bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of autoimmune bullous diseases in Serbia: a 20‐year retrospective study
Authors: Milinković Mirjana V. , Janković Slavenka , Medenica Ljiljana , Nikolić Miloš , Reljić Vesna , Popadić Svetlana , Janković Janko
Published: October 2016

Background and objectives

While most previous surveys on the clinico‐epidemiological features of autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) have predominantly focused on a single disease entity or just one disease group, there have been only few studies examining the incidence of various AIBDs. In the present study, we set out to determine the spectrum of AIBDs, to estimate the incidence of the most common AIBDs, and to examine their temporal trends in Central Serbia over a period of 20 years.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited 1,161 new AIBD cases diagnosed in Central Serbia during the period from January 1991 to December 2010. The diagnosis was based on strict clinical, histological, and immunohistological evaluation.

Results

The incidence rates were: 4.35 per million population/year (pmp/year) for pemphigus, 4.47 pmp/year for pemphigoid, 1.42 pmp/year for dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), 0.25 pmp/year for linear IgA disease, and 0.08 pmp/year for epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. In the period observed, age‐adjusted incidence rates significantly increased for pemphigus and particularly for pemphigoid, whereas they decreased, albeit not significantly, for DH.

Conclusions

For the first time, our study evaluates the incidence rates of the entire spectrum of AIBDs in Serbia, and examines their temporal trends over a 20‐year period. To the best of our knowledge, our finding of similar incidence rates for pemphigus and pemphigoid has previously not been reported.
Ein mehrstufiger Algorithmus zur Diagnose seltener Genodermatosen
Authors: Tantcheva‐Poór Iliana , Oji Vinzenz , Has Cristina
Published: October 2016

Jüngste Fortschritte der Genforschung haben ihren Weg in die klinische Dermatologie gefunden. Nahezu ein Drittel aller Erbkrankheiten zeigt charakteristische Hautveränderungen. Zudem können Proben menschlicher Haut als Untersuchungsmaterial zur Detektion genetischer Mosaike und der zu Grunde liegenden Defekte eingesetzt werden. Die Diagnose von Genodermatosen bleibt jedoch aufgrund ihrer unterschiedlich ausgeprägten und überlappenden Phänotypen sowie ihrer Seltenheit und Vielzahl neuer Informationen wegen eine Herausforderung für die Kliniker. Um das Interesse für dieses, sich schnell entwickelnde Feld der Dermatologie zu wecken und den Blick für einige seltene Erbkrankheiten zu schärfen, stellen wir in der hiesigen Übersicht einen Algorithmus für die Diagnostik und Evaluierung von Patienten mit fraglichen Genodermatosen vor.
Predictors of outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes in the lixisenatide GetGoal clinical trials
Authors: Blonde Lawrence , Chava Pavan , Dex Terry , Lin Jay , Nikonova Elena V. , Goldenberg Ronald M.
Published: October 2016

Aims

To explore the treatment outcomes in adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) enrolled in the GetGoal trials of lixisenatide (LIXI), and the predictive effects of baseline characteristics on outcomes.

Methods

This study was a pooled analysis of patient‐level data from the LIXI GetGoal studies comparing LIXI and placebo. Patients were divided into baseline therapy groups: those receiving oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs) at baseline (n = 2760) or those receiving basal insulin at baseline (n = 1198).

Results

Compared with placebo, LIXI treatment led to significantly greater reductions in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and greater achievement of the composite endpoint of HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) with no symptomatic hypoglycaemia and no weight gain in either the OAD (34% vs 18%;
P
< .0001) or the basal insulin groups (19% vs 10%;
P
< .0001). Treatment with LIXI was associated with a greater percentage of patients experiencing a symptomatic hypoglycaemic event compared with placebo in both the OAD (5% vs 3%;
P
= .0098) and basal insulin groups (27% vs 17%;
P
< .0001). In assessing baseline factors that were predictors of treatment outcomes, only baseline HbA1c and LIXI treatment were strong predictors of outcomes in both the OAD and basal insulin groups. No other baseline characteristic had such a large or consistent clinically relevant predictive effect across treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

The results from this study show that irrespective of baseline characteristics, LIXI treatment, as an add‐on to OAD or basal insulin therapy, is effective in reducing HbA1c and achieving composite endpoints.
Does Australia's Unfair Contracts Act Limit Or Enhance Contractual Freedom?
Authors: Phillips Ken
Published: October 2016

In late 2015 Australia banned ‘unfair’ contract terms between large and small businesses. This article explains the context of the legislation and defends it from a free‐market perspective. It argues that the legislation enhances contractual freedom by codifying the elements that define a commercial contract at common law, and so protects the trust that is embedded in the structure of the contract.
Corruption and economic resilience: recovery from the financial crisis in western economies
Authors: Ormerod Paul
Published: October 2016

We consider the resilience of a group of 20 Western economies after the financial crisis of the late 2000s. We measure resilience by the growth of real GDP between 2007, the previous peak level, and 2015. The countries exhibit a broad range of experience, from a rise in GDP of 18 per cent in Australia to a fall of 26 per cent in Greece. A substantial proportion of the differences in growth rates can be accounted for by just two variables: the perceived level of corruption and membership of the Eurozone. The euro did have a negative impact on the recovery paths of the Mediterranean economies (Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain), but their perceived corruption scores in 2007 had a bigger impact, especially on the first three of these economies.
D‐dimer as a predictor of early neurologic deterioration in cryptogenic stroke with active cancer
Authors: Nam K.‐W. , Kim C. K. , Kim T. J. , An S. J. , Demchuk A. M. , Kim Y. , Jung S. , Han M.‐K. , Ko S.‐B. , Yoon B.‐W.
Published: October 2016

Background and purpose

The occurrence of stroke in cancer patients is caused by conventional vascular risk factors and cancer‐specific mechanisms. However, cryptogenic stroke in patients with cancer was considered to be more related to cancer‐specific hypercoagulability. In this study, we investigated the potential of the D‐dimer level to serve as a predictor of early neurologic deterioration (END) in cryptogenic stroke patients with active cancer.

Methods

We recruited 109 cryptogenic stroke patients with active cancer within 72 h of symptom onset. We defined END as an increase of ≥1 point in the motor National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score or ≥2 points in the total NIHSS score within 72 h of admission. After adjusting for potential confounding factors in the multivariate analysis, we calculated the odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) of D‐dimer in the prediction of END.

Results

Among 109 patients, END events were identified in 34 (31%) patients within 72 h. END was significantly associated with systemic metastasis, multiple vascular territory lesions on the initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), initial NIHSS score and D‐dimer levels. In the multivariate analysis, the D‐dimer level (adjusted OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04–1.17; P < 0.01) and initial NIHSS score (adjusted OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01–1.15; P = 0.03) predicted END after adjusting for potential confounding factors. In the subgroup analysis of 72 follow‐up MRIs, D‐dimer level was also correlated with new territory lesions on the follow‐up MRI in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

Ischemic stroke patients with active cancer and elevated D‐dimer levels appear to be at increased risk for END recurrent thromboembolic stroke.
Community pharmacists require additional support to develop capacity in delivering alcohol-related health information to older adults
Authors: Dare Julie , Wilkinson Celia , Garlepp Michael , Lo Johnny , Allsop Steve
Published: October 2016

Objectives

This qualitative study explored the barriers and enablers influencing Western Australian (WA) community pharmacists’ knowledge, confidence, willingness and practice in engaging older clients (<60 years) in alcohol-related health discussions.

Methods

Two focus groups were conducted with a total of 14 community pharmacists who had previously completed a formative quantitative survey (n = 63), and indicated willingness to participate in a follow-up focus group. Focus group questions, informed by the survey results, explored participants’ perceptions about barriers and enablers to delivering health information and advice about alcohol to older clients (60+ years). Shaw and colleagues’ theoretical framework was used to understand barriers and enablers in relation to role legitimacy, role adequacy and role support.

Key findings

Participants acknowledged that providing health information about alcohol to older clients is a legitimate part of a community pharmacist's role, and most were confident performing this role in situations perceived as core to their professional practice, such as while dispensing medicines. However, many participants identified limited knowledge, skills and confidence in assisting older clients who may have alcohol issues, beyond advising them on medication and alcohol use. Structural barriers such as time and financial barriers were also identified.

Conclusion

Routine professional practice including dispensing medicine and home medicine reviews may provide valuable opportunities to engage older clients in alcohol-related discussions. However, limited knowledge concerning appropriate strategies to assist older clients reduce their alcohol consumption, coupled with limited skills and confidence among community pharmacists in raising sensitive alcohol-related issues with clients, suggest the need for specific alcohol-related training and support.
Treatment‐related neuroendocrine prostate cancer resulting in Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Ramalingam Sundhar , Eisenberg Adva , Foo Wen Chi , Freedman Jennifer , Armstrong Andrew J , Moss Larry G , Harrison Michael R
Published: October 2016

Here we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of a paraneoplastic Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism) resulting from treatment‐related neuroendocrine prostate cancer – a highly aggressive and difficult disease to treat. A 51‐year‐old man was started on androgen deprivation therapy after presenting with metastatic prostate cancer, characterized by diffuse osseous metastasis. Shortly thereafter, he developed progressive disease with biopsy proven neuroendocrine prostate cancer as well as symptoms of increased skin pigmentation, hypokalemia, hypertension, hyperglycemia and profound weakness, consistent with ectopic Cushing's syndrome. Molecular analysis of the patient's tumor through RNA sequencing showed high expression of several genes including CHGA, ASCL1, CALCA, HES6, PCSK1, CALCB and INSM1 confirming his neuroendocrine phenotype; elevated POMC expression was found, supporting the diagnosis of ectopic Cushing's syndrome.
An evaluation study examining penile bacterial flora in boys undergoing hypospadias surgery with foreskin reconstruction
Authors: Sanders Caroline , Drew Richard J , Gerrard Christine , McAndrew Helen F
Published: October 2016

Hypospadias surgery with foreskin reconstruction is an increasingly preferred option for the management of this common condition. The objective of this study was to identify the bacterial flora present before and after cleansing of the prepuce as well as 7 d after surgery. Sixty‐three boys aged between 12–14 months, with primary distal hypospadias undergoing tubularized incised plate repair, were recruited between October 2013 and April 2014. Microbiological swabs were taken pre‐ and post‐operatively to identify organisms present under their foreskin at the time of surgery and compared with organisms present 7 d post‐operatively at the time of dressing removal. A parent reported wound infection tool was used to explore parents' perception and management of their son's wound 4 weeks following surgery. Bacterial colonization of the penis was common. Routine cleansing with an alcoholic chlorhexidine solution reduced bacterial flora in 82% of boys with a positive preoperative swab result. Post‐operative colonization of the penis was found in 93% of patients, wound dressing colonization was common. Two parents' reported concerns regarding their son's wound healing. Topical cleansing at the time of surgery is effective in reducing the number of organisms present under the foreskin. Despite recolonization 7 d after surgery, clinical infection remains uncommon. Complication rate 12 months after surgery was very low <2%.
Effect of Ventricular Arrhythmia Ablation in Patients With Heart Mate II Left Ventricular Assist Devices: An Evaluation of Ablation Therapy
Authors: SNIPELISKY DAVID , REDDY YOGESH N.V. , MANOCHA KEVIN , PATEL AALOK , DUNLAY SHANNON M. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , MUNGER THOMAS M. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. , PACKER DOUGLAS L. , CHA YONG‐MEI , KAPA SURAJ , BRADY PETER A. , NOSEWORTHY PETER A. , MALESZEWSKI JOSEPH J. , MULPURU SIVA K.
Published: October 2016

VT Ablation in LVAD Recipients

Background

Patients with advanced heart failure (HF) are predisposed to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), particularly following implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). There is minimal evidence for appropriate management strategies.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the burden of VA and response to ablation performed either before or following LVAD implantation.

Methods

We created a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent both VA ablation and Heart Mate II (Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA, USA) LVAD implantation at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA). Patients were stratified based on whether they underwent VA ablation before (pre‐LVAD) or after LVAD (post‐LVAD) implantation. Descriptive analyses assessed 6‐month arrhythmia burden in relation to LVAD implantation and VA ablation.

Results

A total of 9 patients underwent both LVAD implantation and VA ablation. There were 3 and 6 patients, respectively, in the pre‐LVAD and post‐LVAD cohorts. Among patients in the pre‐LVAD cohort, the median number of VAs tended to increase after ablation (9 vs. 72) and decreased after LVAD implantation (72 vs. 63). Similarly among patients in the post‐LVAD cohort, the median burden of VAs increased after LVAD implantation (1 vs. 22) and the median burden decreased after ablation (22 vs. 13). Two of 6 patients had substrate related to the LVAD inflow cannula site, while other substrate was not related directly to the cannula.

Conclusions

In patients with progressive HF and LVAD implantation, ablation is associated with reduced VA rates. In LVAD patients, most VAs arise from substrate unrelated to the inflow cannula site.
Morphological Simulation of Different Incisal Embrasures: Perception of Laypersons, Orthodontic Patients, General Dentists and Orthodontists
Authors: Eduarda Assad Duarte Maria , Martins Machado Ricardo , Fonseca Jardim da Motta Andrea , Nelson Mucha José , Trindade Motta Alexandre
Published: October 2016

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate how different forms of incisal embrasures influence the esthetic perception of the smile, the preferences of each group of evaluators, and the influence of gingival display.

Material and Methods

Two photographs of a broad male and female smiles were digitally manipulated to remove imperfections and asymmetries. A second manipulation was performed on the four maxillary incisors, creating 3 different forms of incisal embrasures: rounded, semi‐rounded and squared. The lower region of the upper lip was shifted down to simulate a smile with and without gingival display, resulting in a total of 12 photos. A presentation in digital media was structured with instructions and the photos to be studied by 240 evaluators, who were divided into four groups: laypersons, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, general dentists and orthodontists. The statistical analysis comprised the Multiple Factor ANOVA (SPANOVA), and the Tukey's post‐test was applied at a 5% significance level.

Results

The semi‐rounded form was generally preferred, with a score of 70.83 for the male smile, and 77.26 for the female smile. Gingival display generated a statistically significant influence on how the embrasures were perceived, with the semi‐rounded being preferred when associated with gingival display. Orthodontists were the most stringent in their evaluations. Patients and laypersons exhibited different patterns of esthetic perception.

Conclusions

The form of the incisal embrasures associated with gingival display influenced the evaluators' esthetic perception. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups of patients and orthodontists.

Clinical Significance

Incisal embrasures play an important role in smile esthetics and influence the attractiveness perception. In general, the semi‐rounded embrasure form is the most preferred. Different groups' perceptions on tooth morphology reinforce the importance of patient participation in treatment planning. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:68–78, 2017)
Digital Evaluation of Three Splinting Materials Used to Fabricate Verification Jigs for Full‐Arch Implant Prostheses: A Comparative Study
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , Kim Yong‐Jeong , Finkelman Matthew , El‐Rafie Khaled , Weber Hans‐Peter
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The primary aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of different splinting materials to make implant cast verification jigs. The secondary aim was to assess the effect of 20° implant angulation on the accuracy of casts.

Materials and Methods

An edentulous mandibular arch with five internal connection tissue level implants served as control. The three implants in the anterior region were parallel to each other and the two implants in the posterior region were distally tilted 20° bilaterally. Verification jigs were fabricated with three different materials by splinting prefabricated bars to temporary abutments, resulting in three different groups (n = 15 specimens). Test casts were fabricated with low expansion type IV stone, and subsequently digitized with reference scanner. The STL files from the test casts and the control were superimposed, in order to determine the three‐dimensional (3D) deviations.

Results

Group 1 (GC Pattern Resin) had a mean (SD) value of 36.59 (12.47) μm; Group 2 (Fixpeed Resin) had a mean (SD) value of 35.9 (10.13) μm; and Group 3 (Triad Gel) had a mean (SD) of 34.12 (7.10) μm. One‐way ANOVA showed no statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.790). For the comparative analysis of the effect of implant angulation, data were normally distributed for Groups 1 and 3 (GC Resin and Triad Gel), but not for group 2 (Fixpeed Resin). The difference between parallel and tilted implants was significant for all three groups: GC Resin (p = 0.024; paired t‐test), Fixpeed Resin (p = 0.002; Wilcoxon signed‐rank test), and Triad Gel (p = 0.002; paired t‐test).

Conclusions

There were no statistically significant differences between the 3D deviations of the test casts fabricated from verification jigs made by three materials (GC Pattern Resin, Fixpeed Resin, and Triad Gel). Parallel implants had nominally significantly less 3D deviations compared with 20° distally tilted implants, but not clinically significant.

Clinical Significance

The results of the present study indicate that more than 20° of angulation, has an effect on the 3D accuracy. However, even though the tilted implants had nominally significantly more 3D deviation, it was not clinically significant. The clinical implications of this in vitro study are relevant to the popular full‐arch implant rehabilitation concept of tilted and axial implants such as the All‐on‐four concept. Tilting the posterior implants to increase the antero‐posterior spread increases the implant angulation which is then corrected with 30° angulated abutments. This in vitro study shows that even after correction with angulated abutments if the remaining angulation is up to 20°, framework fit may still be achieved. Verification jig is essential tool to achieve the framework fit. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:102–109, 2017)
New species of the miniature genus Gelanoglanis (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) from the Tocantins River basin (Brazil) and osteological description of G. nanonocticolus
Authors: Calegari B. B. , Reis R. E.
Published: October 2016

A new species of Gelanoglanis is described based on specimens collected in the Tocantins River, a tributary of the Amazon Basin. The new species is distinguished from congeners by unusual features to the genus such as the pelvic fin falling short of the urogenital opening by a distance larger than the anal‐fin length, the first unbranched dorsal and pectoral‐fin rays not ossified as spines, the dorsal‐fin spinelet absent and the adipose fin in adults preceded by a long fleshy ridge. The new species is further distinguished from congeners by its soft, sinuous snout tip and morphometric proportions of the body and head. The new species shares most putative synapomorphies of the genus, as well as the miniaturized condition evidenced by a diminutive body size and reduced ossifications and lateral sensory system. An elongate dorsal process of the cleithrum is posited as an additional synapomorphy for the genus. An osteological description of Gelanoglanis nanonocticolus based on high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography is also provided.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BA3FE72D‐FEF84‐7A7‐B751‐2A15EA52C203.
Evaluation of the possible non‐thermal effect of microwave radiation on the inactivation of wheat germ lipase
Authors: Chen Zhongwei , Li Yulin , Wang Likun , Liu Shuyi , Wang Keke , Sun Jun , Xu Bin
Published: October 2016

To determine whether non‐thermal effect exist during the process of enzyme inactivation by microwave radiation, the conformation and activity of wheat germ lipase (WGL) treated by microwaves and conventional heating were investigated, respectively. The results indicated that, when the WGL was maintained at 20 °C, its Tyr, Trp residues, the secondary and tertiary structures did not changed, even though the microwave was sustained for 1,800 s with power of higher than 80 W. While, when the temperatures were up to 45 and 60 °C, the activity of WGL decreased 60% and 100%, respectively, and the tertiary structure of WGL was totally changed by microwave at 60 °C. Moreover, the inactivation efficient of microwave radiation was about 10% more than that of conventional heating based on the thermal effects. In conclusion, microwave inactive WGL based on thermal effects rather than non‐thermal effect, and was more effective than conventional heating.

Practical Applications

Microwave has been widely used in food thawing, drying, sterilization, enzyme inactivation and et al. In cereal industry, microwave is usually used to inactivate wheat germ lipase (WGL), which plays an important role in the storage of wheat products. However, because the effects of microwave was strongly interferes by the possible non‐thermal effect and cannot be separated easily, the potential inactivation mechanism of microwave on enzyme was not clear enough to guide the inactivation process of lipase by microwave.

In this study, the effects of microwave and conventional heating on the stability of WGL were investigated to detect the possibility of non‐thermal effects during the inactivation process of lipase by microwave. The results make sure that, the microwave inactivated WGL based on thermal effect, rather than non‐thermal effect. Thus, we can focus on the factors that influence the heating efficiency to improve the effect of inactivation of WGL or other lipase by microwave.
Documents as Displaced Voice: Writing among Amazonian Urarina
Authors: Walker Harry
Published: October 2016

Aunque los niveles de alfabetización sean aún bajos en la Amazonía, los Urarina del Perú emplean documentos con frecuencia y entusiasmo. Este artículo explora el uso y apropiación de documentos escritos en relación a ideologías locales del lenguaje y del poder, focalizándose en sus cualidades performativas, es decir, en lo que los documentos ‘hacen’. A pesar de que el uso de documentos escritos cumple un rol importante conectando la población al Estado peruano y su burocratizada cultura política, aquí se argumenta que para los Urarina, los documentos son especialmente valorizados por su capacidad de extender influencia personal y poder persuasivo gracias a tres capacidades/tendencias que se sobreponen. Los documentos desplazan o delegan la voz separándola de la agencia, construyendo, por tanto, una imagen de autoridad distante o trascendente. Asimismo, éstos transforman y transfieren a través de diversas modalidades semióticas, sugiriendo la mediación de relaciones con mundos no‐fenomenales. Por último, los documentos fijan el discurso, evocando permanencia en un ambiente social fluido.
12th Key Symposium Introduction: insulin resistance in common diseases
Authors: Smith U.
Published: October 2016

Content List – Read more articles from the symposium: 12th Key Symposium ‐ Insulin Resistance in Common Diseases.
Early Mars serpentinization‐derived CH4 reservoirs, H2‐induced warming and paleopressure evolution
Authors: Chassefière E. , Lasue J. , Langlais B. , Quesnel Y.
Published: October 2016

CH4 has been observed on Mars both by remote sensing and in situ during the past 15 yr. It could have been produced by early Mars serpentinization processes that could also explain the observed Martian remanent magnetic field. Assuming a cold early Mars, a cryosphere could trap such CH4 as clathrates in stable form at depth. The maximum storage capacity of such a clathrate cryosphere has been recently estimated to be 2 × 1019 to 2 × 1020 moles of methane. We estimate how large amounts of serpentinization‐derived CH4 stored in the cryosphere have been released into the atmosphere during the Noachian and the early Hesperian. Due to rapid clathrate dissociation and photochemical conversion of CH4 to H2, these episodes of massive CH4 release may have resulted in transient H2‐rich atmospheres, at typical levels of 10–20% in a background 1–2 bar CO2 atmosphere. The collision‐induced heating effect of H2 present in such an atmosphere has been shown to raise the surface temperature above the water freezing point. We show how local and rapid destabilization of the cryosphere can be induced by large events (such as the Hellas Basin or Tharsis bulge formation) and lead to such releases. Our results show that the early Mars cryosphere had a sufficient CH4 storage capacity to have maintained H2‐rich transient atmospheres during a total time period up to several million years or tens of million years, having potentially contributed to the formation of valley networks during the Noachian/early Hesperian.
The Ralstonia solanacearum type III effector RipAY targets plant redox regulators to suppress immune responses
Authors: Sang Yuying , Wang Yaru , Ni Hong , Cazalé Anne‐Claire , She Yi‐Min , Peeters Nemo , Macho Alberto P.
Published: October 2016

The subversion of plant cellular functions is essential for bacterial pathogens to proliferate in host plants and cause disease. Most bacterial plant pathogens employ a type III secretion system to inject type III effector (T3E) proteins inside plant cells, where they contribute to the pathogen‐induced alteration of plant physiology. In this work, we found that the Ralstonia solanacearum T3E RipAY suppresses plant immune responses triggered by bacterial elicitors and by the phytohormone salicylic acid. Further biochemical analysis indicated that RipAY associates in planta with thioredoxins from Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis. Interestingly, RipAY displays γ‐glutamyl cyclotransferase (GGCT) activity to degrade glutathione in plant cells, which is required for the reported suppression of immune responses. Given the importance of thioredoxins and glutathione as major redox regulators in eukaryotic cells, RipAY activity may constitute a novel and powerful virulence strategy employed by R. solanacearum to suppress immune responses and potentially alter general redox signalling in host cells.
Molecular identification of unusual Mycetoma agents isolated from patients in Venezuela
Authors: Rojas Olga C. , León‐Cachón Rafael B. R. , Moreno‐Treviño Maria , González Gloria M.
Published: October 2016

Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous, subcutaneous disease endemic in tropical and subtropical countries. It is currently a health problem in rural areas of Africa, Asia and South America. Nine cases of mycetoma were analysed in a retrospective study. All isolates were identified by morphological features. The level of species identification was reached by molecular tools. Definitive identification of fungi was performed using sequence analysis of the ITS of the ribosomal DNA region and the ribosomal large‐subunit D1/D2. Identification of actinomycetes was accomplished by the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Six unusual clinical isolates were identified: Aspergillus ustus, Cyphellophora oxyspora, Exophiala oligosperma, Madurella pseudomycetomatis, Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia wallacei. The prevalence of mycetoma in Venezuela remains unknown. This study represents the first report in the literature of mycetoma caused by unusual pathogens identified by molecular techniques.
Legacies of Scholars, Scholarship, and Praxis from the International Association for Conflict Management: Celebrating a Lifetime of Achievements
Authors: Gross Michael A.
Published: October 2016

This special issue of Negotiation and Conflict Management Research celebrates the scholarship and intellectual contributions of four recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association for Conflict Management (IACM). The IACM Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes important contributions over the span of a career, particularly to those colleagues who have spanned disciplinary boundaries in their scholarship. Each article in this special issue highlights the scholarly impact of a recipient, offers insights for building an academic career, and identifies directions for future research in negotiation and conflict management.
Revitalizing Conflict Research with a Communication Perspective: Celebrating and Learning from Linda Putnam's Contributions to the Study of Conflict
Authors: Paul Gregory D. , Geddes Deanna , Jones Tricia S. , Donohue William A.
Published: October 2016

In this tribute to the 2010 recipient of the International Association for Conflict Management Lifetime Achievement Award, we celebrate the scholarship of Linda Putnam. We highlight her transformational impact not only on conflict research, but also on those of us who have had the opportunity to work with her. Noting her multidisciplinary research and her advocacy for a communication perspective of conflict, we review four distinct contributions and their intersections with conflict research: the communication perspective of conflict, interaction analysis, the bona fide group perspective, and bounded emotionality. Underlying these contributions are cross‐disciplinary principles exemplified in Linda Putnam's research and career that serve to revitalize conflict research and inspire scholars. We conclude with her words of wisdom on the future of this field of research.
Genomics and the evolution of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Gillings Michael R. , Paulsen Ian T. , Tetu Sasha G.
Published: October 2016

Antibiotic resistance arises as a consequence of complex interactions among genes, mobile elements, and their bacterial hosts, coupled with the intense selection pressures imposed by humans in an attempt to control bacterial growth. Understanding the evolution of resistance requires an understanding of interacting cellular and genetic components. Here, we review how DNA analysis has helped reconstruct the origins of the mosaic, multiresistant mobile elements that have spread through pathogens in the last 60 years. This history helps inform the future, such that resistance might be better managed. Whole‐genome sequencing has great potential for epidemiological tracking and for understanding the development of resistance via experimental evolution. DNA analysis also offers the opportunity for constructing databases that record genes of interest, the mobile elements that move these genes, and the cells or species that acquire such genes. Linking these DNA elements to their human and animal hosts and to the environments where they occur should help us establish a more robust ecological and evolutionary framework for controlling and managing resistance. Such efforts need to be well coordinated because, like many other issues that face humanity, antibiotic resistance is a global problem that requires global solutions.
Tight control of nitrate acquisition in a plant species that evolved in an extremely phosphorus‐impoverished environment
Authors: Prodhan M. Asaduzzaman , Jost Ricarda , Watanabe Mutsumi , Hoefgen Rainer , Lambers Hans , Finnegan Patrick M.
Published: October 2016

Hakea prostrata (Proteaceae) has evolved in an extremely phosphorus (P)‐limited environment. This species exhibits an exceptionally low ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and low protein and nitrogen (N) concentration in its leaves. Little is known about the N requirement of this species and its link to P metabolism, despite this being the key to understanding how it functions with a minimal P budget. H. prostrata plants were grown with various N supplies. Metabolite and elemental analyses were performed to determine its N requirement. H. prostrata maintained its organ N content and concentration at a set point, independent of a 25‐fold difference nitrate supplies. This is in sharp contrast to plants that are typically studied, which take up and store excess nitrate. Plants grown without nitrate had lower leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, indicating N deficiency. However, H. prostrata plants at low or high nitrate availability had the same photosynthetic pigment levels and hence were not physiologically compromised by the treatments. The tight control of nitrate acquisition in H. prostrata retains protein at a very low level, which results in a low demand for rRNA and P. We surmise that the constrained nitrate acquisition is an adaptation to severely P‐impoverished soils.
Neural responses to affective pictures while anticipating and perceiving respiratory threat
Authors: Juravle Georgiana , Reicherts Phillipp , Riechmann‐Weinstein Mirjam , Wieser Matthias J. , von Leupoldt Andreas
Published: October 2016

Emotional processes have an impact on the anticipation and perception of bodily threat sensations, such as breathlessness. However, little is known about the reverse influence of breathlessness on emotional processes, as well as its modulation by anxiety sensitivity (AS). Here, we investigated by means of visually evoked potentials how the perception versus anticipation of resistive‐load‐induced breathlessness (RLIB) influences emotional processing. High (HA) and low anxious (LA) participants viewed pictures of positive, neutral, or negative content under conditions of perceived RLIB, anticipated RLIB, or an unloaded baseline. The P2 (230–290 ms) was significantly less positive under perceived RLIB. Furthermore, the early late positive potential (LPP; 300–500 ms) was significantly less positive during both RLIB conditions, as compared to baseline. Overall, the P1 was significantly more positive in HA as compared to LA individuals. Additionally, across conditions, the late LPP (600–1,000 ms) was enhanced for positive and negative pictures as opposed to neutral ones for the LA group. In contrast, for the HA group only, the positive pictures elicited the typical enhanced LPP. Notably, for the HA participants, negative pictures elicited significantly blunted late LPPs during perceived RLIB as compared to anticipated RLIB and baseline. A reversed effect (i.e., more positivity) was observed for LA participants, suggesting motivational priming. Taken together, these results highlight the impact of perceived and anticipated respiratory threat on the neural processing of emotional picture stimuli, as well as its modulation by anxiety sensitivity levels.
Differential expression of ISG 15 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of nulliparous and multiparous pregnant versus non‐pregnant Bos indicus cattle
Authors: Soumya NP , Das DN , Jeyakumar S , Mondal S , Mor A , Mundhe UT
Published: October 2016

Contents

Embryonic mortality is found to be the main source of reproductive wastage in domestic ruminants. Many genes are involved in the growth and development of the embryo, and the interferon‐stimulated gene 15 (ISG 15) is one of the major gene stimulated by interferon tau, the maternal recognition of pregnancy signal in ruminants. In this study, both genomic and cDNA sequences of ISG 15 from Bos indicus (Deoni breed) were amplified and characterized. The genomic sequence of Deoni ISG 15 exhibited 99% identity with Bos taurus and 97% identity with that of Bos mutus and Bubalus bubalis. Moreover qRT‐PCR analysis revealed constitutive expression of the ISG 15 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Deoni heifers and multiparous cows during early pregnancy. Fourteen Deoni heifers and fifteen multiparous Deoni cows were synchronized for timed AI by CIDR‐Ovsynch protocol, and six animals were kept as cyclic control in each group. Blood samples were collected on days 7, 14, 16, 18, 21, 30 and 45 from the day of AI. Pregnancy was confirmed by plasma progesterone level through ELISA. A significantly higher expression of ISG 15 mRNA was found on day 16 (p < .05) and day 18 (p < .05) of pregnancy in nulliparous heifers. Although in multiparous Deoni cows ISG 15 expression was greater in pregnant cows, difference was statistically non‐significant. The result of this study indicates that ISG 15 gene expression is upregulated during 16–18 days of pregnancy and could be used as an early pregnancy marker in dairy cows especially in heifers.
Hemodialysis Time and Kt/V: Less May Be Better
Authors: Tattersall James
Published: October 2016

Current guidelines focus on conventional dialysis defined as 3–5 hours, three times per week, and suggest that longer or more frequent dialysis be considered. This paper presents the case for considering that shorter or less frequent dialysis should also be considered. More frequent and/or longer dialysis facilitates control of fluid overload, blood pressure, and phosphate levels. These benefits will require time to translate into probable hard outcome improvement. Patients are unlikely to participate in productive or pleasurable activities while undergoing dialysis in center or traveling to treatment. So any increase in dialysis time or frequency, during awake hours, will result in an immediate and quantifiable reduction in quality of life. Conventional measures of dialysis adequacy consider only urea clearance. This poorly reflects middle molecule clearance, renal function, and management of fluid and phosphate overload, all of which have a greater impact on outcome than urea clearance. Fluid, phosphate, and uremic toxin overload may be better and less invasively controlled by continuous means such as dietary modification, binders, and preserving renal function. Bioimpedance, blood volume monitoring, and lung ultrasound provide means for improved control of fluid homeostasis. The probability of renal function recovery or preservation is increased by avoiding dehydration. An ideal strategy would be to preserve renal function and employ as little dialysis as possible (if it cannot be avoided altogether). Fluid overload, blood pressure, uremic toxin, and phosphate levels would be monitored and controlled using any means available, preferably by less invasive means than dialysis. Kt/V is useful in controlling the prescribed dose of dialysis, but the achievement of a universal target should not be an end in itself.
Isotope and elemental geochemistry of black shale‐hosted fossiliferous concretions from the Cretaceous Santana Formation fossil Lagerstätte (Brazil)
Authors: Heimhofer Ulrich , Meister Patrick , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Ariztegui Daniel , Martill David M. , Rios‐Netto Aristoteles M. , Schwark Lorenz
Published: October 2016

Carbonate concretions hosted within organic carbon‐rich shale sequences represent unique archives of often exceptionally preserved fossil biota. Besides providing high‐fidelity preservation, their geochemical signatures can provide insight into the physical and chemical processes during early and later‐stage concretion growth. Here, two fossiliferous carbonate concretions of the late Early Cretaceous Santana Formation (Araripe Basin, north‐east Brazil) are analysed with an integrative geochemical approach including μ‐XRF scanning, δ13C, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr and Δ47 (clumped isotope thermometry). Individual concretions show a concentric internal zonation with the outermost layer being composed of millimetre thick cone‐in‐cone calcite. A strong covariance of δ13C and δ18O values of the fine‐crystalline concretion body indicates mixing of two different carbonate phases and supports a scenario of temporally separated pervasive growth stages. Microbially‐mediated formation of an early porous calcite framework was controlled by the combined processes of fermentation and methanogenesis around the decaying carcass, forming localized environments within a zone of sulphate reduction. Microbial sulphate reduction is indicated by the concentric enrichment of pyrite in the outer part of the concretion body and by high pyrite abundance in the surrounding shale. Information on the later‐stage diagenetic processes affecting the Santana concretions can be derived from the outermost fringing cone‐in‐cone calcite. The carbonate precipitating fluid was characterized by a more or less marine δ18O composition (calculated δ18Oporewater = −1·0 to −1·8‰) and by radiogenic Sr‐isotope ratios (up to 0·713331 ± 7·0*10−6), the latter probably reflecting modification due to interaction with the surrounding shale or, alternatively, with underlying evaporitic sulphate deposits influenced by strong continental inflow or with crystalline basement rocks. The Δ47‐derived temperature estimates range between 37°C and 42°C ± 5, indicating precipitation of the cone‐in‐cone calcite at a depth of 650 to 850 m, which is only half as much as the maximum burial depth derived from existing fission‐track data. Overall, the study of fossiliferous carbonate concretions in organic carbon‐rich sedimentary sequences can reveal a complex growth history spanning incipient microbially‐influenced precipitates as well as later‐stage burial diagenetic phases.
Landmark‐based summarized messages for flood warning
Authors: Chang Ya‐Hui , Liu Yu‐Te , Tan Yi‐Yuan
Published: October 2016

In order to evacuate residents in time, flood warning systems must have rapid data processing algorithms to translate detailed numerical data into simple warnings and navigation aids. Although it is common to display warning messages by directly drawing red circles on a map embedded in a Web page to indicate the regions about to be inundated, such an approach has some drawbacks. We propose an alternative way by summarizing the warning messages based on landmarks, so that the messages can be short and convey even more information. We have designed two approaches to output such messages. They are the nearest landmark approach and the threshold approach, which differ in the way of determining which landmarks will be influenced by a certain flooded region. These two methods are implemented and we compare their performance through real and synthetic datasets. Experimental results show that the threshold approach usually takes less execution time than the nearest landmark approach. Its severity ranking of landmarks is also better suited to human behaviour.
CLINICAL, ULTRASONOGRAPHIC, AND ARTHROSCOPIC CHARACTERISTICS OF HAIR SHAFTS WITHIN SYNOVIAL STRUCTURES OF SEVEN HORSES
Authors: Partlow Jessica L. , Lustgarten Meghann , Redding W. Rich
Published: October 2016

To the authors’ knowledge, the ultrasonographic appearance of hair shafts within a synovial structure of the horse has not been described previously. The purpose of this descriptive study was to illustrate the clinical, ultrasonographic, and arthroscopic characteristics of confirmed hair shafts within synovial structures of seven horses. A review of medical records of the Farm and Equine Veterinary Medical Center at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine identified seven horses with clinical signs suspicious for inflammatory or septic synovitis/tenosynovitis that had hair shafts identified within those structures ultrasonographically. Imaging findings were confirmed by surgical arthroscopy, bursoscopy, tenoscopy, or necropsy. Unique ultrasound characteristics of intrasynovial hair included thin, linear, hyperechoic structures, which did not cast acoustic shadows. Findings supported the use of ultrasonography as a complementary diagnostic method for ruling out hair foreign material in horses with signs of inflammatory or septic synovitis/tenosynovitis.
FoxO‐dependent atrogenes vary among catabolic conditions and play a key role in muscle atrophy induced by hindlimb suspension
Authors: Brocca Lorenza , Toniolo Luana , Reggiani Carlo , Bottinelli Roberto , Sandri Marco , Pellegrino Maria Antonietta
Published: October 2016

Key points

Muscle atrophy is a debilitating condition that affects a high percentage of the population with a negative impact on quality of life.

Dissecting the molecular level of the atrophy process, and the similarities/dissimilarities among different catabolic conditions, is a necessary step for designing specific countermeasures to attenuate/prevent muscle loss.

The FoxO family transcription factors represent one of the most important regulators of atrophy programme stimulating the expression of many atrophy‐related genes.

The findings of the present study clearly indicate that the signalling network controlling the atrophy programme is specific for each catabolic condition.

Muscle atrophy is a complex process that is in common with many different catabolic diseases including disuse/inactivity and ageing. The signalling pathways that control the atrophy programme in the different disuse/inactivity conditions have not yet been completely dissected. The inhibition of FoxO is considered to only partially spare muscle mass after denervation. The present study aimed: (i) to determine the involvement of FoxOs in hindlimb suspension disuse model; (ii) to define whether the molecular events of protein breakdown are shared among different unloaded muscles; and finally (iii) to compare the data obtained in this model with another model of inactivity such as denervation. Both wild‐type and muscle‐specific FoxO1,3,4 knockout (FoxO1,3,4−/−) mice were unloaded for 3 and 14 days and muscles were characterized by functional, morphological, biochemical and molecular assays. The data obtained show that FoxOs are required for muscle loss and force drop during unloading. Moreover, we found that FoxO‐dependent atrogenes vary in different unloaded muscles and that they diverge from denervation. The findings of the present study clearly indicate that the signalling network that controls the atrophy programme is specific for each catabolic condition.
The Investigation of Pipeline Accidents, Canada’s Approach
Authors: Tucker William T.
Published: October 2016

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB/C) is the short name, or applied title, for the federal agency mandated to carry out independent safety investigations of accidents and incidents of the marine, pipeline, rail and air modes of transportation. Our official name is the “Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board” reflecting the legislation under which we operate. The CTAISB Act was passed by Parliament in June 1989 and promulgated in March 1990.