bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The sensitization pattern differs according to rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity in adults: the EGEA study
Authors: Burte E. , Bousquet J. , Siroux V. , Just J. , Jacquemin B. , Nadif R.
Published: February 2017

Background

Mono‐ and polysensitization are different IgE‐mediated allergic phenotypes in children. Allergic sensitization is associated with both allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, however, associations between the sensitization pattern and particularly polysensitization with asthma and rhinitis remains poorly studied in adults.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess how the allergic sensitization pattern associates with asthma, rhinitis and their multimorbidity.

Methods

1199 adults from the EGEA study, with extensive phenotypic characterization and all data available on skin prick tests to 10 allergens, total IgE and blood eosinophils were included. Using questionnaires only, participants were classified into 6 groups: asymptomatic (no asthma, no rhinitis), non‐allergic rhinitis alone, allergic rhinitis alone, asthma alone, asthma+non‐allergic rhinitis and asthma+allergic rhinitis. Mono‐ and polysensitization were defined by a positive skin prick test to one or more than one allergen respectively.

Results

Asymptomatic participants and those with non‐allergic rhinitis alone were mostly non‐sensitized (around 72%) while around 12% were polysensitized. Between 32% and 43% of participants with allergic rhinitis alone, asthma alone and asthma+non‐allergic rhinitis were non‐sensitized and between 37% and 46% of them were polysensitized. 65% of the participants with asthma+allergic rhinitis were polysensitized. The level of total IgE followed a similar trend to that of allergic sensitization. Eosinophils were increased in asthma, especially when associated with rhinitis. Nasal symptoms were more severe and eczema more common in participants with both asthma and allergic rhinitis than in the other groups.

Conclusions

Allergic sensitization and particularly polysensitization rates widely differ according to asthma and rhinitis status. This study emphasized the importance of taking into account multimorbidity between asthma and rhinitis and showed that allergic sensitization is not a dichotomic variable.
The role of genomics in common variable immunodeficiency disorders
Authors: Kienzler A-K , Hargreaves C E , Patel S Y
Published: February 2017

The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and ‘omic’ technologies has revolutionized the field of genetics, and its implementation in health care has the potential to realize precision medicine. Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) are a group of rare diseases which have benefited from NGS, with a massive increase in causative genes identified in the past few years. Common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID) are a heterogeneous form of PID and the most common form of antibody failure in children and adults. While a monogenic cause of disease has been identified in a small subset of CVID patients, a genomewide association study and whole genome sequencing have found that, in the majority, a polygenic cause is likely. Other NGS technologies such as RNA sequencing and epigenetic studies have contributed further to our understanding of the contribution of altered gene expression in CVID pathogenesis. We believe that to unravel further the complexities of CVID, a multi-omic approach, combining DNA sequencing with gene expression, methylation, proteomic and metabolomics data, will be essential to identify novel disease-associated pathways and therapeutic targets.
Self‐esteem as an important factor in quality of life and depressive symptoms in anosmia: A pilot study
Authors: Kollndorfer K. , Reichert J.L. , Brückler B. , Hinterleitner V. , Schöpf V.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Previous research has reported a negative impact of olfactory dysfunction on quality of life (QoL) and depressive symptoms. As self‐esteem was identified as a contributing factor to depression, this study aimed to investigate QoL, depressive symptoms and self‐esteem in patients with smell loss.

Design

Prospective controlled study.

Setting

Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image‐guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, in co‐operation with the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

Participants

Twenty‐two anosmic patients (12 females, 10 males) and 25 healthy controls (15 females, 10 males) participated in this study.

Main outcome measures

Olfactory performance was assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks battery. In addition, psychological questionnaires that covered the topics quality of life (WHOQOL‐BREF), depressive symptoms (BDI‐II) and self‐esteem (MSWS) were conducted.

Results

The results of this study revealed a decrease in QoL and reduced body‐related self‐esteem in anosmic patients. Furthermore, QoL and self‐esteem were correlated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

As self‐esteem, QoL and depressive symptoms in anosmia interact with each other, we suggest that self‐esteem should be considered in the medical history, in order to provide a personalised intervention, adapted to the patient's needs.
Influence of surface roughness on silicone rubber voice prostheses on in vitro biofilm formation and clinical lifetime in laryngectomised patients
Authors: Buijssen K.J.D.A. , Oosterhof J.J.H. , Basil L. , Waters M. , Duits M.A. , Busscher H.J. , van der Mei H.C. , van der Laan B.F.A.M.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Evaluation of the influence of a smooth surface moulding technique of silicone rubber indwelling voice prostheses on in vitro biofilm formation and analysis of the clinical in situ lifetime.

Design

Biofilm formation on smooth and Groningen ultra low resistance (URL) prostheses was studied in an artificial throat model. The clinical lifetime of smooth voice prostheses was compared to the previous lifetime of URL by counting the number of replacements in a consecutive 6‐month period in the same patient. Participants: Eleven laryngectomised patients in follow‐up who required frequent replacement of their voice prostheses.

Settings

Tertiary University Medical Center.

Results

Use of a smoother mould and less viscous silicone rubber yielded a decrease in surface roughness from 46 to 8 nm and was accompanied by a 40% reduction in the prevalence of bacteria and yeast in in vitro formed biofilms. Clinically, the lifetime was significantly (P<.005) increased by a factor of 2.1.

Conclusions

This combined in vitro and clinical study suggests that the choice of material and in particular its surface finishing may be determining factors with respect to the clinical lifetime of silicone rubber implants and devices failing due to biofilm formation.
The timing and pattern of real wage divergence in pre‐industrial Europe: evidence from Germany, c. 1500–1850
Authors: Pfister Ulrich
Published: February 2017

This study uses price information relating to 12 towns and wage information from 18 towns to develop a real wage index for unskilled urban labourers in Germany during the three‐and‐a‐half centuries preceding the onset of rapid industrialization. Combining the new series with information from other parts of Europe establishes two stages of real wage divergence during the seventeenth to nineteenth century. The first occurred in the middle of the seventeenth century when real wages in centres of trade and finance located on the rim of the North Sea rose far above the level prevailing in their hinterland. The second stage unfolded from the second quarter of the eighteenth century when the real wage in south England, northern and central Italy, and Germany began to diverge; Germany followed a middle path between the other two countries. The second commercial revolution, which improved business techniques and promoted Smithian growth, goes a long way towards accounting for this development.
Striatal dysfunction in X‐linked dystonia‐parkinsonism is associated with disease progression
Authors: Brüggemann N. , Rosales R. L. , Waugh J. L. , Blood A. J. , Domingo A. , Heldmann M. , Jamora R. D. , Münchau A. , Münte T. F. , Lee L. V. , Buchmann I. , Klein C.
Published: February 2017

Background and purpose

X‐linked dystonia‐parkinsonism (XDP) is an inherited neurodegenerative adult‐onset movement disorder associated with striatal atrophy. As the dopaminergic system has not yet been systemically studied in this basal ganglia model disease, it is unclear whether nigrostriatal dysfunction contributes to parkinsonism in XDP.

Methods

Pre‐ and post‐synaptic dopaminergic function was assessed in XDP. A total of 10 123jod‐benzamide (IBZM) single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images were obtained for nine patients aged 42.3 ± 9.5 years (SD; range 30–52) and one asymptomatic mutation carrier (38 years), and four ioflupane (FP‐CIT) SPECT images were obtained for four patients, aged 41.5 ± 11.6 years (range 30–52 years). Structural magnetic resonance imaging was also performed for all mutation carriers and 10 matched healthy controls.

Results

All patients were men who suffered from severe, disabling segmental or generalized dystonia and had varying degrees of parkinsonism. IBZM SPECT images were pathological in 8/9 symptomatic patients with distinct reduced post‐synaptic tracer uptake in the caudate nucleus and putamen, and unremarkable in the asymptomatic mutation carrier. Longer disease duration was correlated with lower IBZM binding ratios. All subjects exhibited slightly reduced FP‐CIT uptake values compared to controls for each analyzed region (−37% to −41%) which may be linked to basal ganglia volume loss. Visual inspection revealed physiological FP‐CIT uptake in 1/4 patients.

Conclusions

This nuclear imaging study provides evidence that the functional decline of post‐synaptic dopaminergic neurotransmission is related to disease duration and ongoing neurodegeneration. Given the severe striatal cell loss which could be verified with post‐synaptic nuclear imaging, both parkinsonism and dystonia in XDP are probably mainly due to striatal dysfunction.
Social deprivation and stroke severity on admission: a French cohort study in Burgundy and the West Indies – Guyana region
Authors: Béjot Y. , Guilloteau A. , Joux J. , Lannuzel A. , Mimeau E. , Mislin‐Tritsch C. , Fournel I. , Bonithon‐Kopp C. ,   the INDIA Study Group
Published: February 2017

Background and purpose

Although there is growing and convincing evidence that socially deprived patients are at higher risk of stroke and worse outcomes, it remains controversial whether or not they suffer more severe stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of social deprivation on initial clinical severity in patients with stroke.

Methods

A total of 1536 consecutive patients with an acute first‐ever stroke (both ischaemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage) were prospectively enrolled from six French study centers. Stroke severity on admission was measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. Social deprivation was assessed at the individual level by the Evaluation de la Précarité et des Inégalités de santé dans les Centres d'Examen de Santé (EPICES) score, a validated multidimensional questionnaire, and several additional single socioeconomic indicators. Polytomous logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between social deprivation and stroke severity.

Results

In univariate analysis, the EPICES score (P = 0.039) and level of education (P = 0.018) were the only two socioeconomic variables associated with stroke severity. Multivariate analysis of the association between EPICES and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores showed that more deprived patients presented a significantly higher risk of both mild and moderate/severe stroke (odds ratio for mild versus minor stroke, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.84; odds ratio for moderate/severe versus minor stroke, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.92). A non‐significant trend towards a higher risk of both mild and moderate/severe stroke in less educated patients was observed.

Conclusions

Social deprivation was associated with a more severe clinical presentation in patients with stroke. These findings may contribute to the worse outcome after stroke in deprived patients, and underline the need for strategies to reduce social inequalities for stroke.
The impact of methodological choices on the outcome of national‐level climate change vulnerability assessments: An example from the global fisheries sector
Authors: Monnereau Iris , Mahon Robin , McConney Patrick , Nurse Leonard , Turner Rachel , Vallès Henri
Published: February 2017

Climate change vulnerability assessments have been receiving increasing attention from policymakers and academics. Given scarce funds for adaptation, the UNFCCC Secretariat has suggested that eligible countries be prioritized for support based on their vulnerability to climate change. National‐level fisheries sector climate change vulnerability assessments as well as other overall vulnerability assessments to date have lent support to the idea that least developed countries (LDCs) are more vulnerable to climate change than small island developing states (SIDS) and other coastal countries. We demonstrate that these perceived differences in vulnerability among country groups are partly due to methodological choices made during these assessments. We argue that national‐level vulnerability assessments, and particularly those dealing with the fisheries sector, often suffer from four main methodological shortcomings: (i) an inconsistent representation of countries belonging to each group, (ii) use of socioeconomic indicators that are not scaled to population size, (iii) use of a small number of indicators and (iv) lack of accounting for potential redundancy among indicators. Building on a previous framework, we show that by addressing the four aforementioned methodological shortcomings, the ranking in fisheries sector vulnerability among SIDS, LDCs and other coastal countries is altered significantly. Our results underscore that the vulnerability of SIDS was partially concealed in previous assessments and suggest that SIDS are in fact the most vulnerable group. Although this study focuses on assessing the vulnerability of the fisheries sector to climate change in SIDS, LDCs and other coastal countries, the implications also apply to other sectors and country groupings.
Monomer‐to‐dimer transition of Brucella suis type IV secretion system component VirB8 induces conformational changes
Authors: Sharifahmadian Mahzad , Arya Tarun , Bessette Benoit , Lecoq Lauriane , Ruediger Edward , Omichinski James G. , Baron Christian
Published: February 2017

Secretion systems are protein complexes essential for bacterial virulence and potential targets for antivirulence drugs. In the intracellular pathogen Brucella suis, a type IV secretion system mediates the translocation of virulence factors into host cells and it is essential for pathogenicity. VirB8 is a core component of the secretion system and dimerization is important for functionality of the protein complex. We set out to study dimerization and possible conformational changes of VirB8 from B. suis (VirB8s) using nuclear magnetic resonance, X‐ray crystallography, and differential scanning fluorimetry. We identified changes of the protein induced by a concentration‐dependent monomer‐to‐dimer transition of the periplasmic domain (VirB8sp). We also show that the presence of the detergent CHAPS alters several signals in the heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) spectra and some of these chemical shift changes correspond to those observed during monomer–dimer transition. X‐ray analysis of a monomeric variant (VirB8spM102R) demonstrates that significant structural changes occur in the protein's α‐helical regions (α2 and α4). We localized chemical shift changes of residues at the dimer interface as well as to the α1 helix that links this interface to a surface groove that binds dimerization inhibitors. Fragment‐based screening identified small molecules that bind to VirB8sp and two of them have differential binding affinity for wild‐type and the VirB8spM102R variant underlining their different conformations. The observed chemical shift changes suggest conformational changes of VirB8s during monomer–dimer transition that may play a role during secretion system assembly or function and they provide insights into the mechanism of inhibitor action.

Database

BMRB accession no. 26852 and PDB 5JBS.
The epsilon motif of hepatitis B virus RNA exhibits a potassium‐dependent ribonucleolytic activity
Authors: Chakraborty Dibyajnan , Ghosh Sagarmoy
Published: February 2017

Fourteen different classes of ribozymes are known that catalyse a range of diverse chemical reactions. We report here a novel potassium‐dependent nucleolytic activity present in hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA. A short RNA region (53 nt) with enzymatic properties released itself from the viral sequence by cis cleavages and could subsequently act in trans. The released region encompassed the epsilon motif present in the HBV RNA. The 3′ end of the liberated fragment was within the noncanonical polyadenylation signal (UAUAAA) of the viral RNA while cleavages at about 53 nt upstream sites released the fragment. Mutations of the primary scissile sites or annealing these sites with the antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides blocked the release of this short fragment and annulled subsequent trans cleavage activity. An exogenously synthesized short transcript of only this 53 nt was active as a sequence‐independent trans‐acting nuclease and cleaved after pyrimidines in viral or other substrate transcripts under physiological potassium ion concentrations. Formation of a G‐quadruplex within this region was suggested by circular dichroism and nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel analyses. Our results reveal a unique natural example of a trans‐acting ribonuclease that cleaves at multiple sites in a sequence‐independent fashion. The presence of this novel activity implores a dynamic structural behaviour in the ε region and raises new questions about HBV gene regulation.
Fam20C is under the control of sphingolipid signaling in human cell lines
Authors: Cozza Giorgio , Salvi Mauro , Tagliabracci Vincent S. , Pinna Lorenzo A.
Published: February 2017

Fam20C, also termed DMP‐4 (dentin matrix protein 4) and G‐CK (Golgi casein kinase) is an atypical protein kinase committed with the phosphorylation of casein and a plethora of other secreted proteins. Fam20C has been implicated in a number of human pathologies related to biomineralization, phosphate homeostasis, and neoplasia. The mode of regulation of Fam20C is still a matter of conjecture. In in vitro, Fam20C activity is stimulated several fold by sphingosine. To gain in vivo information about the physiological relevance of this observation, three cell lines expressing endogenous Fam20C, and one in which Fam20C has been knocked out with CRISPR/Cas9 technology have been examined for Fam20C activity under basal conditions and where sphingosine has been depleted by treatment with myriocin. In lysates and conditioned medium of the three wild‐type cells, Fam20C activity was similar and comparably responsive to sphingosine and a panel of sphingosine analogs, while in knockout cells, Fam20C activity was undetectable either with or without sphingosine addition. Upon depletion of endogenous sphingosine by myriocin treatment, Fam20C activity drops to negligible values both in the lysate and in the conditioned medium; however, it can be partially restored if during myriocin treatment cells are supplemented with either exogenous sphingosine or ceramide, a sphingosine precursor. Alterations of Fam20C activity, promoted by myriocin and sphingolipids, are not accompanied by any significant change in Fam20C protein. These data provide the proof of concept that Fam20C activity is under the control of sphingolipid signaling.
Life history tactics shape amphibians’ demographic responses to the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Cayuela Hugo , Joly Pierre , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Pichenot Julian , Bonnaire Eric , Priol Pauline , Peyronel Olivier , Laville Mathias , Besnard Aurélien
Published: February 2017

Over the last three decades, climate abnormalities have been reported to be involved in biodiversity decline by affecting population dynamics. A growing number of studies have shown that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) influences the demographic parameters of a wide range of plant and animal taxa in different ways. Life history theory could help to understand these different demographic responses to the NAO. Indeed, theory states that the impact of weather variation on a species’ demographic traits should depend on its position along the fast–slow continuum. In particular, it is expected that NAO would have a higher impact on recruitment than on adult survival in slow species, while the opposite pattern is expected occur in fast species. To test these predictions, we used long‐term capture–recapture datasets (more than 15,000 individuals marked from 1965 to 2015) on different surveyed populations of three amphibian species in Western Europe: Triturus cristatus, Bombina variegata, and Salamandra salamandra. Despite substantial intraspecific variation, our study revealed that these three species differ in their position on a slow–fast gradient of pace of life. Our results also suggest that the differences in life history tactics influence amphibian responses to NAO fluctuations: Adult survival was most affected by the NAO in the species with the fastest pace of life (T. cristatus), whereas recruitment was most impacted in species with a slower pace of life (B. variegata and S. salamandra). In the context of climate change, our findings suggest that the capacity of organisms to deal with future changes in NAO values could be closely linked to their position on the fast–slow continuum.
Debt problems, home‐leaving, and boomeranging: A register‐based perspective on economic consequences of moving away from parental home
Authors: Oksanen Atte , Aaltonen Mikko , Majamaa Karoliina , Rantala Kati
Published: February 2017

This article analyses the development of financial problems after leaving one's parental home, and considers how financial problems are associated with likelihood of boomeranging (i.e., adult children returning to parental home). The 9‐year follow‐up study focused on a nationally representative sample of Finnish young people between the ages of 15 and 25 who moved out from their parental home between 2006 and 2009 (n = 9,196). The measure of debt problems was based on monthly data on debt enforcement, a legal matter which may bring serious consequences for the debtors. The primary within‐individual, longitudinal analyses showed that debt problems increased directly after leaving parental home. Education and family background were significant predictors of debt problems in the four years after leaving parental home. Early leavers had significantly more debt problems than later leavers. Debt problems were associated with a higher likelihood of moving back to parental home. The results imply that it is important to support economic decision‐making during early adulthood.
Female consumers as agents of change for transforming the environmental sustainability landscape
Authors: D'Souza Clare , Taghian Mehdi
Published: February 2017

Faith in others (FIO; governments and businesses) can be seen as society's predisposition to handle environmental problems. The article examines whether women, who undertake a large majority of household purchases, can influence change in consumption practices so as to contribute to sustainability initiatives. Understanding women's character in this manner is informative, it helps us to consider how a women's role as a household purchasing agent is an important nexus to environmental sustainability. The study found that FIO has an influence on women's purchasing decisions. The study provides additional support to strengthen women's role in environmental matters. Not all women were found to be sustainability‐minded. In the challenges faced by women with respect to their influence, evidence from this research suggests that if women have more faith in governments and businesses it would make them more eco‐savvy to act as agents of change for transforming the environmental sustainability landscape.
Beyond the market—New practices of supply in times of crisis: The example community‐supported agriculture
Authors: Blättel‐Mink Birgit , Boddenberg Moritz , Gunkel Lenard , Schmitz Sarah , Vaessen Franziska
Published: February 2017

The discourses and material consequences of the crisis dynamics of capitalist societies increasingly spawn practices of production and supply that are situated outside capitalist market logic. One example of such an alternative practice is Community‐Supported Agriculture (CSA), a social innovation that is comprehensively analyzed here in the German context. Applying the concept of social innovation, the authors carried out a standardized survey, semi‐structured interviews and a discourse analysis of CSA farms in Germany. This paper identifies the (international) crisis discourses to which Community‐Supported Agriculture is a reaction, and the motivations of CSA members are outlined. Innovative facets of CSA such as solidarity, de‐commodification, and prosuming are identified. It becomes apparent that Community‐Supported Agriculture is not a homogeneous phenomenon, but can be differentiated into various types ? sociopolitical, spiritual‐communal, and pragmatic‐economic ‐ which differ in respect of how they express (social) innovation as well as in their attitudes to crises.
Prevention and treatment of symptoms associated with indwelling ureteral stents: A systematic review
Authors: Betschart Patrick , Zumstein Valentin , Piller Alberto , Schmid Hans‐Peter , Abt Dominik
Published: February 2017

Temporary drainage of the upper urinary tract by internal ureteral stents is a routine procedure in endourology. However, it is associated with a clear side‐effect profile. Our aim was to evaluate prevention and treatment options of stent‐related symptoms. We carried out a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines using MEDLINE and SCOPUS, and identified 107 appropriate records. A high number of these studies showed clear methodological limitations. Available data clearly support the use of α1‐blockers in patients suffering from stent‐related symptoms. It seems that antimuscarinic monotherapy or combination with α1‐blockers might also play an important role, whereas the use of classical analgesics in the treatment of stent‐related symptoms has not been assessed systematically within clinical trials so far. Improvements in stent design and material seem to have the potential to reduce stent‐related symptoms. However, so far there is no type of stent with outstanding characteristics and clear evidence suggesting fundamental advantages compared with a standard double pigtail stent. Although stent diameter does not seem to influence patients’ comfort, it seems to be beneficial to choose a proper stent‐length. Coated and drug‐eluting stents, as well as intravesical drug application, seem to be promising concepts to prevent stent‐related symptoms, but still have to be considered as experimental approaches. Furthermore, thorough patient education has the potential to reduce the morbidity associated with ureteral stenting. Further research in the field seems to be mandatory.
Review of insulin‐associated hypoglycemia and its impact on the management of diabetes in Southeast Asian countries
Authors: Goh Su‐Yen , Hussein Zanariah , Rudijanto Achmad
Published: February 2017

Although the incidence of diabetes is rising in Southeast Asia, there is limited information regarding the incidence and manifestation of insulin‐associated hypoglycemia. The aim of the present review was to discuss what is currently known regarding insulin‐associated hypoglycemia in Southeast Asia, including its known incidence and impact in the region, and how the Southeast Asian population with diabetes differs from other populations. We found a paucity of data regarding the incidence of hypoglycemia in Southeast Asia, which has contributed to the adoption of Western guidelines. This might not be appropriate, as Southeast Asians have a range of etiological, educational and cultural differences from Western populations with diabetes that might place them at greater risk of hypoglycemia if not managed optimally. For example, Southeast Asians with type 2 diabetes tend to be younger, with lower body mass indexes than their Western counterparts, and the management of type 2 diabetes with premixed insulin preparations is more common in Southeast Asia. Both of these factors might result in higher rates of hypoglycemia. In addition, Southeast Asians are often poorly educated about hypoglycemia and its management, including during Ramadan fasting. We conclude there is a need for more information about Southeast Asian populations with diabetes to assist with the construction of more appropriate national and regional guidelines for the management of hypoglycemia, more closely aligned to patient demographics, behaviors and treatment practices. Such bespoke guidelines might result in a greater degree of implementation and adherence within clinical practice in Southeast Asian nations.
Rapid in‐focus corrections on quantitative amplitude and phase imaging using transport of intensity equation method
Authors: MENG X. , TIAN X. , KONG Y. , SUN A. , YU W. , QIAN W. , SONG X. , CUI H. , XUE L. , LIU C. , WANG S.
Published: March 2017

Transport of intensity equation (TIE) method can acquire sample phase distributions with high speed and accuracy, offering another perspective for cellular observations and measurements. However, caused by incorrect focal plane determination, blurs and halos are induced, decreasing resolution and accuracy in both retrieved amplitude and phase information. In order to obtain high‐accurate sample details, we propose TIE based in‐focus correction technique for quantitative amplitude and phase imaging, which can locate focal plane and then retrieve both in‐focus intensity and phase distributions combining with numerical wavefront extraction and propagation as well as physical image recorder translation. Certified by both numerical simulations and practical measurements, it is believed the proposed method not only captures high‐accurate in‐focus sample information, but also provides a potential way for fast autofocusing in microscopic system.
Social Value Creation and Relational Coordination in Public‐Private Collaborations
Authors: Caldwell Nigel D. , Roehrich Jens K. , George Gerard
Published: February 2017

Public‐private collaborations, or hybrid organizational forms, are often difficult to organize because of disparate goals, incentives, and management practices. Some of this misalignment is addressed structurally or contractually, but not the management processes and practices. In this study, we examine how the coordination of these social and work relationships, or relational coordination, affects task performance and the creation of social value. We employ a dyadic perspective on two long‐term relationships that are part of a wider ecosystem. We illustrate the social value creation process, identifying mutual knowledge and goal alignment, as necessary to create relational coordination. We find that the degree of professional embeddedness moderates the link between coordination and task performance, and explore the role that organizational and ecosystem experiences play. We develop a model of how relational coordination influences social value creation in hybrids. The findings have implications for social value creation, hybrid collaborations, and organizational design.
Adolescents' Prosocial Behavior Predicts Good Grades Beyond Intelligence and Personality Traits
Authors: Gerbino Maria , Zuffianò Antonio , Eisenberg Nancy , Castellani Valeria , Luengo Kanacri Bernadette Paula , Pastorelli Concetta , Caprara Gian Vittorio
Published: February 2017

Objective

Researchers have demonstrated the prediction of academic functioning by children's prosocial behavior (PB). The goal of our study was to examine the contribution of adolescents' PB for middle and senior high school grades after controlling for stability of achievement and for intelligence, Big Five traits, and sociodemographic variables (i.e., sex and socioeconomic status).

Method

Study 1 examined on 165 adolescents (48.5% boys) the prediction by peer‐reported PB in 7th grade of academic achievement at the end of junior high school, after controlling for the above variables. Study 2 examined the prediction by 927 (52% girls) 8th graders' PB of academic achievement 5 years later, at the end of senior high school, taking into account the stability of grades, personality traits, and socio‐structural variables.

Results

Overall, hierarchical regression analysis indicated in both studies PB and Openness significantly predicted better grades in the short term and over time despite the high stability of grades across 5 years. Extraversion negatively predicted academic achievement across 1 year in junior high school.

Conclusion

Findings supported the view of PB as a strength and a key resource for adolescents' academic attainment.
Personality Traits: A View From the Animal Kingdom
Authors: Weiss Alexander
Published: February 2017

Given their backgrounds in classical ethology and in comparative psychology, researchers who study animal personality in biology and psychology, respectively, differ in how they measure personality, what questions they see as important, and how they address these questions. Despite these differences, both comparative psychologists and biologists embrace personality traits. By doing so, they have solved empirical and conceptual problems in animal behavior. Studies of animal personality have provided answers to questions about the evolution of human personality and have presented conceptual and empirical anomalies for sociocognitive theories. Animal personality research does not break from trait theories of personality. Instead, it enriches trait theories by conceiving of traits as not belonging to a species, but as expressed, with some modifications, across species. Broadening trait theory in this way has the potential to further enhance its ability to answer questions related to animal and human personality.
Is Affluence a Risk for Adolescents in Norway?
Authors: Lund Terese J. , Dearing Eric , Zachrisson Henrik Daae
Published: February 2017

Studies suggest that affluence poses a risk for adolescents, but this has rarely been studied outside the United States. We examined the unique and additive roles of family and school affluence for adolescent outcomes among 10th‐grade students (n = 7,203) in Oslo, Norway. Multilevel models were estimated separately by gender. For both boys and girls, school affluence was a risk for alcohol abuse and family affluence was a risk for conduct problems, although for conduct the risk was only at the very highest end of income distribution and adolescents in very poor families were also at risk. There was also a complex pattern of risk for early sexual debut; family affluence posed risk, but school affluence appeared protective.
Phylogenomic analysis of Picramnia, Alvaradoa, and Leitneria supports the independent Picramniales
Authors: Logacheva Maria D. , Shipunov Alexey B.
Published: February 2017

Picramniales is a recently established monotypic order that has not yet acquired a stable position on the phylogenetic tree of flowering plants. While Picramnia and Alvaradoa were transferred from Simaroubaceae (Sapindales) into Picramniaceae (Picramniales), Leitneria was transferred from the “hamamelids” into Simaroubaceae. Using next‐generation sequencing, we obtained plastome sequences of Picramnia and Alvaradoa (partial) and Leitneria (complete). Protein coding and rRNA genes common for flowering plant plastomes were used for phylogenetic analysis. The resulting phylogenetic trees demonstrate a robust placement of Picramniales among the rosids as a sister group to Sapindales + Brassicales + Malvales. Leitneria is placed as a sister to Citrus. We also found that the plastome of Leitneria carries ycf68 gene that is absent from most other rosids and infA pseudogene.
Pericyte modulation by a functional antibody obtained by a novel single‐cell selection strategy
Authors: Just Jesper , Lykkemark Simon , Nielsen Charlotte H. , Roshenas Ali R. , Drasbek Kim R. , Petersen Steen V. , Bek Toke , Kristensen Peter
Published: February 2017

Objective

Pericytes surround the endothelial cells of the microvasculature where they serve as active participants in crucial vascular functions such as angiogenesis, stability, and permeability. However, pericyte loss or dysfunction has been described in a number of pathologies. Targeting pericytes could therefore prove instrumental in the further development of vascular therapeutics.

Methods

To target the pericyte, a proteomic‐based approach using antibody phage display was conducted. We present a novel single‐cell selection strategy, with a modified selection step to drive the selection of antibodies toward relevant pericyte epitopes.

Results

Characterization of the selected antibodies revealed two antibodies with binding specificity for pericytes. The cognate antigen of one of the antibodies was identified as pericyte‐expressed fibronectin. This antibody was shown to be a potent inhibitor of pericyte migration and to induce a pro‐angiogenic response when included in a pericyte‐endothelial cell co‐culture angiogenesis assay.

Conclusions

The selection method provides an efficient platform for the selection of functional antibodies which target pericytes. We obtain an antibody that interacts with a fibronectin epitope important for pericyte mobility and functionality. Targeting of this epitope in pathologies where pericytes are implicated could potentially be of therapeutic benefit.
Chronic Pain Features Relate to Quality of Life More than Physiopathology: A Cross‐Sectional Evaluation in Pain Clinics
Authors: Pérez Concepción , Margarit César , Sánchez‐Magro Isabel , de Antonio Ana , Villoria Jesús
Published: February 2017

Objective

To compare the impact of chronic pain physiopathology on health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL), considering the influence of pain features and psychosocial adjustment (intensity, interference, psychological comorbidities, and sleep quality).

Design

A cross‐sectional study involving 1,025 noncancer patients with predominantly neuropathic, nociceptive, or mixed chronic pain conditions was conducted in 88 pain clinics within Spain. The EuroQol‐5 Dimensions instrument (EQ‐5D) was used to measure HR‐QoL. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and sleep scale developed for the MOS study (MOS‐SQ) were used to measure pain features and psychosocial adjustment. Multivariate analyses were used to model HR‐QoL measures.

Results

All patients reported very low HR‐QoL. The mean EQ‐5D index scores were 0.33, 0.36, and 0.37 in the mixed, neuropathic, and nociceptive pain groups, respectively. The differences did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.057). Patients with nociceptive pain had less pain (least pain intensity score: 4.7 vs. 5.2 in the other groups; P = 0.006), less interference with daily activities (BPI average interference score: 6.3 vs. 6.6 and 6.7 in the neuropathic and mixed pain groups, respectively; P = 0.013), less anxiety (HADS score: 8.5 vs. 9.6 and 9.7 in the same respective groups; P = 0.001), and fewer sleep problems (MOS‐SQ sleep problems index: 46.8 vs. 52.2 and 50.2 in the same respective groups; P = 0.005). In the adjusted analyses, HR‐QoL measures were explained by pain intensity, anxiety, and sleep quality, but not by physiopathological pain type.

Conclusions

Pain features, particularly intensity, have a greater impact than pain physiopathology on HR‐QoL. Distinct physiopathological mechanisms give rise to different pain features that, in turn, may mediate the HR‐QoL of patients with chronic pain. This could be used to improve pain management strategies.
Patients hospitalized with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis: Clinical, physiological and sputum characteristics
Authors: Venning Victoria , Bartlett James , Jayaram Lata
Published: February 2017

Background and objective

Bronchiectasis is a growing health burden both globally and in Australasia. Associated with repeated respiratory infections, the disease often results in hospital admission, impaired quality of life, reduced lung function and shortened life expectancy. We describe the local clinical, physiological and sputum characteristics in patients hospitalized with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis.

Methods

This study examined the medical records of all 61 adults admitted to a metropolitan Australian hospital with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis in a calendar year.

Results

Baseline characteristics include: mean (SD) age of participants was 66 (14) years; 56% were women and 42% were current or ex‐smokers. The majority had other coexisting medical conditions, with asthma in 44%, COPD in 59% and both asthma and COPD in 31%. Seventy‐two percent were on regular inhaled medication, 23% on cyclical antibiotics and 26% undertook regular respiratory physiotherapy. Bronchodilator reversibility was present in 17% and small airway reversibility in 41%. Sputum demonstrated normal flora in 17%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 32%, Haemophilus influenzae in 15% and both organisms in 17%. Mean numbers of exacerbations per year requiring hospitalization was 2.3. Sixty‐two percent of subjects had an Index of Relative Socio‐Economic Disadvantage in deciles 1–5. Risk factors for exacerbations included a history of asthma or COPD, documented small airway reversibility and presence of P. aeruginosa.

Conclusion

Patients hospitalized with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis are predominantly older with co‐morbidities and of lower socio‐economic status. Presence of P. aeruginosa was a risk factor for repeated exacerbations, as was a history of asthma, COPD or small airway reversibility.
Opportunities and challenges of non‐CF bronchiectasis
Authors: King Paul T.
Published: February 2017

See article, page 922
Do Environmental Concerns Affect Commuting Choices?: Hybrid Choice Modelling with Household Survey Data
Authors: Roberts Jennifer , Popli Gurleen , Harris Rosemary J.
Published: February 2017

To meet ambitious climate change goals governments must encourage behavioural change alongside technological progress. Designing effective policy requires a thorough understanding of the factors that drive behaviours. In an effort to understand the role of environmental attitudes better we estimate a hybrid choice model (HCM) for commuting mode choice by using a large household survey data set. HCMs combine traditional discrete choice models with a structural equation model to integrate latent variables, such as attitudes, into the choice process. To date HCMs have utilized small bespoke data sets, beset with problems of selection and limited generalizability. To overcome these problems we demonstrate the feasibility of using this valuable modelling approach with nationally representative data. Our results suggest that environmental attitudes have an important influence on commute mode choice, and this can be exploited by governments looking to add to their climate change policy toolbox in an effort to change travel behaviours.
Development of the Platelet Efficacy Score (PEscore) to predict the efficacy of platelet transfusion in oncohematologic patients
Authors: Quaglietta Anna , Di Saverio Maura , Lucisano Giuseppe , Accorsi Patrizia , Nicolucci Antonio
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Despite the prophylactic use of platelet transfusion, hemorrhagic complications still represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies. Patient‐related factors and characteristics of the transfused product can affect transfusion efficacy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Platelet Efficacy Score (PEscore), based on patient and product characteristics, to predict the likelihood of a satisfactory platelet transfusion (absolute increment ≥10.5 × 109/L). This study utilized data relative to 16,265 platelet transfusions performed in 1592 oncohematologic patients. The whole sample was divided into two random samples: a training set, in which different patient‐related and transfusion‐related characteristics were included in a predictive model to develop the PEscore; and a validation set, in which the predictive properties of the PEscore were confirmed. In the training set, multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed in which the likelihood of attaining a satisfactory transfusion was modeled.

RESULTS

The predictive score ranged between 0 and 30. Predictive properties of the PEscore were confirmed by the observed rates of satisfactory transfusions in the validation sample; the probability of a satisfactory transfusion was less than 10% for a score less than 12 and exceeded 50% if the score was 22 or higher. The likelihood of a satisfactory transfusion increased by 29% for a 1‐unit increase in the PEscore (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.27‐1.31).

CONCLUSION

The availability of a prediction score can increase transfusion efficacy, help the transfusion medicine specialist in the choice of the best product for the individual patient, and avoid waste of resources.
Autologous lymphapheresis for the production of chimeric antigen receptor T cells
Authors: Allen Elizabeth S. , Stroncek David F. , Ren Jiaqiang , Eder Anne F. , West Kamille A. , Fry Terry J. , Lee Daniel W. , Mackall Crystal L. , Conry‐Cantilena Cathy
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The first step in manufacturing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is to collect autologous CD3+ lymphocytes by apheresis. Patients, however, often have leukopenia or have other disease‐related complications. We evaluated the feasibility of collecting adequate numbers of CD3+ cells, risk factors for inadequate collections, and the rate of adverse events.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Apheresis lymphocyte collections from patients participating in three CAR T‐cell clinical trials were reviewed. Collections were performed on the COBE Spectra by experienced nurses, with the goal of obtaining a minimum of 0.6 × 109 and a target of 2 × 109 CD3+ cells. Preapheresis peripheral blood counts, apheresis parameters, and product cell counts were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 71 collections, 69 (97%) achieved the minimum and 55 (77%) achieved the target. Before apheresis, the 16 patients with yields below the target had significantly lower proportions and absolute numbers of circulating lymphocytes and CD3+ lymphocytes and higher proportions of circulating blasts and NK cells than those who achieved the target (470 × 106 lymphocytes/L vs. 1340 × 106 lymphocytes/L, p = 0.008; 349 × 106 CD3+ cells/L vs. 914 × 106 CD3+ cells/L, p = 0.001; 17.6% blasts vs. 4.55% blasts, p = 0.029). Enrichment of blasts in the product compared to the peripheral blood occurred in four patients, including the two patients whose collections did not yield the minimum number of CD3+ cells. Apheresis complications occurred in 11 patients (15%) and, with one exception, were easily managed in the apheresis clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

In most patients undergoing CAR T‐cell therapy, leukapheresis is well tolerated, and adequate numbers of CD3+ lymphocytes are collected.