bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet‐predominate gene expression and reticulated platelets in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Effect of pulmonary veins isolation
Authors: Wysokinski Waldemar E. , Tafur Alfonso , Wu Yanhong , Ammash Naser , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Gosk‐Bierska Izabela , Grill Diane E. , Slusser Joshua P. , Mruk Jozef , McBane Robert D.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Reticulated platelet (RP) content is increased in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The purpose of this study was to determine if platelet content, morphology, and RP proportion are modulated by platelet genes.

Methods and results

Expression of six platelet‐predominate genes impacting platelet formation and release, platelet count, and RP content was assessed in NVAF patients before and 3–4 months after pulmonary veins isolation (PVI) and compared to normal sinus rhythm (NSR) controls. RNA from isolated platelets was reverse‐transcribed assayed against selected genes utilizing real‐time qPCR, and expressed as mean cycle threshold (ΔCt) using beta‐2‐microglobulin as endogenous control. RP content was assessed by flow cytometry. A fourfold lower expression of CFL1 gene coding for nonmuscle cofilin (7.8 ± 0.9 vs. 5.7 ± 1.6, P < 0.001) and twofold lower expression of four other genes were associated with similar platelet counts but fourfold higher (28.7+7.0 vs. 6.7+5.4, P < 0.001) RP content (%) in 97 NVAF cases compared to 51 NSR controls. Three to 4 months after PVI, RP decreased by 28%, while CFL1 gene expression increased over twofold but TUBA4A gene expression decreased almost twofold; NFE2 and MYL6 gene expression remained unchanged.

Conclusions

NVAF is associated with notable downregulation of genes directing platelet production and size but increased RP content. PVI impacts the expression of many of these genes, implying a direct relationship between atrial fibrillation and platelet biogenesis.
Incidence of intracardiac thrombus formation prior to electrical cardioversion in respect to the mode of oral anticoagulation
Authors: Schaeffer Benjamin , Rüden Lea , Salzbrunn Tim , Pinnschmidt Hans O. , Akbulak Ruken Özge , Moser Julia Magdalena , Jularic Mario , Meyer Christian , Eickholt Christian , Sultan Arian , Lüker Jakob , Steven Daniel , Willems Stephan , Hoffmann Boris Alexander
Published: January 2018

Aims

To evaluate the incidence of newly diagnosed intracardiac thrombi (ICT) in respect to the mode of OAC in patients undergoing cardioversion (CV).

Methods and results

We prospectively assessed transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and OAC therapy prior to CV in AF patients with ≥48‐hour duration scheduled for CV. A total of 60 first‐time ICT (4.7%) were diagnosed in 1,286 TEE, with highest rate in patients without OAC (9.6% vs. OAC 4.1%, P  =  0.009) and an apparently lower rate in nonvitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (NOAC) therapy compared to vitamin K antagonist (VKA) (2.5% vs. 5.3%, P  =  0.02). VKA therapy control 4 weeks prior to CV was overall average (time in therapeutic range 60%) and patients showed more frequently clinical characteristics and TEE parameters associated with risk for ICT. Even among patients with effective OAC therapy (uninterrupted NOAC and VKA therapy with international normalized ratio (INR) ≥2.0 for 3 weeks), ICT occurred in 2.7%, but with no difference between both groups (P  =  0.22). There was no difference between different types of NOAC. Independent predictors for ICT were history of embolism, hypertension, BMI, absence of OAC, renal function, reduced atrial appendage flow, and presence of spontaneous echo contrast.

Conclusion

NOAC therapy seems favorable in the overall prevention of ICT, although this is likely to be caused by suboptimal VKA therapy control and differences in the overall health status between VKA and NOAC patients. ICT occurred even with effective OAC therapy suggesting individual TEE‐guided cardioversion in patients at risk.
Atopic dermatitis and alcohol use – a meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Halling‐Overgaard A.‐S. , Hamann C.R. , Holm R.P. , Linneberg A. , Silverberg J.I. , Egeberg A. , Thyssen J.P.
Published: January 2018

While several maternal exposures have been associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) in offspring, the effect of alcohol use during pregnancy on the risk of AD in offspring is unclear. Furthermore, it is unclear whether adults with AD have an increased alcohol use, although other poor health behaviours have been associated with AD including smoking and physical inactivity as well as psychiatric disease. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, the association between alcohol use and AD was investigated in two ways: 1) whether alcohol use (drinkers versus abstainers) during pregnancy is associated with AD in offspring and 2) whether AD is associated with increased alcohol use. The medical databases PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched, and data extraction was carried out by two independent reviewers. Eighteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis (comparing alcohol drinkers to abstainers), and 12 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. There was a positive association between alcohol use during pregnancy and development of AD in offspring (pooled odds ratio [OR] 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.24). However, there was no consistent association between AD in adults and adolescents and alcohol use (pooled OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.92–1.23). There is a need for future well‐designed prospective studies to firmly establish the association between alcohol use and AD.
A fifth subtype of Kaposi's sarcoma, classic Kaposi's sarcoma in men who have sex with men: a cohort study in Paris
Authors: Denis D. , Seta V. , Regnier‐Rosencher E. , Kramkimel N. , Chanal J. , Avril M.‐F. , Dupin N.
Published: January 2018

Background

Classic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS) occurs predominantly among elderly men and is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In low‐endemic countries, KSHV infects predominantly men having sex with men (MSM).

Objectives

To describe a cohort of classic Kaposi sarcoma in a low‐endemic area for KSHV, to highlight the features of CKS in MSM and identify prognostic factors.

Methods

Retrospective single‐centre study of CKS cases. We compared MSM to heterosexual patients. Then, we divided the patients into two subgroups, those requiring a systemic treatment and the others, and we performed univariate and multivariate analyses to determine aggressiveness of CKS.

Results

Between 2006 and 2015, seventy‐four patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 68.9 years; sex ratio (M/F) was 6.4, and 28% were MSM; MSM patients were younger (P = 0.02), less often originated from endemic areas (P < 0.0001). KS was less severe (P = 0.04), required more often a local treatment than a systemic one (P = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, CD4 T‐cell count > 500/mm3 at baseline was associated with a reduced risk of severe evolution.

Conclusion

First CKS cohort in low‐endemic zone. We describe a fifth subtype of KS: KS in MSM. The CD4 T‐cell count was found to correlate with prognosis.
Management of achalasia cardia: Expert consensus statements
Authors: Ramchandani Mohan , Nageshwar Reddy D , Nabi Zaheer , Chavan Radhika , Bapaye Amol , Bhatia Shobna , Mehta Nilay , Dhawan Pankaj , Chaudhary Adarsh , Ghoshal Uday C , Philip Mathew , Neuhaus Horst , Deviere Jacques , Inoue Haruhiro
Published: January 2018

Achalasia cardia (AC) is a frequently encountered motility disorder of the esophagus resulting from an irreversible degeneration of neurons. Treatment modalities are palliative in nature, and there is no curative treatment available for AC as of now. Significant advancements have been made in the management of AC over last decade. The introduction of high resolution manometry and per‐oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has strengthened the diagnostic and therapeutic armamentarium of AC. High resolution manometry allows for the characterization of the type of achalasia, which in turn has important therapeutic implications. The endoscopic management of AC has been reinforced with the introduction of POEM that has been found to be highly effective and safe in palliating the symptoms in short‐term to mid‐term follow‐up studies. POEM is less invasive than Heller's myotomy and provides the endoscopist with the opportunity of adjusting the length and orientation of esophageal myotomy according to the type of AC. The management of achalasia needs to be tailored for each patient, and the role of pneumatic balloon dilatation, POEM, or Heller's myotomy needs to be revisited. In this review, we discuss the important aspects of diagnosis as well as management of AC. The statements presented in the manuscript reflect the cumulative efforts of an expert consensus group.
Clinical and endoscopic evaluations of sessile serrated adenoma/polyps with cytological dysplasia
Authors: Sano Wataru , Fujimori Takahiro , Ichikawa Kazuhito , Sunakawa Hironori , Utsumi Takahiro , Iwatate Mineo , Hasuike Noriaki , Hattori Santa , Kosaka Hidekazu , Sano Yasushi
Published: January 2018

Background and Aim

Although sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/Ps) are considered to be premalignant lesions and rapidly progress to carcinomas after they develop cytological dysplasia (CD), a treatment strategy for SSA/Ps in Asian countries is still being debated and has not yet been established. The present study aimed to propose a treatment strategy for SSA/Ps.

Methods

Histopathological data of patients, who underwent colonoscopy at our center between January 2011 and December 2016, were reviewed. Data of patients with ≥ 1 SSA/P were retrieved, and clinicopathological characteristics were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 281 patients with 326 SSA/Ps, including 258 patients who had 300 SSA/Ps without CD (SSA/Ps‐CD[−]) and 23 patients who had 26 SSA/Ps with CD (SSA/Ps‐CD[+]), were evaluated in this study. Although SSA/Ps‐CD(+) were often found in older female patients and in the proximal colon, there were no significant differences between SSA/Ps‐CD(−) and SSA/Ps‐CD(+). Endoscopic morphological findings, such as large or small nodules on the surface and partial protrusion of the lesions, were significantly more common in SSA/Ps‐CD(+) than in SSA/Ps‐CD(−). Although the diagnostic ability of nodule/protrusion in lesions to predict CD within SSA/Ps was very high with an accuracy of 93.9% and a negative predictive value of 95.4%, sensitivity was low at 46.2%. SSA/Ps‐CD(+) were significantly larger than SSA/Ps‐CD(−), and the rate of CD within SSA/Ps significantly increased with lesion size (≤ 5 mm, 0%; 6–9 mm, 6.0%; ≥ 10 mm, 13.6%).

Conclusion

The study proposes removing all SSA/Ps ≥ 6 mm in order to remove high‐risk SSA/Ps‐CD(+), with high sensitivity.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 has critical roles in regulation of the endocrine system and social behaviours
Authors: Masugi‐Tokita M. , Yoshida T. , Kageyama S. , Kawata M. , Kawauchi A.
Published: January 2018

Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 (mGluR7) is one of the group III mGluRs, which are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase via Gi/Go proteins and localised to presynaptic active zones of the mammalian central nervous system. We previously reported that mGluR7 is essential for intermale aggression and amygdala‐dependent fear learning. To elucidate the role of mGluR7 in the neuroendocrine system, we performed biochemical analyses and found a significant reduction of testosterone levels in mGluR7 knockout (KO) mice. Testosterone replacement restored intermale aggressive behaviour in castrated wild‐type mice to the level of gonadally intact wild‐type mice. However, given the same dosage of testosterone replacement, mGluR7 KO mice showed almost no aggressive behaviour. These results indicate that reduction of plasma testosterone is unrelated to the deficit in intermale aggression in mGluR7 KO mice. Social investigating behaviour of intact mGluR7 KO mice also differed from that of wild‐type mice; e.g. the KO mice showing less frequent anogenital sniffing and more frequent grooming behaviour. Testosterone replacement increased anogenital sniffing and grooming behaviour in castrated mGluR7 KO mice, while the differences were still present between castrated wild‐type mice and KO mice after both underwent testosterone replacement. These results imply that reduction of plasma testosterone may partially inhibit social investigating behaviours in intact mGluR7 KO mice. Furthermore, castrated mGluR7 KO mice have smaller seminal vesicles than those of castrated wild‐type mice, although seminal vesicle weights were normal in intact mice. These observations suggest that, besides testicular testosterone, some other hormone levels may be dysregulated in mGluR7 KO mice, and indicate a critical role of mGluR7 in the endocrine system. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that mGluR7 is essential for the regulation of the endocrine system, in addition to innate behaviours such as intermale aggression and fear response.
Poverty Research and Measurement: Making the Case for Consumption Adequacy
Authors: Farrell Justine Rapp , Hill Ronald Paul
Published: January 2018

Scholarship involving impoverished consumers and consumption is an important part of consumer research on well‐being. Investigations have looked at domestic (US) poverty as well as its global manifestations at the base of the pyramid. Together they form a body of scholarship with underlying assumptions about what scholars, policy makers, and consumer advocates believe constitutes being poor versus not being poor. While these studies have much to offer, ambiguous definitions of impoverishment guide their research, which also include choices among possible measurement instruments. To address this deficit, our article approaches the differences in research focus across constituencies, seeking to understand how poverty is both defined and measured within our field. Under the conceptual foundation of the consumption adequacy perspective, we advance a definition of poverty that is used to determine the lived experiences of material impoverishment.
Restorative Treatment in Patients with Amelogenesis Imperfecta: A Review
Authors: Strauch Susanne , Hahnel Sebastian
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To summarize the contemporary scientific evidence available regarding restorative dental treatment in patients with Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI).

Methods

An electronic literature search was conducted using the search term “Amelogenesis imperfecta” and the PubMed/MEDLINE database as well as Google Scholar. Prospective and retrospective clinical studies that investigated the outcome of direct and/or indirect dental restorative treatment in patients with AI, were published in English, and had an observation time of at least 1 year were included in this review. The articles identified were screened and analyzed by two reviewers according to inclusion and exclusion criteria in three review rounds.

Results

Six prospective or retrospective clinical studies analyzing longevity and complications associated with dental restorative treatment in patients with AI met the inclusion criteria. Extracted data suggest that in patients with AI, indirect restorations feature superior predictability and longevity than direct restorations.

Conclusions

As endodontic complications were infrequently observed and periodontal parameters regularly improve with the insertion of indirect restorations, dental treatment in patients with AI should focus on indirect restorations as soon as possible. While adhesive bonding techniques to enamel surfaces in patients with AI feature merely limited predictability and longevity and as the available data is scarce, further laboratory and clinical studies should be performed to investigate the performance of minimally invasive indirect restorations bonded to enamel in patients with AI. Recommendation: Scientific evidence indicates that indirect restorations should be preferred over direct restorations in patients with AI.
Comparison of Flexural Strength of Different CAD/CAM PMMA‐Based Polymers
Authors: Alp Gülce , Murat Sema , Yilmaz Burak
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To compare the flexural strength of different computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) poly(methyl methacrylate)‐based (PMMA) polymers and conventional interim resin materials after thermocycling.

Materials and Methods

Rectangular‐shaped specimens (n = 15, for each material) (25 × 2 × 2 mm3) were fabricated from 3 CAD/CAM PMMA‐based polymers (Telio CAD [T]; M‐PM‐Disc [M]; Polident–PMMA [P]), 1 bis‐acrylate composite resin (Protemp 4 [PT]), and 1 conventional PMMA (ArtConcept Artegral Dentine [C]) according to ISO 10477:2004 Standards (Dentistry‐Polymer‐Based Crown and Bridge Materials). The specimens were subjected to 10,000 thermocycles (5 to 55°C). Three‐point flexural strength of the specimens was tested in a universal testing machine at a 1.0 mm/min crosshead speed, and the flexural strength data (σ) were calculated (MPa). The flexural strength values were statistically analyzed using 1‐way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD post‐hoc test for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05).

Results

Flexural strength values ranged between 66.1 ± 13.1 and 131.9 ± 19.8 MPa. There were significant differences among the flexural strengths of tested materials, except for between T and P CAD/CAM PMMA‐based polymers (p > 0.05). CAD/CAM PMMA‐based polymer M had the highest flexural strength and conventional PMMA had the lowest (p < 0.05). CAD/CAM PMMA‐based T and P polymers had significantly higher flexural strength than the bis‐acrylate composite resin (p < 0.05), and conventional PMMA (p < 0.0001), and significantly lower flexural strength compared to CAD/CAM PMMA‐based M (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The flexural strength of CAD/CAM PMMA‐based polymers was greater than the flexural strength of bis‐acrylate composite resin, which had a greater flexural strength compared to conventional PMMA resin.
Clinical Effectiveness of 6.5‐mm‐Long Implants to Support Two‐Implant Fixed Prostheses in Premolar‐Molar Region: The Influence of Immediate Loading and the Length of Splinting Implant
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Flores Carlos , Flores Javier , Alkhraisat Mohammad Hamdan
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to assess the influence of immediate loading and lengths of splinted implants on the clinical effectiveness of 6.5‐mm‐long implants supporting two‐implant fixed prostheses in the premolar‐molar regions.

Materials and Methods

A clinical database was reviewed in a private dental center to select those patients who had 6.5‐mm‐long implants placed to support two‐implant fixed partial prostheses in the premolar‐molar regions of the maxilla and the mandible. All implants were immediately loaded. The study groups were defined according to the lengths of the implants. Two groups were identified: the short‐short splinted group, when both implants had 6.5 mm lengths, and the short‐long splinted group, when one implant was longer than 6.5 mm. A total of 48 dental implants were placed in 16 patients to support 24 two‐implant fixed prostheses. The mean follow‐up time was 14 ± 5 months. The short‐short splinted group included 8 patients with 16 implants; the short‐long splinted group included 16 patients with 32 implants. The main variable was implant survival, and secondary outcomes were marginal bone stability and prosthesis survival.

Results

The statistical analyses indicated an absence of significant differences between the two groups in terms of implant and prosthesis survival (100% for both groups and both variables); however, distal bone loss around the splinted implants was significantly higher in the short‐long splinted group. Bone loss was 0.37 ± 0.55 mm in the short‐short splinted group and 0.94 ± 0.66 mm in the short‐long splinted group.

Conclusions

Immediate loading of short (6.5‐mm‐long) implants in the premolar‐molar regions did not jeopardize their survival. Two‐implant supported prostheses had the same clinical effectiveness, whether extra‐short implants were splinted to another extra‐short implant or to a longer one.
Dental therapists linked to improved dental outcomes for Alaska Native communities in the Yukon‐Kuskokwim Delta
Authors: Chi Donald L. , Lenaker Dane , Mancl Lloyd , Dunbar Matthew , Babb Michael
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHATs) have been part of the dental workforce in Alaska's Yukon‐Kuskokwim (YK) Delta since 2006. They are trained to provide preventive and restorative care such as filling and extractions. In this study, we evaluated community‐level dental outcomes associated with DHATs.

Methods

This was a secondary data analysis of Alaska Medicaid and electronic health record data for individuals in Alaska's YK Delta (2006‐2015). The independent variable was the number of DHAT treatment days in each community. Child outcomes were preventive care, extractions, and general anesthesia. Adult outcomes were preventive care and extractions. We estimated Spearman partial correlation coefficients to test our hypotheses that increased DHAT treatment days would be associated with larger proportions utilizing preventive care and smaller proportions receiving extractions at the community‐level.

Results

DHAT treatment days were positively associated with preventive care utilization and negatively associated with extractions for children and adults (P < 0.0001). DHAT treatment days were not associated with increased dental treatment under general anesthesia for children.

Conclusions

Dental therapists are associated with more preventive care and fewer extractions. State‐level policies should consider dental therapists as part of a comprehensive solution to meet the dental care needs of individuals in underserved communities and help achieve health equity and social justice.
Brasilonema lichenoides sp. nov. and Chroococcidiopsis lichenoides sp. nov. (Cyanobacteria): two novel cyanobacterial constituents isolated from a tripartite lichen of headstones
Authors: Villanueva Chelsea D. , Hašler Petr , Dvořák Petr , Poulíčková Aloisie , Casamatta Dale A.
Published: January 2018

Cyanolichens are an assemblage of fungi and cyanobacteria from diverse, cosmopolitan habitats. Typically composed of a single species of cyanobacterium, with or without another eukaryotic alga, here we present two novel cyanobionts isolated from an undescribed tripartite lichen. This endolithic lichen was isolated from a granite cemetery tombstone from Jacksonville, FL, and contains two potentially nitrogen‐fixing cyanobionts. Employing a total evidence approach, we characterized the cyanobionts using molecular (the 16S rDNA and ITS gene region), morphological, and ecological data. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two novel taxa: Brasilonema lichenoides and Chroococcidiopsis lichenoides, both of which fell within well‐supported clades. To our knowledge, this represents the first instance of a tripartite lichen with two cyanobacterial and no eukaryotic members. These types of lichens may well represent an unexplored reservoir of cyanobacterial diversity. The specific epithets are proposed under the provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants.
Late‐onset Becker‐type muscular dystrophy in a Border terrier dog
Authors: Jeandel A. , Garosi L. S. , Davies L. , Guo L. T. , Salgüero R. , Shelton G. D.
Published: January 2018

A 9‐year‐old Border terrier was presented to a referral hospital after a 1‐year history of progressive stiffness and exercise intolerance. Neurological examination was consistent with a neuromuscular disorder. Serum creatine kinase activity was mildly elevated. A myopathy was suspected based on MRI findings and electrophysiological examination. Muscle histopathology was consistent with a severe non‐inflammatory myopathy of a dystrophic type. Immunofluorescence and western blotting confirmed a dystrophinopathy with an 80‐kDa truncated dystrophin fragment similar to Becker muscular dystrophy in people. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a late‐onset Becker‐type muscular dystrophy in a dog, and the first description of a dystrophinopathy in a Border terrier. Muscular dystrophy in dogs should not be ruled out based on late onset clinical signs and only mildly elevated creatine kinase.
Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence, seroincidence and seroreversion in the German adult population
Authors: Faber M. , Willrich N. , Schemmerer M. , Rauh C. , Kuhnert R. , Stark K. , Wenzel J. J.
Published: January 2018

A steep rise in Hepatitis E diagnoses is currently being observed in Germany and other European countries. The objective of this study was (i) to assess whether this trend mirrors an increase in infection pressure or is caused by increased attention and testing and (ii) estimate individual and population‐based Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) seroconversion and seroreversion rates for Germany. We measured anti‐HEV IgG prevalence in 10 407 adults participating in two linked, population‐representative serosurveys (total n = 12 971) conducted in 1998 and 2010. In this period, we found a moderate but statistically significant decline of overall anti‐HEV IgG prevalence from 18.6% to 15.3%. At both time points, seroprevalence increased with age and peaked in persons born between 1935 and 1959 suggesting a past period of increased infection pressure. Paired samples of individuals participating in 1998 and 2010 (n = 2564) revealed respective seroconversion and seroreversion rates of 6.2% and 22.6% among seronegative and seropositive individuals during 12 years, or 5.2 and 2.9 per 1000 inhabitants per year. This corresponds to a total of 417 242 [95%CI: 344 363‐495 971] new seroconversions per year in the German population. While anti‐HEV seroprevalence has decreased in the last decade, infection pressure and seroincidence remains high in Germany. Continuously rising numbers of Hepatitis E diagnoses in Europe are likely due to an increased awareness of clinicians and indicate that still there is a gap between incident and diagnosed cases. Studies on the true burden of the disease, specific risk factors and sources of autochthonous infections as well as targeted prevention measures are urgently needed.
Effects of 6% Tetrastarch and Lactated Ringer's Solution on Extravascular Lung Water and Markers of Acute Renal Injury in Hemorrhaged, Isoflurane‐Anesthetized Healthy Dogs
Authors: Diniz M.S. , Teixeira‐Neto F.J. , Celeita‐Rodríguez N. , Girotto C.H. , Fonseca M.W. , Oliveira‐Garcia A.C. , López‐Castañeda B.
Published: January 2018

Background

Tetrastarch can cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in humans with sepsis, but less likely to result in tissue edema than lactated Ringer's solution (LRS).

Objectives

Compare effects of volume replacement (VR) with LRS and 6% tetrastarch solution (TS) on extravascular lung water (EVLW) and markers of AKI in hemorrhaged dogs.

Animals

Six healthy English Pointer dogs (19.7–35.3 kg).

Methods

Prospective crossover study. Animals underwent anesthesia without hemorrhage (Control). Two weeks later, dogs hemorrhaged under anesthesia on 2 occasions (8‐week washout intervals) and randomly received VR with LRS or TS at 3 : 1 or 1 : 1 of shed blood, respectively. Anesthesia was maintained until 4 hour after VR for EVLW measurements derived from transpulmonary thermodilution cardiac output. Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and creatinine concentrations in plasma and urine were measured until 72 hour after VR.

Results

The EVLW index (mL/kg) was lower at 1 hour after TS (10.0 ± 1.9) in comparison with controls (11.9 ± 3.4, P = 0.04), and at 4 hour after TS (9.7 ± 1.9) in comparison with LRS (11.8 ± 2.7, P = 0.03). Arterial oxygen partial pressure‐to‐inspired oxygen fraction ratio did not differ among treatments from 0.5 to 4 hour after VR. Urine NGAL/creatinine ratio did not differ among treatments and remained below threshold for AKI (120,000 pg/mg).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Although TS causes less EVLW accumulation than LRS, neither fluid produced evidence of lung edema (impaired oxygenation). Both fluids appear not to cause AKI when used for VR after hemorrhage in healthy nonseptic dogs.
Quantifying the role of intra‐specific trait variation for allocation and organ‐level traits in tropical seedling communities
Authors: Umaña María Natalia , Zhang Caicai , Cao Min , Lin Luxiang , Swenson Nathan G.
Published: January 2018

Questions

Community structure is the outcome of individual‐level interactions. Recent work has shown that disaggregating trait information from the species to the individual level can elucidate ecological processes. We aim to integrate trait dispersion analyses across different aggregation levels including a broad range of traits that allow assessment of patterns of variation among co‐occurring and non‐co‐occurring individuals. We ask the following questions: (1) what is the role of intra‐ and inter‐specific dissimilarity within neighbourhoods vs. across neighbourhoods in promoting trait dispersion; (2) how is trait variation partitioned across all individuals in each study system; and (3) are the results consistent across traits and forests?

Location

Puerto Rico and China.

Methods

We measured allocation and organ‐level (e.g. specific leaf area) traits on every individual in two seedling censuses in two tropical rain forests. Then, we partitioned trait variation within and across species, considering its impact on patterns of trait dispersion, and quantifying how these outcomes vary depending on whether allocation‐related or organ‐level traits are considered.

Results

We found an increase in trait dispersion when individual‐level traits are considered, reflecting conspecific differentiation for allocation of traits. Organ‐level traits, however, do not necessarily promote strong phenotypic displacement within conspecifics. Consistent with this, we found that the majority of variation in allocation of traits was between conspecifics, while most of the variation in organ‐level traits was found between species.

Conclusions

Overall, trait displacement occurs within and across neighbourhoods, reflecting differentiation at inter‐ and intra‐specific levels. Also, we identify two major phenotypic groups of variation, allocation and organ‐level traits, that constitute two contrasting strategies for response to biotic and abiotic contexts: one highlights ecological differences among individuals, while the other highlights differences among species.
Steatosis affects the sensitivity but not the specificity of non‐invasive fibrosis tests in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease – implications for screening strategies
Authors: Zakeri Nekisa , Tsochatzis Emmanuel A.
Published: January 2018

See Article on Page 331
Geospatial technology applied to spatiotemporal assessment of Harike Wetland, Punjab
Authors: Bhardwaj Akanksha , Najar Gh Nabi , Pandey Puneeta
Published: January 2018

The Harike Wetland situated in Punjab is a Ramsar site and a wetland of national importance. The present study was undertaken to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of the wetland on the basis of geospatial technology and ground‐based studies. Landsat images for the years 2002 and 2014 were acquired from the United States Geological Survey and classified digitally to generate landuse/land cover maps involving four classes (water, grassland (including water hyacinth), agriculture, built‐up (settlement), barren land). The total area of the Harike Wetland was found to be 8023.68 ha. Water sampling at eleven sites was carried out and evaluated for physicochemical parameters. The water quality at several sampling points was found to be severely degraded. Change detection analysis revealed the submerged area (area under water) and grassland (including water hyacinth) had decreased over the past 12 years, whereas that area under agriculture and built‐up land has increased, indicating a shrinkage in the total wetland area. The present study also indicated that the near‐infrared band is a good indicator of water quality parameters, as indicated by the significant positive correlation between the near‐infrared band and relevant water parameters. Because the wetland is important from both an ecological perspective and economic perspective, regular monitoring is recommended, for which geospatial technology has proven to be very useful.
Physical contact interactions with scleractinian corals in hard substrate communities
Authors: Grillo Ana Carolina , Bonaldo Roberta Martini , Segal Bárbara
Published: January 2018

Shallow reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems, and their substrate is densely occupied by sessile organisms that frequently contact physically and interact mutually. Nevertheless, the relative importance of species abundance in shaping physical contacts in these ecosystems remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate physical contact interactions, by using tools derived from the complex network theory, between hard corals and other benthic organisms in four areas along the Brazilian coast comprising coral reefs and rocky shores with different physical and biotic structures. It was also investigated whether interactions with corals occurred as expected by the abundance of the benthic organisms in each area, and whether corals belonging to families known as more aggressive interacted less with other organisms. In all areas, the abundance of both corals and contacting organisms directly influenced the abundance of interactions between benthic organisms, regardless of the physical or biological characteristics of the habitat and of the interacting organisms. In addition, coral species interacted more with the most abundant benthic group, the epilithic algal matrix, in all areas. Nevertheless, some evidence was found about biological mechanisms helping to explain the structure of the studied interactions, although to a lesser extent. The obtained networks presented high nestedness and connectance, but low modularity. These patterns indicate the low specificity of the studied interactions and reinforce the role of abundance as an important driver of contacts between sessile organisms in shallow hard bottom ecosystems.
Martian cratering 12. Utilizing primary crater clusters to study crater populations and meteoroid properties
Authors: Hartmann William K. , Daubar Ingrid J. , Popova Olga , Joseph Emily C. S.
Published: January 2018

Images from Mars Global Surveyor and later images from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter reveal that roughly half of the meteoroids striking Mars (at meter to few decameter crater diameters) fragment in the Martian atmosphere, producing small clusters of primary impact craters. Statistics of these “primary clusters” yield valuable information about important Martian phenomena and properties of interplanetary bodies, including meteoroid behavior in the Martian atmosphere, bulk strengths of bodies striking Mars, and the fraction of Martian “field secondary” craters, a datum that would improve crater count chronometry. Many Martian impactors fragment at altitudes significantly higher than 18 km above the mean surface of Mars, and we find that most bodies striking Mars and Earth have low bulk strengths, consistent with crumbly or highly fractured objects. Applying statistics of primary clusters at various elevations and independent diameter bins, we describe a technique to estimate the percentage of semirandomly scattered “field secondary” craters. Our provisional estimate of this percentage, in the diameter range ~250 m down to ~22 m, is ~40% to ~80% of the total impacts, with the higher percentages at smaller diameters. Our data argue against earlier suggestions of overwhelming dominance by either primaries or secondaries in this diameter range.
Hydrothermal evolution of the morphology, molecular composition, and distribution of organic matter in CR (Renazzo‐type) chondrites
Authors: Changela Hitesh G. , Le Guillou Corentin , Bernard Sylvain , Brearley Adrian J.
Published: January 2018

The morphology, molecular composition, and distribution of organic matter (OM) were investigated in a suite of CR chondrites to better constrain its hydrothermal evolution. Multiple focused ion beam sections were extracted from the matrices of seven CR chondrites. Scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy and transmission electron microscopy reveal OM ubiquitously distributed across the CR matrices. OM mainly occurs as either discrete submicron rounded or irregularly shaped vein‐like particles. Two spectral populations of organic particles were identified by carbon K‐edge X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES): the most abundant one, similar to insoluble organic matter (IOM) residues, contains aromatic, carbonyl, and carboxylic groups. The second population is more aromatic‐rich and lacks a distinctive carbonyl peak. An additional, ubiquitous organic component occurs associated with amorphous silicates and phyllosilicates. Less aromatic but aliphatic‐ and carboxylic‐rich, this diffuse OM is interpreted as the result of the redistribution of organic compounds by aqueous fluids. The most altered CR1 GRO 95577 contains a more mature OM and highly aliphatic‐ and carboxylic‐rich diffuse OM. This evolution, from the CR2s to the CR1, is comparable to that of terrestrial gas shale maturation involving cracking reactions, releasing bitumen‐like, aliphatic‐, and carboxylic‐rich compounds, and aromatic residues. Our observations support the accretion of soluble OM and its later polymerization to IOM, as well as the maturation of IOM and its partial oxidation, releasing mobile compounds. The differences in GRO 95577 are clearly attributable to the hydrothermal episode(s), but the relative role of water and temperature on the evolution of OM remains elusive.
Alternative splicing associated with phenotypic plasticity in the bumble bee Bombus terrestris
Authors: Price J. , Harrison M. C. , Hammond R. L. , Adams S. , Gutierrez‐Marcos J. F. , Mallon E. B.
Published: January 2018

Phenotypic plasticity is when one genome can produce more than one phenotype. The caste system found in many social insects is an important example of plasticity. Several studies have examined gene expression in social insect developmental and caste differences. Changes in gene expression, however, are not the only source of phenotypic plasticity. Here, we investigate the role of alternative splicing in the buff‐tailed bumble bee Bombus terrestris. We found that 5,458 genes in B. terrestris (40%) express more than one isoform. Larvae have the lowest level of splicing events, followed by adults and then pupae. We found that when an isoform is expressed in a given caste in the larval stage, it tends to be expressed in all castes at the larval stage. The same is true at the pupal stage. However, we see more complicated interactions between the adult castes with reproductive females showing different isoform expression compared to nonreproductive females and male adults showing the most distinct patterns. We found 455 isoform switching genes, that is genes, where one developmental stage, sex or caste uses a specific isoform and another type uses a different isoform. Among genes displaying isoform switching are some involved in the ecdysteriod pathway, an important system in insect behaviour.
Lipid rafts can form in the inner and outer membranes of Borrelia burgdorferi and have different properties and associated proteins
Authors: Toledo Alvaro , Huang Zhen , Coleman James L. , London Erwin , Benach Jorge L.
Published: January 2018

Lipid rafts are microdomains present in the membrane of eukaryotic organisms and bacterial pathogens. They are characterized by having tightly packed lipids and a subset of specific proteins. Lipid rafts are associated with a variety of important biological processes including signaling and lateral sorting of proteins. To determine whether lipid rafts exist in the inner membrane of Borrelia burgdorferi, we separated the inner and outer membranes and analyzed the lipid constituents present in each membrane fraction. We found that both the inner and outer membranes have cholesterol and cholesterol glycolipids. Fluorescence anisotropy and FRET showed that lipids from both membranes can form rafts but have different abilities to do so. The analysis of the biochemically defined proteome of lipid rafts from the inner membrane revealed a diverse set of proteins, different from those associated with the outer membrane, with functions in protein trafficking, chemotaxis and signaling.
A systematic review of fluconazole resistance in clinical isolates ofCryptococcusspecies
Authors: Bongomin Felix , Oladele Rita O. , Gago Sara , Moore Caroline B. , Richardson Malcolm D.
Published: January 2018

Fluconazole is the most commonly used antifungal agent for both the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis, and for prophylaxis against the disease. However, its prolonged use has the potential to exert selection pressure in favour of fluconazole‐resistant strains. We evaluated the prevalence of fluconazole resistance inCryptococcusspp. clinical isolates in 29 studies from 1988 to May 2017 included inEMBASEandMEDLINEdatabases. A total of 4995Cryptococcusisolates from 3210 patients constituted this study; 248 (5.0%) of the isolates from relapsed episodes of cryptococcosis were included in this analysis. Eleven (38%) of the studies used minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) breakpoints of ≥64 μg/mL to define fluconazole resistance, 6 (21%) used ≥32 μg/mL, 11 (38%) used ≥16 μg/mL and 1 (3%) used ≤20 μg/mL. Overall, mean prevalence of fluconazole resistance was 12.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.7‐17.6) for all isolates (n = 4995). Mean fluconazole resistance was 10.6% (95%CI: 5.5‐15.6) for the incident isolates (n = 4747) and 24.1% (95%CI: −3.1‐51.2) for the relapse isolates (n = 248). Of the 4995 isolates, 936 (18.7%) hadMICs above the ecological cut‐off value. Fluconazole resistance appears to be an issue inCryptococcusisolates from patients with relapses. It remains unclear whether relapses occur due to resistance or other factors. There is an urgent need to establish antifungal breakpoints forCryptococcusspp.
Needs assessment survey for simulation‐based training for gastrointestinal endoscopy nurses
Authors: Yu Sol , Roh Young Sook
Published: January 2018

The optimal performance of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy nurses is required for patient safety and quality improvement. The aim of the present study was to assess the educational needs for simulation‐based training for Korean GI endoscopy nurses using importance‐performance analysis. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 238 Korean nurses from 25 endoscopy units. The educational needs of these nurses were identified using the 35 item clinical competence importance–performance scale. Exploratory factor analysis of the scale identified the following eight factors: emergency care, patient monitoring, evidence‐based practice, documentation and referral, patient safety, nursing process, patient assessment, and infection control. A significant overall mean difference was identified between importance and performance for all eight factors, with emergency care showing the largest difference. It was also ranked the highest priority for continuing education in the importance–performance analysis matrix. Therefore, simulation‐based training should focus on enhancing emergency care competence for GI endoscopy nurses to improve patient safety and quality of care.
Assessing the economic trade‐offs between prevention and suppression of forest fires
Authors: Heines Betsy , Lenhart Suzanne , Sims Charles
Published: January 2018

The number of large‐scale, high‐severity forest fires occurring in the United States is increasing, as is the cost to suppress these fires. We use a technique developed by William Reed to incorporate the stochasticity of the time of a forest fire into our optimal control problem. Using this optimal control problem, we explore the trade‐offs between prevention management spending and suppression spending, along with the overall economic viability of prevention management spending. Our goal is to determine the optimal prevention management spending rate and the optimal suppression spending, which maximizes the expected value of a forest. We develop a parameter set reflecting the 2011 Las Conchas Fire and numerically solve our optimal control problem. Furthermore, we adapt this problem to simulate a sequence of fires and corresponding controls. Overall, our results support the conclusion that the prevention management efforts offset rising suppression costs and increase the value of a forest.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

Increasing wildfire size and increasing federal suppression costs have prompted investigations into alternative methods to help prevent and manage large wildfires.

Fire prevention lowers the risk of experiencing large fire events, but investment in fire prevention is risky because its benefits are realized at an unknown time in the future.

Results illustrate that there are real economic costs associated with using funding directed to fire prevention to fund immediate fire suppression.

In our work with unknown fire sequences, we observe an 88% reduction in suppression spending on average with fire prevention, and a 55% reduction in spending overall.
Rationale for the clinical guidelines for myasthenia gravis in Japan
Authors: Murai Hiroyuki , Utsugisawa Kimiaki , Nagane Yuriko , Suzuki Shigeaki , Imai Tomihiro , Motomura Masakatsu
Published: January 2018

According to the 2014 Japanese clinical guidelines for myasthenia gravis, the most important priority in treatment is maintaining patients’ health‐related quality of life. Therefore, the initial treatment goal is defined as maintaining a postintervention status of minimal manifestations or better (according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification) with an oral prednisolone dose of 5 mg/day or less. Every effort should be made to attain this level as rapidly as possible. To achieve this goal, the guidelines recommend minimizing the oral prednisolone dose, starting calcineurin inhibitors early in the course of treatment, using intravenous methylprednisolone infusion judiciously (often combined with plasma exchange/plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin), and effectively treating patients with an early, fast‐acting treatment strategy. The early, fast‐acting treatment strategy enables more frequent and earlier attainment of the initial goal than other strategies. Thymectomy is considered an option for treating nonthymomatous early‐onset myasthenia gravis in patients with antiacetylcholine receptor antibodies and thymic hyperplasia in the early stages of the disease.
Acetylcholine receptor–specific immunosuppressive therapy of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis and myasthenia gravis
Authors: Luo Jie , Lindstrom Jon
Published: January 2018

Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) and myasthenia gravis (MG) are caused by autoantibodies to the extracellular domain of muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). Autoantibodies to the cytoplasmic domain of AChRs do not cause EAMG because they cannot bind AChRsin vivo. The ideal MG therapy would quickly and permanently suppress only the pathological autoimmune response to AChRs. We have developed a specific immunosuppressive therapy for EAMG that involves immunizing rats with bacterially expressed cytoplasmic domains of human muscle AChRs. Therapy prevents onset of chronic EAMG, rapidly suppresses ongoing EAMG, and is potent, robust, long lasting, and safe, because the therapeutic antigen cannot induce EAMG. The therapy was developed using incomplete Freund's adjuvant, but is likely to work equally well with alum adjuvants routinely used for human immunizations. Therapeutic mechanisms may involve a combination of antibody‐mediated feedback suppression and regulatory T and/or B lymphocytes.