bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf litter decomposition rates in degraded and fragmented tropical rain forests of Borneo
Authors: Yeong Kok Loong , Reynolds Glen , Hill Jane K.
Published: March 2016

Previously extensive tracts of primary rain forest have been degraded by human activities, and we examined how the effects of forest disturbance arising from habitat fragmentation and commercial selective logging affected ecosystem functioning in these habitats by studying leaf litter decomposition rates in litter bags placed on the forest floor. The rain forests of Borneo are dominated by trees from the family Dipterocarpaceae, and we compared leaf litter decomposition rates of three dipterocarp species at eight forest fragment sites (area 3–3529 ha) that had different histories of disturbance pre‐fragmentation: four fragments had been selectively logged prior to fragmentation and four had been formed from previously undisturbed forest. We compared these logged and unlogged forest fragments with sites in continuous forest that had been selectively logged (two sites) and fully protected and undisturbed (two sites). After 120 d, undisturbed continuous forest sites had the fastest rates of decomposition (52% mass loss). Forest fragments formed from unlogged forest (32% mass loss) had faster decomposition rates than logged forest fragments (28% mass loss), but slower rates than continuous logged forest (39% mass loss). Leaves of a light‐demanding species (Parashorea malaanonan) decomposed faster than those of a shade‐tolerant species (Hopea nervosa), but decomposition of all three dipterocarp species that we studied responded similarly to logging and fragmentation effects. Reduced decomposition rates in logged and fragmented forest sites may affect nutrient cycling and thus have detrimental consequences for forest regeneration. Conservation management to improve forest quality should be a priority, particularly in logged forest fragments.
Nutrition of Borneo's ‘exploding’ ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae:Colobopsis): a preliminary assessment
Authors: Davidson Diane W. , Kopchinskiy Alexey , Salim Kamariah Abu , Grujic Marica , Lim Linda , Mei Chan Chin , Jones Tappey H. , Casamatta Dale , Atanasova Lea , Druzhinina Irina S.
Published: March 2016

Functional effects of ants in rainforest canopies depend on difficult to characterize ant diets. In Bornean dipterocarp forests, certain diurnal, arboreal, territorial, and ecologically dominant ‘COCY’ ant species (Colobopsis cylindricaclade) grazed epiphytic biofilms on adaxial leaf surfaces, as well as on tree trunks and branches. Microscopic examination of worker buccal pellets revealed numerous (mainly ascomycete) fungal spores, together with insect appendages and cuticle. Direct observations, video‐imaging, andδ15Nisotope data rule out feeding by predation, but isotopes cannot separate fungi from plant and insect exudates as principal nitrogen sources. Lipid‐rich products, extracted from pelletsin situ, are hypothesized sources of essential sterols. Also present in pellets were colorful mandibular gland (MG) compounds unique to this ant clade and deployed, as a derived character state, in suicidal defense of foraging territories. Mildly antimicrobial and highly adhesiveMGproducts also occur basally in the clade and may have first evolved for roles in microbial sterilization and food‐gathering and processing. Proteomic studies of YG COCY ants detected 2% proteins in hypertrophied, product‐filledMGreservoirs, butSDS‐PAGEqualitative analysis revealed mostly low‐molecular mass proteins and peptides (8–15 kDa), too small for enzymes but consistent with membrane‐binding proteins and/or antimicrobial peptides. Breakdown of chitin and chitosan in pellets may occur with enzymes derived from molting fluids in insect cuticle (proteases and chitinases) and/or fungi and bacteria. To the extent thatCOCYworkers collect and consume pathogenic and/or beneficial phyllosphere microbes, ant effects on plants may be mediated by these activities.
Framing Design Thinking: The Concept in Idea and Enactment
Authors: Carlgren Lisa , Rauth Ingo , Elmquist Maria
Published: March 2016

The concept of design thinking (DT) has emerged in management debates as promising innovation inspired by the way designers work. Despite the growing interest in DT, it is a difficult concept to study due to the lack of coherence between what DT ‘is’ in academic and practical terms. While there are numerous normative and often process‐focused depictions of DT, they seem limited in their ability to account for what occurs in practice. Given the discussion of DT as a concept, and emerging discussion of its enactment, a framing is needed that acknowledges both aspects. This paper proposes a framing of DT that makes it researchable in both theory and practice, and discusses commonalities and discrepancies in how the concept is usually portrayed in the literature. The paper builds on an empirical interview study in six large organizations, which led to the development of a framework structure and the identification of five themes characterizing DT: User focus, Problem framing, Visualization, Experimentation and Diversity. Each theme is associated with specific principles/mindsets, practices and techniques. The main contribution of this paper is to propose a framework that includes DT both as an idea and as the enactment of the idea, inspired by the works of Latour.
Towards an Integrated View of the Ambidextrous Organization: A Second‐Order Factor Model
Authors: Agostini Lara , Nosella Anna , Filippini Roberto
Published: March 2016

Within the context of ambidexterity, this paper focuses on the tension between radical and incremental innovation and its main aim is to investigate whether an ambidextrous organization for innovation can be conceptualized in a more integrated way as a second‐order construct reflected by both contextual and structural approaches. Structural equation modelling is employed to analyse data from a survey of 185 firms in Austrian and Italian medium‐ and high‐tech industries. The primary contribution of the paper is that the ambidextrous organization can be meaningfully described by a higher‐order structure made up of structural and contextual solutions. This paper makes an important contribution to ambidexterity thanks to high‐order modelling of the construct of ‘ambidextrous organization’, thus unveiling interesting implications for both academics and managers.
Idiopathic histaminergic angioedema without wheals: a case series of 31 patients
Authors: Faisant C , Boccon-Gibod I , Mansard C , Dumestre Perard C , Pralong P , Chatain C , Deroux A , Bouillet L
Published: March 2016

Idiopathic histaminergic acquired angioedema (IH-AAE) is a common cause of recurrent angioedema without wheals. It is a mast cell-mediated disease thought to belong to the same clinical entity as chronic urticaria (CU). The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of IH-AAE patients. From 2014 to 2015, 534 patients were seen at our national reference centre for angioedema and/or urticaria. Among them, we identified 31 patients with idiopathic histaminergic acquired angioedema without wheals (IH-AAE). Thirty-one patients (15 men and 16 women) with a mean age of 50 years met the criteria for IH-AAE. The average delay in diagnosis was 6·3 years. A history of allergy was found in 12 patients (38·7%), nine suffering from allergic rhinitis. The mean duration of attacks was 28·1 h. The AE attack was located in the upper respiratory tract in 54·8% of cases (17 patients). A lingual location was found in 29% of patients. Men were more likely than women to have an upper airway involvement. No intubations or admissions to intensive care units were reported. The dosage of anti-histamines to control the symptoms was onefold the recommended dose in 51·6% of patients (16 patients), twofold in 32% (10 patients) and three–fourfold in 16·1% (five patients). IH-AAE is characterized by an important delay in diagnosis, a frequent involvement of the upper airway and a benign course during attacks. As in CU, a trial of up to fourfold dose of H1-anti-histamines may be necessary to control symptoms.
17β-Oestradiol enhances the expansion and activation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells via signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)−3 signalling in human pregnancy
Authors: Pan T , Zhong L , Wu S , Cao Y , Yang Q , Cai Z , Cai X , Zhao W , Ma N , Zhang W , Zhang H , Zhou J
Published: March 2016

During a successful pregnancy, the maternal immune system plays a critical role in maintaining immunotolerance towards semi-allogeneic fetal antigens. Recent studies have indicated that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are active players in establishing fetal–maternal tolerance; however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we observed a significant expansion of monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) in the peripheral blood of pregnant women, which suppressed T cell responses in a reactive oxygen species-dependent manner and required cell–cell contact. The number of M-MDSCs correlated positively with serum oestrogen and progesterone levels. Administration of 17β-oestradiol, but not progesterone, enhanced both the expansion and suppressive activity of M-MDSCs through signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3. Pretreatment with STAT-3 inhibitor JSI-124 almost completely abrogated the effects of 17β-oestradiol on MDSCs. Collectively, these results demonstrate that 17β-oestradiol-induced STAT-3 signalling plays an important role in both the expansion and activation of MDSCs during human pregnancy, which may benefit the development of novel therapeutic strategies for prevention of immune-related miscarriage.
Specific mosaic KRAS mutations affecting codon 146 cause oculoectodermal syndrome and encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis
Authors: Boppudi S. , Bögershausen N. , Hove H.B. , Percin E.F. , Aslan D. , Dvorsky R. , Kayhan G. , Li Y. , Cursiefen C. , Tantcheva‐Poor I. , Toft P.B. , Bartsch O. , Lissewski C. , Wieland I. , Jakubiczka S. , Wollnik B. , Ahmadian M.R. , Heindl L.M. , Zenker M.
Published: March 2016

Oculoectodermal syndrome (OES) and encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL) are rare disorders that share many common features, such as epibulbar dermoids, aplasia cutis congenita, pigmentary changes following Blaschko lines, bony tumor‐like lesions, and others. About 20 cases with OES and more than 50 patients with ECCL have been reported. Both diseases were proposed to represent mosaic disorders, but only very recently whole‐genome sequencing has led to the identification of somatic KRAS mutations, p.Leu19Phe and p.Gly13Asp, in affected tissue from two individuals with OES. Here we report the results of molecular genetic studies in three patients with OES and one with ECCL. In all four cases, Sanger sequencing of the KRAS gene in DNA from lesional tissue detected mutations affecting codon 146 (p.Ala146Val, p.Ala146Thr) at variable levels of mosaicism. Our findings thus corroborate the evidence of OES being a mosaic RASopathy and confirm the common etiology of OES and ECCL. KRAS codon 146 mutations, as well as the previously reported OES‐associated alterations, are known oncogenic KRAS mutations with distinct functional consequences. Considering the phenotype and genotype spectrum of mosaic RASopathies, these findings suggest that the wide phenotypic variability does not only depend on the tissue distribution but also on the specific genotype.
Expanding the genotypic spectrum of Perrault syndrome
Authors: Demain L.A.M. , Urquhart J.E. , O'Sullivan J. , Williams S.G. , Bhaskar S.S. , Jenkinson E.M. , Lourenco C.M. , Heiberg A. , Pearce S.H. , Shalev S.A. , Yue W.W. , Mackinnon S. , Munro K.J. , Newbury‐Ecob R. , Becker K. , Kim M.J. , O' Keefe R.T. , Newman W.G.
Published: March 2016

Perrault syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in both sexes and primary ovarian insufficiency in 46, XX karyotype females. Biallelic variants in five genes are reported to be causative: HSD17B4, HARS2, LARS2, CLPP and C10orf2. Here we present eight families affected by Perrault syndrome. In five families we identified novel or previously reported variants in HSD17B4, LARS2, CLPP and C10orf2. The proband from each family was whole exome sequenced and variants confirmed by Sanger sequencing. A female was compound heterozygous for a known, p.(Gly16Ser) and novel, p.(Val82Phe) variant in D‐bifunctional protein (HSD17B4). A family was homozygous for mitochondrial leucyl aminocyl tRNA synthetase (mtLeuRS) (LARS2) p.(Thr522Asn), previously associated with Perrault syndrome. A further family was compound heterozygous for mtLeuRS, p.(Thr522Asn) and a novel variant, p.(Met117Ile). Affected individuals with LARS2 variants had low frequency SNHL, a feature previously described in Perrault syndrome. A female with significant neurological disability was compound heterozygous for p.(Arg323Gln) and p.(Asn399Ser) variants in Twinkle (C10orf2). A male was homozygous for a novel variant in CLPP, p.(Cys144Arg). In three families there were no putative pathogenic variants in these genes confirming additional disease‐causing genes remain unidentified. We have expanded the spectrum of disease‐causing variants associated with Perrault syndrome.
Online Gaming Practices of Preteens: Independent Entertainment Time and Transmedia Game Play
Authors: Willett Rebekah
Published: March 2016

This article examines online gaming practices of 7‐ to 11‐year‐olds in home settings in the United States. Based on observations and interviews with children and parents, the analysis considers the specificity of preteen experiences within domestic settings. Employing a socio‐cultural approach, the article analyses ways online gaming is strongly shaped by specific social and developmental factors that relate specifically to preteens. Children's online gaming is analysed as a form of independent entertainment time that reflects limitations experienced by preteens in this study as well as developmental characteristics of this age range. Further, the analysis indicates that gaming practices of preteens are embedded in wider transmedia play practices.
Bone regeneration in critical‐sized bone defect enhanced by introducing osteoinductivity to biphasic calcium phosphate granules
Authors: Wang D. , Tabassum A. , Wu G. , Deng L. , Wismeijer D. , Liu Y.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) is frequently used as bone substitute and often needs to be combined with autologous bone to gain an osteoinductive property for guided bone regeneration in implant dentistry. Given the limitations of using autologous bone, bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2)‐coprecipitated, layer‐by‐layer assembled biomimetic calcium phosphate particles (BMP2‐cop.BioCaP) have been developed as a potential osteoinducer. In this study, we hypothesized that BMP2‐cop.BioCaP could introduce osteoinductivity to BCP and so could function as effectively as autologous bone for the repair of a critical‐sized bone defect.

Materials and methods

We prepared BMP2‐cop.BioCaP and monitored the loading and release kinetics of BMP2 from it in vitro. Seven groups (n = 6 animals/group) were established: (i) Empty defect; (ii) BCP; (iii) BCP mixed with biomimetic calcium phosphate particles (BioCaP); (iv) BCP mixed with BMP2‐cop.BioCaP; (v) BioCaP; (vi) BMP2‐cop.BioCaP; (vii) BCP mixed with autologous bone. They were implanted into 8‐mm‐diameter rat cranial critical‐sized bone defects for an in vivo evaluation. Autologous bone served as a positive control. The osteoinductive efficacy and degradability of materials were evaluated using micro‐CT, histology and histomorphometry.

Results

The combined application of BCP and BMP2‐cop.BioCaP resulted in significantly more new bone formation than BCP alone. The osteoinductive efficacy of BMP2‐cop.BioCaP was comparable to the golden standard use of autologous bone. Compared with BCP alone, significantly more BCP degradation was found when mixed with BMP2‐cop.BioCaP.

Conclusion

The combination of BCP and BMP2‐cop.BioCaP showed a promising potential for guided bone regeneration clinically in the future.
Does percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation improve global pelvic function in women with faecal incontinence?
Authors: Kelly S. L. , Radley S. C. , Brown S. R.
Published: March 2016

Aim

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a minimally invasive treatment for faecal incontinence. Many patients with faecal incontinence have coexisting pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and vaginal symptoms. We utilized a pelvic floor assessment tool to analyse any effect of PTNS on global pelvic floor function.

Methods

Patients with faecal incontinence attending our institution who had failed to respond sufficiently to biofeedback were offered a course of PTNS. Patients underwent pre‐ and post‐stimulation assessment with a validated electronic Personal Assessment Questionnaire – Pelvic Floor (ePAQ‐PF) for pelvic floor disorders. Scores were compared to assess the effect of treatment on global pelvic floor function.

Results

During the study period pre‐ and post‐stimulation ePAQ‐PF data were available for 60 patients (55% of all patients starting PTNS). In this cohort there was a significant improvement in bowel continence, bowel related quality of life, irritable bowel syndrome and bowel evacuation with a large effect size for continence and bowel related quality of life. There was also a significant improvement in non‐bowel related symptoms, including urinary pain and stress incontinence, urinary related quality of life and bowel related sexual function. Sixty‐five per cent of those who answered the question reported improvement in global health after stimulation.

Conclusion

For patients presenting with faecal incontinence, PTNS appears to have a positive effect on bowel related function in approximately two‐thirds of patients. However, for treatment responders, improvement appears to relate mainly to improvement in bowel related function rather than a global pelvic floor effect.
A NOTE ON THE NONLINEAR EFFECT OF MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES
Authors: Gorry Aspen , Jackson Jeremy J.
Published: March 2016

We use a labor search model with worker experience to assess the effects of minimum wage increases. Minimum wages can have nonlinear effects on unemployment as higher minimum wages become binding for larger portions of the underlying productivity distribution. The model is used to assess the increases proposed by the Obama Administration from $7.25 an hour to $9.00 and then to $10.10 per hour. We find that minimum wage increases have large effects on youth unemployment. These large effects cast doubt on using past empirical estimates of the effects of minimum wages that do not account for potential nonlinearities. (JEL E24, J08, J24, J64)
Transitivity, Space, and Hand: The Spatial Grounding of Syntax
Authors: Boiteau Timothy W. , Almor Amit
Published: March 2016

Previous research has linked the concept of number and other ordinal series to space via a spatially oriented mental number line. In addition, it has been shown that in visual scene recognition and production, speakers of a language with a left‐to‐right orthography respond faster to and tend to draw images in which the agent of an action is located to the left of the patient. In this study, we aim to bridge these two lines of research by employing a novel method that measures the spatial bias produced by transitive sentences that use a wide variety of abstract and concrete verbs. Across four experiments, participants read sentences and then responded to probe words appearing on either the left or right sides of the screen. Probe words consisted of agents, patients, other words in the sentence, or newly encountered words. We found consistent lateral biases to responding to agents and patients, which appears to be independent of order of mention in the sentence but which does reflect a correspondence between position in the sentence and role in the causal sequence of the action. Our results also show that this spatial bias is driven by the use of the hands in two different ways: The left hand shows a greater sensitivity to the spatial effect than the right hand, and vocal responses produce no spatial effect.
A Critical Comparison of Conventional, Certified, and Community Management of Tropical Forests for Timber in Terms of Environmental, Economic, and Social Variables
Authors: Burivalova Zuzana , Hua Fangyuan , Koh Lian Pin , Garcia Claude , Putz Francis
Published: March 2016

Tropical forests are crucial in terms of biodiversity and ecosystem services, but at the same time, they are major sources of revenue and provide livelihoods for forest‐dependent people. Hopes for the simultaneous achievement of conservation goals and poverty alleviation are therefore increasingly placed on forests used for timber extraction. Most timber exploitation is carried out unsustainably, which causes forest degradation. Two important mechanisms have emerged to promote sustainable forest management: certification and community‐based forest management (CFM). We synthesize the published information about how forest certification and CFM perform in terms of environmental, social, and economic variables. With the caveat that very few published studies meet the standards for formal impact evaluation, we found that certification has substantial environmental benefits, typically achieved at a cost of reduced short‐term financial profit, and accompanied by some improvement to the welfare of neighboring communities. We found that the economic and environmental benefits of CFM are understudied, but that the social impacts are controversial, with both positive and negative changes reported. We identify the trade‐offs that likely caused these conflicting results and that, if addressed, would help both CFM and certification deliver the hoped‐for benefits.
Integrating Expert Perceptions into Food Web Conservation and Management
Authors: Stier Adrian C. , Samhouri Jameal F. , Gray Steven , Martone Rebecca G. , Mach Megan E. , Halpern Benjamin S. , Kappel Carrie V. , Scarborough Courtney , Levin Phillip S.
Published: March 2016

Decision‐makers often rely on expert knowledge, especially in complex and data‐poor social‐ecological systems (SESs). However, expert knowledge and perceptions of SES structure and function vary; therefore, understanding how these perceptions differ is critical to building knowledge and developing sustainability solutions. Here, we quantify how scientific, local, and traditional knowledge experts vary in their perceptions of food webs centered on Pacific herring—a valuable ecological, economic, and cultural resource in Haida Gwaii, BC, Canada. Expert perceptions of the herring food web varied markedly in structure, and a simulated herring recovery with each of these unique mental models demonstrated wide variability in the perceived importance of herring to the surrounding food web. Using this general approach to determine the logical consequences of expert perceptions of SES structure in the context of potential future management actions, decision‐makers can work explicitly toward filling knowledge gaps while embracing a diversity of perspectives.
Derivative cathodic stripping voltammetry in the simultaneous determination of three textile dyes in aqueous solutions
Authors: Santos Lídia B , Paulino Alexandre T , Domingues Fernando S , Souza Thábata K S F , Almeida Vitor C , Souza Nilson E , Moraes Juliana C G
Published: March 2016

Reactive dyes, such as Procion Yellow, Procion Red, and Procion Blue, were simultaneously determined in aqueous ternary solutions using derivative cathodic stripping voltammetry following adsorption on a hanging mercury drop electrode. An electrochemical cell containing Britton–Robinson buffer solution at pH 8 was used as the supporting electrolyte. The following experimental conditions were established: −0.100 V deposition potential, 80 s deposition time, 50 mV pulse amplitude, 50 mV s−1 scan rate, and 0.40 mm2 maximum mercury drop size. A linear response was observed over the 0.630 × 10−3 to 1.050, 1.441 × 10−3 to 1.572, and 0.198 to 1.570 mg l−1 ranges for Procion Yellow, Procion Red, and Procion Blue respectively. The detection limits were 0.210 × 10−3, 0.480 × 10−3, and 0.066 mg l−1 respectively, with a relative standard deviation (n = 3) of 1.22%. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by derivative spectrophotometry, certifying the results as a function of proximity. All results were similar, indicating that derivative cathodic stripping voltammetry may be efficiently applied for the simultaneous determination of textile dyes in aqueous ternary solutions.
Acute and delayed response to resistance exercise leading or not leading to muscle failure
Authors: Pareja‐Blanco Fernando , Rodríguez‐Rosell David , Sánchez‐Medina Luis , Ribas‐Serna Juan , López‐López Covadonga , Mora‐Custodio Ricardo , Yáñez‐García Juan Manuel , González‐Badillo Juan José
Published: March 2016

This study compared the time course of recovery following two resistance exercise protocols differing in the number of repetitions per set with regard to the maximum possible (to failure) number. Ten men performed three sets of 6 versus 12 repetitions with their 70% 1RM (3 × 6 [12] versus 3 × 12 [12]) in the bench press (BP) and squat (SQ) exercises. Mechanical [CMJ height, velocity against the 1 m s−1 load (V1‐load)], biochemical [testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, creatine kinase (CK)] and heart rate variability (HRV) and complexity (HRC) were assessed pre‐, postexercise (Post) and at 6, 24 and 48 h‐Post. Compared with 3 × 6 [12], the 3 × 12 [12] protocol resulted in significantly: higher repetition velocity loss within each set (BP: 65% versus 26%; SQ: 44% versus 20%); reduced V1‐load until 24 h‐Post (BP) and 6 h‐Post (SQ); decreased CMJ height up to 48 h‐Post; greater increases in cortisol (Post), prolactin (Post, 48 h‐Post) and CK (48 h‐Post); and reductions in HRV and HRC at Post. This study shows that the mechanical, neuroendocrine and autonomic cardiovascular response is markedly different when manipulating the number of repetitions per set. Halving the number of repetitions in relation to the maximum number that can be completed serves to minimize fatigue and speed up recovery following resistance training.
Comparison of amplitude‐mode ultrasound versus air displacement plethysmography for assessing body composition changes following participation in a structured weight‐loss programme in women
Authors: Schoenfeld Brad J. , Aragon Alan A. , Moon Jordan , Krieger James W. , Tiryaki‐Sonmez Gul
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare body composition changes as measured by A‐mode ultrasound (US) versus a criterion densitometry‐based measure, air displacement plethysmography (ADP), over a 4‐week weight‐loss protocol in healthy, non‐obese young women. Twenty healthy, young female volunteers were provided with customized dietary plans for the length of the study intended to facilitate a 500 calorie‐a‐day deficit. Subjects also performed 3 h a week of supervised aerobic exercise. Per cent fat mass and lean body mass were obtained via ADP and US both pre‐ and postintervention. Pretesting, post‐testing and delta data for %fat resulted in no significant differences in mean values along with a slope of the regression line no different than one and a y‐intercept no different than zero (P<0·05). Similar to %fat values, pretesting, post‐testing and delta data for fat‐free mass resulted in no significant differences in mean values along with a slope of the regression line no different than one and a y‐intercept no different than zero (P<0·05) with the exception of the delta for slope (0·39, P = 0·04). The current findings indicate that US can provide a similar degree of accuracy for tracking group‐based fat loss in women compared to ADP. Given the low‐cost relative to DXA and ADP, researchers and practitioners therefore can consider US as a viable option for monitoring group‐based changes in body fat over time.
MicroRNA‐30a promotes extracellular matrix degradation in articular cartilage via downregulation of Sox9
Authors: Chang Tingjie , Xie Jie , Li Hongzhuo , Li Dong , Liu Ping , Hu Yihe
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Sox9 has recently been reported to be a key mediator during cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis (OA). Our aim was to clarify the role of microRNA‐30a (miR‐30a) and its target gene Sox9 in regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in OA.

Materials and methods

Expression of miR‐30a in cartilage tissues and in primary chondrocytes from healthy and OA donors, was determined by real‐time PCR, and levels of Sox9 mRNA and protein were analyzed by real‐time PCR and western blotting, respectively. Subsequently, the target of miR‐30a was predicted by bioinformatics and confirmed using a luciferase assay. Expression of ECM‐related genes was determined by tissue‐specific staining, immunofluorescence, real‐time PCR, and western blotting. The role of miR‐30a in OA was examined in vivo using a collagenase‐induced OA rat model.

Results

miR‐30a was significantly upregulated and Sox9 was downregulated in primary chondrocytes from cartilage taken from OA donors compared to healthy controls. We showed that miR‐30a specifically bound to the 3′ UTR of Sox9, and overexpression of miR‐30a downregulated expression levels of Sox9, proteoglycan aggrecan, and Col II compared to those induced by small interfering RNA transfection to knockdown Sox9. miR‐30a inhibition reversed the effects of ECM degradation in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

miR‐30a acts as a virulence MRA in OA, promoting ECM degradation by targeting Sox9 and by modulating activity of its downstream effectors Col II and proteoglycan aggrecan.
Use of the frozen section ‘jelly‐roll’ technique to aid in the diagnosis of bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (epidermolytic hyperkeratosis)
Authors: Galler Blake , Bowen Casey , Arnold Jason , Kobayashi Todd , Dalton Scott R.
Published: March 2016

Frozen section is a valuable tool that is often underutilized in the setting of in‐patient dermatology. Traditionally, frozen section has been used in dermatology to diagnose toxic epidermal necrolysis, with some additional utility in staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in the new born period. We report a newborn female with ruptured bullae on the face, chest, back and extremities with a clinical differential diagnosis that included staphylococcal scalded skin, bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma/epidermolytic hyperkeratosis and epidermolysis bullosa. A thin detached skin sample (‘jelly‐roll’) taken from a ruptured bulla on the abdomen was prepared for frozen section analysis. Characteristic findings of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis were seen which included hyperkeratosis with granular layer degeneration, vacuolization and eosinophilic globules. The ‘jelly‐roll’ technique can be used for quick diagnosis with minimal trauma to the patient. Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis was subsequently confirmed by a biopsy fixed in formalin and by genetic testing. A novel missense mutation inKRT1(I479N) was identified. Herein, we discuss the use of the frozen section ‘jelly roll’ technique for rapid diagnosis in a case of bullous congenital ichthyosis erythroderma/epidermolytic hyperkeratosis.
Histiocytosis with mixed cell populations
Authors: Martín José M. , Jordá Esperanza , Martín‐Gorgojo Alejandro , Beteta Gerardo , Monteagudo Carlos
Published: March 2016

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) are thought to originate from a common stem cell precursor, with divergent differentiation under different microenvironmental conditions. We describe an exceptional case of multiple cutaneous lesions in a 10‐year‐old boy, in which the coexistence of both LCH and JXG cell populations is found in every single lesion. The presence of Birbeck granules and CD207 (langerin) immunostaining in the LCH component would argue against the diagnosis of indeterminate cell histiocytosis (ICH). This unique case gives additional support to the hypothesis of a potentially common histogenesis for LCH and JXG.
Histopathological clues in the diagnosis of fungal infection by Scedosporium in a case of endophthalmitis starting as conjunctivitis
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel , Lopez‐Medrano Ramiro , Fuster‐Foz Carlos
Published: March 2016

Cutaneous fungal infections can result in disastrous episodes if improperly diagnosed and treated, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Although dermatopathologists are highly familiar with some filamentous fungi – such as Aspergillus and Zygomycetes – they are not so aware of other less common species. We report a case of ocular infection by Scedosporium apiospermum that started as conjunctivitis and resulted in Phthisis bulbi and subsequent exeresis of the left eye. We describe some of the main morphological features of the fungus as well as the important morphological clues for the differential diagnosis with some similar species, such as Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis, Fusarium, Paecilomyces and Zygomycetes.
Cutaneous metastasis of pleomorphic liposarcoma to the scalp: an elusive diagnosis
Authors: Yu JiaDe , Sokumbi Olayemi
Published: March 2016

Liposarcomas are one of the most common sarcomas arising in the extremities of the elderly. Various subtypes of liposarcomas include well‐differentiated liposarcomas, dedifferentiated liposarcomas, myxoid liposarcomas and pleomorphic liposarcomas. Pleomorphic liposarcomas are the rarest subtype and have the highest malignant potential compared with the other subtypes of liposarcomas. Metastases to internal organs are common but cutaneous metastasis is very rare with only few cases in the literature. We present a patient with a known diagnosis of stage IV metastatic liposarcoma who presented to our clinic with a rapidly growing nodule on the scalp. A biopsy showed a high‐grade poorly differentiated spindled cell neoplasm sparing the epidermis with scattered lipoblasts. Immunostaining for S100, SOX10, and MNF‐116 were negative. To further characterize the neoplasm, immunostaining with MDM‐2 was performed and was also found to be negative. The histologic appearance, immunohistochemical staining, and clinical history support a diagnosis of metastatic pleomorphic liposarcoma to the scalp. The diagnosis of pleomorphic liposarcoma is challenging. It is often difficult to differentiate from myxofibrosarcoma or other high‐grade pleomorphic sarcomas based on histology alone. However, the presence of bizarre lipoblasts and negative MDM‐2 staining can be helpful clues to differentiate this neoplasm from histologic mimics.
Cytokeratin 17 is highly sensitive in discriminating cutaneous lymphadenoma (a distinct trichoblastoma variant) from basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Goyal Amrita , Solus Jason F. , Chan May P. , Doyle Leona A. , Schaffer Andras , Thakuria Manisha , Horn Thomas D. , Duncan Lyn M. , Nazarian Rosalynn M.
Published: March 2016

Background

Cutaneous lymphadenoma (CL) is rare neoplasm that clinically and histologically resembles basal cell carcinoma (BCC). CL, composed of dermal basaloid epithelial islands with prominent admixed lymphocytes, characteristically contains cytokeratin 20 (CK20)‐positive Merkel cells (MCs). However, CK20 may be of limited use because of low MC density in small samples. CK17 is expressed diffusely throughout BCC. We investigated the discriminatory utility of CK17 and CK20 in CL and BCC.

Methods

A retrospective clinicopathological review of 11 cases of CL and 14 BCC was performed. CK20‐positive MCs within basaloid tumor lobules and CK17 immunohistochemical staining and pattern of expression were recorded.

Results

Intratumoral CK20‐positive MCs were identified in 4/11 CL cases (36.4%) and 0/14 BCC cases (p = 0.012, sensitivity = 0.36). CK17 showed diffuse positive staining in all 14 BCC cases. CK17 showed a distinct patchy and peripheral rim staining in basaloid islands of 10/11 CL cases (p < 0.001, sensitivity = 0.91); one case showed patchy staining throughout tumor lobules.

Conclusions

In cases with a differential diagnosis of CL and BCC, CK20 staining of intratumoral MCs has a high positive predictive value for CL but is of low sensitivity. The pattern of CK17 expression is a highly sensitive marker for distinguishing CL from BCC in small samples.
Incidental finding of cutaneous meningeal heterotopia in aplasia cutis congenita
Authors: Kenyon Katharine , Zedek Daniel , Sayed Christopher
Published: March 2016

Aplasia cutis congenita and cutaneous meningeal heterotopia are both rare congenital conditions that most commonly occur on the scalp and may appear clinically and histologically similar. A subtype of aplasia cutis congenita, membranous aplasia cutis congenita, and cutaneous meningeal heterotopia are both proposed to result from neural tube closure errors. However, neither non‐membranous nor membranous aplasia cutis congenita are known to occur together with cutaneous meningeal heterotopia in the same lesion. We report the incidental finding of cutaneous meningeal heterotopia within a lesion of aplasia cutis congenita.
The self‐reported use of immunostains and cytogenetic testing in the diagnosis of melanoma by practicing U.S. pathologists of 10 selected states
Authors: Zhao Ge , Lee Kachiu C. , Kwon Gina , Frederick Paul D. , Onega Tracy L. , Piepkorn Michael W. , Knezevich Stevan , Barnhill Raymond L. , Elder David E. , Elmore Joann G.
Published: March 2016

Backgrounds

The diagnosis of melanoma can be challenging, especially in lesions for which the histopathologic criteria bridge two or more taxonomic categories. Newer genomic analytical methods of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) have been introduced as ancillary techniques to differentiate benign and malignant melanocytic proliferations.

Methods

We evaluated how pathologists perceive and are incorporating these new cytogenetic testing technologies into their practices. We conducted a study of 207 U.S. pathologists who interpret melanocytic lesions in clinical practice in 10 SEER states. Pathologists were surveyed regarding perceptions and utilization of FISH and/or CGH in their clinical practices.

Results

Results showed that 38% of pathologists use FISH and/or CGH in interpreting melanocytic lesions. Pathologists reporting FISH and/or CGH use were significantly younger (p < 0.05), were fellowship trained or board certified in dermatopathology (p < 0.001) and were affiliated with an academic institute (p < 0.001). Pathologists reporting that their colleagues consider them an expert in the assessment of melanocytic lesions were more likely to employ FISH and/or CGH in their practices than non‐experts.

Conclusions

Early users of cytogenetic testing technologies in cutaneous pathology are more likely to be younger, affiliated with an academic institution and fellowship trained or board certified in dermatopathology.
Cutaneous metastasis of breast adenoid cystic carcinoma to the scalp
Authors: Little Anthony J. , Seline Alison E. , Swick Brian L. , Wanat Karolyn A.
Published: March 2016

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a tumor that can be of primary cutaneous origin or secondary to metastatic disease, most commonly salivary origin. Aside from primary cutaneous and salivary types, ACC of the breast is a rare, more indolent variant. Cutaneous metastases secondary to breast ACC is exceedingly uncommon and not previously reported to our knowledge. We present the case of a 67‐year‐old woman who developed cutaneous metastasis from primary breast ACC.
Incidence of atypical nevi in Olmsted County: an epidemiological study
Authors: Adaji Afolake , Gaba Prakriti , Lohse Christine M. , Brewer Jerry D.
Published: March 2016

Background

The association of atypical nevi with melanoma and other forms of skin cancer has not been clearly defined.

Methods

We studied 631 patients with first lifetime diagnosis of mild, moderate or severely atypical nevus from 2000 through 2005, identified through a population‐based approach.

Results

Age at first diagnosis differed significantly between men and women (p<.001). Incidence rates peaked in the second through fourth decades in women and in the third, sixth and seventh decades in men. From 2000 through 2005, the overall age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence rate of all degrees of atypical nevi was 76.0 per 100,000 person‐years. There were no statistically significant associations identified between the degree of atypia and the future development of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or MM (p = 0.51, p = 0.28 and p = 0.19, respectively).

Conclusion

There is no association between atypical nevi and the subsequent development of non‐melanoma skin cancer and MM. Incidence rates of atypical nevi are higher among younger women and older men. The association between degree of atypia and malignant melanoma warrants further study.
The prevalence of neuromuscular disease in the paediatric population in Yorkshire, UK; variation by ethnicity and deprivation status
Authors: Woodcock Ian R , Fraser Lorna , Norman Paul , Pysden Karen , Manning Sue , Childs Anne‐Marie
Published: March 2016

Aim

Previous studies suggest a higher prevalence of neurological disease within certain ethnic communities, but have not specifically considered neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). The aim of this study was to calculate the prevalence and relationship of NMDs to ethnicity and deprivation status.

Method

We undertook a retrospective case‐note review of those younger than 16 years with a confirmed diagnosis of NMD in a single centre in Yorkshire in 2010.

Results

Two‐hundred and sixty‐one cases were included. The population (0–16y) in Yorkshire was 707 961. The overall prevalence was 36.9 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 34.6–39.1). Dystrophin‐related muscle disease was the most common condition, with a prevalence of 16.9 per 100 000 males (95% CI 14.7–19.1). There was a significant difference between ethnic groups, with a total NMD prevalence of 91.2 per 100 000 (95% CI 81.6–100.7) in the South Asian ethnic group compared with 28.7 per 100 000 (95% CI 26.4–30.9) in the White group. Prevalence of non‐dystrophin‐related NMDs was four times higher in South Asian than in White children. There was a linear relation between increased prevalence and increased deprivation.

Interpretation

This study confirms higher levels of NMD, particularly recessively inherited NMDs within the South Asian population, as well as a link with higher deprivation. This has implications for service provision and resource allocation.
Relationship between weight change and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving once‐weekly dulaglutide treatment
Authors: Umpierrez G. E. , Pantalone K. M. , Kwan A. Y. M. , Zimmermann A. G. , Zhang N. , Fernández Landó L.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To assess the relationship between weight change and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) change in dulaglutide‐treated patients by analysing data from six head‐to‐head phase III AWARD clinical trials.

Methods

At 26 weeks, the relationship between weight and HbA1c was analysed in each trial rather than by pooling data because of differences in design and background therapy. The effect of baseline characteristics was also evaluated with regard to weight and HbA1c response.

Results

Across the studies, 87–97% and 83–95% of patients treated with dulaglutide 1.5 and 0.75 mg, respectively, had reductions in HbA1c levels, while 57–88% and 43–84% of patients treated with dulaglutide 1.5 and 0.75 mg, respectively, experienced weight loss. The majority (55–83%) of patients receiving dulaglutide 1.5 mg experienced weight loss and HbA1c reductions, while 41–79% of patients in the dulaglutide 0.75 mg arm lost weight and had reductions in HbA1c level. A weak and inconsistent correlation was observed between the changes in weight and HbA1c (range from −0.223 to 0.267) in patients treated with dulaglutide. The baseline characteristics of gender, age, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, body weight and BMI were not related to different combinations of weight and HbA1c responses.

Conclusions

Dulaglutide is an effective treatment option across the type 2 diabetes treatment spectrum. Dulaglutide showed dose‐dependent effects on both weight loss and HbA1c reduction. These effects had a weak correlation and appeared to be independent.
Variable selection and accurate predictions in habitat modelling: a shrinkage approach
Authors: Authier Matthieu , Saraux Claire , Péron Clara
Published: March 2016

Habitat modelling is increasingly relevant in biodiversity and conservation studies. A typical application is to predict potential zones of specific conservation interest. With many environmental covariates, a large number of models can be investigated but multi‐model inference may become impractical. Shrinkage regression overcomes this issue by dealing with the identification and accurate estimation of effect size for prediction. In a Bayesian framework we investigated the use of a shrinkage prior, the Horseshoe, for variable selection in spatial generalized linear models (GLM). As study cases, we considered 5 datasets on small pelagic fish abundance in the Gulf of Lion (Mediterranean Sea, France) and 9 environmental inputs. We compared the predictive performances of a simple kriging model, a full spatial GLM model with independent normal priors for regression coefficients, a full spatial GLM model with a Horseshoe prior for regression coefficients and 2 zero‐inflated models (spatial and non‐spatial) with a Horseshoe prior. Predictive performances were evaluated by cross‐validation on a hold‐out subset of the data: models with a Horseshoe prior performed best, and the full model with independent normal priors worst. With an increasing number of inputs, extrapolation quickly became pervasive as we tried to predict from novel combinations of covariate values. By shrinking regression coefficients with a Horseshoe prior, only one model needed to be fitted to the data in order to obtain reasonable and accurate predictions, including extrapolations.
Scale of inference: on the sensitivity of habitat models for wide‐ranging marine predators to the resolution of environmental data
Authors: Scales Kylie L. , Hazen Elliott L. , Jacox Michael G. , Edwards Christopher A. , Boustany Andre M. , Oliver Matthew J. , Bograd Steven J.
Published: March 2016

Understanding and predicting the responses of wide‐ranging marine predators such as cetaceans, seabirds, sharks, turtles, pinnipeds and large migratory fish to dynamic oceanographic conditions requires habitat‐based models that can sufficiently capture their environmental preferences. Marine ecosystems are inherently dynamic, and animal–environment interactions are known to occur over multiple, nested spatial and temporal scales. The spatial resolution and temporal averaging of environmental data layers are therefore key considerations in modelling the environmental determinants of habitat selection. The utility of environmental data contemporaneous to animal presence or movement (e.g. daily, weekly), versus synoptic products (monthly, seasonal, climatological) is currently debated, as are the trade‐offs between near real‐time, high resolution and composite (i.e. synoptic, cloud‐free) data fields.

Using movement simulations with built‐in environmental preferences in combination with both modelled and remotely‐sensed (ROMS, MODIS‐Aqua) sea surface temperature (SST) fields, we explore the effects of spatial and temporal resolution (3–111 km, daily–climatological) in predictive habitat models. Results indicate that models fitted using seasonal or climatological data fields can introduce bias in presence‐availability designs based upon animal movement datasets, particularly in highly dynamic oceanographic domains. These effects were pronounced where models were constructed using seasonal or climatological fields of coarse (> 0.25 degree) spatial resolution. However, cloud obstruction can lead to significant information loss in remotely‐sensed data fields. We found that model accuracy decreased substantially above 70% data loss. In cloudy regions, weekly or monthly environmental data fields may therefore be preferable. These findings have important implications for marine resource management, particularly in identifying key habitats for populations of conservation concern, and in forecasting climate‐mediated ecosystem changes.