bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interaction of fatigue cracks with a residual stress field using thermoelastic stress analysis and synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments
Authors: Amjad Khurram , Asquith David , Patterson Eann A. , Sebastian Christopher M. , Wang Wei-Chung
Published: November 2017

This article presents an experimental study on the fatigue behaviour of cracks emanating from cold-expanded holes utilizing thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) and synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD) techniques with the aim of resolving the long-standing ambiguity in the literature regarding potential relaxation, or modification, of beneficial compressive residual stresses as a result of fatigue crack propagation. The crack growth rates are found to be substantially lower as the crack tip moved through the residual stress zone induced by cold expansion. The TSA results demonstrated that the crack tip plastic zones were reduced in size by the presence of the residual compressive stresses induced by cold expansion. The crack tip plastic zones were found to be insignificant in size in comparison to the residual stress zone resulting from cold expansion, which implied that they were unlikely to have had a notable impact on the surrounding residual stresses induced by cold expansion. The residual stress distributions measured along the direction of crack growth, using SXRD, showed no signs of any significant stress relaxation or redistribution, which validates the conclusions drawn from the TSA data. Fractographic analysis qualitatively confirmed the influence on crack initiation of the residual stresses induced by the cold expansion. It was found that the application of single compressive overload caused a relaxation, or reduction in the residual stresses, which has wider implications for improving the fatigue life.
Microencapsulated diets to improve bivalve shellfish aquaculture
Authors: Willer David , Aldridge David C.
Published: November 2017

Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector and feeds over 3 billion people. Bivalve shellfish aquaculture makes up 25% of global aquaculture production and is worth annually US$19 billion, but continued growth is currently limited by suboptimal diets and limited tools for disease control. New advances in microencapsulation technology could provide an effective way to overcome these biological limitations. This study demonstrated that a new formulation of microencapsulated diet known as BioBullets could be ingested by a commercially farmed bivalve; the blue mussel
Mytilus edulis
. Microparticles could be captured by mussels with similar efficiency to natural foods. Microparticles too large for ingestion were rejected in pseudofaeces. Microparticles were successfully ingested and broken down by the gut. Further work is needed to assess the impact of BioBullets diets on bivalve growth. There is now an exciting opportunity to tailor the composition of microencapsulated diets for specific applications to improve production output and efficiency in the commercial bivalve shellfish industry.
Sheep recognize familiar and unfamiliar human faces from two-dimensional images
Authors: Knolle Franziska , Goncalves Rita P. , Morton A. Jennifer
Published: November 2017

One of the most important human social skills is the ability to recognize faces. Humans recognize familiar faces easily, and can learn to identify unfamiliar faces from repeatedly presented images. Sheep are social animals that can recognize other sheep as well as familiar humans. Little is known, however, about their holistic face-processing abilities. In this study, we trained eight sheep (
Ovis aries
) to recognize the faces of four celebrities from photographic portraits displayed on computer screens. After training, the sheep chose the ‘learned-familiar’ faces rather than the unfamiliar faces significantly above chance. We then tested whether the sheep could recognize the four celebrity faces if they were presented in different perspectives. This ability has previously been shown only in humans. Sheep successfully recognized the four celebrity faces from tilted images. Interestingly, there was a drop in performance with the tilted images (from 79.22 ± 7.5% to 66.5 ± 4.1%) of a magnitude similar to that seen when humans perform this task. Finally, we asked whether sheep could recognize a very familiar handler from photographs. Sheep identified the handler in 71.8 ± 2.3% of the trials without pretraining. Together these data show that sheep have advanced face-recognition abilities, comparable with those of humans and non-human primates.
A valence-free definition of sociality as any violation of inter-individual independence
Authors: Mason Peggy , Shan Haozhe
Published: November 2017

Well over 90% of studies in biomedical sciences are performed on single animals. While knowledge of the genetics, development and physiology of single individuals accrues, an understanding of the biological mechanisms by which individuals interact has barely budged. Yet many of society's greatest problems derive from an inability of humans to get along with each other. Studies in social neuroscience are primarily observational and rarely employ subjects who physically interact. Thus, social interaction represents a largely unexplored frontier of biology. The neuroscience that underlies social behaviour and interactions can and should be studied using the scientific method. However, a workable and objective definitional framework of sociality is needed for scientific progress in this field. Here we propose a definition that uses a test of independence from the presence of others. The null hypothesis is that a behaviour is independent from the influence of others. Rejection of this null hypothesis means that the actions of an individual depend on the actions of one or more other individuals. This definition has the advantages of not being contaminated by moral judgements or biases in favour of pro-social behaviour, and of being applicable to a wide range of physiological processes. The definition of a social behaviour proposed here says nothing regarding the valence of the behaviour with respect to others. Thus, a behaviour that is influenced by the presence of others may benefit, harm, or have no effect on others. It is hoped that this definitional framework for sociality will facilitate our understanding of the origins and mechanisms of social behaviour among animals including humans as well as offer efficacious approaches to social disorders such as autism.
Admixture mapping in a hybrid zone reveals loci associated with avian feather coloration
Authors: Brelsford Alan , Toews David P. L. , Irwin Darren E.
Published: November 2017

Identifying the genetic bases for colour patterns has provided important insights into the control and expression of pigmentation and how these characteristics influence fitness. However, much more is known about the genetic bases for traits based on melanin pigments than for traits based on another major class of pigments, carotenoids. Here, we use natural admixture in a hybrid zone between Audubon's and myrtle warblers (
Setophaga coronata auduboni
/
S. c. coronata
) to identify genomic regions associated with both types of pigmentation. Warblers are known for rapid speciation and dramatic differences in plumage. For each of five plumage coloration traits, we found highly significant associations with multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the genome and these were clustered in discrete regions. Regions near significantly associated SNPs were enriched for genes associated with keratin filaments, fibrils that make up feathers. A carotenoid-based trait that differs between the taxa—throat colour—had more than a dozen genomic regions of association. One cluster of SNPs for this trait overlaps the
Scavenger Receptor Class F Member 2
(
SCARF2
) gene. Other scavenger receptors are presumed to be expressed at target tissues and involved in the selective movement of carotenoids into the target cells, making
SCARF2
a plausible new candidate for carotenoid processing. In addition, two melanin-based plumage traits—colours of the eye line and eye spot—show very strong associations with a single genomic region mapping to chromosome 20 in the zebra finch. These findings indicate that only a subset of the genomic regions differentiated between these two warblers are associated with the plumage differences between them and demonstrate the utility of reduced-representation genomic scans in hybrid zones.
What have humans done for evolutionary biology? Contributions from genes to populations
Authors: Briga Michael , Griffin Robert M. , Berger Vérane , Pettay Jenni E. , Lummaa Virpi
Published: November 2017

Many fundamental concepts in evolutionary biology were discovered using non-human study systems. Humans are poorly suited to key study designs used to advance this field, and are subject to cultural, technological, and medical influences often considered to restrict the pertinence of human studies to other species and general contexts. Whether studies using current and recent human populations provide insights that have broader biological relevance in evolutionary biology is, therefore, frequently questioned. We first surveyed researchers in evolutionary biology and related fields on their opinions regarding whether studies on contemporary humans can advance evolutionary biology. Almost all 442 participants agreed that humans still evolve, but fewer agreed that this occurs through natural selection. Most agreed that human studies made valuable contributions to evolutionary biology, although those less exposed to human studies expressed more negative views. With a series of examples, we discuss strengths and limitations of evolutionary studies on contemporary humans. These show that human studies provide fundamental insights into evolutionary processes, improve understanding of the biology of many other species, and will make valuable contributions to evolutionary biology in the future.
Midbrain adaptation may set the stage for the perception of musical beat
Authors: Rajendran Vani G. , Harper Nicol S. , Garcia-Lazaro Jose A. , Lesica Nicholas A. , Schnupp Jan W. H.
Published: November 2017

The ability to spontaneously feel a beat in music is a phenomenon widely believed to be unique to humans. Though beat perception involves the coordinated engagement of sensory, motor and cognitive processes in humans, the contribution of low-level auditory processing to the activation of these networks in a beat-specific manner is poorly understood. Here, we present evidence from a rodent model that midbrain preprocessing of sounds may already be shaping where the beat is ultimately felt. For the tested set of musical rhythms, on-beat sounds on average evoked higher firing rates than off-beat sounds, and this difference was a defining feature of the set of beat interpretations most commonly perceived by human listeners over others. Basic firing rate adaptation provided a sufficient explanation for these results. Our findings suggest that midbrain adaptation, by encoding the temporal context of sounds, creates points of neural emphasis that may influence the perceptual emergence of a beat.
Temperature effects on life-history trade-offs, germline maintenance and mutation rate under simulated climate warming
Authors: Berger David , Stångberg Josefine , Grieshop Karl , Martinossi-Allibert Ivain , Arnqvist Göran
Published: November 2017

Mutation has a fundamental influence over evolutionary processes, but how evolutionary processes shape mutation rate remains less clear. In asexual unicellular organism, increased mutation rates have been observed in stressful environments and the reigning paradigm ascribes this increase to selection for evolvability. However, this explanation does not apply in sexually reproducing species, where little is known about how the environment affects mutation rate. Here we challenged experimental lines of seed beetle, evolved at ancestral temperature or under simulated climate warming, to repair induced mutations at ancestral and stressful temperature. Results show that temperature stress causes individuals to pass on a greater mutation load to their grand-offspring. This suggests that stress-induced mutation rates, in unicellular and multicellular organisms alike, can result from compromised germline DNA repair in low condition individuals. Moreover, lines adapted to simulated climate warming had evolved increased longevity at the cost of reproduction, and this allocation decision improved germline repair. These results suggest that mutation rates can be modulated by resource allocation trade-offs encompassing life-history traits and the germline and have important implications for rates of adaptation and extinction as well as our understanding of genetic diversity in multicellular organisms.
Mass extinction in tetraodontiform fishes linked to the Palaeocene–Eocene thermal maximum
Authors: Arcila Dahiana , Tyler James C.
Published: November 2017

Integrative evolutionary analyses based upon fossil and extant species provide a powerful approach for understanding past diversification events and for assessing the tempo of evolution across the Tree of Life. Herein, we demonstrate the importance of integrating fossil and extant species for inferring patterns of lineage diversification that would otherwise be masked in analyses that examine only one source of evidence. We infer the phylogeny and macroevolutionary history of the Tetraodontiformes (triggerfishes, pufferfishes and allies), a group with one of the most extensive fossil records among fishes. Our analyses combine molecular and morphological data, based on an expanded matrix that adds newly coded fossil species and character states. Beyond confidently resolving the relationships and divergence times of tetraodontiforms, our diversification analyses detect a major mass-extinction event during the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), followed by a marked increase in speciation rates. This pattern is consistently obtained when fossil and extant species are integrated, whereas examination of the fossil occurrences alone failed to detect major diversification changes during the PETM. When taking into account non-homogeneous models, our analyses also detect a rapid lineage diversification increase in one of the groups (tetraodontoids) during the middle Miocene, which is considered a key period in the evolution of reef fishes associated with trophic changes and ecological opportunity. In summary, our analyses show distinct diversification dynamics estimated from phylogenies and the fossil record, suggesting that different episodes shaped the evolution of tetraodontiforms during the Cenozoic.
Variably hungry caterpillars: predictive models and foliar chemistry suggest how to eat a rainforest
Authors: Segar Simon T. , Volf Martin , Isua Brus , Sisol Mentap , Redmond Conor M. , Rosati Margaret E. , Gewa Bradley , Molem Kenneth , Dahl Chris , Holloway Jeremy D. , Basset Yves , Miller Scott E. , Weiblen George D. , Salminen Juha-Pekka , Novotny Vojtech
Published: November 2017

A long-term goal in evolutionary ecology is to explain the incredible diversity of insect herbivores and patterns of host plant use in speciose groups like tropical Lepidoptera. Here, we used standardized food-web data, multigene phylogenies of both trophic levels and plant chemistry data to model interactions between Lepidoptera larvae (caterpillars) from two lineages (Geometridae and Pyraloidea) and plants in a species-rich lowland rainforest in New Guinea. Model parameters were used to make and test blind predictions for two hectares of an exhaustively sampled forest. For pyraloids, we relied on phylogeny alone and predicted 54% of species-level interactions, translating to 79% of all trophic links for individual insects, by sampling insects from only 15% of local woody plant diversity. The phylogenetic distribution of host-plant associations in polyphagous geometrids was less conserved, reducing accuracy. In a truly quantitative food web, only 40% of pair-wise interactions were described correctly in geometrids. Polyphenol oxidative activity (but not protein precipitation capacity) was important for understanding the occurrence of geometrids (but not pyraloids) across their hosts. When both foliar chemistry and plant phylogeny were included, we predicted geometrid–plant occurrence with 89% concordance. Such models help to test macroevolutionary hypotheses at the community level.
Defector clustering is linked to cooperation in a pathogenic bacterium
Authors: Tekwa Edward W. , Nguyen Dao , Loreau Michel , Gonzalez Andrew
Published: November 2017

Spatial clustering is thought to favour the evolution of cooperation because it puts cooperators in a position to help each other. However, clustering also increases competition. The fate of cooperation may depend on how much cooperators cluster relative to defectors, but these clustering differences have not been the focus of previous models and experiments. By competing siderophore-producing cooperator and defector strains of the opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosain experimental microhabitats, we found that at the spatial scale of individual interactions, cooperator clustering lowers cooperation, but defector clustering favours cooperation. A theoretical model and individual-based simulations show these counterintuitive effects can arise when competition and cooperation occur at a single resource-determined scale, with population dynamics crucially allowing cooperators and defectors to cluster differently. The results suggest that cooperation relies on the regulation of sufficient defector clustering relative to cooperator clustering, which may be important in bacteria, social amoeba and cancer inhibition.
Macroecological factors shape local-scale spatial patterns in agriculturalist settlements
Authors: Tao Tingting , Abades Sebastián , Teng Shuqing , Huang Zheng Y. X. , Reino Luís , Chen Bin J. W. , Zhang Yong , Xu Chi , Svenning Jens-Christian
Published: November 2017

Macro-scale patterns of human systems ranging from population distribution to linguistic diversity have attracted recent attention, giving rise to the suggestion that macroecological rules shape the assembly of human societies. However, in which aspects the geography of our own species is shaped by macroecological factors remains poorly understood. Here, we provide a first demonstration that macroecological factors shape strong local-scale spatial patterns in human settlement systems, through an analysis of spatial patterns in agriculturalist settlements in eastern mainland China based on high-resolution Google Earth images. We used spatial point pattern analysis to show that settlement spatial patterns are characterized by over-dispersion at fine spatial scales (0.05–1.4 km), consistent with territory segregation, and clumping at coarser spatial scales beyond the over-dispersion signals, indicating territorial clustering. Statistical modelling shows that, at macroscales, potential evapotranspiration and topographic heterogeneity have negative effects on territory size, but positive effects on territorial clustering. These relationships are in line with predictions from territory theory for hunter-gatherers as well as for many animal species. Our results help to disentangle the complex interactions between intrinsic spatial processes in agriculturalist societies and external forcing by macroecological factors. While one may speculate that humans can escape ecological constraints because of unique abilities for environmental modification and globalized resource transportation, our work highlights that universal macroecological principles still shape the geography of current human agricultural societies.
Aspects of professional ethics in the real world
Authors: Brady Declan
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a perspective from the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) on the role of ethics in IT professionalism, and what that means in a practical sense for IT practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops ideas generated in a series of micro-conferences hosted by CEPIS on the topic of ethics, in the context of establishing a professional ethics framework as part of CEPIS’ work in support of IT professionalism.

Findings

Professional ethics is the weakest of the four professional pillars, and development of supports and resources is required. CEPIS is taking action in this areas.

Practical implications

Without a framework, and without IT Practitioners themselves taking a coordinated action, there risks a fragmentation of responses to ethical questions.

Originality/value

This paper describes the view of the CEPIS on the need for, and role of, professional ethics, and how that might be supported.
How network managers influence the export intensity: evidence from Italy
Authors: Rubino Michele , Vitolla Filippo , Garzoni Antonello
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze, through an empirical study, the Italian network agreements in order to evaluate how the activities and attitudes of the network managers impact on export intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data of a questionnaire survey from 182 Italian firms that have joined the network in 2012; regression analysis was applied to test the hypotheses related to the network managers.

Findings

The results indicate that planning activity performed by the network manager is the most significant variable that positively influences the export intensity. Also the international experience and social and relational activities performed by the network managers influence the level of exports. Network managers’ perceived advantages and barriers have a different impact on the dependent variable.

Practical implications

The analysis of the role played by network managers helps to increase the awareness that the success of the network depends on the quality of the network managers’ activities and their attitudes and characteristics. The results suggest that in every network should be present the figure of the network manager.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first studies to analyze the Italian network agreements and role of network managers. Second, from a theoretical standpoint, the authors add to the existing literature a specific analysis that relates primarily to small firms, showing that, in this context the results are not always consistent with prior studies.
Reflections on the theme issue outcomes
Authors: Séraphin Hugues , Gowreesunkar Vanessa G.B. , Teare Richard
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to profile the WHATT theme issue “What marketing strategy for destinations with a negative image?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editor and writing team.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the contributors and material and the editorial process.

Findings

This paper provides insights and practical suggestions in response to the theme issue question from different academic and professional backgrounds in fields as diverse as marketing, tourism, economics and heritage management.

Practical implications

The theme issue outcomes provide lines of enquiry for others to explore and reinforce the value of WHATT’s approach to collaborative working and writing.

Originality/value

The collaborative work reported in this theme issue offers a unified but contrarian response to the theme’s strategic question. Taken together, the papers provide a range of options for destination marketing organizations in response to the issues highlighted.
Factor Substitution and Productivity in New Zealand
Authors: Steenkamp Daan
Published: November 2017

This paper produces aggregate and industry estimates of total factor productivity (TFP) for New Zealand. TFP is estimated based on constant elasticity of substitution (CES) production functions that permit varying assumptions about factor augmentation and that allow for industry‐specific values of the elasticity of substitution between inputs. The CES approach simultaneously explains changes in labour share and output over time, and provides estimates of the contribution of capital and labour to productivity in New Zealand. The results suggest that negative capital‐augmenting technical change in several industries has weighed on productivity in New Zealand.
Subgroup Decomposability of Income‐Related Inequality of Health, with an Application to Australia
Authors: Erreygers Guido , Kessels Roselinde , Chen Linkun , Clarke Philip
Published: November 2017

The main purpose of this paper is to compare the decomposition properties of rank‐dependent and level‐dependent indicators of income‐related inequality of health. We do so by focusing on the decomposition by population groups. We show that level‐dependent indices have more desirable subgroup decomposability properties than rank‐dependent indices. This may prove to be an important argument in favour of the use of level‐dependent indices. The difference between the subgroup decomposition results of rank‐dependent and level‐dependent indices is illustrated by means of an empirical study using Australian health and income data. We consider subgroups based on sex, age and employment status.
Patterns of paediatric emergency presentations to a tertiary referral centre in the Northern Territory
Authors: Buntsma Davina , Lithgow Anna , O'Neill Evan , Palmer Didier , Morris Peter , Acworth Jason , Babl Franz E ,   for the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: November 2017

Objective

To describe epidemiological data concerning paediatric attendances at the ED of Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of paediatric emergency presentations to the RDH ED during 2004 and 2013. Epidemiological data, including demographics, admission rates and diagnostic grouping, were analysed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods. We compared data with findings from a baseline epidemiological study by the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) conducted in 2004.

Results

A total of 12 745 and 15 378 paediatric presentations (age 0–18 years) to the RDH ED were analysed for the years 2004 and 2013 respectively. In 2004, the mean age of children presenting to RDH was 7.1 years, and 56.0% were female. Indigenous patients accounted for 31.2% of presentations at RDH and were significantly more likely to be admitted than non‐Indigenous patients (31.6% vs 12.8%, OR 3.24, 95% CI 2.95–3.55). Children <5 years old accounted for the highest number of presentations (45.2%) and admissions (51.2%), and there was a high proportion of adolescent presentations (18.0%). Similar to the PREDICT study, viral infectious conditions (bronchiolitis, gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract infections) were the most common cause for presentations. Key differences included a higher proportion of patients presenting with cellulitis and head injury at RDH and an increasing proportion of adolescent psychiatric presentations at RDH from 2004 to 2013.

Conclusion

This study provides important information regarding paediatric presentations to a major referral hospital in the Northern Territory. Overall, there was a disproportionate rate of presentation and admission among Indigenous children. Other key findings were higher proportions of cellulitis, head injury and adolescent presentations. These findings can assist in service planning and in directing future research specific to children in the Northern Territory.
Dying to be Beautiful: Fragile Fashionistas and Consumptive Dress in England, 1780‐1820
Authors: Day Carolyn A.
Published: November 2017

During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries there was a tubercular moment in which cultural ideas about beauty increasingly intertwined with the disease process of tuberculosis (consumption), allowing the ravages of the illness to be presented in an aesthetically pleasing light. The results of this discourse were visible in the fashions and beauty ideals of the period. This article addresses the dynamic interaction between fashion and disease in the period from 1780 to 1820, as not only was dress accorded responsibility as a causative agent of consumption but the ravages of the illness were also often highlighted by prevailing fashions.
Working memory predicts methamphetamine hair concentration over the course of treatment: moderating effect of impulsivity and implications for dual‐systems model
Authors: Rubenis Adam J. , Fitzpatrick Rebecca E. , Lubman Dan I. , Verdejo‐Garcia Antonio
Published: November 2017

High impulsivity and poor executive function are characteristic of methamphetamine use disorder. High arousal in the impulsive system has been proposed to compromise the executive system's regulating ability (i.e. the dual‐systems model). While interaction between these variables may partly explain poor treatment outcomes associated with methamphetamine use disorder, previous research has tended to examine each factor separately. We investigated whether high impulsivity (measured with an impulsive choice task) and poor executive function (measured with a working memory task) predict methamphetamine use (determined by hair sample) in the 6 weeks following treatment commencement. We also investigated whether impulsive choice moderates the relationship between working memory and methamphetamine use. One hundred and eight individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (75 percent male) were tested within 3 weeks of commencing treatment; 80 (74 percent) were followed up 6 weeks following baseline testing. Cognitive measures significantly predicted drug use after controlling for nuisance variables. Working memory was a significant predictor, while impulsive choice was not. The interaction model included working memory as a predictor and impulsive choice as a moderator. This model was significant, as was the interaction term. Working memory significantly predicted levels of methamphetamine use in early treatment, and impulsive choice moderated this relationship. Those with working memory deficits are particularly vulnerable to using greater amounts of methamphetamine. As working memory increased methamphetamine use decreased among individuals with low/medium delay discounting. Pre‐treatment cognitive testing may identify patients at high risk, while remediation of working memory function may be a treatment target for reducing methamphetamine use.
The utility of monitoring trimellitic anhydride (TMA)‐specific IgG to predict IgE‐mediated sensitization in an immunosurveillance program
Authors: Ghosh D. , Clay C. , Bernstein J. A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Workplace exposure to trimellitic anhydride (TMA) can elicit TMA‐specific IgE (sIgE), which may lead to occupational asthma (OA). An occupational immunosurveillance program (OISP) has been implemented to monitor TMA exposure and immunologic outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether TMA‐specific IgG (sIgG) responses can discriminate between TMA‐exposed workers with and without sIgE responses.

Methods

Serum TMA‐specific antibody (IgG, IgG4, and IgE) levels were estimated longitudinally (years 2006 to 2014) in TMA‐exposed workers recruited in low, medium, and high exposure areas. sIgG and sIgE titers plotted against exposure duration were compared between workers with (a) sIgG only and (b) with sIgG who developed sIgE.

Results

Among 92 TMA‐exposed workers continuously monitored for sIgG and sIgE, 38 developed sIgG; 11 developed a sIgE response 342.38 ± 186.03 days posthire and were removed from exposure. The average detection time of sIgG in removed workers (159 ± 92 days) was significantly shorter than for actively exposed workers with only sIgG (346 ± 187 days). Workers with earlier sIgG responses of higher titer (mean value 42.25 μg/mL) compared to delayed responders with lower sIgG titers (mean value 14.79 μg/mL) more frequently developed sIgE responses. Hierarchical clustering showed the initial magnitude and exposure time required for detectable sIgG production discriminated between workers with only sIgG from workers who subsequently produced sIgE.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the utility of longitudinally monitoring TMA‐specific antibodies in an OISP as exposed workers with early sIgG responses and of higher magnitude are more likely to develop TMA sIgE sensitization.
Atrial natriuretic peptide reduces inflammation and enhances apoptosis in rat acute pancreatitis
Authors: Najenson A. C. , Courreges A. P. , Perazzo J. C. , Rubio M. F. , Vatta M. S. , Bianciotti L. G.
Published: November 2017

Aim

We previously reported that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) reduces serum amylase and intrapancreatic trypsinogen activation in the onset of acute pancreatitis whereas secretin increases them. In the present work, we sought to establish the effect of ANP and secretin on the inflammatory response and cell death in experimental acute pancreatitis.

Methods

The expression and activity of key inflammatory mediators and apoptosis were evaluated in the presence or absence of the atrial peptide, secretin or both in cerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis in rats. Also, ultrastructural changes in pancreatic acinar cells were assessed by transmission electron microscopy.

Results

ANP significantly reduced NF‐κB activation and TNF‐α intrapancreatic levels. Furthermore, it decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 expression and activity while it diminished myeloperoxidase activity. ANP also stimulated apoptosis as shown by caspase‐3 expression and activation as well as TUNEL assay. These findings correlated well with the ultrastructural changes observed in the exocrine pancreas. Although secretin reduced various inflammatory markers, it also diminished caspase‐3 activation and the overall response was the aggravation of the disease as reflected by the ultrastructural alterations of pancreatic acinar cells. In the presence of ANP, various effects evoked by secretin were antagonized.

Conclusion

Present findings show that ANP significantly attenuated the severity of acute pancreatitis in the rat by inducing apoptosis and reducing the inflammatory response and further suggest that ANP may have eventual therapeutic implications in the disease and/or in medical interventions at risk of its developing like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
Trans10, cis12 conjugated linoleic acid increases triacylglycerol accumulation in goat mammary epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Zhang Tianying , Ma Yue , Wang Hui , Loor Juan J , Xu Huifen , Shi Huaiping , Luo Jun
Published: November 2017

Trans10, cis12 conjugated linoleic acid (t10c12‐CLA) is well‐established in decreasing milk fat content and causing milk fat depression (MFD) in dairy cattle and goats. However, the detailed mechanisms of its effect are not completely understood. Therefore, we used goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) to further study the molecular mechanisms whereby t10c12‐CLA regulates milk fat synthesis. The optimal concentration of t10c12‐CLA (100 μmol/L) for cell culture was determined through a cell vitality and morphology assay, and evaluation of abundance of apoptosis‐related proteins. Oil red O stain indicated that t10c12‐CLA increased concentration of cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Furthermore, t10c12‐CLA increased the intracellular triacylglycerol (TG) content (P < 0.05). Among 16 genes related to lipid metabolism that were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR, t10c12‐CLA down‐regulated (P < 0.05) genes involved in de novo fatty acid synthesis including FASN, ACACA and SCD1, and also down‐regulated the protein expression of FASN and SCD1 but up‐regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of CD36 and ADRP. Overall, the data indicate that a side effect of de novo fatty acid synthesis inhibition by t10c12‐CLA is the up‐regulation of fatty acid uptake and accumulation of lipid droplets in GMECs. The biologic reason for such an effect merits further study.
Intestinal anti-transglutaminase 2 immunoglobulin A deposits in children at risk for coeliac disease (CD): data from the PreventCD study
Authors: Borrelli M , Maglio M , Korponay-Szabó I R , Vass V , Mearin M L , Meijer C , Niv-Drori H , Ribes-Koninckx C , Roca M , Shamir R , Troncone R , Auricchio R
Published: November 2017

In coeliac disease (CD), anti-tissue transglutaminase 2 immunoglobulin (Ig)A antibodies (anti-TG2) are produced and deposited in the intestine. PreventCD (www.preventcd.com) is a European multi-centre study, which investigates the influence of infant nutrition and that of genetic, immunological and other environmental factors on the risk of developing CD. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the appearance of intestinal anti-TG2 deposits in very early intestinal biopsies from at-risk infants and their predictive value for villous atrophy. Sixty-five small bowel biopsies, performed in 62 children, were investigated for the presence of intestinal anti-TG2 extracellular IgA deposits by using double immunofluorescence. The biopsies were performed in the presence of elevated serum levels of CD-associated antibodies and/or symptoms suggesting disease. Deposits of anti-TG2 IgA were present in 53 of 53 CD patients and three of three potential CD patients. In potential CD patients, mucosal deposits showed a patchy distribution characterized by some areas completely negative, whereas active CD patients had uniformly present and evident mucosal deposits. Only one of six patients without CD (negative for serum anti-TG2 and with normal mucosa) had intestinal deposits with a patchy distribution and a weak staining. Two of the 53 CD patients received a definitive diagnosis of CD after a second or third biopsy; mucosal deposits of anti-TG2 IgA were evaluated in all samples. Before developing villous atrophy, both patients had anti-TG2 deposits in normal mucosal architecture, antibodies in one patient being absent in serum. We demonstrated that in CD the intestinal deposits of anti-TG2 are a constant presence and appear very early in the natural history of disease.
Risk factors for post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after Thymoglobulin‐conditioned hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Kalra Amit , Roessner Cameron , Jupp Jennifer , Williamson Tyler , Tellier Raymond , Chaudhry Ahsan , Khan Faisal , Taparia Minakshi , Jimenez‐Zepeda Victor H. , Stewart Douglas A. , Daly Andrew , Storek Jan
Published: November 2017

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐induced post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) occurs frequently when rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is used in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) conditioning. We retrospectively studied 554 patients undergoing ATG‐conditioned myeloablative HCT. Strategies used to minimize mortality due to PTLD were either therapy of biopsy‐diagnosed PTLD in the absence of EBV DNAemia monitoring (n = 266) or prompt therapy of presumed PTLD (based on clinical/radiologic signs and high EBV DNAemia, in the setting of weekly EBV DNAemia monitoring) (n = 199). Both strategies resulted in similar mortality due to PTLD (0.7% vs 1% at 2 years, P = .43) and similar overall survival (63% vs 67% at 2 years, P = .23) even though there was a trend toward higher PTLD incidence with the prompt therapy. Donor positive with recipient negative EBV (D+R−) serostatus was a risk factor for developing PTLD. Older patient age, HLA‐mismatched donor, and graft‐versus‐host disease were not associated with increased risk of PTLD. In summary, in ATG‐conditioned HCT, D+R− serostatus, but not older age, mismatched donor or GVHD is a risk factor for developing PTLD. EBV DNAemia monitoring may be a weak risk factor for developing/diagnosing PTLD; the monitoring coupled with prompt therapy does not improve survival.
A cross‐sectional clinic‐based study exploring whether variants within the glutathione S‐transferase, haptoglobin and uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 genes are associated with interindividual phenotypic variation in sickle cell anaemia in Jamaica
Authors: Howell Sharon , Marshall Kwesi , Reid Marvin , McFarlane‐Anderson Norma , McKenzie Colin
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To explore putative associations between specific variants in either the glutathione S‐transferase (GST), haptoglobin (HP) or uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) genes and clinically important phenotypes in sickle cell anaemia (HbSS).

Methods

371 HbSS participants were recruited from the Sickle Cell Clinic of the Sickle Cell Unit at the University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica. Markers within four GST superfamily genes, the HP gene and the UGT1A1 gene were analysed using PCR‐based assays.

Results

Multivariable regression revealed statistically significant associations between the GSTP1 Ile105Val heterozygote and HbA2 levels (P = .016), HbF percentage (P = .001), MCH concentration (P = .028) and reticulocyte count (P = .032), while the GSTM3 D/D homozygote was significantly associated with HbA2 levels (P = .032). The UGT1A1 (TA)6/(TA)8 heterozygote showed statistically significant associations with HbA2 levels (P = .019), HbF percentage (P < .001), haemoglobin levels (P = .008), PCV values (P = .007) and RBC counts (P = .041).

Conclusion

This exploratory cross‐sectional study has generated novel and informative genotype‐phenotype estimates of association, but larger studies are needed to determine whether these specific variants within the GST, UGT1A1 and HP genes are related to interindividual phenotypic variability in HbSS.
Cerebrospinal fluid:serum glucose ratio in the ventricular and lumbar compartments: implications for clinical practice
Authors: Hegen H. , Walde J. , Auer M. , Deisenhammer F.
Published: November 2017

Background and purpose

Calculation of the cerebrospinal fluid:serum glucose (CSF:SGlu) ratio is part of the routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) work‐up. Reference values have been defined for lumbar CSF, but are lacking for ventricular CSF. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the CSF:SGlu ratio is similar in lumbar and ventricular compartments, and to determine cut‐off values for CSF:SGlu ratio in ventricular CSF.

Methods

We included CSF samples that were collected by either lumbar puncture or ventricular drainage, with a red blood cell count <500/μL, normal white blood cell count and age‐related normal total protein content, with simultaneously withdrawn serum sample and time to laboratory processing of ≤2 h. This resulted in 1808 sample pairs. Glucose concentrations in CSF and serum were measured by enzymatic spectrophotometry.

Results

The CSF:SGlu ratio was similar in ventricular and lumbar compartments after controlling for age, sex, time between sample withdrawal and laboratory processing, CSF white blood cell and red blood cell count, CSF total protein and serum glucose concentration using a multiple linear regression model. Lower limits for CSF:SGlu ratio in the ventricular compartment, defined as 5th percentile, were 0.51 for patients with serum glucose concentration < 100 mg/dL, 0.45 for those with serum glucose concentration ≥ 100 mg/dL and <150 mg/dL, and 0.36 for those with serum glucose concentration ≥150 mg/dL.

Conclusions

The CSF:SGlu ratio was similar in the ventricular and lumbar compartments, and depended mainly on time to laboratory processing and absolute serum glucose levels. Previously established lower limits for CSF:SGlu ratio in lumbar CSF can be also applied for ventricular CSF.
Antiepileptic drug behavioral side effects and baseline hyperactivity in children and adolescents with new onset epilepsy
Authors: Guilfoyle Shanna M. , Follansbee‐Junger Katherine , Smith Aimee W. , Combs Angela , Ollier Shannon , Hater Brooke , Modi Avani C.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To examine baseline psychological functioning and antiepileptic drug (AED) behavioral side effects in new onset epilepsy and determine, by age, whether baseline psychological functioning predicts AED behavioral side effects 1 month following AED initiation.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted between July 2011 and December 2014 that included youths with new onset epilepsy. As part of routine interdisciplinary care, caregivers completed the Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd Edition: Parent Rating Scale to report on baseline psychological functioning at the diagnostic visit and the Pediatric Epilepsy Side Effects Questionnaire to identify AED behavioral side effects at the 1‐month follow‐up clinic visit following AED initiation. Children (age = 2‐11 years) and adolescents (age = 12‐18 years) were examined separately.

Results

A total of 380 youths with new onset epilepsy (Mage = 8.9 ± 4.3 years; 83.4% Caucasian; 34.8% focal epilepsy, 41.1% generalized epilepsy, 23.7% unclassified epilepsy) were included. Seventy percent of youths had at‐risk or clinically elevated baseline psychological symptoms. Children had significantly greater AED behavioral side effects (M = 25.08 ± 26.36) compared to adolescents (M = 12.36 ± 17.73), regardless of AED. Valproic acid demonstrated significantly greater behavioral side effects compared to all other AEDs, with the exception of levetiracetam. Higher hyperactivity/impulsivity at baseline significantly predicted higher AED behavioral side effects 1 month after AED initiation in both age groups.

Significance

Younger children seem to be more prone to experience behavioral side effects, and these are likely to be higher if youths with epilepsy have baseline hyperactivity/impulsivity. Baseline psychological screening, specifically hyperactivity, can be used as a precision medicine tool for AED selection.
Effect of effort‐reward imbalance and burnout on infection control among Ecuadorian nurses
Authors: Colindres C.V. , Bryce E. , Coral‐Rosero P. , Ramos‐Soto R.M. , Bonilla F. , Yassi A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Nurses are frequently exposed to transmissible infections, yet adherence to infection control measures is suboptimal. There has been inadequate research into how the psychosocial work environment affects compliance with infection control measures, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Aim

To examine the association between effort‐reward imbalance, burnout and adherence to infection control measures among nurses in Ecuador.

Introduction

A cross‐sectional study linking psychosocial work environment indicators to infection control adherence.

Methods

The study was conducted among 333 nurses in four Ecuadorian hospitals. Self‐administered questionnaires assessed demographic variables, perceived infection risk, effort‐reward imbalance, burnout and infection control adherence.

Results

Increased effort‐reward imbalance was found to be a unique incremental predictor of exposure to burnout, and burnout was a negative unique incremental predictor of nurses' self‐reported adherence with infection control measures.

Discussion

Results suggest an effort‐reward imbalance‐burnout continuum, which, at higher levels, contributes to reduce adherence to infection control. The Ecuadorean government has made large efforts to improve universal access to health care, yet this study suggests that workplace demands on nurses remain problematic.

Conclusion

This study highlights the contribution of effort‐reward‐imbalance‐burnout continuum to the chain of infection by decreased adherence to infection control of nurses.

Implications for Nursing Policy

Health authorities should closely monitor the effect of new policies on psychosocial work environment, especially when expanding services and increasing public accessibility with limited resources. Additionally, organizational and psychosocial interventions targeting effort‐reward imbalance and burnout in nurses should be considered part of a complete infection prevention and control strategy. Further study is warranted to identify interventions that best ameliorate effort‐reward imbalance and burnout in low‐ and middle‐income settings.