bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEAR-O: Differential Expression Analysis based on RNA-seq data - Online
Authors: Zhang Zong-Hong , Wray Naomi R. , Zhao Qiong-Yi
Published: August 2016

Differential expression analysis using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data is widely applied in transcriptomic studies and many software tools have been developed for this purpose. Active development of existing popular tools, together with emergence of new tools means that studies comparing the performance of differential expression analysis methods become rapidly out-of-date. In order to enable researchers to evaluate new and updated software in a timely manner, we developed DEAR-O, a user-friendly platform for performance evaluation of differential expression analysis based on RNA-seq data. The platform currently includes four of the most popular tools: DESeq, DESeq2, edgeR and Cuffdiff2. Based on the DEAR-O platform, researchers can evaluate the performance of different tools, or the same tool with different versions, with a customised number of biological replicates using already curated RNA-seq datasets. We also initiated an online forum for discussion of RNA-seq differential expression analysis. Through this forum, new useful tools and benchmarking datasets can be introduced. Our platform will be actively maintained to ensure new major versions of existing tools and new popular tools are included. DEAR-O will serve the community by providing timely evaluations of tools, versions and number of replicates for RNA-seq differential expression analysis.

Availability and implementation

The DEAR-O platform is available athttp://cnsgenomics.com/software/dear-o; the online discussion forum ishttps://groups.google.com/d/forum/dear-o

Contact

z.zhang5@uq.edu.auandq.zhao@uq.edu.au
The evolution of the natural killer complex; a comparison between mammals using new high-quality genome assemblies and targeted annotation
Authors: Schwartz John C. , Gibson Mark S. , Heimeier Dorothea , Koren Sergey , Phillippy Adam M. , Bickhart Derek M. , Smith Timothy P. L. , Medrano Juan F. , Hammond John A.
Published: August 2016

Natural killer (NK) cells are a diverse population of lymphocytes with a range of biological roles including essential immune functions. NK cell diversity is created by the differential expression of cell surface receptors which modulate activation and function, including multiple subfamilies of C-type lectin receptors encoded within the NK gene complex (NKC). Little is known about the gene content of the NKC beyond rodent and primate lineages, other than it appears to be extremely variable between mammalian groups. We compared the NKC structure between mammalian species using new high quality draft genome assemblies for cattle and goat, re-annotated sheep, pig and horse genome assemblies and the published human, rat and mouse lemur NKC. The major NKC genes are largely in syntenic positions in all eight species, with significant independent expansions and deletions between species, allowing us to present a model for NKC evolution during mammalian radiation. The ruminant species, cattle and goats, have independently evolved a secondKLRClocus flanked byKLRAandKLRJand a novelKLRH-like gene has acquired an activating tail. This novel gene has duplicated several times within cattle, while other activating receptor genes have been selectively disrupted. Targeted genome enrichment in cattle identified varying levels of allelic polymorphism between these NKC genes concentrated in the predicted extracellular ligand binding domains. This novel recombination and allelic polymorphism is consistent with NKC evolution under balancing selection, suggesting this diversity influences individual immune responses and may impact on differential outcomes of pathogen infection and vaccination.
The time-resolved transcriptome of C. elegans
Authors: Boeck Max E. , Huynh Chau , Gevirtzman Lou , Thompson Owen A. , Wang Guilin , Kasper Dionna M. , Reinke Valerie , Hillier LaDeana W. , Waterston Robert H.
Published: August 2016

We generated detailed RNA-seq data for the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans with high temporal resolution in the embryo as well as representative samples from post-embryonic stages across the life cycle. The data reveal that early and late embryogenesis is accompanied by large numbers of genes changing expression, whereas fewer genes are changing in mid-embryogenesis. This lull in genes changing expression correlates with a period during which histone mRNAs produce almost 40% of the RNA-seq reads. We find evidence for many more splice junctions than are annotated in WormBase, with many of these suggesting alternative splice forms, often with differential usage over the life cycle. We annotated internal promoter usage in operons using SL1 and SL2 data. We also uncovered correlated transcriptional programs that span >80 kb. These data provide detailed annotation of the C. elegans transcriptome.
Entering the accounting profession: the operationalization of ethnicity-based discrimination
Authors: Huang Guozhen , Fowler Carolyn J. , Baskerville Rachel F.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a Bourdieu-oriented study that investigates race discrimination when graduates of diverse ethnicities aspire to enter the accounting profession. This study illustrates the benefits of a careful and fine-grained operationalization of ethnicity for such a research project.

Design/methodology/approach

The cohort interviewed comprises 45 participants of 20 different ethnicities.

Findings

From this interview data, it appears that employers mostly favour “Pakeha” New Zealanders (the non-Maori ethnic majority group, mostly of British origin); those who migrated from China and East Asia are the most disfavoured; between them are those of ethnic minorities brought up in New Zealand and those who migrated from the Indian subcontinent and South Asia. Underneath the experience of discrimination is the operationalization of ten subtle factors, and a range of strategies adopted to overcome such factors, as further described in this study.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may permit stakeholders, including professional bodies, employers, aspirant accountants, vocational counsellors, and those who have interests in promoting equality and meritocracy in the accounting profession, to formulate effective rules and structures to combat discrimination. It may also inform those in other professions seeking to lessen ethnic discrimination, and wider society.

Originality/value

The study fills a gap in the accounting literature by elaborating on the mechanisms of how ethnic minorities are discriminated against. It confirms that discrimination is suffered not only by the most salient ethnic groups, but by graduates of “Western” universities, of many and diverse ethnicities, all of whom suffer being perceived as “outsiders”.
E-lending in digital libraries: a systematic review
Authors: Alipour-Hafezi Mehdi , Khedmatgozar Hamid Reza
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review e-lending research studies in the digital library domain to identify their subjects, existing research gap and their research methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a systematic review. Through several stages of searching in related databases, 30 research works including journal and conference research papers, theses and dissertations, research and technical reports were identified and reviewed based on the guidelines of systematic review protocols.

Findings

It was found that research in e-lending domain is growing, and the subject will receive greater attention in the near future. Studies were in the following four categories: e-books (specifications, creation and software and viewpoints), business models, e-book status in libraries and copyright issues, e-book lending and inter-library loan. Some research gaps were identified including e-lending domain, business models and legislation. Little has been done with qualitative and mixed approaches in terms of research methods. Moreover, findings showed that this area has received less attention in developing countries.

Originality/value

This is the first review of the e-lending domain in digital libraries. It identifies the key works related to e-lending, categorizes them, provides an overview and identifies emerging research issues.
Institutions, capital control, and liquidity creation
Authors: Baradwaj Babu G. , Shao Yingying , Dewally Michaël
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct an empirical investigation on how country-specific characteristics such as the quality of the institutional environment and the restrictiveness of capital control policy affect domestic financial sector’s ability to provide liquidity to the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses panel regressions on international banking data across 102 countries from Bankscope.

Findings

The results show that strong institutions and looser capital control in a country enhance the banks’ role as the liquidity provider to the economy. The study also finds that institutional quality and capital control have a dynamic effect that influences the creation of liquidity. Better institutions benefit the creation of liquidity in either under normal economic conditions or during economic downturn. Loosened capital control, as a result of financial openness, facilitates liquidity creation under normal economic conditions.

Originality/value

This study complements the research on the role of country-level institutions in financial and economic development and suggests a liquidity channel through which a country’s institutions can further economic growth. The study also provides evidence on the impact of a country’s control of capital flows on the role of banking sector in domestic economy.
Encouraging the positive use of technology through community engagement
Authors: Lester Leanne , Cross Donna , Terrelinck Debbie , Falconer Sarah , Thomas Laura
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a seven stage community engagement process to develop and disseminate community uptake strategies which encouraged cybersafety as part of a positive transition from primary to secondary school among Australian young people.

Design/methodology/approach

The combined principles from socio-ecological models, community development models and student participation models formed the foundation for the strategies. Resources were developed for all members of the community – students, parents, teachers and the broader community. The methods included: the formation of a steering committee and a Youth Advisory Board; review of the current literature; development of online resources; a youth resource development activity; development of youth resources; translation of resources into health promotion initiatives; and the dissemination of resources at community events and facilities such as schools, libraries and recreation centres and through print and social media.

Findings

Community engagement strategies – in particular a partnership between a Western Australian university and local government body, the steering committee consisting of local organisations, and the student advisory board – were used to successfully design and promote resources developed by young people for young people.

Originality/value

This study utilises a community-level approach to develop resources to encourage cybersafety and a positive transition from primary to secondary school.
Optimizing confirmation of invasive species eradication with rapid eradication assessment
Authors: Russell James C. , Binnie Hannah R. , Oh Jimmy , Anderson Dean P. , Samaniego‐Herrera Araceli
Published: August 2016

Confirmation of invasive species eradication following management programmes is typically determined by waiting an arbitrary period of time before determining success or failure based upon the then obvious presence or absence of the target species. Rapid eradication assessment could be achieved more expediently by applying statistical models of the probability of detecting survivors and their offspring, using a grid of detection devices, for a given set of biological and monitoring parameters.

We simulate estimation of the probability of eradication for invasive rodents on islands across a range of monitoring parameters in order to provide guidance to managers on the optimal values, diminishing returns and trade‐offs in monitoring to achieve a given level of confidence in successful eradication.

We found that monitoring an island for survivors over 15–20 nights is optimal and that waiting longer than a year before commencing monitoring has a negligible impact on the estimated probability of success. The spacing between detection devices has a considerable influence on estimated probability of success but only when it is <60 m.

Intrinsic biological parameters of the target species have a substantial impact on confirming the probability of success, but validated field data are lacking to reliably incorporate these in current rapid eradication assessment models.

We present case studies demonstrating cost savings of at least 5% to managers when applying rapid eradication assessment to the eradication of house mice Mus musculus from Isla Pájaros and Isla Muertos in Arrecife Alacranes (Scorpion Reef) Mexico, and implement the rapid eradication assessment model in an HTML GUI interface for eradication managers (www.rea.is).

Synthesis and applications. Rapid eradication assessment (REA) is a powerful tool for managers to design optimal invasive species eradication monitoring programmes. We recommend island eradication managers routinely implement REA on small islands for the demonstrated cost savings and to accelerate eradication confirmation, ultimately facilitating island restoration.
Francesco Saverio (Father), Marcello Cesare Augusto (Son): Finding Useful Histories in Fascist Rome?
Authors: BOSWORTH R. J. B.
Published: August 2016

The choice by different regimes as to what matters in the past and what does not is always a telling factor in their character. Mussolini's dictatorship in Italy made major play with romanità through its representation of the dictator as a new Caesar and its claim to be ‘restoring’ the Roman empire. The centro storico of Rome is still full of such Fascist messaging. The regime was also the first to call itself totalitarian and, since the 1980s, a standard interpretation has developed accepting that Mussolini did indeed push his people far along the road to having their minds and actions fascistized. This interpretation, however, with its focus on culture above other issues, underestimates the extensive sectors of Italian life where rival ideas and behaviour survived and flourished. So, too, romanità could signal Catholic, Vatican, class, family and national allegiances as well as ones favoured by the regime. The real message of inter‐war Rome was therefore as much about an Italian dictatorship as a Fascist one.
Jung's views of Nazi Germany: the first year and Jung's transition
Authors: Schoenl William , Schoenl Linda
Published: August 2016

This article first considers Jung's response to the coming to power of the Nazis in Germany. It brings forth evidence that, besides wanting to preserve psychotherapy in Germany and maintain the international connection between the German and other communities of psychotherapists, he wanted to advance Jungian psychology – his psychology – in Germany. It also presents evidence that, although he occasionally made some anti‐Semitic statements during this early period, he was not anti‐Semitic in the way the Nazis were. The paper then argues that after Gustav Bally's criticisms in the Neue Zuercher Zeitung in February 1934, Jung entered into a transitional period that spring during which he became warier both of the Nazis and of making any statements that could be construed as being anti‐Semitic. Schoenl and Peck (2012) have shown how Jung's views of Nazi Germany changed from 1933 to March 1936. This present article demonstrates very significant changes in Jung's views during the important early part of this period, that is from January 1933 – when Hitler became Chancellor of Germany – through to the spring of 1934. It draws on evidence from archival and other primary sources.
Working with chronic and relentless self‐hatred, self‐harm, and existential shame: a clinical study and reflections (Paper 2 of 2)
Authors: Austin Sue
Published: August 2016

This second of two papers focuses on the shame which emerged in the first 14 years of analysis of a woman who was bulimic, self‐harmed, and repeatedly described herself as ‘feeling like a piece of shit’. To explore this intense and pervasive shame I draw on Jung's and Laplanche's emphasis on experiences of unresolvable, non‐pathological ‘foreignness’ or ‘otherness’ at the heart of the psyche. Images, metaphors, elements of clinical experience, and working hypotheses from a number of analytic traditions are used to flesh out this exploration. These include Kilborne's use of Pirandello's image of shame as like a ‘hole in the paper sky’ which, I suggest, points to a crack in subjectivity, and reveals our belief in the efficacy of the self to be illusory. Hultberg's observations on shame as having an existential mode (function) are also explored, as is the nature of analytic truth. Using these ideas I describe my patient's process of finding some small but freeing space in relation to her shame and self‐hatred. Through enduring and learning from her shame in analysis she realized that it was part of a desperate unconscious attempt to draw close to her troubled father and so to ‘love him better’.
Infection‐related hospitalizations in the first year after inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis
Authors: Ko Michael Kwan‐Lung , Ng Siew C , Mak Lung‐Yi , Li Michael K , Lo Fu Hang , Ng Carmen Ka Man , Lao Wai Cheung , Tsang Steve , Chan Kam Hon , Hui Yee Tak , Shan Edwin Hok Shing , Loo Ching Kong , Hui Aric J , To Wai Pan , Hung Ivan F , Leung Wai K
Published: August 2016

Objective

With the rapid increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Asia, the natural course of the early phase of disease in these patients remains poorly defined. This study aimed to determined the incidence and characteristics of infection‐related hospitalization in the first year in patients newly diagnosed with IBD in Hong Kong SAR, China.

Methods

Patients newly diagnosed with IBD and enrolled in the territory‐wide Hong Kong IBD Registry were identified. Details of their hospitalization within the first 12 months after diagnosis were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

Altogether 433 newly diagnosed IBD patients were enrolled, including 188 with Crohn's disease (CD), 230 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 15 with IBD‐unclassified (IBD‐U). Among them, 110 (25.4%) had at least one unscheduled hospitalization in the first year and 34 (7.9%) had infection‐related hospitalization, leading to 43 (23.4%) of total hospitalizations. Gastrointestinal tract (30.2%), respiratory tract (34.9%) and skin and soft tissues (11.6%) were the most common sites of infection. Bacterial and viral infections accounted for 46.7% and 20.8% of hospitalizations for infection, respectively. Common identified pathogens included Clostridium difficile (16.3%) and Cytomegalovirus (11.6%). Multivariate analysis found that patient's age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.06) and the presence of comorbidity (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.05–5.13) were significantly associated with hospitalization from infection in IBD patients.

Conclusions

Infection‐related hospitalizations were found in 7.9% of newly diagnosed IBD patients within the first year after diagnosis in Hong Kong, which accounted for about one‐quarter of all unscheduled hospitalizations. Elder patients with concurrent illnesses were at higher risk.
Retention of laryngoscopy skills in medical students: a randomised, cross‐over study of the Macintosh, A.P. Advance™, C‐MAC® and Airtraq® laryngoscopes
Authors: Hunter I. , Ramanathan V. , Balasubramanian P. , Evans D. A. , Hardman J. G. , McCahon R. A.
Published: August 2016

In addition to being effective and easy to learn how to use, the ideal laryngoscope should be associated with minimal reduction in skill performance during gaps in practice over time. We compared the time taken to intubate the trachea of a manikin by novice medical students immediately after training, and then after 1 month, with no intervening practice. We designed a two‐period, four‐group, randomised, cross‐over trial to compare the Macintosh, Venner™ A.P. Advance™ with difficult airway blade, C‐MAC® with D‐Blade and Airtraq® with wireless video‐viewer. A bougie was used to aid intubation with the Macintosh and the C‐MAC. After training, there was no significant difference in median (IQR [range]) intubation time using the videolaryngoscopes compared with the Macintosh, which took 30 (26.5–35 [12–118])s. One month later, the intubation time was longer using the C‐MAC (41 (29.5–52 [20–119])s; p = 0.002) and A.P. Advance (40 (28.5–57.5 [21–107])s; p = 0.0003)m compared with the Macintosh (27 (21–29 [16–90])s); there was no difference using the Airtraq (27 (20.5–32.5 [15–94])s; p = 0.258) compared with the Macintosh. While skill acquisition after a brief period of learning and practice was equal for each laryngoscope, performance levels differed after 1 month without practice. In particular, the consistency of performance using the C‐MAC and A.P. Advance was worse compared with the Macintosh and the Airtraq. While the clinical significance of this is doubtful, we believe that reliable and consistent performance at laryngoscopy is desirable; for the devices that we tested, this requires regular practice.
Neovascular age‐related macular degeneration treated with ranibizumab or aflibercept in the same large clinical setting: visual outcome and number of injections
Authors: Rasmussen Annette , Sander Birgit , Larsen Michael , Brandi Sara , Fuchs Josefine , Hansen Louise H. , Lund‐Andersen Henrik
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To study visual outcome and number of annual injections in treatment‐naïve patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) before and after a change in first‐line therapy from ranibizumab to aflibercept in a high‐volume clinical practice.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of routine clinical practice. The study included 1027 treatment‐naïve patients, 559 of whom started intravitreal ranibizumab therapy in 2011–2012 and 468 of whom started intravitreal aflibercept therapy in 2013–2014, a fixed loading dose of three injections followed by a pro re nata treatment regimen used in both periods.

Results

Snellen best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and after one year was 0.23 and 0.31 (p < 0.0001), respectively, for patients treated with ranibizumab and 0.25 and 0.33 (p < 0.0001) for patients treated with aflibercept, last observation carried forward. The share of patients (73%) still in treatment with ranibizumab at year 1 had a baseline BCVA of 0.26 but 0.40 at year 1 (p < 0.0001), and the patients (75%) still in treatment with aflibercept at year 1 had a baseline BCVA of 0.28 but 0.42 at year 1 (p < 0.0001). Proportional visual gains for both cohorts were comparable for one year (p = 0.14). The number of injections given within year 1 including first injection was 6.9 for ranibizumab and 5.9 for aflibercept (p < 0.0001). In patients continuing treatment through year 1, the number of injections was 8.0 for ranibizumab and 6.6 for aflibercept (p < 0.0001). The two cohorts had similar cause‐of‐discontinuation profiles.

Conclusion

Treatment of nAMD at a single centre in two sequential cohorts yielded comparable BCVA outcomes with 15% fewer injections of aflibercept compared to ranibizumab.
Equitable or elitist? The social impact of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ
Authors: Whittle Matthew , Lomax Nik , Heppenstall Alison , Brerton Simon
Published: August 2016

The Tour de France Grand Départ came to the UK in July 2014. It was heralded as a great success, drawing in an estimated 3.5 million visitors and generating over £128 million for the local economy, but there has been little research on assessing the geodemographics of who attended this event – did it reach out to all sections of society as hoped, or was it contained to the ‘typical’ cycling spectator? Using previously unpublished data, this research examines the demography of the crowd attending different sections of Le Grand Départ and explores whether the event was equitable, i.e. accessible to all sections of the population, or elitist, with a demographic bias in who attended. The results show that there was a bias towards a white, male, middle‐aged spectators, which is particularly prominent for the least accessible stages. Ethnic minorities and people with a disability were particularly underrepresented for large parts of the route. Where there were interventions to improve access, the demographic profile of spectators was more in line with the national picture. Understanding who does, and who does not, attend these events has wider implications for the planning of, and longer‐term socio‐economic impacts of, these events and we recommend that further advanced planning would improve the equitability of future sporting events.
Edoxaban drug–drug interactions with ketoconazole, erythromycin, and cyclosporine
Authors: Parasrampuria Dolly A. , Mendell Jeanne , Shi Minggao , Matsushima Nobuko , Zahir Hamim , Truitt Kenneth
Published: August 2016

Aims

Edoxaban, a novel factor Xa inhibitor, is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3 A4 (CYP3A4) and the efflux transporter P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). Three edoxaban drug–drug interaction studies examined the effects of P‐gp inhibitors with varying degrees of CYP3A4 inhibition.

Methods

In each study, healthy subjects received a single oral dose of 60 mg edoxaban with or without an oral dual P‐gp/CYP3A4 inhibitor as follows: ketoconazole 400 mg once daily for 7 days, edoxaban on day 4; erythromycin 500 mg four times daily for 8 days, edoxaban on day 7; or single dose of cyclosporine 500 mg with edoxaban. Serial plasma samples were obtained for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Safety was assessed throughout the study.

Results

Coadministration of ketoconazole, erythromycin, or cyclosporine increased edoxaban total exposure by 87%, 85%, and 73%, respectively, and the peak concentration by 89%, 68%, and 74%, respectively, compared with edoxaban alone. The half‐life did not change appreciably. Exposure of M4, the major active edoxaban metabolite, was consistent when edoxaban was administered alone or with ketoconazole and erythromycin. With cyclosporine, M4 total exposure increased by 6.9‐fold and peak exposure by 8.7‐fold, suggesting an additional interaction. Pharmacodynamic effects were reflective of increased edoxaban exposure. No clinically significant adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Administration of dual inhibitors of P‐gp and CYP3A4 increased edoxaban exposure by less than two‐fold. This effect appears to be primarily due to inhibition of P‐gp. The impact of CYP3A4 inhibition appears to be less pronounced, and its contribution to total clearance appears limited in healthy subjects.
Augmented oxidative stress and preserved vasoconstriction induced by hydrogen peroxide in coronary arteries in obesity: role of COX‐2
Authors: Santiago Elvira , Martínez Maria Pilar , Climent Belén , Muñoz Mercedes , Briones Ana María , Salaices Mercedes , García‐Sacristán Albino , Rivera Luis , Prieto Dolores
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the vascular and metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity. Herein, we assessed whether obesity can increase coronary vasoconstriction induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the signalling pathways involving COX‐2 and superoxide (O2.‐) generation.

Experimental Approach

Contractile responses to H2O2 and O2.‐ generation were measured in coronary arteries from genetically obese Zucker rats (OZR) and compared to lean Zucker rats (LZR).

Key Results

Both basal and H2O2‐stimulated O2.‐ production were enhanced in coronary arteries from OZR, but H2O2‐induced vasoconstriction was unchanged. The selective COX‐2 inhibitor NS398 significantly reduced H2O2‐induced contractions in endothelium‐denuded arteries from LZR and OZR, but only in endothelium‐intact arteries from LZR. PGI2 (IP) receptor antagonism modestly reduced the vasoconstrictor action of H2O2 while antagonism of the PGE2 receptor 4 (EP4) enhanced H2O2 contractions in arteries from OZR but not LZR. Basal release of COX‐2‐derived PGE2 was higher in coronary arteries from OZR where the selective agonist of EP4 receptors TCS 2519 evoked potent relaxations. COX‐2 was up‐regulated after acute exposure to H2O2 in coronary endothelium and vascular smooth muscle (VSM) and inhibition of COX‐2 markedly reduced H2O2‐elicited O2.‐ generation in coronary arteries and myocardium. Expression of Nox subunits in VSM and NADPH‐stimulated O2.‐ generation was enhanced and contributed to H2O2 vasoconstriction in arteries from obese rats.

Conclusion and Implications

COX‐2 contributes to cardiac oxidative stress and to the endothelium‐independent O2.‐‐mediated coronary vasoconstriction induced by H2O2 in obesity, which is offset by the release of COX‐2‐derived endothelial PGE2 acting on EP4 vasodilator receptors.
Metabolomic analysis identifies potential diagnostic biomarkers for aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease
Authors: Ban G.‐Y. , Cho K. , Kim S.‐H. , Yoon M. K. , Kim J.‐H. , Lee H. Y. , Shin Y. S. , Ye Y.‐M. , Cho J.‐Y. , Park H.‐S.
Published: August 2016

Background

To date, there has been no reliable in vitro test to diagnose aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).

Objective

To investigate potential diagnostic biomarkers for AERD using metabolomic analysis.

Methods

An untargeted profile of serum from asthmatics in the first cohort (group 1) comprising 45 AERD, 44 patients with aspirin‐tolerant asthma (ATA), and 28 normal controls was developed using the ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/Q‐ToF MS system. Metabolites that discriminate AERD from ATA were quantified in both serum and urine, which were collected before (baseline) and after the lysine‐aspirin bronchoprovocation test (Lys‐ASA BPT). The serum metabolites were validated in the second cohort (group 2) comprising 50 patients with AERD and 50 patients with ATA.

Results

A clear discrimination of metabolomes was found between patients with AERD and ATA. In group 1, serum levels of LTE4 and LTE4/PGF2α ratio before and after the Lys‐ASA BPT were significantly higher in patients with AERD than in patients with ATA (P < 0.05 for each), and urine baseline levels of these two metabolites were significantly higher in patients with AERD. Significant differences of serum metabolite levels between patients with AERD and ATA were replicated in group 2 (P < 0.05 for each). Moreover, serum baseline levels of LTE4 and LTE4/PGF2α ratio discriminated AERD from ATA with 70.5%/71.6% sensitivity and 41.5%/62.8% specificity, respectively (AUC = 0.649 and 0.732, respectively P < 0.001 for each). Urine baseline LTE4 levels were significantly correlated with the fall in FEV1% after the Lys‐ASA BPT in patients with AERD (P = 0.008, r = 0.463).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Serum metabolite level of LTE4 and LTE4/PGF2α ratio was identified as potential in vitro diagnostic biomarkers for AERD using the UHPLC/Q‐ToF MS system, which were closely associated with major pathogenetic mechanisms underlying AERD.
Pressure Bearing Device Affects Extraction Socket Remodeling of Maxillary Anterior Tooth. A Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Jiang Xi , Zhang Yu , Chen Bo , Lin Ye
Published: August 2016

Background

Extraction socket remodeling and ridge preservation strategies have been extensively explored.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of applying a micro‐titanium stent as a pressure bearing device on extraction socket remodeling of maxillary anterior tooth.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four patients with a extraction socket of maxillary incisor were treated with spontaneous healing (control group) or by applying a micro‐titanium stent as a facial pressure bearing device over the facial bone wall (test group). Two virtual models obtained from cone beam computed tomography data before extraction and 4 months after healing were 3‐dimenionally superimposed. Facial bone wall resorption, extraction socket remodeling features and ridge width preservation rate were determined and compared between the groups.

Results

Thin facial bone wall resulted in marked resorption in both groups. The greatest palatal shifting distance of facial bone located at the coronal level in the control group, but middle level in the test group. Compared with the original extraction socket, 87.61 ± 5.88% ridge width was preserved in the test group and 55.09 ± 14.46% in the control group.

Conclusions

Due to the facial pressure bearing property, the rigid micro‐titanium stent might preserve the ridge width and alter the resorption features of extraction socket.
Prognostic factors for survival after salvage total laryngectomy following radiotherapy or chemoradiation failure: a 10‐year retrospective longitudinal study in eastern Denmark
Authors: Wulff N.B. , Andersen E. , Kristensen C.A. , Sørensen C.H. , Charabi B. , Homøe P.
Published: August 2016

Objective

The primary aims were to determine the rates of and prognostic factors for overall survival, disease‐specific survival and disease‐free survival following salvage total laryngectomy.

Design

Retrospective longitudinal study.

Setting

Tertiary medical centres.

Participants

A total of 142 patients in eastern Denmark undergoing salvage total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx.

Main outcome measures

5‐year overall survival, 5‐year disease‐specific survival, 5‐year disease‐free survival and prognostic factors for these outcomes.

Results

5‐year overall survival, disease‐specific survival and disease‐free survival were 37.7%, 54.9% and 55.3%, respectively. N classification at primary diagnosis, lymph node excision and postoperative complications within 1 year after salvage total laryngectomy were prognostic factors for shorter overall survival, disease‐specific survival and disease‐free survival. Residual tumour/recurrence was negatively associated with overall survival, close or involved resection margins with disease‐specific survival, and second primary cancer was associated with longer disease‐specific survival and disease‐free survival. Nine per cent of all patients had residual tumour and 33.8% developed a recurrence.

Conclusion

Our overall survival, disease‐specific survival and disease‐free survival findings are in accordance with previous studies. With the purpose of identifying recurrent tumour, we suggest extra attention being given to patients with higher N classification and need for lymph node excision during salvage total laryngectomy along with use of frozen sections. The high number of patients with recurrence within 1 year after salvage total laryngectomy occurred although thorough and regular follow‐up visits were performed.
The effect of brain death protocol duration on potential donor losses due to cardiac arrest
Authors: Westphal Glauco Adrieno , Slaviero Tiago Amaral , Montemezzo Artur , Lingiardi Gabriel Torres , de Souza Fernanda Carolina Cani , Carnin Tiago Costa , Soares Diego Roberto , Hachiya Alisson Hideto , Ferraz Letícia Lopes , de Andrade Joel
Published: August 2016

Background

The severe inflammatory reaction that occurs after brain death (BD) tends to amplify over time, contributing to cardiovascular deterioration and occurrence of cardiac arrest (CA). Our purpose is to evaluate the effect of BD protocol duration (BDPD) on potential donor losses due to CA.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included potential donors reported during the period from May 2012 to April 2014. The risk of losses due to CA was analyzed to identify the chronological threshold at which the probability of loss due to CA increases.

Results

Three hundred and eighty‐four potential donors were analyzed. There was a greater chance of CA after a 30‐hour threshold (OR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.38–1.83), and the lowest risk of was identified for the range from 12 to 30 hours (OR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.19–0.52). Multivariate analysis identified the following variables as being associated with lower occurrence of CA: BDPD between 12 and 30 hours, management of a potential donor inside the intensive care unit, and the adherence to a goal‐directed protocol.

Conclusion

A long duration between the first clinical test for BD diagnosis and the procurement of organs may be an important risk factor for the occurrence of cardiac arrest in deceased potential donors.
Loss of CD30 expression after treatment with brentuximab vedotin in a patient with anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a novel finding
Authors: Al‐Rohil Rami N , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A , Patel Anisha , Tetzlaff Michael T , Ivan Doina , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Curry Jonathan L , Miranda Roberto N , Duvic Madeleine , Prieto Victor G , Aung Phyu P
Published: August 2016

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an aggressive T‐cell lymphoma characterized by strong and uniform expression of CD30. Brentuximab vedotin (BV), an anti‐CD30 antibody‐drug conjugate has been approved by the U.S. FDA for relapsed/refractory systemic ALCL and achieves improved outcomes. We report a 44‐year‐old African‐American man who presented with lymphadenopathy, lip and chest nodules diagnosed as CD30+, ALK‐negative ALCL. The patient was treated with BV upon recurrence. While on treatment, the patient developed new‐onset nodules on the chest and back. Skin biopsy showed a diffuse dermal infiltrate of medium‐to‐large atypical lymphocytes with frequent mitosis and scattered eosinophils. Immunohistochemically, the atypical cells displayed the same immunophenotype as previous specimens (CD3+, CD4−/CD8−, CD56−, ALK− and TCR γ−), except for lack of CD30 expression which was attributed to BV treatment effect. The diagnosis was thought to be consistent with ALK‐negative ALCL and the patient was continued on BV along with total skin electron beam radiation and the lesions cleared. The patient relapsed 2 months later with extensive disease and expired. In summary, this is the first report in the literature of loss of CD30 expression in ALCL after BV therapy. Awareness of this may prevent a mistaken diagnosis of a CD30‐negative secondary T‐cell lymphoma.
Papillary adnexal neoplasm (aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma) on the ankle of a 15‐year‐old girl: case report and review of literature from a pediatric perspective
Authors: Wu Hao , Pimpalwar Ashwin , Diwan Hafeez , Patel Kalyani R.
Published: August 2016

Digital papillary adenocarcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of the sweat glands, most commonly encountered in adult males. Only few pediatric cases have been reported, with an apparent predominance of females and none on the ankle. We report a case of a 15‐year‐old girl with a slowly growing, non‐tender mass on the right ankle presenting with difficulty in walking; clinically believed to be a keloid. Excision of the mass revealed a glandular neoplasm with largely eccrine and focally apocrine differentiation. Histologic features do not reliably predict biologic behavior. Because of the existing confusion over the nomenclature, we propose that such tumors be called ‘papillary adnexal neoplasms of distal extremities’.
831. CYPRIPEDIUM FASCIOLATUM
Authors: Cribb Phillip , Schuiteman André
Published: August 2016

Cypripedium fasciolatum Franch., from western China, is illustrated. Its discovery, present status and cultivation are discussed.
GUILTY CONSCIENCE AND INCENTIVES WITH PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT ERRORS
Authors: Eguchi Kyota
Published: August 2016

This study examines the effects of guilty conscience on incentive in the situation where an agent performance assessment has errors. There are two types of assessment error: undervaluation and overvaluation. In overvaluation, agents will not correct the assessment because their wages would then decrease. Although agents will want their undervaluation corrected, principals will not correct the error due to increased wage cost. Hence, correcting errors is complicated. However, this type of selfish behavior by agents and principals produces feelings of guilt, particularly when others trust them. In this situation, a high incentive is desirable for conscientious people with a strong sense of guilt or for nonconscientious people who do not feel guilt, but it is undesirable for intermediate‐type people who are conscientious only to a certain extent. (JEL D03, D82, J41)
Biological characteristics of a non‐photoperiodic‐diapause strain of the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Tan Qian‐Qian , Zhou Rui‐Qi , Liu Wen , Feng Lian , Wang Xiao‐Ping
Published: August 2016

Comparison of biological characteristics between diapausing and non‐diapausing strains of insects provides some insights into the mechanisms regulating diapause. In this study, biological characteristics, especially diapause characteristics and life‐history traits, of a non‐photoperiodic‐diapause (NPD) strain of the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi were compared with those of a normal, high‐diapause (HD) strain that enters diapause in response to either long day length or low temperature. The NPD strain did not enter diapause at any photoperiod at 22°C or higher, but still had a capacity to enter diapause at low temperatures. Although diapause could be induced in both strains by exposure to 20°C, the proportion of individuals having shorter diapause duration was greater in the NPD strain compared to the HD strain. The NPD strain had significantly lower hatching and larval survival rates, longer developmental duration of immature stages, smaller body size and lower longevity and female fecundity compared to the HD strain. The NPD strain of this species is a promising model for investigating diapause regulation in insects in general.
Waterbugs (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha) as sources of essential n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in Central Siberian ecoregions
Authors: Sushchik Nadezhda N. , Yurchenko Yuri A. , Belevich Olga E. , Kalachova Galina S. , Kolmakova Anzhelika A. , Gladyshev Michail I.
Published: August 2016

Aquatic systems are considered to be a main source of essential long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which are preferentially synthesized by microalgae and transferred along food chains to terrestrial consumers. Emerging aquatic insects comprise a significant part of this transfer of the essential PUFA from water to land. Quantitative data on PUFA content and composition are available mainly for rheophilic insects while taxa that are characteristic of wetlands and stagnant water bodies, such as aquatic Heteroptera, remain relatively unstudied.

We investigated the role of various waterbug taxa (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha) inhabiting different ecoregions in temperate Central Siberia (Russia) as potential sources of PUFA. The ecoregions were steppe, forest‐steppe, hemiboreal forest and montane coniferous forest. Although these waterbugs insects are aquatic in both larval and adult stages, they can disperse through the landscape and transfer essential PUFAs from water to land so making them potentially available to terrestrial consumers.

Species of Naucoridae, Notonectidae and Corixidae were generally dominant in all ecoregions, attaining maximum biomass in the steppe. We showed that habitat or ecoregion played a major role in the variability of fatty acid composition of Notonectidae and Gerridae but not Corixidae. In contrast, the biochemical composition of the only naucoridae, Ilyocoris cimicoides, was largely affected by life stage.

Both the dominant families and species within them differed with respect to their mass‐specific contents of essential long‐chain PUFA of the n‐3 family, namely eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Corixid species had the highest content of these two essential PUFAs among the waterbug studies, and relative to literature reports for other aquatic insects. Corixids thus appear to be a potentially important vector for transfer of the essential biochemical compounds from water to land, especially in steppe ecoregions with numerous ephemeral water bodies.
Increasing incidence of elderly‐onset autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Morii Kazuhiko , Nagano Yuh , Yamamoto Takeharu , Nakamura Shinichiro , Okushin Hiroaki
Published: August 2016

Aim

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) commonly shows bimodal distribution of onset age: at young adulthood and at 50–60 years‐of‐age. However, in recent times, the incidence of elderly‐onset AIH seems to be increasing. This study aimed to investigate whether the incidence of elderly‐onset AIH is increasing, and whether these patients show any clinical features different from those observed in younger patients.

Methods

Data about patients with newly diagnosed AIH visiting the Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan, were retrospectively collected for the period ranging from January 2010 to May 2016. A total of 71 patients (56 women and 15 men, age 18–88 years) were included in this study. Patients were divided into two cohorts: elderly (≥70 years; n = 28) and adult cohort (15–69 years; n = 43). Demographic and clinical characteristics, biochemical and serological markers, radiological and histological findings, and therapeutic courses were evaluated.

Results

The median age of the patients was 65 years, the most frequent range being the 70s (37%), followed by the 60s (25%). The elderly cohort had significantly higher levels of serum immunoglobulin G and antinuclear antibody, lesser hepatitis activity scores, and lesser chance of developing other autoimmune diseases. They tended to have higher C‐reactive protein levels and lower serum alanine aminotransferase levels. All patients achieved clinical remission after treatment.

Conclusions

This study clearly showed an increase in the incidence of elderly‐onset AIH. These patients had some unique characteristics, showing that the development of elderly‐onset AIH is influenced by age‐associated immune dysfunction called immunosenescence. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1722–1728.
The Impact of Parties and Elections on Municipal Debt Policy in Mexico
Authors: Benton Allyson Lucinda , Smith Heidi Jane M.
Published: August 2016

Opportunistic electoral fiscal policy cycle theory suggests that all subnational officials will raise fiscal spending during elections. Ideological partisan fiscal policy cycle theory suggests that only left‐leaning governments will raise election year fiscal spending, with right‐leaning parties choosing the reverse. This article assesses which of these competing logics applies to debt policy choices. Cross‐sectional time‐series analysis of yearly loan acquisition across Mexican municipalities—on statistically matched municipal subsamples to balance creditworthiness across left‐ and right‐leaning governments—shows that all parties engage in electoral policy cycles but not in the way originally thought. It also shows that different parties favored different types of loans, although not always according to partisan predictions. Both electoral and partisan logics thus shape debt policy decisions—in contrast to fiscal policy where these logics are mutually exclusive—because debt policy involves decisions on multiple dimensions, about the total and type of loans.