bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enriched environment attenuates behavioral seizures and depression in chronic temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Vrinda Marigowda , Sasidharan Arun , Aparna Sahajan , Srikumar Bettadapura N. , Kutty Bindu M. , Shankaranarayana Rao Byrathnahalli S.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is commonly associated with depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Despite significant progress in our understanding of the pathophysiology of TLE, it remains the most common form of refractory epilepsy. Enriched environment (EE) has a beneficial effect in many neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the effect of EE on cognitive changes in chronic TLE has not been evaluated. Accordingly, the present study evaluated the effects of EE on chronic epilepsy–induced alterations in cognitive functions, electrophysiology, and cellular changes in the hippocampus.

Methods

Status epilepticus (SE) was induced in 2‐month‐old male Wistar rats with lithium and pilocarpine. Six weeks' post SE, epileptic rats were either housed in their respective home cages or in an enrichment cage (6 h/day) for 14 days. Seizure behavior was video‐monitored 2 weeks before and during exposure to EE. Depression‐like behavior, anxiety‐like behavior, and spatial learning and memory were assessed using the sucrose preference test (SPT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and Morris water maze (MWM), respectively. Delta and theta power in the CA1 region of hippocampus was assessed from recordings of local field potentials (LFPs). Cellular changes in hippocampus were assessed by histochemistry followed by unbiased stereologic analysis.

Results

EE significantly reduced seizure episodes and seizure duration in epileptic rats. In addition, EE alleviated depression and hyperactivity, and restored delta and theta power of LFP in the hippocampal CA1 region. However, EE neither ameliorated epilepsy‐induced spatial learning and memory deficits nor restored cell density in hippocampus.

Significance

This is the first study that evaluates the role of EE in a chronic TLE model, where rats were exposed to EE after occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS). Given that 30% of TLE patients are refractory to drug treatment, therapeutic strategies that utilize components of EE could be designed to alleviate seizures and psychiatric comorbidities associated with TLE.
Postmarketing experience with brivaracetam in the treatment of epilepsies: A multicenter cohort study from Germany
Authors: Steinig Isabel , von Podewils Felix , Möddel Gabriel , Bauer Sebastian , Klein Karl Martin , Paule Esther , Reif Philipp S. , Willems Laurent M. , Zöllner Johann Philipp , Kunz Rhina , Runge Uwe , Kurlemann Gerhard , Schubert‐Bast Susanne , Rosenow Felix , Strzelczyk Adam
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate factors predicting efficacy, retention, and tolerability of add‐on brivaracetam (BRV) in clinical practice.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study recruiting all patients who started BRV between February and November 2016 with observation time between 3 and 12 months.

Results

Of a total of 262 patients (mean age 40, range 5–81 years, 129 male) treated with BRV, 227 (87%) were diagnosed to have focal, 19 (7%) idiopathic generalized and 8 (3%) symptomatic generalized epilepsy, whereas 8 (3%) were unclassified. The length of exposure to BRV ranged from 1 day to 12 months, with a median retention time of 6.1 months, resulting in a total exposure time to BRV of 1,504 months. The retention rate was 79.4% at 3 months and 75.8% at 6 months. Efficacy at 3 months was 41.2% (50% responder rate) with 14.9% seizure‐free for 3 months and, at 6 months, 40.5% with 15.3% seizure‐free. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were observed in 37.8% of the patients, with the most common being somnolence, dizziness, and behavioral adverse events (BAEs). BAE that presented under previous levetiracetam (LEV) treatment improved upon switch to BRV in 57.1% (20/35) and LEV‐induced somnolence improved in 70.8% (17/24). Patients with BAE on LEV were more likely to develop BAE on BRV (odds ratio [OR] 3.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53–7.95).

Significance

BRV in broad clinical postmarketing use is a well‐tolerated anticonvulsant drug with 50% responder rates, similar to those observed in the regulatory trials, even though 90% of the patients included had previously been exposed to LEV. An immediate switch from LEV to BRV at a ratio of 10:1 to 15:1 is feasible. The only independent significant predictor of efficacy was the start of BRV in patients not currently taking LEV. The occurrence of BAE during previous LEV exposure predicted poor psychobehavioral tolerability of BRV treatment. A switch to BRV can be considered in patients with LEV‐induced BAE.
Silencing of homeobox A5 gene in the stratum corneum of psoriasis
Authors: Nobeyama Yoshimasa , Umezawa Yoshinori , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: May 2017

Analysis of psoriatic parakeratotic cells is helpful for understanding the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methylation analysis can be performed on psoriatic scales, but it is unclear whether genes can be silenced by DNA methylation in psoriatic stratum corneum. The present study was conducted to detect genes silenced in psoriatic stratum corneum. Methylation array analysis with 485 577 probes, quantitative real‐time methylation‐specific PCR (RT‐MSP) and bisulphite sequencing were performed for 30 psoriatic scale samples, 6 fully developed psoriatic skin samples and 12 normal skin samples. Immunohistochemical staining of HOXA5 was performed for 29 psoriatic epidermal samples and 13 normal epidermal samples. The genome‐wide methylation array detected two CpG sites within CpG islands (CGIs) located in promoter regions of HOXA5 and LIAS that had methylation levels of >0.6 in at least one of the three psoriatic scale samples and of <0.2 in all three normal skin tissue samples (methylation rate range, 0.0‐1.0). RT‐MSP for HOXA5CGI, in which the primers were successfully developed, revealed that the average methylation level of 27 psoriasis scales (60.2%) is significantly higher than that of 9 normal skin samples (34.6%) (P=.013). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that HOXA5 protein was not expressed in the stratum corneum of fully developed psoriatic epidermis, but the protein was expressed in the stratum corneum of incompletely developed epidermis and normal epidermis. In conclusion, HOXA5 can be silenced in the stratum corneum of psoriasis. The silenced gene was identified by non‐invasive methylation analysis of psoriatic scales.
Autoantigens ADAMTSL5 and LL37 are significantly upregulated in active Psoriasis and localized with keratinocytes, dendritic cells and other leukocytes
Authors: Fuentes‐Duculan Judilyn , Bonifacio Kathleen M. , Hawkes Jason E. , Kunjravia Norma , Cueto Inna , Li Xuan , Gonzalez Juana , Garcet Sandra , Krueger James G.
Published: May 2017

Psoriasis is a common immune‐mediated disease that affects 2%‐4% of individuals in North America and Europe. In the past decade, advances in research have led to an improved understanding of immune pathways involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and has spurred the development of targeted therapeutics. Recently, three psoriasis autoantigens have been described: cathelicidin (LL37), a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain containing thrombospondin type 1 motif‐like 5 (ADAMTSL5), and lipid antigens generated by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) group IVD (PLA2G4D). It is important to establish the expression, regulation and therapeutic modulation of these psoriasis autoantigens. In this study, we performed immunohistochemistry and two‐colour immunofluorescence on non‐lesional and lesional psoriasis skin to characterize ADAMTSL5 and LL37, and their co‐expression with T cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils and macrophages, which are the main immune cells that drive this disease. Our results showed that ADAMTSL5 and LL37 are significantly (P<.05) increased in lesional skin and are co‐expressed by many dendritic cells, macrophages and some T cells in the dermis. Gene expression analysis showed significant (P<.05) upregulation of LL37 in lesional skin and significant downregulation following treatment with etanercept. ADAMTSL5 and LL37 are also significantly decreased by IL‐17 or TNF‐α blockade, suggesting feed‐forward induction of psoriasis autoantigens by disease‐related cytokines.
Adipocyte‐myofibroblast transition as a possible pathophysiological step in androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Kruglikov Ilja L. , Scherer Philipp E.
Published: May 2017

Appearance of local fibrotic structures around and beneath hair follicles during their involution is a known hallmark of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). We hypothesise that this fibrosis can be connected with recently uncovered adipocyte‐myofibroblast transition (AMT) involving the dermal adipocytes. This reflects that AMT is at least partially androgen‐dependent, and we propose that AMT may play a role in AGA.
Effects of two chronic stresses on mental state and hair follicle melanogenesis in mice
Authors: Liao Sha , Lv Jinpeng , Zhou Jia , Kalavagunta Praveen Kumar , Shang Jing
Published: May 2017

Growing bodies of data show that psychological stress can be associated with hair loss and vitiligo. Researchers have revealed that stress could indeed inhibit hair growth in vivo, but the relationship between chronic stress and melanogenesis remains unknown. In this study, we established two types of stress models, chronic restraint stress (CRS) and chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) mice models, and explored the possible role of stress in mice hair follicle melanogenesis. We found that stress changed hippocampal morphology, decreased 5‐HT level in brain and skin and down‐regulated 5‐HT1A receptor expression in hippocampal CA1 region and skin. The alterations of 5‐HT and 5‐HT1A receptor might be a threshold of central stress to associate with the behaviour changes. Both two stresses caused cellular damage of melanocytes and inhibition of keratinocytes proliferation in HF, which made the synthetic pigment loss. CRS which was considered primarily as a “psychological” stressor had the lower melanin production in HF, as well as the level of 5‐HT in skin was down‐regulated more than those in CUMS group.
The relative influence of temperature and size‐structure on fish distribution shifts: A case‐study on Walleye pollock in the Bering Sea
Authors: Thorson James T , Ianelli James N , Kotwicki Stan
Published: May 2017

Research has estimated associations between water temperature and the spatial distribution of marine fishes based upon correlations between temperature and the centroid of fish distribution (centre of gravity, COG). Analysts have then projected future water temperatures to forecast shifts in COG, but often neglected to demonstrate that temperature explains a substantial portion of historical distribution shifts. We argue that estimating the proportion of observed distributional shifts that can be attributed to temperature vs. other factors is a critical first step in forecasting future changes. We illustrate this approach using Gadus chalcogrammus (Walleye pollock) in the Eastern Bering Sea, and use a vector‐autoregressive spatiotemporal model to attribute variation in COG from 1982 to 2015 to three factors: local or regional changes in surface and bottom temperature (“temperature effects”), fluctuations in size‐structure that cause COG to be skewed towards juvenile or adult habitats (“size‐structured effects”) or otherwise unexplained spatiotemporal variation in distribution (“unexplained effects”). We find that the majority of variation in COG (including the north‐west trend since 1982) is largely unexplained by temperature or size‐structured effects. Temperature alone generates a small portion of primarily north–south variation in COG, while size‐structured effects generate a small portion of east–west variation. We therefore conclude that projections of future distribution based on temperature alone are likely to miss a substantial portion of both the interannual variation and interdecadal trends in COG for this species. More generally, we suggest that decomposing variation in COG into multiple causal factors is a vital first step for projecting likely impacts of temperature change.
Developing L2 Pragmatic Competence in Mandarin Chinese: Sequential Realization of Requests
Authors: Su Yunwen , Ren Wei
Published: May 2017

The present study explored the development of second language (L2) Chinese learners' ability to negotiate requests in interactions. It investigated the effect of proficiency on learners' use of request strategies and internal modifications and on their sequential realization of requests in L2 Chinese. Twenty‐four American English learners of L2 Mandarin Chinese at three different proficiency levels completed a three‐scenario role‐play task. The scenarios were kept low in imposition and social distance but variable in power relations. Each participant interacted with a native speaker interlocutor who assumed different roles in those scenarios. Baseline data were provided by 10 native speakers (NSs) of Chinese. A total of 102 role‐plays were coded for request strategies, internal modifications, and supportive moves, as well as the sequential placement of supportive moves in pre‐, insert, and postexpansions. Situational variations as reflected in role‐play production were considered alongside. The results showed that learners across proficiencies had the same range of pragmatic strategies as in NSs' repertoire, but they showed a general incompetence in employing internal modifications. Learners' ability to delay the requests improved with increasing proficiency, but learner production in general did not show the same level of situational variations as observed in the NS data.
Faster turnover of new soil carbon inputs under increased atmospheric CO2
Authors: van Groenigen Kees Jan , Osenberg Craig W. , Terrer César , Carrillo Yolima , Dijkstra Feike A. , Heath James , Nie Ming , Pendall Elise , Phillips Richard P. , Hungate Bruce A.
Published: May 2017

Rising levels of atmospheric CO2 frequently stimulate plant inputs to soil, but the consequences of these changes for soil carbon (C) dynamics are poorly understood. Plant‐derived inputs can accumulate in the soil and become part of the soil C pool (“new soil C”), or accelerate losses of pre‐existing (“old”) soil C. The dynamics of the new and old pools will likely differ and alter the long‐term fate of soil C, but these separate pools, which can be distinguished through isotopic labeling, have not been considered in past syntheses. Using meta‐analysis, we found that while elevated CO2 (ranging from 550 to 800 parts per million by volume) stimulates the accumulation of new soil C in the short term (<1 year), these effects do not persist in the longer term (1–4 years). Elevated CO2 does not affect the decomposition or the size of the old soil C pool over either temporal scale. Our results are inconsistent with predictions of conventional soil C models and suggest that elevated CO2 might increase turnover rates of new soil C. Because increased turnover rates of new soil C limit the potential for additional soil C sequestration, the capacity of land ecosystems to slow the rise in atmospheric CO2 concentrations may be smaller than previously assumed.
Aplasia cutis congenita type V: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Perry Benjamin M. , Maughan Cory B. , Crosby Matthew S. , Hadenfeld Scott D.
Published: May 2017

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a relatively rare congenital anomaly that most commonly occurs as a solitary cutaneous defect on the scalp. Depth of involvement varies, and involvement of deeper calvarium and dural structures can be seen in more severe cases. Multiple classification systems have been devised with the Frieden Classification System being the most widely adopted. Using this system, we describe a patient that developed Type V ACC with associated fetal papyraceous. The child healed remarkably well with the application of petrolatum impregnated gauze and topical silver sulfadiazine twice daily for approximately 4 weeks. The child was noted to have no significant contractures or complications at 6‐months and 1‐year follow‐up exams. Herein, we review the current literature on type V ACC including a discussion of treatment options.
Radical scavenging and anti‐proliferative capacity of three freeze‐dried tropical fruits
Authors: Olivas‐Aguirre Francisco J. , González‐Aguilar Gustavo A. , Velderrain‐Rodríguez Gustavo R. , Torres‐Moreno Heriberto , Robles‐Zepeda Ramón E. , Vázquez‐Flores Alma A. , de la Rosa Laura A. , Wall‐Medrano Abraham
Published: May 2017

Tropical fruits are rich in antioxidant and anticancer phytochemicals, but their nutraceutical potential could be enhanced by drying technologies. Mango cv. Ataulfo, papaya cv. Maradol and pineapple cv. Esmeralda ripe pulps were freeze‐dried (−42 °C, 0.12 torr, 48 h) and their physicochemical and phytochemical profile, radical scavenging and antiproliferative capacity evaluated. The content of soluble solids, phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid was higher in mango (16.1oBrix, 9.9 mg GAE per g and 9.6 mg g−1) than in papaya/pineapple, but the later had more flavonoids (0.45 ± 0.05 mg QE per g). A fruit‐specific phenolic profile was detected by HPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS, being shikimic (mango), chlorogenic (papaya), and protocatechuic (pineapple) acids the most abundant. Mango was the strongest radical scavenger and showed antiproliferative capacity (IC50, μg mL−1) in RAW 264.7 (100.7), HeLa (193.1) and L929 (138.5) cell lines. Papaya and pineapple extracts showed no antiproliferative activity. Freeze‐dried mango is a ready‐to‐eat functional food with better cancer preventing properties than papaya or pineapple.
The frequency of occurrence of atypical lymphocytes in peripheral blood smears of natalizumab‐treated patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Robier C. , Amouzadeh‐Ghadikolai O. , Bregant C. , Diez J. , Melinz K. , Quehenberger F. , Quasthoff S.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Aside from the extensive published data on immunophenotypic lymphocyte subsets in natalizumab‐treated patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), an impact of natalizumab on lymphocyte morphology has rarely been studied. As patients treated with immunomodulating or immunosuppressive drugs are at risk for infectious disorders such as viral infections, knowledge of drug‐derived changes in lymphocyte morphology may be beneficial in the diagnostic work‐up in such clinical situations. This study aimed to determine the frequency of occurrence of atypical lymphocytes and defined subtypes of variant lymphocytes in natalizumab‐treated patients with MS.

Methods

We compared eight defined morphological lymphocyte subtypes in peripheral blood smears between 14 natalizumab‐treated, 13 interferon‐treated and 10 untreated subjects with relapse‐remitting MS.

Results

Atypical lymphocytes were significantly enhanced in natalizumab‐treated patients compared to the interferon and control group (P<.0001). Binucleated lymphocytes were restricted to the natalizumab group (P=.0058, P=.018), and plasmacytoid lymphocytes were more frequently found in the natalizumab group (P<.0001).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that natalizumab enhances the fraction of atypical lymphocytes, and thereby especially the binucleated and plasmacytoid lymphocytes. Knowledge of these natalizumab‐associated changes in lymphocyte morphology may be relevant in clinical routine, to avoid unnecessary diagnostic procedures or even a discontinuation of natalizumab treatment.
The pastoral crowd: Exploring self‐hosted crowdfunding using activity theory and social capital
Authors: Gleasure Rob , Morgan Lorraine
Published: May 2017

As crowdfunding technologies mature, designers and practitioners are continuing to discover new paradigms for fund‐raising activities. One such paradigm seeks to complement or replace third‐party crowdfunding websites by embedding crowdfunding technologies directly into fund seekers' personal websites. This promises more control and customisation for fund seekers yet also distances fund‐seeking activities from the established crowds on websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Consequently, fund seekers adopting this paradigm must be capable of gathering and sustaining a suitable crowd that does not already exist in any one location. However, not all organisations are likely to possess the social resources to meet this challenge. Of those that do, little is known about how they might leverage these resources or the manner in which specific resources have an impact. Thus, the objective of this study is to explore the social resources that enable self‐hosted crowdfunding activities. In particular, this research models these activities by leveraging 2 a priori theoretical lenses: activity theory and social capital theory. These are applied to analyse an extreme case of self‐hosted crowdfunding, the funding of Star Citizen. Observations from this case are used to develop a propositional model that links different types of social capital with specific elements of self‐hosted crowdfunding.
Assessing Biomineral Formation by Iron‐oxidizing Bacteria in a Circumneutral Creek
Authors: Almaraz Nohemi , Whitaker Andrew H. , Andrews Megan Y. , Duckworth Owen W.
Published: May 2017

Iron oxidizing bacteria and environmental conditions influence the formation of iron biominerals in aquatic environments. This 10‐week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) study focused on elucidating how water chemistry and iron oxidizing bacteria affect the formation of iron oxides in creeks with circumneutral pH. Two locations, each with multiple microenvironments containing abundant iron oxide deposits, were studied. Water chemistry was assessed via both in situ and laboratory analysis over a 5‐week period, revealing correlations between aqueous components that indicate differing groundwater sources may feed nearby discharge points. Microscopy of iron oxide deposits reveals morphologies consistent with the presence of iron oxidizing bacteria. Although efforts to isolate iron oxidizing bacteria did not produce pure cultures, 16S ribosomal DNA analysis also suggests the presence of iron oxidizing bacteria in these sites. Taken together, these results show the diversity of iron oxide forming microenvironments in spatially collocated sites, which may result in unique formations of iron oxide structures, microbial communities, and aqueous chemical cycling.
Design and Manufacturing of High Surface Area 3D‐Printed Media for Moving Bed Bioreactors for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Elliott Olivia , Gray Stephanie , McClay Michael , Nassief Bakr , Nunnelley Ann , Vogt Eric , Ekong Joseph , Kardel Kamran , Khoshkhoo Ali , Proaño Gabriel , Blersch David M. , Carrano Andres L.
Published: May 2017

The specific surface area and topology of a biofilter media carrier is one of the most important parameters that determines the performance and efficiency of the system. In this work, mathematical models and 3D printing technologies were used to design and fabricate complex media designs that provide high specific surface area and refugia to protect biofilm from premature sloughing. Several gyroid based designs were proposed with specific surface area well beyond 2300 m2/m3. However, wall thicknesses and pore sizes that are prone to clogging determined a design that yields 1168 m2/m3 (133% larger than the baseline commercial K1 Kaldnes). Several moving bed bioreactors were constructed for laboratory testing with inoculation provided by wastewater from a fisheries operation. Preliminary results indicate that the 3D printed media can withstand the prevalent conditions in moving bed bioreactors, and that the NH3 removal rate of gyroid media is comparable to that of K1 Kaldnes. This work establishes the feasibility of using 3D printing for bioreactor media fabrication and allows for future topology optimization for enhanced operation. Future work is needed to investigate how these complex media designs might stimulate novel microbial assemblages and community metabolism that translate into yield efficiency gains in reactor performance.
Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry of wet and dry chemically treated display glass surfaces
Authors: Cushman Cody V. , Zakel Julia , Sturgell Brandon S. , Major George I. , Lunt Barry M. , Brüner Philipp , Grehl Thomas , Smith Nicholas J. , Linford Matthew R.
Published: May 2017

Display glasses meet the demands of the flat panel display industry vis‐à‐vis their composition, flatness, and forming processes. Here, we report the high‐resolution time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) characterization of Corning® EAGLE XG®, a widely used display glass, and subsequent chemometric analyses of these data. Samples analyzed included the as‐formed glass, fracture surfaces from remelt bars, and as‐formed surfaces subsequently exposed to process‐relevant treatments, including strong acids and bases, two industrial detergents, and an atmospheric‐pressure plasma treatment. Elemental signals in the positive ion ToF‐SIMS spectra respond to surface treatments. Acidic conditions leach non‐silica components from the surfaces, while basic treatments extract these species less efficiently. The detergents leave residues of Na+ and K+. The atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma treatment had little effect on the surface composition, while the melt surface differs significantly from the bulk fracture surface. Above ca. 75 m/z, the negative ion spectra are dominated by two series of homologous cluster ions with compositions of SinO2n+2Al− and SimHO2m+1H−. The presence of these clusters suggests that analogous structures exist at the near surface regions of the samples. In a series of multivariate curve resolution (MCR) analyses, two or three MCR components captured >95% of the variance in the data for these samples.
Preparation of safflower oil microcapsules with gelatin and a novel exopolysaccharide as wall matrix
Authors: Ye Shuhong , Fan Yu , Cui Yuna , Chen Dun , Kong Lingxi , Liu Yan
Published: May 2017

Gelatin and exopolysaccharide (EPS) as wall matrix were investigated for safflower oil microcapsules using complex coacervation. The EPS from Pseudomonas PT‐8 was negatively charged, which can react with positive charge of gelatin electrostatic to yield polymer rich phases. Single factor and orthogonal tests were carried out to determine optimal preparation conditions, mixing gelatin (30 g/L) and EPS (30 g/L) with a ratio of 5:4 at pH3.6 firstly, then coating safflower oil with 50 g/L gelatin‐EPS, 60 g/L Tween 80, and Span 80 (1:1) as emulsifier and 3‰ transglutaminase (TG) as cross‐linking agent, encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules reached 81.27% by cross‐linking for 120 min at 20,000 rpm. Free flowing spherical microcapsules were made up of small round particles whose diameters were between 1 and 20 µm. When microcapsule powder dissolved in water, it can be dyed well by safranin due to its good dispersivity. Evaluation of endotoxin suggested that gelatin–EPS was not contaminated by endotoxin.

Practical applications

Gelatin and a novel microbial polysaccharide as shell matrix are used in safflower oil microcapsules. It can be easily digested by the body and effectively decrease undesirable taste and odor. It also can keep the ability of reducing blood viscosity, improving blood circulation and enhancing memory, due to the special shell.
High expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 2 promotes tumor metastasis and is associated with unfavorable prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhao Junjie , Li Haojie , Min Lingqiang , Han Xu , Shu Ping , Yang Yupeng , Gan Qiangjun , Wang Xuefei , Wang Hongshan , Ruan Yuanyuan , Qin Jing , Sun Yihong , Qin Xinyu
Published: May 2017

Background

Tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 2 (TRAF2) is a key effector in the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB). Nevertheless, the role of TRAF2 in gastric tumorigenesis remains little defined.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to find the relationship between TRAF2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer patients, and nomogram was applied to predict the overall survival of patients. Besides, we performed transwell assays to detect the function of TRAF2 in promoting metastasis and explored the correlations between TRAF2, NF‐κB, and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in vitro. In addition, we examined the correlation between TRAF2 and tumor microenvironment by immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

In our study, we found that TRAF2 expression was markedly increased in gastric cancer tissues. High intratumoral TRAF2 staining, which was associated with tumor invasion and metastasis, was also an independent poor prognosticator for gastric cancer patients. In vitro studies revealed that TRAF2 enhanced NF‐κB activation and subsequent IL‐8 expression in gastric cancer cells. Inhibition of NF‐κB or IL‐8 signaling attenuated TRAF2‐induced migration and invasion abilities. High TRAF2 expression was confirmed to be associated with both high intratumoral and serum levels of IL‐8. In addition, TRAF2 expression was positively correlated with neutrophil and macrophage infiltration as well as microvessels formation in gastric cancer samples.

Conclusions

These results suggest that TRAF2 functions as an important modulator in tumor metastasis and tumor microenvironment formation and is a novel independent prognostic factor of gastric cancer.
Photodynamic treatment outcomes of potentially‐malignant lesions and malignancies of the head and neck region: A systematic review
Authors: Gondivkar Shailesh M. , Gadbail Amol Ramchandra , Choudhary Manjari G. , Vedpathak Priyanka R. , Likhitkar Manoj S.
Published: May 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to systematically review the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the management of oral potentially‐malignant disorders (PMDS) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

From 1985 to 2015, PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched using different combinations of the following key words: PDT, oral precancer, leukoplakia, erythroplakia, erythroleukoplakia, verrucous hyperplasia, oral submucous fibrosis, and HNSCC. Review articles, experimental studies, case reports, commentaries, letters to the editor, unpublished articles, and articles published in languages other than English were excluded.

Results

Twenty‐six studies were included in the present study. The number of patients ranged from 2 to 147, with a mean age of 50‐67 years. The reported numbers of PMDS and HNSCC ranged between 5 and 225. Photosensitizers used were aminolevulinic acid, meta‐tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin, Foscan, hematoporphyrin derivatives, Photofrin, Photosan, and chlorine‐e6. Laser wavelength, power density, irradiation duration were 585‐652 nm, 50‐500 mW/cm2, and 1‐143 minutes, respectively. Complete, partial, and no response to PDT was found in 22.58%‐100%, 4%‐66%, and 0%‐38.70% of PMDS, respectively, and 16%‐100% of complete response in HNSCC patients.

Conclusion

PDT is effective in the management of PMDS and HNSCC.
Drug‐induced cutaneous lupus erythematosus after immunoglobulin treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: a case series
Authors: Adrichem Max E. , Starink Markus V. , van Leeuwen Ester M. M. , Kramer Christine , van Schaik Ivo N. , Eftimov Filip
Published: May 2017

We describe six patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (cLE) during immunoglobulin G (IgG) treatment. Five patients were diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and one patient with possible CIDP. Five patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and one patient received subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg). Skin lesions were systematically assessed by a dermatologist including skin biopsies. Patients showed disseminated erythematous plaques on several parts of the body with pre‐dominance of the chest and face. Skin biopsies showed perivascular and perifollicular vacuolar inflammation, consistent with the diagnosis of cLE. There were no signs of systemic lupus erythematosus. Anti‐SSA (Ro60) antibodies were found in two patients and anti‐Ro52 antibodies were detectable in one patient. Symptoms improved in three patients after switching to another brand of IVIg and after use of topical corticosteroids. However, these measures did not lead to a complete resolution of the skin lesions. To achieve complete remission, IgG treatment was ceased in four patients. This led to remission of the skin lesions in two patients and to marked improvement in the other two patients. IVIg had to be restarted in two patients because of a relapse of CIDP which led to worsening of the skin lesions. In one patient with clear IVIg dependency, treatment was continued with addition of topical steroids. In the patient using SCIg, cLE was photosensitive and showed spontaneous remission. The relation of cLE with IgG treatment suggests an immunoglobulin‐induced cLE. Only one report previously described the occurrence of IVIg induced cLE in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency.
Native California Languages as Semiotic Resources in the Performance of Identity
Authors: Ahlers Jocelyn
Published: May 2017

Research on language endangerment and revitalization suggests that in many communities, even token uses of endangered heritage languages serve important semiotic functions. This paper proposes that semiotic processes allowing language, and particular uses of language, to serve as indices of identity rely on intertextual relationships to past linguistic usages and to sociocultural knowledge surrounding those past uses. A focus on the use of endangered Native California languages shows how situations of language endangerment have an effect on intertextual processes underlying semiotic uses of language in identity performance. Sometimes, the shared history tying communities whose heritage languages are endangered together serves as an additional resource in developing intertextual relationships which can then be used when heritage languages are deployed semiotically in identity performance. Alternatively, there are times when the disruption of knowledge transmission creates gaps in intertextual relations that can be difficult to bridge.
Going the Distance: Individualism and Interdependence in the Commuter Marriage
Authors: Lindemann Danielle J.
Published: May 2017

Commuter spouses—dual‐income couples who live apart for their professional careers—have been the subject of relatively little scholarly research. Another, largely theoretical body of scholarship has explored the fundamental cultural tension generated by the simultaneous embracing of personal autonomy and the institution of marriage in the United States, although few scholars have explicitly sought to understand how these seemingly conflicting cultural goals play out “on the ground.” Drawing on data from in‐depth interviews (N = 97), the analysis finds that commuter couples indeed engaged in two discourses about their marriages that operated in tension. Although they positioned themselves as highly individualistic, interdependence was a key theme in their responses as well. Surprisingly, a substantial minority of respondents indicated that their noncohabitation enhanced their interdependence. These results not only shed light on this understudied population but also broaden our understanding of the evolving cultural meaning of marriage.
Consequences of Partner Incarceration for Women's Employment
Authors: Bruns Angela
Published: May 2017

Research has documented the limited opportunities men have to earn income while in prison and the barriers to securing employment and decent wages upon release. However, little research has considered the relationship between men's incarceration and the employment of the women in their lives. Economic theory suggests that family members of incarcerated individuals may attempt to smooth income fluctuation resulting from incarceration by increasing their labor supply. This study used data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 3,780) to investigate how men's incarceration is associated with the number of hours their female partners work as well as variation in this association. Results showed that, on average, women's hours of work were not significantly impacted by the incarceration of their partners. However, there was a positive relationship between partner incarceration and employment among more advantaged groups of women (e.g., married women, White women).
Melatonin protects against diabetic cardiomyopathy through Mst1/Sirt3 signaling
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Lin Jie , Wang Shanjie , Cheng Zheng , Hu Jianqiang , Wang Tingting , Man Wanrong , Yin Tao , Guo Wenyi , Gao Erhe , Reiter Russel J. , Wang Haichang , Sun Dongdong
Published: May 2017

This study investigated the effects of melatonin on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and determined the underlying mechanisms. Echocardiography indicated that melatonin notably mitigated the adverse left ventricle remodeling and alleviated cardiac dysfunction in DCM. The mechanisms were attributed to increased autophagy, reduced apoptosis, and alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, melatonin inhibited Mst1 phosphorylation and promoted Sirt3 expression in DCM. These results indicated that melatonin may exert its effects through Mst1/Sirt3 signaling. To verify this hypothesis, a DCM model using Mst1 transgenic (Mst1 Tg) and Mst1 knockout (Mst1−/−) mice was constructed. As expected, melatonin increased autophagy, reduced apoptosis and improved mitochondrial biogenesis in Mst1 Tg mice subjected to DCM injury, while it had no effects on Mst1−/− mice. In addition, cultured neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes were subjected to simulated diabetes to probe the mechanisms involved. Melatonin administration promoted autophagic flux as demonstrated by elevated LC3‐II and lowered p62 expression in the presence of bafilomycin A1. The results suggest that melatonin alleviates cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in DCM by upregulating autophagy, limiting apoptosis, and modulating mitochondrial integrity and biogenesis. The mechanisms are associated with Mst1/Sirt3 signaling.
Real‐world effectiveness of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir±dasabuvir±ribavirin in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 4 infection: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wedemeyer H. , Craxí A. , Zuckerman E. , Dieterich D. , Flisiak R. , Roberts S. K. , Pangerl A. , Zhang Z. , Martinez M. , Bao Y. , Calleja J.‐L.
Published: May 2017

The direct‐acting antiviral regimen of ombitasvir (OBV)/paritaprevir (PTV)/ritonavir (r)±dasabuvir (DSV)±ribavirin (RBV) demonstrated high rates of sustained viral response at post‐treatment week 12 (SVR12) in clinical trials for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes (GT) 1 and 4. To confirm the effectiveness of this regimen in the real world, we conducted meta‐analyses of published literature on 30 April 2016. Freeman‐Tukey transformation determined the SVR rate within GTs 1a, 1b and 4, as well as specific SVR rates by cirrhosis or prior treatment experience status. Rates of virologic relapse, hepatic decompensation, drug discontinuation and serious adverse events were also analysed. In total, 20 cohorts across 12 countries were identified, totalling 5158 patients. The overall SVR12 rates were 96.8% (95% CI 95.8‐97.7) for GT1 and 98.9% (95% CI 94.2‐100) for GT4. For GT1a patients, the SVR rates were 94% and 97% for those with or without cirrhosis, and 94% overall. For GT1b patients, the SVR rates were 98% and 99% for those with or without cirrhosis, and 98% overall. The virologic relapse rate of GT1 patients was 1.3%, across 3524 patients in nine studies that reported this parameter. The rate of hepatic decompensation was less than 1% across five studies, including 3440 patients, 70% of which had cirrhosis. Conclusions: Real‐world SVR12 rates for OBV/PTV/r±DSV±RBV were consistently high across HCV GT1 and four irrespective of cirrhosis status or prior HCV treatment experience, confirming effectiveness within a diverse patient population across multiple cohorts and countries.
Do Business Cycles Have Long‐Term Impact for Particular Cohorts?
Authors: Andersen Torben M. , Maibom Jonas , Svarer Michael , Sørensen Allan
Published: May 2017

Do business cycle fluctuations and changes in employment produce cohorts with permanently different labour market attachment? Taking an explicit cohort perspective and based on Danish register data, we find noticeable age dependent persistence in employment rates at the cohort level. Younger workers tend to be more exposed to business cycle fluctuations than older workers, but importantly they recover more quickly than older workers for whom persistence is stronger. Moreover, following the employment trajectories of cohorts, no cohorts have been permanently ‘scarred’ in terms of employment due to a sequence of adverse shocks. Finally, an explicit account of overlapping cohorts is shown to affect assessments of persistence in aggregate employment rates.
Hepatitis B in Egypt: A cross‐sectional analysis of prevalence and risk factors for active infection from a nationwide survey
Authors: Ismail Sharif A. , Cuadros Diego F. , Benova Lenka
Published: May 2017

Background & Aims

Viral hepatitis is a major public health challenge in Egypt but little is known about the epidemiology of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, its geographical distribution, or risk factors for infection in the Egyptian context. This study addresses this deficit using data from a nationally representative survey.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of data gathered from men and women aged 15‐59 in the Egypt Health Issues Survey (EHIS) 2015, including logistic regression to evaluate the contribution of different factors to risk of HBV infection. This was supplemented by spatial analysis of the distribution of acute or chronic HBV infection at governorate level, and the ecological relationship between HBV and HCV infections.

Results

Population HBV prevalence was 1.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2‐1.6), with a HBV‐HCV co‐infection rate of 0.06%. Spatial analysis showed localisation of HBV infected individuals primarily to urban areas of Upper Egypt (in contrast to HCV for which prevalence is highest in rural Lower Egypt), and those in early middle age (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 3.32, 95% CI: 1.66‐6.63). HBV positive status among other household members emerged as a powerful driver of infection risk in this analysis (AOR=10.75, 95% CI: 4.98‐23.24).

Conclusion

Spatial distribution of HBV infection in Egypt differs markedly from HCV and co‐infection rates are low. Within‐household transmissions appear to be particularly important in explaining the persistence of HBV infection in the general population. Prevention strategies should focus on urban Upper Egypt, and particularly those households with documented cases of infection.
New insights on petrography and geochemistry of impactites from the Lonar crater, India
Authors: Ray Dwijesh , Upadhyay Dewashish , Misra Saumitra , Newsom Horton E. , Ghosh Sambhunath
Published: May 2017

The Lonar impact crater, India, is one of the few known terrestrial impact craters excavated in continental basaltic target rocks (Deccan Traps, ~65 Ma). The impactites reported from the crater to date mainly include centimeter‐ to decimeter‐sized impact‐melt bombs, and aerodynamically shaped millimeter‐ and submillimeter‐sized impact spherules. They occur in situ within the ejecta around the crater rim and show schlieren structure. In contrast, non–in situ glassy objects, loosely strewn around the crater lake and in the ejecta around the crater rim do not show any schlieren structure. These non–in situ fragments appear to be similar to ancient bricks from the Daityasudan temple in the Lonar village. Synthesis of existing and new major and trace element data on the Lonar impact spherules show that (1) the target Lonar basalts incorporated into the spherules had undergone minimal preimpact alteration. Also, the paleosol layer as preserved between the top‐most target basalt flow and the ejecta blanket, even after the impact, was not a source component for the Lonar impactites, (2) the Archean basement below the Deccan traps were unlikely to have contributed material to the impactite parental melts, and (3) the impactor asteroid components (Cr, Co, Ni) were concentrated only within the submillimeter‐sized spherules. Two component mixing calculations using major oxides and Cr, Co, and Ni suggest that the Lonar impactor was a EH‐type chondrite with the submillimeter‐sized spherules containing ~6 wt% impactor components.
Roles of NADPH oxidase and mitochondria in flow‐induced vasodilation of human adipose arterioles: ROS‐induced ROS release in coronary artery disease
Authors: Zinkevich Natalya S. , Fancher Ibra S. , Gutterman David D. , Phillips Shane A.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

H2O2 contributes to FID of human arterioles. This study is designed to examine the roles of mitochondria and NADPH oxidase in modulating the release of ROS and in mediating FID. We tested whether NADPH oxidase contributes to mitochondrial ROS generation in arterioles during CAD.

Methods

Visceral adipose arterioles obtained from patients with or without CAD were cannulated and pressurized for videomicroscopic measurement of arteriolar diameters. Dilator responses and ROS production during flow were determined in the presence and absence of the NADPH oxidase inhibitor gp91ds‐tat and the mitochondrial electron transport inhibitor rotenone.

Results

Both dilation and H2O2 generation during flow were reduced in the presence of rotenone (13.5±8% vs 97±% without rotenone) or gp91ds‐tat in patients with CAD, while patients without CAD exhibited H2O2‐independent dilations. Mitochondrial superoxide production during flow was attenuated by gp91ds‐tat in arterioles from CAD patients.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that ROS produced by NADPH oxidase are an upstream component of the mitochondria‐dependent pathway contributing to flow‐dependent H2O2 generation and dilation in peripheral microvessels from patients with CAD. We conclude that in CAD, both mitochondria and NADPH oxidase contribute to FID through a redox mechanism in visceral arterioles.
Production of Trichophyton rubrum microspores in large quantities and its application to evaluate amorolfine/azole compound interactions in vitro
Authors: Laurent Alexis , Monod Michel
Published: May 2017

Trichophyton rubrum is the most frequently isolated dermatophyte species in European countries. The lack or poor sporulation of T. rubrum has always been a major complication and a limiting factor when performing antifungal susceptibility testing. Therefore, we describe an in vitro method aiming to enhance sporulation of various T. rubrum isolates in order to perform antifungigrams. A combination of high CO2 tensions and incubation on PDA growth medium revealed to be optimal for sporulation of all tested T. rubrum isolates. This method was further used to examine in vitro the combined effects of amorolfine and azole derivatives against fungal growth using adapted checkerboard microdilution assays and an isobolographic approach of the data, adapted disc diffusion and Etest assays. Non‐antagonistic and synergistic effects were observed in these settings with amorolfine combined to each of the tested azole compounds. The optimised culture method appeared to be suitable for T. rubrum isolates for which antifungigrams were especially difficult to obtain because of the lack of sporulation.
Do Balanced Budget Laws Matter in Recessions?
Authors: Mou Haizhen , Atkinson Michael M. , Tapp Stephen
Published: May 2017

Since the mid‐1990s, most Canadian provinces have enacted balanced budget laws (BBLs). Critics argue that these laws are empty political gestures that are ignored during economic slowdowns. We consider BBLs in the Canadian provinces from 1981 to 2013 and find that provinces with stronger rules had better deficit and debt records overall. Recessions make it more difficult to achieve positive outcomes, but we find no obvious difference between the effects of BBLs during normal economic conditions and “bad times.” We conclude with suggestions for how the design of BBLs could take better account of jurisdiction‐specific business cycles.