bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of sustained attention, maternal sensitivity, and infant temperament in the development of early self‐regulation
Authors: Frick Matilda A. , Forslund Tommie , Fransson Mari , Johansson Maria , Bohlin Gunilla , Brocki Karin C.
Published: September 2017

This study investigated infant predictors of early cognitive and emotional self‐regulation from an intrinsic and caregiving environmental perspective. Sustained attention, reactive aspects of infant temperament, and maternal sensitivity were assessed at 10 months (n = 124) and early self‐regulation (including executive functions, EF, and emotion regulation) was assessed at 18 months. The results indicated that sustained attention predicted early EF, which provide empirical support for the hierarchical framework of EF development, advocating early attention as a foundation for the development of cognitive self‐regulation. Maternal sensitivity and surgency predicted emotion regulation, in that infants of sensitive mothers showed more regulatory behaviours and a longer latency to distress, whereas high levels of surgency predicted low emotion regulation, suggesting both the caregiving environment and temperament as important in the development of self‐regulation. Interaction effects suggested high sustained attention to be a protective factor for children of insensitive mothers, in relation to emotion regulation. In addition, high levels of maternal sensitivity seemed to foster development of emotion regulation among children with low to medium levels of sustained attention and/or surgency. In all, our findings point to the importance of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors in infant development of self‐regulation.
Testing autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation: Asymptotic methods versus resampling techniques
Authors: Ke Zijun , Zhang Zhiyong (Johnny)
Published: September 2017

Autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation, which provide a mathematical tool to understand repeating patterns in time series data, are often used to facilitate the identification of model orders of time series models (e.g., moving average and autoregressive models). Asymptotic methods for testing autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation such as the 1/T approximation method and the Bartlett's formula method may fail in finite samples and are vulnerable to non‐normality. Resampling techniques such as the moving block bootstrap and the surrogate data method are competitive alternatives. In this study, we use a Monte Carlo simulation study and a real data example to compare asymptotic methods with the aforementioned resampling techniques. For each resampling technique, we consider both the percentile method and the bias‐corrected and accelerated method for interval construction. Simulation results show that the surrogate data method with percentile intervals yields better performance than the other methods. An R package pautocorr is used to carry out tests evaluated in this study.
Bias‐corrected estimation of the Rudas–Clogg–Lindsay mixture index of fit
Authors: Reiczigel Jenő , Ispány Márton , Tusnády Gábor , Michaletzky György , Marozzi Marco
Published: September 2017

Rudas, Clogg, and Lindsay (1994,J. R Stat Soc. Ser. B, 56, 623) introduced the so‐called mixture index of fit, also known as pi‐star (π*), for quantifying the goodness of fit of a model. It is the lowest proportion of ‘contamination’ which, if removed from the population or from the sample, makes the fit of the model perfect. The mixture index of fit has been widely used in psychometric studies. We show that the asymptotic confidence limits proposed by Rudaset al. (1994,J. R Stat Soc. Ser. B, 56, 623) as well as the jackknife confidence interval by Dayton (,Br. J. Math. Stat. Psychol., 56, 1) perform poorly, and propose a new bias‐corrected point estimate, a bootstrap test and confidence limits for pi‐star. The proposed confidence limits have coverage probability much closer to the nominal level than the other methods do. We illustrate the usefulness of the proposed method in practice by presenting some practical applications to log‐linear models for contingency tables.
Repurposing a novel parathyroid hormone analogue to treat hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Krishnan Venkatesh , Ma Yanfei L , Chen Catherine Z , Thorne Natasha , Bullock Heather , Tawa Gregory , Javella‐Cauley Christy , Chu Shaoyou , Li Weiming , Kohn Wayne , Adrian Mary D , Benson Charles , Liu Lifei , Sato Masahiko , Zheng Wei , Pilon Andre M , Yang N. Nora , Bryant Henry U
Published: September 2017

Background and Purpose

Human parathyroid hormone (PTH) is critical for maintaining physiological calcium homeostasis and plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of the bone. Full‐length PTH and a truncated peptide form are approved for treatment of hypoparathyroidism and osteoporosis respectively. Our initial goal was to develop an improved PTH therapy for osteoporosis, but clinical development was halted. The novel compound was then repurposed as an improved therapy for hypoparathyroidism.

Experimental Approach

A longer‐acting form of PTH was synthesised by altering the peptide to increase cell surface residence time of the bound ligand to its receptor. In vitro screening identified a compound, which was tested in an animal model of osteoporosis before entering human trials. This compound was subsequently tested in two independent animal models of hypoparathyroidism.

Key Results

The peptide identified, LY627‐2K, exhibited delayed internalization kinetics. In an ovariectomy‐induced bone loss rat model, LY627‐2K demonstrated improved vertebral bone mineral density and biomechanical properties at skeletal sites and a modest increase in serum calcium. In a Phase I clinical study, dose‐dependent increases in serum calcium were reproduced. These observations prompted us to explore a second indication, hypoparathyroidism. In animal models of this disease, LY627‐2K restored serum calcium, comparing favourably to treatment with wild‐type PTH.

Conclusions and Implications

We summarize the repositioning of a therapeutic candidate with substantial preclinical and clinical data. Our results support its repurposing and continued development, from a common indication (osteoporosis) to a rare disease (hypoparathyroidism) by exploiting a shared molecular target.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Inventing New Therapies Without Reinventing the Wheel: The Power of Drug Repurposing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.2/issuetoc
ELEMENTS OF THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE AS FIGURES OF SPEECH
Authors: SITWELL O.F.G.
Published: September 2017

It is argued that some elements of the cultural landscape take the form they do because they are the equivalents of the figures of speech of normal language. The paper examines: 1) the role played by figures of speech in normal language, 2) a model of the individual human person derived from physiological psychology capable of replicating the relevant patterns of observed speech and behaviour, 3) three figures of speech that (a) denote values, and (b) can be expressed in the landscape. It should be possible to test the thesis by means of systematic research.

La thèse de ce compte‐rendu est que certains elements du paysage culturel sont des transformations de certaines figures du discours de tous les jours. II s'agit d'une enquête sur : I) le rôle joué dans la langue par certaines figures du discours ; 2) un modèle de l'être humain qui est fonde sur des recherches des psychologues physiologiques, et qui peut reproduire les locutions figuratives et leurs transformations dans le paysage ; 3) trois figures du discours qui (a) signifient certaines valeurs, et (b) peuvent s'exprimer dans le paysage. Cette these serait capable de verification par la recherche systématique.
SOME NOTES ON THE GEOGRAPHY OF TOURISM: A COMMENT
Authors: MIECZKOWSKI ZBIGNIEW TED
Published: September 2017

In his article ‘Some notes on the geography of tourism,’ Britton raises a number of interesting issues about this relatively new branch of geography. Certainly he makes a thoughtful contribution to the discussion of the concepts, viability, and tasks of the geography of tourism, but there are points on which I disagree with him. I will address them through two main themes: the costs and benefits of tourism, and the conceptual questions of the geography of tourism.
Clinical features of cystatin A expression in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Komura Takuya , Takabatake Hisashi , Harada Kenichi , Yamato Masatoshi , Miyazawa Masaki , Yoshida Keiko , Honda Masao , Wada Takashi , Kitagawa Hirohisa , Ohta Tetsuo , Kaneko Shuichi , Sakai Yoshio
Published: September 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal malignancy known, with an extremely poor prognosis due to the lack of an efficient diagnostic scheme and no radical treatment option, except surgery. Therefore, understanding the pathophysiology of, and finding a novel biomarker to detect, PDAC should be prioritized. We observed an increase in mRNA expression of the cysteine protease inhibitor cystatin A (CSTA) in CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood cells of nine patients with PDAC, compared with the expression in seven healthy volunteers. Moreover, we confirmed significantly higher CSTA mRNA expression in a larger cohort of 41 patients with PDAC compared with that in 20 healthy volunteers. Correspondingly, the serum CSTA concentrations in 36 patients with PDAC were higher than those in 37 healthy volunteers, and this increase was correlated with PDAC clinical stage. Furthermore, the expression of CSTA and cathepsin B, which is a lysosomal cysteine protease inhibited by CSTA, was observed in tumor tissues and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in 20 surgically resected PDAC tissues by immunohistochemical staining. Expression of CSTA was detected in some tumor tissues and many tumor‐infiltrating immune cells. Cathepsin B expression was also observed in most tumor tissues and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells. In conclusion, CSTA and its substrate cathepsin B are involved in PDAC‐related inflammation. The increment of CSTA expression in peripheral blood of patients with PDAC may have a potential role as a PDAC immunopathologic biomarker.
Age‐related changes in and determinants of macular ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer thickness in normal Chinese adults
Authors: Huo Yan J , Guo Yan , Li Lei , Wang Huai Z , Wang Ya X , Thomas Ravi , Wang Ning L
Published: September 2017

Importance

Consideration of age‐related changes in macular ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness are important for glaucoma progression analysis.

Background

To report age‐related changes in and the determinants of high‐definition optical coherence tomography (HD‐OCT) measurements of mGCIPL thickness.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Participants

326 healthy adults.

Methods

All subjects underwent Cirrus HD‐OCT measurements of mGCIPL. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare mGCIPL thickness between 7 decades based age groups and macular sectors. Multiple regression analysis determined the association between mGCIPL thickness and age, gender, intraocular pressure (IOP), peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (pRNFL) and spherical equivalent.

Main Outcome Measures

Change in mGCIPL thickness and determinants of thickness.

Results

Mean mGCIPL thickness in 295 subjects was 80.80 ± 6.42 μm. Mean mGCIPL decreased by 0.12 μm (95% CI [confidence interval], 0.09–0.16) with every year of age; 1.61 μm (95% CI, 0.08–2.41) per decade. It showed two steep declines with age, first in the fifth and next in the seventh decade with relative stability between them. mGCIPL thickness was associated with pRNFL thickness (β = 0.30, P < 0.001) and IOP (β = −0.19, P = 0.03) but not with gender (β = −1.09, P = 0.116) or spherical equivalent (β = −0. 24, P = 0.145).

Conclusions and Relevance

Mean mGCIPL thickness showed a small age‐related linear decrease with two steep drops in the fifth and seventh decades. Thinner mGCIPL was independently associated with age, thinner pRNFL and higher IOP. These factors should be considered if using mGCIPL to detect progression of glaucoma and other optic neuropathies characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells.
Moving Out: Mapping Mobile Home Park Closures to Analyze Spatial Patterns of Low–Income Residential Displacement
Authors: Sullivan Esther
Published: September 2017

Mobile homes provide the largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing in the United States. However, in mobile home parks residents live at risk of eviction because they rent the land on which their homes are located. This study formulates a methodology to examine the residential turnover and displacement that result from the closure of these parks. I investigate the spatial distribution of closing mobile home parks through ArcGIS modeling of land–use data for all 1.2 million parcels in the case study region of Houston/Harris County, Texas, from 2002 to 2011. Findings demonstrate that the spatial distribution of closing mobile home parks is clustered along Houston's expanding city limit in areas where affordable housing development is taking place. Beyond providing spatial documentation of the process through which this important source of affordable housing is lost, this study highlights how low–income housing pressures and urban redevelopment intersect to shape affordable housing in contemporary metropolitan areas.
9‐cis‐Retinoic acid induces a distinct regulatory dendritic cell phenotype that modulates murine delayed‐type allergy
Authors: Kraus Lea‐Franziska , Scheurmann Natalie , Frenzel Denis F. , Tasdogan Alpaslan , Weiss Johannes M.
Published: September 2017

Background

Hand eczema, which is frequently caused by delayed‐type allergy, is treated with 9‐cis‐retinoic acid (9cisRA). However, knowledge on how 9cisRA modulates skin immunity is sparse.

Objective

As dendritic cells (DCs) are central in the pathogenesis of contact allergy, we investigated 9cisRA modulation of DC function in murine contact hypersensitivity (CHS).

Methods

9cisRA‐differentiated DCs (9cisRA‐DCs) were analysed for phenotype and function. In vivo 9cisRA‐DCs were tested in the CHS model.

Results

9cisRA induces the differentiation of a distinct CD103− CD207− regulatory DC phenotype. CD11c+ DCs differentiated with 9cisRA have lower expression of major histocompatibility complex‐II and costimulatory molecules, but conversely have higher expression of the inhibitory coreceptor PD1‐L. 9cisRA‐DC culture does not induce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, but strongly enhances osteopontin (OPN) secretion. 9cisRA‐DCs are compromised in the induction of T cell proliferation in vitro, but efficiently convert naive T cells into regulatory T cells (Tregs). Notably, OPN‐deficient 9cisRA‐DCs show a loss of Treg‐inducing function, which is re‐established by substituting OPN. In vivo, in allergic mice, allergen‐primed 9cisRA‐DCs suppress allergic inflammation and induce Treg accumulation in skin draining lymph nodes.

Conclusions

This study describes 9cisRA‐mediated differentiation of a distinct DC phenotype that relies on OPN for Treg transformation and suppresses established CHS through Treg induction.
Liver transplantation in critically ill patients: Preoperative predictive factors of post‐transplant mortality to avoid futility
Authors: Michard Baptiste , Artzner Thierry , Lebas Benjamin , Besch Camille , Guillot Max , Faitot François , Lefebvre François , Bachellier Philippe , Castelain Vincent , Maestraggi Quentin , Schneider Francis
Published: September 2017

Background

The allocation of liver transplants to patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) with multi‐organ failure who are admitted in ICU remains controversial due to their high post‐transplant mortality rate and the absence of identified mortality risk factors.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study to determine the post‐transplant mortality rate of patients with ALF and ACLF requiring ICU care prior to liver transplant (LT) and identified pretransplant factors of post‐transplant mortality.

Results

Eighty‐four patients (29 with ALF and 55 with ACLF) received a liver transplant while they were hospitalized at the ICU. Their mean model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score was 41, and their mean sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) was 15 the day before transplant. The overall 1‐year survival rate was 66%. In multivariate analysis, pretransplant lactate level and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were the only two independent factors associated with post‐transplant mortality. The absence of ARDS and a pretransplant lactate level< 5 mmol/L led to the identification of a subgroup of ICU patients with a good 1‐year post‐transplant survival (>80%).

Conclusions

Low lactatemia lactate level and the absence of ARDS could be useful criteria in selecting those patients in ICU who could be eligible for liver transplant.
Trends in mean growth and stability in temperate vertebrate populations
Authors: Leung Brian , Greenberg Daniel A. , Green David M.
Published: September 2017

Aim

Considerable controversy exists over the nature of the “Biodiversity Crisis.” While some studies suggest declining diversity, others suggest no loss on average. Population declines necessarily precede species loss and may therefore be a more sensitive metric. We examine trends in abundances to test the hypotheses: (1) losses are experienced disproportionately by some taxa, in particular amphibians; (2) positive trends in alien or unexploited species mask declines in native or exploited species, respectively; (3) populations are becoming more unstable, and variances of within‐population growth rates are increasing.

Location

Freshwater and terrestrial habitats in North America and Europe.

Methods

We analysed abundances of 4,343 population time series of 983 species of temperate amphibians, birds, bony fishes, reptiles and mammals from 1970 to 2014. Population mean trends were estimated using a state‐space model to account for observation error, and then, linear mixed‐effects models were used to test mean differences among groups. As a measure of instability, trends over time in variance of population growth rates were analysed using a Breusch–Pagan test for heteroscedacity, and integrated across populations using meta‐analysis.

Results

Mean trends for amphibians suggested a systematic decline, whereas birds, reptiles and mammals were increasing, on average, and freshwater fishes showed no net change in general. Origin and exploitation status did not explain the mean patterns. Large‐bodied birds and range‐restricted mammals exhibited stronger increases compared to their counterparts. For all taxonomic groups, population fluctuations have been increasing overall.

Main conclusions

Addressing amphibian declines should be a priority in temperate regions. Comparatively, the lack of broad declines in the other vertebrate classes is promising and not attributable to increases in alien or non‐exploited species. Yet, caution remains warranted given that patterns of increasing variance suggested that populations are generally becoming more unstable, even in temperate, developed nations, with arguably the strongest environmental regulations.
Insulin resistance and cardiovascular outcomes in the ORIGIN trial
Authors: Gerstein Hertzel C. , Ferrannini Ele , Riddle Matthew C. , Yusuf Salim ,   ORIGIN Trial Investigators
Published: September 2017

Aims

In the Outcome Reduction with an Initial Glargine Intervention (ORIGIN) trial (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT000069784), titrated doses of basal insulin glargine targeting fasting normoglycaemia had a neutral effect on cardiovascular outcomes. The dose of insulin required to achieve normoglycaemia provides a unique measurement of each individual's resistance to insulin's action, and was therefore used to examine the link between insulin resistance and cardiovascular outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Self‐titration of insulin doses targeting a fasting plasma glucose ≤5.3 mmoL/L (95 mg/dL) was promoted at every visit and cardiovascular and other serious health outcomes were ascertained. All analyses were restricted to participants allocated to insulin glargine, who added it to lifestyle or 1 glucose‐lowering oral agent at randomization. Normoglycaemia was defined as a fasting plasma glucose <5.6 mmol/L and HbA1c <6% at the 2‐year visit. The median of the natural logarithm of insulin doses (expressed per kg of fat‐free mass), recorded at every visit from randomization until either the penultimate visit or the first occurrence of a cardiovascular outcome, was analysed.

Results

Higher median insulin doses did not reflect incident cardiovascular events overall or in the subset that achieved normoglycaemia. When the dose taken before a cardiovascular event or the penultimate visit was analysed, the adjusted hazard of the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke was 0.94 (95% CI 0.88, 1.00) per unit higher dose overall, and 0.91 (95% CI 0.81, 1.01) in the normoglycaemic subset.

Conclusions

Insulin resistance may not promote cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with dysglycaemia.
“Diagnosis” of a hiatal hernia from a CT coronary artery calcium scan
Authors: Kerut Edmund Kenneth , Balart John T.
Published: September 2017

Identification of a hiatal hernia by computed tomography (CT) scanning, and particularly with axial imaging from a coronary artery calcium score exam, is often subjective. There are several CT features that are diagnostic or at least suggestive of a hiatal hernia. As a hiatal hernia may be the etiology of a chest pain syndrome, it is important to be aware of CT findings suggestive of such.
Coronary‐pulmonary arterial fistula in a neonate with pulmonary atresia—ventricular septal defect and single coronary artery
Authors: Alkhushi Naif , Al‐Radi Osman O. , Ajlan Amr , Abdelmohsen Gaser , Attia Wael
Published: September 2017

In cases of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA‐VSD), coronary‐pulmonary arterial fistula (CPAF) as the main source of pulmonary blood supply is extremely rare. These fistulae may arise from the left coronary artery, right coronary artery, or a single coronary artery. Fistulae from a single coronary artery are unusual. We are reporting a case of PA‐VSD with single coronary artery and CPAF as the main source of pulmonary supply in addition to two major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAS). Successful surgical correction with VSD closure and right ventricle (RV) to the pulmonary artery (PA) conduit was made.
Reverberation and multiple shadow artifacts recorded from patients with intra‐pericardial centrifugal continuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Güvenç Tolga Sinan , Velibey Yalçın , Güzelburç Özge , Çinier Göksel , Çetin Güvenç Rengin , Yıldırımtürk Özlem
Published: September 2017

Artifacts are by‐products of ultrasound imaging that may cause confusion or misdiagnosis if not interpreted correctly. There are, however, several disorders where a specific pattern of artifacts can aid in diagnosis, especially when the object in question cannot be visualized directly. In this manuscript, we report two patients with reverberation and shadow artifacts originating from the housing and the propeller of a continuous‐flow intra‐pericardial left ventricular assist device. Visualization of the artifacts required modified transthoracic views, so these artifacts should not pose a diagnostic challenge during a routine echocardiographic evaluation. However, we consider that shadow artifacts might be used to evaluate pump thrombosis in patients with intra‐pericardial assist devices.
Cardiac changes in moderately malnourished children and their correlations with anthropometric and electrolyte changes
Authors: El Razaky Osama , Naeem Ahmed , Donia Amr , El Amrousy Doaa , Elfeky Noha
Published: September 2017

Objective

To evaluate electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes in moderately malnourished children and to correlate them with both anthropometric and electrolyte changes.

Patients and method

Sixty moderately malnourished children were taken as patient group, and 60 healthy children of matched age and sex were taken as control group. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, and electrolytes were measured for all children. Electrocardiographic evaluation for calculated QT (QTc) and QT dispersion (QTd) was performed. Left ventricular (LV) function was also evaluated using conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler, and strain methods. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was also calculated.

Results

Weight, BMI, serum levels of albumin, total calcium, and ionized calcium were significantly lower, while QTc and QTd were significantly prolonged in malnourished children (P = .001 for all). There was significant reduction in LV fraction shortening (FS), LV Eʹ/Aʹ, LV strain (S), LV myocardial performance index (MPI), LV global systolic strain (GLSS), and LVMI (P = .001 for all) in malnourished children. There was significant correlation between BMI and all cardiac variables. Moreover, there was significant positive correlation between serum albumin level and LV Eʹ/Aʹ (P = .02), LV GLSS (P = .03), and LVMI (P = .03).Total and ionized calcium level were significantly correlated with QTc, QTd, and LVMI (P < .05 for all). BMI was the most powerful predictor of these electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes.

Conclusion

Cardiac changes were present in moderately malnourished children as documented by electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes, and these changes are in strong association with BMI and for a lesser extent with electrolyte changes especially serum calcium.
Early assessment of the left ventricular function by epirubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity in postoperative breast cancer patients
Authors: Luo Runlan , Cui Hongyan , Huang Dongmei , Li Guangsen
Published: September 2017

Objective

Epirubicin (Epi) is a potent and effective drug for many malignant cancers with serious cardiotoxicity. Therefore, layer‐specific two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) was used to evaluate the longitudinal and circumferential systolic function of the left ventricular for the early detection of cardiotoxicity in this retrospective work.

Methods

Overall, 130 female patients with postoperative breast cancer who did not receive radiotherapy were classified into three groups: Group A (control group, n = 40) without any chemotherapy; Group B (n = 44) administered Epi at 180 ~ 240 mg/m2; and Group C (n = 46) administered Epi at ≥360 mg/m2. Peak and global systolic longitudinal strains (GLS) in the total and endocardium, mid‐myocardium, and epicardium were measured and calculated from apical four‐chamber, apical two‐chamber, and left ventricular long‐axis views, respectively. Peak and global circumferential strains (GCS) in the total and endocardium, mid‐myocardium, and epicardium were measured and calculated from mitral annulus, papillary muscle, and apical levels of the short‐axis view, respectively.

Results

The total GLS and GLS of the endocardium in every view were significantly reduced in group C compared with both groups A and B (P < .05), but there was no significant difference between groups A and B (P > .05). The GLS of the epicardium and mid‐myocardium in groups B and C were not significantly reduced (P > .05). There were no significant differences in the total GCS and layer‐specific GCS of endocardium, mid‐myocardium, and epicardium among the three groups (P > .05).

Conclusions

Left ventricular longitudinal systolic dysfunction was detected. Moreover, an impaired endocardium was also detected in an early assessment by layer‐specific 2DSTE.
Transgastric: A forgotten view for atrial septal defect device closure procedures?
Authors: Cua Clifford L. , Cooper Amy L. , Dutro Marc , Berman Darren P.
Published: September 2017

Percutaneous closure of an atrial septal defect in the cardiac catheterization laboratory requires noninvasive imaging to assist in characterization of the atrial septal defect and deployment of the device. Transesophageal echocardiography is the modality most often used in these circumstances. Transesophageal echocardiographic guidelines exist for the assessment and guidance for atrial septal defect closures, but these guidelines do not mention transgastric views. In this case, we demonstrate that transgastric views are helpful in describing the atrial septal defect, especially as it concerns the inferior vena cava rim.
Phenological phases of the host plant shape plant–treehopper interaction networks
Authors: GADELHA YVE E. A. , LANGE DENISE , DÁTTILO WESLEY , LOPES BENEDITO C.
Published: September 2017

Several studies have recently focused on the structural pattern of plant–insect interaction networks. However, insects and plants have dynamic cycles and differ in their level of specialisation over time, space, and scales. Thus, it is expected that sap‐sucking insects, such as treehoppers, and plants will not share similar patterns of interactions in all phenological stages of the plants.

It was postulated that phenological stages of the host plant could change the structure of plant–treehopper networks, which will be more specialised during the reproductive stage than during the vegetative stage, mainly because of high concentrations of toxic compounds in the flowers. Here, quantitative metrics derived from graph theory were used to describe, for the first time, the changes in the structure of plant–treehopper interactions during the phenological stages of the host plants in Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The results revealed high temporal turnover of plant–treehopper interactions, and high similarity in the treehopper composition between the phenological stages. In both phenological stages, plant–treehopper networks exhibited a modular and non‐nested pattern. However, during the reproductive stage, the results showed lower species richness of plants and treehoppers, and higher levels of network specialisation compared with the vegetative phase.

These findings demonstrate that the organisation of the same ecological interaction can change throughout plant phenology. In short, it was shown that the phenological phases of the host plants can constitute a remarkable mechanism that shapes plant–treehopper interaction networks in a tropical rainforest.
Inpatient vs outpatient autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma
Authors: Shah Nina , Cornelison A. Megan , Saliba Rima , Ahmed Sairah , Nieto Yago L. , Bashir Qaiser , Parmar Simrit , Hosing Chitra , Popat Uday , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Champlin Richard E. , Qazilbash Muzaffar
Published: September 2017

Background

High‐dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto‐HCT) are commonly performed for multiple myeloma (MM) patients and may be as safe in the outpatient setting as in the inpatient setting.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective analysis of all MM patients undergoing auto‐HCT between January 2008 and December 2012. We categorized patients as outpatient vs inpatient auto‐HCT and compared clinical characteristics and outcomes between the groups.

Results

One thousand and forty‐six patients were included (669 inpatients, 377 outpatients). Patients transplanted as outpatients were significantly younger (58 [34‐78] vs 62 [31‐82], P < .001) and more likely to have an hematopoietic stem cell comorbidity index (HCT‐CI) score <2 (P = .003) and creatinine <2 (P < .001). There were no differences in treatment‐related mortality (TRM) but the inpatient group experienced significantly more grade 2‐5 (P = .003) and grade 3‐5 (P = .003) adverse events (AEs). 2 year progression‐free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in the outpatient group (60% vs 50%, HR =HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6‐0.9, P = .005). 2 year OS was also longer in the outpatient group (83% vs 77%, HR 0.6, 95% CI 04‐0.9, P = .01).

Conclusion

Outpatient auto‐HCT can be safely performed for selected patients with MM. Differences in outcomes are likely related to baseline clinical characteristics rather than choice of treatment setting.
Cancer is an independent predictor of poor outcomes in patients following intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Gon Y. , Todo K. , Mochizuki H. , Sakaguchi M.
Published: September 2017

Background and purpose

Patients with cancer have been reported to have poorer outcomes following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) than those without cancer, but the findings were not consistent between studies. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that cancer is associated with poor outcomes following ICH.

Methods

In all, 3137 consecutive patients admitted to the stroke unit of Osaka University Hospital were reviewed. Patients diagnosed with ICH were extracted and divided into two groups according to the presence of cancer. ICH characteristics were compared between the groups. The outcomes were measured using the 30‐day and 90‐day modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results

Amongst the 399 ICH patients (37.1% women; median age 66 years), the frequency of cancer was 15.3%. Of these, 70.5% of patients had distant metastatic cancers. Compared to controls, cancer patients were comparable in the Glasgow Coma Scale, hematoma volume and the frequency of infratentorial location and intraventricular hemorrhage extension, but had poorer outcomes following ICH. Ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that cancer was independently associated with poor outcomes following ICH (odds ratio 5.14; 95% confidence interval 2.63–10.06). Adjustment was made for the covariates age, sex, time from onset to admission, prior use of antithrombotic agents, pre‐stroke mRS, Glasgow Coma Scale, hematoma volume, infratentorial location and intraventricular hemorrhage extension. When the analysis was performed using data from individuals with localized cancer, the effect remained significant after assessment with 90‐day mRS but not after that with 30‐day mRS.

Conclusions

The results suggest that cancer, especially distant metastatic cancer, is an independent predictor of poorer outcomes following ICH.
Personality‐related differences in response to habitat in Mediterranean blue tits
Authors: Serrano‐Davies Eva , Araya‐Ajoy Yimen G. , Dingemanse Niels J. , Sanz Juan José
Published: September 2017

Habitat‐specific selection pressures have been widely recognized, but whether selection favours different personality types in different habitats has rarely been evaluated. This study aimed to test whether personality‐related differences in annual reproductive success differed between two populations of blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) occupying different Mediterranean habitats (oakwood and pinewood). We measured exploration and parental provisioning behaviours and used a path analysis to ask how the interplay between these two behavioural traits affected reproductive success in each of these two habitats. We found that blue tits breeding in the pinewood were slow‐exploring compared to blue tits breeding in the oakwood, suggesting the occurrence of personality‐related differences in settlement, or behavioural plasticity in response to habitat. Exploration behaviour and feeding rates were positively associated, suggesting that they affect each other or that there is an environmental factor affecting both traits simultaneously. Finally, fast explorers were favoured in the pinewood, while there was no selection acting on exploration behaviour in the oak habitat. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating habitat selection, plasticity and personality in the study of behavioural evolution.
Evaluation of the use of midazolam as a co‐induction agent with ketamine for anaesthesia in sedated ponies undergoing field castration
Authors: Allison A. , Robinson R. , Jolliffe C. , Taylor P. M.
Published: September 2017

Background

There are limited investigations comparing ketamine to a ketamine‐midazolam co‐induction.

Objectives

To compare quality and safety of general anaesthesia induced using ketamine alone with anaesthesia co‐induced using ketamine and midazolam.

Study design

Randomised, double blinded, placebo controlled trial.

Methods

After i.v. detomidine (20 μg/kg) thirty‐eight ponies undergoing field castration received either 0.06 mg/kg (0.6 mL/50 kg) midazolam (group M) or 0.6 mL/50 kg placebo (group P) with 2.2 mg/kg ketamine i.v. for anaesthetic induction. Quality of anaesthetic induction, endotracheal intubation, surgical relaxation and recovery were scored using combinations of simple descriptive and visual analogue scales. Time of sedation, induction, start of endotracheal intubation, first movement, sternal recumbency and standing were recorded, as were time, number and total quantity of additional i.v. detomidine and ketamine injections. Cardiorespiratory variables were assessed every 5 min. Adverse effects were documented. Data were tested for normality and analysed with a mixed model ANOVA, Fisher's exact test, unpaired Students’ t test and Wilcoxon Rank‐sum as appropriate; P<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Group M had better scores for induction (P = 0.005), intubation (P<0.001) and surgical relaxation (P<0.001) and required fewer additional injections of detomidine and ketamine (P = 0.04). Time (minutes) from induction to first movement (P<0.001), sternal recumbency (P =< 0.001) and standing was longer (P = 0.05) in group M. Recoveries were uneventful with no difference in quality between groups (P = 0.78).

Main limitations

Clinical study with noninvasive monitoring undertaken in field conditions.

Conclusions

Ketamine‐midazolam co‐induction compared to ketamine alone improved quality of induction, ease of intubation and muscle relaxation without impacting recovery quality.
A key tyrosine substitution restricts nucleotide hydrolysis by the ectoenzyme NPP5
Authors: Gorelik Alexei , Randriamihaja Antsa , Illes Katalin , Nagar Bhushan
Published: September 2017

The ecto‐nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (NPP) family of proteins mediates purinergic signaling by degrading extracellular nucleotides and also participates in phospholipid metabolism. NPP5 (ENPP5) is the least characterized member of this group and its specific role is unknown. This enzyme does not display activity on certain nucleotides and on other typical NPP substrates. In order to gain insights into its function, we determined the crystal structure of human and murine NPP5. Structural comparison with close homologs revealed a key phenylalanine to tyrosine substitution that prevents efficient hydrolysis of nucleotide diphosphates and triphosphates; reversal of this mutation enabled degradation of these molecules. Interestingly, NPP5 is able to cleave nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), suggesting a potential role of this enzyme in NAD‐based neurotransmission. An NPP5‐specific metal binding motif is found adjacent to the active site, although its significance is unclear. These findings expand our understanding of substrate specificity within the NPP family.

Database

Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers 5VEM, 5VEN, and 5VEO.
Multi‐model comparison highlights consistency in predicted effect of warming on a semi‐arid shrub
Authors: Renwick Katherine M. , Curtis Caroline , Kleinhesselink Andrew R. , Schlaepfer Daniel , Bradley Bethany A. , Aldridge Cameron L. , Poulter Benjamin , Adler Peter B.
Published: September 2017

A number of modeling approaches have been developed to predict the impacts of climate change on species distributions, performance, and abundance. The stronger the agreement from models that represent different processes and are based on distinct and independent sources of information, the greater the confidence we can have in their predictions. Evaluating the level of confidence is particularly important when predictions are used to guide conservation or restoration decisions. We used a multi‐model approach to predict climate change impacts on big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), the dominant plant species on roughly 43 million hectares in the western United States and a key resource for many endemic wildlife species. To evaluate the climate sensitivity ofA. tridentata, we developed four predictive models, two based on empirically derived spatial and temporal relationships, and two that applied mechanistic approaches to simulate sagebrush recruitment and growth. This approach enabled us to produce an aggregate index of climate change vulnerability and uncertainty based on the level of agreement between models. Despite large differences in model structure, predictions of sagebrush response to climate change were largely consistent. Performance, as measured by change in cover, growth, or recruitment, was predicted to decrease at the warmest sites, but increase throughout the cooler portions of sagebrush's range. A sensitivity analysis indicated that sagebrush performance responds more strongly to changes in temperature than precipitation. Most of the uncertainty in model predictions reflected variation among the ecological models, raising questions about the reliability of forecasts based on a single modeling approach. Our results highlight the value of a multi‐model approach in forecasting climate change impacts and uncertainties and should help land managers to maximize the value of conservation investments.
“Yubi‐wakka” (finger‐ring) test: A practical self‐screening method for sarcopenia, and a predictor of disability and mortality among Japanese community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Tanaka Tomoki , Takahashi Kyo , Akishita Masahiro , Tsuji Tetsuo , Iijima Katsuya
Published: September 2017

Aim

We developed a simple self‐screening method, the “Yubi‐wakka (finger‐ring)” test to assess sarcopenia swiftly. This prospective cohort study aimed to examine the validity of this test as a practical method among community‐dwelling older adults for identifying sarcopenia, and for predicting disability and mortality.

Methods

We followed 1904 older adults, and analyzed associations between this “Yubi‐wakka” test result at baseline in 2012 and sarcopenia at baseline, new‐onset sarcopenia followed until 2014, and new‐certification for the long‐term care insurance and mortality followed until 2016. The “Yubi‐wakka” test checks whether the maximum non‐dominant calf circumference is bigger than the individual's own finger‐ring circumference, which is formed by the thumb and forefinger of both hands. We divided participants into three groups, “bigger,” “just fits” and “smaller” based on a comparison between the calf and finger‐ring circumference.

Results

Of 1904 participants (mean age 72.8 ± 5.4 years), 53% were grouped as “bigger,” 33% were in “just fits” and 14% were in “smaller.” Relative to “bigger,” the test results statistically associated with sarcopenia (“just fits” OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.1 and “smaller” OR 6.6, 95% CI 3.5–13), by multivariate analyses. The test results also increased the risk of new‐onset sarcopenia (“just fits” HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2–3.8 and “smaller” HR 3.4, 95% CI 1.8–6.4). Furthermore, the “smaller” had 2.0‐ and 3.2‐fold increased risks for needing long‐term care insurance services and mortality, respectively.

Conclusions

The “Yubi‐wakka” test is an extremely practical method to identify older adults at risk of sarcopenia, disability and mortality. This test might contribute to increased primary prevention for sarcopenia by serving as an early wake‐up call for older adults against becoming sarcopenic. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 224–232.
Re‐evaluation of 33 ‘unclassified’ eosinophilic renal cell carcinomas in young patients
Authors: Li Yunjie , Reuter Victor E , Matoso Andres , Netto George J , Epstein Jonathan I , Argani Pedram
Published: September 2017

Aims

We sought to determine if some unclassified renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) in children and young adults that are characterised by predominantly eosinophilic cytoplasm are related to the recently described succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)‐deficient RCC, fumarate hydratase (FH)‐deficient RCC or eosinophilic solid and cystic (ESC) RCC.

Methods and results

We reviewed 33 unclassified RCCs with predominantly eosinophilic cytoplasm in patients aged 35 years or younger. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for SDHB, FH and CK20 (a marker of ESC) was performed in all cases. IHC for 2‐succinocysteine (2SC) was performed on RCC with loss of FH labelling. Four RCC (12%) (median age 18 years) demonstrated loss of FH labelling as well as aberrant 2SC labelling, and were thus classified as FH‐deficient RCCs. Importantly, none of these cases demonstrated the characteristic macronucleoli typical of FH‐deficient RCC. Eight RCC (24%) (median age 20.5 years) demonstrated loss of SDHB and were reclassified as SDH‐deficient RCCs. Importantly, only four of eight SDH‐deficient RCC demonstrated the characteristic cytoplasmic vacuoles and inclusions of typical SDH‐deficient RCC. Ten RCC (30%) (median age 27 years) were reclassified as ESC RCCs. Four of 10 ESC RCC were multifocal (one bilateral), four of 10 ESC RCC occurred in males and one patient presented with liver and lung metastases, all not described previously in ESC. Eleven RCC (33%) remained unclassified.

Conclusions

Pathologists should have a low threshold for performing FH, SDHB and CK20 IHC when confronted with unclassified eosinophilic RCC or ‘oncocytoma’ in young patients.
Different Contexts and Trends: Latina Immigrant Fertility in the US and Spain
Authors: Cristina Mora G. , Fernández Juan J. , Torre Margarita
Published: September 2017

This article provides the first cross‐national assessment of Latina immigrant fertility trends. Specifically, we compare Ecuadorian women in Spain (EiS) to Mexican women in the United States (MiUS). We focus on these two groups because they (1) have similar socio‐economic profiles and (2) are the largest Latina subgroups in their respective host countries. We show that since 2001, the fertility rate of EiS has declined substantially more than the fertility rate of MiUS has. Drawing on census and administrative data in both countries, we assess four factors that might explain this difference: economic cycles, linguistic affinity, labor market participation, and education. We argue that labor market and education factors can best help to explain Latina fertility patterns. We conclude by discussing the findings with regard to contemporary arguments about Latino culture and immigrant fertility, and by describing the study's policy implications.
Escape from predators and genetic variance in birds
Authors: Jiang Y. , Møller A. P.
Published: September 2017

Predation is a common cause of death in numerous organisms, and a host of antipredator defences have evolved. Such defences often have a genetic background as shown by significant heritability and microevolutionary responses towards weaker defences in the absence of predators. Flight initiation distance (FID) is the distance at which an individual animal takes flight when approached by a human, and hence, it reflects the life‐history compromise between risk of predation and the benefits of foraging. Here, we analysedFIDin 128 species of birds in relation to three measures of genetic variation, band sharing coefficient for minisatellites, observed heterozygosity and inbreeding coefficient for microsatellites in order to test whetherFIDwas positively correlated with genetic variation. We found consistently shorterFIDfor a given body size in the presence of high band sharing coefficients, low heterozygosity and high inbreeding coefficients in phylogenetic analyses after controlling statistically for potentially confounding variables. These findings imply that antipredator behaviour is related to genetic variance. We predict that many threatened species with low genetic variability will show reduced antipredator behaviour and that subsequent predator‐induced reductions in abundance may contribute to unfavourable population trends for such species.