bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rice SUB1A constrains remodelling of the transcriptome and metabolome during submergence to facilitate post‐submergence recovery
Authors: Locke Anna M. , Barding Gregory A. , Sathnur Sumukh , Larive Cynthia K. , Bailey‐Serres Julia
Published: November 2017

The rice (Oryza sativa L.) ethylene‐responsive transcription factor gene SUB1A‐1 confers tolerance to prolonged, complete submergence by limiting underwater elongation growth. Upon desubmergence, SUB1A‐1 genotypes rapidly recover photosynthetic function and recommence development towards flowering. The underpinnings of the transition from stress amelioration to the return to homeostasis are not well known. Here, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to identify mechanisms by which SUB1A improves physiological function over the 24 hr following a sublethal submergence event. Evaluation of near‐isogenic genotypes after submergence and over a day of reaeration demonstrated that SUB1A transiently constrains the remodelling of cellular activities associated with growth. SUB1A influenced the abundance of ca. 1,400 transcripts and had a continued impact on metabolite content, particularly free amino acids, glucose, and sucrose, throughout the recovery period. SUB1A promoted recovery of metabolic homeostasis but had limited influence on mRNAs associated with growth processes and photosynthesis. The involvement of low energy sensing during submergence and recovery was supported by dynamics in trehalose‐6‐phosphate and mRNAs encoding key enzymes and signalling proteins, which were modulated by SUB1A. This study provides new evidence of convergent signalling pathways critical to the rapidly reversible management of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in submergence resilient rice.
Increased serum cortisol on oral food challenge in infants with food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome
Authors: Shimomura Masaki , Ito Yasunori , Tanaka Hiroki , Meguro Takaaki , Kimura Mitsuaki
Published: November 2017

Background

An increase in absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is seen after oral food challenge test (OFC) in patients with food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). Although it has been suggested that interleukin (IL)‐8 is involved in this phenomenon, a possible role for cortisol has not yet been studied.

Methods

Six positive OFC in five patients with FPIES due to cows’ milk (CM) proteins, and two negative OFC in two patients with suspected FPIES were analyzed. Absolute neutrophil count, serum IL‐8, and serum cortisol were measured before OFC, 6 and 24 h after the ingestion of CM formula.

Results

For the positive OFC, ANC measured 6 h after the ingestion of CM formula was significantly higher than that measured before the OFC (median, 8,761 versus 2,297/μL; P < 0.05). Significant increases in serum cortisol and IL‐8 were observed 6 h after OFC (cortisol, median 1,119 pg/mL before versus 2,141 pg/mL after, P < 0.05; IL‐8, median 15.5 pg/mL before versus 165.3 pg/mL after, P < 0.05). The change ratio (i.e. ratio of that after OFC to that before OFC) of ANC was significantly correlated not only with that of serum IL‐8 (r = 0.90, P < 0.01) but also with that of serum cortisol (r = 0.76, P < 0.05). Moreover, the serum cortisol change ratio was significantly higher in subjects with vomiting than in those without (median, 2.5 versus 1.0, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Serum cortisol, in combination with IL‐8, affects the increase in ANC after OFC.
Kidney transplantation in a child with Pierson syndrome
Authors: Guler Sanem , Cimen Sertac , Acott Phillip , Whelan Kathy , Molinari Michele
Published: November 2017

Congenital nephrotic syndrome is commonly associated with mutations in genes that encode podocyte and slit diaphragm proteins or the structural and regulatory proteins of the GBM. These mutations lead to the formation of dysfunctional proteins, which account for the resistance of the renal manifestations to conventional treatment methods. Consequently, patients become renal replacement therapy dependent. Mutation of the LAMB2 gene is associated with Pierson syndrome, which is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital nephrotic syndrome and ocular abnormalities. In this report, a 2‐year‐old male patient who was diagnosed with Pierson syndrome is presented. He had bilateral microcoria and developmental delay in addition to nephrotic syndrome. His renal function deteriorated rapidly, and he underwent a deceased donor kidney transplantation. He showed dramatic improvement after kidney transplantation; in addition to having good renal function, he started to catch up to his peers in terms of growth. Pierson syndrome should be considered during the diagnostic investigations of children with renal manifestations and ocular abnormalities. Children with Pierson syndrome must be evaluated in terms of kidney transplantation as soon as they are diagnosed.
Th1/Th2 immune responses and oxidative stress in caprine flea allergy dermatitis
Authors: Ajith Y. , Dimri U. , Gopalakrishnan A. , Madhesh E. , Jhambh R. , Joshi V. , Devi G.
Published: November 2017

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the common, often neglected skin disease of goats caused mainly by Ctenocephalides felis. This study aimed to evaluate the immuno‐oxidative pathobiology of FAD in goats. Twelve goats from the same herd were divided into two groups of six animals each. The group I (FAD) included animals with natural flea infestation and severe dermatitis lesions. The group II (Healthy control) animals were free from any parasitic infestation. To assess the pathological changes, the markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and total antioxidant capacity), and immune status (Tumour necrosis factor alpha, Interleukin 10, Transforming growth factor beta 1 and Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio) were evaluated from the blood and the serum samples. Remarkable oxidative stress and severe inflammatory response with Th2 cytokine dominance were observed in flea infested animals. Highly antigenic agents of fleas, either secretory or excretory or structural, induced severe inflammatory responses and significant oxidative stress in caprine FAD. Massive release of cytokines may be responsible for severe skin inflammation and lesions in FAD in contrast to other Th2 dominant ectoparasitic skin conditions of goats’.
Vagal modulation of 1‐month‐old infants to auditory stimuli is associated with self‐regulatory behavior
Authors: Cruz Sara , Ferreira‐Santos Fernando , Oliveira‐Silva Patrícia , Ribeiro Eugénia , Gonçalves Óscar , Sampaio Adriana
Published: November 2017

During infancy, cardiac vagal modulation has been associated with attentional and social engagement behaviors. While studies have shown that infants display a behavioral repertoire that enables them to interact with others by being able to regulate themselves in order to attend to and to discriminate emotional and social cues, vagal modulation to sensory stimuli and its association with behavioral outcomes at early ages remains to be addressed. In this study, we analyzed the cardiac vagal response of 1‐month‐old infants to two auditory stimuli intensities and whether vagal response was associated with social interactive and self‐regulatory abilities. Therefore, we recorded cardiac and respiratory physiological responses in 28 infants using a Biopac System. Neurobehavioral assessment was performed using the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. We observed increased respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) amplitude to both auditory stimuli intensities when compared to baseline. No intensity effect was found for the RSA response. Additionally, we observed that higher RSA amplitude to both auditory stimuli was positively correlated with adjusted self‐regulatory behaviors, suggesting a convergence between multiple measures assessing infants' state regulation. Results are discussed in light of 1‐month‐old infants' auditory stimuli processing and its implications for regulatory behaviors and the emergent social‐like behaviors.
Severe dermatophytosis in solid organ transplant recipients: A French retrospective series and literature review
Authors: Rouzaud Claire , Chosidow Olivier , Brocard Anabelle , Fraitag Sylvie , Scemla Anne , Anglicheau Dany , Bouaziz Jean‐David , Dupin Nicolas , Bougnoux Marie‐Elisabeth , Hay Roderick , Lortholary Olivier , Lanternier Fanny ,   French Mycoses Study Group
Published: November 2017

Objective

Severe dermatophytosis is described in immunocompromised patients with defective cellular immunity. We report here a large series and a literature review of severe dermatophytosis in solid‐organ transplant (SOT) recipients.

Method

The data main source was a national French retrospective study of severe dermatophytosis in SOT recipients between 2010 and 2016. Inclusion criteria were the presence of dermatophytes in skin culture and 1 severity criteria: dermal invasion by dermatophytes (invasive dermatophytosis) or involvement of at least two body sites or >10% of body surface area (extensive dermatophytosis).

Results

A total of 12 patients were included (8 men, median age of 56 years [range: 33‐71]). Of the 12 patients, 10 underwent kidney transplantation. The median time from transplantation to severe dermatophytosis diagnosis was 16 months [range: 2‐94]. Clinical signs of superficial dermatophytosis were present in 8/12 patients before the emergence of severe dermatophytosis. Nine patients had invasive forms and three extensive ones, and nodules of the lower extremities were found in eight. Trichophyton rubrum was isolated in 11 cases. First‐line treatment was terbinafine (7/12), posaconazole (3/12), or topical treatment alone (2/12). Immunosuppressive therapy was reduced in 3 patients because of associated infections. Complete response was obtained for 3/3 and 5/9 patients with extensive or invasive forms, respectively, after a median treatment's duration of 2.5 [range: 1.5‐5] months and 7.5 months [range: 4‐12]. Unrelated deaths (n = 2) and graft function impairment (n = 3) occurred.

Conclusion

Severe dermatophytosis is a late complication in SOT recipients presenting with lower limb nodules, which might be prevented by prompt treatment of superficial dermatophytosis.
Dermoscopic analysis of the skin of healthy warmblood horses: a descriptive study of 34 cases in Italy
Authors: Legnani Sara , Zini Eric , Roccabianca Paola , Funiciello Beatrice , Zanna Giordana
Published: November 2017

Background

Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool that has been introduced into small animal dermatology for the evaluation of hair and the skin surface. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the use of this technique on horses and the dermoscopic appearance of equine hair and skin have yet to be reported.

Hypothesis/objectives

To assess the feasibility of dermoscopy, and to describe hair and skin surface features of healthy warmblood horses.

Animals

Thirty four client‐owned, healthy adult horses.

Methods

Six body regions (head, neck, dorsal thorax, ventral thorax, croup and mane) were examined with a smartphone‐attached, hand‐held polarized light dermoscope at 20‐fold magnification. Smartphone‐collected images were evaluated to determine the overall hair density, large and thin primary hair densities and diameters, and skin surface characteristics. Software was used to measure large and thin primary hair shaft thickness. Comparisons between body regions, breeds and sexes were made.

Results

Dermoscopic examination of the equine skin surface was feasible and easy to perform. At 20‐fold magnification thick, straight hair shafts emerging from single follicular openings were observed. In between these, thinner straight hair shafts were present in all evaluated regions. Hair shafts of the head and the mane were significantly thicker but less dense compared to other regions. Skin pigmentation and variable perifollicular discolouration were present.

Conclusions

Dermoscopy may represent a valuable technique for the dermatological examination of the equine patient.
Arterial anomalies of the celiac trunk and median arcuate ligament compression in dogs and cats assessed by computed tomography angiography
Authors: Le Pommellet Hélène M. , Scansen Brian A. , Mathys Dimitria A. , Mollenkopf Dixie F. , Reeves Lauren , Skinas Melissa L. , Patel Mira
Published: November 2017

Objective

To identify abnormalities of the celiac artery (CA) and major branches in dogs and cats by computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Study design

Multi‐institutional retrospective case series.

Animals

Two hundred fifty‐four dogs and 13 cats.

Methods

Abdominal CTA images from 2009 to 2017 were reviewed. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between CA abnormalities and sex, age, size of dog, concurrent venous anomaly, or presence of gastrointestinal signs.

Results

Abnormalities in the CA were observed in 32 animals (11.9%) including 9 with abnormal branching (3.4%) and 23 with CA compression (8.6%). A celiacomesenteric trunk was observed in 8 (2.9%; 6 dogs, 2 cats). The splenic artery originated from the cranial mesenteric artery in 1 dog; the hepatic arterial branches originated from the left gastric artery in another. Four out of 32 animals (12.5%) with an arterial anomaly had another vascular abnormality. Large breed dogs were more likely to have an arterial anomaly (OR 4.3, 95% CI: 1.18‐15.5,P = .02) and 12 times more likely to have CA compression (OR 12.0, 95% CI: 1.4‐97.7,P = .02) compared to small breed dogs. Dogs with CA compression were more likely to present for gastrointestinal signs (OR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.2‐10.3,P = .01).

Conclusion

Anomalies of the celiac trunk are apparent on CTA and may impact surgical or image‐guided intervention. Compression at the origin of the CA was apparent on imaging, similar to the median arcuate ligament syndrome in people, although the significance of this finding in dogs is unknown.
Epicardial exposure provided by a novel thoracoscopic pericardectomy technique compared to standard pericardial window
Authors: Barbur Laura A. , Rawlings Clarence A. , Radlinsky MaryAnn G.
Published: November 2017

Objective

(1) To describe a novel technique for thoracoscopic pericardectomy using a pericardial window with vertical pericardial fillets (PW+F). (2) To compare epicardial exposure between a standard pericardial window (PW) and PW+F.

Study design

Experimental study.

Animals

Purpose‐bred research dogs (n = 12).

Methods

PW was performed through a 3‐port subxiphoid thoracoscopic approach. After PW, vertical fillets were made in the pericardium for PW+F. Thoracoscopic images from 3 views were acquired after each procedure, and percentage of epicardial surface exposed (PESE) was compared. Epicardial exposure and iatrogenic damage to surrounding structures were directly assessed via postmortem gross examination.

Results

The exposed epicardial surface (PESE) was increased with our novel compared to the standard technique. Median surgery time for PW+F was 25 minutes. The procedure was performed in 11 of 12 dogs without iatrogenic damage to surrounding structures. In 1 dog, the electrosurgery device contacted the epicardium and caused fatal ventricular fibrillation while performing PW+F. Based on postmortem assessment in all dogs with PW+F, the pericardium could move freely away from the heart, exposing the majority of the epicardial surface.

Conclusion

Thoracoscopic PW+F is a novel technique that improves the exposure of the epicardium compared to standard PW. While PW+F can be performed successfully and in an efficient manner, the surgeon must be aware of the risk of iatrogenic trauma to thoracic structures when using electrosurgery.

Clinical relevance

PW+F offers a relatively safe, efficient, and effective minimally invasive method that improves the exposure of the epicardium compared to PW.
Quantum K-theoretic geometric Satake: the case
Authors: Cautis Sabin , Kamnitzer Joel
Published: November 2017

The geometric Satake correspondence gives an equivalence of categories between the representations of a semisimple group$G$and the spherical perverse sheaves on the affine Grassmannian$Gr$of its Langlands dual group. Bezrukavnikov and Finkelberg developed a derived version of this equivalence which relates the derived category of$G^{\vee }$-equivariant constructible sheaves on$Gr$with the category of$G$-equivariant${\mathcal{O}}(\mathfrak{g})$-modules. In this paper, we develop a K-theoretic version of the derived geometric Satake which involves the quantum group$U_{q}\mathfrak{g}$. We define a convolution category$K\operatorname{Conv}(Gr)$whose morphism spaces are given by the$G^{\vee }\times \mathbb{C}^{\times }$-equivariant algebraic K-theory of certain fibre products. We conjecture that$K\operatorname{Conv}(Gr)$is equivalent to a full subcategory of the category of$U_{q}\mathfrak{g}$-equivariant${\mathcal{O}}_{q}(G)$-modules. We prove this conjecture when$G=\operatorname{SL}_{n}$. A key tool in our proof is the$\operatorname{SL}_{n}$spider, which is a combinatorial description of the category of$U_{q}\mathfrak{sl}_{n}$representations. By applying horizontal trace, we show that the annular$\operatorname{SL}_{n}$spider describes the category of$U_{q}\mathfrak{sl}_{n}$-equivariant${\mathcal{O}}_{q}(\operatorname{SL}_{n})$-modules. Then we use quantum loop algebras to relate the annular$\operatorname{SL}_{n}$spider to$K\operatorname{Conv}(Gr)$. This gives a combinatorial/diagrammatic description of both categories and proves our conjecture.
Howe–Moore type theorems for quantum groups and rigid -tensor categories
Authors: Arano Yuki , de Laat Tim , Wahl Jonas
Published: November 2017

We formulate and study Howe–Moore type properties in the setting of quantum groups and in the setting of rigid $C^{\ast }$-tensor categories. We say that a rigid $C^{\ast }$-tensor category ${\mathcal{C}}$ has the Howe–Moore property if every completely positive multiplier on ${\mathcal{C}}$ has a limit at infinity. We prove that the representation categories of $q$-deformations of connected compact simple Lie groups with trivial center satisfy the Howe–Moore property. As an immediate consequence, we deduce the Howe–Moore property for Temperley–Lieb–Jones standard invariants with principal graph $A_{\infty }$. These results form a special case of a more general result on the convergence of completely bounded multipliers on the aforementioned categories. This more general result also holds for the representation categories of the free orthogonal quantum groups and for the Kazhdan–Wenzl categories. Additionally, in the specific case of the quantum groups $\text{SU}_{q}(N)$, we are able, using a result of the first-named author, to give an explicit characterization of the central states on the quantum coordinate algebra of $\text{SU}_{q}(N)$, which coincide with the completely positive multipliers on the representation category of $\text{SU}_{q}(N)$.
Odd zeta motive and linear forms in odd zeta values
Authors: Dupont Clément
Published: November 2017

We study a family of mixed Tate motives over $\mathbb{Z}$ whose periods are linear forms in the zeta values $\unicode[STIX]{x1D701}(n)$. They naturally include the Beukers–Rhin–Viola integrals for $\unicode[STIX]{x1D701}(2)$ and the Ball–Rivoal linear forms in odd zeta values. We give a general integral formula for the coefficients of the linear forms and a geometric interpretation of the vanishing of the coefficients of a given parity. The main underlying result is a geometric construction of a minimal ind-object in the category of mixed Tate motives over $\mathbb{Z}$ which contains all the non-trivial extensions between simple objects. In a joint appendix with Don Zagier, we prove the compatibility between the structure of the motives considered here and the representations of their periods as sums of series.
Prior alcohol use enhances vulnerability to compulsive cocaine self-administration by promoting degradation of HDAC4 and HDAC5
Authors: Griffin Edmund A. , Melas Philippe A. , Zhou Royce , Li Yang , Mercado Peter , Kempadoo Kimberly A. , Stephenson Stacy , Colnaghi Luca , Taylor Kathleen , Hu Mei-Chen , Kandel Eric R. , Kandel Denise B.
Published: November 2017

Prior alcohol use increases vulnerability to cocaine addiction by promoting degradation of HDAC4 and HDAC5.
Na
+
-induced structural transition of MotPS for stator assembly of the
Bacillus
flagellar motor
Authors: Terahara Naoya , Kodera Noriyuki , Uchihashi Takayuki , Ando Toshio , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru
Published: November 2017

We visualized the activation process of the MotPS complex of the
Bacillus
flagellar motor by high-speed atomic force microscopy.
New ape found, sparking fears for its survival
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: November 2017

Third species of orangutan, discovered in Sumatran forest, has population of just 800.
Gut microbiome influences efficacy of PD-1–based immunotherapy against epithelial tumors
Authors: Routy Bertrand , Le Chatelier Emmanuelle , Derosa Lisa , Duong Connie P. M. , Alou Maryam Tidjani , Daillère Romain , Fluckiger Aurélie , Messaoudene Meriem , Rauber Conrad , Roberti Maria P. , Fidelle Marine , Flament Caroline , Poirier-Colame Vichnou , Opolon Paule , Klein Christophe , Iribarren Kristina , Mondragón Laura , Jacquelot Nicolas , Qu Bo , Ferrere Gladys , Clémenson Céline , Mezquita Laura , Masip Jordi Remon , Naltet Charles , Brosseau Solenn , Kaderbhai Coureche , Richard Corentin , Rizvi Hira , Levenez Florence , Galleron Nathalie , Quinquis Benoit , Pons Nicolas , Ryffel Bernhard , Minard-Colin Véronique , Gonin Patrick , Soria Jean-Charles , Deutsch Eric , Loriot Yohann , Ghiringhelli François , Zalcman Gérard , Goldwasser François , Escudier Bernard , Hellmann Matthew D. , Eggermont Alexander , Raoult Didier , Albiges Laurence , Kroemer Guido , Zitvogel Laurence
Published: November 2017

Good bacteria help fight cancer

Resident gut bacteria can affect patient responses to cancer immunotherapy (see the Perspective by Jobin). Routy
et al.
show that antibiotic consumption is associated with poor response to immunotherapeutic PD-1 blockade. They profiled samples from patients with lung and kidney cancers and found that nonresponding patients had low levels of the bacterium
Akkermansia muciniphila
. Oral supplementation of the bacteria to antibiotic-treated mice restored the response to immunotherapy. Matson
et al.
and Gopalakrishnan
et al.
studied melanoma patients receiving PD-1 blockade and found a greater abundance of “good” bacteria in the guts of responding patients. Nonresponders had an imbalance in gut flora composition, which correlated with impaired immune cell activity. Thus, maintaining healthy gut flora could help patients combat cancer.

Science
, this issue p.
91
, p.
104
, p.
97
; see also p.
32
Epitaxy on polycrystalline substrates
Authors: Pandya Shishir , Martin Lane W.
Published: November 2017

The growth of new oxide phases is explored with multiple surface orientations
Paleolithic networking
Authors: Bergström Anders , Tyler-Smith Chris
Published: November 2017

Genomes reveal patterns of genetic and social interactions in Neandertal and Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups
Imaging the Antistaphylococcal Activity of CATH-2: Mechanism of Attack and Regulation of Inflammatory Response
Authors: Schneider Viktoria A. F. , Coorens Maarten , Tjeerdsma-van Bokhoven Johanna L. M. , Posthuma George , van Dijk Albert , Veldhuizen Edwin J. A. , Haagsman Henk P.
Published: November 2017

Due to the high use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary settings, many bacteria have become resistant to those antibiotics that we so heavily rely on. Methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MRSA) is one of these difficult-to-treat resistant pathogens for which novel antimicrobial therapies will be required in the near future. One novel approach could be the utilization of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, such as chicken CATH-2, which have been show to act against a wide variety of bacteria. However, before these peptides can be used clinically, more knowledge of their functions and mechanisms of action is required. In this study, we used live imaging and electron microscopy to visualize in detail how CATH-2 killsS. aureus, and we investigated how CATH-2 affects immune activation byS. aureus. Together, these results give a better understanding of how CATH-2 killsS. aureusand what the potential immunological consequences of this killing can be.
Tuberculosis State Is Associated with Expression of Toll-Like Receptor 2 in Sputum Macrophages
Authors: Lakehal Karim , Levine David , Kerr Kathleen F. , Vir Pooja , Bruiners Natalie , Lardizabal Alfred , Gennaro Maria Laura , Pine Richard
Published: November 2017

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is an intracellular pathogen that parasitizes the host macrophage. While approximately two billion people are infected worldwide, only 5 to 10% become diseased with pulmonary tuberculosis, at least in the absence of comorbidities. Tuberculosis control requires development of noninvasive methods probing the host immune status to help distinguish latent infection from active tuberculosis. With such methods, high-risk individuals could be targeted for treatment before disease manifestation. Previous investigations have been based on examination of peripheral blood cells or, more rarely, lung macrophages obtained with invasive procedures, such as bronchoalveolar lavages. Here we show that differences exist in the expression of a surface protein (Toll-like receptor 2) between macrophages recovered from the sputum of individuals in different diagnostic groups: i.e., infection free, latent tuberculosis infection, and active pulmonary tuberculosis. Thus, phenotypic analysis of local macrophages obtained with noninvasive procedures can help distinguish among tuberculosis infection stages.
Strengthening value-based medication management in a free clinic for the uninsured: Quality interventions aimed at reducing costs and enhancing adherence
Authors: Arao Robert K , O‘Connor Michelle Y , Barrett Thomas , Chockalingam Leela , Khan Farrah , Kumar Anirudh , Leader Andrew , Leven Emily , Power John R , Shuham Benjamin , Rifkin Robert , Thomas David , Meah Yasmin , Shah Brijen J
Published: November 2017

Skyrocketing costs of prescription medications in the USA pose a significant threat to the financial viability of safety net clinics that opt to supply medications at low to no out-of-pocket costs to patients. At the East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership clinic of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, a physician-directed student-run comprehensive primary care clinic for uninsured adults of East Harlem, expenditures on pharmaceuticals represent nearly two-thirds of annual costs. The practice of minimising costs while maintaining quality, referred to ashigh-valuecare, represents a critical cost-saving opportunity for safety net clinics as well as for more economical healthcare in general. In this paper, we discuss a series of quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing pharmacy-related expenditures through two distinct yet related mechanisms: (A) promoting value-conscious prescribing by providers and (B) improving patient adherence to medication regimens. Interventions aimed at promoting value-conscious prescribing behaviour included blacklisting a costly medication on our clinic’s formulary and adding a decision tree in our mobile clinician reference application to promote value-conscious prescribing. Interventions targeted to improving patient adherence involved an automated text messaging system with English and Spanish refill reminders to encourage timely pick-up of medication refills. As a result of these processes, the free clinic experienced a 7.3%, or $3768, reduction in annual pharmacy costs. Additionally, medication adherence in patients with diabetes on oral antihyperglycaemic medications increased from 55% to 67%. Simultaneous patient-based and provider-based interventions may be broadly applicable to addressing rising pharmacy costs in healthcare across the USA.
Implementation of a mock root cause analysis to provide simulated patient safety training
Authors: Murphy Martina , Duff Jennifer , Whitney Julie , Canales Benjamin , Markham Merry-Jennifer , Close Julia
Published: November 2017

Background

The proposed revision to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Common Program Requirements includes participation in real or simulated patient safety activities, such as root cause analysis (RCA).1 Because exposure to RCA may occur with low frequency, a mock RCA was developed and piloted for feasibility with Hematology/Oncology fellows.

Objective

To improve trainee knowledge of the goals and application of RCA in patient safety and quality improvement through a simulated experience.

Methods

A mock RCA was implemented with Hematology/Oncology fellows over two subsequent years. In small groups, they reviewed a case involving an adverse event and identified sources of harm. Additional details, in the form of provider interviews, were available upon request. Trainees identified the root cause(s) and proposed measurable changes. Teams presented proposals to peers and a panel representing hospital leadership. Feedback was provided. Trainees completed evaluations and were surveyed regarding their perceptions.

Results

Thirteen of 15 fellows completed the survey. Twelve of 13 (92%) fellows felt the mock RCA improved their comfort level for participation in a real RCA. Ten of 13 fellows (77%) reported increased awareness and likelihood of reporting near misses and/or adverse events following participation. More thorough patient care documentation following the session was reported by 8 of 13 (62%).

Conclusion

A pilot trial of a mock RCA with Hematology/Oncology fellows had high trainee satisfaction. Post-session surveys and informal interviews suggest trainees have reduced anxiety when faced with participation in a real RCA and have more interest in the process after participation.
Mucosa-associated invariant T cells link intestinal immunity with antibacterial immune defects in alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Riva Antonio , Patel Vishal , Kurioka Ayako , Jeffery Hannah C , Wright Gavin , Tarff Sarah , Shawcross Debbie , Ryan Jennifer M , Evans Alexander , Azarian Sarah , Bajaj Jasmohan S , Fagan Andrew , Patel Vinood , Mehta Kosha , Lopez Carlos , Simonova Marieta , Katzarov Krum , Hadzhiolova Tanya , Pavlova Slava , Wendon Julia A , Oo Ye Htun , Klenerman Paul , Williams Roger , Chokshi Shilpa
Published: November 2017

Background/aims

Intestinal permeability with systemic distribution of bacterial products are central in the immunopathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), yet links with intestinal immunity remain elusive. Mucosa-associated invariant T cells (MAIT) are found in liver, blood and intestinal mucosa and are a key component of antibacterial host defences. Their role in ALD is unknown.

Methods/design

We analysed frequency, phenotype, transcriptional regulation and function of blood MAIT cells in severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH), alcohol-related cirrhosis (ARC) and healthy controls (HC). We also examined direct impact of ethanol, bacterial products from faecal extracts and antigenic hyperstimulation on MAIT cell functionality. Presence of MAIT cells in colon and liver was assessed by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry/gene expression respectively.

Results

In ARC and SAH, blood MAIT cells were dramatically depleted, hyperactivated and displayed defective antibacterial cytokine/cytotoxic responses. These correlated with suppression of lineage-specific transcription factors and hyperexpression of homing receptors in the liver with intrahepatic preservation of MAIT cells in ALD. These alterations were stronger in SAH, where surrogate markers of bacterial infection and microbial translocation were higher than ARC. Ethanol exposure in vitro, in vivo alcohol withdrawal and treatment with Escherichia coli had no effect on MAIT cell frequencies, whereas exposure to faecal bacteria/antigens induced functional impairments comparable with blood MAIT cells from ALD and significant MAIT cell depletion, which was not observed in other T cell compartments.

Conclusions

In ALD, the antibacterial potency of MAIT cells is compromised as a consequence of contact with microbial products and microbiota, suggesting that the ‘leaky’ gut observed in ALD drives MAIT cell dysfunction and susceptibility to infection in these patients.
PD-L1
Authors: Kythreotou Anthousa , Siddique Abdul , Mauri Francesco A , Bower Mark , Pinato David J
Published: November 2017

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is the principal ligand of programmed death 1 (PD-1), a coinhibitory receptor that can be constitutively expressed or induced in myeloid, lymphoid, normal epithelial cells and in cancer. Under physiological conditions, the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction is essential in the development of immune tolerance preventing excessive immune cell activity that can lead to tissue destruction and autoimmunity. PD-L1 expression is an immune evasion mechanism exploited by various malignancies and is generally associated with poorer prognosis. PD-L1 expression is also suggested as a predictive biomarker of response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies; however, contradictory evidence exists as to its role across histotypes. Over the years, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents have gained momentum as novel anticancer therapeutics, by inducing durable tumour regression in numerous malignancies including metastatic lung cancer, melanoma and many others. In this review, we discuss the immunobiology of PD-L1, with a particular focus on its clinical significance in malignancy.
The impact of flavour, device type and warning messages on youth preferences for electronic nicotine delivery systems: evidence from an online discrete choice experiment
Authors: Shang Ce , Huang Jidong , Chaloupka Frank J , Emery Sherry L
Published: November 2017

Objective

To examine the impact of flavour, device type and health warning messages on youth preference for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and to provide evidence and data to inform the Food and Drug Administration’s potential regulatory actions on ENDS.

Design

An online discrete choice experiment was conducted in September 2015. Each participant was given nine choice sets and asked to choose one out of two alternative ENDS products, with varying characteristics in three attributes (flavour, device type and warning message). The impact of the attributes on the probability of choosing ENDS was analysed using conditional and nested logit regressions, controlling for individual sociodemographic characteristics and current smoking status.

Setting and participants

A general population sample of 515 participants (50 ever-users and 465 never-users of ENDS) aged 14–17 years were recruited to complete the experiment using an online panel.

Results

Fruit/sweets/beverage flavours significantly increase the probability of choosing ENDS among youth (p<0.01 for never-users and <0.1 for ever-users) and flavour has the most pronounced impact among three attributes. Among never-users, menthol flavour also increases (p<0.05) the probability of choosing ENDS compared with tobacco flavour. Vaping devices that are modifiable, compared with cigarette-like e-cigarettes, increase (p<0.05) the probability of choosing ENDS among adolescent never-users. Warning messages reduce (p<0.01) the probability of choosing ENDS among never-users.

Conclusions and relevance

Restricting fruit/sweets/beverage flavours in ENDS, regulating modifiable vaping devices and adopting strong health warning messages may reduce the uptake of ENDS among youth.
Salmonellahepatic abscess as a sequel to liver lobectomy and biopsy in a dog with hepatocellular adenoma
Authors: Milodowski Emily Jayne , Lamb Christopher R , Lee Karla C L
Published: November 2017

A dog underwent complete surgical excision of a hepatocellular adenoma by right lateral liver lobectomy and incisional biopsy of a regenerative hepatic nodule of the left lateral lobe. The dog re‐presented eight months later with weakness, pyrexia and elevated liver enzymes. CT demonstrated a large irregular isodense left liver mass. The mass was resected by left lateral liver lobectomy. Histopathology and culture revealed hepatic abscess withSalmonellaspecies. Surgery was followed by a six‐week course of cephalexin, resulting in cure.

This is the first report of successful treatment of hepatic abscess involvingSalmonellaspecies in a dog, following liver lobectomy and liver biopsy for management of hepatocellular adenoma. This report highlights hepatic abscesses as a potential late complication of surgery for hepatocellular neoplasia; reviews potential challenges in diagnosing hepatic abscesses on the basis of ultrasound and CT; and demonstrates successful treatment of hepatic salmonellosis, a potential zoonotic infection.
Diagnosis and treatment of a multidrug‐resistant Escherichia coli in a wild eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)
Authors: Cerreta Anthony J , Papich Mark G , Dise Delta R , Lewbart Gregory A
Published: November 2017

An adult male eastern box turtle presented to the Turtle Rescue Team at North Carolina State University with clinical signs of an upper respiratory tract infection. After unsuccessful treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics, multidrug‐resistant Escherichia coli was cultured from the infection that was resistant to commonly used antimicrobial agents. Based on the culture and susceptibility testing, 10 mg/kg of meropenem was administered intramuscularly every 24 hours for seven days. Meropenem plasma concentrations were measured to ensure that an optimum antibiotic dose was administered. Following treatment with meropenem, clinical signs ceased and subsequent culture reports were negative. Meropenem plasma concentrations identified a short half‐life (4.17 hours) necessitating once‐daily dosing to maintain effective concentrations. Because multiple doses were delivered from a single administration vial, the strength of reconstituted vials of meropenem during storage in the refrigerator was tested. The meropenem concentration was maintained above 90 per cent for 48 hours.
Tea and Brexit in the Commons
Authors: Cotton Helena
Published: November 2017

Helena Cotton, BVA Public Affairs Manager, describes how BVA engaged a roomful of parliamentarians at our annual Afternoon Tea lobbying event held in the House of Commons on October 9.
Mental health awareness training for the BVA team
Authors: Calpin David
Published: November 2017

In September all BVA staff took part in mental health awareness training to better support the profession and one another. BVA Chief Executive David Calpin explains what was involved.
From strangeness enhancement to quark–gluon plasma discovery
Authors: Koch Peter , Müller Berndt , Rafelski Johann
Published: November 2017

This is a short survey of signatures and characteristics of the quark–gluon plasma in the light of experimental results that have been obtained over the past three decades. In particular, we present an in-depth discussion of the strangeness observable, including a chronology of the experimental effort to detect QGP at CERN-SPS, BNL-RHIC, and CERN-LHC.
Behavior of light polarization in photon-scalar interaction
Authors: Azizi Azizollah , Nasirimoghadam Soudabe
Published: November 2017

Quantum theories of gravity help us to improve our insight into the gravitational interactions. Motivated by the interesting effect of gravity on the photon trajectory, we treat a quantum recipe concluding a classical interaction of light and a massive object such as the sun. We use the linear quantum gravity to compute the classical potential of a photon interacting with a massive scalar. The leading terms have a traditional 1/r subordinate and demonstrate a polarization-dependent behavior. This result challenges the equivalence principle; attractive and/or repulsive interactions are admissible.
Test of space–time noncommutativity at the future circular collider
Authors: Castorina P.
Published: November 2017

The Future Circular Collider (FCC) is a crucial step forward to study new physics beyond the standard model and to test fundamental aspects as space–time minimal length and Lorentz violations. As an example, a possible enhancement of [Formula: see text] pair production due to noncommutative effects, catalyzed by the huge magnetic field produced at the beginning of a heavy-ion collision at FCC, is discussed. In noncommutative electrodynamics, a free photon in the magnetic background can produce a [Formula: see text] pair. In particular, for hard photons with transverse energy 100–600 GeV at the beginning of the collision and for a particular kinematical setting of the pair, i.e. large total transverse momentum in the reaction plane and invariant mass in the range 200–400 MeV, the noncommutative contribution, evaluated with the present bound of the noncommutativity fundamental area, can be significant. Other, more exotic, possible signatures of space–time noncommutativity are also considered.
Dielectric, electrical conduction and magnetic properties of multiferroic Bi0.8Tb0.1Ba0.1Fe0.9Ti0.1O3 perovskite compound
Authors: Kumari Poonam , Rai Radheshyam , Sharma Seema , Valente M. A.
Published: November 2017

This work focuses on the structural, electrical and magnetic properties of Bi[Formula: see text]Tb[Formula: see text]Ba[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]O3 ceramics, fabricated by solid state reaction procedure. XRD forms of the samples at RT exhibited perovskite phase through the hexagonal structure at room temperature. Dielectric studies of the materials with frequency at different temperatures (25–400[Formula: see text]C) exhibit two dielectric anomalies, first at 175[Formula: see text]C (ferroelectric–ferroelectric transition) and second at around 320[Formula: see text]C (ferroelectric–paraelectric transition). The Curie temperature moved towards the low side temperature with the increase in frequency. The less value of activation energy got for these samples could be attributed to the influence of electronic contribution to the conductivity. A significant change in the magnetic studies was observed for Bi[Formula: see text]Tb[Formula: see text]Ba[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]O3 ceramic. The impedance analysis confirms the non-Debye type nature of the ceramic and relaxation frequency moved to a higher temperature. The Nyquist plot and conductivity studies showed the NTCR behavior of samples. The highest magnetization field was found at temperature [Formula: see text]268.15[Formula: see text]C.
Chapter 1 Introduction to engineering geology and geomorphology of glaciated and periglaciated terrains
Authors: Martin C. J. , Morley A. L. , Griffiths J. S.
Published: November 2017

This chapter provides an introduction to the Engineering Group of the Geological Society of London (EGGS) Working Party book on the engineering geology and geomorphology of glaciated and periglaciated terrains. A summary of changes in the extent of glacial and periglacial conditions throughout the Quaternary to the present day is provided initially. The engineering difficulties associated with working in glaciated and periglaciated terrains are demonstrated through the inclusion of seven important case histories. The chapter then discusses the background to the Working Party, the scope and structure of the book, including abstracts of each chapter, before finally guiding the reader on how the book may be used at a site where glacial or periglacial conditions had formerly prevailed. In particular, the importance of updating the ground model at each stage of the project as an approach to risk management is emphasized.
Chapter 9 Conclusions and illustrative case studies
Authors: Griffiths J. S. , Giles D. P.
Published: November 2017

Engineering geology is
inter alia
concerned with the application of geology to the civil engineering industry to ensure safe and economic design and construction. It is a discipline that advances through practice, and case studies of both successes and failures are critical to its development. In this concluding chapter, 19 case studies have been compiled, mainly by those who were directly involved in the projects, to illustrate the nature and complexity of the ground conditions that can be encountered when working in relict glacial and periglacial terrain. The chapter finishes with a section on how the Working Party volume as a whole can be used to guide and improve best practice.
Formation of magnesium silicate hydrate cement in nature
Authors: de Ruiter Lisa , Austrheim Håkon
Published: November 2017

Tillite lithified by magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) cement has been formed at the surface of the Feragen Ultramafic Body in SE Norway. Serpentinization of olivine-rich rocks led to formation of brucite, which dissolves during weathering to form a high-pH (>9) Mg-rich fluid. This fluid dissolves quartz deposited by glaciers during the Weichselian glaciation. Subsequent evaporation leads to the precipitation of a nanocrystalline magnesium silicate hydrate phase with the approximate composition Mg
8
Si
8
O
20
(OH)
8
·6H
2
O. The resulting cemented rock is characterized by disintegrated and partly dissolved quartz grains that are surrounded by the M-S-H cement. This process occurs at surface conditions in a subarctic climate and is known to take place on a timescale of a few decades, as constrained by mining activities. Magnesium-based cement is currently of high interest as the search for environmentally friendly cement is a pressing task considering that the widely used Portland cement accounts for about 7% of the worldwide anthropogenic CO
2
emission. As this study provides new key insights into the formation process of natural CO
2
-neutral magnesium-based cement on the field- and microscale, it could contribute in the development of a new sustainable construction material.
Advances in numerical calibration of the Permian timescale based on radioisotopic geochronology
Authors: Ramezani Jahandar , Bowring Samuel A.
Published: November 2017

Radioisotopic age determinations targeted at key stratigraphic successions worldwide continue to refine the geological timescale with increasing precision and accuracy and to unravel the tempo of global geological, palaeoclimatic and palaeobiotic processes that have shaped our planet. The last decade has witnessed significant progress in the calibration of the Permian Period through integrated stratigraphic, palaeontological and high-precision geochronological investigations. These studies have largely focused on the Cisuralian and Lopingian stages, particularly the end-Permian mass extinction, whereas much of the Guadalupian and its associated events remain inadequately calibrated. A compilation of the high-precision U–Pb geochronology generated in the past ten years yields ages of 298.92±0.19 Ma for the onset of the Permian, 293.52±0.17 Ma for the base-Sakmarian, 290.10±0.14 Ma for the base-Artinskian, 272.95±0.11 Ma for the Cisuralian–Guadalupian boundary, 265.22±0.34 Ma for the base-Capitanian, 254.14±0.12 Ma for the base-Changhsingian and 251.90±0.10 Ma for the Permian–Triassic boundary. Extension of modern astrochronological methods to the Palaeozoic Era presents new opportunities for broader stratigraphic correlations and enhanced calibration of the Permian timescale.