bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of patients treated with pertuzumab in the Australian clinical practice setting
Authors: Woodward Natasha , White Michelle , Pugliano Lina , Tsoi Daphne , Ryan Caroline
Published: June 2016

Aim

Treatment with pertuzumab–trastuzumab–taxane combinations has become the international standard of care for patients with HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer. In this paper we discuss the practicalities of treating patients with this combination with a particular focus on treatment in the Australian setting.

Method

An expert panel was convened to discuss practical aspects for use of pertuzumab in the Australian clinical setting. The findings of this panel are reported in this article.

Results

The combination of pertuzumab–trastuzumab–docetaxel has established efficacy in patients with HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer, prolonging progression‐free and overall survival compared to trastuzumab–taxane combinations. In Australia, combinations of pertuzumab and trastuzumab with docetaxel or paclitaxel are reimbursed. Management of treatment related side‐effects such as diarrhea, febrile neutropenia and neuropathy typically include dose reduction or switching taxane. Specific patients with poorer tolerance of chemotherapy such as the elderly or those from Asian backgrounds may require particular management strategies.

Conclusions

The advent of targeted therapies for women with metastatic HER2‐positive breast cancer has markedly improved survival. Combinations of pertuzumab–trastuzumab and a taxane are the standard of care in patients with good performance status. Given prolongation of survival and the importance of quality of life endpoints, the treatment paradigm for patients with metastatic HER2‐positive breast cancer is changing rapidly. Careful management of toxicities is required, and dose reduction or switching taxane may be necessary. Further research is required on the efficacy of pertuzumab combinations in patients with brain metastases, and on those who relapse quickly following adjuvant therapy.
Management of chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis: a long term retrospective study
Authors: Nguyen Yvonne , Lee Andrew , Fischer Gayle
Published: June 2016

Background

Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis (CVVC) is an unremitting condition causally associated with species of Candida. Limited data are available on its management and long‐term outcomes. This retrospective study aimed to explore the long‐term outcomes of patients who had experienced symptom remission after a course of oral antifungals.

Methods

Retrospective study conducted over 1 year from data obtained from a vulval dermatology outpatient clinic in Sydney, Australia. Data from 208 patients satisfying presumptive or definitive criteria for CVVC who had been successfully treated with oral azole antifungal medication were collected from a database, including drugs, induction and maintenance treatment regimes, results and adverse effects.

Results

Altogether 208 patients commenced an induction regime of oral fluconazole 50–100 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. All patients demonstrated a clinical improvement within 12 weeks. Of the 208 patients, subsequently 95% remained on oral fluconazole for maintenance treatment, 3% changed to other antifungals due to adverse effects and 2% ceased treatment. The most common maintenance regime was oral fluconazole 50 mg twice weekly (46%). Of the study cohort 99% remained on treatment with antifungal therapy for symptom suppression with the mean duration of follow up 26.2 months (range, 5 months to 8.5 years).

Conclusions

Long‐term symptom remission was possible in this subset of women with CVVC using fluconazole 50–100 mg or itraconazole 50–100 mg. However, most were unable to cease treatment without experiencing relapse. Adverse effects in this cohort were minimal and there were no cases of drug‐induced hepatitis.
Evidence for participation of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin/matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (NGAL•MMP‐9) complex in the inflammatory response to infection in pregnancies complicated by preterm birth
Authors: Rood Kara M. , Buhimschi Irina A. , Rodewald Millen Katherine , Bahtiyar Mert O. , Thung Stephen , Summerfield Taryn , Zhao Guomao , Ackerman William , Shellhaas Cynthia , Samuels Philip , Buhimschi Catalin S.
Published: June 2016

Problem

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is expressed in neutrophils and involved in innate immunity by sequestering iron. NGAL's ability to complex with matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and extend its gelatinolytic activity led us to investigate its role in pregnancies complicated by preterm birth (PTB) and intra‐amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI).

Method of study

We assayed the amniotic fluid (AF) levels of NGAL and MMP‐9 in 308 women that had a clinically indicated amniocentesis and a normal pregnancy outcome or PTB. qRT‐PCR was employed to determine NGAL mRNA expression of placental villous trophoblast and amniochorion. Immunohistochemistry was used for cellular localization.

Results

AF NGAL levels were gestational age‐regulated. Women with IAI and PTB had significantly higher levels of NGAL, MMP‐9 and NGAL•MMP‐9 complex.

Conclusion

The amniochorion is a source of NGAL and similarly to other inflammatory conditions, this protein may augment the collagenolytic effect of MMP‐9 and modulate host–microbe interactions in pregnancies complicated by IAI.
Tropical forest restoration enriches vascular epiphyte recovery
Authors: Reid John Leighton , Chaves‐Fallas José Miguel , Holl Karen D. , Zahawi Rakan A.
Published: June 2016

Questions

Vascular epiphytes constitute a large proportion of tropical forest plant biodiversity, but are among the slowest plants to recolonize secondary forests. We asked whether tree planting for ecological restoration accelerates epiphyte community recovery. Does the spatial configuration of tree planting matter? What landscape contexts are most suitable for epiphyte restoration?

Location

Restored pastures in premontane Coto Brus County, Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

Methods

We surveyed vascular epiphyte species growing on the lower trunks of 1083 trees in 13 experimental restoration sites. Each site contained three 0.25‐ha treatment plots: natural regeneration, trees planted in patches or ‘islands’ and tree plantations. Sites spanned elevational (1100–1430 m) and deforestation (4–94% forest cover within a 100‐m radius around each site) gradients.

Results

Vascular epiphytes were twice as diverse in planted restoration plots (islands and plantations) as in natural regeneration; we observed this at the scale of individual host trees and within 0.25‐ha treatment plots. Contributing factors included that trees in planted restoration plots were larger, older, more abundant and composed of different species than trees in naturally regenerating plots. Epiphyte species richness increased with surrounding forest cover within 100–150 m of restoration plots. Epiphyte communities were also twice as diverse at higher (1330–1430 m) vs lower (1100–1290 m) elevation sites. Epiphyte groups responded differently to restoration treatments and landscape factors; ferns were responsible for higher species richness in planted restoration plots, whereas angiosperms drove elevation and forest cover effects.

Conclusions

Tree planting for ecological restoration enriched epiphyte communities compared to natural regeneration, likely because planted forests contained more, bigger and older trees. Tree island plantings were equally effective compared to larger and more expensive plantations. Restoration sites nearer to existing forests had richer epiphyte recolonization, likely because nearby forests provisioned restoration sites with angiosperm seeds. Collectively, results suggest that restoration practitioners can enrich epiphyte community development by planting trees in areas with higher surrounding forest cover, particularly at higher elevations.
Scale‐dependent effects of coppicing on the species pool of late successional beech forests in the central Apennines, Italy
Authors: Campetella Giandiego , Canullo Roberto , Gimona Alessandro , Garadnai Janos , Chiarucci Alessandro , Giorgini Daniele , Angelini Elia , Cervellini Marco , Chelli Stefano , Bartha Sandor
Published: June 2016

Question

We compared active and abandoned beech coppices in terms of: (1) structural features, (2) total, understorey and overstorey plant diversity across spatial scales, and (3) species richness of beech forest specialist species.

Location

Central Apennines, Italy.

Methods

We applied a multi‐scale approach, working at fine scale (management unit) and at a coarser scale (forest patch). Two forest patches were selected according to management regimes (active coppicing, 1–40 yrs; abandoned coppicing, >40 yrs) in each of the two study areas (Bolognola and Ussita). Within each forest patch, 20 stands were sampled in 20 m × 20 m plots, for a total of 80 sampling units.

Results

We found that the height of standards and number of dominant trees were negatively correlated with the total number of species. At the plot scale, the number of beech specialist species was significantly higher in abandoned plots. At the forest patch scale, the number of species in Bolognola was markedly higher in the actively coppiced forest than in the abandoned one, while the opposite result was found at Ussita. Regarding the beech specialist species richness, the abandoned forest at Ussita showed higher richness than the coppiced forest, while in Bolognola we found the opposite. The managed forest hosted more overstorey species than the abandoned one in both areas. Surprisingly, at forest patch scale in Bolognola, the total beech specialist species richness was higher in the coppiced plots than in the abandoned ones. The species assemblages were more similar between patches having different management regimes within the same area, than between patches having the same management regime across different areas.

Conclusions

This material provides a novel contribution to the study of species diversity patterns in this forest system, suggesting the importance of a multiple scale approach in forest diversity studies. The beech specialist species can largely persist in a heterogeneous coppice landscape, where abandoned stands are mixed with stands under regular coppicing. The results can link current knowledge about beech coppice diversity on the landscape scale with that on the plot scale, and thus help guide new conservation planning.
Distribution modelling of vegetation types in the boreal–alpine ecotone
Authors: Ullerud Heidrun A. , Bryn Anders , Klanderud Kari
Published: June 2016

Questions

Vegetation mapping based on field surveys is time‐consuming and expensive. Distribution modelling might be used to overcome these challenges. What is the performance of distribution modelling of vegetation compared to traditional vegetation mapping when projected locally? Does the modelling performance vary among ecosystems? Does vegetation type distribution and abundance influence the modelling performance?

Location

Gravfjellet, Øystre Slidre commune, southern Norway.

Methods

Two comparable neighbouring areas, each of 4 km2, were mapped for species‐defined vegetation types. One area was used for model training, the other for model projection. Maximum entropy models were run for six vegetation types, two from each of the ecosystems present in the area: forest, wetland and mountain heath‐ and shrublands. For each ecosystem, one locally abundant and one locally rare vegetation type were tested. AUC, the area under the receiver operating curve, was used as the model selection criterion. Environmental variables (n = 9) were selected through a backwards selection scheme, and model complexity was kept low. The models were evaluated using independent data.

Results

Distribution modelling of vegetation types by local projection gave high AUC values, and the results were supported by the evaluation using independent data. The modelling ability was not affected by ecosystem differences. A negative relationship between the number of points used to train the models and the AUC value before evaluation suggests that models for locally rare vegetation types had better predictive performance than the models for abundant types. This result was not significant after evaluation.

Conclusion

Provided that relevant explanatory variables are available at an appropriate scale, and that field‐validated training points are available, distribution modelling can be used for local projection of the six tested vegetation types from the boreal–alpine ecotone.
Manipulative Businesses: Secular Business Cults
Authors: Kulik Brian W. , Alarcon Michelle
Published: June 2016

Many destructive business leaders drive their companies into bankruptcy and dissolution, never to be heard from again in the business press. However, it is useful to study these organizations to prevent the same, or similar destructive business from taking on, and destroying, additional businesses. In this article, we describe one type of organization that follows the model of religious cults, which we call secular business cults. Building on Padilla et al., we describe an SBC toxic triangle of (1) Padilla et al.'s societal factors, (2) additional business factors, and (3) antisocial actors that set the stage for the SBC's emergence. We then describe the characteristics of the SBC's operations, such as an ultrastrong culture, formalized manipulation, manipulative hierarchical relationships, competition, and operations efficiency tools, and the frequent overcommunication of deceptive messages. It is our hope that this unique perspective on organizations will inspire research into an overlooked area of unethical behavior in businesses today. In our Part II paper on the topic, we intend to extend the idea of SBCs to manipulative businesses, which are essentially reorganized, well‐established and legally‐complying revisions of SBCs, and then to manipulative industries and societies.
Construction of a disulfide‐stabilized diabody against fibroblast growth factor‐2 and the inhibition activity in targeting breast cancer
Authors: Cai Yaxiong , Zhang Jinxia , Lao Xuejun , Jiang Haowu , Yu Yunfei , Deng Yanrui , Zhong Jiangchuan , Liang Yiye , Xiong Likuan , Deng Ning
Published: June 2016

Fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) is one of the most important angiogenic factors to promote tumor growth, progression and metastasis. Neutralizing antibodies against FGF‐2 may suppress the growth of tumor cells by blocking the FGF‐2 signaling pathway. In this study, a disulfide‐stabilized diabody (ds‐Diabody) that specifically targets FGF‐2 was designed. Compared to its parent antibody, the introduction of disulphide bonds in the diabody could significantly increase the stability of ds‐Diabody and maintain its antigen binding activity. The ds‐Diabody against FGF‐2 could effectively inhibit the tube formation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and block the proliferation and invasion of human breast cancer cells. In the mouse model of breast cancer xenograft tumors, the ds‐Diabody against FGF‐2 could significantly inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Moreover, the densities of microvessels stained with CD31 and lymphatic vessels stained with LYVE1 in tumors showed a significant decrease following treatment with the ds‐Diabody against FGF‐2. Our data indicated that the ds‐Diabody against FGF‐2 could inhibit tumor angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and tumor growth.
An antiarrhythmic agent as a promising lead compound for targeting the hEAG1 ion channel in cancer therapy: insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Șterbuleac Daniel , Maniu Călin Lucian
Published: June 2016

Experimental evidence suggests that hERG and hEAG potassium channels may serve as important cancer therapy targets because either of the channel blockade or inactivation by different methods leads to inhibition of cancer cells growth and proliferation. However, there is no known hEAG specific blocker, and hERG blockade leads to adverse cardiac side effects, although it is currently used in treating certain types of arrhythmias. There have been some attempts to explain the channels blockade by clofilium, an antiarrhythmic agent, and the results lead to different possible binding modes. This study investigates for the first time the potential of using clofilium as a lead compound for finding a novel cancer therapy agent which may target ion channels. The implied findings from a comparative assessment of literature studies were verified using molecular dynamics simulations. The results indicate a particular structural difference between the two channels that could provide a novel and realistic way of using clofilium analogs which may target the hEAG1 ion channel in cancer therapy.
High breast milk IL‐1β level is associated with reduced risk of childhood eczema
Authors: Jepsen A. A. , Chawes B. L. , Carson C. G. , Schoos A.‐M. M. , Thysen A. H. , Waage J. , Brix S. , Bisgaard H.
Published: June 2016

Background

We recently demonstrated a dual effect of breastfeeding with increased risk of eczema and decreased risk of wheezing in early childhood by increasing breastfeeding length. We hypothesize that immune mediators in breast milk could explain such association either through a direct effect or as a surrogate marker of maternal immune constitution.

Objective

To investigate the possible association between cytokine and chemokine levels in breast milk and development of eczema and recurrent wheeze during early childhood.

Methods

Levels of 19 pro‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines and chemokines were measured in 223 breast milk samples from mothers in the Copenhagen Prospective Study on Asthma in Childhood2000 (COPSAC) high‐risk birth cohort. Eczema and recurrent wheeze at the age of 0–3 years were prospectively diagnosed by COPSAC physicians adherent to predefined validated algorithms. Association analyses were performed by Cox regression adjusting for potential confounding factors and by multivariable principal component analysis.

Results

Increased IL‐1β in breast milk (≥ 0.7 pg/mL) was associated with more than a halved risk of eczema before age three (aHR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.24–0.68; P < 0.001), which remained significant after false discovery rate adjustment (P = 0.008). The principal component analysis confirmed that a mediator pattern dominated by high levels of IL‐1β, IL‐17A, and CCL17 and low levels of CXCL1 and TSLP in breast milk protected against eczema (aHR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.68–0.98; P = 0.03). No associations were observed for recurrent wheeze.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Elevated breast milk IL‐1β level was associated with decreased risk of early childhood eczema suggesting either a direct protective effect of IL‐1β or IL‐1b acting as a proxy for a healthy maternal immune system protecting high‐risk offspring from eczema.
The imperiled fish fauna in the Nicaragua Canal zone
Authors: Härer Andreas , Torres‐Dowdall Julián , Meyer Axel
Published: June 2016

Large‐scale infrastructure projects commonly have large effects on the environment. The planned construction of the Nicaragua Canal will irreversibly alter the aquatic environment of Nicaragua in many ways. Two distinct drainage basins (San Juan and Punta Gorda) will be connected and numerous ecosystems will be altered. Considering the project's far‐reaching environmental effects, too few studies on biodiversity have been performed to date. This limits provision of robust environmental impact assessments. We explored the geographic distribution of taxonomic and genetic diversity of freshwater fish species (Poecilia spp., Amatitlania siquia, Hypsophrys nematopus, Brycon guatemalensis, and Roeboides bouchellei) across the Nicaragua Canal zone. We collected population samples in affected areas (San Juan, Punta Gorda, and Escondido drainage basins), investigated species composition of 2 drainage basins and performed genetic analyses (genetic diversity, analysis of molecular variance) based on mitochondrial cytb. Freshwater fish faunas differed substantially between drainage basins (Jaccard similarity = 0.33). Most populations from distinct drainage basins were genetically differentiated. Removing the geographic barrier between these basins will promote biotic homogenization and the loss of unique genetic diversity. We found species in areas where they were not known to exist, including an undescribed, highly distinct clade of live bearing fish (Poecilia). Our results indicate that the Nicaragua Canal likely will have strong impacts on Nicaragua's freshwater biodiversity. However, knowledge about the extent of these impacts is lacking, which highlights the need for more thorough investigations before the environment is altered irreversibly.
Is the assessment of submucosal invasion still useful in the management of early rectal cancer? A study of 91 consecutive patients
Authors: Debove C. , Svrcek M. , Dumont S. , Chafai N. , Tiret E. , Parc Y. , Lefèvre J. H.
Published: June 2016

Aim

The only studies on the prognosis of T1 tumours are old and investigate colic and rectal cancers. Very few studies use Kikuchi's classification (of dividing submucosa into three strata) to evaluate the depth of the submucosal invasion. This study aimed to assess the pathological risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM), and the pathological and oncological results of patients with early rectal cancer (ERC, pT1 tumour).

Method

Between 2000 and 2014, 91 consecutive patients undergoing surgery [primary total mesorectal excision (TME) or local excision (LE) alone, or LE followed by TME] for ERC were included.

Results

Eighteen patients underwent LE, 22 underwent LE followed by TME and 51 underwent primary total TME. After TME (n = 73), 16 (23%) patients had LNM. The LNM rate was 15% for Sm1 tumours, 14% for Sm2 tumours and 30% for Sm3 tumours. In multivariate analysis, lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.027) and high tumour budding (P = 0.037) were the only independent factors predictive of LNM. The depth of submucosal invasion was not associated with an increased risk of LNM. After a mean follow up of 56 ± 46 months, 5‐year overall survival, specific survival and disease‐free survival were, respectively, 82%, 93% and 75%. No significant difference of survival was found according to the depth of submucosal invasion or to the surgical management.

Conclusion

Histological features seem to be stronger risk factors for LNM than depth of submucosal invasion. Considering the LNM rate, TME should be discussed after LE in terms of one of these pathological criteria.
The influence of obesity and body mass index on the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a systematic literature review
Authors: Hotouras A. , Ribas Y. , Zakeri S. A. , Nunes Q. M. , Murphy J. , Bhan C. , Wexner S. D.
Published: June 2016

Aim

The relationship between obesity, body mass index (BMI) and laparoscopic colorectal resection is unclear. Our object was to assess systematically the available evidence to establish the influence of obesity and BMI on the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal resection.

Method

A search of PubMed/Medline databases was performed in May 2015 to identify all studies investigating the impact of BMI and obesity on elective laparoscopic colorectal resection performed for benign or malignant bowel disease. Clinical end‐points examined included operation time, conversion rate to open surgery, postoperative complications including anastomotic leakage, length of hospital stay, readmission rate, reoperation rate and mortality. For patients who underwent an operation for cancer, the harvested number of lymph nodes and long‐term oncological data were also examined.

Results

Forty‐five studies were analysed, the majority of which were level IV with only four level III (Oxford Centre for Evidence‐based Medicine 2011) case‐controlled studies. Thirty comparative studies containing 23 649 patients including 17 895 non‐obese and 5754 obese showed no significant differences between the two groups with respect to intra‐operative blood loss, overall postoperative morbidity, anastomotic leakage, reoperation rate, mortality and the number of retrieved lymph nodes in patients operated on for malignancy. Most studies, including 15 non‐comparative studies, reported a longer operation time in patients who underwent a laparoscopic procedure with the BMI being an independent predictor in multivariate analyses for the operation time.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic colorectal resection is safe and technically and oncologically feasible in obese patients. These results, however, may vary outside of high volume centres of expertise.
Multiobjective Optimization Techniques for Selecting Important Metrics in the Design of Ensemble Systems
Authors: Feitosa Neto Antonino A. , Canuto Anne M. P. , Dantas Carine A.
Published: June 2016

Ensemble systems are classification structures that apply a two‐level decision‐making process, in which the first level produces the outputs of the individual classifiers and the second level produces the output of the combination method (final output). Although ensemble systems have been proven to be efficient for pattern recognition tasks, its efficient design is not an easy task. This article investigates the influence of two diversity measures when used explicitly to guide the design of ensemble systems. These diversity measures were proposed recently, and they proved to be very interesting for the diversity–accuracy dilemma. To perform this investigation, we will use two well‐known optimization techniques, genetic algorithms, and tabu search, in their mono‐objective and multiobjective versions. As objectives of the optimization techniques, we use error rate and two diversity measures as well as all possible combinations of these three objectives. In this article, we aim to analyze which set of objectives can generate more accurate ensembles. In addition, we aim to analyze whether or not the diversity measures (good and bad diversities) have a positive effect in the design of ensemble systems, mainly if they can replace the error rate as an optimization objective without incurring significant losses in the accuracy level of the generated ensembles.
Heart Failure in a Preterm Infant. Case Report and Echocardiographic Clues for the Diagnostic Approach to Pulmonary Sequestration
Authors: Rodriguez‐Gonzalez Moises , Segado‐Arenas Antonio , Matamala‐Morillo Miguel A.
Published: June 2016

Pulmonary sequestration is an unusual cause of heart failure in infants. We report a preterm newborn with signs of congestive heart failure supposed secondary to a ductus arteriosus that was finally diagnosed as a coexistent extralobar pulmonary sequestration. In this case, Doppler echocardiography was essential for diagnosis, revealing an abnormal systemic arterial supply to the sequestered lung and abnormal venous drainage.
Opportunities and Challenges in Energy‐Related Boomtowns: Implications for Family and Consumer Science Professionals
Authors: Fitzgerald Margaret A. , Muske Glenn , Haynes George , Lee Yoon G.
Published: June 2016

Economic prosperity in energy‐dependent regions has created unique opportunities and challenges for individuals, families, and communities. This study demonstrates how theory and research can guide family and consumer science (FCS) professionals in helping people adapt to disruptions caused by economic cycles. Evidence is derived from primary interviews with family business owners and others in the Bakken area of western North Dakota, and secondary data from the Uinta Basin area of Utah. The study provides guidance to FCS professionals interested in helping people understand challenges, adjust to change, and implement best practices in communities impacted by boom and bust cycle disruptions.
Hybrid Segmentation in the Financial Services Market: Targeting Saving Consumers
Authors: Makgosa Rina , Matenge Tendy , Mburu Paul
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness of hybrid market segmentation by identifying segments (e.g., clusters) of consumers using a combination of psychographics, demographic information, and behavioral bases. A sample of 621 saving employed adults from Botswana completed a structured questionnaire at their place of work. Results revealed six segments that depicted unique saving motives, attitudes, and perceptions. The six segments were labeled as “anxious detached, prudent, carefree egoistical, anxious fanatical, pragmatic, and apathetic savers.” Further differences were examined among the segments based on personal values, life satisfaction, usage of saving programs, and demographic information. Results are useful for researchers and practitioners as an alternative approach for analyzing savers through the use of hybrid segmentation. Results such as these could facilitate marketing efforts to serve those who are most likely to save.
Design, execution, and analysis of pooled in vitro CRISPR/Cas9 screens
Authors: Miles Linde A. , Garippa Ralph J. , Poirier John T.
Published: June 2016

The recently described clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology has proven to be an exquisitely powerful and invaluable method of genetic manipulation and/or modification. As such, many researchers have realized the potential of using the CRISPR/Cas9 system as a novel screening method for the identification of important proteins in biological processes and have designed short guide RNA libraries for an in vitro screening. The seminal papers describing these libraries offer valuable information regarding methods for generating the short guide RNA libraries, creating cell lines containing these libraries, and specific details regarding the screening workflow. However, certain considerations are often overlooked that may be important when planning and performing a screen, including which CRISPR library to use and how to best analyze the resulting screen data. In this review, we offer suggestions to answer some of these questions that are not covered as deeply in the papers describing the available CRISPR libraries for an in vitro screening.
Fatigue tests of notched specimens made from butt joints at steel
Authors: Fischer C. , Fricke W. , Rizzo C. M.
Published: June 2016

The weld toe as well as the weld root of joints acts as a geometrical notch, which decreases the fatigue strength of welded components. Local approaches used for fatigue assessment account for the local stress concentration when referring to the notch stress as a fatigue parameter. This applies also to the approaches based on the notch stress intensity factor like, for example, the averaged strain energy density, neglecting the actual notch radius and considering a sharp notch as a simplification. A uniform S‐N curve valid for different types of welded joints and failure locations was derived from re‐analyses of fatigue test results as documented in literature. The fatigue tests described in this paper aimed at validating that energy‐based S‐N curve by dedicated tests on artificially notched specimens. At first, four parameters were investigated in order to estimate their influence on the fatigue strength and to select appropriate notch geometries for the final step of the test campaign. The advantages of these tests are that both the exact notch geometry and the local stress range at the notch, including misalignment effects, were identified and considered in experimental data analysis. This paper presents the results of the rather comprehensive testing activities and comparisons with the design‐S‐N curve mentioned, yielding unexpected fatigue behaviour. This can be explained by the short crack propagation life.
Perceived Influence of Cooperating Teachers on edTPA Performance
Authors: Behney Jennifer
Published: June 2016

The Education Teaching Performance Assessment (edTPA) is a performance assessment of teacher effectiveness that is increasingly used to make decisions about licensure for teacher candidates, including candidates seeking certification in world languages. Because of the high‐stakes nature of this assessment, it is important to isolate and better understand the factors that may have an effect on teacher candidates' scores. This mixed‐methods study examined the results of a survey of 22 recent teacher candidates who completed the edTPA and of participant interviews with 13 of those candidates. Candidates' interview data were triangulated with data obtained from interviews with six cooperating teachers (CTs), survey data from seven CTs, and teacher candidates' scores on the edTPA. Teacher candidates perceived that aspects of their placement, including the amount of guidance provided by their CT, had an impact on their edTPA performance, particularly in the areas of target language use and communicative vs. grammar‐based approaches.
Elevated CO2 and temperature increase soil C losses from a soybean–maize ecosystem
Authors: Black Christopher K. , Davis Sarah C. , Hudiburg Tara W. , Bernacchi Carl J. , DeLucia Evan H.
Published: June 2016

Warming temperatures and increasing CO2 are likely to have large effects on the amount of carbon stored in soil, but predictions of these effects are poorly constrained. We elevated temperature (canopy: +2.8 °C; soil growing season: +1.8 °C; soil fallow: +2.3 °C) for 3 years within the 9th–11th years of an elevated CO2 (+200 ppm) experiment on a maize–soybean agroecosystem, measured respiration by roots and soil microbes, and then used a process‐based ecosystem model (DayCent) to simulate the decadal effects of warming and CO2 enrichment on soil C. Both heating and elevated CO2 increased respiration from soil microbes by ~20%, but heating reduced respiration from roots and rhizosphere by ~25%. The effects were additive, with no heat × CO2 interactions. Particulate organic matter and total soil C declined over time in all treatments and were lower in elevated CO2 plots than in ambient plots, but did not differ between heat treatments. We speculate that these declines indicate a priming effect, with increased C inputs under elevated CO2 fueling a loss of old soil carbon. Model simulations of heated plots agreed with our observations and predicted loss of ~15% of soil organic C after 100 years of heating, but simulations of elevated CO2 failed to predict the observed C losses and instead predicted a ~4% gain in soil organic C under any heating conditions. Despite model uncertainty, our empirical results suggest that combined, elevated CO2 and temperature will lead to long‐term declines in the amount of carbon stored in agricultural soils.
Budd–Chiari syndrome: Focus on surgical treatment
Authors: Hidaka Masaaki , Eguchi Susumu
Published: June 2016

Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is caused by an obstruction in the hepatic venous outflow tract at various levels from small hepatic veins to the inferior vena cava (IVC) due to thrombosis or fibrous sequelae. This rare disease mainly affects young adults. Risk factors have been identified and patients often have multiple risk factors. Myeloproliferative diseases of atypical presentation account for nearly 50% of patients in Europe and North America countries. Multistep management is required for such patients. Interventional revascularization and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure are indicated after initial anticoagulation therapy, whereas IVC plasty using a patch graft is indicated for obstruction of the IVC. Liver transplantation (LT) is usually indicated as a treatment for liver failure despite various treatments. The outcomes of LT are good, with a 5‐year survival after LT of nearly 70%.
Spherical cap surface model: A novel method for predicting renal function after partial nephrectomy
Authors: Ding Yizong , Kong Wen , Zhang Jin , Dong Baijun , Chen Yonghui , Xue Wei , Liu Dongming , Huang Yiran
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To estimate the percent functional volume preservation from preoperative images using a novel method, the spherical cap surface model, and to investigate whether this model can preoperatively predict renal function after partial nephrectomy.

Methods

A total of 233 patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy between January 2011 and December 2013 were included in the present study. The spherical cap surface model was used to calculate the estimated percent functional volume preservation on preoperative computed tomography, and the estimated percent functional volume preservation was multiplied by the preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate to predict the postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate. The occurrence of acute kidney injury also served as an outcome. Univariate and multivariate linear regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to test the model.

Results

The estimated percent functional volume preservation calculated by the novel model was significantly associated with both nadir percent estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation and late percent estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation in the multivariate analysis (the P‐values were 0.021 and 0.043, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for predicting acute kidney injury after partial nephrectomy showed that volume preservation (P < 0.001) and warm ischemia time (P = 0.040) were both significant. Regarding the ability to predict a significant decrease in late renal function after partial nephrectomy, only volume preservation (P = 0.044) was significant.

Conclusions

Preservation of functional volume is the primary determinant of functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy. The spherical cap surface model seems to represent a promising tool to predict nadir and late postoperative renal function in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy.
Pudendal neuralgia after pelvic surgery using mesh: Case reports and laparoscopic pudendal nerve decompression
Authors: Sancak Eyup Burak , Avci Egemen , Erdogru Tibet
Published: June 2016

Persistent pain after vaginal mesh surgery is a rare and agonizing entity that has devastating consequences for the patient's quality of life. Many etiologies have been blamed including nerve injuries and entrapments. Pudendal neuralgia is a rare chronic neuropathic pain syndrome in the anatomical territory of the pudendal nerve. Various treatment options, such as medication management, physiotherapy, nerve blocks, decompression surgery and neuromodulation, have been used, but the most appropriate treatment for pudendal neuralgia has not yet been determined. In this article, we present two cases of postoperative pelvic pain thought to be secondary to injury or mechanical distortion of the pudendal nerve after rectocele repair using mesh and tension‐free vaginal tape sling. In cases of failed conservative treatment and of mesh removal surgery, laparoscopic pudendal nerve decompression and omental flap wrapping operation can be a treatment option for pudendal neuralgia.
A rapid assessment of barriers and facilitators to safety culture in an intensive care unit
Authors: Livorsi D. , Knobloch M.J. , Blue L.A. , Swafford K. , Maze L. , Riggins K. , Hayward T. , Safdar N.
Published: June 2016

The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety was used to identify opportunities for safety culture improvement in a 30‐bed intensive care unit. Based on the survey results, a core team decided to focus on three safety domains: reporting errors, approachability of authority figures and handovers. The project team subsequently interviewed 39 intensive care unit staff members, gathering information on these three domains that will inform future safety efforts. Numerous barriers and facilitators to improvement were described. This mixed‐methods approach could be applied in other hospitals seeking to quickly yet thoroughly understand how their safety culture can be improved. Developing local strategies to reduce these barriers may promote a safer patient experience at our hospital.
Labor Inspections in the Developing World: Stylized Facts from the Enterprise Survey
Authors: Almeida Rita , Ronconi Lucas
Published: June 2016

This paper empirically explores the incidence of labor inspections across registered firms in 72 developing countries. Results show that larger firms are more likely to be inspected than smaller firms. Interestingly, inspections are less likely to occur among firms with a larger share of low‐skilled workers, and that operate in industries with more tax evasion. We explore the heterogeneity of these findings across income and geographic groups, and conclude by briefly discussing the consistency of the stylized facts with competing theories of inspection agencies’ behavior.
Vehicle routing and resource distribution in postdisaster humanitarian relief operations
Authors: Al Theeb Nader , Murray Chase
Published: June 2016

After a disaster, supplies must be efficiently and equitably distributed to those in need, wounded persons must be evacuated to triage centers, and relief workers must be transported to affected areas. This complex humanitarian relief problem requires the coordination of numerous vehicles of varying capacities to transport goods, disaster victims, and volunteer workers through a network of roads, some of which may be impassable. To address this problem, a detailed mathematical programming model is presented. Owing to the complexity of this formulation, only small‐scale problem instances may be solved optimally via commercial solver software. Therefore, a new heuristic approach is proposed to solve problems of practical size within acceptable time restrictions. The performance of the heuristic is evaluated for numerous representative test instances.
Equating With Miditests Using IRT
Authors: Fitzpatrick Joseph , Skorupski William P.
Published: June 2016

The equating performance of two internal anchor test structures—miditests and minitests—is studied for four IRT equating methods using simulated data. Originally proposed by Sinharay and Holland, miditests are anchors that have the same mean difficulty as the overall test but less variance in item difficulties. Four popular IRT equating methods were tested, and both the means and SDs of the true ability of the group to be equated were varied. We evaluate equating accuracy marginally and conditional on true ability. Our results suggest miditests perform about as well as traditional minitests for most conditions. Findings are discussed in terms of comparability to the typical minitest design and the trade‐off between accuracy and flexibility in test construction.
Semiparametric Item Response Functions in the Context of Guessing
Authors: Falk Carl F. , Cai Li
Published: June 2016

We present a logistic function of a monotonic polynomial with a lower asymptote, allowing additional flexibility beyond the three‐parameter logistic model. We develop a maximum marginal likelihood‐based approach to estimate the item parameters. The new item response model is demonstrated on math assessment data from a state, and a computationally efficient strategy for choosing the order of the polynomial is demonstrated. Finally, our approach is tested through simulations and compared to response function estimation using smoothed isotonic regression. Results indicate that our approach can result in small gains in item response function recovery and latent trait estimation.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of the New Species,Trichodina pseudoheterodentatasp. n. (Ciliophora, Mobilida, Trichodinidae) from the Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus, in Chongqing China
Authors: Tang Fahui , Zhang Yong , Zhao Yuanjun
Published: June 2016

It is difficult to differentiate similar trichodinids solely based on morphological examination, thus other identification methods, such as molecular identification, are necessary for identification. One mobilid ciliate namedTrichodina pseudoheterodentatasp. n. was isolated from the gills of channel catfish,Ictalurus punctatus, in Chongqing, China. In the present study, itsSSU rDNAwas sequenced for the first time. Based on the results from both morphological identification andSSU rDNAsequencing, the new species was identified and compared with similar species. The morphological analysis revealed thatT. pseudoheterodentatais a largeTrichodinaspecies (cell diameter 73.0–82.5 μm) and possesses robust denticles with broad blades and well‐developed blade connections. Characterization of its primary and secondarySSU rDNAstructures indicated thatT. pseudoheterodentatawas distinctly different from congeneric species in H12, H15, E10_1, and V4 regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genetic distances among the new species and similar species reached interspecific levels, furthermore, the phylogenetic study also validated the identification ofT. pseudoheterodentataand its placement in the genusTrichodina.
“We are what our bacteria eat”: The role of bacteria in personalizing nutrition therapy in gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Harvie Ruth , Walmsley Russell , Schultz Michael ,   on behalf of the New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology
Published: June 2016

The theme for the 2016 World Digestive Health Day is “Your Diet and Gut Health”. The World Gastroenterology Organization thereby wishes to raise awareness of the relationship between what we eat and gastrointestinal symptoms. World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) is celebrated each year on May 29. This brief review article on behalf of the New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology will highlight recent developments in this highly active area of research with a special emphasis on gastrointestinal disorders.
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Zhang MingMing , Li YanQing
Published: June 2016

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are a series of diseases that include eosinophilic esophagitis, eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, eosinophilic enteritis, and eosinophilic colitis. Among these disorders, eosinophilic gastroenteritis is an uncommon and heterogeneous disease characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract in the absence of secondary causes, presenting with a variety of gastrointestinal manifestations. Up to now, epidemiology and pathophysiology of eosinophilic gastroenteritis are still unclear. Based on clinical manifestations and depth of eosinophilic infiltration into the gastrointestinal tract wall, eosinophilic gastroenteritis is classified into three different patterns including predominantly mucosal pattern, predominantly muscular pattern, and predominantly serosal pattern. For diagnosing eosinophilic gastroenteritis, it is necessary for clinicians to have a high degree of clinical suspicion. In addition to the gastrointestinal symptoms, other evidences such as laboratory results, radiological findings and endoscopy can also provide important diagnostic evidences for eosinophilic gastroenteritis. And these indirect pieces of information together with histological results will lead to a definitive diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. To avoid specific allergen, dietary treatments can be considered as initial treatment strategy before drug treatment. Corticosteroids are the main medication for eosinophilic gastroenteritis and have a dramatic therapeutic efficacy. Yet other medications need to further verify their effects in clinical practice, and surgery should be avoided as far as possible.