bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High parasite infection level in non‐native invasive species: it is just a matter of time
Authors: Kołodziej‐Sobocińska M. , Brzeziński M. , Niemczynowicz A. , Zalewski A.
Published: October 2017

The enemy release hypothesis is often used to explain the success of non‐native species invasions. Growing evidence indicates that parasite or pathogen species richness increases over time in invasive non‐native species; however, this increase should not directly translate into release from enemy pressure as infection intensity of parasites (number of parasites per host) has a more profound impact on host fitness. The changes in intensity of parasitic infections in invasive non‐native species have not yet been thoroughly analysed in newly colonized areas. The goal of this study was to determine whether gastrointestinal parasite (nematode and trematode) infection intensity has increased with time since the populations of American minkNeovison visonwere established and how host demographic parameters affect infection intensity. We tested the enemy release hypothesis by substituting space for time, evaluating parasite abundance in American mink at six sites along a chronosequence of mink invasion history. Nematode and trematode abundance increased with time since mink introduction, from a few parasites on average per mink after 16 yr, to 200–250 parasites per mink after 34 yr. The rate of increase in parasite abundance varied among demographic groups of mink (sex and age). Both nematodes and trematodes were more abundant in males than in females, and in subadults than in adults. Higher nematode abundance negatively affected body condition of mink. Our results provide evidence that non‐native species are released from enemy pressure only in the first phase of invasion, and that infection is modulated by host demographics and season. These results contribute to the evaluation of the long‐term patterns of parasite accumulation in invasive non‐native species after their colonization of new territories.
Combination therapy incorporating Bcl‐2 inhibition with Venetoclax for the treatment of refractory primary plasma cell leukemia with t (11;14)
Authors: Gonsalves Wilson I. , Buadi Francis K. , Kumar Shaji K.
Published: October 2017

Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is the most aggressive form of the plasma cell (PC) malignancy, multiple myeloma (MM). It has been commonly associated with the presence of a chromosome translocation involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus on 14q32, that is t (11;14). Results from early phase clinical trials utilizing the selective Bcl‐2 inhibitor, venetoclax, as a single agent in patients with relapsed MM have had remarkable efficacy among patients with t (11;14) abnormality. The present case demonstrates the ability of a combination regimen incorporating Bcl‐2 inhibition with daratumumab, bortezomib, venetoclax, and dexamethasone to induce a rapid and very deep hematologic response in a pPCL patient with t (11;14), even in a setting of very refractory disease. This case highlights the need to further study Bcl‐2 inhibition‐based therapy as an option for therapy in patients with pPCL with t (11;14).
An anergic immune signature in the tumor microenvironment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma is associated with inferior outcome
Authors: Hollander Peter , Rostgaard Klaus , Smedby Karin E. , Molin Daniel , Loskog Angelica , de Nully Brown Peter , Enblad Gunilla , Amini Rose‐Marie , Hjalgrim Henrik , Glimelius Ingrid
Published: October 2017

Objective

The classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) tumor microenvironment shows an ongoing inflammatory response consisting of varying degrees of infiltrating eosinophils, mast cells, macrophages, regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs), and activated lymphocytes surrounding the malignant cells. Herein, different immune signatures are characterized and correlated with treatment outcome.

Methods

Tumor‐infiltrating leukocytes were phenotyped in biopsies from 459 patients with cHL. Time to progression (TTP) (primary progression, relapse, or death from cHL) and overall survival were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

The leukocyte infiltration in the microenvironment was highly diverse between patients and was categorized in 4 immune signatures (active, anergic, innate, or mixed). A high proportion of Tregs (anergic) resulted in shorter TTP (median 12.9‐year follow‐up) in age‐adjusted analyses (hazard ratio = 1.82; 95% confidence interval 1.05‐3‐15). Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐positive cases had higher proportions of macrophages and activated lymphocytes than EBV negative, but neither of those leukocytes predicted prognosis.

Conclusions

Abundant Tregs (anergic signature) indicate a shorter TTP, particularly in younger patients. This is probably due to a reduced ability of the immune system to attack the tumor cells. Our data warrant further investigation if these suggested immune signatures could predict outcome of immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Structural brain abnormalities in genetic generalized epilepsies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nuyts Shauni , D'Souza Wendyl , Bowden Stephen C. , Vogrin Simon J.
Published: October 2017

According to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) definition, no structural abnormalities are present on a standard brain magnetic resonance image in genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) patients. However, recent studies raise contradictory evidence with increasing use of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic, quantitative review was conducted using 28 peer‐reviewed, case–control studies published after 1989. Furthermore, a meta‐analysis with a random‐effect model revealed differences in structural brain abnormalities between GGE patients and controls. Significant structural differences between GGE and healthy controls were observed with volume reductions in whole brain, thalamus, putamen, caudate, pallidum, and supplementary motor area. Furthermore, gray matter volume reduction in the right and left hemispheres, thalamus, and insula, and surface area reduction in the caudal anterior cingulate cortex were revealed, along with gray matter increase in the medial frontal gyrus. Due to methodological differences, findings should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, contrary to the ILAE definition, it would appear that structural brain abnormalities may be present in GGE patients. Findings are consistent with a hypothesis regarding the underlying involvement of the thalamocortical networks in the generation of generalized spike‐wave discharges, but structural abnormalities appear to extend outside these regions to potentially involve attention and other cognitive domains.
Refinement of the subunit interaction network within the nucleosome remodelling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex
Authors: Torrado Mario , Low Jason K. K. , Silva Ana P. G. , Schmidberger Jason W. , Sana Maryam , Sharifi Tabar Mehdi , Isilak Musa E. , Winning Courtney S. , Kwong Cherry , Bedward Max J. , Sperlazza Mary J. , Williams David C. , Shepherd Nicholas E. , Mackay Joel P.
Published: October 2017

The nucleosome remodelling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex is essential for the development of complex animals. NuRD has roles in regulating gene expression and repairing damaged DNA. The complex comprises at least six proteins with two or more paralogues of each protein routinely identified when the complex is purified from cell extracts. To understand the structure and function of NuRD, a map of direct subunit interactions is needed. Dozens of published studies have attempted to define direct inter‐subunit connectivities. We propose that conclusions reported in many such studies are in fact ambiguous for one of several reasons. First, the expression of many NuRD subunits in bacteria is unlikely to lead to folded, active protein. Second, interaction studies carried out in cells that contain endogenous NuRD complex can lead to false positives through bridging of target proteins by endogenous components. Combining existing information on NuRD structure with a protocol designed to minimize false positives, we report a conservative and robust interaction map for the NuRD complex. We also suggest a 3D model of the complex that brings together the existing data on the complex. The issues and strategies discussed herein are also applicable to the analysis of a wide range of multi‐subunit complexes.

Enzymes

Micrococcal nuclease (MNase), EC 3.1.31.1; histone deacetylase (HDAC), EC 3.5.1.98.
Characterization of AICAR transformylase/IMP cyclohydrolase (ATIC) from Staphylococcus lugdunensis
Authors: Verma Preeti , Kar Bibekananda , Varshney Ritu , Roy Partha , Sharma Ashwani K.
Published: October 2017

The 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) transformylase/inosine monophosphate (IMP) cyclohydrolase (ATIC) catalyzes final two steps of purine nucleotide de novo biosynthetic pathway. This study reports the characterization of ATIC from Staphylococcus lugdunensis (SlugATIC). Apart from kinetic analysis and a detailed biophysical characterization of SlugATIC, the role of ATIC in cell proliferation has been demonstrated for the first time. The purified recombinant SlugATIC and its truncated domains exist mainly in dimeric form was revealed in gel‐filtration and glutaraldehyde cross‐linking studies. The two activities reside on separate domains was demonstrated in kinetic analysis of SlugATIC and reconstituted truncated N‐terminal IMP cyclohydrolase (IMPCHase) and C‐terminal AICAR transformylase (AICAR TFase) domains. Site‐directed mutagenesis showed that Lys255 and His256 are the key catalytic residues, while Asn415 substantially contributes to AICAR TFase activity in SlugATIC. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed a molten globule‐like structure for independent N‐terminal domain as compared with a relatively stable conformational state in full‐length SlugATIC signifying the importance of covalently linked domains. Unlike reported crystal structures, the DSC studies revealed significant conformational changes on binding of leading ligand to AICAR TFase domain in SlugATIC. The cell proliferation activity of SlugATIC was observed where it promoted proliferation and viability of NIH 3T3 and RIN‐5F cells, exhibited in vitro wound healing in NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells, and rescued RIN‐5F cells from the cytotoxic effects of palmitic acid and high glucose. The results suggest that ATIC, an important drug target, can also be exploited for its cell proliferative properties.
Ethnographic Reviews
Authors: deRoche Constance
Published: October 2017

Books reviewed in this issue.

Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Matthew Desmond.
Film and Video
Authors: Mayhew Jessica A.
Published: October 2017

Film reviewed in this issue.

Nzhu Jimangemi (The Gorilla's Wife)
The Whanganui River as Te Awa Tupua: Place‐based law in a legally pluralistic society
Authors: Charpleix Liz
Published: October 2017

A landmark political decision recognising the legal personhood of a river provides insights into how legal pluralism may evolve and how relationships with non‐human nature may be recognised into the future. The decision in respect of the Whanganui River in Aotearoa/New Zealand, although not a legal precedent, has resulted in a new and vital Māori/Pākehā legal arrangement, which, in addressing the injustices of the country's colonial history, may also address environmental challenges such as resource exploitation. Since colonisation in 1840, the Māori of the Whanganui River have been fighting to assert their rights in relation to the river. The 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, made between Māori chiefs and British colonisers as the basis of future governance in Aotearoa/New Zealand, was flawed due to differences between the Māori and English versions of the Treaty. Conflicting expectations regarding the constitution and administration of “law” emerged, as did incompatibilities between Māori and English ontologies, particularly involving interactions between humans and (non‐human) nature. In 1975, a tribunal was established to resolve Māori grievances regarding application of the principles of the Waitangi Treaty. In 1999, the Tribunal settled Claim 167 (known as Wai 167, after the Tribunal), recognising Māori ownership of the Whanganui River. Subsequent negotiations resulted in declaration of the river's legal personhood; the enacting legislation was passed on 20 March 2017. An association of place‐based law and the dominant legal system has been instigated. This paper explores how this less anthropocentric approach, in an era commonly called the “Anthropocene” due to the influence of humans on planet Earth, has a critical role to play in environmental management, particularly in relation to water.
Curriculum content in geriatric dentistry in USA dental schools
Authors: Ettinger Ronald L. , Goettsche Zachary S. , Qian Fang
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to re‐examine the teaching of geriatric dentistry in the USA dental schools, to identify curriculum content and compare the findings to previous reports.

Methods

All dental schools in the United States were contacted via email with a questionnaire to assess the teaching of geriatric dentistry. Non‐responding schools were sent a minimum of three reminder emails to complete the survey. A statistical analysis was performed. Descriptive statistics were conducted to profile the variables of interest. Bivariate analysis was performed to explore if any of the variables were related using Fisher's exact test, non‐parametric Wilcoxon rank‐sum test and the Kruskal‐Wallis test.

Results

Fifty‐six of the 67 dental schools completed the questionnaire. Geriatric dentistry was taught in all dental schools; for 92.8%, the course was compulsory. We found that 62.5% were teaching it as an independent course, 25% as an organised series of lectures and 8.9% as occasional lectures in parts of other courses. Clinically, 84.2% have some form of compulsory education in geriatric dentistry. Public schools were marginally associated with an increased interest in expanding the geriatric dentistry curriculum (P = .078). No differences were found between these variables and school location.

Conclusions

Geriatric dentistry is now required in 92.8% of dental schools. The teaching of traditional topics has not changed much; however, the number of gerontological topics has increased. Clinical teaching needs to be expanded, as in only 57.1% of schools was it a requirement. The ageing imperative will require research to determine the impact of teaching on services to the geriatric community.
Global inequality chains: integrating mechanisms of value distribution into analyses of global production
Authors: QUENTIN DAVID , CAMPLING LIAM
Published: October 2017

The global value chain (GVC) analytic, as currently conceived in the literature on global production, tracks ‘value added’ along commodity chains but does not interrogate where value comes from and where it goes. This tends to deflect narratives that relate to systemic inequalities and the mechanisms by which those inequalities are reproduced. We seek to remedy that defect in two ways. First, we demonstrate that assumptions in GVC analysis about the distribution of value creation along the chain, which are generally adopted to support value chain ‘upgrading’ as a policy prescription, may be unreliable. Second, we combine the analytic with the emerging ‘global wealth chain’ analytic regarding tax outcomes, for this will enable us to map contestation over value capture between capital, labour and the state along the chain. We call this synthetic analytic the ‘global inequality chain’ (GIC). While we deploy Marxian value theory to provide a framework for this schematic mapping exercise, we emphasize that the GIC is amenable to other value‐theoretical frameworks (provided such frameworks are objective rather than empirically reliant on realization in the form of prices). We illustrate the utility of the GIC by applying it to the topics of global gender inequality and corporate tax reform.
Introduction: the absent child and transnational families
Authors: BUTT LESLIE
Published: October 2017

This article introduces the concept of the absent child, and shows its importance for understanding experiences of contemporary transnational families. The article moves beyond a dominant scholarly focus on split families of working migrant parents and stay‐behind children in home communities. Instead, it draws out the power of absence in mobile families, focusing on the signs, meanings, imaginations and practices around children who may be hidden, deceased, imagined, abandoned or in other ways not present. It provides an introduction to four accompanying articles based on original research with families from Indonesia and the Philippines. These articles focus on the absent child as prosthesis for families, on the subtleties of affect around absence, and on the impact of normative regulatory practices on child absence.
Assemblages and affect: migrant mothers and the varieties of absent children
Authors: CONSTABLE NICOLE
Published: October 2017

Drawing from stories told by migrant women in Hong Kong, this article builds on previous studies of ‘left‐behind children’ and calls for greater attention to the spectrum of sorts of absent children and to the formation of queer or less normative forms of migratory families. Taking a two‐pronged approach, I present an on‐the‐ground ethnographic and affective approach through several vignettes, and consider key elements of a more mid‐range and distanced ‘global assemblage’ approach to the institutions and expert knowledge that shape the experiences and practices of migrant mothers, migratory families, and the spectrum of absent children. This article posits that one's biological children, perhaps the most familial of kin, can become familiar or even unfamiliar strangers through contemporary processes, technologies and practices of migration and separation, and that the process of migration makes and unmakes conventional and unconventional sorts of families. While affective and assemblage approaches are independently valuable, combined they offer richer understandings of the complex interplay of factors – at various levels – that shape normative and queer families and different types of children's absences.
In vitro bioaccessibility of ergocalciferol in nanoemulsion‐based delivery system: the influence of food‐grade emulsifiers with different stabilising mechanisms
Authors: Shu Gaofeng , Khalid Nauman , Tan Tai Boon , Zhao Yiguo , Neves Marcos A. , Kobayashi Isao , Nakajima Mitsutoshi
Published: October 2017

The effect of emulsifier type on the in vitro bioaccessibility of ergocalciferol‐loaded nanoemulsions was examined (mouth, stomach and small intestinal phases). Oil‐in‐water nanoemulsions were prepared using emulsifiers with different stabilising mechanisms: decaglycerol monooleate (MO7S; steric), modified lecithin (ML; electrostatic), sodium caseinate (SC; electrosteric) and ML‐MO7S (combined electrostatic and steric). The droplet size, size distribution, ζ‐potential and microstructure of nanoemulsions during digestion depended on the emulsifier type. The fate of lipid in the small intestinal phase also relied on the emulsifier type, with the free fatty acids release rate decreasing in the following order: MO7S > ML‐MO7S > ML > SC. The ergocalciferol bioaccessibilities in nanoemulsions prepared using MO7S (62%), ML (64%) and ML‐MO7S (65%) were similar and significantly higher than that stabilised by SC (12%). No significant loss of ergocalciferol was observed in all nanoemulsions after full digestion; they were chemically stable against digestion conditions, regardless of the emulsifier type.
Content of anthocyanins and glycoalkaloids in blue‐fleshed potatoes and changes in the content of α‐solanine and α‐chaconine during manufacture of fried and dried products
Authors: Rytel Elżbieta , Tajner‐Czopek Agnieszka , Kita Agnieszka , Kucharska Alicja Z. , Sokół‐Łętowska Anna , Hamouz Karel
Published: October 2017

In the last ten or so years, potatoes with purple or blue‐flesh and derivative products, for example chips, have appeared on the European markets. The interest in this raw material and these products is increasing among both producers and consumers searching for novel and attractive choices. The anthocyanin content of the analysed potato varieties differed; a higher content of these pigments was determined in Blaue Elise var. potatoes. In blue‐flesh varieties, the prevailing anthocyanins were acylated glycosides: petunidin and malvidin. The production process of French fries, chips and puree caused a decrease in the content of glycoalkaloids in semi‐products and finished products, compared to the raw material. The greatest losses of α‐chaconine and α‐solanine were observed after tuber peeling (ca. 70%) and after frying (ca. 90%). French fries contained 3%, chips 16% and puree 17% of the initial amount of total glycoalkaloids. The losses of α‐chaconine and α‐solanine in the analysed semi‐products and finished products were at the same level, regardless of the processing technology applied.
The roles of adult siblings in the lives of people with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Hall Sarah A. , Rossetti Zach
Published: October 2017

Background

Siblings of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often assume key roles to support their brothers and sisters. For people with more significant support needs, siblings may undertake additional roles and responsibilities throughout their lives. The purpose of the present study was to identify and describe the roles of adult siblings who have a brother or sister with severe IDD.

Method

Seventy‐nine adult siblings from 19 to 72 years of age completed an online survey with open‐ended questions about the roles they play in their relationships with their brother or sister.

Results

Thematic analysis resulted in identification of several roles including caregiver, friend (social partner), advocate, legal representative, sibling (teacher/role model), leisure planner and informal service coordinator.

Conclusion

Siblings assume key roles in the lives of people with IDD and need support from family and professionals to perform these roles.
Parent‐to‐Parent support providers: How recruits are identified
Authors: Dodds Robin L. , Singer George H. S.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To examine selection criteria for Parent‐to‐Parent support parents trained to provide support to other parents of children with disabilities.

Method

Ten leaders of Parent‐to‐Parent programmes participated in telephone interviews to explore attributes associated with parents selected to be trained as support parents.

Results

Qualitative analysis reveals parents deemed “ready” to become support parents, build relationships, exhibit positivity, build capacities, have good communication skills and a future orientation and feel the need to give back. An additional set of attributes we have named, “red flags” are associated with parents not suitable to provide support are also presented.

Conclusions

Parent‐to‐Parent support parents are informally identified by a set of characteristics that can be operationalized for screening purposes. Findings provide support for the positive influence of the peer support relationship and identify the need for a measure of parent “readiness” to assist in the recruitment of quality support parents for the Parent‐to‐Parent organization.
Elevated CO2 and temperature alter development and food utilization of Spodoptera litura fed on resistant soybean
Authors: Zhang Y. F. , Wan G. J. , Liu B. , Zhang X. G. , Xing G. N. , Chen F. J.
Published: October 2017

Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 (elevated CO2 vs. ambient CO2) and temperature (+0.67–0.79°C vs. ambient temperature) on the developmental life cycle of Spodoptera litura and the food utilization of the fourth‐instar larvae fed on soybean (resistant cultivar Lamar vs. susceptible landrace JLNMH) grown in open‐top chambers were studied from 2013 to 2015. The results indicated that: (i) compared with ambient CO2, elevated CO2 significantly prolonged the duration of larva and pupa, and adult longevity; significantly decreased the pupation rate, pupal weight, fecundity, the relative growth rate (RGR), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) and efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD); and increased the relative consumption rate (RCR) and approximate digestibility (AD). (ii) Compared with ambient temperature, elevated temperature significantly shortened the duration of larva and pupa; significantly decreased the pupal weight; and increased the RGR, RCR, ECD and ECI. (iii) Compared with the susceptible soybean accession JLNMH, the resistant soybean cultivar Lamar significantly prolonged the duration of larva and pupa; significantly decreased the pupation rate, pupal weight, adult longevity, fecundity and RGR, RCR and AD; and increased the indexes of ECD. (iv) At elevated temperature, S. litura fed on resistant vs. susceptible cultivars showed opposite trends in the RGR, RCR, AD, ECD and ECI. In addition, elevated temperature under elevated CO2 significantly decreased the RGR (2014), ECD (2013 & 2014) and ECI (2013) and increased the AD (2013 & 2014) compared with other treatment combinations when S. litura fed on Lamar. Future climatic change of temperature and CO2 concentration would likely affect growth and food utilization of S. litura, with increased food intake, but the reduced fecundity may compensate for the increased food consumption, resulting in no significant reduction in insect‐induced yield loss in soybean production. Nevertheless, use of insect resistant soybean cultivars will aid in ecological management of S. litura and reduce the insecticide load in soybean production.
Variations in demand and provision for publicly funded outpatient musculoskeletal physiotherapy services across Quebec, Canada
Authors: Deslauriers Simon , Raymond Marie‐Hélène , Laliberté Maude , Lavoie Amélie , Desmeules François , Feldman Debbie E. , Perreault Kadija
Published: October 2017

Rationale

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is high and expected to increase in the next decade. Persons suffering from musculoskeletal disorders benefit from early physiotherapy services. However, access to publicly funded physiotherapy services has been shown to be compromised by long waiting times and limited availability of resources in many countries around the world. Decisions on resource allocation may create geographic disparities in provision and access to services, which may result in inequity in access.

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to assess variations in demand and provision of publicly funded outpatient physiotherapy services across the province of Quebec, Canada, as well as to assess the demand to provision relationship.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of data retrieved from the 2008 Quebec Health Survey and data obtained from a survey of hospitals in the province of Quebec in 2015. We used geographic information systems analyses and descriptive analyses to assess geographic variations and the relationship between demand and provision.

Results

Our results indicate substantial variations in the provision and demand for physiotherapy services in the province of Quebec. The variations in service provision did not follow the variations in demand. Long waiting times and insufficient provision of services were found in many regions.

Conclusions

The variations in provision of physiotherapy services between regions reported in our study did not correspond to the variations in demand. Such geographic variations and demand to provision mismatches may create inequity in access to services, especially for those unable to afford private services.
Individual and combined effects of hepatitis B surface antigen level and viral load on liver cancer risk
Authors: Yang Yang , Gao Jing , Tan Yu‐Ting , Li Hong‐Lan , Wang Jing , Ma Xiao , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Xiang Yong‐Bing
Published: October 2017

Background

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and viral load are both hallmarks of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and have potential to stratify liver cancer risk.

Methods

We carried out a nested case–control study including 211 liver cancer cases and 221 controls who were seropositive for HBsAg within two population‐based cohorts in Shanghai. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Risk of liver cancer was positively related to increasing levels of HBV‐DNA and HBsAg in dose–response manners. Compared with subjects with HBV‐DNA < 2000 IU/ml, the adjusted ORs increased from 2.11 (95%CI: 0.99–4.50) to 10.47 (95%CI: 5.06–21.68) for those with HBV‐DNA level at 2000–19 999 to ≥ 20 000 IU/ml. Compared with subjects at a low level of HBsAg (0.05–99 IU/ml), the adjusted ORs increased from 1.82 (95%CI: 0.90–3.68) to 2.21 (95%CI: 1.10–4.43) for those with HBsAg level at 100–999 to ≥ 1000 IU/ml. Compared with subjects with HBV‐DNA < 2000 IU/ml and HBsAg < 100 IU/ml, the adjusted ORs were increased from 2.20 (95%CI: 1.07–4.49) for those with HBV‐DNA < 2000 and HBsAg ≥ 100 IU/ml to 6.94 (95%CI: 3.39–14.23) for those with HBV‐DNA ≥ 2000 IU/ml and HBsAg < 1000 IU/ml, and 16.15 (95%CI: 7.60–34.32) for those with HBV‐DNA ≥ 2000 IU/ml and HBsAg ≥ 1000 IU/ml.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of HBV‐DNA and HBsAg are associated with increased risks of liver cancer. Chronic HBsAg carriers may be suggested to simultaneously lower the viral load to < 2000 IU/ml and HBsAg level to < 100 IU/ml to lower their liver cancer risk.
Community‐Based Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning Documentation: Evidence from a Multispecialty Group
Authors: Tai‐Seale Ming , Yang Yan , Dillon Ellis , Tapper Sharon , Lai Steve , Yu Peter , Allore Heather , Ritchie Christine
Published: October 2017

Background/Objectives

With the growing public demand for access to critical health data across care settings, it is essential that advance care planning (ACP) information be included in the electronic health record (EHR) so that multiple clinicians can access it and understand individuals’ preferences for end‐of‐life care. Community‐based palliative care programs often incorporate ACP services. This study examined whether a community‐based palliative care program is associated with digitally extractable ACP documentation in the EHR.

Design

Observational study using propensity score–weighted generalized estimation equations to examine patterns of digitally extractable ACP documentation.

Setting

Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), a multispecialty ambulatory healthcare system in northern California.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older with serious illnesses between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014 (N = 3,444).

Intervention

Community‐based palliative care program in PAMF.

Measurements

Digitally extractable ACP in EHR.

Results

We found that only 14% (n = 483) of individuals with serious illnesses had digitally extractable ACP in electronic health records. Of the 6% of individuals receiving palliative care, 65% had ACP, versus 11% of those not receiving palliative care. Study results showed a strong positive association between palliative care and ACP.

Conclusion

Only a small percentage of individuals with serious illnesses had ACP documentation in the EHR. Individuals with serious illnesses infrequently used palliative care delivered by board‐certified palliative care specialists. Palliative care service use was associated with higher rates of ACP after controlling for organizational and individual characteristics using a propensity score weighting method. Scalable interventions targeted at non‐palliative care clinicians for universal access to ACP are needed.
Pulmonary anatomy and a case of unilateral aplasia in a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina): developmental perspectives on cryptodiran lungs
Authors: Schachner E. R. , Sedlmayr J. C. , Schott R. , Lyson T. R. , Sanders R. K. , Lambertz M.
Published: October 2017

The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a well studied and broadly distributed member of Testudines; however, very little is known concerning developmental anomalies and soft tissue pathologies of turtles and other reptiles. Here, we present an unusual case of unilateral pulmonary aplasia, asymmetrical carapacial kyphosis, and mild scoliosis in a live adult C. serpentina. The detailed three‐dimensional (3D) anatomy of the respiratory system in both the pathological and normal adult C. serpentina, and a hatchling are visualized using computed tomography (CT), microCT, and 3D digital anatomical models. In the pathological turtle, the right lung consists of an extrapulmonary bronchus that terminates in a blind stump with no lung present. The left lung is hyperinflated relative to the normal adult, occupying the extra coelomic space facilitated by the unusual mid‐carapacial kyphotic bulge. The bronchial tree of the left lung retains the overall bauplan of the normal specimens, with some minor downstream variation in the number of secondary airways. The primary difference between the internal pulmonary structure of the pathological individual and that of a normal adult is a marked increase in the surface area and density of the parenchymal tissue originating from the secondary airways, a 14.3% increase in the surface area to volume ratio. Despite this, the aplasia has not had an impact upon the ability of the turtle to survive; however, it did interfere with aquatic locomotion and buoyancy control under water. This turtle represents a striking example of a non‐fatal congenital defect and compensatory visceral hypertrophy.
Collusion Under Imperfect Monitoring with Asymmetric Firms
Authors: Garrod Luke , Olczak Matthew
Published: October 2017

We explore the effects of asymmetries in capacity constraints on collusion where market demand is uncertain and where firms’ sales and prices are private information. We show that all firms can infer when at least one firm's sales are below some firm‐specific ‘trigger level.’ When firms use this public information to monitor the collusive agreement, price wars may occur on the equilibrium path. Symmetry facilitates collusion but, if price wars are sufficiently long, then the optimal collusive prices of symmetric capacity distributions are lower on average than the competitive prices of asymmetric capacity distributions. We draw conclusions for merger policy.
Retail Mergers and Food Prices: Evidence from France
Authors: Allain Marie‐Laure , Chambolle Claire , Turolla Stéphane , Villas‐Boas Sofia B.
Published: October 2017

This paper analyzes the impact of a merger in the French supermarket industry on food prices. Using consumer panel data, we compare the changes in prices for merging and rival firms in affected and comparison markets. We use a novel definition of affected markets when some firms have a local pricing strategy and others a more centralized pricing strategy. We find that prices increase significantly following the merger, and that the merging firms lose market shares. For the rivals, the price increases are larger in local markets, in which concentration increased and differentiation changed after the merger.
Experiments with truth. A sociological variation on William James's Varieties of Religious Experience
Authors: Vandenberghe Frédéric
Published: October 2017

William James's Varieties of Religious Experience is a classic psycho‐philosophical study of the experience of the sacred and of its practical effects on the ordinary life of extraordinary persons. In a pragmatic variation of Kant's proof of god's existence, James uses personal accounts of converts to empirically demonstrate that there's “something” that has causal effects on the well‐being of the person. While the article is largely sympathetic to James explorations of the mystical, it offers a sociological variation on the Varieties that foregrounds the social, cultural and political aspects of religion.
The Effects of Self‐ and Peer‐Monitoring in Social Studies Performance of Students with Learning Disabilities and Low Achieving Students
Authors: Kim Woori , Ok Min Wook , Yoo Yongseok
Published: October 2017

This study employed group randomized trials to investigate the effects of self‐ and peer‐monitoring on the academic vocabulary and content knowledge of students with learning disabilities and low achieving students in social studies. Fourth grade students were randomly assigned to either treatment or control groups on a class level. Results indicated that there was a significant interaction effect between the intervention and students’ pretest scores on academic vocabulary acquisition; the intervention was more effective for students with lower scores in the pretest than those with higher scores. In addition, there was a significant intervention effect on content knowledge acquisition; the effect size of the growth of the treatment group on the content knowledge test was significantly larger than that of the comparison group. Teacher interviews also revealed that teachers viewed the intervention positively. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.
National predictors of hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus distribution and decline in Britain
Authors: Pettett Carly E. , Johnson Paul J. , Moorhouse Tom P. , Macdonald David W.
Published: October 2017

We utilise a volunteer survey recording roadkills between 2001 and 2011 to examine the factors affecting hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus abundance and decline. Hedgehogs were most abundant in the North and East of England and in Scotland, regions characterised by low badger numbers. Hedgehogs selected arable land and urban areas relative to their availability. Badger Meles meles and fox Vulpes vulpes abundance were negatively associated with hedgehog abundance at the 10 km2 scale. At the county level, foxes were positively associated with hedgehog numbers and badgers negatively associated. The mechanism behind the relationships between hedgehogs and badgers and foxes merits further investigation.
Timing, intensity, and duration of household food insecurity are associated with early childhood development in Kenya
Authors: Milner Erin M. , Fiorella Kathryn J. , Mattah Brian J. , Bukusi Elizabeth , Fernald Lia C.H.
Published: October 2017

This study examines the association between 3 dimensions of food insecurity (timing, intensity, and duration) and 3 domains of child development (gross motor, communication, and personal social). Longitudinal data from 303 households (n = 309 children) visited 9 times over 2 years were collected. Children in households experiencing severe food insecurity 3 months prior (timing) had significantly lower gross motor (β −0.14; 95% CI [0.27, −0.0033]; p = .045), communication (β −0.16; 95% CI [−0.30, −0.023]; p = .023), and personal social (β −0.20; 95% CI [−0.33, −0.073]; p = .002) Z‐scores, using lagged longitudinal linear models controlling for current food insecurity; these results were attenuated in full models, which included maternal education, household asset index, and child anthropometry. Children in households that experienced greater aggregate food insecurity over the past 2 years (intensity) had significantly lower gross motor (β −0.047; 95% CI [−0.077, −0.018]; p = .002), communication (β −0.042; 95% CI [−0.076, −0.0073]; p = .018), and personal social (β −0.042; 95% CI [−0.074, −0.010]; p = .010) Z‐scores; these results were also attenuated in full models. Children with more time exposed to food insecurity (duration) had significantly lower gross motor (β −0.050; 95% CI [−0.087, −0.012]; p = .010), communication (β −0.042; 95% CI [−0.086, 0.0013]; p = .057), and personal social (β −0.037; 95% CI [−0.077, 0.0039]; p = .076) Z‐scores; these results were no longer significant in full models. Our findings suggest that acute and chronic food insecurity and child development are related, but that many associations are attenuated with the inclusion of relevant covariates.
Inflammation and oxidative stress in corneal tissue in experimental keratitis due to Fusarium solani: Amelioration following topical therapy with voriconazole and epigallocatechin gallate
Authors: Ruban Vasanthakumar V. , Archana Philip T. , Sundararajan Mahalingam , Geraldine Pitchairaj , Thomas Philip A.
Published: October 2017

Combined antifungal and antioxidant therapy may help to reduce oxidative stress in fungal keratitis. Experimental Fusarium solani keratitis was induced by application of F. solani conidia to scarified cornea (right eye) of 16 rabbits (another four rabbits were negative controls [Group I]). Five days later, F. solani‐infected animals began receiving hourly topical saline alone (Group II), voriconazole (10 mg/mL) alone (Group III), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, 10 mg/mL) alone (Group IV) or voriconazole and EGCG (Group V). Twenty days post‐inoculation, corneal lesions were graded. After animal sacrifice, excised corneas underwent histopathological and microbiological investigations. Corneal tissue levels/activities of interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) gene mRNA transcripts, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 proteins, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were also measured. Clinical and histopathological scores (severity of corneal lesions; [P < .05]) and mean levels (P < .05) of IL‐1β and TNF‐α mRNA transcripts, MMP 2, MMP 9 and MDA were Group II > Groups IV and III > Groups V and I. Mean SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH levels (P < .05) were Group II < Groups IV and III < Groups V and I. Topical voriconazole with EGCG apparently reduces inflammation in experimental F. solani keratitis, as manifested by improved clinical, histological, microbiological and molecular parameters.
Association between change in serum bicarbonate and change in thyroid hormone levels in patients receiving conventional or more frequent maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: Molfino Alessio , Beck Gerald J , Li Minwei , Lo Joan C , Kaysen George A ,   for the FHN Investigators
Published: October 2017

Aim

Correction of metabolic acidosis in patients with chronic kidney disease has been associated with improvement in thyroid function. We examined whether changes in bicarbonate were associated with changes in thyroid function in patients with end‐stage renal disease receiving conventional or more frequent haemodialysis.

Methods

In the Frequent Hemodialysis Network Trials, the relationship between changes in serum bicarbonate, free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) was examined among 147 and 48 patients with endogenous thyroid function who received conventional (3×/week) or more frequent (6×/week) haemodialysis (Daily Trial) or who received conventional or more frequent nocturnal haemodialysis (Nocturnal Trial). Equilibrated normalized protein catabolic rate (enPCR) was examined to account for nutritional factors affecting both acid load and thyroid function.

Results

Increasing dialysis frequency was associated with increased bicarbonate level. Baseline bicarbonate level was not associated with baseline FT3 and FT4. Change in bicarbonate level was not associated with changes in FT3 and FT4 in the Daily Trial nor for FT4 in the Nocturnal Trial (r ≤ 0.14, P > 0.21). While, a significant correlation between change in serum bicarbonate and change in FT3 (r = 0.44, P = 0.02) was observed in the Nocturnal Trial; findings were no longer significant after adjusting for change in enPCR (r = 0.37, P = 0.08). For participants with baseline bicarbonate <23 mmol/L, no association between change in bicarbonate and change in thyroid indices were seen in the Daily Trial; for the Nocturnal Trial, findings were also not significant for change in FT3 and the association between change in bicarbonate and change in FT4 (r = 0.54, P = 0.03) was no longer significant after adjusting for enPCR (r = 0.45, P = 0.11).

Conclusion

Changes in bicarbonate were not associated with changes in thyroid hormone levels after adjusting for enPCR, as a marker of nutritional status. Future studies should examine whether improvement in acid base status improves thyroid function in haemodialysis patients with evidence of thyroid hypofunction.
TIPS and the VIX: Spillovers from Financial Panic to Breakeven Inflation in an Automated, Nonlinear Modeling Framework
Authors: Stillwagon Josh R.
Published: October 2017

This paper examines the determinants of the breakeven inflation rate (BEI) on U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities. After controlling for several measures of liquidity, inflation expectations and inflation uncertainty; financial fear itself (proxied with the Volatility Index or VIX) remains a primary influence on BEI. To delve into the mechanism underlying this association, the VIX is decomposed, using intraday data, into conditional variance and the variance premium capturing risk aversion. Aside from the 2008 crisis, most of the effect emanated from the variance premium. Following the crisis, indicators of bank insolvency risk gain prominence as well. Lastly, an automated nonlinear model finds convex effects of variance, and diminishing returns to insolvency risk and liquidity.
Nowcasting Indian GDP
Authors: Bragoli Daniela , Fosten Jack
Published: October 2017

Nowcasting has become a useful tool for making timely predictions of gross domestic product (GDP) in a data‐rich environment. However, in developing economies this is more challenging due to substantial revisions in GDP data and the limited availability of predictor variables. Taking India as a leading case, we use a dynamic factor model nowcasting method to analyse these two issues. Firstly, we propose to compare nowcasts of the first release of GDP to those of the final release to assess differences in their predictability. Secondly, we expand a standard set of predictors typically used for nowcasting GDP with nominal and international series, in order to proxy the variation in missing employment and service sector variables in India. We find that the factor model improves over several benchmarks, including bridge equations, but only for the final GDP release and not for the first release. Also, the nominal and international series improve predictions over and above real series. This suggests that future studies of nowcasting in developing economies which have similar issues of data revisions and availability as India should be careful in analysing first‐ vs. final‐release GDP data, and may find that predictions are improved when additional variables from more timely international data sources are included.
Immunogenicity of a Glycoconjugate from Hydrazine‐Detoxified Lipopolysaccharide of Vibrio cholerae O139
Authors: Fleischhackerová‐Slimáková A. , Korcová J. , Bystrický S.
Published: October 2017

A glycoconjugate (dLPS‐CBSA) from hydrazine‐detoxified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Vibrio cholerae O139 and BSA was used for immunization of BALB/c mice. The immunogenicity (concentration of induced IgG antibodies) of the conjugate was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The highest level of LPS‐specific IgGs was found in sera collected 2 weeks after the third immunization. Both IgM and IgG antibodies present in the anti‐V. cholerae O139‐specific sera showed long‐lasting vibriocidal activity. The glycoconjugate also stimulated production of IL‐4, IL‐6, IFNγ, TNFα and IL‐10. Immunization with the conjugate induced significant production of both Th1 and Th2 cytokine sets, indicating balanced Th1/Th2 immune response polarization. The quantitative analysis of total and LPS‐specific IgM and IgG antibodies production by B lymphocytes (from both the spleen and the bone marrow) was performed by ELISPOT assay. From the analysis of antibodies produced directly by B lymphocytes in the bone marrow (of dLPS‐CBSA immunized mice), we were able to identify the IgM‐IgG switch in the antibodies produced.