bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuskedness in African elephants – an anatomical investigation of laterality
Authors: Bielert C. , Costo N. , Gallup A.
Published: September 2017

Evidence for brain and behavioral laterality is ubiquitous across the animal kingdom, ranging from invertebrates to humans. The elephant (Elephas maximus, Loxodonta africana and Loxodonta cyclotis) serves as an interesting model for the study of lateralization given its unique morphology and behavioral repertoire in foraging, and previous reports have documented side preferences in the use of the trunk among Asian elephants (E. maximus). Some authors have even discussed the potential laterality of tusk use among elephants; yet, there are no empirical studies of actual tusk use or appropriate tusk measurements. Here, we undertake an anatomical investigation of laterality in the tusk weights from 683 African elephants (L. africana and L. cyclotis). The vast majority of individuals (94.29%) showed asymmetries in tusk weight, with the left tusk being significantly heavier than the right on average (30.65 vs. 30.24 kg; P < 0.05). Although the age of the individuals in our sample was unknown, the tusks of African elephants continue to grow throughout life and thus individuals with larger tusks should experience greater opportunities for disproportionate wear. Consistent with the view that the reported asymmetries result from behavioral lateralization, that is, side preferences in tusk use in rooting, stripping bark and during agonist interactions, we show that individuals with larger overall tusk pairs had a higher degree of tusk laterality (P < 0.001). The restricted nature of the dataset limited a number of questions that could be examined, but follow‐up research in this area could study differential tusk use in the wild and how this relates to trunk side preferences.
Willingness to pay for small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements for women and children: Evidence from Ghana and Malawi
Authors: Adams Katherine P. , Vosti Stephen A. , Ayifah Emmanuel , Phiri Thokozani E. , Adu‐Afarwuah Seth , Maleta Kenneth , Ashorn Ulla , Arimond Mary , Dewey Kathryn G.
Published: September 2017

Small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements (SQ‐LNS) are designed to enrich maternal and child diets with the objective of preventing undernutrition during the first 1,000 days. Scaling up the delivery of supplements such as SQ‐LNS hinges on understanding private demand and creatively leveraging policy‐relevant factors that might influence demand. We used longitudinal stated willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) data from contingent valuation studies that were integrated into randomized controlled nutrition trials in Ghana and Malawi to estimate private valuation of SQ‐LNS during pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood. We found that average stated WTP for a day's supply of SQ‐LNS was more than twice as high in Ghana than Malawi, indicating that demand for SQ‐LNS (and by extension, the options for effective delivery of SQ‐LNS) may be very context specific. We also examined factors associated with WTP, including intervention group, household socioeconomic status, birth outcomes, child growth, and maternal and child morbidity. In both sites, WTP was consistently negatively associated with household food insecurity, indicating that subsidization might be needed to permit food insecure households to acquire SQ‐LNS if it is made available for purchase. In Ghana, WTP was higher among heads of household than among mothers, which may be related to control over household resources. Personal experience using SQ‐LNS was not associated with WTP in either site.
Peptidoglycan O‐acetylation is functionally related to cell wall biosynthesis and cell division in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Bonnet Julie , Durmort Claire , Jacq Maxime , Mortier‐Barrière Isabelle , Campo Nathalie , VanNieuwenhze Michael S. , Brun Yves V. , Arthaud Christopher , Gallet Benoit , Moriscot Christine , Morlot Cécile , Vernet Thierry , Di Guilmi Anne Marie
Published: September 2017

The peptidoglycan is a rigid matrix required to resist turgor pressure and to maintain the cellular shape. It is formed by linear glycan chains composed of N‐acetylmuramic acid‐(β‐1,4)‐N‐acetylglucosamine (MurNAc‐GlcNAc) disaccharides associated through cross‐linked peptide stems. The peptidoglycan is continually remodelled by synthetic and hydrolytic enzymes and by chemical modifications, including O‐acetylation of MurNAc residues that occurs in most Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. This modification is a powerful strategy developed by pathogens to resist to lysozyme degradation and thus to escape from the host innate immune system but little is known about its physiological function. In this study, we have investigated to what extend peptidoglycan O‐acetylation is involved in cell wall biosynthesis and cell division of Streptococcus pneumoniae. We show that O‐acetylation driven by Adr protects the peptidoglycan of dividing cells from cleavage by the major autolysin LytA and occurs at the septal site. Our results support a function for Adr in the formation of robust and mature MurNAc O‐acetylated peptidoglycan and infer its role in the division of the pneumococcus.
When Dignity and Honor Cultures Negotiate: Finding Common Ground
Authors: Fosse Sebastien M. , Ogliastri Enrique , Rendon María Isabel
Published: September 2017

Dignity and honor cultures are thought to yield dramatically different processes and outcomes in cross‐cultural negotiations. We challenge this conceptual dichotomy through the qualitative analysis of negotiation accounts by practitioners and graduate students. Drawing on self‐worth theory, we reexamine the delineation and contrast of dignity and honor cultures as they manifest in negotiations between French and Latin American people. According to our set of interviews and written narratives, negotiators on the two sides share a large set of perceptions of French negotiating behavior, coalescing into three main components—conventionality, pride in historical legacy, and conflict proneness. This French behavior falls into neither cultural category, but rather demonstrates the possibility of hybrids between them. We discuss implications for theory, practice, and teaching of cross‐cultural understanding, and, specifically, of the French negotiating style.
Preserving ecologically sensitive hotspots under endogenous regulation and valuation constraints
Authors: Ranjan Ram
Published: September 2017

We model tradeoffs arising between protecting biodiversity hotspots and promoting economic growth in developing economies. Environmental valuation and economic growth are assumed to be inherently linked, whereas, the ability to enforce stricter environmental regulations is constrained by the presence of regulator‐commercial nexus. A dynamic optimization framework is adopted to derive optimal time path of forest acreage preservation efforts from the perspective of a regulator, whose utility function may not be fully aligned with that of the society. Results indicate that due to the presence of a regulator‐commercial nexus, the regulator's optimal plan leads to a discounting of biodiversity preservation goals in favor of short‐term economic growth. Further, when the degradation of the environment provides negative feedback to local economic growth, the regulator's optimal plan deviates significantly from the socially optimal plan, resulting in losses to both economic growth and the biodiversity.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

Regulator‐commercial nexus can undermine the goal of preserving biodiversity hotspots. A regulator having significant nexus with the commercial exploiters of biodiversity would underinvest toward biodiversity preservation efforts.

The resulting lax environmental regulations, even though they may appear to be providing beneficial results to the economy in the short term, could harm the environment as well as the economy in the long term. Short‐term economic gains that materialize through the overexploitation of the biodiversity also help disguise and sustain the regulator‐commercial nexus.

When environmental degradation could provide negative feedback to economic growth, the differences in biodiversity preservation efforts under a socially optimal plan and that under a regulator‐commercial nexus stand in sharp contrast. A socially optimal plan leads to lower rate of economic growth in the short term; however, the long‐term outcomes for the environment as well as the economy are significantly higher as compared to what is possible under a regulator‐commercial nexus.
The treatment of diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis with oral bisphosphonates
Authors: Taylor H. , Patel V. , Matharu J. , Kwok J.
Published: September 2017

Diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis (DSO) is a rare inflammatory disease of bone. The underlying cause is poorly understood and traditional management techniques have struggled to provide patients with adequate relief. A number of reports in the literature have described the use of bisphosphonates to manage DSO; however, these have predominantly been associated with the intravenous formulation. Understandably, there is an element of angst due to its underlying and well‐recognised risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. In this article, we review the literature for the management of DSO including the novel approach of using bisphosphonates. As an example, we present a case of a 56‐year‐old female with DSO where conventional therapies failed to manage her symptoms; however, treatment with oral alendronic acid led to complete and sustained resolution. This case in conjunction with additional reported cases provides further evidence of the value of bisphosphonates in DSO and highlights that the use of oral bisphosphonates can be successful and could be a viable consideration prior to the use of intravenous versions.
On the Asymmetry between Twin Earth and Inverted Earth
Authors: Benbaji Hagit
Published: September 2017

A crucial disanalogy between Twin Earth and Inverted Earth undermines qualia‐internalism. A recent transplant to Inverted Earth has been equipped with color‐inverting contact lenses, so that she is unable to see the colors of objects whereas a recent transplant to Twin Earth can see twater. It is implausible to think that time alone could rectify this perceptual shortcoming – that the passage of time could alter the contents of her visual perceptions or the meaning of her color terms. Thus, the thought experiment does not refute the close tie between phenomenology and representation in the case of color.
Maintaining Higher Taxes and Spending More With the Line‐Item Veto: Uncommon Events That Sting
Authors: Douglas James W.
Published: September 2017

The scholarly literature provides little evidence that the line‐item veto is used effectively by governors in the U.S. states to reduce budget totals or shrink the size of government. By examining the actions of five governors in four states, this study reveals that item vetoes have been used explicitly in several cases to maintain higher levels of taxation and spending. It concludes that under the right conditions at key moments in time the line item veto can be used by governors to have a decisive impact on state budget outcomes.
The patient‐centered acne severity scale study
Authors: Patel Deepa P. , Bernardis Elena , Yan Albert C.
Published: September 2017

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions seen by dermatologists. As with many other cutaneous diseases, due to its visibility, acne often produces a large psychosocial impact on patients who suffer from the disease. Such psychosocial burdens are exacerbated by the variation in acne presentation that can lead to the usage of multiple different treatments before visible improvements are appreciated. Although many scales have been established to determine severity from the clinician standpoint, patient‐oriented scales are lacking. Clinicians use these severity tools to guide management and judge patient improvement from visit to visit. Creation of such a severity scale from a patient's perspective would allow patients to not only assess their perception of their acne independent of a physician but could also be used to determine patient satisfaction with treatment that would then help to more effectively guide management. Therefore the goal of this study is to create and validate a patient‐centered acne severity scale using a visual analogue scale format.
Low risk of treatment resistance in Down syndrome with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Takatsuki Shinichi , Ogata Shohei , Ishii Masahiro , Yokozawa Masato , Ono Masae , Fujiwara Masako , Ida Hiroyuki , Motomura Hideki , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Taketazu Mio , Kawamura Yoichi , Kawano Tatsuya , Izumi Tatsuro , Shiono Junko , Tsuchiya Shiro , Tsuchiya Keiji , Goushi Terufumi , Ichida Fukiko , Saji Tsutomu
Published: September 2017

Background

A Japanese nationwide survey has reported that Down syndrome (DS) is a less‐frequently occurring comorbidity in Kawasaki disease (KD). Although altered immune responses are frequently observed in DS, no studies have focused on the treatment response and risk for coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) in DS patients with KD. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the clinical manifestations, treatment response and prevalence of CAA in DS with KD.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of DS patients with KD from 2005 through 2012. The survey questionnaires were sent to facilities nationwide, and clinical data regarding KD in DS were collected. A control group consisted of non‐DS patients with KD who were managed at Toho University.

Results

Of the 94 233 children diagnosed with acute KD from 2005 to 2012, 16 children with acute KD also had DS (0.017%). The DS‐KD patients were significantly older than the non‐DS patients (median, 8 years vs 1 year, P < 0.05, respectively). Half of the DS patients had incomplete KD. Although 50% of the DS children were at high risk of immunoglobulin resistance, all children responded to initial treatment and none had CAA.

Conclusions

All DS‐KD patients responded to initial i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) or aspirin despite having a high risk of IVIG resistance, and none of the DS patients had CAA. This suggests that the risk of treatment resistance and development of CAA may be not higher in DS patients with acute KD.
Succinate dehydrogenase B‐deficient renal cell carcinoma: A case report with novel germline mutation
Authors: Iwashita Hiromichi , Okudela Koji , Matsumura Mai , Yamanaka Shoji , Sawazumi Tomoe , Enaka Makiko , Udaka Naoko , Miyake Akio , Hibiya Takashi , Miyake Noriko , Matsumoto Naomichi , Makiyama Kazuhide , Yao Masahiro , Nagashima Yoji , Ohashi Kenichi
Published: September 2017

Succinate dehydrogenase‐deficient renal cell carcinoma (SDH‐deficient RCC) is a newly introduced histological type of RCC, which is caused by loss of subunit genes of SDH. It is known to frequently demonstrate familial occurrence and be frequently associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumors and paraganglioma. To date, only 53 cases have been reported. Here, we present an additional case of SDH‐deficient RCC occurring in a 40‐year‐old female. The tumor was histologically biphasic, consisting of tubular and solid architectures. The tumor cells possessed oval nuclei with small nucleoli, and an eosinophilic granular cytoplasm with occasional vacuoles. These cells completely lost the immunohistochemical expression of B subunit of SDH (SDHB). Consequently, the tumor was diagnosed as SDHB‐deficient RCC. We identified a novel germ line mutation of the SDHB gene, and also confirmed a hemizygous deletion of the wild‐type allele in the tumor cells. To define the pathological characteristics of SDH‐deficient RCC, precise diagnosis and accumulation of more cases are required.
Mutualism between co‐occurring plant species in South Africa's Mediterranean climate heathland is mediated by birds
Authors: Pauw A. , Johnson C. M.
Published: September 2017

Interactions among plant species via pollinators vary from competitive to mutualistic and can influence the probability of stable coexistence of plant species. We aimed to determine the nature of the interaction via flower visitors between Leucospermum conocarpodendron and Mimetes fimbriifolius, two shrubs in the Proteaceae that share many ecological traits and coexist on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa.

To assess the extent of pollinator sharing we analysed nectar properties and recorded the pollinator fauna, their behaviour and contribution to seed set. To test for competition via interspecific pollen transfer, we recorded the movement patterns of pollinators and quantified pollen loads. To determine the effect of co‐flowering on visitation rates we recorded visits in stands that varied in the density of the two species.

We found that the species produce similar rewards and share pollinating Cape Sugarbirds (Promerops cafer). Interspecific pollen transfer is avoided by placing pollen on different parts of the bird. Both species are visited by nectar‐thieving Orange‐breasted Sunbirds (Anthobaphes violacea). Insects and autonomous self‐pollination contributed little to seed set. Pollinator visits increased with conspecific density in both species, and the slope of the increase was steepest in the presence of high densities of the co‐occurring plant species. Nectar thief visits also increased with conspecific density in both species, but the slope declined with increasing density of the co‐occurring species.

Co‐occurrence enhanced pollinator visits and alleviated nectar robbing in both plant species, consistent with mutualisms. Mutualism within a trophic level is unusual, but may help to explain the stable coexistence of ecologically similar species.
Managing Queueing Systems Where Capacity is Random and Customers are Impatient
Authors: Ibrahim Rouba
Published: September 2017

One prevalent assumption in queueing theory is that the number of servers in a queueing model is deterministic. However, randomness in the number of available servers often arises in practice, e.g., in virtual call centers where agents are allowed to set their own schedules. In this paper, we study the problems of staffing and controlling queueing systems with an uncertain number of servers and impatient customers. Because randomness in the number of servers creates congestion in the system, the customer abandonment distribution plays an important role. We characterize how it affects both the optimal staffing policy and the cost incurred by the manager. Because of strong dependence on the abandonment distribution, it is natural to investigate ways of controlling customer abandonment behavior so as to mitigate that cost. Here, we propose doing so by making delay announcements in the system. We characterize how the manager may use three controls in her toolbox, staffing, compensation, and the announcements, to effectively control her system. We show that despite jointly optimizing the usage of those three controls, it may be cost effective for the manager to understaff, overstaff, or match supply and demand in any given shift.
Temporal dynamics of reactive cognitive control as revealed by event‐related brain potentials
Authors: Von Gunten Curtis D. , Volpert‐Esmond Hannah I. , Bartholow Bruce D.
Published: September 2017

Reactive cognitive control refers to a complementary set of cognitive operations by which individuals monitor for and detect the presence of goal‐interfering conflict (i.e., conflict monitoring/evaluation) and, subsequently, initiate attention‐focusing and response selection processes to bolster goal‐directed action in the face of such conflict (regulative control). The purpose of the current study was to characterize the nature of conflict adaptation in both components of this dynamic process across sequences of trials and, more broadly, across time as participants complete a cognitive control task. Fifty‐two young adults completed a standard arrow flanker task while behavioral and ERP data were recorded. Multilevel modeling of sequences of compatible and incompatible trials over time showed that, whereas response time data demonstrated a typical conflict adaptation effect throughout the task, N2 and frontal slow wave (FSW) indices of conflict monitoring and regulative control, respectively, demonstrated significant conflict adaptation only during the early part of the task. Moreover, although differential change in N2 and FSW over time suggested that conflict monitoring and regulative control were dissociable, a reciprocal relation between them was maintained throughout the task and was not present in a component theoretically unrelated to conflict adaptation (visual attention‐related N1). Findings are discussed in terms of compensatory processes that help to maintain goal‐directed performance even as control‐related neural responses become fatigued.
A Plea from a Former Careerist to Presidential Appointees
Authors: Ali Susannah Bruns
Published: September 2017

Related Content: Balfour (PAR November/December 2017)

Related Content: Nickels (PAR November/December 2017)

Related Content: Zeemering (PAR November/December 2017)

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Related Content: Schachter (PAR November/December 2017)

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Restoring Faith in Government: A Sisyphean Task?
Authors: Hamilton Mary R.
Published: September 2017

Related Content: Balfour (PAR November/December 2017)

Related Content: Nickels (PAR November/December 2017)

Related Content: Zeemering (PAR November/December 2017)

Related Content: Ali (PAR November/December 2017)

Related Content: Schachter (PAR November/December 2017)

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Effect of freezing bull semen in two non‐egg yolk extenders on post‐thaw sperm quality
Authors: Lima‐Verde IB , Johannisson A , Ntallaris T , Al‐Essawe E , Al‐Kass Z , Nongbua T , Dórea F , Lundeheim N , Kupisiewicz K , Edman A , Morrell JM
Published: September 2017

Contents

Traditionally, extenders for bull semen included egg yolk or milk, but recently there has been a move to avoid material of animal origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two commercial extenders (based on soya lecithin and liposomes) on bull sperm quality after cryopreservation. Post‐thaw sperm quality was evaluated by computer‐assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometric assessment of membrane integrity, chromatin integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, production of reactive oxygen species and tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, an artificial insemination (AI) trial was conducted, and 56‐day non‐return rates were evaluated. Semen frozen in the liposome‐based extender showed similar membrane integrity and higher mitochondrial membrane potential compared to those in the soya lecithin‐based extender. Chromatin integrity and production of live H2O2+ reactive oxygen species were similar in both extenders. Less superoxide was produced in the samples extended with liposome‐based extender, with or without menadione stimulation. Chromatin integrity and tyrosine phosphorylation were not affected by either type of extender. No differences in 56‐day non‐return rate between extenders containing soya lecithin and liposomes were observed in the AI trial (66% ± 0.8 and 65% ± 0.8, respectively). In conclusion, the sperm quality of bull semen frozen in the two extenders that do not contain material of animal origin was similar, although the semen frozen in the liposome‐based extender had higher mitochondrial membrane potential. Either extender could be used in situations where extenders containing material of animal origin are to be avoided.
Assessing the effect of genetic diversity on the early establishment of the threatened seagrass Posidonia australis using a reciprocal‐transplant experiment
Authors: Evans Suzanna M. , Sinclair Elizabeth A. , Poore Alistair G. B. , Bain Keryn F. , Vergés Adriana
Published: September 2017

Two common goals for restoration are rapid plant establishment and long‐term plant persistence. The success of transplanted populations may be jeopardized if the donor transplants are not genetically diverse, and/or poorly matched to their new environment. Here, we test the effects of local adaptation and plot‐level genetic diversity on the early establishment phase of a threatened seagrass species, Posidonia australis, by performing a reciprocal transplant experiment across two genetically and geographically distinct populations in southeastern Australia. Posidonia australis is a long‐lived, slow‐growing species that has no seed bank, and the successful transplantation of live shoots and seedlings is the only available restoration method. Our results show a strong effect of local adaptation and genetic diversity on P. australis survivorship and performance over the first 6 months following transplantation. High‐genetic diversity plots displayed higher survival rates and exhibited reduced productivity and increased carbohydrate reserves within the rhizome. This suggests that high‐diversity plots included shoots that were conserving energy stores by actively reducing growth rates during the early stages of transplantation. The lowest diversity plots exhibited high leaf and root productivity and corresponding low carbohydrate reserves. This may be a sign of stress in the low‐diversity transplants, potentially explaining the very low survival rate. We suggest that future restoration efforts source donor transplants from multiple local sources to ensure both local adaptation and sufficient genetic diversity to increase the likelihood of early establishment success.
Is Tinkering with Institutional Quality a Panacea for Firm Performance? Insights from a Semiparametric Approach to Modeling Firm Performance
Authors: Bhaumik Sumon Kumar , Dimova Ralitza , Kumbhakar Subal C. , Sun Kai
Published: September 2017

There is a large and growing literature on the impact of institutional quality on economic performance and the broad consensus is that “good” institutions facilitate better economic performance. The literature that provides micro‐level support for the policy discourse about institutional quality does not, however, account for significant intra‐country variation in reactions of firms to changes in business environments, even within the same industry, and it generally ignores the possibility that the impact of institutional quality on firm performance may not be neutral. In this paper, we analyze the impact of institutions on firm performance using an approach that enables us to overcome these problems with the stylized approach. Using cross‐country firm‐level data, we demonstrate that not only does the marginal impact of institutional quality vary significantly within countries, but also that the impact is economically significant only at the two extremes of the distribution. We view this as prima facie evidence that policies that tinker with institutional quality on the basis of the popular wisdom about the impact of these institutions on the average firm may not have the desired or expected impact, at least at the micro level.
Corruption: The good, the bad, and the uncertain
Authors: Bologna Pavlik Jamie
Published: September 2017

This paper argues that the relationship between corruption and economic growth is dependent upon the uncertainty involved. Employing data on a cross‐section of countries, this paper uses an interaction between the frequency of bribery payments and the uncertainty regarding the delivery of the service in exchange for these bribes to show that corruption has a negative association with growth unless the uncertainty is minimal. Furthermore, the negative association becomes larger in magnitude with higher levels of uncertainty. At extremely high levels of uncertainty a relatively small increase in corruption, equivalent to moving from Sweden to the United States for example, is associated with economically large decreases in economic growth.
Role of Intracystic Cytokines and Nitric Oxide in Ovarian Neoplasms
Authors: Martins‐Filho A. , Jammal M. P. , Micheli D. C. , Tavares‐Murta B. M. , Etchebehere R. M. , Murta E. F. C. , Nomelini R. S.
Published: September 2017

The development of new biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer may provide an opportunity for new therapies. In this study, we aimed to compare cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐2, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor [TNF]‐α) and nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels in non‐neoplastic tumours, benign primary ovarian tumours and malignant primary ovarian neoplasms. The secondary aim was to relate cytokine and intracystic NO metabolite levels to clinical, laboratory and pathologic characteristics for patients with primary ovarian malignancies. We evaluated 110 patients with adnexal masses. Cytokine concentrations were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and nitrate concentrations by enzymatic reduction of nitrite by nitrate reductase. Patients with malignant neoplasms had higher IL‐6, IL‐8 and NO levels compared to patients with benign neoplasms. Histologic grade 1 tumours were associated with elevated IL‐2 levels, whereas anaemia was associated with elevated IL‐6 levels. On average, those patients with elevated IL‐8 levels also had a neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) greater than 2.6 and less than 36 months of disease‐free survival (DFS). Patients with normal CA 19‐9 levels had elevated IL‐10 levels. TNF‐α was elevated in patients with two carcinogenesis and those with a platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) less than 300. NO levels were higher in patients with an NLR less than 2.6 and CA 19‐9 greater than 35 U/ml. Elevated intracystic cytokine levels, especially IL‐6 and IL‐8, are associated with worse prognosis in ovarian cancer.
Experience of Health Care Services After a Suicide Attempt: Results from an Online Survey
Authors: Shand Fiona L. , Batterham Philip J. , Chan Jade K.Y. , Pirkis Jane , Spittal Matthew J. , Woodward Alan , Christensen Helen
Published: September 2017

Failure to provide follow‐up care after a suicide attempt is associated with increased risk of reattempt. This online survey examined the experiences of patients of the Australian health system after a suicide attempt. Just over half of the participants had a psychiatric assessment within 1 week of their attempt. Fewer than half believed they had been offered enough help. Low service satisfaction was associated with lower help‐seeking intentions. Support for individuals who have made a suicide attempt needs to be enhanced, and an integrated approach to care is required, including improved referral pathways and staff attitudinal change.
Circulating Levels of Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor and History of Suicide Attempts in Women
Authors: Kudinova Anastacia Y. , Deak Terrence , Deak Molly M. , Gibb Brandon E.
Published: September 2017

A growing body of research examining biological factors associated with suicidal behaviors highlights the role of brain‐derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), involved in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. There is evidence suggesting that suicide attempters have lower BDNF levels than those with no history of suicide attempts. The key question addressed in the current investigation is whether differences in circulating BDNF levels persist beyond the current suicidal episode and would be observed in those with a past history of suicide attempts (SA). Plasma levels of BDNF were assessed in 73 women from the community. We found that women with a history of SA exhibited lower levels of BDNF than women with no SA history and this difference was maintained after statistically controlling for the influence of other potential psychiatric or demographic factors. These findings support and extend existing research by suggesting that circulating BDNF levels are decreased among individuals with a history of SA compared to individuals with no history of SA. This relation appeared to be specific to women's history of SA and was not explained by other potential psychiatric or demographic factors, which further highlights the role of BDNF as a promising biomarker for suicidal behavior.
CLD1/SRL1 modulates leaf rolling by affecting cell wall formation, epidermis integrity and water homeostasis in rice
Authors: Li Wen‐Qiang , Zhang Min‐Juan , Gan Peng‐Fei , Qiao Lei , Yang Shuai‐Qi , Miao Hai , Wang Gang‐Feng , Zhang Mao‐Mao , Liu Wen‐Ting , Li Hai‐Feng , Shi Chun‐Hai , Chen Kun‐Ming
Published: September 2017

Leaf rolling is considered as one of the most important agronomic traits in rice breeding. It has been previously reported that SEMI‐ROLLED LEAF 1 (SRL1) modulates leaf rolling by regulating the formation of bulliform cells in rice (Oryza sativa); however, the regulatory mechanism underlying SRL1 has yet to be further elucidated. Here, we report the functional characterization of a novel leaf‐rolling mutant, curled leaf and dwarf 1 (cld1), with multiple morphological defects. Map‐based cloning revealed that CLD1 is allelic with SRL1, and loses function in cld1 through DNA methylation. CLD1/SRL1 encodes a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored membrane protein that modulates leaf rolling and other aspects of rice growth and development. The cld1 mutant exhibits significant decreases in cellulose and lignin contents in secondary cell walls of leaves, indicating that the loss of function of CLD1/SRL1 affects cell wall formation. Furthermore, the loss of CLD1/SRL1 function leads to defective leaf epidermis such as bulliform‐like epidermal cells. The defects in leaf epidermis decrease the water‐retaining capacity and lead to water deficits in cld1 leaves, which contribute to the main cause of leaf rolling. As a result of the more rapid water loss and lower water content in leaves, cld1 exhibits reduced drought tolerance. Accordingly, the loss of CLD1/SRL1 function causes abnormal expression of genes and proteins associated with cell wall formation, cuticle development and water stress. Taken together, these findings suggest that the functional roles of CLD1/SRL1 in leaf‐rolling regulation are closely related to the maintenance of cell wall formation, epidermal integrity and water homeostasis.
How do I … manage the platelet transfusion–refractory patient?
Authors: Juskewitch Justin E. , Norgan Andrew P. , De Goey Steven R. , Duellman Patti M. , Wakefield Laurie L. , Gandhi Manish J. , Stubbs James R. , Kreuter Justin D.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Platelet transfusion–refractoriness is a challenging and expensive clinical scenario seen most often in patients with hematologic malignancies. Although the majority of platelet transfusion–refractory cases are due to nonimmune causes, a significant minority are caused by alloimmunization against Class I human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) or human platelet antigens (HPAs). Such platelet transfusion–refractory patients can be effectively managed with appropriate antigen‐negative products.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Our institution has developed a diagnostic and management algorithm for the platelet transfusion–refractory patient with an early focus on identifying those cases caused by immune‐mediated factors. Using physical platelet cross‐matches to initially classify platelet transfusion–refractory patients as immune‐mediated or not, cross‐match–compatible inventory is then provided to immune‐mediated patients, whereas subsequent HLA (with or without HPA) testing is performed.

RESULTS

Our blood donor program performs Class I HLA typing of all repeat platelet donors to facilitate the identification of antigen‐negative platelet units (virtual cross‐matching) as well as the recruitment of HLA‐matched donors. The platelet transfusion–refractoriness algorithm realizes an initial net cost savings once two apheresis platelets are saved from use for each newly identified, immune‐mediated platelet transfusion–refractory patient.

CONCLUSION

An algorithm utilizing physical platelet cross‐matches, Class I HLA and HPA antibody testing, and upfront Class I HLA typing of platelet donors leads to overall resource savings and improved clinical management for platelet transfusion–refractory patients.
Impact of intraoperative factor concentrates on blood product transfusions during orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Colavecchia A. Carmine , Cohen David A. , Harris Jesse E. , Thomas Jeena M. , Lindberg Scott , Leveque Christopher , Salazar Eric
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Major bleeding in orthotopic liver transplantation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Limited literature exists regarding comparative effectiveness of prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate during orthotopic liver transplantation on blood product utilization.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This retrospective, single‐institution study evaluated the impact of prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate on blood product utilization during orthotopic liver transplantation from December 2013 to April 2016. This study included patients age 18 years or older and excluded patients who received simultaneous heart or lung transplantation or did not meet documentation criteria. A propensity score matching technique was used to match patients who were exposed to prothrombin complex concentrate with unexposed patients, at a 2 to 1 ratio, to control for selection bias.

RESULTS

During this study, 212 patients received orthotopic liver transplantation with 39 prothrombin complex concentrate exposures. The matched study population included 39 patients who were exposed to prothrombin complex concentrate and 78 unexposed patients. Overall, 84.6% of patients who were exposed to prothrombin complex concentrate also received concomitant fibrinogen concentrate, whereas only 2% of patients in the control group received fibrinogen concentrate. After propensity score matching, no other factors that were included in the model differed significantly or had a standardized mean difference of 0.11 or greater. There was no statistical difference in the utilization of red blood cells or fresh frozen plasma for the exposed group versus the unexposed group after matching (mean ± standard deviation: red blood cell units, 12.4 ± 8.0 units vs. 9.7 ± 5.6 units [p = 0.058]; fresh‐frozen plasma units, 10.0 ± 6.3 vs. 12.7 ± 9.7 units [p = 0.119], respectively).

CONCLUSION

The intraoperative use of prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate during orthotopic liver transplantation did not reduce intraoperative blood product requirements at a single institution.
The effect of therapeutic leukapheresis on early complications and outcomes in patients with acute leukemia and hyperleukocytosis: a propensity score‐matched study
Authors: Choi Min Hyuk , Choe Yeon Hwa , Park Yongjung , Nah Hyunjin , Kim Sinyoung , Jeong Seok Hoon , Kim Hyun Ok
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Hyperleukocytosis in acute leukemia is associated with higher early mortality due to the major complications of leukostasis, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Leukapheresis remains an important modality for the management of patients with acute leukemia and hyperleukocytosis. However, the role of leukapheresis in early mortality is controversial. This study sought to evaluate the prognostic impact of leukapheresis and its beneficial effects on TLS and DIC.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a propensity score‐matched study of 166 patients with acute leukemia and hyperleukocytosis admitted between 2006 and 2016. The incidence of TLS and DIC was determined using well‐defined Cairo‐Bishop criteria for TLS and International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria for DIC.

RESULTS

Before matching, 27 of 91 patients (30%) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 32 of 75 patients (43%) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) underwent leukapheresis. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for clinical disparities between the leukapheresis and without‐leukapheresis groups and resulted in 22 matched pairs of patients with AML and 16 matched pairs of patients with ALL. After matching, we observed no significant difference in early mortality rates or in the incidence of TLS or DIC between the two groups of patients with AML and ALL.

CONCLUSION

Although leukapheresis may rapidly reduce white blood cell counts and leukemic blasts, any positive influence of leukapheresis could not be demonstrated by an effect on survival outcome and the incidence of early complications, such as TLS and DIC. These results suggest that a routinely performed, prophylactic leukapheresis cannot be recommended.
Retrospective evaluation of 155 adult equids and 21 foals with tetanus in Western, Northern, and Central Europe (2000–2014). Part 1: Description of history and clinical evolution
Authors: van Galen Gaby , Saegerman Claude , Rijckaert Joke , Amory Helene , Armengou Lara , Bezdekova Barbora , Durie Inge , Findshøj Delany Rikke , Fouché Nathalie , Haley Laura , Hewetson Michael , van den Hoven Rene , Kendall Anna , Malalana Fernando , Muller Cavalleri Jessika , Picavet Tresemiek , Roscher Katja , Verwilghen Denis , Wehrli Eser Meret , Westermann Cornélie , Mair Tim
Published: September 2017

Objective

To describe clinical data of hospitalized adult equids and foals with tetanus.

Design

Multicenter retrospective study (2000–2014).

Setting

Twenty Western, Northern, and Central European university teaching hospitals and private referral centers.

Animals

One hundred fifty‐five adult equids (>6 months) and 21 foals (<6 months) with tetanus.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Information on geographic, annual and seasonal data, demographic‐ and management‐related data, clinical history, clinical examination and blood analysis on admission, complications, treatments, and outcomes were described and statistically compared between adults and foals. The described cases were often young horses. In 4 adult horses, tetanus developed despite appropriate vaccination and in 2 foals despite preventive tetanus antitoxin administration at birth. Castration, hoof abscesses, and wounds were the most common entry sites for adults; umbilical cord infections and wounds for foals. Stiffness was the commonest observed initial clinical sign. Blood analyses frequently revealed an inflammatory response, hemoconcentration, muscle damage, azotemia, negative energy balance, liver damage, and electrolyte and acid base disturbances. Common complications or clinical signs developing during hospitalization included dysphagia, dyspnea, recumbency, hyperthermia, seizures, hyperlipemia, gastrointestinal impactions, dysuria, and laryngeal spasms. Cases were supported with wound debridement, antimicrobial treatment, tetanus antitoxin, muscle spasm and seizure control, analgesia, anti‐inflammatory drugs, fluid therapy, and nutritional support. Mortality rates were 68.4% in adult horses and 66.7% in foals. Foals differed from adult horses with respect to months of occurrence, signalment, management‐related data, potential causative events, clinical signs on admission, blood analysis, complications, and severity grades.

Conclusions

This is the first study that rigorously describes a large population of equids affected by tetanus. The information provided is potentially useful to clinicians for early recognition and case management of tetanus in adult horses and foals. Tetanus affects multiple organ systems, requiring broad supportive and intensive care. Neonatal and adult tetanus in the horse should be considered as distinct syndromes, as in human medicine.
Predicting the quality of enhanced wideband speech with a cochlear model
Authors: Wirtzfeld Michael R. , Pourmand Nazanin , Parsa Vijay , Bruce Ian C.
Published: September 2017

Objective measures are commonly used in the development of speech coding algorithms as an adjunct to human subjective evaluation. Predictors of speech quality based on models of physiological or perceptual processing tend to perform better than measures based on simple acoustical properties. Here, a modeling method based on a detailed physiological model and a neurogram similarity measure is developed and optimized to predict the quality of an enhanced wideband speech dataset. A model capturing temporal modulations in neural activity up to 267 Hz was found to perform as well as or better than several existing objective quality measures.
Carotenoids are the likely precursor of a significant fraction of marine dissolved organic matter
Authors: Arakawa Neal , Aluwihare Lihini I. , Simpson Andre J. , Soong Ronald , Stephens Brandon M. , Lane-Coplen Daniel
Published: September 2017

Carotenoids, a common biochemical class, can be directly linked to long-term carbon storage in the ocean’s water column.
How do lncRNAs regulate transcription?
Authors: Long Yicheng , Wang Xueyin , Youmans Daniel T. , Cech Thomas R.
Published: September 2017

Eukaryotic genomes encode thousands of long noncoding RNAs, and many of these function in transcriptional regulation.
Control of molecular shuttles by designing electrical and mechanical properties of microtubules
Authors: Isozaki Naoto , Shintaku Hirofumi , Kotera Hidetoshi , Hawkins Taviare L. , Ross Jennifer L. , Yokokawa Ryuji
Published: September 2017

Molecular shuttles can be autonomously sorted by designing electromechanical properties of microtubules.
Evaluation of a New Immunochromatography Technology Test (LDBio Diagnostics) To Detect Toxoplasma IgG and IgM: Comparison with the Routine Architect Technique
Authors: Mahinc Caroline , Flori Pierre , Delaunay Edouard , Guillerme Cécile , Charaoui Sana , Raberin Hélène , Hafid Jamal , L'Ollivier Coralie
Published: September 2017

A study comparing the ICT (immunochromatography technology)
Toxoplasma
IgG and IgM rapid diagnostic test (LDBio Diagnostics, France) with a fully automated system, Architect, was performed on samples from university hospitals of Marseille and Saint-Etienne. A total of 767 prospective sera and 235 selected sera were collected. The panels were selected to test various IgG and IgM parameters. The reference technique,
Toxoplasma
IgGII Western blot analysis (LDBio Diagnostics), was used to confirm the IgG results, and commercial kits Platelia Toxo IgM (Bio-Rad) and Toxo-ISAgA (bioMérieux) were used in Saint-Etienne and Marseille, respectively, as the IgM reference techniques. Sensitivity and specificity of the ICT and the Architect IgG assays were compared using a prospective panel. Sensitivity was 100% for the ICT test and 92.1% for Architect (cutoff at 1.6 IU/ml). The low-IgG-titer serum results confirmed that ICT sensitivity was superior to that of Architect. Specificity was 98.7% (ICT) and 99.8% (Architect IgG). The ICT test is also useful for detecting IgM without IgG and is both sensitive (100%) and specific (100%), as it can distinguish nonspecific IgM from specific
Toxoplasma
IgM. In comparison, IgM sensitivity and specificity on Architect are 96.1% and 99.6%, respectively (cutoff at 0.5 arbitrary units [AU]/ml). To conclude, this new test overcomes the limitations of automated screening techniques, which are not sensitive enough for IgG and lack specificity for IgM (rare IgM false-positive cases).