bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging evidence supports grouping by location of early gastric carcinoma for appropriate clinical management in Chinese patients
Authors: Huang Qin , Li Rui , Xu Gui Fang , Zhou Dan , Fan Xiang Shan , Zou Xiao Ping
Published: October 2018

Gastric cancer is common in China. At present, early detection with prompt resection of early gastric carcinoma (EGC) is crucial for improving patient's survival. Because of high heterogeneity of EGC in Chinese patients we reviewed recent clinicopathological and molecular evidence and proposed a grouping EGC in three subgroups according to their location for appropriate management. In group 1 (cardia), most patients with EGC in this small location were elderly men. The tumors originated in the cardiac mucosa with a high proportion of cases with slightly elevated gross patterns and intestinal adenocarcinoma histology with moderate to well differentiation. Poorly cohesive carcinoma was infrequent. As the risk for lymph node metastasis in this kind of tumor was significantly lower than that in the distal stomach, endoscopic therapy is preferred. Group 2 (fundus‐corpus), many patients with EGC in this large location were young women. The EGCs originated in the oxyntic mucosa with pure and mixed poorly cohesive carcinomas that are more commonly present in this area than in any other. Most tumors were poorly differentiated with a high risk for lymph node metastasis. Thus, endoscopic therapy may be appropriate for intramucosal, but not for submucosal, carcinoma. Group 3 (antrum‐pylorus). EGC tumors arose from the antral mucosa, primarily because of Helicobacter pylori infection, following the Correa gastric cancer tumorigenetic pathway. Erosive and ulcerated gross patterns were most frequently observed. While most EGCs in this location were mainly intestinal adenocarcinomas, poorly differentiated EGCs were substantial in number. Because the risk of lymph node metastasis remains to be illustrated, clinical management requires an individualized approach. This preliminary observation requires verification in large nationwide multicenter studies.
Effects of organic acid and medium chain fatty acid blends on the performance of sows and their piglets
Authors: Lan Ruixia , Kim Inho
Published: October 2018

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of organic acid (OA) and medium‐chain fatty acid (MCFA) blends on production performance of sows and their litters. A total of 36 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, average parity is 3.3, SE = 0.2) were randomly allocated to three treatments with 12 replicates. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; MC1, CON + 0.1% OA, and MCFA blends; MC2, CON + 0.2% OA, and MCFA blends. During lactation, no differences were observed in body weight (BW) loss, average daily feed intake, backfat thickness, digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, or energy of sows. There were linear increase (p < 0.05) in BW and average daily gain of sucking piglets. On parturition and weaning day, there was a linear increase (p < 0.05) in fecal Lactobacillus counts, as well as a linear decrease (p < 0.05) in fecal Escherichia coli counts of sows on weaning day. The sucking piglets also had a linear increase (p < 0.05) in fecal Lactobacillus counts and a linear decrease (p < 0.05) in fecal E. coli counts. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of OA and MCFA blends in sows exerts beneficial effects to sows shifted fecal microbiota by increasing Lactobacillus and decreased E. coli counts. It also improved the performance of piglets.
Hispaglabridin B, a constituent of liquorice identified by a bioinformatics and machine learning approach, relieves protein‐energy wasting by inhibiting forkhead box O1
Authors: Huang Zeng‐Yan , Wang Ling‐Jun , Wang Jia‐Jia , Feng Wen‐Jun , Yang Zhong‐Qi , Ni Shi‐Hao , Huang Yu‐Sheng , Li Huan , Yang Yi , Wang Ming‐Qing , Hu Rong , Wan Heng , Wen Chan‐Juan , Xian Shao‐Xiang , Lu Lu
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose

Liquorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, which is a popular food in Europe and China that has previously shown benefits for skeletal fatigue and nutrient metabolism. However, the mechanism and active ingredients remain largely unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the active ingredients of liquorice for muscle wasting and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Experimental Approach

RNA‐Seq and bioinformatics analysis were applied to predict the main target of liquorice. A machine learning model and a docking tool were used to predict active ingredients. Isotope labelling experiments, immunostaining, Western blots, qRT‐PCR, ChIP‐PCR and luciferase reporters were utilized to test the pharmacological effects in vitro and in vivo. The reverse effects were verified through recombination‐based overexpression.

Key Results

The liposoluble constituents of liquorice improved muscle wasting by inhibiting protein catabolism and fibre atrophy. We further identified FoxO1 as the target of liposoluble constituents of liquorice. In addition, hispaglabridin B (HB) was predicted as an inhibitor of FoxO1. Further studies determined that HB improved muscle wasting by inhibiting catabolism in vivo and in vitro. HB also markedly suppressed the transcriptional activity of FoxO1, with decreased expression of the muscle‐specific E3 ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and Atrogin‐1.

Conclusions and Implications

HB can serve as a novel natural food extract for preventing muscle wasting in chronic kidney disease and possibly other catabolic conditions.
Myocardial perfusion assessed with cardiac computed tomography in women without coronary heart disease
Authors: Bechsgaard Daria Frestad , Gustafsson Ida , Linde Jesper James , Kofoed Klaus Fuglsang , Prescott Eva , Hove Jens Dahlgaard
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Combined coronary CT angiography and CT perfusion (CTP) is a novel, non‐invasive, ‘one‐stop’ diagnostic tool to rule out ischaemia in patients suspected for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the normal myocardial perfusion pattern by static CTP in humans is poorly described. We aimed to investigate global and regional myocardial perfusion during rest and adenosine‐induced hyperaemia in asymptomatic women without history of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Using a 320‐row CT scanner with a static protocol, semi‐quantitative assessment of rest and stress CTP was performed in 34 asymptomatic middle‐aged women without obstructive CAD (<50% stenosis) or history of CHD, and with normal exercise stress test and left ventricular (LV) function. Using a 16‐segment model, we assessed global and regional values of LV myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) and transmural perfusion ratio (TPR).

Results

Mean±SD age was 56 ± 13 years. Resting and hyperaemic myocardial perfusion was heterogeneously distributed throughout the LV myocardium. During hyperaemia, global MPR increased by median (IQR) 158% (144–176) with the highest increase in the right coronary artery territory (171%; P<0.02). Rest and stress segmental TPR values ranged between 0.93‐1.26 and 0.99‐1.13, respectively, with the lowest values detected in the inferoseptal segments. No differences in perfusion parameters were found between participants with normal epicardial arteries and participants with non‐significant epicardial atheromatosis (all P>0.05). Global perfusion parameters were not associated with age or menopausal status (all P>0.05).

Conclusions

This descriptive study presents data on global and regional myocardial perfusion in a cohort of healthy middle‐aged women.
Intensive post‐polypectomy surveillance: Too much for too little?
Authors: Hassan Cesare , Repici Alessandro
Published: October 2018

This Editorial refers to the article by M. Sekiguchi, p 40‐50 of this issue.
Reliability and predictive validity of the Standardized Infant NeuroDevelopmental Assessment neurological scale
Authors: Hadders‐Algra Mijna , Tacke Uta , Pietz Joachim , Rupp André , Philippi Heike
Published: October 2018

Aim

To assess reliability and predictive validity of the neurological scale of the Standardized Infant NeuroDevelopmental Assessment (SINDA), a recently developed assessment for infants aged 6 weeks to 12 months.

Method

To assess reliability, three assessors independently rated video‐recorded neurological assessments of 24 infants twice. Item difficulty and discrimination were determined. To evaluate predictive validity, 181 infants (median gestational age 30wks [range 22–41wks]; 92 males, 89 females) attending a non‐academic outpatient clinic were assessed withSINDA's neurological scale (28 dichotomized items). Atypical neurodevelopmental outcome at 24 months or older corrected age implied a Bayley Mental Developmental Index or Psychomotor Developmental Index lower than 70 or a diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP). Predictive values were calculated fromSINDA(2–12mo corrected age, median 3mo) and typical versus atypical outcome.

Results

Intraclass correlation coefficients of intrarater and interrater agreement of the neurological score varied between 0.923 and 0.965. Item difficulty and discrimination were satisfactory. At 24 months or older, 56 children (31%) had an atypical outcome (29 hadCP). Atypical neurological scores (below 25th centile, ≤21) predicted atypical outcome andCPwith sensitivities of 89% and 100%, and specificities of 94% and 81% respectively.

Interpretation

SINDA's neurological scale is reliable and in a non‐academic outpatient setting has a satisfactory predictive validity for atypical developmental outcome, includingCP, at 24 months or older.

What this paper adds

The Standardized Infant NeuroDevelopmental Assessment's neurological scale has a good to excellent reliability.

The scale has promising predictive validity for cerebral palsy.

The scale has promising predictive validity for other types of atypical developmental outcome.
Predictors of virological failure in HIV‐1‐infected patients switching to dolutegravir maintenance monotherapy
Authors: Wijting IEA , Rutsaert SL , Rokx C , Burger DM , Verbon A , van Kampen JJA , Boucher CAB , Rijnders BJA , Vandekerckhove L
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The Dolutegravir Monotherapy for HIV (DOMONO; NCT02401828) study showed that maintenance monotherapy with dolutegravir (DTG) is associated with virological failure (VF) and leads to DTG resistance and as a result should not be used. However, data on clinical and virological factors associated with VF during DTG monotherapy are lacking. We identified factors associated with VF during DTG monotherapy.

Methods

A randomized trial was carried out in which patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) with an HIV‐1 RNA zenith < 100 000 copies/mL and a CD4 T‐cell nadir ≥ 200 cells/μL, who had never experienced VF, switched to DTG monotherapy. Clinical and virological factors were compared between patients with and without VF, using univariate analyses.

Results

Eight of the 95 patients developed VF during DTG monotherapy. A total of 78 participants had reached week 48 when the study was discontinued. The median CD4 T‐cell nadir was lower in patients with VF than in patients without VF [260 (interquartile range (IQR) 223–320) versus 380 (IQR 290–520) cells/μL, respectively; P = 0.011]. Patients with VF had a longer time between HIV diagnosis and cART initiation than those without VF [median 49 (IQR 27–64) versus 15 (IQR 1–38) months, respectively; P = 0.015]. The median total peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) HIV DNA copy number was higher in patients with VF than in those without VF [417 (range 85–4151) versus 147 (range 16–4132) copies/106 PBMCs, respectively; P = 0.022].

Conclusions

A lower CD4 nadir, a longer time between HIV diagnosis and cART initiation, and a higher HIV DNA copy number at the time of DTG monotherapy initiation were associated with VF. While there clearly is no future role for DTG monotherapy, ongoing and future studies on the efficacy of maintenance dual therapy (e.g. DTG lamivudine) may have to take these variables into account in their study design and analysis.
Market Excess Returns, Variance and the Third Cumulant
Authors: Zhang Jin E. , Chang Eric C. , Zhao Huimin
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we develop an equilibrium asset pricing model for market excess returns, variance and the third cumulant by using a jump‐diffusion process with stochastic variance and jump intensity in Cox et al. (1985) production economy. Empirical evidence with the S&P 500 index and options from January, 1996 to December, 2005 strongly supports our model prediction that the lower the third cumulant, the higher the market excess returns. Consistent with existing literature, the theoretical mean–variance relation is supported only by regressions on risk‐neutral variance. We further demonstrate empirically that the third cumulant explains significantly the variance risk premium.
Contracting Sequentially with Multiple Lenders: The Role of Menus
Authors: ATTAR ANDREA , CASAMATTA CATHERINE , CHASSAGNON ARNOLD , DÉCAMPS JEAN PAUL
Published: October 2018

We study a credit market in which multiple lenders sequentially offer financing to a single borrower under moral hazard. We show that restricting lenders to post single offers involves a loss of generality: none of the equilibrium outcomes arising in this scenario survives if lenders offer menus of contracts. This result challenges the approach followed in standard models of multiple lending. From a theoretical perspective, we offer new insights on equilibrium robustness in sequential common agency games.
A Tale of Two Growth Engines: Interactive Effects of Monetary Policy and Intellectual Property Rights
Authors: CHU ANGUS C. , LAI CHING‐CHONG , LIAO CHIH‐HSING
Published: October 2018

How do intellectual property rights that determine the market power of firms influence the growth and welfare effects of monetary policy? To analyze this question, we develop a monetary hybrid endogenous growth model in which R&D and capital accumulation are both engines of long‐run economic growth. We find that monetary expansion hurts economic growth and social welfare by reducing R&D and capital accumulation. Furthermore, a larger market power of firms strengthens these growth and welfare effects of monetary policy through the R&D channel but weakens these effects through the capital‐accumulation channel. Therefore, whether the market power of firms amplifies or mitigates the welfare cost of inflation depends on the relative importance of the two growth engines. Finally, we calibrate the model using data in the United States and the Euro Area to quantitatively evaluate and compare the welfare cost of inflation in these two economies and find that the R&D channel dominates in both economies.
Validation of the Nursing Diagnosis “Labile Emotional Control” in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Santos Ana Carla Ferreira Silva dos , Hora Mota Edilene Curvelo , Santos Valmira dos , Cartaxo Freitas Carla Kalline Alves , Barreiro Maria do Socorro Claudino , Santos Lyvia de Jesus Andrade dos , de Andrade Joseilze Santos , Vasconcelos Geferson Messias Teles , Freitas João Paulo Almeida
Published: October 2018

Objective

To validate the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis “labile emotional control” in traumatic brain injury (TBI) outpatients.

Design

This was a descriptive, cross‐sectional, quantitative study.

Methods

Thirty‐one Brazilian nurses who were experts in the area of TBI answered a semistructured questionnaire on the diagnosis “labile emotional control” based on NANDA‐International (NANDA‐I) Taxonomy II (2015–2017) using a Likert‐type scale to rate the 13 defining characteristics. Based on Fehring's model, the weighted average of ≥80 was used to define the main characteristic and the mean of ≥0.50 was considered for total content validation.

Results

Out of the 13 defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis studied, “leaving a social situation” (0.80) and “expression of emotions inconsistent with the triggering factor” (0.81) were classified as principal characteristics, while the 11 others were classified as secondary characteristics. The diagnosis “labile emotional control” obtained a total score of 0.69, which was considered valid according to NANDA‐I Taxonomy II.

Conclusions

Because this is a new diagnosis with subjective characteristics, there is a need to train nurses to recognize the defining characteristics for the diagnosis.

Clinical Relevance

The validation of this diagnosis helps nurses understand and identify the subjective characteristics of the emotional impressions expressed by patients with TBI. These defining characteristics will help improve TBI nurses’ clinical practice.
Policy Uncertainty and Saving Attitude: Evidence from a Survey on Consumers
Authors: Morikawa Masayuki
Published: October 2018

Uncertainty over the social security and tax system is often pointed out as a source of stagnant household consumption at the aggregate level. This study presents empirical evidence on this issue by using original survey data of Japanese individuals. The results indicate that individuals are highly uncertain over the future course of social security and tax policies. The policy uncertainty is associated with an orientation toward saving, and the relationship is stronger for low‐income individuals. These results suggest that improving long‐term predictability in the social security and tax system may contribute to weakening households' saving orientation.
Pseudo‐nitzschia nanaoensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae) from the Chinese coast of the South China Sea
Authors: Li Yang , Dong Huan Chang , Teng Sing Tung , Bates Stephen S. , Lim Po Teen
Published: October 2018

Pseudo‐nitzschia nanaoensis sp. nov. is described from waters around Nan'ao Island (South China Sea), using morphological data and molecular evidence. This species is morphologically most similar to P. brasiliana, but differs by a denser arrangement of fibulae, interstriae, and poroids, as well as by the structure of the valvocopula and the narrow second band. Pseudo‐nitzschia nanaoensis constitutes a monophyletic lineage and is well differentiated from other species on the LSU and ITS2 sequence‐structure trees. Pseudo‐nitzschia nanaoensis makes up the basal node on the LSU tree, and forms a sister clade with a group of P. pungens and P. multiseries on the ITS2 tree. The ability of cultured strains to produce domoic acid was assessed, including its possible induction by the presence of a copepod and brine shrimp, by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. However, no strains showed detectable domoic acid.
First record of dwarf Victorian mouthbrooder Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae (Schöller, 1903) in Lake Naivasha, Kenya, including data on its molecular identification: Management implications
Authors: Otachi Elick O. , Rindoria Nehemiah M. , Medhanit Meri M. , Ayeka Peter A. , Wąs‐Barcz Anna
Published: October 2018

The present study describes the first record of 83 Dwarf Victorian mouthbrooder (Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae Seegers, 2000) newly discovered in Lake Naivasha, Kenya, in January 2016. Membership of the species was determined on the basis of morphometric characteristics and molecular analysis. The average length (±SD) of the fish was 6.95 ± 0.86 cm, and average weight was 5.59 ± 1.99 g. The body is normal/fusiform, the dorsal head profile convex‐shaped, the mouth is terminal with bright blue lips, and the anal fin with a reddish tip, being distinctive features of the fish. The sequences of subunit I cytochrome oxidase (COI) and cytochrome b (cyt b) genes obtained in the present study were compared with records deposited in BoldSystem and NCBI databases. Using two genetic markers enabled unambiguous determination of the species membership. The queried specimen was assigned to the Cichlidae family, as Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae (100–96.68% similarity). These results constitute the baseline study for this fish in Lake Naivasha.
Making anthropology relevant: Collaborative assessment in support of graduate and undergraduate success beyond the university
Authors: RICKE AUDREY
Published: October 2018

While team‐based and interdisciplinary research is increasingly common for anthropologists and other researchers, pedagogical strategies for integrating hands‐on training in this area is underexplored. As anthropologists reflect on how to prepare the next generation of researchers, this article addresses a strategy for designing and assessing undergraduate assignments that provides undergraduate and graduate students experiences that are transferable to interdisciplinary and team‐based projects. I argue that a collaborative assessment approach to undergraduate applied anthropology assignments based on a model for developing team‐based codebooks by MacQueen et al. (2008) can support graduate and undergraduate students in acquiring skills for their future careers. Drawing on several years of experience teaching medium‐to‐large enrolling introductory cultural anthropology courses, this article illustrates how a collaborative assessment approach offers graduate teaching assistants hands‐on experience with navigating team‐based projects and codebook development as well as supports undergraduate students in refining their critical thinking and writing skills interdisciplinarily.
How Quickly We Selectively Forget: Experimental Tests of Information Order on Memory and Candidate Evaluation
Authors: Goggin Stephen N.
Published: October 2018

Despite enormous variation in the order, positivity, and content of information that real‐world electoral campaigns present to voters, we know little about their interactive role in candidate evaluation. This study presents results from two multiwave experiments that varied the positivity of information, its order, and its personal or policy content and assessed its memorability and impact on evaluations over several days. Consistent with observational evidence, recent information is not only more memorable, but also more impactful, in candidate evaluation. However, these effects on evaluations are asymmetric by the positivity of the information, with negative information more impactful than positive information when it is recent, even though negative information fades more quickly in memory. Furthermore, positive and personal information is more memorable, and positive personal information can serve as a powerful anchor when presented first, diminishing recency effects.
China’s rise, asymmetric trade shocks and exchange rate regimes
Authors: Caselli Francesca G.
Published: October 2018

China’s rapid growth provides a natural experiment to study the effects of asymmetric trade shocks on the competitiveness of OECD countries. The different levels of exposure to Chinese trade competition, as measured using an index of export similarity, triggered asymmetric shocks as China’s trade surged. Motivated by a Ricardian framework, this paper finds that countries with exports similar to those of China experience a loss in competitiveness compared with countries with a different trade structure. Once an additional layer of distinction is introduced between fixed and flexible exchange rate regimes, I find that countries with a fixed exchange rate and with relatively high similarity to China experience a real appreciation.
Market power in distribution and pass‐through for consumers and producers
Authors: Francois Joseph , Manchin Miriam
Published: October 2018

We examine the differential pass‐through of import prices into consumer and producer prices. We develop a framework with distribution costs and distribution market power. We then examine pass‐through from import prices to consumer and producer prices in the euro area using the U.S. import price as instrument. We find that pass‐through rates to producer prices are more sensitive to changes in distribution margins than pass‐through to consumer prices. Furthermore, only a portion of import price changes translate into domestic price changes limiting potential consumer benefits from tariff liberalization, with market power in distribution services being one important factor reducing pass‐through.
Causal Effect of Credit Guarantees for Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Enterprises: Evidence from Italy
Authors: D’Ignazio Alessio , Menon Carlo
Published: October 2018

We evaluate the effectiveness of a partial credit guarantee program, implemented in a large Italian region, that aimed to improve the access to credit of small and medium enterprises. Using unique microdata from a broad set of firms, we show that the policy increased the long‐term loans for beneficiary firms, while the total volume of bank loans was unaffected. Furthermore, targeted firms benefited from a substantial decrease in interest rates. However, there is some evidence that firms are more likely to default as a consequence of the treatment. Conversely, the results do not point to any significant effect on investments.
The study of engraftment after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: From the presence of mixed chimerism to the development of immunological tolerance
Authors: Andreani Marco , Gregori Silvia
Published: October 2018

Over the last three decades, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has become an important therapeutic tool that can cure life‐threatening diseases affecting children and adults, including a variety of neoplastic and inborn genetic disorders of the hematopoietic system. Engraftment of donor‐derived cells represents a crucial event in order to obtain a successful transplant; therefore, many techniques have been developed to monitor engraftment and eventually determine the presence of mixed chimerism (MC) after HSCT. PCR based on the amplification of short tandem repeats is currently the most common technique used to monitor chimerism, although the degree of achievable quantification can be increased by performing quantitative PCR. In hemoglobinopathies, different studies have showed that complete donor hematopoiesis is not essential for sustained engraftment and that the simultaneous presence of hematopoietic cells of both donor and recipient origin is not a rare event after HSCT. In the present study our data confirmed that the presence of MC in thalassemic patients negatively influence the outcome of HSCT early after HSCT, but not if it becomes persistent in the long follow‐up. Different studies have shown that T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cells, characterized by the coexpression of CD49b and LAG‐3 and by their ability to secrete IL‐10, have been associated with the presence and maintenance of persistent MC in beta‐thalassemic patients after HSCT. In the present study we summarize the incidence of MC after HSCT in a single transplant center cohort of thalassemic patients, showing the role of regulatory T cells in promoting and maintaining immune tolerance in some of them.
A four‐part framework for geodesign software creation and research
Authors: McMillan‐Wilhoit Juliana , Bastian Elizabeth , Hiett Matthew , Garfinkle Noah , Foltz Thomas , Calfas George W. , Myers Natalie
Published: October 2018

Geodesign is an urban planning framework which combines the traditionally separated tasks of landscape planning, site planning, and geographic analysis through automated software flows. Through the amalgamation of these elements, a user gains a fuller picture of the environment they are planning for and becomes better equipped to explain planning decisions. As planning processes become increasingly complex, geodesign software becomes necessary to successfully facilitate planning. Using the software product Engineer Site Identification for the Technical Environment (ENSITE) as an example, this article provides a framework for successful geodesign products made up of four aspects: rapid development; flexible software architecture; global data; team of subject matter experts.
Can we do better? Bridging the research to practice gap in patient blood management–optimizing ‘audit & feedback’ and the challenges of undertaking a national cluster‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stanworth Simon J , Lorencatto Fabiana , Gould Natalie , Grant‐Casey John , Deary Alison , Hartley Suzanne , McIntyre Stephen , Moreau Lauren , Morris Thomas , Patel Riya , Smith Isabelle , Smith James , Farrin Amanda , Foy Robbie , Francis Jill ,   the AFFINITIE Programme
Published: October 2018

Audit and Feedback (A&F) is a frequently used quality improvement strategy, which aims to improve patient care and outcomes. The impact of A&F has been subjected to research scrutiny; systematic reviews document only modest and variable effects, despite the likely high costs of A&F programmes, such as those undertaken nationally. To understand and enhance A&F, a programme of research termed AFFINITIE ‘Development & Evaluation of Audit and Feedback INterventions to Increase evidence‐based Transfusion practice'; http://www.ccf.nihr.ac.uk/ PGfAR/about/Pages/Abstract.aspx?ID=12588) has been completed. AFFINITIE adopted a multidisciplinary approach that applied behavioural theory and evidence to optimize the design and delivery of feedback on transfusion practice. These interventions were then tested by embedding them in the context of transfusion national audits in two national randomized cluster trials. The audit topics were preoperative surgery management and use of blood in patients with haematological malignancies. Emerging findings included the scope to improve the design of feedback reports by the inclusion of additional behaviour change techniques and increasing the specificity and relevance of feedback (i.e. clarity around who the feedback is targeted at, providing feedback only on behaviours relevant to audit standards, selecting fewer, more concrete, and relevant standards). Other findings recognized the importance of robust data collection based on agreed and clearly stated standards. Also, given wide variation in how hospitals received, shared and responded to feedback, a consequent need was identified to better support hospitals to plan their response to feedback, including disseminating the reports to all relevant stakeholders with agreement on selecting local goals and plans.
Cellular stress response biomarkers for toxicity potential assessment of treated wastewater complex mixtures
Authors: Etteieb Selma , Tarhouni Jamila , Isoda Hiroko
Published: October 2018

Biomarker responses provide an early warning on environmental effects of water toxicants. The current work aimed to assess the stress biomarkers responses to toxicity potential of treated wastewater effluents in human intestinal epithelial Caco‐2 cells. Overall results of stress response genes overexpression confirmed the occurrence of water pollutants stressors which stimulate the modulation of biomarkers of effect mainly Heat shock proteins (Hsps), Metal‐responsive transcription factors, Calreticulin, Thioredoxin and P‐glycoprotein. Stress response genes were significantly overexpressed for all treated cells, revealing the activation of mechanisms of Caco‐2 cell protection mainly Hsp protection machinery and cellular defence against oxidative stress. Organic micropollutants associated with toxicity potential in treated effluents were identified. Stress response biomarkers assessment revealed human health and environmental impacts to take corrective measures to protect recipient water bodies from harmful effects of effluent discharges.
Measurement of antibiotic resistance of microbial species in the Karasu River (Turkey) using molecular techniques
Authors: Avşar Cumhur
Published: October 2018

The Karasu River (Sinop, Turkey) was sampled for bacteriological analyses and investigation of antibiotic resistance at the bacterial isolates. In the study, the physical properties and numbers of total aerobic (TA), total coliform (TC), faecal coliform (FC), faecal Streptococci (FS) and Escherichia coli in water samples were investigated. E. coli strains were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing, antibiotic resistant genes, virulence genes and plasmid DNA analysis and fingerprinting techniques. The bacteriological analysis results showed that the difference between TA, TC, FC and FS numbers (p > 0.05) was not significant for a total of four stations. The Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) values of tested strains were found in range from 0.4 to 0.7. The antibiotic resistance genes of strains; tetA (33.9%), blacym‐2 (12.5%) and cat1 (16.7%) were screened by PCR method. Out of a total of 57 E. coli isolates, 11 E. coli strains were positive for the eae (19.6%) gene, representing atypical EPEC, whilst only one strain was positive for the eae and stx1 (1.7%) gene, representing STEC. Present study has shown that the aquatic environments can be reservoirs of pathogenic E. coli strains. The study also indicated that PCR‐based techniques might especially be helpful in the rapid identification of multidrug‐resistance analysis and virulence genes of strains. Karasu stream, which is important in Sinop province, Turkey, was investigated for the first time in this study in terms of a molecular microbiological perspective.
A nonlinear kinetic-rheology model for reversible scission and deformation of unentangled wormlike micelles
Authors: Adams Abdulrazaq A. , Solomon Michael J. , Larson Ronald G.
Published: October 2018

We compare the predictions of the Vasquez–Cook–McKinley (VCM) [P. a. Vasquez et al., J. Non-Newton. Fluid. Mech. 144, 122–139 (2007)] model, which treats wormlike micelles as Hookean dumbbells that break at half-length to form two shorter dumbbells, to an analogous Brownian dynamics (BD) simulation of the same physical model. We find a discrepancy between VCM model predictions and trace it to the absence in the VCM model of the spatial position of the nascent breakage point in the long micelle, which is needed to satisfy microscopic reversibility of breakage and fusion. We incorporate microscopic reversibility in the VCM model by extending an ensemble-averaged bead-spring phase space model of Wiest et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 90, 587 (1989)] to include reversible scission of two-spring chains. The revision tracks the conformations of the two halves of the long micelle and transmits this information to the short micelles upon breakage and thereby recovers complete agreement with the BD results. A general method is offered for retaining this information in populations of micelles of many different lengths, represented by an ensemble of many-spring chains. The new model also offers the prospect of including additional physics, such as flow-enhanced micelle growth or breakage, and the ability to check the accuracy of closure approximations using parallel BD simulations.
Relationships Among Perceived and Actual Motor Skill Competence and Physical Activity in Indonesian Preschoolers
Authors: Famelia Ruri , Tsuda Emi , Bakhtiar Syahrial , Goodway Jacqueline D.
Published: October 2018

This study examined the feasibility of recruiting and collecting data of Indonesian preschooler’s fundamental motor skill (FMS) competence, perceived motor competence, and physical activity in school. A secondary purpose was to explore the relationship among perceived motor competence, FMS competence, school day physical activity behaviors, playground physical activity behaviors, and sex of Indonesian preschoolers from urban and rural environments. Preschoolers (N = 66;n = 35 rural,n = 31 urban) were evaluated on the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC), Perceived Physical Competence subscale (PPC). FMS competence was evaluated using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3. Three-day accelerometry at school yielded percent of school day and percent of playground time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviors. Children spent 80% of the school day in sedentary behavior and 7% in MVPA. There were sex differences (p < .05) in ball skills favoring boys, and location differences on sedentary playground behaviors (p < .05) with rural children being more sedentary. Children felt “pretty good” about their motor skills (3.29–3.46) on the PPC and PMSC. Regression analyses revealed that location and locomotor skills predicted 13.8% of playground sedentary behaviors; PPC and locomotor skills explained 13.3% of MVPA on the playground; and ball skills predicted 7.7% of PPC. These findings emphasize the need for early motor skill and physical activity interventions and highlight the importance of perceived motor competence.
Dynamin Is Required for Efficient Cytomegalovirus Maturation and Envelopment
Authors: Hasan Mohammad H. , Davis Leslie E. , Bollavarapu Ratna K. , Mitra Dipanwita , Parmar Rinkuben , Tandon Ritesh
Published: October 2018

Viruses are known to exploit specific cellular functions at different stages of their life cycle in order to replicate, avoid immune recognition by the host and to establish a successful infection. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected cells are characterized by a prominent cytoplasmic inclusion (virus assembly compartment [vAC]) that is the site of virus maturation and envelopment. While endocytic membranes are known to be the functional components of vAC, knowledge of specific endocytic pathways implicated in CMV maturation and envelopment is lacking. We show here that dynamin, which is an integral part of host endocytic machinery, is largely dispensable for early stages of CMV infection but is required at a late stage of CMV maturation. Studies on dynamin function in CMV infection will help us understand the host-virus interaction pathways amenable to targeting by conventional small molecules, as well as by newer generation nucleotide-based therapeutics (e.g., small interfering RNA, CRISPR/CAS gRNA, etc.).
SsaV Interacts with SsaL to Control the Translocon-to-Effector Switch in the
Salmonella
SPI-2 Type Three Secretion System
Authors: Yu Xiu-Jun , Grabe Grzegorz J. , Liu Mei , Mota Luís Jaime , Holden David W.
Published: October 2018

Salmonella
Typhimurium is an intracellular pathogen that uses the SPI-2 type III secretion system to deliver virulence proteins across the vacuole membrane surrounding intracellular bacteria. This involves a tightly regulated hierarchy of protein secretion controlled by two molecular switches. We found that SPI-2-encoded proteins SsaP and SsaU are involved in the first but not the second secretion switch. We identify key amino acids of the inner membrane protein SsaV that are required to interact with the so-called gatekeeper protein SsaL and show that the dissociation of SsaV-SsaL causes the second switch, leading to delivery of effector proteins. Our results provide insights into the molecular events controlling virulence-associated type III secretion and suggest a broader model describing how the process is regulated.
A Member of the Ferlin Calcium Sensor Family Is Essential for Toxoplasma gondii Rhoptry Secretion
Authors: Coleman Bradley I. , Saha Sudeshna , Sato Seiko , Engelberg Klemens , Ferguson David J. P. , Coppens Isabelle , Lodoen Melissa B. , Gubbels Marc-Jan
Published: October 2018

Apicomplexan protozoan parasites, such as those causing malaria and toxoplasmosis, must invade the cells of their hosts in order to establish a pathogenic infection. Timely release of proteins from a series of apical organelles is required for invasion. Neither the vesicular fusion events that underlie secretion nor the observed reliance of the various processes on changes in intracellular calcium concentrations is completely understood. We identified a group of three proteins with strong homology to the calcium-sensing ferlin family, which are known to be involved in protein secretion in other organisms. Surprisingly, decreasing the amounts of one of these proteins (TgFER2) did not have any effect on the typically calcium-dependent steps in invasion. Instead, TgFER2 was essential for the release of proteins from organelles called rhoptries. These data provide a tantalizing first look at the mechanisms controlling the very poorly understood process of rhoptry secretion, which is essential for the parasite’s infection cycle.
Contradictory Results in Microbiome Science Exemplified by Recent
Drosophila
Research
Authors: Douglas Angela E.
Published: October 2018

The bacterium
Lactobacillus plantarum
is prevalent in animal guts and is widely regarded as beneficial and probiotic. D. Fast et al. (mBio 9:e01114-18, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01114-18
) make the surprising discovery that
L. plantarum
reduces the life span of
Drosophila melanogaster
and link this effect with the loss and weakened proliferation of stem cells in the
Drosophila
gut.
Soil Viruses Are Underexplored Players in Ecosystem Carbon Processing
Authors: Trubl Gareth , Jang Ho Bin , Roux Simon , Emerson Joanne B. , Solonenko Natalie , Vik Dean R. , Solden Lindsey , Ellenbogen Jared , Runyon Alexander T. , Bolduc Benjamin , Woodcroft Ben J. , Saleska Scott R. , Tyson Gene W. , Wrighton Kelly C. , Sullivan Matthew B. , Rich Virginia I.
Published: October 2018

This work is part of a 10-year project to examine thawing permafrost peatlands and is the first virome-particle-based approach to characterize viruses in these systems. This method yielded >2-fold-more viral populations (vOTUs) per gigabase of metagenome than vOTUs derived from bulk-soil metagenomes from the same site (J. B. Emerson, S. Roux, J. R. Brum, B. Bolduc, et al., Nat Microbiol 3:870–880, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-018-0190-y
). We compared the ecology of the recovered vOTUs along a permafrost thaw gradient and found (i) habitat specificity, (ii) a shift in viral community identity from soil-like to aquatic-like viruses, (iii) infection of dominant microbial hosts, and (iv) carriage of host metabolic genes. These vOTUs can impact ecosystem carbon processing via top-down (inferred from lysing dominant microbial hosts) and bottom-up (inferred from carriage of auxiliary metabolic genes) controls. This work serves as a foundation which future studies can build upon to increase our understanding of the soil virosphere and how viruses affect soil ecosystem services.
Black Queen Evolution and Trophic Interactions Determine Plasmid Survival after the Disruption of the Conjugation Network
Authors: Cairns Johannes , Koskinen Katariina , Penttinen Reetta , Patinen Tommi , Hartikainen Anna , Jokela Roosa , Ruusulehto Liisa , Viitamäki Sirja , Mattila Sari , Hiltunen Teppo , Jalasvuori Matti
Published: October 2018

Bacterial antibiotic resistance is often a part of mobile genetic elements that move from one bacterium to another. By interfering with the horizontal movement and the maintenance of these elements, it is possible to remove the resistance from the population. Here, we show that a so-called plasmid-dependent bacteriophage causes the initially resistant bacterial population to become susceptible to antibiotics. However, this effect is efficiently countered when the system also contains a predator that feeds on bacteria. Moreover, when the environment contains antibiotics, the survival of resistance is dependent on the resistance mechanism. When bacteria can help their contemporaries to degrade antibiotics, resistance is maintained by only a fraction of the community. On the other hand, when bacteria cannot help others, then all bacteria remain resistant. The concentration of the antibiotic played a less notable role than the antibiotic used. This report shows that the survival of antibiotic resistance in bacterial communities represents a complex process where many factors present in real-life systems define whether or not resistance is actually lost.
Primary amenorrhoea and clitoromegaly in a nulliparous woman: successful medical and surgical management
Authors: Nigam Aruna , Elahi Arifa Anwar , Varun Neha , Gupta Nidhi
Published: October 2018

Clitoromegaly is an important sign of virilisation and poses difficulty in sex determination, when present since birth. The diagnosis and treatment in an adult is a major challenge to the treating gynaecologist. The primary reason for its development is androgen excess due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian virilising tumours, neurofibromas, adrenal neoplasm and prolonged intake of anabolic steroids. A case of young nulliparous married woman who presented with primary amenorrhoea and clitoromegaly and was managed successfully has been reported.
Recurrent cerebrovascular accidents caused by intravascular lymphoma in a dog
Authors: Sanchez Lluis , Beckmann Katrin , Dominguez Elisabet , Di Palma Stefano , Shea Anita
Published: October 2018

An eight-year-old, neutered male labrador was presented with recent recurrent vestibular episodes. MRI was consistent with multiple lacunar ischaemic infarcts in the thalamus and medulla oblongata. The imaging diagnosis was supported by a markedly elevated D-dimer concentration. Despite a comprehensive diagnostic workup (including fine needle cytology of cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules, complete bloodwork, urinalysis, thoracic and abdominal imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, serial blood pressure measurements, echocardiography, electrocardiography and brainstem auditory evoked response testing), no underlying cause was found. After a partial response to 2  mg/kg clopidogrel once a day and 1  mg/kg prednisolone once a day, the dog acutely deteriorated and repeated MRI of the brain revealed an intra-axial haemorrhagic mass. Euthanasia was elected and postmortem examination revealed the presence of an intravascular null-cell lymphoma, exclusively in the central nervous system. Intravascular lymphoma is rare, difficult to diagnose ante-mortem and reports in veterinary literature are few.
Concurrent exercise circuit protocol performed in public fitness facilities meets the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for energy cost and metabolic intensity among older adults in Rio de Janeiro City
Authors: Cunha Felipe A. , Gomes Gabrielle S.M. , Carvalho Joana , da Silva Nádia S.L.
Published: October 2018

The current study investigated whether a single bout of concurrent exercise (Ex Rx) at Third Age Academies (TAAs) in Rio de Janeiro City meets the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for energy cost and metabolic intensity in older adults. Nine subjects (5 males and 4 females, 63–80 years of age) visited the laboratory for clinical screening and for anthropometrical, resting, and maximal oxygen uptake assessments. Thereafter, subjects performed an Ex Rx circuit consisting of a single circuit alternating aerobic and resistance exercises with outdoor exercise equipment using body mass as the load (total of 9 exercises, 1–2 sets of 15 repetitions). Expired gases were collected via a metabolic cart during exercise bouts. The mean observed energy cost value of 169.1 kcal was slightly greater than the minimum value of 150 kcal reported in the ACSM guidelines (p = 0.018). Like energy cost, all the intensity markers adopted to analyze the physiological strain induced by the Ex Rx circuit significantly exceeded their reference values for moderate intensity (reference values: 3.2 METs (mean observed value = 4.6 METs, p = 0.002); 40% of oxygen uptake reserve (mean observed value = 51.5%, p = 0.040); 40% of heart rate reserve (mean observed value = 64.1%, p < 0.001)), according to the ACSM guidelines. In conclusion, a single bout of Ex Rx circuit performed at TAAs in Rio de Janeiro City was able to induce a physiological strain (i.e., energy cost and intensity) compatible with ACSM recommendations for eliciting health benefits among older adults.