bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Catechins and Their Related Compounds on Cellular Accumulation and Efflux Transport of Mitoxantrone in Caco‐2 Cell Monolayers
Authors: Sugihara Narumi , Kuroda Norihiko , Watanabe Fumiya , Choshi Tominari , Kamishikiryo Jun , Seo Makoto
Published: March 2017

The ability of catechins and their related compounds to inhibit breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) function in Caco‐2 cell monolayers was investigated with mitoxantrone as a BCRP substrate. The gallate or pyrogallol moiety on the catechin structure seemed to promote increased cellular accumulation and inhibit efflux transport of mitoxantrone. The ability of gallate catechins such as (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and (−)‐epicatechin gallate (ECG) to increase cellular accumulation and inhibit efflux transport of mitoxantrone was greater than that of nongallate catechins. Gallic acid octyl ester (GAO) also increased intracellular mitoxantrone accumulation. Experiments using GAO derivatives indicated that the gallate moiety required the presence of a long carbon chain for BCRP inhibition. Cellular accumulation and reduced efflux transport of mitoxantrone were greater with epigallocatechin 3‐(3″‐O‐butyl) gallate than with EGCG. EGCG inhibition of BCRP seemed to be restricted by hydrophobicity. The co‐administration of catechins, particularly EGCG and related compounds, with greater hydrophobicity may increase the therapeutic activities of BCRP substrates such as mitoxantrone.
Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia: Multiple detector computed tomography findings after direct lymphangiography
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Shen Wenbin , Chen Xiaobai , Wen Tingguo , Duan Yongli , Wang Rengui
Published: March 2017

Introduction

To analyse the findings of multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT) after direct lymphangiography in primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL).

Methods

Fifty‐five patients with PIL were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent MDCT after direct lymphangiography. The pathologies of 16 patients were confirmed by surgery and the remaining 39 patients were confirmed by gastroendoscopy and/or capsule endoscopy.

Results

After direct lymphangiography, MDCT found intra‐ and extraintestinal as well as lymphatic vessel abnormalities. Among the intra‐ and extraintestinal disorders, 49 patients had varying degrees of intestinal dilatation, 46 had small bowel wall thickening, 9 had pleural and pericardial effusions, 21 had ascites, 41 had mesenteric oedema, 20 had mesenteric nodules and 9 had abdominal lymphatic cysts. Features of lymphatic vessel abnormalities included intestinal trunk reflux (43.6%, n = 24), lumbar trunk reflux (89.1%, n = 49), pleural and pulmonary lymph reflux (14.5%, n = 8), pericardial and mediastinal lymph reflux (16.4%, n = 9), mediastinal and pulmonary lymph reflux (18.2%, n = 10), and thoracic duct outlet obstruction (90.9%, n = 50).

Conclusions

Multiple detector computed tomography after direct lymphangiography provides a safe and accurate examination method and is an excellent tool for the diagnosis of PIL.
Overall evaluability of low dose protocol for computed tomography angiography of thoracic aorta using 80 kV and iterative reconstruction algorithm using different concentration contrast media
Authors: Annoni Andrea Daniele , Mancini Maria E , Andreini Daniele , Formenti Alberto , Mushtaq Saima , Nobili Enrica , Guglielmo Marco , Baggiano Andrea , Conte Edoardo , Pepi Mauro
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography (MDCTA) is presently the imaging modality of choice for aortic disease. However, the effective radiation dose and the risk related to the use of contrast agents associated with MDCTA is an issue of concern. Aim of this study was to assess image quality of a low dose ECG‐gated MDCTA of thoracic aorta using different concentration contrast media without tailored injection protocol.

Methods

Two‐hundred patients were randomised into four different scan protocols: Group A (Iodixanol 320 and 80 Kvp tube voltage), Group B (Iodixanol 320 and 100 Kvp tube voltage), Group C (Iomeprol 400 and 80 Kvp tube voltage) and Group D (Iomeprol 400 and 100 Kvp tube voltage). Image quality, noise, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and effective dose (ED) were compared among groups.

Results

No significant differences in image noise, SNR and CNR between groups with the same tube voltage. Significant differences in SNR and CNR were found among groups with 80 kV versus groups using 100 kV but without differences in terms of image quality. ED was significantly lower in groups with 80 kV.

Conclusions

Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography protocols using 80 kV and low concentration contrast media are feasible without need of tailored injection protocols.
Effects of T‐loop modification on the PII‐signalling protein: structure of uridylylated Escherichia coli GlnB bound to ATP
Authors: Palanca Carles , Rubio Vicente
Published: March 2017

To adapt to environments with variable nitrogen sources and richness, the widely distributed homotrimeric PII signalling proteins bind their allosteric effectors ADP/ATP/2‐oxoglutarate, and experience nitrogen‐sensitive uridylylation of their flexible T‐loops at Tyr51, regulating their interactions with effector proteins. To clarify whether uridylylation triggers a given T‐loop conformation, we determined the crystal structure of the classical paradigm of PII protein, Escherichia coli GlnB (EcGlnB), in fully uridylylated form (EcGlnB‐UMP3). This is the first structure of a postranslationally modified PII protein. This required recombinant production and purification of the uridylylating enzyme GlnD and its use for full uridylylation of large amounts of recombinantly produced pure EcGlnB. Unlike crystalline non‐uridylylated EcGlnB, in which T‐loops are fixed, uridylylation rendered the T‐loop highly mobile because of loss of contacts mediated by Tyr51, with concomitant abolition of T‐loop anchoring via Arg38 on the ATP site. This site was occupied by ATP, providing the first, long‐sought snapshot of the EcGlnB‐ATP complex, connecting ATP binding with T‐loop changes. Inferences are made on the mechanisms of PII selectivity for ATP and of PII‐UMP3 signalling, proposing a model for the architecture of the complex of EcGlnB‐UMP3 with the uridylylation‐sensitive PII target ATase (which adenylylates/deadenylylates glutamine synthetase [GS]) and with GS.
Screening for malnutrition in hospitalised older people: Comparison of the Mini Nutritional Assessment with its short‐form versions
Authors: Dent Elsa , Chapman Ian , Piantadosi Cynthia , Visvanathan Renuka
Published: March 2017

Objective

To determine how well the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) Short Form (MNA‐SF) performed as a nutritional screening tool when calf circumference replaced body mass index (BMI) as the included anthropometric measurement.

Methods

A total of 100 patients ≥70 years were recruited from a Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit.

Results

Mean age of patients was 85.2 (6.1) years. By the full MNA, 40% of patients were malnourished. The MNA correlated highly with both of its short‐form versions (r = 0.87 and r = 0.90 for the BMI and calf circumference versions, respectively). Both MNA‐SF versions also showed high accuracy in identifying malnutrition (auROC values >0.89).

Conclusions

The MNA‐SF is a rapid and accurate way to screen for malnutrition in hospitalised older adults. Substitution of BMI measurement with the time‐efficient calf circumference measurement maintained MNA‐SF accuracy. It is recommended that calf circumference measurement be used for nutritional screening by MNA‐SF in a hospital setting.
Apoptotic pathways of macrophages within osteolytic interface membrane in periprosthestic osteolysis after total hip replacement
Authors: Liu Guoyin , Guo Ting , Zhang Yong , Liu Naicheng , Chen Jiangning , Chen Jianmin , Zhang Junfeng , Zhao Jianning
Published: March 2017

Macrophage apoptosis in interface membrane, which occurs through either death receptor, mitochondrion, or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways, has been suggested to play an important role in promoting osteolysis. However, how and why macrophage apoptosis originates and the correlation among these apoptotic pathways is not yet clear. The objective of this study was to identify the apoptotic mechanism of macrophages, and to explore the relationship between the apoptotic pathways and progression of osteolysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was utilized to analyze the tissue ultrastructure of wear particles, and in situ apoptotic macrophage identification was performed by TUNEL staining. We analyzed the expression of the key biomarkers of apoptotic pathways via immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that the majority of wear particles within osteolytic interface membrane was in the 30–60 nm range, and that macrophage apoptotic ratio increased along with osteolysis progression. Normal hip dysplasia and mechanical loosening of tissues showed low expression levels of biomarkers for ER stress (Ca2+, JNK, cleaved Caspase‐4, IRE1‐α, Grp78/Bip, and CHOP), mitochondrion (Bcl‐2, Bax, and Cytochrome c), and death receptor (Fas and cleaved Caspase‐8) pathways, while osteolytic interface membrane tissues expressed high levels of these biomarkers. In addition, we found that the ER stress intensity was in complete conformity with mitochondrial dysfunction and was consistent with the results of death receptor activation. Thus, our findings suggested that wear particles generated at implant interface can accelerate macrophage apoptosis through changes in apoptotic pathways and ultimately aggravate the symptom of osteolysis. These data represent a preferential apoptotic signaling pathway of macrophages as specific target points for the prevention and therapeutic modulation of periprosthetic osteolysis.
Neospora caninumin beef herds in New South Wales, Australia. 2: analysis of risk factors
Authors: Moloney BJ , Heuer C , Kirkland PD
Published: March 2017

Objective

To determine the influence of farm‐level and animal‐level factors on the seroprevalence of antibodies toNeospora caninumand associations between seropositivity and reproductive outcomes.

Methods

A questionnaire for a cross‐sectional survey was posted to the 63 properties with a herd size ≥50 beef breeding cows that had participated in a previous seroprevalence study. Correspondence analysis, which does not appear to have been used previously in any Australian studies of livestock diseases, was used in conjunction with logistic regression to analyse the data.

Results

Geographic factors that increased the risk of seropositivity included higher rainfall North Coast location. Herd management factors that increased the risk of seropositivity included the use ofBos indicusgenetics, cross‐breeding and running several breeds in the one herd. Using fox control measures was found to be protective against infection withN. caninum. The risk of abortion was 12‐fold greater in individual animals that were seropositive forN. caninum.Within a herd, the calving rate was 10.4% lower in herds with one or moreN. caninum‐positive animals (P = 0.03), but the difference in abortion rate was not significant between seropositive and seronegative herds (0.3% higher, P > 0.3).

Conclusions

This study confirmed previous observations of increased risks forN. caninumseropositivity with being located in the coastal subtropics, some styles of herd management and canid exposure. In addition, it suggested that cross‐breeding and proximity to an urban area may increase the risk, and that having pet dogs may reduce the risk of seropositivity.
Congenital bilateral anterior nasal atresia in 16 half‐sibling Holstein‐Friesian calves
Authors: McGowan M , Smith C , Ferguson A , Stone B , Vankan D , Allavena R
Published: March 2017

Case report

Cases of bilateral anterior nasal atresia, sometimes referred to as arhinia or partial arhinia, are extremely rare in cattle and have only been reported as single events. This report describes the birth of 16 Holstein Friesian calves over a 3‐month period, all affected with bilateral atresia of the nares and anterior nasal cavity, with 2 calves having additional severe deviation of the nasomaxillary bones and nasal septum. One affected calf was born with an anatomically normal twin. Parentage testing demonstrated that a single Holstein Friesian bull sired all cases tested.

Conclusion

This is the first report of multiple cases of bilateral anterior nasal atresia in cattle with evidence that demonstrates a heritable condition.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of letermovir, a novel anti‐human cytomegalovirus drug, in patients with renal impairment
Authors: Kropeit Dirk , Scheuenpflug Jürgen , Erb‐Zohar Katharina , Halabi Atef , Stobernack Hans‐Peter , Hulskotte Ellen G. J. , van Schanke Arne , Zimmermann Holger , Rübsamen‐Schaeff Helga
Published: March 2017

Aims

Human cytomegalovirus remains a significant issue for immunocompromised patients and existing viral polymerase targeting therapies are associated with significant toxicity. Accordingly, the viral terminase complex inhibitor, letermovir, is in development. We assessed letermovir pharmacokinetics in renal impairment.

Methods

This was a Phase 1, open‐label, nonrandomised trial. Estimated glomerular filtration rate based on the Modification of Diet Renal Disease equation was used to create three groups of eight subjects: healthy function (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 90 ml min–1 1.73m–2), moderate (30–59 ml min–1 1.73m–2) and severe (<30 ml min–1 1.73m–2) impairment. Oral letermovir 120 mg was dosed once‐daily for 8 days and blood collected for pharmacokinetic analyses.

Results

All 24 subjects enrolled completed the trial. Moderate and severe renal impairment increased mean unbound letermovir fractions by 11% and 26%, respectively, vs. healthy subjects. Exposure (AUCτ,ss and Css,max) was increased with renal impairment [least square mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) total letermovir vs. healthy subjects, AUCτ,ss 192% (143–258%) and 142% (83–243%) for moderate and severe impairment, respectively; Css,max 125% (87–182%) and 106% (75–151%), respectively]. Clearance was decreased vs. healthy subjects. Correlation analyses indicated a correlation between decreasing renal function and increased unbound letermovir concentration (R2 = 0.5076, P < 0.0001). Correlations were identified between decreased clearance with both decreased renal function (R2 = 0.0662, P = 0.2249 and R2 = 0.1861, P = 0.0353 total and unbound clearance, respectively) and increased age (R2 = 0.3548, P = 0.0021 and R2 = 0.3166, P = 0.0042 total and unbound clearance, respectively). Multiple‐dose letermovir 120 mg was well tolerated across groups.

Conclusions

Renal impairment increased exposure to letermovir, although age was a confounding factor.
Performance of a polymer coated silicon microarray for simultaneous detection of food allergen‐specific IgE and IgG4
Authors: Sievers S. , Cretich M. , Gagni P. , Ahrens B. , Grishina G. , Sampson H. A. , Niggemann B. , Chiari M. , Beyer K.
Published: March 2017

Background

Microarray‐based component‐resolved diagnostics (CRD) has become an accepted tool to detect allergen‐specific IgE sensitization towards hundreds of allergens in parallel from one drop of serum. Nevertheless, specificity and sensitivity as well as a simultaneous detection of allergen‐specific IgG4, as a potential parameter for tolerance development, remain to be optimized.

Objective

We applied the recently introduced silicon chip coated with a functional polymer named copoly(DMA‐NAS‐MAPS) to the simultaneous detection of food allergen‐specific IgE and IgG4, and compared it with ImmunoCAP and ImmunoCAP ISAC. Inter‐ and intraslide variation, linearity of signal and working range, sensitivity and application of internal calibrations for IgE and IgG4 were assessed.

Methods

Native and recombinant allergenic proteins from hen's egg and cow's milk were spotted on silicon chips coated with copoly(DMA‐NAS‐MAPS) along with known concentrations for human IgE and IgG4. A serum pool and 105 patient samples were assessed quantitatively and semi‐quantitatively with the ImmunoCAP and ImmunoCAP ISAC and correlated with IgE‐ and IgG4‐specific fluorescence on silicon microarrays.

Results

Allergen‐specific IgE and IgG4 were detected in parallel using two fluorescent dyes with no crosstalk. Results from the ImmunoCAP correlated better with microarray fluorescence than with ImmunoCAP ISAC except for the allergen ovomucoid. The working range of the silicon microarray for total hen's egg‐specific IgE was comparable to the range of 0.1 to >100 kUA/L of the ImmunoCAP system, whereas for total cow's milk, the silicon microarray was less sensitive. Detectable allergen‐specific IgG4 could be determined only for low concentrations, but still correlated positively with ImmunoCAP results.

Conclusions

We confirmed the ability of the polymer coated silicon microarray to be comparably sensitive to the ImmunoCAP ISAC for various food allergens. This suggests that the copoly(DMA‐NAS‐MAPS) microarray is a low‐cost, self‐producible alternative to the commercial ImmunoCAP ISAC in allergy research.
Reduction of postprandial glucose by lixisenatide vs sitagliptin treatment in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes on background insulin glargine: A randomized phase IV study (NEXTAGE Study)
Authors: Yamada Yuichiro , Senda Masayuki , Naito Yusuke , Tamura Masahiro , Watanabe Daisuke , Shuto Yujin , Urita Yoshihisa
Published: March 2017

Aim

To evaluate the pharmacodynamics of lixisenatide once daily vs sitagliptin once daily in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes receiving insulin glargine U100.

Materials and methods

This multicentre, open‐label, phase IV study (NEXTAGE Study; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02200991) randomly assigned 136 patients to either lixisenatide once daily via subcutaneous injection (10 µg initially increased weekly by 5 up to 20 µg) or once‐daily oral sitagliptin 50 mg. The primary endpoint was the change in postprandial glucose (PPG) exposure 4 hours after a standardized breakfast (PPG area under the plasma glucose concentration–time curve [AUC0:00‐4:00h]) from baseline to day 29.

Results

Lixisenatide reduced PPG exposure to a statistically significantly greater extent than sitagliptin: least squares (LS) mean change from baseline in PPG AUC0:00‐4:00h was −347.3 h·mg/dL (−19.3 h·mmol/L) in the lixisenatide group and −113.3 h·mg/dL (−6.3 h·mmol/L) in the sitagliptin group (LS mean between‐group difference −234.0 h·mg/dL [−13.0 h·mmol/L], 95% confidence interval −285.02 to −183.00 h·mg/dL [−15.8 to −10.2 h·mmol/L]; P < .0001). Lixisenatide led to significantly greater LS mean reductions in maximum PPG excursion than sitagliptin (−122.4 vs −46.6 mg/dL [−6.8 vs −2.6 h·mmol/L]; P < .0001). Change‐from‐baseline reductions in exposure to C‐peptide, fasting glycoalbumin levels, and the gastric emptying rate were greater in the lixisenatide than in the sitagliptin group. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was higher with lixisenatide (60.9%) than with sitagliptin (16.4%), with no serious events or severe hypoglycaemia reported.

Conclusion

Lixisenatide reduced PPG significantly more than sitagliptin, when these agents were added to basal insulin glargine U100, and was well tolerated.
Metabolic responses to exogenous ghrelin in obesity and early after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass in humans
Authors: Tamboli Robyn A. , Antoun Joseph , Sidani Reem M. , Clements Austin , Harmata Emily E. , Marks‐Shulman Pam , Gaylinn Bruce D. , Williams Brandon , Clements Ronald H. , Albaugh Vance L. , Abumrad Naji N.
Published: March 2017

Aims

Ghrelin is a gastric‐derived hormone that stimulates growth hormone (GH) secretion and has a multi‐faceted role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, including glucose metabolism. Circulating ghrelin concentrations are modulated in response to nutritional status, but responses to ghrelin in altered metabolic states are poorly understood. We investigated the metabolic effects of ghrelin in obesity and early after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Materials and methods

We assessed central and peripheral metabolic responses to acyl ghrelin infusion (1 pmol kg−1 min−1) in healthy, lean subjects (n = 9) and non‐diabetic, obese subjects (n = 9) before and 2 weeks after RYGB. Central responses were assessed by GH and pancreatic polypeptide (surrogate for vagal activity) secretion. Peripheral responses were assessed by hepatic and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity during a hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp.

Results

Ghrelin‐stimulated GH secretion was attenuated in obese subjects, but was restored by RYGB to a response similar to that of lean subjects. The heightened pancreatic polypeptide response to ghrelin infusion in the obese was attenuated after RYGB. Hepatic glucose production and hepatic insulin sensitivity were not altered by ghrelin infusion in RYGB subjects. Skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity was impaired to a similar degree in lean, obese and post‐RYGB individuals in response to ghrelin infusion.

Conclusions

These data suggest that obesity is characterized by abnormal central, but not peripheral, responsiveness to ghrelin that can be restored early after RYGB before significant weight loss. Further work is necessary to fully elucidate the role of ghrelin in the metabolic changes that occur in obesity and following RYGB.
Adding fast‐acting insulin aspart to basal insulin significantly improved glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, 18‐week, open‐label, phase 3 trial (onset 3)
Authors: Rodbard Helena W. , Tripathy Devjit , Vidrio Velázquez Maricela , Demissie Marek , Tamer Søren C. , Piletič Milivoj
Published: March 2017

Aim

To confirm glycaemic control superiority of mealtime fast‐acting insulin aspart (faster aspart) in a basal–bolus (BB) regimen vs basal‐only insulin.

Materials and methods

In this open‐label, randomized, 18‐week trial (51 sites; 6 countries), adults (n = 236) with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D; mean glycosylated haemoglobin [HbA1c] ± SD: 7.9% ± 0.7% [63.1 ± 7.5 mmol/mol]) receiving basal insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs underwent 8‐week optimization of prior once‐daily basal insulin followed by randomization 1:1 to either a BB regimen with faster aspart (n = 116) or continuation of once‐daily basal insulin (n = 120), both with metformin. Primary endpoint was HbA1c change from baseline after 18 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints included: postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) change and overall PPG increment (all meals); weight; treatment‐emergent adverse events; hypoglycaemic episodes.

Results

HbA1c decreased from 7.9% (63.2 mmol/mol) to 6.8% (50.7 mmol/mol; BB group) and from 7.9% (63.2 mmol/mol) to 7.7% (60.7 mmol/mol; basal‐only group); estimated treatment difference [95% confidence interval] −0.94% [−1.17; −0.72]; −10.3 mmol/mol [−12.8; −7.8];
P
 < .0001. Reductions from baseline in overall mean 2‐hour PPG and overall PPG increment for all meals (self‐measured plasma glucose profiles) were statistically significant in favour of BB treatment (
P
 < .0001). Severe/blood glucose confirmed hypoglycaemia rate (12.8 vs 2.0 episodes per patient‐years of exposure), total daily insulin (1.2 vs 0.6 U/kg) and weight gain (1.8 vs 0.2 kg) were greater with BB than with basal‐only treatment.

Conclusions

In T2D, faster aspart in a BB regimen provided superior glycaemic control as compared with basal‐only insulin, but with an increase in the frequency of hypoglycaemia and modest weight gain.
3D echocardiographic analysis of aortic annulus for transcatheter aortic valve replacement using novel aortic valve quantification software: Comparison with computed tomography
Authors: Mediratta Anuj , Addetia Karima , Medvedofsky Diego , Schneider Robert J. , Kruse Eric , Shah Atman P. , Nathan Sandeep , Paul Jonathan D. , Blair John E. , Ota Takeyoshi , Balkhy Husam H. , Patel Amit R. , Mor‐Avi Victor , Lang Roberto M.
Published: March 2017

Background

With the increasing use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS), computed tomography (CT) remains the standard for annulus sizing. However, 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been an alternative in patients with contraindications to CT. We sought to (1) test the feasibility, accuracy, and reproducibility of prototype 3DTEE analysis software (Philips) for aortic annular measurements and (2) compare the new approach to the existing echocardiographic techniques.

Methods

We prospectively studied 52 patients who underwent gated contrast CT, procedural 3DTEE, and TAVR. 3DTEE images were analyzed using novel semi‐automated software designed for 3D measurements of the aortic root, which uses multiplanar reconstruction, similar to CT analysis. Aortic annulus measurements included area, perimeter, and diameter calculations from these measurements. The results were compared to CT‐derived values. Additionally, 3D echocardiographic measurements (3D planimetry and mitral valve analysis software adapted for the aortic valve) were also compared to the CT reference values.

Results

3DTEE image quality was sufficient in 90% of patients for aortic annulus measurements using the new software, which were in good agreement with CT (r‐values: .89–.91) and small (<4%) inter‐modality nonsignificant biases. Repeated measurements showed <10% measurements variability. The new 3D analysis was the more accurate and reproducible of the existing echocardiographic techniques.

Conclusions

Novel semi‐automated 3DTEE analysis software can accurately measure aortic annulus in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR, in better agreement with CT than the existing methodology. Accordingly, intra‐procedural TEE could potentially replace CT in patients where CT carries significant risk.
False positive retroaortic left circumflex coronary artery in a patient with atrial septal defect
Authors: Gupta Saurabh Kumar , Gupta Anunay , Ramakrishnan Sivasubramanian , Kothari Shyam S.
Published: March 2017

Retroaortic course of coronary artery is a relative contraindication for device closure of an atrial septal defect. In this brief report, we demonstrate, for the first time, inferior aortic recess mimicking retroaortic left circumflex coronary artery in a patient with atrial septal defect. This distinction is important to avoid spurious diagnosis of anomalous coronary artery denying patient a chance of nonsurgical closure of atrial septal defect.
SELECTIVE RECOGNITION: HOW TO RECOGNIZE DONORS TO INCREASE CHARITABLE GIVING
Authors: Samek Anya , Sheremeta Roman M.
Published: March 2017

Recognizing donors by revealing their identities is important for increasing charitable giving. Using a framed field experiment, we show that all forms of recognition that we examine increase donations relative to the baseline treatment, and recognizing only the highest or only the lowest donors has the strongest and significant effect. We argue that selective recognition creates tournament‐like incentives. Recognizing the highest donors activates the desire to seek a “positive prize” of prestige, while recognizing the lowest donors activates the desire to avoid a “negative prize” of shame. We discuss how selective recognition can be used by charities to increase donations. (JELC93, D64)
Lending Organization and Credit Supply During the 2008–2009 Crisis
Authors: Del Prete Silvia , Pagnini Marcello , Rossi Paola , Vacca Valerio
Published: March 2017

Using a dataset that combines bank organizational variables, information on firms' credit demand and balance sheet indicators, we investigate the impact of lending organization on credit dynamics during the 2008–2009 crisis period. Our main findings suggest that the variables shaping the organization of a bank in its lending to non‐financial firms have a complex impact on its ability to expand credit. Banks that made substantial use of credit scoring techniques actually reduced their credit expansion during the economic downturn. At the same time, banks that delegated more power to their branch managers were likely to expand loans at a higher rate. Finally, contrary to the evidence from the pre‐crisis period, we find that longer branch manager tenure in the same branch is detrimental to the credit growth rate. These findings are robust to a wide set of robustness checks.
Quality Control for Scoring Tests Administered in Continuous Mode: An NCME Instructional Module
Authors: Allalouf Avi , Gutentag Tony , Baumer Michal
Published: March 2017

Quality control (QC) in testing is paramount. QC procedures for tests can be divided into two types. The first type, one that has been well researched, is QC for tests administered to large population groups on few administration dates using a small set of test forms (e.g., large‐scale assessment). The second type is QC for tests, usually computerized, that are administered to small population groups on many administration dates using a wide array of test forms (CMT—continuous mode tests). Since the world of testing is headed in this direction, developing QC for CMT is crucial. In the current ITEMS module we discuss errors that might occur at the different stages of the CMT process, as well as the recommended QC procedure to reduce the incidence of each error. Illustration from a recent study is provided, and a computerized system that applies these procedures is presented. Instructions on how to develop one's own QC procedure are also included.
Autoinflammatory syndromes associated with hidradenitis suppurativa and/or acne
Authors: Vinkel Caroline , Thomsen Simon F.
Published: March 2017

Autoinflammatory syndromes associated with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and/or acne are rare but potentially debilitating disorders if not diagnosed and treated correctly. They share a common pathogenesis involving a dysregulated innate immune system with abnormal interleukin (IL)‐1 signaling leading to sterile neutrophilic inflammation. The clinical features are recurrent episodes of fever, painful arthritis, and skin lesions consistent with HS, acne, and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) accompanied by elevated systemic inflammatory markers in blood. So far, several clinically different syndromes have been reported in the literature including pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and pyogenic arthritis (PAPA), pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa (PASH), pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and spondyloarthritis (PASS), pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, pyogenic arthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa (PAPASH), psoriatic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa (PsAPASH), and pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and ulcerative colitis (PAC). The rarity of the syndromes complicates the establishment of evidence‐based treatment guidelines. Furthermore, treatment can be challenging due to lack of response to standard treatment modalities. Therefore, it is important to increase the awareness about these diseases in order to optimize disease management and ultimately improve the quality of life of patients.
Treatment of gonorrhoea in Auckland, New Zealand: marked variation in prescriber adherence to treatment guidelines
Authors: Forster Rose , Ng Diana , Upton Arlo , Franklin Rick , Thomas Mark
Published: March 2017

Background

The relentless emergence and spread of strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae that are resistant to many antimicrobial agents has led to frequent changes in treatment guidelines, with a consequent risk that prescribers may not be aware of current guidelines.

Aim

To determine the proportion of patients with gonorrhoea who were treated with a regimen consistent with the New Zealand Sexual Health Society (NZSHS) guidelines.

Methods

We audited the treatment given to adult patients with laboratory‐proven gonorrhoea in Auckland, New Zealand, during the first 6 months of 2015.

Results

Treatment compliant with the current NZSHS guidelines was administered in only 65% (458/706) episodes overall. Guideline‐compliant treatment was much more likely to be prescribed for patients who presented to a sexual health clinic (89%) than for patients who presented to either a general practice or other community clinic (52%) or to a hospital (56%) (P < 0.0001). Overall, 52 of 706 (7%) episodes were not treated with any antimicrobial regimen by the service that diagnosed the patients’ gonorrhoea, 13 of 62 (21%) episodes in patients who presented to a hospital, 34 of 403 (8%) episodes in patients who presented to a general practice or other community clinic and 5 of 241 (2%) episodes in patients who presented to a sexual health clinic (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Low levels of compliance with treatment guidelines increase the risk that antibiotic‐resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae will spread within the Auckland region. Improved compliance with treatment guidelines, particularly in patients who present either to general practice or to hospitals, is necessary to maintain the efficacy of current treatment regimens.
Association between mortality and blood pressure variability in hypertensive and normotensive elders: A cohort study
Authors: Weiss Avraham , Beloosesky Yichayaou , Koren‐Morag Nira , Grossman Alon
Published: March 2017

To evaluate the association between blood pressure variability (BPV) and mortality in the elderly, all blood pressure measurements recorded in a cohort of individuals 65 years and older were collected and the association between BPV coefficient of variation (BPV divided by mean arterial pressure) was calculated. Mortality during a 10‐year period was compared between BPV coefficient of variation quartiles. Overall, 39 502 individuals 65 years and older were included in the analysis, of which 31 737 (80.3%) were hypertensive; 12 817 (32.4%) individuals died during the study period. Mortality was lower in the second and third blood pressure quartiles compared with the first quartile in both the normotensive and hypertensive groups. In both normotensive and hypertensive individuals, mortality was higher in the fourth quartile, but it was more pronounced in normotensive individuals (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.31 in hypertensive individuals vs odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–1.37 in normotensive individuals). High and low BPV are associated with mortality in both hypertensive and normotensive elders.
Commentary: Critical considerations for studying low‐functioning autism
Authors: Chakrabarti Bhismadev
Published: March 2017

Jack and Pelphrey provide a systematic review of neuroimaging studies in understudied populations within the autistic spectrum, focussing specifically on those with minimal verbal ability, intellectual disability and developmental regression. Despite accounting for nearly a third of the autistic spectrum, the number of studies focussing on these populations is extremely low. This review highlights a critical need for further neuroimaging research on these populations, and provides practical suggestions for overcoming the challenges posed by it. In this commentary, I discuss some of the theoretical questions that arise from the review, on the conceptualisation of the autistic spectrum as well as on optimising experimental design and analysis.
Respirometry increases cortisol levels in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss: implications for measurements of metabolic rate
Authors: Murray L. , Rennie M. D. , Svendsen J. C. , Enders E. C.
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to assess the extent to which chasing, handling and confining Oncorhynchus mykiss to a small respirometer chamber during respirometric experiments is stressful and affects metabolic measurements. The study observed increased cortisol levels in animals tested using a chase protocol and subsequent intermittent‐flow respirometry, suggesting that this procedural treatment may stress animals.
Application of DNA metabarcoding on faeces to identify European catfish Silurus glanis diet
Authors: Guillerault N. , Bouletreau S. , Iribar A. , Valentini A. , Santoul F.
Published: March 2017

In this study, the results of conventional stomach‐content analysis are compared with the recent DNA metabarcoding approach on faeces to identify fish species consumed by non‐native European catfish Silurus glanis in the Garonne River (south‐western France), with a special emphasis on anadromous prey. Fourteen prey species were identified in the stomach contents or faeces, including four anadromous fish species. Despite higher intestine than stomach emptiness, more species were identified through faecal analysis (11 of 14) than through stomach‐content analysis (five of 14) suggesting that DNA metabarcoding on faeces is an efficient, non‐intrusive technique to study the diet of predatory fishes.
Being an organizational ‘lynchpin’: Development and validation of the core‐versus‐peripheral position scale
Authors: Jiang Lixin , Tripp Thomas M. , Probst Tahira M.
Published: March 2017

This article explores whether holding a core organizational position – being a ‘lynchpin’ – provides employees with psychological benefits, such as higher experienced meaningfulness and affective commitment, as well as lower job insecurity and burnout. Understanding whether being in a core position leads to psychological benefits could help workers make better career choices. To this end, the purposes of this study were to provide a unified definition of core‐versus‐peripheral positions (CPP; i.e., core position is high in criticality, non‐substitutability, pervasiveness, and immediacy), as well as develop and validate a new measurement to assess CPP. In Study 1 and Study 2, we examined the factor structure and reliabilities of the CPP scale. In Study 3, we examined its convergent and discriminant validity. In Study 4, two samples were used to explore its predictive validity. Specifically, we found that criticality, non‐substitutability, pervasiveness, and immediacy predicted experienced meaningfulness, affective commitment, job insecurity, and burnout measured at a different time point. In Study 5, we demonstrated the consistency between self‐reported and other‐reported CPP. By demonstrating the benefits of being an organizational ‘lynchpin’, individual employees may consider the core‐versus‐peripheral nature of their job position before entering an organization.

Practitioner points

Using the position of landscape maintenance worker as an example, the same job position might be core in one organization (a landscaping business) and peripheral in another (e.g., working as a gardener at a university). Holding all else constant, the gardener in a landscaping company might have more positive outcomes (e.g., higher experienced meaningfulness and affective commitment, and lower job insecurity and burnout) than a gardener at a university.

From the organization's perspective, managerial efforts to enhance employee well‐being and satisfaction should be focused more on those in the peripheral positions than on core positions because employees in peripheral positions are likely to experience low psychological well‐being compared to those in core positions.

In an attempt to maximize their effective operation and competitive advantages, organizations may benefit most from hiring employees with high knowledge, skills, and abilities to take on core positions.
Unit Root Tests and Heavy‐Tailed Innovations
Authors: Georgiev Iliyan , Rodrigues Paulo M. M. , Robert Taylor A. M.
Published: March 2017

We evaluate the impact of heavy‐tailed innovations on some popular unit root tests. In the context of a near‐integrated series driven by linear process shocks, we demonstrate that their limiting distributions are altered under infinite variance vis‐à‐vis finite variance. Reassuringly, however, simulation results suggest that the impact of heavy‐tailed innovations on these tests is relatively small. We use the framework of Amsler and Schmidt () whereby the innovations have local‐to‐finite variances being generated as a linear combination of draws from a thin‐tailed distribution (in the domain of attraction of the Gaussian distribution) and a heavy‐tailed distribution (in the normal domain of attraction of a stable law). We also explore the properties of augmented Dickey–Fuller tests that employ Eicker–White standard errors, demonstrating that these can yield significant power improvements over conventional tests.
All roads lead to weediness: Patterns of genomic divergence reveal extensive recurrent weedy rice origins from South Asian Oryza
Authors: Huang Zhongyun , Young Nelson D. , Reagon Michael , Hyma Katie E. , Olsen Kenneth M. , Jia Yulin , Caicedo Ana L.
Published: March 2017

Weedy rice (Oryza spp.), a weedy relative of cultivated rice (O. sativa), infests and persists in cultivated rice fields worldwide. Many weedy rice populations have evolved similar adaptive traits, considered part of the ‘agricultural weed syndrome’, making this an ideal model to study the genetic basis of parallel evolution. Understanding parallel evolution hinges on accurate knowledge of the genetic background and origins of existing weedy rice groups. Using population structure analyses of South Asian and US weedy rice, we show that weeds in South Asia have highly heterogeneous genetic backgrounds, with ancestry contributions both from cultivated varieties (aus and indica) and wild rice. Moreover, the two main groups of weedy rice in the USA, which are also related to aus and indica cultivars, constitute a separate origin from that of Asian weeds. Weedy rice populations in South Asia largely converge on presence of red pericarps and awns and on ease of shattering. Genomewide divergence scans between weed groups from the USA and South Asia, and their crop relatives are enriched for loci involved in metabolic processes. Some candidate genes related to iconic weedy traits and competitiveness are highly divergent between some weed‐crop pairs, but are not shared among all weed‐crop comparisons. Our results show that weedy rice is an extreme example of recurrent evolution, and suggest that most populations are evolving their weedy traits through different genetic mechanisms.
Low FODMAP in 2017: Lessons learned from clinical trials and mechanistic studies
Authors: Eswaran S.
Published: March 2017

Given the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the suboptimal response to most therapeutic approaches, there has been increasing interest in and adoption of dietary treatment strategies, such as the low Fermentable Oligo‐, Di‐, & Mono‐Saccharides and Polyols (FODMAP) diet. FODMAPs are a diverse group of carbohydrates that exert effects in the gastrointestinal tract not only via fermentation but likely via alterations in the microbiota, metabolome, permeability, and intestinal immunity as well. Clinical evidence for efficacy of this diet is mounting, but there are significant questions regarding short‐ and long‐term safety and effects on the microbiota and nutrition that remain unanswered. This review article interprets the recent findings reported in this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility and summarizes the mechanistic and clinical efficacy data of the low FODMAP diet in IBS patients to date.
Red cell distribution width as a novel predictor of postoperative respiratory adverse events after adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Kozanhan Betul , Iyisoy Mehmet S.
Published: March 2017

Background

Respiratory adverse events are commonly observed after adenotonsillectomy in children with sleep‐disordered breathing. Preoperative prediction of these events enhances quality of care and resource management in facilities while encouraging precautions against them. Red cell distribution width, a measure of erythrocyte size variability, has recently been linked to adverse outcomes in a variety of disorders. Red cell distribution width has also been found to be associated with severity of obstructive sleep apnea in adults due to hypoxia‐mediated inflammation.

Aim

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether elevated red cell distribution width is associated with postoperative respiratory adverse events in children with symptoms of sleep‐disordered breathing.

Methods

A prospective, observational, assessor‐blinded study was conducted with consecutive children undergoing elective adenotonsillectomy for treatment of sleep‐disordered breathing. Under general anesthesia, adenoidectomy was performed by curettage, and tonsillectomy was carried out by dissection. The primary outcome was the occurrence of an adverse event during emergence or in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

Results

Among 287 patients, with mean ± sd age 7.49 ± 3.21, the frequency of respiratory complications during emergence was 62 (22.30%) and in PACU was 56 (20.14%). Mean ± sd red cell distribution width was 14.36 ± 1.06 in patients with complications and higher than that in those without complications 13.53 ± 0.59. Red cell distribution width had an adjusted odds ratio 7.28 (95% CI: 4.30–13.28) and area under the curve value 0.74 (95% CI: 0.67–0.81) to predict postoperative complications. A cutoff value for red cell distribution width was found to be 14.7.

Conclusion

Our study showed that preoperative elevated red cell distribution width is associated with an increased risk of respiratory adverse events in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for sleep‐disordered breathing.
Economic and hydraulic divergences underpin ecological differentiation in the Bromeliaceae
Authors: Males Jamie , Griffiths Howard
Published: March 2017

Leaf economic and hydraulic theories have rarely been applied to the ecological differentiation of speciose herbaceous plant radiations. The role of character trait divergences and network reorganization in the differentiation of the functional types in the megadiverse Neotropical Bromeliaceae was explored by quantifying a range of leaf economic and hydraulic traits in 50 diverse species. Functional types, which are defined by combinations of C3 or Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, terrestrial or epiphytic habits, and non‐specialized, tank‐forming or atmospheric morphologies, segregated clearly in trait space. Most classical leaf economic relationships were supported, but they were weakened by the presence of succulence. Functional types differed in trait‐network architecture, suggesting that rewiring of trait‐networks caused by innovations in habit and photosynthetic pathway is an important aspect of ecological differentiation. The hydraulic data supported the coupling of leaf hydraulics and gas exchange, but not the hydraulic safety versus efficiency hypothesis, and hinted at an important role for the extra‐xylary compartment in the control of bromeliad leaf hydraulics. Overall, our findings highlight the fundamental importance of structure–function relationships in the generation and maintenance of ecological diversity.