bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding modifies the impact of diarrhoeal disease on relative weight: a longitudinal analysis of 2–12 month‐old Filipino infants
Authors: Wright Melecia J , Mendez Michelle A , Bentley Margaret E , Adair Linda S
Published: April 2016

Undernutrition and diarrhoeal disease are major causes of infant mortality. We investigated the combined roles of breastfeeding and diarrhoea on infant size in 2940 infants from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. The study aimed to assess whether breastfeeding status modified the deficits associated with diarrhoeal disease. The primary exposures were combinations of current breastfeeding status (yes/no), the presence of diarrhoeal disease in previous week (yes/no) and a categorical survey variable (six surveys taken at bimonthly intervals when infants were 2–12 months of age). Relative weight (weight‐for‐length z‐scores), calculated using the WHO growth standards, was estimated using sex‐stratified, fixed‐effects longitudinal models that also adjusted for energy from complementary foods. Post‐estimation Wald tests were conducted to identify subgroup differences in relative weight. Diarrhoea was associated with reduced relative weight in both breastfed and non‐breastfed infants of 6–12 months. Diarrhoea‐related deficits in relative weight were significantly exacerbated in non‐breastfed girls of 6 and 8 months. Importantly, in infants <6 months, being breastfed and having diarrhoea was still associated with greater relative weight compared with being non‐breastfed and diarrhoea‐free. Breastfeeding emerged as a strong contributor to relative weight in younger infants (<6 months) while diarrhoeal disease strongly contributed to deficits in relative weight in older infants (6–12 months). These findings underscore the importance of breastfeeding for promoting infant nutritional status in infants with or without diarrhoea from birth to 12 months.
A Computational Methodology for Assessing the Time‐Dependent Structural Performance of Electric Road Infrastructures
Authors: Ceravolo Rosario , Miraglia Gaetano , Surace Cecilia , Zanotti Fragonara Luca
Published: April 2016

An infrastructure adapted to dynamic wireless recharging of electric vehicles is often referred to generically as Electric Road (“e‐road”). E‐roads are deemed to become essential components of future grid environments and smart city strategies. Several technologies already exist that propose different ways to integrate dynamic inductive charging systems within the infrastructure. One e‐road solution uses a very thin rail with box‐section made of fibre‐reinforced polymer, inside which an electric current flows producing a magnetic field. In spite of the great interest and research generated by recharging technologies, the structural problems of e‐roads, including vibrations and structural integrity in the short and/or long period, have received relatively little attention to date. This article presents a novel computational methodology for assessing the time‐dependent structural performance of e‐roads, including a recursive strategy for the estimation of the lifetime of surface layers. The article also reports some numerical findings about e‐roads that will drive further numerical analyses and experimental studies on this novel type of infrastructure. Finally, numerical simulations have been conducted to compare an e‐road with a traditional road (“t‐road”), in terms of static, dynamic and fatigue behavior.
A role for adenine nucleotides in the sensing mechanism to purine starvation in Leishmania donovani
Authors: Martin Jessica L. , Yates Phillip A. , Boitz Jan M. , Koop Dennis R. , Fulwiler Audrey L. , Cassera Maria Belen , Ullman Buddy , Carter Nicola S.
Published: April 2016

Purine salvage by Leishmania is an obligatory nutritional process that impacts both cell viability and growth. Previously, we have demonstrated that the removal of purines in culture provokes significant metabolic changes that enable Leishmania to survive prolonged periods of purine starvation. In order to understand how Leishmania sense and respond to changes in their purine environment, we have exploited several purine pathway mutants, some in which adenine and guanine nucleotide metabolism is uncoupled. While wild type parasites grow in any one of a variety of naturally occurring purines, the proliferation of these purine pathway mutants requires specific types or combinations of exogenous purines. By culturing purine pathway mutants in high levels of extracellular purines that are either permissive or non‐permissive for growth and monitoring for previously defined markers of the adaptive response to purine starvation, we determined that adaptation arises from a surveillance of intracellular purine nucleotide pools rather than from a direct sensing of the extracellular purine content of the environment. Specifically, our data suggest that perturbation of intracellular adenine‐containing nucleotide pools provides a crucial signal for inducing the metabolic changes necessary for the long‐term survival of Leishmania in a purine‐scarce environment.
Artificial Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains exhibit diverse mechanisms to repress Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae‐induced hypersensitive response and non‐host resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Li Wen , Cao Jia‐Yi , Xu You‐Ping , Cai Xin‐Zhong
Published: April 2016

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) rapidly triggers a hypersensitive response (HR) and non‐host resistance in its non‐host plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Here, we report that Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 blocks Xoo‐induced HR in N. benthamiana when pre‐infiltrated or co‐infiltrated, but not when post‐infiltrated at 4 h after Xoo inoculation. This suppression by A. tumefaciens is local and highly efficient to Xoo. The HR‐inhibiting efficiency of A. tumefaciens is strain dependent. Strain C58C1 has almost no effect on Xoo‐induced HR, whereas strains GV3101, EHA105 and LBA4404 nearly completely block HR formation. Intriguingly, these three HR‐inhibiting strains employ different strategies to repress HR. Strain GV3101 displays strong antibiotic activity and thus suppresses Xoo growth. Comparison of the genotype and Xoo antibiosis activity of wild‐type A. tumefaciens strain C58 and a set of C58‐derived strains reveals that this Xoo antibiosis activity of A. tumefaciens is negatively, but not solely, regulated by the transferred‐DNA (T‐DNA) of the Ti plasmid pTiC58. Unlike GV3101, strains LBA4404 and EHA105 exhibit no significant antibiotic effect on Xoo, but rather abolish hydrogen peroxide accumulation. In addition, expression assays indicate that strains LBA4404 and EHA105 may inhibit Xoo‐induced HR by suppression of the expression of Xoo type III secretion system (T3SS) effector genes hpa1 and hrpD6. Collectively, our results unveil the multiple levels of effects of A. tumefaciens on Xoo in N. benthamiana and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the bacterial antibiosis of A. tumefaciens and the non‐host resistance induced by Xoo.
Evaluation of five conventional and molecular approaches for diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis in non‐HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Chen Min , Zhou Jie , Li Juan , Li Meng , Sun Jun , Fang Wen J. , Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M. S. , Xu Jianping , Boekhout Teun , Liao Wan Q. , Pan Wei H.
Published: April 2016

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a life‐threatening mycosis primarily occurring in HIV‐infected individuals. Recently, non‐HIV‐infected hosts were increasingly reported to form a considerable proportion. However, the majority of the reported studies on the diagnosis of CM patients were performed on HIV‐infected patients. For evaluation of various diagnostic approaches for CM in non‐HIV‐infected patients, a range of conventional and molecular assays used for diagnosis of CM were verified on 85 clinical CSFs from non‐HIV‐infected CM patients, including India ink staining, culture, a newly developed loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), the lateral flow assay (LFA) of cryptococcal antigen detection and a qPCR assay. The LFA had the highest positive detection rate (97.6%; 95% CI, 91.8–99.7%) in non‐HIV‐infected CM patients, followed by the LAMP (87.1%; 95% CI, 78.0–93.4%), the qPCR (80.0%; 95% CI, 69.9–87.9%), India ink staining (70.6%; 95% CI, 59.7–80.0%) and culture (35.3%; 95% CI, 25.2–46.4%). All culture positive specimens were correctly identified by the LFA.
Lemma micromorphology and the systematics of Siberian species of Stipa (Poaceae)
Authors: Olonova M. V. , Barkworth M. E. , Gudkova P. D.
Published: April 2016

We investigated the lemma micromorphology of 17, primarily Siberian, species of Stipa using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All the species had variants of the micromorphology considered typical for Stipa but each had a unique combination of characteristics, enabling its identification solely on the basis of its lemma micromorphology. Phenetic analysis revealed little correlation between the observed variation and the current sectional treatment of the species. The data support exclusion of Stipa borysthenica from Stipa pennata. A key to the species is provided.
Interplay between bile acid metabolism and microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Dior M. , Delagrèverie H. , Duboc H. , Jouet P. , Coffin B. , Brot L. , Humbert L. , Trugnan G. , Seksik P. , Sokol H. , Rainteau D. , Sabate J.‐M.
Published: April 2016

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) physiopathology is multifactorial and roles for both microbiota and bile acid (BA) modifications have been proposed. We investigated role of dysbiosis, transit pattern and BA metabolism in IBS.

Methods

Clinical data, serum, and stool samples were collected in 15 healthy subjects (HS), 16 diarrhea‐predominant (IBS‐D) and 15 constipation‐predominant IBS (IBS‐C). Fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by real‐time PCR. Sera and fecal BA profiles, 7α‐C4 levels, and in vitro BA transformation activity by fecal microbiota were measured by mass spectrometry. Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19) was assayed by ELISA.

Keys Results

Dysbiosis was present in IBS patients with an increase in Escherichia coli in IBS‐D patients (p = 0.03), and an increase in Bacteroides (p = 0.01) and Bifidobacterium (p = 0.04) in IBS‐C patients. Sera primary and amino‐conjugated BA were increased in IBS‐D (63.5 ± 5.5%, p = 0.01 and 78.9 ± 6.3%, p = 0.03) and IBS‐C patients (55.9 ± 5.5%, p = 0.04 and 65.3 ± 6.5%, p = 0.005) compared to HS (37.0 ± 5.8% and 56.7 ± 8.1%). Serum 7α‐C4 and FGF19 levels were not different among all three groups. Fecal primary BA were increased in IBS‐D patients compared to HS, including chenodeoxycholic acid which has laxative properties (25.6 ± 8.5% vs 3.5 ± 0.6%, p = 0.005). Bile acid deconjugation activity was decreased in IBS‐D (p = 0.0001) and IBS‐C (p = 0.003) feces. Abdominal pain was positively correlated with serum (R = 0.635, p < 0.001) and fecal (R = 0.391, p = 0.024) primary BA.

Conclusions & Inferences

Different sera and fecal BA profiles in IBS patients could be secondary to dysbiosis and further differences between IBS‐C and IBS‐D could explain stool patterns. This study opens new fields in IBS physiopathology and suggests that modification of BA profiles could have therapeutic potential.
The evolutionary dynamics of ancient and recent polyploidy in the African semiaquatic species of the legume genus Aeschynomene
Authors: Chaintreuil Clémence , Gully Djamel , Hervouet Catherine , Tittabutr Panlada , Randriambanona Herizo , Brown Spencer C. , Lewis Gwilym P. , Bourge Mickaël , Cartieaux Fabienne , Boursot Marc , Ramanankierana Heriniaina , D'Hont Angélique , Teaumroong Neung , Giraud Eric , Arrighi Jean‐François
Published: April 2016

The legume genus Aeschynomene is notable in the ability of certain semiaquatic species to develop nitrogen‐fixing stem nodules. These species are distributed in two clades. In the first clade, all the species are characterized by the use of a unique Nod‐independent symbiotic process. In the second clade, the species use a Nod‐dependent symbiotic process and some of them display a profuse stem nodulation as exemplified in the African Aeschynomene afraspera.

To facilitate the molecular analysis of the symbiotic characteristics of such legumes, we took an integrated molecular and cytogenetic approach to track occurrences of polyploidy events and to analyze their impact on the evolution of the African species of Aeschynomene.

Our results revealed two rounds of polyploidy: a paleopolyploid event predating the African group and two neopolyploid speciations, along with significant chromosomal variations. Hence, we found that A. afraspera (8x) has inherited the contrasted genomic properties and the stem‐nodulation habit of its parental lineages (4x).

This study reveals a comprehensive picture of African Aeschynomene diversification. It notably evidences a history that is distinct from the diploid Nod‐independent clade, providing clues for the identification of the specific determinants of the Nod‐dependent and Nod‐independent symbiotic processes, and for comparative analysis of stem nodulation.
Impact of low‐carbohydrate diet on body composition: meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Hashimoto Y. , Fukuda T. , Oyabu C. , Tanaka M. , Asano M. , Yamazaki M. , Fukui M.
Published: April 2016

The effect of low‐carbohydrate diet (LCD) on body composition, especially fat mass, in obese individuals remains to be elucidated.

We performed a meta‐analysis to provide quantitative summary estimates of the mean change of body weight (kg) and fat mass (kg) in LCD comparing to those in control diet. Literature searches were performed using EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library until Dec 2014.

Fourteen randomized controlled studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Eight studies including very LCD (50 g carbohydrate or 10% calorie from carbohydrate) and seven studies including mild LCD (about 40% calorie from carbohydrate). Meta‐analysis carried out on data of 1416 obese individuals, showed that LCD was associated with decrease in body weight (−0.70 kg [95% CI −1.07/−0.33]) or fat mass (−0.77 kg [−1.55/−0.32]). Subgroup meta‐analysis of studies in over 12 months suggested that LCD was not associated with decrease in body weight (−0.44 kg [−0.94/0.07]), but LCD was associated with decrease in fat mass (−0.57 kg [−1.05/−0.09]). In addition, very LCD was associated with decrease in fat mass (−0.97 kg [−1.50/−0.44]), but mild LCD was not associated with decrease in fat mass (−0.43 kg [−1.15/0.33]).

LCD, especially very LCD, might be effective for decrease in fat mass in obese individuals. © 2016 World Obesity
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and osteonecrosis
Authors: Ceponis P , Keilman C , Guerry C , Freiberger JJ
Published: April 2016

Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be caused by radiation, medication, or infection. Optimal therapy requires a multimodal approach that combines surgery with adjuvant treatments. This review focuses on the use of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy for this condition. In addition to evidence regarding the basic and clinical science behind hyperbaric oxygen therapy, controversies in the field and economic implications are discussed.
BRONJ in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a multicenter case series
Authors: Di Fede O , Bedogni A , Giancola F , Saia G , Bettini G , Toia F , D'Alessandro N , Firenze A , Matranga D , Fedele S , Campisi G
Published: April 2016

Objective

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a potentially severe adverse effect of various medications (bisphosphonates, anti‐resorptive, and anti‐angiogenic drugs). ONJ pathogenesis is still unclear although some risk factors have been recognized. Of these, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been hypothesized as a potential risk factor for developing ONJ. This observational study will describe a multicenter case series of patients affected with RA and ONJ, and it will attempt to evaluate the association between features of ONJ and pharmacological, systemic, and site variables.

Methods

Demographic, pharmacological, and clinical data from 18 RA patients with ONJ were collected and registered from three Italian centers (i.e., Palermo, Verona, and Padua) from 2004 to 2013.

Results

Sixteen (88.9%) patients were in therapy for RA: 9 of 18 (50.0%) with systemic steroids, 3 of 18 (16.7%) with methotrexate, and 4 of 18 (22.2%) with both medications. Two patients were not receiving treatment for RA. All patients took NBPs for secondary osteoporosis (average NBP duration of 69 months, range: 20–130): Fifteen (83.3%) patients were treated with single NBPs, while three (16.7%) with different molecules; one patient was also treated with denosumab. Mandible was affected more frequently (66.7%) than maxilla (33.3%); one patient presented multiple ONJ events.

Conclusions

This is the first multicenter case series in the international literature regarding our topic. Focusing on our data, it could be hypothesized that patients with RA may be more susceptible to ONJ than the majority of osteometabolic patients. In our opinion, it could be important to monitor also denosumab or other biological drug side effects.
Linking the continental migratory cycle of the monarch butterfly to understand its population decline
Authors: Inamine Hidetoshi , Ellner Stephen P. , Springer James P. , Agrawal Anurag A.
Published: April 2016

Threats to several of the world's great animal migrations necessitate a research agenda focused on identifying drivers of their population dynamics. The monarch butterfly is an iconic species whose continental migratory population in eastern North America has been declining precipitously. Recent analyses have linked the monarch decline to reduced abundance of milkweed host plants in the USA caused by increased use of genetically modified herbicide‐resistant crops. To identify the most sensitive stages in the monarch's annual multi‐generational migration, and to test the milkweed limitation hypothesis, we analyzed 22 years of citizen science records from four monitoring programs across North America. We analyzed the relationships between butterfly population indices at successive stages of the annual migratory cycle to assess demographic connections and to address the roles of migrant population size versus temporal trends that reflect changes in habitat or resource quality. We find a sharp annual population decline in the first breeding generation in the southern USA, driven by the progressively smaller numbers of spring migrants from the overwintering grounds in Mexico. Monarch populations then build regionally during the summer generations. Contrary to the milkweed limitation hypothesis, we did not find statistically significant temporal trends in stage‐to‐stage population relationships in the mid‐western or northeastern USA. In contrast, there are statistically significant negative temporal trends at the overwintering grounds in Mexico, suggesting that monarch success during the fall migration and re‐establishment strongly contributes to the butterfly decline. Lack of milkweed, the only host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, is unlikely to be driving the monarch's population decline. Conservation efforts therefore require additional focus on the later phases in the monarch's annual migratory cycle. We hypothesize that lack of nectar sources, habitat fragmentation, continued degradation at the overwintering sites, or other threats to successful fall migration are critical limiting factors for declining monarchs.
Periostin as a biomarker for the diagnosis of pediatric asthma
Authors: Inoue Takashi , Akashi Kenichi , Watanabe Masako , Ikeda Yuichi , Ashizuka Shuichi , Motoki Takanori , Suzuki Ryohei , Sagara Nagatoshi , Yanagida Noriyuki , Sato Sakura , Ebisawa Motohiro , Ohta Shoichiro , Ono Jyunya , Izuhara Kenji , Katsunuma Toshio
Published: April 2016

Background

There are some biomarkers for asthma diagnosis but they are often difficult in clinical use, particularly in pediatric cases. Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein, upregulated in response to IL‐4 or IL‐13. Serum periostin is expected to be used as a non‐invasive biomarker for asthma diagnosis and management.

Methods

Twenty‐eight children with asthma (BA) and 27 children without asthma (patients with pectus excavatum, etc. as control group) aged 6–16 years were included. Bronchial asthma was diagnosed according to International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), lung function, blood eosinophil counts, total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and serum periostin levels were assessed. Results were compared between BA and controls. Asthma diagnostic accuracies were calculated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses.

Results

Serum periostin levels in the BA group were significantly higher than those in the control group [medians (with interquartile ranges), 134.0 (116.3–166.3) vs. 112.0 (97.0–132.0) ng/ml; p = 0.012]. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for periostin, FeNO, and eosinophil counts were 0.70, 0.72, and 0.84, respectively. After the exclusion of controls with pectus excavatum, AUC for periostin, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and maximum mid‐expiratory flow rate (MMF) were 0.75, 0.74, and 0.80, respectively.

Conclusion

Serum periostin levels were significantly higher in children with asthma. ROC AUC values for periostin were equivalent to conventional biomarkers, including FeNO levels and lung function testing, indicating the utility of serum periostin levels in diagnosing asthma in children.
Breastfeeding and asthma outcomes at the age of 6 years: The Generation R Study
Authors: den Dekker Herman T. , Sonnenschein‐van der Voort Agnes M. M. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Reiss Irwin K. , de Jongste Johan C. , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: April 2016

Background

Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of asthma symptoms in early childhood, but its effect at older ages remains unclear. We examined the associations of duration and exclusiveness of breastfeeding with asthma outcomes in children aged 6 years, and whether these associations were explained by atopic or infectious mechanisms.

Methods

We performed a population‐based prospective cohort study among 5675 children. Information about breastfeeding was collected by questionnaires. At age 6 years, we measured interrupter resistance (Rint) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Information about wheezing patterns (early (≤3 years only), late (>3 years only), persistent (≤3 and >3 years)), and current asthma at 6 years was derived from repeated questionnaires.

Results

Compared to children who were ever breastfed, those who were never breastfed had lower FeNO levels (sympercent (95% CI): ‐16.0 (‐24.5, ‐7.5)) and increased risks of late and persistent wheezing (OR(95% CI): 1.69 (1.06, 2.69) and 1.44 (1.00, 2.07), respectively). Shorter duration of breastfeeding was associated with early wheezing and current asthma (1.40 (1.14, 1.73) and 2.19 (1.29, 3.71), respectively). Less exclusive breastfeeding was associated with early wheezing (1.28 (1.08, 1.53)). Breastfeeding duration and exclusiveness were not associated with FeNO or Rint. The associations were not explained by inhalant allergies, partly by lower respiratory tract infections in early life, and to a lesser extent by lower respiratory tract infections in later life.

Conclusions

Breastfeeding patterns may influence wheezing and asthma in childhood, which seems to be partly explained by infectious mechanisms.
Pharmacokinetics of levobupivacaine following infant spinal anesthesia
Authors: Frawley Geoff , Hallett Ben , Velkov Tony , Bjorksten Andrew
Published: April 2016

Background

Infant spinal anesthesia with levobupivacaine has been promoted as a technique to reduce both the risk of postoperative apnea and exposure to volatile anesthesia. There is, however, no pharmacokinetic data to support the currently recommended doses.

Aims

Our aim was to determine whether infant levobupivacaine spinal anesthesia is associated with plasma concentrations consistent with a low risk of local anesthetic systemic toxicity.

Methods

This was an open‐label pharmacokinetic safety and tolerability study of levobupivacaine spinal anesthesia in infants <55 weeks Post Menstrual Age undergoing lower abdominal surgery. Infants received a spinal anesthetic with levobupivacaine 1 mg·kg−1 in the left lateral position.

Results

Spinal anesthesia was successful in 25 (86.2%) of 29 infants (postmenstrual age 36–52 weeks; weight 2.2–4.7 kg). The median (IQR) total venous levobupivacaine plasma concentrations was 0.33 (0.25–0.42) μg·ml−1 and unbound venous levobupivacaine was 19.5 (14.5–38) ng·ml−1. Median protein binding was 93.5 (91.4–96%). Alpha‐1 acid glycoprotein concentrations were 0.25 (0.17–0.37) g·l−1 and albumin concentrations were 29 (24–32) g·l−1.

Conclusion

Total plasma concentrations and unbound (free) concentration of levobupivacaine were consistently lower than concentrations reported in cases of pediatric local anesthetic toxicity. In a small number of infants requiring a repeat spinal of 1 mg·kg−1 was also associated with acceptable total and free concentrations. We conclude that levobupivacaine at 1 mg·kg−1 is associated with no systemic side effects in infants receiving awake spinal anesthesia.
Proton spectroscopy study of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in youth with familial depression
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Ru , Langevin Lisa Marie , Jaworska Natalia , Kirton Adam , Lebel R. Marc , Harris Ashley D. , Jasaui Yamile , Wilkes T. Christopher , Sembo Mariko , Swansburg Rose , MacMaster Frank P.
Published: April 2016

Aim

Structural, functional, and metabolic changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) are implicated in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1
H‐MRS) to examine the metabolite choline (glycerophosphocholine plus phosphocholine), which is used as an index of membrane integrity in the left DLPFC, in adolescents and young adults with MDD who were treatment‐resistant and had a positive family history compared to healthy controls. Differences in the choline resonance indicate an imbalance between synthesis and degradation activity of neuronal and glia membrane phospholipids.

Methods

Seventeen adolescents with MDD and 11 healthy controls underwent 1
H‐MRS. A short echo point‐resolved spectroscopy (echo time = 30 ms, repetition time = 2000 ms) protocol was used with a voxel (4.5cm3, 128 averages) placed within the left DLPFC.

Results

There were significantly increased choline (P = 0.04) and creatine concentrations (P = 0.005) in the left DLPFC of the MDD group compared to controls. In MDD participants, choline concentration correlated with scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (r = 0.41, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Increased left DLPFC choline and creatine levels in depressed adolescents may be biomarkers for the disorder. The increased choline levels may indicate abnormalities in neuronal membrane integrity, and the increased creatine could be reflective of altered energy demands and metabolism.
An institutional experience of pre‐emptive liver transplantation for pediatric primary hyperoxaluria type 1
Authors: Khorsandi Shirin Elizabeth , Samyn Marianne , Hassan Akhila , Vilca‐Melendez Hector , Waller Simon , Shroff Rukshana , Koffman Geoff , Van't Hoff William , Baker Alastair , Dhawan Anil , Heaton Nigel
Published: April 2016

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is an inherited metabolic disease that culminates in ESRF. Pre‐emptive liver transplantation (pLTx) treats the metabolic defect and avoids the need for kidney transplantation (KTx). An institutional experience of pediatric PH1 LTx is reported and compared to the literature. Between 2004 and 2015, eight children underwent pLTx for PH1. Three underwent pLTx with a median GFR of 40 (30–46) mL/min/1.73 m2 and five underwent sequential combined liver‐kidney transplantation (cLKTx); all were on RRT at the time of cLKTx. In one case of pLTx, KTx was required eight and a half yr later. pLTx was performed in older (median 8 vs. 2 yr) and larger children (median 27 vs. 7.75 kg) that had a milder PH1 phenotype. In pediatric PH1, pLTx, ideally, should be performed before renal and extrarenal systemic oxalosis complications have occurred, and pLTx can be used “early” or “late.” Early is when renal function is preserved with the aim to avoid renal replacement. However, in late (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2), the aim is to stabilize renal function and delay the need for KTx. Ultimately, transplant strategy depends on PH1 phenotype, disease stage, child size, and organ availability.
Human Dignity
Authors: Zylberman Ariel
Published: April 2016

This article focuses on human dignity as a moral idea and, in particular, on a single but fundamental question: what conception of human dignity, if any, can generate an egalitarian duty to respect all persons? After surveying two mainstream and two alternative conceptions, the article suggests that explaining how human dignity generates an egalitarian duty of respect may be more difficult than has been appreciated.
Ash dieback due toHymenoscyphus fraxineus: what can be learnt from evolutionary ecology?
Authors: Landolt J. , Gross A. , Holdenrieder O. , Pautasso M.
Published: April 2016

The future existence of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), an important tree species throughout temperate Europe, is threatened. An invasive fungal disease (ash dieback) has spread through much of the distribution area of common ash. The causal agent of the disease isHymenoscyphus fraxineus, a necrotrophic ascomycete, most probably introduced from Asia in the early 1990s.Hymenoscyphus fraxineusinfects ash trees and saplings through their leaves, from which it grows into the stem. The fungus was studied intensively in recent years but there is still a need to address the topic from an evolutionary perspective. In this overview, some key evolutionary aspects of ash dieback are discussed, from the Red Queen dynamics of host–pathogen interactions to the probable consequences for virulence evolution of multiple infections. The progression of ash dieback in Europe does not show spatial differences, but studies show variation in susceptibility within host populations, a probable consequence of genetic differences, thus providing material for evolution of disease resistance or tolerance. Breeding programmes need to maintain the genetic diversity ofFraxinus, to enable it to withstand further threats such as climate change and the emerald ash borer. BecauseH. fraxineusreproduces exclusively sexually, the pathogen is likely to overcome a narrow genetic resistance. The introduction of further strains ofH. fraxineusto Europe and the movement of infected plant material should be avoided. This case study shows that the integration of evolutionary ecology considerations would benefit plant disease management and biosecurity in general.
Suspected pulmonary embolism in patients with pulmonary fibrosis: Discordance between ventilation/perfusion SPECT and CT pulmonary angiography
Authors: Leuschner Gabriela , Wenter Vera , Milger Katrin , Zimmermann Gregor S. , Matthes Sandhya , Meinel Felix G. , Lehner Sebastian , Neurohr Claus , Behr Jürgen , Kneidinger Nikolaus
Published: April 2016

Background and Objective

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common differential diagnosis in patients with pulmonary fibrosis presenting with a clinical deterioration. Both ventilation/perfusion (V/Q)‐single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) are routinely used to detect PE. However, the value of V/Q‐SPECT and CTPA in this scenario has not been studied so far. We aimed to investigate the concordance of V/Q‐SPECT and CTPA in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and suspicion of pulmonary embolism.

Methods

A total of 22 consecutive patients with pulmonary fibrosis and clinical deterioration who underwent both V/Q‐SPECT and CTPA were included in the study and analyzed for the presence of pulmonary embolism.

Results

Nine of 22 patients (41%) had evidence for pulmonary embolism in V/Q‐SPECT, and two of these patients had matching evidence for pulmonary embolism in CTPA. In the other seven patients with positive findings in V/Q‐SPECT, no evidence of pulmonary embolism was found in CTPA. None of the 13 patients with a negative V/Q‐SPECT had evidence for pulmonary embolism in CTPA.

Conclusion

In patients with pulmonary fibrosis and suspected pulmonary embolism, pulmonary embolism is detected more frequently by V/Q‐SPECT than by CTPA. Thromboembolic disease is identified on CTPA only in a minority of patients with positive findings on V/Q‐SPECT. When making treatment decisions, clinicians should be aware of the high rate of discordant findings in V/Q‐SPECT and CTPA in this specific patient population.
A Regional Compound Poisson Process for Hurricane and Tropical Storm Damage
Authors: Mak Simon , Bingham Derek , Lu Yi
Published: April 2016

In light of intense hurricane activity along the US Atlantic coast, attention has turned to understanding both the economic effect and the behaviour of these storms. The compound Poisson–log-normal process has been proposed as a model for aggregate storm damage but does not shed light on regional analysis since storm path data are not used. We propose a fully Bayesian regional prediction model which uses conditional auto-regressive models to account for both storm paths and spatial patterns for storm damage. When fitted to historical data, the analysis from our model both confirms previous findings and reveals new insights on regional storm tendencies. Posterior predictive samples can also be used for pricing regional insurance premiums, which we illustrate by using three different risk measures.
Salivary parameters and oral health in the Moebius syndrome
Authors: Martins Mussi Maria Carolina , Moffa Eduardo , Castro Talita , Lira Ortega Adriana , Freitas Gabrielle , Braga Mariana , Siqueira Walter L. , Cury Gallottini Marina Helena
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To evaluate salivary characteristics, such as flow rate, buffering capacity and amylase activity, and associate these parameters with oral health in individuals with Moebius syndrome (MS) and controls.

Methods

The researchers assessed caries (ICDAS), periodontal disease (PSR), and plaque (Silness Löe) indexes in both groups. Unstimulated, stimulated, and bilateral parotid saliva were also collected. The salivary flow (milliliters/minute) and α‐amylase activity were measured in all samples. The α‐amylase activity was determined by maltose production. The buffering capacity was measured in stimulated saliva by titration of 0.01N HCl.

Results

The occurrence of carious lesions, related to cut‐off 2, as well as the occurrence of periodontal disease, was significantly higher (p > 0.05) in participants with MS when compared to the control group. Also, MS individuals presented decreased salivary flow, decreased buffering capacity, and amylase activity.

Conclusions

MS individuals present salivary alterations, which can be related to higher risk for caries.
Oral P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitors in Hemodialysis Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Authors: Jain Nishank , Reilly Robert F.
Published: April 2016

Oral P2Y12 receptor inhibitors are commonly used drugs in patients on hemodialysis (HD) to treat acute coronary syndrome with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and patients with stable coronary artery disease after PCI. Clopidogrel is the most commonly prescribed P2Y12 receptor inhibitor because it is effective in the general population and is not as costly as newer FDA‐approved agents (prasugrel, ticagrelor). However, increasing evidence is accumulating that clopidogrel may not be as effective in reducing mortality and preventing future ischemic events in patients with kidney disease. In this review, we will explore some of the studies that form the basis for this statement and discuss potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic reasons why clopidogrel might be less effective in HD patients, as well as explore potential risks and benefits of alternatives to clopidogrel therapy.
We Use Impure Water to Make Dialysate for Hemodialysis
Authors: Upadhyay Ashish , Jaber Bertrand L.
Published: April 2016

Patients receiving hemodialysis are exposed to a large volume of water, used to prepare dialysate for each treatment session. Technological advancements now make it possible to generate ultrapure dialysate that has substantially lower bacterial and endotoxin counts than the standard dialysate used in the United States. Low‐level water contamination is thought to propagate a state of chronic inflammation seen in hemodialysis patients, and a number of studies demonstrate that the use of ultrapure dialysate has a favorable effect on laboratory parameters of inflammation, nutrition, erythropoietin responsiveness, dialysis‐associated amyloidosis, and atherosclerosis. Few studies even suggest a direct clinical benefit of adopting ultrapure dialysate. As there is no proven harm with use of ultrapure dialysate and the economic implication appears to be minimal when using modern dialysis machines, it is imperative for regulatory agencies and the dialysis community to ensure that our vulnerable patients are no longer exposed to impure water during their hemodialysis treatments.
Sedimentary patterns and palaeoceanography of the Albian Marne a Fucoidi Formation (Central Italy) revealed by high‐resolution geochemical and nannofossil data
Authors: Giorgioni Martino , Tiraboschi Daniele , Erba Elisabetta , Hamann Yvonne , Weissert Helmut
Published: April 2016

The pelagic Marne a Fucoidi Formation from the Umbria–Marche Basin (Central Italy) is one of the best‐preserved deep‐marine archives of the Aptian–Albian. Frequent changes in lithology, from black to green and red marlstones and limestones, record fluctuating oceanographic and climatic conditions during the deposition of these sediments. Here, the lithological changes in the Albian of the Marne a Fucoidi Formation are studied with unprecedented resolution using X‐ray fluorescence core scanning measurements of major and minor element abundances, as well as statistical analyses of calcareous nannofossil indices. The results obtained with these two independent methodologies are in good agreement and allow for improving the understanding of the peculiar palaeoceanographic conditions of the western Tethys during the Albian. Black shale–marlstone couplets were driven by orbitally forced changes in physical oceanography, resulting in oxygen‐depleted bottom water at times of decreased mixing of shallow water masses. On the other hand, red marlstones represent episodes of enhanced oxygenation at the bottom, probably due to the influence of deep waters from the eastern Tethys. Overall, the Marne a Fucoidi Formation is the expression of highly variable oceanographic conditions related to an unstable Albian circulation mode.
Inference for Multi‐dimensional High‐frequency Data with an Application to Conditional Independence Testing
Authors: Bibinger Markus , Mykland Per A.
Published: April 2016

We find the asymptotic distribution of the multi‐dimensional multi‐scale and kernel estimators for high‐frequency financial data with microstructure. Sampling times are allowed to be asynchronous and endogenous. In the process, we show that the classes of multi‐scale and kernel estimators for smoothing noise perturbation are asymptotically equivalent in the sense of having the same asymptotic distribution for corresponding kernel and weight functions. The theory leads to multi‐dimensional stable central limit theorems and feasible versions. Hence, they allow to draw statistical inference for a broad class of multivariate models, which paves the way to tests and confidence intervals in risk measurement for arbitrary portfolios composed of high‐frequently observed assets. As an application, we enhance the approach to construct a test for investigating hypotheses that correlated assets are independent conditional on a common factor.
Flying Under the Radar? Risks of Social Exclusion for Older People in Rural Communities in Australia, Ireland and Northern Ireland
Authors: Warburton Jeni , Scharf Thomas , Walsh Kieran
Published: April 2016

Risk individualisation is increasingly apparent in policy and practice discourses on social exclusion. For older people who live in rural communities, potentially compounding risk factors associated with social exclusion emerge from the intersection of ageing and rurality. When linked to the diversity of individuals, rural settings, and national jurisdictions, this raises intriguing questions concerning how rural communities perceive and manage related risk. The article draws on comparable data from Australia, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to explore rural community stakeholders’ perceptions of the construction of, and responsibility for, risk of old‐age social exclusion. Data derive from interviews and focus groups with 84 stakeholders from 13 settings across the three jurisdictions. Analysis illustrates an almost universal narrative around the individualisation of risk of old‐age social exclusion, where rural communities serve a role in risk mitigation more than construction. The narrative's policy, sociocultural and contextual drivers, together with its implications, are discussed with reference to the contrasting national contexts.
The Population's Confidence in the Child Protection System – A Survey Study of England, Finland, Norway and the United States (California)
Authors: Juhasz Ida , Skivenes Marit
Published: April 2016

This article examines the confidence the population (N = 4,003) has in the child welfare system in four countries – England, Finland, Norway and the USA (California). We find that about half or less of the population reports having confidence in the system, which is slightly higher than the confidence in the civil servants in the same countries. The Nordic countries display more confidence in the child welfare system than the Anglo‐American countries. The similarity between the countries is, however, greater than anticipated. As for independent variables that can shed light on differences in confidence levels, we find three variables to be related to a higher confidence level, and these are a left wing political orientation, lower age, and higher education. This study contributes in filling a knowledge gap on studies about trust in the child welfare system, but we emphasize that we have studied an aspect of trust that rests on the population's impressions of a system, and not their substantial knowledge about, or identification with, this system.
Soil organic matter quality and microbial activities in spruce swamp forests affected by drainage and water regime restoration
Authors: Mastný J. , Urbanová Z. , Kaštovská E. , Straková P. , Šantrůčková H. , Edwards K. R. , Picek T.
Published: April 2016

The effect of spruce swamp forest (SSF) drainage and water regime restoration on soil organic matter (SOM) quality and soil microbial heterotrophic activities was studied in pristine, drained and restored SSF in the Bohemian Forest, Czech Republic. Sequential chemical SOM fractionation using cold and hot water and hot acid was used to separate SOM fractions according to their mobility and potential lability/recalcitrance, and Fourier transform infrared spectra were used for SOM characterization. Soil physicochemical parameters and heterotrophic microbial activities were also determined. Drainage of SSF had significant long‐term effects (more than 50 yr) on plant communities and SOM quality. On drained sites, cover of sphagnum moss and sedge was much smaller than on pristine locations. A greater proportion of recalcitrant compounds and a smaller proportion of labile compounds were found in drained SSF as compared to pristine sites, which first led to an energy limitation and was followed by a decrease in microbial biomass and heterotrophic microbial activities (CO2 production, methanogenesis and methanotrophy). Restoration resulted in slow progressive changes in the vegetation cover, including the spread of sphagnum mosses, retreat of mosses typical of drier conditions and increased sedge cover compared with drained SSF. Moreover, soil physicochemical parameters (pH and bulk density), hot‐water‐extractable C and methanotrophic activity tended to evolve towards the pristine SSF and seem to be good indicators of the restoration process. No other SOM fractions changed significantly after restoration. Thus, to change significantly overall SOM quality and most microbial heterotrophic activities following restoration, more than 7 yr are required.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A allele, A*11:209 by sequence‐based high‐resolution typing in an HIV‐infected individual
Authors: Ou G. , Wang J. , Ji X. , Chen Q. , Liu Z.
Published: April 2016

The novel allele A*11:209 shows three nucleotides difference from A*11:27 in exon 3.
Difficult to swallow: warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a Jehovah's Witness treated with hemoglobin concentrate complicated by achalasia
Authors: Epperla Narendranath , Strouse Christopher , VanSandt Amanda M. , Foy Patrick
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

The acute treatment of severe warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) is focused on maximizing the oxygen delivery capacity of the patient's circulation and reversal of the underlying autoimmune process. The most effective means of preventing ischemic injury acutely is replacement of red blood cells (RBCs) via allogeneic RBC transfusion. However, in cases where this is not an option, other strategies must be considered including the use of hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs).

CASE REPORT

Herein we present a case of a 70‐year‐old Jehovah's Witness with wAIHA who required emergent HBOC‐201 to prevent life‐threatening decompensation. The treatment was complicated by hypertension and achalasia likely related to the nitric oxide scavenging effects of HBOC‐201. These side effects were managed appropriately, and the patient ultimately recovered.

CONCLUSION

Early recognition of the need and ready familiarity with its properties on the part of the physician are critical to the utilization of HBOC‐201 in a safe and timely fashion.
Aggregation Issues of Foreign Direct Investment Estimation in an Interdependent World
Authors: Naughton Helen , Norbäck Pehr‐Johan , Tekin‐Koru Ayça
Published: April 2016

This paper attempts to understand foreign direct investment (FDI) heterogeneity and offers useful insights about aggregation issues in FDI estimations by carrying out a spatial econometric analysis using affiliate‐level data on sales activities of Swedish multinational corporations around the globe. The results indicate that the multilayered nature of aggregation in FDI matters for empirical analysis. Affiliate‐level host‐country and third‐country sales activity provides evidence of a negative spatial lag or substitution of FDI in space, broadly supporting the export‐platform theory. For exports back to Sweden, we find a positive spatial lag suggesting agglomeration of production activities and vertical specialisation. The sequential aggregation from affiliate level to firm and country level provides evidence of a severe scale problem particularly in export‐platform FDI. This aggregation bias is likely present in many of the country‐level analyses in previous literature.