bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features and prognosis of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma not indicated for surgical resection
Authors: Kinoshita Akiyoshi , Koike Kazuhiko , Nishino Hirokazu
Published: February 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem worldwide. The average life expectancy during the 20th century has increased in many parts of the world, and therefore the opportunities to examine elderly HCC patients have significantly increased worldwide. Many elderly patients develop HCC with intermediate to advanced stages of disease at the initial diagnosis, and have more comorbidities and compromised liver regeneration compared with younger patients. These circumstances show that elderly patients with HCC are poorer candidates for surgical resection or transplantation. The aim of the present review was to focus on the clinical features and prognosis of elderly HCC patients not indicated for surgical resection including multimodal treatment. Although the chronological age of 60 or 65 years as the definition of an elderly person is accepted in most countries, many studies in our review article define elderly as those aged 75 years or older. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 189–201.
HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐DRB1 allele and haplotype frequencies of 14 529 Chinese Han bone marrow donors living in Dalian, China
Authors: Shao L. N. , Zhang S. T. , Yu W. J. , Zhou S. H. , Duan Y. , Pan L. Z. , Wang N. , Hu Y.
Published: February 2016

We investigated the allele and haplotype frequencies of HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 loci in Dalian Chinese Han population using blood samples of unrelated marrow donors who live in Dalian. The genetic relationship between Dalian and different regions worldwide was further explored based on HLA status of different populations. A total of 14 529 samples were genotyped at 2‐digit level only by sequence‐specific oligonucleotide and sequence‐based typing methods. Allele frequencies of HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 were calculated by the direct counting method. Haplotype frequencies and linkage disequilibrium (LD) values were calculated by the maximum likelihood method. FST values were calculated by allele frequency data of each locus. Phylogeny tree of Nei's DA genetic distances was constructed by the UPGMA method. HLA‐A*02 was the most frequent allele at HLA‐A locus followed by A*11 and A*24. Alleles at HLA‐B locus ranked in decreasing order by frequency were B*40, B*15 and B*13. The three highest frequency alleles were DRB1*15, DRB1*09 and DRB1*12 at HLA‐DRB1 locus. A*30‐B*13‐DRB1*07 was the most frequent three‐locus haplotype. For the population relationships, Dalian had a relative close genetic relationship with Liaoning and Yantai‐Weihai and a relative distant genetic relationship with Australia. The information obtained in this study may provide useful information for anthropological studies, for disease‐association studies and helping bone marrow transplantation patients to search HLA‐matched donors.
Analytical and clinical comparison of different immunoassay systems for the detection of antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Montaruli B. , De Luna E. , Erroi L. , Marchese C. , Mengozzi G. , Napoli P. , Nicolo’ C. , Romito A. , Bertero M. T. , Sivera P. , Migliardi M.
Published: February 2016

Introduction

We evaluated analytical and clinical performances of IgG and IgM anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies and anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I (a‐β2GpI) antibodies and upper limit reference ranges (99th percentiles) in comparison with manufacturer's cutoff values with different commercial methods.

Methods

We assayed aCL and a‐β2GpI in serum samples from 30 healthy individuals, 77 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) diagnosed according to the Sydney criteria, 51 patients with autoimmune diseases, eight patients with previous thrombotic events, six patients with other diseases, and 18 patients with infectious diseases, using ELISA Inova Diagnostics; EliA Phadia Laboratory Systems; CliA Zenit‐RA; and CliA Bio‐Flash.

Results

Anticardiolipin and a‐β2GpI IgG and IgM immunoassays showed good analytic performances with both 99th percentile and manufacturer's cutoff reference values. Our results showed fair to moderate agreement among assays. In‐house cutoff values gave significantly better performances only for a‐β2GpI IgG with all the immunoassays analyzed with the exception of Inova CliA Bio‐Flash where we obtained the same performances with in‐house and manufacturer's cutoffs.

Conclusions

By guidelines, all laboratories are strongly advised to validate/verify the manufacturer's cutoff values. We recommend establishing low‐positive, medium‐/high–positive, and high‐positive CliA IgG aCL and a‐β2GpI ranges in order to help clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of APS.
Walking the tightrope in educational research and evaluation: maintaining a strong research agenda while upholding research ethics via an on‐site Institutional Review Board
Authors: Gillespie K. L. , Melber L. M.
Published: February 2016

Museums, zoos and aquariums are increasingly carrying out educational research and evaluation. Many seek to bring their research and evaluation projects ethically in line with academic researchers, although not always legally required to do so. In the United States, ethical review for human‐subjects research falls under the purview of an Institutional Review Board (IRB). If using an IRB, institutions may choose to partner with a university, hire an external IRB or form an IRB on‐site. On‐site IRBs allow for flexibility in the timing of project review and foster an institutional culture focused on the welfare of human subjects, although they may also create challenges that impact data collection and use. Each institution must decide which approach best fits with the mission and values of their organization. It is anticipated that in future there will be an increased need for reliance on IRBs.
Syntheses of Spinon Thermal Conductivity Materials inSr–Cu–OSystem by Glass‐Ceramics Technique
Authors: Terakado Nobuaki , Yokochi Yuudai , Watanabe Kouki , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Fujiwara Takumi
Published: February 2016

We have synthesizedspinon thermal conductivity materialsinSr–Cu–Osystem by glass‐ceramics technique. The materials are promising for active control of thermal energy in microelectronic devices because of high and anisotropic thermal conduction, its controllability, and electric insulation. Nevertheless, research on these materials has been limited to that concerning theoretical perspectives and investigation of physical properties using large single crystals. In this study, we adopt glass‐ceramics technique to synthesize these materials: We prepared melt‐quenched multicomponent oxides includingSrOandCuO, and checked its glass‐forming ability and crystallization behaviors by heating. As a result, we have found thatSrCuO2andSr14Cu24O41, known as the spinon thermal conductivity materials, are synthesized usingSrO–CuO–‒Li2O–‒Al2O3‒–Ga2O3system. This synthesis process for the system will provide practical application of the spinon thermal conductivity materials.
The stigma of seeking help for mental health issues: mediating roles of support and coping and the moderating role of symptom profile
Authors: Talebi Miki , Matheson Kimberly , Anisman Hymie
Published: February 2016

A key factor to the prevalence of mental illness might be the disinclination to seek help, perhaps owing to the stigma of mental illness. In two studies, the contribution of severity of depressive symptoms, social support, and unsupport, coping strategies, and salience of psychological versus biological features of depression in relation to perceived self‐ and other‐stigma of help‐seeking for mental health issues were examined. Participants were first year students experiencing a transitional stressor, namely entry to university. Together, the findings point to the contribution of social support and unsupportive interactions, and coping methods to the prediction of perceived stigma of seeking help, but that the framing of mental illness can limit or strengthen these relations.
Overexpression of WDR79 in non‐small cell lung cancer is linked to tumour progression
Authors: Sun Yang , Yang Chao , Chen Jieying , Song Xin , Li Zhen , Duan Minlan , Li Jianglin , Hu Xiaoxiao , Wu Kuangpei , Yan Guobei , Yang Cai , Liu Jing , Tan Weihong , Ye Mao
Published: February 2016

WD‐repeat protein 79 (WDR79), a member of the WD‐repeat protein family, acts as a scaffold protein, participating in telomerase assembly, Cajal body formation and DNA double‐strand break repair. Here, we first report that WDR79 is frequently overexpressed in cell lines and tissues derived from non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Knockdown of WDR79 significantly inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. WD‐repeat protein 79 ‐induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase was associated with the expression of G0/G1‐related cyclins and cyclin‐dependent kinase complexes. We also provide evidence that WDR79 knockdown induces apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway. Collectively, these results suggest that WDR79 is involved in the tumorigenesis of NSCLC and is a potential novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Tooth loss and metabolic syndrome in middle‐aged Japanese adults
Authors: Furuta Michiko , Liu An , Shinagawa Takashi , Takeuchi Kenji , Takeshita Toru , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Yamashita Yoshihisa
Published: February 2016

Aim

Metabolic syndrome is associated with periodontal disease and dental caries; however, little attention has been given to the association between metabolic syndrome and tooth loss, which is the endpoint of these two diseases. This study examined this association in middle‐aged adults over a 5‐year period.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in 2107 participants (1718 males and 389 females) aged 35–60 years who underwent annual dental check‐ups, to evaluate tooth loss and metabolic components, including obesity, elevated triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and reduced high‐density lipoprotein. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (≥3 components) at the baseline examination and tooth loss.

Results

Over a 5‐year period, 10.8% of the participants lost at least one tooth. Compared to those with no metabolic components, participants with ≥3 components had an increased risk of tooth loss (odds ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–2.37), adjusting for age, gender, dental caries experience, attachment loss, oral hygiene status, number of teeth, tooth brushing frequency, smoking, and occupational status.

Conclusions

Metabolic syndrome was associated with the incidence of tooth loss among middle‐aged adults.
Male behaviour drives assortative reproduction during the initial stage of secondary contact
Authors: Heathcote R. J. P. , While G. M. , MacGregor H. E. A. , Sciberras J. , Leroy C. , D'Ettorre P. , Uller T.
Published: February 2016

Phenotypic divergence in allopatry can facilitate speciation by reducing the likelihood that individuals of different lineages hybridize during secondary contact. However, few studies have established the causes of reproductive isolation in the crucial early stages of secondary contact. Here, we establish behavioural causes of assortative reproduction between two phenotypically divergent lineages of the European wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), which have recently come into secondary contact. Parentage was highly assortative in experimental contact zones. However, despite pronounced divergence in male phenotypes, including chemical and visual sexual signals, there was no evidence that females discriminated between males of the two lineages in staged interactions or under naturalistic free‐ranging conditions. Instead, assortative reproduction was driven by male mate preferences and, to a lesser extent, male–male competition. The effects were more pronounced when the habitat structure promoted high lizard densities. These results emphasize that assortative reproduction can occur in the absence of female choice and that male behaviour may play an important role in limiting hybridization during the initial stages of secondary contact.
Influence of depth, time and human activity on detection rate of acoustic tags: a case study on two fish farms
Authors: Otterå H. , Skilbrei O. T.
Published: February 2016

The detection rates of stationary acoustic transmitters deployed at three depths on two Atlantic salmon Salmo salar cage farms for c. 2 months were investigated. Deployment depth, time of day, day of the year and specific incidences at the farm substantially affected the rate of signal detection by the receiver.
Effect of Extrusion Cooking on Physical Properties and Chemical Composition of Corn‐Based Snacks Containing Amaranth and Quinoa: Application of Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Ramos Diaz Jose Martin , Sundarrajan Lakshminarasimhan , Kariluoto Susanna , Lampi Anna‐Maija , Tenitz Seppo , Jouppila Kirsi
Published: February 2016

The effects of amaranth and quinoa supplements and extrusion‐cooking on the physical properties and chemical composition of corn‐based extrudates were investigated by using PLSR and L‐PLSR. Grain type, content of amaranth or quinoa flour (20–50% of solids of blend), temperature of die (140–160°C), screw speed (200–500 rpm), water content of mixture (14–18%) as well as contents of protein, ash, dietary fiber and main fatty acids of blend were the predictors in the PLSR and L‐PLSR. Water content of mixture and screw speed had the distinctly greatest importance for physical response variables such as torque and pressure at the die during extrusion, SEI, stiffness and water content of extrudate. Extrusion reduced the content of fatty acids and tocopherols in the solids but it had only a slight effect on the content of total phenolic compounds and folate. This study proved that extrudates containing up to 50% amaranth or quinoa can maintain some key physical properties (e.g., high SEI, low stiffness) and the added nutritional value (e.g., increased content of folate). This study applied successfully PLSR and L‐PLSR modeling techniques to study the incorporation of amaranth and quinoa to corn‐based snacks.

Practical Applications

It was possible to add up to 50% amaranth and quinoa and still, obtain expanded corn‐based extrudates. The incorporation of these grains increased the nutritional value of corn‐based extrudates, having little effect on their expansion and stiffness. Amaranth and quinoa could have a tremendous potential for the development of gluten‐free extruded snacks.
Identification and functional characterization of the AGO1 ortholog in maize
Authors: Xu Dongdong , Yang Hailong , Zou Cheng , Li Wen‐Xue , Xu Yunbi , Xie Chuanxiao
Published: February 2016

Eukaryotic Argonaute proteins play primary roles in miRNA and siRNA pathways that are essential for numerous developmental and biological processes. However, the functional roles of the four ZmAGO1 genes have not yet been characterized in maize (Zea mays L.). In the present study, ZmAGO1a was identified from four putative ZmAGO1 genes for further characterization. Complementation of the Arabidopsis ago1‐27 mutant with ZmAGO1a indicated that constitutive overexpression of ZmAGO1a could restore the smaller rosette, serrated leaves, later flowering and maturation, lower seed set, and darker green leaves at late stages of the mutant to the wild‐type phenotype. The expression profiles of ZmAGO1a under five different abiotic stresses indicated that ZmAGO1a shares expression patterns similar to those of Argonaute genes in rice, Arabidopsis, and wheat. Further, variation in ZmAGO1a alleles among diverse maize germplasm that resulted in several amino acid changes revealed genetic diversity at this locus. The present data suggest that ZmAGO1a might be an important AGO1 ortholog in maize. The results presented provide further insight into the function of ZmAGO1a.
Metformin‐induced mitochondrial function and ABCD2 up‐regulation in X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy involves AMP‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Singh Jaspreet , Olle Brittany , Suhail Hamid , Felicella Michelle M. , Giri Shailendra
Published: February 2016

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is a progressive neurometabolic disease caused by mutations/deletions in the Abcd1 gene. Similar mutations/deletions in the Abcd1 gene often result in diagonally opposing phenotypes of mild adrenomyeloneuropathy and severe neuroinflammatory cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), which suggests involvement of downstream modifier genes. We recently documented the first evidence of loss of AMP‐activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1) in ALD patient‐derived cells. Here, we report the novel loss of AMPKα1 in postmortem brain white matter of patients with ALD phenotype. Pharmacological activation of AMPK can rescue the mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibit the pro‐inflammatory response. The FDA approved anti‐diabetic drug Metformin, a well‐known AMPK activator, induces mitochondrial biogenesis and is documented for its anti‐inflammatory role. We observed a dose‐dependent activation of AMPKα1 in metformin‐treated X‐ALD patient‐derived fibroblasts. Metformin also induced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and ATP levels in X‐ALD patient‐derived fibroblasts. Metformin treatment decreased very long chain fatty acid levels and pro‐inflammatory cytokine gene expressions in X‐ALD patient‐derived cells. Abcd2 [adrenoleukodystrophy protein‐related protein] levels were increased in metformin‐treated X‐ALD patient‐derived fibroblasts and Abcd1‐KO mice primary mixed glial cells. Abcd2 induction was AMPKα1‐dependent since metformin failed to induce Abcd2 levels in AMPKα1‐KO mice‐derived primary mixed glial cells. In vivo metformin (100 mg/Kg) in drinking water for 60 days induced Abcd2 levels and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation protein levels in the brain and spinal cord of Abcd1‐KO mice. Taken together, these results provide proof‐of‐principle for therapeutic potential of metformin as a useful strategy for correcting the metabolic and inflammatory derangements in X‐ALD by targeting AMPK.

image

There is no effective therapy for inherited peroxisomal disorder X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD). We document the therapeutic potential of FDA approved drug, Metformin, for X‐ALD by targeting AMPK. Metformin induced peroxisomal Abcd2 levels in vitro and in vivo. Metformin lowered VLCFA levels, improved mitochondrial function and ameliorated inflammatory gene expression in X‐ALD patient‐derived cells. Metformin‐induced Abcd2 levels were dependent on AMPKα1, a metabolic and anti‐inflammatory gene, recently documented by our laboratory to play a putative role in X‐ALD pathology.

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 10.
Long‐Term Predictions From Early Adolescent Attachment State of Mind to Romantic Relationship Behaviors
Authors: Tan Joseph S. , Hessel Elenda T. , Loeb Emily L. , Schad Megan M. , Allen Joseph P. , Chango Joanna M.
Published: February 2016

Attachment state of mind was investigated as a long‐term predictor of romantic relationship competence. A secure early adolescent attachment state of mind was hypothesized to predict more constructive dyadic behaviors during conflict discussions and support‐seeking interactions in late adolescence and early adulthood. Utilizing multimethod data from a community sample of 184 individuals, followed from ages 14 to 21, adolescents with a secure attachment state of mind at age 14 were found to be in relationships that displayed more constructive dyadic conflict discussion behaviors and dyadic supportive behaviors at both ages 18 and 21. Results suggest substantial links between early adolescent attachment state of mind and the adult romantic relationship atmosphere an individual creates and experiences.
Pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure in broiler chickens reared at high altitude is affected by dietary source of n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids
Authors: Rostami A. , Zamani Moghaddam A. K. , Hassanpour H. , Khajali F.
Published: February 2016

The present study evaluated the development of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure in broiler chickens reared at high altitude (2100 m) as affected by dietary intake of n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acid sources. Flax oil and soy oil were used as sources of n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids, respectively, either with or without α‐tocopheryl acetate. A total of 192 day‐old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design using isoenergetic and isonitrogenous experimental diets. Results showed that dietary flax oil significantly (p < 0.05) improved feed conversion ratio during 21–42 days of age. However, body weight gain did not significantly differ among the experimental groups in entire trial. Birds received flax oil had significantly higher serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO) but they had lower serum concentration of malondialdehyde when compared with their counterparts fed with soy oil. Liver and abdominal fat weights were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by substitution of soy oil for flax oil. The right‐to‐total ventricle weight ratio (RV/TV) and mortality from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in birds that received flax oil. In conclusion, n‐3 fatty acids could significantly reduce RV:TV and PAH mortality in birds by increasing circulatory level of NO and suppressing hepatic lipogenesis.
Effects of selenium supplementation on the oxidative state of acute heat stress‐exposed quails
Authors: Del Vesco A. P. , Gasparino E. , Zancanela V. , Grieser D. O. , Stanquevis C. E. , Pozza P. C. , Oliveira Neto A. R.
Published: February 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of heat stress (HS) and selenium supplementation on markers of stress, meat quality and gene expression. For this, meat quails of 42 days of age were fed a diet that either met [0.33 mg/kg, nutritional demand for selenium (SS)] or did not meet [0.11 mg/kg, selenium deficient (SD)] the nutritional demands for selenium during the 7 days of evaluation. In addition, the animals were kept at either a thermal comfort temperature (25 °C) or exposed to HS (38 °C for 24 h). Glutathione synthetase (GSS), glutathione reductase (GSR) and uncoupling protein (UCP) gene expression were influenced by the interaction between temperature and diet. Animals subjected to HS and fed the SS diet exhibited the highest GSS and GSR gene expression. In terms of UCP gene expression, the lowest values were observed in HS animals on the SD diet. Glutathione peroxidase 7 (GPX7) gene expression, body temperature (BT) and creatine kinase (CK) activity were influenced by both selenium supplementation and HS. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and creatinine content all were influenced by the diet/environment interaction. The highest AST activity, ALT activity and creatinine levels were observed in animals that were both on the SD diet and exposed to HS. HS animals also exhibited an increased heterophil/lymphocyte ratio and lower triiodothyronine (T3) hormone levels than birds that remained at the comfortable temperature. Animals subjected to HS and fed with selenium supplemented diet showed better results regarding gene expression and, thus, better results for the activities of enzymes used as stress markers, which could be due to the higher antioxidant capacity provided by the action of the studied genes.
Pseudo‐nitzschia arctica sp. nov., a new cold‐water cryptic Pseudo‐nitzschia species within the P. pseudodelicatissima complex
Authors: Percopo Isabella , Ruggiero Maria Valeria , Balzano Sergio , Gourvil Priscillia , Lundholm Nina , Siano Raffaele , Tammilehto Anna , Vaulot Daniel , Sarno Diana
Published: February 2016

A new nontoxic Pseudo‐nitzschia species belonging to the P. pseudodelicatissima complex, P. arctica, was isolated from different areas of the Arctic. The erection of P. arctica is mainly supported by molecular data, since the species shares identical ultrastructure with another species in the complex, P. fryxelliana, and represents a new case of crypticity within the genus. Despite their morphological similarity, the two species are not closely related in phylogenies based on LSU, ITS and rbcL. Interestingly, P. arctica is phylogenetically most closely related to P. granii and P. subcurvata, from which the species is, however, morphologically different. P. granii and P. subcurvata lack the central larger interspace which is one of the defining features of the P. pseudodelicatissima complex. The close genetic relationship between P. arctica and the two species P. granii and P. subcurvata is demonstrated by analysis of the secondary structure of ITS2 which revealed no compensatory base changes, two hemi‐compensatory base changes, and two deletions in P. arctica with respect to the other two species. These findings emphasize that rates of morphological differentiation, molecular evolution and speciation are often incongruent for Pseudo‐nitzschia species, resulting in a restricted phylogenetic value for taxonomic characters used to discriminate species. The description of a new cryptic species, widely distributed in the Arctic and potentially representing an endemic component of the Arctic diatom flora, reinforces the idea of the existence of noncosmopolitan Pseudo‐nitzschia species and highlights the need for combined morphological and molecular analyses to assess the distributional patterns of phytoplankton species.
Taxonomic revision of Chlamydomonas subg. Amphichloris (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae), with resurrection of the genus Dangeardinia and descriptions of Ixipapillifera gen. nov. and Rhysamphichloris gen. nov.
Authors: Nakada Takashi , Tomita Masaru , Wu Jiunn‐Tzong , Nozaki Hisayoshi
Published: February 2016

Chlamydomonas (Cd.) is one of the largest but most polyphyletic genera of freshwater unicellular green algae. It consists of 400–600 morphological species and requires taxonomic revision. Toward reclassification, each morphologically defined classical subgenus (or subgroup) should be examined using culture strains. Chlamydomonas subg. Amphichloris is characterized by a central nucleus between two axial pyrenoids, however, the phylogenetic structure of this subgenus has yet to be examined using molecular data. Here, we examined 12 strains including six newly isolated strains, morphologically identified as Chlamydomonas subg. Amphichloris, using 18S rRNA gene phylogeny, light microscopy, and mitochondria fluorescent microscopy. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed three independent lineages of the subgenus, separated from the type species of Chlamydomonas, Cd. reinhardtii. These three lineages were further distinguished from each other by light and fluorescent microscopy—in particular by the morphology of the papillae, chloroplast surface, stigmata, and mitochondria—and are here assigned to three genera: Dangeardinia emend., Ixipapillifera gen. nov., and Rhysamphichloris gen. nov. Based on the molecular and morphological data, two to three species were recognized in each genus, including one new species, I. pauromitos. In addition, Cd. deasonii, which was previously assigned to subgroup “Pleiochloris,” was included in the genus Ixipapillifera as I. deasonii comb. nov.
Characterization of an Inherited Neurologic Syndrome in Toyger Cats with Forebrain Commissural Malformations, Ventriculomegaly and Interhemispheric Cysts
Authors: Keating M.K. , Sturges B.K. , Sisó S. , Wisner E.R. , Creighton E.K. , Lyons L.A.
Published: February 2016

Background

In children, frequent congenital malformations with concomitant agenesis of the corpus callosum are diagnosed by neuroimaging in association with other cerebral malformations, including interhemispheric cysts and ventriculomegaly. Similar studies providing full characterization of brain defects by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and correlations with the pertinent anatomic pathologic examinations are absent in veterinary medicine.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Congenital brain defects underlie the neurologic signs observed in Toyger cats selectively bred for a short ear phenotype.

Animals

Using proper pedigree analysis and genetic evaluations, 20 related Oriental‐derived crossbred Toyger cats were evaluated. Seven clinically healthy (carrier) cats and 13 clinically affected cats that had neurologic signs, short ear phenotype and concomitant complex brain anomalies were studied.

Methods

Complete physical and neurologic examinations and MRI were performed in all clinically healthy and affected cats. Postmortem and histopathologic examinations were performed in 8 affected cats and 5 healthy cats.

Results

Neurologic and MRI investigations confirmed 13 clinically affected cats with structural brain abnormalities. Ventriculomegaly with frequent concomitant supratentorial interhemispheric, communicating ventricular type‐1b cysts and multiple midline and callosal malformations were detected in all cats displaying neurologic signs. Genetic analysis confirmed autosomal recessive mode of inheritance with no chromosomal abnormalities.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Neuroanatomic dissections and histopathology were helpful for evaluation of abnormalities in midline brain structures, and for the full characterization of cysts. However, MRI was more sensitive for detection of small cysts. In this feline model, MRI diagnosis had extremely good correlation with pathologic abnormalities noted in the subset of animals that were examined by both modalities.
Applying the Verifiability Approach to insurance claims settings: Exploring the effect of the information protocol
Authors: Harvey Adam C. , Vrij Aldert , Nahari Galit , Ludwig Katharina
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Lie detection in insurance claim settings is difficult as liars can easily incorporate deceptive statements within descriptions of otherwise truthful events. We examined whether the Verifiability Approach (VA) could be used effectively in insurance settings. According to the VA, liars avoid disclosing details that they think can be easily checked, whereas truth tellers are forthcoming with verifiable details.

Method

The study experimentally manipulated notifying claimants about the interviewer's intention to check their statements for verifiable details (the ‘Information Protocol’). It was hypothesized that such an instruction would (1) encourage truth tellers to provide more verifiable details than liars and to report identifiable witnesses who had witnessed the event within their statements, and (2) would enhance the diagnostic accuracy of the VA. Participants reported 40 genuine and 40 fabricated insurance claim statements, in which half the liars and truth tellers were notified about the interviewer's intention to check their statements for verifiable details.

Results

Both hypotheses were supported. In terms of accuracy, notifying claimants about the interviewer's intention to check their statements for verifiable details increased accuracy rates from around chance level to around 80%.

Conclusion

The VA, including the information protocol, can be used in insurance settings.
Effect of prior drought and pathogen stress onArabidopsistranscriptome changes to caterpillar herbivory
Authors: Davila Olivas Nelson H. , Coolen Silvia , Huang Pingping , Severing Edouard , van Verk Marcel C. , Hickman Richard , Wittenberg Alexander H. J. , de Vos Martin , Prins Marcel , van Loon Joop J. A. , Aarts Mark G. M. , van Wees Saskia C. M. , Pieterse Corné M. J. , Dicke Marcel
Published: February 2016

In nature, plants are exposed to biotic and abiotic stresses that often occur simultaneously. Therefore, plant responses to combinations of stresses are most representative of how plants respond to stresses.

We usedRNAseq to assess temporal changes in the transcriptome ofArabidopsis thalianato herbivory byPieris rapaecaterpillars, either alone or in combination with prior exposure to drought or infection with the necrotrophic fungusBotrytis cinerea.

Pre‐exposure to drought stress orBotrytisinfection resulted in a significantly different timing of the caterpillar‐induced transcriptional changes. Additionally, the combination of drought andP. rapaeinduced an extensive downregulation ofA. thalianagenes involved in defence against pathogens. Despite a more substantial growth reduction observed for plants exposed to drought plusP. rapaefeeding compared withP. rapaefeeding alone, this did not affect weight increase of this specialist caterpillar.

Plants respond to combined stresses with phenotypic and transcriptional changes that differ from the single stress situation. The effect of a previous exposure to drought orB. cinereainfection on transcriptional changes to caterpillars is largely overridden by the stress imposed by caterpillars, indicating that plants shift their response to the most recent stress applied.
Integration of decoy domains derived from protein targets of pathogen effectors into plant immune receptors is widespread
Authors: Kroj Thomas , Chanclud Emilie , Michel‐Romiti Corinne , Grand Xavier , Morel Jean‐Benoit
Published: February 2016

Plant immune receptors of the class of nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat domain (NLR) proteins can contain additional domains besides canonical NB‐ARC (nucleotide‐binding adaptor shared by APAF‐1, R proteins, and CED‐4 (NB‐ARC)) and leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) domains. Recent research suggests that these additional domains act as integrated decoys recognizing effectors from pathogens. Proteins homologous to integrated decoys are suspected to be effector targets and involved in disease or resistance.

Here, we scrutinized 31 entire plant genomes to identify putative integrated decoy domains in NLR proteins using the Interpro search. The involvement of the Zinc Finger–BED type (ZBED) protein containing a putative decoy domain, called BED, in rice (Oryza sativa) resistance was investigated by evaluating susceptibility to the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae in rice over‐expression and knock‐out mutants.

This analysis showed that all plants tested had integrated various atypical protein domains into their NLR proteins (on average 3.5% of all NLR proteins). We also demonstrated that modifying the expression of the ZBED gene modified disease susceptibility.

This study suggests that integration of decoy domains in NLR immune receptors is widespread and frequent in plants. The integrated decoy model is therefore a powerful concept to identify new proteins involved in disease resistance. Further in‐depth examination of additional domains in NLR proteins promises to unravel many new proteins of the plant immune system.
Failed fiberoptic intubation in a child with epidermolysis bullosa, rescued with combined use of the Glidescope®
Authors: Fitzmaurice Bethany C. , Lambert Barry G.
Published: February 2016

We present the case of a 13‐year‐old male with epidermolysis bullosa having an elective syndactyly release. These patients present significant challenges to the anaesthetist; extreme care in patient handling is required. Recurrent and pronounced scarring of intra‐oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal tissues is a feature, resulting in a difficult airway. Following a failed intubation using a fibreoptic bronchoscope, we describe a combined technique by adding in the Glidescope®. This proved immediately successful. Its utilisation has been reported in adults. We wish to present our experience in the paediatric population, and this is the first report in a child with epidermiolysis bullosa.
Life hassles and delusional ideation: Scoping the potential role of cognitive and affective mediators
Authors: Kingston Cara , Schuurmans‐Stekhoven James
Published: February 2016

Objectives

An intertemporal association between major psychological stress and subsequent delusion formation has been established by others. The current study explores (1) whether the stress from life hassles predicts delusional ideation and (2) if so, do self‐criticism, self‐reassurance, and positive and negative affectivity (PA and NA, respectively) mediate this link. This paper thus aimed to scope‐out viable psychological processes involved in the formation of stress‐induced delusions.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey using a non‐clinical community sample.

Methods

Responses (N = 251) to an online community survey were tested via a nonparametric bootstrap sampling approach to examine the effects of multiple mediators.

Results

Self‐criticism and NA appear to mediate a connection found between life hassles and delusions. A second mediation analysis found that life hassles positively predicts NA directly and indirectly (via self‐criticism). NA in turn predicted delusional tendencies. Life events had direct statistical effects on delusions in all models. Neither PA nor self‐reassurance mediated the stress‐delusion link.

Conclusions

Self‐criticism and NA seem to be viable mediators worth contemplating when elaborating upon the connection between life hassles and delusions. Compared to self‐criticism, NA appears to be the intervening variable most proximal to delusions and explains more variance. Even if these cross‐sectional results were interpreted as causative, life hassles and delusions remained directly interconnected in all mediation models (suggesting much of the association remains unexplained). Although the results are theory‐consistent, investigations using longitudinal, known‐group, and experimental methods are now warranted to establish causation and possible feedback loops – especially from delusion to life hassles.

Practitioner points

Self‐criticism and negative affectivity (NA) mediate the link between stressful life events and delusions suggesting they might actively elicit delusional ideation, whereas self‐reassurance and PA (although negatively associated with life hassles) have no unique predictive link to delusions.

This study offers initial evidence that NA and self‐criticism may be viable clinical intervention targets for early psychosis‐sufferers under stress – especially for medically non‐compliant and marginal (where drug treatment is not clinically indicated) cases.

The clinical efficacy of alleviating self‐criticism and/or negative emotional processes in those displaying early psychosis or at high risk appear worthy of exploration using both practice‐based case studies and formal experimental research methods.
Functional analysis of alternative transcripts of the soybean Rj2 gene that restricts nodulation with specific rhizobial strains
Authors: Tang F. , Yang S. , Zhu H.
Published: February 2016

The Rj2 gene is a TIR‐NBS‐LRR‐type resistance gene in soybean (Glycine max) that restricts root nodule symbiosis with a group of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains including USDA122. Rj2 generates two distinct transcript variants in its expression profile through alternative splicing. Alternative splicing of Rj2 is caused by the retention of the 86‐bp intron 4. Inclusion of intron 4 in mature mRNA introduces an in‐frame stop codon; as such, the alternative transcript is predicted to encode a truncated protein consisting of the entire portion of the TIR, NBS and LRR domains but missing the C‐terminal domain of the full‐length Rj2 protein encoded by the regular transcript. Since alternative splicing has been shown to be essential for full activity of several plant R genes, we attempted to test whether the alternative splicing is required for Rj2‐mediated nodulation restriction. Here we demonstrated that the Rj2‐mediated nodulation restriction does not require the combined presence of the regular and alternative transcripts, and the expression of the regular transcript alone is sufficient to confer nodulation restriction.
Thyroid Hormones and Timing of Pubertal Onset in a Longitudinal Cohort of Females, Northern California, 2006–11
Authors: Wilken Jason A. , Greenspan Louise C. , Kushi Lawrence H. , Voss Robert W. , Windham Gayle C.
Published: February 2016

Background

Pubertal timing is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones. Few studies have evaluated the role of thyroid hormones in pubertal onset. We investigated the associations between blood concentrations of free and total thyroxine (FT4, TT4), free triiodothyronine, and thyroid stimulating hormone and pubertal onset among females.

Methods

Participants included 323 Kaiser Permanente Northern California members followed at annual intervals during 2004–11, who provided a blood sample during the first 3 years of the study. Thyroid hormone concentrations were measured in serum in the first blood specimen available for each participant. Pubertal onset was defined as Tanner stage ≥2 for breast (thelarche) and pubic hair (pubarche) development. Associations between thyroid hormones and pubertal onset were assessed by multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards modelling.

Results

At blood draw, participants were age 6.5–10.1 (median 7.7) years, 10% had reached thelarche, and 12% had reached pubarche. Participants were followed 0–5 years after blood draw (median 4). At most recent clinical visit, participants were age 6.7–14.7 (median 12.3) years, 92% had reached thelarche, and 89% had reached pubarche. No associations were identified between having reached thelarche or pubarche at time of blood draw and thyroid hormones. Examined longitudinally, higher concentrations of pre‐pubertal FT4 and TT4 were associated with earlier pubarche (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06, 1.86; per ng/dL and aHR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02, 1.12; per μg/dL respectively).

Conclusions

Higher pre‐pubertal concentrations of FT4 and TT4 are associated with earlier pubarche.
Modeling event‐related heart period responses
Authors: Paulus Philipp C. , Castegnetti Giuseppe , Bach Dominik R.
Published: February 2016

Cardiac rhythm is generated locally in the sinoatrial node, but modulated by central neural input. This may provide a possibility to infer central processes from observed phasic heart period responses (HPR). Currently, operational methods are used for HPR analysis. These methods embody implicit assumptions on how central states influence heart period. Here, we build an explicit psychophysiological model (PsPM) for event‐related HPR. This phenomenological PsPM is based on three experiments involving white noise sounds, an auditory oddball task, and emotional picture viewing. The model is optimized with respect to predictive validity—the ability to separate experimental conditions from each other. To validate the PsPM, an independent sample of participants is presented with auditory stimuli of varying intensity and emotional pictures of negative and positive valence, at short intertrial intervals. Our model discriminates these experimental conditions from each other better than operational approaches. We conclude that our PsPM is more sensitive to distinguish experimental manipulations based on heart period data than operational methods, and furnishes a principled approach to analysis of HPR.
The Key Role of Experiential Uncertainty when Dealing with Risks: Its Relationships with Demand for Regulation and Institutional Trust
Authors: Poortvliet P. Marijn , Lokhorst Anne Marike
Published: February 2016

The results of a survey and an experiment show that experiential uncertainty—people's experience of uncertainty in risk contexts—plays a moderating role in individuals’ risk‐related demand for government regulation and trust in risk‐managing government institutions. First, descriptions of risks were presented to respondents in a survey (N= 1,017) and their reactions to questions about experiential uncertainty, risk perception, and demand for government regulation were measured, as well as levels of risk‐specific knowledge. When experiential uncertainty was high, risk perceptions had a positive relationship with demand for government regulation of risk; no such relationship showed under low experiential uncertainty. Conversely, when people experience little experiential uncertainty, having more knowledge about the risk topic involved was associated with a weaker demand for government regulation of risk. For people experiencing uncertainty, this relationship between knowledge and demand for regulation did not emerge. Second, in an experiment (N= 120), experiential uncertainty and openness in risk communication were manipulated to investigate effects on trust. In the uncertainty condition, the results showed that open versus nonopen government communication about Q‐fever—a zoonosis—led to higher levels of trust in the government agency, but not in in the control condition. Altogether, this research suggests that only when people experience relatively little uncertainty about the risk, knowledge provision may preclude them from demanding government action. Also, only when persons experience uncertainty are stronger risk perceptions associated with a demand for government regulation, and they are affected by openness of risk communication in forming institutional trust.
A Generalized QMRA Beta‐Poisson Dose‐Response Model
Authors: Xie Gang , Roiko Anne , Stratton Helen , Lemckert Charles , Dunn Peter K. , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: February 2016

Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is widely accepted for characterizing the microbial risks associated with food, water, and wastewater. Single‐hit dose‐response models are the most commonly used dose‐response models in QMRA. Denoting as the probability of infection at a given mean dose d, a three‐parameter generalized QMRA beta‐Poisson dose‐response model, , is proposed in which the minimum number of organisms required for causing infection, Kmin, is not fixed, but a random variable following a geometric distribution with parameter . The single‐hit beta‐Poisson model, , is a special case of the generalized model with Kmin = 1 (which implies ). The generalized beta‐Poisson model is based on a conceptual model with greater detail in the dose‐response mechanism. Since a maximum likelihood solution is not easily available, a likelihood‐free approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) algorithm is employed for parameter estimation. By fitting the generalized model to four experimental data sets from the literature, this study reveals that the posterior median estimates produced fall short of meeting the required condition of = 1 for single‐hit assumption. However, three out of four data sets fitted by the generalized models could not achieve an improvement in goodness of fit. These combined results imply that, at least in some cases, a single‐hit assumption for characterizing the dose‐response process may not be appropriate, but that the more complex models may be difficult to support especially if the sample size is small. The three‐parameter generalized model provides a possibility to investigate the mechanism of a dose‐response process in greater detail than is possible under a single‐hit model.
Consumer Expectations: A Residual Based Approach
Authors: Rehman Fahd , Cooper Russel J.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents an economy‐wide consumer expectations indicator that reflects different degrees of optimism or pessimism with respect to consumers’ confidence in their economy. The indicator provides a useful complement to traditional economic indicators that are frequently used to compare countries, such as gross domestic product (GDP) in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Our indicator may be seen as representing the influence of social wealth on economic behavior–that is, of effects left out of a standard economic analysis. We use a theoretical approach to integrate the expectations measure with the International Comparison Program's (ICP) PPP GDP statistics which produces a measure we term “effective GDP.” Compared to the ICP's PPP figures, the measure of “effective GDP” differs from the ICP's PPP estimates by as much as four to five percent in the positive direction for apparently optimistic countries and as much as two percent downwards for pessimists.