bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of visual outcomes in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration treated with anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapy: post hoc analysis of the VIEW studies
Authors: Lanzetta Paolo , Cruess Alan F. , Cohen Salomon Y. , Slakter Jason S. , Katz Todd , Sowade Olaf , Zeitz Oliver , Ahlers Christiane , Mitchell Paul
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Identify predictors for response to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in patients with neovascular (wet) age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods

Retrospective, post hoc analysis of VIEW 1/2. Patients were randomized 1:1:1:1 to 0.5 mg intravitreal aflibercept (IVT‐AFL) injection every 4 weeks (0.5q4); 2 mg IVT‐AFL every 4 weeks (2q4); 2 mg IVT‐AFL every 8 weeks (2q8) after an initial three injections at weeks 0, 4 and 8 or 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab every 4 weeks (0.5q4).

Results

1815 patients [IVT‐AFL 2q4 (n = 613); IVT‐AFL 2q8 (n = 607); ranibizumab 0.5q4 (n = 595)] were included. Baseline demographics/characteristics were evenly balanced. Younger age (49–69 years), lower visual acuity (VA) [10.0–≤45.0 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters] and smaller choroidal neovascularization (CNV) size [0.0–≤3.1 disc areas (DA)] at baseline were associated with the most vision gain (≥15 letters) over 52 weeks (all nominal p < 0.0001).Younger age, higher baseline VA (>64.0–≤83.0 letters) and smaller CNV size were associated with a VA ≥20/40 at week 52. Predominantly classic CNV at baseline (nominal p = 0.0007), older age (≥90 years), lower baseline VA (10.0–≤ 45.0 ETDRS letters) and larger CNV size (>10.1–≤32.6 DA) were all associated with a VA ≤20/200 at week 52 (all nominal p < 0.0001). Along with treatment (nominal p < 0.0001), lower VA (p = 0.0166) and smaller central retinal thickness (both nominal p = 0.0190) were predictors for dry retina development.

Conclusion

Younger age, lower VA and smaller CNV size at baseline were all associated with greater vision gains over 52 weeks while younger age, higher VA and smaller CNV size at treatment start were more likely to achieve best‐corrected VA 20/40 or better after a year's treatment, suggesting the benefit of early anti‐VEGF treatment.
Autophagy—A key pathway for cardiac health and longevity
Authors: Woodall B. P. , Gustafsson Å. B.
Published: April 2018

As average life expectancy continues to rise in the developed world, age‐associated pathologies are increasing in prevalence. The hallmarks of cardiac ageing include cardiomyocyte loss, fibrosis and hypertrophy, all of which contribute to an increased incidence of cardiac disease. At the molecular level, cellular ageing is characterized by increased ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction and the accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles. Cardiomyocytes and other senescent cell types rely upon autophagy, a lysosome‐mediated degradation pathway, to remove potentially toxic protein aggregates and damaged organelles from the cellular milieu. However, increasing lines of evidence point to an age‐associated decrease in cardiomyocyte autophagy, with predictably negative consequences for cardiac function and health. Conversely, stimulation of autophagy has been shown to improve cellular health and cardiac function and to increase lifespan in numerous model organisms. Clearly, autophagy represents a critical pathway for cellular vitality, as well as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of age‐related cardiac pathologies. In this review, we will discuss the mechanism of autophagy and its regulation in the cell, the role of autophagy in the ageing heart, and how the autophagy pathway might be targeted to improve cardiac health.
Camps, cooperatives and the psychotopologies of Democratic Kampuchea
Authors: Tyner James A. , Cromley Gordon
Published: April 2018

Between 1975 and 1979 the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK; also known as the “Khmer Rouge”) sought to establish a new society governed by a Marxist–Leninist‐inspired vision of collective ownership. In the process, however, upwards of two million men, women and children succumbed to extreme exhaustion, disease, starvation, torture, murder and execution. In this paper we contextualise the violence unleashed on Cambodia not through a focus on the “taking of life” but instead, paradoxically, on the “making of life.” More specifically, we take seriously the CPK's purported goal of raising its citizens’ livelihood through the establishment of communes and cooperatives. To date, scholars of the Cambodian genocide have focused surprisingly little attention to the function of communes and cooperatives. In this paper we highlight the centrality of the “camp concept” towards such an understanding. More precisely, we suggest that communes and cooperatives were the geographic pivots on which the Khmer Rouge sought to make possible their revolutionary remaking of a post‐revolutionary society. In so doing, our paper makes two contributions. First, we provide a much‐needed addition to the scholarly study of the Cambodian genocide, namely an argument that the Khmer Rouge effort to “build socialism” was necessarily a material and geographic project. Second, we contribute to the flourishing yet transforming literature on camps, notably via an engagement with the concept of psychotopologies.
Side Effects of Long‐Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Use: A Review
Authors: Haastrup Peter Fentz , Thompson Wade , Søndergaard Jens , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg
Published: April 2018

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used, and concerns about overuse have been raised. Therefore, side effects are important to be aware of and several suggested side effects of long‐term use have been studied. In this MiniReview, we sum up the evidence of side effects related to long‐term PPI treatment. Suspected side effects are mainly related to increased susceptibility to infections, secondary hypergastrinaemia, impeded absorption of micronutrients or idiosyncratic reactions. Most of the potential side effects have only been evaluated in observational studies demonstrating conflicting and weak associations with a substantial risk of confounding. However, a high probability of causality seems to be established for the side effects increased risk of gastrointestinal infections and rebound acid hypersecretion following discontinuation of treatment due to secondary hypergastrinaemia. The risk of side effects should not be a reason to withhold PPIs from patients with a true indication, and worry about poorly proven side effects should not lead to unnecessary discontinuation. The most important safety issue regarding PPI therapy is to critically evaluate the indication when initiating treatment and reconsidering the indication in long‐term‐treated patients.
Intrapersonal Emotion Regulation Processes Influence What Children Remember About Their Emotional Experiences
Authors: Parsafar Parisa , Davis Elizabeth L.
Published: April 2018

Little work has tested how emotion regulation (ER) processes influence children's memory for negative experiences. We investigated how two intrapersonal ER processes (affect‐biased attention and changes in negative feelings) predicted children's (N = 184, 93 girls, ages 3–11) memory. Recall of a sad or scary film was tested after a delay. The way discrete emotional information was remembered varied with ER and children's age. Older children with greater affect‐biased attention or less reduction of fear demonstrated privileged memory for central information from the scary film. Older children with greater affect‐biased attention but greater reductions in sadness recalled more from the sad film overall. Findings suggest ER processes should be considered when examining children's memory for negative emotional information.
Evaluation of membrane-bound and soluble forms of human leucocyte antigen-G in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Contini P , Negrini S , Murdaca G , Borro M , Puppo F
Published: April 2018

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex disease characterized by immune dysregulation, extensive vascular damage and widespread fibrosis. Human leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classic class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule characterized by complex immunomodulating properties. HLA-G is expressed on the membrane of different cell lineages in both physiological and pathological conditions. HLA-G is also detectable in soluble form (sHLA-G) deriving from the shedding of surface isoforms (sHLA-G1) or the secretion of soluble isoforms (HLA-G5). Several immunosuppressive functions have been attributed to both membrane-bound and soluble HLA-G molecules. The plasma levels of sHLA-G were higher in SSc patients (444·27 ± 304·84 U/ml) compared to controls (16·74 ± 20·58 U/ml) (P < 0·0001). The plasma levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were higher in SSc patients (18 937 ± 15 217 pg/ml) compared to controls (11 099 ± 6081 pg/ml; P = 0·003), and a significant correlation was found between TGF-β and the plasma levels of total sHLA-G (r = 0·65; P < 0·01), sHLA-G1 (r = 0·60; P = 0·003) and HLA-G5 (r = 0·47; P = 0·02). The percentage of HLA-G-positive monocytes (0·98 ± 1·72), CD4+ (0·37 ± 0·68), CD8+ (2·05 ± 3·74) and CD4+CD8+ double-positive cells (14·53 ± 16·88) was higher in SSc patients than in controls (0·11 ± 0·08, 0·01 ± 0·01, 0·01 ± 0·01 and 0·39 ± 0·40, respectively) (P < 0·0001). These data indicate that in SSc the secretion and/or shedding of soluble HLA-G molecules and the membrane expression of HLA-G by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) is clearly elevated, suggesting an involvement of HLA-G molecules in the immune dysregulation of SSc.
Polymorphisms of genes involved in inflammation and blood vessel development influence the risk of varicose veins
Authors: Shadrina A. , Tsepilov Y. , Smetanina M. , Voronina E. , Seliverstov E. , Ilyukhin E. , Kirienko A. , Zolotukhin I. , Filipenko M.
Published: April 2018

Heredity plays an important role in the etiology of varicose veins (VVs). However, the genetic basis underlying this condition remains poorly understood. Our aim was to replicate top association signals from genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) for VVs of lower extremities using 2 independent datasets—our sample of ethnic Russian individuals (709 cases and 278 controls) and a large cohort of British residents from UK Biobank (10 861 cases and 397 594 controls). Associations of polymorphisms rs11121615, rs6712038, rs507666, rs966562, rs7111987, rs6062618, and rs6905288 were validated in the UK Biobank individuals at a Bonferroni‐corrected significance level. In Russian cohort, only rs11121615 reached a nominal significance level of P < .05. Results of original GWAS and replication studies were combined by a meta‐analysis, and polymorphisms listed above as well as rs111434909 and rs4463578 passed a genome‐wide significant threshold. Notably, the majority of these polymorphisms were located within or near genes involved in vascular development and remodeling, and regulation of inflammatory response. Our results confirm the role of these polymorphisms in genetic susceptibility to VVs and indicate the revealed genomic regions as good candidates for further fine‐mapping studies and functional analysis. Moreover, our findings implicate inflammation and abnormal vascular architecture in VVs pathogenesis.
Wrestling with the complexity of evaluation for organizations at the boundary of science, policy, and practice
Authors: Pitt R. , Wyborn C. , Page G. , Hutton J. , Sawmy M. Virah , Ryan M. , Gallagher L.
Published: April 2018

Boundary organizations are situated between science, policy, and practice and have a goal of supporting communication and collaboration among these sectors. They have been promoted as a way to improve the effectiveness of conservation efforts by building stronger relationships between scientists, policy makers, industry, and practitioners (Cook et al. 2013). Although their promise has been discussed in theory, the work of and expectations for boundary organizations are less defined in practice. Biodiversity conservation is characterized by complexity, uncertainty, dissent, and tight budgets, so boundary organizations face the challenging task of demonstrating their value to diverse stakeholders. We examined the challenges boundary organizations face when seeking to evaluate their work and thus aimed to encourage more productive conversations about evaluation of boundary organizations and their projects. Although no off‐the‐shelf solution is available for a given boundary organization, we identified 4 principles that will support effective evaluation for boundary organizations: engage diverse stakeholders, support learning and reflection, assess contribution to change, and align evaluation with assumption and values.
Clinical and Functional Relevance of the Monocarboxylate Transporter Family in Disease Pathophysiology and Drug Therapy
Authors: Fisel Pascale , Schaeffeler Elke , Schwab Matthias
Published: April 2018

The solute carrier (SLC) SLC16 gene family comprises 14 members and encodes for monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), which mediate the absorption and distribution of monocarboxylic compounds across plasma membranes. As the knowledge about their physiological function, activity, and regulation increases, their involvement and contribution to cancer and other diseases become increasingly evident. Moreover, promising opportunities for therapeutic interventions by directly targeting their endogenous functions or by exploiting their ability to deliver drugs to specific organ sites emerge.
Microscopy with ultraviolet surface excitation (MUSE): A novel approach to real‐time inexpensive slide‐free dermatopathology
Authors: Qorbani Amir , Fereidouni Farzad , Levenson Richard , Lahoubi Sana Y. , Harmany Zachary T. , Todd Austin , Fung Maxwell A.
Published: April 2018

Traditional histology relies on processing and physically sectioning either frozen or formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue into thin slices (typically 4‐6 μm) prior to staining and viewing on a standard wide‐field microscope. Microscopy using ultraviolet (UV) surface excitation (MUSE) represents a novel alternative microscopy method that works with UV excitation using oblique cis‐illumination, which can generate high‐quality images from the cut surface of fresh or fixed tissue after brief staining, with no requirement for fixation, embedding and histological sectioning of tissue specimens. We examined its potential utility in dermatopathology. Concordance between MUSE images and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides was assessed by the scoring of MUSE images on their suitability for identifying 10 selected epidermal and dermal structures obtained from minimally fixed tissue, including stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale, nerve, vasculature, collagen and elastin, sweat glands, adipose tissue and inflammatory cells, as well as 4 cases of basal cell carcinoma and 1 case of pseudoxanthoma elasticum deparaffinized out of histology blocks. Our results indicate that MUSE can identify nearly all normal skin structures seen on routine H&E as well as some histopathologic features, and appears promising as a fast, reliable and cost‐effective diagnostic approach in dermatopathology.
Endoscopic management of bile duct stones in patients with surgically altered anatomy
Authors: Nakai Yousuke , Kogure Hirofumi , Yamada Atsuo , Isayama Hiroyuki , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: April 2018

Bile duct stones in patients with surgically altered anatomy still pose a challenge to endoscopists. For successful endoscopic management of bile duct stones, there are multiple hurdles: Intubation to the afferent limb, biliary cannulation, ampullary intervention and stone extraction. The major advancement in this area is the development of dedicated device‐assisted endoscopes for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In patients with Billroth II reconstruction, a high technical success rate is reported using a duodenoscope but can be complicated by a potentially high perforation rate. In patients with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction, device‐assisted ERCP shows high technical success and low adverse event rates. Meanwhile, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation enables safe and effective stone extraction with less use of endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy in patients with a dilated distal bile duct, but intraductal lithotripsy is sometimes necessary for management of very large bile duct stones. In cases with difficult stones, alternative approaches such as laparoscopy‐assisted ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided intervention are increasingly reported with preliminary but promising results. However, comparative studies are still lacking in this area and prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted in terms of safety, efficacy and cost‐effectiveness.
Does bilingualism increase brain or cognitive reserve in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy?
Authors: Reyes Anny , Paul Brianna M. , Marshall Anisa , Chang Yu‐Hsuan A. , Bahrami Naeim , Kansal Leena , Iragui Vicente J. , Tecoma Evelyn S. , Gollan Tamar H. , McDonald Carrie R.
Published: April 2018

Objective

Bilingual healthy adults have been shown to exhibit an advantage in executive functioning (EF) that is associated with microstructural changes in white matter (WM) networks. Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) often show EF deficits that are associated with WM compromise. In this study, we investigate whether bilingualism can increase cognitive reserve and/or brain reserve in bilingual patients with TLE, mitigating EF impairment and WM compromise.

Methods

Diffusion tensor imaging was obtained in 19 bilingual and 26 monolingual patients with TLE, 12 bilingual healthy controls (HC), and 21 monolingual HC. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated for the uncinate fasciculus (Unc) and cingulum (Cing), superior frontostriatal tract (SFS), and inferior frontostriatal tract (IFS). Measures of EF included Trail Making Test‐B (TMT‐B) and Delis‐Kaplan Executive Function System Color‐Word Inhibition/Switching. Analyses of covariance were conducted to compare FA and MD of the Unc, Cing, SFS, and IFS and EF performance across groups.

Results

In bilingual patients, FA was lower in the ipsilateral Cing and Unc compared to all other groups. For both patient groups, MD of the ipsilateral Unc was higher relative to HC. Despite more pronounced reductions in WM integrity, bilingual patients performed similarly to monolingual TLE and both HC groups on EF measures. By contrast, monolingual patients performed worse than HC on TMT‐B. In addition, differences in group means between bilingual and monolingual patients on TMT‐B approached significance when controlling for the extent of WM damage (P = .071; d = 0.62), suggesting a tendency toward higher performance for bilingual patients.

Significance

Despite poorer integrity of regional frontal lobe WM, bilingual patients performed similarly to monolingual patients and HC on EF measures. These findings align with studies suggesting that bilingualism may provide a protective factor for individuals with neurological disease, potentially through reorganization of EF networks that promote greater cognitive reserve.
A proposed mechanism for central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
Authors: Subash Jacob , Alexander Tiffany , Beamer Victoria , McMichael Amy
Published: April 2018

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) has an unknown mechanism. Analyzing other scarring diseases (lichen planopilaris, fibrotic kidney disease and scleroderma) may help to clarify the mechanism of scarring in CCCA. These diseases were chosen for comparison due to either their location of disease (skin or scalp specifically), or prominence in patients of African descent. Genetics, possible triggers, an autoimmune lymphocytic response, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition are potentially involved. Possible common pathways in scarring diseases and a better understanding of the CCCA mechanism will lead to further research into the pathogenesis and potential treatments of CCCA.
Etiology and functional validation of gastrointestinal motility dysfunction in a zebrafish model of CHARGE syndrome
Authors: Cloney Kellie , Steele Shelby L. , Stoyek Matthew R. , Croll Roger P. , Smith Frank M. , Prykhozhij Sergey V. , Brown Mary M. , Midgen Craig , Blake Kim , Berman Jason N.
Published: April 2018

CHARGE syndrome is linked to autosomal‐dominant mutations in the CHD7 gene and results in a number of physiological and structural abnormalities, including heart defects, hearing and vision loss, and gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Of these challenges, GI problems have a profound impact throughout an individual's life, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. A homolog of CHD7 has been identified in the zebrafish, the loss of which recapitulates many of the features of the human disease. Using a morpholino chd7 knockdown model complemented by a chd7 null mutant zebrafish line, we examined GI structure, innervation, and motility in larval zebrafish. Loss of chd7 resulted in physically smaller GI tracts with normal epithelial and muscular histology, but decreased and disorganized vagal projections, particularly in the foregut. chd7 morphant larvae had significantly less ability to empty their GI tract of gavaged fluorescent beads, and this condition was only minimally improved by the prokinetic agents, domperidone and erythromycin, in keeping with mixed responses to these agents in patients with CHARGE syndrome. The conserved genetics and transparency of the zebrafish have provided new insights into the consequences of chd7 gene dysfunction on the GI system and cranial nerve patterning. These findings highlight the opportunity of the zebrafish to serve as a preclinical model for studying compounds that may improve GI motility in individuals with CHARGE syndrome.
Limited evidence forCO2‐related growth enhancement in northern Rocky Mountain lodgepole pine populations across climate gradients
Authors: Reed Charlotte C. , Ballantyne Ashley P. , Cooper Leila Annie , Sala Anna
Published: April 2018

Forests sequester large amounts of carbon annually and are integral in buffering against effects of global change. Increasing atmosphericCO2may enhance photosynthesis and/or decrease stomatal conductance (gs) thereby enhancing intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE), having potential indirect and direct benefits to tree growth. While increasingiWUEhas been observed in most trees globally, enhanced growth is not ubiquitous, possibly due to concurrent climatic constraints on growth. To investigate our incomplete understanding of interactions between climate andCO2and their impacts on tree physiology and growth, we used an environmental gradient approach. We combined dendrochronology with carbon isotope analysis (δ13C) to assess the covariation of basal area increment (BAI) andiWUEover time in lodgepole pine. Trees were sampled at 18 sites spanning two climatically distinct elevation transects on the lee and windward sides of the Continental Divide, encompassing the majority of lodgepole pine's northern Rocky Mountain elevational range. We analyzedBAIandiWUEfrom 1950 to 2015, and explored correlations with monthly climate variables. As expected,iWUEincreased at all sites. However, concurrent growth trends depended on site climatic water deficit (CWD). Significant growth increases occurred only at the driest sites, where increases iniWUEwere strongest, while growth decreases were greatest at sites whereCWDhas been historically lowest. Late summer drought of the previous year negatively affected growth across sites. These results suggest that increasingiWUE, if strong enough, may indirectly benefit growth at drier sites by effectively extending the growing season via reductions in gs. Strong growth decreases at high elevation windward sites may reflect increasing water stress as a result of decreasing snowpack, which was not offset by greateriWUE. Our results imply that increasingiWUEdriven by decreasing gsmay benefit tree growth in limited scenarios, having implications for future carbon uptake potential of semiarid ecosystems.
Temperature influences habitat preference of coral reef fishes: Will generalists become more specialised in a warming ocean?
Authors: Matis Paloma A. , Donelson Jennifer M. , Bush Stephen , Fox Rebecca J. , Booth David J.
Published: April 2018

Climate change is expected to pose a significant risk to species that exhibit strong behavioural preferences for specific habitat types, with generalist species assumed to be less vulnerable. In this study, we conducted habitat choice experiments to determine how water temperature influences habitat preference for three common species of coral reef damselfish (Pomacentridae) that differ in their levels of habitat specialisation. The lemon damselfish Pomacentrus moluccensis, a habitat specialist, consistently selected complex coral habitat across all temperature treatments (selected based on local average seasonal temperatures naturally experienced in situ: ambient winter 22°C; ambient summer 28°C; and elevated 31°C). Unexpectedly, the neon damselfish Pomacentrus coelestis and scissortail sergeant Abudefduf sexfasciatus, both of which have more generalist habitat associations, developed strong habitat preferences (for complex coral and boulder habitat, respectively) at the elevated temperature treatment (31°C) compared to no single preferred habitat at 22°C or 28°C. The observed shifts in habitat preference with temperature suggest that we may be currently underestimating the vulnerability of some habitat generalists to climate change and highlight that the ongoing loss of complex live coral through coral bleaching could further exacerbate resource overlap and species competition in ways not currently considered in climate change models.
Indigenous intellectual traditions and biography in the northeast: A historiographical reflection
Authors: Peace Thomas
Published: April 2018

Over the past two decades, a substantial literature has developed probing Robert Warrior's idea that we can trace a written Indigenous intellectual tradition back to the mid‐eighteenth century. Focused on Indigenous peoples who wrote fairly extensively, much of this literature has tended to treat the same individuals: Samson Occom, Joseph Brant, Peter Jones, William Apess, and George Copway (among others). Over the past 5 years, a series of biographies have been published on other individuals who fit within this community of intellectuals. Drawing together these two streams within the historiography, this essay probes the concept of Indigenous intellectual traditions, suggesting that scholars need to look beyond print culture. Doing so will better account for Indigenous concepts of sovereignty and territory, the involvement of women, the role of class, as well as the relationship between these traditions, historiographical practices, and settler colonial systems of power.
Evaluation of chronic kidney disease in cancer patients: is there a preferred estimation formula?
Authors: Sleilalty Ghassan , El Rassy Elie , Assi Tarek , Al Rassy Nathalie , Nasseh Jessica , Rizkallah Jamale , Finianos Serge , Azar Hiba , Chelala Dania N. , El Karak Fadi , Kattan Joseph , Ghosn Marwan
Published: April 2018

Background

The evaluation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cancer patients seems to rely mostly on the Cockcroft‐Gault (CG) formula or the creatinine levels to adjust treatment dosages which is a practice refuted by internists.

Aims

We evaluate the overall agreement of the CG, modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) and CKD–epidemiology collaboration equations (CKD‐EPI) equation with the newly devised Janowitz and Williams’ (JW) equation.

Methods

The renal function was estimated in 235 cancer patients according to the CG, MDRD, body surface area (BSA)‐adjusted MDRD, CKD‐EPI, BSA‐adjusted CKD‐EPI and JW formulae.

Results

JW equation was more in agreement with CG and CKD‐EPI estimations than the other equations. Taking JW equation as reference, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that CG eGFR had the higher area under the curve when compared with other equations. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed more proximity between CG and JW equations than the other equations.

Conclusion

The newly proposed JW eGFR estimation was more in agreement with CG equation than the other equations.
Human coronaviruses and other respiratory infections in young adults on a university campus: Prevalence, symptoms, and shedding
Authors: Davis Brian M. , Foxman Betsy , Monto Arnold S. , Baric Ralph S. , Martin Emily T. , Uzicanin Amra , Rainey Jeanette J. , Aiello Allison E.
Published: April 2018

Background

The prevalence, symptom course, and shedding in persons infected with the 4 most common human coronaviruses (HCoV)‐229E, HKU1, NL63, and OC43 are poorly described.

Objectives

We estimate their prevalence and associated symptoms among college students identified via a social network study design.

Patients/Methods

We collected 1‐3 samples (n = 250 specimens) from 176 participants between October 2012 and January 17, 2013: participants with acute respiratory infection (ARI; cough and body aches or chills or fever/feverishness) and their social contacts. Virus was detected using RT‐PCR.

Results

30.4% (76/250) of specimens tested positive for any virus tested, and 4.8% (12/250) were positive for 2 or more viruses. Human coronaviruses (HCoVs [22.0%; 55/250]), rhinovirus (7.6%; 19/250), and influenza A (6.4%; 16/250) were most prevalent. Symptoms changed significantly over time among ARI participants with HCoV: the prevalence of cough and chills decreased over 6 days (P = .04, and P = .01, respectively), while runny nose increased over the same period (P = .02). HCoV‐NL63 was the most frequent virus detected 6 days following symptom onset (8.9%), followed by rhinovirus (6.7%).

Conclusions

During a 3‐month period covering a single season, HCoVs were common, even among social contacts without respiratory symptoms; specific symptoms may change over the course of HCoV‐associated illness and were similar to symptoms from influenza and rhinovirus.
Five things to know about Trump's FY19 Budget Request
Authors: Pierson Steve
Published: April 2018

By Steve Pierson, director of science policy, American Statistical Association (ASA)
The Weibull Distribution
Authors: Kızılersü Ayşe , Kreer Markus , Thomas Anthony W.
Published: April 2018

Ayşe Kızılersü, Markus Kreer and Anthony W. Thomas introduce a statistical distribution that helps scientists cope with the hazards of life
Über den Kannibalismus bei Larven der Baumwollblatteule
Authors: ABDEL-SALAM Von F. , EL-LAKWAH F.
Published: April 2018

On cannibalism of the larvae of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.). Some ecological studies on the larvae of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) were carried out in the laboratory to prove the appearance of cannibalism under different conditions of temperature, relative humidity, population density as well as abstraction of food, and furthermore the effect of food and food quantity. Results obtained showed, that when food was sufficiently provided the different instars did not show any cannibalistic habit. Cannibalism only appeared in case of insufficient quantity of food and reached its maximum at total withdrawal of food. The cannibalism rate was different for the various instars, the fourth stage showed the highest rate. During moulting time the rate was very low. The cannibalism rate was higher at 35° C than at lower temperatures and at lower relative humidity (30–40%) higher than at higher relative humidity (70–80%). In a limited space under withdrawal of food the rate was higher with greater initial numbers of larvae than with lower initial numbers. This rate was also higher for the cultures of mixed larvae instars than for the cultures of unmixed larvae instars. Records after 72 hours showed that only the eldest instars of larvae survived. The cannibalism rate increased with the length of the fasting period.
Olfactory gene expression in migrating adult sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka
Authors: Bett N. N. , Hinch S. G. , Kaukinen K. H. , Li S. , Miller K. M.
Published: April 2018

Expression of 12 olfactory genes was analysed in adult sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka nearing spawning grounds and O. nerka that had strayed from their natal migration route. Variation was found in six of these genes, all of which were olfc olfactory receptors and had lower expression levels in salmon nearing spawning grounds. The results may reflect decreased sensitivity to natal water olfactory cues as these fish are no longer seeking the correct migratory route. The expression of olfactory genes during the olfactory‐mediated spawning migration of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. is largely unexplored and these findings demonstrate a link between migratory behaviours and olfactory plasticity that provides a basis for future molecular research on salmon homing.
Phosphatidic acid plays key roles regulating plant development and stress responses
Authors: Yao Hong‐Yan , Xue Hong‐Wei
Published: April 2018

Phospholipids, including phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphoinositides, have emerged as an important class of cellular messenger molecules in various cellular and physiological processes, of which PA attracts much attention of researchers. In addition to its effect on stimulating vesicle trafficking, many studies have demonstrated that PA plays a crucial role in various signaling pathways by binding target proteins and regulating their activity and subcellular localization. Here, we summarize the functional mechanisms and target proteins underlying PA‐mediated regulation of cellular signaling, development, hormonal responses, and stress responses in plants.
Evolutionary history of the flora of Mexico: Dry forests cradles and museums of endemism
Authors: Sosa Victoria , De‐Nova J. Arturo , Vásquez‐Cruz Marilyn
Published: April 2018

Mexico is considered an exceptional biogeographic area with a varied endemic flora, however spatial phylogenetic measures of biodiversity have not yet been estimated to understand how its flora assembled to form the current vegetation. Patterns of species richness, endemism, phylogenetic diversity, phylogenetic endemism and centers of neo‐ and paleo‐endemism were determined to examine differences and congruence among these measures, and their implications for conservation. Of 24 360 vascular plant species 10 235 (42%) are endemic. Areas of endemism and phylogenetic endemism were associated with dry forests in zones of topographic complexity in mountain systems, in deserts, and in isolated xeric vegetation. Every single locality where seasonally tropical dry forests have been reported in Mexico was identified as an area of endemism. Significant phylogenetic diversity was the most restricted and occurred in the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt and in the Sierra de Chiapas. Notably, the highest degree of phylogenetic clustering comprising neo‐, paleo‐, and super‐endemism was identified in southernmost Mexico. Most vascular plant lineages diverged in the Miocene (5–20 mya) when arid environments expanded across the world. The location of Mexico between two very large landmasses and the fact that more than fifty percent of its surface is arid favored the establishment of tropical lineages adapted to extreme seasonality and aridity. These lineages were able to migrate from both North and South America across Central America presumably during the Miocene and to diversify, illustrating the signature of the flora of Mexico of areas of endemism with a mixture of neo‐ and paleo‐endemism.
Dispersal is associated with morphological innovation, but not increased diversification, inCyphostemma(Vitaceae)
Authors: Hearn David J. , Evans Margaret , Wolf Ben , McGinty Michael , Wen Jun
Published: April 2018

Multiple processes − including dispersal, morphological innovation, and habitat change − are frequently cited as catalysts for increased diversification. We investigate these processes and the causal linkages among them in the genusCyphostemma(Vitaceae), a clade comprising ∼200 species that is unique in the Vitaceae for its diversity of growth habits. We reconstruct time‐calibrated evolutionary relationships among 64 species in the genus using five nuclear and chloroplast markers and infer the group's morphological and biogeographic history. We test for changes in speciation rate and evaluate the temporal association and sequencing of events with respect to dispersal, habitat change, and morphological evolution using a Monte Carlo simulation approach. InCyphostemma, neither dispersal nor morphological evolution is associated with shifts in speciation rate, but dispersal is associated with evolutionary shifts in growth form. Evolution of stem succulence, in particular, is associated with adaptation to local, pre‐existing conditions following long‐distance dispersal, not habitat changein situ. We suggest that the pattern of association between dispersal, morphological innovation, and diversification may depend on the particular characters under study. Lineages with evolutionarily labile characters, such as stem succulence, do not necessarily conform to the notion of niche conservatism and instead demonstrate remarkable morphological adaptation to local climate and edaphic conditions following dispersal.
The prognostic significance of serum HBeAg on the recurrence and long‐term survival after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Shen J. , Liu J. , Li C. , Wen T. , Yan L. , Yang J.
Published: April 2018

The effects of serum hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after hepatectomy remain controversial. Our aim was to explore the prognostic significance of serum HBeAg on the prognosis of patients with HCC using a propensity matching model. Between January 2009 and March 2015, 953 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy in West China Hospital were analysed. Propensity matching analysis was applied, and survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Risk factors were identified by the Cox proportional hazards model. All patients with HCC were classified into an HBeAg(−) group (n = 775, 81.3%) or an HBeAg(+) group (n = 178, 18.7%). Patients with positive serum HBeAg had poorer recurrence‐free survival and overall survival before and after propensity matching. Similar results were found in patients within the Milan criteria. For patients beyond the Milan criteria, the HBeAg(+) group had poor overall survival before and after propensity matching. In term of recurrence‐free survival, there was no statistically significant impact after propensity matching (P = .055), although there was a trend for HBeAg(+) patient to have reduced recurrence‐free survival. Positive serum HBeAg, positive HBV‐DNA load, largest tumour size, multiple tumours, microvascular invasion and a high serum level of preoperative alpha‐fetoprotein were risk factors for recurrence. Our propensity model confirmed that positive serum HBeAg had a negative impact on the recurrence and long‐term survival irrespective of tumour stages. HBeAg seroconversion might be beneficial for reducing the rate of recurrence.
Detection of in vivo hepatitis B virus surface antigen mutations—A comparison of four routine screening assays
Authors: Gencay M. , Seffner A. , Pabinger S. , Gautier J. , Gohl P. , Weizenegger M. , Neofytos D. , Batrla R. , Woeste A. , Kim H. S. , Westergaard G. , Reinsch C. , Brill E. , Thuy P. T. T. , Hoang B. H. , Sonderup M. , Spearman C. W. , Brancaccio G. , Fasano M. , Gaeta G. B. , Santantonio T. , Kaminski W. E.
Published: April 2018

An important requirement for a state‐of‐the‐art hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening assay is reliable detection of mutated HBsAg. Currently, there is a striking shortage of data regarding the detection rates of in vivo HBsAg mutations for these clinically important assays. Therefore, we compared the detection rates of four commercial HBsAg screening assays using a global cohort of 1553 patients from four continents with known HBV genotypes. These samples, which represent the broadest spectrum of known and novel HBsAg major hydrophilic region (MHR) mutations to date, were analyzed for the presence of HBsAg using the Roche Elecsys® HBsAg II Qualitative, Siemens ADVIA Centaur XP HBsAg II, Abbott Architect HBsAg Qualitative II and DiaSorin Liaison® HBsAg Qualitative assays, respectively. Of the 1553 samples, 1391 samples could be sequenced; of these, 1013 (72.8%) carried at least one of the 345 currently known amino acid substitutions (distinct HBsAg mutation) in the HBsAg MHR. All 1553 patient samples were positive for HBsAg using the Elecsys® HBsAg II Qual assay, with a sensitivity (95% confidence interval) of 99.94% (99.64%‐100%), followed by the Abbott Architect 99.81% (99.44%‐99.96%), Siemens ADVIA 99.81% (99.44%‐99.96%) and DiaSorin Liaison® 99.36% (98.82%‐99.69%) assays, respectively. Our results indicate that the Elecsys® HBsAg II Qual assay exhibits the highest sensitivity among the commercial HBsAg screening assays, and demonstrate that its capacity to detect HBV infection is not compromised by HBsAg MHR mutants.
Puma activity patterns and temporal overlap with prey in a human‐modified landscape at Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Azevedo F. C. , Lemos F. G. , Freitas‐Junior M. C. , Rocha D. G. , Azevedo F. C. C.
Published: April 2018

Animal activity patterns correspond to the individual diel cycle time and is an important attribute of species coexistence in ecological communities. However, activity patterns of most Neotropical species are still poorly understood. Based on an 8‐year camera‐trapping survey conducted between 2009 and 2017, we evaluated puma (Puma concolor) activity patterns in a human‐modified landscape in Southeastern Brazil. Our objectives were to determine the activity pattern of pumas and to verify the influence of main prey species and anthropogenic factors on their behavior. We categorized activity patterns of all assessed species based on the proportion of independent records during night and day times. We tested for sex differences in activity patterns of pumas, and measured their overlap with most consumed prey, people, cattle and domestic dogs. Our results suggested that males engaged in mostly nocturnal behavior while females were active both at night and day hours. Pumas exhibited higher coefficient of overlapping with prey species that were most often included in their diet, suggesting that prey availability might influence puma activity or that pumas opportunistically prey upon species with similar activity pattern. Female pumas seem to be more exposed to anthropogenic threats due to higher activity pattern overlap with people and domestic dogs. Our findings provide insights into puma‐prey temporal behavior, highlighting the relevance of intrasexual dissimilarity in the activity patterns of a top predator living in a disturbed landscape.
TDP‐43 pathology in multiple system atrophy: colocalization of TDP‐43 and α‐synuclein in glial cytoplasmic inclusions
Authors: Koga S. , Lin W.‐L. , Walton R. L. , Ross O. A. , Dickson D. W.
Published: April 2018

Aims

This study aimed to assess clinicopathologic features of transactive response DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) pathology and its risk factors in multiple system atrophy (MSA).

Methods

Paraffin‐embedded sections of the amygdala and basal forebrain from 186 autopsy‐confirmed MSA cases were screened with immunohistochemistry for phospho‐TDP‐43. In cases having TDP‐43 pathology, additional brain regions were assessed. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence double‐staining and immunogold electron microscopy (IEM) were performed to evaluate colocalization of TDP‐43 and α‐synuclein. Genetic risk factors for TDP‐43 pathology were also analysed.

Results

Immunohistochemistry showed various morphologies of TDP‐43 pathology in 13 cases (7%), such as subpial astrocytic inclusions, neuronal inclusions, dystrophic neurites, perivascular inclusions and glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that only advanced age, but not concurrent Alzheimer's disease, argyrophilic grain disease or hippocampal sclerosis, was an independent risk factor for TDP‐43 pathology in MSA (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04–1.19, P = 0.002). TDP‐43 pathology was restricted to the amygdala in eight cases and extended to the hippocampus in two cases. The remaining three cases had widespread TDP‐43 pathology. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence double‐staining and IEM revealed colocalization of α‐synuclein and TDP‐43 in GCIs with granule‐coated filaments. Pilot genetic studies failed to show associations between risk variants of TMEM106B or GRN and TDP‐43 pathology.

Conclusions

TDP‐43 pathology is rare in MSA and occurs mainly in the medial temporal lobe. Advanced age is a risk factor for TDP‐43 pathology in MSA. Colocalization of TDP‐43 and α‐synuclein in GCIs suggests possible direct interaction between the two molecules.
How to gauge banal nationalism and national indifference in the past: proletarian tweets in Belgium's belle époque
Authors: Van Ginderachter Maarten
Published: April 2018

Michael Billig's theory of banal nationalism involves the assumption that the absence of an explicit discourse on the nation should be interpreted as the unmindful presence of nationalism and that the mass media faithfully represent or reflect the discourses of ‘ordinary people’. Recent historical research of ‘national indifference’ in imperial Austria has inverted the correlation between the ubiquity of nationalist discourses and their impact in society. This article assesses these conflicting frameworks and refutes AD Smith's critique of everyday nationalism research as necessarily ahistorical and presentist. This case study of the rank‐and‐file of the social‐democratic Belgian Workers' Party at the close of the nineteenth century uses a unique source of working‐class voices: the so‐called ‘propaganda pence’ or ‘proletarian tweets’ from the Flemish‐speaking city of Ghent. Hot, explicit nationalism was absent from these sources, which begs the question: is this proof of banal nationalism or national indifference? A historically contextualized analysis of the absences shows that workers expressed national indifference towards Belgian, but not towards Flemish ethnicity. In Rogers Brubaker's terms: Flemish ethnicity was a relevant social category, but only in a very restricted number of social contexts could it become a basis for ‘groupness’ or political mobilisation in daily life.
Taking the step: from Evo‐Devo to plant–microbe interaction evolution with the liverwort Marchantia
Authors: Rich Mélanie , Delaux Pierre‐Marc
Published: April 2018

This article is a Commentary on Nelson et al., 218: 1217–1232.