bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic dissection of colorectal cancer progression by orthotopic transplantation of engineered cancer organoids
Authors: Fumagalli Arianna , Drost Jarno , Suijkerbuijk Saskia J. E. , van Boxtel Ruben , de Ligt Joep , Offerhaus G. Johan , Begthel Harry , Beerling Evelyne , Tan Ee Hong , Sansom Owen J. , Cuppen Edwin , Clevers Hans , van Rheenen Jacco
Published: March 2017

Significance

Metastasis is the main cause of cancer death, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we developed an orthotopic organoid transplantation approach and used engineered human colon tumor organoids to study the contribution of common CRC mutations to metastasis. Using this approach, we show that the combination of oncogenic mutations in Wnt, EGFR, P53, and TGF-β signaling pathways facilitates efficient tumor cell migration and metastasis. These mutations allow growth independent of stem cell niche factors, enabling cells to grow at foreign distant sites that lack these factors. Our findings suggest that metastasis is a direct consequence of acquired niche independency.
Engineered erythrocytes covalently linked to antigenic peptides can protect against autoimmune disease
Authors: Pishesha Novalia , Bilate Angelina M. , Wibowo Marsha C. , Huang Nai-Jia , Li Zeyang , Deshycka Rhogerry , Bousbaine Djenet , Li Hojun , Patterson Heide C. , Dougan Stephanie K. , Maruyama Takeshi , Lodish Harvey F. , Ploegh Hidde L.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Immune-mediated diseases are prevalent, debilitating, and costly. Unfortunately, current treatments rely on nonspecific immunosuppression, which also shuts down a protective immune response. To circumvent this, we exploited the noninflammatory natural means of clearance of red blood cells (RBCs), in combination with sortase-mediated RBC surface modification to display disease-associated autoantigens as RBCs’ own antigens. We found that this strategy holds promise for prophylaxis and therapy, as shown in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis and of type 1 diabetes.
SmartR: an open-source platform for interactive visual analytics for translational research data
Authors: Herzinger Sascha , Gu Wei , Satagopam Venkata , Eifes Serge , Rege Kavita , Barbosa-Silva Adriano , Schneider Reinhard ,   eTRIKS Consortium
Published: March 2017

In translational research, efficient knowledge exchange between the different fields of expertise is crucial. An open platform that is capable of storing a multitude of data types such as clinical, pre-clinical or OMICS data combined with strong visual analytical capabilities will significantly accelerate the scientific progress by making data more accessible and hypothesis generation easier. The open data warehouse tranSMART is capable of storing a variety of data types and has a growing user community including both academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies. tranSMART, however, currently lacks interactive and dynamic visual analytics and does not permit any post-processing interaction or exploration. For this reason, we developed SmartR, a plugin for tranSMART, that equips the platform not only with several dynamic visual analytical workflows, but also provides its own framework for the addition of new custom workflows. Modern web technologies such as D3.js or AngularJS were used to build a set of standard visualizations that were heavily improved with dynamic elements.

Availability and Implementation

The source code is licensed under the Apache 2.0 License and is freely available on GitHub: https://github.com/transmart/SmartR.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Cryptic Sebastes norvegicus species in Greenland waters revealed by microsatellites
Authors: Saha Atal , Hauser Lorenz , Hedeholm Rasmus , Planque Benjamin , Fevolden Svein-Erik , Boje Jesper , Johansen Torild
Published: March 2017

Identification of cryptic species can have profound implications in fishery management, conservation and biodiversity contexts. In the North Atlantic, the genus Sebastes is currently represented by four species, although additional cryptic species have been assumed. The connectivity of the gene-pools within the genus in Greenland waters, in particular, remains largely unexplored. Using a panel of 13 microsatellite markers for 720 fish, we explored the species complex of Sebastes norvegicus in Greenland waters. Genetic analyses provided evidence for three cryptic species in samples that were morphologically identified as S. norvegicus. They were termed S. norvegicus-A, S. norvegicus-B, and S. norvegicus-giants. A few phenotypic features exist to identify adult S. norvegicus giants, but no characteristics have been identified for the two other cryptic species. The proposed cryptic species should be recognized in the management regime to ensure sustainable exploitation and conservation of Sebastes species in Greenland waters.
Brain Gray Matter MRI Morphometry for Neuroprognostication After Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Silva Stein , Peran Patrice , Kerhuel Lionel , Malagurski Briguita , Chauveau Nicolas , Bataille Benoit , Lotterie Jean Albert , Celsis Pierre , Aubry Florent , Citerio Giuseppe , Jean Betty , Chabanne Russel , Perlbarg Vincent , Velly Lionel , Galanaud Damien , Vanhaudenhuyse Audrey , Fourcade Olivier , Laureys Steven , Puybasset Louis
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

We hypothesize that the combined use of MRI cortical thickness measurement and subcortical gray matter volumetry could provide an early and accurate in vivo assessment of the structural impact of cardiac arrest and therefore could be used for long-term neuroprognostication in this setting.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Five Intensive Critical Care Units affiliated to the University in Toulouse (France), Paris (France), Clermont-Ferrand (France), Liège (Belgium), and Monza (Italy).

Patients:

High-resolution anatomical T1-weighted images were acquired in 126 anoxic coma patients (“learning” sample) 16 ± 8 days after cardiac arrest and 70 matched controls. An additional sample of 18 anoxic coma patients, recruited in Toulouse, was used to test predictive model generalization (“test” sample). All patients were followed up 1 year after cardiac arrest.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Cortical thickness was computed on the whole cortical ribbon, and deep gray matter volumetry was performed after automatic segmentation. Brain morphometric data were employed to create multivariate predictive models using learning machine techniques. Patients displayed significantly extensive cortical and subcortical brain volumes atrophy compared with controls. The accuracy of a predictive classifier, encompassing cortical and subcortical components, has a significant discriminative power (learning area under the curve = 0.87; test area under the curve = 0.96). The anatomical regions which volume changes were significantly related to patient’s outcome were frontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, putamen, pallidum, caudate, hippocampus, and brain stem.

Conclusions:

These findings are consistent with the hypothesis of pathologic disruption of a striatopallidal-thalamo-cortical mesocircuit induced by cardiac arrest and pave the way for the use of combined brain quantitative morphometry in this setting.
Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Warts: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Veitch David , Kravvas Georgios , Al-Niaimi Firas
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Warts or verrucae vulgaris are common cutaneous infections with currently no definitive curative treatments available.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of pulsed dye laser (PDL) in the treatment of warts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases. A search using {(Wart[s], verruca or condylomata)} AND [(Pulsed dye laser)] was used. Forty-four articles were identified as relevant to this review.

RESULTS

Simple warts were very responsive to PDL, being treated successfully in over 95% of patients. Facial and anogenital warts also demonstrated excellent outcomes. Recalcitrant warts, displayed significant variability in their response, ranging between 50% and 100% across all articles. The response rates seen in peripheral warts (involving the hands and feet) were also very variable, ranging between 48% and 95%. Recurrence rates at 4 months of follow-up were documented as 0% to 15%. Complications have been described as very few and rare, the main ones being topical discomfort and erythema.

CONCLUSION

Pulsed dye laser is a safe and effective modality in the treatment of warts that can be applied to most body parts. Cost and availability remain a limitation to the use of PDL; however, this modality can be used when other more traditional and accessible treatments have failed.
DEXAMETHASONE INTRAVITREAL IMPLANT VS RANIBIZUMAB IN THE TREATMENT OF MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO BRACHYTHERAPY FOR CHOROIDAL MELANOMA
Authors: Russo Andrea , Reibaldi Michele , Avitabile Teresio , Uva Maurizio G. , Franco Livio Marco , Gagliano Caterina , Bonfiglio Vincenza , Spatola Corrado , Privitera Giuseppe , Longo Antonio
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of an intravitreal dexamethasone (Dex) implant 0.7 mg compared with intravitreal ranibizumab (Ra) for the treatment of radiation maculopathy with macular edema secondary to plaque brachytherapy in choroidal melanoma.

Methods:

Eight patients were treated with intravitreal Ra, and eight patients received the Dex intravitreal implant. Visual acuity and foveal thickness were evaluated using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Results:

The mean calculated irradiation to the fovea and mean times from brachytherapy to maculopathy development did not differ significantly between groups. In the Ra group, a mean 7.8 ± 3.9 injections were given and the mean follow-up was 33 ± 15 months (range, 7–52 months). In the Dex group, a mean 2.1 ± 0.8 injections were given and the mean follow-up was 22 ± 7 months (range, 11–31 months). The mean visual acuity improved significantly from the baseline to the last follow-up visit in both groups. Foveal thickness decreased significantly in both groups from 459 ± 81 μm to 243 ± 58 μm and from 437 ± 71 μm to 254 ± 44 μm from the baseline to the last follow-up visit in the Ra and Dex groups, respectively. No patients developed significant cataract or ocular hypertension in both groups.

Conclusion:

Both Ra and Dex are effective treatments for macular edema secondary to plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma. Dex-treated patients required fewer injections to achieve anatomical and functional improvement.
Testing the Effectiveness of Therapeutic Showering in Labor
Authors: Stark Mary Ann
Published: March 2017

Therapeutic showering is a holistic nursing intervention that is often available and supports physiologic labor. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of therapeutic showering with usual care during active labor. Research questions were as follows: Are there significant differences between women who showered 30 minutes during active labor and those who received usual labor care in anxiety, tension, relaxation, pain, discomfort, and coping? Is there a difference in use of obstetric interventions between groups? A convenience sample of healthy low-risk women in active labor was recruited (N = 32). A pretest posttest control group repeated-measures design was used. Participants were randomized to treatment group (n = 17), who showered for 30 minutes, or to control group (n = 14) who received usual labor care. Women evaluated pain, discomfort, anxiety, tension, coping, and relaxation at enrollment, again 15 minutes after entering the shower or receiving usual care, then again 30 minutes after entering the shower or receiving usual care. Chart reviews after delivery recorded obstetric interventions. The showering group had statistically significant decreases in pain, discomfort, anxiety and tension, and significant increase in relaxation. There were no differences in use of obstetric interventions. Therapeutic showering was effective in reducing pain, discomfort, anxiety, and tension while improving relaxation and supporting labor in this sample.
Family Presence During Resuscitation After Trauma
Authors: Leske Jane S. , McAndrew Natalie S. , Brasel Karen J. , Feetham Suzanne
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) in patients who survived trauma from motor vehicle crashes (MVC) and gunshot wounds (GSW). A convenience sample of family members participated within three days of admission to critical care. Family members of 140 trauma patients (MVC n = 110, 79%; GSW n = 30, 21%) participated. Family members ranged in age from 20-84 years (M = 46, SD = 15, Mdn = 47). The majority were female (n = 112, 80%) and related to the patient as spouse (n = 46, 33%). Participating in the FPDR option reduced anxiety (t = −2.43, p =.04), reduced stress (t = −2.86, p = .005), and fostered well-being (t = 3.46, p = .001). Results demonstrate the positive initial effects of FPDR on family members of patients surviving trauma injury.
The Nurse's Role in Supporting Patients and Family in Sharing Personal Accounts of Traumatic Events: A Personal Experience
Authors: Donaldson-Andersen Jill
Published: March 2017

Life-changing events unfold quickly as trauma nurses provide care for patients during the most vulnerable time of their lives. Nurses also bear the weight of simultaneously caring and providing emotional support for the families of trauma victims. Trauma nurses have a profound responsibility to assist patients and families through this process, as well as having a unique opportunity to encourage families to share their personal stories and experiences. On occasion, some high-profile traumas make their way to the local news and inquiries from the media soon follow. The public has an interest in stories related to trauma and a fascination in the reactions of individuals immediately impacted. These stories have value to the public, as they create opportunities for others to learn, examine personal values and social norms, develop new perspectives, and reflect on the fragility and meaning of life. Personal accounts of traumatic life events can be shared privately or publicly, and nurses should be prepared to provide effective interventions and, on occasion, support families faced with weighing the potential risks and benefits of sharing their story with the media.
Mediators of Inflammation in Asthma
Authors: Schirripa Maria Laura , Scarpelli Maria Pia , Palmiere Cristian
Published: March 2017

In the clinical setting, the role of systemic inflammation in patients with asthma has attracted increased attention, and some authors showed that increased IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein characterized a group of asthmatic patients. In the realm of forensic pathology, a postmortem diagnosis of asthmatic death can be extremely challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the postmortem serum levels of C-reactive protein, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α in a series of severe acute bronchial asthma deaths that underwent medicolegal investigations. A total of 35 autopsy cases were retrospectively selected and included deaths in asthmatic subjects (related and unrelated to severe acute bronchial asthma, in situations characterized or not by systemic inflammation) as well as deaths in nonasthmatic individuals (in situations characterized or not by systemic inflammation). Our findings suggest that IL-6 is selectively increased in the systemic circulation of individuals with asthma, irrespective of whether the cause of death depends on a fatal asthma attack, compared with other biomarkers. Accordingly, postmortem serum IL-6 values in cases of death during severe acute bronchial asthma can be measured and considered of diagnostic relevance to estimate the magnitude of the systemic inflammation responses characterizing the disease.
Subtentorial Meningioma Misdiagnosed as Cerebral Hemorrhage in Postmortem Computed Tomography Imaging
Authors: Qian Hui , Shao Yu , Li Zhengdong , Zou Donghua , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Maowen , Wan Lei , Chen Yijiu
Published: March 2017

This report presents a case of a 52-year-old man who had a traffic accident and died later. External examination could not determine the cause of death. Approximately 3 weeks later, an autopsy was performed. Postmortem computed tomography was performed before the autopsy. Postmortem imaging was interpreted to show hemorrhage beneath the tentorium, and the C5 to C6 (the fifth and sixth cervical vertebra) disc space was widened. During the autopsy, a cervical spinal cord injury was confirmed. However, a meningioma was found under the tentorium instead of a hemorrhage. There are a number of reasons that include postmortem changes that affected the virtopsy diagnosis, which still needs development.
Nebulized Fluticasone for Preventing Postextubation Stridor in Intubated Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial*
Authors: Prasertsan Pharsai , Nakju Duangjai , Lertbunrian Rojjanee , Chantra Marut , Anantasit Nattachai
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy of nebulized fluticasone propionate in the prevention of postextubation stridor in children.

Design:

Double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

Setting:

PICU in a tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Children 1 month to 15 years old who underwent mechanical ventilation.

Interventions:

Patients were randomly assigned into two groups after stratification based on age group receiving nebulized fluticasone 1,000 µg or normal saline solution, immediately after extubation. Vital signs and modified Westley score were evaluated for 6 hours after extubation. The primary outcome was the prevalence of postextubation stridor.

Measurements and Main Results:

One hundred forty-seven intubated children were enrolled into this study. Baseline characteristics between two groups were not different. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postextubation stridor (12/74 [16%] vs 13/73 [18%]; p = 0.797). However, when analyzing the subgroup of emergently intubated children, the fluticasone group had a longer delay median time for the initiation of noninvasive ventilation than the control group (380 [90–585] vs 60 [42–116] min; p = 0.044). The modified Westley scores at 30 and 60 minutes in the control group were significantly higher than the fluticasone group (4 vs 2, p = 0.04; 4.5 vs 0.5, p = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions:

The single dose of 1,000-µg nebulized fluticasone did not decrease the prevalence of postextubation stridor. However, it might be beneficial in emergently intubated children.
Nonlinear amplitude dynamics in flagellar beating
Authors: Oriola David , Gadêlha Hermes , Casademunt Jaume
Published: March 2017

The physical basis of flagellar and ciliary beating is a major problem in biology which is still far from completely understood. The fundamental cytoskeleton structure of cilia and flagella is the axoneme, a cylindrical array of microtubule doublets connected by passive cross-linkers and dynein motor proteins. The complex interplay of these elements leads to the generation of self-organized bending waves. Although many mathematical models have been proposed to understand this process, few attempts have been made to assess the role of dyneins on the nonlinear nature of the axoneme. Here, we investigate the nonlinear dynamics of flagella by considering an axonemal sliding control mechanism for dynein activity. This approach unveils the nonlinear selection of the oscillation amplitudes, which are typically either missed or prescribed in mathematical models. The explicit set of nonlinear equations are derived and solved numerically. Our analysis reveals the spatio-temporal dynamics of dynein populations and flagellum shape for different regimes of motor activity, medium viscosity and flagellum elasticity. Unstable modes saturate via the coupling of dynein kinetics and flagellum shape without the need of invoking a nonlinear axonemal response. Hence, our work reveals a novel mechanism for the saturation of unstable modes in axonemal beating.
Integrating multiple technologies to understand the foraging behaviour of Hawaiian monk seals
Authors: Wilson Kenady , Littnan Charles , Halpin Patrick , Read Andrew
Published: March 2017

The objective of this research was to investigate and describe the foraging behaviour of monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands. Specifically, our goal was to identify a metric to classify foraging behaviour from telemetry instruments. We deployed accelerometers, seal-mounted cameras and GPS tags on six monk seals during 2012–2014 on the islands of Molokai, Kauai and Oahu. We used pitch, calculated from the accelerometer, to identify search events and thus classify foraging dives. A search event and consequent ‘foraging dive’ occurred when the pitch was greater than or equal to 70° at a depth less than or equal to −3 m. By integrating data from the accelerometers with video and GPS, we were able to ground-truth this classification method and identify environmental variables associated with each foraging dive. We used Bayesian logistic regression to identify the variables that influenced search events. Dive depth, body motion (mean overall dynamic body acceleration during the dive) and proximity to the sea floor were the best predictors of search events for these seals. Search events typically occurred on long, deep dives, with more time spent at the bottom (more than 50% bottom time). We can now identify where monk seals are foraging in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) and what covariates influence foraging behaviour in this region. This increased understanding will inform management strategies and supplement outreach and recovery efforts.
Putative sex-specific human pheromones do not affect gender perception, attractiveness ratings or unfaithfulness judgements of opposite sex faces
Authors: Hare Robin M. , Schlatter Sophie , Rhodes Gillian , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: March 2017

Debate continues over the existence of human sex pheromones. Two substances, androstadienone (AND) and estratetraenol (EST), were recently reported to signal male and female gender, respectively, potentially qualifying them as human sex pheromones. If AND and EST truly signal gender, then they should affect reproductively relevant behaviours such as mate perception. To test this hypothesis, heterosexual, Caucasian human participants completed two computer-based tasks twice, on two consecutive days, exposed to a control scent on one day and a putative pheromone (AND or EST) on the other. In the first task, 46 participants (24 male, 22 female) indicated the gender (male or female) of five gender-neutral facial morphs. Exposure to AND or EST had no effect on gender perception. In the second task, 94 participants (43 male, 51 female) rated photographs of opposite-sex faces for attractiveness and probable sexual unfaithfulness. Exposure to the putative pheromones had no effect on either attractiveness or unfaithfulness ratings. These results are consistent with those of other experimental studies and reviews that suggest AND and EST are unlikely to be human pheromones. The double-blind nature of the current study lends increased support to this conclusion. If human sex pheromones affect our judgements of gender, attractiveness or unfaithfulness from faces, they are unlikely to be AND or EST.
Modulation of leg joint function to produce emulated acceleration during walking and running in humans
Authors: Farris Dominic James , Raiteri Brent J.
Published: March 2017

Understanding how humans adapt gait mechanics for a wide variety of locomotor tasks is important for inspiring the design of robotic, prosthetic and wearable assistive devices. We aimed to elicit the mechanical adjustments made to leg joint functions that are required to generate accelerative walking and running, using metrics with direct relevance to device design. Twelve healthy male participants completed constant speed (CS) walking and running and emulated acceleration (ACC) trials on an instrumented treadmill. External force and motion capture data were combined in an inverse dynamics analysis. Ankle, knee and hip joint mechanics were described and compared using angles, moments, powers and normalized functional indexes that described each joint as relatively more: spring, motor, damper or strut-like. To accelerate using a walking gait, the ankle joint was switched from predominantly spring-like to motor-like, while the hip joint was maintained as a motor, with an increase in hip motor-like function. Accelerating while running involved no change in the primary function of any leg joint, but involved high levels of spring and motor-like function at the hip and ankle joints. Mechanical adjustments for ACC walking were achieved primarily via altered limb positioning, but ACC running needed greater joint moments.
A laboratory study of nonlinear changes in the directionality of extreme seas
Authors: Latheef M. , Swan C. , Spinneken J.
Published: March 2017

This paper concerns the description of surface water waves, specifically nonlinear changes in the directionality. Supporting calculations are provided to establish the best method of directional wave generation, the preferred method of directional analysis and the inputs on which such a method should be based. These calculations show that a random directional method, in which the phasing, amplitude and direction of propagation of individual wave components are chosen randomly, has benefits in achieving the required ergodicity. In terms of analysis procedures, the extended maximum entropy principle, with inputs based upon vector quantities, produces the best description of directionality. With laboratory data describing the water surface elevation and the two horizontal velocity components at a single point, several steep sea states are considered. The results confirm that, as the steepness of a sea state increases, the overall directionality of the sea state reduces. More importantly, it is also shown that the largest waves become less spread or more unidirectional than the sea state as a whole. This provides an important link to earlier descriptions of deterministic wave groups produced by frequency focusing, helps to explain recent field observations and has important practical implications for the design of marine structures and vessels.
The remarkable convergence of skull shape in crocodilians and toothed whales
Authors: McCurry Matthew R. , Evans Alistair R. , Fitzgerald Erich M. G. , Adams Justin W. , Clausen Philip D. , McHenry Colin R.
Published: March 2017

The striking resemblance of long-snouted aquatic mammals and reptiles has long been considered an example of morphological convergence, yet the true cause of this similarity remains untested. We addressed this deficit through three-dimensional morphometric analysis of the full diversity of crocodilian and toothed whale (Odontoceti) skull shapes. Our focus on biomechanically important aspects of shape allowed us to overcome difficulties involved in comparing mammals and reptiles, which have fundamental differences in the number and position of skull bones. We examined whether diet, habitat and prey size correlated with skull shape using phylogenetically informed statistical procedures. Crocodilians and toothed whales have a similar range of skull shapes, varying from extremely short and broad to extremely elongate. This spectrum of shapes represented more of the total variation in our dataset than between phylogenetic groups. The most elongate species (river dolphins and gharials) are extremely convergent in skull shape, clustering outside of the range of the other taxa. Our results suggest the remarkable convergence between long-snouted river dolphins and gharials is driven by diet rather than physical factors intrinsic to riverine environments. Despite diverging approximately 288 million years ago, crocodilians and odontocetes have evolved a remarkably similar morphological solution to feeding on similar prey.
Can malaria parasites manipulate the odour-mediated host preference of their mosquito vectors?
Authors: Nguyen Phuong L. , Vantaux Amélie , Hien Domonbabele FdS , Dabiré Kounbobr R. , Yameogo Bienvenue K. , Gouagna Louis-Clément , Fontenille Didier , Renaud François , Simard Frédéric , Costantini Carlo , Thomas Fréderic , Cohuet Anna , Lefèvre Thierry
Published: March 2017

Malaria parasites can manipulate mosquito feeding behaviours such as motivation and avidity to feed on vertebrate hosts in ways that increase parasite transmission. However, in natural conditions, not all vertebrate blood-sources are suitable hosts for the parasite. Whether malaria parasites can manipulate mosquito host choice in ways that enhance parasite transmission toward suitable hosts and/or reduce mosquito attraction to unsuitable hosts (i.e. specific manipulation) is unknown. To address this question, we experimentally infected three species of mosquito vectors (Anopheles coluzzii, Anopheles gambiae, and Anopheles arabiensis) with wild isolates of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, and examined the effects of immature (oocyst) and mature (sporozoite) infections on mosquito behavioural responses (activation rate and odour choice) to combinations of calf odour, human odour and outdoor air using a dual-port olfactometer. Regardless of parasite developmental stage and mosquito species, P. falciparum infection did not alter mosquito activation rate or their choice for human odours. The overall expression pattern of host choice of all three mosquito species was consistent with a high degree of anthropophily, with both infected and uninfected individuals showing higher attraction toward human odour over calf odour, human odour over outdoor air, and outdoor air over calf odour. Our results suggests that, in this system, the parasite may not be able to manipulate the early long-range behavioural steps involved in the mosquito host-feeding process, including initiation of host-seeking and host orientation. Future studies examining mosquito host-feeding behaviours at a shorter range (i.e. the “at-host” foraging activities) are required to test whether malaria parasites can modify their mosquito host choice to enhance transmission toward suitable hosts and/or reduce biting on unsuitable hosts.
A randomized comparison of different hormone replacement protocols for thawed blastocyst transfer
Authors: Taguchi Sagiri , Funabiki Miyako , Tada Yoshihiro , Karita Masako , Hayashi Terumi , Nakamura Yoshitaka
Published: March 2017

Background

There are no randomized controlled trials evaluating the pregnancy rates after thawed blastocyst transfers in patients treated with various hormone replacement regimens.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the outcomes in three different hormone replacement protocols for thawed blastocyst transfer. A total of 330 women (median age 38.2 years) who were undergoing IVF at our clinic were enrolled.

Results

Serum estradiol (E2) levels were 267.71 pg/ml in Premarin group, 391.22 pg/ml in Estrogel group and 495.12 pg/ml in Estrana tape group. Therefore, serum E2 levels in Estrana tape group were higher than those of the other two groups (P<0.01). The pregnancy rate in the Estrogel group was higher than that in the Premarin group (30.0% versus 17.3%, P=0.026, odds ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–3.87). Furthermore, the pregnancy rate in the Estrana tape group was higher than that in the Estrogel group (43.6% versus 30.0%, P=0.036, odds ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–3.14).

Conclusion

The serum E2 levels contributed to differences observed in the pregnancy rate among the three different protocols. Thus, Estrana tape has an advantage as a hormone replacement protocol for thawed blastocyst transfer.
INCLUSION CRITERIA UPDATE OF THE INTRALUMINAL ISCHEMIC MODEL IN RAT FOR PRECLINICAL STUDIES
Authors: Fernández Susavila Héctor , Iglesias Rey Ramón , Dopico López Antonio , Pérez Mato María , Sobrino Moreira Tomás , Castillo Sánchez José , Campos Pérez Francisco
Published: March 2017

A proper occlusion of the medial cerebral artery (MCA) determined by laser Doppler during cerebral ischemia in rat models is an important inclusion criteria in experimental studies. However, a successful occlusion of the artery does not always guarantee a reproducible infarct volume which is critical to validate the efficacy of new protective drugs. In this study, we have compared the variability of infarct size in ischemic animals when the artery occlusion is monitored with laser Doppler alone and in combination with MRI during artery occlusion. Infarct volume determined at 24 hours was compared between animals with laser Doppler monitoring alone and in combination with MR angiography (MRA) and diffusion weighted images (DWI). Twenty-eight animals presented a successful occlusion and reperfusion determined by Doppler monitoring with an infarct size at 24 hours of 16.71±11.58%. However, when artery occlusion and infarct damage were analyzed in these animals by MRA and DWI, 15 animals were excluded and only 13 animals were included based on Doppler and MRI inclusion criteria, with an infarct size of 21.65±6.15% at 24 hours. These results show that laser Doppler monitoring is needed but not enough to guarantee a reproducible infarct volume in rat ischemic model.

Summary statement

Laser Doppler monitoring in combination with DWI and MR angiography represents a reliable inclusion protocol during ischemic surgery for the analysis of protective drugs in the acute phase of stroke.
Mutational biases influence parallel adaptation
Authors: Stoltzfus Arlin , McCandlish David M.
Published: March 2017

While mutational biases strongly influence neutral molecular evolution, the role of mutational biases in shaping the course of adaptation is less clear. Here we consider the frequency of transitions relative to transversions among adaptive substitutions. Because mutation rates for transitions are higher than those for transversions, if mutational biases influence the dynamics of adaptation, then transitions should be over-represented among documented adaptive substitutions. To test this hypothesis, we assembled a dataset of putatively adaptive amino acid substitutions that have occurred in parallel during evolution in nature or in the laboratory. We find that the frequency of transitions in this dataset is much higher than would be predicted under a null model where mutation has no effect. Our results are qualitatively similar even if we restrict ourself to changes that have occurred, not merely twice, but three or more times. These results suggest that the course of adaptation is biased by mutation.
Identification of a Novel GeneargJinvolved in Arginine Biosynthesis Critical for Persister Formation inStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yee Rebecca , Cui Peng , Xu Tao , Shi Wanliang , Feng Jie , Zhang Wenhong , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2017

Staphylococcus aureuscan cause both acute and recurrent persistent infections such as peritonitis, endocarditis, abscess, osteomyelitis, and chronic wound infections. An effective treatment to eradicate the persistent disease is still lacking as the mechanisms ofS. aureuspersistence are poorly understood. In this study, we performed a comprehensive and unbiased high-throughput mutant screen usingS. aureusUSA300 and identifiedargJ,encoding an acetyltransferase in the arginine biosynthesis pathway, whose mutation produced a significant defect in persister formation in multiple drugs and stresses. Genetic complementation and arginine supplementation restored persistence in the ArgJ mutant. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that thearggenes were over-expressed under drug stressed conditions and in stationary phase cultures. In addition, the ArgJ mutant had attenuated virulence in bothC. elegansand mouse models of infection. Our studies identify a novel mechanism of persistence mediated by arginine metabolism inS. aureus.These findings will not only provide new insights about the mechanisms ofS. aureuspersistence but also offer novel therapeutic targets that may help to develop more effective treatment of persistentS. aureusinfections.
Global value chains and liberalization of trade in services
Authors: Ishido Hikari
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the importance of establishing global value chains (GVCs) through the liberalization of trade in services, with the Republic of Korea comprising part of these value chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The construction of a database has revealed rather disconnected policy arrangements across Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members in terms of service trade liberalization.

Findings

Although the economic benefits arising from harmonized and liberalized policies across APEC members are widely recognized in the business sector, the relevant policy coordination seems to be missing.

Research limitations/implications

With this status quo in mind, APEC could work on establishing its own harmonized “service trade commitment table” centering on simple foreign capital participation criteria. This would surely contribute to forming an APEC-wide GVC surrounding Korea, which actively aims to expand its economic ties in the Asia-Pacific region.

Originality/value

The comparison of WTO-based and free trade agreement-based service trade commitments by APEC members (including Korea) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations ten members is an original research area, with many policy implications for Korea in the Asia-Pacific Region.
I’ll laugh, but I won’t share
Authors: Lee Seung Hwan (Mark) , Brandt Alan , Groff Yuni , Lopez Alyssa , Neavin Tyler
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the experience of darkness on people’s evaluation of humorous taboo-themed ads and their willingness to share these ads digitally with others.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple studies are conducted to demonstrate the connection between darkness and humor. Another experiment was conducted to investigate people’s willingness to share taboo-themed ads.

Findings

The results demonstrate that people in dark settings (vs light) found controversial, taboo-themed ads to be more humorous. Three studies demonstrate that people in the dark (vs light) condition found taboo-themed ads to be more humorous. More importantly, despite finding taboo-themed ads to be more humorous, people in dark settings (vs light) were less inclined to share these ads on social media platforms.

Practical implications

When using humorous taboo-themed ads, advertisers are encouraged to show these ads in dark settings. If the physical environment is uncontrollable, marketers may still benefit by cueing consumers about darkness (e.g. through their products) or reminding them of nightly activities which may also yield similar effects. However, the cautionary tale is that, although people in the dark may enjoy these ads, they may not be willing to share it with others.

Originality/value

Marketers utilize taboo-themed ads to increase consumer interest. Despite its controversial content, darkness enhances people’s evaluation toward these taboo-themed ads. However, if one of the goals of advertisers is to create an ad that is amenable to sharing, developing a humorous taboo-themed ad may not be the most rewarding strategy.
Brand community integration and satisfaction with social media sites: a comparative study
Authors: Clark Melissa , Black Hulda G. , Judson Kimberly
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to address two primary research questions: Why does a consumer integrate into a brand community and how does that impact overall satisfaction with the brand? Which of the main social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest) is more/less appropriate for cultivating a brand community?

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via an online survey of college students at two universities. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with AMOS software.

Findings

Results suggest that brand community does lead to satisfaction with a social media brand. Consumers are more likely to integrate into a brand community if they view the site as personally relevant. Relevancy is affected by the frequency with which the consumer visits the site. The analysis also indicates that there are interesting differences among the different sites.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations due to the demographics of the respondents and the finite listing of sites.

Practical implications

Social media marketers looking to build brand community and increase satisfaction will be able to use the results of this study to make informed decisions regarding these efforts.

Social implications

Society could benefit from this study if marketers use the findings to engage consumers in brand communities through social media. Brand communities help participants to feel more engaged and connected to others. It is well known that people thrive in community settings and this togetherness, as opposed to isolation, will be good for the participants and society in general.

Originality/value

The understanding of why a consumer would integrate into a brand community is valuable information because it is generally known and accepted that there are positive results for the brand, but this study takes it a step further and looks at the specific social media sites to give guidance to marketing practitioners as to which ones are best for brand community building.
The ‘third way’ and the politics of law and order: Explaining differences in law and order policies between Blair's New Labour and Schröder's SPD
Authors: WENZELBURGER GEORG , STAFF HELGE
Published: March 2017

Advocating more repressive law and order policies along the slogan ‘tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime’ in their election manifesto, Tony Blair in the United Kingdom and Gerhard Schröder in Germany were elected in the late 1990s. Once in power, however, only New Labour substantially toughened law and order policies, whereas the German Social Democrats did not change the legal status quo, to a similar extent, during their mandate. This article tackles this puzzle, arguing that the preferences of the ministers and the formal and informal rules shaping the balance of power in government are crucial to understanding why two governments that initially advocated similar policies adopted a rather different policy stance. The results are based on meticulous process tracing and a series of elite interviews concerning two major topics in the realm of law and order during the 1990s: policies directed at sexual offenders, and policies responding to the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
Failed expectations: Quality of government and support for populist parties in Europe
Authors: AGERBERG MATTIAS
Published: March 2017

This article addresses an issue previously neglected in the research on support for populist parties: How do perceptions of the local quality of government (QoG) and local service delivery affect voters’ propensity to vote for a populist party? It argues that personal experience with poor QoG makes voters more likely to support populist parties. The argument highlights the interplay between supply and demand factors in explaining populist support and discusses why populist parties have been particularly successful in certain regions in Europe. A unique dataset from the Quality of Government Institute that surveys citizens’ perception of QoG in their area is used to estimate both individual‐ and regional‐level models of the link between perceived local QoG and populist support in Europe. The empirical results show a strong and robust association between within‐country variation in QoG and support for populist parties.
Preparation of Artificial Blood from the Extract of Legume Root Nodules, and the Creation of Artificial Latent Fingermarks in Blood Using Artificial Blood,
Authors: Hong Sungwook , Kim Chaewon , Jeon Soyoung , Lee Eunhye
Published: March 2017

Distribution of homogeneous fingermarks in blood is essential for conducting proficiency tests in forensic science. Hence, the artificial blood was prepared using the root nodule extract of Glycine max plants. The reactivity of the artificial blood with widely used human blood detection reagents was tested. Artificial latent fingermarks in blood were printed using an inkjet cartridge case filled with artificial blood solution. The artificial latent fingermarks in blood were developed with amino acid‐sensitive reagents and could obtain development as prominent as the image of the master fingermark saved on the computer. Therefore, it has been confirmed that the extract of legume root nodules can be used as artificial blood, and the artificial blood can be used for the preparation of artificial latent fingermarks or footmarks in blood.
Choroideremia: melanopsin‐mediated postillumination pupil relaxation is abnormally slow
Authors: Ba‐Ali Shakoor , Christensen Søren Kirchhoff , Sander Birgit , Rosenberg Thomas , Larsen Michael , Lund‐Andersen Henrik
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To investigate the rod–cone and melanopsin pupillary light response (PLR) pathways in choroideremia.

Methods

Eight patients with choroideremia and 18 healthy age‐matched controls underwent chromatic pupillometry by applying blue (463 nm) and red light (643 nm) at 100 lux intensity to the right eye while recording pupil diameters. Absolute baseline pupil size (mm), normalized maximal pupil constriction and the early and late postillumination pupillary dilation, from 0 to 10 seconds and 10 to 30 seconds after the end of illumination, respectively, were determined. Postillumination responses to blue light were considered to be primarily driven by melanopsin activation of the intrinsic photosensitive retinal ganglion cells.

Results

Baseline pupil diameters were comparable in patients with choroideremia and control subjects (p = 0.48). The maximum pupil constriction in patients with choroideremia was severely weakened in red light but only mildly weakened in blue light (p < 0.05). Postillumination dilation of the pupil was normal after red illumination but extremely protracted after blue illumination. Also, in contrast to healthy subjects, no abrupt change in the dilation curve was seen in the patients after the end of blue illumination, the early‐phase dilation being completely abolished (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Rod–cone‐driven pupil responses were decreased as expected in an outer retinal degeneration, and near‐normal pupil constriction in blue light supports that the melanopsin system is normal. In contrast, the lack of brisk early‐phase dilation after blue illumination in choroideremia is remarkable and may be interpreted to mean that the absence of photoreceptor inhibition promotes a tonic contraction of the pupil.
Self‐reported sleep disturbance and survival in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Luskin Marlise R. , Cronin Angel M. , Owens Robert L. , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Stone Richard M. , Wadleigh Martha , Steensma David P. , Abel Gregory A.
Published: March 2017

Neither the prevalence of sleep disturbance nor its association with fatigue and overall survival (OS) are well understood for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). New patients at our institution (n = 251; 2006–2014) completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, which includes questions about sleep and fatigue. Fifty‐three per cent reported at least ‘a little’ trouble sleeping. In multivariable models, anaemia and sleep disturbance were associated with fatigue (both P < 0·001). Additionally, in separate models, sleep disturbance (P = 0·002) and fatigue (P = 0·04) both predicted OS. Our data suggest that improving sleep quality may impact MDS‐related fatigue and OS.