bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cetia pacifica gen. nov., sp. nov., a chemolithoautotrophic, thermophilic, nitrate-ammonifying bacterium from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent
Authors: Grosche Ashley , Sekaran Hema , Pérez-Rodríguez Ileana , Starovoytov Valentin , Vetriani Costantino
Published: January 2015

A thermophilic, anaerobic, chemolithoautotrophic bacterium, strain TB-6T, was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent located on the East Pacific Rise at 9° N. The cells were Gram-staining-negative and rod-shaped with one or more polar flagella. Cell size was approximately 1–1.5 µm in length and 0.5 µm in width. Strain TB-6T grew between 45 and 70 °C (optimum 55–60 °C), 0 and 35 g NaCl l−1 (optimum 20–30 g l−1) and pH 4.5 and 7.5 (optimum pH 5.5–6.0). Generation time under optimal conditions was 2 h. Growth of strain TB-6T occurred with H2 as the energy source, CO2 as the carbon source and nitrate or sulfur as electron acceptors, with formation of ammonium or hydrogen sulfide, respectively. Acetate, (+)-d-glucose, Casamino acids, sucrose and yeast extract were not used as carbon and energy sources. Inhibition of growth occurred in the presence of lactate, peptone and tryptone under a H2/CO2 (80 : 20; 200 kPa) gas phase. Thiosulfate, sulfite, arsenate, selenate and oxygen were not used as electron acceptors. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 36.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of strain TB-6T showed that this organism branched separately from the three most closely related genera,

Caminibacter

,

Nautilia

and

Lebetimonas

, within the family

Nautiliaceae

. Strain TB-6T contained several unique fatty acids in comparison with other members of the family

Nautiliaceae

. Based on experimental evidence, it is proposed that the organism represents a novel species and genus within the family

Nautiliaceae

, Cetia pacifica, gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is TB-6T ( = DSM 27783T = JCM 19563T).
Rhodanobacter koreensis sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from tomato rhizosphere
Authors: Won KyungHwa , Singh Hina , Ngo Hien T. T. , Son HeungMin , Kook MooChang , Kim Ki–Young , Yi Tae–Hoo
Published: January 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and motile bacterium, designated THG-DD7T, was isolated from tomato plant rhizosphere soil. Strain THG-DD7T grew optimally at 25–30 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5 and in the presence of 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. According to the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain THG-DD7T was most closely related to

Rhodanobacter umsongensis

GR24-2T (98.2 %),

Rhodanobacter panaciterrae

LnR5-47T (98.0 %),

Rhodanobacter soli

DCY45T (97.9 %),

Rhodanobacter terrae

GP18-1T (97.9 %) and

Dyella ginsengisoli

Gsoil 3046T (97.7 %). The DNA G+C content was 65.2 mol%. In DNA–DNA hybridization, the DNA relatedness levels between strain THG-DD7T and its closest phylogenetically neighbours were below 40.0 %. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone Q-8. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphtidylethanolamine, phosphatidyl-N-methylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl (summed feature 9). These data supported the affiliation of strain THG-DD7T to the genus

Rhodanobacter

. The results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain THG-DD7T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the species of the genus

Rhodanobacter

with validly published names. Therefore, the novel isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Rhodanobacter koreensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-DD7T ( = KACC 17650T = JCM 19614T).
Molecular and crystal structure of gossypol tetramethyl ether with an unknown solvate
Authors: Honkeldieva Muhabbat , Talipov Samat , Mardanov Rustam , Ibragimov Bakhtiyar
Published: January 2015

The title compound, C34H38O8(systematic name: 5,5′-diisopropyl-2,2′,3,3′-tetramethoxy-7,7′-dimethyl-2H,2′H-8,8′-bi[naphtho[1,8-bc]furan]-4,4′-diol), has been obtained from a gossypol solution in a mixture of dimethyl sulfate and methanol. The molecule is situated on a twofold rotation axis, so the asymmetric unit contains one half-molecule. In the molecule, the hydroxy groups are involved in intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds, and the two naphthyl fragments are inclined each to other by 83.8 (1)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...O and C—H...π interactions consolidate the packing, which exhibits channels with an approximate diameter of 6 Å extending along thec-axis direction. These channels are filled with highly disordered solvent molecules, so their estimated scattering contribution was subtracted from the observed diffraction data using the SQUEEZE option inPLATON[Spek, A. L. (2015).Acta Cryst. C71, 9–18].
Crystal structure of 2-chloro-1-(3-ethyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethanone
Authors: Shreevidhyaa Suressh V. , Revathi B. K. , Abdul Basheer S. , Ponnuswamy S. , Usha G.
Published: January 2015

In the racemic title compound, C21H24ClNO, the dihedral angle between the planes of the benzene rings is 86.52 (14)° and those between the benzene rings and the piperidine ring are 61.66 (14) and 86.39 (14)°. The piperidine ring adopts a twisted boat conformation. No directional interactions could be detected in the crystal.
Strategic talent development interventions: an analysis
Authors: Panda Sunita , Sahoo Chandan Kumar
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to attempt to test a model of talent development interventions and find out the various factors which actually impact the process in a manufacturing concern.

Design/methodology/approach

– Multiple regression analysis is used to analyse the data and find the extent to which the variables considered are significant predictors of talent development. Primary data are collected from the respondents (executives) of two manufacturing units with the help of a structured questionnaire. A sample size of 200 is considered for extraction of data for the study.

Findings

– The results of the study highlight that six of the independent variables significantly predict the dependent variable. This paper identifies the most important factors which are found to be pivotal for the development of talent in the organizations considered for the study.

Practical implications

– Managing talent in the present competitive business scenario is one of the most vital issues in which HR professionals/practitioners are involved. It becomes imperative for top management to know about the various ways which can aid in proper development of talent. This paper empirically identifies the various strategic interventions which aid in the proper development of talent in manufacturing sector.

Originality/value

– While there are many papers tracing the talent development process and the various strategic interventions, there is a dearth of empirical research being done in this field in the manufacturing sector. This paper attempts to explore the developmental interventions in the manufacturing sector and adds new insights on an empirical basis.
Diversity & Inclusion and innovation: a virtuous cycle
Authors: Steele Rebekah , Derven Marjorie
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to clarify the reciprocal relationship between Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) and innovation to demonstrate how each may be effectively leveraged for the benefit of the other to help businesses grow. The paper aims to expand the discussion around the relationship between D&I and innovation by exploring not only how D&I can be leveraged for better outcomes in innovation, but also how innovation can be leveraged for better outcomes in D&I.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper explores insights from researchers and practitioners, case examples, and the authors’ professional experiences, opinions and interpretations.

Findings

– Set in the context of current challenges facing business leaders, the paper provides insights, recommendations and case examples about how D&I can be leveraged to bring about innovative products, services and business solutions. It also discusses factors limiting success in the field of D&I calling for innovative approaches that can deliver better outcomes. A set of recommendations and case examples of next generation D&I practices is followed by an example methodology demonstrating value in fostering innovative D&I strategies and results.

Research limitations/implications

– Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to explore and test the proposals further.

Practical implications

– The paper suggests opportunities for the development of more effective approaches to leveraging D&I for innovation, and leveraging innovation for D&I to help businesses succeed.

Originality/value

– This paper highlights a novel opportunity to examine the reciprocity in the interplay between innovation and D&I and broaden the typically unilateral view of this relationship.
An investigation of the effects of product recalls on brand commitment and purchase intention
Authors: Byun Kyung-Ah , Dass Mayukh
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine how product recalls affect brand commitment and post-recall purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

– The role of consumer and product recall characteristics based on attribution theory is tested using data collected through experiments and analyzed using a type of finite mixture model.

Findings

– Results indicate varying effects of product recalls on commitment across these four customer groups and a strong effect of affective commitment on post-recall purchase behavior.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes four types of consumers based on dichotomous levels of affective and calculative commitment, namely, Hard Cores, Don’t-Cares, Lovers and Rationalists, and shows how product recalls affect these consumer groups differently, and how this information assists brand managers in developing post-product recall consumer management strategies.
Psychopathy, gang membership, and moral disengagement among juvenile offenders
Authors: Dhingra Katie , Debowska Agata , Sharratt Kathryn , Hyland Philip , Kola-Palmer Susanna
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of psychopathy factors and gang membership on moral disengagement while controlling for age, ethnicity, having run away from home, family member and/or friend arrests, substance misuse, parental physical fights, violence exposure (victimization and witnessing), and maternal warmth and hostility.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is based on data collected from serious juvenile offenders (n=769) as part of the Pathways to Desistance Study.

Findings

– Six independent variables made a unique statistically significant contribution to the model: gang membership, age, gender, violence exposure, and psychopathy Factors 1 and 2. Psychopathy Factor 1 was the strongest predictor of moral disengagement.

Originality/value

– Results indicate that youth with heightened psychopathic traits make greater use of strategies to rationalize and justify their harmful behaviour against others. Implications in relation to theory and previous studies are discussed.
How the evolution of science will transform business schools
Authors: Vazquez Sampere Juan Pablo
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The ambiguous response of business schools to responsible management education (RME) is part of a larger problem which is rooted in how science evolves. The purpose of this paper is to explain how the consolidation of causal-based research in management will produce much more effective theories and teaching materials. Therefore business schools will then have to seriously engage in strong RME practices to prevent scandals from happening and to consolidate management as a profession.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, two models are introduced and explained. First, a comprehensive methodology for theory building that controls for causality and delivers clear and actionable results. Second, a model that depicts the three stages of interactions between variables (relationship, contingency and causality).

Findings

– New causal-based research methods are starting to emerge that explain when a particular event will occur and how to “cause” for it to happen.

Social implications

– Business schools are not responsible of the current economic crisis. But if they do not find a way to introduce RME practices before the advent of causal-based research their reputation might be severely damaged during the next one.

Originality/value

– As many other business school innovations, the first group of business schools that pioneer causal-based research will not only deliver on the promise of RME but also introduce the new generation of successful, relevant and actionable new managerial practices.
Using transcranial magnetic stimulation to quantify electrophysiological changes following concussive brain injury: A systematic review
Authors: Major Brendan P , Rogers Mark A , Pearce Alan J
Published: January 2015

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and sports concussion are a growing public health concern, with increasing demands for more rigorous methods to quantify changes in the brain post‐injury. Electrophysiology, and in particular, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), have been demonstrated to provide prognostic value in a range of neurological conditions; however, no review has quantified the efficacy of TMS in mTBI/concussion. In the present study, we present a systematic review and critical evaluation of the scientific literature from 1990 to 2014 that has used TMS to investigate corticomotor excitability responses at short‐term (< 12 months), medium‐term (1–5 years), and long‐term (> 5 years) post‐mTBI/concussion. Thirteen studies met the selection criteria, with six studies presenting short‐term changes, five studies presenting medium‐term changes, and two studies presenting long‐term changes. Irrespective of time post‐concussion, change in intracortical inhibition was the most reported observation. Other findings included increased stimulation threshold, and slowed neurological conduction time. Although currently limited, the data suggest that TMS has prognostic value in detecting neurophysiological changes post‐mTBI/concussion.
Regulation of RYR2 by sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+
Authors: Zhang Joe Z , Waddell Helen MM , Jones Peter P
Published: January 2015

Ca2+ is arguably the most important ion involved in the contraction of the heart. The cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2), the major Ca2+ release channel located in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane, is responsible for releasing the bulk of Ca2+ required for contraction. Moreover, RyR2 is also crucial for maintaining SR Ca2+ homeostasis by releasing Ca2+ from the SR when it becomes overloaded with Ca2+. During normal contraction, RyR2 is activated by cytosolic Ca2+, whereas during store overload conditions, the opening of RyR2 is governed by SR Ca2+. Although the process of the cytosolic control of RyR2 is well established, the molecular mechanism by which SR luminal Ca2+ regulates RyR2 has only recently been elucidated and remains controversial. In addition to the activation of RyR2, SR luminal Ca2+ also determines when the RyR2 channel closes. RyR2‐mediated Ca2+ release from the SR does not continue until the SR is completely depleted. Rather, it ceases when SR luminal Ca2+ falls below a certain level. Given the importance of SR Ca2+, it is not surprising that the SR luminal Ca2+ level is tightly controlled by SR Ca2+‐buffering proteins. Consequently, the opening and closing of RyR2 is heavily influenced by the presence of such proteins, particularly those associated with RyR2, such as calsequestrin and the histidine‐rich Ca2+‐binding protein. These proteins appear to indirectly alter RyR2 activity by modifying the microdomain SR Ca2+ level surrounding RyR2.
Morphological and molecular identification ofConilepia nigricosta, new toKorea, andLithosia quadrawith their phylogenetic placements within tribe lithosiina (Lepidoptera:Erebidae:Arctiinae)
Authors: Lee Ga‐Eun , Han Taeman , Park Haechul , Kim Joon‐Bum
Published: January 2015

Conilepia nigricosta(Leech 1888) is very similar toLithosia quadrain the superficial appearance of females. We re‐examined their morphologies and analyzed theirDNAbarcode regions to assess their taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships with other related genera. Our morphological study confirmed the diagnostic value of the wing venation and the genital structures in both sexes. Our analyses withDNAbarcodes showed sufficient genetic divergences ranging from 6.21% to 7.16% between those two species. The phylogenetic relationship using the barcoding region for the members belonging to lithosiina showed thatConilepiaandLithosiaare suggested as having strong monophyly compared to other genera.
Research on Early Warning of Food Security Using a System Dynamics Model: Evidence from Jiangsu Province in China
Authors: Xu Jianling , Ding Yi
Published: January 2015

Analyzing the early warning of food security, this paper sets the self‐sufficiency rate as the principal indicator in a standpoint of supplement. It is common to use the quantitative methods to forecast and warning the insecurity. However, this paper considers more about the probable outcome when the government intervenes. By constructing the causal feedbacks among grain supplement, demand, productive input, and the policy factors to simulate the future food security in Jiangsu province, conclusions can be drawn as the following: (1) The situation of food security is insecure if the self‐sufficiency rate is under 68.3% according to the development of system inertia. (2) it is difficult to guarantee the food security in Jiangsu just depending on the increase of grain sown area. (3) The valid solution to ensure the food security in Jiangsu is to improve the productivity.
Mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Liang Jun , Sun Lingyun
Published: January 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells are a rare subset of stem cells residing in the bone marrow where they closely interact with hematopoietic stem cells and support their growth and differentiation. They can suppress proliferation or functions of many immune cells such as T cells, B cells, natural killer cells and dendritic cells. Recently, a substantial progress has been made in the field of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. Experimental and clinical data suggest that this therapy has been a promising strategy for severe and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus.
Measurement errors should always be incorporated in phylogenetic comparative analysis
Authors: Silvestro Daniele , Kostikova Anna , Litsios Glenn , Pearman Peter B. , Salamin Nicolas
Published: January 2015

The evolution of continuous traits is the central component of comparative analyses in phylogenetics, and the comparison of alternative models of trait evolution has greatly improved our understanding of the mechanisms driving phenotypic differentiation. Several factors influence the comparison of models, and we explore the effects of random errors in trait measurement on the accuracy of model selection.

We simulate trait data under a Brownian motion model (BM) and introduce different magnitudes of random measurement error. We then evaluate the resulting statistical support for this model against two alternative models: Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) and accelerating/decelerating rates (ACDC).

Our analyses show that even small measurement errors (10%) consistently bias model selection towards erroneous rejection of BM in favour of more parameter‐rich models (most frequently the OU model). Fortunately, methods that explicitly incorporate measurement errors in phylogenetic analyses considerably improve the accuracy of model selection.

Our results call for caution in interpreting the results of model selection in comparative analyses, especially when complex models garner only modest additional support.

Importantly, as measurement errors occur in most trait data sets, we suggest that estimation of measurement errors should always be performed during comparative analysis to reduce chances of misidentification of evolutionary processes.
Performance of species occurrence estimators when basic assumptions are not met: a test using field data where true occupancy status is known
Authors: Miller David A. W. , Bailey Larissa L. , Grant Evan H. Campbell , McClintock Brett T. , Weir Linda A. , Simons Theodore R.
Published: January 2015

Populations are rarely censused. Instead, observations are subject to incomplete detection, misclassification and detection heterogeneity that result from human and environmental constraints. Though numerous methods have been developed to deal with observational uncertainty, validation under field conditions is rare because truth is rarely known in these cases.

We present the most comprehensive test of occupancy estimation methods to date, using more than 33 000 auditory call observations collected under standard field conditions and where the true occupancy status of sites was known. Basic occupancy estimation approaches were biased when two key assumptions were not met: that no false positives occur and that no unexplained heterogeneity in detection parameters occurs. The greatest bias occurred for dynamic parameters (i.e. local colonization and extinction), and in many cases, the degree of inaccuracy would render results largely useless.

We examined three approaches to increase adherence or relax these assumptions: modifying the sampling design, employing estimators that account for false‐positive detections and using covariates to account for site‐level heterogeneity in both false‐negative and false‐positive detection probabilities. We demonstrate that bias can be substantially reduced by modifications to sampling methods and by using estimators that simultaneously account for false‐positive detections and site‐level covariates to explain heterogeneity.

Our results demonstrate that even small probabilities of misidentification and among‐site detection heterogeneity can have severe effects on estimator reliability if ignored. We challenge researchers to place greater attention on both heterogeneity and false positives when designing and analysing occupancy studies. We provide 9 specific recommendations for the design, implementation and analysis of occupancy studies to better meet this challenge.
Neurocognitive impairment in a large sample of homeless adults with mental illness
Authors: Stergiopoulos V. , Cusi A. , Bekele T. , Skosireva A. , Latimer E. , Schütz C. , Fernando I. , Rourke S. B.
Published: January 2015

Objective

This study examines neurocognitive functioning in a large, well‐characterized sample of homeless adults with mental illness and assesses demographic and clinical factors associated with neurocognitive performance.

Method

A total of 1500 homeless adults with mental illness enrolled in the At Home Chez Soi study completed neuropsychological measures assessing speed of information processing, memory, and executive functioning. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with neurocognitive performance.

Results

Approximately half of our sample met criteria for psychosis, major depressive disorder, and alcohol or substance use disorder, and nearly half had experienced severe traumatic brain injury. Overall, 72% of participants demonstrated cognitive impairment, including deficits in processing speed (48%), verbal learning (71%) and recall (67%), and executive functioning (38%). The overall statistical model explained 19.8% of the variance in the neurocognitive summary score, with reduced neurocognitive performance associated with older age, lower education, first language other than English or French, Black or Other ethnicity, and the presence of psychosis.

Conclusion

Homeless adults with mental illness experience impairment in multiple neuropsychological domains. Much of the variance in our sample's cognitive performance remains unexplained, highlighting the need for further research in the mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in this population.
The Intergenerational Continuity of Breastfeeding Intention, Initiation, and Duration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Di Manno Laura , Macdonald Jacqui A. , Knight Tess
Published: January 2015

Background

In studies investigating predictors of breastfeeding behaviors, it is not uncommon for researchers to adjust for participants’ having been breastfed as an infant. This assumes an intergenerational effect of breastfeeding continuity. Our aim was to investigate the veracity of that assumption. Specifically, we sought to summarize and evaluate evidence of associations between breastfeeding in one generation and breastfeeding intentions and behaviors in the second generation.

Methods

A systematic search of psychological, nursing, and medical databases was conducted for studies examining “having been breastfed” as a factor in breastfeeding intention, initiation, or duration. Quality indicators were assessed and limitations reported. Effects were explored according to outcomes of intention, initiation, and duration.

Results

Fifteen papers were found to be eligible for the review. Having been breastfed as an infant was consistently correlated with breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration. Effect sizes differed depending on methodology. Men's infant‐feeding status was also related to later intentions to support or encourage a partner to breastfeed.

Conclusions

Robust evidence for intergenerational breastfeeding continuity is present; however, mechanisms that explain this association were not considered in the studies reviewed and would best be explored within longitudinal cohort studies.
Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence and constipation: a European consensus statement
Authors: Maeda Y. , O'Connell P. R. , Lehur P.‐A. , Matzel K. E. , Laurberg S. ,   European SNS Bowel Study Group
Published: January 2015

Aim

In Europe during the last decade sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) or sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has been used to treat faecal incontinence (FI) and constipation. Despite this, there is little consensus on baseline investigations, patient selection and operative technique. A modified Delphi process was conducted to seek consensus on the current practice of SNS/SNM for FI and constipation.

Method

A systematic literature search of SNS for FI and constipation was conducted using PubMed. A set of questions derived from the search and expert opinion were answered on‐line on two occasions by an international panel of specialists from Europe. A 1‐day face‐to‐face meeting of the experts finalized the discussion.

Results

Three hundred and ninety‐three articles were identified from the literature search, of which 147 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty‐two specialists in FI and constipation from Europe participated. Agreement was achieved on 43 (86%) of 50 domains including the set‐up of service, patient selection, baseline investigations, operative technique and programming of the device. The median of agreement was 95% (35–100%).

Conclusion

Consensus was achieved on the majority of domains of SNS/SNM for FI and constipation. This should serve as a benchmark for safe and quality practice of SNS/SNM in Europe.
Myocardial perfusion imaging is an effective screening test for coronary artery disease in liver transplant candidates
Authors: Baker Sally , Chambers Charles , McQuillan Patrick , Janicki Piotr , Kadry Zakiyah , Bowen Daniel , Bezinover Dmitri
Published: January 2015

A reliable screening test for coronary artery disease (CAD) in liver transplant (LT) candidates with end‐stage liver disease is essential because a high percentage of perioperative mortality and morbidity is CAD‐related. In this study, the effectiveness of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for identification of significant CAD in LT candidates was evaluated. Records of 244 patients meeting criteria for MPI were evaluated: 74 met inclusion criteria; 40 had a positive MPI and cardiology follow‐up; 27 had a negative MPI and underwent LT; and seven had a negative MPI and then had coronary angiography or a significant cardiac event. A selective MPI interpretation strategy was established where MPI‐positive patients were divided into high, intermediate, and low CAD risk groups. The overall incidence of CAD in this study population was 5.1% and our strategy resulted in PPV 20%, NPV 94%, sensitivity 80%, and specificity 50% for categorizing CAD risk. When applied only to the subset of patients categorized as high CAD risk, the strategy was more effective, with PPV 67%, NPV 97%, sensitivity 80%, and specificity 94%. We determined that renal dysfunction was an independent predictive factor for CAD (p < 0.0001, odds ratio = 8.1), and grades of coronary occlusion correlated significantly with chronic renal dysfunction (p = 0.0079).
Internal biliary stenting during orthotopic liver transplantation: anastomotic complications, post‐transplant biliary interventions, and survival
Authors: Mathur Amit K. , Nadig Satish N. , Kingman Stephanie , Lee Dustin , Kinkade Kathleen , Sonnenday Christopher J. , Welling Theodore H.
Published: January 2015

Background

Biliary complications are a leading source of surgical morbidity following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Methods

We examined how prophylactic internal biliary stent placement during OLT affected post‐transplant morbidity and mortality in a single‐center retrospective cohort study of 513 recipients (2006–2012). Recipient and donor covariates were collected. Biliary complications included major and minor anastomotic leaks, strictures, or stenoses. Multivariate regression models were created to estimate how operative biliary stents affected outcomes.

Results

About 87.3% (n = 448) of recipients had a duct‐to‐duct biliary anastomosis, and 43.1% (n = 221) had biliary stents placed. The biliary complication rate was <15% at five yr, and 44.8% (n = 230) overall. Stenting was not protective from anastomotic biliary complications (p = 0.06). Stenting was associated with a 74% higher adjusted risk of needing multiple endoscopic retrograde cholangiographies (ERCs; odds ratio [OR] 1.74, p = 0.011), and trended toward a lower adjusted risk for repetitive percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTCs; OR 0.56, p = 0.063). Stenting had no effect on the cumulative freedom from biliary complications (p = 0.94). Biliary complications were associated with mortality (HR 1.86, p = 0.014) and was unaffected by stenting (aHR = 0.72, p = 0.246).

Conclusions

Biliary stenting during OLT does not deter biliary complications and is associated with higher risk of multiple invasive biliary interventions, particularly ERCs. Surgeons should evaluate the utility of biliary stents at OLT within this context.
Competency frameworks in diabetes
Authors: Simmons D. , Deakin T. , Walsh N. , Turner B. , Lawrence S. , Priest L. , George S. , Vanterpool G. , McArdle J. , Rylance A. , Terry G. , Little P.
Published: January 2015

The quality, skills and attitudes of staff working in the healthcare system are central to multidisciplinary learning and working, and to the delivery of the quality of care patients expect. Patients want to know that the staff supporting them have the right knowledge and attitudes to work in partnership, particularly for conditions such as diabetes where 95% of all care is delivered by the person with diabetes themselves. With the current changes in the NHS structures in England, and the potential for greater variation in the types of ‘qualified provider’, along with the recent scandal at Mid‐Staffordshire Hospital, staff need to be shown to be competent and named/accredited or recognized as such. This will help to restore faith in an increasingly devolved delivery structure. The education and validation of competency needs to be consistently delivered and assured to ensure standards are maintained for different roles and disciplines across each UK nation. Diabetes UK recommends that all NHS organizations prioritize healthcare professional education, training and competency through the implementation of a National Diabetes Competency Framework and the phased approach to delivery to address this need.
GPR40 agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: life after ‘TAKing’ a hit
Authors: Mancini A. D. , Poitout V.
Published: January 2015

The free fatty acid receptor GPR40 has been proposed as a potential target for type 2 diabetes (T2D) pharmacotherapy. This idea has been validated in both preclinical and clinical studies, in which activation of GPR40 was shown to improve glycaemic control by stimulating glucose‐dependent insulin secretion; however, the recent termination of phase III clinical trials using the GPR40 agonist TAK‐875 (fasiglifam) has raised important questions regarding the long‐term safety and viability of targeting GPR40 and, more specifically, about our understanding of this receptor's basic biology. In the present review, we provide a summary of established and novel concepts related to GPR40's pharmacobiology and discuss the current status and future outlook for GPR40‐based drug development for the treatment of T2D.
ESCI award lecture: regulation, function and biomarker potential of DNA methylation
Authors: Schübeler Dirk
Published: January 2015

Methylation of DNA and modifications of histones have emerged as intricately involved in gene regulation as they cross‐talk and respond in multiple ways to the activity of transcription factors. Measuring these epigenome components has become a powerful tool to identify regulatory principles and biomarkers that predict cellular state during development or disease. Here, I will focus on DNA methylation as a reversible epigenetic modification of DNA that has been studied in great detail at the level of the genome. Recent advances in sequencing have identified unexpected dynamics of this modification, which are tightly linked to gene regulation. Understanding how DNA methylation patterns are read and how they contribute to regulation will be critical to interpret and utilize genomic maps of DNA methylation. As these patterns are dynamic during cellular differentiation and perturbed in disease, they present an opportunity to use DNA methylation as a biomarker.
Living and dead soil organic matter under different land uses on a Mediterranean island
Authors: D'Acqui L. P. , Santi C. A. , Vizza F. , Certini G.
Published: January 2015

Summary

Soil under six different land uses on Pianosa Island, in the Mediterranean Sea, was characterized in terms of microbial activity and organic matter quality, in order to define relationships between living and dead organic matter. Biological measurements and chemical and spectroscopic (13C NMR and FTIR) investigation of the extracted soil organic matter provided clues to the effects of soil management on the reciprocal interactions between living and dead organic matter. In particular, the conversion from the original bushy maquis to other land uses, such as degraded thickets of holm oak, maquis‐invaded groves of olive trees, stands of Aleppo pines and abandoned pastures, implied significant reduction of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its microbial fraction (MBC). Cropland, which is the land use with the greatest perturbation of soil, had the smallest SOC, MBC and soil respiration rate. Significant differences in extractable SOC among land uses occurred, both as total amount and as molecular mass distribution. The relatively good relationship between soil respiration and the extracted SOM‐fraction of 2–50 kDa, expressed on a molecular mass basis, suggests that this size is strongly linked to heterotrophic organisms and that it could be representative of a transitory pool of C in soil.
Using forest growth trajectory modelling to complement BioCondition assessment of mine vegetation rehabilitation
Authors: Ngugi Michael R. , Neldner Victor J. , Kusy Branislav
Published: January 2015

The standard rehabilitation objective for open‐cut mines in Queensland is to establish a self‐sustaining native forest ecosystem. Consequently, mine regulators and managers need tools to project whether sites are likely or not to meet agreed completion criteria and to ensure timely remedial interventions. The Ecosystem Dynamics Simulator (EDS) is such a tool capable of modelling forest dynamics and projecting long‐term growth of woody species only. Here, the model was applied to rehabilitation sites aged between 5 and 22 years in Meandu open‐cut coal mine in southeast Queensland. EDS projected structural characteristics for trees (height, diameter, basal area, foliage projective cover and stem density) and tree species composition as a function of rehabilitation age. Projected stand growth attributes were assessed against BioCondition benchmarks developed from eucalypt (Eucalyptus/Corymbia) remnant forests adjacent to the mine. Growth trajectories indicated that sites with >30% eucalypt basal area composition were more likely to develop into eucalypt‐dominated self‐sustaining ecosystems compared with sites that were initially dominated by acacias (Acacia spp.). Projections suggested that some benchmark attributes such as number of large eucalypt trees would take more than 70 years to be met. The application of EDS provided a framework to support decisions on early remedial intervention and assess the risk associated with lease relinquishment.
Harnessing reforestation to achieve greater biodiversity gains: Interview with David Lamb
Authors: Lamb David , McDonald Tein
Published: January 2015

For some decades, David Lamb has been seeking ways to help communities around the world reforest landscapes to improve ecological functioning and enhance local people's livelihoods. Here he describes how there is increasing world‐wide interest in expanding reforestation to generate ecosystem services and outlines some of the issues this raises for restoration practitioners.
Seeding the future – the issues of supply and demand in restoration in Australia
Authors: Broadhurst Linda , Driver Martin , Guja Lydia , North Tom , Vanzella Bindi , Fifield Graham , Bruce Stephen , Taylor David , Bush David
Published: January 2015

It has been almost 15 years since concerns about the limited capacity of remnant native vegetation to supply the volumes of seed required to meet increasing restoration demands were first raised. Since that time little progress has been made towards addressing this constraint with the ongoing decline of native vegetation communities, especially since 2000, further challenging seed supply. We provide examples of the size of this demand for seed, as well as major issues associated with seed sourcing. We also discuss how invoking the concept of market forces to drive seed supply and demand is inappropriate and highlight the need for an industry body to oversee seed collection and utilisation standards. We further propose key actions that are required to secure the seed supply chain within the next 20 years to meet existing and future restoration targets. We argue that concerted, coordinated action at Commonwealth, State and regional levels are required to underpin effective future restoration outcomes.
Twelve years on: Ecological restoration and rehabilitation at Sydney Olympic Park
Authors: O'Meara Jennifer , Darcovich Kerry
Published: January 2015

When Sydney's 760 ha Homebush Bay industrial site was rezoned for urban renewal and staging the Olympic Games in 2000, massive investment was made to remediate past damage and develop a future public park containing active recreation and natural areas. Since that date, endangered forest and wetland communities, along with threatened fauna species, have received priority treatments to improve the ecological function of the Park's natural areas. Evaluation of progress 12 years on reveals substantial achievements and multiple lessons.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐I and UVB photoprotection in human keratinocytes
Authors: Fernandez Tara Lyn , Van Lonkhuyzen Derek R. , Dawson Rebecca A. , Kimlin Michael G. , Upton Zee
Published: January 2015

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), in particular the UVB spectrum, is a risk factor for skin cancer development. The generation and accumulation of UVB‐induced genetic mutations are fundamental premalignant events. Keratinocyte interactions between other cutaneous cell populations and the surrounding microenvironment determine cell fate and acute photoresponses. In this study, the importance of the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) system, in particular the insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), on influencing key processes in the keratinocyte acute photoresponse was investigated. Exogenous IGF‐I and other growth factors present in dermal fibroblast‐conditioned media (CM) were found to significantly enhance keratinocyte survival following UVB irradiation in vitro. This pretreatment was also shown to cause a shift in the expression levels of various DNA damage response proteins. Consequently, this was associated with accelerated rates of UVB‐induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer removal in these samples. Finally, activation of the IGF system influenced cell cycle progression in UVB‐irradiated keratinocytes. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of the IGF signalling network in initiating the repair of potentially mutagenic DNA damage in human keratinocytes. The dysregulation of these processes may therefore have significant implications in the aetiology of skin cancers and other cutaneous diseases.
Temperature and the biogeography of algal stoichiometry
Authors: Yvon‐Durocher Gabriel , Dossena Matteo , Trimmer Mark , Woodward Guy , Allen Andrew P.
Published: January 2015

Aim

The average carbon‐to‐nitrogen‐to‐phosphorus ratio (C:N:P) of marine algae is known to be tightly coupled to that of the inorganic pools of C, N and P in the ocean interior (i.e. the Redfield ratio), and therefore plays a key role in regulating the C and N cycles in the ocean. The C:N:P ratio of algae also varies substantially, both within and among taxa, in response to variation in the abiotic environment, raising the possibility that biogeochemical controls on the marine C and N cycles may shift as a result of climate change. However, the role of temperature in driving phenotypic variation in stoichiometry within algal taxa, as well as biogeographic variation in particulate C, N and P among oceanic regions, remains largely unresolved.

Location

Global.

Methods

To assess the extent to which temperature controls algal stoichiometry we performed two complementary meta‐analyses. First, we characterized the global temperature dependence of algal stoichiometry by analysing field data that encompassed 767 estimates of C:N:P from 22 oceanic sites spanning over 130° of latitude. Second, we characterized the within‐species acclimation responses of C:N:P stoichiometry to temperature by analysing data that encompassed 17 experiments, 9 species and 4 taxonomic classes.

Results

The geographic analyses demonstrated that the N:P and C:P ratios of marine algae were best predicted by latitudinal variation in average sea‐surface temperature, and that both ratios increased 2.6‐fold from 0 to 30 °C. These global‐scale temperature responses, which largely reflect geographic variation in the species compositions of algal assemblages, were of similar magnitude to the average within‐species response of the N:P and C:P ratios to experimental temperature manipulations.

Main conclusions

The congruence between field and experimental observations suggests that temperature‐dependent physiological mechanisms operating at the subcellular level play an important role in determining the stoichiometry of algae in the world's oceans.
A Novel Assay for Easy and Rapid Quantification of Helicobacter pylori Adhesion
Authors: Skindersoe Mette E. , Rasmussen Lone , Andersen Leif P. , Krogfelt Karen A.
Published: January 2015

Background

Reducing adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to gastric epithelial cells could be a new way to counteract infections with this organism. We here present a novel method for quantification of Helicobacter pylori adhesion to cells.

Methods

Helicobacter pylori is allowed to adhere to AGS or MKN45g cells in a 96‐well microtiter plate. Then wells are added saponin, which lyses the cells without affecting the bacteria. After addition of alamarBlue® (resazurin) and 1‐ to 2‐hour incubation, fluorescence measurements can be used to quantify the number of adherent bacteria.

Results

By use of the method, we demonstrate that adhesion of both a sabA and babA deletion mutant of H. pylori is significantly reduced compared to the wild type.

Conclusion

The method offers a number of applications and may be used to compare the adherence potential of different strains of H. pylori to either cells or different materials or to screen for potential anti‐adhesive compounds. The results presented here suggest that this easy and reproducible assay is well suited for quantitative investigation of H. pylori adhesion.
The Counts of Anjou in the Tenth and Eleventh Centuries: Understanding Power and Authority in the High Middle Ages
Authors: Dachowski Elizabeth
Published: January 2015

The county of Anjou has a central place in French and English historiography as one of the main territorial principalities that emerged in the tenth and eleventh centuries. The power and authority of Angevin counts in the tenth and eleventh centuries make the county central to debates over public and private authority – violence, coercion, and cooperation – and the continuity or discontinuity of Carolingian institutions in the early Capetian era. Its rich primary source record has allowed numerous studies to address these questions, but more work needs to be done making use of the methodology of emerging fields within medieval studies and with a focus on how the lesser nobility functioned in Anjou.
Routine HIV testing within the emergency department of a major trauma centre: a pilot study
Authors: Bath R , Ahmad K , Orkin C
Published: January 2015

Objectives

UK guidelines recommend routine HIV testing for all medical admissions where the local prevalence exceeds 2 per 1000. We aimed to review uptake of HIV testing in the emergency department (ED) of one of the country's major trauma centres in a 3‐month pilot study (March−June 2013).

Methods

ED attendees already having blood tests were routinely tested for HIV (based on the recommendation being made to all to test when having blood taken). Uptake was determined using the surrogate marker of ED attendees who had full blood counts (FBCs) as the denominator. Newly diagnosed patients were linked to care and contacts tested. Staff completed an anonymous online survey to determine acceptability at the end of the pilot study.

Results

A total of 2828 patients were tested over 3 months. Nineteen HIV‐positive individuals were identified. Eight were newly diagnosed, of whom two were thought to be seroconverting. The prevalence of new diagnoses was 8/2828 (0.28%); for comparison, the Public Health England (PHE) actual prevalence for Tower Hamlets is 6.25/1000 (0.625%). Uptake for HIV testing was 30%, a significant increase from 72 tests performed in the 2 months prior (P < 0.001). Ninety‐five per cent of respondents to the staff survey agreed that routine HIV testing should be rolled out permanently in the ED.

Conclusions

Despite an average uptake rate, there were 19 positive tests: eight in patients who were newly diagnosed, six in patients who had been lost to follow‐up, and five in patients who were known to be positive and linked to care. The staff survey indicated recognition of the importance of HIV testing in the ED. These persuasive data achieved short‐term Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) funding for routine ED testing.