bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth risk assessed by transvaginal ultrasound following cervical cerclage
Authors: Sim Shirlene , Da Silva Costa Fabricio , Araujo Júnior Edward , Sheehan Penelope M.
Published: July 2015

Objective

To determine the predictive value of various cervical length measurements postcerclage for the outcome of preterm birth following both elective and rescue cerclage.

Materials and Methods

Over a five‐year period, we identified 59 women who had a transvaginal cerclage inserted followed by serial cervical length measurement. Of these, 18 were elective cerclages placed at 14 weeks of gestation on the basis of a history of cervical insufficiency and 41 were rescue cerclages performed at gestations ranging from 17 to 23 weeks following a diagnosis of shortened cervix on ultrasound. The women were asymptomatic throughout.

Results

There was a strong correlation between cervical length postcerclage and gestation at delivery. For both groups, preterm birth could be predicted by the total cervical length. In the rescue cerclage group, the change in cervical length was predictive, with positive changes associated with later gestation at delivery. The presence of funnelling was predictive of preterm birth in the elective cerclage group only.

Conclusion

Transvaginal cervical length measurement is useful in the prediction of preterm birth postcerclage placement. Serial cervical length measurement postcerclage may assist with timely addition of interventions such, progesterone and antenatal cortico steroids for fetal lung maturation.
Epitope specificity determines cross‐protection of a SIT‐induced IgG4 antibody
Authors: Gadermaier E. , James L. K. , Shamji M. H. , Blatt K. , Fauland K. , Zieglmayer P. , Garmatiuk T. , Focke‐Tejkl M. , Villalba M. , Beavil R. , Keller W. , Valent P. , Durham S. R. , Gould H. J. , Flicker S. , Valenta R.
Published: July 2015

Background

The calcium‐binding 2EF‐hand protein Phl p 7 from timothy grass pollen is a highly cross‐reactive pollen pan‐allergen that can induce severe clinical symptoms in allergic patients. Recently, a human monoclonal Phl p 7‐specific IgG4 antibody (mAb102.1F10) was isolated from a patient who had received grass pollen‐specific immunotherapy (SIT).

Methods

We studied epitope specificity, cross‐reactivity, affinity and cross‐protection of mAb102.1F10 towards homologous calcium‐binding pollen allergens. Sequence comparisons and molecular modelling studies were performed with ClustalW and SPADE, respectively. Surface plasmon resonance measurements were made with purified recombinant allergens. Binding and cross‐reactivity of patients' IgE and mAb102.1F10 to calcium‐binding allergens and peptides thereof were studied with quantitative RAST‐based methods, in ELISA, basophil activation and IgE‐facilitated allergen presentation experiments.

Results

Allergens from timothy grass (Phl p 7), alder (Aln g 4), birch (Bet v 4), turnip rape (Bra r 1), lamb's quarter (Che a 3) and olive (Ole e 3, Ole e 8) showed high sequence similarity and cross‐reacted with allergic patients' IgE. mAb102.1F10 bound the C‐terminal portion of Phl p 7 in a calcium‐dependent manner. It cross‐reacted with high affinity with Ole e 3, whereas binding and affinity to the other allergens were low. mAb102.1F10 showed limited cross‐inhibition of patients' IgE binding and basophil activation. Sequence comparison and surface exposure calculations identified three amino acids likely to be responsible for limited cross‐reactivity.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that a small number of amino acid differences among cross‐reactive allergens can reduce the affinity of binding by a SIT‐induced IgG and thus limit cross‐protection.
Pheasant capitalism: Auditing South Dakota's state bird
Authors: ERRINGTON FREDERICK , GEWERTZ DEBORAH
Published: July 2015

The Chinese ring‐necked pheasant was named South Dakota's state bird in 1943. Today this “immigrant that made good” remains important to South Dakotans who believe that having their state's symbol to hunt is both part of the good life and indicative that “culture” and “nature” remain in balance. Given ever‐more‐intensive monocropping, however, the pheasant is in trouble. With its habitat disappearing and its numbers significantly declining, many worry about a pending “ecological rift.” In an effort to recover pheasant numbers without offending agricultural interests, the state's governor held a “summit” that produced various “win‐win” proposals, among them, ways to make the propagation of nature in the form of pheasant habitat profitable. In this social history of the pheasant in South Dakota, we use historical‐materialist and phenomenological perspectives to explore efforts to harmonize culture and nature through pheasant capitalism. [South Dakota, ecological rift, farming, hunting, pheasants, capitalism, alterities]
Randomized controlled study in pregnancy on treatment of marked hyperglycemia that is short of overt diabetes
Authors: Fadl Helena E. , Gärdefors Susanne , Hjertberg Ragnhild , Nord Eva , Persson Bengt , Schwarcz Erik , Åman Jan , Östlund Ingrid K. , Hanson Ulf S.B.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

A randomized multicenter study was conducted in the Stockholm‐Örebro areas in Sweden to evaluate how treatment aiming at normoglycemia affects fetal growth, pregnancy and neonatal outcome in pregnant women with severe hyperglycemia.

Material and methods

Pregnant women with hyperglycemia defined as fasting capillary plasma glucose <7.0 mmol/L and a two‐hour plasma glucose value ≥10.0 and <12.2 mmol/L following a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) diagnosed before 34 weeks of gestation were randomized to treatment (n = 33) or controls (n = 36). Women assigned to the control group were blinded for the OGTT results and received routine care. The therapeutic goal was fasting plasma glucose 4–5 mmol/L, and <6.5 mmol/L after a meal. Primary outcomes were size at birth and number of large‐for‐gestational age (>90th percentile) neonates. Secondary outcomes were pregnancy complications, neonatal morbidity and glycemic control.

Results

The planned number of participating women was not reached. There was a significantly reduced rate of large‐for‐gestational age neonates, 21 vs. 47%, P < 0.05. Group differences in pregnancy complications and neonatal morbidity were not detected because of limited statistical power. In total, 66.7% of the women in the intervention group received insulin. Of all measured plasma glucose values, 64.1% were in the target range, 7.2% in the hypoglycemic range and 28.7% above target values. There were no cases of severe hypoglycemia.

Conclusions

Aiming for normalized glycemia in a pregnancy complicated by severe hyperglycemia reduces fetal growth but is associated with an increased rate of mild hypoglycemia.
Analysis of iron acquisition and storage‐related genes in clinical and non‐clinical strains of Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A
Authors: Kanaujia Pawan Kumar , Bajaj Priyanka , Virdi Jugsharan Singh
Published: July 2015

Possession of mechanisms for iron acquisition and its storage enhances the ability of the bacteria to survive in the iron‐limiting environment of the host. In this study, 81 strains of Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A isolated from various clinical (n = 51) and non‐clinical (n = 30) sources were investigated for the presence of the genes related to iron acquisition and storage. Important genes which were present in more than 85% of the strains included hasA, foxA, bfr, bfd, ftnA, and hmsT as well as the fhuCDB, fepBDGCfesfepA, feoAB, yfuABCD, hemPRSTUV, and hmsHFRS gene clusters. Majority of these genes is being reported for the first time in biovar 1A strains and showed significant homology with genes present in the known pathogenic biovars of Y. enterocolitica. However, no significant difference was observed in the distribution of iron acquisition and storage‐related genes among clinical and non‐clinical biovar 1A strains. Thus, it may be suggested that the presence of iron acquisition and storage‐related genes per se might not be responsible for the supposedly better ability of clinical biovar 1A strains to cause infections in humans. However, in the backdrop of this data, the need to undertake functional studies are highly recommended.
Transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonography of fetuses in Württemberg ewes: Correlation with gestational age
Authors: Petrujkić Branko T. , Cojkić Aleksandar , Petrujkić Katarina , Jeremić Ivan , Mašulović Dragan , Dimitrijević Vladimir , Savić Mila , Pešić Miodrag , Beier Ross C.
Published: July 2015

It is useful to determine the gestational age in sheep to provide essential information for effective flock management practices. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and practical aspects for using two ultrasound techniques, transabdominal and transrectal, in determining the gestational age in Württemberg ewes. Monitoring of embryo and fetus developmental stages during the ewes’ gestation was carried out with real time ultrasound using a transabdominal convex probe, frequency 3.5 MHz, and a transrectal linear probe, frequency 7.5 MHz. The size of the embryonic vesicle during the period from the 23rd to the 38th day of gestation can be used as a confirmational indicator of gestational age when the transrectal probe is used. The occipital nasal diameter correlated with the gestational age with both transabdominal (P < 0.05) and transrectal probes (P < 0.01) from the 46th to the 63rd day of gestation. The biparietal diameter of the fetal head measured by transabdominal probe during the period from the 46th to the 63rd day of gestation correlates with gestation age (P < 0.05). The diameter of the fetal eye orbit monitored by transrectal probe from the 46th to the 63rd day of gestation also correlated well with gestational age (P < 0.05).
Effects of three methane mitigation agents on parameters of kinetics of total and hydrogen gas production, ruminal fermentation and hydrogen balance using in vitro technique
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Rong , Yang Shan , Deng Jin Ping , Tang Shao Xun , Tan Zhi Liang
Published: July 2015

Methane (CH4) can be mitigated through directly inhibiting methanogen activity and starving methanogens by hydrogen (H2) sink. Three types of mechanism (i.e. bromoethanesulphonate (BES), nitrate and emodin) and doses of CH4 mitigation agents were employed to investigate their pathways of CH4 inhibition. Results indicated that both BES and emodin inhibited CH4 production and altered H2 balance, which could be accompanied by decreased dry matter disappearance (DMD), fractional rate of gH2 formation, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, ability to produce and use reducing equivalences and molecular H2, and increased final asymptotic gH2 production, time to the peak of gH2, discrete lag time of gH2 production and fermentation efficiency. However, emodin decreased gas volume produced by rapidly fermentable components of substrate and the rate of fermentation at early stage of incubation, while BES supplementation inhibited gas volume produced by both rapidly and slowly fermentable components of substrate and the rate of fermentation at middle or late stage of incubation. The nitrate supplementation inhibited CH4 production without affecting VFA profile, because of its dual role as H2 sink and being toxic to methanogens. Nitrate supplementation had more complicated pattern of fermentation, VFA production and profile and H2 balance in comparison to BES and emodin supplementation.
Axonal Spheroid Accumulation In the Brainstem and Spinal Cord of A Young Angus Cow with Ataxia
Authors: Hanshaw DM , Finnie JW , Manavis J , Kessell AE
Published: July 2015

Case report

An 18‐month‐old Angus cow presented with rapidly developing ataxia and subsequently died. The finding of large numbers of axonal spheroids in brainstem nuclei and spinal cord grey matter, bilaterally symmetrical in distribution, was consistent with a histopathological diagnosis of neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD). Most of the axonal swellings were immunopositive to amyloid precursor protein, suggesting that interruption to axonal flow was important in their genesis.

Conclusions

The topographical distribution of axonal spheroids in the brain and spinal cord in this bovine case closely resembled that found in the ovine neurodegenerative disorder termed NAD, in which axonal swellings are the major pathological feature. This appears to be the first reported case of this type of NAD in cattle. The aetiology of the spheroidal aggregations in this case was not determined. There was no evidence from the case history or neuropathology to indicate whether the axonal spheroids in this case involved an acquired or heritable aetiology.
Typing ofStaphylococcus aureusisolated from bovine mastitis cases in Australia and India
Authors: Gogoi‐Tiwari J , Babra Waryah C , Sunagar R , Veeresh HB , Nuthanalakshmi V , Preethirani PL , Sharada R , Isloor S , Bhat A , Al‐Salami H , Hegde NR , Mukkur TK
Published: July 2015

Objective

To determine the prevalence of the different capsular polysaccharide (CP) and major surface‐associated non‐CP antigen 336 (SP‐336) types amongStaphylococcus aureusisolated from bovine mastitis cases in Australia and India.

Methods

A total of 414 strains (154 from Australia, 260 from India) isolated from clinical bovine mastitis were included in the study. Mouse antisera raised against CP types (CP1, CP2, CP5, and CP8) or SP‐336 were used in slide agglutination tests and compared with detection ofcap1,cap5 andcap8 gene fragments by PCR.

Results

Serological studies revealed the presence of CP2, CP5, CP8 and SP‐336 in 9.1%, 23.4%, 31.8%, and 5.8% of the Australian versus 0.8%, 46.9%, 13.1% and 0% of the Indian isolates, respectively. By PCR, CP1, CP5 and CP8 accounted for 0%, 26.6% and 32.4% of the Australian versus 3.9%, 85% and 8.1% of the Indian isolates, respectively.

Conclusions

Both PCR and the serological method demonstrated that CP5 and CP8 are the predominant capsular types in Australia, whereas CP5 is the predominant capsular type in India. The study also demonstrated a strong correlation between both methods of typing for CP1, CP5, CP8 and non‐typeableS. aureusstrains. High‐percentage prevalence of non‐typeable isolates in both the countries highlights the importance of continued investigations of the identification of unique surface‐associated polysaccharide antigens prevalent amongS. aureusisolates for the formulation of CP‐ and SP‐based vaccines for bovine mastitis.
Rediscovery of Good–Turing Estimators via Bayesian Nonparametrics
Authors: Favaro Stefano , Nipoti Bernardo , Teh Yee Whye
Published: July 2015

The problem of estimating discovery probabilities originated in the context of statistical ecology, and in recent years it has become popular due to its frequent appearance in challenging applications arising in genetics, bioinformatics, linguistics, designs of experiments, machine learning, etc. A full range of statistical approaches, parametric and nonparametric as well as frequentist and Bayesian, has been proposed for estimating discovery probabilities. In this article, we investigate the relationships between the celebrated Good–Turing approach, which is a frequentist nonparametric approach developed in the 1940s, and a Bayesian nonparametric approach recently introduced in the literature. Specifically, under the assumption of a two parameter Poisson-Dirichlet prior, we show that Bayesian nonparametric estimators of discovery probabilities are asymptotically equivalent, for a large sample size, to suitably smoothed Good–Turing estimators. As a by-product of this result, we introduce and investigate a methodology for deriving exact and asymptotic credible intervals to be associated with the Bayesian nonparametric estimators of discovery probabilities. The proposed methodology is illustrated through a comprehensive simulation study and the analysis of Expressed Sequence Tags data generated by sequencing a benchmark complementary DNA library.
Pharmacophore‐based discovery of inhibitors of a novel drug/proton antiporter in human brain endothelial hCMEC/D3 cell line
Authors: Chapy Hélène , Goracci Laura , Vayer Philippe , Parmentier Yannick , Carrupt Pierre‐Alain , Declèves Xavier , Scherrmann Jean‐Michel , Cisternino Salvatore , Cruciani Gabriele
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

An influx drug/proton antiporter of unknown structure has been functionally demonstrated at the blood–brain barrier. This transporter, which handles some psychoactive drugs like diphenhydramine, clonidine, oxycodone, nicotine and cocaine, could represent a new pharmacological target in drug addiction therapy. However, at present there are no known drugs/inhibitors that effectively inhibit/modulate this transporter in vivo.

Experimental Approach

The FLAPpharm approach was used to establish a pharmacophore model for inhibitors of this transporter. The inhibitory potency of 44 selected compounds was determined against the specific substrate, [3H]‐clonidine, in the human cerebral endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 and ranked as good, medium, weak or non‐inhibitor.

Key Results

The pharmacophore model obtained was used as a template to screen xenobiotic and endogenous compounds from databases [Specs, Recon2, Human Metabolome Database (HMDB), human intestinal transporter database], and hypothetical candidates were tested in vitro to determine their inhibitory capacity with [3H]‐clonidine. According to the transporter database, 80% of the proton antiporter inhibitor candidates could inhibit P‐glycoprotein/MDR1/ABCB1 and specificity is improved by reducing inhibitor size/shape and increasing water solubility. Virtual screening results using HMDB and Recon2 for endogenous compounds appropriately scored tryptamine as an inhibitor.

Conclusions and Implications

The pharmacophore model for the proton‐antiporter inhibitors was a good predictor of known inhibitors and allowed us to identify new good inhibitors. This model marks a new step towards the discovery of this drug/proton antiporter and will be of great use for the discovery and design of potent inhibitors that could potentially help to assess and validate its pharmacological role in drug addiction in vivo.
Retracted: Addition of a single methyl group to a small molecule sodium channel inhibitor introduces a new mode of gating modulation
Authors: Wang Lingxin , Zellmer Shannon G. , Printzenhoff David M. , Castle Neil A.
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

Aryl sulfonamide Nav1.3 or Nav1.7 voltage‐gated sodium (Nav) channel inhibitors interact with the Domain 4 voltage sensor domain (D4 VSD). During studies to better understand the structure‐activity relationship of this interaction, an additional mode of channel modulation, specifically slowing of inactivation, was revealed by addition of a single methyl moiety. The objective of the current study was to determine if these different modulatory effects are mediated by the same or distinct interactions with the channel.

Experimental Approach

Electrophysiology and site‐directed mutation were used to compare the effects of PF‐06526290 and its desmethyl analogue PF‐05661014 on Nav channel function.

Key Results

PF‐05661014 selectively inhibits Nav1.3 versus Nav1.7 currents by stabilizing inactivated channels via interaction with D4 VSD. In contrast, PF‐06526290, which differs from PF‐05661014 by a single methyl group, exhibits a dual effect. It greatly slows inactivation of Nav channels in a subtype‐independent manner. However, upon prolonged depolarization to induce inactivation, PF‐06526290 becomes a Nav subtype selective inhibitor similar to PF‐05661014. Mutation of the D4 VSD modulates inhibition of Nav1.3 or Nav1.7 by both PF‐05661014 and PF‐06526290, but has no effect on the inactivation slowing produced by PF‐06526290. This finding, along with the absence of functional inhibition of PF‐06526290‐induced inactivation slowing by PF‐05661014, suggests that distinct interactions underlie the two modes of Nav channel modulation.

Conclusions and Implications

Addition of a methyl group to a Nav channel inhibitor introduces an additional mode of gating modulation, implying that a single compound can affect sodium channel function in multiple ways.
α7 nicotinic ACh receptor‐deficient mice exhibit sustained attention impairments that are reversed by β2 nicotinic ACh receptor activation
Authors: Kolisnyk Benjamin , Al‐Onaizi Mohammed A. , Prado Vania F. , Prado Marco A. M.
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

Disruptions of executive function, including attentional deficits, are a hallmark of a number of diseases. ACh in the prefrontal cortex regulates attentive behaviour; however, the role of α7 nicotinic ACh receptor (α7nAChR) in attention is contentious.

Experimental Approach

In order to probe attention, we trained both wild‐type and α7nAChR knockout mice on a touch screen‐based five‐choice serial reaction time task (5‐CSRT). Following training procedures, we then tested sustained attention using a probe trial experiment. To further differentiate the role of specific nicotinic receptors in attention, we then tested the effects of both α7nAChR and β2nAChR agonists on the performance of both wild‐type and knockout mice on the 5‐CSRT task.

Key Results

At low doses, α7nAChR agonists improved attentional performance of wild‐type mice, while high doses had deleterious effects on attention. α7nAChR knockout mice displayed deficits in sustained attention that were not ameliorated by α7nAChR agonists. However, these deficits were completely reversed by the administration of a β2nAChR agonist. Furthermore, administration of a β2nAChR agonist in α7nAChR knockout mice elicited similar biochemical response in the prefrontal cortex as the administration of α7nAChR agonists in wild‐type mice.

Conclusions and Implications

Our experiments reveal an intricate relationship between distinct nicotinic receptors to regulate attentional performance and provide the basis for targeting β2nAChRs pharmacologically to decrease attentional deficits due to a dysfunction in α7nAChRs.
Alkaline phosphatase protects against renal inflammation through dephosphorylation of lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate
Authors: Peters E , Geraci S , Heemskerk S , Wilmer M J , Bilos A , Kraenzlin B , Gretz N , Pickkers P , Masereeuw R
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

Recently, two phase‐II trials demonstrated improved renal function in critically ill patients with sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury treated with the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. Here, we elucidated the dual active effect on renal protection of alkaline phosphatase.

Experimental Approach

The effect of human recombinant alkaline phosphatase (recAP) on LPS‐induced renal injury was studied in Sprague–Dawley rats. Renal function was assessed by transcutaneous measurement of FITC‐sinistrin elimination in freely moving, awake rats. The mechanism of action of recAP was further investigated in vitro using conditionally immortalized human proximal tubular epithelial cells (ciPTEC).

Key Results

In vivo, LPS administration significantly prolonged FITC‐sinistrin half‐life and increased fractional urea excretion, which was prevented by recAP co‐administration. Moreover, recAP prevented LPS‐induced increase in proximal tubule injury marker, kidney injury molecule‐1 expression and excretion. In vitro, LPS‐induced production of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐8 was significantly attenuated by recAP. This effect was linked to dephosphorylation, as enzymatically inactive recAP had no effect on LPS‐induced cytokine production. RecAP‐mediated protection resulted in increased adenosine levels through dephosphorylation of LPS‐induced extracellular ADP and ATP. Also, recAP attenuated LPS‐induced increased expression of adenosine A2A receptor. However, the A2A receptor antagonist ZM‐241385 did not diminish the effects of recAP.

Conclusions and Implications

These results indicate that the ability of recAP to reduce renal inflammation may account for the beneficial effect observed in septic acute kidney injury patients, and that dephosphorylation of ATP and LPS are responsible for this protective effect.
Anti‐angiogenic effect of ALS‐L1023, an extract of Melissa officinalis L., on experimental choroidal neovascularization in mice
Authors: Roh Young‐Jung , Jee Donghyun , Rho Chang‐Rae , Cho Won‐Kyung , Kang Seungbum
Published: July 2015

Background

The effect of ALS‐L1023, an extract of Melissa officinalis L. (Labiatae; lemon balm) leaves, on experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice was evaluated.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were given either vehicle or ALS‐L1023 daily via oral gavage for 3 weeks (days 0–21). CNV was induced by rupturing Bruch's membrane using laser photocoagulation (day 7). Two weeks after laser injury (day 21), the CNV lesions were evaluated by an examination of choroidal flat mounts using fluorescein‐labelled dextran, immunofluorescence staining with isolectin B4 and fluorescence angiography. The effects of ALS‐L1023 on endothelial cell tube formation and the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 were evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Results

The extent of CNV was reduced by ALS‐L1023. Mice treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg/day of the material exhibited 44.3 and 68.1% reductions in the extent of CNV lesions, respectively, compared to the vehicle group (P < 0.001). The size of the isolectin B4‐labelled area was also significantly decreased in the ALS‐L1023‐treated groups (P < 0.001). On fluorescein angiography, ALS‐L1023‐treated mice exhibited significantly less leakage of fluorescent material than did vehicle‐treated mice. ALS‐L1023 decreased vascular endothelial growth factor‐induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell tube formation in a dose‐dependent manner. The expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 was suppressed by ALS‐L1023.

Conclusions

The laser‐induced CNV in mice can be inhibited by ALS‐L1023. Therefore, it may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of diseases involving CNV.
Surfactant proteins A and D are related to severity of the disease, pathogenic bacteria and comorbidity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps
Authors: Uhliarova B. , Kopincova J. , Adamkov M. , Svec M. , Calkovska A.
Published: July 2015

Background

Surfactant proteins (SP) A and D play a critical role in the innate defence of respiratory mucosa. Although numerous studies have focused on the importance of surfactant in the lower airways, relatively little is known about its role in the upper respiratory system.

Methods

The prospective study was conducted with 61 subjects divided into patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and healthy controls. SP‐A and SP‐D were detected in nasal lavage fluid (NALF) by ELISA and in nasal mucosa by immunohistochemical staining. Severity of the diseases assessed by preoperative CT score, presence of comorbidity (allergy and bronchial asthma) and bacterial culture from the middle nasal meatus was evaluated.

Results

In nasal mucosa, SPs were localised in ciliated cells of the surface epithelium and serous acini of the submucosal glands. Stronger expression of SPs in submucosal glands was observed in CRSwNP and CRSsNP groups in comparison with controls. In patients with CRSsNP and more severe form of the disease, higher levels of SP‐A and SP‐D in NALF and stronger immunoreactivity of these proteins in nasal mucosa were detected. Identification of pathogenic bacteria was associated with higher levels of SP‐A and SP‐D in NALF and nasal mucosa in patients with CRSsNP and control group. Presence of allergy was associated with stronger expression of SP‐A in submucosal glands in all CRS patients and with decreased levels of both SPs in NALF in CRSsNP patients.

Conclusions

Surfactant proteins A and D play an important role in innate host defence of upper respiratory tract. Different expression of these proteins in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis indicates possible novel target of therapy in these patients.
Expanding our understanding of behavioural difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Smith Isabel M
Published: July 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Chandler et al. on pages 202–208 of this issue.
A meta‐analysis of literacy and language in children with rolandic epilepsy
Authors: Smith Anna B , Bajomo Omotomilola , Pal Deb K
Published: July 2015

Aim

Rolandic epilepsy is the most common childhood epilepsy, often presenting with neuropsychological impairments. The aim of the study was to formally assimilate the findings of existing studies varying widely in methodology, thereby confirming the nature and prevalence of impairments in literacy and language.

Methods

Using meta‐analytical techniques, we evaluated 22 studies of literacy and/or language skills in children with rolandic epilepsy, published after 2000, among participants withIQs>70 and in which effect sizes could be acquired. Diagnosis required the presence of classical centrotemporal spikes arising from a normal background on electroencephalograms; a clinical history including at least one seizure; and no additional neurological condition. Overall effect size and heterogeneity were measured for single‐word reading, phonological processing, and expressive and receptive language.

Results

Mean effect sizes (Cohen'sd) ranged from 0.50 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–0.78) for phonological processing, through 0.71 (95%CI0.52–0.90) for word reading and 0.72 (95%CI0.34–1.1) for receptive language, to 0.75 (95%CI0.45–1.05) for expressive language. While group differences for reading measures were consistent, those for language were heterogeneous and varied across studies explained by age andIQof samples.

Interpretation

The presence of reading and phonological processing deficits in children with rolandic epilepsy highlights the importance of early literacy and language assessment in this population.
Vitamin D and cardiovascular risk among adults with obesity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Manousopoulou Antigoni , Al‐Daghri Nasser M. , Garbis Spiros D. , Chrousos George P.
Published: July 2015

Background

Obesity is a risk factor for both vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease. A link between vitamin D status optimisation and improved cardiometabolic profile among adults with obesity could inform public health initiatives.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched for interventional studies examining the effects of vitamin D status improvement on cardiovascular risk factors (anthropometric measures, lipid profile, blood pressure, glucose tolerance) among nondiabetic adults with obesity.

Results

Seventeen publications reporting results from 11 different studies were included. Number of participants ranged from 34 to 1179 subjects. Duration was between 6 weeks and 4 years. Vitamin D was administered as a supplement in ten studies (1000 IU daily to 120 000 IU fortnightly). In one study, participants were advised to increase sunlight exposure and dietary vitamin D intake. The random and fixed‐effects meta‐analysis showed that vitamin D significantly increased systolic blood pressure and LDL‐C levels. The fixed‐effects model also indicated a significant decrease in triglyceride levels, which was not evident using the random‐effects model. Caution should be given to these results given the small number of studies used and the high heterogeneity between studies for the two latter outcomes. Additionally, a subset of eligible studies with compatible data presentation was included in the meta‐analysis.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights a paucity of interventional studies examining the effects of vitamin D status improvement on cardiovascular risk factors among otherwise healthy adults with obesity. Large‐scale studies at pharmacologically relevant doses and with sufficient duration are warranted.
The Transitional Nature of the Multifamily Business
Authors: Brigham Keith H. , Payne G. Tyge
Published: July 2015

Family firms are heterogeneous and often transitioning. To advance our understanding of how and why family firms change, we draw upon and extend the work of Pieper, Smith, Kudlats, and Astrachan by more closely considering the nature of the multifamily business, which is the focal type of organization in their study. Specifically, we explore how initial founding conditions and ongoing organizational and environmental factors may influence the formation, sustainability, and dissolution of the multifamily business, relative to single–family firms or other organizational forms. We argue that multifamily forms may be more common than generally believed, but tend to be a transitory organizational form.
The Art of the Form: A Configurational Perspective
Authors: Suddaby Roy , Young Ryan
Published: July 2015

This essay offers a counterpoint to Le Breton–Miller and Miller's argument that family firms are the ideal organizational form for arts–based businesses and creative work. While the notion of the isolated, individual genius artist has certain romantic appeal, we offer evidence that demonstrates that considerable artistic creativity occurs within the context of a large diversified corporation, at the level of the industry and at the level of the cultural field.
Family, Wealth, and Governance: An Agency Account
Authors: Zellweger Thomas , Kammerlander Nadine
Published: July 2015

Family firms often evolve into ownership constellations with multiple family owners. Building on agency theory, we argue that the growing complexity within a group of family blockholders gives rise to what we label family blockholder conflicts, defined as conflicts within a group of family owners. To curb family blockholder conflicts, families often separate the family from its assets and install intermediary governance structures. We explore four frequently applied structures (uncoordinated family, embedded family office, single family office, and family trust), which vary in their degree of separation between family owners and assets and consequently the extent to which the firm might incur family blockholder costs and the double–agency costs associated with appointing agents to oversee agents. We conclude with a discussion of the distributive effects of the four family governance constellations for family wealth over time.
Upscaling Point Velocity Measurements to Characterize a Glacial Outwash Aquifer
Authors: Schillig P.C. , Devlin J.F. , Rudolph D.
Published: July 2015

Small‐scale point velocity probe (PVP)‐derived velocities were compared to conventional large‐scale velocity estimates from Darcy calculations and tracer tests, and the possibility of upscaling PVP data to match the other velocity estimates was evaluated. Hydraulic conductivity was estimated from grain‐size data derived from cores, and single‐well response testing or slug tests of onsite wells. Horizontal hydraulic gradients were calculated using 3‐point estimators from all of the wells within an extensive monitoring network, as well as by representing the water table as a single best fit plane through the entire network. Velocities determined from PVP testing were generally consistent in magnitude with those from depth specific data collected from multilevel monitoring locations in the tracer test, and similar in horizontal flow direction to the average hydraulic gradient. However, scaling up velocity estimates based on PVP measurements for comparison with site‐wide Darcy‐based velocities revealed issues that challenge the use of Darcy calculations as a generally applicable standard for comparison. The Darcy calculations were shown to underestimate the groundwater velocities determined both by the PVPs and large‐scale tracer testing, in a depth‐specific sense and as a site‐wide average. Some of this discrepancy is attributable to the selective placement of the PVPs in the aquifer. Nevertheless, this result has important implications for the design of in situ treatment systems. It is concluded that Darcy estimations of velocity should be supplemented with independent assessments for these kinds of applications.
Endogenous quality choice under upstream market power
Authors: Mesa‐Sánchez Borja
Published: July 2015

This paper analyzes the interplay between endogenous quality choice and the market power of trade unions. In a unionized duopoly downstream firms face a trade‐off. They choose either to differentiate production to relax final market competition (this pushes wages up), or to reduce it to induce a fiercer upstream competition (pushing wages down). In this way, the degree of product differentiation becomes a valuable tool for downstream firms. When upstream market power is weak, downstream firms do not care about wages and differentiate their products. But as soon as unions’ bargaining power increases, wages also increase and downstream firms choose less quality differentiation to reduce them. Thus, the higher the bargaining power of trade unions, the lower the quality gap. This result emerges more strongly when downstream firms merge, and it is robust to the type of competition and the nature of costs.
Guanine polynucleotides are self‐antigens for human natural autoantibodies and are significantly reduced in the human genome
Authors: Fattal Ittai , Shental Noam , Ben‐Dor Shifra , Molad Yair , Gabrielli Armando , Pokroy‐Shapira Elisheva , Oren Shirly , Livneh Avi , Langevitz Pnina , Zandman‐Goddard Gisele , Sarig Ofer , Margalit Raanan , Gafter Uzi , Domany Eytan , Cohen Irun R.
Published: July 2015

In the course of investigating anti‐DNA autoantibodies, we examined IgM and IgG antibodies to poly‐G and other oligonucleotides in the sera of healthy persons and those diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma (SSc), or pemphigus vulgaris (PV); we used an antigen microarray and informatic analysis. We now report that all of the 135 humans studied, irrespective of health or autoimmune disease, manifested relatively high amounts of IgG antibodies binding to the 20‐mer G oligonucleotide (G20); no participants entirely lacked this reactivity. IgG antibodies to homo‐nucleotides A20, C20 or T20 were present only in the sera of SLE patients who were positive for antibodies to dsDNA. The prevalence of anti‐G20 antibodies led us to survey human, mouse and Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) genomes for runs of T20 and G20 or more: runs of T20 appear > 170 000 times compared with only 93 runs of G20 or more in the human genome; of these runs, 40 were close to brain‐associated genes. Mouse and fruit fly genomes showed significantly lower T20/G20 ratios than did human genomes. Moreover, sera from both healthy and SLE mice contained relatively little or no anti‐G20 antibodies; so natural anti‐G20 antibodies appear to be characteristic of humans. These unexpected observations invite investigation of the immune functions of anti‐G20 antibodies in human health and disease and of runs of G20 in the human genome.
Implications of the Data Revolution for Statistics Education
Authors: Ridgway Jim
Published: July 2015

There has never been a more exciting time to be involved in statistics. Emerging data sources provide new sorts of evidence, provoke new sorts of questions, make possible new sorts of answers and shape the ways that evidence is used to influence policy, public opinion and business practices. Significant developments include open data, big data, data visualisation and the rise of data‐driven journalism. These developments are changing the nature of the evidence that is available, the ways in which it is presented and used and the skills needed for its interpretation. Educators should place less emphasis on small samples and linear models and more emphasis on large samples, multivariate description and data visualisation. Techniques used to analyse big data need to be taught. The increasing diversity of data usage requires deeper conceptual analysis in the curriculum; this should include explorations of the functions of modelling, and the politics of data and ethics. The data revolution can invigorate the existing curriculum by exemplifying the perils of biassed sampling, corruption of measures and modelling failures. Students need to learn to think statistically and to develop an aesthetic for data handling and modelling based on solving practical problems.
Crecimiento económico, flexibilización laboral y calidad del empleo en Colombia de 2002 a 2011
Authors: FARNÉ Stefano , VERGARA Carlos Andrés
Published: July 2015

Tras analizar el mercado de trabajo colombiano entre 2002 y 2011, los autores constatan una mejora sustancial de las oportunidades de empleo, junto con el aumento del empleo atípico. Exploran cómo ello afectó a la calidad del empleo mediante un indicador compuesto basado en el método de componentes principales categóricos, y concluyen que hubo una leve mejora generalizada, debida al aumento de los ingresos y de la seguridad social y al menor subempleo por horas, que benefició sobre todo a las trabajadoras independientes. Ello deja todavía un déficit cualitativo importante, que requiere políticas de estímulo de la institucionalidad y la productividad laborales y de la inversión.
Lint Yield Compensatory Response to Main Stem Node Removal in Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Yang S. , Kaggwa R. J. , Andrade‐Sanchez P. , Zarnstorff M. , Wang G.
Published: July 2015

Hail storm damage to the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants can destroy vegetative and reproductive structures, modify canopy architecture and impact lint yield. Field studies were conducted at University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center in 2011, 2012 and 2013 to examine cotton plant architecture changes and compensatory growth in response to removal treatments of uppermost nodes on main stem (terminal bud removal, 2 node removal and 4 node removal) as simulation of hail damage at the node 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24 growth stages. Main stem node removal caused significant decrease in leaf area and biomass, especially at early growth stages. However, significant lint yield reduction only occurred by removing 2 nodes at the node 4 stage and removing 4 nodes at the node 8 stage in 2011, removing terminal bud at the node 12 stage in 2012 and removing terminal bud, 2 nodes and 4 nodes at the node 8 stage in 2013. The lint yield reduction did not exceed 13 % in all three growing seasons. Yield loss due to main stem node removal was mainly compensated by increased boll number on the vegetative branches at early growth stages and on fruiting branches at late growth stages. Yield compensation from vegetative branches increased with number of main stem nodes removed. This study suggests that the cotton crop has a strong compensatory ability to plant structure damage due to its indeterminate growth and longer growing season in the region.
Toward Demystifying the Mohs Hardness Scale
Authors: Gerberich William W. , Ballarini Roberto , Hintsala Eric D. , Mishra Maneesh , Molinari Jean‐Francois , Szlufarska Izabela
Published: July 2015

Today, the Mohs scale is used profusely throughout educational systems without any persuasive understanding of the fundamental principles. Why one mineral has a scratch hardness over the next culminating in a scale of 1 (chalk) to 10 (diamond) has no atomistic or structure‐sensitive basis that explains this outcome. With modern computationally based atomistic and multiscale models, there is increasing promise of defining the pressure and rate‐dependent parameters that will allow a fundamental understanding of the Mohs scale. This study principally addresses the combined fracture and plasticity parameters that qualitatively affect fracture at the nanoscale. A physical model wherein the crack tip under a scratch is shielded by dislocations is supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in both ductile aluminum and brittle silicon carbide. Next, this model is applied to nanoindentation data from the literature to produce a ranking of Mohs minerals based on their fundamental properties. As such, what is presented here is a first step to address the flow and fracture parameters ultimately required to provide a figure of merit for scratch hardness and thus the Mohs scale.
Optimizing selection with several constraints in poultry breeding
Authors: Chapuis H. , Pincent C. , Colleau J.J.
Published: July 2015

Poultry breeding schemes permanently face the need to control the evolution of coancestry and some critical traits, while selecting for a main breeding objective. The main aims of this article are first to present an efficient selection algorithm adapted to this situation and then to measure how the severity of constraints impacted on the degree of loss for the main trait, compared to BLUP selection on the main trait, without any constraint. Broiler dam and sire line schemes were mimicked by simulation over 10 generations and selection was carried out on the main trait under constraints for coancestry and for another trait, antagonistic with the main trait. The selection algorithm was a special simulated annealing (adaptative simulated annealing (ASA)). It was found to be rapid and able to meet constraints very accurately. A constraint on the second trait was found to induce an impact similar to or even greater than the impact of the constraint on coancestry. The family structure of selected poultry populations made it easy to control the evolution of coancestry at a reasonable cost but was not as useful for reducing the cost of controlling evolution of the antagonistic traits. Multiple constraints impacted almost additively on the genetic gain for the main trait. Adding constraints for several traits would therefore be justified in real life breeding schemes, possibly after evaluating their impact through simulated annealing.
Distribution of Ventricular Fibrosis Associated With Life‐Threatening Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients With Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: CHIMURA MISATO , KIUCHI KUNIHIKO , OKAJIMA KATSUNORI , SHIMANE AKIRA , SAWADA TAKAHIRO , ONISHI TETSUARI , YAMADA SHINICHIRO , TANIGUCHI YASUYO , YASAKA YOSHINORI , KAWAI HIROYA
Published: July 2015

Ventricular Fibrosis in Patients With NICM

Background

Current guidelines recommend the implantation of an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a subgroup of patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) who have a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 30–35%, and are NYHA functional class II or III. However, the majority of patients with an ICD implantation for primary prevention did not receive appropriate ICD therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between myocardial fibrosis detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmic events in NICM patients.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐five NICM patients with an LVEF ≦ 35 % and NYHA functional class II or III, (60 ± 15 years, LVEF 29 ± 5.4%) were studied. Myocardial fibrosis was identified with a late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR. Clinical events were defined as SCD or life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmic events and were followed up for 5.1 ± 3.3 years.

Results

The presence of an LGE was detected in 122 patients (70%). No life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia events occurred in patients with the absence of an LGE. A total of 18 ventricular tachycardia and 8 ventricular fibrillation events were found in patients with the presence of an LGE (P < 0.01). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of LGE in predicting life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia events were 100%, 34%, and 15% and 100%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of both septal and lateral mid‐wall LGE was associated with life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmic events (hazard ratio 23.1 CI; 2.88–184.9, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

The absence of an LGE predicts a low potential risk of SCD and life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia events in the near future. CMR may be a useful tool for selecting suitable patients for primary ICD implantations in NICM patients.