bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative trait locus on chromosome 1 modulates intermale aggression in mice
Authors: Delprato A. , Bonheur B. , Algéo M.‐P. , Murillo A. , Dhawan E. , Lu L. , Williams R. W. , Crusio W. E.
Published: February 2018

Aggression between male conspecifics is a complex social behavior that is likely modulated by multiple gene variants. In this study, the BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains (RIS) were used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying behaviors associated with intermale aggression. Four hundred and fifty‐seven males from 55 strains (including the parentals) were observed at an age of 13 ± 1 week in a resident‐intruder test following 10 days of isolation. Attack latency was measured directly within a 10‐minute time period and the test was repeated 24 hours later. The variables we analyzed were the proportion of attacking males in a given strain as well as the attack latency (on days 1 and 2, and both days combined). On day 1, 29% of males attacked, and this increased to 37% on day 2. Large strain differences were obtained for all measures of aggression, indicating substantial heritability (intraclass correlations 0.10‐0.18). We identified a significant QTL on chromosome (Chr) 1 and suggestive QTLs on mouse Chrs 1 and 12 for both attack and latency variables. The significant Chr 1 locus maps to a gene‐sparse region between 82 and 88.5 Mb with the C57BL/6J allele increasing aggression and explaining about 18% of the variance. The most likely candidate gene modulating this trait is Htr2b which encodes the serotonin 2B receptor and has been implicated in aggressive and impulsive behavior in mice, humans and other species.
Predatory strategies and behaviours in cephalopods are altered by elevated CO2
Authors: Spady Blake L. , Munday Philip L. , Watson Sue‐Ann
Published: February 2018

There is increasing evidence that projected near‐future carbon dioxide (CO2) levels can alter predator avoidance behaviour in marine invertebrates, yet little is known about the possible effects on predatory behaviours. Here we tested the effects of elevated CO2 on the predatory behaviours of two ecologically distinct cephalopod species, the pygmy squid, Idiosepius pygmaeus, and the bigfin reef squid, Sepioteuthis lessoniana. Both species exhibited an increased latency to attack and altered body pattern choice during the attack sequence at elevated CO2. I. pygmaeus also exhibited a 20% decrease in predation rate, an increased striking distance, and reduced preference for attacking the posterior end of prey at elevated CO2. Elevated CO2 increased activity levels of S. lessoniana comparable to those previously shown in I. pygmaeus, which could adversely affect their energy budget and increase their potential to be preyed upon. The effects of elevated CO2 on predatory behaviours, predation strategies and activity levels of cephalopods reported here could have far‐reaching consequences in marine ecosystems due to the ecological importance of cephalopods in the marine food web.
Cognitive function and unsafe driving acts during an on‐road test among community‐dwelling older adults with cognitive impairments
Authors: Hotta Ryo , Makizako Hyuma , Doi Takehiko , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Nakakubo Sho , Makino Keitaro , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2018

Aim

To examine the relationship between cognitive function and unsafe driving acts among community‐dwelling older adults with cognitive impairments.

Methods

Participants (n = 160) were older residents of Obu, Japan, aged ≥65 years with cognitive impairments. They regularly drove and were assessed for the number of unsafe driving acts without adequate verification during an on‐road test. We also evaluated cognitive function (attention, executive function and processing speed). Other examined variables included demographics, driving characteristics and visual condition.

Results

Participants were classified into two groups according to the number of unsafe driving acts as follows: high group (≥4 unsafe driving acts) and low group (≤3 unsafe driving acts). The high group participants were older in age (P < 0.001) and obtained a lower score on the symbol digit substitution task (P = 0.002) than the low group. The number of unsafe driving acts showed modest significant positive correlations with age (r = 0.396, P < 0.001). The symbol digit substitution task score was significantly associated with the number of unsafe driving acts (β = −0.196, P < 0.05) after adjusting for age group.

Conclusions

Processing speed was associated with unsafe driving acts that became worse with increasing age. Future study will be required to longitudinally examine the influence of processing speed on traffic accidents for those with cognitive impairments. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 847–852
Effects of pre‐analytical heat treatment in factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitor assays on FVIII antibody levels
Authors: Boylan B. , Miller C. H.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The use of pre‐analytical heat treatment (PHT) with the Nijmegen‐Bethesda assay (NBA) for inhibitors to factor VIII (FVIII) can remove/destroy infused or endogenous FVIII from patient plasma samples, allowing testing of recently infused patients with haemophilia. Two PHT methods have been described as follows: heating to 56°C for 30 minutes and heating to 58°C for 90 minutes. Data examining the effects of PHT on anti‐FVIII IgG4, the antibodies known to correlate most closely with the presence of FVIII inhibitors, are limited.

Aim

To assess the effect of PHT on the levels of detectable anti‐FVIII IgG4.

Methods

Nijmegen‐Bethesda assay‐positive specimens were incubated at 56, 58 or 60°C for 90 minutes, and anti‐FVIII IgG4 was measured by fluorescence immunoassay (FLI) at 30‐minute intervals. The effects of PHT on the ability of recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) to inhibit detection of patient antibodies by FLI was also examined to assess the stability of rFVIII under the various PHT conditions tested.

Results

Levels of anti‐FVIII IgG4 showed little change following incubations at 56°C (mean 101% of original value at 30 minutes and 100% at 60 minutes) but decreased upon exposure to 58°C (mean 85% at 30 minutes and 66% at 60 minutes). In addition, heating to 56°C effectively decreased the ability of rFVIII to block antibody binding compared to unheated rFVIII.

Conclusion

The optimal temperature for PHT in the FVIII NBA is 56°C. Higher temperatures may lead to loss of inhibitory antibodies.
Older patients’ experience of primary hypothyroidism: A qualitative study
Authors: Ingoe Lorna E. , Hickey Janis , Pearce Simon , Rapley Tim , Razvi Salman , Wilkes Scott , Hrisos Susan
Published: February 2018

Background

Primary hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder, more so in an increasing UK ageing population. There is no qualitative research examining the older patient perspective of symptoms, treatment and self‐management of hypothyroidism.

Objective

In this study we explored the experience of hypothyroidism in older people and examined how this may influence their understanding and acceptance of diagnosis, treatment with Levothyroxine and the monitoring process.

Design

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 18 participants aged between 80 and 93 years. Interview transcripts were analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

The themes involved older individuals’ knowledge about symptoms, confidence in diagnosis and understanding of clinical management regimen to understand hypothyroidism. Interpretation of the themes was informed by the Health Belief Model.

Conclusion

Our findings can help to inform the development of interventions by treating clinicians and support staff to engage older patients in the long‐term management of this chronic condition.
Prognostic value of pathological lymph node status and primary tumour regression grading following neoadjuvant chemotherapy – results from the MRC OE02 oesophageal cancer trial
Authors: Davarzani Nasser , Hutchins Gordon G A , West Nicholas P , Hewitt Lindsay C , Nankivell Matthew , Cunningham David , Allum William H , Smyth Elizabeth , Valeri Nicola , Langley Ruth E , Grabsch Heike I
Published: February 2018

Aims

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) remains an important therapeutic option for advanced oesophageal cancer (OC). Pathological tumour regression grade (TRG) may offer additional information by directing adjuvant treatment and/or follow‐up but its clinical value remains unclear. We analysed the prognostic value of TRG and associated pathological factors in OC patients enrolled in the Medical Research Council (MRC) OE02 trial.

Methods and results

Histopathology was reviewed in 497 resections from OE02 trial participants randomised to surgery (S group; n = 244) or NAC followed by surgery [chemotherapy plus surgery (CS) group; n = 253]. The association between TRG groups [responders (TRG1–3) versus non‐responders (TRG4–5)], pathological lymph node (LN) status and overall survival (OS) was analysed. One hundred and ninety‐five of 253 (77%) CS patients were classified as ‘non‐responders’, with a significantly higher mortality risk compared to responders [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–2.24, P = 0.026]. OS was significantly better in patients without LN metastases irrespective of TRG [non‐responders HR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.33–2.63, P < 0.001 versus responders HR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.11–4.10, P = 0.024]. In multivariate analyses, LN status was the only independent factor predictive of OS in CS patients (HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.42–2.62, P < 0.001). Exploratory subgroup analyses excluding radiotherapy‐exposed patients (n = 48) showed similar prognostic outcomes.

Conclusion

Lymph node status post‐NAC is the most important prognostic factor in patients with resectable oesophageal cancer, irrespective of TRG. Potential clinical implications, e.g. adjuvant treatment or intensified follow‐up, reinforce the importance of LN dissection for staging and prognostication.
A genomic and clinicopathological study of non‐small‐cell lung cancers with discordant ROS1 gene status by fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation and immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Zhao Jing , Chen Xiaotong , Zheng Jing , Kong Mei , Wang Bo , Ding Wei
Published: February 2018

Aims

ROS1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) using D4D6 antibody is a useful tool for screening patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who may be suitable for targeted therapy. Many studies and our data have identified cases that express the ROS1 protein strongly but are negative for ROS1 by fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH). The present study investigated the driver mutation and clinicopathological characteristics of 26 discordant cases (ROS1 IHC‐positive but FISH‐negative) to find new clues for distinguishing real ROS1‐rearranged cases.

Methods and results

Tumours from 26 discordant cases were analysed for clinicopathological characteristics, mutations in EGFR, KRAS, ERBB2, BRAF and PIK3CA; fusions in ALK and RET; and amplifications in MET, ERBB2 and ROS1. ROS1‐rearranged NSCLCs were significantly more likely to be found in younger patients and at an advanced stage; they showed cribriform features, extracellular mucus and psammoma bodies, whereas ROS1‐discordant cases were found in older patients at a relatively early tumour–node–metastasis (TNM) stage and showed a lepidic growth pattern (all P < 0.001). Most ROS1‐rearranged NSCLCs had no concurrent mutation, whereas 73% of discordant cases harboured genetic aberrations, including EGFR and ERBB2. Compared with general lung adenocarcinomas, ERBB‐2 abnormality was disproportionately high in ROS1‐discordant cases. Moreover, we optimised the scoring criteria for ROS1 IHC as ‘H score > 150 and no concurrent mutations’; the specificity was then increased to 81.6%.

Conclusions

Compared with ROS1‐rearranged cases, ROS1‐discordant patients showed distinct clinical and morphological features and often harboured another oncogenic driver alteration. The use of optimised screening criteria will increase the specificity of ROS1 antibody.
Grade 4 asbestosis does not extend directly from the respiratory bronchiole to the peripheral lung
Authors: Kawabata Yoshinori , Kasai Takahiko , Kobashi Yoichiro , Kawahara Kunimitsu , Uekusa Toshimasa , Kurashima Kazuyoshi , Shimizu Yoshihiko
Published: February 2018

Aims

To confirm whether or not grade 4 asbestosis progresses from the respiratory bronchiole to the peripheral lung.

Methods and results

We examined retrospectively the autopsy or lobectomy specimens from 31 cases (29 males; mean age 64 years) satisfying the pathological criteria of grade 4 asbestosis. Asbestos bodies (ABs) were quantified in samples of dissolved lung and in tissue preparations on glass slides. Respiratory bronchiolar lesions were graded as 0, 1 and ≥2. Grade 4 asbestosis was subdivided into an atelectatic induration (AI) and usual interstitial pneumonia pattern (UIP pattern). Five, 10, and 16 cases had grades 0, 1 or ≥2 lesions, respectively, with mean respective numbers of ABs in dissolved lung of 117 000/g dry lung, 468 000/g and 968 000/g; and in specimens on glass slides of seven ABs/cm2 of tissue slice, 34 ABs /cm2 and 195 ABs /cm2. The differences were significant. Fifteen and 16 cases showed AI and UIP patterns, respectively, with mean respective numbers of ABs in dissolved lung of 1 006 000/g dry lung and 354 000/g, and 186 and 56 ABs/cm2 on glass slides. The differences were significant. AI patterns originated in subpleural lobules or subpleural zonal areas and UIP patterns originated in subpleural, peripheral lobules.

Conclusions

Grade 4 asbestosis does not start in the respiratory bronchiole. The presence of a grade 1 lesion is not required for the diagnosis of grade 4 asbestosis.
Expression of MAGE‐A and NY‐ESO‐1 cancer/testis antigens is enriched in triple‐negative invasive breast cancers
Authors: Raghavendra Ashwini , Kalita‐de Croft Priyakshi , Vargas Ana C , Smart Chanel E , Simpson Peter T , Saunus Jodi M , Lakhani Sunil R
Published: February 2018

Aims

A better understanding of the expression of cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) in breast cancer might enable the identification of new immunotherapy options, especially for triple‐negative (TN) tumours, which lack expression of the conventional therapeutic targets oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The aim of this study was to quantify the expression of MAGE‐A and NY‐ESO‐1 CTAs in breast cancer, and relate this to known clinicopathological parameters.

Methods and results

We surveyed MAGE‐A and NY‐ESO‐1 expression in an unselected cohort of 367 breast tumours (of which 65 were TN), with accompanying clinical follow‐up data, by using immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays. Relevant to their potential as vaccine targets in breast cancer, MAGE‐A was expressed in 13% of cases, and NY‐ESO‐1 in 3.8%, with the majority of tumours showing fairly homogeneous staining within individual tissue cores (~85% of cases with staining in >75% of tumour cells). Most NY‐ESO‐1‐positive cases also expressed MAGE‐A (P = 2.06 × 10−9), and both were strongly associated with the TN phenotype (P < 0.0001), with the most proliferative and poorly differentiated cases, in paticular, showing genomic instability. This was characterised by coexpression of c‐Kit and TTK, and overexpression of p53.

Conclusions

MAGE‐A and NY‐ESO‐1 are frequently expressed in TN breast cancer (~47% and 17% of TN cases, respectively), suggesting that targeting them could be feasible in this patient group. Expression is reasonably homogeneous in positive cases, suggesting that immunohistochemical analysis of tissue biopsies would be a reliable companion biomarker.
Increasing incidence of HIV‐ associated tuberculosis in Romanian injecting drug users
Authors: Oprea C , Ianache I , Calistru PI , Nica M , Ruta S , Smith C , Lipman M
Published: February 2018

Background

A high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) among HIV‐positive injecting drug users (IDUs) may fuel the TB epidemic in the general population of Romania. We determined the frequency and characteristics of TB in HIV‐infected IDUs referred to a national centre.

Methods

Prospective observational cohort study of all newly‐diagnosed HIV‐positive IDUs admitted to Victor Babes Hospital, Bucharest, between January 2009 and December 2014. Socio‐demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes of HIV/TB co‐infected IDUs were compared to HIV‐positive IDUs without TB.

Results

170/598 (28.5%) HIV‐infected IDUs were diagnosed with TB. The prevalence increased from 12.5% in 2009 to 32.1% in 2014 (P < 0.001). HIV/TB co‐infected individuals had lower median CD4 cell counts 75 (vs. 450/mm3, P < 0.0001) and higher median HIV viral loads 5.6 log10 (vs. 4.9 log10, P < 0.0001) when presenting to healthcare services. 103/170 (60.6%) HIV/TB co‐infected IDUs were diagnosed with pulmonary TB. Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains were common, with 18/105 (17.1%) of patients having Multi‐Drug Resistant (MDR) disease. Higher mortality rate was associated with TB co‐infection (P < 0.0001), extra‐pulmonary TB (P = 0.0026) and extensively drug resistant TB (P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasing problem in HIV‐infected IDUs in Romania. Presentation is often with advanced HIV, significant TB drug resistance and consequent outcomes are poor.
Roosting behaviour is related to reproductive strategy in brood parasitic cowbirds
Authors: Scardamaglia Romina C. , Kacelnik Alex , Reboreda Juan C.
Published: February 2018

Shiny CowbirdsMolothrus bonariensisand Screaming CowbirdsMolothrus rufoaxillarisare closely related brood parasites but the former is socially polygynous or promiscuous and an extreme host generalist, whereas the latter is socially monogamous and parasitizes almost exclusively one host. Females of both species lay in relative darkness, before dawn, relying for host nest location on previous days’ prospecting activity, or possibly on following better‐informed roost associates. We studied the temporal and spatial patterns of roosting behaviour in these species to test the hypothesis that roosting behaviour of cowbirds is related to their breeding strategy (brood parasitism) and reflects differences in strategies between species. We recorded fidelity to a roost, location fidelity within a roost, inter‐individual spatial associations and timing of roost departures and parasitic events, using tagged individuals. Female Shiny Cowbirds and both sexes of Screaming Cowbirds showed marked fidelity in roosting location, and roost departures occurred both during and after the known time window for parasitism, with earlier departures probably corresponding to laying days. Screaming Cowbird females and males that were trapped together and showed high levels of association during the day, also showed high levels of association in the roost. We describe the spatial and temporal patterns of a relatively poorly known aspect of avian ecology in general and the behaviour of brood parasites in particular.
Evidence on the relation between managerial ability and financial reporting timeliness
Authors: Abernathy John L. , Kubick Thomas R. , Masli Adi
Published: February 2018

While prior research has investigated the relation between firm‐level attributes and financial reporting timeliness, there is little evidence on whether managerial ability is associated with financial reporting timeliness. We examine the relation between managerial ability and financial reporting timeliness. Managers with higher ability possess greater human capital and are better able to maintain the systems and controls underlying the company's financial information. We therefore predict that managers with higher ability produce more timely financial disclosures. We find that, incremental to firm‐level attributes, higher managerial ability is associated with a shorter earnings announcement lag, a shorter audit report lag, and a lower probability of a late US Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Collectively, our results suggest that managerial ability has a positive influence on the timeliness of financial reporting.
Impact of varying hydrocolloid proportions on encapsulation of ascorbic acid by spray drying
Authors: Nizori Addion , Bui Lan T. T. , Jie Ferry , Small Darryl M.
Published: February 2018

There has been considerable research into ascorbic acid (AA) as a food component in the human diet and disease prevention. Microencapsulation technology has a promising strategy for enhancing the stability of AA towards the carrier food. The effects of varying hydrocolloid proportions on encapsulation of AA by spray drying have been evaluated. Spray drying pilot plant scale was used to produce the microcapsules, and capillary electrophoresis has been applied to analyse the retention of AA during bread making process. To investigate the characteristics of microstructure of encapsulated AA after processing, the environmental scanning electron microscope was used to investigate the structure of microcapsules. In addition to that to measure the particle size and distribution of microcapsules, the laser beam scattering was used. The impact of varying hydrocolloids proportion on encapsulation of AA by spray drying was studied.
Abnormal scattergrams and cell population data generated by fully automated hematological analyzers: New tools for screening malaria infection?
Authors: Buoro S. , Manenti B. , Seghezzi M. , Moioli V. , Bagorria M. , Callegaro A. , Ottomano C. , Lippi G.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Malaria is a life‐threatening infectious disease, which has been for long confined to specific endemic areas. Nevertheless, the recent increase in immigration flows from endemic regions and imported cases has reemphasized many diagnostic challenges in Western countries, thus paving the way to introduce rapid and accurate strategies for screening subjects with suspected Malaria infection. Therefore, the aim of this article was to describe our recent experience with Sysmex XN‐module for rapid screening of subjects with suspected Malaria.

Methods

Fourteen patients admitted to the Emergency Department (Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital Bergamo, Italy) with a clinical suspicion of Malaria infection were evaluated, along with 1047 control samples. The analysis of peripheral blood was performed with XN‐module, and results were then compared to optical microscopy.

Results

Nine patients were positive to Plasmodim falciparum, 3 to Plasmodim vivax, one to Plasmodim ovale, and one to Plasmodim malarie. Characteristic abnormalities could be observed in both white blood cell differential (WDF) and white cell nucleated (WNR) scattergrams (sensitivity 0.64 and specificity 1.0) in 9 samples with parasites at gametocyte or schizos stage irrespective of Plasmodium species and parasitic index, while characteristic scattergram abnormalities could not be seen in the 5 samples containing only parasites at the trophozoites stage. In these cases, specific variations of some cell population data (CPD) could be recorded (sensitivity 1.00 and specificity 0.91).

Conclusion

The peculiar abnormalities observed in CPDs, WDF, and WNR‐scattergrams may raise a definite suspicion of Malaria infection. Further studies should then be planned for validating these preliminary findings and assessing whether these specific abnormalities may be incorporated in rapid and inexpensive Malaria diagnostic algorithms.
Asian Family Firms through Corporate Governance and Institutions: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Dinh Trung Quang , Calabrò Andrea
Published: February 2018

Although the corporate governance model of Asian family firms has recently gained increased attention, it remains unclear how these firms’ corporate governance mechanisms (and their effectiveness) differ from those of family firms in the western world. Drawing upon a comparative institutional perspective, this paper systematically reviews 148 published articles in peer‐reviewed journals from 1980 to 2015. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of institutional complementarities that constitute informal governance mechanisms adopted by Asian family firms by considering a wider set of institutional factors (i.e. political environment, cultural values and social norms) embedded in the Asian context. The main findings suggest that: (i) given the lack of market‐supporting institutions and the presence of strong political control over Asian economies, family firms tend to cultivate political connections to respond to the failure of legal systems; (ii) Asian family firms still rely heavily on personal networks (e.g. guanxi) to reduce uncertainty, strengthen business ties, and gain access to external resources; and (iii) cultural values and social norms (e.g. ‘face’ saving, reputational concerns and adult child adoption) lead to functionally equivalent corporate governance mechanisms in Asian family firms. The downstream effects of such mechanisms are also discussed, and future research avenues are identified.
Continuous glucose monitoring: a review of the evidence, opportunities for future use and ongoing challenges
Authors: Wood Anna , O'Neal David , Furler John , Ekinci Elif I.
Published: February 2018

The advent of devices that can track interstitial glucose levels, which are closely related to blood glucose levels, on a near continuous basis, has facilitated better insights into patterns of glycaemia. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) therefore allows for more intensive monitoring of blood glucose levels and potentially improved glycaemic control. In the context of the announcement on 1 April 2017 that the Australian Government will fund CGM monitoring for people with type 1 diabetes under the age of 21 years, this paper provides a review of the evidence for CGM and some of the ongoing challenges. There is evidence that real‐time CGM in type 1 diabetes improves HbA1c and hypoglycaemia, while in type 2 diabetes, the evidence is less robust. Initial barriers to widespread implementation of CGM included issues with accuracy and user friendliness; however, as the technology has evolved, these issues have largely improved. Ongoing barriers include cost, and weaker evidence for their benefit in certain populations such as those with type 2 diabetes and less glycaemic variability. CGM has the potential to reduce healthcare costs, although real‐world studies, including cost‐effectiveness analyses, are needed in this area.
The versatility of the CD1 lipid antigen presentation pathway
Authors: Chancellor Andrew , Gadola Stephan D. , Mansour Salah
Published: February 2018

The family of non‐classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class‐I like CD1 molecules has an emerging role in human disease. Group 1 CD1 includes CD1a, CD1b and CD1c, which function to display lipids on the cell surface of antigen‐presenting cells for direct recognition by T‐cells. The recent advent of CD1 tetramers and the identification of novel lipid ligands has contributed towards the increasing number of CD1‐restricted T‐cell clones captured. These advances have helped to identify novel donor unrestricted and semi‐invariant T‐cell populations in humans and new mechanisms of T‐cell recognition. However, although there is an opportunity to design broadly acting lipids and harness the therapeutic potential of conserved T‐cells, knowledge of their role in health and disease is lacking. We briefly summarize the current evidence implicating group 1 CD1 molecules in infection, cancer and autoimmunity and show that although CD1 are not as diverse as MHC, recent discoveries highlight their versatility as they exhibit intricate mechanisms of antigen presentation.
Melanin‐based sexual dichromatism in the Western Palearctic avifauna implies darker males and lighter females
Authors: Negro Juan J. , Figueroa‐Luque Enrique , Galván Ismael
Published: February 2018

Melanins are the most common pigments providing coloration in the plumage and bare skin of birds and other vertebrates. Numerous species are dichromatic in the adult or definitive plumage, but the direction of this type of sexual dichromatism (i.e. whether one sex tends to be darker than the other) has not been thoroughly investigated. Using color plates, we analysed the presence of melanin‐based color patches in 666 species belonging to 69 families regularly breeding in the Western Palearctic. Sexual dichromatism based on melanins in at least one integumentary part involved 205 (30.7%) species. The body parts contributing more frequently to dichromatism were the dorsal areas, head and breast, whereas the less dichromatic body parts were the belly and the exposed integumentary parts (i.e. bill and legs). Regarding the phylogenetic spread of dichromatisms, 37 (53.6%) families contained at least one species with melanin‐based sexual dimorphism in the definitive adult plumage. As for the direction of the color difference, males are darker than females in a majority of species, meaning that males tend to produce more eumelanin and females tend to synthesize more pheomelanin. This survey has revealed the high prevalence of melanins in the emergence of sexual dichromatism in birds, at least in the Western Palearctic. Whether the described pattern is due to sexual selection promoting more conspicuous males or to natural selection for more cryptic females remains to be determined. Given that pheomelanin synthesis concurrently consumes the antioxidant glutathione but may also reduces toxic cysteine, sex‐biased physiological factors should also be given consideration in the evolution of bird plumages.
Are vocal characteristics related to leadership patterns in mixed‐species bird flocks?
Authors: Pagani‐Núñez Emilio , Xia Xue , Beauchamp Guy , He Ruchuan , Husson John H. D. , Liang Dan , Goodale Eben
Published: February 2018

What structures the organization of mixed‐species bird flocks, so that some ‘nuclear’ species lead the flocks, and others follow? Previous research has shown that species actively listen to each other, and that leaders are gregarious; such gregarious species tend to make contact calls and hence may be vocally conspicuous. Here we investigated whether vocal characteristics are associated with leadership, using a global dataset of mixed‐species flock studies and recordings from sound archives. We first asked whether leaders are different from following or occasional species in flocks in the proportion of the recordings that contain calls (n = 58 flock studies, 145 species), and especially alarm calls (n = 111 species). We found that leaders tended to have a higher proportion of their vocalizations that were classified as calls than occasional species, and both leaders and following species had a significantly higher proportion of their calls rated as alarms compared to occasional species. Next, we investigated the acoustic characteristics of flock participants’ calls, hypothesizing that leaders would make more calls, and have less silence on the recordings. We also hypothesized that leaders’ calls would be simple acoustically, as contact calls tend to be, and thus similar to each other, as well as being detectable, in being low frequency and with high frequence bandwidth. The analysis (n = 45 species, 169 recordings) found that only one of these predictions was supported: leading species were less often silent than following or occasional species. Unexpectedly, leaders’ calls were less similar to each other than occasional species. The greater amount of information available and the greater variety of that information support the hypothesis that leadership in flocks is related to vocal communication. We highlight the use of sound archives to ask questions about behavioral and community ecology, while acknowledging some limitations of such studies.
Pesticide‐mediated disruption of spotted wing Drosophila flight response to raspberries
Authors: Guedes R. N. C. , Corbett S. , Rodriguez M. , Goto J. J. , Walse S. S.
Published: February 2018

The disruption of chemical communication between insects and host plants may take place due to an interference with the signal‐emitting host plant, or the signal‐receiving insect, compromising the signal production and emission, or its reception and processing. Anthropogenic compounds, in general, and pesticides, in particular, may impair the chemical communication that mediates host location by insects. Five different pesticides (the insecticides malathion, pyrethrins and spinetoram, and the fungicides fenhexamid and pyrimethanil) were applied at their field rates to raspberry fruits, or Petri dishes enclosing adult spotted wing Drosophila (SWD; Drosophila suzukii), and the attraction to fruit volatiles was evaluated in a series of two‐choice flight bioassays. The application of raspberry fruit with pesticides did not statistically affect attraction of unexposed adults, with exceptions being the spinetoram treatment, which led to mild insect avoidance, and the pyrethrin treatment, which resulted in slightly preferential attraction. In contrast, adults sublethally exposed to the pesticides had their flight take‐off impaired by the insecticides, but not by the fungicides. Furthermore, all pesticides, and particularly the insecticides, compromised the upwind capture of adults. Thus, the treatment with pesticides may indeed interfere with the flight response of SWD to host volatiles, particularly when the insects were previously exposed to pesticides. These findings are suggestive of the potential for sublethal insecticidal exposures to aid pest control and also provide evidence that pesticide use may compromise sampling/trapping strategies for this pest species that are based on attraction to host volatiles.
Using permutation tests to enhance causal inference in interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Linden Ariel
Published: February 2018

Rationale, aims and objectives

Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) is an evaluation methodology in which a single treatment unit's outcome is studied serially over time and the intervention is expected to “interrupt” the level and/or trend of that outcome. The internal validity is strengthened considerably when the treated unit is contrasted with a comparable control group. In this paper, we introduce a robustness check based on permutation tests to further improve causal inference.

Method

We evaluate the effect of California's Proposition 99 for reducing cigarette sales by iteratively casting each nontreated state into the role of “treated,” creating a comparable control group using the ITSAMATCH package in Stata, and then evaluating treatment effects using ITSA regression. If statistically significant “treatment effects” are estimated for pseudotreated states, then any significant changes in the outcome of the actual treatment unit (California) cannot be attributed to the intervention. We perform these analyses setting the cutpoint significance level to P > .40 for identifying balanced matches (the highest threshold possible for which controls could still be found for California) and use the difference in differences of trends as the treatment effect estimator.

Results

Only California attained a statistically significant treatment effect, strengthening confidence in the conclusion that Proposition 99 reduced cigarette sales.

Conclusions

The proposed permutation testing framework provides an additional robustness check to either support or refute a treatment effect identified in for the true treated unit in ITSA. Given its value and ease of implementation, this framework should be considered as a standard robustness test in all multiple group interrupted time series analyses.
Body mass index and gastrointestinal cancer mortality in Korean adults: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Jeong Seok‐Hoo , Kim Pumsoo , Yi Sang‐Wook , Kim Yu Jin , Baeg Myong Ki , Yi Jee‐Jeon
Published: February 2018

Background

The association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality from gastrointestinal (GI) cancer remains unclear, especially in Asian populations.

Methods

A total of 510 148 Korean adults who participated in routine health examinations during the period 2002–2003 were followed up until 2013.

Results

During a mean follow up of 10.5 years, 7831 individuals died of GI cancer. Various associations with BMI were found: U‐curve (overall GI, colorectal, liver, and gallbladder cancer), L‐curve (stomach cancer), linear (esophageal, extrahepatic bile duct [EBD], and small intestine cancer), and none (pancreatic cancer). Overall GI cancer mortality was lowest at approximately 23.5–26 kg/m2. For cancers with linear associations, the multivariable adjusted hazard ratios per each 5 kg/m2 higher BMI were 0.53 (95% confidence interval = 0.43–0.65, esophagus), 1.19 (1.02–1.40, EBD), and 0.64 (0.41–0.999, small intestine). For cancers with U‐curve or L‐curve associations, the corresponding hazard ratios ≥25 kg/m2 were 1.19 (1.08–1.32, overall GI), 1.30 (1.04–1.64, colorectal), 1.28 (1.07–1.53, liver), and 1.30 (0.85–1.97, gallbladder), while in the range of <25 kg/m2, they were 0.81 (0.76–0.87, overall GI), 0.43 (0.32–0.58, esophagus), 0.70 (0.62–0.79, stomach), and 0.77 (0.65–0.90, colorectal), and these inverse associations did not weaken after excluding the first 7 years of follow up and ever smokers.

Conclusions

Both low and high BMIs were associated with excess mortality from GI cancers in Korean adults. EBD cancer had a positive association, while esophageal and small intestine cancers had inverse associations. Above 25 kg/m2, liver and colorectal cancers had positive associations with BMI, whereas below 25 kg/m2, stomach and colorectal cancers had inverse associations.
Dementia and Risk of 30‐Day Readmission in Older Adults After Discharge from Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Sakata Nobuo , Okumura Yasuyuki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Nakanishi Miharu , Ogawa Asao
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To assess the association between dementia and risk of hospital readmission and to evaluate whether the effect of dementia on hospital readmission varies according to primary diagnosis.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Nationwide discharge database of acute care hospitals in Japan.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older diagnosed with one of the 30 most common diagnoses and discharged from 987 hospitals between April 2014 and September 2015 (N = 1,834,378).

Measurements

The primary outcome was unplanned hospital readmission within 30 days. Poisson generalized estimating equation models were fitted to assess the risks of readmission for individuals with and without dementia, using primary diagnosis as a possible effect modifier and clinical factors as potential confounders.

Results

The overall prevalence of dementia was 14.7% and varied according to primary diagnosis, ranging from 3.0% in individuals with prostate cancer to 69.4% in those with aspiration pneumonia. Overall, individuals with dementia had a higher risk of hospital readmission (8.3%) than those without (4.1%) (adjusted risk ratio (aRR])=1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.44–1.49), although diagnostic category substantially modified the relationship between dementia and hospital readmission. For hip fracture, dementia was associated with greater risk of hospital readmission (adjusted risk 11.5% vs 7.9%; aRR=1.46; 95% CI=1.28–1.68); this risk was attenuated for cholecystitis (adjusted risk 12.8% vs 12.4%; aRR=1.03; 95% CI=0.90–1.18).

Conclusion

Risk of hospital readmission associated with dementia varied according to primary diagnosis. Healthcare providers could enforce interventions to minimize readmission by focusing on comorbid conditions in individuals with dementia and specific primary diagnoses that increase their risk of readmission.
Towards Robust, Authoritative Assessments of Environmental Impacts Embodied in Trade: Current State and Recommendations
Authors: Tukker Arnold , de Koning Arjan , Owen Anne , Lutter Stephan , Bruckner Martin , Giljum Stefan , Stadler Konstantin , Wood Richard , Hoekstra Rutger
Published: February 2018

Global multiregional input‐output databases (GMRIOs) became the standard tool for tracking environmental impacts through global supply chains. To date, several GMRIOs are available, but the numerical results differ. This paper considers how GMRIOs can be made more robust and authoritative. We show that GMRIOs need detail in environmentally relevant sectors. On the basis of a review of earlier work, we conclude that the highest uncertainty in footprint analyses is caused by the environmental data used in a GMRIO, followed by the size of country measured in gross domestic product (GDP) as fraction of the global total, the structure of the national table, and only at the end the structure of trade. We suggest the following to enhance robustness of results. In the short term, we recommend using the Single country National Accounts Consistent footprint approach, that uses official data for extensions and the national table for the country in question, combined with embodiments in imports calculated using a GMRIO. In a time period of 2 to 3 years, we propose work on harmonized environmental data for water, carbon, materials, and land, and use the aggregated Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Inter‐Country Input‐Output GMRIO as default in combination with detailing procedures developed in, for example, the EXIOBASE and Eora projects. In the long term, solutions should be coordinated by the international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) Statistical Division, OECD, and Eurostat. This could ensure that when input‐output tables and trade data of individual countries are combined, that the global totals are consistent and that bilateral trade asymmetries are resolved.
Cri du Chat syndrome: Characteristics of 73 Brazilian patients
Authors: Honjo R. S. , Mello C. B. , Pimenta L. S. E. , Nuñes‐Vaca E. C. , Benedetto L. M. , Khoury R. B. F. , Befi‐Lopes D. M. , Kim C. A.
Published: February 2018

Background

Cri du Chat syndrome (CdCS) is a genetic syndrome caused by deletions in the short arm of chromosome 5. Although the main clinical features of CdCS are well known, the neurocognitive and behavioural characteristics of the phenotype are rarely described in detail in the literature. In this study, we analysed the main phenotypic features of CdCS from a parental perspective.

Method

A questionnaire was sent to 700 Brazilian families that were registered in the Brazilian Association of CdCS. The questions involved specific domains of CdCS, such as pregnancy and birth conditions, recurrence of the disease in the family, current major health problems, and aspects of cognitive development.

Results

In total, 73 questionnaires were completed: 44 females and 29 males, ranging from 9.5 months old to 40 years old (mean = 13.8 years; median = 12 years). Most of the parents noticed the typical cat‐like cry at birth (94.4%). The age at diagnosis of CdCS ranged from the time of birth to 180 months (mean = 14 months; median = 6 months), while one case was diagnosed during pregnancy. In all of the cases, the diagnosis of CdCS was made by G‐banding karyotype analysis. In 66.2% of the cases, the parents underwent cytogenetic investigation. A total of 52.1% of the parents answered that they did not remember what the recurrence risk of CdCS was in their family. The main health problems that were reported were as follows: swallowing problems (80.3%), feeding problems (80.3%), congenital heart disease (31.5%), spine abnormalities (28.8%), and neurological symptoms (20.5%), including seizures (11%). The behavioural problems that were reported were as follows: aggressive behaviour, stereotypies, anxiety, phobias, and genital manipulation/masturbation. Neurodevelopmental delay was reported in all of the cases. Independent walking was achieved in 72.2% of the patients. Approximately 50% of the patients never presented expressive language, and most of the patients are dependent on others for their daily activities.

Conclusions

The questionnaire was a pioneer initiative in the CdCS support group, and the answers used in this study can improve the health care assistance to these patients because they focus attention on the demands from a parental perspective. In addition, nearly half of the families stated that they did not remember information regarding recurrence risk, which reinforces the importance of genetic counselling follow‐up and the need for the expansion of genetic services in Brazil
Study of the efficacy of carboxytherapy in alopecia
Authors: Doghaim Noha Nabil , El‐Tatawy Rania Ahmed , Neinaa Yomna Mazid El‐Hamd , Abd El‐samd Marwa Mohsen
Published: February 2018

Background

Management of alopecia areata (AA) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is often challenging. The use of carboxytherapy may be a novel therapeutic option for such cases.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of carboxytherapy in alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.

Patients and methods

This study was conducted on 80 patients with alopecia divided into two groups; Group I included 40 AA patients (Group IA received carboxytherapy and Group IB control received placebo), and Group II included 40 AGA patients (Group IIA received carboxytherapy and Group IIB control received placebo), and followed up monthly for 3 months. They were evaluated clinically (by assessment of Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score in group I, and Sinclair scale and Norwood‐Hamilton scale in group II), by dermoscopy and digital dermoscopy at each visit.

Results

Group IA patients showed significant clinical improvement in SALT score and dermoscopic improvement after carboxytherapy and at the end of follow‐up period with significant reduction in dystrophic hair, black dots, yellow dots, and tapered hair coinciding with significant emergence of regrowing hair. Group IIA patients showed significant clinical and dermoscopic improvement after carboxytherapy with significant increase in hair density measured by digital dermoscopy. However, regression of these results was observed during the follow‐up period but was still significantly better than before treatment. There were statistically significant improvements in clinical score, global assessments, dermoscopic, and digital dermoscopic findings in both group IA and group IIA received carboxytherapy in comparison with group IB and group IIB received placebo injections, respectively.

Conclusion

Carboxytherapy seems to be a promising therapeutic option for patchy AA and could be helpful as an adjuvant therapy of AGA but more than 6 sessions are required and adjuvants are recommended for maintenance of the results.