bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miniaturization of sebaceous glands: A novel histopathological finding in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus of the scalp
Authors: Sar‐Pomian Marta , Czuwara Joanna , Rudnicka Lidia , Olszewska Malgorzata
Published: June 2017

Background

Intraepidermal acantholysis is a characteristic histopathological feature of pemphigus. The histopathology of scalp biopsies in pemphigus has not been widely discussed in the literature, although the scalp is commonly involved in pemphigus.

Methods

A total of 32 consecutive patients with scalp involvement (17 with pemphigus vulgaris [PV] and 15 with pemphigus foliaceus [PF]) were enrolled into the study. The histopathological examination of scalp biopsies was performed in all patients. Tissue specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

Results

Acantholysis extended down the entire length of the outer root sheath of the hair follicle in 12 of 17 (70.6%) patients with PV. Follicular acantholysis in PF was restricted to the infundibulum and occurred in 12 of 15 (80.0%) patients. Acantholysis in the vellus hair follicles was observed in 12 of 17 (70.6%) and 9 of 15 (60.0%) cases, respectively. The miniaturization of sebaceous glands was seen in 14 of 17 (82.4%) and 12 of 15 (80.0%) patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Follicular acantholysis is a common histopathological feature of pemphigus. It may serve as a clue to the diagnosis of pemphigus subtypes, as PV and PF differ in the depth of follicular acantholysis. The miniaturization of sebaceous glands is a common histopathological feature observed in scalp specimens of patients with pemphigus.
Experiences of closed‐loop insulin delivery among pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Farrington C. , Stewart Z. A. , Barnard K. , Hovorka R. , Murphy H. R.
Published: June 2017

Aims

To explore the experiences of pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes, and the relationships between perceptions of glucose control, attitudes to technology and glycaemic responses with regard to closed‐loop insulin delivery.

Methods

We recruited 16 pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes [mean ± sd age 34.1 ± 4.6 years, duration of diabetes 23.6 ± 7.2 years, baseline HbA1c 51±5 mmol/mol (6.8 ± 0.6%)] to a randomized crossover trial of sensor‐augmented pump therapy vs automated closed‐loop therapy. Questionnaires (Diabetes Technology Questionnaire, Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey) were completed before and after each intervention, with qualitative interviews at baseline and follow‐up.

Results

Women described the benefits and burdens of closed‐loop systems during pregnancy. Feelings of improved glucose control, excitement and empowerment were counterbalanced by concerns about device visibility, obsessive data checking and diminished attentiveness to hyper‐ and hypoglycaemia symptoms. Responding to questionnaires, eight participants felt less worry about overnight hypoglycaemia and that diabetes ‘did not run their lives’; however, five reported that closed‐loop increased time thinking about diabetes, and three felt it made sleep and preventing hyperglycaemia more problematic. Women slightly overestimated their glycaemic response to closed‐loop therapy. Most became more positive in their technology attitudes throughout pregnancy. Women with more positive technology attitudes had higher degrees of overestimation, and poorer levels of glycaemic control.

Conclusions

Women displayed complex psychosocial responses to closed‐loop therapy in pregnancy. Perceptions of glycaemic response may diverge from biomedical data.
Financial inclusion through a public works programme: Does left‐wing extremism make a difference?
Authors: Ghosh Saibal
Published: June 2017

Using district‐level household data, the study investigates the impact of left wing extremism (LWE) violence on financial inclusion in India. Exploiting the staggered roll‐out of a major public works programme, we find that the programme has the potency to improve financial inclusion, notwithstanding the deleterious effects of higher LWE violence. These findings are, however, different in the post‐Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (Prime Minister's People Money Scheme) phase, especially in the short run wherein there is an increase in both access to and use of finance. The findings are consistent with the citizen support model and suggest that demonstrable government commitment in the form of spending on public works has the capacity to raise financial inclusion, even if the programme occurs in LWE‐affected districts.
Richness‐dependence of phylogenetic diversity indices
Authors: Sandel Brody
Published: June 2017

Phylogenetic diversity indices are widely used to characterize the structure and diversity of ecological communities. Most indices are based on a metric that is expected to vary with species richness, so they are standardized to remove this richness‐dependence. With this standardization, values of 0 are consistent with random phylogenetic structure, while phylogenetic clustering is associated with either negative or positive values (depending on the index). One common interpretation of phylogenetic clustering is that it indicates some combination of environmental and biological filtering that restricts the species that can be present in a community. Increasingly, studies are comparing phylogenetic indices along environmental gradients to infer differences in the factors structuring communities. This comparison implicitly assumes that index values are comparable among communities with different numbers of species.

Using a set of simulations, I show here that this assumption is incorrect. Holding the strength of filtering constant, communities composed of more species show larger absolute index values. This problem is most pronounced when the environmental filter favors a moderate‐sized clade strongly over others and when using the net relatedness index (NRI) to measure clustering. This bias potentially casts doubt on studies studying phylogenetic index patterns along gradients where richness also varies. Fortunately, the arising generality that more stressful environments have lower species richness and stronger clustering is opposite to this bias and therefore robust. I also show that a simple rarefaction can remove the richness‐dependence of these indices, at the expense of increased error.
Spatiotemporal scaling of plant species richness and functional diversity in a temperate semi‐natural grassland
Authors: White Hannah J. , Montgomery W. Ian , Pakeman Robin J. , Lennon Jack J.
Published: June 2017

The accumulation of biodiversity in space and time has been modelled extensively using the species–area relationship and the species–time relationship, respectively. Recently, these models have been combined into time–area curves in order to investigate spatiotemporal scaling of species richness. This study expands on previous research by applying these spatiotemporal models to functional diversity. Understanding spatiotemporal dynamics of ecological traits is important due to their crucial role in ecosystem functioning and mediating species responses to environmental change. We present a new function based on the semi‐logarithmic species–area relationship, which was applied with a power function to vegetation survey data from Scottish machair grassland for both species richness and two measures of functional diversity. When taking a whole‐study approach using non‐linear mixed effects models, the semi‐logarithmic function used here shows a positive time–area interaction for species richness, contrasting with the negative interaction of the power law found in previous investigations. Although there was a negative time–area interaction for functional diversity measures at the whole‐study scale, parameter estimates were inconsistent at the individual site level. Overall, the results reveal differing spatiotemporal dynamics of species and their traits and suggest that the appropriate scale for space‐for‐time substitutions depends on the aspect of biodiversity being investigated. The new model developed in this study, and the novel application to functional diversity, opens up future possible research into spatiotemporal dynamics of biodiversity.
Clinical outcomes of HLA‐DPB1 mismatches in 10/10 HLA‐matched unrelated donor‐recipient pairs undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant
Authors: Moyer Ann M. , Hashmi Shahrukh K. , Kroning Cynthia M. , Kremers Walter K. , De Goey Steven R. , Patnaik Mrinal , Litzow Mark , Gastineau Dennis A. , Hogan William J. , Jacob Eapen K. , Kreuter Justin D. , Wakefield Laurie L. , Gandhi Manish J.
Published: June 2017

Objective

HLA‐DPB1 matching may impact allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) outcomes; however, this locus is not in linkage disequilibrium with the remainder of the HLA genes. After classifying HLA‐DPB1 mismatches based on T‐cell epitope, avoiding non‐permissive mismatches may impact survival. We tested this hypothesis at a single academic institution.

Methods

Retrospective HLA‐DPB1 genotyping was performed on 153 adult patients who underwent ASCT and unrelated donors matched for HLA‐A, B, C, DRB1, and DQB1 loci (10/10). Using the ImMunoGeneTics/HLA T‐cell epitope matching algorithm, mismatch status was classified as permissive or non‐permissive.

Results

Of 153 donor‐recipient pairs, 22 (14.4%) were HLA‐DPB1 matches, 64 (42.8%) permissive mismatches, and 67 (43.8%) non‐permissive mismatches. DPB1 mismatch increased risk of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD; RR 2.89 [1.19‐9.53], P=.016) compared with DPB1‐matched transplants, but there were no differences in overall mortality, risk of relapse, or acute GVHD (aGVHD). Combining matches and permissive mismatches and comparing to non‐permissive mismatches, there was no significant difference in overall survival or relapse; however, patients receiving non‐permissive mismatched transplants experienced greater risk of aGVHD overall and severe aGVHD (RR 1.66 [1.13‐2.44], P=.010 and RR 1.97 [1.10‐3.59], P=.024, respectively).

Conclusion

In this single‐center study, HLA‐DPB1 matching influenced outcomes of patients undergoing ASCT for hematologic malignancy.
Photosensitivity is an early marker of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 disease
Authors: Specchio Nicola , Bellusci Marcello , Pietrafusa Nicola , Trivisano Marina , de Palma Luca , Vigevano Federico
Published: June 2017

Objective

This study aimed to identify early clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) disease to enable early diagnosis, thus providing the key to early treatment, and optimized care and outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective clinical chart review of a series of patients diagnosed with CLN2 disease from 2005 to 2015 at a single center in Italy. Clinical, MRI, and EEG findings were reviewed.

Results

A total of 14 patients were included. For the whole group, median (range) age at disease onset was 3.0 (2.0–3.8) years. Epilepsy was the most commonly reported presenting symptom (in 50% [seven of 14] of patients), occurring at the age of 3.2 (2.6–3.8) years. First seizure was myoclonic in 36% (five of 14) of patients, followed by generalized tonic–clonic in 29% (4 of 14), atonic in 22% (three of 14), and focal with motor signs in 14% (two of 14). All patients walked independently at the age of 12.0 (11.0–18.0) months, but delayed speech or regression of acquired verbal skills was present in 100% of patients at 3 years. EEGs revealed a photoparoxysmal response (PPR) on intermittent photic stimulation in 93% (13 of 14) of patients. PPR was present from the first EEG, which was performed at 3.6 (3.1–4.0) years, in 43% (six of 14) of patients; it was documented at low (1–3 Hz) stimulation frequencies in 69% (nine of 13) and took the form of a flash‐per‐flash response in 69% (nine of 13). First brain MRI at the age of 3.8 (3.0–5.1) years revealed cerebellar atrophy in 100% (14 of 14) of patients and alteration of the periventricular white matter signal in the posterior hemispheric region in 79% (11 of 14).

Significance

Early photosensitivity (typically PPR at low stimulation frequencies of 1–3 Hz) is a hallmark of CLN2 disease. This diagnosis should be considered in a child presenting with any type of seizure, and particularly if it is accompanied by delayed speech and/or ataxia or MRI abnormalities (posterior white matter signal alteration or cerebellar atrophy).
Surgical excision of large melanocytic tumours in grey horses: 38 cases (2001–2013)
Authors: Groom L. M. , Sullins K. E.
Published: June 2017

Melanocytic tumours are common in grey horses. Large tumours can obstruct the rectum, or prepuce, inhibit food intake and impinge upon the upper airway. Surgical excision is locally curative, but is controversial for large or confluent tumours. Limited information on outcome following surgical excision of large melanomas is available. The objective of this study was to report outcome following surgical excision of large (≥4 cm) melanocytic tumours in horses. Our hypothesis was that surgical excision of large (≥4 cm) single and coalescing melanomas would be locally curative. Medical records were reviewed and cases that underwent excision of a single or coalescing melanoma, with at least one lesion ≥4 cm in diameter, included. Follow‐up information was obtained a minimum of 12 months post‐surgery from owners and referring veterinarians via telephone interviews, questionnaire, or direct examination. A total of 48 cases were identified; 38 horses with follow‐up were included in the study. Tumours involved the parotid, perianal or mid‐cervical regions, ventral tail base, prepuce, penis, ear, or thoracic inlet. There were no cases of tumour regrowth following excision. Post‐operative complications occurred in five cases and were easily resolved in all but one. Continued or new growth of distant melanocytic tumours occurred in 50% of cases. Results suggest that excision of large melanocytic tumours in horses is a viable treatment option that is locally curative with minimal complications.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in stream food webs – high dissimilarity among producers and consumers
Authors: Guo Fen , Bunn Stuart E. , Brett Michael T. , Kainz Martin J.
Published: June 2017

Streams and rivers provide crucial sources of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA, a subset of PUFA with ≥20 C in their acyl chains) for freshwater and terrestrial animals. LC‐PUFA are primarily produced by particular algal taxa and are subsequently transferred to fish and higher consumers, including humans. Although research on the trophic transfer of LC‐PUFA in streams is very limited, studies on the PUFA composition of organisms at various trophic levels within stream food webs are well documented. Here, we systematically analyze the literature to synthesise LC‐PUFA distribution and retention in stream ecosystems.

In general, stream food webs are highly enriched in omega‐3 LC‐PUFA, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3). Algae from temperate rivers had more EPA compared with algae from subtropical rivers. Stream invertebrates from both temperate and subtropical rivers preferentially retain algal EPA and their PUFA tend to vary with algal PUFA. Invertebrates may be capable of regulating their fatty acid (FA) composition, but this ability is limited, to the extent that they must obtain physiologically important LC‐PUFA primarily from algae.

DHA is selectively and highly retained in all fish taxa irrespective of their feeding sites (i.e. temperate or subtropical rivers). However, DHA content is variable among stream fish taxa and is likely linked to resource utilisation and their endogenous metabolism. Freshwater salmonids have a very high DHA content, which suggests they preferentially retain this FA or biosynthesise it from EPA. The PUFA profiles of other fish taxa more closely reflect their dietary PUFA supply. However, so far very few studies have considered the differences in the PUFA biosynthesis of fish taxa in rivers or compared the dietary PUFA effect on different fish taxa.

The supply of LC‐PUFA from streams and rivers is known to be affected by altered light availability, greater nutrient inputs and other anthropogenic activities, and any decrease in algal LC‐PUFA production will negatively affect the consumers that are nutritionally dependent on these molecules. Further investigations are needed to understand how environmental changes affect LC‐PUFA production and retention in stream ecosystems, and how to protect streams from threats to this essential ecosystem service.
Beta diversity of stream fish assemblages: partitioning variation between spatial and environmental factors
Authors: Zbinden Zachery D. , Matthews William J.
Published: June 2017

Studies that analyse the structure of assemblages across relevant spatial scales can ascertain generalisable patterns and be used to guide efforts that allocate resources meant to conserve regional biodiversity. Beta diversity can shed light on the underlying factors that drive variation in assemblage structure including spatial and environmental influences. The purpose of this study was to address two questions: (1) Which is more important for the structuring of fish assemblages, spatial or environmental factors? (2) What is the dominant pattern underlying species turnover between fish assemblages, species addition (i.e. nestedness) or species replacement (i.e. spatial turnover)?

We examined fish beta diversity in southeastern Oklahoma by sampling 65 wadeable stream reaches and measuring 30 environmental factors at each sampling location across the Muddy Boggy River drainage. Variation in fish assemblage structure was partitioned between environmental and spatial predictors using partial redundancy analysis. Overall species turnover was calculated and separated into its two additive components of spatial turnover and nestedness to determine which of these two accounted for the most turnover across the drainage.

Spatial and environmental factors combined accounted for 25.5% of fish beta diversity. Environmental factors alone accounted for 20.1%, while spatial factors alone only accounted for 3.5% of the variation among assemblages.

Nine environmental factors were significantly related to fish beta diversity: (1) elevation; (2) stream order; (3) stream width; (4) % riffle habitat; (5) water temperature; (6) conductivity; (7) turbidity; (8) % gravel substrate and (9) current velocity.

Overall species turnover was driven mostly by spatial turnover rather than nestedness. This pattern was found to be the same across multiple spatial scales (entire drainage, sub‐drainages, mainstems) and despite several techniques used to extract turnover coefficients.

These results suggest that fish assemblages—particularly in headwater streams—are structured by environmental filtering and that these assemblages tend to be compositionally distinct, rather than being nested derivatives of one another.
Ulva rigida in the future ocean: potential for carbon capture, bioremediation and biomethane production
Authors: Gao Guang , Clare Anthony S. , Rose Craig , Caldwell Gary S.
Published: June 2017

Ulva species have been considered as ideal candidates for carbon capture, bioremediation and biofuel production. However, little is known regarding the effects of simultaneous ocean warming, acidification and eutrophication on these capacities. In this study, Ulva rigida was cultivated under two levels of: temperature (14 °C (LT) and 18 °C (HT)); pH (8.10 and 7.70) by controlling pCO2 (LC, HC respectively); and nutrients (low (LN) – 50 μm N and 2.5 μm P and high (HN) – 1000 μm N and 50 μm P) for 6 weeks. During the first week of cultivation, HT, HC and HN increased biomass by 38.1%, 17.1% and 20.8%, respectively, while the higher temperature led to negative growth in weeks 2, 4 and 6 due to reproductive events. By the end of the cultivation, biomass under HTHCHN was 130.4% higher than the control (LTLCLN), contributing to a higher carbon capture capacity. Although the thalli at HT released nutrients to seawater in weeks 2, 4 and 6, the HTHCHN treatment increased the overall nitrate uptake rate over the cultivation period by 489.0%. The HTHCHN treatment also had an increased biochemical methane potential and methane yield (47.3% and 254.6%, respectively). Our findings demonstrate that the capacities for carbon and nutrient capture, and biomethane production of U. rigida in the future ocean may be enhanced, providing important insight into the interactions between global change and seaweeds.
From smiling to smirking? 3D printing, upgrading and the restructuring of global value chains
Authors: REHNBERG MÄRTHA , PONTE STEFANO
Published: June 2017

3D printing (3DP) has been heralded as a revolutionary technology that can alter the way production is organized across time and space – with important redistributive effects on geography and size of production activities. In this article, we examine the impacts that a widespread adoption of 3DP could have on restructuring, upgrading and distributing value added along manufacturing global value chains (GVC) – with brief examples from the aerospace and automotive industries. We highlight two possible scenarios for GVCs – a complementarity scenario of 3DP and traditional manufacturing overlapping, which would reproduce power relations in GVCs and the current distribution of value added in a ‘smiling curve’; and a substitution scenario of 3DP partly or fully superseding traditional manufacturing, which would have more transformational effects in terms of ‘rebundling’ activities, regionalizing or localizing GVCs, and flattening the smiling curve into a ‘smirk’.
Roles of afadin in functional differentiations of hippocampal mossy fiber synapse
Authors: Geng Xiaoqi , Maruo Tomohiko , Mandai Kenji , Supriyanto Irwan , Miyata Muneaki , Sakakibara Shotaro , Mizoguchi Akira , Takai Yoshimi , Mori Masahiro
Published: June 2017

A hippocampal mossy fiber synapse has a complex structure and is implicated in learning and memory. In this synapse, the mossy fiber boutons attach to the dendritic shaft by puncta adherentia junctions and wrap around a multiply‐branched spine, forming synaptic junctions. We have recently shown using transmission electron microscopy, immunoelectron microscopy and serial block face‐scanning electron microscopy that atypical puncta adherentia junctions are formed in the afadin‐deficient mossy fiber synapse and that the complexity of postsynaptic spines and mossy fiber boutons, the number of spine heads, the area of postsynaptic densities and the density of synaptic vesicles docked to active zones are decreased in the afadin‐deficient synapse. We investigated here the roles of afadin in the functional differentiations of the mossy fiber synapse using the afadin‐deficient mice. The electrophysiological studies showed that both the release probability of glutamate and the postsynaptic responsiveness to glutamate were markedly reduced, but not completely lost, in the afadin‐deficient mossy fiber synapse, whereas neither long‐term potentiation nor long‐term depression was affected. These results indicate that afadin plays roles in the functional differentiations of the presynapse and the postsynapse of the hippocampal mossy fiber synapse.
The effects of Biodentine/polycaprolactone three‐dimensional‐scaffold with odontogenesis properties on human dental pulp cells
Authors: Ho C.‐C. , Fang H.‐Y. , Wang B. , Huang T.‐H. , Shie M.‐Y.
Published: June 2017

Aim

To determine the feasibility of using three‐dimensional printed Biodentine/polycaprolactone composite scaffolds for orthopaedic and dental applications. The physicochemical properties and the odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) were investigated.

Methodology

Biodentine was well‐suspended in ethanol and dropped slowly into molten polycaprolactone with vigorous stirring. The Biodentine/polycaprolactone composite scaffolds were then fabricated into controlled macropore sizes and structures using an extrusion‐based three‐dimensional (3D) printer. The mechanical properties, bioactivity, and the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) cultured on the scaffolds were evaluated.

Results

Biodentine/polycaprolactone scaffolds had uniform macropores 550 μm in size with established interconnections and a compressive strength of 6.5 MPa. In addition, the composite scaffolds exhibited a good apatite‐forming ability and were capable of supporting the proliferation and differentiation of hDPCs.

Conclusion

The composite scaffolds fabricated by an extrusion‐based 3D printing technique had similar characteristics to Biodentine cement, including bioactivity and the ability to promote the differentiation of hDPCs. These results indicate that the composite scaffold would be a candidate for dental and bone regeneration.
New route to improve the flexural strength of silicon nitride ceramics by introducing tungsten carbide nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhu Tianbin , Xie Zhi‐Peng , Wu Weiwei
Published: June 2017

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics containing various tungsten carbide (WC) content were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) with Al2O3and Y2O3as sintering aids, andWCnanoparticles were introduced via the mechanical ball milling method in the present work. The influence ofWCnanoparticles’ content on the densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of such ceramics was investigated. The results showed that the incorporation ofWCnanoparticles promoted the densification of Si3N4ceramics and the growth of β‐Si3N4grains. In comparison with the specimen withoutWCnanoparticles (879.9MPa), the flexural strength of the specimens containingWCnanoparticles increased markedly; a maximum flexural strength of 1367.7MPa can be achieved at the sintering temperature of 1550°C and the milling time of 36 hours.
Surface modification of metal mesh with SiO2 films for enhanced corrosion protection
Authors: Zhang Ting , Sai Huazheng , Guan Yunlong , Fu Rui , Yang Hu , Jia Huanhuan , Yue Xian , Xiang Junhui
Published: June 2017

SiO2 film coatings were used to modify the surface of metal mesh for corrosion protection using liquid phase deposition and sol‐gel methods at low temperature. Different techniques were applied to characterized the as‐prepared samples. The results show an enhanced corrosion protection of the SiO2 deposited samples in comparison to the unmodified samples, as well as the SiO2 deposited sample prepared with sol gel method provides the better corrosion protection when compared with the liquid phased deposited sample, which mainly contributes to its compact morphology. The hydrophobic SiO2 coatings also exhibit excellent corrosion resistance since hydrophobic modification can hinder the contact with environment.
Digital transformation by SME entrepreneurs: A capability perspective
Authors: Li Liang , Su Fang , Zhang Wei , Mao Ji‐Ye
Published: June 2017

This research investigates how entrepreneurs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with inadequate capabilities and limited resources drove digital transformation in their companies, a phenomenon that remains under‐researched in the extant literature. We conduct qualitative research on digital transformation to cross‐border e‐commerce undergone by 7 SMEs on the Alibaba digital platform. We inductively derive a process model that aims to describe and explain how SME entrepreneurs, with support from the digital platform service provider, drive digital transformation through managerial cognition renewal, managerial social capital development, business team building, and organizational capability building. This model expands our understanding of both digital entrepreneurship and digital transformation. It also presents new insights into how digital platform service providers can help SMEs transform and compete.
An integrative review of multicomponent weight management interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Doherty Alison J. , Jones Stephanie P. , Chauhan Umesh , Gibson Josephine M. E.
Published: June 2017

Background

Obesity is more prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities and increases the risk of developing serious medical conditions. UK guidance recommends multicomponent weight management interventions (MCIs), tailored for different population groups.

Methods

An integrative review utilizing systematic review methodology was conducted to identify the types of MCIs delivered to adults with intellectual disabilities.

Findings

Five studies were identified. All of the studies' MCIs were tailored for adults with intellectual disabilities. Tailoring included measures such as simplified communication tools, individualized sessions, and the presence of carers where appropriate.

Conclusions

Emerging evidence suggests ways in which MCIs can be tailored for adults with intellectual disabilities but, given the few studies identified, it is not possible to recommend how they can be routinely tailored. Further studies are justified for adults with intellectual disabilities at risk of obesity‐related conditions.
Comparison of thiazide‐like diuretics versus thiazide‐type diuretics: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Liang Wenjing , Ma Hui , Cao Luxi , Yan Wenjiang , Yang Jingjing
Published: June 2017

Thiazide diuretics are widely used for the management of hypertension. In recent years, it has been actively debated that there is interchangeability of thiazide‐type diuretics hydrochlorothiazide and thiazide‐like diuretics including indapamide and chlorthalidone for the treatment of hypertension. With the purpose of seeking out the best thiazide diuretic for clinicians, we summarized the existing evidence on the two types of drugs and conducted a meta‐analysis on their efficacy in lowering blood pressure and effects on blood electrolyte, glucose and total cholesterol. Twelve trials were identified: five based on the comparison of indapamide versus hydrochlorothiazide and seven based on the chlorthalidone versus hydrochlorothiazide. In the meta‐analysis of blood pressure reduction, thiazide‐like diuretics seemed to further reduce systolic BP ([95% CI]; −5.59 [−5.69, −5.49]; P < 0.001) and diastolic BP ([95% CI]; −1.98 [−3.29, −0.66]; P = 0.003). Meanwhile, in the analysis of side effects, the incidence of hypokalemia ([95% CI]; 1.58 [0.80, 3.12]; P = 0.19), hyponatremia ([95% CI]; −0.14 [−0.57, 0.30], P = 0.54), change of blood glucose ([95% CI];0.13 [−0.16, 0.41], P = 0.39) and total cholesterol ([95% CI]; 0.13 [−0.16, 0.41], P = 0.39) showed that there is no statistical significant differences between the two groups of drugs. In conclusion, using thiazide‐like diuretics is superior to thiazide‐type diuretics in reducing blood pressure without increasing the incidence of hypokalemia, hyponatraemia and any change of blood glucose and serum total cholesterol.
Overexpressing STAMP2 attenuates adipose tissue angiogenesis and insulin resistance in diabetic ApoE−/−/LDLR−/− mouse via a PPARγ/CD36 pathway
Authors: Wang Feng , Han Lu , Qin Ran‐ran , Zhang Yao‐yuan , Wang Di , Wang Zhi‐Hao , Tang Meng‐Xiong , Zhang Yun , Zhong Ming , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate whether overexpression of STAMP2 improves insulin resistance by regulating angiogenesis in adipose tissues. The characteristics of diabetic mice were measured by serial metabolite and pathology tests. Samples were obtained from epididymal, subcutaneous and brown adipose tissues. Histological and morphological analysis demonstrated that STAMP2 gene overexpression reduced adipocyte size, angiogenesis in epididymal and brown adipose tissues. On aortic ring assay, microvessels sprouting from aortas were significantly inhibited after STAMP2 gene overexpression. The cellular effect of STAMP2 on angiogenesis was explored in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) model. Correlation of STAMP2 and angiogenesis was validated by Ad‐STAMP2 transfection and STAMP2 siRNA inhibition. In vitro, overexpression of STAMP2 significantly inhibited endothelial cell migration, tube formation. The effects of Ad‐STAMP2 transfection on HUVECs were abolished by treatment with PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (2.5 μM), and the roles of STAMP2 siRNA on HUVECs were also reversed by treatment with PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone (RSG) (0.1 mM). RT‐PCR indicated that STAMP2 could regulate levels of adhesion molecules, vascular endothelial growth factor A and CD36. The expression of PPARγ and CD36 was decreased when STAMP2 was inhibited by siRNA, while PPARγ and CD36 were highly expressed after overexpression of STAMP2. Our results suggested that STAMP2 gene overexpression may improve insulin resistance via attenuating angiogenesis in epididymal and brown adipose tissues through the PPARγ/CD36 signalling pathway.
State of the art technologies to explore long non‐coding RNAs in cancer
Authors: Salehi Saeede , Taheri Mohammad Naser , Azarpira Negar , Zare Abdolhossein , Behzad‐Behbahani Abbas
Published: June 2017

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a vast repertoire of RNAs playing a wide variety of crucial roles in tissue physiology in a cell‐specific manner. Despite being engaged in myriads of regulatory mechanisms, many lncRNAs have still remained to be assigned any functions. A constellation of experimental techniques including single‐molecule RNA in situ hybridization (sm‐RNA FISH), cross‐linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP), RNA interference (RNAi), Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and so forth has been employed to shed light on lncRNA cellular localization, structure, interaction networks and functions. Here, we review these and other experimental approaches in common use for identification and characterization of lncRNAs, particularly those involved in different types of cancer, with focus on merits and demerits of each technique.
MicroRNA‐containing extracellular vesicles released from endothelial colony‐forming cells modulate angiogenesis during ischaemic retinopathy
Authors: Dellett Margaret , Brown Eoin D. , Guduric‐Fuchs Jasenka , O'Connor Anna , Stitt Alan W. , Medina Reinhold J. , Simpson David A.
Published: June 2017

Endothelial colony‐forming cells (ECFCs) are a defined subtype of endothelial progenitors that modulate vascular repair and promote perfusion in ischaemic tissues. Their paracrine activity on resident vasculature is ill‐defined, but mediated, at least in part, by the transfer of extracellular vesicles (EVs). To evaluate the potential of isolated EVs to provide an alternative to cell‐based therapies, we first performed a physical and molecular characterization of those released by ECFCs. Their effects upon endothelial cells in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo in a model of proliferative retinopathy were assessed. The EVs expressed typical markers CD9 and CD63 and formed a heterogeneous population ranging in size from ~60 to 1500 nm by electron microscopy. ECFC EVs were taken up by endothelial cells and increased cell migration. This was reflected by microarray analyses which showed significant changes in expression of genes associated with angiogenesis. Sequencing of small RNAs in ECFCs and their EVs showed that multiple microRNAs are highly expressed and concentrated in EVs. The functional categories significantly enriched for the predicted target genes of these microRNAs included angiogenesis. Intravitreally delivered ECFC EVs were associated with the vasculature and significantly reduced the avascular area in a mouse oxygen‐induced retinopathy model. Our findings confirm the potential of isolated EVs to influence endothelial cell function and act as a therapy to modulate angiogenesis. The functions associated with the specific microRNAs detected in ECFC EVs support a role for microRNA transfer in mediating the observed effects.
Studies on the occurrence of infectious myonecrosis virus in pond‐reared Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) in India
Authors: Sahul Hameed A S , Abdul Majeed S , Vimal S , Madan N , Rajkumar T , Santhoshkumar S , Sivakumar S
Published: June 2017

Whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, with clinical sign of muscle opaqueness with reddish colour at the distal abdominal segments were observed in farms located in West Bengal State, India. The mortality of shrimp in all disease outbreak ponds ranged from 20% to 50%, and mortality increased gradually. The RT‐PCR assay of these samples using primer sets specific to infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) revealed its presence in the disease outbreak ponds. The IMNV infection was reproduced in healthy shrimp by intramuscular injection to satisfy River's postulates. The virus caused mortality in intramuscularly challenged shrimp, but failed to cause mortality by oral route. Tissue distribution of IMNV in infected shrimp by RT‐PCR assay revealed the presence of this virus in haemolymph, gill, hepatopancreas and muscle. This study confirms that the disease outbreak which occurred in the shrimp farms located at Purba Medinipur District, West Bengal, India, was due to IMNV.
Modeling rice and corn hydration kinetic by Nicolin–Jorge model
Authors: Nicolin Douglas Junior , Marques Barbara Celuppi , Balbinoti Thaisa Carvalho Volpe , Jorge Regina Maria Matos , Jorge Luiz Mario de Matos
Published: June 2017

This article presents the application of Nicolin–Jorge model in describing the hydration kinetics of rice and corn grains. The model was validated by hydration data of both grains for different hydration temperatures. The results show a satisfactory adequacy of the model to the data, even applying the data to the cylindrical and planar geometries, since the original model was proposed to describe the soybean hydration kinetics, considered spherical. Even as the parameters fitted for both cases have behaved differently depending on the temperature, the model predicted properly the reach of equilibrium moisture for very long hydration times.

Practical applications

The approach presented in this article is useful in describing the moisture absorption kinetics by rice and corn grains. The model applied fits satisfactorily the experimental data and is applicable when the hypothesis of constant mass transfer coefficient in moisture absorption is not enough to correctly describe the behavior of the kinetic curve of moisture as a function of time for such grains. The proposed approach is applicable to any project that requires prior knowledge of the moisture profile of the grains. The advantage of the model used is the simplicity of the analytical solution obtained and that the model possesses physical grounds, although the grains are considered to be a lumped parameter system, which is an adequate consideration for practical applications.
ZYGOTE‐ARREST 3 that encodes the tRNA ligase is essential for zygote division in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Ke‐Jin , Guo Lei , Hou Xiu‐Li , Gong Hua‐Qin , Liu Chun‐Ming
Published: June 2017

In sexual organisms, division of the zygote initiates a new life cycle. Although several genes involved in zygote division are known in plants, how the zygote is activated to start embryogenesis has remained elusive. Here, we showed that a mutation in ZYGOTE‐ARREST 3 (ZYG3) in Arabidopsis led to a tight zygote‐lethal phenotype. Map‐based cloning revealed that ZYG3 encodes the transfer RNA (tRNA) ligase AtRNL, which is a single‐copy gene in the Arabidopsis genome. Expression analyses showed that AtRNL is expressed throughout zygotic embryogenesis, and in meristematic tissues. Using pAtRNL::cAtRNL‐sYFP‐complemented zyg3/zyg3 plants, we showed that AtRNL is localized exclusively in the cytoplasm, suggesting that tRNA splicing occurs primarily in the cytoplasm. Analyses using partially rescued embryos showed that mutation in AtRNL compromised splicing of intron‐containing tRNA. Mutations of two tRNA endonuclease genes, SEN1 and SEN2, also led to a zygote‐lethal phenotype. These results together suggest that tRNA splicing is critical for initiating zygote division in Arabidopsis.
Vascular endothelial growth factor is neuroprotective against ischemic brain injury by inhibiting scavenger receptor A expression on microglia
Authors: Xu Zheng , Han Kaiwei , Chen Jigang , Wang Chunhui , Dong Yan , Yu Mingkun , Bai Rulin , Huang Chenguang , Hou Lijun
Published: June 2017

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a secreted mitogen associated with angiogenesis. VEGF has long been thought to be a potent neurotrophic factor for the survival of spinal cord neurons. However, the role of VEGF in the regulation of ischemic brain injury remains unclear. In this study, rats were subjected to MCAO (middle cerebral artery occlusion) followed by intraperitoneal injection of VEGF165 (10 mg/kg) immediately after surgery and once daily until the day 10. The expression of target genes was assayed using qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence to investigate the role of VEGF165 in regulating ischemic brain injury. We found that VEGF165 significantly inhibited MCAO‐induced up‐regulation of Scavenger receptor class A (SR‐A) on microglia in a VEGFR1‐dependent manner. VEGF165 inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and iNOS in microglia. More importantly, the role of VEGF165 in inhibiting neuroinflammation is partially abolished by SR‐A over‐expression. SR‐A further reduced the protective effect of VEGF165 in ischemic brain injury. These data suggest that VEGF165 suppresses neuroinflammation and ischemic brain injury by inhibiting SR‐A expression, thus offering a new target for prevention of ischemic brain injury.

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Pimozide reduces toxic forms of tau in TauC3 mice via 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase‐mediated autophagy
Authors: Kim Young Doo , Jeong Eun Il , Nah Jihoon , Yoo Seung‐Min , Lee Won Jae , Kim Youbin , Moon Seowon , Hong Se‐Hoon , Jung Yong‐Keun
Published: June 2017

In neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), tau is hyperphosphorylated and forms aggregates and neurofibrillary tangles in affected neurons. Autophagy is critical to clear the aggregates of disease‐associated proteins and is often altered in patients and animal models of AD. Because mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) negatively regulates autophagy and is hyperactive in the brains of patients with AD, mTOR is an attractive therapeutic target for AD. However, pharmacological strategies to increase autophagy by targeting mTOR inhibition cause various side effects. Therefore, autophagy activation mediated by non‐mTOR pathways is a new option for autophagy‐based AD therapy. Here, we report that pimozide activates autophagy to rescue tau pathology in an AD model. Pimozide increased autophagic flux through the activation of the AMPK‐Unc‐51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) axis, but not of mTOR, in neuronal cells, and this function was independent of dopamine D2 receptor inhibition. Pimozide reduced levels of abnormally phosphorylated tau aggregates in neuronal cells. Further, daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment of pimozide led to a recovery from memory deficits of TauC3 mice expressing a caspase‐cleaved form of tau. In the brains of these mice, we found increased phosphorylation of AMPK1 and ULK1, and reduced levels of the soluble oligomers and NP40‐insoluble aggregates of abnormally phosphorylated tau. Together, these results suggest that pimozide rescues memory impairments in TauC3 mice and reduces tau aggregates by increasing autophagic flux through the mTOR‐independent AMPK‐ULK1 axis.
Peritumoral cuffing by T‐cell tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes distinguishes HPV‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma from oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Poropatich Kate , Hernandez David , Fontanarosa Joel , Brown Koshonna , Woloschak Gayle , Paintal Ajit , Raparia Kirtee , Samant Sandeep
Published: June 2017

Background

It is unclear why human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has improved clinical behavior compared to HPV‐negative HNSCC. We sought to better characterize the immune microenvironment of tongue cancers by examining the CD3 and CD8 TIL pattern in HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative tumors.

Methods

Histologic sections from 40 oral tongue and oropharyngeal cases were analyzed (n=21 HPV DNA‐positive, n=19 HPV DNA‐negative). CD3 and CD8 T‐cell immunostaining were performed on whole‐slide sections to quantify tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density and assess its morphology.

Results

A subset of cases (HPV‐positive) displayed a unique TIL pattern consisting of circumferential peritumoral population T cells, which was absent in the HPV‐negative cases. The presence of peritumoral cuffing was strongly predictive of improved recurrence‐free survival compared to cases that lacked this morphologic pattern of immune infiltrate. Four HPV‐positive cases lacked the pattern, including two cases with disease recurrence.

Conclusions

For the first time, we show an architectural pattern of immune infiltrate in HNSCC is seen exclusively in HPV‐positive patients with improved recurrence‐free survival and suggests an organized host immunological response contributes to disease control.
The most ordinally egalitarian of random voting rules
Authors: Bogomolnaia Anna
Published: June 2017

Aziz and Stursberg propose an “Egalitarian Simultaneous Reservation” rule (ESR), a generalization of Serial rule, one of the most discussed mechanisms in the random assignment problem, to the more general random social choice domain. This article provides an alternative definition, or characterization, of ESR as the unique most ordinally egalitarian one. Specifically, given a lottery p over alternatives, for each agent i the author considers the total probability share in p of objects from her first k indifference classes. ESR is shown to be the unique one which leximin maximizes the vector of all such shares (calculated for all i, k). Serial rule is known to be characterized by the same property. Thus, the author provides an alternative way to show that ESR, indeed, coincides with Serial rule on the assignment domain. Moreover, since both rules are defined as the unique most ordinally egalitarian ones, the result shows that ESR is “the right way” to think about generalizing Serial rule.
Mesoporous silica-based dosage forms improve bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs in pigs: case example fenofibrate
Authors: O'Shea Joseph P , Nagarsekar Kalpa , Wieber Alena , Witt Vanessa , Herbert Elisabeth , O'Driscoll Caitriona M , Saal Christoph , Lubda Dieter , Griffin Brendan T , Dressman Jennifer B
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Mesoporous silicas (SLC) have demonstrated considerable potential to improve bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs by facilitating rapid dissolution and generating supersaturation. The addition of certain polymers can further enhance the dissolution of these formulations by preventing drug precipitation. This study uses fenofibrate as a model drug to investigate the performance of an SLC-based formulation, delivered with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) as a precipitation inhibitor, in pigs. The ability of biorelevant dissolution testing to predict the in vivo performance was also assessed.

Key findings

Fenofibrate-loaded mesoporous silica (FF-SLC), together with HPMCAS, displayed significant improvements in biorelevant dissolution tests relative to a reference formulation consisting of a physical mixture of crystalline fenofibrate with HPMCAS. In vivo assessment in fasted pigs demonstrated bioavailabilities of 86.69 ± 35.37% with combination of FF-SLC and HPMCAS in capsule form and 75.47 ± 14.58% as a suspension, compared to 19.92 ± 9.89% with the reference formulation. A positive correlation was identified between bioavailability and dissolution efficiency.

Conclusions

The substantial improvements in bioavailability of fenofibrate from the SLC-based formulations confirm the ability of this formulation strategy to overcome the dissolution and solubility limitations, further raising the prospects of a future commercially available SLC-based formulation.