bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On correlation analysis of many‐to‐many observations: an alternative to Pearson's correlation coefficient and its application to an ecotoxicological study
Authors: Moltchanova Elena , Gerhard Daniel , Mohamed Fathimath , Gaw Sally , Glover Chris N.
Published: November 2017

Correlation studies are an important hypothesis‐generating and testing tool, and have a wide range of applications in many scientific fields. In ecological studies in particular, multiple environmental variables are often measured in an attempt to determine relationships between chemical, physical and biological factors. For example, one may wish to know whether and how soil properties correlate with plant physiology. Although correlation coefficients are widely used, their properties and limitations are often imperfectly understood. This is especially the case when one is interested in correlations between, say, trace element content in sediments and in marine organisms, where no one‐to‐one correspondence exists. We show that evaluating Pearson's correlation coefficient for either site‐specific means or composite samples results in biased estimates, and we propose an alternative estimator. We use simulation studies to demonstrate that our estimator generally has a much smaller bias and mean squared error. We further illustrate its use in a case study of the correlation between trace element content in sediments and in mussels in Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand.
The Swedish Pregnancy Register – for quality of care improvement and research
Authors: Stephansson Olof , Petersson Kerstin , Björk Camilla , Conner Peter , Wikström Anna‐Karin
Published: November 2017

Introduction

The objective of this study was to present the Swedish Pregnancy Register and to explore regional differences in maternal characteristics, antenatal care, first trimester combined screening and delivery outcomes in Sweden.

Material and methods

The Pregnancy Register (www.graviditetsregistret.se) collects data on pregnancy and childbirth, starting at the first visit to antenatal care and ending at the follow‐up visit to the antenatal care, which usually occurs at around 8–16 weeks postpartum. The majority of data is collected directly from the electronic medical records. The Register includes demographic, reproductive and maternal health data, as well information on prenatal diagnostics, and pregnancy outcome for the mother and the newborn.

Results

Today the Register covers more than 90% of all deliveries in Sweden, with the aim to include all deliveries within 2018. The care providers can visualize quality measures over time and compare results with other clinics, regionally and nationally by creating reports on an aggregated level or using case‐mix adjusted Dash Boards in real time. Detailed data can be extracted after ethical approval for research. In this report, we showed regional differences in patient characteristics, antenatal care, fetal diagnosis and delivery outcomes in Sweden.

Conclusions

Our report indicates that quality in antenatal and delivery care in Sweden varies between regions, which warrants further actions. The Swedish Pregnancy Register is a new and valuable resource for benchmarking, quality improvement and research in pregnancy, fetal diagnosis and delivery.
The contingent challenges of purposeful co‐production: Researching new migrant employment experiences in the North East of England
Authors: Clayton John , Vickers Tom
Published: November 2017

This paper presents methodological reflections from a programme of empirical research across two distinct but related projects, which culminated in an examination of the employment experiences of new migrants in the North East of England. This mixed‐methods research focused on the position and experiences of migrants from Eastern European countries joining the EU in 2004 and 2007, and refugees and asylum seekers from a broad range of countries. Co‐produced by an interdisciplinary academic team, migrants living and working in the region and voluntary sector organisations involving and supporting migrants, the research looked to address gaps in evidence to support education, advocacy and service provision. The paper argues that while co‐production has tremendous potential to traverse the borders of theory and action in pursuit of positive change in people's lives, careful consideration needs to be given to distinct incarnations and the manner in which co‐production emerges through specific conditions and relationships. We identify the principles underpinning this research, but also illustrate how our approach developed over time into a form of distributed‐resource, which was able to connect organisations, people and resources from varied sources around shared values and an interest in outcomes.
Long‐term development of gait after multilevel surgery in children with cerebral palsy: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Dreher Thomas , Thomason Pam , Švehlík Martin , Döderlein Leonhard , Wolf Sebastian I , Putz Cornelia , Uehlein Oliver , Chia Kohleth , Steinwender Gerhardt , Sangeux Morgan , Graham H K
Published: November 2017

Aim

We investigated the long‐term efficacy and safety of multilevel surgery (MLS) in ambulatory children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Two hundred and thirty‐one children were evaluated at short term (1.1y, SD 0.4) and long term (9.1y, SD 3.0) follow‐up using clinical examination and gait analysis. MLS was investigated by studying changes in the Gait Profile Score (GPS) referenced to the minimally important clinical difference.

Results

Ambulatory children aged 10 years and 7 months (SD 2y 11mo) at MLS in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I (19), II (144), and III (68) showed a decrease (improvement) in preoperative GPS from 16.3° (SD 4.8) to 11.3° (SD 3.2) at short‐term follow‐up, an improvement of 5°. At long‐term follow‐up, GPS was maintained at 11.4° (SD 3.1). Overall, 177 (76.6%) children maintained their improvement in GPS after 9 years.

Interpretation

Multilevel surgery is a safe and effective surgical intervention, which leads to a significant improvement in gait kinematics in children with bilateral spastic CP. This study improves our understanding of MLS in the long term and will help to inform families and children when planning for MLS.

What this paper adds

Largest study of multilevel surgery (MLS) for children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, with longest follow‐up.

MLS resulted in significant long‐term improvements in gait function.

Minor adverse events were common, while events requiring intervention were uncommon (4% of children).

Thirty‐nine per cent of children required additional surgery during follow‐up.

‘Single‐event multilevel surgery’ was changed to the more realistic term ‘multilevel surgery’.
Serum paraoxonase‐1 activity is inversely related to free thyroxine in euthyroid subjects: The PREVEND Cohort Study
Authors: van Tienhoven‐Wind Lynnda J. N. , Gruppen Eke G. , James Richard W. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Gans Rijk O. B. , Dullaart Robin P. F.
Published: November 2017

Background

Low‐normal thyroid function within the euthyroid range has been suggested to enhance atherosclerosis susceptibility. Paraoxonase‐1 (PON‐1) may protect against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease development by attenuating oxidative stress. We evaluated relationships of PON‐1 with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, free T3, lipids and apolipoprotein (apo)A‐I in euthyroid subjects, and assessed whether such relationships are modified in the context of the metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Materials and methods

Serum PON‐1 activity (arylesterase activity), TSH, free T4, free T3, lipids and apoA‐I was measured in 2206 euthyroid subjects (aged 28‐75 years; 1138 men (age 49 ± 13 years) and 1068 women (age 46 ± 12 years), recruited from the general population (PREVEND cohort).

Results

In age‐ and sex‐adjusted analysis, PON‐1 activity (divided into tertiles) was positively related to TSH (β = −0.045, P = .036) and inversely to free T4 (β = −0.042, P = .050) but not to free T3 (β = −0.027, P = .20). PON‐1 activity was positively related to total cholesterol, non‐HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as to HDL cholesterol and apoA‐I (P < .01 to <.001). The inverse relationship of PON‐1 activity with free T4 remained present after adjustment for lipids and other potential confounders (β = −0.066, P = .002), but the positive relationship with TSH lost significance (β = 0.034, P = .11). The inverse relationship of PON‐1 activity with free T4 was not different in subjects with vs without MetS (P = .94), nor modified by the presence of its individual components (P ≥ .22 for each).

Conclusions

Serum PON‐1 activity is inversely associated with free T4 in euthyroid subjects, suggesting that low‐normal thyroid function may affect PON‐1 regulation.
Tophus size is associated with hallux valgus deformity in gout
Authors: Blandin Camille , Forien Marine , Gardette Anais , Palazzo Elisabeth , Dieudé Philippe , Ottaviani Sébastien
Published: November 2017

Objective

Hallux valgus (HV) and gout are common pathologies of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP1) leading to pain and deformation. In this study, we aimed to determine the correlation between tophus size and characteristics of HV in gouty patients.

Methods

In this case‐control study, we included patients with gout (the presence of monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid) and control patients with spondyloarthritis, without crystal disease disorders. Radiographic assessment and ultrasound (US) assessment were performed by two blinded operators. US features of gout (double contour [DC] sign and/or tophus) were collected. HV was defined by hallux abductus (HA) angle ≥20° and/or intermetatarsal angle (IM) ≥10°. Correlation between US findings and HV angles was estimated by Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

We included 56 gouty patients (87.5% males, mean age of 63.9 ± 12.2 years) and 41 control patients (90% males, mean age of 59.0 ± 12.8 years). HV was more frequent in patients with gout than controls (62% vs 37%, P = .0007). Regardless of HV status, correlations were found between the size of US tophi and IM (r = .3381, P = .003) and HA angles (r = .2344, P = .043).

Conclusions

Our results confirm a high prevalence of HV in gouty patients. We also observed a correlation between the size of the US tophus and the angles defining HV, which suggests a link between urate deposition load and HV. Early urate‐lowering therapy for gout could limit the occurrence of HV.
Insular damage, new‐onset atrial fibrillation and outcome after acute intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Prats‐Sánchez L. , Guisado‐Alonso D. , Painous C. , Fayos F. , Pascual‐Goñi E. , Delgado‐Mederos R. , Martínez‐Domeño A. , Camps‐Renom P. , Martí‐Fàbregas J.
Published: November 2017

Background and purpose

Cortical insular damage is associated with cardiac arrhythmias and an increased risk of death. We investigated the influence of insular damage on the outcome of patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage as well as the frequency and predictors of new‐onset atrial fibrillation (nAF).

Methods

We studied consecutive patients with intracerebral hemorrhage from 2013 to 2016. We identified those patients who underwent continuous electrocardiographic monitoring (≥24 h), known atrial fibrillation and recent ischemic stroke. We prospectively collected demographic data, vascular risk factors, neurological severity, vital signs, radiological data, nAF and mortality at 3 months. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.

Results

We evaluated 347 patients whose mean age was 73.5 ± 14.0 years (50.7% of them were men). We selected 183 patients to study the frequency and risk factors of nAF (mean age, 69.1 ± 14.7 years; 52.5% of them were men). We observed that 11/183 (6.0%) had nAF. Insular damage [odds ratio (OR), 7.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1–27.7] was associated with nAF. A total of 138/347 patients died within the first 3 months and insular damage was detected in 99/347 of them. Predictors of death were age (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04–1.10), blood glucose (OR, 1.00 per mg/dL;, 95% CI, 1.00–1.01), Glasgow Coma Scale score (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77–0.92), hematoma volume (OR, 1.02 per mL; 95% CI, 1.01–1.04), intraventricular hemorrhage (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.03–3.64) and insular damage (OR, 3.98; 95% CI, 2.00–7.90).

Conclusions

The frequency of nAF in our patients was 6.0%. Insular damage was a risk factor for nAF and an independent predictor of death at 3 months.
OnabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine: predictors of response. A prospective multicentre descriptive study
Authors: Domínguez C. , Pozo‐Rosich P. , Torres‐Ferrús M. , Hernández‐Beltrán N. , Jurado‐Cobo C. , González‐Oria C. , Santos S. , Monzón M. J. , Latorre G. , Álvaro L. C. , Gago A. , Gallego M. , Medrano V. , Huerta M. , García‐Alhama J. , Belvís R. , Leira Y. , Leira R.
Published: November 2017

Background and purpose

OnabotulinumtoxinA is a treatment specifically approved for the prophylaxis of chronic migraine in adults. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of OnabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine after 1 year of treatment in a real‐life setting and to identify clinical predictors of outcome.

Methods

We designed a prospective multicentre study performed in 13 hospitals in Spain. Patients underwent a complete medical history and examination. They were treated with OnabotulinumtoxinA every 12 weeks for 1 year. Data about outcome, adverse events, abortive medication use, emergency room use and disability were collected at 3 and 12 months.

Results

A total of 725 subjects completed the study. At 12 months, 79.3% showed >50% reduction in number of headaches per month and 94.9% reported no adverse events. Unilaterality of pain, fewer days of disability per month and milder headache at baseline were correlated with good outcome. Duration of disease <12 months increased the chances of response to treatment with OnabotulinumtoxinA (odds ratio, 1.470; 95% confidence interval, 1.123–2.174; P = 0.045).

Conclusions

This study confirmed the effectiveness of treatment with OnabotulinumtoxinA after 1 year of treatment. The chances of a good outcome may be increased by starting treatment in the first 12 months after chronic migraine diagnosis.
Stroke‐like migraine attacks after radiation therapy: A misnomer?
Authors: Fan Emily Peien , Heiber Gabriel , Gerard Elizabeth E. , Schuele Stephan
Published: November 2017

Objective

To understand the frequency of electrographic and clinical seizures in patients with stroke‐like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART), and determine whether SMART warrants comprehensive electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring and aggressive seizure management.

Methods

We searched our magnetic resonance brain imaging report database for all patients between January 2013 and December 2015 for suspected SMART syndrome. Clinical inclusion criteria were further applied as follows: inpatient adults (>18 years of age) with history of cranial radiation presenting with acute neurologic deficits as primary admission reason who lacked evidence of recurrent or new brain malignancy, stroke, or infectious agents in cerebrospinal fluid. Six patients were identified. All 6 patients underwent prolonged video EEG monitoring as part of our standard protocol.

Results

All patients but 1 were found to have multiple or prolonged electrographic seizures consistent with status epilepticus during video EEG monitoring. Their neurological deficit and/or mental status change improved in parallel with resolution of the seizure activity.

Significance

SMART is likely a misnomer that underestimates the significance of seizures and status epilepticus in the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of the syndrome. Systematic continuous EEG monitoring and appropriate seizure management is warranted to reduce symptom duration and optimize clinical outcome.
Innate and acquired immune surveillance in the postdissemination phase of metastasis
Authors: Gonzalez Hugo , Robles Isabella , Werb Zena
Published: November 2017

Metastasis is responsible for the majority of death in cancer patients. Of the different steps in the metastasis cascade, the postdissemination phase is perhaps one of the least understood. Many factors, both from the disseminated tumor cells and the microenvironment, impact the success of the metastatic outgrowth. In this article, we discuss the interactions between colonizing cancer cells and immune cells in the period between vascular arrest in a secondary organ and metastatic outgrowth. We address the ambiguity in the findings of current research regarding the role of immune cells in regulating the metastatic microenvironment, and their hand in determining cancer cell fate.
Impact of an integrated process of hot pressurised liquid extraction–macroporous resin purification over the polyphenols, hydroxymethylfurfural and reducing sugars content of Vitis vinifera ‘Carménère’ pomace extracts
Authors: Mariotti‐Celis María Salomé , Martínez‐Cifuentes Maximiliano , Huamán‐Castilla Nils , Pedreschi Franco , Iglesias‐Rebolledo Natalia , Pérez‐Correa José Ricardo
Published: November 2017

Thermal degradation and generation of objectionable compounds such as hydroxymethylfurfural have been observed in hot pressurised water extraction of polyphenols. Addition of small amounts of ethanol can reduce process temperatures and retain extraction efficiencies. However, ethanol may reduce the recovery of polyphenols in the subsequent purification stage. The overall effect of increasing amounts of ethanol (0–15%) and reduced temperatures (90, 75, 60 °C) in the extraction stage, as well as increasing amounts of ethanol in the desorption eluent (60–80%) were analysed in a combined hot pressurised liquid extraction–resin purification grape pomace polyphenols process for the first time. Without decreasing the polyphenols recovery (~24 mg GAE g−1), ethanol addition (15%) reduced the extraction temperature (from 130 to 90 °C) which not only decreased the reducing sugar extraction (~25%) but also avoided the hydroxymethylfurfural generation in the extraction stage. Additionally, the combined hot pressurised liquid extraction–resin purification process preserved the proanthocyanidin oligomeric distribution and was selective to polyphenols. The operating conditions found for the combined process, efficiently produced purified polyphenols extracts (11 mg GAE g−1), free of hydroxymethylfurfural and reducing sugars.
Building resilience in regional youth: Impacts of a universal mental health promotion programme
Authors: McAllister Margaret , Knight Bruce Allen , Hasking Penelope , Withyman Cathie , Dawkins Jessica
Published: November 2017

Mental health is a leading health issue facing young people today, particularly those living in rural and regional areas. Although public policy supports schools‐based health promotion, there is limited evidence of the efficacy of such programmes and the elements that enhance successful implementation in rural and regional areas. A study was designed to evaluate a mental health promotion programme, delivered collaboratively by nurses, guidance officers, and teachers, to 850 young people from 23 rural and regional high schools in Queensland, Australia. The study aims were to determine what effect the intervention had on young peoples’ resilience, coping, and self‐efficacy, and to understand the implications of delivering the programme in the regional Queensland school setting. Students completed self‐report measures of self‐efficacy, resilience, and coping strategies pre‐ and postprogramme, as well as at 8‐week follow‐up. We found that after programme completion there was a significant increase in self‐efficacy and in the number of positive coping strategies used by the participating young people. Qualitative data indicated that participants benefited from the collaboration between health and education sectors; that is, nurses, guidance officers, and teachers delivered the programme together in ways that were perceived to be respectful of young people and effectively discussion‐based, and engaging.
Evaluation of the effect of different post materials and adhesive systems on the bonding strength of short‐post technique for primary teeth
Authors: Beldüz Kara Nihal , Kanyilmaz Tunahan , Çankaya Soner , Kara Cankat
Published: November 2017

Background

The most important process in treating grossly decayed teeth, including decay in the pulp, is the ability to hold a retainer in for a short time.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the bond strengths of different adhesive systems and post materials on primary teeth.

Design

One hundred and twenty extracted maxillar primary central incisor teeth were randomly divided into two main groups (total‐etch and self‐etch adhesive systems) and five subgroups (1: control–nanohybrid composite resin, 2: pre‐impregnated glass fiber, 3: unsaturated glass fiber, 4: polyethylene fiber, 5: short‐fiber reinforced composite resin). The push‐out test was performed using a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min.

Results

No statistically significant difference was detected between the two different adhesive systems and five different materials in terms of the maximum values measured for fractures in the specimens when both the adhesive materials and the short‐post materials were evaluated separately (P > 0.05). However, as a result of multiple comparisons made, it was found that statistical differences between the groups applying the total‐etch adhesive system occurred in Groups 3 and 5. The highest push‐out test values were measured in Group 5 and Group 1, and the lowest value in Group 3. Although the fracture type distribution in the total‐etch adhesive system groups was not statistically different based on the material used (χ2 = 11,865; P = 0.309), the self‐etch adhesive systems did show differences (χ2 = 28,463; P < 0.001). Both the total‐etch and the self‐etch adhesive system groups showed mostly adhesive failures.

Conclusion

The fiber‐reinforced and nanohybrid composite resin had higher values in the short‐post technique, and there was no significant difference between the different fiber posts.
Mechanical effects of negative pressure wound therapy on abdominal wounds – effects of different pressures and wound fillers
Authors: Torbrand Christian , Anesäter Erik , Borgquist Ola , Malmsjö Malin
Published: November 2017

The mechanical deformation of the wound edge resulting from negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) at the standard setting of around −120 mmHg has positive effects in promoting wound healing. However, it may cause pain to the patient during treatment. It is therefore important to study the mechanical effects of the wound edges using lower pressure and different wound fillers. Abdominal wounds were created on eight pigs. The wounds were sealed for NPWT using foam or gauze. Negative pressures between −20 and −160 mmHg were applied, and the decrease in wound diameter and the force with which the edges of the wound were drawn together (wound edge force) were measured. Increasing levels of negative pressure resulted in a gradual decrease in wound diameter and increase in wound edge force and reached a maximum at −120 mmHg, which is the pressure commonly used in clinical practice. Both the decrease in wound diameter and the increase in wound edge force was greater with foam than with gauze. A pressure of −80 mmHg has only 15% less effect than −120 mmHg, while a lower pressure (−40 mmHg) diminished the effects on diameter and force markedly. The NPWT‐induced decrease in wound diameter and increase in wound edge force are greater at higher levels of negative pressure and when using foam than when using gauze as a wound filler. It may be possible to tailor the type of wound filler and level of negative pressure to obtain the best balance between wound healing and patient comfort.
Unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap for the treatment of sternal wounds due to Ludwig's angina
Authors: Albacete Neto Antonio , Coltro Pedro S , Horácio Grazielle S , Almeida Ivan R , Farina Junior Jayme A
Published: November 2017

Necrotising descending mediastinitis may rarely originate from Ludwig's angina, which is an infection of the submandibular space. The use of the bilateral pectoralis major muscle flap for the treatment of sternal wound dehiscence is common, but reports of the unilateral application of this flap are scarce. This study aims to report the use of the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap for the treatment of sternotomy dehiscence in a patient with mediastinitis due to Ludwig's angina. A 21‐year‐old male patient underwent an exploratory cervicotomy and median sternotomy for drainage of a submandibular infection that extended to the anterior, retropharyngeal and mediastinal cervical spaces. The patient had dehiscence of the sternal wound, and the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap was used for reconstruction of the defect. This flap was able to completely cover the area of dehiscence of the sternotomy, and the patient presented a good postoperative evolution, without complications. The reconstruction technique using the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap was considered a good option for the treatment of sternotomy dehiscence. It is an adjuvant method in the treatment of infections such as mediastinitis and osteomyelitis of the sternum secondary to Ludwig's angina, allowing a stable coverage of the sternum.
Impact of weight stigma on physiological and psychological health outcomes for overweight and obese adults: A systematic review
Authors: Wu Ya‐Ke , Berry Diane C.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To summarize the associations between weight stigma and physiological and psychological health for individuals who are overweight or obese.

Background

Weight stigma can be defined as individuals experiencing verbal or physical abuse secondary to being overweight or obese. Weight stigma has negative consequences for both physiological and psychological health.

Design

A quantitative systematic review.

Data sources

PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and MEDLINE from 1 January 2008 ‐ 30 July 2016.

Review methods

A systematic review was conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines, the PRISMA statement guidelines and the quality assessment from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Inclusion criteria consisted of quantitative studies that examined the associations between weight stigma and physiological and psychological health outcomes in adults who were overweight or obese. Exclusion criteria consisted of qualitative studies, literature reviews, expert opinions, editorials and reports on weight stigma without health outcomes or with behavioural outcomes and intervention studies that reduced weight stigma. A quality appraisal of the selected studies was conducted.

Results

A total of 33 studies met the eligibility criteria. Weight stigma was positively associated with obesity, diabetes risk, cortisol level, oxidative stress level, C‐reactive protein level, eating disturbances, depression, anxiety, body image dissatisfaction and negatively associated with self‐esteem among overweight and obese adults.

Conclusion

Weight stigma is associated with adverse physiological and psychological outcomes. This conclusion highlights the need to increase public and professional awareness about the issue of weight stigma and the importance of the further development of assessment and prevention strategies of weight stigma.
The mental health of adolescents with and without mild/moderate intellectual disabilities in England: Secondary analysis of a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Hatton Chris , Emerson Eric , Robertson Janet , Baines Susannah
Published: November 2017

Background

Children with mild/moderate intellectual disabilities are at greater risk for mental health problems, with socio‐economic factors and adversity partly accounting for this. Fewer data are available for adolescents.

Methods

Secondary analysis was undertaken of the Next Steps annual panel study following a cohort through adolescence into adulthood containing self‐report mental health data up to age 16/17. Participants with mild/moderate intellectual disabilities were identified through data linkage with educational records.

Results

Adolescents with mild/moderate intellectual disabilities were more likely than non‐disabled peers to experience socio‐economic disadvantage and bullying. Incidence rates of mental health problems were generally not significantly different between adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities.

Conclusions

These findings are consistent with higher rates of persistent mental health problems beginning earlier among children with intellectual disabilities. Greater attention needs to be paid to the timecourse of mental health problems, and the impact of socio‐economic factors, family and peers on mental health.
Carboplatin and programmed death‐ligand 1 blockade synergistically produce a similar antitumor effect to carboplatin alone in murine ID8 ovarian cancer model
Authors: Zhu Xinxin , Xu Jia , Cai Han , Lang Jinghe
Published: November 2017

Aim

In advanced, platinum resistant or refractory ovarian cancer (OC), the therapeutic efficacy of carboplatin is controversial. Although anti‐programmed death‐1/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐1/PD‐L1) pathway blockages show great potential in cancer treatment, the antitumor effect of single anti‐PD‐L1 pathway monoclonal antibody (mAb) is not obvious in advanced or some poorly immunogenic tumors, including OC. We compared the effects of single or combined carboplatin and anti‐PD‐L1 mAb treatments and explored the possible antitumor mechanisms in a murine ID8 OC model.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice with established peritoneal ID8 OC were intraperitoneally injected with single or combined carboplatin and anti‐PD‐L1 mAb. The formation time of ascites and their overall survival were recorded. The compositions of tumor‐associated immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

A single treatment of carboplatin and combined carboplatin/PD‐L1 mAb induced a strong anti‐ascites response. Mice treated with carboplatin presented the longest overall survival, followed by the combined remedy. Mechanistic investigation of the tumor microenvironment revealed that carboplatin and carboplatin/PD‐L1 mAb increased antitumor effector CD4+, CD8+ T cells and decreased immunosuppressive regulatory T and myeloid suppressor cells, giving rise to remarkably higher ratios of effector CD4+, CD8+ T cells to regulatory T cells and myeloid suppressor cells in the peritoneal cavity.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report to compare the antitumor effect and potential mechanisms between carboplatin, PD‐L1 mAb and their combination strategies in a murine ID8 OC model. The results of this study may deepen our understanding of OC and aid future preclinical experiments or clinical trials.
Granulocytic anaplasmosis in 63 dogs: clinical signs, laboratory results, therapy and course of disease
Authors: Chirek A. , Silaghi C. , Pfister K. , Kohn B.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To describe the clinical signs, laboratory results, therapy and course of disease in dogs with canine granulocytic anaplasmosis in which co‐infections had been excluded.

Methods

Medical records of dogs naturally infected withAnaplasma phagocytophilumwere retrospectively evaluated with regard to clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities at the time of presentation, therapy and course of disease.

Results

Nine hundred and seventy‐four dogs with clinical signs suspicious for canine granulocytic anaplasmosis were tested forA. phagocytophilumDNA by modified real‐time PCR; 72 dogs had a positive result. Nine of the positive dogs were excluded from further evaluation due to other diseases or lack of data. The most common clinical signs in the 63A. phagocytophilum‐positive dogs included in the study were lethargy and reduced activity (83%), fever (67%) and inappetence (63%). Thrombocytopenia was the most common laboratory abnormality (86%), followed by increased liver enzyme activities and hyperbilirubinaemia (77%), anaemia (70%), hypoalbuminaemia (62%) and leucocytosis (27%). Of 36 thrombocytopenic dogs tested for platelet‐bound antibodies, 44% were positive. Of the 63 infected dogs, 59 (97%) recovered, two dogs died (epileptic seizures and immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia) and two were lost to follow‐up.

Clinical Significance

In areas where it is endemic, canine granulocytic anaplasmosis should be considered as a potential cause of acute nonspecific clinical signs or immune‐mediated disease if tick exposure cannot be excluded.
Assessing sleep quality using self‐report and actigraphy in PTSD
Authors: Slightam Cindie , Petrowski Katja , Jamison Andrea L. , Keller Marius , Bertram Franziska , Kim Sunyoung , Roth Walton T.
Published: November 2017

Sleep disturbance is commonly reported by participants with post‐traumatic stress disorder, but objective evidence of poor sleep is often absent. Here we compared self‐report and actigraphic evaluations of sleep between veterans with post‐traumatic stress disorder and controls. Participants reported their sleep retrospectively for the month before the recording night and on the recording night. On the recording night, they wore an Actiwatch‐64 and were instructed to press the marker button upon getting into bed, each time they awoke, and at their final awakening. The post‐traumatic stress disorder group reported much worse sleep than controls on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for the previous month and somewhat poorer sleep on the recording night. However, on the recording night, neither diary nor actigraphic measures of number of awakenings, total time in bed, nor time lying awake after sleep onset differed between participants with and without post‐traumatic stress disorder. Diary‐reported number of awakenings was fewer than actigraphically captured awakenings. These results suggest a memory bias towards remembering worse sleep on the nights before the recording night.
Reestablishment of individual sleep structure during a single 14‐h recovery sleep episode after 58 h of wakefulness
Authors: Hennecke Eva , Elmenhorst David , Mendolia Franco , Putzke Matthias , Bauer Andreas , Aeschbach Daniel , Elmenhorst Eva‐Maria
Published: November 2017

Sleep structure is highly stable within individuals but different between individuals. The present study investigated robustness of the individual sleep structure to extended total sleep deprivation. Seventeen healthy men spent a baseline night (23:00–07:00 hours), 58 h of sleep deprivation and a 14‐h recovery night (17:00–07:00 hours) in the laboratory. Intraclass correlation coefficients showed that the agreement between baseline and recovery with respect to the proportion of the different sleep stages increased as a function of recovery sleep duration. High values were reached for most of the sleep stages at the end of 14 h of recovery sleep (intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.38 and 0.76). If sleep duration of the recovery night is extended to 14 h, sleep stage distribution resembles that of a baseline night underlining the robustness of the individual sleep structure.
Elevated perseveration errors on a verbal fluency task in frequent nightmare recallers: a replication
Authors: Carr Michelle , Saint‐Onge Kadia , Blanchette‐Carrière Cloé , Paquette Tyna , Nielsen Tore
Published: November 2017

A recent study reported that individuals recalling frequent idiopathic nightmares (NM) produced more perseveration errors on a verbal fluency task than did control participants (CTL), while not differing in overall verbal fluency. Elevated scores on perseveration errors, an index of executive dysfunction, suggest a cognitive inhibitory control deficit in NM participants. The present study sought to replicate these results using a French‐speaking cohort and French language verbal fluency tasks. A phonetic verbal fluency task using three stimulus letters (P, R, V) and a semantic verbal fluency task using two stimulus categories (female and male French first names) were administered to 23 participants with frequent recall of NM (≥2 NM per week, mean age = 24.4 ± 4.0 years), and to 16 CTL participants with few recalled NM (≤ 1 NM per month, mean age = 24.5 ± 3.8 years). All participants were French‐speaking since birth and self‐declared to be in good mental and physical health apart from their NM. As expected, groups did not differ in overall verbal fluency, i.e. total number of correct words produced in response to stimulus letters or categories (P = 0.97). Furthermore, groups exhibited a difference in fluency perseveration errors, with the NM group having higher perseveration than the CTL group (P = 0.03, Cohen's d = 0.745). This replication suggests that frequent NM recallers have executive inhibitory dysfunction during a cognitive association task and supports a neurocognitive model which posits fronto‐limbic impairment as a neural correlate of disturbed dreaming.
The Effects of One versus Two Years of Intensive Reading Intervention Implemented with Late Elementary Struggling Readers
Authors: Miciak Jeremy , Roberts Garrett , Taylor W. Pat , Solis Michael , Ahmed Yusra , Vaughn Sharon , Fletcher Jack M.
Published: November 2017

We examined the effectiveness of a researcher‐provided reading intervention with 484 fourth graders with significant reading difficulties. Students were randomly assigned to one year of intervention, two years of intervention, or a business‐as‐usual comparison condition (BAU). Students assigned to two years of intervention demonstrated significantly greater gains in reading fluency compared to students who received one year of intervention and the BAU group. Students in both the one‐ and two‐year groups demonstrated similar and significantly larger gains in word reading in comparison to the BAU group. There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups on standardized measures of reading comprehension. We discuss these results in the context of research with late elementary and secondary students targeting reading comprehension.
Abundant recent activity of retrovirus‐like retrotransposons within and among flycatcher species implies a rich source of structural variation in songbird genomes
Authors: Suh Alexander , Smeds Linnéa , Ellegren Hans
Published: November 2017

Transposable elements (TEs) are genomic parasites capable of inserting virtually anywhere in the host genome, with manifold consequences for gene expression, DNA methylation and genomic stability. Notably, they can contribute to phenotypic variation and hence be associated with, for example, local adaptation and speciation. However, some organisms such as birds have been widely noted for the low densities of TEs in their genomes and this has been attributed to a potential dearth in transposition during their evolution. Here, we show that avian evolution witnessed diverse and abundant transposition on very recent timescales. First, we made an in‐depth repeat annotation of the collared flycatcher genome, including identification of 23 new, retrovirus‐like LTR retrotransposon families. Then, using whole‐genome resequencing data from 200 Ficedula flycatchers, we detected 11,888 polymorphic TE insertions (TE presence/absence variations, TEVs) that segregated within and among species. The density of TEVs was one every 1.5–2.5 Mb per individual, with heterozygosities of 0.12–0.16. The majority of TEVs belonged to some 10 different LTR families, most of which are specific to the flycatcher lineage. TEVs were validated by tracing the segregation of hundreds of TEVs across a three‐generation pedigree of collared flycatchers and also by their utility as markers recapitulating the phylogenetic relationships among flycatcher species. Our results suggest frequent germline invasions of songbird genomes by novel retroviruses as a rich source of structural variation, which may have had underappreciated phenotypic consequences for the diversification of this species‐rich group of birds.
On the Validity of Beer–Lambert Law and its Significance for Sunscreens
Authors: Herzog Bernd , Schultheiss Amélie , Giesinger Jochen
Published: November 2017

The sun protection factor (SPF) is the most important quantity to characterize the performance of sunscreens. As the standard method for its determination is based on clinical trials involving irradiation of human volunteers, calculations of sunscreen performance have become quite popular to reduce the number of in vivo studies. Such simulations imply the calculation of UV transmittance of the sunscreen film using the amounts and spectroscopic properties of the UV absorbers employed, and presuppose the validity of the Beer–Lambert law. As sunscreen films on human skin can contain considerable concentrations of UV absorbers, it is questioned whether the Beer–Lambert law is still valid for these systems. The results of this work show that the validity of the Beer–Lambert law is still given at the high concentrations at which UV absorbers occur in sunscreen films on human skin.
Clinical and photobiological response in eight patients with solar urticaria under treatment with omalizumab, and review of the literature
Authors: Morgado‐Carrasco Daniel , Fustà‐Novell Xavier , Podlipnik Sebastian , Combalia Andrea , Aguilera Paula
Published: November 2017

Background

Solar urticaria (SU) is a rare photodermatosis. Treatment is challenging, and outcomes are often disappointing. Omalizumab is an anti‐IgE, currently approved for treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria. We sought to evaluate therapy with omalizumab in refractory SU and describe predictive factors for response.

Materials/methods

Patients with refractory SU under treatment with omalizumab were included in this study. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Complete clinical response (CCR) was defined as having an UAS7 = 0, DLQI <6 and VAS = 0. Phototesting was performed and compared to baseline. We performed a PubMed search to identify reported cases of SU in adults treated with omalizumab, analysing their characteristics in order to predict response to omalizumab.

Results

Eight patients were included. Median age was 45.5 years (range, 23‐64). Light spectrum most commonly implicated was UV‐A. Clinical outcomes: 89% (7/8) achieved CCR with omalizumab. Phototesting was normal in 42.8% (3/7) of them. In our review, we identified 38 patients (including the current case series), and 68.4% showed favourable outcomes with omalizumab. Median time since onset of SU was lower in responders.

Conclusions

Omalizumab can be an effective treatment in refractory SU.
The impact of public smoking bans on well‐being externalities: Evidence from a policy experiment
Authors: Yang Miaoqing , Zucchelli Eugenio
Published: November 2017

Recent studies on the effects of anti‐smoking policies on subjective well‐being present mixed results and do not account for potential externalities, especially among couples. We contribute to the literature by evaluating the impact of smoking bans on well‐being externalities among smokers and non‐smokers as well as couples of different types of smokers. We exploit the policy experiment provided by the timing of the UK public smoking bans and measure well‐being via the GHQ. We employ matching techniques combined with flexible difference‐in‐differences fixed effects panel data models on data from the British Household Panel Survey. The joint use of matching with fixed effects specifications allows building more comparable treatment and control groups, producing less model‐dependent results and accounting for individual‐level unobserved heterogeneity. We find that public smoking bans appear to have a statistically significant short‐term positive impact on the well‐being of married individuals, especially among women with dependent children. These effects appear to be robust to alternative specifications and placebo tests and are discussed in the light of the economic theory and recent evidence.
Non‐uniform displacement and strain between the soleus and gastrocnemius subtendons of rat Achilles tendon
Authors: Finni T. , Bernabei M. , Baan G. C. , Noort W. , Tijs C. , Maas H.
Published: November 2017

Achilles tendon (AT) comprises of 3 subtendons arising from the soleus (SOL) and the lateral (LG) and medial (MG) heads of the gastrocnemius muscle. While recent human studies show differential displacement within AT, these displacements have not been attributed to specific subtendons. We tested the hypothesis that the SOL and LG subtendons show differential displacement and strain during various combinations of SOL, LG, and MG excitations. Movement of knots, sutured onto SOL and LG subtendons of 12 Wistar rats, was videotaped, while the muscles were stimulated intramuscularly and ankle torque was assessed. When SOL only was stimulated, the plantar flexion torque was the smallest among the different conditions (P < .001). In this condition, from passive to active state, the displacement (0.57 vs 0.47 mm, P = .002) and strain (8.4% vs 2.4%, P < .001) in the SOL subtendon were greater than in LG subtendon. When LG only was stimulated, a higher ankle torque was measured as compared to SOL stimulation (P < .001); the displacement was similar in both subtendons (~0.6 mm), while the strain was greater in LG than in SOL (4.7% vs 1.7%, P < .001). When all 3 muscles were stimulated simultaneously, ankle torque was highest and the displacement (0.79 vs 0.74 mm, P = .002) and strain (7.7% vs 4.4%, P = .003) were greater in SOL than in LG. These data show that the different subtendons of AT can experience relative displacement and differential strains. Together with anatomical dissections, the results revealed that such uniformities may be due to a lower stiffness of SOL subtendon compared to LG.
In vitro determination of Mexican Mestizo hair shaft diameter using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Martinez‐Velasco Maria Abril , Perper Marina , Maddy Austin J , Cervantes Jessica , Eber Ariel E. , Verne Sebastian H. , Vazquez‐Herrera Norma Elizabeth , Nouri Keyvan , Tosti Antonella
Published: November 2017

Background

Mexican mestizo population has a pluriethnic mixture of Amerindian, European and African ancestry, predominant in most Latin American countries. Until now, there are no reports about hair characteristics in this population, necessary to define normal values, for hair diseases evaluation and comparison among other ethnic groups.

Methods

The VivoSight® swept‐source multibeam optical coherence tomography system was used to evaluate hair diameter and shape in 30 females. Three hair samples from each volunteer were measured transversely along three distances, generating nine cross‐sectional images, two measurements per image and 18 measurements per patient for a total of 540 diameter measurements.

Results

Minimum hair diameter (n = 540) was 0.06 mm while maximum was 0.14 mm. Mean diameter was 0.10 ± 0.01 mm as compared with Asian hair, which ranges from 0.08 mm to 0.12 mm. On morphological analysis, Mexican Mestizo hair tends to have a round shape with homogenous diameters, resembling Caucasian and Asian hair.

Conclusion

Mexican hair is similar to Asian hair in diameter and shape and can be classified as ‘thick’ hair, which make it more resistant and with more volume. Cosmetic products intended to improve hair care in this population must to consider this characteristic.
Disseminated mucormycosis masquerading as rejection early after orthotopic heart transplantation
Authors: Margoles Lindsay , DeNofrio David , Patel Ayan R. , Golan Yoav , Vest Amanda R. , Arkun Knarik , Boucher Helen W. , Kiernan Michael S. , Upshaw Jenica N.
Published: November 2017

Mucorales organisms are an uncommon cause of invasive fungal infections after solid organ transplantation but are associated with great morbidity and mortality. We report a fatal case of disseminated Cunninghamella infection early after heart transplantation. The patient developed graft dysfunction and elevated markers of myocyte injury and autopsy revealed fulminant fungal myocarditis. This case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion in immunocompromised patients who are not improving with standard antimicrobial therapy.