bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of bis{μ2-2,2′-[(4,10-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diyl)bis(methylene)]bis(4-oxo-4H-pyran-3-olato)}dicobaltcalcium bis(perchlorate) 1.36-hydrate
Authors: Rossi Patrizia , Macedi Eleonora , Paoli Paola , Giorgi Luca , Formica Mauro , Fusi Vieri
Published: November 2017

The title compound, [CaCo2(C22H30N4O6)2](ClO4)2·1.36H2O or {Ca[Co(H–2L1)]2}·2ClO4·1.36H2O {whereL1is 4,10-bis[(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane}, is a trinuclear complex whose asymmetric unit comprises a quarter of the {Ca[Co(H–2L1)]2}2+trinuclear complex, half of a perchlorate ion and 0.34-water molecules. In the neutral [Co(H–2L1)] moiety, the cobalt ion is hexacoordinated in a trigonal–prismatic fashion by the surrounding N4O2donor set. A Ca2+cation holds together two neutral [Co(H–2L1)] moieties and is octacoordinated in a distorted trigonal–dodecahedral fashion by the surrounding O atoms belonging to the deprotonated oxide and carbonyl groups of two [Co(H–2L1)] units. The coordination of the CoIIcation preorganizesL1and an electron-rich area forms, which is able to host hard metal ions. The comparison between the present structure and the previously published ones suggests a high versatility of this ligand; indeed, hard metal ions with different nature and dimensions lead to complexes having different stoichiometry (mono- and dinuclear monomers and trinuclear dimers) or even a polymeric structure. The heterotrinuclear CoII–CaII–CoIIcomplexes are connected in three dimensionsviaweak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, which are also responsible for the interactions with the perchlorate anions and the lattice water molecules. The perchlorate anion is disordered about a twofold rotation axis and was refined giving the two positions a fixed occupancy factor of 0.5. The crystal studied was refined as a two-component inversion twin [BASF parameter = 0.14 (4)].
Crystal structure ofmer-tris{2,6-difluoro-3-[5-(2-fluorophenyl)pyridin-2-yl-κN]pyridin-4-yl-κC4}iridium(III) dichloromethane hemisolvaten-hexane hemisolvate
Authors: Kang Youngjin , Park Ki-Min , Kim Jinho
Published: November 2017

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Ir(C17H11F2N2)3]·0.5CH3(CH2)4CH3·0.5CH2Cl2, comprises one IrIIIatom, three 2,6-difluoro-3-[5-(2-fluorophenyl)pyridin-2-yl]pyridin-4-yl ligands and half each of ann-hexane and a dichloromethane solvent molecule located about crystallographic inversion centres. The IrIIIatom displays a distorted octahedral coordination geometry, having threeC,N-chelating 2,6-difluoro-3-[5-(2-fluorophenyl)pyridin-2-yl]pyridin-4-yl ligands arranged in a meridional manner. The IrIIIion lies almost in the equatorial plane [deviation = 0.0069 (15) Å]. The average distance [2.041 (3) Å] of Ir—C bonds is slightly shorter than that [2.076 (3) Å] of Ir—N bonds. A variety of intra- and intermolecular C—H...F and C—H...π hydrogen bonds, as well as intermolecular C—F...π interactions, contribute to the stabilization of the molecular and crystal structures, and result in the formation of a two-dimensional network parallel to theabplane. No interactions betweenn-hexane solvent molecules and the other components in the title compound are observed.
Crystal structure of a diaryl carbonate: 1,3-phenylene bis(phenyl carbonate)
Authors: Solomos Marina A. , Bertke Jeffery A. , Swift Jennifer A.
Published: November 2017

The whole molecule of the title compound, C20H14O6, is generated by mirror symmetry, the mirror bisecting the central benzene ring. The carbonate groups adopt ans-cis-s-cisconformation, with torsion angles of 58.7 (2) and 116.32 (15)°. The crystal structure of 1,3-phenylene bis(phenyl carbonate) contains no strong hydrogen bonds, though weak C—H...O and offset π–π interactions are observed, forming layers parallel to theacplane.
Ethyl 3-amino-2-cyano-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6- methylthieno[2,3-b]pyridine-5-carboxylate
Authors: Bakhite Etify A. , Mague Joel T. , Akkurt Mehmet , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Al-Taifi Elham A.
Published: November 2017

In the title molecule, C19H17N3O3S, the bicyclic core is planar [maximum deviation = 0.0205 (1) Å] In the crystal, the molecules stack along thea-axis direction through π–π-stacking interactions between the bicyclic units with a small alternation in the interplanar distances along the stack. The stacks are held together by N—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The carboethoxy substituent is disordered over several closely spaced sites and was modeled as having two-component disorder [occupancy ratio 0.548 (16):0.452 (16)]. The final refinement was as a two-component twin.
3-n-Pentyl-5,5-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione
Authors: Guerrab Walid , Akrad Rachida , Ansar Mhammed , Taoufik Jamal , Mague Joel T. , Ramli Youssef
Published: November 2017

In the title compound, C20H22N2O2, the central five-membered imidazolidine ring makes dihedral angles of 63.85 (6) and 70.38 (6)° with the two substituent phenyl rings. In the crystal, molecules form an inversion dimer through a pair of N—H...O hydrogen bonds. These are linked into a three-dimensional networkviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds. Then-pentyl chain is disordered over two sites, with an occupancy ratio of 0.876 (2):0.124 (2).
Facebook: a blessing or a curse for grocery stores?
Authors: Peeroo Swaleha , Samy Martin , Jones Brian
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Increasingly businesses are using Facebook to communicate and engage their customers. However, there is a dearth of research as to why and how customers interact with businesses on social media in the grocery sector. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the roles played by online brand communities and social customers in the creation as well as the destruction of value.

Design/methodology/approach

Netnography was adopted as an approach to gain insight into the various ways customers engage with grocery stores on their official Facebook pages. Messages posted on Tesco’s and Wal Mart’s Facebook pages are thematically analysed and critical discussion is linked back to the extant contemporary debate on social media.

Findings

This study shows that customers respond to company posts for the following reasons: to communicate with the stores, to converse with other customers, to express their emotions, to share their experiences as employees of the stores with customers and to share their positive or negative actions with members of the online communities.

Research limitations/implications

This study further highlights the role of social media in the co-creation and co-destruction of customer, consumer and supermarket value and builds contemporary theory and informs practice.

Practical implications

Retailers should use social media to enrich the customer experience by encouraging customer engagement, co-creation of value and responding efficiently to customer needs in real time.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to knowledge by uncovering the various ways customers react with the business. The social customer is both a curse and a blessing to Tesco and Walmart as they can create or destroy value for the business.
Attempting to Cultivate Mindsets for Boundary Spanning in Remote Indigenous Policy
Authors: Brown Prudence Robyn
Published: December 2017

Collaboration is held to be an essential element of addressing complex problems. However, it is difficult to achieve, as it is often in tension with bureaucratic mindsets and traditions. Recently, Williams (2013) has suggested that all policy bureaucrats and program managers required to be involved with collaboration need to ‘span boundaries’ – to develop the capacity to build effective relationships, be able to engage ‘deeply’ with different parties, and understand and value multiple perspectives. A recent government initiative to improve Indigenous wellbeing in remote Australia had a strong emphasis on collaboration and partnership. However, policy actors involved in implementation resisted attempts to make them work differently, resulting in reversion to the status quo. Consistent with social practice literature, I contend that openness to changed ways of working is a critical element for success. Drawing on interviews with elite policy actors involved in the development and implementation of the initiative, the analysis finds that career public servants appear to be less open to collaboration than those who have worked outside. While I agree that boundary spanning capability is important for overcoming the pull of the status quo, the analysis suggests that diversifying the public sector workforce should supplement training efforts.
‘Gates’: a new archaeological site type in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kennedy David ,   With the assistance of and an Appendix by Travis Hearn
Published: December 2017

The availability of high‐resolution satellite imagery of Saudi Arabia on publicly available platforms such as Google Earth and Bing Maps has been transformational for archaeology. Within just a few years tens of thousands of sites previously unrecorded and scarcely known to the academic world have been mapped. Especially rich in sites are the successive lava fields (harret) stretching from southern Syria through Jordan and down the west coast of the Arabian Peninsula to Yemen, and characterised by the stone‐built structures known to the Bedouin as the ‘works of the old men’. Sites now being revealed include many types familiar from previous research in the wider region but also others of a form previously unknown. ‘Gates’ are one such type, found in large numbers in and around the Harret Khaybar in west‐central Saudi Arabia. They are stone‐built, the walls roughly made and low as with other ‘works’, but quite unlike them in form. Identification, mapping, and preliminary interpretation imply an early date in the sequence of the works—perhaps the very earliest—but no obvious explanation of their purpose can be discerned. Fieldwork is a desideratum.
Comparison of peri‐implant clinical and radiographic status around short (6 mm in length) dental implants placed in cigarette‐smokers and never‐smokers: Six‐year follow‐up results
Authors: Abduljabbar Tariq , Al‐Hamoudi Nawwaf , Al‐Sowygh Zeyad H. , Alajmi Mohammed , Javed Fawad , Vohra Fahim
Published: November 2017

Background

It is hypothesized that peri‐implant clinical and radiographic inflammatory parameters (probing depth [PD], bleeding on probing [BOP] and plaque index [PI]; and radiographic (crestal bone loss [CBL]) are worse among cigarette‐smokers (CS) compared with never‐smokers (NS) with short implants.

Purpose

The present 6‐year follow‐up retrospective study compared the peri‐implant clinical and radiographic parameters in CS and NS with short dental implants (6 mm in length).

Materials and methods

Fifty‐six male individuals were included. These individuals divided into 2 groups as follows: (a) Group‐1: 29 self‐reported systemically healthy CS with 48 short‐implants; and (b) Group‐2: 27 self‐reported systemically healthy NS with 43 short implants. Peri‐implant PD, PI, BOP, and CBL were measured. Group comparisons were done using the Kruskal‐Wallis test and sample size was estimated. Level of significance was set at P values < .05.

Results

In groups 1 and 2, the follow‐up durations were 6.2 ± 0.1 years and 6.1 ± 0.3 years, respectively. A cigarette smoking history of 8.9 ± 3.6 pack years was reported by individuals in Group‐1. At follow‐up, scores of peri‐implant PD, BOP, PI, and mesial and distal CBL were comparable around short implants in both groups.

Conclusion

Under strict oral hygiene maintenance protocols, short dental implants can remain functionally stable in CS in a manner similar to NS.
Translational Development of Microbiome‐Based Therapeutics: Kinetics of E. coli Nissle and Engineered Strains in Humans and Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Kurtz Caroline , Denney William S. , Blankstein Larry , Guilmain Sarah E. , Machinani Suman , Kotula Jonathan , Saha Saurabh , Miller Paul , Brennan Aoife M.
Published: December 2017

Understanding the pharmacology of microbiome‐based therapeutics is required to support the development of new medicines. Strains of E. coli Nissle (EcN) were genetically modified and administered to cynomolgus monkeys at doses of 1 × 109 and 1 × 1012 colony‐forming units (CFU)/day for 28 days. A clinical study to evaluate the exposure and clearance of EcN in healthy volunteers was also performed. Healthy subjects received oral doses of EcN, 2.5 to 25 × 109 CFU 3 times daily for 28 days or a single day. In cynomolgus monkeys, replicating strains yielded higher fecal concentrations than nonreplicating strains and persisted for longer following cessation of dosing. In the clinical study, all subjects cleared EcN following cessation of dosing with median clearance of 1 week. Quantitative methodology can be applied to microbiome‐based therapeutics, and similar kinetics and clearance were observed for EcN in cynomolgus monkeys and humans.
Cor triatriatum dexter associated with atrial septal defect: Management in a complex clinical case
Authors: Sozzi Fabiola B. , Montanaro Claudia , Bacà Laura , Viani Giacomo M. , Zilocchi Massimo , Canetta Ciro , Meazza Roberto , Pavone Laura , Lombardi Federico
Published: December 2017

The coexistence of an atrial septal defect and a prominent eustachian valve is a rare congenital anomaly, rarely reported in literature. Differentiation between a giant eustachian valve and cor triatriatum dexter can be difficult. A case of a large atrial septal defect associated with cor triatriatum dexter diagnosed by echocardiography in an asymptomatic woman is reported. A watchful waiting strategy was adopted.
Relationship between salivary haemoglobin and number of remaining teeth in older Koreans
Authors: Choi Jun‐Seon , Kim Hee‐Eun , Donnelly Leeann R.
Published: November 2017

Objective

We investigated the relationship between saliva and dental biofilm characteristics, oral hygiene behaviours and the number of remaining teeth in a sample of older Koreans.

Materials and methods

This cross‐sectional study included 133 participants, aged 65 years and older, recruited from senior welfare facilities in Incheon, South Korea. The outcome variable was the number of remaining teeth, and its associations with the independent variables of participants’ general characteristics, salivary haemoglobin level, dental biofilm acidogenicity, salivary flow rate and oral hygiene behaviours were assessed. For statistical analyses, chi‐squared test and step‐wise multiple linear regression were used.

Results

The multiple linear regression model, which included all related factors identified in the bivariate analyses, showed that older adults who had high salivary haemoglobin levels (P < .05), brushed their teeth using the horizontal scrub method (P< .001), and did not use an interproximal cleaning device (P < .01) were more likely to have fewer remaining teeth. However, dental biofilm acidogenicity was not associated with the number of remaining teeth.

Conclusion

The number of remaining teeth was associated with salivary haemoglobin level, appropriate toothbrushing technique and interdental cleaning. These findings suggest that the monitoring of salivary haemoglobin may contribute to the prevention of tooth loss caused by periodontal disease.
Review: Impact of Helicobacter pylori on Alzheimer's disease: What do we know so far?
Authors: Doulberis Michael , Kotronis Georgios , Thomann Robert , Polyzos Stergios A. , Boziki Marina , Gialamprinou Dimitra , Deretzi Georgia , Katsinelos Panagiotis , Kountouras Jannis
Published: November 2017

Background

Helicobacter pylori has changed radically gastroenterologic world, offering a new concept in patients' management. Over time, more medical data gave rise to diverse distant, extragastric manifestations and interactions of the “new” discovered bacterium. Special interest appeared within the field of neurodegenerative diseases and particularly Alzheimer's disease, as the latter and Helicobacter pylori infection are associated with a large public health burden and Alzheimer's disease ranks as the leading cause of disability. However, the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and Alzheimer's disease remains uncertain.

Methods

We performed a narrative review regarding a possible connection between Helicobacter pylori and Alzheimer's disease. All accessible relevant (pre)clinical studies written in English were included. Both affected pathologies were briefly analyzed, and relevant studies are discussed, trying to focus on the possible pathogenetic role of this bacterium in Alzheimer's disease.

Results

Data stemming from both epidemiologic studies and animal experiments seem to be rather encouraging, tending to confirm the hypothesis that Helicobacter pylori infection might influence the course of Alzheimer's disease pleiotropically. Possible main mechanisms may include the bacterium's access to the brain via the oral‐nasal‐olfactory pathway or by circulating monocytes (infected with Helicobacter pylori due to defective autophagy) through disrupted blood‐brain barrier, thereby possibly triggering neurodegeneration.

Conclusions

Current data suggest that Helicobacter pylori infection might influence the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. However, further large‐scale randomized controlled trials are mandatory to clarify a possible favorable effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology, before the recommendation of short‐term and cost‐effective therapeutic regimens against Helicobacter pylori‐related Alzheimer's disease.
Exploring regional and institutional factors of international students' dropout: The South Korea case
Authors: Jung Jisun , Kim Yangson
Published: December 2017

With an increasing number of international students in South Korea, the issue of retaining these students and reducing their dropout rates has become important. This study explores the multilevel factors that affect the institutional dropout rate among international students in Korea. The research questions are as follows: (a) to what extent do international students drop out from undergraduate or short‐term programmes in Korean universities?; (b) what are the regional and institutional factors that determine international students' dropout rates? This study uses the panel data on educational institutions as found in the Higher Education in Korea report, which has been updated annually by the Ministry of Education since 2013. According to the pooled ordinary least square and panel analyses, the results indicate that a range of institutional factors (such as type, size, tuition and research performance of academics) and regional factors (such as regional gross domestic product, inflation and the numbers of foreigners in the region) are all associated with the dropout rates of international students. This study suggests that we need to consider various factors to improve the international students' learning experiences both inside and outside of the campus.
FAIR ALLOCATION OF DISPUTED PROPERTIES
Authors: Ju Biung‐Ghi , Moreno‐Ternero Juan D.
Published: December 2017

We model problems of allocating disputed properties as generalized exchange economies. Therein, agents have preferences and claims over multiple goods, and the social endowment of each good may not be sufficient to satisfy all individual claims. We focus on market‐based allocation rules that impose a two‐step procedure: assignment of rights based on claims first and voluntary exchange based on the assigned rights afterward. We characterize three focal egalitarian rights‐assignment rules that guarantee that the allocation rules are fair. We apply our results to problems of greenhouse gas emissions and contested water rights.
Do Independent Directors Improve Firm Value? Evidence from the Great Recession
Authors: Jenwittayaroje Nattawut , Jiraporn Pornsit
Published: December 2017

The literature offers no clear evidence on the effect of independent directors on firm value. We argue that, during stressful times, firms may need more and better expert advice to navigate a crisis. Outside independent directors can provide such advice. So, the role of independent directors may be more pronounced during a stressful time. Consistent with this notion, we find that independent directors significantly improved firm value during the Great Recession of 2008. Specifically, a rise in the percentage of independent directors by one standard deviation would have improved firm value by 4.29% during the Great Recession. Outside the crisis period, however, our results do not show that independent directors increase firm value. Further analysis confirms the results, including random‐effects regressions, propensity score matching, instrumental‐variable regressions, as well as falsification tests. Our results are crucial as they demonstrate that the role of independent directors is different during stressful times than it is during normal times.
The pricing of firms with expected losses/profits: The role of January
Authors: Chiu Peng‐Chia , Nekrasov Alexander , Shevlin Terry
Published: November 2017

We examine the role of January in the relation between expected losses/profits and future stock returns. We predict and find that the relation between expected losses/profits and future returns reverses from the usual positive relation in non‐January months to a negative one in January. The reverse January relation is consistent across sample years, is observed in the United States and international markets, and is incremental to other variables associated with January returns. At least part of the reverse January relation is explained by tax‐loss selling. Further analysis shows that the reverse January relation results in a temporary price drift away from fundamental value. In other words, we find that abnormal positive (negative) future returns do not always indicate past under(over)valuation. Overall, our results illustrate the importance of controlling for the effect of January when examining how investors price expected losses/profits.
Dermoscopic features and patterns of poromas: a multicentre observational case–control study conducted by the International Dermoscopy Society
Authors: Marchetti M.A. , Marino M.L. , Virmani P. , Dusza S.W. , Marghoob A.A. , Nazzaro G. , Lallas A. , Landi C. , Cabo H. , Quiñones R. , Gomez E. , Puig S. , Carrera C.
Published: December 2017

Background

Poromas are benign cutaneous sweat gland tumours that are challenging to identify. The dermoscopic features of poromas are not well characterized.

Objective

To determine the clinical‐dermoscopic features of poromas.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, observational study of 113 poromas and 106 matched control lesions from 16 contributors and eight countries. Blinded reviewers evaluated the clinical and dermoscopic features present in each clinical and dermoscopic image.

Results

Poromas were most commonly non‐pigmented (85.8%), papules (35.4%) and located on non‐acral sites (65.5%). In multivariate analysis, dermoscopic features associated with poroma included white interlacing areas around vessels (OR: 7.9, 95% CI: 1.9–32.5, P = 0.004), yellow structureless areas (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1–6.0, P = 0.04), milky‐red globules (OR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.4–11.1, P = 0.01) and poorly visualized vessels (OR: 33.3, 95% CI: 1.9–586.5, P = 0.02). The presence of branched vessels with rounded endings was positively associated with poromas but did not reach statistical significance (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 0.8–6.5, P = 0.10). The presence of any of these five features was associated with a sensitivity and specificity of 62.8% and 82.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

We identified dermoscopic features that are specific to the diagnosis of poroma. Overall, however, the prevalence of these features was low. Significant clinical and dermoscopic variability is a hallmark of these uncommon tumours, which are most prevalent on non‐acral sites.
Whole‐exome sequencing of theBDRcohort: evidence to support the role of thePILRAgene in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Patel T. , Brookes K. J. , Turton J. , Chaudhury S. , Guetta‐Baranes T. , Guerreiro R. , Bras J. , Hernandez D. , Singleton A. , Francis P. T. , Hardy J. , Morgan K.
Published: November 2017

Aim

Late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) accounts for 95% of all Alzheimer's cases and is genetically complex in nature. Overlapping clinical and neuropathological features betweenAD,FTDand Parkinson's disease highlight the potential role of genetic pleiotropy across diseases. Recent genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have uncovered 20 new loci forADrisk; however, these exhibit small effect sizes. UsingNGS, here we perform association analyses using exome‐wide and candidate‐gene‐driven approaches.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on 132ADcases and 53 control samples. Exome‐wide single‐variant association and gene burden tests were performed for 76 640 nonsingleton variants. Samples were also screened for known causative mutations in familial genes inADand other dementias. Single‐variant association and burden analysis was also carried out on variants in knownADand other neurological dementia genes.

Results

Tentative single‐variant and burden associations were seen in several genes with kinase and protease activity. Exome‐wide burden analysis also revealed significant burden of variants inPILRA(P = 3.4 × 10−5), which has previously been linked toADviaGWAS, hitZCWPW1. Screening for causative mutations in familialADand other dementia genes revealed no pathogenic variants. Variants identified inABCA7,SLC24A4,CD33andLRRK2were nominally associated with disease (P < 0.05) but did not withstand correction for multiple testing.APOE(P = 0.02) andCLU(P = 0.04) variants showed significant burden onAD.

Conclusions

In addition, polygenic risk scores (PRS) were able to distinguish between cases and controls with 83.8% accuracy using 3268 variants, sex, age at death andAPOEε4 and ε2 status as predictors.
Outcomes of Short Fusion versus Long Fusion for Adult Degenerative Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Phan Kevin , Xu Joshua , Maharaj Monish M , Li Julian , Kim Jun S , Di Capua John , Somani Sulaiman , Tan Kimberly‐Anne , Mobbs Ralph J , Cho Samuel K
Published: December 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in clinical and radiographic outcomes between short (<3 levels) and long (≥3 levels) fusions in the setting of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. A literature search was performed from six electronic databases. The key terms of “degenerative scoliosis” OR “lumbar scoliosis” AND “fusion” were combined and used as MeSH subheadings. From relevant studies identified, demographic data, complication rates, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and radiographic parameters were extracted and the data was pooled and analyzed. Long fusion was associated with comparable overall complication rates to short fusion (17% vs 14%, P = 0.20). There was a significant difference in the incidence of pulmonary complications when comparing short versus long fusion (0.42% vs 2.70%; P = 0.02). No significant difference was found in terms of motor, sensory complications, infections, construct‐related or cardiac complications, pseudoarthrosis, dural tears, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, or urinary retention. A longer fusion was associated with a greater reduction in coronal Cobb angle and increases in lumbar lordosis, but both findings failed to achieve statistical significance. The ODI was comparable across both cohorts. If shorter fusion lengths are clinically indicated, they should be used instead of longer fusion lengths to reduce perioperative time, costs, and some other complications. However, there are no statistically significant differences in terms of radiographically measurable restoration associated with a short or long fusion.
High human herpesvirus 6 viral load in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients is associated with detection in end organs and high mortality
Authors: Winestone Lena E. , Punn Rajesh , Tamaresis John S. , Buckingham Julia , Pinsky Benjamin A. , Waggoner Jesse J. , Kharbanda Sandhya
Published: November 2017

Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV‐6) reactivation occurs in approximately half of patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). While encephalitis and delayed engraftment are well‐documented complications of HHV‐6 following HSCT, the extent to which HHV‐6 viremia causes disease in children is controversial. We performed a retrospective review of HHV‐6 reactivation and possible manifestations in pediatric allogeneic HSCT patients at a single institution. Of 89 children and young adults who underwent allogeneic HSCT over a three‐and‐a‐half‐year period, 34 patients reactivated HHV‐6 early post‐transplant. Unrelated donor stem cell source and lack of antiviral prophylaxis were risk factors for the development of HHV‐6 viremia. Viremia correlated with the presence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease, but not chronic graft‐versus‐host disease. We identified two subgroups within the viremic patients—a high‐risk viremic and tissue‐positive group that reactivated HHV‐6 and had suspected end‐organ disease and a low‐risk viremic but asymptomatic group that reactivated HHV‐6 but did not exhibit symptoms or signs of end‐organ disease. Peak viral load was found to be strongly associated with mortality. Prospective studies in larger numbers of patients are needed to further investigate the role of HHV‐6 in causing symptomatic end‐organ disease as well as the association of viral load with mortality.
A Population‐based Study of Perinatal Infection Risk in Women with and without Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and their Infants
Authors: Bender Ignacio Rachel A. , Madison Amy T. , Moshiri Ata , Weiss Noel S. , Mueller Beth A.
Published: December 2017

Background

Increased risk of adverse birth outcomes is well described in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but risk of maternal or infant infection in the peripartum period has not been well studied. We conducted a population‐based cohort study of infection risk in women with and without SLE and their infants.

Methods

Linked birth‐hospital discharge data identified 1297 deliveries to women with SLE and a 4:1 comparison cohort of deliveries to women without SLE in Washington State, 1987–2013. Maternal and infant infections during the first 30 days after delivery were identified. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.

Results

Women with SLE were 1.7 times more likely (95% CI 1.4, 2.0) to have an infection during the birth hospitalisation and more likely to receive antibiotics during labour (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1, 1.5), though there was no increased risk of chorioamnionitis in women with SLE. Infants of women with SLE had an increased risk for an infection during the birth hospitalisation (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3, 3.5), although the size of the difference was smaller when adjusted for gestational age (RR 1.4, 95% CI 0.9, 2.1). Risks of neonatal infection, sepsis, receipt of antibiotics, and admission to neonatal intensive care were also increased, and were also attenuated after adjustment for gestational age.

Conclusions

Women with SLE have an increased risk of peripartum infections and antibiotic exposure. Their neonates have a greater likelihood of infection, much of which is attributable to preterm birth.
Restoration of plant species and genetic diversity depends on landscape‐scale dispersal
Authors: Aavik Tsipe , Helm Aveliina
Published: November 2017

In the era of ongoing global change, it is highly important that restoration efforts lead to functioning, self‐sustainable ecosystems that are resilient to disturbance and resistant to environmental changes. Therefore, it is necessary that restoration aims at achieving high genetic diversity of plant populations in addition to the recovery of characteristic species composition and diversity. Nevertheless, species‐ and gene‐level biodiversity are rarely examined together in the context of restoration, although high genetic diversity of plant populations is a fundamental factor ensuring long‐term success of restoration. Landscape‐scale dispersal is the key process linked to the recovery of vegetation and maintaining both species and genetic diversity following restoration. In fragmented landscapes, dispersal of seeds and genetic material is often disrupted, leading to failure in spontaneous recovery of species richness as well as in establishment and maintenance of genetically diverse populations. Here, we review the linkages between landscape‐scale dispersal of plants and the recovery of species richness and genetic diversity of plants during habitat restoration. We propose recommendations for restoration planners and practitioners to consider while aiming to restore self‐sustainable ecosystems with high species‐ and gene‐level biodiversity.
The Hanification of Xinjiang, China: The Economic Effects of the Great Leap West
Authors: Liu Amy H. , Peters Kevin
Published: December 2017

In 1999, the Chinese government launched the Great Leap West – an ambitious economic undertaking to develop China's western frontier. The strategy was to use increasing wealth to abate historical ethnic tensions. And while provinces like Xinjiang have experienced impressive growth, relations between the Han‐dominated Beijing and the Uyghurs in Xinjiang have remained unchanged, if not worsened. The former claims the economic benefits have been enjoyed by all – regardless of ethnicity – and have aided regional development. In contrast, the latter alleges the growing riches have primarily benefited the Hans. This article examines these two arguments. Using original data, we find evidence to support both claims – with some qualifications. While the Han migrants have benefited immensely from the Great Leap West, it seems the Uyghurs have also enjoyed growing wages. The implications suggest that while Beijing is not necessarily wrong to invest heavily in Xinjiang, the government needs to exercise more consideration of local cultures.
Case series supporting heme detoxification via therapeutic plasma exchange in acute multiorgan failure syndrome resistant to red blood cell exchange in sickle cell disease
Authors: Louie James E. , Anderson Caitlin J. , Fayaz M. Fomani Katayoun , Henry Alonye , Killeen Trevor , Mohandas Narla , Yazdanbakhsh Karina , Belcher John D. , Vercellotti Gregory M. , Shi Patricia A.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Depletion of haptoglobin (Hp) and hemopexin (Hx) with increase in free hemoglobin and heme are important etiologies of vaso‐occlusive complications in sickle cell disease (SCD). This study is the first to show an association between clinical improvement in SCD and repletion of Hp and Hx by therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) using plasma replacement.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirteen fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) units derived from consecutive whole blood donations were thawed at 37°C after 10 months of storage; Hp and Hx concentrations immediately postthaw and after 5 days of refrigerated storage were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All SCD patients presenting to a single institution over a 2‐year period with acute multiorgan failure syndrome resistant to red blood cell exchange (RCE) were treated with TPE with FFP replacement; concentrations of Hp, Hx, and heme were evaluated before and after TPE by ELISA.

RESULTS

Plasma concentrations of Hp and Hx decreased approximately 20% (p ≤ 0.002) after 5 days of refrigerated storage. Significant mean fold increases after TPE of 10 for Hp (p < 0.005) and seven for Hx (p < 0.003) and a 30% mean decrease in heme concentrations (p = 0.07) were noted in association with clinical improvement (three patients), whereas minimal increases in Hp and Hx were associated with continued clinical deterioration in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Fresh‐frozen plasma rather than thawed plasma is optimal for Hp and Hx replacement. Patient data are consistent with Hp and Hx increases via TPE limiting clinical toxicity of worsened hemolysis associated with severe vaso‐occlusive complications refractory to RCE in SCD.
Clinical indications for intravenous immunoglobulin utilization in a tertiary medical center: a 9‐year retrospective study
Authors: Shemer Asaf , Kivity Shaye , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are a biologic product originally developed to treat immunocompromised patients. In the past decades, there has been increased utilization of IVIG in autoimmune conditions. The objectives were to evaluate the clinical use of IVIG in the largest tertiary medical center in Israel and to determine top uses, estimate off‐label usage, and assess consumption of this blood product.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted an observational, retrospective study involving all patients who received IVIG from 2007 through 2015. Subjects were classified into five groups according to the indication for treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 1117 patients were identified. The mean (±SD) ages of adults and children were 55 ± 17 and 8 ± 7 years, respectively. Most common indication for treatment were immune‐mediated conditions (54%), followed by secondary immunodeficiency (28%), primary immunodeficiency (10%), infections (4%), and miscellaneous (4%). The main immune‐mediated conditions treated were hematologic disorders (305 patients, 27%), neurologic disorders (219 patients, 20%), and rheumatologic conditions (79 patients, 7%). Overall, a significant change in study period was observed in the number of patients (p < 0.001), consumption of IVIG (p < 0.01), and amount of IVIG administered per patient (p < 0.01). Fifty‐six percent of the IVIG infusions were given for off‐label Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indications.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we demonstrated that immune‐mediated conditions represent the majority of indications for treatment with IVIG. We observed a 417% increase in IVIG administration (g) over time, attributed mainly to autoimmune diseases. Many indications are still off‐label according to FDA recommendations.
Consistent modelling of wind turbine noise propagation from source to receiver
Authors: Barlas Emre , Zhu Wei Jun , Shen Wen Zhong , Dag Kaya O. , Moriarty Patrick
Published: November 2017

The unsteady nature of wind turbine noise is a major reason for annoyance. The variation of far-field sound pressure levels is not only caused by the continuous change in wind turbine noise source levels but also by the unsteady flow field and the ground characteristics between the turbine and receiver. To take these phenomena into account, a consistent numerical technique that models the sound propagation from the source to receiver is developed. Large eddy simulation with an actuator line technique is employed for the flow modelling and the corresponding flow fields are used to simulate sound generation and propagation. The local blade relative velocity, angle of attack, and turbulence characteristics are input to the sound generation model. Time-dependent blade locations and the velocity between the noise source and receiver are considered within a quasi-3D propagation model. Long-range noise propagation of a 5 MW wind turbine is investigated. Sound pressure level time series evaluated at the source time are studied for varying wind speeds, surface roughness, and ground impedances within a 2000 m radius from the turbine.
The Effect of Water Loading on Acute Weight Loss Following Fluid Restriction in Combat Sports Athletes
Authors: Reale Reid , Slater Gary , Cox Gregory R. , Dunican Ian C. , Burke Louise M.
Published: November 2017

Novel methods of acute weight loss practiced by combat sport athletes include “water loading,” the consumption of large fluid volumes for several days prior to restriction. We examined claims that this technique increases total body water losses, while also assessing the risk of hyponatremia. Male athletes were separated into control (n = 10) and water loading (n = 11) groups and fed a standardized energy-matched diet for 6 days. Days 1–3 fluid intake was 40 and 100 ml/kg for control and water loading groups, respectively, with both groups consuming 15 ml/kg on Day 4 and following the same rehydration protocol on Days 5 and 6. We tracked body mass (BM), urine sodium, urine specific gravity and volume, training-related sweat losses and blood concentrations of renal hormones, and urea and electrolytes throughout. Physical performance was assessed preintervention and postintervention. Following fluid restriction, there were substantial differences between groups in the ratio of fluid input/output (39%, p < .01, effect size = 1.2) and BM loss (0.6% BM, p = .02, effect size = 0.82). Changes in urine specific gravity, urea and electrolytes, and renal hormones occurred over time (p < .05), with an interaction of time and intervention on blood sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, creatinine, urine specific gravity, and vasopressin (p < .05). Measurements of urea and electrolyte remained within reference ranges, and no differences in physical performance were detected over time or between groups. Water loading appears to be a safe and effective method of acute BM loss under the conditions of this study. Vasopressin-regulated changes in aquaporin channels may potentially partially explain the mechanism of increased body water loss with water loading.
Energetic Profile of the Basketball Exercise Simulation Test in Junior Elite Players
Authors: Latzel Richard , Hoos Olaf , Stier Sebastian , Kaufmann Sebastian , Fresz Volker , Reim Dominik , Beneke Ralph
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To analyze the energetic profile of the Basketball Exercise Simulation Test (BEST). Methods: Ten male elite junior basketball players (age 15.5 [0.6] y, height 180 [9] cm, and body mass 66.1 [11.2] kg) performed a modified BEST (20 circuits consisting of jumping, sprinting, jogging, shuffling, and short breaks) simulating professional basketball game play. Circuit time, sprint time, sprint decrement, oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate, and blood lactate concentration (blc) were obtained. Metabolic energy and metabolic power above rest (Wtot and Ptot), as well as energy share in terms of aerobic (Waer), glycolytic (Wblc), and high-energy phosphates (WPCr), were calculated from VO2 during exercise, net lactate production, and the fast component of postexercise VO2 kinetics, respectively. Results: Waer, Wblc, and WPCr reflect 89% (2%), 5% (1%), and 6% (1%) of total energy needed, respectively. Assuming an aerobic replenishment of PCr energy stores during short breaks, the adjusted energy share yielded Waer 66% (4%), Wblc 5% (1%), and WPCr 29% (1%). Waer and WPCr were negatively correlated (−0.72 and −0.59) with sprint time, which was not the case for Wblc. Conclusions: Consistent with general findings on energy system interaction during repeated high-intensity exercise bouts, the intermittent profile of the BEST relies primarily on aerobic energy combined with repetitive supplementation by anaerobic utilization of high-energy phosphates.
Impact-Induced Muscle Damage and Contact Sports: Etiology, Effects on Neuromuscular Function and Recovery, and the Modulating Effects of Adaptation and Recovery Strategies
Authors: Naughton Mitchell , Miller Joanna , Slater Gary J.
Published: November 2017

Athletes involved in contact sports are habitually exposed to skeletal-muscle damage in their training and performance environments. This often leads to exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) resulting from repeated eccentric and/or high-intensity exercise and to impact-induced muscle damage (IIMD) resulting from collisions with opponents and the playing surface. While EIMD has been an area of extensive investigation, IIMD has received comparatively little research, with the magnitude and time frame of alterations following IIMD not presently well understood. It is currently thought that EIMD results from an overload of mechanical stress that causes ultrastructural damage to the cellular membrane constituents. Damage leads to compromised ability to produce force, which manifests immediately and persists for up to 14 d following exercise exposure. IIMD has been implicated in attenuated neuromuscular performance and recovery and in inflammatory processes, although the underlying course over time remains unclear. Exposure to EIMD leads to an adaptation to subsequent exposures, a phenomenon known as the repeated-bout effect. An analogous adaptation has been suggested to occur following IIMD; however, to date, this contention remains equivocal. While a considerable body of research has explored the efficacy of recovery strategies following EIMD, strategies promoting recovery from IIMD are limited to investigations using animal contusion models. Strategies such as cryotherapy and antioxidant supplementation that focus on attenuating the secondary inflammatory response may provide additional benefit in IIMD and are explored herein. Further research is required to first establish a model of generating IIMD and then explore broader areas around IIMD in athletic populations.
Vertical and Horizontal Jump Capacity in International Cerebral Palsy Football Players
Authors: Reina Raúl , Iturricastillo Aitor , Sabido Rafael , Campayo-Piernas Maria , Yanci Javier
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the reliability and validity of vertical and horizontal jump tests in football players with cerebral palsy (FPCP) and to analyze the jump performance differences between current International Federation for Cerebral Palsy Football functional classes (ie, FT5–FT8). Methods: A total of 132 international parafootballers (25.8 [6.7] y; 70.0 [9.1] kg; 175.7 [7.3] cm; 22.8 [2.8] kg·m−2; and 10.7 [7.5] y training experience) participated in the study. The participants were classified according to the International Federation for Cerebral Palsy Football classification rules, and a group of 39 players without cerebral palsy was included in the study as a control group. Football players’ vertical and horizontal jump performance was assessed. Results: All the tests showed good to excellent relative intrasession reliability scores, both in FPCP and in the control group (intraclass correlation = .78–.97, SEM < 10.5%). Significant between-groups differences (P < .001) were obtained in the countermovement jump, standing broad jump, 4 bounds for distance, and triple hop for distance dominant leg and nondominant leg. The control group performed higher/farther jumps with regard to all the FPCP classes, obtaining significant differences and moderate to large effect sizes (ESs) (.85 < ES < 5.54, P < .01). Players in FT8 class (less severe impairments) had significantly higher scores in all the jump tests than players in the lower classes (ES = moderate to large, P < .01). Conclusions: The vertical and horizontal jump tests performed in this study could be applied to the classification procedures and protocols for FPCP.