bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of Castleman disease: A multicenter study of 185 Chinese patients
Authors: Zhang Xuanye , Rao Huilan , Xu Xiaolu , Li Zhihua , Liao Bing , Wu Hongmei , Li Mei , Tong Xiuzhen , Li Juan , Cai Qingqing
Published: November 2017

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. To assess the clinical features, outcomes, and prognostic factors of this disease, we retrospectively analyzed 185 HIV‐negative CD patients from four medical centers in southern China. The median age was 37 years. One hundred and twenty‐one patients (65.4%) were classified as unicentric CD (UCD) and 64 patients (34.6%) were classified as multicentric CD (MCD). The histology subtype was hyaline‐vascular for 132 patients (71.4%), plasma cell for 50 patients (27%), and mixed type for 3 patients (1.6%). The 5‐year overall survival (OS) of 185 CD cases was 80.3%. All UCD patients underwent surgical excision, whereas the treatment strategies of MCD patients were heterogeneous. The outcome for UCD patients was better than MCD patients, with 5‐year OS rates of 93.6% and 51.2%, respectively. In further analysis of the MCD subgroup, a multivariate analysis using a Cox regression model revealed that age, splenomegaly and pretreatment serum albumin level were independent prognostic factors for OS. This multicenter study comprising the largest sample size to date suggested that MCD is a distinct entity from UCD with a significantly worse outcome. Older age (≥40 years), splenomegaly, and hypoalbuminemia were risk factors for poorer MCD prognosis.
The diagnostic value of tissue button technique for specimen accusation during endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Fruchter Oren , Breslavsky Anna , Brozgol Tatyana , Grossman Anna , Kessi Mikhailova , Bugayov Alexey , Shimelis Kassa , Vaknine Hananya , Sukmanov Oleg
Published: November 2017

Introduction

The quality of tissue acquisition during endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) is a major determinant of the diagnostic yield of the procedure. In the tissue button (TB) technique, the retrieved cellular specimen is fixed in ethanol and subsequently scraped from slide using surgical blade into formaldehyde and processed like ordinary tissue biopsy thus potentially increasing its diagnostic value.

Objectives

To retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic yield of a TB technique in patients undergoing EBUS‐TBNA for various malignant and benign conditions.

Methods

The diagnostic yield of specimen obtained by two methods (TB and traditional cell‐block technique) performed during the same procedure are outlined in 46 patients who underwent EBUS‐TBNA (median age = 65, range 19‐85 years).

Results

Overall, in both malignant and benign conditions, TB resulted in clear diagnostic material in 43/46 (93.4%) patients. Specifically, TB provided clear histological diagnosis of malignancy (either primary lung cancer or metastases from extra‐thoracic cancer) in 30/46 (65.2%) patients and granulomatous inflammation in 11/46 (23.9%) of patients. Only in two patients TB did not provide diagnostic material.

Conclusions

The newly introduced TB technique provides valuable histological diagnostic material during EBUS‐TBNA both malignant and benign conditions. Given its simplicity and its high diagnostic yield, TB should be considered to be used as one of the preferred specimen acquisition modalities during EBUS‐TBNA specimen processing. Direct comparison to alternative tissue processing techniques during EBUS‐TBNA should be explored in further randomized prospective studies.
Transcripts immunoprecipitated with Sxl protein in primordial germ cells of Drosophila embryos
Authors: Ota Ryoma , Morita Shumpei , Sato Masanao , Shigenobu Shuji , Hayashi Makoto , Kobayashi Satoru
Published: November 2017

In Drosophila, Sex lethal (Sxl), an RNA binding protein, is required for induction of female sexual identity in both somatic and germline cells. Although the Sxl‐dependent feminizing pathway in the soma was previously elucidated, the downstream targets for Sxl in the germline remained elusive. To identify these target genes, we selected transcripts associated with Sxl in primordial germ cells (PGCs) of embryos using RNA immunoprecipitation coupled to sequencing (RIP‐seq) analysis. A total of 308 transcripts encoded by 282 genes were obtained. Seven of these genes, expressed at higher levels in PGCs as determined by microarray and in situ hybridization analyses, were subjected to RNAi‐mediated functional analyses. Knockdown of Neos, Kap‐alpha3, and CG32075 throughout germline development caused gonadal dysgenesis in a sex‐dependent manner, and Su(var)2‐10 knockdown caused gonadal dysgenesis in both sexes. Moreover, as with knockdown of Sxl, knockdown of Su(var)2‐10 in PGCs gave rise to a tumorous phenotype of germline cells in ovaries. Because this phenotype indicates loss of female identity of germline cells, we consider Su(var)2‐10 to be a strong candidate target of Sxl in PGCs. Our results represent a first step toward elucidating the Sxl‐dependent feminizing pathway in the germline.
What Relationship Researchers and Relationship Practitioners Wished the Other Knew: Integrating Discovery and Practice in Couple Relationships
Authors: Schramm David G. , Galovan Adam M. , Goddard H. Wallace
Published: November 2017

As we consider what both family scientists and practitioners can learn from each other, we discuss important advances in relationship and marriage education (RME). We note best practices for research and review recent evaluative findings from randomized controlled trial studies that have important implications for RME. An almost singular RME focus on teaching communication and conflict resolution skills may not be as valuable as it was believed to be. We discuss recent shifts in RME, share results from recent research, and advocate for a balanced approach that incorporates both skill‐based and principles‐based approaches. Important insights can be gained from disciplines outside of family and relationship science, and we encourage both family scientists and practitioners to broaden the scope of models of healthy relationship functioning. Finally, we offer some direction for future progress and issue a call for more integrative and rigorous efforts in both the science of discovery and practice.
Transient elastic‐plastic‐creep crack‐tip stress fields under load‐controlled loading
Authors: Lee H.‐S. , Kim D.‐J. , Kim Y.‐J. , Ainsworth R.A. , Budden P.J.
Published: November 2017

This paper presents transient and steady‐state elastic‐plastic‐creep crack‐tip stress fields under load‐controlled loading conditions for a wide range of combinations of power‐law plastic and creep materials. The crack‐tip stress fields are characterized in terms of 2 parameters to accommodate the crack‐tip constraint effect; the C(t)‐ (or C*‐) integral and the βQ parameter (the Q‐parameter normalized with respect to the proximity parameter to plastic collapse). For practical application, the crack‐tip stress fields are re‐formulated explicitly in terms of time and crack‐tip stress fields for elastic‐plastic and steady‐state creep conditions. Comparison with detailed FE results for plane strain tension and bend specimens shows that this formulation of the crack‐tip stress fields agrees well with finite element results.
Beyond climate control on species range: The importance of soil data to predict distribution of Amazonian plant species
Authors: Figueiredo Fernando O. G. , Zuquim Gabriela , Tuomisto Hanna , Moulatlet Gabriel M. , Balslev Henrik , Costa Flávia R. C.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To evaluate the relative importance of climatic versus soil data when predicting species distributions for Amazonian plants and to gain understanding of potential range shifts under climate change.

Location

Amazon rain forest.

Methods

We produced species distribution models (SDM) at 5‐km spatial resolution for 42 plant species (trees, palms, lianas, monocot herbs and ferns) using species occurrence data from herbarium records and plot‐based inventories. We modelled species distribution with Bayesian logistic regression using either climate data only, soil data only or climate and soil data together to estimate their relative predictive powers. For areas defined as unsuitable to species occurrence, we mapped the difference between the suitability predictions obtained with climate‐only versus soil‐only models to identify regions where climate and soil might restrict species ranges independently or jointly.

Results

For 40 out of the 42 species, the best models included both climate and soil predictors. The models including only soil predictors performed better than the models including only climate predictors, but we still detected a drought‐sensitive response for most of the species. Edaphic conditions were predicted to restrict species occurrence in the centre, the north‐west and in the north‐east of Amazonia, while the climatic conditions were identified as the restricting factor in the eastern Amazonia, at the border of Roraima and Venezuela and in the Andean foothills.

Main conclusions

Our results revealed that soil data are a more important predictor than climate of plant species range in Amazonia. The strong control of species ranges by edaphic features might reduce species’ abilities to track suitable climate conditions under a drought‐increase scenario. Future challenges are to improve the quality of soil data and couple them with process‐based models to better predict species range dynamics under climate change.
The Promise and Future of Neo‐Functional Peace: A Reply to Bergmann and Niemann
Authors: Visoka Gëzim , Doyle John
Published: November 2017

Julian Bergmann and Arne Niemann claim that ‘neo‐functional peace’ was insufficiently conceptualized and empirically unsubstantiated. They draw on the original neo‐functionalist literature to propose a logic of spillover to explain the European Union's external policies. We argue that our original article is not damaged by this critique and its explanation of the EU's approach in the Serbia‐Kosovo case stands. We accept the need for further work, based on analysis of different examples and sectors, which can clarify the conceptual boundaries of neo‐functional peace and test it against other cases.
Integration of dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy for distinguishing melanomas from nevi of the breast area
Authors: Mandel V.D. , Bombonato C. , Pampena R. , Kyrgidis A. , Borsari S. , Benati E. , Mirra M. , Piana S. , Pellacani G. , Longo C.
Published: November 2017

Background

Nevi of special sites encompass a class of benign lesions characterized by the presence of atypical clinical and histopathological features that can be difficult to distinguish from melanoma. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy may improve the clinical assessment of melanocytic lesions to avoid unnecessary excisions.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the value of specific dermoscopic and confocal criteria in distinguishing melanomas from nevi of the breast area.

Methods

Dermoscopic and confocal images from consecutive patients with at least one clinically and/or dermoscopically equivocal melanocytic skin lesion of the breast area were retrospectively evaluated. In this case–control study, only histopathologically proven melanomas (cases) and nevi (controls) were included. Spearman's coefficients were first calculated to flag significant correlation; then univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess which factors were independently associated with the histopathological diagnosis. Finally, a mixed dermoscopic/confocal score was created to distinguish nevi from melanomas on the breast area.

Results

The study population included 55 skin lesions of the breast area, 34 (61.8%) nevi and 21 (38.2%) melanomas. Among dermoscopic criteria, atypical network and irregular pigmentation resulted independently associated with melanoma diagnosis (OR: 11.1; 95% CI 1.0–119.9; P:0.048 and OR: 6.5; 95% CI 1.1–37.5; P:0.037, respectively). Furthermore, on RCM examination, the presence of pagetoid cells was an independent positive predictor for melanoma (OR: 38.5; 95% CI 3.9–379.6; P:0.002). The mixed score showed high levels of sensitivity and specificity, 95.2% and 82.4%, respectively, which were higher than dermoscopic and confocal evaluations alone.

Conclusion

The combined use of dermoscopy and confocal microscopy in the triage of pigmented lesions of the breast area may help in increasing the diagnostic accuracy and avoiding unnecessary excisions.
Evolution of a Geriatric Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Treatment of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Upadhya Bharathi , Pisani Barbara , Kitzman Dalane W.
Published: November 2017

The majority of older adults who develop heart failure (HF), particularly older women, have a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF). The prevalence of this syndrome is increasing, and the prognosis is not improving, unlike that of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Individuals with HFpEF have severe symptoms of effort intolerance, poor quality of life, frequent hospitalizations, and greater likelihood of death. Despite the importance of HFpEF, there are numerous major gaps in our understanding of its pathophysiology and management. Although it was originally viewed as a disorder due solely to abnormalities in left ventricular diastolic function, our understanding has evolved such that HFpEF is now understood as a systemic syndrome involving multiple organ systems, and it is likely that it is triggered by inflammation and other as‐yet‐unidentified circulating factors, with important contributions of aging and multiple comorbidities, features generally typical of other geriatric syndromes. We present an update on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and future directions in this disorder in older persons.
Veterans Experiencing Elder Abuse: Improving Care of a High‐Risk Population About Which Little Is Known
Authors: Makaroun Lena K. , Taylor Laura , Rosen Tony
Published: November 2017

At least 10% of older adults experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation annually in the United States, and this problem is expected to grow as our population ages. Little is known about the prevalence and characteristics of elder abuse of veterans, but it is likely that this population is at high risk based on established elder abuse risk factors. Veterans who receive their care through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) have a higher prevalence of poor psychological health, poor physical health, functional impairment, cognitive impairment, and social isolation than the general population. As the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, the VHA has long been a leader in the development of innovative, integrated care programs for older adults. The VHA has another opportunity to lead by promoting research, clinical care, and education on elder abuse, furthering their mission of serving those who served. This article outlines the rationale for developing a research agenda for elder abuse in the VHA, as well as potential first steps toward understanding more about this complex problem affecting veterans.
Medication Access in America and Medicare Part D: Prescription Shopping Saves but May Be Costly
Authors: Upchurch Gina , Disco Marilyn E. , Visco Jessica L. , Huffman Katie F.
Published: November 2017

This article is a reflection of some of the changes we have witnessed in pharmacy over the years, including the rise in medication use and prices and the transformation of how medicines are paid for in the United States, with growing concern over pricing transparency. We discuss the complex Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, how enrollees can save by comparing plans annually, and the influence of preferred pharmacies. We review options for medication assistance other than Part D and share our belief that, although Medicare Part D has dramatically improved access to medicines, more needs to be done to decrease Medicare's and individuals’ out‐of‐pocket spending and, as importantly, to ensure that medicines are doing more good than harm.
From Knowing to Doing: Guidelines for Socioculturally Attuned Family Therapy
Authors: Knudson‐Martin Carmen , McDowell Teresa , Bermudez J. Maria
Published: November 2017

Family therapists know that clinical concerns are not separate from larger sociopolitical contexts. Attunement to clients’ sociocultural experience is foundational to good practice, yet few guidelines integrate attention to the larger societal processes or address social equity. The purpose of this article is to help therapists move from knowing about sociocontextual issues to doing socioculturally attuned practice. We offer an overarching framework that returns to Bateson and the roots of family therapy through a call for third order transformation. The approach is responsive to societal context and an analysis of power while working through enduring concepts of major family therapy models. Transtheoretical guidelines that can be integrated across practice models to promote third order change are illustrated with case examples.
An evaluation of the impact of FIFA World Cup on soccer emergency department injuries among Montreal adolescents
Authors: Keays Glenn , Friedman Debbie , Beaudin Marianne , Gagnon Isabelle
Published: November 2017

Aim

The ‘trickle‐down effect’, or how major sports events have a positive impact on sports participation, has been the subject of many studies, but none produced conclusive results. We took a different approach and rather than look at sports participation, we used injuries as a proxy and see if injuries increased, or remained the same, after the International Federation of Association Football World Cup.

Methods

Using a retrospective cohort design, we looked at the injuries suffered by males and females (13–16 years old) while playing team sports in Montreal, that occurred in May to July, from 1999 to 2014. Information reported by the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting Prevention Program (CHIRPP) was limited to the two CHIRPP centres in Montreal: the Montreal Children's Hospital and Hopital Sainte‐Justine.

Results

In females, no significant trends were noticed. In males who played non‐organised soccer, the percent changes between FIFA World Cup (WC) (June) and pre‐FIFA WC (May) was always highest during FIFA WC years: 17.2% more injuries in years when FIFA WC was held compared to 1.3% less injuries during non‐FIFA WC years. In non‐organised soccer, male players suffered less strains/sprains (11.9% vs. 30.1%; P = 0.015), suffered more severe injuries (59.7% vs. 43.1%; P = 0.049) and more of their injuries were the results of direct contact with another player (26.8% vs. 13.3%; P = 0.028) during FIFA WC.

Conclusion

FIFA WC seems to have an impact on the injuries of teenage boys when playing non‐organised soccer. The impact was short‐lived, only lasting during the FIFA WC event.
Reinerantha foliicola, a new genus and species of Lejeuneaceae subtribe Cololejeuneinae (Marchantiophyta) from Ecuador
Authors: Gradstein S. Robbert , Zhu Rui‐Liang , Shu Lei , Pérez Álvaro J.
Published: November 2017

Cololejeuneinae is the largest subtribe of the liverwort family Lejeuneaceae and the crown group of the family. The species often grow on the surfaces of living leaves and twigs or in swiftly running waters and many of them possess neotenic gametophytes, considered an adaptation to these extreme habitats. We describe a new, epiphyllous genus and species in Cololejeuneinae from the Western Cordillera of Ecuador, Reinerantha foliicola Gradst. & R.L.Zhu. Analysis of combined molecular datasets with parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods revealed Reinerantha in a sister relationship to the large pantropical genus Diplasiolejeunea. Reinerantha differs from Diplasiolejeunea in leaf segmentation, epidermal wall thickening, stylus, male bracts and perianth keels, and is morphologically more similar to the genus Tuyamaella. In the molecular analysis, however, Reinerantha and Tuyamaella were resolved in different clades and not closely related. Tuyamaella is shown to be restricted to Asia; the report of Tuyamaella from South America (Peru) was erroneous and a case of mislabeling.
Epidural abscess caused by Schizophyllum commune: A rare case of rhinogenic cranial complication by a filamentous basidiomycete
Authors: Tone Kazuya , Fujisaki Ryuichi , Hagiwara Shigehiro , Tamura Takashi , Ishigaki Shinobu , Alshahni Mohamed Mahdi , Takehisa Makoto , Watanabe Takehiro , Yasui Takuya , Tokairin Takuo , Sagawa Toshiyo , Sakamoto Tetsuya , Ito Ken , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Makimura Koichi
Published: November 2017

Central nervous system (CNS) infections due to filamentous basidiomycetes are extremely rare. We encountered a case of epidural abscess due to Schizophyllum commune that extended from sinusitis. A 53‐year‐old Japanese man presented at our hospital with a headache. Computed tomography (CT) of the cranium and sinuses showed ethmoid and sphenoid sinusitis with no intracranial abnormalities. The patient was diagnosed with acute sinusitis and underwent antibiotic treatment. However, the symptoms deteriorated, and the patient came to our hospital again with consciousness disturbance. CT scan of the cranium and sinuses showed no improvement of sinusitis after antibiotic therapy and an epidural abscess emerged in the middle cranial fossa. Therefore, emergency craniotomy and endoscopic sinus fenestration were performed. Filamentous fungal elements were observed in both rhinorrhoea and epidural abscess. The symptoms improved after the operation and administration of liposomal amphotericin B. The clinical isolate was identified as S. commune by a molecular‐based method. To our knowledge, this is the first report of epidural abscess due to this fungus. Although rare, clinicians should be aware that S. commune could be a causative agent of CNS infections.
Workplace delivery of a dietitian‐led cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes prevention programme: A qualitative study of participants’ experiences in the context of Basic Needs Theory
Authors: Di Battista E. M. , Bracken R. M. , Stephens J. W. , Rice S. , Thomas M. , Williams S. P. , Mellalieu S. D. ,   the Prosiect Sir Gâr Group
Published: November 2017

The Medical Research Council recommends strong theoretical underpinning in the design and evaluation of lifestyle intervention programmes (LIPs). This qualitative study aimed to use Basic Needs Theory (BNT) as a framework to explore participants’ perspectives on a workplace dietitian‐led LIP. Specifically, experiences with LIP engagement and initiation and maintenance of behaviour change were evaluated. Fifteen semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with participants who had previously completed a workplace cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes prevention programme, which involved advice and motivational support with making dietary and lifestyle changes. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. To evaluate the narrative, interpretative phenomenological analyses were used with BNT as the theoretical framework. A total of 12 themes were identified in relation to the three concepts of BNT – autonomy, competence and relatedness – and organised into three domains: intervention engagement, behaviour change initiation and behaviour change maintenance. Line manager and colleague support to attend was reported to have a strong influence on intervention engagement, and the importance of dietitian and peer guidance in initiating behaviour changes was highlighted. Differences between participants who maintained behavioural changes compared to those who relapsed included autonomously seeking support (relatedness) through family, friends, healthcare professionals and commercial slimming organisations. BNT provided an insightful theoretical framework to evaluate factors that underpinned the effectiveness of a dietitian‐led cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes prevention LIP. Attendance and retention in workplace LIPs can depend on participants’ managerial and colleague support, so recruitment processes should consider targeting managers in marketing and promotional activities. Workplace LIPs may increase the likelihood of behaviour change maintenance by including methods that foster longer term participant relatedness and emotional support.
Morpho–anatomical and ultrastructural analysis of extrafloral nectaries in Inga edulis (Vell.) Mart. (Leguminosae)
Authors: Pireda Saulo , de Castro Miguel Emilio , Xavier Vanessa , Da Cunha Maura
Published: November 2017

The presence of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) between leaflets is an usual feature in Inga edulis (Vell.) Mart. (Leguminosae). Extrafloral nectaries are secretory structures involved in production of nectar and which serve in the protection of plants against herbivores through association with ants. This study aimed to characterize the EFNs of I. edulis at different developmental stages and describe their morphology, histochemistry and ultrastructure. Leaf fragments, containing secretory structures, were processed according to standard methods for light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The EFNs were classified into three stages based on morphology: pre‐secretory, secretory and post‐secretory. The pre‐secretory stage occurs in young leaves, whereas secretory and post‐secretory stages occur in developed and senescent leaves, respectively. The EFNs possess a concave surface and a central cleft in which nectar is accumulated and which was not observed in pre‐secretory EFNs. Histochemical tests identified the presence of sugars, proteins, phenolic compounds, mucilage and lipids at all developmental stages of the EFNs. Calcium crystals were identified in all tissues and stages of the EFNs. The secretory cells of the EFNs exhibit a granular cytoplasm, small vacuoles, prominent nuclei, smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Post‐secretory stage EFNs exhibited intense cytoplasmic degradation and the presence of microorganisms. The performance of EFNs of I. edulis appear to follow the leaf development.
The impact of sociodemography, diet, and body size on serum retinol in women 16–35 years of age: SANHANES‐1
Authors: Parker Whadi‐ah , Mchiza Zandile J. , Sewpaul Ronel , Job Nophiwe , Chola Lumbwe , Sithole Moses , Labadarios Demetre
Published: November 2017

To determine the current vitamin A status of a nationally representative sample of women aged 16–35 years, compare it with previous national data, and determine the impact of sociodemography, diet, and body size on vitamin A status, we performed secondary analysis of data on South African women who participated in the first South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES‐1). Vitamin A status was assessed by serum retinol, and the findings are reported as means and prevalences with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Overall, the age‐standardized vitamin A deficiency prevalence was 11.7%, a decrease from previous national data, but serum retinol levels remained lower than in other developing countries. Overall, unweighted, multilevel, multivariate logistic regression showed that vitamin A deficiency was influenced by race only (odds ratio (OR) = 1.89, P = 0.031), while weighted multiple logistic regression for 16‐ to 18‐year‐olds showed that vitamin A deficiency was influenced by locality (OR = 9.83, P = 0.005) and household income (intermediate (OR = 0.2, P = 0.022) and upper (OR = 0.25, P = 0.049)). Despite the decreased prevalence, vitamin A deficiency remains a moderate public health problem in the country. Opportunities for targeted interventions have been identified.
Circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers in myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Punga Anna Rostedt , Punga Tanel
Published: November 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that bind to specific mRNA targets and regulate a wide range of important biological processes within cells. Circulating miRNAs are released into the extracellular space and can be measured in most biofluids, including blood serum and plasma. Recently, circulating miRNAs have emerged as easily accessible markers in various body fluids with different profiles and quantities specific for different human disorders, including autoimmune diseases. In myasthenia gravis (MG), diagnostic tests such as titers of serum autoantibodies specific for either the acetylcholine receptor (AChR+) or muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK+) do not necessarily reflect disease progression, and there is a great need for reliable objective biomarkers to monitor the disease course and therapeutic response. Recent studies in AChR+ MG revealed elevated levels of the immuno‐miRNAs miR‐150‐5p and miR‐21‐5p. Of particular importance, levels of miR‐150‐5p were lower in immunosuppressed patients and in patients with clinical improvement following thymectomy. In MuSK+ MG, another profile of circulating miRNAs was found, including upregulation of the let‐7 family of miRNAs. Here, we summarize the potential role of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers in general and in MG, and highlight important considerations for the analysis of circulating miRNA.
Oleoylethanolamide: The role of a bioactive lipid amide in modulating eating behaviour
Authors: Sihag J. , Jones P. J. H.
Published: November 2017

Fatty acid ethanolamides are lipid mediators that regulate a plethora of physiological functions. One such bioactive lipid mediator, oleoylethanolamide (OEA), is a potent agonist of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha (PPAR‐α), which modulates increased expression of the fatty acid translocase CD36 that enables the regulation of feeding behaviour. Consumption of dietary fat rich in oleic acid activates taste receptors in the gut activating specific enzymes that lead to the formation of OEA. OEA further combines with PPAR‐α to enable fat oxidation in the liver, resulting in enhanced energy production. Evidence suggests that sustained ingestion of a high‐fat diet abolishes the anorexic signal of OEA. Additionally, malfunction of the enterocyte that transforms oleic acid produced during fat digestion into OEA might be responsible for reduced satiety and hyperphagia, resulting in overweight and obesity. Thus, OEA anorectic signalling may be an essential element of the physiology and metabolic system regulating dietary fat intake and obesity. The evidence reviewed in this article indicates that intake of oleic acid, and thereby the resulting OEA imparting anorexic properties, is dependent on CD36, PPAR‐α, enterocyte fat sensory receptors, histamine, oxytocin and dopamine; leading to increased fat oxidation and enhanced energy expenditure to induce satiety and increase feeding latency; and that a disruption in any of these systems will cease/curb fat‐induced satiety.
Plant sex alters Allee effects in aggregating plant parasites
Authors: Start Denon , Gilbert Benjamin
Published: November 2017

Species interactions are central to our understanding of population dynamics. While density typically strengthens competition, reducing absolute fitness, Allee effects can reverse this pattern, increasing fitness with density. Allee effects emerge in host–parasite systems when higher parasite densities dilute immune responses or increase resource‐mobilization. The optimal density of individuals in these systems should be influenced by how host quality alters the rates at which facilitative and competitive effects change across densities. We tested these ideas using sumac Rhus typhina and a gall‐forming parasite Melaphis rhois that attacks sumac leaves. Fitness peaked at intermediate densities, indicating an Allee effect, but the fitness peak depended on host sex. Patterns of abundance mirrored fitness patterns, with galls clustered on leaves and female hosts supporting greater numbers of galls. Within leaves, galls near the stem were more fit, and gall‐makers preferentially oviposited near to the stem. The patterns of fitness and abundance are consistent with Allee effects caused by increased resource mobilization at higher gall‐maker densities rather than diluted immune responses. Our results suggest that Allee effects in parasites can be described as the summative effects of competitive and facilitative processes and, because both are common, Allee effects are likely common in host–parasite systems.
Effects of species evenness can be derived from species richness – ecosystem functioning relationships
Authors: Lembrechts Jonas J. , De Boeck Hans J. , Liao Jinbao , Milbau Ann , Nijs Ivan
Published: November 2017

Although species richness effects on ecosystem functioning have been studied thoroughly in countless experiments, the effects of the other side of diversity – species evenness – remain less identified, especially at high species richness. Due to the large number of different model ecosystems that need to be created, the explanatory power of the experimental approach for evenness is indeed limited. We show here that experimental studies on the influence of species richness on ecosystem functions contain hidden information on the influence of species evenness. Both the effects of maximum and minimum evenness, and of a key set of intermediate evenness levels, can be derived from species richness – ecosystem function curves, and that for every richness level, by using communities with low species richness as the equivalent of highly uneven communities with higher richness. We show that evenness effects on ecosystem functioning have the same direction as richness effects, however with increasing effect sizes at higher richness levels. We validated our technique for a wide range of ecosystem functions and applied it to the species richness – community biomass data from an existing biodiversity experiment. Our approach could provide a fast and easy alternative to resource‐intensive experiments in which evenness is experimentally varied, as we can build on the elaborate existing literature on species richness to assess its effects.
Respiration of thermogenic inflorescences of skunk cabbage Symplocarpus renifolius in heliox
Authors: Seymour Roger S. , Ito Kikukatsu , Umekawa Yui
Published: November 2017

The respiration rate of the thermogenic inflorescences of Japanese skunk cabbage Symplocarpus renifolius can reach 300 nmol s−1 g−1, which is sufficient to raise spadix temperature (Ts) up to 15 °C above ambient air temperature (Ta). Respiration rate is inversely related to Ta, such that the Ts achieves a degree of independence from Ta, an effect known as temperature regulation. Here, we measure oxygen consumption rate (Ṁo2) in air (21% O2 in mainly N2) and in heliox (21% O2 in He) to investigate the diffusive conductance of the network of gas‐filled spaces and the thermoregulatory response. When Ts was clamped at 15 °C, the temperature that produces maximal Ṁo2 in this species, exposure to high diffusivity heliox increased mean Ṁo2 significantly from 137 ± 17 to 202 ± 43 nmol s−1 g−1 FW, indicating that respiration in air is normally limited by diffusion in the gas phase and some mitochondria are unsaturated. When Ta was clamped at 15 °C and Ts was allowed to vary, exposure to heliox reduced Ts 1 °C and increased Ṁo2 significantly from 116 ± 10 to 137 ± 19 nmol s−1 g−1, indicating that enhanced heat loss by conduction and convection can elicit the thermoregulatory response.
Changes in nitric oxide levels and their relationship with callose deposition during the interaction between soybean and Soybean mosaic virus
Authors: Xiao D. , Duan X. , Zhang M. , Sun T. , Sun X. , Li F. , Liu N. , Zhang J. , Hou C. , Wang D.
Published: November 2017

The present study aimed to investigate changes in nitric oxide (NO) level and its relationship with callose deposition during the interaction between soybean and Soybean mosaic virus (SMV).

Soybean cv. ‘Jidou 7’ and SMV strains N3 and SC‐8 were used to constitute incompatible and compatible combinations. Intracellular NO was labelled with the NO‐specific fluorescence probe DAF‐FM DA. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was then used to observe changes in NO production during SMV infection‐induced defence responses in soybean.

The results showed NO fluorescence increased rapidly at 2–72 h post‐inoculation, peaked at 72 h and then decreased in the incompatible combination. However, in the compatible combination, extremely weak NO fluorescence appeared in the early stage (2–24 h) post‐inoculation, but was not observed thereafter. Injections of the NO scavenger c‐PTIO prior to inoculation postponed the onset of NO production to 48 or 72 h post‐inoculation. The same occurred when injections of NR or NOS inhibitors were applied prior to inoculation. The observation of callose fluorescence in the incompatible combination revealed that either the elimination or reduction of NO in the early stage led to a delay in callose formation, enabling the virus to cause systemic infection.

Together with our previous findings, this study indicates that viral infection could induce NO production and callose deposition during the incompatible interaction between soybean and SMV. The production of NO involves NR and NOS enzymatic pathways, and NO mediates the process of callose deposition at plasmodesmata.
Dealing with dissonance: A review of cognitive dissonance reduction
Authors: McGrath April
Published: November 2017

This article provides an overview of research about cognitive dissonance reduction. Over the past 60 years, researchers have produced significant theoretical and empirical contributions from cognitive dissonance theory. One of the challenges that remains for dissonance theory going forward is a deeper examination of the process of dissonance reduction. I describe the various reduction strategies that have been investigated followed by models that have been proposed to understand an individual's use of dissonance reduction strategies. I then highlight a series of factors that can help us move research about dissonance reduction forward. These factors can be broadly subsumed under characteristics of the reduction mode and characteristics of the dissonance arousal. I conclude by suggesting that examination of these factors in studies that present multiple reduction modes to participants will provide a better understanding of the process of dissonance reduction.
Use of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA‐positive donor in a treated HCV RNA‐negative liver transplant recipient
Authors: Campos‐Varela Isabel , Agudelo Eliana Z. , Sarkar Monika , Roberts John P. , Terrault Norah A.
Published: November 2017

The shortage of livers has led most transplant centers to use extended criteria donors. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA‐positive donor organs are typically not given to patients who have cleared HCV. A 64‐year‐old male with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1b was listed for LT with hepatocellular carcinoma. While on the waiting list, the patient was treated with sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and ribavirin and achieved an HCV RNA <15 IU/mL by week 10. At week 18 of a planned 24‐week treatment course, the patient underwent deceased‐donor LT and received an organ from an anti‐HCV‐positive donor. Treatment was stopped at LT. At week 3 post LT, HCV RNA was detectable and revealed a genotype 3 HCV infection, compatible with transplantation of an organ with established infection. With retreatment with sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, and ribavirin for 12 weeks, the patient achieved a sustained virologic response. This report highlights how antiviral therapies can be used to optimize the outcomes of HCV‐infected transplant patients.
Validation of an updated Associative Transcriptomics platform for the polyploid crop species Brassica napus by dissection of the genetic architecture of erucic acid and tocopherol isoform variation in seeds
Authors: Havlickova Lenka , He Zhesi , Wang Lihong , Langer Swen , Harper Andrea L. , Kaur Harjeevan , Broadley Martin R. , Gegas Vasilis , Bancroft Ian
Published: November 2017

An updated platform was developed to underpin association genetics studies in the polyploid crop species Brassica napus (oilseed rape). Based on 1.92 × 1012 bases of leaf mRNAseq data, functional genotypes, comprising 355 536 single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers and transcript abundance were scored across a genetic diversity panel of 383 accessions using a transcriptome reference comprising 116 098 ordered coding DNA sequence (CDS) gene models. The use of the platform for Associative Transcriptomics was first tested by analysing the genetic architecture of variation in seed erucic acid content, as high‐erucic rapeseed oil is highly valued for a variety of applications in industry. Known loci were identified, along with a previously undetected minor‐effect locus. The platform was then used to analyse variation for the relative proportions of tocopherol (vitamin E) forms in seeds, and the validity of the most significant markers was assessed using a take‐one‐out approach. Furthermore, the analysis implicated expression variation of the gene Bo2g050970.1, an orthologue of VTE4 (which encodes a γ‐tocopherol methyl transferase converting γ‐tocopherol into α‐tocopherol) associated with the observed trait variation. The establishment of the first full‐scale Associative Transcriptomics platform for B. napus enables rapid progress to be made towards an understanding of the genetic architecture of trait variation in this important species, and provides an exemplar for other crops.
Direct costs of transfusion reactions – an expert judgement approach
Authors: Janssen M. P. , van Tilborgh A. J. W. , de Vooght K. M. K. , Bokhorst A. G. , Wiersum‐Osselton J. C.
Published: November 2017

Background and Objectives

Despite increasingly meticulous haemovigilance reporting throughout the world, a systematic assessment of the cost of transfusion reactions is still lacking. This is partly caused by the fact that such an assessment requires a subjective expert assessment of the additional costs linked to the adverse reaction. Data on the cost of transfusion reactions could support decision‐making regarding blood transfusion safety measures.

Materials and Methods

Thirteen experts from nine hospitals were asked to estimate the additional care required following various types of transfusion reactions. Additional care was quantified as the proportion of reactions requiring care, and the amount of care required (e.g. hospitalization days, additional physician's time). Experts were also asked to provide, per type of transfusion reaction, an estimate of the proportion of transfusion reactions preventable. Structured quantitative expert elicitation methods were applied to obtain and combine expert estimates.

Results

The estimated annual in‐hospital cost of transfusion reactions in the Netherlands is €933 356 per year (€1.52 per transfusion). Two‐thirds (64%) of these are incurred by non‐serious transfusion reactions. Circulatory overload, TRALI and anaphylaxis clearly dominate the costs of serious adverse transfusion reactions (66% in total); non‐haemolytic transfusion reactions incur 46% of the cost of non‐serious transfusion reactions. Additional safety measures targeting circulatory overload and new antibody formation potentially offer the highest cost reduction.

Conclusion

In‐hospital costs of transfusion reactions are substantial but contribute to less than 1% of the total cost of transfusion in the Netherlands. A considerable part of these costs (24%) might be preventable.
Modeling of Electro-Kinetic Motion of Janus Droplet
Authors: Öner S. Doğan , Çetin Barbaros
Published: November 2017

Electro-kinetic manipulation Janus particles and droplets has attracted attention in recent years due to their potential application in microfluidics. Due to the presence of two different zone on the surface of particles with different charge distribution, the motion of the Janus particles are quite different than the that of regular particles. Therefore; the fundamental understanding of this motion is the key element for the further development of the microfluidic systems with Janus particles. In present study, electro-kinetic motion of Janus droplets inside a micro-channel is modeled using boundary element formulation. 2D formulation is verified against the reported experimental data in the literature. Results show that the 2D boundary element formulation is successful for the prediction of the electrophoretic velocity of the Janus droplets. The current formulation has a potential to model non-spherical particles and to study particle-particle and particle-wall interactions.
Wavy-Channel for Microscale Heat Transfer in Macro Geometries
Authors: Cheng Kai Xian , Foo Zi Hao , Ooi Kim Tiow
Published: November 2017

Microscale heat and fluid flow in macro geometries have been made practical in terms of cost and fabrication, by superimposing two macro geometries which are fabricated using readily-available CNC machining methods. Wavy-profile has been proposed to enhance heat transfer performance in the microchannel owing to the simplicity of geometry and feasibility to be fabricated using simple turning process. Experimental studies were conducted on single-phase, forced convective heat transfer using water as the working fluid for the Reynolds number range of 1300 to 4600, for a constant heat flux of 53.0 W/cm2. Three sinusoidal waves with different wavelength and same amplitude are studied to examine the effect of the total number of waves on the heat transfer and hydrodynamic performance within constant microchannel length. The maximum performance index, which evaluates heat transfer performance per unit pumping power, is 1.39, achieved by wavy profile with the shortest wavelength at Reynolds number of 2800. The performance index for all the enhanced microchannels peaks at the Reynolds number range of 2500 to 2800. Beyond that, the performance index is not a strong function of the wavelength. At lower Reynolds numbers, profile with the shortest wavelength achieves substantially higher performance indices, as the increment in pressure drop is accompanied by a comparable increment in heat transfer. Future work includes the introduction of correlations for the implementation of such geometries in industrial heat exchangers.
Enhanced Pool Boiling With HFE7000 Over Selectively Sintered Microchannels
Authors: Emery Travis S. , Kandlikar Satish G.
Published: November 2017

As the need for efficient thermal management grows, pool boiling’s ability to dissipate high heat fluxes has gained significant interest. The objective of this work was to study the performance of pool boiling at atmospheric pressure using a dielectric fluid, HFE7000. Both plain and enhanced copper surfaces were tested, and these results were then compared to similar testing performed with water and FC-87. The enhanced surfaces utilized microchannels with porous coatings selectively located on different regions of the heat transfer surface. A maximum critical heat flux (CHF) of 41.7 W/cm2 was achieved here, which translated to a 29% CHF increase in comparison to a plain chip. A maximum heat transfer coefficient (HTC) of 104.0 kW/m2°C was also achieved, which translated to a 6-fold increase in HTC when compared to a plain copper chip. More notably, this HTC was achieved at a wall temperature of 38.4 °C. This HTC enhancement was greater than that of water and FC-87 when using the same enhanced surface. The effect of sintering location was found to have a similar effect on CHF with HFE7000 in comparison with water. The effect of microchannel size was shown to have similar effects on CHF when compared with FC-87 and water. From the results found here, it is concluded that the employment of selectively sintered open microchannels with HFE7000 has significant potential for enhanced heat dissipation in electronics cooling applications.