bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of synchronous bilateral tonsil squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective study
Authors: Rokkjaer M.S. , Klug T.E.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The prevalence of synchronous bilateral tonsil cancer remains unexplored. To date, only 38 cases have been described in the literature. With an aim to substantiate the Danish recommendation of performing bilateral tonsillectomy in patients with suspected or proven tonsil cancer and in patients with cervical carcinoma metastasis from an unknown primary tumour, this study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of synchronous bilateral tonsil cancer.

Design

A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with tonsil cancer in the period 2000‐2015, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, was performed.

Results

Seven of 211 (3.3%) consecutive patients with tonsil cancer, who had undergone bilateral tonsillectomy (n = 180) or unilateral tonsillectomy (clinically normal side) combined with contralateral tonsil biopsy (side with suspected cancer) (n = 31), had synchronous bilateral tonsil cancer. Furthermore, dysplasia was found in the contralateral tonsil in two patients with unilateral tonsil cancer. Four of 171 (2.3%) patients with suspected unilateral tonsillar cancer had additional contralateral tonsil cancer. Three of 34 (8.8%) patients without clinical signs of tonsillar malignancy on any side (32 patients with carcinoma of unknown primary) had synchronous bilateral tonsil cancer. In none of the patients were bilateral tonsil cancer suspected. Patients with unilateral vs synchronous bilateral tonsil cancer had similar clinical and tumour characteristics.

Conclusion

Knowledge on additional contralateral synchronous tonsil cancer is crucial for avoidance of early recurrence of oropharyngeal cancer in patients with tonsil cancer. Based on our findings, we recommend bilateral tonsillectomy in all patients with suspected or proven tonsil cancer and carcinoma of unknown primary.
Surgeon‐performed thyroid ultrasound—proving utility and credibility in selecting patients for fine needle aspiration according to the American thyroid association guidelines. A retrospective study of 500 patients
Authors: Cohen O. , Raz Yarkoni T. , Lahav Y. , Azoulay O. , Halperin D. , Yehuda M.
Published: September 2017

Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Single academic centre.

Participants

The data of all patients who underwent surgeon‐performed ultrasound (SUS) between 7/2009 and 9/2012 were retrospectively reviewed.

Main outcome measures

A correlation between sonographic features and a non‐benign cytology\malignant pathology.

Results

Four hundred ninety‐eight nodules were included. Solid texture, irregular margins, hypo‐echogenicity and intranodular vascularity were significantly associated with malignancy when benign to non‐benign cytology was compared, and when compared to malignant pathology. Lack of suspicious features was significantly associated with benign lesions, with a negative predictive value of 94%. Except for taller than wider shape, malignancy odds ratio was significantly higher for known suspicious features, reaching 4.81 for irregular borders (CI 2.42‐9.55, P < .001).

Conclusions

SUS has proven to be a reliable and consistent tool to assess the thyroid nodule risk stratification. Surgeons should recognise the potential of this tool and its implementation.
The Role of Gesture in Supporting Mental Representations: The Case of Mental Abacus Arithmetic
Authors: Brooks Neon B. , Barner David , Frank Michael , Goldin‐Meadow Susan
Published: September 2017

People frequently gesture when problem‐solving, particularly on tasks that require spatial transformation. Gesture often facilitates task performance by interacting with internal mental representations, but how this process works is not well understood. We investigated this question by exploring the case of mental abacus (MA), a technique in which users not only imagine moving beads on an abacus to compute sums, but also produce movements in gestures that accompany the calculations. Because the content of MA is transparent and readily manipulated, the task offers a unique window onto how gestures interface with mental representations. We find that the size and number of MA gestures reflect the length and difficulty of math problems. Also, by selectively interfering with aspects of gesture, we find that participants perform significantly worse on MA under motor interference, but that perceptual feedback is not critical for success on the task. We conclude that premotor processes involved in the planning of gestures are critical to mental representation in MA.
The missing explanation of the false‐belief advantage in bilingual children: a longitudinal study
Authors: Diaz Vanessa , Farrar M. Jeffrey
Published: September 2017

Bilingual preschoolers often perform better than monolingual children on false‐belief understanding. It has been hypothesized that this is due to their enhanced executive function skills, although this relationship has rarely been tested or supported. The current longitudinal study tested whether metalinguistic awareness was responsible for this advantage. Further, we examined the contributions of both executive functioning and language ability to false‐belief understanding by including multiple measures of both. Seventy‐eight children (n = 40 Spanish‐English bilingual; age M = 49.29, SD = 7.38 and, n = 38 English monolingual; age M = 47.75, SD = 6.86) were tested. A year later the children were tested again (n = 22 bilingual, n = 25 monolingual). The results indicated that language and executive function (inhibitory control) at time 1 were related to false belief in monolinguals at time 2. In contrast, bilinguals' metalinguistic performance at time 1 was the sole predictor of false belief at time 2. The different linguistic and cognitive profiles of monolinguals and bilinguals may create different pathways for their development of false‐belief understanding. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/vILn2gKjFxw
Nuclease activity gives an edge to host‐defense peptide piscidin 3 over piscidin 1, rendering it more effective against persisters and biofilms
Authors: Libardo M. Daben J. , Bahar Ali A. , Ma Buyong , Fu Riqiang , McCormick Laura E. , Zhao Jun , McCallum Scott A. , Nussinov Ruth , Ren Dacheng , Angeles‐Boza Alfredo M. , Cotten Myriam L.
Published: September 2017

Host‐defense peptides (HDPs) feature evolution‐tested potency against life‐threatening pathogens. While piscidin 1 (p1) and piscidin 3 (p3) are homologous and potent fish HDPs, only p1 is strongly membranolytic. Here, we hypothesize that another mechanism imparts p3 strong potency. We demonstrate that the N‐termini of both peptides coordinate Cu2+ and p3‐Cu cleaves isolated DNA at a rate on par with free Cu2+ but significantly faster than p1‐Cu. On planktonic bacteria, p1 is more antimicrobial but only p3 features copper‐dependent DNA cleavage. On biofilms and persister cells, p3‐Cu is more active than p1‐Cu, commensurate with stronger peptide‐induced DNA damage. Molecular dynamics and NMR show that more DNA‐peptide interactions exist with p3 than p1, and the peptides adopt conformations simultaneously poised for metal‐ and DNA‐binding. These results generate several important conclusions. First, homologous HDPs cannot be assumed to have identical mechanisms since p1 and p3 eradicate bacteria through distinct relative contributions of membrane and DNA‐disruptive effects. Second, the nuclease and membrane activities of p1 and p3 show that naturally occurring HDPs can inflict not only physicochemical but also covalent damage. Third, strong nuclease activity is essential for biofilm and persister cell eradication, as shown by p3, the homolog more specific toward bacteria and more expressed in vascularized tissues. Fourth, p3 combines several physicochemical properties (e.g., Amino Terminal Copper and Nickel binding motif; numerous arginines; moderate hydrophobicity) that confer low membranolytic effects, robust copper‐scavenging capability, strong interactions with DNA, and fast nuclease activity. This new knowledge could help design novel therapeutics active against hard‐to‐treat persister cells and biofilms.
Analysis of climate signals in the crop yield record of sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Hoffman Alexis L. , Kemanian Armen R. , Forest Chris E.
Published: September 2017

Food security and agriculture productivity assessments in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) require a better understanding of how climate and other drivers influence regional crop yields. In this paper, our objective was to identify the climate signal in the realized yields of maize, sorghum, and groundnut in SSA. We explored the relation between crop yields and scale‐compatible climate data for the 1962–2014 period using Random Forest, a diagnostic machine learning technique. We found that improved agricultural technology and country fixed effects are three times more important than climate variables for explaining changes in crop yields in SSA. We also found that increasing temperatures reduced yields for all three crops in the temperature range observed in SSA, while precipitation increased yields up to a level roughly matching crop evapotranspiration. Crop yields exhibited both linear and nonlinear responses to temperature and precipitation, respectively. For maize, technology steadily increased yields by about 1% (13 kg/ha) per year while increasing temperatures decreased yields by 0.8% (10 kg/ha) per °C. This study demonstrates that although we should expect increases in future crop yields due to improving technology, the potential yields could be progressively reduced due to warmer and drier climates.
Regional Growth Dynamics in the Service Sector: The Determinants of Employment Change in UK Regions, 1971–2005
Authors: Johnston Andrew , Huggins Robert
Published: September 2017

There is a need to better understand the dynamics relating to the evolving economic structure of regions, in particular factors concerning deindustrialisation and the growth of services. In order to unpick the dynamics relating to contemporary regional evolution, this paper examines regional employment in the UK's services sectors from 1971 to 2005. The analysis utilises the statistical technique of multi‐factor partitioning to examine the evolutionary dynamics of employment change in the UK service sector. Overall, differing growth trajectories in services employment across regions appear to be the result of the different underlying industrial structures observed within the regions themselves. The findings indicate that the industrial structure of a region has a significant influence on employment change in services, with related variety being of greater consequence than specialisation. This suggests that diversity, or urbanisation, effects have a greater influence than specialisation effects on “lighter” industries than “heavier” industries. Spatio‐temporal variations within the development of services are evident in the analysis, and there is evidence of convergence across the regions for all sub‐sectors examined. It concludes that in an increasingly services‐dominated economy, diversity and related variety have some weight in explaining regional development paths.
Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Camilo Vania , Sugiyama Toshiro , Touati Eliette
Published: September 2017

Helicobacter pylori is responsible for the most commonly found infection in the world's population. It is the major risk factor for gastric cancer development. Numerous studies published over the last year provide new insights into the strategies employed by H. pylori to adapt to the extreme acidic conditions of the gastric environment, to establish persistent infection and to deregulate host functions, leading to gastric pathogenesis and cancer. In this review, we report recent data on the mechanisms involved in chemotaxis, on the essential role of nickel in acid resistance and gastric colonization, on the importance of adhesins and Hop proteins and on the role of CagPAI‐components and CagA. Among the host functions, a special focus has been made on the escape from immune response, the ability of bacteria to induce genetic instability and modulate telomeres, the mechanism of autophagy and the deregulation of micro RNAs.
Gastric cancer: Basic aspects
Authors: Molina‐Castro Silvia , Pereira‐Marques Joana , Figueiredo Ceu , Machado Jose C. , Varon Christine
Published: September 2017

Gastric cancer is one of the most incident and deadliest malignancies in the world. Gastric cancer is a heterogeneous disease and the end point of a long and multistep process, which results from the stepwise accumulation of numerous (epi)genetic alterations, leading to dysregulation of oncogenic and tumor suppressor pathways. Gastric cancer stem cells have emerged as fundamental players in cancer development and as contributors to gastric cancer heterogeneity. For this special issue, we will report last year's update on the gastric cancer molecular classification, and in particular address the gastric cancer groups who could benefit from immune checkpoint therapy. We will also review the latest advances on gastric cancer stem cells, their properties as gastric cancer markers and therapeutic targets, and associated signaling pathways. The understanding of the molecular basis underlying gastric cancer heterogeneity and of the role played by gastric cancer stem cells in cancer development and heterogeneity is of major significance, not only for identifying novel targets for cancer prevention and treatment, but also for clinical management and patient stratification for targeted therapies.
Spatial, biogeographic and environmental predictors of diversity in Amazonian Zygoptera
Authors: Brasil Leandro S. , Oliveira‐Júnior José M. , Calvão Lenize B. , Carvalho Fernando G. , Monteiro‐Júnior Claudio S. , Dias‐Silva Karina , Juen Leandro
Published: September 2017

Our objectives were to assess how turnover and nestedness contribute to beta‐diversity patterns of the Zygoptera in Amazonian streams, and to relate these components of beta diversity to environmental, spatial and biogeographic predictors. Our first hypothesis is that the turnover is the most important component of beta‐diversity patterns due to the historical isolation of all or part of the areas located in the interfluves of the major Amazonian rivers. Our second hypothesis is that the interaction between environmental conditions and the area of endemism (biogeography) would be the most important predictor of beta‐diversity patterns.

To test these hypotheses, we compiled data on the Zygoptera communities from 172 Amazonian streams. We used three sets of predictor variables: (i) environmental variables, (ii) area of endemism (biogeographic) and (iii) spatial filters.

The turnover explained 99.36% of the beta diversity, corroborating our first hypothesis. Together, environmental and biogeographic variables were the best predictors of beta‐diversity patterns. For turnover, however, the biogeographic variables were the best predictors, contrary to our second hypothesis.

We found high gamma diversity, but low alpha diversity in the Zygoptera communities. This paradox is explained by the high turnover among sites within the study landscape. This pattern of diversity is related to both historical biogeographic factors and the spatial structuring of environmental conditions in the Amazon region. In the light of our results (high turnover and beta diversity), and their correspondence with areas of endemism, adequate conservation of Amazonian Zygoptera diversity will depend on the establishment of so‐called mega‐reserves throughout the major Amazonian interfluves and, whenever possible, in the areas with adequate environmental conditions for the greatest possible number of species, otherwise, most species may be at a constant risk of extinction.
Effects of sugar concentration on mango wine composition fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae MERIT.ferm
Authors: Lu Yuyun , Chan Li‐Jie , Li Xiao , Liu Shao‐Quan
Published: September 2017

This study investigated the effect of initial sugar concentrations (°Brix of 17, 23 and 30) on mango wine composition fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae MERIT.ferm. It was found that growth rate and maximum cell population were inversely correlated with initial sugar levels with the fastest growth rate and largest cell population in the low sugar fermentation. However, the cell population in the low and medium sugar fermentation declined significantly (from 8.7 and 8.2 log to 2 and 2.8 log, respectively) relative to the high sugar fermentation in which cell populations remained stable upon reaching the stationary phase (7.7 log). Glycerol production increased with increasing sugar content in low (13.4 g L−1), medium (14.5 g L−1) and high (15.9 g L−1) sugar fermentation. In addition, high sugar fermentation had a negative impact on volatile production with significantly lower amounts of acetate esters (1.5 mg L−1) but more acetic acid (0.54 g L−1) compared to the low (5.0 mg L−1 and 0.44 g L−1, respectively) and medium (3.7 mg L−1 and 0.49 g L−1, respectively) sugar fermentations. Furthermore, volatiles especially terpene hydrocarbons (α‐caryophyllene was released) present in mango juice were significantly metabolised after fermentation, while numerous new volatile compounds (such as isobutyl alcohol, isoamyl alcohol, ethyl and acetate esters) were produced. Some terpene alcohols were released and converted into corresponding acetyl esters. This may indicate that the mango wines fermented with different levels of sugars would have different flavour aromas.
Complementary medicine products: interpreting the evidence base
Authors: Cohen Marc , Hunter Jennifer
Published: September 2017

Many patients use complementary medicine (CM) products, such as vitamins, minerals and herbs as part of self‐care without professional advice or disclosure to their doctors. While use of CM products is gaining awareness by the medical community and there is mounting evidence for their safety, efficacy and cost‐effectiveness, there is also the potential for adverse events from inappropriate use and/or withdrawal, as well as interactions with other medicines. Due to the unique and complex properties of many CM products, research evidence is specific to individual preparations and this can lead to confusion when assessing label claims and interpreting the results of clinical trials and systematic reviews. While the Australian regulatory environment for CM products is the same as for prescription medicines and is based on risk, there is a great need for consumers and clinicians to have access to easily understood, evidence‐based information to facilitate informed decision‐making.
Peer victimization predicts heightened inflammatory reactivity to social stress in cognitively vulnerable adolescents
Authors: Giletta Matteo , Slavich George M. , Rudolph Karen D. , Hastings Paul D. , Nock Matthew K. , Prinstein Mitchell J.
Published: September 2017

Background

During adolescence, peer victimization is a potent type of social stressor that can confer enduring risk for poor mental and physical health. Given recent research implicating inflammation in promoting a variety of serious mental and physical health problems, this study examined the role that peer victimization and cognitive vulnerability (i.e. negative cognitive styles and hopelessness) play in shaping adolescents’ pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses to an acute social stressor.

Methods

Adolescent girls at risk for psychopathology (n = 157; Mage = 14.73 years; SD = 1.38) were exposed to a laboratory‐based social stressor before and after which we assessed salivary levels of three key pro‐inflammatory cytokines – interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α).

Results

As hypothesized, adolescents with greater peer victimization exposure exhibited greater increases in IL‐6 and IL1‐β in response to the laboratory‐based social stressor. Moreover, for all three cytokines individually, as well as for a combined latent factor of inflammation, peer victimization predicted enhanced inflammatory responding most strongly for adolescents with high levels of hopelessness.

Conclusions

The findings reveal a biological pathway by which peer victimization may interact with cognitive vulnerability to influence health in adolescence.
The effect of milling and postmilling procedures on the surface roughness ofCAD/CAMmaterials
Authors: Mota Eduardo Gonçalves , Smidt Laura Nunes , Fracasso Lisiane Martins , Burnett Luiz Henrique , Spohr Ana Maria
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness and analyze the surface topography of five different CAD/CAM ceramics and one CAD/CAM composite resin for CEREC after milling and postmilling procedures.

Materials and Methods

Blocks of the ceramics Mark II, IPS Empress CAD, IPS e.max CAD, Suprinity and Enamic, and blocks of the composite resin Lava Ultimate were milled at CEREC MCXL. Ten flat samples of each material were obtained. The surface roughness (Ra) test was performed before and after milling, crystallization, polishing, and glaze when indicated, followed by SEM and AFM analysis. Data were submitted to one‐way ANOVA with repeated measures and the Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05).

Results

The milling step significantly increased the roughness of all the tested materials (P < .05). Lithium‐based ceramics (IPS e.max CAD and Suprinity) were more suitable to roughness than the other tested materials (P < .05).

Conclusions

The polishing methods were able to reduce roughness to baseline values, except for lithium‐based ceramics. Glaze reduced significantly the roughness of lithium‐based ceramics without a difference from the baseline. SEM and AFM images revealed that glazed surfaces are smoother than polished surfaces.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

All hard‐milling CAD/CAM materials, that is, fully sintered, should be only hand polished. The glaze step can be suppressed resulting in time saving. However, the glaze step in soft‐milling lithium disilicate is imperative.
Austerity and Private Debt
Authors: KLEIN MATHIAS
Published: September 2017

This study provides empirical evidence that the costs of austerity crucially depend on the level of private indebtedness. In particular, fiscal consolidations lead to severe contractions when implemented in high private‐debt states. Contrary, fiscal consolidations have no significant effect on economic activity when private debt is low. These results are robust to alternative definitions of private‐debt overhang, the composition of fiscal consolidations, and controlling for the state of the business cycle and government debt overhang. I show that deterioration in household balance sheets is important to understand private debt‐dependent effects of austerity.
Inflation Targeting, Recursive Inattentiveness, and Heterogeneous Beliefs
Authors: AGLIARI ANNA , MASSARO DOMENICO , PECORA NICOLÒ , SPELTA ALESSANDRO
Published: September 2017

We consider a monetary authority that provides an explicit inflation target in order to align expectations with the policy objective. However, biased perceptions of the target may arise due to imperfect information flows. We allow agents to revise expectations over time and we model their recursive choice among prediction strategies as an optimization problem under rational inattention. We then investigate whether a simple policy rule can steer the economy toward the targeted equilibrium. Our findings suggest that determinacy under rational expectations may not be sufficient to reach the target. Instead, monetary policy should be fine‐tuned to correct agents' biased beliefs.
Incidental appendectomy during mini incision post‐partum sterilization (Chokchai technique): A prospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Choksuwattanasakul Manwat
Published: September 2017

Aim

We aimed to determine the success rate of incidental appendectomy during post‐partum sterilization (PPS) using the Chokchai technique and to compare the postoperative morbidity between patients who underwent this procedure with those who underwent simple PPS.

Methods

Appendectomy during PPS was performed in 141 patients from 1 May 2012 to 30 April 2014. The control group consisted of 182 simple PPS patients. Primary outcomes were the success rate of the procedure and secondary outcomes were postoperative morbidity and complications.

Results

The success rate of this procedure was 98.6%. There was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, hospital length of stay, or postoperative morbidity. Appendectomy added 7.5 min to the total procedure. Intravenous sedation requirements were 13.7% and 33.3% in the control and study groups, respectively. Pathologic evaluation of resected appendices revealed 15 abnormalities (10.8%), including two cases of periappendicitis (1.4%).

Conclusion

When carried out by experienced surgeons and with appropriate anesthesia, incidental appendectomy during PPS is safe. The Chokchai technique (approach through a small periumbilical incision) achieved a high success rate and resulted in minimal scar. Incidental appendectomy not only prevents any future appendicitis but also helps to detect periappendicitis and treat its primary cause. However, this is an option for only selected patients who are clearly informed about the possible risks and benefits of the procedure.
Expectant management of pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction without any evidence of placental dysfunction at term: Comparison with routine labor induction
Authors: Hidaka Nobuhiro , Sato Yuka , Kido Saki , Fujita Yasuyuki , Kato Kiyoko
Published: September 2017

Aim

To assess the feasibility and practicality of expectant management for pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR) at term without evidence of placental dysfunction.

Methods

We reviewed the records of pregnancies with an estimated fetal weight ≤ 1.5 SD below the mean at 37 weeks of gestation. We excluded elective cesarean deliveries and pregnancies that, at 37 weeks, were complicated by oligohydramnios, decreased fetal cerebroplacental ratio, or pregnancy‐related hypertensive disorders. Prior to May 2013, we performed routine labor induction for FGR at term; after that time, we used routine expectant management. The rate of delivery by cesarean or instrumental assist and the rate of neonatal morbidity were compared between the groups.

Results

The gestational age at delivery and the neonatal birthweight were higher in the expectant management policy group (39+4 vs 38+1 weeks; 2405 vs 2205 g). The cesarean rate (7/77 vs 7/73) and the instrumental delivery rate (5/77 vs 6/73) did not differ. Neonatal hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia were significantly less frequent (10/77 vs 21/73; 7/77 vs 20/73) in the expectant management policy group. Seven patients in the expectant management policy group underwent emergency cesarean delivery; five of these (71%) had required labor induction because of progression to oligohydramnios.

Conclusions

Expectant management policy for FGR at term can reduce neonatal morbidity without increasing maternal risk or the cesarean rate. Caution should be used, however, during labor if oligohydramnios develops during expectant management.
Age‐Varying Associations Between Cigarette Smoking, Sensation Seeking, and Impulse Control Through Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Authors: Lydon‐Staley David M. , Geier Charles F.
Published: September 2017

Sensation seeking (SS) and impulse control (IC) are constructs at the core of dual systems models of adolescent risk taking. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, age‐varying associations between SS and IC (predictors) and both any smoking in the previous 30 days and daily smoking (outcomes) were examined. The association between SS and both any smoking in the previous 30 days and daily smoking was strongest during adolescence. IC was consistently associated with any smoking in the previous 30 days and daily smoking, with the strongest association emerging during the mid‐20s to early 30s. The results provide a nuanced perspective on when the components of dual systems models may be most related to smoking.
Conceptualising the vertical landscape: The case of the International Finance Centre in the world's most vertical city
Authors: Lam Phoenix W. Y. , Graddol David
Published: September 2017

This article introduces the crucial yet much overlooked dimension of verticality to landscape‐related research through a case study of one of the most iconic skyscrapers in Hong Kong, the world's most vertical city. A tripartite analytic model is proposed to examine the dialogical interaction between the discursive and material landscapes in a vertical layout, while at the same time to explore the intricate interrelations among social actors, practices, functions of space, levels of access and forms and functions of semiotic resources, all within one single site of varying levels of verticality. In the process, the study reveals the vertical space as a highly stratified and hierarchical system, and underlines the value of taking a functional approach to verticality in order to deepen our understanding of its indexical social meaning and its role as an active agent both in reflecting and shaping social stratification in today's globalised and consumerist world.
Pharmacogenetics of opioid analgesics in dogs
Authors: Kongara K.
Published: September 2017

Genetic variation causes interindividual variability in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. These pharmacokinetic processes will influence the observed efficacy and toxicity of a drug. Polymorphisms in the genes encoding the metabolizing enzymes, transport proteins and receptors have been linked to the inconsistency in responses to opioid treatment in humans and laboratory animals. Pharmacogenetics is relatively less developed field in veterinary medicine compared to significant advances in knowledge on genetic basis of variation in drug responses and clinical applications in human medicine. This review discusses the opioid drug metabolism and possible genetic polymorphism of metabolizing enzymes in dogs. Polymorphism of genes encoding opioid drug transporter proteins and its effect on opioid response and opioid receptor gene variants are also discussed. Due to the scarcity of studies reported on opioid pharmacogenetics in dogs, relevant studies in humans and rodents have also been discussed to indicate current trends and potential targets for research in dogs.
A critical look at meta‐analytic evidence for the cognitive approach to lie detection: A re‐examination of Vrij, Fisher, and Blank (2017)
Authors: Levine Timothy R. , Blair J. Pete , Carpenter Christopher J.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This article provides a re‐analysis of Vrij et al.'s (2017, Leg. Crim. Psychol. 22, 1) meta‐analysis of the cognitive approach to lie detection. Vrij et al.'s analyses confounded dependent variables, capitalized on aberrant controls, and used unreliable data to inflate support.

Methods

Meta‐analysis was used to reanalyse Vrij et al.'s data. Studies of human detection and studies involving statistical classification were analysed separately.

Results

The advantage offered by the cognitive approach was much smaller than previously claimed. Accuracies in control conditions were unusually low, and the most supportive findings came from the least reliable data.

Conclusions

Human detection and statistical classification are different. The evidence for the cognitive approach has been overstated.
Cognitive Profiles Associated With Responsiveness to Fraction Intervention
Authors: Krowka Sarah K. , Fuchs Lynn S.
Published: September 2017

This study examined differences in cognitive processing between 4th‐grade students who respond adequately, as opposed to inadequately, to intervention on 3 fraction outcomes: number‐line estimation, calculation, and word problems. Students were assessed on 7 cognitive processes and on the 3 fraction outcomes. Students were grouped as adequate or inadequate responders, using as the cut‐point the control‐group mean on pre‐to‐post improvement on the relevant measure. Between‐group differences identified reasoning, concept formation, and listening comprehension related to all 3 fraction outcomes. On the number‐line outcome, within‐group profile analysis indicated that inadequate responders experienced low reasoning ability relative to their other forms of cognitive processing.
The genetic breakdown of sporophytic self‐incompatibility in Tolpis coronopifolia (Asteraceae)
Authors: Koseva Boryana , Crawford Daniel J. , Brown Keely E. , Mort Mark E. , Kelly John K.
Published: September 2017

Angiosperm diversity has been shaped by mating system evolution, with the most common transition from outcrossing to self‐fertilizing.

To investigate the genetic basis of this transition, we performed crosses between two species endemic to the Canary Islands, the self‐compatible (SC) species Tolpis coronopifolia and its self‐incompatible (SI) relative Tolpis santosii. We scored self‐compatibility as self‐seed set of recombinant plants within two F2 populations.

To map and genetically characterize the breakdown of SI, we built a draft genome sequence of T. coronopifolia, genotyped F2 plants using multiplexed shotgun genotyping (MSG), and located MSG markers to the genome sequence. We identified a single quantitative trait locus (QTL) that explains nearly all variation in self‐seed set in both F2 populations.

To identify putative causal genetic variants within the QTL, we performed transcriptome sequencing on mature floral tissue from both SI and SC species, constructed a transcriptome for each species, and then located each predicted transcript to the T. coronopifolia genome sequence. We annotated each predicted gene within the QTL and found two strong candidates for SI breakdown. Each gene has a coding sequence insertion/deletion mutation within the SC species that produces a truncated protein. Homologs of each gene have been implicated in pollen development, pollen germination, and pollen tube growth in other species.
Disparity, diversity, and duplications in the Caryophyllales
Authors: Smith Stephen A. , Brown Joseph W. , Yang Ya , Bruenn Riva , Drummond Chloe P. , Brockington Samuel F. , Walker Joseph F. , Last Noah , Douglas Norman A. , Moore Michael J.
Published: September 2017

The role played by whole genome duplication (WGD) in plant evolution is actively debated.WGDs have been associated with advantages such as superior colonization, various adaptations, and increased effective population size. However, the lack of a comprehensive mapping ofWGDs within a major plant clade has led to uncertainty regarding the potential association ofWGDs and higher diversification rates.

Using seven chloroplast and nuclear ribosomal genes, we constructed a phylogeny of 5036 species of Caryophyllales, representing nearly half of the extant species. We phylogenetically mapped putativeWGDs as identified from analyses on transcriptomic and genomic data and analyzed these in conjunction with shifts in climatic occupancy and lineage diversification rate.

Thirteen putativeWGDs and 27 diversification shifts could be mapped onto the phylogeny. Of these, fourWGDs were concurrent with diversification shifts, with other diversification shifts occurring at more recent nodes thanWGDs. FiveWGDs were associated with shifts to colder climatic occupancy.

While we find that many diversification shifts occur afterWGDs, it is difficult to consider diversification and duplication to be tightly correlated. Our findings suggest that duplications may often occur along with shifts in either diversification rate, climatic occupancy, or rate of evolution.
Natural products to prevent drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy: a review
Authors: Yuan Renyikun , Hou Ying , Sun Wen , Yu Jie , Liu Xin , Niu Yanan , Lu Jin‐Jian , Chen Xiuping
Published: September 2017

Chemotherapy is the standard internal medical treatment for cancer. However, the resistance of cancer cells to nearly all kinds of chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted drugs has become prevalent, and approximately 80–90% of deaths in cancer patients are directly or indirectly attributed to drug resistance. The progress of new drug research and development has also been impeded by the occurrence of drug resistance, which has emerged as a considerable challenge in cancer therapy. Fortunately, natural products with diverse chemical structures and pharmacological effects serve as effective substances against drug resistance. Since the discovery of a series of drug‐resistant proteins, drug‐efflux inhibition has been applied as the primary strategy to overcome drug resistance by maintaining the intracellular concentrations of chemotherapeutic drugs. Nonapoptotic cell death is considered an alternative strategy because most cases of drug resistance result in evasion and insensitivity to apoptosis. In this concise review, we summarize two strategies using natural products against drug resistance.
Enhancing a public health nursing shelter program
Authors: Minnich Margo , Shirley Nancy
Published: September 2017

The Shelter Nurse Program offers important nursing care and resources that help meet the health needs of the homeless population and improve the health of homeless individuals and families. However, formalized program goals and objectives, along with an evaluation plan that demonstrates population outcomes, had never been developed even as the program has evolved over time. Thus, the agency sought our assistance as public health nursing consultants to enhance the overall program to improve the health of the homeless population. To accomplish this, we worked with the agency and the shelter nurses throughout each step of the process to assess the needs of the program, develop appropriate goals and objectives, and develop an effective outcome evaluation plan for the existing Shelter Nurse Program. Lessons learned included the value and applicability of the selected program development model, the importance of agency ownership and active participation by front‐line workers, and the value of educating the workers and introducing resources throughout the process.
Triggering immunological memory against the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta to protect against colitis
Authors: Wang A. , Arai T. , Campbell A. , Reyes J. L. , Lopes F. , McKay D. M.
Published: September 2017

Infection with parasitic helminths can ameliorate the severity of concomitant inflammatory disease. To use the tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, and to extend this concept by assessing whether triggering a memory response against the worm inhibits dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (DNBS)‐induced colitis in Balb/c mice. Initial studies revealed that oral infection with 1, 3 or 5 H. diminuta cysticercoids 8 days before intrarectal administration of DNBS (3 mg) resulted in less severe inflammation and that infected mice displayed an increased propensity for T helper‐2 immunity. A 1 mg dose of a PBS‐soluble extract of the worm (HdAg) delivered intraperitoneally concomitant with DNBS was anticolitic as determined by macroscopic and histological disease scores 72 hour post‐DNBS. Mice infected 28 days previously had a memory response as determined by HdAg‐evoked increases in interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐10 from in vitro stimulated splenocytes and serum anti‐H. diminuta IgG. Moreover, mice infected with 5 H. diminuta 28 days previously were protected from DNBS‐induced colitis by secondary infection or 100 μg HdAg (ip.) at the time of DNBS treatment. An additional approach to managing inflammatory disease could be infection with H. diminuta followed by eliciting antiworm recall responses.
Phylogenetic evidence for a Miocene origin of Mediterranean lineages: species diversity, reproductive traits and geographical isolation
Authors: Vargas P. , Fernández‐Mazuecos M. , Heleno R.
Published: September 2017

A review of 27 angiosperm clades (26 genera) of species‐rich and species‐poor plant groups of the Mediterranean floristic region was performed with phylogenetic and biological trait data.

The emergent pattern is that a majority of Mediterranean plant clades split from their sister groups between the Miocene (23–5 Ma) and the Oligocene (34–23 Ma), far earlier than the onset of the Mediterranean climate (ca. 3.2 Ma). In addition, 12 of 14 clades of the species‐poor group have stem ages inferred for each clade in the Miocene or older, and six of 13 clades within the species‐rich group show divergence of each stem clade within the Oligocene and/or Miocene.

High levels of species diversity are related to an ancient (Paleocene–Miocene) origin and also to recent origin (Pliocene–Pleistocene) followed by active speciation and even explosive radiations: some species and lineages diversified over a short period (Aquilegia, Cistus, Dianthus, Linaria sect. Supinae, Reseda). In the species‐rich group, key reproductive characters were found to be significantly more important for species recognition than key vegetative characters in eight clades, but no difference was found in four clades, and vegetative characters were predominant in one clade (Saxifraga). Geographical differentiation is proposed as predominant over divergence driven by pollination ecology.

We hypothesise an evolutionary process in which lineages adapted to pre‐Mediterranean (pre‐Pliocene) conditions in relatively small, xeric areas became strongly competitive and expanded as the Mediterranean climate became dominant (Pliocene–Quaternary) across the Mediterranean Basin.
The Impact of Unionization Structures with Heterogeneous Firms and Rent‐Sharing Motives
Authors: de Pinto Marco
Published: September 2017

How are unemployment and output affected if wages are set on the sector level rather than firm level? We take a new look at this question, allowing for heterogeneous firms and rent‐sharing motives. Without these motives, employment and output are lower under sector‐level wage‐setting due to higher wage markups. With rent‐sharing motives, however, firm selection is higher under sector‐level wage‐setting, which tends to increase employment and output, thus counteracting the markup effect. Simulations show that the firm‐selection effect decreases the difference between the two unionization structures substantially but it does not change the signs of the effects on output and employment.
Roq1 mediates recognition of the Xanthomonas and Pseudomonas effector proteins XopQ and HopQ1
Authors: Schultink Alex , Qi Tiancong , Lee Arielle , Steinbrenner Adam D. , Staskawicz Brian
Published: September 2017

Xanthomonas spp. are phytopathogenic bacteria that can cause disease on a wide variety of plant species resulting in significant impacts on crop yields. Limited genetic resistance is available in most crop species and current control methods are often inadequate, particularly when environmental conditions favor disease. The plant Nicotiana benthamiana has been shown to be resistant to Xanthomonas and Pseudomonas due to an immune response triggered by the bacterial effector proteins XopQ and HopQ1, respectively. We used a reverse genetic screen to identify Recognition of XopQ 1 (Roq1), a nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) protein with a Toll‐like interleukin‐1 receptor (TIR) domain, which mediates XopQ recognition in N. benthamiana. Roq1 orthologs appear to be present only in the Nicotiana genus. Expression of Roq1 was found to be sufficient for XopQ recognition in both the closely‐related Nicotiana sylvestris and the distantly‐related beet plant (Beta vulgaris). Roq1 was found to co‐immunoprecipitate with XopQ, suggesting a physical association between the two proteins. Roq1 is able to recognize XopQ alleles from various Xanthomonas species, as well as HopQ1 from Pseudomonas, demonstrating widespread potential application in protecting crop plants from these pathogens.
Population ageing and inequality: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Xudong , Huang Bihong , Li Shaoshuai
Published: September 2017

Population ageing has significant economic and social costs, and this paper studies its impacts on inequality, both theoretically and empirically. First, we build a two‐period overlapping generation model with uncertain lifetime and find that population ageing has the overall effect of increasing income and consumption inequality within the society. For empirical analysis, we use household data from China Health and Nutrition Survey to assess the age effect on income and consumption inequality in China, and confirm the results predicted by the theoretical model.
Was it different the second time? An empirical analysis of contagion during the crises in Greece 2009–15
Authors: Bird Graham , Du Wenti , Pentecost Eric , Willett Thomas
Published: September 2017

Over the period between end‐2009 and end‐2015, Greece experienced two discernible financial crises. This paper undertakes a correlation analysis of risk premia to investigate the nature and extent of contagion from these crises to other selected Eurozone countries. A commonly expressed view is that the effects of the second crisis were more muted since the systemic risks were seen by markets as being lower. However, using a rolling correlation model, a Dynamic Conditional Correlation GARCH (DCC‐GARCH) model and a t‐copula model we find that this is not the case. Broadly speaking, the contagion effects of the second crisis were at least as large as those associated with the first one.
Novel hyperthermia applicator system allows adaptive treatment planning: Preliminary clinical results in tumour‐bearing animals
Authors: Dressel S. , Gosselin M.‐C. , Capstick M. H. , Carrasco E. , Weyland M. S. , Scheidegger S. , Neufeld E. , Kuster N. , Bodis S. , Rohrer Bley C.
Published: September 2017

Hyperthermia (HT) as an adjuvant to radiation therapy (RT) is a multimodality treatment method to enhance therapeutic efficacy in different tumours. High demands are placed on the hardware and treatment planning software to guarantee adequately planned and applied HT treatments. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of the novel HT system in tumour‐bearing dogs and cats in terms of local response and toxicity as well as to compare planned with actual achieved data during heating. A novel applicator with a flexible number of elements and integrated closed‐loop temperature feedback control system, and a tool for patient‐specific treatment planning were used in a combined thermoradiotherapy protocol. Good agreement between predictions from planning and clinical outcome was found in 7 of 8 cases. Effective HT treatments were planned and verified with the novel system and provided improved quality of life in all but 1 patient. This individualized treatment planning and controlled heat exposure allows adaptive, flexible and safe HT treatments in palliatively treated animal patients.