bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The exhaustive genomic scan approach, with an application to rare-variant association analysis
Authors: Kanoungi George , Nothnagel Michael , Becker Tim , Drichel Dmitriy
Published: March 2019

Region-based genome-wide scans are usually performed by use of a priori chosen analysis regions. Such an approach will likely miss the region comprising the strongest signal and, thus, may result in increased type II error rates and decreased power. Here, we propose a genomic exhaustive scan approach that analyzes all possible subsequences and does not rely on a prior definition of the analysis regions. As a prime instance, we present a computationally ultra-efficient implementation using the rare-variant collapsing test for phenotypic association, the genomic exhaustive collapsing scan (GECS). Our implementation allows for the identification of regions comprising the strongest signals in large, genome-wide rare-variant association studies while controlling the family-wise error rate via permutation. Application of GECS to two genomic data sets revealed several novel significantly associated regions for age-related macular degeneration and for schizophrenia. Our approach also offers a high potential for genome-wide scans for selection, methylation and other analyses.
Colony entropy - Allocation of goods in ant colonies
Authors: Greenwald Efrat , Eckmann Jean-Pierre , Feinerman Ofer
Published: March 2019

Allocation of goods is a key feature in defining the connection between the individual and the collective scale in any society. Both the process by which goods are to be distributed, and the resulting allocation to the members of the society may affect the success of the population as a whole. One of the most striking natural examples of a highly successful cooperative society is the ant colony which often acts as a single superorganism. In particular, each individual within the ant colony has a “communal stomach” which is used to store and share food with the other colony members by mouth to mouth feeding. Sharing food between communal stomachs allows the colony as a whole to get its food requirements and, more so, allows each individual within the colony to reach its nutritional intake target. The vast majority of colony members do not forage independently but obtain their food through secondary interactions in which food is exchanged between individuals. The global effect of this exchange is not well understood. To gain better understanding into this process we used fluorescence imaging to measure how the collected food is distributed and homogenized within aCamponotus sanctusant colony. Using entropic measures to quantify food-blending, we show that while collected food flows into all parts of the colony it homogenizes only partly. We show that mixing is controlled by the ants’ interaction rule in which only a fraction of the maximal potential is actually transferred. This rule leads to a robust blending process:i.e., neither the exact food volume that is transferred, nor the interaction schedule are essential to generate the global outcome. Finally, we show how the ants’ interaction rules may optimize a trade-off between fast dissemination and efficient mixing.

Author summary

We study how food is distributed in colonies of ants. Food collected by a small fraction of ants is distributed throughout the colony through a series of mouth-to-mouth interactions.

An interesting interplay exists between food dissemination and food mixing within the colony. High levels of dissemination are important as they ensure that any food type is available to any ant. On the other hand, high dissemination induces mixing and this reduces the required variety of nutritional choices within the colony.

Tracking fluorescent-labelled food and interpreting the results within concepts of information theory, we show that food collected by each forager reaches almost every ant in the colony. Nonetheless, it is not homogenized across workers, resulting in a limited level of mixing.

We suggest that the difference in food mixture held by each individuals can provide ants the potential to control their nutritional intake by interacting with different partners.
Frontal cortex tracks surprise separately for different sensory modalities but engages a common inhibitory control mechanism
Authors: Wessel Jan R. , Huber David E.
Published: March 2019

The brain constantly generates predictions about the environment to guide action. Unexpected events lead to surprise and can necessitate the modification of ongoing behavior. Surprise can occur for any sensory domain, but it is not clear how these separate surprise signals are integrated to affect motor output. By applying a trial-to-trial Bayesian surprise model to human electroencephalography data recorded during a cross-modal oddball task, we tested whether there are separate predictive models for different sensory modalities (visual, auditory), or whether expectations are integrated across modalities such that surprise in one modality decreases surprise for a subsequent unexpected event in the other modality. We found that while surprise was represented in a common frontal signature across sensory modalities (the fronto-central P3 event-related potential), the single-trial amplitudes of this signature more closely conformed to a model with separate surprise terms for each sensory domain. We then investigated whether surprise-related fronto-central P3 activity indexes the rapid inhibitory control of ongoing behavior after surprise, as suggested by recent theories. Confirming this prediction, the fronto-central P3 amplitude after both auditory and visual unexpected events was highly correlated with the fronto-central P3 found after stop-signals (measured in a separate stop-signal task). Moreover, surprise-related and stopping-related activity loaded onto the same component in a cross-task independent components analysis. Together, these findings suggest that medial frontal cortex maintains separate predictive models for different sensory domains, but engages a common mechanism for inhibitory control of behavior regardless of the source of surprise.

Author summary

Surprise is an elementary cognitive computation that the brain performs to guide behavior. We investigated how the brain tracks surprise across different senses: Do unexpected sounds make subsequent unexpected visual stimuli less surprising? Or does the brain maintain separate expectations of environmental regularities for different senses? We found that the latter is the case. However, even though surprise was separately tracked for auditory and visual events, it elicited a common signature over frontal cortex in both sensory domains. Importantly, we observed the same neural signature when actions had to be stopped after non-surprising stop-signals in a motor inhibition task. This suggests that this signature reflects a rapid interruption of ongoing behavior when our surroundings do not conform to our expectations.
Differences in firing efficiency, chromatin, and transcription underlie the developmental plasticity of the Arabidopsis DNA replication origins
Authors: Sequeira-Mendes Joana , Vergara Zaida , Peiró Ramon , Morata Jordi , Aragüez Irene , Costas Celina , Mendez-Giraldez Raul , Casacuberta Josep M. , Bastolla Ugo , Gutierrez Crisanto
Published: March 2019

Eukaryotic genome replication depends on thousands of DNA replication origins (ORIs). A major challenge is to learn ORI biology in multicellular organisms in the context of growing organs to understand their developmental plasticity. We have identified a set of ORIs of Arabidopsis thaliana and their chromatin landscape at two stages of post-embryonic development. ORIs associate with multiple chromatin signatures including transcription start sites (TSS) but also proximal and distal regulatory regions and heterochromatin, where ORIs colocalize with retrotransposons. In addition, quantitative analysis of ORI activity led us to conclude that strong ORIs have high GC content and clusters of GGN trinucleotides. Development primarily influences ORI firing strength rather than ORI location. ORIs that preferentially fire at early developmental stages colocalize with GC-rich heterochromatin, but at later stages with transcribed genes, perhaps as a consequence of changes in chromatin features associated with developmental processes. Our study provides the set of ORIs active in an organism at the post-embryo stage that should allow us to study ORI biology in response to development, environment, and mutations with a quantitative approach. In a wider scope, the computational strategies developed here can be transferred to other eukaryotic systems.
Comeback workout: QM practices and the health and fitness industry
Authors: Cha Wonsuk
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical model for the relationship between quality management (QM) practices and the health and fitness industry through two competencies, including relational competence (RC) and technical competence (TC).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the resource-based view and the relational competence theory, this paper seeks a further understanding of the conceptual link between QM practices and the health and fitness industry.

Findings

This paper proposes that RC and TC will positively mediate the relationship between QM practices and customers’ behavioral intentions to use the health and fitness service.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides an integrated perspective to the health and fitness industry. More specifically, this paper suggests that QM practices can be applicable to customers’ behavioral intentions to use the health and fitness service. This paper also provides a solid conceptual foundation through which managers in the health and fitness industry put more effort in developing the relationship with customers. An empirical investigation might be needed for future study.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that managers and employees in the health and fitness industry need to provide a sustained and consistent effort into maintaining the interaction with customers. This paper also suggests that the use of QM practices can be related to customer perception (e.g. boosting behavioral intentions toward service providers) and can provide sustainable competitive advantage in the health and fitness industry.

Originality/value

This paper extends current understanding of QM practices and the health and fitness industry by providing a conceptual framework regarding how QM practices are related to the health and fitness industry through RC and TC.
Why do “teeth” need “voice”? The case of anti‐corruption agencies in three Australian states
Authors: Ankamah Samuel Siebie
Published: March 2019

Interactions between horizontal accountability agencies (e.g., anti‐corruption agencies [ACAs]) and social accountability actors (e.g., journalists, civil society activists, and complainants/whistleblowers) are recognized as important to horizontal agencies’ performance, but the reason(s) is not clear. This study therefore explores why horizontal accountability agencies need social accountability actors in performing their functions. The study analyses data from 30 key stakeholders in Australia, including ACAs staff members, social accountability actors, and other observers to report on the specific support roles social actors play to ACAs’ activities and operations. Through the conceptual lens of social accountability, evidence show that social actors play four key types of support roles to ACAs’ activities and operations: activate ACAs’ investigations; “amplify” ACAs’ operations; guard ACAs’ activities and operations; and defend ACAs’ independence and powers. These findings support the need for interactions and, also, affirm the potential for research into how these support roles can better be provided for effective anti‐corruption outcomes. The research is of value to public accountability agencies in Australia, and internationally.
Military‐style fitness boot camps: contested resources in accounting for fatness
Authors: Gimlin Debra , Buckingham Alan
Published: March 2019

In this article, we examine the social management of fatness via an analysis of 4 years of participant‐observation in military‐style fitness boot camps and interviews with camp participants, trainers and organisers/owners. We begin by focusing on popular imagery of the ‘boot camp’. The boot camp model takes various forms; yet, whether it involves civilian participants, as on reality television shows, or the imagined military ones of films, the boot camp model emphasises the re‐fashioning of the individual via the disciplining of bodies and selves. Such constructions of boot camps were employed by our respondents to lay claim to identities which highlight their hard work, strength of character, fundamental ‘goodness’ and self‐discipline, as those qualities are demonstrated through the body – even though participants’ actual bodies change little at camp. Such meanings stand in direct contradiction to broader social constructions of fatness and participants’ own negative perceptions of fat people. Moreover, even within the camps themselves, such identity claims are contested, both by camp trainers and by slimmer and ‘fitter’ attendees. These counterclaims are grounded in ideas about the characterological implications of the fat body, beliefs about the purpose of boot camp and notions of the body's capacity for change.
Good Bids Come to Those Who Wait: The Value of Late Bidding in Online Auctions
Authors: Lim Bryan , Shemesh Joshua
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes an intuitive rationale for late bidding in online venues. The expected surplus from bidding on subsequent auctions for equivalent items creates an option value to losing the current auction. This option is dynamic due to the stochastic arrival of new auctions and early bids on later‐closing auctions. We demonstrate that late bidding can be optimal given the decentralised and heterogeneous nature of online auctions, in which the option value is exogenous to an individual bidder’s actions. Late bidding precludes the bidder from being locked into a suboptimal bid as her opportunity set evolves.
Adjusting for social risk factors impacts performance and penalties in the hospital readmissions reduction program
Authors: Joynt Maddox Karen E. , Reidhead Mat , Hu Jianhui , Kind Amy J. H. , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Nagasako Elna M. , Nerenz David R.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Medicare's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) does not account for social risk factors in risk adjustment, and this may lead the program to unfairly penalize safety‐net hospitals. Our objective was to determine the impact of adjusting for social risk factors on HRRP penalties.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Claims data for 2 952 605 fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF) or pneumonia from December 2012 to November 2015.

Principal Findings

Poverty, disability, housing instability, residence in a disadvantaged neighborhood, and hospital population from a disadvantaged neighborhood were associated with higher readmission rates. Under current program specifications, safety‐net hospitals had higher readmission ratios (AMI, 1.020 vs 0.986 for the most affluent hospitals; pneumonia, 1.031 vs 0.984; and CHF, 1.037 vs 0.977). Adding social factors to risk adjustment cut these differences in half. Over half the safety‐net hospitals saw their penalty decline; 4‐7.5 percent went from having a penalty to having no penalty. These changes translated into a $17 million reduction in penalties to safety‐net hospitals.

Conclusions

Accounting for social risk can have a major financial impact on safety‐net hospitals. Adjustment for these factors could reduce negative unintended consequences of the HRRP.
An Investigation of Auditors’ Judgments When Companies Release Earnings Before Audit Completion
Authors: BHASKAR LORI SHEFCHIK , HOPKINS PATRICK E. , SCHROEDER JOSEPH H.
Published: March 2019

The majority of U.S. public companies release annual earnings prior to the completion of audit fieldwork. We investigate this phenomenon in a controlled experiment with audit partners and senior managers. We find that releasing earnings before completion of the audit pressures auditors to adopt the goals of management, thereby reducing the likelihood of post‐announcement audit‐adjustment recommendations. We also examine the effect of audit committee (AC) strength in improving auditors’ judgments after annual earnings are released. When ACs are actively involved in accounting issues and proactively communicating with auditors—characteristics currently lacking in most ACs—the negative effects on auditors’ judgments are completely mitigated. Our study provides evidence on potential unintended consequences of early release of earnings and the importance of investing in high‐quality ACs to mitigate adverse effects of client pressures on audit judgment and financial reporting quality.
Index hopping on the Illumina HiseqX platform and its consequences for ancient DNA studies
Authors: van der Valk Tom , Vezzi Francesco , Ormestad Mattias , Dalén Love , Guschanski Katerina
Published: March 2019

The high‐throughput capacities of the Illumina sequencing platforms and the possibility to label samples individually have encouraged wide use of sample multiplexing. However, this practice results in read misassignment (usually <1%) across samples sequenced on the same lane. Alarmingly high rates of read misassignment of up to 10% were reported for lllumina sequencing machines with exclusion amplification chemistry. This may make use of these platforms prohibitive, particularly in studies that rely on low‐quantity and low‐quality samples, such as historical and archaeological specimens. Here, we use barcodes, short sequences that are ligated to both ends of the DNA insert, to directly quantify the rate of index hopping in 100‐year old museum‐preserved gorilla (Gorilla beringei) samples. Correcting for multiple sources of noise, we identify on average 0.470% of reads containing a hopped index. We show that sample‐specific quantity of misassigned reads depends on the number of reads that any given sample contributes to the total sequencing pool, so that samples with few sequenced reads receive the greatest proportion of misassigned reads. This particularly affects ancient DNA samples, as these frequently differ in their DNA quantity and endogenous content. Through simulations we show that even low rates of index hopping, as reported here, can lead to biases in ancient DNA studies when multiplexing samples with vastly different quantities of endogenous material.
Clinical practice visits: a rapid review
Authors: Forel Deanne , Marlow Nicholas , Vandepeer Meegan , Hill Andrew G.
Published: March 2019

Background

Practice visits are a peer review activity where one or more healthcare providers visit the practice of another in the same field. The purpose of this exercise is for visitors to observe and review a host’s practice in a non‐punitive manner and provide them with constructive feedback as required; ultimately to improve practice quality and patient care.

Methods

A rapid review of three biomedical databases was conducted to identify relevant literature published up until 9 April 2018. There were no limits placed on publication date or publication type. Two authors were responsible for study selection and data extraction using a priori inclusion criteria and extraction templates. Study details and key findings were reported narratively and in tables.

Results

A total of nine publications, reporting outcomes for eight study groups, were identified as eligible for inclusion in this rapid review. Of these eight, six were observational studies, one was a longitudinal study and one was a randomized controlled trial. Practice visits were considered useful in identifying areas of improvement in professional practice; however, the rate at which these improvements were elicited varied greatly between the included studies. Overall, both hosts and visitors gained insight from the practice visit process and in general their experiences were positive.

Conclusions

Based on the evidence provided by the included studies, recommendations for an effective practice visit can be made. Importantly, the poor quality and age of the literature from which these recommendations are based should be considered.
Species’ cultural heritage inspires a conservation ethos: The evidence in black and white
Authors: Hopper Nigel G. , Gosler Andrew G. , Sadler Jonathan P. , Reynolds S. James
Published: March 2019

Birds feature prominently in the arts and folklore of practically every culture. Yet, in industrialized countries, this rich cultural heritage is largely ignored by conservation biologists. Taking the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) as a focal species, we conducted a classroom‐based survey to test the value of avian cultural heritage for inspiring a conservation ethos among UK schoolchildren, comparing it with the effects of other information types and factors. Although identified effects were not strong, species’ cultural heritage was found to be valued and a positive driver of conservation concern—one, we suggest, that has the potential to endure into adulthood when certain other conservation motivations may fail. We therefore encourage its more widespread incorporation into conservation education and outreach programs. Our findings constitute an important “first word” on the potential value of species’ cultural heritage for inspiring a lasting conservation ethos.
Enhanced metabolic activities for ATP production and elevated metabolic flux via pentose phosphate pathway contribute for better CIK cells expansion
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Huang Huimin , Cai Haibo , Tan Wen‐Song
Published: March 2019

Objective

Ex vivo expansion is an effective way to produce cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells needed for clinical trials. Here, ex vivo expansion and metabolism characters of CIK cells in static and dynamic cultures and the relationship between cell expansion and metabolism were investigated.

Materials and methods

Oxygen transfer efficiency was assessed by computational fluid dynamics technique. Cell phenotype, apoptosis and of transporter expression were determined by flow cytometry and Western blotting. Metabolites and enzyme activities were assessed by biochemical methods.

Results

Dynamic cultures favoured better CIK cell expansion without impairing their phenotype and cytotoxicity, enhanced oxygen transfer efficiency. The glucose metabolism flux of cells in dynamic cultures was enhanced by upregulating surface glucose transporter 1 expression and phosphofructokinase activity. Moreover, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) metabolic flux was enhanced through upregulating glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity. Glutaminolysis was also accelerated via boosting glutamine transporters expression, glutaminase (GLS) and glutamate dehydrogenase activities. Together with higher oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate, it was suggested that cells in dynamic cultures were in a more vigorous metabolic state for ATP production.

Conclusion

Dynamic cultures accelerated glucose and glutamine metabolic flux to promote ATP production, elevated glucose metabolic flux through PPP to promote biosynthesis for better cell expansion. These findings may provide the basis for ex vivo CIK cell expansion process optimization.
Beyond HbA1c: using continuous glucose monitoring metrics to enhance interpretation of treatment effect and improve clinical decision‐making
Authors: Brown S. A. , Basu A. , Kovatchev B. P.
Published: March 2019

Assessment of glycaemic outcomes in the management of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes has been revolutionized in the past decade with the increasing availability of accurate, user‐friendly continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This advancement has brought a need for new techniques to appropriately analyse and understand the voluminous and complex CGM data for application in research‐related goals and clinical guidance for individuals. Traditionally, HbA1c was established using the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and other trials as the ultimate measure of glycaemic control in terms of efficacy and, by default, risk of microvascular complications of diabetes. However, it is acknowledged that HbA1c alone is inadequate at describing an individual's daily glycaemic variation and risks for hypo‐ and hyperglycaemia, and it does not provide the guidance needed to decrease those risks. CGM data provide means by which to characterize an individual's daily glycaemic excursions on a different time scale measured in minutes rather than months. As a consequence, clinical reports, such as the ambulatory glucose profile, increasingly include summary statistics related to averages (mean glucose, time in range) as well as markers related to glycaemic variability (coefficient of variation, standard deviation). However, there is a need to translate those metrics into specific risks that can be addressed in an actionable plan by individuals with diabetes and providers. This review presents several clinical scenarios of glycaemic outcomes from CGM data that can be analysed to describe glycaemic variability and its attendant risks of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia, moving towards relevant interpretation of the complex CGM data streams.
Subsidies of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from aquatic to terrestrial environments via amphibian emergence
Authors: Fritz Kelley A. , Whiles Matt R. , Trushenski Jesse T.
Published: March 2019

Resource subsidies across aquatic‐terrestrial boundaries can alter predator distribution and biomass and elicit trophic cascades. Most studies have focused on the size of cross‐boundary fluxes, but the impact of a subsidy is also mediated by quality and relative abundance of similar resources in the recipient habitat.

Long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs) are necessary for proper physiological function, are unevenly distributed across the landscape, and animals differ greatly in their ability to synthesize them from biochemical precursors, which creates the potential for limitation and increases their possible importance as a subsidy.

We examined whole‐body LC‐PUFA content and export in eight species of emerging amphibian metamorphs across eight temporary ponds in a wetland complex. We found that whole‐body content and export of LC‐PUFAs varied across species, but were generally within the ranges of other amphibian studies and several freshwater fish and aquatic insects.

Anurans exported higher amounts of LC‐PUFAs than salamanders, largely due to the higher emergence biomass of anurans. As such, the export of LC‐PUFAs closely mirrored the biomass export for each species.

Larger ponds exported higher amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, but some smaller ponds exported more per unit wetted area, indicating the potential importance of small ponds at a landscape scale. Given their vital physiological roles, the uneven distribution of aquatic‐origin LC‐PUFAs could have far reaching effects on terrestrial predators.
Housing mice in the individually ventilated or open cages—Does it matter for behavioral phenotype?
Authors: Åhlgren Johanna , Voikar Vootele
Published: March 2019

Individually ventilated caging (IVC) systems for rodents are increasingly common in laboratory animal facilities. However, the impact of such substantial change in housing conditions on animal physiology and behavior is still debated. Most importantly, there arise the questions regarding reproducibility and comparison of previous or new phenotypes between the IVC and open cages. The present study was set up for detailed and systematic comparison of behavioral phenotypes in male and female mice of three widely used inbred strains (C57BL/6JRccHsd, DBA/2JRccHsd, 129S2/SvHSd) after being kept in two housing environments (IVC and open cages) for 6 weeks (since 4 weeks of age) before behavioral testing. The tests addressed exploratory, anxiety‐like and stress‐related behavior (light‐dark box, open field, forced swim test, stress‐induced hyperthermia), social approach and species‐specific behavior (nest building, marble burying). In all tests, large and expected strain differences were found. Somewhat surprisingly, the most striking effect of environment was found for basal body temperature and weight loss after one night of single housing in respective cages. In addition, the performance in light‐dark box and open field was affected by environment. Several parameters in different tests showed significant interaction between housing and genetic background. In summary, the IVC housing did not invalidate the well‐known differences between the mouse strains which have been established by previous studies. However, within the strains the results can be influenced by sex and housing system depending on the behavioral tasks applied. The bottom‐line is that the environmental conditions should be described explicitly in all publications.
Brain natriuretic peptide reflects individual variation in hydration status in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Stenberg Jenny , Melin Jan , Lindberg Magnus , Furuland Hans
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Fluid management in hemodialysis patients is a controversial topic. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is secreted from the heart in response to volume overload, and may be a marker of overhydration in hemodialysis patients. Our aim was to investigate the correlation between BNP and overhydration in a cohort of hemodialysis patients, and to find out whether BNP and overhydration correlate in repeated measurements within individuals with elevated BNP.

Methods: The study was prospective, observational, and had a cross‐sectional part and a longitudinal follow‐up. The distribution of BNP was investigated in a cohort of 64 hemodialysis patients. Blood samples and bioimpedance spectroscopy measurements were performed before midweek dialysis. Subsequently, 11 study participants with elevated BNP concentrations (>500 pg/mL) were assessed in another nine dialysis sessions each. These individuals also had their cardiac function and heart rate variability (HRV) examined.

Findings: BNP was above 500 pg/mL in 38% of the participants, and correlated positively with overhydration (rs = 0.381), inflammation and malnutrition, but not with systolic blood pressure. In comparison to participants with BNP below 500 pg/mL, participants with elevated BNP were older, had lower muscle strength, lower bodyweight and lower levels of hemoglobin and albumin. Echocardiography revealed cardiac anomalies in all 11 participants in the longitudinal follow‐up, and HRV, as measured by SDNN, was pathologically low. In repeated measurements, the between‐individuals variation of BNP in relation to overhydration was greater (SD = 0.581) than the within‐person variation (SD = 0.285).

Discussion: BNP correlates positively to overhydration, malnutrition, and inflammation. In a subgroup of patients with elevated BNP, who are mainly elderly and frail, BNP reflects individual variation in hydration status, and hence seems to be a modifiable marker of overhydration. These data suggest that BNP is best applied for measuring changes in hydration status within an individual over time.
Chemotherapy‐induced skin toxicity and capillary leak syndrome
Authors: Hunjan Manrup K. , Nowsheen Somaira , Ramos‐Rodriguez Alvaro J. , Bridges Alina G. , Lehman Julia S. , Hashmi Shahrukh K. , el‐Azhary Rokea A.
Published: March 2019

Background

The occurrence of chemotherapy‐related adverse cutaneous reactions in the setting of capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is quite rare. Our objective was to identify the type of skin reactions associated with CLS.

Methods

Leukemia or hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients between January 2010 and December 2017 were identified, and medical records were reviewed for a dermatology consultation occurring concomitantly with CLS.

Results

Five patients were identified, two with a diagnosis of toxic erythema of chemotherapy (TEC) and three others with a skin diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Pathology of all patients was available for clinical‐pathologic confirmation.

Conclusions

Although TEC is generally self‐limited, both TEC and TEN can present with severe adverse skin manifestations during CLS secondary to toxicity from chemotherapy.
The meaning of acceptance (Thum‐jai) in Thai people: Letting it go…so life goes on
Authors: Mills Andrew C. , Poogpan Jidapa , Wong‐Anuchit Choochart , Rujkorakarn Darunee
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the meaning of acceptance (Thum‐jai) as a culturally embedded coping strategy in the lives of Thai people who have experienced adversity that caused suffering. Thematic analysis was used to examine the responses of 47 participants to written, open‐ended questions or face‐to‐face interviews. The EQUATOR's COREQ checklist for qualitative research was followed. Participants came from diverse religious’ traditions and geographic regions throughout Thailand. Findings revealed seven themes: circumstance and emotion; thought and action; time, experience, and effort; social and moral support; religious and spiritual ethos; acceptance and hope; and survive and thrive. The adverse circumstance is central to the concept of acceptance. Before acceptance, there is often hope; yet Thai people reach an existential point whether to accept the reality of the situation or continue in distress. Purposeful approaches to deal with the event flow from the cultural contexts of spirituality and social support. Drawing upon psychological strength, Thai people undertake purposive thought and action to facilitate redirecting their lives for better mental health. Thum‐jai brings release and peace of mind. Clinicians may find that people experiencing adverse life events are best served by nondirective approaches. Acceptance and change in thoughts and behaviours may come from meditation and therapeutic mindfulness practices that allow those in Western and non‐Western cultures to use their own values, expressions, and societal expectations to cope with suffering and formulate effective decisions.
Let’s get physical: Recent research on relations of adolescent peer victimization with psychosomatic symptoms, sleep, and body weight
Authors: Zimmer‐Gembeck Melanie J. , Duffy Amanda L. , Stuart Jaimee
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Victimization by peers is known to have a detrimental effect on emotional and educational adjustment. Yet, there is also a sparser research literature on the potential negative effects of peer victimization on physical health. Our purpose was to draw from meta‐analyses and studies of peer victimization and physical health (including psychosomatic symptoms, sleep, and body weight) to highlight key findings and future directions in the area. We also briefly summarize research findings that associate peer victimization with stress physiology.

Method

Narrative research summary.

Results

Peer victimization is associated with poorer physical health among youth, including more somatic complaints (e.g., health concerns, pain) and disrupted sleep. Also, victimized youth are at more risk than other youth for increasing weight problems. These effects seem to be both immediate and long‐term, with associations found into later adolescence and even adulthood.

Conclusion

Future directions for research are proposed that take a biopsychosocial perspective, by integrating the domains of physiology, mental health, and physical health, in order to test holistic models that better illuminate the negative effects of peer victimization. Additionally, future research should continue to address potential mechanisms, such as neurophysiological reactions and recovery from stressful events.
Nail changes due to chemotherapy: a prospective observational study of 129 patients
Authors: Zawar V. , Bondarde S. , Pawar M. , Sankalecha S.
Published: March 2019

Background

Nail changes due to systemic drugs are common, especially with anticancer treatments due to involvement of nail plate, nail bed and periungual area.

Objective

To study the pattern of nail changes occurring due to chemotherapy in patients suffering from various malignancies.

Materials and Methods

A prospective, observational study was conducted at various health care centres, Nashik, India, for 15 months. The timing of administration of chemotherapy and onset of nail changes were recorded and evaluated by a dermatologist at regular interval.

Results

A total of 129 diagnosed cases of various malignancies who received chemotherapy were included. The most common malignancy noted was breast cancer, that is n = 42 (32.5%) followed by oral cancer, that is n = 24 (18.6%). Chemotherapy agents included taxanes (n = 54), cyclophosphamide (n = 42) and prednisolone (n = 28). Nail changes were noted in 92 patients (71.3%). The most common nail changes observed were chromonychia (n = 70, 54.26%), followed by nail dystrophy (n = 38, 29.45%).

Conclusion

Nail toxicity is quite common side effect of anticancer agents. Nail changes due to chemotherapy depend on the nail structure involved and the severity of insult. Awareness among dermatologists and oncologists of these nail changes and their culprit agent can promote early diagnosis and may avoid inadvertent measures.
Possible female philopatry of the smooth hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena revealed by genetic structure patterns
Authors: Félix‐López Daniela G. , Bolaño‐Martinez Nataly , Díaz‐Jaimes Pindaro , Oñate‐González Erick C. , Ramírez‐Pérez Jorge S. , García‐Rodríguez Emiliano , Corro‐Espinosa David , Osuna‐Soto Jesus E. , Saavedra‐Sotelo Nancy C.
Published: March 2019

We assessed the spatial pattern of genetic structure of smooth hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena in 10 localities from the Northern Mexican Pacific. A total of 35 haplotypes were identified in 129 sequences of the mtDNA control region. The results showed slight but significant genetic structure among localities (ΦST = 0.044, P < 0.001). In addition, the localities with highest number of juveniles were genetically different (ΦST = 0.058, P < 0.024), which may be representative of nursery areas. The genetic differentiation pattern can be associated to female philopatry and preference for particular birthing sites. Finally, historical demography shows that S. zygaena populations present a recent demographic expansion that occurred during glacial events in the late Pleistocene to early Holocene.
Otoliths of sub‐adult Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens contain aragonite and vaterite calcium carbonate polymorphs
Authors: Loeppky Alison R. , Chakoumakos Bryan C. , Pracheil Brenda M. , Anderson W. Gary
Published: March 2019

In this study we quantified the percent CaCO3 polymorph composition in otoliths of larval and juvenile Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens via X‐ray microdiffraction. Sagittal otoliths of sub‐adults were primarily composed of aragonite (> 90%) while the lapilli otoliths were 100% vaterite. This is the first time the presence of aragonite in otoliths has been reported in an acipenseriform and is surprising given that the ability to form aragonite otoliths was not thought to have evolved until the separation of teleost and holostean species from other Actinopterygian fishes (e.g., sturgeon, paddlefish, gar).
Variations in the migratory history of the tropical catadromous eels Anguilla bicolor bicolor and A. bicolor pacifica in south‐east Asian waters
Authors: Arai Takaomi , Chino Naoko
Published: March 2019

Fish movements between aquatic habitats of different salinity ranges (fresh, estuarine, marine) by the tropical catadromous eels Anguilla bicolor bicolor and A. bicolor pacifica were examined by analysing the otolith strontium and calcium concentrations of yellow (immature) and silver (mature) stage eels collected in south‐east Asian (Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam) waters. The ratios suggest that all migratory‐type eels, including freshwater, brackish water and marine residents, pass the river mouth. However, the habitat preference was different among the sites (countries). In Indonesia and Vietnam, most A. bicolor bicolor and A. bicolor pacifica were either marine or brackish water residents in this study. Alternatively, most A. bicolor bicolor were freshwater residents in Malaysia; such a typical catadromous migration pattern in these eels has not been found in previous studies. The wide range of otolith Sr:Ca in both subspecies indicates that the habitat use of these tropical eels was opportunistic among fresh, brackish and marine waters during their growth phases following recruitment to coastal areas. The geographical variability of migratory histories suggests that habitat use might be determined by the inter and intraspecific competition and environmental conditions at each site.
Presence of nhe, cytK, and ces in Bacillus cereus isolated from dairy products commercially available in Brazil
Authors: Reis André Luiz Souza , Pereira Juliano Gonçalves , Montanhini Maike Tais Maziero , Bittencourt Juliana Vitória Messias , de Almeida Nogueira Pinto José Paes , dos Santos Bersot Luciano
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of genes (nheABC, cytK, and ces) among bacteria present in dairy products (100 pasteurized milk, 110 UHT milk, and 50 powdered milk). In total, 63 Bacillus cereus isolates were tested and subjected to the detection of genes by using PCR. Regardless of the type of sample analyzed, the most frequent were nheC (82.5%), cytK (68.2%), and nheA (66.6%). The genes nheB and ces were detected in only 23.8% and 3.1% of the isolates, respectively. None of the isolates presented the three genes simultaneously. The combination of nheABC‐cytK was highly prevalent in most of the isolates, present in 25% from pasteurized milk and 20% of those from powdered milk. None of the cultures showed nheABC and ces simultaneously, and the combination of cytK‐ces was found in only one isolate from pasteurized milk (2.7%) and one isolate in powdered milk (6.6%). These results demonstrate the presence of B. cereus toxin genes in dairy products from Brazil.

Practical applications

Consumption of food contaminated with Bacillus cereus is a risk to public health as this micro‐organism produces diarrheal and emetics toxins. Thus, studies that aim to research genes that code for these toxins can be important tools for dairy industries to establishment of process parameters, limits and actions to control of contamination. This article demonstrated that strains of B. cereus isolated from milk and dairy products may contain genes encoding the toxins (nhe, cytK, and ces), so the risk of food poisoning should not be neglected.
Best practices on immunomodulators and biologic agents for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in Asia
Authors: Ooi Choon Jin , Hilmi Ida , Banerjee Rupa , Chuah Sai Wei , Ng Siew Chien , Wei Shu Chen , Makharia Govind K , Pisespongsa Pises , Chen Min Hu , Ran Zhi Hua , Ye Byong Duk , Park Dong Il , Ling Khoon Lin , Ong David , Ahuja Vineet , Goh Khean Lee , Sollano Jose , Lim Wee Chian , Leung Wai Keung , Ali Raja Affendi Raja , Wu Deng Chyang , Ong Evan , Mustaffa Nazri , Limsrivilai Julajak , Hisamatsu Tadakazu , Yang Suk Kyun , Ouyang Qin , Geary Richard , De Silva Janaka H , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Simadibrata Marcellus , Abdullah Murdani , Leong Rupert W L ,   on behalf of the Asia–Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) Working Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis
Published: March 2019

The Asia–Pacific Working Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease was established in Cebu, Philippines, under the auspices of the Asia–Pacific Association of Gastroenterology with the goal of improving inflammatory bowel disease care in Asia. This consensus is carried out in collaboration with Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis.

With biologic agents and biosimilars becoming more established, it is necessary to conduct a review on existing literature and establish a consensus on when and how to introduce biologic agents and biosimilars in conjunction with conventional treatments for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in Asia. These statements also address how pharmacogenetics influences the treatments of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and provides guidance on response monitoring and strategies to restore loss of response. Finally, the review includes statements on how to manage treatment alongside possible hepatitis B and tuberculosis infections, both common in Asia. These statements have been prepared and voted upon by members of inflammatory bowel disease workgroup employing the modified Delphi process. These statements do not intend to be all‐encompassing, and future revisions are likely as new data continue to emerge.
Comparing Three Methods for Reducing Psychotropic Use in Older Demented Spanish Care Home Residents
Authors: Weeks William B. , Mishra Manish K. , Curto David , Petersen Curtis L. , Cano Pedro , Hswen Yulin , Serra Silvia Villamarín , Elwyn Glyn , Godfrey Marjorie M. , Soro Pedro Sánchez , Tomás José Francisco
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

In nursing homes across the world, and particularly in Spain, there are concerns that psychotropic medications are being overused. For older Spanish nursing home residents who had dementia, we sought to evaluate the association between applying interventions designed to reduce inappropriate psychotropic medication use and subsequent psychotropic use.

DESIGN

Retrospective, propensity score–matched, controlled, patient‐level observational analysis.

SETTING

A total of 45 nursing homes in Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1653 nursing home residents, aged 70 to 99 years, who had dementia and were prescribed an antipsychotic, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medication, 606 of whom received an intervention; the remainder served as propensity score–matched controls.

INTERVENTION

Team Rounds, Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions (STOPP)/Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment (START) criteria, or a Patient Decision Aid.

MEASUREMENTS

At 2 and 4 weeks following intervention: change from baseline drug class–specific milligram‐equivalent daily dose (MEDD); at 2 weeks: patient falls and restraint use.

RESULTS

Within each intervention/drug‐class cohort, intervention patients and matched controls had similar baseline demographic characteristics, Charlson scores, lengths of admission, and drug class–specific MEDDs. Compared to controls, patients exposed to Team Rounds experienced a 23.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.9%‐32.8%) reduction in antipsychotic and a 23.1% (95% CI = 18.3%‐28.0%) reduction in anxiolytic MEDDs; those exposed to Patient Decision Aids had a 24.8% (95% CI = 15.6%‐33.9%) reduction in antipsychotic and a 31.8% (95% CI = 25.5%‐38.2%) reduction in anxiolytic MEDDs; and those exposed to STOPP/START application had a 27.7% (95% CI = 22.4%‐33.0%) reduction in antipsychotic and a 39.5% (95% CI = 35.5%‐43.5%) reduction in anxiolytic MEDDs. Intervention‐associated antidepressant MEDD reductions were statistically significant but less dramatic. Interventions were associated with higher rates of medication discontinuation, but not higher rates of deaths, patient falls, or physical restraints.

CONCLUSION

We found strong evidence that the interventions we studied were associated with reduced psychotropic use without commensurate harms, suggesting that such interventions should be incorporated into Spanish nursing home care models. Public reporting of psychotropic medication use in Spanish care homes may encourage care homes to regularly monitor psychotropic medication use and implement such instruments. J Am Geriatr Soc, 2019.