bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome in patients treated with isolated liver transplantation for familial transthyretin amyloidosis to prevent cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nelson Lærke M. , Penninga Luit , Villadsen Gerda E. , Mølgaard Henning , Eiskjær Hans , Hillingsø Jens G. , Rasmussen Allan
Published: September 2015

Background

Familial transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is caused by different TTR mutations resulting in different clinical phenotypes of the disease. The Leu111Met mutation causes severe restrictive cardiomyopathy. Liver transplantation (LTx) is an established treatment option for patients with TTR amyloidosis; however, information on outcome after isolated LTx in patients with Leu111Met mutation amyloidosis is limited.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2012, six patients with TTR Leu111Met amyloidosis underwent isolated orthotopic LTx. None suffered from neuropathy. Prior to LTx, patients presented with echocardiographic manifestations of early cardiac amyloid involvement and in five endomyocardial biopsy was positive for TTR amyloid.

Results

Median age at LTx was 45.5 yr (range 39–54), and four were male (67%). All patients were alive at a median follow‐up of 56.6 months (range 18–104). No surgical complications occurred. Two patients (33%) underwent cardiac transplantation during follow‐up due to progressive cardiomyopathy. The remaining four patients experienced no echocardiographic or clinical deterioration of cardiac function following LTx.

Conclusion

Isolated LTx appears to be a valuable treatment option for patients with familial TTR amyloidosis due to Leu111Met mutation. Appropriate timing of LTx is of utmost importance to avoid development of severe amyloid cardiomyopathy and the need for combined heart and liver transplantation.
Accounting for the indirect area effect in stacked species distribution models to map species richness in a montane biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Pouteau Robin , Bayle Élise , Blanchard Élodie , Birnbaum Philippe , Cassan Jean‐Jérôme , Hequet Vanessa , Ibanez Thomas , Vandrot Hervé
Published: September 2015

Aim

Understanding how species richness is distributed is a critical prerequisite to implement efficient conservation strategies in biodiversity hotspots. Stacked species distribution models (S‐SDMs) provide new opportunities to map species richness, but the accuracy of this method may decline with elevation. Here, we test whether variation in model accuracy arises from increasingly unpredictable environments or the decreasing availability of area with increasing elevation, which might affect the regional pool of species and, as a result, the local species richness (the indirect area effect).

Location

The New Caledonian biodiversity hotspot (south‐west Pacific Ocean).

Methods

An individual MAXENT model was built for 562 tree species by combining eight 100‐m resolution environmental variables with c. 10,000 occurrence records. For each species, a map was produced at a one‐hectare scale indicating the estimated habitat suitability. All models were then summed, and the resulting estimates were compared with richness measured in 11 independent one‐hectare inventories. To account for the indirect area effect, S‐SDM estimates were adjusted through the Arrhenius' equation linking the number of species hosted by a habitat with its surface area.

Results

The S‐SDM predictions ranged from 95 to 251 species (mean = 153) while field inventories were lower, ranging from 39 to 131 species (mean = 90). Overall, the S‐SDM increasingly overestimated richness as elevation increased. Taking into account the indirect area effect de‐correlated residuals from elevation and induced a significant correlation between modelled and measured species richness.

Conclusion

The decreasing accuracy of the S‐SDM with elevation was explained by the decreasing availability of habitat influencing regional diversity found in each elevational band. Despite remaining difficulties to predict species richness when addressing the indirect area effect, our findings represent a significant step forward towards improved S‐SDM designing.
Does First Nations ancestry modify the association between gestational diabetes and subsequent diabetes: a historical prospective cohort study among women in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Shen G. X. , Shafer L. A. , Martens P. J. , Sellers E. , Torshizi A. A. , Ludwig S. , Phillips‐Beck W. , Heaman M. , Prior H. J. , McGavock J. , Morris M. , Dart A. B. , Campbell R. , Dean H. J.
Published: September 2015

Background

Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of diabetes has steadily increased among Canadians, and is particularly evident among First Nations (FN) women. The interplay between FN ancestry, gestational diabetes and the development of subsequent diabetes among mothers remains unclear.

Methods

After excluding known pre‐existing diabetes, we explored whether FN ancestry may modify the association between gestational diabetes and post‐partum diabetes among women in Manitoba (1981–2011) via a historical prospective cohort database study. We analysed administrative data in the Population Health Research Data Repository using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Gestational diabetes was diagnosed in 11 906 of 404 736 deliveries (2.9%), 6.7% of FN and 2.2% of non‐FN pregnant women (P < 0.0001). Post‐partum diabetes during ≤ 30 years follow‐up was more than three times higher among FN women than among non‐FN women (P < 0.0001). Diabetes developed in 76.0% of FN and 56.2% of non‐FN women with gestational diabetes within the follow‐up period. The hazard ratio of gestational diabetes for post‐partum diabetes was 10.6 among non‐FN women and 5.4 among FN women. Other factors associated with a higher risk of diabetes included lower family income among FN and non‐FN women and rural/remote residences among FN women. Among non‐FN women, urban residence was associated with a higher risk of diabetes.

Conclusion

Gestational diabetes increases post‐partum diabetes in FN and non‐FN women. FN women had substantially more gestational diabetes or post‐partum diabetes than non‐FN women, partially due to socio‐economic and environmental barriers. Reductions in gestational diabetes and socio‐economic inequalities are required to prevent diabetes in women, particularly in FN population.
The use of pulse oximetry in evaluation of pulp vitality in immature permanent teeth
Authors: Bargrizan Majid , Ashari Mohammad Asna , Ahmadi Mohsen , Ramezani Jamileh
Published: September 2015

Background and aim

The current methods of pulp vitality assessment, either electric or thermal, are of limited use in children. Recently, traumatized and immature teeth may not respond to such methods and because such methods require subjective responses, it may not provide accurate results particularly in children. Pulse oximetry, an atraumatic approach, is used to measure oxygen saturation in vascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of pulse oximetry to evaluate pulp vitality status in immature permanent teeth.

Methods and materials

The study was conducted on 329 maxillary central and lateral incisors in children. The negative control group consisted of 10 root filled teeth. Systemic oxygen saturation was first measured on the thumb of the individual using a custom‐made sensor. Oxygen saturation values of the teeth were then evaluated. The correlation between oxygen saturation measurement obtained from finger and tooth, and the correlation between oxygen saturation values and stage of root development were analyzed. A further comparison was made between the teeth with open and closed apex.

Results

Mean oxygen values recorded in the patient's finger were 97.17%, and mean oxygen values in the maxillary central and lateral incisors were 86.77% and 83/92%, respectively. There was no significant correlation between blood oxygen levels in the finger and in the teeth. (P > 0.05) There was a significant negative correlation between the stage of root development and the blood oxygen levels in the patients' teeth. (P < 0.05) Mean oxygen values in the teeth with open apex were significantly higher than the teeth with closed apex. (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Vital teeth provided consistent oxygen saturation readings, and non‐vital teeth recorded no oxygen saturation values. During tooth development, the oxygen saturation values decreased. These findings confirm that the pulse oximetry is capable of detecting the pulpal blood flow and oxygen saturation.
Two‐regime Pattern in Human Mobility: Evidence fromGPSTaxi Trajectory Data
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Rasouli Soora , Timmermans Harry
Published: September 2015

Research on complex systems has identified various aggregate relationships in phenomena that describe these systems. Travel length has been characterized by negative power distributions. Controversy, however, exists over whether mobility patterns can be modeled in terms of a simple power law (Lévy flight model) or that more complicated power laws (exponential power law, truncated Pareto) are required. This study concentrates on two issues: testing the validity of exponential power laws and truncated Pareto distributions in urban systems to describe aggregate mobility patterns, and examining differences in mobility patterns for different travel purposes. The article describes the results of an analysis of Global Positioning System (GPS) taxi trajectory data, collected in Guangzhou, China, to identify mobility patterns in the city. The least squares statistic is used to estimate the parameters of the distribution functions. Results suggest that a fusion of functions, based on an exponential power law and a truncated Pareto distribution, represents the travel time distribution best. Moreover, the findings of this study indicate different mobility patterns to exist for different travel purposes.
Characterization of Thermal Barrier Coatings Produced by Various Thermal Spray Techniques Using Solid Powder, Suspension, and Solution Precursor Feedstock Material
Authors: Ganvir Ashish , Curry Nicholas , Govindarajan Sivakumar , Markocsan Nicolaie
Published: September 2015

Use of a liquid feedstock in thermal spraying (an alternative to the conventional solid powder feedstock) is receiving an increasing level of interest due to its capability to produce the advanced submicrometer/nanostructured coatings. Suspension plasma spraying (SPS) and solution precursor plasma spraying (SPPS) are those advanced thermal spraying techniques which help to feed this liquid feedstock. These techniques have shown to produce better performance thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) than conventional thermal spraying. In this work, a comparative study was performed between SPS‐ and SPPS‐sprayed TBCs which then were also compared with the conventional atmospheric plasma‐sprayed (APS) TBCs. Experimental characterization included SEM, porosity analysis using weight difference by water infiltration, thermal conductivity measurements using laser flash analysis, and lifetime assessment using thermo‐cyclic fatigue test. It was concluded that SPS coatings can produce a microstructure with columnar type features (intermediary between the columnar and vertically cracked microstructure), whereas SPPS can produce vertically cracked microstructure. It was also shown that SPS coatings with particle size in suspension (D50) <3 μm were highly porous with lower thermal conductivity than SPPS and APS coatings. Furthermore, SPS coatings have also shown a relatively better thermal cyclic fatigue lifetime than SPPS.
Explaining the Small Employment Effects of the Minimum Wage in the United States
Authors: Schmitt John
Published: September 2015

This paper reviews the most recent wave of research—roughly since 2000—on the employment effects of the U.S. minimum wage and concludes that the weight of evidence points to little or no employment response to modest increases. The paper then examines eleven possible adjustments to minimum‐wage increases that may explain why the measured employment effects are consistently small. Given the relatively low cost to employers of modest increases in the minimum wage, these adjustment mechanisms appear to be sufficient to avoid employment losses, even for employers with a large share of low‐wage workers.
Underwork, Work‐Hour Insecurity, and A New Approach to Wage and Hour Regulation
Authors: Alexander Charlotte , Haley‐Lock Anna
Published: September 2015

When it was passed in 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sought to address the “evils” of underpay and overwork by establishing an hourly minimum wage and requiring premium overtime pay. However, today's low‐wage, hourly workers more often face underwork than overwork, as well as fluctuating, unstable schedules, neither of which is addressed by the FLSA. This paper presents and assesses the effectiveness of an alternative approach to wage and hour regulation, the “reporting pay” guarantee. We begin by examining the problem of work‐hour insecurity, particularly employers’ practice of sending workers home early from scheduled shifts. We then move to a detailed assessment of state laws that require reporting pay, as well as reporting pay guarantees in union contracts and private‐employer practices that attempt to address the problem of work‐hour insecurity. We conclude by considering paths for strengthening such protections in law.
Career transition antecedents in the information technology area
Authors: Joia Luiz Antonio , Mangia Ursula
Published: September 2015

The more organizations invest in information technology (IT), the more the concern with IT personnel management has increased, namely the hiring, training and retaining of IT professionals needed to deal with such investments. In this context, two issues related to these professionals have often been observed, namely ‘turnover’ – in which the IT professional changes job but still remains in the IT area – and ‘turnaway’ – in which the IT professional abandons the IT area and assumes a job in another area in the same organization or another, usually rising to a managerial position. This work addresses the turnaway of IT professionals in Brazil. The relevance of this research is supported by the shortage of adequately trained IT professionals to work in the productive sector in this country. Therefore, by using and adapting the extant scientific literature, research hypotheses associated with the IT professional turnaway phenomenon are developed and tested via structural equation modelling. It was then concluded that exhaustion with work in the IT area, job dissatisfaction, the need to acquire further experience to remain attractive in the job market, the need for professional growth and prior and conscious managerial capacity development for career transition are the main antecedents of the career transition of IT professionals to other functional areas.
Pharmacy duty scheduling problem
Authors: Özpeynirci Özgür , Ağlamaz Ebru
Published: September 2015

In this study, we define the pharmacy duty scheduling problem, which requires a subset of pharmacies to be on duty on national holidays, at weekends, and at nights, in order to be able to satisfy the emergency medicine needs. We model the pharmacy duty scheduling problem as a multiperiod p‐median problem with special side constraints, and analyze the computational complexity. We propose a Tabu Search heuristic and develop lower bound (LB) algorithms. We test the performance of mathematical models, Tabu Search heuristic, and the LBs on randomly generated instances. We analyze the current system in İzmir, the third largest city in Turkey, with a population of 3.5 million, and apply solution methods. Our results show that the proposed Tabu Search algorithm suggests improvements on the current system.
Measuring Sustainability Efficiency Using a Two‐Stage Data Envelopment Analysis Approach
Authors: Halkos George E. , Tzeremes Nickolaos G. , Kourtzidis Stavros A.
Published: September 2015

In this article, we apply an additive two‐stage data envelopment analysis estimator on a panel of 20 countries with advanced economies for the time period 1990–2011 in order to create a composite sustainability efficiency index. We use a window‐based approach in order to study the countries over the years. The sustainability efficiency index is decomposed into production efficiency and eco‐efficiency indicators. The results reveal inequalities among the examined countries between the two stages. The eco‐efficiency stage is characterized by large inequalities among countries and significantly lower efficiency scores than the overall sustainability efficiency and the production efficiency. Finally, it is reported that a country's high production efficiency level does not ensure a high eco‐efficiency performance.
Comparison of pigment cell ultrastructure and organisation in the dermis of marble trout and brown trout, and first description of erythrophore ultrastructure in salmonids
Authors: Djurdjevič Ida , Kreft Mateja Erdani , Sušnik Bajec Simona
Published: September 2015

Skin pigmentation in animals is an important trait with many functions. The present study focused on two closely related salmonid species, marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) and brown trout (S. trutta), which display an uncommon labyrinthine (marble‐like) and spot skin pattern, respectively. To determine the role of chromatophore type in the different formation of skin pigment patterns in the two species, the distribution and ultrastructure of chromatophores was examined with light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The presence of three types of chromatophores in trout skin was confirmed: melanophores; xanthophores; and iridophores. In addition, using correlative microscopy, erythrophore ultrastructure in salmonids was described for the first time. Two types of erythrophores are distinguished, both located exclusively in the skin of brown trout: type 1 in black spot skin sections similar to xanthophores; and type 2 with a unique ultrastructure, located only in red spot skin sections. Morphologically, the difference between the light and dark pigmentation of trout skin depends primarily on the position and density of melanophores, in the dark region covering other chromatophores, and in the light region with the iridophores and xanthophores usually exposed. With larger amounts of melanophores, absence of xanthophores and presence of erythrophores type 1 and type L iridophores in the black spot compared with the light regions and the presence of erythrophores type 2 in the red spot, a higher level of pigment cell organisation in the skin of brown trout compared with that of marble trout was demonstrated. Even though the skin regions with chromatophores were well defined, not all the chromatophores were in direct contact, either homophilically or heterophilically, with each other. In addition to short‐range interactions, an important role of the cellular environment and long‐range interactions between chromatophores in promoting adult pigment pattern formation of trout are proposed.
Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness is Inversely Related to Bone Density in Female but not in Male Patients with Acute Stroke
Authors: Kim Shi Nae , Lee Hye Sun , Nam Hyo Suk , Lee Hwa Reung , Kim Jung Min , Han Sang Won , Park Joong Hyun , Baik Jong Sam , Kim Jeong Yeon , Park Jae Hyeon
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Atherosclerosis and osteoporosis are two major public health problems. It is still uncertain whether an abnormal carotid ultrasonography, either increased intima‐media thickness (IMT) or plaque thickness, is associated with osteoporosis in acute ischemic stroke patients. To investigate the possible relationships between osteoporosis and carotid atherosclerosis, we evaluated the correlation between carotid IMT/plaque thickness and bone mineral density (BMD) in acute ischemic stroke patients.

METHODS

Patients having their first ischemic stroke within seven days were screened for the study. The IMT was scanned approximately 10 mm proximal to the beginning of the dilatation of the carotid bulb. The plaques were measured in both common and internal carotid arteries. The BMD was measured at total hip and lumbar spine in the anterior‐posterior projection, using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

A total of 155 patients were enrolled in the study and the mean age was 68.3 ± 10.34 years. Multiple linear regression analysis reveals that age (P < .001), smoking (P = .016), and osteoporosis (P = .001) were significantly associated with increased carotid IMT/plaque thickness. Old age, current smoking, and osteoporosis were significantly related to increased IMT/plaque thickness in acute ischemic stroke patients. In women, IMT/plaque thickness was significantly related to age (P = .01) and osteoporosis (P = .025). In men, though there was no significant relationship, a trend toward old age and having osteoporosis was observed in increased IMT/plaque thickness (P = .051, P = .086).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that carotid IMT/plaque thickness was inversely related to the BMD in female but not in male patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Brain CT to Assess Intracranial Pressure in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Pappu Suguna , Lerma Jesus , Khraishi Tariq
Published: September 2015

INTRODUCTION

Morphologic features of computed tomography (CT) scans of the brain can be used to estimate intracranial pressure (ICP) via an image‐processing algorithm. Clinically, such estimations can be used to prognosticate outcomes and avoid placement of invasive intracranial monitors in certain patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Features on a CT scan that may correlate with measurements of low ICP are sought.

METHODS

A measure is proposed that is a function of the distribution of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in and around the brain. In our method, we present an algorithm that semiautomatically segments brain parenchyma from CSF, and apply standard image processing calculations. The ratio of CSF volume to the size of the intracranial vault (ICV) or volume inside the skull, csfv/icvv is calculated and then plotted against the actual recorded ICP, yielding a relationship between the image features and ICP.

RESULTS

We analyzed a total of 45 scans from 20 patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We showed that a ratio csfv/icvv > .034 correlates with an ICP < 20 mmHg (P = .0046). For csfv/icvv ≤ .034, a distinction between low and high ICP cannot be effectively estimated by this univariate measure.

CONCLUSION

This method permits a noninvasive means of identifying patients who are low risk for having elevated ICP; by following Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines strictly such a patient may be subjected to an unnecessary, invasive procedure. This work is a promising pilot study that will need to be analyzed for a larger population.
Diagnostic Performance of Brain MRI in Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
Authors: Narvid Jared , Rehani Bhavya , Talbott Jason F.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Central nervous system immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (CNS‐IRIS) significantly negatively impacts the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected population on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We sought to determine the diagnostic performance of several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for CNS‐IRIS in a cohort of HIV+ patients recently started on cART.

METHODS

Our radiologic database was searched from January 2003 to September 2014 retrospectively for patients diagnosed with HIV and worsening symptoms on cART. A total of 20 patients with HIV were identified; patients were classified as having CNS‐IRIS on the basis of established clinical criteria (8 patients; 12 age‐ and sex‐matched controls). Brain MR images were obtained at a single post‐cART timepoint during hospitalization for acute neurologic deterioration and blindly interpreted by two experienced neuroradiologists for the presence of four variables: intrinsic T1 hyperintensity, marginal reduced diffusion, and marginal enhancement or perivascular enhancement.

RESULTS

Although each individual finding showed moderate predictive accuracy, the combination of MR findings demonstrated good test characteristics: sensitivity 88% (confidence interval [CI] 62‐98), specificity 79% (58‐93), positive predictive value 71% (44‐90%), and negative predictive value 83% (CI 52‐98%). In addition, this final diagnosis demonstrated good predictive accuracy, area under curve .78 (CI .63‐.91), and moderate inter‐reader agreement, κ = .55.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that although each individual MR finding shows only moderate diagnostic performance, the combined assessment of experienced neuroradiologists has good predictive accuracy. The absence of any described MRI findings makes the diagnosis of CNS‐IRIS highly unlikely.
Effects of dietary n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios on the mass, and histological and ultrastructures of liver, spleen and thymus of 70‐day‐old Yangzhou Goslings
Authors: Wang M. Z. , Ding L. Y. , Gao J. , Wang J. F. , Zhou G. , Zhang J.
Published: September 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratios on the organ indexes, and histological and ultrastructures of organs including liver, spleen and thymus in 70‐day‐old Yangzhou goslings. One‐hundred and sixty 21‐day‐old Yangzhou goslings were randomly divided into 4 groups and fed 4 diets varying in the n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio from 3:1 up to 12:1. After 1‐week acclimation, the feeding experiment lasted for 6 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, goslings were slaughtered and the liver, spleen and thymus were weighed, and their histological and ultrastructures were examined. The results showed that the organ indices in the 3:1 group were remarkably higher than in the other three groups, whereas the mitochondrial square did not differ among four groups. The histological and ultrastructures of the liver, spleen and thymus were not affected by the diets with the lower n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratios (3:1 and 6:1). However, feeding diets with the higher n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratios (9:1 and 12:1), the nuclear chromatin was concentrated and marginalized; the cell membrane was contracted inwardly and disrupted; the mitochondrial membrane was damaged to some degree. In conclusion, the diet containing higher content of n‐3 PUFA might improve immune capacity of goslings the animal by accelerating the growth and maintaining cellular structures of organs like liver, spleen and thymus.
Informal Institutions and Judicial Independence in Paraguay, 1954–2011
Authors: Basabe‐Serrano Santiago
Published: September 2015

This article explains how informal institutions have prevented the emergence of autonomous judges in Paraguay between 1954 and 2011. The central argument is that co‐optation, clientelism, and judicial corruption considered as informal institutions, rooted during the dictatorship, have impeded the appearance of an independent judicial branch in the democratic regime. To test this hypothesis, the article relies on historical narratives, surveys, and semistructured interviews. The conclusions suggest that in countries that have experienced the consolidation of informal institutions oriented toward maintaining the ties of subordination of judges to politicians, constitutional reforms and fragmentation of political power are necessary but not sufficient conditions for improving judicial independence.
The smallest comet 81P/Wild 2 dust dances around the CI composition
Authors: Rietmeijer Frans J. M.
Published: September 2015

The bulbous Stardust track #80 (C2092,3,80,0,0) is a huge cavity. Allocations C2092,2,80,46,1 nearest the entry hole and C2092,2,80,47,6 about 0.8 mm beneath the entry hole provide evidence of highly chaotic conditions during capture. They are dominated by nonvesicular low‐Mg silica glass instead of highly vesicular glass found deeper into this track which is consistent with the escape of magnesiosilica vapors generated from the smallest comet grains. The survival of delicate (Mg,Al,Ca)‐bearing silica glass structures is unique to the entry hole. Both allocations show a dearth of surviving comet dust except for a small enstatite, a low‐Ca hypersthene grain, and a Ti‐oxide fragment. Finding scattered TiO2 fragments in the silica glass could support, but not prove, TiO2 grain fragmentation during hypervelocity capture. The here reported dearth in mineral species is in marked contrast to the wealth of surviving silicate and oxide minerals deeper into the bulb. Both allocations show Fe‐Ni‐S nanograins dispersed throughout the low‐Mg silica glass matrix. It is noted that neither comet Halley nor Wild 2 had a CI bulk composition for the smallest grains. Using the analogs of interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) and cluster IDPs it is argued that a CI chondritic composition requires the mixing of nonchondritic components in the appropriate proportions. So far, the fine‐grained Wild 2 dust is biased toward nonchondritic ferromagnesiosilica materials and lacking contributions of nonchondritic components with Mg‐Fe‐Ni‐S[Si‐O] compositions. To be specific, “Where are the GEMS”? The GEMS look‐alike found in this study suggests that evidence of GEMS in comet Wild 2 may still be found in the Stardust glass.
Climate change and us: What nephrologists should know
Authors: Barraclough Katherine A , Holt Stephen G , Agar John WM
Published: September 2015

Global warming poses significant risks to human health and the planet. If allowed to continue unchecked, its consequences will be devastating. While all populations will be effected with time, vulnerable groups, including those with kidney disease, are likely to be at primary risk. This paper summarizes the current state of scientific knowledge relevant to climate change. It discusses the contribution of the health‐care system, and particularly dialysis programmes, to greenhouse gas emissions, and pathways that exist for nephrologists to mitigate their environmental impact.
Drifting of teeth in the mandible studied in adult human autopsy material
Authors: Dalstra M. , Sakima M. T. , Lemor C. , Melsen B.
Published: September 2015

Structured Abstract

Objectives

Increase in lower anterior crowding is a general problem among adult Caucasians. The tooth movement responsible for this phenomenon, however, is not fully elucidated. Aim of this study was to describe signs of ongoing tooth movement reflected in the thickness of the bundle bone around mandibular teeth and the distribution of eroding surfaces of the alveolar wall in human autopsy material.

Material and Methods

The distribution of bundle bone and eroding surfaces was assessed histomorphometrically on 106 mandibular teeth, and the surrounding bone obtained at autopsy from 35 deceased persons ranging from 19 to 55 years of age. By examining the mesio‐distal and bucco–lingual aspects at the cervical and apical levels of the roots, a pattern of tooth movements could be established.

Results

The distribution of the bundle bone thickness and the vectors of eroding surfaces enabled the direction of tooth movement to be reconstructed. Mesial and lingual displacement was prevalent for the anterior teeth.

Conclusion

The signs of ongoing displacement of lower teeth support the concept of crowding occurring in adult individuals and support the maintenance of retainers, even following cessation of growth.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin induces cytosol acidification in LFA‐1 expressing immune cells
Authors: Balashova N. , Dhingra A. , Boesze‐Battaglia K. , Lally E.T.
Published: September 2015

Studies have suggested that Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin (LtxA) kills human lymphocyte function‐associated antigen 1 (LFA‐1; CD11a/CD18)‐bearing immune cells through a lysosomal‐mediated mechanism. Lysosomes are membrane‐bound cellular organelles that contain an array of acid hydrolases that are capable of breaking down biomolecules. The lysosomal membrane bilayer confines the pH‐sensitive enzymes within an optimal acidic (pH 4.8) environment thereby protecting the slightly basic cytosol (pH 6.8–7.5). In the current study, we have probed the effect of LtxA‐induced cytolysis on lysosomal integrity in two different K562 erythroleukemia cell lines. K562‐puro/LFA‐1 cells were stably transfected with CD11a and CD18 cDNA to express LFA‐1 on the cell surface while K562‐puro, which does not express LFA‐1, served as a control. Following treatment with 100 ng ml−1 LtxA cells were analyzed by live cell imaging in conjunction with time‐lapse confocal microscopy and by flow cytometry. Using a pH‐sensitive indicator (pHrodo®) we demonstrated that the toxin causes a decrease in the intracellular pH in K562‐puro/LFA‐1 cells that is noticeable within the first 15 min of treatment. This process correlated with the disappearance of lysosomes in the cytosol as determined by both acridine orange and LysoTracker® Red DND‐99 staining. These changes were not observed in K562‐puro cells or when heat inactivated toxin was added to K562‐puro/LFA‐1. Our results suggest that LtxA induces lysosomal damage, cytosol acidification, which is followed by cell death in K562‐puro/LFA‐1 cells.
Development of germ‐line‐specific CRISPR‐Cas9 systems to improve the production of heritable gene modifications in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mao Yanfei , Zhang Zhengjing , Feng Zhengyan , Wei Pengliang , Zhang Hui , Botella José Ramón , Zhu Jian‐Kang
Published: September 2015

The Streptococcus‐derived CRISPR/Cas9 system is being widely used to perform targeted gene modifications in plants. This customized endonuclease system has two components, the single‐guide RNA (sgRNA) for target DNA recognition and the CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) for DNA cleavage. Ubiquitously expressed CRISPR/Cas9 systems (UC) generate targeted gene modifications with high efficiency but only those produced in reproductive cells are transmitted to the next generation. We report the design and characterization of a germ‐line‐specific Cas9 system (GSC) for Arabidopsis gene modification in male gametocytes, constructed using a SPOROCYTELESS (SPL) genomic expression cassette. Four loci in two endogenous genes were targeted by both systems for comparative analysis. Mutations generated by the GSC system were rare in T1 plants but were abundant (30%) in the T2 generation. The vast majority (70%) of the T2 mutant population generated using the UC system were chimeras while the newly developed GSC system produced only 29% chimeras, with 70% of the T2 mutants being heterozygous. Analysis of two loci in the T2 population showed that the abundance of heritable gene mutations was 37% higher in the GSC system compared to the UC system and the level of polymorphism of the mutations was also dramatically increased with the GSC system. Two additional systems based on germ‐line‐specific promoters (pDD45‐GT and pLAT52‐GT) were also tested, and one of them was capable of generating heritable homozygous T1 mutant plants. Our results suggest that future application of the described GSC system will facilitate the screening for targeted gene modifications, especially lethal mutations in the T2 population.
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT/PBEF/visfatin) is a tumoural cytokine released from melanoma
Authors: Grolla Ambra A. , Torretta Simone , Gnemmi Ilaria , Amoruso Angela , Orsomando Giuseppe , Gatti Marco , Caldarelli Antonio , Lim Dmitry , Penengo Lorenza , Brunelleschi Sandra , Genazzani Armando A. , Travelli Cristina
Published: September 2015

High plasma levels of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), traditionally considered an intracellular enzyme with a key role in NAD synthesis, have been reported in several oncological, inflammatory and metabolic diseases. We now show that eNAMPT can be actively released by melanoma cells in vitro. We analysed the mechanisms of its release, and we found both classical and non‐classical pathway involvement. eNAMPT released by melanoma cells, in our hands, has paracrine and autocrine effects: it activates MAPK, AKT and NF‐κB pathways and increases colony formation in anchorage‐independent conditions. eNAMPT also induces M1 polarization in human monocytes. Last, we demonstrate, for the first time in any cancer type, that eNAMPT levels in plasma of tumour‐bearing mice increase and that this increase can be reconducted to the tumour itself. This provides an important cue on previous observations that eNAMPT is increased in patients with cancer. Moreover, silencing NAMPT in melanoma cells leads to a reduction in the tumour growth rate. Our findings extend the basis to consider eNAMPT as a cytokine involved in tumour progression.
Effects of tolvaptan on congestive heart failure complicated with chylothorax in a neonate
Authors: Sato Nikiko , Sugiura Tokio , Nagasaki Rika , Suzuki Kazutaka , Ito Koichi , Kato Takenori , Inukai Sachiko , Saitoh Shinji
Published: September 2015

Tolvaptan is an oral vasopressin type 2 receptor antagonist that can be used for heart failure patients with hyponatremia or symptomatic congestion. Although the effects of tolvaptan in adults have been well documented, only limited information is available in children. The case of a neonate with congestive heart failure complicated with chylothorax after palliative surgery for transposition of the great arteries treated with tolvaptan is reported. Slow up‐titration to 0.1 mg/kg successfully increased urine output and improved refractory congestive heart failure without hypernatremia. Subsequently, bodyweight and chylothorax decreased gradually. Moreover, the use of tolvaptan reduced the dosage of furosemide. Tolvaptan could be an alternative drug for neonates with congestive heart failure. Further large studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and identify the appropriate dose of tolvaptan in neonates.
Remission of autoimmune neutropenia after development of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Okada Seigo , Hasegawa Shunji , Suzuki Yasuo , Ichimura Takuya , Kaneyasu Hidenobu , Shimomura Maiko , Wakabayashi‐Takahara Midori , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Masao , Ohga Shouichi
Published: September 2015

We report the second case of the association of Kawasaki disease (KD) and autoimmune neutropenia (AIN). A 21‐month‐old female diagnosed as having AIN of infancy developed a complete KD when severe neutropenia continued. The patient suffered from no coronary artery leions, and well responded to a single high‐dose gamma‐globulin therapy. The cytokine profile of the neutropenic infant was representative of the typical KD. Neutrophil counts notably increased during the convalescent phase of KD, and were then normalized forthwith. The prompt resolutions of KD and AIN paralleled the increase of circulating transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 levels. The clinical course of the patient was contrasted to that of the first reported case of a patient who developed severe and refractory KD after the high dose granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) therapy.
Adrenocortical tumor with precocious puberty in a 2‐month‐old girl
Authors: Marret Jean‐Baptiste , Raffoul Lara , Ribault Virginie , Ravasse Philippe , Rod Julien
Published: September 2015

Adrenocortical tumor is a rare childhood tumor with a median age at onset of 3.2 years. Virilization is the most common sign. Laparotomy is the reference treatment and has a favorable course. The diagnosis of adrenal tumor can be difficult. The main parameters of malignant tumors are size and metastasis. Analysis of TP53 mutation can facilitate final diagnosis. We report a case of virilizing adrenal tumor that developed in a 2‐month‐old girl, and which was treated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
The role of ABC genes in shaping perianth phenotype in the basal angiosperm Magnolia
Authors: Wróblewska M. , Dołzbłasz A. , Zagórska‐Marek B.
Published: September 2015

It is generally accepted that the genus Magnolia is characterised by an undifferentiated perianth, typically organised into three whorls of nearly identical tepals. In some species, however, we encountered interesting and significant perianth modifications. In Magnolia acuminata, M. liliiflora and M. stellata the perianth elements of the first whorl are visually different from the others. In M. stellata the additional, spirally arranged perianth elements are present above the first three whorls, which suggests that they have been formed within the domain of stamen primordia. In these three species, we analysed expression patterns of the key flower genes (AP1, AGL6, AP3, PI, AG) responsible for the identity of flower elements and correlated them with results of morphological and anatomical investigations. In all studied species the elements of the first whorl lacked the identity of petals (lack of AP3 and PI expression) but also that of leaves (presence of AGL6 expression), and this seems to prove their sepal character. The analysis of additional perianth elements of M. stellata, spirally arranged on the elongated floral axis, revealed overlapping and reduced activity of genes involved in specification of the identity of the perianth (AGL6) but also of generative parts (AG), even though no clear gradient of morphological changes could be observed. In conclusion, Magnolia genus is capable of forming, in some species, a perianth differentiated into a calyx (sepals) and corolla (petals). Spirally arranged, additional perianth elements of M. stellata, despite activity of AG falling basipetally, resemble petals.
Fauna community trends during early restoration of alluvial open forest/woodland ecosystems on former agricultural land
Authors: Smith Geoffrey C. , Lewis Tom , Hogan Luke D.
Published: September 2015

Vertebrate fauna was studied over 10 years following revegetation of a Eucalyptus tereticornis ecosystem on former agricultural land. We compared four vegetation types: remnant forest, plantings of a mix of native tree species on cleared land, natural regeneration of partially cleared land after livestock removal, and cleared pasture land with scattered paddock trees managed for livestock production. Pasture differed significantly from remnant in both bird and nonbird fauna. Although 10 years of ecosystem restoration is relatively short term in the restoration process, in this time bird assemblages in plantings and natural regeneration had diverged significantly from pasture, but still differed significantly from remnant. After 10 years, 70 and 66% of the total vertebrate species found in remnant had been recorded in plantings and natural regeneration, respectively. Although the fauna assemblages within plantings and natural regeneration were tracking toward those of remnant, significant differences in fauna between plantings and natural regeneration indicated community development along different restoration pathways. Because natural regeneration contained more mature trees (dbh > 30 cm), native shrub species, and coarse woody debris than plantings from the beginning of the study, these features possibly encouraged different fauna to the revegetation areas from the outset. The ability of plantings and natural regeneration to transition to the remnant state will be governed by a number of factors that were significant in the analyses, including shrub cover, herbaceous biomass, tree hollows, time since fire, and landscape condition. Both active and passive restoration produced significant change from the cleared state in the short term.
Trade Costs and Current Accounts
Authors: Nedoncelle Clément
Published: September 2015

Are trade cost reductions a plausible explanation for growing global current account imbalances? I advocate that changes in trade costs affect trade and production structures, which is likely to affect national savings and investment. Explicitly adding trade costs à la Markusen and Venables into Jin's framework, this augmented model predicts that trade cost reductions affect the current account through changes in the industrial structure. Empirical evidence confirms that the interaction of trade costs and capital intensity drives current account balances. I also provide evidence that the response of current accounts to changes in trade costs depends on the capital intensity of production and on the depth of regional agreements on trade and factor mobility. Aside from the direct effect generally emphasised in standard macro‐level analysis, changes in production patterns could therefore be an additional channel of impact of regional integration on current accounts.
Transient cold agglutinins associated withMycoplasma cynospneumonia in a dog
Authors: Pinkos Alyssa C. , Friedrichs Kristen R. , Monaghan Kelly N. , Sample Saundra H. , Trepanier Lauren A.
Published: September 2015

This report details a case of reversible cold agglutinins in a dog withMycoplasma cynospneumonia. An 11‐month‐old female spayed Rhodesian Ridgeback was presented for lethargy and cough. Thoracic radiographs revealed an alveolar pattern present bilaterally in the cranioventral lung lobes. Septic neutrophilic inflammation with suspectedMycoplasmasp. organisms was noted on cytologic examination of a trans‐tracheal wash, and the dog was treated empirically withIVampicillin/sulbactam and enrofloxacin pending culture results. Red blood cell agglutination was noted unexpectedly on several blood film reviews during hospitalization; however, the dog never developed clinical or laboratory evidence of hemolysis. Cold agglutinins were demonstrated based on the results of a saline dilution and cold agglutinin test that showed agglutination at 4°C but not at room temperature (21°C) or 37°C. Based on a positive culture forM cynos, the dog was treated for 8 weeks with oral enrofloxacin. After clinical and radiographic resolution of the pneumonia, repeated saline dilution and cold agglutinin tests of peripheral blood were negative at all temperatures. Reversible, asymptomatic cold agglutinins are common in human patients with mycoplasma pneumonia, but this is the first reported case in a dog.
Assessment of Intramedullary Spinal Pressure in Small Breed Dogs With Thoracolumbar Disk Extrusion Undergoing Hemilaminectomy
Authors: Noussitou Fiammetta L. , Gorgas Daniela , Rohrbach Helene , Henke Diana , Howard Judith , Forterre Franck
Published: September 2015

Objective

To assess intramedullary spinal pressure (IMP) in small breed dogs with thoracolumbar disk extrusion.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Animals

Small breed dogs (n = 14) with thoracolumbar disk extrusion undergoing hemilaminectomy and healthy chondrodystrophic laboratory dogs (control; n = 3) without spinal disease.

Methods

Diagnosis was based on clinical and neurological examinations and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and was confirmed intraoperatively. A standardized anesthesia protocol and surgical procedure were used to minimize factors that could influence IMP. Intramedullary pressure was measured through a minidurotomy at the site of spinal cord compression using a fiber optic catheter inserted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spinal cord. Measurements were taken after hemilaminectomy and again after removal of extruded disk material.

Results

Affected dogs had significantly higher IMP compared to control dogs (P = .008) and IMP decreased significantly post‐decompression compared with initial values (P < .001). No correlation was found between IMP and neurologic grade, degree of spinal cord compression on MRI, or signal intensity changes on MRI.

Conclusion

Acute thoracolumbar disk extrusion is associated with increased IMP in small breed dogs and surgical decompression results in an immediate decrease of IMP.