bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological inhibition of the DNA damage checkpoint prevents radiation-induced oocyte death
Authors: Rinaldi Vera D. , Hsieh Kristin , Munroe Robert , Bolcun-Filas Ewelina , Schimenti John C.
Published: May 2017

Ovarian function is directly correlated with survival of the primordial follicle reserve. Women diagnosed with cancer have a primary imperative of treating the cancer, but since the resting oocytes are hypersensitive to the DNA-damaging modalities of certain chemo- and radiotherapeutic regimens, such patients face the collateral outcome of premature loss of fertility and ovarian endocrine function. Current options for fertility preservation primarily include collection and cryopreservation of oocytes orin vitrofertilized oocytes, but this necessitates a delay in cancer treatment and additional assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. Here, we evaluated the potential of pharmacological preservation of ovarian function by inhibiting a key element of the oocyte DNA damage checkpoint response, checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2; CHEK2). Whereas non-lethal doses of ionizing radiation (IR) eradicate immature oocytes in wild type mice, irradiatedChk2-/-mice retain their oocytes and thus, fertility. Using an ovarian culture system, we show that transient administration of the CHK2 inhibitor 2-(4-(4-Chlorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide-hydrate (“CHK2iII”) blocked activation of the CHK2 targets TRP53 and TRP63 in response to sterilizing doses of IR, and preserved oocyte viability. After transfer into sterilized host females, these ovaries proved functional and readily yielded normal offspring. These results provide experimental evidence that chemical inhibition of CHK2 is a potentially valid treatment for preserving fertility and ovarian endocrine function of women exposed to DNA-damaging cancer therapies such as IR.

Summary sentence:

Oocytes, which are highly sensitive to DNA damage caused by certain cancer treatments, can be protected from radiation-induced death by an inhibitor of the checkpoint protein CHK2.
FORKS: Finding Orderings Robustly using k-means and Steiner trees
Authors: Sharma Mayank , Li Huipeng , Sengupta Debarka , Prabhakar Shyam , Jayadeva
Published: May 2017

Recent advances in single cell RNA-seq technologies have provided researchers with unprecedented details of transcriptomic variation across individual cells. However, it has not been straightforward to infer differentiation trajectories from such data, due to the parameter-sensitivity of existing methods. Here, we present Finding Orderings Robustly using k-means and Steiner trees (FORKS), an algorithm that pseudo-temporally orders cells and thereby infers bifurcating state trajectories. FORKS, which is a generic method, can be applied to both single-cell and bulk differentiation data. It is a semi-supervised approach, in that it requires the user to specify the starting point of the time course. We systematically benchmarked FORKS and eight other pseudo-time estimation algorithms on six benchmark datasets, and found it to be more accurate, more reproducible, and more memory-efficient than existing methods for pseudo-temporal ordering. Another major advantage of our approach is its robustness – FORKS can be used with default parameter settings on a wide range of datasets.
Deletion ofEP4inS100a4-lineage cells reduces scar tissue formation during early but not later stages of tendon healing
Authors: Ackerman Jessica E. , Best Katherine T. , O’Keefe Regis J. , Loiselle Alayna E.
Published: May 2017

Tendon injuries heal via scar tissue rather than regeneration. This healing response forms adhesions between the flexor tendons in the hand and surrounding tissues, resulting in impaired range of motion and hand function. Mechanistically, inflammation has been strongly linked to adhesion formation, and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is associated with both adhesion formation and tendinopathy. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that deletion of the PGE2 receptorEP4inS100a4-lineage cells would decrease adhesion formation. S100a4-Cre;EP4flox/flox(EP4cKOS100a4) repairs healed with improved gliding function at day 14, followed by impaired gliding at day 28, relative to wild type. Interestingly, EP4cKOS100a4resulted in only transient deletion ofEP4,suggesting up-regulation ofEP4in an alternative cell population in these mice. Loss ofEP4inScleraxis-lineage cells did not alter gliding function, suggesting thatScx-lineage cells are not the predominantEP4expressing population. In contrast, a dramatic increase in α-SMA+, EP4+ double-positive cells were observed in EP4cKOS100a4suggesting that EP4cKOS100a4repairs heal with increased infiltration of EP4 expressing α-SMA myofibroblasts, identifying a potential mechanism of late up-regulation ofEP4and impaired gliding function in EP4cKOS100a4tendon repairs.
High-Risk Human Papillomavirus E7 Alters Host DNA Methylome and RepressesHLA-EExpression in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Cicchini Louis , Blumhagen Rachel Z. , Westrich Joseph A. , Meyers Mallory E. , Warren Cody J. , Siska Charlotte , Raben David , Kechris Katerina J. , Pyeon Dohun
Published: May 2017

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection distinctly alters methylation patterns in HPV-associated cancer. We have recently reported that HPV E7-dependent promoter hypermethylation leads to downregulation of the chemokineCXCL14and suppression of antitumor immune responses. To investigate the extent of gene expression dysregulated by HPV E7-induced DNA methylation, we analyzed parallel global gene expression and DNA methylation using normal immortalized keratinocyte lines, NIKS, NIKS-16, NIKS-18, and NIKS-16ΔE7. We show that expression of the MHC class I genes is downregulated in HPV-positive keratinocytes in an E7-dependent manner. Methylome analysis revealed hypermethylation at a distal CpG island (CGI) near theHLA-Egene in NIKS-16 cells compared to either NIKS cells or NIKS-16ΔE7 cells, which lack E7 expression. TheHLA-ECGI functions as an active promoter element which is dramatically repressed by DNA methylation. HLA-E protein expression on cell surface is downregulated by high-risk HPV16 and HPV18 E7 expression, but not by low-risk HPV6 and HPV11 E7 expression. Conversely, demethylation at theHLA-ECGI restores HLA-E protein expression in HPV-positive keratinocytes. Because HLA-E plays an important role in antiviral immunity by regulating natural killer and CD8+T cells, epigenetic downregulation ofHLA-Eby high-risk HPV E7 may contribute to virus-induced immune evasion during HPV persistence.
piClusterBusteR: Software for Automated Classification and Characterization of piRNA Cluster Loci
Authors: Schreiner Patrick , Atkinson Peter W.
Published: May 2017

Background

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are sRNAs that have a distinct biogenesis and molecular function from siRNAs and miRNAs. The piRNA pathway is well-conserved and shown to play an important role in the regulatory capacity of germline cells in Metazoans. Significant subsets of piRNAs are generated from discrete genomic loci referred to as piRNA clusters. Given that the contents of piRNA clusters dictate the target specificity of primary piRNAs, and therefore the generation of secondary piRNAs, they are of great significance when considering transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation on a genomic scale. A quantitative comparison of top piRNA cluster composition can provide further insight into piRNA cluster biogenesis and function.

Results

We have developed software for general use, piClusterBusteR, which performs nested annotation of piRNA cluster contents to ensure high-quality characterization, provides a quantitative representation of piRNA cluster composition by feature, and makes available annotated and unannotated piRNA cluster sequences that can be utilized for downstream analysis. The data necessary to run piClusterBusteR and the skills necessary to execute this software on any species of interest are not overly burdensome for biological researchers.

piClusterBusteR has been utilized to compare the composition of top piRNA generating loci amongst 13 Metazoan species. Characterization and quantification of cluster composition allows for comparison within piRNA clusters of the same species and between piRNA clusters of different species.

Conclusions

We have developed a tool that accurately, automatically, and efficiently describes the contents of piRNA clusters in any biological system that utilizes the piRNA pathway. The results from piClusterBusteR have provided an in-depth description and comparison of the architecture of top piRNA clusters within and between 13 species, as well as a description of annotated and unannotated sequences from top piRNA cluster loci in these Metazoans.

piClusterBusteR is available for download on GitHub:https://github.com/pschreiner/piClusterBuster
BasecRAWller: Streaming Nanopore Basecalling Directly from Raw Signal
Authors: Stoiber Marcus , Brown James
Published: May 2017

All current nanopore basecalling applications begin with the segmentation of raw signal into discrete events, which are ultimately processed into called bases. We propose the basecRAWller algorithm, a pair of unidirectional recurrent neural networks that enables the calling of DNA bases in real time directly from the rawest form of nanopore output. This shift in nanopore basecalling provides a number of advantages over current processing pipelines including: 1) streaming basecalling, 2) tunable ratio of insertions to deletions, and 3) potential for streaming detection of modified bases. Key to the streaming basecalling capability is sequence prediction at a delay of less than 1/100th of a second, allowing future signal to continuously modulate sequence prediction. BasecRAWller is computationally efficient enabling basecalling at speeds faster than current nanopore instrument measurement speeds on a single core. Further, basecalling can be paused and resumed without any change in the resulting predicted sequence, transforming the potential applications for dynamic read rejection capabilities. The basecRAWller algorithm provides an alternative approach to nanopore basecalling at comparable accuracy and provides the community with the capacity to train their own basecRAWller neural networks with minimal effort.
Phoenix tourism within dark tourism
Authors: Miller DeMond Shondell , Gonzalez Christopher , Hutter Mark
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the knowledge gap in the field of dark tourism by understanding the phenomena of phoenix tourism, which focuses on the transformation and rebirth of places following death and disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on existing theoretical understanding of dark tourism and disaster recovery to explore destination image recovery within the tourism industry. It uses phoenix tourism as a lens to understand the social, cultural and economic context of post-disaster tourism destination recovery and rebranding in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.

Findings

A presentation of post-disaster strategies and recommendations are given with attention to the re-branding of images once associated with death and darkness to enhance a destination’s resilience.

Practical Implications

For local policymakers, tourism leaders, researchers and community developers, this research describes strategies that facilitate rebranding dark tourism sites, such as areas of rebirth or “phoenix tourism”, to enhance destination recovery image and to promote a more disaster- and risk-resilient tourism industry.

Originality/value

This paper bridges the knowledge gap by defining and contributing to the theoretical understanding of phoenix tourism as it identifies the what, how and why elements of the phenomena of phoenix tourism. Furthermore, the authors propose how to overcome negative destination images to preserve, present or redefine an image of a tourist destination “overcoming”, and eventual “rebirth” serves to re-calibrate resilience of the tourism industry and regional redevelopment.
Terrorism and tourism in France: the limitations of dark tourism
Authors: Seraphin Hugues
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint paper is to discuss whether dark tourism can be developed around the sites of recent terrorist attacks in France.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review of key terms: dark tourism; tourism; and terrorism.

Findings

The paper observes that dark tourism is not popular in France, and dark tourism activities are unlikely to develop anywhere nearer the places where the recent terrorist attacks happened. France remains rather conservative in some aspects related to death.

Practical implications

Recent events in France might challenge the leadership of the destination. The disturbing commonalities between tourism and terrorism make it difficult to figure out suitable recovery strategies that would contribute to enhancing the image of the destination without jeopardising the life of civilians.

Originality/value

This paper presents France as a politically unstable tourist destination. In general, this scenario is normally associated with less-developed countries or non-established tourist destinations.
Relics of the Reich – dark tourism and Nazi sites in Germany
Authors: Philpott Colin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the fate of the buildings and public spaces created by the Nazis. By doing so, the author explains how Germany has handled this difficult legacy as part of a wider narrative of Germany’s post-war national reconciliation with its Nazi past.

Design/methodology/approach

Visits to Germany; interviews with German academics and museum professionals running memorials and museums relevant to the subject; study of literature related to specific Nazi sites and also literature related to the Nazi legacy in Germany more generally, as well as discussion with academics interested in dark tourism and national self-examination of difficult historical legacies.

Findings

Far more Nazi buildings remain in existence than is generally realised. For many years after 1945, Germany ignored the architectural legacy of the Nazi period through a mixture of shame, other more pressing priorities and pragmatism. Originally, it was pressure from survivors and families of victims of Nazi terror that led to public acknowledgement of the historical significance of some Nazi sites. In more recent years, German reunification, the passing of the complicit generations in Germany and growing national self-confidence have led to a greater willingness to acknowledge the importance of these sites.

Originality/value

First paper in English examining Nazi architecture in the round and the first one offering a critical analysis of Germany’s handling of the architectural legacy of the Third Reich.
The House of the Wannsee Conference
Authors: Jasch Hans-Christian
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to profile the role played by the House of the Wannsee Conference, a house used by Nazis which is now an educational centre.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a descriptive analysis supported by relevant literature.

Findings

The paper concludes that one of the biggest challenges for educational work at such a dark tourism site lies in simultaneously revealing and breaking or contextualizing the link between the site and the perspectives and the thinking of the perpetrators.

Originality/value

The paper provides a practitioner perspective on the challenges of linking education on a dark tourism theme with the history and atmosphere of the location itself.
CPT11 prevents virus replication in JCI cells persistently infected with JC polyomavirus
Authors: Nukuzuma Souichi , Nukuzuma Chiyoko , Kameoka Masanori , Sugiura Shigeki , Nakamichi Kazuo , Tasaki Takafumi , Takegami Tsutomu
Published: May 2017

JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is the causative agent of the demyelinating disease of the central nervous system known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which occurs in immunocompromised patients. Moreover, patients treated with natalizumab for multiple sclerosis or Crohn disease can develop PML, which is then termed natalizumab‐related PML. Because few drugs are currently available for treating PML, many antiviral agents are being investigated. It has been demonstrated that the topoisomerase I inhibitors topotecan and β‐lapachone have inhibitory effects on JCPyV replication in IMR‐32 cells. However, both of these drugs have marginal inhibitory effects on virus propagation in JC1 cells according to RT‐PCR analysis. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of another topoisomerase I inhibitor, 7‐ethy‐10‐[4‐(1‐piperidino)‐1‐piperidino] carbonyloxy camptothecin (CPT11), was assessed by investigating viral replication, propagation, and viral protein 1 (VP1) production in cultured cells. JCPyV replication was assayed using real‐time PCR combined with Dpn I treatment in IMR‐32 cells transfected with JCPyV DNA. It was found that JCPyV replicates less in IMR‐32 cells treated with CPT11 than in untreated cells. Moreover, CPT11 treatment of JCI cells persistently infected with JCPyV led to a dose‐dependent reduction in JCPyV DNA and VP1 production. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of CPT11 was found to be stronger than those of topotecan and β‐lapachone. These findings suggest that CPT11 may be a potential anti‐JCPyV agent that could be used to treat PML.
Reflection and transmission of inhomogeneous waves in a composite porous solid saturated by two immiscible fluids
Authors: Painuly Abhishek , Arora Ashish
Published: May 2017

This paper is concerned with reflection and transmission of a plane, elastic, and inhomogeneous wave striking obliquely at some discontinuity inside a porous medium composed of two distinct solids and saturated by two immiscible fluids. It is found that four P‐ and two SV‐waves are reflected, whereas four P‐ and two SV‐waves are transmitted at the interface. All reflected and transmitted waves are inhomogeneous in nature and specified with different directions of propagation and attenuation vectors. An expression for the Umov–Poynting energy flux vector is derived for the system. Continuity of energy flux along normal to the interface gives 12 required boundary conditions. Expressions of amplitude and energy ratios of various reflected and transmitted waves are derived. Variations in amplitude and energy coefficients of reflected and transmitted waves with angle of incidence are numerically studied for a porous matrix composed of shaley sandstone and clay, saturated with water and oil. The effects of change in oil saturation and volume fraction of clay are also observed on amplitude ratios. Numerical simulation reveals that the change in sign in the difference of capillary pressure across the interface causes jump in the values of amplitude ratios of all waves.
Seasonal variation in the copepod gut microbiome in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Shoemaker Katyanne M. , Moisander Pia H.
Published: May 2017

Characterisation of marine copepod gut microbiome composition and its variability provides information on function of marine food webs, biogeochemical cycles and copepod health. Copepod gut microbiomes were investigated quarterly over two years at the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Station in the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre, while assessing seasonal shifts in stable and transient communities. Microbial communities were analysed using amplicon sequencing targeting the bacterial 16S rRNA V3‐V4 region and the cyanobacterial ntcA gene. Persistent bacterial groups belonging to Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were present in the copepod guts throughout the year, and showed synchronous changes, suggesting a link to variability in copepod nutritional content. The gut communities were separate from those in the seawater, suggesting the copepod gut hosts long‐term, specialized communities. Major temporal variations in the gut communities during the early winter and spring, specifically a high relative abundance of Synechococcus (up to 65%), were attributed to bacterioplankton shifts in the water column, and copepod grazing on these picoplanktonic cyanobacteria. The presence of obligate and facultative anaerobes, including Clostridiales year round, suggests that anaerobic bacterial processes are common in these dynamic microhabitats in the oligotrophic open ocean.
Success of chemolithoautotrophic SUP05 and Sulfurimonas GD17 cells in pelagic Baltic Sea redox zones is facilitated by their lifestyles as K‐ and r‐strategists
Authors: Rogge Andreas , Vogts Angela , Voss Maren , Jürgens Klaus , Jost Günter , Labrenz Matthias
Published: May 2017

Chemolithoautotrophic sulfur‐oxidizing and denitrifying Gamma‐ (particularly the SUP05 cluster) and Epsilonproteobacteria (predominantly Sulfurimonas subgroup GD17) are assumed to compete for substrates (electron donors and acceptors) in marine pelagic redox gradients. To elucidate their ecological niche separation we performed 34S0, 15
and H13
stable‐isotope incubations with water samples from Baltic Sea suboxic, chemocline and sulfidic zones followed by combined phylogenetic staining and high‐resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry of single cells. SUP05 cells were small‐sized (0.06–0.09 µm3) and most abundant in low‐sulfidic to suboxic zones, whereas Sulfurimonas GD17 cells were significantly larger (0.26–0.61 µm3) and most abundant at the chemocline and below. Together, SUP05 and GD17 cells accumulated up to 48% of the labelled substrates but calculation of cell volume‐specific rates revealed that GD17 cells incorporated labelled substrates significantly faster throughout the redox zone, thereby potentially outcompeting SUP05 especially at high substrate concentrations. Thus, in synopsis with earlier described features of SUP05/GD17 we conclude that their spatially overlapping association in stratified sulfidic zones is facilitated by their different lifestyles: whereas SUP05 cells are streamlined, non‐motile K‐strategists adapted to low substrate concentrations, GD17 cells are motile r‐strategists well adapted to fluctuating substrate and redox conditions.
Forensic Case Reports Presenting Immersion Pulmonary Edema as a Differential Diagnosis in Fatal Diving Accidents
Authors: Vinkel Julie , Bak Peter , Juel Thiis Knudsen Peter , Hyldegaard Ole
Published: May 2017

Immersion Pulmonary Edema (IPE) reduces the transport of gases over the respiratory membrane due to edema in the interstitium and respiratory zones. IPE has previously been described in both swimmers and divers, with a few known fatal cases. We have reviewed 42 SCUBA and snorkeling‐related drowning deaths, and through a thorough analysis of each case, including both diving physiology and forensic pathology, we present IPE as a differential diagnosis to drowning in four cases. Our findings propose that; absence of watery content in the stomach and conducting airways, and liquid filled lungs without hyperexpansion, may be compatible with IPE. We suggest that IPE should be considered in cases where witness testimony reveals; no obvious signs of aspiration and rapid respiratory deterioration despite continuous breathing through an appropriate air source. The diagnosis should be based on the overall impression, including both the autopsy findings and the circumstances regarding the accident.
Unexpected Inflation, Capital Structure, and Real Risk‐adjusted Firm Performance
Authors: Alcock Jamie , Steiner Eva
Published: May 2017

Managers can improve real risk‐adjusted firm performance by matching nominal assets with nominal liabilities, thereby reducing the sensitivity of real risk‐adjusted returns to unexpected inflation. The net asset value of US equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) serves as a good proxy for nominal assets and, accordingly, we use a sample of US REITs to test our hypothesis. We find that for the firms in our sample: (i) their real risk‐adjusted performance, and (ii) their inflation‐hedging qualities are inversely related to deviations from this ‘matching‐nominals’ argument. In addition to providing managers with a vehicle to maximize real risk‐adjusted performance, our findings also provide investors with the tools to infer inflation‐hedging qualities of equity investments.
Do hyraxes benefit from human presence in Serengeti?
Authors: Mbise Franco Peniel , Fredriksen Kari‐Elise , Fyumagwa Robert D. , Holmern Tomas , Jackson Craig R. , Fossøy Frode , Røskaft Eivin
Published: May 2017

Understanding the factors affecting a species’ population size is crucial for conservation initiatives. Hyraxes are small, gregarious animals, predominantly found on kopjes (rock outcrops) and thus form metapopulation communities. In Tanzania, two species of hyraxes inhabit Serengeti National Park, the rock hyrax Procavia capensis johnstoni and bush hyrax Heterohyrax brucei. This study focuses on the factors that affect hyrax population size, including factors such as human presence, habitat type, kopje size and kopje height. We found that larger and taller kopjes tended to have more hyraxes than smaller ones, while kopjes in wooded grassland had more hyraxes than kopjes in grassland. Human presence often affects species negatively, but in the case of hyraxes, we found that kopjes with human presence had larger populations than kopjes without humans. We discuss possible explanations for this and suggest that human presence is related to fewer predators and higher food availability.
The ecology of Maesopsis eminii Engl. in tropical Africa
Authors: Epila Jackie , Verbeeck Hans , Otim‐Epila Thomas , Okullo Paul , Kearsley Elizabeth , Steppe Kathy
Published: May 2017

Maesopsis eminii is referred to as one of the most widely distributed African tree species. However, its occurrence in Africa has never been mapped and little is known as to how this species can sustain in different environments. To gain insight into Maesopsis’ ecology, we (i) made a synthesis of its functional trait data from the literature, (ii) investigated phenological patterns using data on four M. eminii trees from Yangambi, DR Congo, (iii) assessed an empirical provenance trial from Uganda on 600 Maesopsis trees and (iv) synthesized geo‐referenced point location maps of Maesopsis entailing WorldClim precipitation and temperature and FAO soils, rainfall and ecological zones for Africa. We found M. eminii to straddle the equator equidistantly in terms of latitude (10.97°N and 10.98°S) covering five forest types where twenty soil types and variable rainfall regimes support complex plant biodiversity. Maesopsis eminii was, however, largely concentrated in the tropical rainforest ecosystem which contains fertile Orthic Ferralsol soils. More than 97% of the point locations were found where annual precipitation was >1000 mm, and 82% occurred where average annual temperature was 22–28°C. Its functional traits, phenology and provenance trial findings explained its occurrence in Africa.
Impact of avoiding post‐operative urinary catheters on outcomes following colorectal resection in an ERAS programme: no IDUC and ERAS programmes
Authors: Roberts Samuel T. , Patel Kiraati , Smith Stephen R.
Published: May 2017

Background

The presence of an indwelling urinary catheter (IDUC) is routine following colorectal resections. In Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programmes, excessive intravenous fluids (IVFs) are avoided. This study sought to determine whether the routine absence of an IDUC following colorectal surgery improved post‐operative outcomes and minimized fluid prescription.

Methods

A retrospective comparative cohort study was performed on patients undergoing colorectal resection at a tertiary referral teaching hospital, over a 7‐year period. A policy of no routine IDUC was introduced over the last 3 years. Patients were divided into cohorts based on the presence or absence of an IDUC on leaving the operating theatre. The outcomes assessed were IVF prescription, length of stay, mortality and morbidity.

Results

Of the 213 resections over the time period, 131 met the inclusion criteria (87 IDUC and 44 no IDUC). There was no difference between groups with respect to baseline demographics. Fluid administration was less in the group without routine IDUC (total fluid 6.16 L versus 10.89 L; P < 0.0001, fluid in the first 24 h 3.82 L versus 5.3 L; P < 0.0001 and fluid in the first 48 h 5.15 L versus 7.23 L; P < 0.0001). Length of stay was less in the ‘no IDUC’ group (5.9 days versus 10.1 days; P = 0.0009). There was no difference in morbidity and mortality.

Conclusion

A policy of no IDUC following colectomy was associated with a reduction in IVF administration and length of stay. A randomized controlled trial is recommended in order to more accurately determine the degree of causal relationship.
Developing understanding of object fall: Going beyond inhibitory processes
Authors: Howe Christine
Published: May 2017

A study is reported where 118 participants aged between 10 years and early 20s drew the trajectories they expected objects to follow as they fell. The younger participants typically anticipated backward trajectories during fall from moving carriers while forward but non‐parabolic trajectories were relatively more frequent amongst the older participants. Both patterns suggest strong sociocultural influences, with implications for models that regard development in this area as purely the inhibition of principles established in infancy.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Research with infants demonstrates an early‐established belief that dropped objects fall straight down.

The erroneous expectations that pre‐schoolers hold about object fall are consistent with failure to inhibit the presumption of straight‐down fall, in contexts where it is inappropriate.

What does this study add?

The research replicates and extends research with older participants, which indicates errors that cannot be explained via failed inhibition of straight‐down fall.

It is the first study to trace patterns of errors across late childhood, adolescence and early adulthood.

A consequence of the findings is that adequate modelling in developmental psychology must consider multilayered interactions between prior representations and sociocultural experiences.
Reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) at first transurethral resection of bladder tumour is a significant predictor of subsequent recurrence and progression
Authors: Blute Michael L. , Kucherov Victor , Rushmer Timothy J. , Damodaran Shivashankar , Shi Fangfang , Abel E. Jason , Jarrard David F. , Richards Kyle A. , Messing Edward M. , Downs Tracy M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate if moderate chronic kidney disease [CKD; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2] is associated with high rates of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) recurrence or progression.

Patients and Methods

A multi‐institutional database identified patients with serum creatinine values prior to first transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT). The CKD‐epidemiology collaboration formula calculated patient eGFR. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated associations with recurrence‐free (RFS) and progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

In all, 727 patients were identified with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) patient age of 69.8 (60.1–77.6) years. Data for eGFR were available for 632 patients. During a median (IQR) follow‐up of 3.7 (1.5–6.5) years, 400 (55%) patients had recurrence and 145 (19.9%) patients had progression of tumour stage or grade. Moderate or severe CKD was identified in 183 patients according to eGFR. Multivariable analysis identified an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–1.9; P = 0.002) as a predictor of tumour recurrence. The 5‐year RFS rate was 46% for patients with an eGFR of ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 27% for patients with an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR 3.7, 95% CI: 1.75–7.94; P = 0.001) was associated with progression to muscle‐invasive disease. The 5‐year PFS rate was 83% for patients with an eGFR of ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 71% for patients with an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Moderate CKD at first TURBT is associated with reduced RFS and PFS. Patients with reduced renal function should be considered for increased surveillance.
Maternal experience raising girls with autism spectrum disorder: a qualitative study
Authors: Navot N. , Jorgenson A. G. , Webb S. J.
Published: May 2017

Background

A growing line of research has sought to characterize the different presentations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among boys and girls. Much less is known about maternal experience and mother–child relationship in children with ASD based on child gender. The present qualitative study aimed to investigate the mother–daughter relationship from the perspective of mothers who are raising girls with ASD with normal intelligence and functional verbal communication.

Methods

Eleven in‐depth interviews were conducted with mothers of girls with ASD, ages 10–19 years. Data were analysed in an interactive process commonly used in naturalistic inquiry. Results provide insight into the unique maternal experience of raising a daughter with ASD.

Results

Mothers reported a sense of exclusion from the neurotypical population and male‐dominant ASD population and transformation in relationship. Themes identified were skepticism and delayed diagnosis, disbelief from others, lack of information about girls with ASD, higher social demands in adolescence, puberty challenges around hygiene, disappointment about physical appearance, vulnerability in relationships and worries about future functioning. The mother–daughter relationship started with an early expectation of a close and intimate relationship that then underwent a transformation, which challenged maternal competence, reshaped expectations and created a different bond between mother and daughter.

Conclusions

The findings in this qualitative study highlight the impact of gender on the maternal experience of raising a daughter with ASD and contribute to a better understanding of the needs of both mothers and daughters. These results can help providers support the mother–daughter dyad by recognizing gender‐specific challenges.
Incidence and prognostic value of serotonin secretion in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Zandee Wouter T. , van Adrichem Roxanne C. , Kamp Kimberly , Feelders Richard A. , van Velthuysen Marie‐Louise F. , de Herder Wouter W.
Published: May 2017

Background

Serotonin secretion occurs in approximately 1%‐4% of patients with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (PNET), but the incidence is not well defined. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of serotonin secretion with and without carcinoid syndrome and the prognostic value for overall survival (OS).

Methods

Data were collected from 255 patients with a PNET if 24‐hours urinary 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid excretion (5‐HIAA) was assessed. Patients were diagnosed with serotonin secretion if 24‐hours urinary 5‐HIAA excretion was more than 3× the upper limit of normal (ULN) of 50 μmol/24 hours during follow‐up. The effect of serotonin secretion on OS was estimated with uni‐ and multivariate analyses using a Cox regression.

Results

Two (0.8%) patients were diagnosed with carcinoid syndrome, and another 20 (7.8%) had a serotonin‐secreting PNET without symptoms. These patients mostly had ENETS stage IV disease with high chromogranin A (CgA). Serotonin secretion was a negative prognostic factor in univariate analysis (HR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.27‐3.81), but in multivariate analysis, only CgA>10× ULN (HR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.10‐2.98) and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) >ULN (HR: 3.51, 95% CI: 2.26‐5.46) were predictors for OS. Immunohistochemical staining for serotonin was positive in 28.6% of serotonin‐secreting PNETs (one with carcinoid syndrome) and negative in all controls.

Conclusion

Carcinoid syndrome is rare in patients with a PNET, but serotonin secretion occurs often. This is a negative prognostic factor for OS, but after correction for CgA and NSE, it is no longer a predictor and probably only a “not‐so innocent bystander” in patients with high tumour burden.
A view of the global conservation job market and how to succeed in it
Authors: Lucas Jane , Gora Evan , Alonso Alfonso
Published: May 2017

The high demand for conservation work is creating a need for conservation‐focused training of scientists. Although many people with postsecondary degrees in biology are finding careers outside academia, many programs and mentors continue to prepare students to follow‐in‐the‐footsteps of their professors. Unfortunately, information regarding how to prepare for today's conservation‐based job market is limited in detail and scope. This problem is complicated by the differing needs of conservation organizations in both economically developed and developing regions worldwide. To help scientists identify the tools needed for conservation positions worldwide, we reviewed the current global conservation job market and identified skills required for success in careers in academia, government, nonprofit, and for‐profit organizations. We also interviewed conservation professionals across all conservation sectors. Positions in nonprofit organizations were the most abundant, whereas academic jobs were only 10% of the current job market. The most common skills required across sectors were a strong disciplinary background, followed by analytical and technical skills. Academic positions differed the most from other types of positions in that they emphasized teaching as a top skill. Nonacademic jobs emphasized the need for excellent written and oral communication, as well as project‐management experience. Furthermore, we found distinct differences across job locations. Positions in developing countries emphasized language and interpersonal skills, whereas positions in countries with advanced economies focused on publication history and technical skills. Our results were corroborated by the conservation professionals we interviewed. Based on our results, we compiled a nondefinitive list of conservation‐based training programs that are likely to provide training for the current job market. Using the results of this study, scientists may be better able to tailor their training to maximize success in the conservation job market. Similarly, institutions can apply this information to create educational programs that produce graduates primed for long‐term success.
miR‐1297 regulates neural stem cell differentiation and viability through controlling Hes1 expression
Authors: Zheng Jiaolin , Yi Dan , Shi Xiaodong , Shi Huaizhang
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are self‐renewing, undifferentiated and multipotent precursors that can generate neuronal and glial lineages. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that act crucial roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, the role of miR‐1297 in the development of NSCs is still unknown.

Materials and methods

Primary NSCs were isolated from rat's embryos. The expression of miR‐1297 and Hes1 were measured by qRT‐PCR. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of Hes1, β‐tubulin‐III and GFAP.

Results

We showed that miR‐1297 expression was upregulated during NSC differentiation, while the expression of Hes1 was decreased during NSC differentiation. Elevated expression of miR‐1297 promoted the NSCs viability and increased the formation of NSCs to neurospheres. Ecoptic expression of miR‐1297 promoted β‐tubulin‐III expression in the NSCs. Overexpression of miR‐1297 decreased GFAP expression in the NSCs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR‐1297 regulated NSCs viability and differentiation by directly targeting Hes1. Overexpression of miR‐1297 suppressed Hes1 expression in the NSCs.

Conclusions

These results suggested that miR‐1297 played an important role in NSCs viability and differentiation through inhibiting Hes1 expression.
LINC00152: A pivotal oncogenic long non‐coding RNA in human cancers
Authors: Yu Yang , Yang Jian , Li Quanpeng , Xu Boming , Lian Yifan , Miao Lin
Published: May 2017

In recent years, increasing evidence has shown the potential role of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in multiple cancers. Deregulation of lncRNAs was detected being closely associated with many kinds of tumours where they can act as a tumour suppressor or accelerator. LINC00152 was identified as an oncogene involved in many kinds of cancers, such as gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colon cancer, gallbladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma. Moreover, inhibition of LINC00152 can suppress proliferation, migration and invasion of the cancer cells. Increasing evidence has showed that LINC00152 may act as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the above‐mentioned cancers. In our review, we summarize the recent research progress of the expression and role of LINC00152 in various kinds of cancers.
Patterns of primary care utilization before and after living kidney donation
Authors: Alejo Jennifer L. , Luo Xun , Massie Allan B. , Henderson Macey L. , DiBrito Sandra R. , Locke Jayme E. , Purnell Tanjala S. , Boyarsky Brian J. , Anjum Saad , Halpern Samantha E. , Segev Dorry L.
Published: April 2017

Background

Annual visits with a primary care provider (PCP) are recommended for living kidney donors to monitor long‐term health postdonation, yet adherence to this recommendation is unknown.

Methods

We surveyed 1170 living donors from our center from 1970 to 2012 to ascertain frequency of PCP visits pre‐ and postdonation. Interviews occurred median (IQR) 6.6 (3.8‐11.0) years post‐transplant. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine associations between donor characteristics and PCP visit frequency.

Results

Overall, only 18.6% had less‐than‐annual PCP follow‐up postdonation. The strongest predictor of postdonation PCP visit frequency was predonation PCP visit frequency. Donors who had less‐than‐annual PCP visits before donation were substantially more likely to report less‐than‐annual PCP visits postdonation (OR=9.814.421.0, P<.001). Men were more likely to report less‐than‐annual PCP visits postdonation (adjusted OR=1.21.62.3, P<.01); this association was amplified in unmarried/noncohabiting men (aOR=2.43.96.3, P<.001). Donors without college education were also more likely to report less‐than‐annual PCP visits postdonation (aOR=1.31.82.5, P=.001).

Conclusions

The importance of annual PCP visits should be emphasized to all living donors, especially those with less education, men (particularly single men), and donors who did not see their PCP annually before donation.
Measuring trunk control in cerebral palsy: what's next?
Authors: Saavedra Sandra
Published: May 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Marsico et al. on pages 706–712 of this issue.
The impact of workplace violence on health care workers' quality of life
Authors: Nowrouzi‐Kia Behdin
Published: May 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Rousseau et al. on pages 732–737 of this issue.
Healthier or bigger? Trade‐off mediating male dimorphism in the black scavenger fly Sepsis thoracica (Diptera: Sepsidae)
Authors: BUSSO JUAN P. , BLANCKENHORN WOLF U. , GONZÁLEZ‐TOKMAN DANIEL
Published: May 2017

1. Life history trade‐offs emerge when limited resources are allocated to multiple functions of an organism. Under highly competitive conditions trade‐offs can result in alternative phenotypes that differ morphologically and physiologically. Such is the case in insect species that grow under high densities, where competition for resources but also the risk of disease contagion is high, prompting important adjustments in immune response and melanic cuticular pigmentation, with consequent sacrifices in other fitness‐related traits.

2. In the present study, the potential trade‐offs between total‐ and active phenoloxidase (PO), body size and body pigmentation in Sepsis thoracica black scavenger flies that show alternative male morphs differing in cuticular pigmentation, and body size were evaluated.

3. As expected, small/dark (obsidian) males showed higher total‐PO activity than larger/orange (amber) males. A negative relationship was found between total‐PO activity and body size in females and obsidian but not amber males, suggesting that growth and immunity are more costly for the former. In contrast, density did not affect PO activity, as predicted by the density‐dependent prophylaxis hypothesis, which had not been tested in dipterans before. However, rearing density did affect the body size negatively in females and amber but not obsidian males, showing that male morph is largely determined by condition‐dependent plasticity rather than genes.

4. This study provides good evidence that trade‐offs between different life‐history traits can result in alternative resource allocation strategies, even within one species. These strategies can produce strikingly different alternative phenotypes, evincing that there is not only one optimal solution to address fitness optimisation.
Phosphorus addition affects soil nitrogen dynamics in a nitrogen‐saturated and two nitrogen‐limited forests
Authors: Chen H. , Zhang W. , Gurmesa G.A. , Zhu X. , Li D. , Mo J.
Published: May 2017

Phosphorus (P) availability can affect nitrogen (N) dynamics in forest soil, and this effect might depend largely on the soil N status of forest ecosystems. So far, however, this view has not been well tested among forests with contrasting N status. Here, we used a 6‐year experiment with additions of N and P to evaluate the effects of P availability and its interaction with N availability on soil N dynamics in one N‐saturated and two N‐limited tropical forests in southern China. Soil inorganic N concentrations and rates of N mineralization, nitrification, nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and nitrate leaching were measured. Our results showed that addition of P alone changed soil N dynamics in the N‐saturated forest only; it accelerated rates of soil N transformation and decreased rates of N2O emission and nitrate leaching, but had no significant effects on N dynamics in the two N‐limited forests. Furthermore, compared with the addition of N alone, addition of both N and P caused significant increases in the rates of net N mineralization and nitrification and a significant decrease in N2O emission in the two N‐limited forests. Our results suggest that P availability stimulates soil N dynamics only when the ecosystem is saturated with N or there is considerable N deposition.

Highlights

We compared the effects of P addition on soil N dynamics among forests with different N status.

Addition of P alone changed N dynamics in the N‐saturated forest, but not in N‐limited forests.

Combined N and P additions had a larger effect on N dynamics than N addition alone.

Phosphorus addition affects N dynamics only when an ecosystem has considerable N status.