bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of MK‐1293 insulin glargine compared with originator insulin glargine (Lantus) in type 1 diabetes: A randomized, open‐label clinical trial
Authors: Home Philip D. , Lam Raymond L. H. , Carofano Wendy L. , Golm Gregory T. , Eldor Roy , Crutchlow Michael F. , Marcos Michael C. , Rosenstock Julio , Hollander Priscilla A. , Gallwitz Baptist
Published: May 2018

Aim

To compare the efficacy and safety of MK‐1293 insulin glargine (Mk‐Gla; 100 U/mL) with originator insulin glargine, Lantus (Sa‐Gla), in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Materials and methods

This phase 3, randomized, active‐controlled, open‐label, 52‐week study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02059161) enrolled 508 people with T1DM (HbA1c ≤11.0%; 97 mmol/mol) taking basal and prandial insulin. Participants were randomized 1:1 to once‐daily Mk‐Gla (n = 245) or Sa‐Gla (n = 263). Dose titration of basal insulin was by a pre‐breakfast plasma glucose dosing algorithm. The primary efficacy objective was assessment of the non‐inferiority of HbA1c change from baseline (margin of 0.40% [4.4 mmol/mol]) for Mk‐Gla compared with Sa‐Gla over 24 weeks. The primary safety objective was assessment of anti‐insulin antibody development over 24 weeks.

Results

The least squares (LS) mean HbA1c change from baseline at week 24 was −0.62 (95% CI −0.79, −0.45)% (−6.8 [−8.7, −4.9] mmol/mol) and −0.66 (−0.82, −0.50)% (−7.2 [−9.0, −5.4] mmol/mol) for Mk‐Gla and Sa‐Gla. The LS mean HbA1c difference was 0.04 (−0.11, 0.19)% (0.4 [−1.2, 2.0] mmol/mol) for Mk‐Gla minus Sa‐Gla, meeting the primary and secondary objective criteria for non‐inferiority and equivalence. Week 24 mean insulin glargine dose for Mk‐Gla and Sa‐Gla was 0.46 and 0.48 U/kg, respectively. Similarity of HbA1c response and basal insulin dose trajectory persisted over the 52 weeks. Safety and tolerability, including anti‐insulin antibody responses, hypoglycaemia, adverse events and body weight, were similar between insulins over the 52‐week study duration.

Conclusions

Mk‐Gla and Sa‐Gla exhibited similar efficacy and safety over 52 weeks in people with T1DM. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02059161
In‐vitro antifungal activity of several biorational fungicides against Calonectria pseudonaviculata, the causal agent of Buxus hyrcana blight
Authors: Yoldashkhan Ali , Samavat Samaneh , Zamanizadeh Hamidreza
Published: May 2018

In recent years, the outbreak of box blight disease caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata in Caspian Hyrcanian forests of Iran makes it necessary to find both efficient and environmentally friendly compounds as possible alternatives to currently available fungicides. Seven biorational compounds were tested for inhibitory activities against mycelial growth and conidial germination of C. pseudonaviculata Cy‐08 under in‐vitro conditions. Potassium sorbate and salicylic acid as organic compounds and copper (II) sulphate and zinc sulphate as inorganic compounds completely inhibited both mycelial growth and conidial germination of Cy‐08 at 25 mM, comparable with the commercial fungicide, tebuconazole. Ammonium phosphate and boric acid were moderately inhibitory at 25 and 50 mM, also showing fungistatic effects at 100 mM. Ammonium sulphate had the weakest antifungal activity at all tested concentrations. The tested compounds altered the pH of the growing medium (with readings ranging from pH 4.2 to 7.85) but there was no correlation between pH of the amended media and inhibition of fungal growth. C. pseudonaviculata grew in both acidic and alkaline conditions, with mycelial growth decreasing at both lower (4‐5) and higher (11‐12) pH values. The antifungal activity of all tested chemicals was pH‐independent. Therefore, it can be concluded that the more active of these compounds may be used as part of an integrated management program for the control of boxwood blight in forest settings.
Bilateral activations in operculo‐insular area show temporal dissociation after peripheral electrical stimulation in healthy adults
Authors: Hautasaari Pekka , Saloranta Harri , Savić Andrej M. , Korniloff Katariina , Kujala Urho M. , Tarkka Ina M.
Published: May 2018

Interhemispheric transfer is necessary for sensory integration and coordination of body sides. We studied how somatosensory input from one body side may reach both body sides. First, we investigated with 17 healthy adults in which uni‐ and bilateral brain areas were involved in consecutive stages of automatic sensory processing of non‐nociceptive peripheral stimulation. Somatosensory evoked fields (SEFs) to electrical stimulation were recorded with 306‐channel magnetoencephalography in two conditions. First, SEFs were registered following sensory radial nerve (RN) stimulation to dorsal surface of the right hand and second, following median nerve (MN) stimulation at the right wrist. Cortical activations were located in contralateral postcentral gyrus after MN and RN stimulations and in bilateral operculo‐insular area after RN stimulation. First component occurred earlier after MN than RN stimulation. Middle latency components had similar latencies with stronger activation in contralateral postcentral gyrus after MN than RN stimulation. Interestingly, long latency components located in bilateral operculo‐insular area after RN stimulation showed latency difference between hemispheres, i.e. activation peaked earlier in contralateral than in ipsilateral side. Additional experiments comparing novel intracutaneous nociceptive, RN and MN electrical stimuli confirmed bilateral long latency activation elicited by each stimulus type and highlighted latency differences between hemispheres. Variations in activation of bilateral operculo‐insular areas may corroborate their role in pain network and in multisensory integration. Our findings imply that these areas present a relay station in multisensory stimulus detection.
Vestibulo‐cortical hemispheric dominance: The link between anxiety and the vestibular system?
Authors: Bednarczuk Nadja F. , Casanovas Ortega Marta , Fluri Anne‐Sophie , Arshad Qadeer
Published: May 2018

Vestibular processing and anxiety networks are functionally intertwined, as demonstrated by reports of reciprocal influences upon each other. Yet whether there is an underlying link between these two systems remains unknown. Previous findings have highlighted the involvement of hemispheric lateralisation in processing of both anxiety and vestibular signals. Accordingly, we explored the interaction between vestibular cortical processing and anxiety by assessing the relationship between anxiety levels and the degree of hemispheric lateralisation of vestibulo‐cortical processing in 64 right‐handed, healthy individuals. Vestibulo‐cortical hemispheric lateralisation was determined by gaging the degree of caloric‐induced nystagmus suppression following modulation of cortical excitability using trans‐cranial direct current stimulation targeted over the posterior parietal cortex, an area implicated in the processing of vestibular signals. The degree of nystagmus suppression yields an objective biomarker, allowing the quantification of the degree of right vestibulo‐cortical hemisphere dominance. Anxiety levels were quantified using the Trait component of the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Questionnaire. Our findings demonstrate that the degree of an individual’s vestibulo‐cortical hemispheric dominance correlates with their anxiety levels. That is, those individuals with greater right hemispheric vestibulo‐cortical dominance exhibited lower levels of anxiety. By extension, our results support the notion that hemispheric lateralisation determines an individual’s emotional processing, thereby linking cortical circuits involved in processing anxiety and vestibular signals, respectively.
Worker Personality: Another Skill Bias beyond Education in the Digital Age
Authors: Bode Eckhardt , Ott Ingrid , Brunow Stephan , Sorgner Alina
Published: May 2018

We present empirical evidence suggesting that technological progress in the digital age will be biased not only with respect to skills acquired through education but additionally with respect to non-cognitive skills (personality). We measure the direction of technological change by estimated future digitalization probabilities of occupations, and non-cognitive skills by the Big Five personality traits from four German worker surveys. Even though we control for education and work experience, we find that workers who are more open to experience, emotionally more stable and less agreeable will tend to be less susceptible to digitalization. We also find that future technological progress may not continue to hollow out the middle class as much as it did in the recent past. These results suggest that education and labor market policies should put more emphasis on children’s and workers’ personalities to strengthen their labor market resilience in the digital age.
Is There a Glass Ceiling over Germany?
Authors: Collischon Matthias
Published: May 2018

This paper analyzes the gender wage gap across the wage distribution using 2010 data from the German Statistical Agency. I investigate East and West Germany and the public sector separately to account for potential heterogeneities in wage gaps. I apply unconditional and conditional quantile regression methods to investigate the differences between highly paid men and women in distributions conditional and unconditional on covariates. The results indicate increasing gender wage gaps in all estimations, suggesting that there is indeed a glass ceiling over Germany even after controlling for a large set of observable characteristics (including occupation and industry). This finding is even more pronounced when also taking bonus payments into account.
Three‐dimensional structures of bacteriophage neck subunits are shared in Podoviridae, Siphoviridae and Myoviridae
Authors: Iwasaki Takuma , Yamashita Eiki , Nakagawa Atsushi , Enomoto Atsushi , Tomihara Masashi , Takeda Shigeki
Published: May 2018

Tailed bacteriophages (Caudovirales) are divided into three families: Myoviridae with long contractile tails, Siphoviridae with long noncontractile tails and Podoviridae with short noncontractile tails. All have an icosahedral head with a portal vertex connected to a neck structure followed by a tail. Bacteriophage Mu belongs to the Myoviridae family. Herein, the gp29 portal subunit and neck subunits gp35, gp36 and gp37 of the Mu phage were purified to elucidate their arrangement in the neck. Both gp29 and gp36 were monomeric in solution, like the corresponding subunits of Podoviridae P22 and Siphoviridae SPP1. X‐ray crystal structure of gp36 showed structural similarity to neck subunits of Siphoviridae and Podoviridae. The gp36 structure has a characteristic aromatic hydrophobic core, and the structure of the ring form of the Mu phage connector deduced from the Siphoviridae and Podoviridae connector showed that this feature builds the contact surface between gp36 subunits. Structural comparison with the neck of Siphoviridae and Podoviridae also implies direct interaction between gp36 and gp29. Because gp35 and gp36 form a stable complex, we predict that the head‐portal ring (gp29), the connector complex (gp36 and gp35), the tail terminator (gp37) and the tube (gp40) are arranged in the Mu phage neck in this order.
Importance of choice of materials and methods in PD‐L1 and TIL assessment in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: De Meulenaere Astrid , Vermassen Tijl , Creytens David , Aspeslagh Sandrine , Deron Philippe , Duprez Frederic , Rottey Sylvie , Van Dorpe Jo A , Ferdinande Liesbeth
Published: May 2018

Aims

A great deal of research is being conducted into PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as predictive or prognostic biomarkers for immunotherapy, although several practical issues exist concerning their assessment. The aim of this research was therefore to assess the importance of choice of materials and methods in PD‐L1 and TILs scoring in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods and results

IHC for PD‐L1 (SP142 and 22C3 clone) and TILs subtyping was performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue slides (biopsy, resection and/or lymph nodes specimens) of 99 patients with OSCC. A comparative analysis of PD‐L1 and TILs scoring was made between different types of tissue specimens, between different PD‐L1 clones, between TILs and different subsets of TILs and between the quantitative and semiquantitative assessments. PD‐L1 scoring resulted in fair to moderate agreement for 22C3 and SP142 between various tissue specimens, with higher agreement at higher cut‐off values, and in moderate agreement for 22C3 versus SP142. Evaluation by four independent observers proved substantial inter‐rater agreement for both clones with high consistency in their ratings. Moderate agreement was observed for TILs and TILs subsets for the comparison between biopsy and resection. Lastly, strong correlations were found between quantitative and semiquantitative assessment for all PD‐L1 and TILs scores.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the challenges associated with the evaluation of PD‐L1 and TILs in OSCC. Further research is warranted to evaluate the use of these biomarkers in order to allow implementation of PD‐L1 and TILs infiltrate as biomarkers in daily clinical practice.
Ecomorphological and phylogenetic controls on sympatry across extant bats
Authors: Shi Jeff J. , Westeen Erin P. , Katlein Nathan T. , Dumont Elizabeth R. , Rabosky Daniel L.
Published: May 2018

Aim

Macroecological patterns of sympatry can inform our understanding of how ecological and evolutionary processes govern species distributions. Following speciation, both intrinsic and extrinsic factors may determine how readily sympatry occurs. One possibility is that sympatry most readily occurs with ecological divergence, especially if broad‐scale co‐occurrence is mediated by niche differentiation. Time since divergence may also predict sympatry if hybridization and gene flow lead to the collapse of species boundaries between closely related taxa. Here, we test for ecological and phylogenetic predictors of sympatry across the global radiation of extant bats.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Bats (Order Chiroptera).

Methods

We used a combination of linear mixed‐modelling, simulations and maximum‐likelihood modelling to test whether phylogenetic and ecomorphological divergence between species predict sympatry. We further assess how these relationships vary based on biogeographic realm.

Results

We find that time since divergence does not predict sympatry in any biogeographic realm. Morphological divergence is negatively related to sympatry in the Neotropics, but shows no relationship with sympatry elsewhere.

Main conclusions

We find that bats in most biogeographic realms co‐occur at broad spatial scales regardless of phylogenetic similarity. Neotropical bats, however, appear to co‐occur most readily when morphologically similar. To the extent that pairwise phylogenetic and morphological divergence reflect ecological differentiation, our results suggest that abiotic and environmental factors may be more important than species interactions in determining patterns of sympatry across bats.
Reflecting on the Past: A Content Analysis of Family Therapy Research from 2000‐2015
Authors: Lambert‐Shute Jennifer J. , Nguyen Hoa N. , Peterson Paul W. , Pirasteh Annisa B.
Published: May 2018

In this content analysis, researchers examine articles published from 2000 to 2015 in three family therapy journals, yielding a total of 948 empirical articles. The purpose is to provide an overview of the research being published, assess who is publishing, and investigate the current state of clinical effectiveness research in marriage and family therapy (MFT). Most first authors were affiliated with MFT programs and primarily included diversity and couples in their research. There was a significant increase of research on clinical process—though the number of clinical outcome studies held steady. There were no significant changes with regard to research funding. Implications support the use of innovative research methods to provide evidence of clinical effectiveness.
Treatment of periorbital dark circles: Comparative study of carboxy therapy vs chemical peeling vs mesotherapy
Authors: Ahmed Naglaa A , Mohammed Salma S , Fatani Mohammad I
Published: May 2018

Objective

Evaluation and comparison of the efficacy and safety of 3 different modalities of treatment for dark circles that function via different modes of action.

Methods

In total, 45 female patients with periorbital hyperpigmentation were randomly selected to participate from those attending the outpatient dermatology clinic of Al‐Zahraa University Hospital within a 6‐month period. Patients were divided into 3 groups, and the groups were subjected to different types of therapy: group A, carboxy therapy; group B, chemical peel; and group C, vitamin C mesotherapy.

Results

No statistically significant differences were detected in improvements in pigmentation or the degree of patient satisfaction between any of the groups. However, the mesotherapy group reported more of a burning sensation following treatment than the other 2 groups but also showed a significant improvement in pigmentation and patient satisfaction compared with the carboxy group.

Conclusion

All 3 treatment modalities were effective in the reduction in periorbital pigmentation. However, mesotherapy showed a significant improvement in pigmentation and a higher level of patient satisfaction compared with the other types of treatment.
Feline ureteral obstructions Part 1: medical management
Authors: Clarke D. L.
Published: May 2018

Feline ureteral obstructions are an increasingly recognised and challenging diagnostic and management problem. Many cats with ureteral obstructions are critically ill at the time of diagnosis, especially if there is dysfunction of the contralateral kidney. They may present with varying severities of acute kidney injury, electrolyte disturbances, and may have comorbidities such as heart disease that complicate perioperative and long‐term management. Medical management, which may consist of rehydration and restoration of intravascular volume with intravenous fluid therapy, osmotic diuresis, ureteral muscle relaxation, and antimicrobials for infection, is important in feline ureteral obstruction patients. Despite medical management, many cats with ureteral obstructions will require decompression of the obstructed kidney to relieve pressure‐nephropathy and restore urine flow. However, some cats may be too unstable for traditional medical management and require more emergent intervention to relieve the obstruction and address the life‐threatening sequelae to acute kidney injury, such as hyperkalaemia and fluid overload. Both surgical and interventional methods to address ureteral obstructions have been described in veterinary medicine, though debate continues as to the ideal approach.
Detection of Hepatitis B Virus DNA among Chronic and potential Occult HBV patients in resource‐limited settings by Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification assay
Authors: Akram A. , Islam S. M. R. , Munshi S. U. , Tabassum S.
Published: May 2018

Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) usually occurs due to the transfusion of blood or blood products from chronic HBV (CHB) or occult HBV‐infected (OBI) patients. Besides serological tests, e.g. HBsAg and anti‐ HBc (total), detection of HBVDNA is necessary for the diagnosis of OBI patients. Different nucleic acid tests (NATs) including real‐ time–Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) are used to detect HBV‐ DNA. The NATs are expensive and require technical expertise which are barriers to introduce them in resource‐limited settings. This study was undertaken to evaluate the use of Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay as an alternative to qPCR for the detection of HBV‐DNA in CHB and potential OBI patients in resource‐limited settings. Following the published protocols with some modifications, a LAMP assay was developed for detection of HBV‐DNA by either using a heat block followed by detection in an agarose gel or using a qPCR thermocycler. The LAMP assay was applied to supernatant prepared from heat‐treated serum collected from CHB and potential OBI patients. HBV viral load in serum was measured by qPCR using a single‐step HBV‐DNA quantification kit. Among 200 samples tested, qPCR was capable to detect HBV‐DNA in 25.5% of cases, whereas LAMP assay detected HBV‐DNA in 43.5% cases. The qPCR was able to detect 11 (9.16%) potential OBI cases, whereas LAMP assay identified HBV‐DNA in 43 (35.83%) cases. In addition to tests for HBsAg and/or anti‐HBc (total), detection of HBV‐DNA by LAMP assay may aid in preventing post–transfusion HBV infection in resource‐limited settings.
Frost and leaf‐size gradients in forests: global patterns and experimental evidence
Authors: Lusk Christopher H. , Clearwater Michael J. , Laughlin Daniel C. , Harrison Sandy P. , Prentice Iain Colin , Nordenstahl Marisa , Smith Benjamin
Published: May 2018

Explanations of leaf size variation commonly focus on water availability, yet leaf size also varies with latitude and elevation in environments where water is not strongly limiting. We provide the first conclusive test of a prediction of leaf energy balance theory that may explain this pattern: large leaves are more vulnerable to night‐time chilling, because their thick boundary layers impede convective exchange with the surrounding air.

Seedlings of 15 New Zealand evergreens spanning 12‐fold variation in leaf width were exposed to clear night skies, and leaf temperatures were measured with thermocouples. We then used a global dataset to assess several climate variables as predictors of leaf size in forest assemblages.

Leaf minus air temperature was strongly correlated with leaf width, ranging from −0.9 to −3.2°C in the smallest‐ and largest‐leaved species, respectively. Mean annual temperature and frost‐free period were good predictors of evergreen angiosperm leaf size in forest assemblages, but no climate variable predicted deciduous leaf size.

Although winter deciduousness makes large leaves possible in strongly seasonal climates, large‐leaved evergreens are largely confined to frost‐free climates because of their susceptibility to radiative cooling. Evergreen leaf size data can therefore be used to enhance vegetation models, and to infer palaeotemperatures from fossil leaf assemblages.
Forest aging, disturbance and the carbon cycle
Authors: Curtis Peter S. , Gough Christopher M.
Published: May 2018

Contents

Summary
1188

I.
Introduction
1188

II.
Forest aging and carbon storage
1189

III.
Successional trends of NEP in northern deciduous forests
1190

IV.
Mechanisms sustaining NEP in aging deciduous forests
1191

Acknowledgements
1192

References
1192

Large areas of forestland in temperate North America, as well as in other parts of the world, are growing older and will soon transition into middle and then late successional stages exceeding 100 yr in age. These ecosystems have been important regional carbon sinks as they recovered from prior anthropogenic and natural disturbance, but their future sink strength, or annual rate of carbon storage, is in question. Ecosystem development theory predicts a steady decline in annual carbon storage as forests age, but newly available, direct measurements of forest net CO2 exchange challenge that prediction. In temperate deciduous forests, where moderate severity disturbance regimes now often prevail, there is little evidence for any marked decline in carbon storage rate during mid‐succession. Rather, an increase in physical and biological complexity under these disturbance regimes may drive increases in resource‐use efficiency and resource availability that help to maintain significant carbon storage in these forests well past the century mark. Conservation of aging deciduous forests may therefore sustain the terrestrial carbon sink, whilst providing other goods and services afforded by these biologically and structurally complex ecosystems.
Root‐expressed phytochromes B1 and B2, but not PhyA and Cry2, regulate shoot growth in nature
Authors: Oh Youngjoo , Fragoso Variluska , Guzzonato Francesco , Kim Sang‐Gyu , Park Chung‐Mo , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: May 2018

Although photoreceptors are expressed throughout all plant organs, most studies have focused on their function in aerial parts with laboratory‐grown plants. Photoreceptor function in naturally dark‐grown roots of plants in their native habitats is lacking. We characterized patterns of photoreceptor expression in field‐ and glasshouse‐grown Nicotiana attenuata plants, silenced the expression of PhyB1/B2/A/Cry2 whose root transcripts levels were greater/equal to those of shoots, and by micrografting combined empty vector transformed shoots onto photoreceptor‐silenced roots, creating chimeric plants with “blind” roots but “sighted” shoots. Micrografting procedure was robust in both field and glasshouse, as demonstrated by transcript accumulation patterns, and a spatially‐explicit lignin visual reporter chimeric line. Field‐ and glasshouse‐grown plants with PhyB1B2, but not PhyA or Cry2, ‐blind roots, were delayed in stalk elongation compared with control plants, robustly for two field seasons. Wild‐type plants with roots directly exposed to FR phenocopied the growth of irPhyB1B2‐blind root grafts. Additionally, root‐expressed PhyB1B2 was required to activate the positive photomorphogenic regulator, HY5, in response to aboveground light. We conclude that roots of plants growing deep into the soil in nature sense aboveground light, and possibly soil temperature, via PhyB1B2 to control key traits, such as stalk elongation.
Lower lip capillary malformation associated with lymphatic malformation without overgrowth: Part of the spectrum of CLAPO syndrome
Authors: Downey Camila , López‐Gutiérrez Juan Carlos , Roé‐Crespo Esther , Puig Luis , Baselga Eulalia
Published: May 2018

Characteristic lower lip capillary malformation of CLAPO syndrome (Capillary malformation of the lower lip, Lymphatic malformations of the face and neck, Asymmetry, and Partial or generalized Overgrowth) may also occur as an isolated lesion or with only minor anomalies, supporting the concept that there is a spectrum of abnormalities in CLAPO syndrome. Preliminary studies have demonstrated mosaic activating mutations in PIK3CA.
Multiple superficial oral mucoceles after Mycoplasma‐induced mucositis
Authors: Morand Meggie , Hatami Afshin
Published: May 2018

Oral mucoceles are lesions arising mainly from the minor salivary glands and are thought to occur after excretory duct trauma. We report a case of multiple superficial oral mucoceles on a child's labial mucosa after Mycoplasma pneumoniae mucositis. Mucoceles can mimic persistent or recurrent stomatitis and lead to potential errors in management.
Cutaneous fibrolipomatous hamartoma: Report of 2 cases with retrocalcaneal location
Authors: Rodríguez Bandera Ana Isabel , Saylor Drew K. , Beato Maria José , North Jeffrey , Frieden Ilona J.
Published: May 2018

Precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartoma is an underreported benign entity that has been described in the literature under different names. We present two cases of unilateral fibrolipomatous hamartoma (FLH) appearing in a unique location: on the posterior aspect of the foot overlying the heel. We propose the term "FLH of the skin" as a more inclusive and less confusing term for this condition, thus allowing distinction with FLH arising from neural tissue. High‐frequency ultrasonography appears to be a useful diagnostic tool that may avoid unnecessary biopsies for this condition.
Erythema multiforme after orf virus infection
Authors: López‐Cedeño Angella , Cañedo Gustavo , Knöpfel Nicole , Colmenero Isabel , Pérez‐Pastrana Esperanza , Torrelo Antonio
Published: May 2018

The case of a 6‐year‐old boy with multiple, target‐shaped lesions and a crusted nodule on his right index finger is presented. Based on clinical findings and the patient's recent contact with sheep and goats, a diagnosis of orf disease associated with erythema multiforme was suspected. Microscopy studies confirmed the presence of parapoxvirus in the primary lesion. Orf‐induced erythema multiforme is a rare complication of orf in children, possibly related to the presence of orf virus DNA in erythema multiforme lesions.
Converting immunosuppression from an oral suspension to a granule formulation of tacrolimus in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Malakasioti Georgia , Booth Christine , Marks Stephen D.
Published: May 2018

OS of tacrolimus prepared from tacrolimus powder is not licensed for children. A licensed GF for OS allows flexibility for body weight‐based dose adjustments. This study aimed at exploring the efficacy of conversion from OS to the GF of tacrolimus in stable pediatric renal transplant recipients. Records of 25 pediatric renal transplant recipients aged under 18 years who were switched from an unlicensed tacrolimus OS to GF were reviewed. At day 0, 1 week, and 4‐8 weeks post‐conversion, there were no differences regarding daily tacrolimus dose (3.4 ± 3 vs 3.5 ± 2.9 vs 3.5 ± 2.9 mg/day), trough tacrolimus levels (4.5 ± 2.7 vs 4.2 ± 2.7 vs 4.4 ± 3.1 ng/mL), dose‐normalized trough tacrolimus levels (1.7 ± 1.1 vs 1.5 ± 1.0 vs 1.7 ± 1.3 ng/mL/mg), PCr (65.6 ± 29.4 vs 67.9 ± 30.4 vs 69.8 ± 27.9 μmol/L), and eGFR (73 ± 24.9 vs 68.7 ± 20.2 vs 65.5 ± 18.2 mL/min/1.73 m2) (P > .05). GF dose adjustment was required in 52% of participants. Eighty‐eight percent of patients had to return for repeat tacrolimus levels following dose modifications, generating 33 extra visits (≥2 extra visits for 1/3 of subjects). No rejection episodes occurred in the year after conversion. In conclusion, conversion from tacrolimus OS to GF in stable pediatric renal transplant recipients is safe and efficacious. However, close therapeutic drug monitoring in the immediate post‐conversion period is necessary.
On the Simultaneous Identification and Quantification of Microalgae Populations Based on Fluorometric Techniques
Authors: Gsponer Natalia S. , Rodríguez María Claudia , Palacios Rodrigo E. , Chesta Carlos A.
Published: May 2018

In this study, the phytoplankton structure of a freshwater reservoir located in central Argentina (Embalse Río Tercero) was analyzed using Beutler's method (Photosynthesis Research 72: 39–53, 2002), aiming to provide water quality control agencies with a reliable tool for early detection of algae blooms, particularly cyanobacteria. The method estimated the concentration of chlorophyll a (Chl a) contributed by individual algal groups in a real sample by fitting its fluorescence excitation spectrum to a linear combination of norm spectra of relevant algae groups. To this purpose, norm spectra for five algae genera usually found in Embalse Río Tercero, Microcystis, Chlorella, Cyclotella, Ceratium and Porphyridium, were constructed and posteriorly used to analyze samples collected in the reservoir in years 2014–2016. Results showed that the method worked well for the quick identification of the algae present in the samples, but it tended to overestimate its Chl a contents. This error was attributed to the large heterogeneity of the algal populations due to the aging of cells grown in environmental conditions.
Irremedial Work and Act‐Person Merger: Constructing Irredeemable Selves in Death Penalty Trials
Authors: Colomy Paul , Phillips Scott
Published: May 2018

Irremedial work is an interpretive practice aimed at establishing a vital connection between a person's untoward behavior and his true self. Fifteen death penalty trial transcripts are employed as strategic research materials to examine how an individual's transgressions and the thoughts and feelings purportedly associated with his misconduct are merged with his self. A qualitative content analysis of these data identifies four recurring themes in the prosecution's efforts to fuse defendants’ alleged crimes with their real selves: sacrilege, culpability, malevolence, and act‐person merger. The argument presented in this study can be extended by investigating bottom‐up irremedial work, the responses of those defined as irredeemable, and by considering cases where act‐person merger is experienced as an authentic expression of an individual's essential self.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*15:18:01:04 in a Korean individual
Authors: Choi H.J. , Im J. , Lee J.H. , Kim S.H. , Shin M.G.
Published: May 2018

HLA‐B*15:18:01:04 differs from HLA‐B*15:18:01:02 by single nucleotide substitution at position 2176 (G > A).
Arithmetic intersection on GSpin Rapoport–Zink spaces
Authors: Li Chao , Zhu Yihang
Published: May 2018

We prove an explicit formula for the arithmetic intersection number of diagonal cycles on GSpin Rapoport–Zink spaces in the minuscule case. This is a local problem arising from the arithmetic Gan–Gross–Prasad conjecture for orthogonal Shimura varieties. Our formula can be viewed as an orthogonal counterpart of the arithmetic–geometric side of the arithmetic fundamental lemma proved by Rapoport–Terstiege–Zhang in the minuscule case.
Prepublication disclosure of scientific results: Norms, competition, and commercial orientation
Authors: Thursby Jerry G. , Haeussler Carolin , Thursby Marie C. , Jiang Lin
Published: May 2018

To disclose results before publication or not? That is the question.
An herbivore-induced plant volatile reduces parasitoid attraction by changing the smell of caterpillars
Authors: Ye Meng , Veyrat Nathalie , Xu Hao , Hu Lingfei , Turlings Ted C. J. , Erb Matthias
Published: May 2018

A volatile emitted by attacked maize plants renders caterpillars less attractive and more resistant to parasitoids.
Chitinase genes (
CHIA
s) provide genomic footprints of a post-Cretaceous dietary radiation in placental mammals
Authors: Emerling Christopher A. , Delsuc Frédéric , Nachman Michael W.
Published: May 2018

Mammal genomes retain remnants of chitinase genes, pointing to dietary shifts in the wake of the K/Pg mass extinction.
Positive site selection bias in meta-analyses comparing natural regeneration to active forest restoration
Authors: Reid J. Leighton , Fagan Matthew E. , Zahawi Rakan A.
Published: May 2018

Selection bias calls into question whether natural regeneration is really more successful than active tropical forest restoration.
Draft Genome Sequence of Riemerella anatipestifer Isolate 17CS0503
Authors: Busch Anne , Ryll Martin , Immel Alexander , Kornell Sabin , Krause-Kyora Ben , Tomaso Herbert , Hotzel Helmut
Published: May 2018

Riemerella anatipestifer
is a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the family
Flavobacteriaceae
. It is primarily associated with acute septicemia in younger birds. The
R. anatipestifer
isolate 17CS0503 described here was isolated from a Peking duck (
Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
) in Hannover, Germany, in 1999.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Fusarium oxysporum Isolates Cultured from Infected Zinnia hybrida Plants Grown on the International Space Station
Authors: Urbaniak Camilla , Massa Gioia , Hummerick Mary , Khodadad Christina , Schuerger Andrew , Venkateswaran Kasthuri
Published: May 2018

Here, we present the whole-genome sequences of two
Fusarium oxysporum
isolates cultured from infected
Zinnia hybrida
plants that were grown onboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Draft Genome Sequence of Mariprofundus micogutta Strain ET2
Authors: Makita Hiroko , Nishi Shinro , Takaki Yoshihiro , Tanaka Emiko , Nunoura Takuro , Mitsunobu Satoshi , Takai Ken
Published: May 2018

Mariprofundus micogutta
strain ET2 was isolated in 2014 from a deep-sea hydrothermal field on the Bayonnaise Knoll of the Izu-Ogasawara arc. Here, we report its draft genome, which comprises 2,497,805 bp and contains 2,417 predicted coding sequences.
Draft Genome Sequences of Azospirillum brasilense Strains Ab-V5 and Ab-V6, Commercially Used in Inoculants for Grasses and Legumes in Brazil
Authors: Hungria Mariangela , Ribeiro Renan Augusto , Nogueira Marco Antonio
Published: May 2018

Azospirillum brasilense
strains Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 are largely used in commercial inoculants for grasses and legumes in Brazil. Their genomes were estimated at 6,934,595 and 7,197,196 bp, respectively, and encompass genes related to nitrogen fixation, synthesis of phytohormones, and environmental adaptation. Although the strains differ in phenotypic properties, their genomes are highly similar.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium marinum ATCC 927
T
, Obtained Using Nanopore and Illumina Sequencing Technologies
Authors: Yoshida Mitsunori , Fukano Hanako , Miyamoto Yuji , Shibayama Keigo , Suzuki Masato , Hoshino Yoshihiko
Published: May 2018

Mycobacterium marinum
is a slowly growing, broad-host-range mycobacterial species. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a
Mycobacterium marinum
type strain that was isolated from tubercles of diseased fish. This sequence will provide essential information for future taxonomic and comparative genome studies of its relatives.
Complete Genome Sequence of Ochrobactrum haematophilum FI11154, Isolated from Kunu-Zaki, a Nigerian Millet-Based Fermented Food
Authors: Diaz Maria , Wegmann Udo , Akinyemi Nwanneka , Oguntoyinbo Folarin A. , Sayavedra Lizbeth , Mayer Melinda J. , Narbad Arjan
Published: May 2018

Ochrobactrum haematophilum
FI11154 was isolated from kunu-zaki, a Nigerian traditional fermented millet-based food. Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of this species. The genome consists of five replicons and contains genes related to iron uptake and phosphatase activities.
Mutational Analysis of the Bovine Hepacivirus Internal Ribosome Entry Site
Authors: Baron A. L. , Schoeniger A. , Becher P. , Baechlein C.
Published: May 2018

Several members of the family
Flaviviridae
, including HCV, have adapted cap-independent translation strategies to overcome canonical eukaryotic translation pathways and use
cis
-acting RNA-elements, designated viral internal ribosome entry sites (IRES), to initiate translation. Although novel hepaciviruses have been identified in different animal species, only limited information is available on their biology on molecular level. Therefore, our aim was a fundamental analysis of BovHepV IRES functions. The findings which show that functional IRES elements are also crucial for BovHepV translation expand our knowledge on molecular mechanism of hepacivirus propagation. We also studied the possible effects of one major host factor implicated in HCV pathogenesis, miR-122. The results of mutational analyses suggested that miR-122 enhances virus translation mediated by BovHepV IRES.
Outcomes following antenatal identification of hydrops fetalis: a single-centre experience from 2001 to 2012
Authors: Gilby Damien M , Mee J Bridie , Kamlin C Omar Farouk , Kornman Louise H , Davis Peter G , Manley Brett James
Published: May 2018

Objective

To describe the aetiologies and outcomes of pregnancies complicated by hydrops fetalis (HF).

Study design

Case series of all pregnancies complicated by HF managed at The Royal Women’s Hospital (RWH), Melbourne, Australia, between 2001 and 2012. Multiple pregnancies, and cases where antenatal care was not provided at RWH were excluded. Cases were identified from neonatal and obstetric databases. Data were extracted from maternal and neonatal case files, electronic pathology and radiology reports, and obstetric and neonatal databases.

Results

Over 12 years, 131 fetuses with HF with a median (IQR) gestational age (GA) at diagnosis of 24 (20–30) weeks were included in the analysis. There were 65 liveborn infants with a median (IQR) GA at birth of 33 (31–37) weeks and a median (IQR) birthweight Z-score of 1.4 (0.4–2.2). Overall survival from diagnosis was 27% (36/131) increasing to 55% (36/65) if born alive.

Conclusions

The perinatal mortality risk for fetuses and newborn infants with HF is high with important differences dependent on underlying diagnosis and the time at which counselling is provided. Clinicians need to be aware of the outcomes of both fetuses and neonates with this condition.
Frequency of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease presenting to tertiary care centre in Pakistan: an observational, cross-sectional study
Authors: Mukhtar Shahid , Imran Rashid , Zaheer Mohsin , Tariq Huma
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine the frequency of non-motor symptoms (NMS) in patients of Parkinson’s disease (PD) presenting to a movement disorder clinic at a tertiary care centre in Pakistan, and how frequency of NMS is different in male and female patients.

Study design

Observational, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary care centre.

Participants

Out of 102 patients, 85 were included. Inclusion criteria were patients with PD diagnosed according to the UK Parkinson’s Disease Society Brain Bank Clinical Diagnostic Criteria, age ≥18 years, able to give consent and have no difficulty in answering questions. Exclusion criteria were diseases that resemble PD, stroke, dementia, patients unable to provide information and history of antipsychotic use.

Results

The NMSQuest revealed a mean of nearly seven different NMS per patient. Autonomic problems such as constipation (56%) and nocturia (49%) were the most common NMS, while urinary urgency was reported by 35% of patients. Low mood and feeling sad were reported by 47%, whereas feeling anxious/panicky was reported by 36%. Problem with memory was reported by 45% of patients. Feeling of light-headedness and dizziness was reported by 40% of patients. Problems with sexual relationship were reported by 30% of patients. The most common sleep problem was difficulty falling sleep (29%). Pain not related to the musculoskeletal system was reported by 30% of patients. Loss or change in the ability to taste or smell was reported by 29% of patients. The rest of NMS were less than 25% in frequency. Feeling sad or blue, feeling light-headed/dizzy, unexplained pain, unpleasant sensations in the legs, difficulty in swallowing and faecal incontinence were more common in female participants, while problems with sex were more common in male participants.

Conclusion

NMS are quite prevalent in PD in our population. Certain NMS are more common in women as compared with men. There is a need for a large-scale study to look for the association of different NMS with sex.
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of resective surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Jain Puneet , Tomlinson George , Snead Carter , Sander Beate , Widjaja Elysa
Published: May 2018

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) versus selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH) on seizure-free outcome in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, using both direct and indirect evidence from the literature.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for original research articles and systematic reviews comparing ATL versus SAH, and ATL or SAH versus medical management (MM). The outcome was seizure freedom at 12 months of follow-up or longer. Direct pairwise meta-analyses were conducted, followed by a random-effect Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) combining direct and indirect evidence.

Results

Twenty-eight articles were included (18 compared ATL vs SAH, 1 compared ATL vs SAH vs MM, 8 compared ATL vs MM, and 1 compared SAH vs MM). Direct pairwise meta-analyses showed no significant differences in seizure-free outcome of ATL versus SAH (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.39; p=0.201), but the odds of seizure-free outcome were higher for ATL versus MM (OR 29.16, 95% CI 10.44 to 81.50; p<0.00001), and SAH versus MM (OR 28.42, 95% CI 10.17 to 79.39; p<0.00001). NMA also showed that the odds of seizure-free outcome were no different in ATL versus SAH (OR 1.15, 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.84–1.15), but higher for ATL versus MM (OR 27.22, 95% CrI 15.38–27.22), and SAH versus MM (OR 23.57, 95% CrI 12.67–23.57). There were no significant differences between direct and indirect comparisons (all p>0.05).

Conclusion

Direct evidence, indirect evidence and NMA did not identify a difference in seizure-free outcome of ATL versus SAH.
Fibrocartilaginous embolism and marked cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis in a dog
Authors: Kortum Andre , Freeman Paul
Published: May 2018

A three‐year‐old Basset Griffon Vendeen was presented for peracute‐onset paraplegia. MRI of the lumbar spinal cord confirmed marked intramedullary hyperintensity, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid identified marked neutrophilic pleocytosis and increased protein concentration. An inflammatory aetiology was therefore considered possible despite imaging and history being more consistent with a diagnosis of fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE). No neurological improvement occurred following appropriate treatment, and postmortem examination later confirmed numerous fibrocartilaginous emboli with marked, multifocal myelomalacia. This is the first case report to document marked cerebrospinal pleocytosis in a canine patient with FCE, and highlights that such changes should be interpreted with caution and not used to distinguish between vascular and inflammatory aetiologies.
A comparative study of Cu nanoparticles under slip effects through oblique eccentric tubes, a biomedical solicitation examination
Authors: Shahzadi Iqra , Nadeem S.
Published: May 2018

The particular mechanical, chemical, and thermodynamic properties of nanofluids build up a subject of immense interest for researchers of all areas. Such types of fluids have special significance in biomedical research due to their novel and immeasurable applications the in latest biomedical solicitation examination, such as drug delivery. Therefore, the focus of this study is to investigate the comparative study of copper nanoparticles under slip effects through oblique eccentric cylinders. For peristaltic pumping, an appropriate model is presented and its application is urged because of the way that the thread infusion inside the human body empowers creation of a methodology for restorative inserting with the slightest possible surgical injury. The outer lying tube has a wave of sinosiodual nature whereas the inner thread is of velocity V. Lubrication approach is used to calculate the dimensionless expressions for temperature and velocity profile. The inner tube satisfied no-slip condition while the outer tube has partial slip condition. The innovation with different sundry parameters is also presented via graphs. The attributes of this study are presented in the last section and a good agreement is found with existing literature. Significant increase in the heat transfer rate is observed in the presence of thermal slip parameter with the inclusion of copper nanoparticles. It is also found that the pressure rise enhances in the retrograde pumping region with the increase in inclination angle. It is important to note that slip causes decreases in the trapped bolus. This analysis finds valuable theoretical information for nanoparticle use as a drug agent in the field of bio-inspired applications.
Cloning and characterization of MdGST1 from red apple leaves
Authors: Han Xiaolei , Zhang Caixia , Tian Yi , Gul Hera , Cong Peihua , Zhang Liyi
Published: May 2018

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is involved in the downstream steps of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in plants. However, the gene(s) encoding this enzyme have not been isolated from apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) yet. We isolated a gene encoding GST from leaves of the red-fleshed apple variety ‘Royalty’ by full cDNA library sequencing and the 3′ rapid-amplification of cDNA ends method, and designated it MdGST1. In total, seven different MdGST1 transcripts were found. These had three different untranslated but identical protein-coding regions. Phylogenetic analysis showed that MdGST1 is a TT19-type GST, which is involved in anthocyanin transport. qRT-PCR analyses showed that the transcript level of MdGST1 was much higher in red leaves than in bagged or green leaves. When MdGST1 was introduced into a non-pigmented mutant of Arabidopsis, the transformants showed a visible purple phenotype in leaves and stems. Our results suggest that MdGST1 plays a role in anthocyanin biosynthesis. This information will help to improve the understanding of the mechanism of apple coloration.