bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of oxidative stress on DNA, protein and lipids in patients with actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease and squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yoshifuku Asuka , Fujii Kazuyasu , Kanekura Takuro
Published: September 2018

Detailed mechanisms on the effect of oxidative stress (OS), an etiological factor involved in photocarcinogenesis, remain to be fully elucidated. We used immunohistochemical methods to study OS in the DNA, protein and lipids of patients with actinic keratosis (AK), Bowen's disease (BD) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Between January 2009 and December 2014, we treated 230 patients; 79 had AK, 61 had (BD) and 90 had cutaneous SCC; 28 healthy subjects served as the normal controls. OS on DNA, protein and lipids was assessed by the expression of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), dityrosine (DT) and malondialdehyde (MDA), respectively. 8‐OHdG was significantly overexpressed in AK and BD lesions compared with surrounding non‐lesional tissue, SCC lesions and the healthy controls. DT was more highly expressed in AK, BD and SCC than in the controls. There was no significant difference among AK, BD and SCC. The expression of MDA was higher in AK, BD and SCC lesions than the controls; SCC showed the highest expression. Our observations suggest that DNA oxidation plays an important role in the early stage of carcinogenesis, that protein oxidation is involved in all stages of carcinogenesis and that lipid oxidation is strongly implicated in the late stages of carcinogenesis.
Acquisition of resistance to vemurafenib leads to interleukin‐10 production through an aberrant activation of Akt in a melanoma cell line
Authors: Inozume Takashi , Tsunoda Toshiyuki , Morisaki Takashi , Harada Kazutoshi , Shirasawa Seiji , Kawamura Tatsuyoshi
Published: September 2018

Serine/threonine‐protein kinase B‐Raf (BRAF) inhibitors are very effective in treating melanoma with BRAF mutations. BRAF inhibitors suppress aberrant growth of melanoma cells caused by BRAF mutations. BRAF mutations reportedly result in melanoma cells releasing immunosuppressive factors, and BRAF inhibitors elicit anti‐melanoma immune responses by reducing such factors. However, immunological characteristics of tumor cells that acquire resistance to BRAF inhibitors remain unknown. Here, we compared immunological characteristics between a melanoma cell line and its vemurafenib‐resistant subline. No differences were observed in the status of BRAF mutations, expression of surface molecules related to antitumor T‐cell responses or recognition by human leukocyte antigen‐A*0201‐matched melanoma‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in a short‐term co‐culture assay. However, resistant tumor cells released high amounts of interleukin‐10 depending on aberrant activation of Akt signaling, and dendritic cell functions were considerably suppressed by culture supernatants of the resistant cells. Our findings demonstrated a novel immunological mechanism contributing to tumor growth owing to drug resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
Learning from consumers: An eDelphi study of Australian mental health consumers’ priorities for recovery‐oriented curricula
Authors: Arblaster Karen , Mackenzie Lynette , Matthews Lynda , Willis Karen , Gill Katherine , Hanlon Paula , Laidler Rachael
Published: September 2018

Background/aim

Mental health reform in Australia emphasises recovery, partnership working and prioritises consumers’ needs over professionals’. Occupational therapy students must develop capabilities for working in this way. Learning from consumers’ lived experience of mental illness and recovery is considered critical to developing such capabilities and aligns with occupational therapy programme accreditation for consumer involvement in designing, delivering and evaluating curricula. No definitive capability standards exist to inform curricula and little is known about Australian mental health consumers’ preferred modes of involvement in health professional education. This study sought to identify consumers’ priorities for curricula, and ways in which they would like to participate in entry‐level student education.

Methods

An eDelphi study utilising the Policy Delphi approach was employed. Consensus by 70% of participants was set as the standard for item inclusion. The first round asked open questions about participants’ priorities for recovery‐oriented curricula, their experiences with mental health workers and asked participants to identify their preferred methods of participating in education. Items generated were rated in subsequent rounds until consensus was reached in round three.

Results

Twenty‐eight participants completed round one, 18 completed round two and 14 completed round three. Five core values and 171 curriculum priorities, forming 12 capability domains, reached consensus. Each capability domain comprised knowledge and understanding; skills and abilities; and behaviours and actions. Ten ways of participating in mental health curricula in entry‐level occupational therapy programmes were identified, with an emphasis on active participation in design, delivery and review of curricula.

Conclusion

These findings highlight important capabilities from consumers’ perspectives, suggesting key content for curricula. Active roles in designing, delivering and evaluating curricula were preferred, providing some guidance for educators seeking to involve consumers. Further research is required to refine these priorities, and to evaluate acceptability, feasibility and efficacy of varying modes of consumer involvement.
Ethnic and Religious Diversity in the Politics of Suburban London
Authors: Gilbert David , Dwyer Claire , Ahmed Nazneen
Published: September 2018

The notion of ‘suburbia’ is increasingly useless as a singular, simple description of place, identity or political culture. Focusing particularly on ethnic and religious diversity highlights the intensely differentiated nature of outer London. The tropes of ‘Metroland’, and ‘leafy suburbia’ deflect from recognition of this diversity, and the broadly‐found expectations about patterns of migration, suburbanisation and cultural change loosely associated with the Chicago School of urban sociology have less and less applicability to modern London. Religious and ethnic diversity in suburbia poses significant challenges for political parties. In particular, Labour's difficulties in appealing to different constituencies, often expressed geographically in terms of the differences between inner London and the white working class areas of post‐industrial Britain, are also present in the micro‐politics of adjacent areas of outer London. New forms of religion, and especially the development of large new worship spaces, increasingly common in outer London, also have significant consequences for the local politics of suburbia.
Factors associated with first thrombosis in patients presenting with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in the APS Alliance for Clinical Trials and International Networking Clinical Database and Repository: a retrospective study
Authors: de Jesús GR , Sciascia S , Andrade D , Barbhaiya M , Tektonidou M , Banzato A , Pengo V , Ji L , Meroni PL , Ugarte A , Cohen H , Branch DW , Andreoli L , Belmont HM , Fortin PR , Petri M , Rodriguez E , Cervera R , Knight JS , Atsumi T , Willis R , Nascimento IS , Rosa R , Erkan D , Levy RA ,   APS ACTION
Published: September 2018

Objective

To evaluate the subsequent rate of thrombosis among women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (Ob‐APS) in a multicentre database of antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)‐positive patients, and the clinical utility of the adjusted Global Antiphospholipid Syndrome Score (aGAPSS), a validated tool to assess the likelihood of developing new thrombosis, in this group of patients.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

The Antiphospholipid Syndrome Alliance for Clinical Trials and International Networking Clinical Database and Repository.

Population

Women with Ob‐APS.

Methods

Comparison of clinical and laboratory characteristics and measurement of aGAPSS in women with Ob‐APS, with or without thrombosis, after initial pregnancy morbidity (PM).

Main outcome measures

Risk factors for thrombosis and aGAPSS.

Results

Of 550 patients, 126 had Ob‐APS; 74/126 (59%) presented with thrombosis, and 47 (63%) of these women developed thrombosis after initial PM, in a mean time of 7.6 ± 8.2 years (4.9/100 patient years). Younger age at diagnosis of Ob‐APS, additional cardiovascular risk factors, superficial vein thrombosis, heart valve disease, and multiple aPL positivity increased the risk of first thrombosis after PM. Women with thrombosis after PM had a higher aGAPSS compared with women with Ob‐APS alone [median 11.5 (4–16) versus 9 (4–13); P = 0.0089].

Conclusion

Based on a retrospective analysis of our multicentre aPL database, 63% of women with Ob‐APS developed thrombosis after initial obstetric morbidity; additional thrombosis risk factors, selected clinical manifestations, and high‐risk aPL profile increased the risk. Women with subsequent thrombosis after Ob‐APS had a higher aGAPSS at entry to the registry. We believe that aGAPSS is a valid tool to improve risk stratification in aPL‐positive women.

Tweetable abstract

More than 60% of women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome had thrombosis after initial pregnancy morbidity.
External cephalic version at term: a cohort study of 18 years’ experience
Authors: Melo P , Georgiou EX , Hedditch A , Ellaway P , Impey L
Published: September 2018

Objective

To analyse the outcome of referrals for external cephalic version (ECV).

Design

Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data.

Setting

Major university hospital, UK.

Sample

Women with non‐cephalic presentation at term and no prior caesarean, referred to a specialist clinic.

Methods

Details of referrals, ECV attempts, and perinatal outcomes were prospectively collected and analysed. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were created to determine independent predictors of ECV success, reversion, and spontaneous version.

Main outcome measures

External cephalic version success rates, predictors of success and cephalic presentation at birth, and perinatal outcomes.

Results

Three thousand eight had confirmed breech presentation; 2614 women underwent ECV. Ineligibility for ECV occurred in 117 breech presentations (3.9%), and 297 eligible women (10.2%) declined it. ECV was successful in 1280 (49.0%, 95% CI 47.0–50.9%) (40% in nulliparous women; 64% in others); 1234 (97.3%) were cephalic at birth. Spontaneous version after failure occurred in 4.3% and was more common in multiparas (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.43–4.26) and those with a posterior fetal back (aOR 6.09, 95% CI 1.90–19.53). Reversion after successful ECV occurred in 2.2%. In women with a successful ECV whose fetus remained cephalic at birth, 85.7% delivered vaginally. The corrected perinatal mortality of the ECV cohort was 0.12%.

Conclusion

External cephalic version has a low complication rate and is effective for most breech presentations, enabling vaginal birth and avoiding caesarean section.

Tweetable abstract

External cephalic version can safely be performed with most breech presentations.
Effects of Sulfide Flavors on AHL‐Mediated Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation of Hafnia alvei
Authors: Hongman Hou , Yifang Wang , Gongliang Zhang , Yaolei Zhu , Longquan Xu , Hongshun Hao , Yue Wang , Meishan Lu
Published: September 2018

In this study, 10 different sulfide flavor compounds commonly used as food additives were screened for antiquorum‐sensing activity. Among these, diallyl disulfide (DADS) and methyl 2‐methyl‐3‐furyl disulfide (MMFDS) were found to exert the strongest inhibition against violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum 026, the tested biosensor strain. DADS and MMFDS also inhibited the growth of Hafnia alvei H4, yielding MIC values of 48 and 41.6 mM, respectively. In addition, DADS and MMFDS also inhibited the ability of H. alvei H4 to produce acyl‐homoserine lactone as demonstrated by the reduced level of C6‐HSL in the supernatant of DADS‐treated culture. At concentrations corresponding to 1/4 MIC, DADS, and MMFDS inhibited the swarming ability of H. alvei H4 by 73.50% and 76.43%, respectively, while having virtually no effect on cell growth. The same concentrations of DADS and MMFDS also completely inhibited the formation of biofilm. These antiquorum sensing effects of DADS and MMFDS involved changes in the expression of the quorum‐sensing genes luxI and luxR. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed that the mRNA levels of both genes were significantly reduced by DADS and MMDFS at concentrations below their MICs. However, further test using a mutant strain of H. alvei lacking luxR (ΔluxR) revealed significant reduction in luxI mRNA level upon treatment of the strain with DADS or MMDFS, but no change in luxR mRNA level occurred when a luxI‐lacking mutant (ΔluxI) was treated with these compounds. The result therefore suggested that the antiquorum‐sensing effect of DADS and MMFDS against H. alvei H4 might operate mainly through the inhibition of luxI expression in the cells.

Practical Application

The sulfide flavors compounds used in this paper are commonly used in food processing in China and are listed in the national standard of Chinese food additives GB2760‐2014. The application of sulfide flavors in food processing can enhance aroma and prevent food spoilage.
Preparation and Characterization of Lactobacilli‐Loaded Composite Films with Sustaining Antipathogenic Activity and Preservation Effect
Authors: Dai Lu , Yuan Yahong , Song Zihan , Qiu Yue , Yue Tianli
Published: September 2018

Bioactive composite films were obtained by adding Lactobacillus paracasei into a hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)‐konjac flour (KF) matrix through a casting method. The mechanical, optical, and barrier properties were tested to determine the influence of the addition of lactobacilli into complex films. For purpose of evaluating the surface morphology of the composite films, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were carried out. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses were conducted to evaluate intermolecular interactions and crystallinity, respectively. Moreover, the microbial viability of the lactobacilli and the antibacterial activities of the bioactive films against pathogenic organisms were measured. The results indicated that the mechanical properties, crystalline properties, oxygen permeability, and color characteristics were not notably altered; nevertheless, the gloss and water vapor barrier properties were relatively weakened by the incorporation of L. paracase. The HPC–KF–L. paracasei films were effective in inhibiting both gram‐positive (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus) and gram‐negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium) pathogens, and the films can retain physical property and antibacterial activity within a storage period of 30 days. The composite films, acting as suitable carriers for L. paracasei and possessing noteworthy bacteriostatic activities, could be developed as bioactive packaging for preserving food.

Practical Application

For the sake of the high desires of consumers for food safety and quality, the development of innovative bioactive packaging has attracted wide attention. In this work, the prepared films containing lactic acid bacteria showed great physical property, antipathogenic activity, and fresh‐keeping property preservation, and have great application potential in fresh food preservation.
Chinese expert consensus on diagnosis and management of acquired respiratory‐digestive tract fistulas
Authors: Wang Hongwu , Ke Mingyao , Li Wen , Wang Zikai , Li Hui , Cong Minghua , Zeng Yiming , Chen Liangan , Lai Guoxiang , Xie Baosong , Zhang Nan , Li Wangping , Zhou Hongmei , Wang Xiaoping , Lin Dianjie , Zhou Yunzhi , Zhang Huaping , Li Dongmei , Song Xiaolian , Wang Juan , Wu Shiman , Tao Meimei , Sha Zhengbu , Tan Qiang , Han Xinwei , Luo Lingfei , Ma Hongming , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: September 2018

Acquired respiratory‐digestive tract fistulas occur with abnormal communication between the airways and digestive tract, causing the interflow of gas and liquid. Despite advances in surgical methods and the development of multimodal therapy in recent years, patients with acquired respiratory‐digestive tract fistulas continue to exhibit unfavorable clinical outcomes. Therefore, in order to guide clinical practice in China, the Respiratory and Cancer Intervention Alliance of the Beijing Health Promotion Association organized a group of experienced experts in the field to develop this consensus document. Based on a study of clinical application and expert experience in the diagnosis and management of acquired respiratory‐digestive tract fistulas at home and abroad, an Expert Consensus was developed. The panelists recruited comprised experts in pulmonology, oncology, thoracic surgery, interventional radiology, and gastroenterology. PubMed, Chinese Biology Abstract, Chinese Academic Journal, and Wanfang databases were used to identify relevant articles. The guidelines address etiology, classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of acquired respiratory‐digestive tract fistulas. The statements on treatment focus on the indications for different procedures, technical aspects, and preprocedural, post‐procedural and complication management. The proposed guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acquired respiratory‐digestive tract fistulas are the first to be published by Chinese experts. These guidelines provide an in‐depth review of the current evidence and standard of diagnosis and management.
Independent trophic behavior and breeding success of a resident flycatcher and a coexisting migratory congener
Authors: Guaraldo André C. , Kelly Jeffrey F. , Marini Miguel Â.
Published: September 2018

Historical biases towards the study of Palearctic and Nearctic bird migration systems has resulted in a dearth of information on the ecology of intratropical migrants, which likely also play important ecological roles within their communities. For instance, there is little information on the foraging ecology and breeding biology of co‐occurring migrants and residents within the intratropical migratory system. Thus, we used two congeneric flycatchers – the resident Plain‐crested ElaeniaElaenia cristata(Aves: Tyrannidae), and the migrant Lesser ElaeniaE. chiriquensis(Tyrannidae) – to check whether either of them showed foraging niche plasticity mediating their coexistence and the effects of such syntopy on their breeding behavior and fitness. To do so, we used an ensemble of methods that included the evaluation of food resource phenology, foraging behavior observations, stable isotope ratio analysis in birds’ tissues, and nest monitoring. Our results confirmed that residents have foraging behavior plasticity but reveals its trophic behavior and breeding success is independent of the coexistence with migrants. Since such results depart from the predictions based on the current (and often Northern‐biased) theories of bird migration, we discuss alternative hypotheses explaining our findings, including the influence of physiology on diet and the behavioral responses of nest predators. Once there is a clear knowledge gap about the interspecific interactions between residents and intratropical migrants, our study represents a simple, yet important, step towards understanding the mechanisms underlying this system.
Serum concentrations of C‐reactive protein in healthy term‐born Norwegian infants 48–72 hours after birth
Authors: Mjelle Anders Batman , Guthe Hans Jørgen Timm , Reigstad Hallvard , Bjørke‐Monsen Anne Lise , Markestad Trond
Published: September 2018

Aim

To determine serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in healthy term‐born infants shortly after birth.

Methods

We sampled blood from 182 infants along with the routine neonatal screening programme at 48–72 hours of age from consecutively recruited healthy infants without signs of infection and a gestational age (GA) of at least 37 weeks. The blood was stored at minus 20°C until analysis in one assay after the end of the study.

Results

The CRP levels were positively skewed. The median concentration was 5.0 mg/L, 48.9% of the neonates had values <5.0 mg/L, 19.8% ≥10.0 mg/L, 7.1% ≥20.0 mg/L and 1.1% (2 neonates) >30 mg/L. The CRP level was positively related to GA and duration of labour, slightly higher in boys than girls and after vaginal compared to Caesarean delivery.

Conclusion

In healthy neonates born at term, the CRP concentrations did not vary substantially with various common perinatal clinical conditions, and levels above 30 mg/L were uncommon at two to three days of age.
The dark colour of the Ploutonion at Hierapolis of Phrygiae (Turkey)
Authors: Vettori S. , Cantisani E. , Chelazzi L. , Cuzman O. A. , Gatta G. D. , D’Andria F.
Published: September 2018

The dark colour of some excavated architectural elements of the Ploutonion, in the archaeological site of Hierapolis of Phrygiae (Turkey), was investigated. The Ploutonion, visited by numerous ancient writers, such as Cicero and Strabo, was a sanctuary dedicated to Pluto and Kore, constructed during the early Imperial period above the entrance to a natural cave, from which thermal waters and poisonous gases emerge. It was used for sacred rituals: sacrifices, incubation and healing. A multi‐analytical approach (X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, optical and electronic microscopy, and chemical analyses of the thermal spring water) was used in order to define the composition and origin of darkening phenomena of some architectural elements of the Ploutonion.
A discursive question: Supporting student‐authored multiple choice questions through peer‐learning software in non‐STEMM disciplines
Authors: Snow Stephen , Wilde Adriana , Denny Paul , schraefel m. c.
Published: September 2018

Peer‐learning that engages students in multiple choice question (MCQ) formulation promotes higher task engagement and deeper learning than simply answering MCQ’s in summative assessment. Yet presently, the literature detailing deployments of student‐authored MCQ software is biased towards accounts from Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) subjects, rather than discursive subjects or disciplines where content may contain fewer absolute facts and objective metrics and more nuance. We report on qualitative and quantitative findings from a semester‐long deployment of a peer‐learning software package (PeerWise) in a 140‐student course on Interaction Design. PeerWise enables students to author, rate and comment upon their peers’ MCQ questions. The platform was enthusiastically adopted as a revision aid, yet overall question quality was poor and students expressed difficulty in translating the discursive nature of the course content into MCQs with only one correct answer. In addressing these shortcomings, this paper offers specific recommendations to instructors of more discursive subjects using student‐led MCQ authoring platforms, and further, how platforms such as PeerWise may be adapted to better suit disciplines characterised by discursive content. We propose alternative approaches to moderation and two suggestions for potential amendments to the software itself.
The transformative and informative nature of elections: Representation, schism, and exit
Authors: Gaffney Amber M. , Sherburne Bryan , Hackett Justin D. , Rast David E. , Hohman Zachary P.
Published: September 2018

In democratic elections, constituents may view unconventional or non‐prototypical candidates as attempting to reshape their national identity in the wrong direction. When a non‐prototypical candidate actually steps into a leadership role, the group's consensual view of their prototype may shift to position this new leader as prototypical. This process should be bound in member consensus, evidenced by the leader's successful election. The current work examines American Republicans (N = 297) and Democrats (N = 322) before and after the 2016 US election. We focus on Republicans’ interpretations of their candidate Donald Trump's prototypicality and ability to bolster or subvert their party identity pre‐election. Post‐election, we examine changes to these processes, related in part to Republicans’ homogenized view of Trump's prototypicality. In comparison, we examine these processes in the Democratic Party. Results suggest that whereas Democrats increased in their desire to leave their party, Republicans decreased in their desire to leave their party, an effect that is related to increasing perceptions of Trump's prototypicality and representation of the Republican Party. These findings have important implications for how the contexts of elections rapidly shape party identity through the election of leaders such as Trump.
Results of the British Association of Urological Surgeons female stress urinary incontinence procedures outcomes audit 2014–2017
Authors: Cashman Sophia , Biers Suzanne , Greenwell Tamsin , Harding Chris , Morley Roland , Cooper David , Fowler Sarah , Thiruchelvam Nikesh ,   On behalf of the BAUS Section of Female Neurological and Urodynamic Urology
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To analyse the results of the stress urinary incontinence (SUI) audit conducted by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), and to present UK urologists’ contemporary management of SUI.

Patients and Methods

The BAUS audit tool is an online resource, to which all UK urologists performing procedures for SUI are invited to submit data. The data entries for procedures performed during 2014–2016 were collated and analysed.

Results

Over the 3‐year period analysed, 2917 procedures were reported by 109 surgeons, with a median of 20 procedures reported per surgeon. A total of 2 366 procedures (81.1%) were recorded as a primary surgery, with 548 procedures (18.8%) performed for recurrent SUI. Within the time period analysed, changes were noted in the frequency of all procedures performed, with a trend towards a reduction in the use of synthetic mid‐urethral tapes, and a commensurate increase in the use of urethral bulking agents and autologous fascial slings. A total of 107 (3.9% of patients) peri‐operative complications were recorded, with no association identified with patient age, BMI or surgeon volume. Follow‐up data were available on 1832 patients (62.8%) at a median of 100 days postoperatively. Reduced pad use was reported in 1311 of patients (84.5%) with follow‐up data available and 86.3% reported a pad use of one or less per day. In all, 375 patients (85%) reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of their procedure at follow‐up, although data entry for this domain was poor. De novo overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms were reported by 15.2% of patients (263/1727), and this was the most commonly reported postoperative complication. For those reporting pre‐existing OAB prior to their SUI surgery, 28.7% (307/1069) of patients reported they got better after their procedure, whilst 61.9% (662/1069) of patients reported no change and 9.4% of patients (100/1 069) got worse.

Conclusions

This review identified that, despite urological surgeons undertaking a relatively low volume of procedures per year, SUI surgery by UK urologists is associated with excellent short‐term surgeon‐ and patient‐reported outcomes and low numbers of low grade complications. Complications do not appear to be associated with surgeon volume, nor do they appear higher in those undergoing mesh surgery. Shortfalls in data collection have been identified, and a longer follow‐up period is required to comment adequately on long‐term complications, such as chronic pain and tape extrusion/erosion rates.
Diagnostic performance of HMGA2 gene expression for differentiation of malignant thyroid nodules: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Bo Hyun , Kim Seong Jang , Kim Mijin , Lee Sang‐Woo , Jeong Shin Young , Pak Kyoungjune , Kim Keunyoung , Kim In Joo
Published: September 2018

Objective

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) gene expression for differentiation of malignant thyroid nodules through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Design

The MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE database, from the earliest available date of indexing through 10 April 2018, were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of HMGA2 expression for differentiation of thyroid nodules.

Methods

We determined the sensitivities and specificities across studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Across 7 studies, the pooled sensitivity for HMGA2 expression was 0.78 (95% CI; 0.67‐0.86) with heterogeneity (I2 = 86.6) and a pooled specificity of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.85‐0.98) with heterogeneity (I2 = 94.7). Likelihood ratio (LR) syntheses gave an overall positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 12.6 (95% CI: 5.1‐31.3) and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.24 (95% CI: 0.15‐0.36). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 53 (95% CI: 18‐159). Hierarchical summary ROC curve indicates that the areas under the curve were 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89‐0.94). In meta‐regression analysis, no definite variable was the source of the study heterogeneity.

Conclusion

The current meta‐analysis showed the moderate sensitivity and high specificity of HMGA2 expression for differentiation of malignant thyroid nodules. The likelihood ratio scatter‐gram suggested that HMGA2 expression analysis could be useful for confirmation of the presence of malignant thyroid nodules. Considering the heterogeneity of included studies, further large prospective studies are necessary to confirm these results.
Foetal exposure to mitotane/Op'DDD: Post‐natal study of four children
Authors: Magkou Dimitra , Do Cao Christine , Bouvattier Claire , Douillard Claire , de Marcellus Capucine , Cazabat Laure , Gérard Maxime , Raffin‐Sanson Marie‐Laure , Young Jacques
Published: September 2018

Objective

Mitotane/Op'DDD is used in the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma and for other causes of hypercortisolism. Mitotane inhibits cortisol secretion and displays adrenolytic and antitumor actions. This compound is a metabolite of the pesticide and endocrine disruptor DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and is classified among teratogenic compounds worldwide. However, little is known about its effects on human development.

Design

The outcome of four children exposed to mitotane during their intrauterine life was examined.

Patients

Patients having conceived while taking mitotane, or with detectable mitotane plasma levels, were retrospectively recruited via the French COMETE and FIRENDO networks.

Measurements

Mitotane in maternal plasma, adrenocortical hormones in children.

Results

Three women treated with mitotane gave birth to four children. During early pregnancy, all patients had detectable mitotane plasma levels (0.9, 2.4 and 6.7 mg/L, respectively). During pregnancy, no foetal malformations were detected. The four exposed newborns presented at birth with apparently normal adrenal function and genitalia. One twin female had a low birthweight. Evaluation at birth and after 3 months, 2 years and 7 years of follow‐up showed no significant neurological abnormality. Evaluation of adrenocortical functions showed no cortisol deficiency.

Conclusions

Unexpectedly, exposure of these four children to mitotane during foetal life seemed to have no clear teratogenic effect. However, considering the sub‐therapeutic mitotane concentrations used here, the small number of cases, and because long‐term follow‐up is unknown, we strongly advise not to take mitotane during pregnancy and still recommend avoiding pregnancy, at least as long as mitotane plasma levels remain detectable.
Genomic screening in rare disorders: New mutations and phenotypes, highlighting ALG14 as a novel cause of severe intellectual disability
Authors: Kvarnung Malin , Taylan Fulya , Nilsson Daniel , Anderlid Britt‐Marie , Malmgren Helena , Lagerstedt‐Robinson Kristina , Holmberg Eva , Burstedt Magnus , Nordenskjöld Magnus , Nordgren Ann , Lundberg Elisabeth S.
Published: September 2018

We have investigated 20 consanguineous families with multiple children affected by rare disorders. Detailed clinical examinations, exome sequencing of affected as well as unaffected family members and further validation of likely pathogenic variants were performed. In 16/20 families, we identified pathogenic variants in autosomal recessive disease genes (ALMS1, PIGT, FLVCR2, TFG, CYP7B1, ALG14, EXOSC3, MEGF10, ASAH1, WDR62, ASPM, PNPO, ERCC5, KIAA1109, RIPK4, MAN1B1). A number of these genes have only rarely been reported previously and our findings thus confirm them as disease genes, further delineate the associated phenotypes and expand the mutation spectrum with reports of novel variants. We highlight the findings in two affected siblings with splice altering variants in ALG14 and propose a new clinical entity, which includes severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, behavioral problems and mild dysmorphic features, caused by biallelic variants in ALG14.
Genomic duplication in the 19q13.42 imprinted region identified as a new genetic cause of intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Petre Graciane , Lorès Patrick , Sartelet Hervé , Truffot Aurélie , Poreau Brice , Brandeis Sandrine , Martinez Guillaume , Satre Véronique , Harbuz Radu , Ray Pierre F. , Amblard Florence , Devillard Françoise , Vieville Gaëlle , Berger Francois , Jouk Pierre‐Simon , Vaiman Daniel , Touré Aminata , Coutton Charles , Bidart Marie
Published: September 2018

We report findings from a male fetus of 26 weeks' gestational age with severe isolated intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) on amniotic fluid cells revealed a 1.06‐Mb duplication in 19q13.42 inherited from the healthy father. This duplication contains 34 genes including ZNF331, a gene encoding a zinc‐finger protein specifically imprinted (paternally expressed) in the placenta. Study of the ZNF331 promoter by methylation‐specific‐multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification showed that the duplicated allele was not methylated in the fetus unlike in the father's genome, suggesting both copies of the ZNF331 gene are expressed in the fetus. The anti‐ZNF331 immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that ZNF331 was expressed at higher levels in renal and placental tissues from this fetus compared to controls. Interestingly, ZNF331 expression levels in the placenta have previously been reported to inversely correlate with fetal growth parameters. The original observation presented in this report showed that duplication of ZNF331 could be a novel genetic cause of isolated IUGR and underlines the usefulness of CMA to investigate the genetic causes of isolated severe IUGR.
Pachydermodactyly: Case report including clinical and histopathologic diagnostic pitfalls
Authors: Barnes Leandra A. , Bae Gordon H. , Lewis Matthew A. , Rieger Kerri E.
Published: September 2018

Pachydermodactyly (PDD) is a rare, benign condition characterized by swelling and thickening of the periarticular skin, most commonly at the proximal interphalangeal joints. Diagnosis is routinely made through correlation of clinical, histopathologic, and radiographic findings. Here, we report a case of PDD in a 25‐year‐old male, with emphasis on the clinical and histopathologic differential diagnosis and potential diagnostic pitfalls.
Beyond body structure in intrathecal baclofen therapy
Authors: Scheinberg Adam
Published: September 2018

This commentary is on the systematic review by Buizer et al. on pages 128–134 of this issue.
BIDDING FOR TALENT IN SPORT
Authors: Burguet Roberto , Sákovics József
Published: September 2018

We present a novel microstructure for the market for athletes. Clubs simultaneously target bids at the players, in (Nash) equilibrium internalizing whether—depending on the other clubs' bids—a player not hired would play for the competition. When talent is either scarce or has low outside options, we support—and generalize to heterogeneous players—the Coasian results of Rottenberg (1956) and Fort and Quirk (1995): talent allocation is efficient and independent of initial “ownership” and revenue sharing arrangements. We also characterize equilibria when talent is abundant (or has a high outside option). The analysis uses a nonspecific club objective with an endogenously derived trade‐off between pecuniary and nonpecuniary benefits.(JEL J4, L1, L2)
INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND LABOR‐MARKET DISCRIMINATION
Authors: Chisik Richard , Emami Namini Julian
Published: September 2018

Discrimination reduces the matching probability and output in the skill‐intensive differentiated‐product sector so that discrimination‐induced comparative advantage may overshadow technological comparative advantage in determining the pattern of trade. Trade liberalization generates a decrease in the skilled‐worker wage gap in the country that is an exporter of goods from the simple sector but increases it in the country that is a net exporter of differentiated products. Trade liberalization has an opposite effect on firms. In the country that is an exporter of simple goods, trade liberalization reduces the profits of the nondiscriminatory firms by more than those of the discriminatory firms. (JEL F16, F66, J71)
The use of mouthguards and prevalence of dento‐alveolar trauma among athletes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fernandes Loyse M. , Neto José Cordeiro L. , Lima Thiago F. R. , Magno Marcela B. , Santiago Bianca M. , Cavalcanti Yuri W. , de Almeida Leopoldina de Fátima Dantas
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims

The evidence that mouthguards prevent dental trauma is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine, through a systematic review and meta‐analysis (MA), the impact of mouthguards (MG) on the prevalence of dento‐alveolar trauma (DT) among athletes of contact sports.

Material and Methods

Searches were performed at Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cochrane Library, and SIGLE without restriction of language or publication date. After the application of eligibility criteria, studies were evaluated regarding their methodology quality and risk of bias. Two meta‐analyses (MA) were performed considering: studies free of problems or with minor problems (MA1) and only free of problems studies (MA2). DT prevalence (events) and total number of athletes from each group (use of MG and non‐use of MG) were used for odds ratio calculation (α = 5%). The evidence was quality tested using the GRADE approach.

Results

A total of 256 articles were identified. After applying the eligibility criteria, 14 studies were selected for qualitative synthesis, and 11 were used in quantitative synthesis. Meta‐analyses showed that 73% (MA1) and 83% (MA2) of mouthguard users have a lower prevalence of DT. In MA1 (eight studies), DT prevalence among MG users was 7.75% (n = 183), while non‐users had 48.31% (n = 974) (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.07‐0.45,P < 0.001). In MA2 (three studies), DT prevalence among MG users was 7.5% (n = 160), while DT prevalence among non‐users was 59.48% (n = 750) (OR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.05‐0.08,P < 0.001), with moderate evidence quality level.

Conclusion

Mouthguards contribute to a lower prevalence of dento‐alveolar trauma among athletes of contact sports.
Family environment and traumatic dental injuries in adolescents
Authors: Sideri Sofia , Marcenes Wagner , Stansfeld Stephen A. , Bernabé Eduardo
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims

No comprehensive assessment of the influence of the home environment on traumatic dental injuries (TDI) has been conducted to date. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between family environment and TDI among adolescents from East London.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study used data from 646 adolescents who participated in phase III of the Research with East London Adolescents Community Health Survey (RELACHS). Family environment was measured with four indicators (non‐nuclear family, discordant parental relationship and levels of parental support and parental punishment) measured through a self‐administered questionnaire. Clinical examinations were performed for TDI, overjet and lip coverage. Logistic regression was used to test the crude and adjusted (controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors) association of each family environment characteristic with TDI prevalence.

Results

Twenty‐nine percent of adolescents were from non‐nuclear families, and 52.3% reported a discordant parental relationship. The mean score for parental support was −0.01 (SD: 0.90, range: −0.11 to 0.08), and the mean parental punishment score was 0.03 (SD: 0.86, range: −0.04 to 0.10). Adolescents from non‐nuclear families had 1.63 (95% confidence interval: 1.06‐2.53) greater odds of having TDI than those from nuclear families. However, this association was fully attenuated after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors. The other three indicators of family environment were not associated with TDI either in crude or adjusted regression models.

Conclusion

This study found weak evidence of an association between family environment and TDI.
Construction, validation, and application of nocturnal pollen transport networks in an agro‐ecosystem: a comparison using light microscopy and DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Macgregor Callum J. , Kitson James J. N. , Fox Richard , Hahn Christoph , Lunt David H. , Pocock Michael J. O. , Evans Darren M.
Published: September 2018

1. Moths are globally relevant as pollinators but nocturnal pollination remains poorly understood. Plant–pollinator interaction networks are traditionally constructed using either flower‐visitor observations or pollen‐transport detection using microscopy. Recent studies have shown the potential of DNA metabarcoding for detecting and identifying pollen‐transport interactions. However, no study has directly compared the realised observations of pollen‐transport networks between DNA metabarcoding and conventional light microscopy.

2. Using matched samples of nocturnal moths, we constructed pollen‐transport networks using two methods: light microscopy and DNA metabarcoding. Focussing on the feeding mouthparts of moths, we developed and provide reproducible methods for merging DNA metabarcoding and ecological network analysis to better understand species interactions.

3. DNA metabarcoding detected pollen on more individual moths, and detected multiple pollen types on more individuals than microscopy, although the average number of pollen types per individual was unchanged. However, after aggregating individuals of each species, metabarcoding detected more interactions per moth species. Pollen‐transport network metrics differed between methods because of variation in the ability of each to detect multiple pollen types per moth and to separate morphologically similar or related pollen. We detected unexpected but plausible moth–plant interactions with metabarcoding, revealing new detail about nocturnal pollination systems.

4. The nocturnal pollination networks observed using metabarcoding and microscopy were similar yet distinct, with implications for network ecologists. Comparisons between networks constructed using metabarcoding and traditional methods should therefore be treated with caution. Nevertheless, the potential applications of metabarcoding for studying plant–pollinator interaction networks are encouraging, especially when investigating understudied pollinators such as moths.
Emerging Adult Risky Sexual Behavior Predicted by Parental Overprotection: Moderated Mediation Analysis
Authors: Moussa Rogers Mary , McKinney Cliff
Published: September 2018

Parental control behaviors are suggested to be related to emerging adult outcomes, such as risky sexual behavior. Although parental control behaviors are more likely to be considered protective against risky sexual behavior, the relation between parental overprotection and risky sexual behavior is unclear. Furthermore, parental overprotection may influence peer selection and prosocial behaviors in emerging adults, which may in turn influence outcomes of risky sexual behavior, as suggested by primary socialization theory. Thus, the current study investigated the relations among paternal and maternal overprotection, emerging adult peer alienation, and risky sexual behavior, and expanded on these relations by examining gender effects of both parents and children. The sample consisted of 505 participants (228 males and 277 females) ranging in age from 18 to 25 years. Analyses were conducted with AMOS path analysis and indicated that peer alienation mediated the effect between both maternal and paternal perceived overprotection and risky sexual behavior, but more strongly for males, suggesting moderated mediation. Overall, parental overprotection may be protective against risky sexual behavior via pathways that are harmful such as peer alienation, thus recommending research continues to clarify the nuances of these relations.
Spatial segregation of striped marlin (Kajikia audax) by size in the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Acosta‐Pachón Tatiana A. , Muzquiz‐Villalobos Mariana L. , Ortega‐García Sofia , Martínez‐Rincón Raúl O.
Published: September 2018

Striped marlin (Kajikia audax) is an epipelagic fish distributed in oceanic and coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean. This species is usually found in warm and coastal waters with high primary productivity. The main goal of this study was to describe the spatial segregation of striped marlin by average Eye‐Fork length (EFL) in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) and its relationship with environmental variables using EFL data obtained from tuna purse‐seining and Generalized Additive Models (GAMs). The model suggested that larger individuals of striped marlin were more likely to be found in waters with high Chlorophyll‐a concentration (>2 mg/m3) and with temperatures lower than 25°C, within a region known as the “cold tongue” and the Humboldt current system, while smaller individuals were more likely to be found in warmer and low productive areas within a region known as the “warm pool of the EPO.” We observed that set type caused a large variation on average EFL of striped marlin; larger fish were captured in sets associated with floating objects (natural and manmade), while smaller fish were captured in sets associated with dolphins. Despite this, our findings suggest that striped marlin has a latitudinal gradient in average EFL; larger individuals occurred predominantly south of 10°N, while smaller ones occurred predominantly in coastal waters between 10°N and 20°N, thus demonstrating a spatial segregation of the species affected by its maturity stage.
Brain vasopressin signaling modulates aspects of maternal behavior in lactating rats
Authors: Bayerl Doris S. , Bosch Oliver J.
Published: September 2018

The brain vasopressin system mediates various social behaviors as has been studied mostly in males. Only recently, advances in social neuroscience revealed that central vasopressin signaling via its V1a and V1b receptors also facilitates female social behavior, including maternal behavior. In this review, we show how maternal care, maternal motivation and maternal aggression of lactating rat mothers are modulated in a V1 receptor subtype‐ and brain region‐specific manner. Measuring local release pattern of vasopressin via intracerebral microdialysis in the behaving rat mother as well as using pharmacological approaches to activate or block vasopressin receptors with subsequent behavioral observation provide detailed insight into the functional role of the vasopressin system in maternal behavior. In this context, the complementary rat animal model of high (HAB) and low anxiety‐related behavior (LAB) is particularly helpful due to the genetically determined high activity of the vasopressin gene in HAB rats, which also underlies their high levels of maternal behavior. Furthermore, first studies in humans indicate that the vasopressin system in general and the V1a receptor in more particular might mediate mothering.