bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomes as secondary inductive signals involved in kidney organogenesis
Authors: Krause Mirja , Rak‐Raszewska Aleksandra , Naillat Florence , Saarela Ulla , Schmidt Christina , Ronkainen Veli‐Pekka , Bart Geneviève , Ylä‐Herttuala Seppo , Vainio Seppo J.
Published: January 2018

The subfraction of extracellular vesicles, called exosomes, transfers biological molecular information not only between cells but also between tissues and organs as nanolevel signals. Owing to their unique properties such that they contain several RNA species and proteins implicated in kidney development, exosomes are putative candidates to serve as developmental programming units in embryonic induction and tissue interactions. We used the mammalian metanephric kidney and its nephron‐forming mesenchyme containing the nephron progenitor/stem cells as a model to investigate if secreted exosomes could serve as a novel type of inductive signal in a process defined as embryonic induction that controls organogenesis. As judged by several characteristic criteria, exosomes were enriched and purified from a cell line derived from embryonic kidney ureteric bud (UB) and from primary embryonic kidney UB cells, respectively. The cargo of the UB‐derived exosomes was analysed by qPCR and proteomics. Several miRNA species that play a role in Wnt pathways and enrichment of proteins involved in pathways regulating the organization of the extracellular matrix as well as tissue homeostasis were identified. When labelled with fluorescent dyes, the uptake of the exosomes by metanephric mesenchyme (MM) cells and the transfer of their cargo to the cells can be observed. Closer inspection revealed that besides entering the cytoplasm, the exosomes were competent to also reach the nucleus. Furthermore, fluorescently labelled exosomal RNA enters into the cytoplasm of the MM cells. Exposure of the embryonic kidney‐derived exosomes to the whole MM in an ex vivo organ culture setting did not lead to an induction of nephrogenesis but had an impact on the overall organization of the tissue. We conclude that the exosomes provide a novel signalling system with an apparent role in secondary embryonic induction regulating organogenesis.
Pulmonary Cavity From Mycobacterium malmoense in an HIV-Infected Patient: Complicated by Bronchopleural Fistula
Authors: Abston Eric , Farber Harrison
Published: January 2018

We present a case of M. malmoense and HIV co-infection complicated by aspergilloma leading to bronchopleural fistula with intractable pneumothorax and pleural aspergillosis, ultimately requiring surgical intervention. Treatment guidelines for M. malmoense are reviewed, literature regarding M. malmoense and HIV co-infection is reviewed, and the epidemiology of M. malmoense in North America is discussed.
Developing a Web Platform to Support a Community of Practice: A Mixed Methods Study in Pediatric Physiotherapy
Authors: Pratte Gabrielle , Hurtubise Karen , Rivard Lisa , Berbari Jade , Camden Chantal
Published: January 2018

Introduction:

Web platforms are increasingly used to support virtual interactions between members of communities of practice (CoP). However, little is known about how to develop these platforms to support the implementation of best practices for health care professionals. The aim of this article is to explore pediatric physiotherapists' (PTs) perspectives regarding the utility and usability of the characteristic of a web platform developed to support virtual communities of practice (vCoP).

Methods:

This study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. A web platform supporting the interactions of vCoP members was developed for PTs working with children with developmental coordination disorder. Specific strategies and features were created to support the effectiveness of the platform across three domains: social, information-quality, and system-quality factors. Quantitative data were collected from a cross-sectional survey (n = 41) after 5 months of access to the web platform. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Qualitative data were also collected from semistructured interviews (n = 9), which were coded, interpreted, and analyzed by using Boucher's Web Ergonomics Conceptual Framework.

Results:

The utility of web platform characteristics targeting the three key domain factors were generally perceived positively by PTs. However, web platform usability issues were noted by PTs, including problems with navigation and information retrieval.

Discussion:

Web platform aiming to support vCoP should be carefully developed to target potential users' needs. Whenever possible, users should co-construct the web platform with vCoP developers. Moreover, each of the developed characteristics (eg, newsletter, search function) should be evaluated in terms of utility and usability for the users.
Advancing Professional Development Through a Community of Practice: the New England Network for Faculty Affairs
Authors: Power Christine M. , Thorndyke Luanne E. , Milner Robert J. , Lowney Kathleen , Irvin Charles G. , Fonseca-Kelly Zoe , Benjamin Emelia J. , Bhasin Robina M. , Connelly Maureen T.
Published: January 2018

Introduction:

In an era of competing priorities, funding is increasingly restricted for offices of faculty affairs and development. Opportunities for professional staff to grow and network through attendance at national meetings and to share best practices are limited. We sought to describe a community of practice established to enhance the professional development of faculty affairs professionals and to document its impact.

Methods:

We outlined the process of formation of the New England Network for Faculty Affairs (NENFA), reviewed the pedagogical approaches to professional development, and surveyed members to evaluate the impact of NENFA on their activities, professional network and their institutions.

Results:

After a successful 2011 initial meeting, NENFA created an organizing committee and conducted a needs assessment among potential members. NENFA's charter, mission, goals, and structure were based on survey results. NENFA's regional community of practice grew to 31 institutions and held 10 meetings over 5 years. Meetings have examined a faculty development topic in depth using multiple learning formats to engage participants from academic medical centers and allied professions. Results from a 2015 member survey confirmed the value of NENFA. Multiple members documented changes in practice as a result of participating.

Discussion:

NENFA has been sustained by volunteer leadership, collaboration, and the value that the group has brought to its members. We propose that a “community of practice” offers an effective model for collaborative learning among individuals at different institutions within a competitive health care environment. We recommend that the approach be replicated in other regions.
Congenital malformation in offspring of female cancer survivors: a national cohort study
Authors: Ji Jianguang , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: January 2018

Current evidence on congenital malformations in the offspring of cancer survivors is largely inconsistent. Therefore, through this study we aimed to explore the prevalence of congenital malformations in the offspring of cancer survivors. To this end, female cancer survivors were identified from the Swedish Cancer Register and were further linked to the Swedish Medical Birth Register and Hospital Discharge Register to identify congenital malformation in their children at birth or during adulthood between 1987 and 2010. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between congenital malformation and maternal cancer diagnosis. A total of 816 congenital malformations were noted among 9266 children of maternal cancer survivors, and the rate was 8.8%, whereas the rate in the general population was 7.7%. After adjusting for some confounding factors, we found that the risk for congenital malformation in children of cancer survivors was significantly increased with an odds ratio of 1.11 and 95% confidence interval of 1.04–1.20 as compared with that in controls. The increased risk was largely consistent irrespective of maternal age at diagnosis of cancer. The risk for congenital malformation was increased among offspring of female cancer survivors, which calls for further attention directed toward those cancer survivors who plan to have children.
THROMBOCYTOPENIA AS A RISK FACTOR FOR RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY
Authors: Sancak Selim , Toptan Handan H. , Gokmen Yildirim Tulin , Karatekin Guner , Ovali Fahri
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

To study the association between thrombocytopenia and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods:

The case-control study was conducted on preterm newborns with ROP between January 2011 and January 2014, retrospectively. The patients were assigned into two groups: Cases required intervention and controls developed no or Stage I ROP.

Results:

Eighty-one premature infants with Type I ROP were enrolled to the study with a mean gestational age of 27.6 ± 2.1 (range: 24–32) weeks and birth weight of 993 ± 292 (range: 560–1,930) g. Mean follow-up time was 38.3 ± 2.7 weeks (min: 32 and max: 46 weeks). Cases were individually matched to a set of controls (1:1 ratio). Thrombocytopenia (<150.000/mm3) was seen in 58 (71.6%) of the cases with Type I ROP, whereas only 17 (21%) of the controls had thrombocytopenia (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that bronchopulmonary dysplasia and thrombocytopenia were significantly associated with Type I ROP (relative risk [95% confidence interval]: 4.19 [1.47–12] and 6.69 [2.83–15.9], respectively). The thrombocytopenia ratio (P = 0.073), thrombocytopenia 1 week before intervention (P = 0.076) and platelet transfusion ratio (P = 0.062) tended to be higher in Zone I ROP compared with Zone II ROP.

Conclusion:

In our study, there was a significant association between thrombocytopenia and Type I ROP.
INCIDENCE OF ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER VITRECTOMY
Authors: Chen Guohai , Tzekov Radouil , Li Wensheng , Jiang Fangzheng , Mao Sihong , Tong Yuhua
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to review the literature reporting rates of postoperative endophthalmitis after pars plana vitrectomy and investigate whether modern microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) increases the postoperative endophthalmitis rate, compared with traditional 20-gauge (20 G) vitrectomy.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify studies describing the incidence of post–pars plana vitrectomy endophthalmitis. A meta-analysis of comparative studies reporting the endophthalmitis rates after MIVS versus 20 G vitrectomy was also conducted.

Results:

A total of 31 studies reported 199 endophthalmitis cases in 363,544 participants (0.05%). The incidence of endophthalmitis after 20 G vitrectomy was 0.04% (88/229,435), compared with 0.03% (8/27,326) after 23 G and 0.11% (33/29,676) after 25 G. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the incidence of endophthalmitis was higher after MIVS (23 G/25 G) compared with 20 G vitrectomy (odds ratio = 3.39, 95% confidence interval, 1.39–8.23). In a subgroup analysis, we also found an increased risk of endophthalmitis after 25 G compared with 20 G vitrectomy (odds ratio = 4.09, 95% confidence interval, 2.33–7.18), but not for 23 G versus 20 G (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval, 0.47–2.78).

Conclusion:

The incidence of post–pars plana vitrectomy endophthalmitis was low, with no significant differences between 23 G MIVS and 20 G vitrectomy, but 25 G MIVS may result in a higher postoperative endophthalmitis rate.
Suture Stenting of a Tube Fenestration for Early Intraocular Pressure Control After Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant Surgery
Authors: Yadgarov Arkadiy , Menezes Alicia , Botwinick Adam , Fargione Robert A. , Vinod Kateki , Sidoti Paul A. , Panarelli Joseph F.
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a tube fenestration stented with a 10-0 polyglactin suture for controlling early postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) after Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery.

Methods:

The medical records of 110 patients (119 eyes) who underwent BGI surgery with a tube fenestration stented with a 10-0 polyglactin suture anterior to an occlusive tube ligature were retrospectively reviewed. Main outcome measures included IOP and number of glaucoma medications at postoperative day 1, week 1, and weeks 2 to 3 as well as complications occurring before ligature release.

Results:

Mean±SD preoperative IOP was 30.9±9.3 mm Hg using an average of 3.8±1.1 glaucoma medications. A statistically significant reduction in IOP and glaucoma medications was observed at all timepoints during the first 3 postoperative weeks compared with baseline (P<0.001). Mean IOP on postoperative day 1, week 1, and weeks 2 to 3 was 18.4±12.2 mm Hg on no medication, 15.9±9.4 mm Hg on 1.0±1.3 medications, and 16.7±8.2 mm Hg on 1.2±1.5 medications, respectively. In total, 44 eyes (37%) achieved IOP control without glaucoma medication during period of tube occlusion.

Conclusions:

The use of a single, monofilament 10-0 polyglactin suture to stent a fenestration proximal to the occlusive ligature of a BGI tube is effective in controlling IOP in the early postoperative period. Hypotony-related complications were infrequent and resolved in all cases with in-office interventions.
Improving Outcomes of Posterior Approach Levatorpexy for Congenital Ptosis With Reduced Levator Function
Authors: Feldman Ilan , Brusasco Lucas , Malhotra Raman
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

The authors present a new series of our experience using posterior approach levatorpexy for congenital ptosis with poorer levator function (LF) in comparison with our first published report. This technique avoids a skin incision or any resection in addition to no excision of tissue.

Methods:

A consecutive series of 16 patients. Retrospective review of levatorpexy for congenital ptosis. Data included eyelid margin reflex distance 1, pretarsal show, contour, and complications, including nocturnal lagophthalmos, eyelid lag on downgaze, and dry eye. Surgery was considered successful if the following 4 criteria were simultaneously met: a postoperative margin reflex distance 1 of ≥2 mm and ≤4.5 mm, intereyelid height asymmetry of ≤1 mm, no overcorrection compare to opposite eye, and satisfactory eyelid contour.

Results:

Mean age was 10.3 years (range 1–26 years). Mean LF was 7.3 mm (2–14 mm), while 66% (12) had LF ≤7 mm. Preoperative phenylephrine test was positive in 87.5% of patients. Mean preoperative and postoperative margin reflex distance 1 was 1.34 mm and 3.2 mm, respectively. Fourteen patients (87%) achieved the desired eyelid height and fulfilled our criteria set of success. Among 10 patients with LF ≤7 mm, 9 (90%) achieved the desired eyelid height and fulfilled our criteria set of success. Ninety-four percent did not report nocturnal lagophthalmos. Three patients needed a further levatorpexy procedure due to undercorrection. Mean postoperative follow up was up 11.2 (range 6–36) months.

Conclusions:

Posterior approach levatorpexy is an useful first-line choice for congenital ptosis for all ranges of LF. It is popular among parents due to its avoidance of a skin incision or any resection or excision of tissue.
Effects of a Tablet Computer on Self-care, Quality of Life, and Knowledge
Authors: Melin Michael , Hägglund Ewa , Ullman Bengt , Persson Hans , Hagerman Inger
Published: January 2018

Background:

Conflicting results have been reported for telemonitoring in patients with heart failure (HF). We wanted to evaluate whether patients using a tablet computer aimed at improving self-care behavior could do so and also whether it affects quality of life and health-related quality of life, disease knowledge, and in-hospital days.

Methods and Results:

Patients with HF (n = 82) were randomized to the intervention group (IG) with a tablet computer (giving information and advice) or the control group (CG) that was subject to standard care. Study was completed by 72 patients, with a mean (SD) age of 75 (8) years, 68% male, and 74% NYHA class III. Self-care behavior measured with the 9-item European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale, health related quality of life measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, quality of life measured by the Swedish version of the Health Survey, knowledge measured by the Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale, days in hospital, and adherence were analyzed. The IG displayed better 9-item European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale score (median IG, 16.5 [interquartile range {IQR}, 12–22], vs median CG, 23.5 [IQR, 18.8–30.0]; P < .05) and improved health related quality of life (median IG, 72.7 [IQR, 50.8–87.9], vs median CG, 51.8 [IQR, 40.9–62.8]; P < .05). A significant difference in knowledge was seen, with an 11% increase in IG and a 1% decrease in CG (P < .05), as well as a reduction in hospital days in IG by 2.7 days per patient (relative risk, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–0.84; P < .05).

Conclusion:

The tablet computer significantly improved self-care behavior and health related quality of life, increased HF knowledge, and reduced hospital days.
Potential role of type I interferon in the pathogenic process leading to type 1 diabetes
Authors: Qaisar Natasha , Jurczyk Agata , Wang Jennifer P.
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

Understanding the relationship between viral infections and the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is essential for T1D prevention. Virus-induced innate immune responses, specifically type I interferon (IFN-I) and the IFN gene signature, orchestrate early events of β-cell dysfunction preceding islet autoimmunity. We summarize recent advances in how IFN-I and the IFN gene signature can drive T1D development.

Recent findings

IFN-I, particularly IFN-α, and the IFN gene signature have been detected in islets and peripheral blood of T1D patients. T1D risk genes in the IFN-I signaling pathway regulate antiviral responses in β cells driven by IFN-I and proinflammatory cytokines. Polymorphisms in these genes may cause chronic dysregulated IFN signaling in islets, characterized by hyperexpression of IFN-I, the IFN gene signature, and major histocompatibility complex class I during viral infection. Islet-cell inflammation mediated by aberrant IFN signaling drives β-cell apoptosis by initiating autoreactivity against β-cell antigens. The profound elevation in IFN-I and the IFN gene signature observed in some forms of T1D are also seen in a novel group of human autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases called interferonopathies.

Despite significant advances, further studies are required to functionally dissect the mechanisms by which excessive IFN-I contributes to the evolution of autoimmunity that destroys β cells.
Posttraumatic Stress, Depressive Emotions, and Satisfaction With Life After a Road Traffic Accident
Authors: Copanitsanou Panagiota , Drakoutos Evagelos , Kechagias Vasileios
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

The psychological response of injured people after traffic accidents includes stress and depression.

PURPOSE:

To assess orthopaedic patients' stress, depression, and satisfaction with life after traffic accidents in Greece.

METHODS:

Descriptive, longitudinal, correlational study. Patients' background factors, injury severity, scores on the Impact of Events Scale—Revised (IES-R), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale, and the Satisfaction With Life Quality (SWLQ) Scale were recorded. The principles of the Declaration of Helsinki were applied.

RESULTS:

In total, 60 patients participated in this study during hospitalization following a road traffic accident and 40 patients at 6 months after. Participants were mostly men (75%) with severe injuries (50%). The IES-R score at 6 months was significantly lower than during hospitalization. One out of 3 people had a CES-D score, which is considered of clinical significance. The SWLQ scores were considered high.

CONCLUSION:

As posttraumatic stress and depression seem to affect a considerable percentage of people involved in road traffic accidents in Greece, these individuals should be assessed for posttraumatic stress and depression while still hospitalized.
Do You C What I C
Authors: Burhop James , Gibson Jennifer , de Boer Justin , Heydarian Cyrus
Published: January 2018

Scurvy in modern times may not be as rare as previously thought. The link between adequate intake of vitamin C and scurvy has been known since ancient times and is recorded in Ebers Papyrus. Recent reports indicate that, with restricted diets, vitamin C deficiency is being seen in infants exclusively fed plant-based formula and children with oral aversion, autism, restricted diets, and cerebral palsy. Additional at-risk groups include the older adults and patients having alcoholism. Often costly, emergency department visits and elaborate diagnostic studies lead to fruitless results when a simple diet history is often overlooked. Here, we report a case of pediatric scurvy in an 11-year-old autistic child with a restricted diet who presented with refusal to walk, fatigue, a purpuric rash, and gingival bleeding. The diagnosis was made based on diet history, physical examination findings, and symptom resolution with vitamin C supplementation. Our case report reaffirms that vitamin C deficiency still occurs and should be considered in children with restrictive diets. Early recognition of this disease by physicians provides early diagnosis, avoids costly diagnostic workup and hospitalization, and expedites effective treatment.
Sex Cord-stromal Tumors With Steroid Cell Tumor and Fibroma Components: Report of 2 Cases, Including One of Extraovarian Origin
Authors: Wong Richard Wing-Cheuk , McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: January 2018

We report 2 sex cord-stromal tumors with distinct components of fibroma and steroid cell tumor; one case was of ovarian and the other of extraovarian origin. In the ovarian tumor, there were discrete areas of fibroma and steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified. The extraovarian case involved the pelvic soft tissues and comprised a cellular fibroma with subsequent recurrence 7 yr later as a steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified. In both cases, aggregates of luteinized cells were present within the fibromatous component, raising the possibility that the steroid cell tumor arose from neoplastic transformation of these cells. While mixed ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors (gynandroblastomas) are well described, as far as we are aware there have been no prior reports of neoplasms containing a component of steroid cell tumor and fibroma.
Acute Phase Predictors of 6-Month Functional Outcome in Italian Stroke Patients Eligible for In-Hospital Rehabilitation
Authors: Franceschini Marco , Fugazzaro Stefania , Agosti Maurizio , Sola Carlotta , Di Carlo Antonio , Cecconi Lorenzo , Ferro Salvatore
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess early poststroke prognostic factors in patients admitted for postacute phase rehabilitation.

Methods

A 1-yr multicenter prospective project was conducted in four Italian regions on 352 patients who were hospitalized after a first stroke and were eligible for postacute rehabilitation. Clinical data were collected in the stroke or acute care units (acute phase), then in rehabilitation units (postacute phase), and, subsequently, after a 6-mo poststroke period (follow-up). Clinical outcome measures were represented using the Barthel Index and the modified Rankin Scale. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the most important prognostic index.

Results

Modified Rankin Scale score, minor neurologic impairment, and early out-of-bed mobilization (within 2 days after the stroke) proved to be important factors related to a better recovery according to Barthel Index (power of prediction = 37%). Similarly, age, premorbid modified Rankin Scale score, and early out-of-bed mobilization were seen to be significant factors in achieving better overall participation and activity according to the modified Rankin Scale (power of prediction = 48%). Barthel Index at admission and certain co-morbidities were also significant prognostic factors correlated with a better outcome.

Conclusions

According to the Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale, early mobilization is an early predictor of favorable outcome.

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CME Objectives

Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Incorporate prognostic factors of good clinical outcomes after stroke in developing treatment plans for patients admitted to rehabilitation; (2) Identify acute phase indicators associated with favorable 6-mo outcome after stroke; and (3) Recognize the cut-off for early mobilization linked to better outcome in stroke survivors admitted to rehabilitation.

Level

Advanced

Accreditation

The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Musculoskeletal Applications of Autologous Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate
Authors: Garwood Elisabeth R. , Burke Christopher J. , Jazrawi Laith M. , Adler Ronald S.
Published: January 2018

Emerging musculoskeletal applications for local administration of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) include treatment of fractures, osteonecrosis, osteochondral injuries, osteoarthritis, ligament injury, tendon injury, and tendonopathies. Ultrasound-guided technique for various BMAC injection sites is detailed in this technical report and our preliminary clinical experience outlined.

Five patients, 1 woman and 4 men, were treated with 6 peri/intratendinous (n = 4) or intraarticular (n = 2) BMAC injections between July 5, 2015 and December 31, 2016 for the clinical indications of common hamstrings origin tendinosis (n = 4), hip labral tear (n = 1), and osteochondral lesion of the talus (n = 1).

All procedures were technically successful, with BMAC locally administered to the therapeutic target and no procedural complications observed. Clinical follow-up was available for 5 of 6 procedures. Four of 5 injections resulted in self-reported symptomatic improvement (clinical follow-up range, 2–12 months). One 72-year-old man with right common hamstrings origin tendinosis reported no improvement after BMAC injection.

The technology is now available to support ultrasound-guided, autologous BMAC administration by the musculoskeletal interventionalist for common indications. Our initial clinical experience is consistent with early reports in the literature. This technique is well tolerated by symptomatic patients on an outpatient basis, and rates of self-reported symptomatic relief are high. Mechanism of action, long-term safety, and long-term clinical efficacy remain largely undefined.
Moms and Dads Differ in Their Family Food Gatekeeper Behaviors
Authors: Quick Virginia , Golem Devon , Alleman Gayle Povis , Martin-Biggers Jennifer , Worobey John , Byrd-Bredbenner Carol
Published: January 2018

This cross-sectional study explored sex-based differences in food-related practices of mothers and fathers acting as primary food gatekeepers in households with young children. Analysis of covariance revealed household members with fathers as gatekeepers (n = 48) ate significantly (P < .05) more family meals in front of the television, placed less value on family meals, and had more salty/fatty snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages in the household compared with mothers as gatekeepers (n = 570). Both mothers and fathers used some nonrecommended child feeding strategies. Mealtime practices, household food availability, and child feeding strategies of mothers and fathers with young children could be improved.
Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Chronic Hepatitis E Infection in German Renal Transplant Recipients With Elevated Liver Enzymes
Authors: Choi Mira , Hofmann Jörg , Köhler Anja , Wang Bo , Bock Claus-Thomas , Schott Eckart , Reinke Petra , Nickel Peter
Published: January 2018

Background

Elevated liver enzymes are frequently observed in renal transplant recipients and warrant further exploration. In immunosuppressed patients, hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection may cause chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and extrahepatic manifestations such as renal injury.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence, clinical correlates, and outcome of chronic HEV infection in a cohort of renal transplant recipients with elevated liver enzymes.

Results

Over a period of 30 months, 140 of 1469 renal transplant recipients had elevated liver enzymes, of which serum samples from 98 patients were available to determine HEV status. Seventeen patients were detected with HEV infection, of which 16 developed chronic HEV infection, while 1 patient controlled viremia (prevalence of chronic infection of 16.3%, with a minimum prevalence of 1.1% in the whole cohort). Increased liver stiffness was indicated by an average FibroScan result of 11.2 kPa in these patients. All 16 patients with chronic HEV infection were treated with ribavirin for a mean duration of 3 months. Five patients developed a viral rebound and received a second treatment course, of which 2 controlled HEV replication. Six months after the end of therapy, HEV clearance was achieved in 81.3% of the patients. One patient developed ribavirin resistance. Hemolytic anemia after ribavirin treatment was frequent, requiring blood transfusion in 3 patients. Four patients developed de novo glomerulonephritis, of which 2 were possibly associated with HEV infection.

Conclusions

This retrospective study showed that prevalence of chronic HEV infection was high in our renal transplant patient cohort and was associated with significant liver impairment and the occurrence of renal injury. Ribavirin treatment was effective and should be initiated early to avoid complications, but the risk of severe hemolytic anemia makes strict monitoring essential.
Tropical bird species have less variable body sizes
Authors: Read Quentin D. , Baiser Benjamin , Grady John M. , Zarnetske Phoebe L. , Record Sydne , Belmaker Jonathan
Published: January 2018

Ecologists have often predicted that species' niche breadths should decline towards the Equator. Dan Janzen arrived at this prediction based on climatic constraints, while Robert MacArthur argued that a latitudinal gradient in resource specialization drives the pattern. This idea has some support when it comes to thermal niches, but has rarely been explored for other niche dimensions. Body size is linked to niche dimensions related to diet, competition and environmental tolerance in vertebrates. We identified 68 pairs of tropical and nontropical sister bird species using a comprehensive phylogeny and used the VertNet specimen database to ask whether tropical birds have lower intraspecific body-size variation than their nontropical sister species. Our results show that tropical species have less intraspecific variability in body mass (

;
p
= 0.009). Variation in body-size variability was poorly explained by both abiotic and biotic drivers; thus the mechanisms underlying the pattern are still unclear. The lower variation in body size of tropical bird species may have evolved in response to more stable climates and resource environments.
Social manipulation of sperm competition intensity reduces seminal fluid gene expression
Authors: Sloan Nadia S. , Lovegrove Maxine , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: January 2018

A considerable body of evidence supports the prediction that males should increase their expenditure on the ejaculate in response to sperm competition risk. The prediction that they should reduce their expenditure with increasing sperm competition intensity is less well supported. Moreover, most studies have documented plasticity in sperm numbers. Here we show that male cricketsTeleogryllus oceanicusexhibit reduced seminal fluid gene expression and accessory gland mass in response to elevated sperm competition intensity. Together with previous research, our findings suggest that strategic adjustments in seminal fluid composition contribute to competitive fertilization success in this species.
The complexity of high-frequency electric fields degrades electrosensory inputs: implications for the jamming avoidance response in weakly electric fish
Authors: Shifman Aaron R. , Lewis John E.
Published: January 2018

Sensory systems encode environmental information that is necessary for adaptive behavioural choices, and thus greatly influence the evolution of animal behaviour and the underlying neural circuits. Here, we evaluate how the quality of sensory information impacts the jamming avoidance response (JAR) in weakly electric fish. To sense their environment, these fish generate an oscillating electric field: the electric organ discharge (EOD). Nearby fish with similar EOD frequencies perform the JAR to increase the difference between their EOD frequencies, i.e. their difference frequency (DF). The fish determines the sign of the DF: when it has a lower frequency (DF > 0), EOD frequency is decreased and vice versa.We study the sensory basis of the JAR in two species:Apteronotus leptorhynchushave a high frequency (ca1000 Hz), spatio-temporally heterogeneous electric field, whereasEigenmanniasp. have a low frequency (ca300 Hz), spatially uniform field. We show that the increased complexity of theApteronotusfield decreases the reliability of sensory cues used to determine the DF. Interestingly,Apteronotusresponds to all JAR stimuli by increasing EOD frequency, having lost the neural pathway that produces JAR-related decreases in EOD frequency. Our results suggest that electric field complexity may have influenced the evolution of the JAR by degrading the related sensory information.
Temporal variation of human encounters and the number of locations in which they occur: a longitudinal study of Hong Kong residents
Authors: Kwok Kin On , Cowling Ben , Wei Vivian , Riley Steven , Read Jonathan M.
Published: January 2018

Patterns of social contact between individuals are important for the transmission of many pathogens and shaping patterns of immunity at the population scale. To refine our understanding of how human social behaviour may change over time, we conducted a longitudinal study of Hong Kong residents. We recorded the social contact patterns for 1450 individuals, up to four times each between May 2012 and September 2013. We found individuals made contact with an average of 12.5 people within 2.9 geographical locations, and spent an average estimated total duration of 9.1 h in contact with others during a day. Distributions of the number of contacts and locations in which contacts were made were not significantly different between study waves. Encounters were assortative by age, and the age mixing pattern was broadly consistent across study waves. Fitting regression models, we examined the association of contact rates (number of contacts, total duration of contact, number of locations) with covariates and calculated the inter- and intra-participant variation in contact rates. Participant age was significantly associated with the number of contacts made, the total duration of contact and the number of locations in which contact occurred, with children and parental-age adults having the highest rates of contact. The number of contacts and contact duration increased with the number of contact locations. Intra-individual variation in contact rate was consistently greater than inter-individual variation. Despite substantial individual-level variation, remarkable consistency was observed in contact mixing at the population scale. This suggests that aggregate measures of mixing behaviour derived from cross-sectional information may be appropriate for population-scale modelling purposes, and that if more detailed models of social interactions are required for improved public health modelling, further studies are needed to understand the social processes driving intra-individual variation.
Seventeenth-Century ‘double writing’ schemes, and a 1676 letter in the phonetic script and real character of John Wilkins
Authors: Poole William
Published: January 2018

Royal Society Classified Papers XVI contains a letter written in not one but two seemingly mysterious scripts. As a result, this letter has remained until now effectively illegible, and has been miscatalogued. These scripts are rare examples of the written forms devised by John Wilkins to accompany his proposals for an artificial language, published under the auspices of the Royal Society in 1668. This article therefore first correctly identifies and decodes this letter, which is shown to be from the Somersetshire clergyman Andrew Paschall to Robert Hooke in London in 1676, and then surveys other surviving texts written in Wilkins's scripts or language. Finally the article addresses the contents of the letter, namely its author's attempt to build a workable double writing device, in effect an early ‘pantograph’. Designs for such instruments had been much touted in the 1650s, and the complex history of such proposals is unravelled properly for the first time.
Phospho-ERK is a response biomarker to a combination of sorafenib and MEK inhibition in liver cancer
Authors: Wang Cun , Jin Haojie , Gao Dongmei , Evers Bastiaan , Jin Guangzhi , Xue Zheng , Wang Liqin , Beijersbergen Roderick , Qin Wenxin , Bernards René
Published: January 2018

Treatment of liver cancer remains challenging, due to a paucity of drugs that target critical dependencies. Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor that is approved as the standard therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients, but it can only provide limited survival benefit for patients. To investigate the cause of this limited therapeutic effect, we performed a CRISPR-Cas9 based synthetic lethality screen to search for kinases whose knockout synergize with sorafenib. We find that suppression of ERK2 sensitizes several liver cancer cell lines to sorafenib. Drugs inhibiting the MEK or ERK kinases reverse unresponsiveness to sorafenib in vitro and in vivo in a subset of liver cancer cell lines characterized by high levels of active phospho-ERK levels through synergistic inhibition of ERK kinase activity. Our data provide a combination strategy for treating liver cancer and suggest that tumors with activation of p-ERK, which is seen in some 30% of liver cancers, are most likely to benefit from such combinatorial treatment.
Control of artefactual variation in reported inter-sample relatedness during clinical use of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis sequencing pipeline
Authors: Wyllie David H , Sanderson Nicholas , Myers Richard , Peto Tim , Robinson Esther , Crook Derrick W , Smith Grace , Walker A Sarah
Published: January 2018

Contact tracing requires reliable identification of closely related bacterial isolates. When we noticed the reporting of artefactual variation between M. tuberculosis isolates during routine next generation sequencing of Mycobacterium spp, we investigated its basis in 2,018 consecutive M. tuberculosis isolates. In the routine process used, clinical samples were decontaminated and inoculated into broth cultures; from positive broth cultures DNA was extracted, sequenced, reads mapped, and consensus sequences determined. We investigated the process of consensus sequence determination, which selects the most common nucleotide at each position. Having determined the high-quality read depth and depth of minor variants across 8,006 M. tuberculosis genomic regions, we quantified the relationship between the minor variant depth and the amount of non-Mycobacterial bacterial DNA, which originates from commensal microbes killed during sample decontamination. In the presence of non-Mycobacterial bacterial DNA, we found significant increases in minor variant frequencies of more than 1.5 fold in 242 regions covering 5.1% of the M. tuberculosis genome. Included within these were four high variation regions strongly influenced by the amount of non-Mycobacterial bacterial DNA. Excluding these four regions from pairwise distance comparisons reduced biologically implausible variation from 5.2% to 0% in an independent validation set derived from 226 individuals. Thus, we have demonstrated an approach identifying critical genomic regions contributing to clinically relevant artefactual variation in bacterial similarity searches. The approach described monitors the outputs of the complex multi-step laboratory and bioinformatics process, allows periodic process adjustments, and will have application to quality control of routine bacterial genomics.
Perception of corruption in e-government services post-launch of “Digital India”: role of demographic variables
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to underline the role of demographic variables as far as the perception of corruption among the Indian respondents is concerned.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical regression analysis is conducted to ascertain the role of demographic variables in line with the study’s objectives.

Findings

Gender is a demographic factor that influences the perception of corruption by the respondents. Other demographic factors including education, marital status, professional status and age do not have any influence on the user perception of corruption in e-government services. Implicitly, there are differences in the manner in which men and women perceive the prevalence of corruption in India. Therefore, males perceive that corruption has decreased in e-government services post-launch of “Digital India” initiative and women perceive the opposite.

Research limitations/implications

On the one hand, the study holds significance, in that no empirical investigation has been conducted which seeks to underline the impact of the “Digital India” initiatives on the citizen’s perception of corruption in public services. On the other hand, the present research is limited in the sense that only demographic variables are being probed in the present study with a small sample.

Originality/value

Studies in developing countries have remained few and far between despite the growing concern for existence of corruption in government services. The present study seeks to fill the gap by underlining the role of demographic variables as far as the perception of corruption in public services is concerned in the Indian context.
Exploring education-related use of social media: business students perspectives in a changing India
Authors: Bharucha Jehangir
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Within a connectivist learning model, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of social media for educational purposes in India, a hitherto unexplored area of research. The basic research thrust is on students’ experiences when social media is incorporated into higher education. This research tries to gather evidence on the effectiveness of this role and its potential future role as a facilitator and enhancer of learning in the Indian system.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research draws on the perspectives of the students regarding the adoption of social media for educational purposes. The data collection was done in two separate stages. Stratified random sampling was applied and a structured questionnaire was sent via e-mail. Usable responses were received from 568 respondents. The second stage consisted of an exploratory qualitative study using in-depth interviews and reflections of 250 students from the original sample.

Findings

Four clear themes emerged from the responses collected via the structured questionnaire and particularly from the in-depth interviews. These include: widespread usage of social media, definite usage in business education, strengths of social media in business education and the flip side of learning with social media. One thing is certain: social media will continue to play an important role in the Indian education sector. A number of colleges and universities in India are including social media in their pedagogy, but the challenge lies in effectively aligning it with curriculum.

Practical implications

Despite the widespread use of online social media for communication and entertainment, the use in the educational sphere seems to be less. This year-long study tries to gather evidence on all these issues. No doubt social media’s contribution in the classroom depicts a rising interest in technology as a tool to assist learning but it also reinforces a paradigm shift in the way students learn.

Social implications

With nearly a billion people on mobile phones, the online system certainly has vast potential to create the right kind of learning. As this study has shown at a micro-level, technology-led reach and easy access is bringing about a socio-economic difference in the lives of Indian learners. While this study certainly supports digital learning in India it points out that higher educational institutions are yet to exploit its full advantage for better student engagement.

Originality/value

One key characteristic of this generation is that they are very education oriented. Due to the relative freshness of the approach in India and fairly restricted use in the Indian higher education system, empirical studies are limited and the impact of social media on student engagement in the higher education system in India is not known.
Tensions in learning to teach English
Authors: Dunn Mandie B. , VanDerHeide Jennifer , Caughlan Samantha , Northrop Laura , Zhang Yuan , Kelly Sean
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report findings from a study of preservice teacher (PST) beliefs about teaching English language arts (ELA).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to 56 preservice secondary ELA teachers at three universities to measure their beliefs about curriculum, authority and competition in schools. This study explores the beliefs of 17 of these PSTs who participated in an additional interview following up on six of the survey responses.

Findings

Although the survey forced a choice between various levels of agreeing and disagreeing, interview responses revealed that PSTs wrestled with tensions in what they believed about instructional and curricular choices. When describing situations that influenced their beliefs, they referenced situations from field placements, coursework and their own experiences as students. These tensions reflected the PSTs’ internally conflicting beliefs across their perceived binaries of teaching English.

Originality/value

This study suggests that these beliefs are formed in part by experiences in teacher preparation programs, particularly in field placements. However, even though PSTs recognized their internally conflicting beliefs, they understood them and their subsequent actions as dichotomous, rather than on a continuum. This study has implications for teacher educators; by understanding PSTs’ tendencies to understand their beliefs in binaries, teacher educators can provide reflective opportunities for PSTs to problematize these dichotomies and look for teaching identities and practices that are more nuanced.