bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FUT2 non‐secretor status is associated with Type 1 diabetes susceptibility in Japanese children
Authors: Ihara K. , Fukano C. , Ayabe T. , Fukami M. , Ogata T. , Kawamura T. , Urakami T. , Kikuchi N. , Yokota I. , Takemoto K. , Mukai T. , Nishii A. , Kikuchi T. , Mori T. , Shimura N. , Sasaki G. , Kizu R. , Takubo N. , Soneda S. , Fujisawa T. , Takaya R. , Kizaki Z. , Kanzaki S. , Hanaki K. , Matsuura N. , Kasahara Y. , Kosaka K. , Takahashi T. , Minamitani K. , Matsuo S. , Mochizuki H. , Kobayashi K. , Koike A. , Horikawa R. , Teno S. , Tsubouchi K. , Mochizuki T. , Igarashi Y. , Amemiya S. , Sugihara S. ,   The Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes (JSGIT)
Published: November 2016

Aim

To examine the contribution of the FUT2 gene and ABO blood type to the development of Type 1 diabetes in Japanese children.

Methods

We analysed FUT2 variants and ABO genotypes in a total of 531 Japanese children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and 448 control subjects. The possible association of FUT2 variants and ABO genotypes with the onset of Type 1 diabetes was statistically examined.

Results

The se2 genotype (c.385A>T) of the FUT2 gene was found to confer susceptibility to Type 1A diabetes in a recessive effects model [odds ratio for se2/se2, 1.68 (95% CI 1.20–2.35); corrected P value = 0.0075].

Conclusions

The FUT2 gene contributed to the development of Type 1 diabetes in the present cohort of Japanese children.
The Scalability of the Shack/Slum Dwellers International Methodology: Context and Constraint in Cape Town
Authors: Tomlinson Richard
Published: November 2016

Shack/Slum Dwellers International (SDI) was created by the Indian Alliance and South African partners. SDI has affiliates in 33 countries and is probably the world's largest network of community peer‐to‐peer knowledge exchange in the area of slum/informal settlement upgrading. Common to the Indian Alliance's ‘Federation Model’ and the SDI methodology are a commitment to community organization and community‐led upgrading that is undertaken in partnership with local government. In a context where it is projected that there will be two billion slum dwellers by 2030, the ambition is to enable tens of millions of households to obtain upgraded housing and services. This article questions the scalability and universality of the SDI methodology in Cape Town, where the SDI Secretariat is located.
QUALITY DIFFERENCES, THIRD‐DEGREE PRICE DISCRIMINATION, AND WELFARE
Authors: Galera Francisco , Mendi Pedro , Molero Juan Carlos
Published: November 2016

We propose a model with two markets to analyze the welfare implications of price discrimination with quality differences. In each market a local firm that operates in that market only competes against a global firm that operates in both markets. Local firms produce higher‐quality goods than the global firm. If the quality levels of the local firms' products are the same, price discrimination is never welfare‐decreasing. If they differ, discrimination is welfare‐increasing if quantity increases. Because of a positive allocation effect of price discrimination, there are parameter values such that welfare increases while total output decreases with price discrimination. (JEL D43, D60)
TPO‐RAs in pITP: description of a case series and analysis of predictive factors for response
Authors: Mazzucconi Maria Gabriella , Santoro Cristina , Baldacci Erminia , De Angelis Federico , Chisini Marta , Ferrara Grazia , Volpicelli Paola , Foà Roberto
Published: November 2016

Objective

To report our experience concerning sustained response (SR) after TPO‐RA discontinuation in adult pITP patients and to identify possible predictive factors for outcome.

Methods

Thirty‐nine pITP patients who received a TPO‐RA were evaluated. Response (R) was defined as a platelet count ≥30 × 109/L and at least a twofold increase in the baseline count and complete response (CR) as a platelet count ≥100 × 109/L, in the absence of bleeding. Durable response (DR) was defined as a R/CR persisting ≥4 wk with a stable dose of TPO‐RA, and SR as the first assessed platelet count ≥30 × 109/L, available at more than 4 wk after discontinuation of TPO‐RA, in the absence of other concomitant or rescue therapies.

Results

Twenty‐nine/39 (74%) were responders: 18 (46%) reached a CR and 11 (28%) a R. A DR was observed in 16/29 (55%) responders. Seven SR (18%) were reached: five of seven patients achieved a SR from a prior DR. CR was statistically associated with the achievement of a subsequent DR: 13/18 (72%) CR patients obtained a DR, while only three of 11 (27%) R ones did (P = 0.027).

Conclusions

CR was a significant prognostic factor for the achievement of a DR. Moreover, we observed a trend for DR patients to obtain a subsequent SR.
Familial acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in siblings – no immunogenetic link with associated human leucocyte antigens
Authors: Gödel Philipp , Fischer Julia , Scheid Christoph , Gathof Birgit S. , Wolf Jürgen , Rybniker Jan
Published: November 2016

Acquired immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) has not yet been described in non‐twin siblings. We report two cases of acquired TTP in Caucasian sisters with inactive ADAMTS13 metalloprotease due to ADAMTS13 autoantibodies suggesting a role of genetic determinants in this life‐threatening disease. However, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II types presumably associated with acquired TTP were not identified in the patients, indicating that HLA class II typing may not be useful in acquired TTP risk assessment of family members.
Change in active microbial community structure, abundance and carbon cycling in an acid rice paddy soil with the addition of biochar
Authors: Chen J. , Sun X. , Li L. , Liu X. , Zhang B. , Zheng J. , Pan G.
Published: November 2016

Biochar amendment of soil is known to enhance soil carbon sequestration and fertility. Its effect on soil microbial activity and functioning, however, is not well understood, particularly in field conditions. We collected topsoil samples from plots in a rice paddy in southwest China either amended with biochar for 18 months or not amended. Soil respiration, enzyme activity, total and metabolically active microbial community structures and abundances based on DNA and RNA, and functional diversity were determined. Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were significantly greater, and bulk density was less, under biochar amendment at 40 t ha−1 than for non‐amended soil. The addition of biochar generally reduced soil respiration, total and active fungal 18S gene abundances and β‐glucosidase activity, whereas it increased microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, total and active bacterial 16S gene abundances, dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities. Furthermore, biochar amendment induced clear changes in the active microbial community structure and selected microorganisms with carbon substrates of polymers, and phenolic and amine compounds. Redundancy analysis indicated that the changes in soil pH and nutrient concentrations such as SOC, TN and DOC were of benefit mainly to the bacterial community rather than to the fungal one. Therefore, short‐term biochar amendment could help to slow down soil carbon turnover through increased efficiency of carbon use. In addition, soil microorganisms could potentially be selected to enable the use of some recalcitrant carbon substrates. Further investigations are needed to assess the underlying processes and potential effect of these changes on the mineralization of soil organic matter and ecosystem functioning in rice paddy soil.

Highlights

Examined effect of biochar on soil microbial activity and its functioning 18 months after amendment.

Biochar promoted total and metabolically active bacteria, but inhibited those of fungi over time.

Biochar changed the active, but not the total community structures of bacteria and fungi.

Biochar selected soil microorganisms with carbon substrates rich in aromatics.
Reactivation of seizure‐related changes to interictal spike shape and synchrony during postseizure sleep in patients
Authors: Bower Mark R. , Kucewicz Michal T. , St. Louis Erik K. , Meyer Fredric B. , Marsh W. Richard , Stead Matt , Worrell Gregory A.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Local field potentials (LFPs) arise from synchronous activation of millions of neurons, producing seemingly consistent waveform shapes and relative synchrony across electrodes. Interictal spikes (IISs) are LFPs associated with epilepsy that are commonly used to guide surgical resection. Recently, changes in neuronal firing patterns observed in the minutes preceding seizure onset were found to be reactivated during postseizure sleep, a process called seizure‐related consolidation (SRC), due to similarities with learning‐related consolidation. Because IISs arise from summed neural activity, we hypothesized that changes in IIS shape and relative synchrony would be observed in the minutes preceding seizure onset and would be reactivated preferentially during postseizure slow‐wave sleep (SWS).

Methods

Scalp and intracranial recordings were obtained continuously across multiple days from clinical macroelectrodes implanted in patients undergoing treatment for intractable epilepsy. Data from scalp electrodes were used to stage sleep. Data from intracranial electrodes were used to detect IISs using a previously established algorithm. Partial correlations were computed for sleep and wake periods before and after seizures as a function of correlations observed in the minutes preceding seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans were co‐registered with electroencephalography (EEG) to determine the location of the seizure‐onset zone (SOZ).

Results

Changes in IIS shape and relative synchrony were observed on a subset of macroelectrodes minutes before seizure onset, and these changes were reactivated preferentially during postseizure SWS. Changes in synchrony were greatest for pairs of electrodes where at least one electrode was located in the SOZ.

Significance

These data suggest preseizure changes in neural activity and their subsequent reactivation occur across a broad spatiotemporal scale: from single neurons to LFPs, both within and outside the SOZ. The preferential reactivation of seizure‐related changes in IISs during postseizure SWS adds to a growing body of literature suggesting that pathologic neural processes may utilize physiologic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity.
Duration of use of oral cannabis extract in a cohort of pediatric epilepsy patients
Authors: Treat Lauren , Chapman Kevin E. , Colborn Kathryn L. , Knupp Kelly G.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Oral cannabis extracts (OCEs) are being used in the treatment of epilepsy with increasing rates in the United States following product legalization; however, no studies demonstrate clear efficacy. We evaluated the duration of use of OCEs as a measure of perceived benefit in a cohort of patients with pediatric epilepsy.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed of children and adolescents who were given OCEs for treatment of epilepsy.

Results

Of the 119 patients included in the analysis, 71% terminated use of their OCE product during the study period. The average length of use of OCE was 11.7 months (range 0.3–57 months). Perceived seizure benefit was the only factor associated with longer duration of treatment with OCE (p < 0.01). Relocation to Colorado was associated with perceived benefit of OCEs for seizures (65% vs. 38%, p = 0.01), but was not independently associated with longer OCE use. Factors associated with shorter use included adverse effects (p = 0.03) and a diagnosis of Dravet syndrome (p = 0.02). Twenty‐four percent of patients were considered OCE responders, which was defined by a parent's report of a > 50% reduction in seizures while on this therapy. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 19% of patients, with the most common side effects being somnolence and worsening of seizures.

Significance

Parental report of OCE use in refractory pediatric epilepsy suggests that some families perceive benefit from this therapy; however, discontinuation of these products is common. Duration appears to be affected by logical factors, such as perceived benefit and side effect profile. Surprisingly, families of patients with Dravet syndrome terminated use of OCEs more quickly than patients with other epilepsy syndromes. Results from this study highlight the need for rigorous clinical studies to characterize the efficacy and safety of OCEs, which can inform discussions with patients and families.
Non‐surgical retreatment of teeth with persisting apical periodontitis following apicoectomy: decision making, treatment strategies and problems, and case reports
Authors: Hülsmann Michael , Tulus Gabriel
Published: November 2016

In the endodontic literature, only a few studies and case reports can be found demonstrating and further discussing non‐surgical treatment of failed apicoectomies. As a second apicoectomy has a limited success rate, non‐surgical retreatment should be discussed as an additional treatment option before extraction is considered. Depending on the reason for treatment failure or for persistence or development of apical periodontitis, and depending on the presence or absence and the type of retrofilling, treatment strategies need to be adapted to the specific clinical scenario. It is the aim of this review to describe a strategy for non‐surgical orthograde retreatment of previously apicected teeth with persisting apical periodontitis, to review the literature that may be helpful to discuss such cases, to develop an individual treatment plan, to discuss several specific aspects of treatment, and to present different clinical cases.
When in life does density dependence occur in fish populations?
Authors: Andersen Ken H , Jacobsen Nis S , Jansen Teunis , Beyer Jan E
Published: November 2016

Fisheries advice is based on demographic calculations, which assume that density‐dependent processes regulating recruitment occur only in early life. This assumption is challenged by laboratory and lake studies and some recent indications from marine systems that demonstrate density‐dependent regulation late in life. By accounting for spatial dynamics of a population, something that has previously been ignored in models of fish, we show that density‐dependent regulation is determined by the size of the habitat: in small habitats, for example small lakes, regulation occurs late in life, while it can occur early in large habitats. When regulation happens late in life, fisheries yield is maximized by exploitation of mainly juvenile fish, while exploiting mature fish maximizes yield if regulation happens early. We review and interpret observations of density dependence in the light of the theory. Our results challenge the current assumption that density dependence always occurs early in life and highlights the need for an increased understanding of density‐dependent processes. This can only come about by a change of focus from determining stock‐recruitment relationships towards understanding when and how density‐dependent regulation occurs in nature.
Is there a tiller morphology ideotype for yield differences in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)?
Authors: Griffiths W. M. , Matthew C. , Lee J. M. , Chapman D. F.
Published: November 2016

The objectives of this study were to measure the variability in ‘realized’ tiller morphology and identify whether there are emergent generalizations about a tiller ideotype for productivity or survival. Morphological traits during the vegetative growth stage were measured for 2 years in the field for eight perennial ryegrass cultivars: six diploid and two tetraploid cultivars under low and high nitrogen fertilizer (50 and 225 kg N ha−1 year−1 respectively). Traits measured were lamina width, length and area; pseudo‐stem length and diameter; an index of tiller shape; tiller dry weight; tiller density; and herbage mass. Almost all the traits differed significantly between cultivars and significant correlations were found between the 2 years. Principal component analysis identified that tiller morphology and dry‐matter yield were independent. No trait associations indicating alternative cultivar‐specific tiller morphologies were detected but cultivars differed in tiller size. The patterns of change between the 2 years indicated a possible morphological trajectory as swards age. The genetic compensatory relationship between tiller size and density had a 1:1 slope, indicative of constant yield. This implies that larger tillers would be more leafy, and higher leafiness of tetraploid over diploid cultivars was confirmed by the leaf:non‐leaf ratio and tiller shape index.
Changes in Left Atrial Transport Function in Patients Who Maintained Sinus Rhythm After Successful Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A 1‐Year Follow‐Up Multislice Computed Tomography Study
Authors: KIM JIN‐SEOK , IM SUNG IL , SHIN SEUNG YONG , KANG JUN HYUK , NA JIN OH , CHOI CHEOL UNG , KIM SEONG HWAN , KIM EUNG JU , RHA SEUNG‐WOON , PARK CHANG GYU , SEO HONG SEOG , OH DONG JOO , HWANG CHUN , KIM YOUNG‐HOON , YONG HWAN SEOK , LIM HONG EUY
Published: November 2016

LA Functional Remodeling After AF Ablation

Background

Functional remodeling of left atrium (LA) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine the impact of RFCA on LA transport function in patients who maintained sinus rhythm (SR) after AF ablation.

Methods and Results

A total of 96 patients (paroxysmal AF [PAF] = 52) who maintained SR during 1 year after AF ablation were enrolled. Multislice computed tomography was performed to determine LA volume (LAV) and LA emptying fraction (LAEF) at pre‐RFCA and 1‐year post‐RFCA. Creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) and troponin‐T levels were analyzed 1‐day post‐RFCA. At 1‐year post‐RFCA, mean LAV and LAEF decreased in overall patients. Based on LAEF change (ΔLAEF) cutoff of 5.0%, LAEF reduced in 41 patients (worsened group) and improved or showed no change in 55 patients (preserved group). Compared with preserved group, worsened group had a higher proportion of PAF, higher levels of CK‐MB and troponin‐T, and additional LA ablation. ΔLAEF was inversely correlated with CK‐MB and troponin‐T levels. Subgroup analysis showed that LAEF significantly decreased in PAF patients who underwent additional LA ablation. Multivariate analysis revealed that high baseline LAEF and additional LA ablation were independent predictors for worsened LAEF.

Conclusions

Although SR was maintained for 1 year after AF ablation, LAEF as well as LAV decreased. The extent of LAEF deterioration was significantly associated with the amount of iatrogenic myocardial damage. Our data indicate that extensive atrial ablation may lead to LA functional deterioration, especially in patients with PAF.
MicroRNA‐98 regulates osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stromal cells by targeting BMP2
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Ping , Zhang Jing , Zhu Chao‐Hua , Lin Lei , Wang Jian , Zhang Hai‐Jing , Li Jun , Yu Xiao‐Guang , Zhao Zhen‐Shuan , Dong Wei , Liu Guo‐Bin
Published: November 2016

To study the effects of microRNA‐98 (miR‐98) on human bone mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs). The patients undergoing hip arthroplasty were selected by inclusion/exclusion criteria for this study. The extracted hBMSCs were detected of osteogenic differentiation by alizarin red S staining, and of cell phenotype by flow cytometry. Bioinformatics, dual luciferase report, western blotting, RT‐PCR and immunoblotting were used in our study. The hBMSCs were divided into miR‐98 mimics, miR‐98 negative control (NC), miR‐98 inhibitors, Mock and miR‐98 inhibitors + siBMP2 groups. Human bone mesenchymal stromal cells were extracted and purified in vitro and had specific cytological morphology, surface markers and abilities of self‐renewal and differentiation. Compared with the NC group and Mock group, the miR‐98 mimics group showed increased miR‐98 level while the miR‐98 inhibitors group decreased miR‐98 level (both P < 0.01). Dual luciferase reporter showed BMP2 was the target gene of miR‐98. The levels of mRNA and protein expression of BMP2, protein expression of RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content significantly decreased in the miR‐98 mimics group while increased in the miR‐98 inhibitors group and showed no changes in the NC group and Mock group (all P < 0.05). The miR‐98 mimics group showed obviously declined stained red particles and the miR‐98 inhibitors group showed opposite result. After lowering the expression of miR‐98, osteogenic differentiation ability of hBMSCs rose, which was weakened by the transfection with siBMP2. miR‐98 may regulate osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by targeting BMP2.
Telocytes: a potential defender in the spleen of Npc1 mutant mice
Authors: Zhang Bichao , Yang Ciqing , Qiao Liang , Li Qiuling , Wang Congrui , Yan Xin , Lin Juntang
Published: November 2016

Niemann–Pick disease, type C1 (Npc1), is an atypical lysosomal storage disorder caused by autosomal recessive inheritance of mutations in Npc1 gene. In the Npc1 mutant mice (Npc1−/−), the initial manifestation is enlarged spleen, concomitant with free cholesterol accumulation. Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cell, exist in a variety of tissues including spleen, presumably thought to be involved in many biological processes such as nursing stem cells and recruiting inflammatory cells. In this study, we found that the spleen is significantly enlarged in Npc1−/− mice, and the results from transmission electron microscopy examination and immunostaining using three different TCs markers, c‐Kit, CD34 and Vimentin revealed significantly increased splenic TCs in Npc1−/− mice. Furthermore, hematopoietic stem cells and macrophages were also elevated in Npc1−/− spleen. Taken together, our data indicate that splenic TCs might alleviate the progress of splenic malfunction via recruiting hematopoietic stem cells and macrophages.
Sildenafil attenuates hypoxic pulmonary remodelling by inhibiting bone marrow progenitor cells
Authors: Favre Shirley , Gambini Elisa , Nigro Patrizia , Scopece Alessandro , Bianciardi Paola , Caretti Anna , Pompilio Giulio , Corno Antonio F. , Vassalli Giuseppe , von Segesser Ludwig K. , Samaja Michele , Milano Giuseppina
Published: November 2016

The recruitment of bone marrow (BM)‐derived progenitor cells to the lung is related to pulmonary remodelling and the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Although sildenafil is a known target in PH treatment, the underlying molecular mechanism is still elusive. To test the hypothesis that the therapeutic effect of sildenafil is linked to the reduced recruitment of BM‐derived progenitor cells, we induced pulmonary remodelling in rats by two‐week exposure to chronic hypoxia (CH, 10% oxygen), a trigger of BM‐derived progenitor cells. Rats were treated with either placebo (saline) or sildenafil (1.4 mg/kg/day ip) during CH. Control rats were kept in room air (21% oxygen) with no treatment. As expected, sildenafil attenuated the CH‐induced increase in right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy. However, sildenafil suppressed the CH‐induced increase in c‐kit+ cells in the adventitia of pulmonary arteries. Moreover, sildenafil reduced the number of c‐kit+ cells that colocalize with tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (VEGF‐R2) and CD68 (a marker for macrophages), indicating a positive effect on moderating hypoxia‐induced smooth muscle cell proliferation and inflammation without affecting the pulmonary levels of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α. Furthermore, sildenafil depressed the number of CXCR4+ cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that the improvement in pulmonary haemodynamic by sildenafil is linked to decreased recruitment of BM‐derived c‐kit+ cells in the pulmonary tissue. The attenuation of the recruitment of BM‐derived c‐kit+ cells by sildenafil may provide novel therapeutic insights into the control of pulmonary remodelling.
Commentary: Are we expecting too much from the extreme male brain theory of autism? A reflection on Kung et al. (2016)
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew J. O.
Published: November 2016

Kung et al. (2016) contribute further evidence demonstrating no clear link between prenatal androgen exposure and the autism phenotype. Do these findings represent a nail in the coffin for the extreme male brain (EMB) theory of autism, or are we simply asking too much of the hypothesis? This commentary highlights the inconsistent findings that have appeared to undermine the EMB theory, but presents an argument that the data may not present an adequate test of the hypothesis. A research agenda is then outlined – the investigation of simple behavioural traits rather than the full combination of ASD behaviours – which may provide greater clarity as to how prenatal androgen exposure relates to developmental psychopathology.
Sexual isolation promotes divergence between parapatric lake and stream stickleback
Authors: Berner D. , Ammann M. , Spencer E. , Rüegg A. , Lüscher D. , Moser D.
Published: November 2016

Speciation can be initiated by adaptive divergence between populations in ecologically different habitats, but how sexually based reproductive barriers contribute to this process is less well understood. We here test for sexual isolation between ecotypes of threespine stickleback fish residing in adjacent lake and stream habitats in the Lake Constance basin, Central Europe. Mating trials exposing females to pairings of territorial lake and stream males in outdoor mesocosms allowing for natural reproductive behaviour reveal that mating occurs preferentially between partners of the same ecotype. Compared to random mating, this sexual barrier reduces gene flow between the ecotypes by some 36%. This relatively modest strength of sexual isolation is surprising because comparing the males between the two ecotypes shows striking differentiation in traits generally considered relevant to reproductive behaviour (body size, breeding coloration, nest size). Analysing size differences among the individuals in the mating trials further indicates that assortative mating is not related to ecotype differences in body size. Overall, we demonstrate that sexually based reproductive isolation promotes divergence in lake–stream stickleback along with other known reproductive barriers, but we also caution against inferring strong sexual isolation from the observation of strong population divergence in sexually relevant traits.
Can alternative mating tactics facilitate introgression across a hybrid zone by circumventing female choice?
Authors: Stewart K. A. , Hudson C. M. , Lougheed S. C.
Published: November 2016

Reproductive barriers and divergence in species’ mate recognition systems underlie major models of speciation. However, hybridization between divergent species is common, and classic mechanisms to explain permeable reproductive barriers rarely consider how an individual may attain reproductive success. Alternative mating tactics (AMTs) exist in various forms across animal taxa. Such tactics may allow poorer quality individuals to gain mating opportunities and facilitate introgression either through asymmetrical positive selection or by circumventing female choice altogether in areas of secondary contact. One such tactic is satellite behaviour in frogs, where silent males perch near advertisers in an attempt to intercept females. To test whether such satellite male tactics are context‐dependent and favoured by hybrids, we genotyped and quantified the morphology of 80 male spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) individuals involved in caller–satellite associations from a secondary contact zone between two intraspecific mitochondrial lineages. Irrespective of population, satellite behaviour was best predicted by size but not body condition. Within the contact zone, pure individuals showed a significantly greater probability of being active callers, whereas hybrids of one lineage were more likely to adopt the satellite tactic. We suggest that satellite behaviour in P. crucifer promotes introgression, breaks down reproductive isolating barriers and contributes to asymmetrical introgression in this secondary contact zone. AMTs may thus be an underexplored but important alternative to oft‐discussed causes of genetic discordance found in hybrid zones.
The application of Lean Six Sigma methodology to reduce the risk of healthcare–associated infections in surgery departments
Authors: Montella Emma , Di Cicco Maria Vincenza , Ferraro Anna , Centobelli Piera , Raiola Eliana , Triassi Maria , Improta Giovanni
Published: November 2016

Rationale

Nowadays, the monitoring and prevention of healthcare–associated infections (HAIs) is a priority for the healthcare sector.

Aims and objectives

In this article, we report on the application of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology to reduce the number of patients affected by sentinel bacterial infections who are at risk of HAI.

Methods

The LSS methodology was applied in the general surgery department by using a multidisciplinary team of both physicians and academics. Data on more than 20 000 patients who underwent a wide range of surgical procedures between January 2011 and December 2014 were collected to conduct the study using the departmental information system. The most prevalent sentinel bacteria were determined among the infected patients. The preintervention (January 2011 to December 2012) and postintervention (January 2013 to December 2014) phases were compared to analyze the effects of the methodology implemented. The methodology allowed the identification of variables that influenced the risk of HAIs and the implementation of corrective actions to improve the care process, thereby reducing the percentage of infected patients.

Results

The improved process resulted in a 20% reduction in the average number of hospitalization days between preintervention and control phases, and a decrease in the mean (SD) number of days of hospitalization amounted to 36 (15.68), with a data distribution around 3 σ. The LSS is a helpful strategy that ensures a significant decrease in the number of HAIs in patients undergoing surgical interventions. The implementation of this intervention in the general surgery departments resulted in a significant reduction in both the number of hospitalization days and the number of patients affected by HAIs.

Conclusions

This approach, together with other tools for reducing the risk of infection (surveillance, epidemiological guidelines, and training of healthcare personnel), could be applied to redesign and improve a wide range of healthcare processes.
Evaluating bath treatment effectiveness in the control of sea lice burdens on Atlantic salmon in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Gautam R , Vanderstichel R , Boerlage A S , Revie C W , Hammell K L
Published: November 2016

The use of medicinal bath treatment for sea lice is becoming more common, due to increasing resistance to in‐feed treatments with emamectin benzoate. Common treatment modalities in New Brunswick, Canada, include Salmosan administered by tarpaulin or wellboat, and Paramove administered by wellboat. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of these treatment modalities in the field between 2010 and 2015 using a web‐based sea lice data management system (Fish‐iTrends©). Effectiveness was evaluated for adult female (AF) and for pre‐adult and adult male (PAAM) life stages separately. We also investigated the impact of variability in pretreatment lead and post‐treatment lag time on effectiveness measures. There were 1185 treatment events at 57 farms that uniquely matched our pre‐ and post‐treatment count criteria. The effectiveness of treatment modality was significantly influenced by season, pretreatment level of sea lice and by lead and lag times. In summer, Salmosan administered by tarpaulin had the greatest effectiveness on both AF and PAAM, when pretreatment levels were above 10 sea lice; whereas in autumn, the performance of treatment modalities varied significantly, depending on the pretreatment levels for the life stages. Ignoring the lead or lag time effect generally resulted in an underestimation of treatment effectiveness.
Development of In situ hybridization and real‐time PCR assays for the detection of Hepatospora eriocheir, a microsporidian pathogen in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Ding Z F , Chen J Q , Lin J , Zhu X S , Xu G H , Wang R L , Meng Q G , Wang W
Published: November 2016

A microsporidian parasite, Hepatospora eriocheir, is an emerging pathogen for the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. Currently, there is scant information about the way it transmits infection in the crustacean of commercial importance, including its pathogenesis, propagation and infection route in vivo. In this study, chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) and quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) assays were developed to address this pressing need, and we provided an advance in the detection methods available. Pathogens can be seen in situ with associated lesions using ISH. Positive hybridization signals were noted inside the epithelial cells of the hepatopancreas, and putative free parasite spores were observed within the tubule lumen, which were associated with lesions detected by electron microscopy and haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) analysis. qPCR allows the determination of parasite loads in infected tissues, which is important for understanding disease progression and transmission. The hepatopancreas displayed the biggest statistical copy numbers among different tissues of infected crabs, confirming a tissue‐specific pathogen infection characteristic. The qPCR assay also proved to be suitable for the diagnosis of asymptomatic carrier crabs. Combination of the two methods could facilitate the study of H. eriocheir infection mechanism in E. sinensis, enhance the early diagnosis of the pathogen and improve the management of microsporidian diseases in commercial crustaceans.
Novel protective role of the circadian nuclear receptor retinoic acid‐related orphan receptor‐α in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhao Yichao , Xu Longwei , Ding Song , Lin Nan , Ji Qingqi , Gao Lingchen , Su Yuanyuan , He Ben , Pu Jun
Published: November 2016

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a major complication that significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in diabetics with few therapies. Moreover, antidiabetic drugs reported inconsistent or even adverse cardiovascular effects, suggesting that it is important to exploit novel therapeutic targets against diabetic cardiomyopathy. Here, we observed that the nuclear melatonin receptor, the retinoic acid‐related orphan receptor‐α (RORα), was downregulated in diabetic hearts. By utilizing a mouse line with RORα disruption, we demonstrated that RORα deficiency led to significantly augmented diastolic dysfunction and cardiac remodeling induced by diabetes. Microscopic and molecular analyses further indicated that the detrimental effects of RORα deficiency were associated with aggravated myocardial apoptosis, autophagy dysfunction, and oxidative stress by disrupting antioxidant gene expression. By contrast, restoration of cardiac RORα levels in transgenic mice significantly improved cardiac functional and structural parameters at 8 weeks after diabetes induction. Consistent with genetic manipulation, pharmacological activation of RORα by melatonin and SR1078 (a synthetic agonist) showed beneficial effects against diabetic cardiomyopathy, while the RORα inhibitor SR3335 significantly exacerbated cardiac impairments in diabetic mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that cardiac‐targeted manipulation of nuclear melatonin receptor RORα may hold promise for delaying diabetic cardiomyopathy development.
Women's experience of being interviewed about abuse: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Snyder B. L.
Published: November 2016

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

There is disagreement about the costs and benefits of asking women about their abuse experiences in practice and research settings.

No known meta‐syntheses have been conducted to evaluate the qualitative data that exist on the experiences of women being asked about their abuse.

What this paper adds to the existing knowledge?

This review adds robust qualitative evidence that interviewing women about their abuse experiences can be a beneficial and healing experience for them.

Mental health nurses are in an ideal position to create a therapeutic environment to interview women about their abuse experiences.

What are the implications for practice?

Mental health nurses are strongly encouraged to ask about and document abuse in all of their interviews and assessments, as well as act as advocates and discuss reported abuse within their interdisciplinary teams, to provide individualized, trauma‐informed care.

The mental health nurse should listen attentively, avoid judgement, offer reassurance, make appropriate referrals and provide resources for women, including those with both past and current abuse histories.

Nurses are strongly encouraged to ask about abuse in all settings in which they encounter women, including in psychiatric and mental health settings.

Introduction

Collections of quantitative data exist outlining the costs and benefits of asking female research participants about their abuse experiences; however, no known meta‐syntheses have been conducted to evaluate the qualitative data that exist on the experiences of women being asked about their abuse.

Aim/Question

The purpose of this qualitative systematic review was to analyse and interpret qualitative findings regarding asking women about their abuse experiences with the intention of understanding risks and benefits.

Method

The sample (N = 11) was derived from an expansive search of peer‐reviewed literature using multidisciplinary electronic databases. Qualitative findings were extracted, coded and categorized. Reflective memos were developed, and themes emerged.

Results

While initially distressing, being interviewed about abuse is more beneficial than harmful for women, due to the therapeutic process of talking about abuse.

Discussion

To maximize the therapeutic impact of discussing abuse, women must maintain autonomy and feel they are in a safe and confidential environment. Within this supportive atmosphere, very few women report any regret after discussing abuse and are able to identify positive outcomes.

Implications for practice

Findings from this review support the need for mental health nurses and other clinicians to create an optimal environment for discussing abuse and offer relevant practice recommendations. Researchers are encouraged to include women in studies that involve asking about abuse experiences.
Subclinical Bacteriuria in Older Cats and its Association with Survival
Authors: White J.D. , Cave N.J. , Grinberg A. , Thomas D.G. , Heuer C.
Published: November 2016

Background

Bacterial urinary tract infections are uncommon in cats in general but the prevalence increases to 29% in older cats with comorbidities (Veterinary Clinical Pathology2008, 37, 317;Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery2007, 9, 124;Veterinary Microbiology2009, 136, 130). Frequently, the infections are subclinical. The clinical relevance of subclinical bacteriuria (SB) is uncertain, and the optimal treatment requires clarification.

Objective

Prospective, observational study to: (i) identify the prevalence and incidence count ofSBin older (≥7 years), nonazotemic cats, (ii) evaluate specific risk factors forSB, and (iii) investigate the potential relationship between untreatedSBand survival.

Animals

Sixty‐seven, nonazotemic cats were tested on 5 occasions over 3 years.

Methods

Urine samples were obtained by cystocentesis for quantitative urine culture and blood samples for measurement of serum creatinine concentration. Episodes ofSBwere not treated. Serum creatinine concentration, body weight, urine specific gravity, sex, and age were evaluated as potential risk factors for a positive urine culture. The association between urine culture results and survival was evaluated with Cox's proportional hazard model.

Results

A total of 256 urine samples was obtained. The prevalence ofSBvaried between 10 and 13%, and incident infections were uncommon. Female cats were 21 times more likely to have a positive urine culture than were male cats (odds ratio [OR], 21.2; confidence interval [CI], 4.1–110;P = .00028). Subclinical bacteriuria was not significantly associated with survival.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Subclinical bacteriuria is common in nonazotemic, older cats. Although antimicrobial treatment was withheld, the presence ofSBwas not adversely associated with survival.
INTERNATIONAL RESERVE MANAGEMENT: A DRIFT‐SWITCHING REFLECTED JUMP‐DIFFUSION MODEL
Authors: Cai Ning , Yang Xuewei
Published: November 2016

We study the cost of shocks, that is, jump risk, with respect to reserve management when the reserve process is formulated as a drift‐switching jump diffusion with a reflecting barrier at 0. Inspired by the Brownian drift switching model, our model results in a more realistic dynamic behavior of international reserves than the buffer stock model. The new model can capture both the jump behavior in reserve dynamics and the leptokurtic feature of the increment distribution which has a higher peak and two asymmetric heavier tails than the normal distribution. Through the selection of an initial distribution that reflects certain steady state behaviors, the reserve process becomes a regenerative process. This selection enables us to derive a closed‐form expression for the total expected discounted cost of managing reserves, thus helping us to numerically find management strategies that minimize costs. The numerical results show that shocks at the reserve level have a significant effect on reserve management strategies and that model misspecification can result in nonnegligible additional costs.
MODELING SOVEREIGN RISKS: FROM A HYBRID MODEL TO THE GENERALIZED DENSITY APPROACH
Authors: Jiao Ying , Li Shanqiu
Published: November 2016

Motivated by the European sovereign debt crisis, we propose a hybrid sovereign default model that combines an accessible part taking into account the evolution of the sovereign solvency and the impact of critical political events, and a totally inaccessible part for the idiosyncratic credit risk. We obtain closed‐form formulas for the probability that the default occurs at critical political dates in a Markovian setting. Moreover, we introduce a generalized density framework for the hybrid default time and deduce the compensator process of default. Finally, we apply the hybrid model and the generalized density to the valuation of sovereign bonds and explain the significant jumps in long‐term government bond yields during the sovereign crisis.
ASYMPTOTIC EQUIVALENCE OF RISK MEASURES UNDER DEPENDENCE UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Cai Jun , Liu Haiyan , Wang Ruodu
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we study the aggregate risk of inhomogeneous risks with dependence uncertainty, evaluated by a generic risk measure. We say that a pair of risk measures is asymptotically equivalent if the ratio of the worst‐case values of the two risk measures is almost one for the sum of a large number of risks with unknown dependence structure. The study of asymptotic equivalence is particularly important for a pair of a noncoherent risk measure and a coherent risk measure, as the worst‐case value of a noncoherent risk measure under dependence uncertainty is typically difficult to obtain. The main contribution of this paper is to establish general asymptotic equivalence results for the classes of distortion risk measures and convex risk measures under different mild conditions. The results implicitly suggest that it is only reasonable to implement a coherent risk measure for the aggregation of a large number of risks with uncertainty in the dependence structure, a relevant situation for risk management practice.
A functionally conserved Zn2Cys6 binuclear cluster transcription factor class regulates necrotrophic effector gene expression and host‐specific virulence of two major Pleosporales fungal pathogens of wheat
Authors: Rybak Kasia , See Pao Theen , Phan Huyen T. T. , Syme Robert A. , Moffat Caroline S. , Oliver Richard P. , Tan Kar‐Chun
Published: November 2016

The fungus Parastagonospora nodorum is the causal agent of Septoria nodorum blotch of wheat (Triticum aestivum). The interaction is mediated by multiple fungal necrotrophic effector–dominant host sensitivity gene interactions. The three best‐characterized effector–sensitivity gene systems are SnToxA–Tsn1, SnTox1–Snn1 and SnTox3–Snn3. These effector genes are highly expressed during early infection, but expression decreases as the infection progresses to tissue necrosis and sporulation. However, the mechanism of regulation is unknown. We have identified and functionally characterized a gene, referred to as PnPf2, which encodes a putative zinc finger transcription factor. PnPf2 deletion resulted in the down‐regulation of SnToxA and SnTox3 expression. Virulence on Tsn1 and Snn3 wheat cultivars was strongly reduced. The SnTox1–Snn1 interaction remained unaffected. Furthermore, we have also identified and deleted an orthologous PtrPf2 from the tan spot fungus Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis which possesses a near‐identical ToxA that was acquired from P. nodorum via horizontal gene transfer. PtrPf2 deletion also resulted in the down‐regulation of PtrToxA expression and a near‐complete loss of virulence on Tsn1 wheat. We have demonstrated, for the first time, evidence for a functionally conserved signalling component that plays a role in the regulation of a common/horizontally transferred effector found in two major fungal pathogens of wheat.
The Aquilegia JAGGED homolog promotes proliferation of adaxial cell types in both leaves and stems
Authors: Min Ya , Kramer Elena M.
Published: November 2016

In order to explore the functional conservation of JAGGED, a key gene involved in the sculpting of lateral organs in several model species, we identified its ortholog AqJAG in the lower eudicot species Aquilegia coerulea.

We analyzed the expression patterns of AqJAG in various tissues and developmental stages, and used RNAi‐based methods to generate knockdown phenotypes of AqJAG.

AqJAG was strongly expressed in shoot apices, floral meristems, lateral root primordia and all lateral organ primordia. Silencing of AqJAG revealed a wide range of defects in the developing stems, leaves and flowers; strongest phenotypes include severe reduction of leaflet laminae due to a decrease in cell size and number, change of adaxial cell identity, outgrowth of laminar‐like tissue on the inflorescence stem, and early arrest of floral meristems and floral organ primordia.

Our results indicate that AqJAG plays a critical role in controlling primordia initiation and distal growth of floral organs, and laminar development of leaflets. Most strikingly, we demonstrated that AqJAG disproportionally controls the behavior of cells with adaxial identity in vegetative tissues, providing evidence of how cell proliferation is controlled in an identity‐specific manner.