bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal resource allocation, maternal investment, and body size in a solitary bee, Osmia bicornis
Authors: Seidelmann Karsten
Published: August 2018

Resources (energy expenses) that can be devoted to progeny are always limited. Optimal resource allocation theory predicts that parents should allocate resources to their offspring in portions that maximise their own fitness returns per unit invested, not the fitness of the offspring. Females of solitary, nest‐constructing bees control the key features of offspring fitness by determining both body size and sex of each individual. Therefore the sexual size dimorphic red mason bee, Osmia bicornis (L.) [= Osmia rufa (L.)] (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), constitutes a suitable model system to test optimal resource allocation theory. Body size range was analysed by food stock manipulation and hedged against possible associated allometric divergences of flight parameters. In harmony with the central prediction of the theory, O. bicornis females ordinarily provisioned offspring with food that did not enable maximal body size, but ensured successful development to adulthood. On average, only three‐quarters of the actually required food to growth to full body size was supplied. Although females fundamentally balanced size vs. number of offspring according to the optimal allocation theory, the variability in body size was very high and the mean body mass of both sexes differed in the field between years. These fluctuations in body size over space and time indicate that various environmental factors are of prime importance in the actual resource assessment decision in addition to the core parental resource allocation strategy. As a physiological consequence of optimal resource allocation, the sex‐specific critical weight of larvae to induce metamorphosis is ordinarily not reached at field conditions. Instead, metamorphosis is induced by a bail‐out process when larvae run out of the food provisioned by their mother.
Limited genetic evidence for host plant‐related differentiation in the Western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens
Authors: Saint Jean Gilbert , Hood Glen R. , Egan Scott P. , Powell Thomas H. Q. , Schuler Hannes , Doellman Meredith M. , Glover Mary M. , Smith James J. , Yee Wee L. , Goughnour Robert B. , Thistlewood Howard M. A. , Maxwell Sheri A. , Keyghobadi Nusha , Rull Juan , Aluja Martin , Feder Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2018

The shift of the fruit fly Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) in the mid‐1800s from downy hawthorn, Crataegus mollis (Torrey & Asa Gray) Scheele, to introduced domesticated apple, Malus domestica (Borkhausen), in the eastern USA is a model for ecological divergence with gene flow. A similar system may exist in the northwestern USA and British Columbia, Canada, where Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae) attacks the native bitter cherry Prunus emarginata (Douglas ex Hooker) Eaton (Rosaceae). Populations of R. indifferens have shifted and became economic pests on domesticated sweet cherry, Prunus avium (L.) L., shortly after sweet cherries were introduced to the region in the mid‐1800s. The fruiting phenologies of the two cherries differ in a similar manner as apples and hawthorns, with domesticated sweet cherries typically ripening in June and July, and bitter cherries in July and August. Here we report, however, little evidence for genetic differentiation between bitter vs. sweet cherry populations of R. indifferens or for pronounced genetic associations between allele frequencies and adult eclosion time, as has been documented for apple and downy hawthorn flies. The current findings support a previous more geographically limited survey of R. indifferens in the province of British Columbia, Canada, and an analysis of its sister species, R. cingulata, in the state of Michigan, USA, implying a lack of host‐related differentiation for flies infesting different cherry host plants. Possible causes for why host races are readily genetically detected for R. pomonella but not for R. indifferens are discussed.
Molecular characterization of Apis mellifera colonies from Argentina: genotypic admixture associated with ecoclimatic regions and apicultural activities
Authors: Agra Marcelo Nicolás , Conte Claudia Alejandra , Corva Pablo Marcelo , Cladera Jorge Luis , Lanzavecchia Silvia Beatriz , Palacio María Alejandra
Published: August 2018

The European honeybee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), is considered as a main contributor to pollination of important crops and to honey production. Originally, beekeeping in Argentina was performed in an extended area covering the north and central region of the country and involving A. mellifera of European origin. Later, honeybees of African origin entered South America through Brazil and hybridized with European genetic resources, giving rise to Africanized populations that are characterized by a more aggressive behavior among other unfavorable traits. In this study, a genetic characterization of 396 honeybee colonies from the most important apicultural region of Argentina is presented in order to provide an updated description of population structure and genetic diversity of commercial and feral colonies. Diversity was analyzed using mitochondrial (COI‐COII region) and nuclear (eight microsatellites) markers. Three European (M4, C1, C2J) and three African (A1, A4, A30) haplotypes were detected. European haplotypes were mostly found in commercial apiaries, whereas African haplotypes were detected at high frequencies in feral colonies. Microsatellite data were analyzed to estimate population genetic variability at the province level and to evaluate genetic admixture. A high level of hybridization between Africanized and European honeybees was detected with a significant latitudinal cline from north to south. Extensive population admixture resulted in the definition of four clusters that included both feral and commercial colonies and that are explained not only by geographical distribution and degree of Africanization but also by human influence through beekeeping activities.
Distribution of perioperative stroke in cardiac surgery
Authors: Pierik R. , Uyttenboogaart M. , Erasmus M. E. , Scheeren T. W. L. , van den Bergh W. M.
Published: August 2018

Background and purpose

The recent literature suggests that a cardiac origin in ischaemic stroke is more frequent than previously assumed. However, it is not always clear which patients benefit from additional cardiac investigations if obvious cardiac pathology is absent.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective observational study was performed with 7454 consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery in the period 2006–2015 and who had postoperative brain imaging. Cerebral imaging was studied for the occurrence of stroke including subtype and involved vascular territory. It was assumed that all perioperative thromboembolic strokes are of cardiac origin. Data obtained from a hospital cohort of consecutive patients who received a diagnosis of ischaemic stroke were used for comparison.

Results

Thromboembolic stroke occurred in 135 cardiac surgery patients in 56 (41%) of whom the posterior cerebral circulation was involved. In the control group, 100 out of 503 strokes (20%) were located in the posterior cerebral circulation. The relative risk for a posterior location for stroke after cardiac surgery compared to patients with ischaemic stroke without prior cardiac surgery was 2.09; 95% confidence interval 1.60–2.72.

Conclusions

Thromboembolic stroke after cardiac surgery occurs twice as often in the posterior cerebral circulation compared to ischaemic strokes in the general population. If confirmed in general stroke cohorts, the consequence of this finding may be that in patients with an ischaemic stroke that involves the posterior cerebral circulation the chance of a cardiac origin is increased and therefore might trigger additional cardiac investigations such as long‐term heart rhythm monitoring or echocardiography.
Cortical thinning in epilepsy patients with postictal generalized electroencephalography suppression
Authors: Tang Y. , An D. , Xiao Y. , Niu R. , Tong X. , Liu W. , Zhao L. , Gong Q. , Zhou D.
Published: August 2018

Background and purpose

The aim was to investigate the brain microstructural abnormalities in epilepsy patients with postictal generalized electroencephalographic suppression (PGES) using a cortical surface‐based analysis.

Methods

According to the video‐electroencephalography records of epilepsy patients with generalized convulsive seizures, 30 patients with PGES (PGES+) and 21 patients without PGES (PGES−) were recruited. High‐resolution T1‐weighted images were acquired from each patient and 30 matched healthy control subjects. Cortical thickness was compared amongst the three groups using FreeSurfer software.

Results

Patients with PGES showed reduced cortical thickness in the right paracentral lobule, inferior parietal lobule, supramarginal gyrus and middle temporal lobe compared with patients without PGES. In relation to healthy control subjects, the PGES+ group presented reduced cortical thickness in the right superior parietal lobule and supramarginal gyrus, whilst the PGES− group presented reduced cortical thickness in the left precuneus, precentral gyrus, lateral occipital gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, superior parietal lobule and right caudal middle frontal gyrus.

Conclusions

Patients with PGES exhibited characteristic brain microstructural abnormalities, corroborating the PGES mechanisms at the brain level. The right‐sided predominance of the detected PGES‐related cortical thinning was the same as that of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) cases and patients at high risk for SUDEP, implying that PGES and SUDEP may share a common abnormal brain substrate that is involved in the pathophysiology of these conditions.
Parenteral phenobarbital in status epilepticus revisited: Mayo Clinic experience
Authors: Hocker Sara , Clark Sarah , Britton Jeffrey
Published: August 2018

Despite phenobarbital (PB) being a key component in status epilepticus (SE) treatment algorithms for decades, it has fallen out of favor compared to newer nonsedating medications due to potential for respiratory suppression and prolonged sedation. We retrospectively analyzed all nonintubated patients with refractory SE treated with parenteral PB. Forty patients were identified as having received PB in the neurologic intensive care unit at Mayo Clinic over a 7‐year period through our pharmacy dispensing database. Patients who received PB for maintenance therapy, those replenishing subtherapeutic levels, those who were already intubated, and those receiving PB for a non‐SE indication were excluded. Clinical data, prior treatments, therapeutic response, and outcome were reviewed. Eight patients were identified. Ages ranged from 24 to 77 years (median = 64 years); all had focal SE, and none was comatose. Seizure activity improved acutely following PB administration in seven and stopped in six. Dosages ranged from 5 to 19.8 mg/kg (median = 10.1 mg/kg); none required intubation, and one received supplemental oxygen. Patients received a median of four antiepileptic drugs prior to PB. Median interval between first drug and PB was 23.5 hours. Glasgow Coma Scale score did not change following PB administration. One patient required intervention for hypotension. Moderate‐dose parenteral PB was effective in attaining seizure control in a significant proportion of noncomatose refractory SE patients. None required ventilatory support. PB dosages below those in recent guidelines may be sufficient to stop SE without clinically significant cardiopulmonary complications.
Increased adverse events associated with antiepileptic drugs in anti–leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated protein 1 encephalitis
Authors: Shin Yong‐Won , Ahn Seon‐Jae , Moon Jangsup , Kim Tae‐Joon , Jun Jin‐Sun , Byun Jung‐Ick , Lee Soon‐Tae , Jung Keun‐Hwa , Park Kyung‐Il , Jung Ki‐Young , Kim Manho , Lee Sang Kun , Chu Kon
Published: August 2018

Anti–leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) encephalitis is a rare autoimmune condition presenting mainly as altered mental state, cognitive dysfunction, and seizure. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are usually initiated to control seizures despite their limited efficacy; however, accumulating clinical experience suggests a high incidence of adverse reactions to AEDs in anti‐LGI1 encephalitis. We reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with anti‐LGI1 encephalitis to analyze the adverse effects of AEDs in these patients. Among the 20 patients who were treated with AEDs, 10 (50%) changed their AEDs due to adverse cutaneous drug reaction. Eight of them presented with maculopapular eruption, one with drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome, and one with eczema. Causative agents mostly consisted of aromatic AEDs. Oxcarbazepine was discontinued in two additional patients due to hyponatremia. Six patients (30%) discontinued their dose of levetiracetam because of psychiatric manifestations including irritability/aggressive behavior (four patients), insomnia (one patient), and depressive mood (one patient). Clinicians should consider adverse cutaneous drug reaction, psychiatric adverse events, and hyponatremia when selecting AEDs for the treatment of anti‐LGI1 encephalitis.
Efficacy and safety of perampanel oral loading in postanoxic super‐refractory status epilepticus: A pilot study
Authors: Beretta Simone , Padovano Giada , Stabile Andrea , Coppo Anna , Bogliun Graziella , Avalli Leonello , Ferrarese Carlo
Published: August 2018

Refractory nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) occurs in 10%‐30% of patients following resuscitation after cardiac arrest. Both the optimal treatment and prognosis of postanoxic status epilepticus remain uncertain. We analyzed acute electroencephalographic changes, neurological outcome at 3 months, and adverse effects in consecutive postanoxic patients with super‐refractory NCSE treated with add‐on oral loading of perampanel. Eight postanoxic patients with super‐refractory NCSE were treated with perampanel (dose range = 6‐12 mg). All patients had continuous electroencephalographic monitoring showing definite generalized NCSE and favorable multimodal prognostic indicators (presence of brainstem reflexes, presence of bilateral N20 responses, absence of periodic discharges/generalized epileptic periodic discharges). In six patients (75%), status epilepticus resolved within 72 hours after administration of perampanel, without changing the comedication. Neurological outcomes at 3 months were return to normal or minimal disability in four patients (50%). A mild cholestatic liver injury, which required no specific treatment, was observed in five patients (62.5%). Perampanel 6‐12 mg oral loading appeared to be an effective option in selected patients with postanoxic super‐refractory NCSE with good prognostic indicators. In this patient population, our safety data indicate a risk of cholestasis.
Neuroimaging of status epilepticus
Authors: Meletti Stefano , Monti Giulia , Mirandola Laura , Vaudano Anna Elisabetta , Giovannini Giada
Published: August 2018

In the past 2 decades we have observed an extensive use of different neuroimaging techniques to evaluate patients with status epilepticus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in particular may show a broad spectrum of abnormalities that are either the causes or the consequences of sustained epileptic activity. Neuroimaging techniques can offer a contribution both in the clinical management of individual patients, identifying hemodynamic patterns that support the diagnosis, and also in the recognition of periictal reversible or irreversible alterations. For the future it is necessary to develop larger and prospective studies in which imaging techniques and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings are acquired closely to understand which EEG patterns are related to imaging biomarkers of neuronal damage.
Behavioural impacts of trematodes on their snail host: Species‐specific effects or generalised response?
Authors: Rosenkranz Micha , Poulin Robert , Selbach Christian
Published: August 2018

Behavioural changes induced by parasites are extremely common, but their ultimate causes are often difficult to determine: they may represent adaptive manipulation by the parasite, adaptive responses by the host, or non‐adaptive side‐effects of infection. Contrasting the impacts of different parasites on the same host species offers an opportunity to test for species‐specific changes in host behaviour, which are less likely to be general side‐effects. Here, we tested the impacts of three trematode species (Apatemonsp. I, Plagiorchioid sp. I, andMaritrema poulini) on movement, microhabitat choice and responses to predator cues of their common intermediate host, the freshwater snailPotamopyrgus antipodarum. All three trematodes cause the castration of their host, and thus adaptive host responses to infection can be ruled out. In laboratory trials, snails infected withApatemonsp. I moved a shorter total distance during the experimental period than uninfected control snails. However, all three trematode species similarly neutralised the attraction to lighted areas shown by uninfected snails, and none of the trematodes affected the time spent moving by their host or its responses to predator cues. Overall, there was little evidence for species‐specific effects on host behaviour by the three different trematode species in the same snail host. The single difference in induced behavioural change, involving one trematode species and one specific behavioural measure, is insufficient to reject the hypothesis that the behavioural impacts on the snail host are general and non‐adaptive by‐products of trematode infection.
Stock status and reference points for sharks using data‐limited methods and life history
Authors: Cortés Enric , Brooks Elizabeth N.
Published: August 2018

Worldwide, many shark populations are classified as data poor, making it difficult to assess their status. However, for many sharks, their longevity, late maturation and low production of pups make them highly vulnerable to exploitation and highlight the need to assess their status. We compared reference points and stock status estimated from full stock assessments for 33 shark populations with those derived analytically, empirically or through simulation. There was excellent agreement between overfished status estimated from an assessment and determined from analytical methods using life history and an index of abundance; in 70% of cases, the analytical estimate of status was robust to assumptions of initial index depletion. We reviewed the ratio between fishing mortality atMSY(FMSY) and natural mortality (M) for chondrichthyans, from published studies and shark stock assessments. We then compared conclusions on overfishing status from the stock assessments to those derived withFMSYproxies and found very good agreement. Finally, we conducted a simulation study across representative life‐history parameters and different fishery selectivity patterns to explore the resulting range ofFMSYtoMratios. As a rule of thumb,FMSYshould not exceed 0.20Mfor low productivity stocks, 0.50Mfor stocks of intermediate productivity and 0.80Mfor the most productive shark stocks when immature individuals are harvested, which is the norm in the vast majority of cases examined. A triage method is proposed that provides a roadmap for using these data‐limited methods as an initial step towards assessment of stock status and sustainability of chondrichtyans.
Absence of hexose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase results in reduced overall glucose consumption but does not prevent 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐1‐dependent glucocorticoid activation
Authors: Marbet Philippe , Klusonova Petra , Birk Julia , Kratschmar Denise V. , Odermatt Alex
Published: August 2018

Hexose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PD) is thought to be the major source of NADPH within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), determining 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β‐HSD1) reaction direction to convert inert 11‐oxo‐ to potent 11β‐hydroxyglucocorticoids. Here, we tested the hypothesis whether H6pd knock‐out (KO) in primary murine bone marrow‐derived macrophages results in a switch from 11β‐HSD1 oxoreduction to dehydrogenation, thereby inactivating glucocorticoids (GC) and affecting macrophage phenotypic activation as well as causing a more aggressive M1 macrophage phenotype. H6pdKO did not lead to major disturbances of macrophage activation state, although a slightly more pronounced M1 phenotype was observed with enhanced proinflammatory cytokine release, an effect explained by the decreased 11β‐HSD1‐dependent GC activation. Unexpectedly, ablation of H6pd did not switch 11β‐HSD1 reaction direction. A moderately decreased 11β‐HSD1 oxoreduction activity by 40–50% was observed in H6pdKO M1 macrophages but dehydrogenation activity was undetectable, providing strong evidence for the existence of an alternative source of NADPH in the ER. H6pdKO M1 activated macrophages showed decreased phagocytic activity, most likely a result of the reduced 11β‐HSD1‐dependent GC activation. Other general macrophage functions reported to be influenced by GC, such as nitrite production and cholesterol efflux, were altered negligibly or not at all. Importantly, assessment of energy metabolism using an extracellular flux analyzer and lactate measurements revealed reduced overall glucose consumption in H6pdKO M1 activated macrophages, an effect that was GC independent. The GC‐independent influence of H6PD on energy metabolism and the characterization of the alternative source of NADPH in the ER warrant further investigations.

Enzymes

11β‐HSD1, EC 1.1.1.146; H6PD, EC 1.1.1.47.
Extreme flooding decreases stream consumer autochthony by increasing detrital resource availability
Authors: Larson Erin I. , Poff N. LeRoy , Atkinson Carla L. , Flecker Alexander S.
Published: August 2018

Extreme disturbances, those high magnitude events that are statistically rare in a particular system, may affect consumer resource use through multiple mechanisms, such as differential consumer mortality and modified resource availability and quality. Documenting the ecological importance of these rare events is difficult, but essential, as the frequency of extreme events is predicted to increase under many climate change scenarios.

We quantified changes in stream insect resource use following intense, nonseasonal flooding in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado during September 2013. We hypothesised that taxonomic identity, functional feeding group membership and disturbance‐caused alterations in resource quantity and quality (C:N ratios) would determine consumer reliance on autochthonous and allochthonous resources and community structure following the disturbance.

In summer 2014, we collected basal resources and stream insects for carbon, nitrogen and deuterium bulk stable isotope analysis, and community composition. Basal resource quantity and quality (C:N ratios) were collected at seven headwater streams along a 2013 flood intensity gradient.

Using stable isotope mixing models, we analysed consumer autochthony. We also used baseline community composition data from 2011 to compare functional feeding group abundance prior to and following the flood events.

We found that consumer resource use was primarily associated with detrital resource quantity, which was positively correlated with disturbance intensity and elevation. Functional feeding group membership did not predict resource use. However, consumers in functional feeding groups did experience differential mortality following flooding. Herbivore relative abundance significantly declined along the disturbance gradient, and predator relative abundance generally declined across all streams from 2011 to 2014.

Our results suggest that changes in resource quantity from extreme disturbances can be associated with shifts in consumer resource use. Following this flood event, detritus standing stocks increased, resulting in a concomitant increase in consumer reliance on allochthonous sources.
Moisture‐mediated responsiveness of treeline shifts to global warming in the Himalayas
Authors: Sigdel Shalik Ram , Wang Yafeng , Camarero Jesus Julio , Zhu Haifeng , Liang Eryuan , Peñuelas Josep
Published: August 2018

Among forest ecosystems, the alpine treeline ecotone can be considered to be a simplified model to study global ecology and climate change. Alpine treelines are expected to shift upwards in response to global warming given that tree recruitment and growth are assumed to be mainly limited by low temperatures. However, little is known whether precipitation and temperature interact to drive long‐term Himalayan treeline dynamics. Tree growth is affected by spring rainfall in the central Himalayan treelines, being good locations for testing if, in addition to temperature, precipitation mediates treeline dynamics. To test this hypothesis, we reconstructed spatiotemporal variations in treeline dynamics in 20 plots located at six alpine treeline sites, dominated by two tree species (birch, fir), and situated along an east–west precipitation gradient in the central Himalayas. Our reconstructions evidenced that treelines shifted upward in response to recent climate warming, but their shift rates were primarily mediated by spring precipitation. The rate of upward shift was higher in the wettest eastern Himalayas, suggesting that its ascent rate was facilitated by spring precipitation. The drying tendency in association with the recent warming trends observed in the central Himalayas, however, will likely hinder an upslope advancement of alpine treelines and promote downward treeline shifts if moisture availability crosses a critical minimum threshold. Our study highlights the complexity of plant responses to climate and the need to consider multiple climate factors when analyzing treeline dynamics.
Mismatch in elevational shifts between satellite observed vegetation greenness and temperature isolines during 2000–2016 on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: An Shuai , Zhu Xiaolin , Shen Miaogen , Wang Yafeng , Cao Ruyin , Chen Xuehong , Yang Wei , Chen Jin , Tang Yanhong
Published: August 2018

Climate warming on the Tibetan Plateau tends to induce an uphill shift of temperature isolines. Observations and process‐based models have both shown that climate warming has resulted in an increase in vegetation greenness on the Tibetan Plateau in recent decades. However, it is unclear whether the uphill shift of temperature isolines has caused greenness isolines to shift upward and whether the two shifts match each other. Our analysis of satellite observed vegetation greenness during the growing season (May–Sep) and gridded climate data for 2000–2016 documented a substantial mismatch between the elevational shifts of greenness and temperature isolines. This mismatch is probably associated with a lagging response of greenness to temperature change and with the elevational gradient of greenness. The lagging response of greenness may be associated with water limitation, resources availability, and acclimation. This lag may weaken carbon sequestration by Tibetan ecosystems, given that greenness is closely related to primary carbon uptake and ecosystem respiration increases exponentially with temperature. We also found that differences in terrain slope angle accounted for large spatial variations in the elevational gradient of greenness and thus the velocity of elevational shifts of greenness isolines and the sensitivity of elevational shifts of greenness isolines to temperature, highlighting the role of terrain effects on the elevational shifts of greenness isolines. The mismatches and the terrain effect found in this study suggest that there is potentially large micro‐topographical difference in response and acclimation/adaptation of greenness to temperature changes in plants. More widespread in situ measurements and fine‐resolution remote sensing observations and fine‐gridded climate data are required to attribute the mismatch to specific environmental drivers and ecological processes such as vertical changes in community structure, plant physiology, and distribution of species.
Towards Quantifying the Likelihood of Water Resource Impacts from Unconventional Gas Development
Authors: Shanafield Margaret , Cook Peter G. , Simmons Craig T.
Published: August 2018

Gas production from unconventional reservoirs has led to widespread environmental concerns. Despite several excellent reviews of various potential impacts to water resources from unconventional gas production, no study has systematically and quantitatively assessed the potential for these impacts to occur. We use empirical evidence and numerical and analytical models to quantify the likelihood of surface water and groundwater contamination, and shallow aquifer depletion from unconventional gas developments. These likelihoods are not intended to be exact. They provide a starting point for comparing the probabilities of adverse impacts between types of water resources and pathways. This analysis provides much needed insight into what are “probable” rather than simply “possible” impacts. The results suggest that the most likely water resource impacts are surface water and groundwater contamination from spills at the well pad, which can be as high as 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 for each gas well, respectively. For wells that are hydraulically fractured, the likelihood of contamination due to inter‐aquifer leakage is 1 in 106 or lower (dependent on the separation distance between the production formation and the aquifer). For gas‐bearing formations that were initially over‐pressurized, the potential for contamination from inter‐aquifer leakage after production ceases could be as high as 1 in 400 where the separation between gas formation and shallow aquifer is 500 m, but will be much lower for greater separation distances (more characteristic of shale gas).
A 5‐facet framework to describe patient engagement in patient safety
Authors: Duhn Lenora , Medves Jennifer
Published: August 2018

Background

Health care remains unacceptably error prone. Recently, efforts to address this problem have included the patient and their family as partners with providers in harm prevention. Policymakers and clinicians have created patient safety strategies to encourage patient engagement, yet they have typically not included patient perspectives in their development or been comprehensively evaluated. We do not have a good understanding of “if” and “how” patients want involvement in patient safety during clinical interactions.

Objective

The objective of this study was to gain insight into patients’ perspectives about their knowledge, comfort level and behaviours in promoting their safety while receiving health care in hospital.

Methods

The study design was a descriptive, exploratory qualitative approach to inductively examine how adult patients in a community hospital describe health‐care safety and see their role in preventing error.

Results

The findings, which included participation of 30 patients and four family members, indicate that although there are shared themes that influence a patient's engagement in safety, beliefs about involvement and actions taken are varied. Five conceptual themes emerged from their narratives: Personal Capacity, Experiential Knowledge, Personal Character, Relationships and Meaning of Safety.

Discussion

These results will be used to develop and test a pragmatic, accessible tool to enable providers a way to collaborate with patients for determining their personal level and type of safety involvement.

Conclusion

The most ethical and responsible approach to health‐care safety is to consider every potential way for improvement. This study provides fundamental insights into the complexity of patient engagement in safety.
Osteoblastoma‐like osteosarcoma: high‐grade or low‐grade osteosarcoma?
Authors: Gambarotti Marco , Dei Tos Angelo P , Vanel Daniel , Picci Piero , Gibertoni Dino , Klein Michael J , Righi Alberto
Published: August 2018

Aims

Osteoblastoma‐like osteosarcoma is a rare variant of osteosarcoma (1% of all osteosarcomas), histologically similar to osteoblastoma. In the current World Health Organisation (WHO) classification, osteoblastoma‐like osteosarcoma is classified within the group of conventional (high‐grade) osteosarcomas. However, several published cases have been actually regarded as low‐grade malignant tumours. As strict morphological criteria to distinguish between low‐ and high‐grade lesions are not available, we reviewed our series of osteoblastoma‐like osteosarcomas in the attempt to identify clinical and morphological features predictive of aggressiveness.

Methods and results

We retrieved 15 cases of osteoblastoma‐like osteosarcoma from the files of the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli. Patients received various treatments. Five patients developed metastasis and five patients developed local recurrences (all after incomplete surgery). Eleven patients were alive without disease, while four patients died of their disease. Statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant (P = 0.048) lower disease‐free survival in patients with areas of conventional (high‐grade) osteosarcoma.

Conclusions

With the important limitation of a small cohort of patients, the presence of areas of conventional (high‐grade) osteosarcoma is the only parameter to predict the aggressiveness of osteoblastoma‐like osteosarcoma.
A structural equation model to predict pre‐exposure prophylaxis acceptability in men who have sex with men in Leicester, UK
Authors: Jaspal R , Lopes B , Bayley J , Papaloukas P
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention tool for high‐risk men who have sex with men (MSM). However, acceptability and uptake have been variable. This study explored the factors that predict PrEP acceptability in MSM in Leicester, where HIV prevalence is double the national average.

Methods

A total of 191 HIV‐negative MSM completed a cross‐sectional survey. Participants provided demographic information, and completed measures of HIV knowledge, perceived HIV risk, engagement in sexual risk behaviour, acquisition of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last 12 months, frequency of HIV testing and PrEP acceptability.

Results

Kruskal–Wallis tests showed statistically significant effects of sexual orientation, education level and income, respectively, on HIV knowledge. Gay‐identified individuals possessed greater HIV knowledge than bisexuals. Respondents with General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)‐level education had significantly less HIV knowledge than those educated to postgraduate level. Respondents with income of < £10 000 possessed significantly less HIV knowledge than higher income groups. Structural equation modelling showed that the relationship between HIV knowledge and PrEP acceptability was mediated by perceived HIV risk, engagement in sexual risk behaviour, acquisition of an STI in the past 12 months and frequency of HIV testing.

Conclusions

The results reveal socio‐economic inequalities in HIV knowledge and HIV testing, and suggest that MSM who have high levels of HIV knowledge and perceived HIV risk and who regularly test for HIV are most likely to endorse PrEP as personally beneficial. HIV knowledge and accurate risk appraisal should be promoted in MSM. The HIV testing context constitutes an ideal context for promoting PrEP to high‐risk MSM.
The effect of central administration of alpha‐pinene on capsaicin‐induced dental pulp nociception
Authors: Rahbar I. , Abbasnejad M. , Haghani J. , Raoof M. , Kooshki R. , Esmaeili‐Mahani S.
Published: August 2018

Aim

To assess the effects of central administration of α‐pinene alone and in combination with either bicuculline or naloxone, as GABAA and μ‐opioid receptor antagonists, respectively, on capsaicin‐induced dental pulp stimulation in rats.

Methodology

Forty‐eight adult male Wistar rats aged 2 months (230–270 g) were cannulated via their lateral ventricles for the central administration of the drugs. α‐Pinene was injected at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 μmol L−1. Then, dental pulp stimulation was induced by intradental application of capsaicin solution (100 μg), and nociceptive scores were recorded for up to 40 min. For investigation of the anti‐inflammatory effects of α‐pinene, expression of COX‐2 in the subnucleolus caudalis (Vc) of rats was determined using immunofluorescence staining. Nonparametric repeated measure Friedman and Kruskal–Wallis tests as well as parametric one‐way analysis of variance were used for the statistical analysis.

Results

α‐Pinene at 0.2 and 0.4 μmol L−1 was able to decrease capsaicin‐induced nociception. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the expression of COX‐2‐positive cells in the Vc of capsaicin‐treated rats (P < 0.01). This effect was prohibited by α‐pinene (0.4 μmol L−1). Co‐administration of bicuculline (1 μg per rat) or naloxone (6 μg per rat) with α‐pinene (0.4 μmol L−1), however, prevented the inhibitory effects of α‐pinene on both capsaicin‐induced pulp nociception and COX‐2 over‐expression.

Conclusions

Pinene exhibited significant curable effects on capsaicin‐induced pulpal nociception and inflammation mainly via pharmacological interfacing with GABAA and μ‐opioid receptors.
Treatment of alopecia universalis with topical Janus kinase inhibitors – a double blind, placebo, and active controlled pilot study
Authors: Bokhari Laita , Sinclair Rodney
Published: August 2018

Background

Oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are currently being investigated in phase II and phase III clinical trials for several inflammatory skin diseases including alopecia areata (AA). Topical JAK inhibitors have been investigated in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and AA. While a number of case series using topical JAK inhibitors in AA have been published, to date there have been no randomized controlled clinical trials.

Methods

We conducted a phase I, 28 week prospective, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study in patients with alopecia universalis investigating hair regrowth with two topical JAK inhibitors, 2% tofacitinib and 1% ruxolitinib. Topical clobetasol dipropionate 0.005% was the active comparator while vehicle was used as the placebo control. Sixteen patients were recruited for the study.

Results

Six patients demonstrated partial hair regrowth in areas treated with 2% tofacitinib ointment applied twice daily. Five patients demonstrated partial hair regrowth in the areas treated with 1% ruxolitinib ointment. Ten patients demonstrated partial hair regrowth in the areas treated with clobetasol dipropionate 0.05% ointment. No regrowth was observed in the placebo treated area. Interestingly, generalized hair regrowth was observed in two patients. One patient had 100% regrowth over his entire scalp and eyebrows by week 24 but relapsed after 12 weeks. A second patient also experienced generalized scalp regrowth and significant eyebrow growth and continued to maintain growth 14 weeks later.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that topical JAK inhibitors could be developed as a potential new treatment for AA and alternative to clobetasol dipropionate 0.05% ointment.
A novel approach to the classification of epidermodysplasia verruciformis
Authors: Huang Simo , Wu Julie H. , Lewis Daniel J. , Rady Peter L. , Tyring Stephen K.
Published: August 2018

Background

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare genodermatosis that causes disseminated eruptions of hypo‐ or hyperpigmented macules and wart‐like papules that can coalesce and scale. It is uniquely characterized by an increased susceptibility to specific human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes. Classically, EV is associated with mutations of the EVER1/TMC6 and EVER2/TMC8 genes. The term “acquired” epidermodysplasia verruciformis was coined to describe an EV‐like syndrome that can develop in patients with a compromised immune system. Recent discoveries of other genes implicated in EV, including RHOH, MST‐1, and CORO1A, have complicated the classification of EV and EV‐like syndromes.

Methods

We review the available data on epidermodysplasia verruciformis in the literature in order to propose a new classification system to encompass current and future developments on EV and EV‐like syndromes.

Results

We propose classifying EV into: (1) classic genetic EV, (2) non‐classic genetic EV, and (3) acquired EV.

Conclusion

The proposed categorization scheme provides a simple and logical way to organize the different cases of EV that have been described in the literature. This system organizes EV by its cause, allowing for a better understanding of the disease and helps differentiate EV from other causes of generalized verrucosis.
Absolute bounds of list algorithms for parallel machines scheduling with unavailability periods
Authors: Mahjoub Amine , Kaabi Jihene , Harrath Youssef
Published: August 2018

We address the problem of scheduling a set of independent tasks on m parallel and identical machines subject to an arbitrary number of unavailability periods. The objective is to minimize the makespan. The problem was already investigated and was proved to be strongly hard. Moreover, when the number of unavailability periods per machine exceeds 1, there is no bound for the problem. We proved the existence of tight absolute bounds when there is only one unavailability period per machine. In the general case, we proposed an efficient binary linear program and proved that the list algorithm based on the largest processing time (LPT rule) has a high performance. This study was motivated by grid scheduling, where a large number of independent jobs is sent to computing resources whose availability cannot be guaranteed.
Treating real people: Science and humanity
Authors: Loughlin Michael , Mercuri Mathew , Pârvan Alexandra , Copeland Samantha Marie , Tonelli Mark , Buetow Stephen
Published: August 2018

Something important is happening in applied, interdisciplinary research, particularly in the field of applied health research. The vast array of papers in this edition are evidence of a broad change in thinking across an impressive range of practice and academic areas. The problems of complexity, the rise of chronic conditions, overdiagnosis, co‐morbidity, and multi‐morbidity are serious and challenging, but we are rising to that challenge. Key conceptions regarding science, evidence, disease, clinical judgement, and health and social care are being revised and their relationships reconsidered: Boundaries are indeed being redrawn; reasoning is being made “fit for practice.” Ideas like “person‐centred care” are no longer phrases with potential to be helpful in some yet‐to‐be‐clarified way: Theorists and practitioners are working in collaboration to give them substantive import and application.
Predictive modeling for 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural formation by some application conditions of high hydrostatic pressure, namely glucose concentration and application temperature, in high glucose containing model beverages
Authors: Altuner Ergin Murat , Alpas Hami
Published: August 2018

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is a nonthermal food processing technology. Many studies have shown that HHP may be used as a process to increase the shelf life of beverages, which are inherently containing glucose or subsequently glucose added. Depending on food processing technologies and storage conditions 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) formation from glucose in foods occurs. There are some limitations about the amount of the 5‐HMF present in foods based on World Health Organization and various International Standards, such as European Commission Directive 2007/196/EC. The aim of this study is to present the effect of glucose concentration and HHP in 5‐HMF formation in model beverages with different glucose concentrations (10, 40, and 70 g/200 mL). A strong positive correlation was observed between 5‐HMF formation and glucose concentration (R = 0.6055) and application temperature (R = 0.6774). Also a predictive analysis model was fitted to the 5‐HMF formation response by response surface model (RSM).

Practical applications

The equation obtained as a model in this study can be used to calculate the formation of 5‐HMF for a glucose containing beverages processed by HHP as a response of glucose concentration and application temperature within the conditions of the study. The model was calibrated and validated on glucose containing model beverages, which are representatives of some high glucose containing beverages. HMF content is an important parameter and should be included as one of the quality parameters for commercial beverages. Because of that, this equation has an importance especially for the beverage producers, who process their product by HHP, to predict 5‐HMF formation by controlling glucose concentration and HHP treatment conditions. Moreover, developed model can easily be adapted to the standard procedures of academic and industrial applications.
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic pancreatitis: A prospective, longitudinal cohort study
Authors: de la Iglesia Daniel , Vallejo‐Senra Nicolau , López‐López Andrea , Iglesias‐Garcia Julio , Lariño‐Noia Jose , Nieto‐García Laura , Domínguez‐Muñoz Juan Enrique
Published: August 2018

Background and Aim

Previous studies have suggested that chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease independently of other major risk factors. We evaluated the risk of CV events in a well‐phenotyped cohort of patients with CP and its association with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) among other CV risk factors.

Methods

This was a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of patients with CP, followed up at the Pancreas Unit of the University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Results

Four hundred thirty patients were included (mean 47.8 ± 14.4 years of age, 79.1% male). Mean follow‐up was 8.6 ± 4.6 years. CP etiology was toxic (alcohol and/or smoking) in 290 patients (67.4%). PEI and pancreatogenic diabetes mellitus (DM) were present in 29.3% and 29.5% of the patients, respectively. A total of 45 CV events was recorded (10.5%); 21 patients had a major CV event (stroke or myocardial infarction) and 27 developed clinically relevant peripheral arterial disease. A higher incidence of CV events was recorded in patients with PEI than in those without (incidence rate ratio 3.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92–7.24; P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, PEI without DM (OR 4.96; 95% CI 1.68 to 14.65), coexistence of PEI and DM (OR 6.54; 95% CI 2.71 to 15.77), arterial hypertension (OR 3.40; 95% CI 1.50 to 7.72), and smoking (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.07 to 7.97) were independently associated with increased CV risk.

Conclusions

Together with known major CV risk factors like smoking and hypertension, PEI is significantly associated with the risk of CV events in patients with CP.