bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allergens produce serine proteases‐dependent distinct release of metabolite DAMPs in human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Ramu S. , Menzel M. , Bjermer L. , Andersson C. , Akbarshahi H. , Uller L.
Published: December 2017

Background

The respiratory epithelium is a major site for disease interaction with inhaled allergens. Additional to IgE‐dependent effects, allergens contain proteases that may stimulate human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) through protease‐activated receptors, causing the release of mediators important in driving Th2‐mediated immune responses.

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether different allergens induce metabolite DAMPs such as ATP and uric acid (UA) release in HBECs.

Methods

HBECs (BEAS‐2B cell line) were exposed to different allergen extracts; house dust mite (HDM), Alternaria alternata, Artemisia vulgaris and Betula pendula and UA, ATP, IL‐8 and IL‐33 release were measured. Allergen extracts were heat‐inactivated or pre‐incubated with serine (AEBSF) or cysteine (E64) protease inhibitors to study the involvement of protease activity in ATP, UA and IL‐8 release. HDM‐induced release of UA was studied in a mouse model of allergic inflammation.

Results

All allergens caused dose‐dependent rapid release of ATP and IL‐8, but only HDM induced UA release from HBECs. HDM also caused release of UA in vivo in our mouse model of allergic inflammation. ATP release by all 4 allergen extracts was significantly reduced by heat‐inactivation and by serine protease inhibitors. Similarly, the HDM‐induced UA release was also abrogated by heat‐inactivation of HDM extract and dependent on serine proteases. Furthermore, allergen‐induced IL‐8 mRNA expression was inhibited by serine protease inhibitors.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

ATP was released by all 4 allergens in HBECs supporting the role of ATP involvement in asthma pathology. However, HDM stands out by its capacity to cause UA release, which is of interest in view of the proposed role of UA in early initiation of allergic asthma. Although serine proteases may be involved in the activity of all the studied allergens, further work is warranted to explain the differences between HDM and the other 3 allergens regarding the effects on UA release.
Cross‐sectional follow‐up of voice outcomes in children who have a history of airway reconstruction surgery
Authors: Cohen W. , Wynne D.M. , Lloyd S. , Townsley R.B.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

This study reports vocal function in a cross‐section of children with subglottic stenosis. Each child had a history of laryngotracheal reconstruction and/or cricotracheal resection surgery. Vocal function was measured using laryngoscopy, acoustic analysis, perceptual evaluation and impact of voice on quality of life.

Design

All patients aged >5 years with history of laryngotracheal reconstruction and/or cricotracheal resection surgery at the Scottish National Complex Airways service were invited to participate.

Setting

Data were gathered in the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow in a single outpatient appointment.

Participants

Twelve of 56 former patients (aged 5‐27) provided a voice sample and eleven consented to awake laryngoscopy. All consented for detailed evaluation of their medical records.

Main outcome measures

Acoustic analysis of fundamental frequency and pitch perturbation was conducted on sustained vowel [a]. Perceptual evaluation was conducted by 4 trained listeners on a series of spoken sentences. Impact on quality of life was measured using the paediatric voice‐related quality of life questionnaire. Laryngeal function was descriptively evaluated.

Results

Four children had normal voice acoustically, perceptually and in relation to voice‐related quality of life. One of these had vocal fold nodules unrelated to surgical history. Two other children had “near normal” vocal function, defined where most voice measurements fell within the normal range.

Conclusions

Normal or “near normal” voice is a possible outcome for children who have had this surgery. Where there is an ongoing complex medical condition, voice outcome may be poorer.
Genomic analysis of a case of agminated Spitz nevi and congenital‐pattern nevi arising in extensive nevus spilus
Authors: Porubsky Caitlin , Teer Jamie K. , Zhang Yonghong , Deschaine Maria , Sondak Vernon K. , Messina Jane L.
Published: December 2017

Nevus spilus is a melanocytic neoplasm characterized by a tan macular background punctuated by multiple hyperpigmented macules or papules that represent various types of nevi. These include junctional and compound nevi, Spitz nevi, and rarely blue nevi. We report a unique case of widespread, multiple nevi spili giving rise to agminated Spitz nevi and congenital‐pattern compound nevi. We performed genetic analysis to further characterize the mutational profile of this rare entity.
Declining old‐forest species as a legacy of large trees lost
Authors: Jones Gavin M. , Keane John J. , Gutiérrez R. J. , Peery M. Zachariah
Published: December 2017

Aim

Global declines in large old trees from selective logging have degraded old‐forest ecosystems, which could lead to delayed declines or losses of old‐forest‐associated wildlife populations (i.e., extinction debt). We applied the declining population paradigm and explored potential evidence for extinction debt in an old‐forest dependent species across landscapes with different histories of large tree logging.

Location

Montane forests of the Sierra Nevada, California, USA.

Methods

We tested hypotheses about the influence of forest structure on territory extinction dynamics of the spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) using detection/non‐detection data from 1993 to 2011 across two land tenures: national forests, which experienced extensive large tree logging over the past century, and national parks, which did not.

Results

Large tree/high canopy cover forest was the best predictor of extinction rates and explained 26%–77% of model deviance. Owl territories with more large tree/high canopy cover forest had lower extinction rates, and this forest type was ~4 times more prevalent within owl territories in national parks ( = 19% of territory) than national forests ( = 4% of territory). As such, predicted extinction probability for an average owl territory was ~2.5 times greater in national forests than national parks, where occupancy was declining () and stable (), respectively. Large tree/high canopy cover forest remained consistently low, but did not decline, during the study period on national forests while owl declines were ongoing—an observation consistent with an extinction debt.

Main conclusions

In identifying a linkage between large trees and spotted owl dynamics at a regional scale, we provide evidence suggesting past logging of large old trees may have contributed to contemporary declines in an old‐forest species. Strengthening protections for remaining large old trees and promoting their recruitment in the future will be critical for biodiversity conservation in the world's forests.
Explaining the Gender Gap in Financial Literacy: The Role of Non‐Cognitive Skills
Authors: Arellano Alfonso , Cámara Noelia , Tuesta David
Published: December 2017

Economic literature identifies a gender gap in financial literacy. This paper tests to what extent this gender gap is due to a misspecification problem or whether it exists because boys and girls do indeed have differing ways of acquiring financial literacy. Our estimates show that the gender gap decreases by 20 per cent when the model includes the effect of non‐cognitive skills, for 15‐year‐old students in Spain. However, differences between boys and girls in financial literacy remain statistically significant.
Invasion and migration of spatially self‐limiting gene drives: A comparative analysis
Authors: Dhole Sumit , Vella Michael R. , Lloyd Alun L. , Gould Fred
Published: December 2017

Recent advances in research on gene drives have produced genetic constructs that could theoretically spread a desired gene (payload) into all populations of a species, with a single release in one place. This attribute has advantages, but also comes with risks and ethical concerns. There has been a call for research on gene drive systems that are spatially and/or temporally self‐limiting. Here, we use a population genetics model to compare the expected characteristics of three spatially self‐limiting gene drive systems: one‐locus underdominance, two‐locus underdominance and daisy‐chain drives. We find large differences between these gene drives in the minimum release size required for successfully driving a payload into a population. The daisy‐chain system is the most efficient, requiring the smallest release, followed by the two‐locus underdominance system, and then the one‐locus underdominance system. However, when the target population exchanges migrants with a nontarget population, the gene drives requiring smaller releases suffer from higher risks of unintended spread. For payloads that incur relatively low fitness costs (up to 30%), a simple daisy‐chain drive is practically incapable of remaining localized, even with migration rates as low as 0.5% per generation. The two‐locus underdominance system can achieve localized spread under a broader range of migration rates and of payload fitness costs, while the one‐locus underdominance system largely remains localized. We also find differences in the extent of population alteration and in the permanence of the alteration achieved by the three gene drives. The two‐locus underdominance system does not always spread the payload to fixation, even after successful drive, while the daisy‐chain system can, for a small set of parameter values, achieve a temporally limited spread of the payload. These differences could affect the suitability of each gene drive for specific applications.
Reproductive suppression, birth defects, and periviable birth
Authors: Catalano Ralph , Bruckner Tim A. , Karasek Deborah , Yang Wei , Shaw Gary M.
Published: December 2017

We argue that reproductive suppression has clinical implications beyond its contribution to the burden of spontaneous abortion. We theorize that the incidence of births before the 28th week of gestation, which contribute disproportionately to infant morbidity and mortality, varies over time in part due to reproductive suppression in the form of selection in utero. We further theorize that the prevalence of structural birth defects among survivors to birth from conception cohorts gauges selection in utero. We based these theories on literature positing that natural selection conserved mechanisms that spontaneously abort “risky” pregnancies including those otherwise likely to yield infants with structural birth defects or small‐for‐gestational age males. We test our theory using high‐quality birth defect surveillance data. We identify 479,885 male infants exposed to strong selection defined as membership in conception cohorts ranked in the lowest quartile of odds of a birth defect among live‐born females. We estimate the risk of periviable birth among these infants as a function of selective pressure as well as of mother's race/ethnicity and age. We find that male infants from exposed conception cohorts exhibited 10% lower odds of periviable birth than males from other conception cohorts. Our findings support the argument that selection in utero has implications beyond its contribution to the burden of spontaneous abortion.
Effect of tannic acid on skin barrier function
Authors: Nakamura Tomoya , Yoshida Naoki , Yasoshima Mitsue , Kojima Yoshihiko
Published: December 2017

In this study, we investigated how tannic acid (TA) protects the skin from inflammation caused by external irritation. The effects of TA were evaluated using a mouse 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate (TPA)‐induced skin inflammation model and a reconstructed human epidermal model. We then used Lucifer Yellow for visual confirmation of TA's suppression effect at the stratum corneum (SC) surface. TA treatment of the skin prevented Lucifer Yellow from permeating the skin. This result suggests that TA acts as a barrier against external stimulants such as TPA and artificial sweat on the SC surface.
Functional BKCa channel in human resident cardiac stem cells expressing W8B2
Authors: Ayad Oualid , Magaud Christophe , Sebille Stéphane , Bescond Jocelyn , Mimbimi Chloé , Cognard Christian , Faivre Jean‐Francois , Bois Patrick , Chatelier Aurelien
Published: December 2017

Recently, a new population of resident cardiac stem cells (CSCs) positive for the W8B2 marker has been identified. These CSCs are considered to be an ideal cellular source to repair myocardial damage after infarction. However, the electrophysiological profile of these cells has not been characterized yet. We first establish the conditions of isolation and expansion of W8B2+ CSCs from human heart biopsies using a magnetic sorting system followed by flow cytometry cell sorting. These cells display a spindle‐shaped morphology, are highly proliferative, and possess self‐renewal capacity demonstrated by their ability to form colonies. Besides, W8B2+ CSCs are positive for mesenchymal markers but negative for hematopoietic and endothelial ones. RT‐qPCR and immunostaining experiments show that W8B2+ CSCs express some early cardiac‐specific transcription factors but lack the expression of cardiac‐specific structural genes. Using patch clamp in the whole‐cell configuration, we show for the first time the electrophysiological signature of BKCa current in these cells. Accordingly, RT‐PCR and western blotting analysis confirmed the presence of BKCa at both mRNA and protein levels in W8B2+ CSCs. Interestingly, BKCa channel inhibition by paxilline decreased cell proliferation in a concentration‐dependent manner and halted cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase. The inhibition of BKCa also decreased the self‐renewal capacity but did not affect migration of W8B2+ CSCs. Taken together, our results are consistent with an important role of BKCa channels in cell cycle progression and self‐renewal in human cardiac stem cells.
Regulation of human Nfu activity in Fe‐S cluster delivery—characterization of the interaction between Nfu and the HSPA9/Hsc20 chaperone complex
Authors: Wachnowsky Christine , Liu Yushi , Yoon Taejin , Cowan J. A.
Published: December 2017

Iron–sulfur cluster biogenesis is a complex, but highly regulated process that involves de novo cluster formation from iron and sulfide ions on a scaffold protein, and subsequent delivery to final targets via a series of Fe‐S cluster‐binding carrier proteins. The process of cluster release from the scaffold/carrier for transfer to the target proteins may be mediated by a dedicated Fe‐S cluster chaperone system. In human cells, the chaperones include heat shock protein HSPA9 and the J‐type chaperone Hsc20. While the role of chaperones has been somewhat clarified in yeast and bacterial systems, many questions remain over their functional roles in cluster delivery and interactions with a variety of human Fe‐S cluster proteins. One such protein, Nfu, has recently been recognized as a potential interaction partner of the chaperone complex. Herein, we examined the ability of human Nfu to function as a carrier by interacting with the human chaperone complex. Human Nfu is shown to bind to both chaperone proteins with binding affinities similar to those observed for IscU binding to the homologous HSPA9 and Hsc20, while Nfu can also stimulate the ATPase activity of HSPA9. Additionally, the chaperone complex was able to promote Nfu function by enhancing the second‐order rate constants for Fe‐S cluster transfer to target proteins and providing directionality in cluster transfer from Nfu by eliminating promiscuous transfer reactions. Together, these data support a hypothesis in which Nfu can serve as an alternative carrier protein for chaperone‐mediated cluster release and delivery in Fe‐S cluster biogenesis and trafficking.
Climate change leads to differential shifts in the timing of annual cycle stages in a migratory bird
Authors: Tomotani Barbara M. , van der Jeugd Henk , Gienapp Phillip , de la Hera Iván , Pilzecker Jos , Teichmann Corry , Visser Marcel E.
Published: December 2017

Shifts in reproductive phenology due to climate change have been well documented in many species but how, within the same species, other annual cycle stages (e.g. moult, migration) shift relative to the timing of breeding has rarely been studied. When stages shift at different rates, the interval between stages may change resulting in overlaps, and as each stage is energetically demanding, these overlaps may have negative fitness consequences. We used long‐term data of a population of European pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) to investigate phenological shifts in three annual cycle stages: spring migration (arrival dates), breeding (egg‐laying and hatching dates) and the onset of postbreeding moult. We found different advancements in the timing of breeding compared with moult (moult advances faster) and no advancement in arrival dates. To understand these differential shifts, we explored which temperatures best explain the year‐to‐year variation in the timing of these stages, and show that they respond differently to temperature increases in the Netherlands, causing the intervals between arrival and breeding and between breeding and moult to decrease. Next, we tested the fitness consequences of these shortened intervals. We found no effect on clutch size, but the probability of a fledged chick to recruit increased with a shorter arrival‐breeding interval (earlier breeding). Finally, mark–recapture analyses did not detect an effect of shortened intervals on adult survival. Our results suggest that the advancement of breeding allows more time for fledgling development, increasing their probability to recruit. This may incur costs to other parts of the annual cycle, but, despite the shorter intervals, there was no effect on adult survival. Our results show that to fully understand the consequences of climate change, it is necessary to look carefully at different annual cycle stages, especially for organisms with complex cycles, such as migratory birds.
Nitrogen‐rich microbial products provide new organo‐mineral associations for the stabilization of soil organic matter
Authors: Kopittke Peter M. , Hernandez‐Soriano Maria C. , Dalal Ram C. , Finn Damien , Menzies Neal W. , Hoeschen Carmen , Mueller Carsten W.
Published: December 2017

Understanding the cycling of C and N in soils is important for maintaining soil fertility while also decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, but much remains unknown about how organic matter (OM) is stabilized in soils. We used nano‐scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) to investigate the changes in C and N in a Vertisol and an Alfisol incubated for 365 days with 13C and 15N pulse labeled lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) to discriminate new inputs of OM from the existing soil OM. We found that almost all OM within the free stable microaggregates of the soil was associated with mineral particles, emphasizing the importance of organo‐mineral interactions for the stabilization of C. Of particular importance, it was also found that 15N‐rich microbial products originating from decomposition often sorbed directly to mineral surfaces not previously associated with OM. Thus, we have shown that N‐rich microbial products preferentially attach to distinct areas of mineral surfaces compared to C‐dominated moieties, demonstrating the ability of soils to store additional OM in newly formed organo‐mineral associations on previously OM‐free mineral surfaces. Furthermore, differences in 15N enrichment were observed between the Vertisol and Alfisol presumably due to differences in mineralogy (smectite‐dominated compared to kaolinite‐dominated), demonstrating the importance of mineralogy in regulating the sorption of microbial products. Overall, our findings have important implications for the fundamental understanding of OM cycling in soils, including the immobilization and storage of N‐rich compounds derived from microbial decomposition and subsequent N mineralization to sustain plant growth.
Screening for human papillomavirus, cervical cytological abnormalities and associated risk factors in HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative women in Rwanda
Authors: Mukanyangezi MF , Sengpiel V , Manzi O , Tobin G , Rulisa S , Bienvenu E , Giglio D
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Cervical cancer is the major cause of death from cancer in Africa. We wanted to assess the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and associated risk factors and to determine whether HPV testing could serve as a screening method for squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) in Rwanda. We also wanted to obtain a broader understanding of the underlying risk factors for the establishment of HPV infection in Rwanda.

Methods

A total of 206 HIV‐positive women, 172 HIV‐negative women and 22 women with unknown HIV status were recruited at the University Teaching Hospitals of Kigali (UTHK) and of Butare (UTHB) in Rwanda. Participants underwent an interview, cervical sampling for a Thinprep Pap test and a screening test analysing 37 HPV strains.

Results

Only 27% of HIV‐positive women and 7% of HIV‐negative women had been screened for cervical cancer before. HPV16 and HPV52 were the most common HPV strains. HIV‐positive women were more commonly infected with high‐risk (HR) HPV and multitype HPV than HIV‐negative women. The sensitivity was 78% and the specificity 87% to detect high‐grade SIL (HSIL) with HPV screening. Among HIV‐negative women, being divorced was positively associated with HR‐HPV infection, while hepatitis B, Trichomonas vaginalis infection and HR‐HPV infection were factors positively associated with SILs. Ever having had gonorrhoea was positively associated with HR‐HPV infection among HIV‐positive women. HR‐HPV infection and the number of live births were positively associated with SILs.

Conclusions

The currently used quadrivalent vaccine may be insufficient to give satisfactory HPV coverage in Rwanda. HPV Screening may be effective to identify women at risk of developing cervical cancer, particularly if provided to high‐risk patients.
Evaluating antidisease immunity to malaria and implications for vaccine design
Authors: Ademolue Temitope W. , Awandare Gordon A.
Published: December 2017

Immunity to malaria could be categorized broadly as antiparasite or antidisease immunity. While most vaccine research efforts have focused on antiparasite immunity, the evidence from endemic populations suggest that antidisease immunity is an important component of natural immunity to malaria. The processes that mediate antidisease immunity have, however, attracted little to no attention, and most interests have been directed towards the antibody responses. This review evaluates the evidence for antidisease immunity in endemic areas and discusses the possible mechanisms responsible for it. Given the key role that inflammation plays in the pathogenesis of malaria, regulation of the inflammatory response appears to be a major mechanism for antidisease immunity in naturally exposed individuals.
Women's Experiences of Seeking and Receiving Psychological and Psychosocial Interventions for Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of the Qualitative Literature
Authors: Hadfield Holly , Wittkowski Anja
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious maternal disorder that can have adverse effects on maternal and infant health. The importance of offering effective and acceptable treatments is well recognized, particularly given the numerous barriers women in many settings face in accessing interventions for PPD. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize qualitative research exploring women's experiences of professional psychological and psychosocial support for PPD.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted in April 2017 by searching 5 electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid, and Web of Science). Qualitative research studies published in English that explored women's experiences of professional psychosocial support for PPD were included, whereas studies exploring women's experiences of antidepressant medication only were excluded. Seventeen articles met inclusion criteria and were appraised for methodologic quality. Data were synthesized using the interpretive thematic synthesis method.

Results

Four main themes were identified: the process of help‐seeking, barriers to seeking and accepting support, valued aspects of support, and outcomes. Women found the process of seeking help difficult, with several barriers preventing them from both seeking and accepting professional support. Despite this, women described the support received as beneficial and particularly valued the therapeutic relationship. Women reported 1) feeling more positive and confident after receiving a psychological and/or psychosocial intervention and 2) experiencing better relationships with their infant and other family members.

Discussion

Although seeking and accepting professional support for PPD was a difficult process, women highly valued mental health care support and perceived it as beneficial. Clinical services should aim to address the barriers women face in accessing mental health care and empower women to feel in control throughout the process, offering interventions appropriate to each woman's personal circumstance.
Motherhood and Employment Among Whites, Hispanics, and Blacks: A Life Course Approach
Authors: Florian Sandra M.
Published: December 2017

Research has shown that having children reduces women's employment; yet how this effect differs for racial minorities has received less attention. Using random effects models and data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 4,526), this study investigates the association between motherhood and employment among Whites, Hispanics, and Blacks over women's entire reproductive span. Results indicate that having children reduces labor force participation primarily by deterring full‐time employment. This effect is stronger and lasts longer among Whites, smaller and shorter among Hispanics, and brief among Blacks. Motherhood reduces part‐time employment for young mothers, but temporarily increases it for older mothers. Early childbearing partly explains Black and Hispanic women's low employment rates at young ages; interestingly, the evidence indicates that their employment prospects would benefit the most from delaying childbearing. This study highlights the relevance of intersectionality and the life course perspective for investigating inequality in the labor market.
Molecular study of phytoplasmas associated with pistachio yellows in Iran
Authors: Ghayeb Zamharir Maryam
Published: December 2017

A large‐scale survey was conducted on pistachio plants exhibiting foliar symptoms including scorch, little leaf, yellows and reddish in pistachio growing areas in the Qom, Yazd and Qazvin provinces of Iran. Total DNA was extracted from symptomatic and symptomless pistachio and used in nested PCR assays with phytoplasma universal primers. Nested PCR products were obtained for symptomatic plant samples while the symptomless plants yielded no PCR products. Virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism, phylogenetic and DNA homology analyses of partial 16S ribosomal sequences of phytoplasma strains associated with symptomatic plants revealed the presence of phytoplasmas referable to two ribosomal groups; in particular, “Candidatus Phytoplasma solani” and “Ca. P. phoenicium” were identified. The presence of these phytoplasmas in pistachio is of great phytosanitary significance due to its commercial interest.
Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum Refractometry and Brix Refractometry for the Diagnosis of Inadequate Transfer of Passive Immunity in Calves
Authors: Buczinski S. , Gicquel E. , Fecteau G. , Takwoingi Y. , Chigerwe M. , Vandeweerd J.M.
Published: December 2017

Background

Transfer of passive immunity in calves can be assessed by direct measurement of immunoglobulin G (IgG) by methods such as radial immunodiffusion (RID) or turbidimetric immunoassay (TIA). IgG can also be measured indirectly by methods such as serum refractometry (REF) or Brix refractometry (BRIX).

Objectives

To determine the accuracy ofREFandBRIXfor assessment of inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI) in calves.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies.

Methods

Databases (PubMed andCABAbstract, Searchable Proceedings of Animal Science) and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies. Studies were eligible if the accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) ofREForBRIXwas determined using direct measurement of IgG byRIDor turbidimetry as the reference standard. The study population included calves <14 days old that were fed with natural colostrum (colostrum replacement products were excluded). Quality assessment was performed by theQUADAS‐2 tool. Hierarchical models were used for meta‐analysis.

Results

From 1,291 references identified, 13 studies of 3,788 calves were included. Of these, 11 studies evaluatedREFand 5 studies evaluatedBRIX. The median (range) prevalence ofITPI(defined as calves with IgG <10 g/L byRIDorTIA) was 21% (1.3–56%). Risk of bias and applicability concerns were generally low or unclear. ForREF, summary estimates were obtained for 2 different cutoffs: 5.2 g/dL(6 studies) and 5.5 g/dL(5 studies). For the 5.2 g/dLcutoff, the summary sensitivity (95%CI) and specificity (95%CI) were 76.1% (63.8–85.2%) and 89.3% (82.3–93.7%), and 88.2% (80.2–93.3%) and 77.9% (74.5–81.0%) for the 5.5 g/dLcutoff. Due to the low number of studies using the same cutoffs, summary estimates could not be obtained for BRIX.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Despite their widespread use on dairy farms, evidence about the optimal strategy for using refractometry, including the optimal cutoff, are sparse (especially forBRIX). When usingREFto rule outITPIin herds, the 5.5 g/dLcutoff may be used whereas for ruling inITPI, the 5.2 g/dLcutoff may be used.
Endovascular shedding markers in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Nijst Petra , Cops Jirka , Martens Pieter , Swennen Quirine , Dupont Matthias , Tang Wai Hong W. , Mullens Wilfried
Published: December 2017

Background

Endothelial glycocalyx degradation has been associated with multiple pathophysiological processes in cardiovascular disease.

Aims

To explore the role of glycocalyx shedding markers in pathophysiology of HFrEF.

Methods

In 123 HFrEF patients, the concentration, prognostic value, and association of glycocalyx shedding markers with other disease processes were investigated.

Results

Median HA levels and syndecan‐1 levels in HFrEF patients were, respectively, 29.4 (10.7;61.6) ng/mL and 48.5 (33.6;80.8) ng/mL. Overall, HA‐levels were significantly higher in HFrEF patients compared to healthy subjects, but only 31% of HFrEF patients had HA‐levels above the cutoff of normal. There was no significant difference among HFrEF patients and healthy subjects regarding syndecan‐1 levels. HFrEF patients with elevated HA‐levels had a significantly worse outcome (log rank = 0.01) which remained significant after correction for established risk factors (HR 2.53 (1.13‐5.69); P = .024). There was no significant relation between levels of shedding markers and neurohumoral activation (PRA, serum aldosterone, NT‐proBNP), myocardial injury (HS‐trop), inflammation (CRP), or other baseline characteristics.

Conclusions

The glycocalyx shedding marker HA is significantly elevated in a subgroup of HFrEF patients and an independent predictor for worse clinical outcome. Glycocalyx shedding might be an additional factor in the pathophysiology of HF which warrants further investigation.
Hygrocybe rajendraesp. nov. (Hygrophoraceae) of subsectionSquamulosaefrom Indian Himalaya
Authors: Singh Upendra , Das Kanad , Uniyal Priyanka , Mehmood Tahir
Published: December 2017

Hygrocybe rajendrae, a new species belonging to subgen.Pseudohygrocybesect.Coccineaesubsect.Squamulosae, is described and illustrated based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of nrITS. It is characterized by its yellow pileus with very fine, yellowish fibrillose‐squamules at disc, yellowish white to pale yellow distant lamellae, broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid basidiospores and lack of hymenial cystidia.
ATP is a driving force in the repair of photosystem II during photoinhibition
Authors: Murata Norio , Nishiyama Yoshitaka
Published: December 2017

Repair of photosystem II (PSII) during photoinhibition involves replacement of photodamaged D1 protein by newly synthesized D1 protein. In this review, we summarize evidence for the indispensability of ATP in the degradation and synthesis of D1 during the repair of PSII. Synthesis of one molecule of the D1 protein consumes more than 1,300 molecules of ATP equivalents. The degradation of photodamaged D1 by FtsH protease also consumes approximately 240 molecules of ATP. In addition, ATP is required for several other aspects of the repair of PSII, such as transcription of psbA genes. These requirements for ATP during the repair of PSII have been demonstrated by experiments showing that the synthesis of D1 and the repair of PSII are interrupted by inhibitors of ATP synthase and uncouplers of ATP synthesis, as well as by mutation of components of ATP synthase. We discuss the contribution of cyclic electron transport around photosystem I to the repair of PSII. Furthermore, we introduce new terms relevant to the regulation of the PSII repair, namely, “ATP‐dependent regulation” and “redox‐dependent regulation,” and we discuss the possible contribution of the ATP‐dependent regulation of PSII repair under environmental stress.
Quantifying Cancer Risk from Radiation
Authors: Keil Alexander P. , Richardson David B.
Published: December 2017

Complex statistical models fitted to data from studies of atomic bomb survivors are used to estimate the human health effects of ionizing radiation exposures. We describe and illustrate an approach to estimate population risks from ionizing radiation exposure that relaxes many assumptions about radiation‐related mortality. The approach draws on developments in methods for causal inference. The results offer a different way to quantify radiation's effects and show that conventional estimates of the population burden of excess cancer at high radiation doses are driven strongly by projecting outside the range of current data. Summary results obtained using the proposed approach are similar in magnitude to those obtained using conventional methods, although estimates of radiation‐related excess cancers differ for many age, sex, and dose groups. At low doses relevant to typical exposures, the strength of evidence in data is surprisingly weak. Statements regarding human health effects at low doses rely strongly on the use of modeling assumptions.
Sensitivity of Treatment Recommendations to Bias in Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Phillippo David M. , Dias Sofia , Ades A. E. , Didelez Vanessa , Welton Nicky J.
Published: December 2017

Network meta-analysis (NMA) pools evidence on multiple treatments to estimate relative treatment effects. Included studies are typically assessed for risk of bias; however, this provides no indication of the impact of potential bias on a decision based on the NMA. We propose methods to derive bias adjustment thresholds which measure the smallest changes to the data that result in a change of treatment decision. The methods use efficient matrix operations and can be applied to explore the consequences of bias in individual studies or aggregate treatment contrasts, in both fixed and random-effects NMA models. Complex models with multiple types of data input are handled by using an approximation to the hypothetical aggregate likelihood. The methods are illustrated with a simple NMA of thrombolytic treatments and a more complex example comparing social anxiety interventions. An accompanying R package is provided.
Influence of the quality of life and locus of control of mothers of disabled children on the oral health of their children
Authors: Barros Raquel Maria de Castro Soares de , Possobon Rosana de Fátima , Melo Estêvão Azevedo , Probst Livia Fernandes , Guerra Luciane Miranda , Cortellazzi Karine Laura , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi
Published: December 2017

Aim

To investigate whether quality of life of mothers is related to oral health of disabled children.

Method

This is an analytical cross‐sectional study, based on interviews with 49 mothers and oral clinical examination (DMFT and OHI‐S) in children with disabilities from 2 to 6 years old, assisted by the Rehabilitation Center of Piracicaba, SP. Mothers answered WHOQOL BREF quality of life instrument and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale. Data analysis was performed with descriptive statistics, Chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic regression.

Result

Most children of the sample were aged from 37 to 48 months (40.81%) and presented neuropsychomotor development delay. Mothers reported (55.1%) that their interference in the health/illness of their children was a fortuitous process. The social relationships domain of WHOQOL BREF presented significant association (p = 0.0404) with DMFT index.

Conclusion

We observed that quality of life of mothers can interfere in oral health of children, regarding social relationships.
A novel finding of oligodontia and ankyloglossia in a 14‐year‐old with Floating‐Harbor syndrome
Authors: Singh Akshara , Bhatia Hind Pal , Sood Shveta , Sharma Naresh , Mohan Amit
Published: December 2017

Floating‐Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by distinct facial features, short stature and delayed skeletal development. Here we present case of a 14‐year‐old boy with short stature, typical facial features, impaired voice quality, clinodactyly, cryptorchidism and unilateral agenesis of kidney. In addition he had oligodontia and ankyloglossia with features suggestive of FHS. Treatment rendered was restoration of caries, application of pit and fissure sealants followed by frenectomy. The purpose of this report is to highlight the oral developmental anomalies and the management of a patient with FHS and to add to the current knowledge of the literature on this syndrome.
HexASCII: A file format for cartographical hexagonal rasters
Authors: de Sousa Luís Moreira , Leitão João Paulo
Published: December 2017

Hexagonal segmentations of space have long been known for their advantages vis à vis squared partitions in discretizing spatial variables, be it natural phenomena or human‐related features. However, readily available and easy‐to‐use tools to manipulate and interact with hexagonal rasters remain widely unavailable today. This article presents a first step to enable the use of hexagonal rasters in the GIS field. A format to encode cartographical hexagonal meshes as simple ASCII files is specified through a context‐free grammar. Named HexASCII, this file format provides a simple means of storing and sharing such rasters. A set of simple tools based on the HexASCII format is presented, allowing their creation and basic interaction with traditional GIS software.
A geoprivacy manifesto
Authors: Keßler Carsten , McKenzie Grant
Published: December 2017

As location‐enabled technologies are becoming ubiquitous, our location is being shared with an ever‐growing number of external services. Issues revolving around location privacy—or geoprivacy—therefore concern the vast majority of the population, largely without knowing how the underlying technologies work and what can be inferred from an individual's location (especially if recorded over longer periods of time). Research, on the other hand, has largely treated this topic from isolated standpoints, most prominently from the technological and ethical points of view. This article therefore reflects upon the current state of geoprivacy from a broader perspective. It integrates technological, ethical, legal, and educational aspects and clarifies how they interact and shape how we deal with the corresponding technology, both individually and as a society. It does so in the form of a manifesto, consisting of 21 theses that summarize the main arguments made in the article. These theses argue that location information is different from other kinds of personal information and, in combination, show why geoprivacy (and privacy in general) needs to be protected and should not become a mere illusion. The fictional couple of Jane and Tom is used as a running example to illustrate how common it has become to share our location information, and how it can be used—both for good and for worse.
Whole‐exome sequencing of sickle cell disease patients with hyperhemolysis syndrome suggests a role for rare variation in disease predisposition
Authors: Mwesigwa Savannah , Moulds Joann M. , Chen Alice , Flanagan Jonathan , Sheehan Vivien A. , George Alex , Hanchard Neil A.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Hyperhemolysis syndrome (HHS) is an uncommon, but life‐threatening, transfusion‐related complication of red blood cell transfusion. HHS has predominantly been described in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and is difficult to diagnose and treat. The pathogenesis of HHS, including its occurrence in only a subset of apparently susceptible individuals, is poorly understood. We undertook whole‐exome sequencing (WES) of 12 SCD‐HHS patients to identify shared genetic variants that might be relevant to the development of HHS.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

DNA from adults with SCD having at least one previous episode of HHS were subject to WES. High‐quality variants were passed through a series of bioinformatics filters to identify variants that were uncommon among African populations represented in public databases. Recurrent, putative loss‐of‐function variants occurring in biologically plausible genes were prioritized and then genotyped in a larger, ancestry‐matched cohort of non‐HHS controls.

RESULTS

A rare, heterozygous stop‐gain variant (p.Glu210Ter) in MBL2 was significantly enriched among HHS cases (p = 0.002). This variant is predicted to result in a premature termination codon that escapes nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay, potentially leading to a novel phenotype. We also observed a complex insertion‐deletion variant in the final exon of KLRC3 that was enriched among cases (p = 0.0019), although neither variant was found among seven pediatric SCD‐HHS patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a potential role for rare genetic defects in the development of HHS among adult SCD patients. Such enriched variants may ultimately be useful for identifying high‐risk individuals and informing therapeutic approaches in HHS.
Distribution of cardiac sodium channels in clusters potentiates ephaptic interactions in the intercalated disc
Authors: Hichri Echrak , Abriel Hugues , Kucera Jan P.
Published: December 2017

Key points

It has been proposed that ephaptic conduction, relying on interactions between the sodium (Na+) current and the extracellular potential in intercalated discs, might contribute to cardiac conduction when gap junctional coupling is reduced, but this mechanism is still controversial.

In intercalated discs, Na+ channels form clusters near gap junction plaques, but the functional significance of these clusters has never been evaluated.

In HEK cells expressing cardiac Na+ channels, we show that restricting the extracellular space modulates the Na+ current, as predicted by corresponding simulations accounting for ephaptic effects.

In a high‐resolution model of the intercalated disc, clusters of Na+ channels that face each other across the intercellular cleft facilitate ephaptic impulse transmission when gap junctional coupling is reduced.

Thus, our simulations reveal a functional role for the clustering of Na+ channels in intercalated discs, and suggest that rearrangement of these clusters in disease may influence cardiac conduction.

It has been proposed that ephaptic interactions in intercalated discs, mediated by extracellular potentials, contribute to cardiac impulse propagation when gap junctional coupling is reduced. However, experiments demonstrating ephaptic effects on the cardiac Na+ current (INa) are scarce. Furthermore, Na+ channels form clusters around gap junction plaques, but the electrophysiological significance of these clusters has never been investigated. In patch clamp experiments with HEK cells stably expressing human Nav1.5 channels, we examined how restricting the extracellular space modulates INa elicited by an activation protocol. In parallel, we developed a high‐resolution computer model of the intercalated disc to investigate how the distribution of Na+ channels influences ephaptic interactions. Approaching the HEK cells to a non‐conducting obstacle always increased peak INa at step potentials near the threshold of INa activation and decreased peak INa at step potentials far above threshold (7 cells, P = 0.0156, Wilcoxon signed rank test). These effects were consistent with corresponding control simulations with a uniform Na+ channel distribution. In the intercalated disc computer model, redistributing the Na+ channels into a central cluster of the disc potentiated ephaptic effects. Moreover, ephaptic impulse transmission from one cell to another was facilitated by clusters of Na+ channels facing each other across the intercellular cleft when gap junctional coupling was reduced. In conclusion, our proof‐of‐principle experiments demonstrate that confining the extracellular space modulates cardiac INa, and our simulations reveal the functional role of the aggregation of Na+ channels in the perinexus. These findings highlight novel concepts in the physiology of cardiac excitation.
Single-Cell Analysis Using Hyperspectral Imaging Modalities
Authors: Mehta Nishir , Shaik Shahensha , Devireddy Ram , Gartia Manas Ranjan
Published: December 2017

Almost a decade ago, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) was employed by the NASA in satellite imaging applications such as remote sensing technology. This technology has since been extensively used in the exploration of minerals, agricultural purposes, water resources, and urban development needs. Due to recent advancements in optical re-construction and imaging, HSI can now be applied down to micro- and nanometer scales possibly allowing for exquisite control and analysis of single cell to complex biological systems. This short review provides a description of the working principle of the HSI technology and how HSI can be used to assist, substitute, and validate traditional imaging technologies. This is followed by a description of the use of HSI for biological analysis and medical diagnostics with emphasis on single-cell analysis using HSI.
Global Sliding Mode Control Via Linear Matrix Inequality Approach for Uncertain Chaotic Systems With Input Nonlinearities and Multiple Delays
Authors: Afshari Mona , Mobayen Saleh , Hajmohammadi Rahman , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: December 2017

This paper considers a global sliding mode control (GSMC) approach for the stabilization of uncertain chaotic systems with multiple delays and input nonlinearities. By designing the global sliding mode surface, the offered scheme eliminates reaching phase problem. The offered control law is formulated based on state estimation, Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability theory, and linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique which present the asymptotic stability conditions. Moreover, the proposed design approach guarantees the robustness against multiple delays, nonlinear inputs, nonlinear functions, external disturbances, and parametric uncertainties. Simulation results for the presented controller demonstrate the efficiency and feasibility of the suggested procedure.