bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re: Association between ultrasonographic parameters of Cesarean scar defect and outcome of early termination of pregnancy. H.‐K. Au, C.‐F. Liu, C.‐R. Tzeng, and L.‐W. Chien. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016; 47: 506–510.
Authors: Sladkevicius P.
Published: April 2016

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016; 47: 506–510
White matter hyperintensities are more highly associated with preclinical Alzheimer's disease than imaging and cognitive markers of neurodegeneration
Authors: Kandel Benjamin M. , Avants Brian B. , Gee James C. , McMillan Corey T. , Erus Guray , Doshi Jimit , Davatzikos Christos , Wolk David A. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Cognitive tests and nonamyloid imaging biomarkers do not consistently identify preclinical AD. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, a cerebrovascular disease marker, is more associated with preclinical AD than conventional AD biomarkers and cognitive tests.

Methods

Elderly controls enrolled in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI, n = 158) underwent florbetapir‐PET scans, psychometric testing, neuroimaging with MRI and PET, and APOE genetic testing. Elderly controls the Parkinson's progression markers initiative (PPMI, n = 58) had WMH volume, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ1–42, and APOE status measured.

Results

In the ADNI cohort, only WMH volume and APOE ε4 status were associated with cerebral Aβ (standardized β = 0.44 and 1.25, P = .03 and .002). The association between WMH volume and APOE ε4 status with cerebral Aβ (standardized β = 1.12 and 0.26, P = .048 and .045) was confirmed in the PPMI cohort.

Discussion

WMH volume is more highly associated with preclinical AD than other AD biomarkers.
The potential effect of age on the natural behavior of bladder cancer: Does urothelial cell carcinoma progress differently in various age groups?
Authors: Gunlusoy Bulent , Ceylan Yasin , Degirmenci Tansu , Aydogdu Ozgu , Bozkurt Ibrahim Halil , Yonguc Tarik , Sen Volkan , Kozacioglu Zafer
Published: April 2016

We aimed to evaluate the potential effect of age on the natural behavior of bladder cancer and to compare these findings between different age groups. The clinical and pathologic data of 239 patients treated at our institution between 1994 and 2014 were analyzed. The patients were classified into three groups according to age: ≤ 40 years (Group 1), 41–59 years (Group 2), and ≥ 60 years (Group 3). The following data were collected: characteristics of the patients, initial pathological findings after transurethral resection, tumor stage and grade, tumor size and multiplicity, and disease recurrence and progression. The mean age of the patients at initial diagnosis was 34.2 ± 5.5 years, 53 ± 5.1 years, and 71.1 ± 7 years in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There were 207 (86.6%) patients with nonmuscle‐invasive urothelial bladder cancer and 32 (13.4%) patients with muscle‐invasive disease. Tumor recurrence was significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p = 0.001) and Group 3 (p = 0.001). Although the time to tumor recurrence was significantly different between the three groups (p = 0.001), no significant difference was noted in the time to progression (p = 0.349). Patients with urothelial cancer younger than 40 years tend to have single and small tumors. The tumor recurrence rate is lower in the younger age group, but tumor progression is similar in older and younger patients. Therefore, the findings indicate that clinicians should be careful when assessing the invasiveness of urothelial tumors in younger patients and start treatment as soon as possible.
CHiCP: a web-based tool for the integrative and interactive visualization of promoter capture Hi-C datasets
Authors: Schofield E. C. , Carver T. , Achuthan P. , Freire-Pritchett P. , Spivakov M. , Todd J. A. , Burren O. S.
Published: April 2016

Summary: Promoter capture Hi-C (PCHi-C) allows the genome-wide interrogation of physical interactions between distal DNA regulatory elements and gene promoters in multiple tissue contexts. Visual integration of the resultant chromosome interaction maps with other sources of genomic annotations can provide insight into underlying regulatory mechanisms. We have developed Capture HiC Plotter (CHiCP), a web-based tool that allows interactive exploration of PCHi-C interaction maps and integration with both public and user-defined genomic datasets.

Availability and Implementation: CHiCP is freely accessible from www.chicp.org and supports most major HTML5 compliant web browsers. Full source code and installation instructions are available from http://github.com/D-I-L/django-chicp.

Contact:  ob219@cam.ac.uk
iDHS-EL: identifying DNase I hypersensitive sites by fusing three different modes of pseudo nucleotide composition into an ensemble learning framework
Authors: Liu Bin , Long Ren , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: April 2016

Motivation: Regulatory DNA elements are associated with DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs). Accordingly, identification of DHSs will provide useful insights for in-depth investigation into the function of noncoding genomic regions.

Results: In this study, using the strategy of ensemble learning framework, we proposed a new predictor called iDHS-EL for identifying the location of DHS in human genome. It was formed by fusing three individual Random Forest (RF) classifiers into an ensemble predictor. The three RF operators were respectively based on the three special modes of the general pseudo nucleotide composition (PseKNC): (i) kmer, (ii) reverse complement kmer and (iii) pseudo dinucleotide composition. It has been demonstrated that the new predictor remarkably outperforms the relevant state-of-the-art methods in both accuracy and stability.

Availability and Implementation: For the convenience of most experimental scientists, a web server for iDHS-EL is established at http://bioinformatics.hitsz.edu.cn/iDHS-EL, which is the first web-server predictor ever established for identifying DHSs, and by which users can easily get their desired results without the need to go through the mathematical details. We anticipate that iDHS-EL will become a very useful high throughput tool for genome analysis.

Contact:  bliu@gordonlifescience.org or bliu@insun.hit.edu.cn

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Experimental parasite community ecology: intraspecific variation in a large tapeworm affects community assembly
Authors: Benesh Daniel P. , Kalbe Martin
Published: April 2016

Non‐random species associations occur in naturally sampled parasite communities. The processes resulting in predictable community structure (e.g. particular host behaviours, cross‐immunity, interspecific competition) could be affected by traits that vary within a parasite species, like growth or antigenicity.

We experimentally infected three‐spined sticklebacks with a large tapeworm (Schistocephalus solidus) that impacts the energy needs, foraging behaviour and immune reactions of its host. The tapeworms came from two populations, characterized by high or low growth in sticklebacks. Our goal was to evaluate how this parasite, and variation in its growth, affects the acquisition of other parasites.

Fish infected with S. solidus were placed into cages in a lake to expose them to the natural parasite community. We also performed a laboratory experiment in which infected fish were exposed to a fixed dose of a common trematode parasite.

In the field experiment, infection with S. solidus affected the abundance of four parasite species, relative to controls. For two of the four species, changes occurred only in fish harbouring the high‐growth S. solidus; one species increased in abundance and the other decreased. These changes did not appear to be directly linked to S. solidus growth though. The parasite exhibiting elevated abundance was the same trematode used in the laboratory infection. In that experiment, we found a similar infection pattern, suggesting that S. solidus affects the physiological susceptibility of fish to this trematode.

Associations between S. solidus and other parasites occur and vary in direction. However, some of these associations were contingent on the S. solidus population, suggesting that intraspecific variability can affect the assembly of parasite communities.
Risk assessment of pesticide seed treatment for farmland birds using refined field data
Authors: Lopez‐Antia Ana , Feliu Jordi , Camarero Pablo R. , Ortiz‐Santaliestra Manuel E. , Mateo Rafael
Published: April 2016

Due to reductions in winter food resources, newly sown cereal seeds have become a key component of many bird species' diets, but these seeds are often treated with pesticides that may cause toxic effects. To complete an appropriate risk assessment, data on treated seed toxicity need to be combined with information about the risk of exposure of birds in the field and the factors that modulate such exposure.

We studied the abundance of pesticide‐treated seeds available for birds in the field, the pesticides and their concentrations in treated seeds, and the bird species observed in the field that were feeding on these pesticide‐treated seeds. The exposure of red‐legged partridge to treated winter cereal seeds was characterized through the analysis of crop and gizzard contents of hunted individuals (n = 189). Moreover, we measured the contribution of cereal seeds in the autumn–winter diet of partridges in order to assess the potential risk of exposure to pesticide‐treated seeds.

Density of treated seeds on the soil surface after sowing (11·3 ± 1·2 seeds m−2 in the centre of field and 43·4 ± 5·5 seeds m−2 in the headlands) was enough to provide, in an area between 6 and 50 m2, doses of six active ingredients above those indicating acute (i.e. a dose capable of killing 50% of individuals of a sensitive species) and / or chronic (no observed effect level) toxicity.

Up to 30 bird species were observed consuming treated cereal seeds in recently sown fields. Corn bunting was identified as an appropriate focal passerine species for the risk assessment of pesticide‐treated seeds.

We found that treated seeds were an important route of pesticide ingestion for red‐legged partridge; pesticide residues (six fungicides and two insecticides) were found in 32·3% of crops and gizzards. Cereal seeds represented more than half (53·4 ± 4·3%) of total biomass consumed by partridges from October to February.

Synthesis and applications. The field exposure data combined with previous studies about the toxicity to partridges of using pesticide‐treated seeds point to an unacceptable risk of this practice to farmland birds. Our results suggest that the prophylactic use of pesticide‐coated seeds should be avoided, with the approval of this treatment considered on a case‐by‐case basis and accompanied with specific measures to minimize risks of adverse effects on avian communities.
Long‐term impact of protected colonial birds on a jeopardized cork oak population: conservation bias leads to restoration failure
Authors: Fedriani José M. , García Luis V. , Sánchez María E. , Calderón Juan , Ramo Cristina
Published: April 2016

Conservation bias towards flagship species sometimes threatens other species of chief concern. Long‐term studies of potential harm by favoured species on other sensitive species, though seldom adopted, are required to fairly evaluate the suitability of management and restoration efforts.

We illustrate the potential detrimental outcomes of conservation biased towards birds by investigating the long‐term (1963–2009) impact of a large waterbird colony (up to 13 000 pairs) on a remnant cork oak Quercus suber population at a World Biosphere Reserve in south‐western Spain (the Doñana National Park). To this end, we compared changes in performance (growth, crown vigour and survival) of oaks occupied and unoccupied by the waterbird colony.

After 46 years of occupation, the risk of death to centenarian oaks in the area occupied by the colony was over twofold higher than for trees outside the area. Non‐centenarian planted and naturally regenerated oaks showed similar trends, leading to restoration failure.

Synthesis and applications. Our long‐term study reveals that waterbirds and centenarian oaks cannot coexist, at the most local scale, but they can at a regional scale including within the Doñana area. We propose immediate planting efforts in suitable colony‐free areas, while managers evaluate the feasibility of relocating colonial waterbirds to an alternative location. To preserve the Doñana oak genetic pool, such reforestation should be accomplished using local seeds and seedlings. New trees should not be planted in close proximity of colony‐occupied trees since it significantly reduces their survival. Doñana stakeholders should both overcome current conservation bias in favour of birds and enter into a process of settlement to best preserve the overall biodiversity of the system.
Invasion status and phylogenetic relatedness predict cost of heterospecific pollen receipt: implications for native biodiversity decline
Authors: Arceo‐Gómez Gerardo , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: April 2016

Understanding the mechanisms by which invasive species affect native plants is a central challenge. Invasive plants have been shown to reduce pollinator visitation to natives and increase pollen quantity limitation. However, visitation and conspecific pollen delivery are the only two components of the pollination process; post‐pollination interactions on the stigma (heterospecific pollen [HP] receipt) could intensify pre‐pollination responses to invasion.

Here, we used meta‐analysis to test the hypotheses that invasive plants are more detrimental asHPdonors than natives ones and thatHPdonors that are closely related to the recipients have stronger effects on fruit and seed production compared to distantly related ones.

InvasiveHPdonors reduced fruit and seed production of recipients to a greater degree than native ones, and this was more intense forHPdonors closely related to natives. Related donors were more detrimental overall.

Synthesis. These results suggest that the total effect of invasive plants on native plant reproductive success could be greater than what is inferred from visitation and conspecific pollen transfer alone. Furthermore, these results indicate that invasive species can reduce reproductive success of native species even if pollinator visitation rates remain unaltered. Thus, we highlight the need to evaluate pre‐ and post‐pollination processes in order to fully understand the potential effects of invasive species on the reproductive success and maintenance of native plant populations.
Chronic mercury exposure at different concentrations produces opposed vascular responses in rat aorta
Authors: Azevedo BF , Simões MR , Fiorim J , Botelho T , Angeli JK , Vieira JVA , Alonso MJ , Salaices M , dos Santos L , Vassallo DV
Published: April 2016

Mercury chloride exposure for 30 days decreasesNObioavailability and increases oxidative stress. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of mercury on the cardiovascular system are not completely understood, and it is not known if they are dose‐dependent or if some concentrations have no harmful effects. Thus, we investigated the effects of chronic exposure to doses low (half) and high (2.5‐fold higher) than that needed to obtain 29 nmol/L of HgCl2on the vascular function. Three‐month‐old male Wistar rats received intramuscular (i.m.) HgCl2for 30 days and were divided in three groups: lower (Low Hg); higher (High Hg); and saline was used as the control. High Hg exposure increased the contractile response to phenylephrine (PHE) in aortic rings, but Low Hg reduced it. The hyporesponsiveness in the Low Hg rats was blunted by endothelial denudation andNOSinhibition withl‐NAME (100 μmol/L). The phosphorylated‐eNOS/eNOS protein ratio increased in the aortas of Low Hg rats. In the High Hg group, endothelial denudation increased thePHE‐induced contractions, whilel‐NAME had no effects and indomethacin (10 μmol/L), losartan (10 μmol/L) and apocynin (30 μmol/L) reduced this response. In the High Hg group, protein levels of theNADPHoxidase subunit gp91phox and cyclooxygenase‐2 increased. Our results support previous suggestions that High Hg increases oxidative stress that might activate an inflammatory cascade and the renin‐angiotensin system. However, very low Hg concentrations below the level considered safe still reduced vascular reactivity, suggesting the need for special attention to continuous exposure as a putative cause of increased cardiovascular risk.
Partitioning of functional and taxonomic diversity in surface‐associated microbial communities
Authors: Roth‐Schulze Alexandra J. , Zozaya‐Valdés Enrique , Steinberg Peter D. , Thomas Torsten
Published: April 2016

Surfaces, including those submerged in the marine environment, are subjected to constant interactions and colonisation by surrounding microorganisms. The principles that determine the assembly of those epibiotic communities are however poorly understood. In this study, we employed a hierarchical design to assess the functionality and diversity of microbial communities on different types of host surfaces (e.g. macroalgae, seagrasses). We found that taxonomic diversity was unique to each type of host, but that the majority of functions (> 95%) could be found in any given surface community, suggesting a high degree of functional redundancy. However, some community functions were enriched on certain surfaces and were related to host‐specific properties (e.g. the degradation of specific polysaccharides). Together these observations support a model, whereby communities on surfaces are assembled from guilds of microorganisms with a functionality that is partitioned into general properties for a surface‐associated life‐style, but also specific features that mediate host‐specificity.
The Translational Role of Hybrid Nurse Middle Managers in Implementing Clinical Guidelines: Effect of, and upon, Professional and Managerial Hierarchies
Authors: Spyridonidis Dimitrios , Currie Graeme
Published: April 2016

Our study uses qualitative and interpretative design to analyse what hybrid nurse middle managers do in their managerial practice, what affects this, and to what effect, focusing upon implementing policy‐driven guidelines on the clinical frontline. Examining two comparative hospital cases and drawing upon Scandinavian institutionalism, we conceive their role as one of ‘translation’. On the one hand, they exhibit strategic agency. On the other hand, their managerial role not only influences, but is influenced by, professional and managerial hierarchies. In both hospitals, in the short term we see how hybrid nurse middle managers are able to mediate professional and managerial hierarchies and implement clinical guidelines through translational work. However, in one case, they less effectively accommodate policy‐driven, managerial pressure towards compliance with government regulations and financial parsimony. In this case, the outcome of their translational work is not sustained in the longer term, as professional and managerial hierarchies reassert themselves. Drawing upon the example of their managerial role in healthcare, we highlight that hybrid middle managers enact a strategic translational role and outline situational constraints that impact this more strategic role.
Verbal Triplication Morphology in Stau (Mazi Dialect)
Authors: Gates Jesse P.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the first documentation and analysis of a typologically remarkable process of verbal triplication in the Stau language (Sino‐Tibetan). Moreover, Stau's triplication of verbs to index multiple agents (S/A) is also used pragmatically to highlight those agents. Stau's verbal triplication, although unique in many regards, falls into a broader typological linguistic pattern of iconicity, demonstrating that there is often a strong tie between form and function.
Effect and safety of paroxetine for vasomotor symptoms: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wei D , Chen Y , Wu C , Wu Q , Yao L , Wang Q , Wang XQ , Yang KH
Published: April 2016

Background

Paroxetine is the first non‐hormone therapy for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) approved based on the results of two phase 3, randomised, placebo‐controlled trials by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013.

Objective

To confirm the effect and safety of paroxetine for vasomotor symptoms (VMS).

Search strategy

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and four Chinese databases was searched from the date of their inception to 7 June 2014.

Selection criteria

We included RCTs on the effect of paroxetine compared with placebo or no treatment for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who experienced moderate‐to‐severe vasomotor symptoms.

Data collection and analysis

Two reviewers screened records and extracted the information independently. The included studies were appraised by two independent reviewers using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We synthesised the data in random‐effects models and rated the quality of evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach.

Main results

Five articles with six RCTs (1571 participants) were included. Paroxetine significantly reduced the frequency of hot flushes by 8.86 per week (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.69–12.04, P < 0.00001, I2 = 83%) at week 4 and 7.36 per week (95% CI, 4.25–10.46, P < 0.00001, I2 = 62%) at week 12. The quality of the evidence on the effect of paroxetine for VMS was moderate.

Conclusions

There was moderate quality of evidence supporting the effectiveness of paroxetine for vasomotor symptoms; however, it causes nausea and dizziness.

Tweetable abstract

Review finds paroxetine effective for menopausal symptoms with some side effects: evidence strength moderate.
Advice to Quit Smoking and Ratings of Health Care among Medicare Beneficiaries Aged 65+
Authors: Winpenny Eleanor , Elliott Marc N. , Haas Ann , Haviland Amelia M. , Orr Nate , Shadel William G. , Ma Sai , Friedberg Mark W. , Cleary Paul D.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To examine the relationship between physician advice to quit smoking and patient care experiences.

Data Source

The 2012 Medicare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (MCAHPS) surveys.

Study Design

Fixed‐effects linear regression models were used to analyze cross‐sectional survey data, which included a nationally representative sample of 26,432 smokers aged 65+.

Principal Findings

Eleven of 12 patient experience measures were significantly more positive among smokers who were always advised to quit smoking than those advised to quit less frequently. There was an attenuated but still significant and positive association of advice to quit smoking with both physician rating and physician communication, after controlling for other measures of care experiences.

Conclusions

Physician‐provided cessation advice was associated with more positive patient assessments of their physicians.
Valuing the Impacts of An Invasive Biological Control Agent: A Choice Experiment on the Asian Ladybird in France
Authors: Chakir Raja , David Maia , Gozlan Estelle , Sangare Aminata
Published: April 2016

Initially used as a biological control against aphids, the Asian ladybird has become highly invasive in many regions, including Europe. While biological control is usually considered as an environmentally‐friendly alternative to chemical pesticides in controlling pests in crops, there is growing concern that these environmental benefits could be outweighed by the negative consequences of the invasion. These include (i) biodiversity losses as populations of native ladybirds suffer from intraguild predation and competition for resources; (ii) human nuisance in houses, including risks of allergy and (iii) potential losses to wine‐growers. We provide an economic valuation of environmental and private characteristics affected by the Asian ladybird's invasion. We conduct a discrete choice experiment among a representative sample of the French population. Our results show that the consequences of the Asian ladybird's introduction do affect significantly the population's welfare. Among these, the impact on biodiversity through the threat on native species appears to be a significant concern.
Blind Detection of Region Duplication Forgery Using Fractal Coding and Feature Matching
Authors: Jenadeleh Mohsen , Ebrahimi Moghaddam Mohsen
Published: April 2016

Digital image forgery detection is important because of its wide use in applications such as medical diagnosis, legal investigations, and entertainment. Copy–move forgery is one of the famous techniques, which is used in region duplication. Many of the existing copy–move detection algorithms cannot effectively blind detect duplicated regions that are made by powerful image manipulation software like Photoshop. In this study, a new method is proposed for blind detecting manipulations in digital images based on modified fractal coding and feature vector matching. The proposed method not only detects typical copy–move forgery, but also finds multiple copied forgery regions for images that are subjected to rotation, scaling, reflection, and a mixture of these postprocessing operations. The proposed method is robust against tampered images undergoing attacks such as Gaussian blurring, contrast scaling, and brightness adjustment. The experimental results demonstrated the validity and efficiency of the method.
Insulin degludec/insulin aspart versus biphasic insulin aspart 30 twice daily in insulin‐experienced Japanese subjects with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: Subgroup analysis of a Pan‐Asian, treat‐to‐target Phase 3 Trial
Authors: Taneda Shinji , Hyllested‐Winge Jacob , Gall Mari‐Anne , Kaneko Shizuka , Hirao Koichi
Published: April 2016

Background

The present study was a subgroup analysis of a Pan‐Asian Phase 3 open‐label randomized treat‐to‐target trial evaluating insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) and biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) in Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on insulin.

Methods

Eligible subjects (n = 178) were randomized (2: 1) to twice‐daily (b.i.d.) IDegAsp or BIAsp 30 with or without metformin for 26 weeks, titrated to a blood glucose target of between 3.9 and <5.0 mmol/L. Changes in HbA1c, the proportion of responders reaching the HbA1c target, and changes in fasting plasma glucose, nine‐point self‐monitored plasma glucose profiles, and body weight were assessed.

Results

At 26 weeks, the decrease in HbA1c was similar in both groups. Fasting plasma glucose was lower with IDegAsp than BIAsp 30 (estimated treatment difference −1.50 mmol/L; 95 % confidence interval [CI] −1.98, −1.01). Overall confirmed hypoglycemia rates were similar; the nocturnal confirmed hypoglycemia rate was lower with IDegAsp than BIAsp 30 (estimated rate ratio 0.44; 95 % CI 0.20, 0.99). No severe hypoglycemic episodes were reported.

Conclusions

The results indicate that IDegAsp b.i.d. improves glycemic control and, compared with BIAsp 30, lowers the rate of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycemia.
Inter‐observer variability in mammographic density assessment using Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) synoptic scales
Authors: Damases Christine N , Mello‐Thoms Claudia , McEntee Mark F
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate observer variability in mammographic density assessment as measured using the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) synoptic scales. Visual assessment of mammographic density by radiologists is commonly used in clinical practice; however, these assessments have been shown to be more subjective than quantitative methods.

Methods

The study included 40 cases of left cranial‐caudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) radiographs from 20 women. RANZCR‐registered radiologists (n = 26) estimated mammographic breast density of the same images according to RANZCR synoptic scales 1–4. All images had their volumetric density classified using Volpara Density Grade (VDG) and Average Volumetric Breast Density percentage (AvBD%).

Results

The results showed that the radiologists sampled had specialized for 17.18 years (sd 12.03) and read 2072 (sd 2441) mammograms per year on average. Inter‐observer agreement using RANZCR synoptic scales had an average Kappa of 0.360; (95% CI = 0.308–0.412) and a range of 0.078–0.499. Radiologists estimated percentage density was lower by 0.37 than VDG, with their mean being 2.18 and the mean VDG was 2.55 (Z = −3.873; P < 0.001). VDG and RANZCR showed a positive strong correlation (ρ = 0.898; P < 0.001). AvBD% and RANZCR also showed a positive strong correlation (ρ = 0.904; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The inter‐observer agreement with RANZCR synoptic scales was fair. Wide inter‐observer variability was observed. Continued research on appropriate assessment methods for mammographic density assessment is required to avoid unnecessary variations.
Recombination‐prone bacterial strains form a reservoir from which epidemic clones emerge in agroecosystems
Authors: Merda Déborah , Bonneau Sophie , Guimbaud Jean‐François , Durand Karine , Brin Chrystelle , Boureau Tristan , Lemaire Christophe , Jacques Marie‐Agnès , Fischer‐Le Saux Marion
Published: April 2016

The acquisition of virulence‐related genes through horizontal gene transfer can modify the pathogenic profiles of strains and lead to the emergence of new diseases. Xanthomonas arboricola is a bacterial species largely known for the damage it causes to stone and nut fruit trees worldwide. In addition to these host‐specific populations called pathovars, many nonpathogenic strains have been identified in this species. Their evolutionary significance in the context of pathogen emergence is unknown. We looked at seven housekeeping genes amplified from 187 pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains isolated from various plants worldwide to analyze population genetics and recombination dynamics. We also examined the dynamics of the gains and losses of genes associated with life history traits (LHTs) during X. arboricola evolution. We discovered that X. arboricola presents an epidemic population structure. Successful pathovars of trees (i.e. pruni, corylina and juglandis) are epidemic clones whose emergence appears to be linked to the acquisition of eight genes coding for Type III effectors. The other strains of this species are part of a recombinant network, within which LHT‐associated genes might have been lost. We suggest that nonpathogenic strains, because of their high genetic diversity and propensity for recombination, may promote the emergence of pathogenic strains.
Male infertility: an obstacle to sexuality?
Authors: Bechoua S. , Hamamah S. , Scalici E.
Published: April 2016

Interactions between infertility and sexuality are numerous and complex. Infertile men may suffer from sexual dysfunction (SD) when undergoing an assisted reproductive technology programme. We undertook a review both in French and English of the available data on male SD when being diagnosed with a fertility problem with a specific focus on azoospermic men. The review was performed over a 30‐year time period using PubMed/Medline. The sexual concerns and needs of infertile/sterile men for whom potential parenting can be compromised were evaluated. When diagnosed with infertility, men usually go through a crisis that can have a deleterious effect on their sexuality with sometimes a feeling of sexual inadequacy. Infertile men will feel stigmatized because they are perceived as being deficient in a specific component of their masculinity. Hence, subsequent SD may occur that can impact the couple sexuality and the infertility management. However, little is known on how the announcement of azoospermia may affect male on a sexual and psychological point of view. The present review suggests that a global management through a healthcare network (biologist, andrologist, sexologist and psychologist) is required which will allow to consider infertility and its subsequent sexual disorders as a whole and not as dichotomized issues.
Tp‐e Interval, Tp‐e/QTc Ratio, and Fragmented QRS Are Correlated with the Severity of Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Akboga Mehmet Kadri , Yuksel Mahmut , Balci Kevser Gulcihan , Kaplan Mustafa , Cay Serkan , Gokbulut Volkan , Yayla Cagri , Ertem Ahmet Goktug , Ayhan Meral Akdogan , Topaloglu Serkan , Aras Dursun
Published: April 2016

Background

Arrhythmias and electrocardiographic changes are reported in several noncardiac diseases, including liver cirrhosis (LC). We intended to evaluate the interval from the peak to the end of the electrocardiographic T wave (Tp‐e), Tp‐e/QTc ratio, and fQRS as presumed markers of arrhythmias in LC.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, a total of 88 consecutive patients with LC according to clinical, biological, ultrasonographic, or histological criteria and 73 control subjects were enrolled. The severity of cirrhosis was classified according to Pugh‐Child's classification and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QTc ratio, and fQRS rates were measured from the 12‐lead electrocardiogram.

Results

Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QTc ratio and fQRS rates were significantly increased in parallel to the severity of LC (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.003, respectively). In correlation analysis, Pugh‐Child stage showed a significantly positive correlation with Tp‐e interval (r = 0.462, P < 0.001), QTc interval (r = 0.373, P < 0.001), Tp‐e/QTc ratio (r = 0.352, P < 0.001), and fQRS (r = 0.407, P < 0.001). Furthermore, Tp‐e interval (r = 0.414, P < 0.001) and Tp‐e/QTc ratio (r = 0.426, P< 0.001) had significant positive correlation with MELD score.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QTc ratios, and fQRS rates were significantly increased in parallel to the severity of LC. Thus, these findings may implicate that Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QTc ratio, and fQRS may be novel and useful indicators for prediction of arrhythmias in LC.
Tumour thickness as a determinant of nodal metastasis in oral tongue carcinoma
Authors: Wang Kejia , Veivers David
Published: April 2016

Background

Tumour thickness is a strong predictor for cervical node involvement in oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), with a recent meta‐analysis concluding a 4‐mm optimal prognostic cut‐off point. No consensus has been reached for the tumour thickness cut‐off for oral tongue SCCs.

Methods

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 112 patients by the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre (Australia) with primary oral tongue SCC was conducted. Tumour thickness was measured by standard histopathological techniques and cervical node involvement was determined either from neck dissection histopathology or by clinical and radiological follow‐up.

Results

Neck dissection was performed in 78 patients (70%). Tumour thickness was a significant predictor of cervical node disease (P < 0.01), with a median tumour thickness of 5.5 mm. Cervical node metastasis rates for tumours <2, 2–3.9 and ≥4 mm thick were 10%, 42.1% and 46.5%, respectively. The rate of cervical node metastasis was significantly higher for patients with tumours thicker than a cut‐off of 2 mm (odds ratio: 7.53, P < 0.01). A 4‐mm thickness cut‐off was also statistically significant (P < 0.05); however, the odds ratio was smaller at 2.52.

Conclusion

Despite some previous evidence for a 4‐mm tumour thickness cut‐off in oral tongue SCCs, thinner tumours (2–3.9 mm) can also have a propensity for cervical node metastasis. Patients in this category require close monitoring for regional recurrence if they do not have a neck dissection.
Association between neonatal resuscitation and a single nucleotide polymorphism rs1835740
Authors: Odd David , Váradi Anikó , Rajatileka Shavanthi , Molnár Elek , Luyt Karen
Published: April 2016

Aim

The aim of this work was to test whether three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) implicated in glutamate homoeostasis or signalling and cellular survival are associated with birth condition.

Methods

This study is drawn from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. A total of 7611 term infants were genotyped and patient outcome data retrieved from routine medical records. Exposure measures were the presence of one or more minor alleles in one of 3 SNPs (rs2284411, rs2498804, rs1835740). The primary outcome was the need for resuscitation at birth.

Results

For SNP rs1835740, infants homozygous for the minor allele compared to wild type were more likely to need resuscitation (9.2% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.041), while the odds ratio for resuscitation was associated with each increasing minor allele [OR 1.17 (1.01–1.35)]. Population attributable risk fraction was 6.5%. There was no evidence that the other two SNPs investigated were associated with birth condition.

Conclusion

We have tested three candidate SNPs to measure any association with birth condition. The study revealed that the rs1835740 was associated with the need for resuscitation and Apgar scores, with a substantial population impact.
Translational machinery of mitochondrial mRNA is promoted by physical activity in Western diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Lee D. E. , Brown J. L. , Rosa M. E. , Brown L. A. , Perry R. A. , Washington T. A. , Greene N. P.
Published: April 2016

Aim

Mitochondria‐encoded proteins are necessary for oxidative phosphorylation; however, no report has examined how physical activity (PA) and obesity affect mitochondrial mRNA translation machinery. Our purpose was to determine whether Western diet (WD)‐induced obesity and voluntary wheel running (VWR) impact mitochondrial mRNA translation machinery and whether expression of this machinery is dictated by oxidative phenotype.

Methods

Obesity was induced with 8‐wk WD feeding, and in the final 4 wks, half of mice were allowed VWR. Mitochondrial mRNA translation machinery including initiation factors (mtIF2/3), elongation factor Tu (TUFM) and translational activator (TACO1), and mitochondria‐encoded proteins (CytB and ND4) was assessed by immunoblotting. The relation of mitochondrial mRNA translation to muscle oxidative phenotype was assessed using PGC‐1α transgenic overexpression (MCK‐PGC‐1α vs. wild‐type mice) and comparing across muscle groups in wild‐type mice.

Results

mtIF3 and TACO1 proteins were ~45% greater in VWR than sedentary (SED), and TACO1 and mtIF2 proteins were ~60% and 125% greater in WD than normal chow (NC). TUFM protein was ~50% lower in WD‐SED than NC‐SED, but ~50% greater in WD‐VWR compared to NC‐SED. CytB and ND4 were ~40% greater in VWR and ND4 was twofold greater with WD. TUFM, TACO1, ND4 and CytB were greater in MCK‐PGC‐1α compared to wild‐type, and mtIF2/3 contents were not different. In oxidative muscle (soleus), mitochondrial translation machinery was elevated compared to mixed (gastrocnemius) or glycolytic (extensor digitorum longus) muscles.

Conclusion

These data suggest a novel mechanism promoting mitochondrial function by translation of mitochondrial protein following PA. This may act to promote muscle health by PA in obesity.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling of the antimalarial effect of Actelion‐451840 in an induced blood stage malaria study in healthy subjects
Authors: Krause Andreas , Dingemanse Jasper , Mathis Alexandre , Marquart Louise , Möhrle Jörg J. , McCarthy James S.
Published: April 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to use data from an experimental induced blood stage malaria clinical trial to characterize the antimalarial activity of the new compound Actelion‐451840 using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling. Then, using simulations from the model, the dose and dosing regimen necessary to achieve cure of infection were derived.

Methods

Eight healthy male subjects were infected with blood stage P. falciparum. After 7 days, a single dose of 500 mg of Actelion‐451840 was administered under fed conditions. Parasite and drug concentrations were sampled frequently. Parasite growth and the relation to drug exposure were estimated using PK/PD modelling. Simulations were then undertaken to derive estimates of the likelihood of achieving cure in different scenarios.

Results

Actelion‐451840 was safe and well tolerated. Single dose treatment markedly reduced the level of P. falciparum parasitaemia, with a weighted average parasite reduction rate of 73.6 (95% CI 56.1, 96.5) and parasite clearance half‐life of 7.7 h (95% CI 7.3, 8.3). A two compartment PK/PD model with a steep concentration−kill effect predicted maximum effect with a sustained concentration of 10–15 ng ml−1 and cure achieved in 90% of subjects with six once daily doses of 300 mg once daily.

Conclusions

Actelion‐451840 shows clinical efficacy against P. falciparum infections. The PK/PD model developed from a single proof‐of‐concept study with eight healthy subjects enabled prediction of therapeutic effects, with cure rates with seven daily doses predicted to be equivalent to artesunate monotherapy. Larger doses or more frequent dosing are not predicted to achieve more rapid cure.
Comparative Study of Genotoxicity Induced by Six Different PBDEs
Authors: Pereira Lílian Cristina , de Souza Alecsandra Oliveira , Meireles Gabriela , Franco‐Bernardes Mariana Furio , Tasso Maria Júlia , Bruno Vítor , Dorta Daniel Junqueira , de Oliveira Danielle Palma
Published: April 2016

Indiscriminate use of synthetic substances has led to environmental contamination and increasing human and animal exposure to harmful chemicals. Polybrominated flame retardants (PBDEs), which serve as non‐covalent additives that enhance the safety of a variety of commercial and consumer goods, are an important class among potentially damaging synthetic substances. Its use is very common in developing countries, including Brazil. In theory, 209 different PBDE congeners exist, and many are currently being used during the manufacture of several products. Unfortunately, PBDEs are easily released from the original products, promptly reaching the environment. Knowledge about the toxicological power of these substances is still limited, which has prevented environmental and regulatory authorities from conducting adequate risk assessments. This research addresses the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of PBDEs. The effects of HepG2 cells and Salmonella typhimurium exposure to six main representatives of PBDEs, namely tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47), pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐99 and BDE‐100), hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐153 and BDE‐154) and decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐209), were evaluated. The comet assay revealed that all the assessed BDEs exerted genotoxic effects but induced no micronuclei formation in HepG2 cells. These BDEs had no significant mutagenic effects on the Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100. Taken together, the results of the genomic instability assays showed that PBDEs can represent a risk to the health of directly and indirectly exposed population, because the assessed BDEs induce genotoxic effects in the HepG2 cell line.
Evaluation of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Toxicity on HepG2 Cells – Hexabrominated Congener (BDE‐154) Is Less Toxic than Tetrabrominated Congener (BDE‐47)
Authors: Souza Alecsandra O. , Tasso Maria J. , Oliveira Alana M. C. , Pereira Lilian C. , Duarte Filipe V. , Oliveira Danielle P. , Palmeira Carlos M. , Dorta Daniel J.
Published: April 2016

Apoptotic cell death is one of the main consequences of exposure to brominated flame retardants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers. However, few of these compounds have had their potential toxicity investigated. BDE‐154 is one of the most poorly studied polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, but its level in the environment and in biological fluids is rising. In addition, its chemical structure differs from the other congeners with well‐documented toxicity, so BDE‐154 may display a distinct toxicity pattern. This study has evaluated how BDE‐154 affects the human hepatoblastoma cell line (HepG2) and has looked into the impact of this congener on human health. In addition, this study has related the effects of BDE‐154 with the effects of BDE‐47 to clarify the mechanism of PBDE toxicity. The HepG2 cell line was exposed to BDEs for 24 and 48 hr and submitted to assays to examine proliferation, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species accumulation, phosphatidylserine exposure, nuclear fragmentation and evaluation of pro‐caspase 3, pro‐caspase 9, cytochrome c release, and apoptosis inductor factor release by Western blot analysis. BDE‐154 induced mitochondrial damage and led to apoptotic death of HepG2 cells, but these effects were less intense than the effects promoted by BDE‐47. Unlike other extensively reported congeners, BDE‐154 was only toxic at the higher tested concentrations, whereas BDE‐47 cytotoxicity was evident even at lower concentrations. Hence, like the toxicity pattern of other classes of substances such as polychlorinated biphenyls, the toxicity pattern of BDEs also depends on their chemical structure and aromatic substituent.
Optimized Animal Model of Cyclophosphamide‐induced Bone Marrow Suppression
Authors: Feng Lizhi , Huang Qiuju , Huang Zhiying , Li Hang , Qi Xiaoxiao , Wang Ying , Liu Zhongqiu , Liu Xiaohong , Lu Linlin
Published: April 2016

Myelosuppression is one of the serious side effects of anticancer chemotherapeutic drugs that deteriorate the bodily functions of patients, thereby affecting the quality of life considerably. Prevention of myelosuppression in anticancer chemotherapy is an important research topic. A stabilized chemotherapy‐induced myelosuppression animal model is necessary in experimental research. This study aimed to establish an optimized animal model of chemotherapy‐induced bone marrow suppression. After C57BL/6 mice were treated with intermediate‐ and high‐dose (25/50 mg/kg) cyclophosphamide (CTX) for 10 days, the body‐weight, changes in thymus and spleen, number of white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets (PLTs) and changes in bone marrow in the mice were systematically evaluated at the next 2, 7 and 14 days. Our results demonstrated that CTX treatments could significantly decrease the body‐weight of mice, as well as the ratios of the weights of thymus and spleen to body‐weight. The physiological structures of thymus and spleen were destroyed by CTX treatments. The number of WBCs and RBCs significantly declined after CTX treatments; however, the number of PLTs increased. Moreover, the expression of Sca1 in bone marrow cells decreased on Day 2 but increased on Day 14. The expression of CD34 decreased in bone marrow cells after CTX treatments. In conclusion, mice models, with high‐dose CTX treatments for 10 days, can be an optimized animal model for chemotherapy‐induced bone marrow suppression.
Gaining legitimacy through CSR: an analysis of Turkey's 30 largest corporations
Authors: Ozdora‐Aksak Emel , Atakan‐Duman Sirin
Published: April 2016

Grounded in institutional theory, this study provides an overview of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Turkey's 30 largest corporations through a thematic content analysis. The study focuses on the G‐20 member Turkey and investigates the influence of isomorphism mechanisms on the adoption of CSR initiatives in a developing country context. The aim of this study is to integrate Carroll's CSR dimensions, the type of CSR engagement and coercive, mimetic and normative isomorphism mechanisms proposed by institutional theory. Through this integration the study makes a unique contribution to the literature by providing a different perspective. Findings reveal industry characteristics do not influence the selection of CSR initiatives. While business‐to‐business companies focus on CSR activities linked to their core business functions, business‐to‐consumer companies focus on CSR initiatives that are more discretionary, varied and philanthropic. In addition, findings show that multinational corporations implement CSR initiatives at the global level rather than focusing on local needs.