CA) and salicylic acid (SA) on the virulence of soft rot enterobacteria. However, the mechanisms involved in these processes are not yet fully understood. Here, we investigated whether CA and SA interfere with the quorum sensing (QS) system of two Pectobacterium species, P. aroidearum and P. carotovorum ssp. brasiliense, which are known to produce N‐acyl‐homoserine lactone (AHL) QS signals. Our results clearly indicate that both phenolic compounds affect the QS machinery of the two species, consequently altering the expression of bacterial virulence factors. Although, in control treatments, the expression of QS‐related genes increased over time, the exposure of bacteria to non‐lethal concentrations of CA or SA inhibited the expression of QS genes, including expI, expR, PC1_1442 (luxR transcriptional regulator) and luxS (a component of the AI‐2 system). Other virulence genes known to be regulated by the QS system, such as pecS, pel, peh and yheO, were also down‐regulated relative to the control. In agreement with the low levels of expression of expI and expR, CA and SA also reduced the level of the AHL signal. The effects of CA and SA on AHL signalling were confirmed in compensation assays, in which exogenous application of N‐(β‐ketocaproyl)‐l‐homoserine lactone (eAHL) led to the recovery of the reduction in virulence caused by the two phenolic acids. Collectively, the results of gene expression studies, bioluminescence assays, virulence assays and compensation assays with eAHL clearly support a mechanism by which CA and SA interfere with Pectobacterium virulence via the QS machinery.
Unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy with asymmetric facial and limb paresis in axonal Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Yamagami Mari , Sakurai Yasuhisa , Hamada Kensuke , Sugimoto Izumi , Hatanaka Yuki , Uchibori Ayumi , Chiba Atsuro
Published: July 2015

We report a 45‐year‐old man with motor axonal Guillain–Barré syndrome who developed left facial nerve palsy, right hypoglossal nerve palsy, and predominantly left‐sided upper limb paresis and left lower limb paresis. Blood examination identified immunoglobulin G antibodies against gangliosides GD1a, GD1b and GQ1b, and GD1b/GD1a and GD1b/GT1b complexes. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (400 mg/kg/day for 5 days) twice, and tongue deviation and facial palsy resolved in 3 months. Unilateral or asymmetric involvement of the cranial and limb nerves represent a variant form of axonal Guillain–Barré syndrome.
Gaultheria gonggashanensis sp. nov. (Ericaceae) from Sichuan, China
Authors: Fritsch Peter W. , Lu Lu , Wang Hong
Published: July 2015

Gaultheria gonggashanensis P. W. Fritsch & Lu Lu, a new species from western Sichuan Province, China, is described and illustrated. This species belongs to Gaultheria ser. Trichophyllae Airy Shaw and is most similar to G. sinensis J. Anthony, but differs by its longer stem setae, glabrous petioles and leaf blade midveins adaxially, thick‐chartaceous to subcoriaceous leaf blades, larger calyx lobes, and smaller anther thecae. The species is known with certainty only from the Hailuo Valley on the east slope of Mount Gongga in the Daxue Range.
Genetic variants of IL‐11 associated with risk of Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Kim L. H. , Cheong H. S. , Shin J.‐G. , Seo J.‐M. , Kim D.‐Y. , Oh J.‐T. , Kim H.‐Y. , Jung K. , Koh I. , Kim J.‐H. , Shin H. D.
Published: July 2015

Background

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital and heterogeneous disorder characterized by the absence of enteric ganglia during enteric nervous system (ENS) development. Our recent genome‐wide association study has identified a variant (rs6509940) of interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) as a potential susceptible locus for HSCR. As interleukins play important roles in the ENS, we further studied associations with HSCR of nine common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on IL‐11.

Methods

Biopsy specimens or surgical materials from all patients that were tested for histological examination based on the absence of the enteric ganglia were collected. A total of nine SNPs on IL‐11 were genotyped in 187 HSCR patients and 283 unaffected controls using TaqMan genotyping assay.

Key Results

Combined analysis revealed that several SNPs (minimum p = 1.57 × 10−7) showed statistically significant associations with HSCR, even after Bonferroni correction (pcorr = 1.73 × 10−6 for the SNP). Moreover, the most common haplotype was strongly associated with HSCR (pcorr = 2.20 × 10−6). In further analysis among three HSCR subtypes (short segment, S‐HSCR; long segment, L‐HSCR; total colonic aganglionosis, TCA) based on the extent of aganglionic segment, the result showed a different association pattern depending on the subtypes (minimum pcorr = 6.12 × 10−5 for rs6509940 in S‐HSCR; but no significant SNP in L‐HSCR and TCA).

Conclusions & Inferences

Although further replication in a larger cohort and functional evaluations are needed, our findings suggest that genetic variations of IL‐11 may be associated with the risk of HSCR and/or the mechanisms related to ENS development.
Opt Out or Top Up? Voluntary Health Care Insurance and the Public vs. Private Substitution
Authors: Fabbri Daniele , Monfardini Chiara
Published: July 2015

We investigate whether in a mixed insurance system, people enrolled into voluntary health care insurance (VHI) substitute public consumption with private (opt out) or just enlarge their private consumption without reducing reliance upon public provisions (top up). We specify a joint model for public and private specialist visits counts, allowing for different degrees of endogenous supplementary insurance coverage. We find evidence of opting out: richer and wealthier individuals consume more private services and concomitantly reduce those services publicly provided through selection into for‐profit VHI. Accounting for VHI endogeneity in the joint model of the two counts is crucial to this conclusion.
Molecular characterization of oral squamous cell carcinoma using targeted next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Er Tze‐Kiong , Wang Yen‐Yun , Chen Chih‐Chieh , Herreros‐Villanueva Marta , Liu Ta‐Chih , Yuan Shyng‐Shiou F.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Many genetic factors play an important role in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the mutational profile in oral squamous cell carcinoma using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumors from a Taiwanese population by performing targeted sequencing of 26 cancer‐associated genes that are frequently mutated in solid tumors.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing was performed in 50 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumor specimens obtained from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Genetic alterations in the 26 cancer‐associated genes were detected using a deep sequencing (>1000X) approach.

Results

TP53, PIK3CA, MET, APC, CDH1, and FBXW7 were most frequently mutated genes. Most remarkably, TP53 mutations and PIK3CA mutations, which accounted for 68% and 18% of tumors, respectively, were more prevalent in a Taiwanese population. Other genes including MET (4%), APC (4%), CDH1 (2%), and FBXW7 (2%) were identified in our population.

Conclusions

In summary, our study shows the feasibility of performing targeted sequencing using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded samples. Additionally, this study also reports the mutational landscape of oral squamous cell carcinoma in the Taiwanese population. We believe that this study will shed new light on fundamental aspects in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma and may aid in the development of new targeted therapies.
A Preliminary Study of the Aqueduct of Reccopolis
Authors: Martínez Jiménez Javier
Published: July 2015

Reccopolis was a new urban foundation of the late sixth century AD, built by King Liuvigild during the period of the Visigothic state formation. The city was equipped, alongside other facilities, with an aqueduct built ex novo in the Roman technique. This has only recently been studied. The construction of a new city and a new aqueduct indicates a great economic effort by the Visigothic ruler: the event was in itself also a grand act of propaganda in addition to its obvious functional purpose. The aqueduct is itself unmatched in public constructions of this period.
Life‐Writing on the Edge of Conformity
Authors: Burns Barbara
Published: July 2015

Mutters Geburtstag (1978) was the first novel published by the German‐Swiss writer Laure Wyss. Composed just after the author's retirement from a distinguished career in journalism and broadcasting, the work blurs the boundaries of genre by combining elements of travel writing and of the autobiographical novel. This article examines the complexity of a novel in which two seemingly unconnected narrative strands are in fact subtly interdependent and allow a self‐reflective reconstruction of the writer's past. Through the persona of her nonconformist protagonist, Wyss challenges institutions and conventions that are inimical to equality in Swiss society, and she explores the link between her maternal role and her ruptured relationship with her own mother. In this novel of the late 1970s Wyss taps into a growing international consciousness among women writers of the need to summon courage to articulate their suffering as a means to both personal freedom and social change.
Perceptions of exercise for older people living with dementia in Bangkok, Thailand: an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Karuncharernpanit Sirikul , Hendricks Joyce , Toye Christine
Published: July 2015

Background

Dementia is a significant issue globally, including in Thailand, and exercise is known to have health benefits for people living with dementia. However, little is known about exercise acceptable to, and feasible for, this population group in low‐to‐middle income countries although, more broadly, it is recognised that health‐related behaviours are influenced by the perceptions of the individual, which exist within a cultural context.

Objectives

To explore and describe perceptions of appropriate exercise for people living with dementia in Bangkok, Thailand.

Design

Qualitative exploratory descriptive.

Setting

Bangkok, Thailand.

Participants

Nine professionals – experts in exercise, dementia care and relevant policy development – and nine dyads of people with dementia and their family caregivers all recruited using purposive sampling.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes emerged: how exercise was defined, perceived benefits of exercise and how exercise should be implemented. Professionals recognised three exercise elements: aerobic exercise plus balance and strength training. Dyads recognised home‐based activities (e.g., housework) and walking. Both groups recognised benefits of exercise in maintaining health and function and improving mood and sleep. Only health professionals identified falls risk reduction. There was limited appreciation of benefits for caregivers by maintaining function in care recipients. Professionals deemed that exercise should address all three elements, using easily accessible low‐cost resources. The need for safety was emphasised, and there was agreement that in‐home exercise was appropriate. Family/cultural values were evident that could present barriers to exercise implementation.

Conclusion

Changing health‐related behaviours requires an understanding of individual perspectives, which exist within a cultural context. This study has illuminated the Thai context and has implications beyond this. Findings emphasise a need for potential benefits to be sufficiently understood by family caregivers to overcome any culturally based reluctance to promote exercise in older people.

Implications for practice

Nurses have a key role in supporting care givers of older persons with dementia supervise home based exercise. Nurses need to develop knowledge of aerobic exercise to teach caregivers and the older person with dementia. Muscle strength and aerobic exercise assists in the older person's ability to undertake ADL.
Renal Response in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Predicts Outcome Following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: SINGAL GAURAV , UPADHYAY GAURAV A. , BORGQUIST RASMUS , FRIEDMAN DANIEL J. , CHATTERJEE NEAL A. , KANDALA JAGDESH , PARK MI YOUNG , ORENCOLE MARY , DEC GEORGE W. , PICARD MICHAEL H. , SINGH JAGMEET P. , MELA THEOFANIE
Published: July 2015

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) severity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in congestive heart failure. There is a paucity of data regarding renal improvement after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and its potential impact on clinical outcomes, especially in patients with severe CKD.

Method

This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected cohort of 260 patients with CKD undergoing CRT at a single center. Renal function was compared before and after CRT. The primary end point was a composite of death, heart transplant, and left ventricular assist device (LVAD), assessed at 5 years.

Results

Patients with more severe CKD demonstrated increased risk of death, transplant, or LVAD following CRT (P = 0.015). Renal response (estimated glomerular filtration rate improvement ≥10 mL/min/1.73 m2) was observed in 14% of all patients and 28% of patients with stage IV CKD. Independent predictors of renal response included left ventricular ejection fraction improvement (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.10), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker use (OR 4.31, CI 1.08–17.23), and advanced CKD stage (OR 2.19, CI 1.14–4.23). Renal response independently decreased hazard of the primary outcome (HR 0.24, CI 0.08–0.73, P = 0.01). Renal responders with stage IV CKD had 80% 5‐year event‐free survival, compared to 0% for nonrenal responders in stage IV (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Although severity of CKD is associated with poorer outcome after CRT, improvement in renal function can occur in patients across all CKD stages. Renal responders, including those with stage IV CKD, demonstrate favorable 5‐year outcomes. Assessment of renal response may help better prognostic outcomes following CRT.
Role of Outpatient Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring in Cryptogenic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: AFZAL MUHAMMAD R. , GUNDA SAMPATH , WAHEED SALMAN , SEHAR NANDHINI , MAYBROOK RYAN J. , DAWN BUDDHADEB , LAKKIREDDY DHANUNJAYA
Published: July 2015

Background

Recent studies have suggested that prolonged outpatient rhythm monitoring results in increased detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS). However, the best monitoring strategy and its clinical utility is debatable.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of implantable loop recorder (ILR) versus wearable devices in identifying AF in patients with CS.

Methods and Results

Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 13 observational studies were identified by database searches. Seven studies (enrolling 774 patients) employed ILR for AF detection for a median duration of 365 days (range 50–569 days). Ten studies (enrolling 996 patients) employed continuous monitoring with wearable devices for a median duration of 21 days (range 4–30 days). One study performed 7 days of monitoring with wearable device followed by implantation of ILR, thus included in both groups. Pooled odds ratio (OR) of identifying AF in RCTs showed increased detection of AF with prolonged monitoring (OR 4.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.92, 7.06; P < 0.00001) compared to routine outpatient follow‐up. Overall detection of AF with outpatient monitoring was 17.6% (CI: 12.5–22.7). There was significantly higher AF detection with ILR (23.3%; CI: 13.83–32.29) compared to wearable devices (13.6%; CI: 7.91–19.32; P < 0.05). Patients with AF were older in age compared to patients without AF.

Conclusion

AF detection in patients with CS is improved with prolonged rhythm monitoring and is better with ILR compared to wearable devices. AF was more common in older patients. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown at this point.
THE ROLE OF EMOTION IN ENABLING AND CONDITIONING PUBLIC DELIBERATION OUTCOMES: A SOCIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: KOMPOROZOS‐ATHANASIOU ARIS , THOMPSON MARK
Published: July 2015

Citizen participation in deliberation activities within public health systems is increasingly seen as essential in achieving more patient‐centred, equitable and democratic care. However, recent studies show that patients' lived, affective experience of illness and care remains poorly understood within deliberative fora. In response, this article argues that emotion is central in mediating deliberation, and in conditioning deliberative outcomes. To understand how this occurs, we use a sociologically informed notion of ‘biographical affect’ to address links between emotion and social and political action. Benefits of this approach for healthcare deliberation are illustrated through an in‐depth case study of a major citizen participation forum in the UK National Health Service. Our conclusions call for alternative orientations to participation that involve committed engagement with participants' affective experiences.
RETHINKING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY: FROM GLOBAL GOVERNANCE TO TRANSNATIONAL NEOPLURALISM
Authors: KÜTTING GABRIELA , CERNY PHILIP G.
Published: July 2015

Originally focused on seeking policy solutions through international cooperation, transnational administration, and global governance, the study of global environmental policy has become increasingly diverse and fragmented. Complex, crosscutting variables ranging from a wider constellation of non‐state actors to diverse critical perspectives, along with a focus on narrower sub‐fields and the changing nature of environmental challenges themselves, have left the field in a state of flux. A broader, more process‐oriented explanatory framework is needed. Institutionalist, global governance and civil society approaches, as well as middle‐range concepts such as policy networks, are insufficient, while critical analyses, although a step in the right direction, are overly deterministic. Transnational neopluralism, which focuses on struggles for power and influence among material interest groups, social movements, and political actors in diverse issue‐areas, provides a more robust framework for developing a more insightful research agenda and more constructive policy‐making strategies in an increasingly complex and interdependent world.
Safety and efficacy of C1 esterase inhibitor for acute attacks in children with hereditary angioedema
Authors: Lumry William , Soteres Daniel , Gower Richard , Jacobson Kraig W. , Li H. Henry , Chen Hongzi , Schranz Jennifer
Published: July 2015

Background

Human plasma‐derived nanofiltered C1 esterase inhibitor (C1 INH‐nf) is used to treat acute angioedema attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE), but data regarding use in children are sparse.

Methods

Patients 2 to <12 years of age, body weight ≥10 kg, with a diagnosis of HAE type I or II, were recruited for a multicenter open‐label trial. Patients were recruited into 2 weight categories (10–25 kg, >25 kg). Each weight category included 2 dosing levels: C1 INH‐nf (500 units [U], 1000 U) and C1 INH‐nf (1000 U, 1500 U), respectively. Patients experiencing an angioedema attack were given a single intravenous dose. Primary efficacy end‐point was the onset of unequivocal relief of the defining symptom within 4 h following initiation of C1 INH‐nf treatment.

Results

Nine children were treated: 3 (10–25 kg) received 500 U; 3 (>25 kg) received 1000 U; and 3 (>25 kg) received 1500 U. The lower weight/higher dose category (10–25 kg, 1000 U) was not successfully enrolled. All patients completed the study. Most angioedema attacks (n = 5) were abdominal. All patients met the primary end‐point; median time to unequivocal symptom relief was 0.5 (range: 0.25–2.5) h. Doses of C1 INH‐nf ranged from 20.8 to 51.9 U/kg.

Conclusions

Treatment of a single angioedema attack with C1 INH‐nf doses of 500 U (in patients 10–25 kg), 1000 U, and 1500 U (in patients >25 kg) were well tolerated. Doses of C1 INH‐nf <1000 U may be appropriate in some pediatric patients.
A novel respiratory architecture in theSilurian molluscAcaenoplax
Authors: Dean Christopher D. , Sutton Mark D. , Siveter Derek J. , Siveter David J.
Published: July 2015

Extant aplacophorans, a group of shell‐less vermiform molluscs, respire through appendages within or projecting from a posterior cavity. Respiratory structures differ between the subclassesCaudofoveata (ctenidia within the cavity) andSolenogastres (folds of the mantle itself).Acaenoplax hayae, aSilurian vermiform mollusc from theHerefordshireLagerstätte,England, exhibits characteristics of both these groups. While recent work places it within the crown groupAplacophora, near the caudofoveates, initial observations suggested that its respiratory structures were closer to those of the solenogastres. Here, we present new reconstructions of the posterior ofAcaenoplaxprepared with the aim of resolving features obscured when prior studies were undertaken. These reconstructions detail a novel posterior architecture, not closely comparable to that of either extant aplacophoran group, in which respiratory projections arise from a membrane that partly encloses a central posterior cavity. The posterior membrane is flanked by small spherical projections; both membrane and spherical projections are apparently unique within theAplacophora. The existence of this previously undocumented respiratory system underlines the diversity of the aplacophoran clade during thePalaeozoic.
InvestigatingDevonian trees as geo‐engineers of past climates: linking palaeosols to palaeobotany and experimental geobiology
Authors: Morris Jennifer L. , Leake Jonathan R. , Stein William E. , Berry Christopher M. , Marshall John E. A. , Wellman Charles H. , Milton J. Andrew , Hillier Stephen , Mannolini Frank , Quirk Joe , Beerling David J.
Published: July 2015

We present the rationale for a cross‐disciplinary investigation addressing the ‘Devonian plant hypothesis’ which proposes that the evolutionary appearance of trees with deep, complex rooting systems represents one of the major biotic feedbacks on geochemical carbon cycling during thePhanerozoic. According to this hypothesis, trees have dramatically enhanced mineral weathering driving an increased flux ofCa2+to the oceans and, ultimately, a 90% decline in atmosphericCO2levels through thePalaeozoic. Furthermore, experimental studies indicate a key role for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soil–plant processes and especially in unlocking the limiting nutrient phosphorus in soil viaCa‐phosphate dissolution mineral weathering. This suggests co‐evolution of roots and symbiotic fungi since theEarlyDevonian could well have triggered positive feedbacks on weathering rates whereby root–fungalPrelease supports higher biomass forested ecosystems. Long‐standing areas of uncertainty in this paradigm include the following: (1) limited fossil record documenting the origin and timeline of the evolution of tree‐sized plants through theDevonian; and (2) the effects of the evolutionary advance of trees and theirin siturooting structures on palaeosol geochemistry. We are addressing these issues by integrating palaeobotanical studies with geochemical and mineralogical analyses of palaeosol sequences at selected sites across easternNorthAmerica with a particular focus on drill cores fromMiddleDevonian forests inGreeneCounty,NewYorkState.
Comparison of the gold standard of hemoglobin measurement with the clinical standard (BGA) and noninvasive hemoglobin measurement (SpHb) in small children: a prospective diagnostic observational study
Authors: Wittenmeier Eva , Bellosevich Sophia , Mauff Susanne , Schmidtmann Irene , Eli Michael , Pestel Gunther , Noppens Ruediger R.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Collecting a blood sample is usually necessary to measure hemoglobin levels in children. Especially in small children, noninvasively measuring the hemoglobin level could be extraordinarily helpful, but its precision and accuracy in the clinical environment remain unclear. In this study, noninvasive hemoglobin measurement and blood gas analysis were compared to hemoglobin measurement in a clinical laboratory.

Methods

In 60 healthy preoperative children (0.2–7.6 years old), hemoglobin was measured using a noninvasive method (SpHb; Radical‐7 Pulse Co‐Oximeter), a blood gas analyzer (clinical standard, BGAHb; ABL 800 Flex), and a laboratory hematology analyzer (reference method, labHb; Siemens Advia). Agreement between the results was assessed by Bland–Altman analysis and by determining the percentage of outliers.

Results

Sixty SpHb measurements, 60 labHb measurements, and 59 BGAHb measurements were evaluated. In 38% of the children, the location of the SpHb sensor had to be changed more than twice for the signal quality to be sufficient. The bias/limits of agreement between SpHb and labHb were −0.65/−3.4 to 2.1 g·dl−1. Forty‐four percent of the SpHb values differed from the reference value by more than 1 g·dl−1. Age, difficulty of measurement, and the perfusion index (PI) had no influence on the accuracy of SpHb. The bias/limits of agreement between BGAHb and labHb were 1.14/−1.6 to 3.9 g·dl−1. Furthermore, 66% of the BGAHb values differed from the reference values by more than 1 g·dl−1. The absolute mean difference between SpHb and labHb (1.1 g·dl−1) was smaller than the absolute mean difference between BGAHb and labHb (1.5 g·dl−1/P = 0.024).

Conclusion

Noninvasive measurement of hemoglobin agrees more with the reference method than the measurement of hemoglobin using a blood gas analyzer. However, both methods can show clinically relevant differences from the reference method (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01693016).
Future Contingents, Indeterminacy and Context
Authors: Sweeney Paula
Published: July 2015

In Facing the Future, Belnap et al. reject bivalence and propose double time reference semantics to give a pragmatic response to the following assertion problem: how can we make sense of assertions about future events made at a time when the outcomes of those events are not yet determined? John MacFarlane employs the same semantics, now bolstered with a relative‐truth predicate, to accommodate the following apparently conflicting intuitions regarding the truth‐value of an uttered future contingent: at the moment of utterance, if asked to evaluate the truth‐value of the asserted future contingent one has the intuition that the assertion is neither true nor false, yet later, at the moment of the predicted event, one has the intuition that the assertion was, already, either true or false. Both MacFarlane and Belnap assume that assertions of future contingents have complete propositional content – the traditional propositional contents that, according to him ‘are the contents of assertions and beliefs’. This assumption is challenged.
Does using cognitive‐behavioural therapy skills predict improvements in depression?
Authors: Hundt Natalie E. , Calleo Jessica Sepulveda , Williams Wright , Cully Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2015

We examined symptoms and use of cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) skills during treatment for 60 outpatients receiving group CBT for depression. Depression symptoms decreased significantly and frequency of skills use increased significantly during treatment, and increases in skills use from pre‐treatment to mid‐treatment predicted changes in depression at post‐treatment.

Practitioner points

Patients who report infrequent use of skills may be at risk for treatment non‐response, which can provide an early warning sign for clinicians.

Potential interventions include more psychoeducation about the treatment rationale to increase ‘buy‐in’ or motivational interviewing to increase skills use.
Strict management of a pregnant patient with giant coronary artery aneurysm due to Kawasaki disease
Authors: Taniguchi Kosuke , Ono Hiroshi , Sato Anna , Kinomoto Satoko , Tagawa Naomi , Umehara Nagayoshi , Kato Hitoshi , Sago Haruhiko
Published: July 2015

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) may occur in Kawasaki disease (KD). Patients with giant CAA (diameter >8 mm), in particular, have higher risk of myocardial infarction. Previous reports have demonstrated the necessity of anticoagulation therapy in such cases. The management of patients with KD complicated by giant CAA later in life, however, remains controversial. Here, we describe the strict management in the case of a 28‐year‐old pregnant Japanese woman with KD with giant CAA (diameter, 11 mm). Instead of warfarin, the patient was given low‐dose aspirin and i.v. unfractionated heparin during pregnancy to prevent thrombosis in the giant CAA. At 38 weeks of gestation, she had spontaneous delivery of a healthy baby. No thrombotic or bleeding complications were observed. The strict anticoagulation therapy resulted in successful pregnancy and delivery without any adverse events.
The Virtuous Tortoise
Authors: Botting David
Published: July 2015

There is no philosophically interesting distinction to be made between inference‐rules and premises. That there is such a distinction is often held to follow from the possibility of infinite regress illustrated by Carroll's story of Achilles and the tortoise. I will argue that this is wrong on three separate grounds. Consequently, Carroll's fable provides no motivation to abandon the traditional logical separation of arguments into their premises and conclusions. There is no proposition that must be taken to be a rule and must not be taken as a premise.
Myeloid expression of the AP‐1 transcription factor JUNB modulates outcomes of type 1 and type 2 parasitic infections
Authors: Fontana M. F. , Baccarella A. , Kellar D. , Oniskey T. K. , Terinate P. , Rosenberg S. D. , Huang E. J. , Herbert D. R. , Kim C. C.
Published: July 2015

Activation of macrophages is a key step in the initiation of immune responses, but the transcriptional mechanisms governing macrophage activation during infection are not fully understood. It was recently shown that the AP‐1 family transcription factor JUNB positively regulates macrophage activation in response to Toll‐like receptor agonists that promote classical or M1 polarization, as well as to the cytokine interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), which elicits an alternatively activated or M2 phenotype. However, a role for JUNB in macrophage activation has never been demonstrated in vivo. Here, to dissect the role of JUNB in macrophage activation in a physiological setting, mice lacking JUNB specifically in myeloid cells were tested in two infection models: experimental cerebral malaria, which elicits a pathological type 1 immune response, and helminth infection, in which type 2 responses are protective. Myeloid‐restricted deletion of Junb reduced type 1 immune activation, which was associated with reduced cerebral pathology and improved survival during infection with Plasmodium berghei. Myeloid JUNB deficiency also compromised type 2 activation during infection with the hookworm Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, leading to diminished cytokine production and eosinophil recruitment and increased parasite burden. These results demonstrate that JUNB in myeloid cells shapes host responses and outcomes during type 1 and type 2 infections.
How Discrimination Impacts Sociopolitical Behavior: A Multidimensional Perspective
Authors: Oskooii Kassra AR
Published: July 2015

The conventional wisdom regarding the impact of discrimination on political behavior is that the perception of prejudiced treatment motivates individuals to take political action. This study challenges this common conception by demonstrating that the source of discrimination can play a significant role in whether perceived or experienced injustice leads to activism or withdrawal from sociopolitical life. Drawing from political science and social psychology literature, this study provides a new perspective on the potential effects of discrimination on a relatively new marginalized group in the United States. Specifically, an important distinction is drawn between political (systematic) and societal (interpersonal) discrimination in analyzing the sociopolitical behavior of American Muslims in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The results will hopefully encourage scholars to take a deeper look at the nexus between discrimination and democratic engagement, which is an important, complex, multidimensional, and understudied topic.
Isolation and pathogenicity of Phytophthora species from declining Rubus anglocandicans
Authors: Aghighi S. , Burgess T. I. , Scott J. K. , Calver M. , Hardy G. E. St. J.
Published: July 2015

Rubus anglocandicans is the most widespread and abundant blackberry species within the European blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) aggregate in Western Australia (WA). European blackberry is also one of the 32 Weeds of National Significance in Australia. A disease recorded as ‘blackberry decline’ was first observed in some blackberry sites in WA in 2006. A disease survey was conducted in the Manjimup‐Pemberton region along the Warren and Donnelly River catchments in WA between 2010 and 2012. Phytophthora amnicola, P. bilorbang, P. cryptogea, P. inundata, P. litoralis, P. multivora, P. taxon personii, P. thermophila and a P. thermophila × amnicola hybrid were recovered from declining and adjacent decline‐free sites, as well as from streams and rivers. Phytophthora cinnamomi was isolated from dying Banksia and Eucalyptus species from two non‐decline sites. Of these species, P. bilorbang and P. cryptogea were more pathogenic than the others in under‐bark inoculations using excised stems (primocanes), in planta primocane inoculations in blackberry growing wild in native forest stands, and in glasshouse pot trials. It was concluded that blackberry decline is a complex syndrome and Phytophthora species, in particular P. bilorbang and P. cryptogea, together with temporary inundation, are major biotic and abiotic factors contributing to blackberry decline.
Analyzing Policy Networks Using Valued Exponential Random Graph Models: Do Government‐Sponsored Collaborative Groups Enhance Organizational Networks?
Authors: Scott Tyler A.
Published: July 2015

This paper examines collaborative management groups from the perspective of policymakers seeking to increase coordination within a policy network. While governments often support collaborative groups as a tool to address perceived network failures such as a lack of coordination, the net impact groups have is unclear. I use valued exponential random graph models (ERGMs) to model relationships of varying strength among a regional network of organizations involved in 57 collaborative groups. This provides a unique opportunity to study the interplay between numerous groups and organizations within a large‐scale network. Valued ERGMs are a recently developed extension of standard ERGMs that model valued instead of binary ties; thus, this paper also makes a methodological contribution to the policy literature. Findings suggest that participation in collaborative groups does motivate coordination and cooperation amongst individual network organizations; however, this effect is strongest for: (i) organizations that are not already members of another group and (ii) organizations that do not have a preexisting tie. These results support a transaction‐cost–based perspective of how government‐sponsored collaborative groups can influence network coordination; further, they also provide an empirical example of the Ecology of Games, in which multiple collaborative institutions have interactive effects on one another within a policy network.
Towards an attention‐based view of technology decisions
Authors: Palmié Maximilian , Lingens Bernhard , Gassmann Oliver
Published: July 2015

The importance of technology decisions is widely acknowledged in both research and practice. However, we know little about how companies structure technology decisions from an organizational point of view and how attention is distributed in the course of the decision process in order to identify, process, and transfer information between the organizational units involved. Using the attention‐based view of the firm and 14 qualitative case studies, we present five approaches for organizing technology decisions: (1) centralized decision‐making, (2) busy information bee, (3) double‐blind analysis, (4) moderated expert panel, and (5) coterie approach. On this ground, this paper introduces a new, attention‐based view on technology decisions, which improves the theoretical understanding of organizations and provides guidelines for practitioners in choosing an appropriate organizational configuration in this regard.
Biomarkers, the control panel and personalized COPD medicine
Authors: Agusti Alvar , Gea Joaquim , Faner Rosa
Published: July 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex and heterogeneous disease, so its clinical management needs to be personalized as much as possible. ‘Complex’ means that COPD has several components with non‐linear dynamic interactions, whereas ‘heterogeneous’ indicates that not all these components are present in all patients or, in a given patient, at all time points. This complexity and heterogeneity explains and justifies the need for personalizing the assessment and treatment of patients with COPD. We propose here that the implementation of a ‘control panel’ will facilitate the deployment of personalized COPD medicine in clinical practice. Such a control panel should provide the practicing clinician complementary and relevant information on treatable clinical characteristics in a single patient at a given time point. For the purpose of this discussion, we consider these variables to be ‘biomarkers’. Which treatable clinical characteristics should the COPD control panel include has not yet been formally validated. The review below suggests and discusses which ones might be considered in the future and should be viewed as a working proposal.
Increased β‐glucuronidase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of children with bacterial lung infection: A case–control study
Authors: Panagiotopoulou Evgenia C. , Fouzas Sotirios , Douros Konstantinos , Triantaphyllidou Irene‐Eva , Malavaki Christina , Priftis Kostas N. , Karamanos Nikos K. , Anthracopoulos Michael B.
Published: July 2015

Background and objective

β‐Glucuronidase is a lysosomal enzyme released into the extracellular fluid during inflammation. Increased β‐glucuronidase activity in the cerebrospinal and peritoneal fluid has been shown to be a useful marker of bacterial inflammation. We explored the role of β‐glucuronidase in the detection of bacterial infection in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of paediatric patients.

Methods

In this case–control study, % polymorphonuclear cell count (PMN%), β‐glucuronidase activity, interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and elastase were measured in culture‐positive (≥104 cfu/mL, C+) and ‐negative (C−) BALF samples obtained from children.

Results

A total of 92 BALF samples were analysed. The median β‐glucuronidase activity (measured in nanomoles of 4‐methylumbelliferone (4‐MU)/mL BALF/h) was 246.4 in C+ (interquartile range: 71.2–751) and 21.9 in C− (4.0–40.8) (P < 0.001). The levels of TNF‐α and IL‐8 were increased in C+ as compared with C− (5.4 (1.7–12.6) vs 0.7 (0.2–6.2) pg/mL, P < 0.001 and 288 (76–4300) vs 287 (89–1566) pg/mL, P = 0.042, respectively). Elastase level and PMN% did not differ significantly (50 (21–149) vs 26 (15–59) ng/mL, P = 0.051 and 20 (9–40) vs 18 (9–34) %, P = 0.674, respectively). The area under the curve of β‐glucuronidase activity (0.856, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.767–0.920) was higher than that of TNF‐α (0.718; 95% CI: 0.614–0.806; P = 0.040), IL‐8 (0.623; 95% CI: 0.516–0.722; P = 0.001), elastase (0.645; 95% CI: 0.514–0.761; P = 0.008) and PMN% (0.526; 95 % CI: 0.418–0.632; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a significant increase of β‐glucuronidase activity in BALF of children with culture‐positive bacterial inflammation. In our population β‐glucuronidase activity showed superior predictive ability for bacterial lung infection than other markers of inflammation.
An Empirical, Nonparametric Simulator for Multivariate Random Variables with Differing Marginal Densities and Nonlinear Dependence with Hydroclimatic Applications
Authors: Lall Upmanu , Devineni Naresh , Kaheil Yasir
Published: July 2015

Multivariate simulations of a set of random variables are often needed for risk analysis. Given a historical data set, the goal is to develop simulations that reproduce the dependence structure in that data set so that the risk of potentially correlated factors can be evaluated. A nonparametric, copula‐based simulation approach is developed and exemplified. It can be applied to multiple variables or to spatial fields with arbitrary dependence structures and marginal densities. The nonparametric simulator uses logspline density estimation in the univariate setting, together with a sampling strategy to reproduce dependence across variables or spatial instances, through a nonparametric numerical approximation of the underlying copula function. The multivariate data vectors are assumed to be independent and identically distributed. A synthetic example is provided to illustrate the method, followed by an application to the risk of livestock losses in Mongolia.
Migration‐as‐development repackaged? The globalizing imperative of the Singaporean state's diaspora strategies
Authors: Ho Elaine Lynn‐Ee , Boyle Mark
Published: July 2015

Diaspora strategizing is becoming an important field of public policy in countries that seek to advance development through migration. Diaspora strategies present a way of complicating interpretations of development, as countries that represent different levels of development seek to mobilize diaspora networks nonetheless. While Singapore's diaspora strategies prioritize diaspora knowledge networks, it bears the stamp of the country's colonial history, postcolonial priorities and developmental state apparatus. We suggest that these factors result in a distinctive diaspora strategy characterized by a centralized and technocratic approach more similar to diaspora strategies found in emerging economies. Earlier research on diaspora strategies has been concerned with assessing successes or failures, but a more critical scholarship that questions the logics and outcomes of diaspora strategizing is emerging. We bring the Singaporean case into dialogue with four such critiques: first, the intellectual foundations of diaspora‐centred development; second, the hyperextension of state infrastructure for emigration and stakeholder alignment; third, the selective mobilization of the idea of diaspora; and fourth, the evidence base upon which diaspora‐centred development is predicated. Our goal is to further critical interrogation into the logics, efficacy and sustainability of diaspora strategizing. We situate our analyses in the international literature on diaspora knowledge mobilization.
Integrating socio‐economic and biophysical models: revision of a land‐use allocation model
Authors: Du Y. , Liu T. , Huffman T. , McConkey B. , Toure S. , Feng F. , Green M. , Liu J. , Liu H.
Published: July 2015

Integration of large‐area, economically driven macro‐models and small‐area, biophysically based models in the Canadian agricultural sector was described recently in the development of a land‐use allocation model (LUAM). We have since developed and integrated an improved methodology for allocating crop area changes generated for large areas by the Canadian Regional Agricultural Model (CRAM) to much smaller Soil Landscapes of Canada (SLC) polygons. Validation of outputs showed considerable improvement. The new coefficients of determination (R2) between simulated and actual data, with previous values in brackets, were 0.69 for fodder corn (0.54), 0.88 for wheat (0.62), 0.77 for hay (0.26), 0.54 for alfalfa (not previously reported), 0.88 for soya bean (0.26) and 0.86 for grain corn (0.22). The best result was obtained for soya bean, with a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 0.31%, and the poorest for alfalfa, with NRMSE = 17.34%.
Of flowers and twigs: phylogenetic revision of the plant‐mimicking praying mantises (Mantodea:Empusidae and Hymenopodidae) with a new suprageneric classification
Authors: SVENSON GAVIN J. , HARDY NATE B. , CAHILL WIGHTMAN HALEY M. , WIELAND FRANK
Published: July 2015

We present a suprageneric revision of the plant‐mimicking mantis familiesEmpusidae andHymenopodidae on the basis of a total‐evidence phylogenetic analysis with complete generic representation. We coded 124 characters from external morphology and used these together with aDNAdataset comprising ten gene fragments for an aligned matrix with 7514 nucleic acid sites to estimate phylogenetic relationships. We recovered largely congruent topologies across molecular, morphological and total evidence analyses. Empusidae and its assigned subfamilies were recovered as monophyletic. Hymenopodidae was recovered as paraphyletic with respect toSibyllidae andPhyllothelyinae (Mantidae) whereas a small assemblage of hymenopodid taxa (GalinthiasStål,CongoharpaxLaGreca,PseudoharpaxSaussure andHarpagomantisKirby) were recovered outside the family. TheCaribbean genusEpaphroditaAudinet‐Serville was also recovered far from the rest of the hymenopodid subfamilyEpaphroditinae, in which it is traditionally classified. The nonmonophyly ofAcromantinae was recovered with some species nested withinOxypilinae and others found withinHymenopodinae. We present a new classification scheme that includes an elevated family and subfamily (Galinthiadidae andPhyllocraniinae), two reinstated tribes (Anaxarchini andOtomantini), a family demoted to subfamily rank (Sibyllinae), a newly assigned subfamily toHymenopodidae transferred fromMantidae (Phyllothelyinae), and new generic assignments to existing higher‐level groups. We used our morphological characters to produce extensive re‐descriptions of all suprageneric groups as well as character diagnoses. We provide a dichotomous key to genera supported by example illustrations of important morphological features as well as dorsal habitus images of representative specimens.