bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intersexual segregation in foraging microhabitat use by Magellanic Woodpeckers (Campephilus magellanicus): Seasonal and habitat effects at the world's southernmost forests
Authors: Duron Quiterie , Jiménez Jaime E. , Vergara Pablo M. , Soto Gerardo E. , Lizama Marlene , Rozzi Ricardo
Published: November 2017

Animals facing seasonal food shortage and habitat degradation may adjust their foraging behaviour to reduce intraspecific competition. In the harsh environment of the world's southernmost forests in the Magellanic sub‐Antarctic ecoregion in Chile, we studied intersexual foraging differences in the largest South American woodpecker species, the Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus). We assessed whether niche overlap between males and females decrease when food resources are less abundant or accessible, that is, during winter and in secondary forests, compared to summer and in old‐growth forests, respectively. We analysed 421 foraging microhabitat observations from six males and six females during 2011 and 2012. As predicted, the amount of niche overlap between males and females decreased during winter, when provisioning is more difficult. During winter, males and females (i) used trees with different diameter at breast height (DBH); (ii) fed in trunk sections with different diameters; and (iii) fed at different heights on tree trunks or branches. Vertical niche partitioning between sexes was found in both old‐growth and secondary forests. Such a niche partitioning during winter may be a seasonal strategy to avoid competition between sexes when prey resources are less abundant or accessible. Our results suggest that the conservation of this forest specialist, dimorphic and charismatic woodpecker species requires considering differences in habitat use between males and females.
MP29‐02 reduces nasal hyperreactivity and nasal mediators in patients with house dust mite‐allergic rhinitis
Authors: Kortekaas Krohn I. , Callebaut I. , Alpizar Y. A. , Steelant B. , Van Gerven L. , Skov P. S. , Kasran A. , Talavera K. , Wouters M. M. , Ceuppens J. L. , Seys S. F. , Hellings P. W.
Published: November 2017

Background

Nasal hyperreactivity (NHR) is an important clinical feature of allergic rhinitis (AR). The efficacy of MP29‐02 (azelastine hydrochloride (AZE) and fluticasone propionate [FP]) nasal spray on local inflammatory mediators and NHR in AR is unknown. We tested if MP29‐02 decreases inflammatory mediators and NHR in AR and if this effect is due to restoration of nasal epithelial barrier function.

Methods

A 4‐week double‐blinded placebo‐controlled trial with MP29‐02 treatment was conducted in 28 patients with house dust mite (HDM) AR. The presence of NHR was evaluated by measuring reduction in nasal flow upon cold dry air exposure. The effects of AZE ± FP on barrier integrity and airway inflammation were studied in a murine model of HDM‐induced NHR and on reduced activation of murine sensory neurons and human mast cells.

Results

MP29‐02 but not placebo reduced NHR (P < .0001 vs P = .21), levels of substance P (P = .026 vs P = .941), and β‐hexosaminidase (P = .036 vs P = .632) in human nasal secretions. In wild‐type C57BL6 mice, the reduction in β‐hexosaminidase levels (P < .0001) by AZE + FP treatment upon HDM challenge was found in parallel with a decreased transmucosal passage (P = .0012) and completely reversed eosinophilic inflammation (P = .0013). In vitro, repeated applications of AZE + FP desensitized sensory neurons expressing the transient receptor potential channels TRPA1 and TRPV1. AZE + FP reduced MC degranulation to the same extent as AZE alone.

Conclusion

MP29‐02 treatment reduces inflammatory mediators and NHR in AR. The effects of AZE + FP on MC degranulation, nasal epithelial barrier integrity, and TRP channels provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis.
INFARCTIONS AND INTERVILLOUS THROMBOSIS IN PLACENTA, AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION
Authors: Rolschau John
Published: November 2017

The number of infarctions and intervillous thromboses have been determined in a randomized, optimal obstetric material, consisting of 301 placentae. All the placentae were examined without knowledge of the pregnancies, deliveries or infants. They were examined macroscopically and histologically. The total content of protein, RNA and DNA were determined in a randomized sample of the 301 placentae. Fifty‐two placentae had small infarctions, and the corresponding birth weights, placental weights and placental DNA were of the same magnitude as in the remainder of the material. There was the same frequency of infarctions among the placentae with intervillous thrombosis. There were 11 with intervillous thrombosis, and they had a significant reduction in infant birth weight and in placental content of DNA. A significant part of these (6) had asphyxia at birth. In neither of the groups was there proliferation of Langhans cells as a sign of longer lasting anoxia. The extent of villous fibrosis in the groups was the same as in the remainder of the material. It is concluded, that no evidence was found to support a theory that infarctions and intervillous thromboses have the same pathogenesis.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF PLACENTITIS
Authors: Rolschau John
Published: November 2017

A blind histological examination of placentae, with regard to placentitis, was carried out of 2 prospective, selected materials. The first consisted of 283 placentae, which were selected with regard to optimal obstetric outcome. The second consisted of 160 placentae, randomized from all premature and low birth weight infants in the local area. Placentitis was sub‐divided into: funisitis, chorionitis, villitis and hypercellular villi. Funisitis was found in premature infants only. Villitis resulted in the birth of significantly smaller infants and placentae, and must therefore, in contrast to funisitis and chorionitis, be considered chronic. Hypercellular villi are found to have no importance. Funisitis, chorionitis and villitis could possibly be explained by an infection in 10 of a total of 15 cases of placentitis.
MANAGEMENT OF INTRACTABLE POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE SECONDARY TO UTERINE ATONY WITH INTRAMUSCULAR 15(S)15 METHYL PGF2α
Authors: Ananthasubramaniam L , Kuntal Rao , Sivaraman R , Raghavan KS
Published: November 2017

In a multicentre trial the efficacy of 250 µg of intramuscular 15(S)15 methyl PGF2α (Prostin 15M, Upjohn) was tested in controlling the postpartum hemorrhage following delivery at term. All patients included in this study did not respond to the conventional therapy of intravenous oxytocin infusion and methergin. Forty‐eight patients were included in this analysis. Forty patients responded to therapy. The blood loss following Prostin 15M injection was significantly (p<0.01) reduced from 666 ml to 341 ml. The mean blood replacement was 833 ml.
RANDOMIZED COMPARISON BETWEEN TWO‐HOURLY AND THREE‐HOURLY INTRAMUSCULAR TREATMENT WITH 15(S)15 METHYL PGF2α FOR TERMINATION OF SECOND TRIMESTER PREGNANCY
Authors: Anjaneyula R , Banerjee SK , Bhattacharya P , Das Gupta S , Devi K , Kanthamani CR , Krishna Usha R , Padma Rao A , Raghavan KS
Published: November 2017

In a multicentre trial, intramuscular 15(S)15 methyl PGF2α (Prostin 15M, Up‐john) was tried at 2‐hourly and 3‐hourly intervals for induction of second trimester abortion. The time schedule was assigned randomly. Eighty‐eight patients for 2‐hourly schedule and 89 patients for 3‐hourly schedule were recruited. Of 2‐hourly 83% and of 3‐hourly schedule 88.8% of the patients aborted with the treatment. The induction abortion interval was 15.9 hours in 2‐hourly and 17.2 hours in 3‐hourly schedule. The dose of Prostin 15M was 2.2 mg and 1.7 mg respectively. The incidence of incomplete abortion was 21.9% in 2‐hourly and 27.8% in the 3‐hourly. The incidence of vomiting was less in the 3‐hourly schedule, however, there was no difference in the incidence of diarrhoea.
Board of Directors and CSR in Banking: The Moderating Role of Bank Regulation and Investor Protection Strength
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer , García‐Meca Emma
Published: November 2017

This paper brings together research on boards of directors as the backbone of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in the banking industry. The underlying idea is that some characteristics of bank boards, in particular independence and gender diversity, may impact the CSR commitments of banks. By making use of a sample of 159 banks in nine countries during the period 2004–2010, our empirical evidence suggests that banks with more independent directors and more female members on their boards incline toward socially responsible behaviour. Our results also suggest that institutional factors play a significant role in these effects. They show that in greater regulatory and stronger investor protection environments, board independence and gender diversity have more influence on the social behaviour of banks.
Morphological characteristics of the papillae and lingual epithelium of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Ciena Adriano Polican , Santos Amilton Cesar dos , Vasconcelos Bruno Gomes , Rici Rose Eli Grassi , de Assis Neto Antônio Chaves , de Almeida Sonia Regina Yokomizo , Miglino Maria Angélica , Watanabe Ii‐sei
Published: November 2017

The structural elements, tridimensional aspects of the lingual papillae, yours connective tissue cores (CTCs) and the ultrastructure of the dorsal epithelium surface of the tongue of guinea pig are examined. Filiform papillae and their CTCs lie throughout the tongue surface, featuring subtypes and different shapes. Fungiform papillae are dome‐shaped, and their CTCs are few, with heterogenic disposition among the filiform papillae in the lingual apex and body and in grooves stretching to the side margin among the foliate papillae towards the lingual apex. Foliate papillae are well developed, and their CTCs are composed of five pairs of parallel seams limited by deep grooves placed bilaterally in the caudal region. Two vallate papillae are observed in the caudal region and reveal specialized structures which are developed and differentiated when they present compound elements by a double epithelial projection, in a column, similar to the shape of the foliate papilla. Further, the epithelium is organized by layers with ultrastructural components. Therefore, we conclude that the structural descriptions, dimensional aspects of tongue papillae, their CTCs and the ultrastructure of the tongue epithelium of guinea pigs are similar to other rodent mammals, however, with new descriptions as double epithelial projection constituting each vallate papilla.
Acetylcholine stored in dendritic cells plays a role in the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into a Th1 phenotype
Authors: Matsueda Hideyo , Kawano Masaaki , Takagi Rie , Koshimizu Kenji , Matsushita Sho
Published: November 2017

Objective

Immune cells, particularly dendritic cells (DC), express choline acetyltransferase, an enzyme essential for the production of acetylcholine (ACh); thus, DC appear to store ACh. However, the immunological role of intracytoplasmic ACh within DC is largely unknown.

Methods

To examine the role of ACh during adaptive responses, naïve CD4+ T cells were stimulated with anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 antibodies in the presence or absence of ACh. Next, monocyte‐derived DC (Mo‐DC) were stained with an anti‐ACh antibody to investigate the intracytoplasmic storage of ACh.

Results

The results showed that Mo‐DC stored ACh in the intracytoplasmic space. Stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (a Th1‐inducing agent) increased the levels of ACh in Mo‐DC; however, levels decreased under conditions that mimicked the interaction between DC and naïve CD4+ T cells. Interferon‐γ secretion increased preferentially in the presence of ACh, suggesting that naïve CD4+ T cells differentiate into T helper (Th)1 cells in the presence of ACh.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that Mo‐DC increase ACh storage in the presence of a Th1 adjuvant and release it during the interaction between DC and naïve CD4+ T cells, thereby driving their differentiation into Th1 cells. Thus, DC might utilize ACh to regulate the Th1 population in response to certain antigens.
A novel nonsense variant in REEP6 is involved in a sporadic rod‐cone dystrophy case
Authors: Méjécase C. , Mohand‐Saïd S. , El Shamieh S. , Antonio A. , Condroyer C. , Blanchard S. , Letexier M. , Saraiva J.‐P. , Sahel J.‐A. , Audo I. , Zeitz C.
Published: November 2017

Rod‐cone dystrophy (RCD), also called retinitis pigmentosa, is the most common form of progressive inherited retinal disorders secondary to photoreceptor degeneration. It is a genetically heterogeneous disease characterized by night blindness, followed by visual field constriction and, in most severe cases, total blindness. The aim of our study was to identify the underlying gene defect leading to severe RCD in a 60‐year‐old woman. The patient's DNA was investigated by targeted next generation sequencing followed by whole exome sequencing. A novel nonsense variant, c.267G>A p.(Trp89*), was identified at a homozygous state in the proband in REEP6 gene, recently reported mutated in 7 unrelated families with RCD. Further functional studies will help to understand the physiopathology associated with REEP6 mutations that may be linked to a protein trafficking defect.
Route to improving Type 1 diabetes mellitus glycaemic outcomes: real‐world evidence taken from the National Diabetes Audit
Authors: Heald A. H. , Livingston M. , Fryer A. , Moreno G. Y. C. , Malipatil N. , Gadsby R. , Ollier W. , Lunt M. , Stedman M. , Young R. J.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To use general practice‐level data for England, available through the National Diabetes Audit, and primary care prescribing data to identify prescription treatment factors associated with variations in achieved glucose control (HbA1c).

Methods

General practice‐level National Diabetes Audit data on Type 1 diabetes, including details of population characteristics, services, proportion of people achieving target glycaemic control [HbA1c ≤58 mmol/mol (7.5%)] and proportion of people at high glycaemic risk [HbA1c >86 mmol/ml (10%)], were linked to 2013–2016 primary care diabetes prescribing data on insulin types and blood glucose monitoring for all people with diabetes.

Results

A wide variation was found between the 10th percentile and the 90th percentile of general practices in both target glycaemic control (15.6% to 44.8%, respectively) and high glycaemic risk (4.8% to 28.6%, respectively). Our analysis suggests that, given the extrapolated total of 280 000 people with Type 1 diabetes in the UK, there may be the potential to increase the number of those within target glycaemic control from 80 000 to 101 000; 53% of this increase (11 000 people) would result from service improvements and 47% (10 000 people) from medication and technology changes. The same improvements would also provide the opportunity to reduce the number of people at high glycaemic risk from 42 000 to 26 500. A key factor associated with practice‐level target HbA1c achievement would be greater use of insulin pumps for up to an additional 56 000 people.

Conclusion

If the HbA1c achievement rates in service provision, medication and use of technology currently seen in practices in the 90th percentile were to be matched with regard to HbA1c achievement rates in all general practices, glycaemic control might be improved for 36 500 people, with all the attendant health benefits.
Impact of differing glucose‐lowering regimens on the pattern of association between glucose control and survival
Authors: Currie Craig J. , Holden Sarah E. , Jenkins‐Jones Sara , Morgan Christopher Ll , Voss Bernd , Rajpathak Swapnil N. , Alemayehu Berhanu , Peters John R. , Engel Samuel S.
Published: November 2017

Aims

To characterize survival in relation to achieved glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level within alternative glucose‐lowering regimens with differing risks of hypoglycaemia.

Methods

Data were extracted from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink and the corresponding Hospital Episode Statistics. Patients with type 2 diabetes prescribed glucose‐lowering therapy in monotherapy or dual therapy with metformin between 2004 and 2013 were identified. Risk of all‐cause mortality within treatment cohorts was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model, introducing mean HbA1c as a quarterly updated, time‐dependent covariable.

Results

There were 6646 deaths in a total follow‐up period of 374 591 years. Survival for lower (<7%) vs moderate HbA1c levels (≥7%, <8.5%) differed by cohort: metformin, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95‐1.12); sulphonylurea, aHR 1.11 (95% CI 0.99‐1.25); insulin, aHR 1.47 (95% CI 1.25‐1.72); combined regimens with low hypoglycaemia risk, aHR 1.02 (95% CI 0.94‐1.10); and combined regimens with higher hypoglycaemia risk excluding insulin, aHR 1.24 (95% CI 1.13‐1.35) and including insulin, aHR 1.28 (95% CI 1.18‐1.37). Higher HbA1c levels were associated with increased mortality in regimens with low hypoglycaemia risk. Post hoc analysis by HbA1c deciles revealed an elevated risk of all‐cause mortality for the lowest deciles across all cohorts, but particularly in those regimens associated with hypoglycaemia. High HbA1c was associated with no difference, or a small increase in mortality risk in regimens with increased risk of hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions

The pattern of mortality risk across the range of HbA1c differed by glucose‐lowering regimen. Lower HbA1c was associated with increased mortality risk compared with moderate control, especially in those regimens associated with hypoglycaemia. High levels of HbA1c were associated with the expected elevated mortality risk in regimens with low hypoglycaemia risk.
The association between oral health status and respiratory pathogen colonization with pneumonia risk in institutionalized adults
Authors: Hong CHL , Aung MM , Kanagasabai K , Lim CA , Liang S , Tan KS
Published: November 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the oral health and the prevalence of pre‐existing oral colonization with respiratory pathogens in dependent elderly, and whether these factors influence pneumonia development.

Materials and Methods

Participants residing in a long‐term care facility received bedside oral examinations, and information on their oral health (caries status, calculus index and debris index) was obtained. Samples from the tongue and teeth were collected at baseline and at time of pneumonia development. Sputum was collected at the time of pneumonia diagnosis. Samples were assessed for Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae by polymerase chain reaction.

Results

This was a 1‐year longitudinal study of 60 dependent elderly (mean age: 64.2 ± 14.1 years). Seventeen patients (28.3%) developed pneumonia. The mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index were 22.8 ± 9.2 and 4.0 ± 1.0, respectively. At baseline, 48.3% were orally colonized with ≥1 respiratory pathogens. The presence of H. influenzae (P = .002) and P. aeruginosa (P = .049) in the sputum was significantly associated with their colonization on the tongue at baseline. In the bivariate analyses, pneumonia development was associated with naso‐gastric feeding tube (P = .0001), H. influenzae (P = .015) and P. aeruginosa (P = .003) tongue colonization at baseline and calculus index (P = .002). Multivariate analyses revealed that calculus index (P = .09) and the presence of tracheostomy (P = .037) were associated with pneumonia.

Conclusions

The calculus amount and tongue colonization with respiratory pathogens are risk factors for pneumonia development. Oral hygiene measures to remove tongue biofilm and calculus may reduce pneumonia development.
Astrocyte elevated gene‐1 promotes invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in bladder cancer cells through activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
Authors: Yang Xiaoming , Shi Lei , Yi Chengzhi , Yang Yang , Chang Liansheng , Song Dongkui
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To determine the impact of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 on the invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of bladder cancer cells in vitro and metastasis in vivo.

Methods

Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies were carried out to investigate the biological roles of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 in bladder cancer cell invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and lung metastasis. The mechanism underlying the activity of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 was examined.

Results

Overexpression of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 led to a significant increase in the invasive ability of UMUC3 and T24 bladder cancer cells in Matrigel invasion assays. In contrast, silencing of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 restrained bladder cancer cell invasion. Overexpression of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 downregulated E‐cadherin and upregulated vimentin and Twist1, while silencing of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 exerted an opposite effect. Mechanistically, astrocyte elevated gene‐1 overexpression promoted the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in bladder cancer cells. Treatment with WP1066, a specific signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibitor, significantly abolished astrocyte elevated gene‐1‐induced invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in UMUC3 cells. In vivo studies showed that astrocyte elevated gene‐1 overexpression stimulated the growth of UMUC3 xenograft tumors and lung metastasis.

Conclusions

Astrocyte elevated gene‐1 shows the ability to promote bladder cancer metastasis, which is causally linked to induction of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Therefore, targeting astrocyte elevated gene‐1 might offer therapeutic benefits in treating metastatic bladder cancer.
Larval Echinococcus multilocularis infection reduces dextran sulphate sodium‐induced colitis in mice by attenuating T helper type 1/type 17‐mediated immune reactions
Authors: Wang Junhua , Goepfert Christine , Mueller Norbert , Piersigilli Alessandra , Lin Renyong , Wen Hao , Vuitton Dominique A. , Vuitton Lucine , Mueller Christoph , Gottstein Bruno
Published: November 2017

The tumour‐like growth of larval Echinococcus multilocularis tissue (causing alveolar echinococcosis, AE) is directly linked to the nature/orientation of the periparasitic host immune‐mediated processes. Parasite‐mediated immune suppression is a hallmark triggering infection outcome in both chronic human and murine AE. So far, little is known about secondary systemic immune effects of this pathogen on other concomitant diseases, e.g. endogenous gut inflammation. We examined the influence of E. multilocularis infection on murine dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) ‐induced colitis. At 3 months after E. multilocularis infection (chronic stage), the mice were challenged with 3% DSS in the drinking water for 5 days plus subsequently with tap water (alone) for another 4 days. After necropsy, fixed tissues/organs were sectioned and stained with haematoxylin & eosin for assessing inflammatory reactions. Cytokine levels were measured by flow cytometry and quantitative RT‐PCR. Colitis severity was assessed (by board‐certified veterinary pathologists) regarding (i) colon length, (ii) weight loss and (iii) a semi‐quantitative score of morphological changes. The histopathological analysis of the colon showed a significant reduction of DSS‐induced gut inflammation by concomitant E. multilocularis infection, which correlated with down‐regulation of T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th17 T‐cell responses in the colon tissue. Echinococcus multilocularis infection markedly reduced the severity of DSS‐induced gut inflammation upon down‐regulation of Th1/Th17 cytokine expression and attenuation of CD11b+ cell activation. In conclusion, E. multilocularis infection remarkably reduces DSS‐induced colitis in mice by attenuating Th1/Th17‐mediated immune reactions.
Self‐compassion and psychological distress in parents of young people and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Robinson Suzanne , Hastings Richard P. , Weiss Jonathan A. , Pagavathsing Jaffni , Lunsky Yona
Published: November 2017

Background

Parenting an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can be challenging, particularly during adulthood. It is important to better understand ways of supporting families as individuals with IDD age. Self‐compassion is a potential internal coping resource for parents, and is strongly linked to positive mental health outcomes, though research has yet to examine it in parents of adults with IDD.

Method

The current study examines the association between self‐compassion and measures of well‐being for 56 parents of adults with IDD.

Results

Greater self‐compassion was related to lower levels of stress and depression, even after accounting for other known stressors, such as economic disadvantage, having a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, and high parent burden.

Conclusions

Self‐compassion may offer resiliency against these parenting challenges.
Efficacy of statin delivery as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Akram Zohaib , Vohra Fahim , Javed Fawad
Published: November 2017

The action of statins in stimulating bone formation and having other pleiotropic effects, such as anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, has justified their use as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of statin delivery as an adjunct to SRP in the treatment of CP. Electronic searches were conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, up until July 2017. The primary outcome was probing depth (PD), while the secondary outcomes were changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and bone defect (BD) fill. Eleven studies were included, and all showed significant PD reduction, CAL gain, and BD fill with adjunctive statin delivery compared to SRP alone. The meta‐analysis showed significant improvement in periodontal parameters for atorvastatin (PD: weighted mean difference [WMD] = −1.84, −2.56 to −1.12, P < .001; CAL: WMD = −2.31, −3.58 to −1.03, P < .001; BD fill: WMD = 2.66, −3.92 to −1.39, P < .001), simvastatin (PD: WMD = −1.91, −2.27 to −1.55, P < .001; CAL: WMD = −1.91, −2.27 to −1.55, P = .001; BD: WMD = −1.52, −2.20 to −0.85, P < .001), and rosuvastatin (PD: WMD = −0.94, −1.32 to −0.55, P < .001; CAL: WMD = −1.00, −1.41 to −0.60, P < .001; BD fill: WMD = −1.30, −1.80 to −0.79, P < .001). Adjunctive statin delivery appears to be effective in reducing PD, CAL gain, and BD fill in CP, and therefore, these drugs could be a promising therapeutic option for periodontal regeneration in future.
Poly‐L‐lactic acid for the Improvement of photodamage and rhytids of the décolletage
Authors: Wilkerson Eric C , Goldberg David J
Published: November 2017

Background

Poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) is a biostimulatory filler approved for use in HIV lipoatrophy as well as cosmetic improvement in facial folds and wrinkles in immunocompetent patients. Similar to the face and hands, the décolletage is commonly subject to photodamage and the resulting appearance of rhytids and crepiness, which could benefit from PLLA treatment.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of injected PLLA for the improvement in rhytids and crepiness of the décolletage.

Methods

In this open‐label, prospective, interventional study, 25 healthy female volunteers aged 40‐to‐70 years with moderate‐to‐severe crepiness and wrinkling of the décolletage were injected with 1 vial of PLLA at each of three treatments. The Fabi‐Bolton 5‐point chest wrinkling scale was used by both investigators and subjects to assign pretreatment and post‐treatment follow‐up scores at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Adverse events were reported at each visit.

Results

All post‐treatment mean scores had statistically significant improvement compared to the pretreatment baseline means as rated by both investigators and subjects. At 1 month following the last treatment, compared to baseline, investigators rated 83% of subjects had improved by at least one point on the scale. Subjects rated 74% of subjects improved by at least one point. At 6 months, 90% of subjects, as rated by the investigators, and 57% of subjects, as rated by the subjects, had improvement from baseline.

Conclusion

PLLA is safe and effective for improvement in the rhytids and skin quality of the photodamaged décolletage.
Long‐term survival with bevacizumab in heavily pretreated and platinum‐resistant mucinous ovarian cancer: A case report
Authors: Tarumi Yosuke , Mori Taisuke , Matsushima Hiroshi , Kokabu Tetsuya , Tsuchiya Hiroshi , Kitawaki Jo
Published: November 2017

The prognosis of patients with recurrent and platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer is quite poor. Randomized trials have shown that bevacizumab (BEV) can be effective, even in platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer, but only a few such cases of long‐term survival with BEV have been reported. Furthermore, there is no consensus on how many cycles of BEV should be administered. Herein, we report a case of refractory mucinous ovarian cancer showing long‐term survival after six cycles of weekly paclitaxel with BEV followed by 26 cycles of BEV maintenance. Although six prior chemotherapy regimens resulted in progressive disease, the BEV treatment controlled the patient’s ascites and improved her performance status. For a further 30 months and 32 cycles of BEV, neither progression of the disease nor severe adverse events have been observed. Our case demonstrates that BEV administration could result in a favorable outcome in heavily pretreated and platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer patients.
Structural arrangement of vesicouterine fistula revisited: An immunohistochemical study documenting the presence of the endometrium
Authors: Jóźwik Maciej , Jóźwik Marcin , Kozłowski Robert , Sulkowski Stanisław , Semczuk Andrzej , Jóźwik Michał
Published: November 2017

Previous research has described a woman of reproductive age who presented with a vesicouterine fistula (VUF) of 20 months’ duration. The VUF was lined with a metaplastic glandular epithelium containing both estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) in abundance. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the histology of the VUF canal when exposure to urine of the cellular elements within the fistula was of much shorter duration. A 41‐year‐old woman who developed a VUF during her third cesarean section was treated with transvesical fistula excision, electrocoagulation, and subsequent attempted hormonal treatment. Later, the patient underwent open surgery fistula repair. Postoperative specimens were subjected to anatomopathological examination together with immunohistochemical staining for ER and PR using monoclonal anti‐human antibodies. Herein, we present for the first time detailed microscopic evidence that, at two separate timepoints, the fistulous tract was lined with the endometrium, which covered approximately 80% of the length of the VUF canal. In its intermediate segment, the urothelium formed an additional layer on the surface of the endometrium. At both timepoints, in the columnar epithelial and stromal endometrial cells lining the fistula, both ER and PR were present in abundance. In conclusion, VUF in subjects of reproductive age fulfill criteria for endometriosis. This study provides a rationale for the conservative treatment of VUF consistent with the hormonal treatment of endometriosis.
Pregnant outcomes of atypical polypoid adenomyoma treated with progestin therapy
Authors: Chen Qin , Lu Weiguo , Lu Bingjian
Published: November 2017

Aim

We aimed to investigate the long‐term clinical and pregnancy outcome in patients with atypical polypoid adenomyoma (APA) after hysteroscopic excision.

Methods

We analyzed the clinicopathological features, including pregnancy outcomes, in 10 APA patients who had been treated with hysteroscopic excision of the lesion and progesterone therapy.

Results

The patients were all nulliparous, and nine had been clinically diagnosed as infertile. There were five patients with complex endometrial hyperplasia at the time of initial diagnosis, two of them had had recurrence of complex hyperplasia, and there was another one who had had complex hyperplasia 18 months after initial diagnosis. The patients had been treated with polypectomy under hysteroscopy and a long‐term progestin therapy. They had achieved complete regression, but four had a recurrent or persistent disease. Two patients had eventually undergone hysterectomy due to endometrial carcinoma at 102 months (patient 2) or persisting complex atypical hyperplasia at 131 months (patient 5) after initial diagnosis. All patients were alive with no evidence of disease during a follow‐up period of 19–145 months. Seven patients had succeeded in pregnancy with nine live births. Three pregnancies had been achieved by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

Conclusion

Fertility‐sparing surgery under hysteroscopy with progesterone therapy and appropriate assistant reproduction technology is an alternative option for young APA patients. However, close follow‐up is required for these patients.
Neoliberal Penality and State Legitimacy: Politics of Amnesty in Turkey during the AKP Period
Authors: Yıldırım İrem , Kuyucu Tuna
Published: November 2017

General amnesty is an extraordinary policy mostly used in the aftermath of civil wars or regime transition to maintain political stability. In Turkey, however, amnesties have historically been used to resolve the chronic problems of the criminal justice system. This radically changed after the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in 2002, which has taken a sharp anti-amnesty position. This shift should be understood as part of AKP's neoliberal orientation in criminal justice policies that has increased the dose of punitiveness, emphasized individual responsibility of offenders, and enhanced the organizational efficiency of institutions. Central to this neoliberal penal orientation is the party's neopopulist ideology constructed on an image of a strong state that (i) is capable of dealing with structural problems without having to recourse to extraordinary measures, (ii) no longer sees criminals as “victims of fate”, (iii) prioritizes victims’ rights. Our analysis contributes to the mounting literature on neoliberal penalty in two ways: first is by bringing the question of why states forgive at center stage when most work focuses exclusively on how and why states punish; second is by paying closer attention to how developing country governments with limited financial, logistical, and administrative resources manage the tensions and contradictions that neoliberal penal policies bring forth. Our arguments are based on official reports; in-depth interviews with legal professionals; and descriptive statistics on the criminal justice system.
Pressured into a Preference to Leave? A Study on the “Specific” Deterrent Effects and Perceived Legitimacy of Immigration Detention
Authors: Leerkes Arjen , Kox Mieke
Published: November 2017

Immigration detention is formally not a punishment, but governments do use it to deter illegal residence. This study examines whether and how immigration detention affects detainees’ decision-making processes regarding departure, thereby possibly resulting in de facto “specific deterrence.” Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted in the Netherlands with 81 immigration detainees, and their case files were examined. Evidence is found for a limited, selective deterrence effect at the level of detainee's attitudes: most respondents considered immigration detention a painful and distressing experience, but only a minority—mostly labor migrants without family ties in the Netherlands—developed a preference to return to their country of citizenship in hopes of ending their exposure, including repeated exposure, to the detention. In line with defiance theory, we find that eventual deterrent effects mostly occurred among detainees who also attributed some measure of legitimacy to their detention. Among some detainees, the detention experience resulted in a preference to migrate to a neighboring European country.
Courting Custom: Regulating Access to Justice in Rural South Africa and Malawi
Authors: Ubink Janine , Mnisi Weeks Sindiso
Published: November 2017

The continued relevance of customary law for the regulation of the daily lives of Africa's citizens poses serious governance challenges to sovereign states, such as how best to regulate customary dispute settlement. While confronted with largely similar problems, the South African government proposed to enhance and regulate the position of its traditional courts, whereas Malawi has opted for the creation of hybrid local courts that combine characteristics of regular state courts and customary fora to be the main avenue of customary law cases. This paper analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches and displays how the two countries’ historical and political contexts enable and constrain their regulatory choices in the field of customary dispute settlement, as well as influence the risk and benefits of the various options. In this respect, the political power of the traditional leaders is a significant determinant.
Making Strategic Choices: How and Why Indian Groups Advocated for Federal Recognition from 1977 to 2012
Authors: Carlson Kirsten Matoy
Published: November 2017

How and why do groups employ law strategically in different venues? This article combines theoretical and methodological insights from sociolegal and interest-group studies to investigate how and why nonfederally recognized Indian groups used administrative and legislative strategies for federal recognition from 1977 to 2012. By detailing the circumstances leading Indian groups to employ varying strategies, it provides a more nuanced understanding of the dynamic interplay among the goals, motivations, and constraints influencing groups to use administrative and legislative processes over time.
Boosting nationalism with non‐nationalist ideology: A comparative biographical analysis of the Chinese communist revolutionaries
Authors: Zhou Luyang
Published: November 2017

This article conducts a comparative biographical analysis to explain why the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) revolutionaries used non‐nationalist Marxism to boost a nationalist movement. It argues that these people, based on their own observations of the precommunist Chinese nationalism, thought that China lacked structural conditions for making a solid nationalist movement such as cultural homogeneity, mass literacy, and a shared pride in modern history. They thus turned to seek a non‐national ideology that could still fulfil the functions of integrating leading elites, mobilizing the masses, and motivating the patriots themselves. Then, to explain why the CCP leaders particularly adopted Marxism, this article draws comparison with the Kuomintang (non‐communist nationalists) elites who advocated for more patience and insistence to develop regular nationalism. The comparison shows that the CCP's impatient jump stemmed from their disadvantaged backgrounds that had limited their ideological horizon: lower‐class origins, narrow overseas experiences, poor education, and weak attachment to traditional culture. To pre‐existing literature, this article makes three contributions: (1) provides a more detailed interpretation of the CCP's diagnosis of Chinese nationalism; (2) explains why the same structural dilemmas produced nationalist and non‐nationalist responses alike; and (3) draws a biographical database of the CCP and the Kuomintang.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis: non‐invasive detection of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease related fibrosis in the obese
Authors: Ooi G. J. , Mgaieth S. , Eslick G. D. , Burton P. R. , Kemp W. W. , Roberts S. K. , Brown W. A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant disease burden in obesity. Liver fibrosis is an important prognostic factor in NAFLD, and detection is vital. The pathophysiological changes of obesity can alter the accuracy of non‐invasive NAFLD tests. We aimed to review current evidence for common non‐invasive tests for NAFLD‐related fibrosis in obesity.

Methods

We systematically searched for studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of 11 biomarker panels and elastography techniques for NAFLD‐related fibrosis in obesity. Meta‐analyses were performed where possible.

Results

Thirty‐eight studies were identified assessing the selected tests in obese populations. Simple biomarker panels (e.g. NAFLD fibrosis score) were the most validated. Evidence showed better accuracy of complex biomarker panels (NAFLD fibrosis score: summary receiver operator characteristic [SROC] 0.795–0.813 vs. enhanced liver fibrosis: SROC 0.962); however, these were poorly validated in obesity. Elastography techniques were better studied and had high diagnostic accuracy (transient elastography: SROC 0.859; magnetic resonance elastography: SROC 0.965) but were limited by BMI‐dependent failure. Limited evidence was found to validate the accuracy of any test in exclusively obese populations.

Conclusion

In obese subjects, complex biomarker panels and elastography have been reasonable to good accuracy for NAFLD‐related fibrosis; however, these methods have not been well validated. Further study in this high‐risk population is needed.
D‐tyrosine negatively regulates melanin synthesis by competitively inhibiting tyrosinase activity
Authors: Park Jisu , Jung Hyejung , Kim Kyuri , Lim Kyung‐Min , Kim Ji‐young , Jho Eek‐hoon , Oh Eok‐Soo
Published: November 2017

Although L‐tyrosine is well known for its melanogenic effect, the contribution of D‐tyrosine to melanin synthesis was previously unexplored. Here, we reveal that, unlike L‐tyrosine, D‐tyrosine dose‐dependently reduced the melanin contents of human MNT‐1 melanoma cells and primary human melanocytes. In addition, 500 μM of D‐tyrosine completely inhibited 10 μM L‐tyrosine‐induced melanogenesis, and both in vitro assays and L‐DOPA staining MNT‐1 cells showed that tyrosinase activity is reduced by D‐tyrosine treatment. Thus, D‐tyrosine appears to inhibit L‐tyrosine‐mediated melanogenesis by competitively inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Furthermore, we found that D‐tyrosine inhibited melanogenesis induced by α‐MSH treatment or UV irradiation, which are the most common environmental factors responsible for melanin synthesis. Finally, we confirmed that D‐tyrosine reduced melanin synthesis in the epidermal basal layer of a 3D human skin model. Taken together, these data suggest that D‐tyrosine negatively regulates melanin synthesis by inhibiting tyrosinase activity in melanocyte‐derived cells.
Effects of body condition score (BCS) on steroid‐ and eicosanoid‐metabolizing enzyme activity in various mare tissues during winter anoestrus
Authors: Owen MPT , Ferjak EN , Cavinder CA , McCarty KJ , Yankey KC , Hart CG , Burnett DD , Dinh TTN , Lemley CO
Published: November 2017

Contents

The objective of this study was to determine the activity of steroid‐ and eicosanoid‐metabolizing enzymes in horses with varying BCSs. The BCSs of twenty non‐pregnant, anoestrous mares were determined prior to euthanasia, and tissue samples were collected from the liver, kidney, adrenal gland, ovary and endometrium. Cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A), 2C (CYP2C), 3A (CYP3A) and uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activities were determined using luminogenic substrates. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used to test the effect of BCS on enzyme activity and differences between tissues. Activity of CYP1A in adrenals was increased (p ≤ .05) in BCS 5 versus BCSs 4 and 6. Activity of CYP1A in the liver was increased (p = .05) in BCS 4 versus BCSs 5 and 6. Activity of CYP1A was 100‐fold greater (p < .0001) in the liver than in the adrenal, ovary and kidney. Activity of CYP2C was 100‐fold greater (p < .0001) in the liver than in the adrenal, ovary and endometrium. Activity of CYP3A was only detectable in the liver. Activity of UGT in the kidney was decreased (p = .02) in BCS 4 versus BCSs 5 and 6. Activity of UGT was threefold greater (p < .0001) in the liver than in the kidney, whereas activity of UGT was ninefold greater (p < .0001) in the kidney than in the ovary and endometrium. In general, BCS did not alter the activity of steroid‐ and eicosanoid‐metabolizing enzymes in horses. However, tissue differences in these enzymes indicated abundant hepatic metabolism in horses, which is similar to other livestock species.
Perceptions and Expected Immediate Reactions to Severe Storm Displays
Authors: Jon Ihnji , Huang Shih‐Kai , Lindell Michael K.
Published: November 2017

The National Weather Service has adopted warning polygons that more specifically indicate the risk area than its previous county‐wide warnings. However, these polygons are not defined in terms of numerical strike probabilities (ps). To better understand people's interpretations of warning polygons, 167 participants were shown 23 hypothetical scenarios in one of three information conditions—polygon‐only (Condition A), polygon + tornadic storm cell (Condition B), and polygon + tornadic storm cell + flanking nontornadic storm cells (Condition C). Participants judged each polygon's ps and reported the likelihood of taking nine different response actions. The polygon‐only condition replicated the results of previous studies; ps was highest at the polygon's centroid and declined in all directions from there. The two conditions displaying storm cells differed from the polygon‐only condition only in having ps just as high at the polygon's edge nearest the storm cell as at its centroid. Overall, ps values were positively correlated with expectations of continuing normal activities, seeking information from social sources, seeking shelter, and evacuating by car. These results indicate that participants make more appropriate ps judgments when polygons are presented in their natural context of radar displays than when they are presented in isolation. However, the fact that ps judgments had moderately positive correlations with both sheltering (a generally appropriate response) and evacuation (a generally inappropriate response) suggests that experiment participants experience the same ambivalence about these two protective actions as people threatened by actual tornadoes.