bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal malformations of Meox1‐deficient zebrafish resemble human Klippel–Feil syndrome
Authors: Dauer Mervyn V. P. , Currie Peter D. , Berger Joachim
Published: October 2018

Klippel–Feil syndrome is a congenital vertebral anomaly, which is characterised by the fusion of at least two cervical vertebrae and a clinically broad set of symptoms, including congenital scoliosis and elevated scapula (Sprengel's deformity). Klippel–Feil syndrome is associated with mutations in MEOX1. The zebrafish mutant choker (cho) carries a mutation in its orthologue, meox1. Although zebrafish is being increasingly employed as fidelitous models of human spinal disease, the vertebral column of Meox1‐deficient fish has not been assessed for defects. Here, we describe the skeletal defects of meox1cho mutant zebrafish utilising alizarin red to stain bones and chemical maceration of soft tissue to detect fusions in an unbiased manner. Obtained data reveal that meox1cho mutants feature aspects of a number of described symptoms of patients who suffer from Klippel–Feil syndrome and have mutations in MEOX1. These include vertebral fusion, congenital scoliosis and an asymmetry of the pectoral girdle, which resembles Sprengel's deformity. Thus, the meox1cho mutant zebrafish may serve as a useful tool to study the pathogenesis of the symptoms associated with Klippel–Feil syndrome.
Evaluating the role of tissue microRNA‐27b as a diagnostic marker for oral lichen planus and possible correlation with CD8
Authors: Aghbari Sana Maher , Zayed Shaimaa Omar , Shaker Olfat Gamil , Abushouk Abdelrahman Ibrahim
Published: October 2018

Background

MicroRNA‐27b (miR27b) is a small, non‐coding RNA that is involved in physiological keratinocyte differentiation and regulating inflammatory processes. We performed this study to investigate the value of miR27b as a diagnostic marker for oral lichen planus (OLP) and the correlation between CD8 (cytotoxic T‐cell marker) and miR27b tissue expression in OLP patients.

Methods

Forty participants (including 20 OLP patients and 20 controls) underwent oral biopsy. The obtained specimens were examined by immunostaining and quantitative RT‐PCR for CD8 and miR27b tissue expression, respectively. We used the Spearman rank correlation test to evaluate the correlation between both variables.

Results

Our analysis showed that in comparison with healthy tissues, OLP tissue samples exhibited significantly higher CD8 levels (P < 0.01), as well as a significant downregulation of miR27b expression (P < 0.0001). Upon comparing different OLP subgroups, no significant difference was detected in terms of miR27b expression; however, the tissue levels of CD8 varied significantly (highest in the erosive subgroup and lowest in the papular/plaque/reticular subgroup). The Spearman rank analysis showed a negative correlation between tissue expression of miR27b and CD8; however, this was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Further, the receiver operating characteristic curve of tissue miR27b as an OLP biomarker revealed 100% sensitivity and 65% specificity at cutoff value of 4.4.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated increased CD8 levels and downregulation of miR27b in OLP tissues, compared to healthy tissues. Moreover, it revealed the potential of miR27b as an OLP disease biomarker. The possible negative correlation between CD8 and miR27b tissue expression requires further investigation in larger studies.
Sexual orientation‐related oral health disparities in the United States
Authors: Schwartz Scott B. , Sanders Anne E. , Lee Jessica Y. , Divaris Kimon
Published: October 2018

Objective

Recent reports have documented health disparities according to sexual orientation and used the minority stress model as a framework for understanding their origins. To date, however, sexual orientation‐related disparities in the oral health domain have not been evaluated. Accordingly, this study sought to investigate potential health disparities in objectively‐assessed and subjective reports of oral heath among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults relative to the heterosexual community‐dwelling US population.

Methods

We used three consecutive cycles (2009–2014) of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for men and women aged 18–59 years. We examined clinical measures of dental caries, tooth loss, chronic periodontitis, and oral human papillomavirus (HPV) as well as subjective reports of oral health status and use of dental services.

Results

Clinical measures of oral disease did not differ according to sexual orientation; however, bisexual adults were more likely to rate their oral health unfavorably (41%) than heterosexual adults (27%). Gay men reported “bone loss around teeth” more frequently (35%) than heterosexual (11%) and bisexual (10%) men. Bisexual individuals were more likely to confront barriers to accessing dental care (30%) versus heterosexual adults (19%).

Conclusions

While clinical measures of oral health did not substantially differ between sexual orientation strata, subjective measures of oral health were worse among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adults versus heterosexual adults. Further study of the psychosocial construction of oral health among sexual minorities is warranted.
Ocean warming and copper pollution: implications for metabolic compounds of the agarophyte Gelidium floridanum (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Kreusch Marianne , Poltronieri Elisa , Bouvie Fernanda , Batista Deonir , Pereira Débora T. , Ramlov Fernanda , Maraschin Marcelo , Bouzon Zenilda L. , Schmidt Éder Carlos , Simioni Carmen
Published: October 2018

Ocean warming is increasing and scientific predictions suggest a rise of up to 4°C in sea water temperatures. The combination of a polluted and warmer environment may be detrimental for aquatic species, especially for primary producers such as seaweeds. This study investigated the potential for interactive effects of an increased seawater temperature in a copper‐rich environment on the photosynthetic pigments and metabolic compounds of the red seaweed Gelidium floridanum. Seaweed samples were cultivated in a factorial design with temperature (24°C and 30°C), copper (0 and 3 μM), and time (7 and 14 d). The exposure of G. floridanum to copper and 30°C for 7 d resulted in a lower concentration of chlorophyll a, smaller phycobiliprotein rods and lower concentration of soluble sugars. After 14 d of cultivation, a higher concentration of chlorophyll a and soluble sugars could be observed on seaweeds cultivated under 30°C. The accumulation of carotenoids and the release of phenolic compounds indicated specific protective mechanisms against temperature and copper, respectively. Overall, seaweeds grew less when exposed to copper 3 μM at 30°C.
DNA metabarcoding unveils multiscale trophic variation in a widespread coastal opportunist
Authors: Siegenthaler Andjin , Wangensteen Owen S. , Benvenuto Chiara , Campos Joana , Mariani Stefano
Published: October 2018

A thorough understanding of ecological networks relies on comprehensive information on trophic relationships among species. Since unpicking the diet of many organisms is unattainable using traditional morphology‐based approaches, the application of high‐throughput sequencing methods represents a rapid and powerful way forward. Here, we assessed the application of DNA metabarcoding with nearly universal primers for the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase I in defining the trophic ecology of adult brown shrimp, Crangon crangon, in six European estuaries. The exact trophic role of this abundant and widespread coastal benthic species is somewhat controversial, while information on geographical variation remains scant. Results revealed a highly opportunistic behaviour. Shrimp stomach contents contained hundreds of taxa (>1,000 molecular operational taxonomic units), of which 291 were identified as distinct species, belonging to 35 phyla. Only twenty ascertained species had a mean relative abundance of more than 0.5%. Predominant species included other abundant coastal and estuarine taxa, including the shore crab Carcinus maenas and the amphipod Corophium volutator. Jacobs’ selectivity index estimates based on DNA extracted from both shrimp stomachs and sediment samples were used to assess the shrimp's trophic niche indicating a generalist diet, dominated by crustaceans, polychaetes and fish. Spatial variation in diet composition, at regional and local scales, confirmed the highly flexible nature of this trophic opportunist. Furthermore, the detection of a prevalent, possibly endoparasitic fungus (Purpureocillium lilacinum) in the shrimp's stomach demonstrates the wide range of questions that can be addressed using metabarcoding, towards a more robust reconstruction of ecological networks.
Assembly processes of trophic guilds in the root mycobiome of temperate forests
Authors: Schröter Kristina , Wemheuer Bernd , Pena Rodica , Schöning Ingo , Ehbrecht Martin , Schall Peter , Ammer Christian , Daniel Rolf , Polle Andrea
Published: October 2018

Root‐associated mycobiomes (RAMs) link plant and soil ecological processes, thereby supporting ecosystem functions. Understanding the forces that govern the assembly of RAMs is key to sustainable ecosystem management. Here, we dissected RAMs according to functional guilds and combined phylogenetic and multivariate analyses to distinguish and quantify the forces driving RAM assembly processes. Across large biogeographic scales (>1,000 km) in temperate forests (>100 plots), RAMs were taxonomically highly distinct but composed of a stable trophic structure encompassing symbiotrophic, ectomycorrhizal (55%), saprotrophic (7%), endotrophic (3%) and pathotrophic fungi (<1%). Taxonomic community composition of RAMs is explained by abiotic factors, forest management intensity, dominant tree family (Fagaceae, Pinaceae) and root resource traits. Local RAM assemblies are phylogenetically clustered, indicating stronger habitat filtering on roots in dry, acid soils and in conifer stands than in other forest types. The local assembly of ectomycorrhizal communities is driven by forest management intensity. At larger scales, root resource traits and soil pH shift the assembly process of ectomycorrhizal fungi from deterministic to neutral. Neutral or weak deterministic assembly processes are prevalent in saprotrophic and endophytic guilds. The remarkable consistency of the trophic composition of the RAMs suggests that temperate forests attract fungal assemblages that afford functional resilience under the current range of climatic and edaphic conditions. At local scales, the filtering processes that structure symbiotrophic assemblies can be influenced by forest management and tree selection, but at larger scales, environmental cues and host resource traits are the most prevalent forces.
Microvascular circulatory dysregulation driven in part by cystathionine gamma‐lyase: A new paradigm for cardiovascular compromise in the preterm newborn
Authors: Dyson Rebecca M. , Palliser Hannah K. , Wilding Nicole , Kelly Megan A. , Chwatko Grazyna , Glowacki Rafal , Berry Mary J. , Ni Xin , Wright Ian M. R.
Published: October 2018

Objective

H2S may explain the dysregulation of microvascular tone associated with poor outcome following preterm birth. In adult vasculature, H2S is predominantly produced by CSE. We hypothesized that vascular CSE activity contributes to microvascular tone regulation during circulatory transition.

Methods

Preterm (GA62) and full‐term (GA69) guinea pig fetuses and neonates were studied. Microvascular blood flow was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry. Thiosulfate, primary urinary metabolite of H2S, was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Real‐time H2S production was assessed using a microrespiration system in fetal and postnatal (10, 24 hours) skin and heart samples. CSE contribution was investigated by inhibition via propargylglycine.

Results

In preterm animals, postnatal H2S production capacity in peripheral vasculature increased significantly and was significantly reduced by the inhibition of CSE. Urinary thiosulfate correlated with both microvascular blood flow and capacity of the vasculature to produce H2S. H2S produced via CSE did not correlate directly with microvascular blood flow.

Conclusions

In preterm neonates, H2S production increases during fetal‐to‐neonatal transition and CSE contribution to total H2S increases postnatally. CSE‐dependent mechanisms may therefore underpin the increase in H2S production over the first 72 hours of life in preterm human neonates, associated with both central and peripheral cardiovascular instability.
The small protein MgtS and small RNA MgrR modulate the PitA phosphate symporter to boost intracellular magnesium levels
Authors: Yin Xuefeng , Wu Orr Mona , Wang Hanbo , Hobbs Errett C. , Shabalina Svetlana A. , Storz Gisela
Published: October 2018

In response to low levels of magnesium (Mg2+), the PhoQP two component system induces the transcription of two convergent genes, one encoding a 31‐amino acid protein denoted MgtS and the second encoding a small, regulatory RNA (sRNA) denoted MgrR. Previous studies showed that the MgtS protein interacts with and stabilizes the MgtA Mg2+ importer to increase intracellular Mg2+ levels, while the MgrR sRNA base pairs with the eptB mRNA thus affecting lipopolysaccharide modification. Surprisingly, we found overexpression of the MgtS protein also leads to induction of the PhoRB regulon. Studies to understand this activation showed that MgtS forms a complex with a second protein, PitA, a cation‐phosphate symporter. Given that the additive effect of ∆mgtA and ∆mgtS mutations on intracellular Mg2+ concentrations seen previously is lost in the ∆pitA mutant, we suggest that MgtS binds to and prevents Mg2+ leakage through PitA under Mg2+‐limiting conditions. Consistent with a detrimental role of PitA in low Mg2+, we also observe MgrR sRNA repression of PitA synthesis. Thus, PhoQP induces the expression of two convergent small genes in response to Mg2+ limitation whose products act to modulate PitA at different levels to increase intracellular Mg2+.
Highlights and recent developments in food and drug allergy, and anaphylaxis in EAACI Journals (2017)
Authors: Eigenmann Philippe A. , Akdis Cezmi , Bousquet Jean , Grattan Clive E. , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber Karin , Hellings Peter W. , Agache Ioana
Published: October 2018

This review highlights research advances and important achievements in food allergy, anaphylaxis, and drug allergy that were published in the Journals of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) in 2017. Food allergy and anaphylaxis research have continued to rapidly accelerate, with increasing numbers of outstanding developments in 2017. We saw new studies on the mechanisms, diagnosis, prevention of food allergy, and novel food allergens. Drug hypersensitivity, as well as hereditary angioedema, has been highlighted in the present review as the focus of recent developments. The EAACI owns three journals: Allergy, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (PAI), and Clinical and Translational Allergy (CTA). One of the major goals of the EAACI is to support health promotion in which prevention of allergy and asthma plays a critical role and to disseminate the knowledge of allergy to all stakeholders including the EAACI junior members. This paper summarizes the achievements of 2017 in anaphylaxis, and food and drug allergy.
Exposure to Plasmodium vivax is associated with the increased expression of exhaustion markers on γδ T lymphocytes
Authors: Gogoi Dimpu , Biswas Dipankar , Borkakoty Biswajyoti , Mahanta Jagadish
Published: October 2018

Gamma delta (γδ) T cells exhibit potent anti‐Plasmodium activity but are also implicated in the immunopathology of malaria. It is currently poorly understood how γδ T cells are affected in human suffering from Plasmodium vivax infection or in symptomless individuals living in an endemic region. We examined both the percentages and expression of markers associated with immune exhaustion in γδ T cells in individuals living in a P. vivax endemic region by flow cytometry. The percentage of γδ T cells in the blood was significantly higher both in acute P. vivax‐positive patients and in individuals from an endemic region in comparison with control uninfected adults. The frequency of the expression of the exhaustion markers‐Tim‐3, Lag‐3, CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 was higher in γδ and total T cells from P. vivax‐infected patients than in those populations from control uninfected adults. Individuals from a P. vivax endemic region showed elevated percentages of Tim‐3‐, Lag‐3‐ and CTLA‐4‐positive γδ T cells and an increased percentage of Tim‐3‐positive total T cells. The phenotypic exhaustion of these cells might be a protective mechanism preventing the immunopathology associated with activated T cells and may provide a rationale for targeted manipulation of this process in diseases such as malaria.
The green microalga Lobosphaera incisa harbours an arachidonate 15S‐lipoxygenase
Authors: Djian B. , Hornung E. , Ischebeck T. , Feussner I.
Published: October 2018

The green microalga Lobosphaera incisa is an oleaginous eukaryotic alga that is rich in arachidonic acid (20:4). Being rich in this polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), however, makes it sensitive to oxidation. In plants, lipoxygenases (LOXs) are the major enzymes that oxidise these molecules.

Here, we describe, to our best knowledge, the first characterisation of a cDNA encoding a LOX (LiLOX) from a green alga. To obtain first insights into its function, we expressed it in E. coli, purified the recombinant enzyme and analysed its enzyme activity.

The protein sequence suggests that LiLOX and plastidic LOXs from bryophytes and flowering plants may share a common ancestor. The fact that LiLOX oxidises all PUFAs tested with a consistent oxidation on the carbon n‐6, suggests that PUFAs enter the substrate channel through their methyl group first (tail first). Additionally, LiLOX form the fatty acid hydroperoxide in strict S configuration.

LiLOX may represent a good model to study plastid LOX, because it is stable after heterologous expression in E. coli and highly active in vitro. Moreover, as the first characterised LOX from green microalgae, it opens the possibility to study endogenous LOX pathways in these organisms.
Brain correlates of stress‐induced peripheral vasoconstriction in patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Shah Amit , Chen Chuqing , Campanella Carolina , Kasher Nicole , Evans Sarah , Reiff Collin , Mishra Sanskriti , Hammadah Muhammad , Lima Bruno B. , Wilmot Kobina , Al Mheid Ibhar , Alkhoder Ayman , Isakadze Nino , Levantsevych Oleksiy , Pimple Pratik M. , Garcia Ernest V. , Wittbrodt Matthew , Nye Jonathon , Ward Laura , Lewis Tené T. , Kutner Michael , Raggi Paolo , Quyyumi Arshed , Vaccarino Viola , Bremner J. Douglas
Published: October 2018

The influence of acute psychological stress on cardiovascular disease is an emerging public health concern. Identification of brain mechanisms underlying this may aid in the discovery of possible treatments. Acute psychological stress may induce arteriolar vasoconstriction and reduce blood flow to vital organs. We hypothesized that functional changes in brain regions involved with memory and autonomic/emotional regulation are implicated in the vasoconstrictive stress response, including the medial prefrontal cortex (anterior cingulate), insula, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Subjects with a history of coronary artery disease (N = 59) underwent measurement of microvascular vasomotor tone with the EndoPAT device and O–15 positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the brain during exposure to mental stress and control conditions. The peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) ratio was calculated as the mean peripheral vasomotor tone during stress divided by the mean tone during rest. Whole brain contrasts were performed between groups above and below the median PAT ratio, and significant contrasts were defined with cutoff p < 0.005. Stress‐induced peripheral vasoconstriction (below median PAT ratio) was associated with increased stress activation in insula and parietal cortex, and decreased activation in the medial prefrontal cortex with stress tasks compared to control tasks. These findings demonstrate that stress‐induced vasoreactivity is associated with changes in brain responses to stress in areas involved in emotion and autonomic regulation. These findings have important implications on possible treatments for mental stress‐induced vascular toxicity.
Cost‐Effective Sampling and Analysis for Mycotoxins in a Cereal Batch
Authors: Focker M. , van der Fels‐Klerx H. J. , Oude Lansink A. G. J. M.
Published: October 2018

The presence of hazards (e.g., contaminants, pathogens) in food/feed, water, plants, or animals can lead to major economic losses related to human and animal health or the rejection of batches of food or feed. Monitoring these hazards is important but can lead to high costs. This study aimed to find the most cost‐effective sampling and analysis (S&A) plan in the cases of the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) in a wheat batch and aflatoxins (AFB1) in a maize batch. An optimization model was constructed, maximizing the number of correct decisions for accepting/rejecting a batch of cereals, with a budget as major constraint. The decision variables were the choice of the analytical method: instrumental method (e.g., liquid chromatography combined with mass‐spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS)), enzyme‐linked‐immuno‐assay (ELISA), or lateral flow devices (LFD), the number of incremental samples collected from the batch, and the number of aliquots analyzed. S&A plans using ELISA showed to be slightly more cost effective than S&A plans using the other two analytical methods. However, for DON in wheat, the difference between the optimal S&A plans using the three different analytical methods was minimal. For AFB1in maize, the cost effectiveness of the S&A plan using instrumental methods or ELISA were comparable whereas the S&A plan considering onsite detection with LFDs was least cost effective. In case of nonofficial controls, which do not have to follow official regulations for sampling and analysis, onsite detection with ELISA for both AFB1in maize and DON in wheat, or with LFDs for DON in wheat, could provide cost‐effective alternatives.
Developing a Broadly Applicable Measure of Risk Perception
Authors: Wilson Robyn S. , Zwickle Adam , Walpole Hugh
Published: October 2018

Decades of research identify risk perception as a largely intuitive and affective construct, in contrast to the more deliberative assessments of probability and consequences that form the foundation of risk assessment. However, a review of the literature reveals that many of the risk perception measures employed in survey research with human subjects are either generic in nature, not capturing any particular affective, probabilistic, or consequential dimension of risk; or focused solely on judgments of probability. The goal of this research was to assess a multidimensional measure of risk perception across multiple hazards to identify a measure that will be broadly useful for assessing perceived risk moving forward. Our results support the idea of risk perception being multidimensional, but largely a function of individual affective reactions to the hazard. We also find that our measure of risk perception holds across multiple types of hazards, ranging from those that are behavioral in nature (e.g., health and safety behaviors), to those that are technological (e.g., pollution), or natural (e.g., extreme weather). We suggest that a general, unidimensional measure of risk may accurately capture one's perception of the severity of the consequences, and the discrete emotions that are felt in response to those potential consequences. However, such a measure is not likely to capture the perceived probability of experiencing the outcomes, nor will it be as useful at understanding one's motivation to take mitigation action.
Structural change: Pace, patterns and determinants
Authors: Martins Pedro M. G.
Published: October 2018

This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of structural change in the world economy. The analysis relies on a newly constructed dataset comprising 169 countries and covering the period from 1991 to 2013. Shapley decompositions are employed to evaluate the pace and pattern of structural change across regions and sub‐regions. Country‐level estimates are then used to conduct an original empirical exercise on the determinants of structural change. The results suggest that labor reallocations (structural change) have played a critical role in enhancing economic performance since the early 2000s, even if they remain comparatively less important than within‐sector productivity improvements. The widespread reallocation of labor from agriculture to the services sectors has been the key driver of structural change. Finally, we find robust evidence that the pace of structural change is significantly shaped by human and physical capital. The policy implication is that investments in education and economic infrastructure are crucial to accelerating structural change.
Access to a school health nurse and adolescent health needs in the universal school health service in Finland
Authors: Kivimäki Hanne , Saaristo Vesa , Wiss Kirsi , Frantsi‐Lankia Marjut , Ståhl Timo , Rimpelä Arja
Published: October 2018

Universal school health services are expected to offer similar, needs‐based services to all students across schools, service providers and students’ socio‐economic statuses and health needs. This study investigates access to school health nurses in Finland. The objectives were to study the differences in access to school health nurse between service providers, schools, students’ characteristics and school health nurse resources. Access was examined through a nationwide School Health Promotion study, which is a self‐reporting, voluntary and anonymous survey for 8th and 9th graders (15 to 16‐year old, N = 71865). The ethical committee of the National Institute for Health and Welfare has approved procedure for the School Health Promotion study. Data on school health nurse resources and service providers were obtained from the national database (534 schools; 144 service providers). Multilevel logistic regression was used. Of the pupils, 15% of girls and 11% of boys reported difficult access to a school health nurse. The number of adolescents who reported difficult access ranged between service providers (0%–41%) and schools (0%–75%). Students with lower socio‐economic background, poorer well‐being at school, lack of support for studying and greater health needs reported difficult access more often. School health nurse resources were associated with difficult access only among boys, when resources were under the national recommendations. These findings raise concern about equality and unmet health needs in school health services.
Longitudinal associations of physical activity and sedentary time with cardiometabolic risk factors in children
Authors: Väistö Juuso , Haapala Eero A. , Viitasalo Anna , Schnurr Theresia M. , Kilpeläinen Tuomas O. , Karjalainen Panu , Westgate Kate , Lakka Hanna‐Maaria , Laaksonen David E. , Ekelund Ulf , Brage Søren , Lakka Timo A.
Published: October 2018

Background

There are few prospective studies on the associations of changes in objectively measured vigorous physical activity (VPA∆), moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA∆), light physical activity (LPA∆), and sedentary time (ST∆) with changes in cardiometabolic risk factors (∆) in children. We therefore investigated these relationships among children.

Methods

The participants were a population sample of 258 children aged 6‐8 years followed for 2 years. We assessed PA and ST by a combined heart rate and movement sensor; computed continuous age‐ and sex‐adjusted z‐scores for waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; and constructed a cardiometabolic risk score (CRS) of these risk factors. Data were analyzed using linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, the explanatory and outcome variables at baseline, and puberty.

Results

VPA∆ associated inversely with CRS∆ (β = −0.209, P = 0.001), body fat percentage (BF%)∆ (β = −0.244, P = 0.001), insulin∆ (β = −0.220, P = 0.001), and triglycerides∆ (β = −0.164, P = 0.012) and directly with HDL cholesterol∆ (β = 0.159, P = 0.023). MVPA∆ associated inversely with CRS∆ (β = −0.178, P = 0.012), BF%∆ (β = −0.298, P = <0.001), and insulin∆ (β = −0.213, P = 0.006) and directly with HDL cholesterol∆ (β = 0.184, P = 0.022). LPA∆ only associated negatively with CRS∆ (β = −0.163, P = 0.032). ST∆ associated directly with CRS∆ (β = 0.218, P = 0.003), BF%∆ (β = 0.212, P = 0.016), and insulin∆ (β = 0.159, P = 0.049).

Conclusions

Increased VPA and MVPA and decreased ST were associated with reduced overall cardiometabolic risk and major individual risk factors. Change in LPA had weaker associations with changes in these cardiometabolic risk factors. Our findings suggest that increasing at least moderate‐intensity PA and decreasing ST decrease cardiometabolic risk in children.
Primary effusion lymphoma of the pleural space: Report of a rare complication of cardiac transplant with review of the literature
Authors: Kugasia Irfan Ali R. , Kumar Arun , Khatri Akshay , Saeed Faisal , Islam Humayun , Epelbaum Oleg
Published: October 2018

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare mature B‐cell non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma arising in body cavities and presenting with effusions. It has been described predominantly in patients with impaired immunity from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and is associated with the Human Herpesvirus‐8 (HHV‐8). Seldom has PEL been diagnosed in persons negative for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and in such cases it has occurred primarily in the setting of posttransplant immunosuppression. We report an instructive case of a Caribbean‐American HIV‐negative orthotopic heart transplant recipient with a history of HHV‐8‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma who developed HHV‐8 viremia and PEL of the pleural space early in the posttransplant course. This case highlights the importance of considering PEL in the differential diagnosis of a new pleural effusion in a transplant recipient at risk for HHV‐8‐associated disease.
WRASP: A spatial strategic weed risk analysis tool reveals important subnational variations in weed risks
Authors: Kriticos D J , Beautrais J R , Dodd M B
Published: October 2018

The number and diversity of introduced invasive plants, coupled with limited weed management budgets, require biosecurity managers to employ systems to prioritise weeds for management attention. To assist this process, an analytical protocol and spreadsheet tool were previously developed for post‐border weed risk management (PBWRM). The popular PBWRM tool utilises a framework that ignores any spatial variation in risk factors within the geographical area of risk concern. However, invasive plants vary in risk factors such as invasiveness, potential impacts and feasibility of control as a function of spatially variable factors. Logically, the assessment of weed risks should also be spatially explicit, in order to best understand them and to target management appropriately. To address these concerns, we took the PBRWM logic and spatialised it, to allow weed managers to assess weed risks and management across geographical space. We illustrate this new spatial system using a case study of Senecio glastifolius in New Zealand, comparing the results of a spatial and an aspatial analysis of the risks it poses and the logical management options. The spatial view of risks revealed locations of higher and lower risk and suitability for management attention that were hidden by blanket, aspatial weed risk scores of the current PBWRM system. The national level risk was also significantly higher when considered in the light of the results from the spatial tool. The spatial tool, WRASP, takes its name from Weed Risk Assessment SPatial.
Changes in weed species composition in irrigated agriculture in Saharan Algeria
Authors: Eddoud A , Buisson E , Achour L , Guediri K , Bissati S , Abdelkrim H
Published: October 2018

This work characterises the changes in composition of the weed flora commonly associated with certain south‐eastern Algerian crops over a 20‐year period. Vegetation sampling was carried out between 1990 and 2010 in three 1 ha date palm plantations that do not have understory crops, six 400 m² glasshouses used for market gardening and three 30 ha cereal centre‐pivot irrigation plots. In total, 162 species belonging to 40 families were recorded. As in many other agroecosystems around the world, the dominant families were Poaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae and Amaranthaceae representing 45.1% of the species identified. The weed communities were characterised by a set of species from various origins: species with biregional, triregional and multiregional origins, and Saharo‐Arabian and Mediterranean species were particularly well represented. Overall, the most common weed species were as follows: Chenopodium murale, Lolium multiflorum, Melilotus indicus, Lysimachia arvensis, Sonchus oleraceus, Setaria verticillata, Polypogon monspeliensis and Erigeron canadensis, all of which are therophytes. The weed flora differed among the three sampled agroecosystems, which is to be expected, as their respective management sequences are quite different. Weed monitoring over the 20 years showed that weed composition changed over time, particularly in the palm plantations and the cereal plots. For a better understanding of the drivers of weed composition and changes over time and better weed management, studying weed provenance (crop seed purchase and organic fertilisation) as well as agricultural practices is necessary.
Troubleshooting a dialysis line: when blue runs red
Authors: Amariei Diana Elena , Reed Robert Michael
Published: October 2018

We present the case of a critically ill woman whose dialysis line was noted to be circulating bright red blood. Located in the right internal jugular vein, the line had previously been working normally with the change occurring shortly after the patient was liberated from positive pressure mechanical ventilation. An arterial malposition was ruled out and subsequent investigations revealed the presence of a left-sided partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) that had been previously undiagnosed. The identification of a left-sided PAPVC from blood gas measurements taken from a right internal jugular vein dialysis catheter in this case provides an informative opportunity to consider the intricate physiological relationship between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems in critically ill patients requiring invasive procedures and treatments.
Giant right coronary artery aneurysm complicated by a fistula to the right atrium, mimicking a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm
Authors: Kodaira Masaki , Itoh Takahito , Koizumi Kiyoshi , Numasawa Yohei
Published: October 2018

Patients with a coronary aneurysm alone do not generally exhibit continuous murmurs; however, murmurs may be detected in the presence of a fistula. A 57-year-old woman with chest pain was referred to us with a suspected diagnosis of a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm owing to the presence of a continuous murmur that was detected on physical examination. However, CT revealed a giant right coronary artery aneurysm draining into the right atrium. Consequently, surgery was performed. This case highlights the importance of implementing multiple imaging modalities for adequate differential diagnoses of patients presenting with continuous murmurs.
Third-degree burns associated with transcutaneous pacing
Authors: Payne Joshua E , Morgan Jacob L , Weachter Richard R , Alpert Martin A
Published: October 2018

A 69-year-old severely obese diabetic woman developed nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea which caused multiple metabolic alterations leading to hypotension and bradycardia due to slow atrioventricular junctional rhythm. Transcutaneous pacing (TCP) was initiated and maintained until the underlying heart rate and blood pressure normalised. TCP gel pads were kept in place prophylactically after pacing was terminated. Gel pads remained attached to the anterior thorax and back for a total of 36 hours. During this time the patient developed third-degree burns at the side of gel pad attachment. With appropriate wound care and after a long hospitalisation, the patient was discharged in stable condition. This case demonstrates that prolonged use of TCP gel pads without frequent replacement may lead to third-degree burns. It also suggest that prophylactic use of TCP gel pads should be avoided.
Temporal trends and regional variation in the rate of arthroscopic knee surgery in England: analysis of over 1.7 million procedures between 1997 and 2017. Has practice changed in response to new evidence?
Authors: Abram Simon G F , Judge Andrew , Beard David J , Wilson Hannah A , Price Andrew J
Published: October 2018

Objectives

We investigated trends and regional variation in the rate of arthroscopic knee surgery performed in England from 1997–1998 to 2016–2017.

Design

Cross-sectional study of the national hospital episode statistics (HES) for England.

Methods

All hospital episodes for patients undergoing a knee arthroscopy between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 2017 were extracted from HES by procedure code. Age and sex-standardised rates of surgery were calculated using Office for National Statistic population data as the denominator. Trends in the rate of surgery were analysed by procedure both nationally and by Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Results

A total of 1 088 872 arthroscopic partial meniscectomies (APMs), 326 600 diagnostic arthroscopies, 308 618 knee washouts and 252 885 chondroplasties were identified (1 759 467 hospital admissions; 1 447 142 patients). The rate of APM increased from a low of 51/100 000 population (95% CI 51 to 52) in 1997–1998 to a peak at 149/100 000 (95% CI 148 to 150) in 2013–2014; then, after 2014–2015, rates declined to 120/100 000 (95% CI 119 to 121) in 2016–2017. Rates of arthroscopic knee washout and diagnostic arthroscopy declined steadily from 50/100 000 (95% CI 49 to 50) and 47/100 000 (95% CI 46 to 47) respectively in 1997–1998, to 4.8/100 000 (95% CI 4.6 to 5.0) and 8.1/100 000 (95% CI 7.9 to 8.3) in 2016–2017. Rates of chondroplasty have increased from a low of 3.2/100 000 (95% CI 3.0 to 3.3) in 1997–1998 to 51/100 000 (95% CI 50.6 to 51.7) in 2016–2017. Substantial regional and age–group variation in practice was detected. In 2016–2017, between 11% (22/207) and 16% (34/207) of CCGs performed at least double the national average rate of each procedure.

Conclusions

Over the last 20 years, and likely in response to new evidence, rates of arthroscopic knee washout and diagnostic arthroscopy have declined by up to 90%. APM rates increased about 130% overall but have declined recently. Rates of chondroplasty increased about 15-fold. There is significant variation in practice, but the appropriate population intervention rate for these procedures remains unknown.
Perceptual-cognitive three-dimensional multiple-object tracking task can help the monitoring of sport-related concussion
Authors: Chermann Jean-François , Romeas Thomas , Marty Flore , Faubert Jocelyn
Published: October 2018

Objectives

While the rate of sport-related concussion is increasing, more effective tools are needed to help monitor the diagnosis and return to play of athletes. The three-dimensional multiple-object tracking (3D-MOT) exercise is a perceptual-cognitive task that has shown predictive power towards the dynamic requirements of real-world activities such as sport. This study introduced the use of the 3D-MOT task, along with the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) and Modified Balance Error Scoring System (M-BESS) tests, for diagnosis and return to play in professional sports.

Methods

Fifty-nine professional athletes were tested with the 3D-MOT, SAC and M-BESS tests at 48 hours following the injury. The same measures were employed to evaluate the return to play following the standard concussion management protocol. The SAC and M-BESS tests were also performed in pre-season (baseline) in 32 out of the 59 athletes.

Results

The injured athletes exhibited poor performance on 3D-MOT at 48 hours post injury compared with return to play (p<0.001) as well as compared with healthy professionals’ performance scores (p<0.001). Importantly, learning rate, which participants are thought to have an expert advantage on this perceptual-cognitive task, was totally disrupted at 48 hours post injury compared with healthy professionals (p<0.001). The 3D-MOT performance was also correlated to the total number of symptoms (p=0.020), SAC (p=0.031) and M-BESS (p=0.004) scores at 48 hours. Not surprisingly, SAC and M-BESS tests’ usefulness for monitoring concussion was found to be weak, particularly when test performance following the injury was compared to baseline (p=0.056 and 0.349 for SAC and M-BESS, respectively).

Conclusion

3D-MOT could help monitor sport-related concussion in professional athletes. The discussion also covers the critical importance of perceptual-cognitive assessment following concussion in the athletic population.
Effects of exercise training on physical and psychosocial health in children with chronic respiratory disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Joschtel Barbara , Gomersall Sjaan R , Tweedy Sean , Petsky Helen , Chang Anne B , Trost Stewart G
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Chronic disease in children is increasing, including the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), bronchiectasis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of exercise training on health outcomes in children with chronic respiratory disease.

Method

Five databases were searched for randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of exercise training on children with chronic respiratory disease. Following the PRISMA guidelines, eligible studies were identified and data were extracted. A meta-analysis was conducted for the outcomes cardiovascular fitness, lung function and quality of life (QoL).

Results

The initial search returned 3688 papers. Twenty-seven (17 in children with asthma, 10 in children with CF) were included in the systematic review and 24 of these were included in the meta-analysis. No studies were identified in children with bronchiectasis or BPD. Included papers had a total of 1009 participants aged 8–20 years. In addition to cardiovascular fitness, lung function and QoL, studies also assessed pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, muscular strength and inflammation. Meta-analysis showed a large significant effect size in favour of exercise for cardiovascular fitness (peak VO2) (standard mean difference (SMD)=1.16, 95%  CI 0.61 to 1.70) and QoL (SMD=1.27, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.82) as well as a small, non-significant effect size for lung function (FEV1) (SMD=0.02, 95% CI -0.38 to 0.42).

Conclusion

Exercise training significantly improves cardiovascular fitness and QoL in children with asthma and CF. Further research is needed, particularly in children with bronchiectasis and BPD.
Regional homogeneity of intrinsic brain activity related to the main alexithymia dimensions
Authors: Dai Han , Mei Li , Minjun Mei , Xiaofei Sun
Published: October 2018

Background

Alexithymia is a multidimensional personality construct.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the neuronal correlates of each alexithymia dimension by examining the regional homogeneity (ReHo) of intrinsic brain activity in a resting situation.

Methods

From university freshmen, students with alexithymia and non-alexithymia were recruited. Their alexithymic traits were assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. The ReHo was examined using a resting-state functional MRI approach.

Results

This study suggests significant group differences in ReHo in multiple brain regions distributed in the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe and insular cortex. However, only the ReHo in the insula was positively associated with difficulty identifying feelings, a main dimension of alexithymia. The ReHo in the lingual gyrus, precentral gyrus and postcentral gyrus was positively associated with difficulty describing feelings in participants with alexithymia. Lastly, the ReHo in the right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC_R) was negatively related to the externally oriented thinking style of participants with alexithymia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these results suggest that the main dimensions of alexithymia are correlated with specific brain regions’ function, and the role of the insula, lingual gyrus, precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus and DMPFC_R in the neuropathology of alexithymia should be further investigated.
Psychosis as an indicator of recurrent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a rare presentation
Authors: Ali Mustafa , Das Soumitra
Published: October 2018

Psychotic manifestations of brain tumours are rare but described in the literature mostly along with other neurological deficits. Memory loss, difficulty in attention and concentration, depression, anxiety, and mood symptoms are commonly described in brain tumours. A schizophrenia-like picture without a deficit in motor or sensory function may land the clinician into a diagnostic dilemma. Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a highly malignant disease with high mortality and needs immediate attention. Our case which had a unique recurrence in the postoperative period with psychotic symptoms can be an eye-opener to be more vigilant about underlying clinical extension.
Switch from previous major depression comorbid with CLIPPERS to mania-like episode following glucocorticosteroid therapy: a case report
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Wu Yan
Published: October 2018

Bipolar disorder is associated with high rates of general medical conditions, but few cases of overlap between bipolar disorder and chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) have been reported in the current literature. The following is a case of a 29-year-old patient with a previous major depressive episode comorbid with CLIPPERS. Following glucocorticosteroid therapy, the patient switched to mania-like presentation and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to another medical condition. So it is strongly suggested that high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy could easily induce psychiatric disturbances for patients with previous psychiatric symptoms, and there may be potential links between bipolar disorder and CLIPPERS in the area of inflammation.