bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Science of a Sundae: Using the Principle of Colligative Properties in Food Science Outreach Activities for Middle and High School Students
Authors: Wickware Carmen L. , Day Charles T.C. , Adams Michael , Orta‐Ramirez Alicia , Snyder Abigail B.
Published: July 2017

The opportunities for outreach activities for professionals and academics in food science are extensive, as too are the range of participants’ experience levels and platforms for delivery. Here, we present a set of activities that are readily adaptable for a range of students (ages 10 to 18) in multiple platforms (demonstration table and hands‐on workshop). Our activity, collectively called “The Science of a Sundae,” has three units, one for each of the three parts of a sundae: the caramel sauce, the cherry, and the ice cream. In each unit we use these familiar food items to illustrate how colligative properties (or, simply, “solutions” for younger students) impact the chemical, microbiological, and sensorial properties of food. We have used these activities to present to over 1000 students and their parents/chaperones. Grade levels of student participants have ranged from 5th grade through high school, and these activities have been presented in the form of a demonstration table at science events as well as a set of three 45‐minute workshops in a classroom setting. Educational impact of these activities was evaluated with 7th grade students (n = 77) who participated in the 3‐phase workshop. On average, students who took the posttest (after participation in the workshop) scored 36% higher than students who took the pretest (prior to participation in the workshop). These results and instructor observations suggest the merit of this lesson and its adaptability among ages and platforms.
The bioelectric well: a novel approach for in situ treatment of hydrocarbon‐contaminated groundwater
Authors: Palma Enza , Daghio Matteo , Franzetti Andrea , Petrangeli Papini Marco , Aulenta Federico
Published: July 2017

Groundwater contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) is a widespread problem which poses serious environmental and health concerns. Recently, microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) have attracted considerable attention for remediation applications, having the potential to overcome some of the limiting factors of conventional in situ bioremediation systems. So far, field‐scale application of MET has been largely hindered by the limited availability of scalable system configurations. Here, we describe the ‘bioelectric well’ a bioelectrochemical reactor configuration, which can be installed directly within groundwater wells and can be applied for in situ treatment of organic contaminants, such as PHs. A laboratory‐scale prototype of the bioelectric well has been set up and operated in continuous‐flow regime with phenol as the model contaminant. The best performance was obtained when the system was inoculated with refinery sludge and the anode potentiostatically controlled at +0.2 V versus SHE. Under this condition, the influent phenol (25 mg l−1) was nearly completely (99.5 ± 0.4%) removed, with an average degradation rate of 59 ± 3 mg l−1 d and a coulombic efficiency of 104 ± 4%. Microbial community analysis revealed a remarkable enrichment of Geobacter species on the surface of the graphite anode, clearly pointing to a direct involvement of this electro‐active bacterium in the current‐generating and phenol‐oxidizing process.
An ArsR/SmtB family member regulates arsenic resistance genes unusually arranged in Thermus thermophilus HB27
Authors: Antonucci Immacolata , Gallo Giovanni , Limauro Danila , Contursi Patrizia , Ribeiro Ana Luisa , Blesa Alba , Berenguer José , Bartolucci Simonetta , Fiorentino Gabriella
Published: July 2017

Arsenic resistance is commonly clustered in ars operons in bacteria; main ars operon components encode an arsenate reductase, a membrane extrusion protein, and an As‐sensitive transcription factor. In the As‐resistant thermophile Thermus thermophilus HB27, genes encoding homologues of these proteins are interspersed in the chromosome. In this article, we show that two adjacent genes, TtsmtB, encoding an ArsR/SmtB transcriptional repressor and, TTC0354, encoding a Zn2+/Cd2+‐dependent membrane ATPase are involved in As resistance; differently from characterized ars operons, the two genes are transcribed from dedicated promoters upstream of their respective genes, whose expression is differentially regulated at transcriptional level. Mutants defective in TtsmtB or TTC0354 are more sensitive to As than the wild type, proving their role in arsenic resistance. Recombinant dimeric TtSmtB binds in vitro to both promoters, but its binding capability decreases upon interaction with arsenate and, less efficiently, with arsenite. In vivo and in vitro experiments also demonstrate that the arsenate reductase (TtArsC) is subjected to regulation by TtSmtB. We propose a model for the regulation of As resistance in T. thermophilus in which TtSmtB is the arsenate sensor responsible for the induction of TtArsC which generates arsenite exported by TTC0354 efflux protein to detoxify cells.
A biotechnologist's dream: ‘doubly green’ processes
Authors: Segura Ana
Published: July 2017

Biosurfactants have not fulfilled the expectations generated when they were initially discovered. Heavy vacuum gas oil (HVGO) is conventionally treated with costly thermo‐chemical processes and cause environmental pollution. What if we could bio‐upgrade this HVGO at the same time that we produce a fine chemical?
Increased nutritional value in food crops
Authors: Goicoechea Nieves , Antolín M. Carmen
Published: July 2017

Modern agriculture and horticulture must combine two objectives that seem to be almost mutually exclusive: to satisfy the nutritional needs of an increasing human population and to minimize the negative impact on the environment. These two objectives are included in the Goal 2 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations: ‘End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture'. Enhancing the nutritional levels of vegetables would improve nutrient intake without requiring an increase in consumption. In this context, the use of beneficial rhizospheric microorganisms for improving, not only growth and yield, but also the nutrient quality of crops represents a promising tool that may respond to the challenges for modern agriculture and horticulture and represents an alternative to the genetic engineering of crops. This paper summarizes the state of the art, the current difficulties associated to the use of rhizospheric microorganisms as enhancers of the nutritional quality of food crops as well as the future prospects.
Strategies for combating persister cell and biofilm infections
Authors: Wood Thomas K.
Published: July 2017

Bacterial cells are constantly exposed to environmental stress; for example, almost all cells must endure starvation, and antimicrobials, of course, are administered to kill bacteria. These stressed cells enter a resting state known as persistence in which they become tolerant to nearly all antibiotics without undergoing genetic change. These dormant cells survive courses of antibiotics, as antibiotics are most effective against actively metabolizing cells, and reconstitute infections. In humans, most of these bacterial infections occur in biofilms in which bacteria attach to one another via secreted proteins, polysaccharides and even DNA. Herein, biotechnological methods are described to combat persister cells and to eradicate biofilms by understanding the genetic basis of both phenomena.
Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on postoperative complications in patients with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Saito Hajime , Hatakeyama Kazutoshi , Konno Hayato , Matsunaga Toshiki , Shimada Yoichi , Minamiya Yoshihiro
Published: July 2017

Background

Given the extent of the surgical indications for pulmonary lobectomy in breathless patients, preoperative care and evaluation of pulmonary function are increasingly necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for reducing the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

The records of 116 patients with COPD, including 51 patients who received PR, were retrospectively analyzed. Pulmonary function testing, including slow vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), was obtained preoperatively, after PR, and at one and six months postoperatively. The recovery rate of postoperative pulmonary function was standardized for functional loss associated with the different resected lung volumes. Propensity score analysis generated matched pairs of 31 patients divided into PR and non‐PR groups.

Results

The PR period was 18.7 ± 12.7 days in COPD patients. Preoperative pulmonary function was significantly improved after PR (VC 5.3%, FEV1 5.5%; P < 0.05). The FEV1 recovery rate one month after surgery was significantly better in the PR (101.6%; P < 0.001) than in the non‐PR group (93.9%). In logistic regression analysis, predicted postoperative FEV1, predicted postoperative %FEV1, and PR were independent factors related to postoperative pulmonary complications after pulmonary lobectomy (odds ratio 18.9, 16.1, and 13.9, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

PR improved the recovery rate of pulmonary function after lobectomy in the early period, and may decrease postoperative pulmonary complications.
A novel protocol for studying bee cognition in the wild
Authors: Muth Felicity , Cooper Trenton R. , Bonilla Rene F. , Leonard Anne S.
Published: July 2017

Understanding how animals perceive, learn and remember stimuli is critical for understanding both how cognition is shaped by natural selection, and how ecological factors impact behaviour. However, the majority of studies on cognition involve captive animals in laboratory settings. While controlled settings are required to accurately measure aspects of cognition, they may not yield realistic estimates of learning performance in natural environments. Wild bees offer a useful system in which to study cognitive ecology and comparative cognition more broadly: they encompass around 20,000 species globally, varying in characteristics such as life‐history strategy, degree of sociality and dietary specialization. Yet, the limited number of protocols currently available for studying insect cognition has restricted research to a few commercially available bee species, in almost exclusively laboratory settings.

We present a protocol (Free‐Moving Proboscis Extension Response [FMPER]) to measure wild bees’ colour preferences, learning performance and memory.

We first used laboratory‐reared bumblebees Bombus impatiens to establish that FMPER yielded results consistent with learning theory. We then successfully tested wild honeybees Apis mellifera in the laboratory and Bombus vosnesenskii at field sites.

Free‐Moving Proboscis Extension Response is straightforward to implement, is low cost, and may be readily adapted to other flower‐visiting insects. We believe it will be useful to a broad range of evolutionary biologists, behavioural ecologists and pollination ecologists interested in measuring cognitive performance in the wild and across a broader range of species.
Growth races in The Mallee: Height growth in woody plants examined with a trait‐based model
Authors: Thomas Freya M. , Vesk Peter A.
Published: July 2017

Plant height and growth are fundamental to the understanding of species ecological strategies, to the description and prediction of ecosystem dynamics and to vegetation management, such as plant species’ fire responses. However, a convenient way to characterize the height growth strategies for multiple species have been elusive. We examine the height growth trajectories in 18 woody plant species in a light‐saturated, fire‐prone, semi‐arid environment as well as the influence of functional traits on those trajectories. We test trait‐growth relationships by examining the influence of specific leaf area, woody density, seed size and leaf nitrogen content on three aspects of plant growth; maximum relative growth rate, age at maximum growth and asymptotic height. Woody plant species in the semi‐arid mallee exhibit fast growth trajectories. Small seeded species were likely to be the fastest to reach maximum height, while large‐seeded species with high leaf nitrogen were likely the slowest. Tall species had low stem densities and tended to have low specific leaf area. We modelled plant growth using a hierarchical multi‐species model that formally incorporates plant functional traits as species‐level predictors of growth, which provides a method for predicting species height growth strategies as a function of their traits. We extend this approach by using the modelled relationships from our trait‐growth model to predict: growth trajectories of species with limited data; real species with only trait data and; hypothetical species based only on trait coordination. We hope this highlights the potential to use trait information for ecological inference and to generate predictions that could be used for management.
Dermoscopy of syringocystadenoma papilliferum
Authors: Lombardi Mara , Piana Simonetta , Longo Caterina , Borsari Stefania , Persechino Flavia , Argenziano Giuseppe , Moscarella Elvira
Published: July 2017

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum is a benign adnexal neoplasm frequently seen in association with other adnexal tumours. We report the dermoscopic features of three cases of syringocystadenoma papilliferum developing in naevus sebaceus. Clinically the lesions were characterised by exophytic papillary structures. Dermoscopically, polymorphous vessels were the prevalent feature.
Patient‐controlled analgesia with remifentanil vs. alternative parenteral methods for pain management in labour: a Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Jelting Y. , Weibel S. , Afshari A. , Pace N. L. , Jokinen J. , Artmann T. , Eberhart L. H. J. , Kranke P.
Published: July 2017

We aimed to assess the effectiveness of remifentanil used as intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia for the pain of labour. We performed a systematic literature search in December 2015 (updated in December 2016). We included randomised, controlled and cluster‐randomised trials of women in labour with planned vaginal delivery receiving patient‐controlled remifentanil compared principally with other parenteral and patient‐controlled opioids, epidural analgesia and continuous remifentanil infusion or placebo. The primary outcomes were patient satisfaction with pain relief and the occurrence of adverse events for mothers and newborns. We assessed risk of bias for each included study and applied the GRADE approach for the quality of evidence. We included total zero event trials, using a constant continuity correction of 0.01 and a random‐effect meta‐analysis. Twenty studies were included in the qualitative analysis; within these, 3713 participants were randomised and 3569 analysed. Most of our pre‐specified outcomes were not studied in the included trials. However, we found evidence that women using patient‐controlled remifentanil were more satisfied with pain relief than women receiving parenteral opioids (four trials, 216 patients, very low quality evidence) with a standardised mean difference ([SMD] 95%CI) of 2.11 (0.72–3.49), but were less satisfied than women receiving epidural analgesia (seven trials, 2135 patients, very low quality evidence), −0.22 (−0.40 to −0.04). Data on adverse events were sparse. However, the relative risk (95%CI) for maternal respiratory depression for patient‐controlled remifentanil compared with epidural analgesia (three trials, 687 patients, low‐quality evidence) was 0.91 (0.51–1.62). Compared with continuous intravenous infusion of remifentanil (two trials, 135 patients, low‐quality evidence) no conclusion could be reached as all study arms showed zero events. The relative risk (95%CI) of Apgar scores less than 7 at 5 min after birth compared with epidural analgesia (five trials, 1322 participants, low‐quality evidence) was 1.26 (0.62–2.57).
1 Introduction: Establishing a Bioarchaeology of Community
Authors: Becker Sara K. , Juengst Sara L.
Published: July 2017

In this chapter, we introduce our volume and focus on defining the various ways in which the term community is used by bioarchaeologists in this volume, especially with respect to the theoretical ideas within the emerging social and theoretical bioarchaeology. We also provide an initial summary concerning each of the chapters and how each author, or set of authors, focuses on community within their research. Our goals are: (1) to discuss the possibilities and limitations of identifying different types of past community or communities; (2) to expand on methods in bioarchaeology that can be used to identify community; and (3) to develop theoretically based bioarchaeological research on community in order to elucidate meaningful relationships that structured past people's lives.
9 A Bioarchaeological Perspective on Community and the Tension between Individual and Population
Authors: Blom Deborah E.
Published: July 2017

The community framework this volume champions is a fruitful addition for anthropological bioarchaeologists seeking to understand ancient population dynamics. The breadth illustrates the importance of the concept of community, the difficulty of moving beyond definitions restricted by geography, and particular challenges of bioarchaeological datasets. Population‐ and spatially‐based analyses are critical and generally most appropriate in our discipline; yet, they can inadvertently present pictures of homogeneity that do not accurately characterize the ancient communities we study. We must continue to seek productive ways to appreciate diversity within the ancient communities though contextually based and “multi‐subdisciplinary” approaches. We continue asking in what way the patterns in mortuary and other bioarchaeological variables are culturally meaningful from real or ideal culture perspectives, seeking to move beyond geographically bound approaches.
Integrating ASEAN in Labor Migration Policy: From Disjointed to Complementary Actor
Authors: Allison‐Reumann Laura
Published: July 2017

In addition to global and national labor migration policies, regional‐level strategies can contribute to the protection of Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN's) low and unskilled migrant workers. However, there is a need for ASEAN and its partners to work with contextual specificities, including ASEAN's normative framework, conditions within its member‐states, and civil society, while at the same time also complement global initiatives. ASEAN is well‐placed to promote and protect the rights of migrant workers in the region, despite current shortcomings. However, this can only be done if ASEAN integrates itself within national and international institutions and standards, rather than be a separate level of governance squeezed in between the domestic and the global. In essence, ASEAN must move from being a disjointed to a complementary actor.
Running Multiple Candidates, Dividing the Vote Under the Single Nontransferable Vote System: Evidence From Japan's Upper House Elections
Authors: Fujimura Naofumi
Published: July 2017

Political parties seek to make optimal nominations of candidates to maximize the number of seats they may win. In a multimember district with a single nontransferable vote (SNTV) electoral system, parties need to run the optimal number of candidates in each electoral district. If too many or too few candidates run, they may lose seats they might otherwise have won. In this situation, district‐level party organizations face a collective action problem: they do not have the incentive to run multiple candidates for fear of losing all seats, despite needing to do so in order for the party to win a majority of seats in a legislature. This study examines the factors that enable parties to run multiple candidates in SNTV districts, and shows that parties undertake this action when they are able to divide the vote between party candidates on the basis of geography in the case of Japan.
Identity Politics and the East China Sea: China as Japan's ‘Other’
Authors: Yennie Lindgren Wrenn , Lindgren Petter Y.
Published: July 2017

This article contributes to the relational IR literature on identity politics and Sino‐Japanese relations. Theoretically, we develop Rumelili's framework for studying modes of differentiation by incorporating the sectoral characteristics of key discourse signs. Empirically, we apply this framework to the construction of Self and Other in the official Japanese security discourse regarding the Senkaku Islands dispute from 2010–2014, a period of dispute climax that is meaningful for studying the (re)production of Japan's understanding of China. The inclusiveness of the discourse signs that Japan uses to construct China possibly opens up for a positive evolution of Sino‐Japanese relations, as there is space for progress if China's behavior—and Japan's interpretation of it—proves to be more peaceful, transparent, and law‐abiding. The findings also suggest, however, that the strong sense of superiority in Japan (and China) vis‐à‐vis a subordinate Other may not bode well for Sino‐Japanese relations.
The effects of foreign shocks when interest rates are at zero
Authors: Bodenstein Martin , Erceg Christopher J. , Guerrieri Luca
Published: July 2017

In a two‐country DSGE model, the effects of foreign demand shocks on the home country are greatly amplified if the home economy is constrained by the zero lower bound on policy interest rates. This result applies even to countries that are relatively closed to trade such as the United States. Departing from many of the existing closed‐economy models, the duration of the liquidity trap is determined endogenously. Adverse foreign shocks can extend the duration of the trap, implying more contractionary effects for the home country. The home economy is more vulnerable to adverse foreign shocks if the neutral rate is low—consistent with “secular stagnation”—and trade openness is high.
Assessment of the inferior mesenteric vein diameter as a surrogate marker to evaluate response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ivan C. V. , Mullineux J. H. , Verma R. , Shah V. , De A. , Elabassy M. , Rajesh A. , Stephenson J. A.
Published: July 2017

Aim

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer aims to downstage prior to definitive management. Repeat imaging assessment of the tumour post‐therapy has implications for treatment. Our aim was to assess if the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) diameter measured on CT can be used as a surrogate marker for evaluation of tumour response to neoadjuvant treatment.

Method

IMV diameter was assessed in patients with and without locally advanced rectal cancer, pre‐ and post‐radiotherapy, to ascertain if IMV diameter is a surrogate marker of tumour response.

Results

IMV diameter was 5.9 mm in patients with rectal cancer vs 4.7 mm in patients without (P = 0.0001). The baseline IMV diameter was significantly higher for cases with local lymphadenopathy [N0 5.2 mm vs N1/2 6 mm (P = 0.0059)] and extramural venous invasion (EMVI) [negative 5.4 mm vs positive 6.4 mm (P = 0.0001)]. Post‐radiotherapy there was a significant decrease in the IMV diameter in cases with treatment response compared to non‐responders: the percentage change in IMV diameter was a 17.54% decrease vs 1.39% increase (P = 0.0001). These results were reproduced on comparing between magnetic resonance tumour regression grades using ANOVA (P = 0.0001). There was also a significant decrease in IMV diameter when assessing lymph node (LN) and EMVI response vs non‐responders (P = 0.0001 and 0.0001 respectively).

Conclusion

Patients with rectal cancer have a dilated IMV compared with patients without rectal cancer. We confirm that IMV diameter is a potential surrogate marker of LN status and EMVI at baseline. IMV diameter is also a marker of tumour, LN and EMVI response to chemoradiotherapy.
Electroacupuncture as an additional treatment for headshaking in six horses
Authors: Devereux S.
Published: July 2017

Some success has been demonstrated using percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) to treat trigeminal‐mediated headshaking (TMHS) in horses. The aim of this study is to determine whether electroacupuncture (EA) can provide similar remission from the pain of this debilitating condition. EA is less invasive than PENS and can be carried out in the stable yard without the need for a hospital setting and expensive equipment. Six horses and ponies showing clinical signs of headshaking were treated with electroacupuncture of the infraorbital nerve under light sedation. The nerve was stimulated with alternating 2 and 80 Hz frequencies for a period of 25 min with the current adjusted so that there was visible twitching of the nostrils and/or lips. Follow‐up treatments were given when the signs recurred or 4–7 days later if there was no initial response. The procedure was well tolerated by all the horses. Once a response was achieved, the period of remission often increased with subsequent treatments. Median remission time for the first treatment was 5.5 days (mean 7.6 days, range 0–13 days, n = 6). second treatment 8.5 days (mean 10.6 days, range 7–21 days, n = 6), third treatment 18 days (mean 28.8 days, range 6–71 days, n = 6), fourth treatment 47.5 days (mean 10 weeks, range 11 days–23 weeks, n = 6), fifth treatment 13 weeks 5 days (mean 18 weeks 5 days, range 5 weeks–46 weeks, n = 5), sixth treatment 24 days (mean 26 days, range 13–41 days, n = 3). The three horses that started treatment in 2015 received a single treatment in April or May of 2016 and were still asymptomatic at the end of the study period in October 2016. It was concluded that EA of the infraorbital nerve is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for the management of horses considered to be experiencing trigeminal‐mediated headshaking.
Knowing Requires Data
Authors: Naranjo Ramon C.
Published: July 2017

Article impact statement: In many investigations, the collection of long‐term data are often overlooked, but necessary for understanding key hydrological processes that guide the development of conceptual models and evaluation of predictions.
Micro‐alloys precipitation in NiO‐ and CoO‐bearing enamel coatings and their effect on adherence of enamel/steel
Authors: Chen Ken , Chen Minghui , Wang Qunchang , Zhu Shenglong , Wang Fuhui
Published: July 2017

The effect of CoO and NiO on the adherence between enamel coating and steel is investigated experimentally in this study. Enamel coatings are applied to the steel using a wet process with slurries. A total of five enamels were prepared including three single layer enamels: blank enamel (BL), NiO bearing enamel (MTNi3), CoO bearing enamel (MTCo3), and two double layer enamels: BL‐MTNi3, BL‐MTCo3, which consisted an inner layer of BL and an outer layer of MTNi3 or MTCo3. Falling‐weights tests were performed and the cross‐sections at the enamel/steel interface were analyzed with a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Results show that the increases of adherence for MTCo3 and MTNi3 coated steel are attributed to the micro‐alloys precipitation at the enamel/steel interface. These micro‐alloy precipitations grow parallel to the steel/enamel interface for MTNi3, while they are dendritic and perpendicular for MTCo3. Compared with MTCo3, the negative reaction energy between NiO and FeO for MTNi3 causes micro‐alloy precipitations formed far away from the enamel/steel interface, resulting in different morphology and adherence.
Acute evaluation of the acute vestibular syndrome: differentiating posterior circulation stroke from acute peripheral vestibulopathies
Authors: Tsang Benjamin K. T. , Chen Alex S. K. , Paine Mark
Published: July 2017

This review article aims to provide an evidence‐based approach to evaluating the patient who presents with acute prolonged, spontaneous vertigo in the context of the acute vestibular syndrome (AVS). Differentiation of posterior circulation stroke (PCS) presenting as an AVS has been regarded as an important diagnostic challenge for physicians involved in acute care. Current evidence suggests that a targeted approach to history taking and physical examination with emphasis on the oculomotor examination, more specifically the HINTS (Head Impulse/Nystagmus/Test‐of‐skew) examination battery, yields a higher sensitivity for the diagnosis of PCS than even standard magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion‐weighted imaging. However, most studies have only validated the utility of the HINTS examination when performed by experts, who interpret the most powerful component of HINTS, namely the head impulse test (HIT), considerably different to the novice. Several investigations useful in the differentiation of the AVS are becoming more accessible and portable, such as videooculography with Frenzel goggles and video head impulse testing (vHIT), which allows for the quantitative assessment of the HIT. In clinical practice, vHIT has already become accepted as standard of care in the evaluation of AVS.
Caspase‐11 non‐canonical inflammasome: a critical sensor of intracellular lipopolysaccharide in macrophage‐mediated inflammatory responses
Authors: Yi Young‐Su
Published: July 2017

Inflammatory responses mediated by macrophages are part of the innate immune system, whose role is to protect against invading pathogens. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) found in the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria stimulates an inflammatory response by macrophages. During the inflammatory response, extracellularLPSis recognized by Toll‐like receptor 4, one of the pattern recognition receptors that activates inflammatory signalling pathways and leads to the production of inflammatory mediators. The innate immune response is also triggered by intracellular inflammasomes, and inflammasome activation induces pyroptosis and the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1β(IL‐1β) andIL‐18 by macrophages. Cysteine‐aspartic protease (caspase)‐11 and the human orthologues caspase‐4/caspase‐5 were recently identified as components of the ‘non‐canonical inflammasome’ that senses intracellularLPSderived from Gram‐negative bacteria during macrophage‐mediated inflammatory responses. Direct recognition of intracellularLPSfacilitates the rapid oligomerization of caspase‐11/4/5, which results in pyroptosis and the secretion ofIL‐1βandIL‐18.LPSis released into the cytoplasm from Gram‐negative bacterium‐containing vacuoles by small interferon‐inducible guanylate‐binding proteins encoded on chromosome 3 (GBPchr3)‐mediated lysis of the vacuoles.In vivostudies have clearly shown thatcaspase‐11−/−mice are more resistant to endotoxic septic shock by excessiveLPSchallenge. Given the evidence, activation of caspase‐11 non‐canonical inflammasomes by intracellularLPSis distinct from canonical inflammasome activation and provides a new paradigm in macrophage‐mediated inflammatory responses.
Phylogenetic conservatism of species range size is the combined outcome of phylogeny and environmental stability
Authors: Zacaï Axelle , Fara Emmanuel , Brayard Arnaud , Laffont Rémi , Dommergues Jean‐Louis , Meister Christian
Published: July 2017

Aim

To test for the phylogenetic conservatism of geographic range size and to explore the effect of the environment on this potential conservatism.

Location

The western Tethys Ocean and its surroundings (present‐day Europe, the Middle East and North Africa) during the early Pliensbachian (Early Jurassic).

Methods

Using 104 localities and 1,765 occurrences of ammonite species, we estimated geographic range sizes using the extent of occurrence and the latitudinal range. The phylogenetic conservatism of range sizes was tested using Moran'sIindex which measures phylogenetic autocorrelation, and Pagel's λ which indicates whether a phylogeny correctly predicts covariance patterns among taxa on a given trait according to a Brownian evolution model. We conducted these analyses for two neighbouring provinces with contrasting environmental features (Mediterranean and Northwest European). We also explored scale effects by considering the whole western Tethys and two temporal resolutions (chronozone and sub‐stage).

Results

A marked difference in phylogenetic signal is observed between Mediterranean (MED) and Northwest European (NWE) species; the range size ofMEDspecies is more frequently phylogenetically conserved than that ofNWEspecies. No phylogenetic conservatism of species range size is observed during the last chronozone of the early Pliensbachian which is characterized by numerous palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental changes.

Main conclusions

Species range size may be partly determined by phylogeny, but this phylogenetic conservatism is modulated by spatio‐temporal environmental stability. The phylogenetic signal of species range size may be labile through time within the same lineage and may differ between contemporaneous species of the same group. This lability stems from the fact that species range size results from a complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Biogeography of the Gondwanan tree fern family Dicksoniaceae—A tale of vicariance, dispersal and extinction
Authors: Noben Sarah , Kessler Michael , Quandt Dietmar , Weigand Anna , Wicke Susann , Krug Michael , Lehnert Marcus
Published: July 2017

Aim

Are the disjunct distributions of ancient lineages on continents in the Southern Hemisphere determined by vicariance following the Gondwanan tectonic breakup or recent long‐distance dispersal? We traced the historical biogeography of the tree fern family Dicksoniaceae (145 Ma), which has a typical Gondwanan distribution, to test for vicariance or recent long‐distance dispersal.

Location

Subtropical, tropical and temperate forests of the Southern Hemisphere.

Methods

We performed a molecular phylogenetic study of the family based on four chloroplast markers using Bayesian and maximum likelihood inference. Spore fossils served to calibrate the dating of the phylogeny using beast. The historical biogeography of the family was traced via an ancestral area reconstruction using a maximum likelihood approach.

Results

We corroborated the genus Dicksonia (widespread) as sister to Lophosoria (Neotropical), with Calochlaena (Palaeotropical) as sister to both. The phylogenetic splits between the genera predate the break‐up of Gondwana. Lophosoria is currently restricted to America but fossils document extinct populations in Australia, Tasmania and Antarctica. Within Dicksonia, we found three clades which separated 55–25 Ma: one including species from New Caledonia, New Zealand and Fiji; another containing species from the Neotropics as well as southern Australia and New Zealand; and one with species from northern Australia to the Philippines and Sumatra. Vicariance and ancient long‐distance dispersal can equally explain the occurrence of these three clades on different tectonic units of Gondwana. Other geographical disjunctions, for example, between Australia and Malesia, are more recent (15–3 Ma) and inferred to be the result of long‐distance dispersal. The combination of fossil evidence and island endemics whose ages predate the ages of the islands point to substantial extinction in the genus.

Main conclusions

The biogeographical history of the family Dicksoniaceae, and especially of Dicksonia itself, appears to have involved a much more dynamic interplay of vicariance, dispersal and extinction than inferred from current distributions alone. Dicksonia is one of the few biogeographical Gondwanan floristic elements whose current distribution can at least partly be linked to plate tectonic events.
Dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy features of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Manfredini M. , Longo C. , Ferrari B. , Piana S. , Benati E. , Casari A. , Pellacani G. , Moscarella E.
Published: July 2017

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is a highly prevalent neoplasm. The management and the prognosis of this tumour are dependent on its invasiveness and its grade of differentiation.

Objectives

To evaluate whether specific dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) criteria can predict the diagnosis of invasiveSCCvs.in situSCCand poorly differentiated compared with well‐ and moderately differentiatedSCC.

Methods

Dermoscopic andRCMimages ofSCCwere retrospectively evaluated for the presence of predefined criteria.

Results

Among 143SCCs, 121 cases had a complete set of images and thus were included in the study set. The head and neck area was the most frequently involved body site (74/121; 61.1%) followed by extremities (36/121, 29.7%) and trunk (11/121, 9.1%). Seventy tumours werein situ(57.8%), while 51 were invasive (42.1%), of these 11 were poorly differentiated (21.5%), 16 were moderately differentiated (31.3%), and 24 were well differentiated (47.0%). Chi‐squared analysis demonstrated that invasiveSCCs were characterized by polymorphic vessels, erosion/ulceration, architectural disarrangement, speckled nucleated cells in the dermis, irregularly dilated vessels and absence of hyperkeratosis. Buttonhole vessels, white structureless areas and dotted or glomerular vessels were significantly associated within situlesions. Poorly differentiatedSCCs were typified by red areas, erosion/ulceration and architectural disarrangement. Well‐ or moderately differentiatedSCCs were associated with white areas and speckled nucleated cells in the epidermis.

Conclusion

Clinical, dermoscopic andRCMimages provide useful information that should be integrated in order to achieve the optimal therapeutic management for the patient.
Consensus Bundle on Severe Hypertension During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
Authors: Bernstein Peter S. , Martin James N. , Barton John R. , Shields Laurence E. , Druzin Maurice L. , Scavone Barbara M. , Frost Jennifer , Morton Christine H. , Ruhl Catherine , Slager Joan , Tsigas Eleni Z. , Jaffer Sara , Menard M. Kathryn
Published: July 2017

Complications arising from hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the leading causes of preventable severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Timely and appropriate treatment has the potential to significantly reduce hypertension‐related complications. To assist health care providers in achieving this goal, this patient safety bundle provides guidance to coordinate and standardize the care provided to women with severe hypertension during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This is one of several patient safety bundles developed by multidisciplinary work groups of the National Partnership for Maternal Safety under the guidance of the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care. These safety bundles outline critical clinical practices that should be implemented in every maternity care setting. Similar to other bundles that have been developed and promoted by the Partnership, the hypertension safety bundle is organized into four domains: Readiness, Recognition and Prevention, Response, and Reporting and Systems Learning. Although the bundle components may be adapted to meet the resources available in individual facilities, standardization within an institution is strongly encouraged. This commentary provides information to assist with bundle implementation.
PRMT1 regulates astrocytic differentiation of embryonic neural stem/precursor cells
Authors: Honda Mizuki , Nakashima Kinichi , Katada Sayako
Published: July 2017

Arginine methylation is a post‐translational modification which is catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). Here, we report that PRMT1 is highly expressed in neural stem/precursor cells (NS/PCs) of mouse embryos, and knockdown of PRMT1 in NS/PCs suppresses the generation of astrocytes. The luciferase assay demonstrated that knockdown of PRMT1 inhibits activation of the promoter of a typical astrocytic marker gene, glial fibrillary acidic protein (Gfap), in NS/PCs. The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is known to generally be critical for astrocytic differentiation of NS/PCs. We found that PRMT1 methylates arginine residue(s) of STAT3 to regulate its activity positively, resulting in the promotion of astrocytic differentiation of NS/PCs.

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Nurses’ experience of the transfer of ICU patients to general wards: A great responsibility and a huge challenge
Authors: Enger Ronny , Andershed Birgitta
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

The aim of the study was to describe nurses’ experiences of patients’ transition from ICUs to general wards and their suggestions for improvements.

Background

In the ICU, the most seriously ill patients with life‐threatening conditions and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes are cared for and carefully monitored by specially trained professionals using advanced techniques for the prevention of failure of vital functions. The transfer of ICU patients to general wards means a change from a high to a lower level, including the loss of one‐to‐one nursing and a reduction of visible monitoring equipment and general close attention.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Eight nurses from three different inpatient units in Norway, five from a university hospital and three from a local hospital were selected through a convenience sample. Interviews with open questions were conducted, and qualitative content analysis was used to explore the data.

Results

Nurses’ experiences were described in one main category: ICU patients’ transition—a great responsibility and a huge challenge, and two generic categories: (i) a challenging transition for nurses, patients and relatives and (ii) dialogue and competencies as tools for improvement, with six subcategories.

Conclusion

A number of factors affected patient care, such as poor cooperation, communication, reporting, expertise and clinical gaze. It was clear that the general wards had major challenges, and a number of improvements were suggested.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study shows that there is still a gap between the ICU and general wards and that nurses continue to struggle with this. It is therefore important that the managers responsible for the quality of care together with the professionals take seriously the criticism in the present and previous studies and work towards a safe transition for patients.
The nurse's role in palliative care: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Sekse Ragnhild Johanne Tveit , Hunskår Irene , Ellingsen Sidsel
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore how nurses, across various health systems, describe their role in providing palliative care for patients with life‐threatening illnesses.

Background

Despite the fact that nurses make up the largest group of healthcare professionals, little is known about their role in palliative care, across health services.

Design

A qualitative systematic review of studies.

Methods

A search was made for relevant articles, published between January 2000–June 2016. Twenty‐eight articles were selected and analysed using thematic synthesis.

Results

The themes that emerged from the analysis were as follows: Being available, which gave nurses a pivotal role in palliative care and paved the way for Being a coordinator of care for patients and relatives, as well as for other health personnel. Doing what's needed was to handle an enormous breadth of activities, always in a holistic framework of understanding. Being attentively present and dedicated as well as using flexible and nontraditional methods was essential in the role. Standing in demanding situations dealt with lack of time and resources, limited legitimacy, handling ethical dilemmas and being in need of support and knowledge.

Conclusion

Being available as well as a coordinator characterises the nurse's role across healthcare systems. The nurse acts as a link between different levels of health care, between different professions and between patient and family, which contribute to ensuring the quality of care to the individual patient. The review illuminates that the basic tenets of care in nursing are also fundamental to the nurse's role in palliative care. To be able to give individually tailored palliative care to patients with life‐threatening illnesses and their relatives, the nurses need all their knowledge of basic nursing. Situations challenge nurses in practical, relational and moral dimensions of care and make demands on their role in a comprehensive way.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses need knowledge and training, guidance and support to fulfil their role.
Marriage, Work, and Racial Inequalities in Poverty: Evidence From the United States
Authors: Thiede Brian C. , Kim Hyojung , Slack Tim
Published: July 2017

This article explores recent racial and ethnic inequalities in poverty, estimating the share of racial poverty differentials that can be explained by variation in family structure and workforce participation. The authors use logistic regression to estimate the association between poverty and race, family structure, and workforce participation. They then decompose between‐race differences in poverty risk to quantify how racial disparities in marriage and work explain observed inequalities in the log odds of poverty. They estimate that 47.7% to 48.9% of Black–White differences in poverty risk can be explained by between‐group variance in these two factors, while only 4.3% to 4.5% of the Hispanic–White differential in poverty risk can be explained by these variables. The findings underscore the continued but varied association between racial disparities in poverty and labor and marriage markets. Clear racial differences in the origin of poverty suggest that policy interventions will not have uniformly effective impacts on poverty reduction.
Risk estimation for biliary tract cancer: Development and validation of a prognostic score
Authors: Schweitzer Nora , Fischer Mareike , Kirstein Martha M. , Berhane Sarah , Kottas Martina , Sinn Marianne , Gonzalez‐Carmona Maria A. , Balta Zeynep , Weismüller Tobias J. , Strassburg Christian P. , Reineke‐Plaaß Tanja , Bektas Hüseyin , Manns Michael P. , Johnson Philip , Weinmann Arndt , Vogel Arndt
Published: July 2017

Background & Aims

Biliary tract cancer is a rare tumour entity characterized by a poor prognosis. We aimed to identify prognostic factors and create a prognostic score to estimate survival.

Methods

Clinical data of the training set, consisting of 569 patients treated from 2000 to 2010 at Hannover Medical School, were analysed. A prognostic model defining three prognostic risk groups was derived from Cox regression analyses. The score was applied and validated in an independent cohort of 557 patients from four different German centres.

Results

Median overall survival (OS) was 14.5 months. If complete resection was performed, the patients had a significantly improved OS (23.9 months; n=242) as compared to patients with non‐resectable tumours (9.1 months; n=329, P<.0001). Based on univariable and multivariable analyses of clinical data, a prognostic model was created using variables available before treatment. Those were age, metastasis, C‐reactive protein (CRP), international normalized ratio (INR) and bilirubin. The prognostic score distinguished three groups with a median OS of 21.8, 8.6 and 2.6 months respectively. The validation cohort had a median OS of 20.2, 14.0 and 6.5 months respectively. The prognostic impact of the score was independent of the tumour site and of treatment procedures.

Conclusions

Here, we identified prognostic factors and propose a prognostic score to estimate survival, which can be applied to all patients independent of tumour site and before initial treatment. Further validation in prospective trials is required.