bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Learning and Integrative Decomposition of Multi-View Data
Authors: Gaynanova Irina , Li Gen
Published: June 2019

The increased availability of multi-view data (data on the same samples from multiple sources) has led to strong interest in models based on low-rank matrix factorizations. These models represent each data view via shared and individual components, and have been successfully applied for exploratory dimension reduction, association analysis between the views, and consensus clustering. Despite these advances, there remain challenges in modeling partially-shared components and identifying the number of components of each type (shared/partially-shared/individual). We formulate a novel linked component model that directly incorporates partially-shared structures. We call this model SLIDE for Structural Learning and Integrative DEcomposition of multi-view data. The proposed model-fitting and selection techniques allow for joint identification of the number of components of each type, in contrast to existing sequential approaches. In our empirical studies, SLIDE demonstrates excellent performance in both signal estimation and component selection. We further illustrate the methodology on the breast cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas repository.
Integer-Valued Functional Data Analysis for Measles Forecasting
Authors: Kowal Daniel R.
Published: June 2019

Measles presents a unique and imminent challenge for epidemiologists and public health officials: the disease is highly contagious, yet vaccination rates are declining precipitously in many localities. Consequently, the risk of a measles outbreak continues to rise. To improve preparedness, we study historical measles data both prevaccine and postvaccine, and design new methodology to forecast measles counts with uncertainty quantification. We propose to model the disease counts as an integer-valued functional time series: measles counts are a function of time-of-year and time-ordered by year. The counts are modeled using a negative-binomial distribution conditional on a real-valued latent process, which accounts for the overdispersion observed in the data. The latent process is decomposed using an unknown basis expansion, which is learned from the data, with dynamic basis coefficients. The resulting framework provides enhanced capability to model complex seasonality, which varies dynamically from year-to-year, and offers improved multimonth-ahead point forecasts and substantially tighter forecast intervals (with correct coverage) compared to existing forecasting models. Importantly, the fully Bayesian approach provides well-calibrated and precise uncertainty quantification for epi-relevant features, such as the future value and time of the peak measles count in a given year. An R package is available online.
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in people with learning disability: A systematic review
Authors: Walton Catherine , Isaac Andrew , Kerr Mike
Published: June 2019

Accessible Summary

People with learning disability have more health problems in comparison to people without learning disability.

Low levels of vitamin D in the body is called vitamin D deficiency. This can increase the chance of bone disease, falls and broken bones.

This article has reviewed the research evidence from the last 16 years about vitamin D deficiency for people with learning disability.

The research shows that people with learning disability have an equal, and possibly higher, chance of vitamin D deficiency.

More research is needed to confirm these findings. In order to find out more about how many people with learning disability have vitamin D deficiency, a much larger study is needed.

Background

\inequality and unmet needs. Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of bone disease, muscle weakness and fractures. The aim of this systematic review is to assess for the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in people with learning disability.

Method

The “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses” checklist was followed where possible.

Results

Eight studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The quality of the studies was assessed utilising the “Appraisal of Cross‐sectional Studies” tool. The prevalence of inpatients with learning disability and deficient vitamin D levels ranged from 41% to 92%. This is equal to, and likely higher than, the rate for institutionalised adults in the UK. 49%–77% of individuals with learning disability living in the community had inadequate vitamin D levels. In comparison to the general population, this is provisional evidence to suggest that people with learning disability could have an increased risk of inadequate vitamin D levels.

Conclusion

Due to the low number of studies, and the heterogeneous populations of the included studies, firm conclusions could not be drawn. However, the results show that people with learning disability have at least an equal risk of vitamin D deficiency in comparison to the general population. There is provisional evidence to suggest that the prevalence could be higher for people with learning disability, and therefore, there is a need for further population‐based studies.
The role of smooth muscle cells in plaque stability: Therapeutic targeting potential
Authors: Harman Jennifer L. , Jørgensen Helle F.
Published: June 2019

Events responsible for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity are predominantly caused by rupture of “vulnerable” atherosclerotic lesions. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a key role in atherogenesis and have historically been considered beneficial for plaque stability. VSMCs constitute the main cellular component of the protective fibrous cap within lesions and are responsible for synthesising strength‐giving extracellular matrix components. However, lineage‐tracing experiments in mouse models of atherosclerosis have shown that, in addition to the fibrous cap, VSMCs also give rise to many of the cell types found within the plaque core. In particular, VSMCs generate a substantial fraction of lipid‐laden foam cells, and VSMC‐derived cells expressing markers of macrophages, osteochondrocyte, and mesenchymal stem cells have been observed within lesions. Here, we review recent studies that have changed our perspective on VSMC function in atherosclerosis and discuss how VSMCs could be targeted to increase plaque stability.
Impacts of backwater hydrodynamics on fluvial–deltaic stratigraphy
Authors: Wu Chenliang , Nitterour Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2019

The hydrodynamics of rivers approaching a receiving basin are influenced by the onset of backwater conditions that give rise to decelerating reach‐average flow velocity and decreasing boundary shear stress. These changes occur across a spatial gradient over which decreasing sediment transport capacity triggers morphodynamic responses that include sediment deposition at the transition from uniform to nonuniform flow. As a consequence, the channel width‐to‐depth ratio and bed sediment grain size decrease downstream. While nonuniform flow and associated morphodynamic adjustments have been investigated in modern fluvial–deltaic systems, the impacts to fluvial–deltaic stratigraphy remain relatively unexplored. This represents an important unresolved gap: there are few contributions that link morphodynamic response to nonuniform flow, impacts on sediment deposition and influence on the rock record. This study uses a numerical model to explore how variable channel hydraulics influence long‐term (1000s years) patterns of sediment deposition and development of stratigraphy. The model results indicate that: (a) nonuniform flow propagates upstream beyond the backwater transition that is traditionally estimated with a basic backwater length scale relationship. (b) Base‐level fluctuations, especially rising, enhance the impact of nonuniform flow. (c) Sediment deposition shows large spatio‐temporal variability, which ultimately contributes to unique stacking patterns of fluvial–deltaic stratigraphy. (d) Nonuniform flow imparts spatial variation in flow depth, channel bed slope and sediment grain size over the delta, and these signatures are potentially preserved and recognizable in the rock record.
Sex differences in the safety of S‐1 plus oxaliplatin and S‐1 plus cisplatin for patients with metastatic gastric cancer
Authors: Yamada Yasuhide , Koizumi Wasaburo , Nishikawa Kazuhiro , Gotoh Masahiro , Fuse Nozomu , Sugimoto Naotoshi , Nishina Tomohiro , Amagai Kenji , Chin Keisho , Niwa Yasumasa , Tsuji Akihito , Imamura Hiroshi , Tsuda Masahiro , Yasui Hirofumi , Fujii Hirofumi , Yamaguchi Kensei , Yasui Hisateru , Hironaka Shuichi , Shimada Ken , Hyodo Ichinosuke
Published: June 2019

Previous studies have shown sex‐related differences in the incidence of adverse events following treatment with fluoropyrimidines, however the mechanism of this difference is unknown. We examined sex‐related differences in the safety of S‐1 plus oxaliplatin (SOX) and S‐1 plus cisplatin (CS) in 663 metastatic gastric cancer patients taking part in a phase III study. The incidences of leukopenia (odds ratio [OR] 1.9; P = .015), neutropenia (OR 2.2; P = .002), nausea (OR 2.0; P = .009), and vomiting (OR 2.8; P < .001) were increased in women versus men treated with SOX, while vomiting (OR 2.9; P < .001) and stomatitis (OR 1.8; P = .043) were increased in women versus men treated with CS. In contrast, male patients treated with CS experienced thrombocytopenia more often (OR 0.51; P = .009). The mean relative dose intensity of S‐1 in SOX was 75.4% in women and 81.4% in men (P = .032). No difference in efficacy was observed between women and men undergoing either regimen. Sex‐related differences in adverse reactions during SOX and CS treatment were confirmed in this phase III study. Further translational research studies are warranted to pursue the cause of this difference.
Recurrence and metastatic potential in Type 1 gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Daskalakis Kosmas , Tsoli Marina , Karapanagioti Angeliki , Chrysochoou Maria , Thomas Dimitrios , Sougioultzis Stavros , Karoumpalis Ioannis , Kaltsas Gregory A. , Alexandraki Krystallenia I.
Published: June 2019

Background

The aim of our study was to assess clinico‐pathological and biochemical parameters of Type 1 Gastric Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (GNEN1) with respect to tumours propensity for recurrence and metastasis.

Methods

Hospital charts of GNEN1 patients were reviewed at a single tertiary referral centre.

Results

We included 114 consecutive patients (74 women; age at baseline 54.5 ± 12.7 years [mean ± SD]) with GNEN1. All tumours (n = 114) were well differentiated; Grade 1 (G1) accounted for 56 patients (49%), whereas 46 (40%) were Grade 2 (G2) and 12 (11%) of unknown Grade. Overall follow‐up encompassed 45.3 ± 46 (mean ± SD) months in 84 patients who were subjected to annual surveillance; 44 (52%) developed recurrence in the stomach during follow‐up with 22 experiencing multiple recurrences; three (2.6%) presented with metastases in locoregional lymph nodes (n = 3) and/or the liver (n = 2); No metastasis or death was reported during follow‐up. Median recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was 31 months (95% CI: 7.6‐54.4). Among clinico‐pathological and biochemical parameters investigated, endoscopic intervention compared with surgery (P‐value = .009) and higher serum‐gastrin levels (s‐gastrin) at baseline and first‐year follow‐up were associated with recurrence (P‐value = .022 and .003 respectively) and also shorter RFS (log‐rank P = .009 for type of intervention and .014 for s‐gastrin, respectively). Receiver Operator Curve analysis of s‐gastrin levels at first‐year follow‐up for recurrence demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.702.

Conclusion

Despite the relatively high prevalence of G2 tumours, endoscopically and/or surgically treated GNEN1 remains an indolent disease with a low metastatic propensity and no disease‐specific mortality reported in our series. Many patients though will experience local recurrence, warranting long‐term endoscopic surveillance with s‐gastrin biomarker being a complementary tool in recurrence prediction.
Brainstem posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a case with Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Yokoyama Jun , Yamaguchi Hiroo , Koge Junpei , Matsushita Takuya , Isobe Noriko , Yamasaki Ryo , Kira Jun‐ichi
Published: June 2019

Background

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by reversible vasogenic brain edema on magnetic resonance imaging. PRES is frequently associated with blood pressure (BP) fluctuation. Although Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is often complicated by BP fluctuation, PRES is rarely reported. Here, we describe the first reported case of GBS in a patient who developed PRES mainly affecting the brainstem.

Case presentation

A 43‐year‐old man presented with impaired consciousness and was hospitalized after a diagnosis of infectious meningoencephalitis. His consciousness was improved by treatment; however, he presented with polyneuropathy and BP fluctuation. We diagnosed him with GBS and started intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg); however, his consciousness became impaired again after IVIg. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense areas of the pons, cerebellar peduncle, midbrain and basal ganglia in the apparent diffusion coefficient image and the fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery image. Diffusion‐weighted imaging showed that hyperintense and hypointense lesions were present within the same regions. We diagnosed brainstem PRES complicated with GBS. Achievement of BP control improved his consciousness and hyperintense lesions on the diffusion‐weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient image map.

Conclusions

BP fluctuation and IVIg might have caused PRES in the present case. Neurologists should consider PRES as a differential diagnosis when consciousness is impaired in GBS, especially at the time of IVIg therapy or BP fluctuation.
Novel BEST1 gene mutations associated with two different forms of macular dystrophy in Tunisian families
Authors: Chibani Zohra , Abid Imen Zone , Molbaek Annette , Söderkvist Peter , Feki Jamel , Hmani‐Aifa Mounira
Published: June 2019

Background

Epidemiological studies of hereditary eye diseases allowed us to identify two Tunisian families suffering from macular dystrophies: Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) and autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB). The purpose of the current study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and the underlying genetics of these two forms of macular dystrophy.

Methods

Complete ophthalmic examination was performed including optical coherence tomography, electroretinography, electrooculography and autofluoresence imaging in all patients. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood collected from patients and family members.

Results

Sanger sequencing of all exons of the BEST1 gene in both families identified two new mutations: a missense mutation c.C91A [p.L31 M] at the N‐terminal transmembrane domain within the ARB family and a nonsense mutation C1550G (p.S517X) in the C‐terminal domain segregating in the BVMD family.

Conclusions

Several mutations of the BEST1 gene have been reported which are responsible for numerous ocular pathologies. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time we report mutations in this gene in Tunisian families presenting different forms of macular dystrophy. Our report also expands the list of pathogenic BEST1 genotypes and the associated clinical diagnosis.
Repeat corneal transplantation in Auckland, New Zealand: Indications, visual outcomes and risk factors for repeat keratoplasty failure
Authors: Lu Lucy M. , Boyle Alexander B. , Niederer Rachael L. , Brookes Nigel H. , McGhee Charles N. J. , Patel Dipika V.
Published: July 2019

Importance

In New Zealand, repeat keratoplasty has become the second leading indication for corneal transplantation.

Background

To report the indications, outcomes and survival of repeat keratoplasty and evaluate the risk factors for graft failure.

Design

Retrospective study in a public corneal service.

Participants

Two hundred nineteen patients undergoing 279 repeat keratoplasty procedures during 1991‐2017.

Methods

The New Zealand National Eye Bank prospectively collects data on all corneal transplants. This was utilized to identify patients undergoing repeat keratoplasty in Auckland. Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed.

Main Outcome Measures

Graft survival and visual outcome.

Results

The repeat keratoplasty technique was penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in 242 cases (86.7%) and endothelial keratoplasty in 37 (13.3%). The most common primary indication was keratoconus (46.6%). The most common indication for repeat keratoplasty was endothelial decompensation (37.6%). For PK performed as a repeat keratoplasty, the median survival in years was 12.0 for first, 3.5 for second and 2.3 for third repeat keratoplasty. Keratoconus had the longest graft survival (median 13.0 years). In surviving grafts, median visual acuity was 6/15 at 1 year and 6/12 at 2 years. On multivariate analysis, regraft number (P = .022), non‐European ethnicity (P = .007), concurrent surgical procedure (P < .0005), lower donor endothelial density (P = .028), previous glaucoma surgery (P < .0005), postoperative raised intraocular pressure (P = .001) and graft rejection (P = .032) were associated with keratoplasty failure.

Conclusions and Relevance

Repeat keratoplasty survival is affected by multiple interacting factors and prognosis worsens with each subsequent regraft. These results will help guide clinicians in addressing patients' individual risk factors when embarking on repeat corneal transplant surgery.
Mechanical and biological complications after implantoplasty—A systematic review
Authors: Stavropoulos Andreas , Bertl Kristina , Eren Sera , Gotfredsen Klaus
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Implantoplasty, that is, the mechanical modification of the implant, including thread removal and surface smoothening, has been proposed during surgical peri‐implantitis treatment. Currently, there is no information about any potential mechanical and/or biological complications after this approach. The aim of the current review was to systematically assess the literature to answer the focused question “Are there any mechanical and/or biological complications due to implantoplasty?”.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search was performed in three databases until 23/09/2018 to assess potential mechanical and/or biological complications after implantoplasty. All laboratory, preclinical in vivo, and clinical studies involving implantoplasty were included, and any complication potentially related to implantoplasty was recorded and summarized.

Results

Out of 386 titles, 26 publications were included in the present review (six laboratory, two preclinical in vivo, and 18 clinical studies). Laboratory studies have shown that implantoplasty does not result in temperature increase, provided proper cooling is used, but leads in reduced implant strength in “standard” dimension implants; further, preclinical studies have shown titanium particle deposition in the surrounding tissues. Nevertheless, no clinical study has reported any remarkable complication due to implantoplasty; among 217‐291 implants subjected to implantoplasty, no implant fracture was reported during a follow‐up of 3–126 months, while only a single case of mucosal discoloration, likely due to titanium particle deposition, has been reported.

Conclusions

Based on all currently available, yet limited, preclinical in vivo and clinical evidence, implantoplasty seems not associated with any remarkable mechanical or biological complications on the short‐ to medium‐term.
Post‐treatment patient‐reported outcome measures in a group of Thai dental implant patients
Authors: Vipattanaporn Pat , Mattheos Nikos , Pisarnturakit Pagaporn , Pimkhaokham Atiphan , Subbalekha Keskanya
Published: June 2019

Objective

The aims of this study were to evaluate and analyze the factors affecting patients' perceptions and satisfaction after receiving implant treatment.

Material and methods

Questionnaires were mailed to 691 patients who had completed implant treatment for at least 6 months. The questionnaire consisted of 23 items, including demographic data, seven items on perceptions, and nine items on satisfaction.

Results

Of the returned 382 questionnaires, 188 and 194 were from patients treated by postgraduate students and specialists, respectively. Dentists were the most common main source of implant information (55.8%). Although 90% of the patients felt that they were well informed about implant treatment, some inaccurate perceptions remained: 18% believed that “Dental implants require less care than natural teeth,” 35.6% that “Dental implants last longer than natural teeth,” and 75% that “Treatment with dental implants has no risks or complications.” Approximately 90% of the patients were satisfied with their chewing, phonetics, aesthetic outcome, and dental implant treatment; however, some were dissatisfied with the cost. Although gender, age, educational level, main source of information, implant number, and implant position had some impact on patients' perceptions and satisfaction; monthly income did not. The clinicians' expertise affected patients' perceptions, but not satisfaction.

Conclusions

Although most patients had accurate perceptions with regards to implant treatment, some misperceptions about the need for a maintenance care still exist after treatment. Most patients were satisfied with their treatment outcome regardless of monthly income and the clinicians' expertise level.
Weight gain following treatment of hyperthyroidism—A forgotten tale
Authors: Kyriacou Angelos , Kyriacou Alexis , Makris Konstantinos C. , Syed Akheel A. , Perros Petros
Published: July 2019

Hyperthyroidism causes weight loss in the majority, but its effect is variable and 10% of patients gain weight. Its treatment usually leads to weight gain and some studies have reported an excess weight regain. However, there is considerable inter‐individual variability and a differential effect on body weight by different treatments, with some studies reporting more weight increase with radioiodine, and perhaps surgery, compared with anti‐thyroid drugs. The excess weight regain may relate to treatment‐induced hypothyroidism. Furthermore, the transition from hyperthyroidism to euthyroidism may unmask, or exacerbate, the predisposition that some patients have towards obesity. Other risk factors commonly implicated for such weight increase include the severity of thyrotoxicosis at presentation and underlying Graves' disease. Conflicting data exist whether lean body mass or fat mass or both are increased post‐therapy and whether such increments occur concurrently or in a sequential manner; this merits clarification. In any case, clinicians need to counsel their patients regarding this issue at presentation. Limited data on the effect of dietary interventions on weight changes with treatment of hyperthyroidism are encouraging in that they cause significantly lesser weight gain compared to standard care. More research is indicated on the impact of the treatment of hyperthyroidism on various anthropometric indices and the predisposing factors for any excessive weight gain. Regarding the impact of dietary management or other weight loss interventions, there is a need for well‐designed and, ideally, controlled intervention studies.
Dose Finding in the Clinical Development of 60 US Food and Drug Administration–Approved Drugs Compared With Learning vs. Confirming Recommendations
Authors: Lyauk Yassine Kamal , Jonker Daniël Martijn , Lund Trine Meldgaard
Published: June 2019

This review characterizes clinical development that supported the label dose in 60 drug indications recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. With Lewis B. Sheiner's Learning vs. Confirming clinical drug development paradigm as a reference point, the clinical development paths, the design of dose‐ranging trials, and the dose–exposure–response characterization were examined using US Food and Drug Administration approval packages. It was found that 89% of clinical development programs included several doses in the first‐in‐patient trial, 43% proceeded directly to confirmatory trials after the first‐in‐patient trial, and 52% included multiple doses in confirmatory development. A low number of doses and narrow dose ranges were generally included in dose‐ranging trials, with only 20% including at least four doses over an at least 10‐fold dose range. In a third of approval packages, no dose–response or exposure–response evaluation was identified, and model‐based dose–exposure–response characterization was rarely alluded to, as only 2 of 60 approval packages mentioned the use of a model‐based approach. The findings suggest that confirmatory development may often be guided more toward learning than confirming, and furthermore that dose exposure response is robustly assessed in only a minority of clinical drug development programs, indicating that there may be room left for optimizing the benefit/risk profile of confirmatory/marketed dose(s). Significant deviation from Learning vs. Confirming may exist in clinical development practice on several levels, and the reasons for why this may be the case are discussed in light of contemporary literature.
Learning through observing: Effects of modeling truth‐ and lie‐telling on children’s honesty
Authors: Engarhos Paraskevi , Shohoudi Azadeh , Crossman Angela , Talwar Victoria
Published: June 2019

The current study examined the influence of observing another's lie‐ or truth‐telling – and its consequences – on children's own honesty about a transgression. Children (N = 224, 5–8 years of age) observed an experimenter (E) tell the truth or lie about a minor transgression in one of five conditions: (a) Truth‐Positive Outcome – E told the truth with a positive outcome; (b) Truth‐Negative Outcome – E told the truth with a negative outcome; (c) Lie‐Positive Outcome – E lied with a positive outcome; (d) Lie‐Negative Outcome – E lied with a negative outcome; (e) Control – E did not tell a lie or tell the truth. Later, to examine children's truth‐ or lie‐telling behavior, children participated in a temptation resistance paradigm where they were told not to peek at a trivia question answer. They either peeked or not, and subsequently lied or told the truth about that behavior. Additionally, children were asked to give moral evaluations of different truth‐ and lie‐telling vignettes. Overall, 85% of children lied. Children were less likely to lie about their own transgression in the TRP when they had previously witnessed the experimenter tell the truth with a positive outcome or tell a lie with a negative outcome.
Heterozygous loss of Srp72 in mice is not associated with major hematological phenotypes
Authors: D'Altri Teresa , Schuster Mikkel B. , Wenzel Anne , Porse Bo T.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Familial cases of hematological malignancies are associated with germline mutations. In particular, heterozygous mutations of SRP72 correlate with the development of myelodysplasia and bone marrow aplasia in two families. The signal recognition particle 72 kDa protein (SRP72) is part of the SRP complex, responsible for targeting of proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum. The main objective of this study is to investigate the role of SRP72 in the hematopoietic system, thus explaining why a reduced dose could increase susceptibility to hematological malignancies.

Methods

We developed an Srp72 null mouse model and characterized its hematopoietic system using flow cytometry, bone marrow transplantations, and gene expression analysis.

Results

Heterozygous loss of Srp72 in mice is not associated with major changes in hematopoiesis, although causes mild reductions in blood and BM cellularity and minor changes within the stem/progenitor compartment. We did not observe any hematological disorder. Interestingly, gene expression analysis demonstrated that genes encoding secreted factors, including cytokines and receptors, were transcriptionally down‐regulated in Srp72+/− animals.

Conclusions

The Srp72+/− mouse model only partially recapitulates the phenotype observed in families with inherited SRP72 lesions. Nonetheless, these results can provide mechanistic insights into why SRP72 mutations are associated with aplasia and myelodysplasia in humans.
Reduced plasma ascorbic acid levels in recipients of myeloablative conditioning and hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Rasheed Mahmood , Simmons Gary , Fisher Bernard , Leslie Kevin , Reed Jason , Roberts Catherine , Natarajan Ramesh , Fowler Alpha , Toor Amir
Published: July 2019

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) conditioned using myeloablative conditioning (MAC) is complicated by end organ injury due to endothelial dysfunction and graft versus host disease. Mucositis and oxidant injury results in micronutrient deficiency. Ascorbic acid (AA) levels were measured in 15 patients undergoing HCT conditioned with MAC (11 allogeneic and four autologous HCT). Ascorbate levels declined postconditioning to 27.3 μMol/L (±14.1) by day 0 (P = .03 compared with pretransplant baseline), reaching a nadir level of 21.5 (±13.8) on day 14 (P = .003) post‐transplant. Patients undergoing allogeneic HCT continued to have low AA levels to day 60 post‐transplant. The role of AA in maintaining endothelial function and hematopoietic as well as T‐cell recovery is provided, developing the rationale for repletion of vitamin C following HCT.
Sodium‐chloride‐induced effects on the expression profile of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts with focus on simulated orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Schröder Agnes , Nazet Ute , Neubert Patrick , Jantsch Jonathan , Spanier Gerrit , Proff Peter , Kirschneck Christian
Published: June 2019

Increased salt (NaCl) consumption triggers chronic diseases such as hypertension or osteopenia. Its impact on orthodontic tooth movement and periodontitis, however, has not been investigated, although both processes are related to the immune system, with periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) playing a key mediating role. Here, we investigated the impact of NaCl on the expression pattern of PDLFs in a model of simulated compressive orthodontic strain. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts were preincubated for 24 h with additional 0 or 40 mM NaCl and concurrently treated for another 48 h with or without compressive strain of 2 g cm−2. We analyzed the expression of genes and proteins involved in orthodontic tooth movement by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), ELISA, and immunoblot. Co‐culture experiments were performed to observe PDLF‐mediated osteoclastogenesis. A higher (40 mM) concentration of NaCl in the culture medium resulted in increased secretion of prostaglandin, expression of alkaline phosphatase, and expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, but decreased compression‐induced expression of the interleukin‐6 (IL6) gene. The 40 mM concentration of NaCl also enhanced receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) but reduced that of osteoprotegerin (OPG), resulting in upregulated PDLF‐mediated osteoclastogenesis. A high NaCl concentration in the periodontal ligament, corresponding to a high‐salt diet in vivo, may influence orthodontic tooth movement and periodontitis through increased secretion of prostaglandins by PDLFs and upregulated PDLF‐mediated osteoclastogenesis, possibly accelerating orthodontic tooth movement and propagating periodontitis and periodontal bone loss.
Fasciola hepatica in UK horses
Authors: Howell A. K. , Malalana F. , Beesley N. J. , Hodgkinson J. E. , Rhodes H. , Sekiya M. , Archer D. , Clough H. E. , Gilmore P. , Williams D. J. L.
Published: June 2019

Background

Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) affects grazing animals including horses but the extent to which it affects UK horses is unknown.

Objectives

To define how liver fluke affects the UK horse population.

Study design

Descriptive, cross‐sectional, observational study.

Methods

An F. hepatica excretory‐secretory antibody detection ELISA with a diagnostic sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 97% was validated and used to analyse serum samples. An abattoir study was performed to determine prevalence. A case‐control study of 269 horses compared fluke exposure between horses with liver disease and controls. Data on clinical signs and blood test results were collected for sero‐positive horses. Genotyping of adult fluke was used to produce a multilocus genotype for each parasite.

Results

Four (2.2%) of 183 horses registered in the UK, sampled in the abattoir, had adult flukes in the liver, and the sero‐prevalence of F. hepatica was estimated as 8.7%. In the case‐control study, horses showing signs consistent with liver disease had significantly higher odds of testing positive for F. hepatica on ELISA than control horses. In 23 sero‐positive horses, a range of non‐specific clinical signs and blood test abnormalities was reported, with a third of the horses showing no signs. Genotypic analysis of liver flukes from horses provided evidence that these came from the same population as flukes from sheep and cattle.

Main limitations

Bias could have arisen in the prevalence and case‐control studies due to convenience sampling methods, in particular the geographic origin of the horses. Only a small number of horses tested positive so the data on clinical signs are limited.

Conclusions

Exposure to liver fluke occurs frequently in horses and may be an under‐recognised cause of liver disease. Flukes isolated from horses are from the same population as those found in ruminants. When designing and implementing parasite control plans, fluke should be considered, and horses should be tested if appropriate.
Everything Here is Fine: Protective Buffering by Military Spouses During a Deployment
Authors: Carter Sarah P. , Renshaw Keith D. , Allen Elizabeth S. , Markman Howard J. , Stanley Scott M.
Published: June 2019

To minimize potential distractions for deployed military service members (SMs), some nondeployed romantic partners have reported engaging in protective buffering, or intentionally withholding information or concerns to protect their deployed partner. This study assessed the associations of protective buffering and psychological distress and marital satisfaction for military couples during and after deployment. Additionally, the study explored whether protective buffering was related to SM reports of being distracted during deployment by family matters. A total of 54 couples provided data before, during, and after an Army deployment. In multilevel models, higher protective buffering by partners was associated with higher psychological distress and lower marital satisfaction for both SMs and partners during, but not after, deployment. Additionally, partners reported frequent use of protective buffering during deployment; however, protective buffering was not significantly correlated with family related distraction for SMs during deployment. Limitations and implications of these findings are discussed.
The effect of flavour modulators on chewing gum flavour duration
Authors: Motoi Lidia , Morgenstern Marco P. , Paredes Dulce , Wilson Arran J. , Hedderley Duncan I. , Wade Cath , Tartaglia Jennifer M. , Green Carter
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the impact of flavour modulators on dynamic flavour perception, salivation and chewing behaviour of chewing gum. Thirty‐nine participants chewed gum for 15 min while assessing flavour intensity, chewing patterns and saliva flow rate. Four flavour modulators (Cooling, Tingling, Salivating and Warming) were added to a citrus‐flavoured gum and compared with a control gum, citrus flavour only. Flavour modulators increased flavour duration as measured by flavour intensity half‐time; the time needed to reduce the flavour intensity by half. The ‘Salivation’ modulator had the smallest effect and ‘Warming’ had the largest effect on flavour duration. Salivary flow rate was significantly increased by the flavour modulators and was highly correlated with the flavour duration. Chewing behaviour was not affected by the modulators. We conclude that the interaction between the citrus flavour, saliva and flavour modulators (Intensates® flavours) increased the perceived flavour duration during chewing by up to 86% compared with Control.
Effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation in elderly patients with COPD: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Weitong , Pu Yalou , Meng Aifeng , Zhi Xiaoxu , Xu Guihua
Published: July 2019

Aim

The review aimed to evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background

With an increase in published reports on pulmonary rehabilitation, there is a need for a meta‐analysis to measure the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in elderly COPD patients.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

The Cochrane library (Issue 4, 2018), Web of Science (1975 to April 2018), Embase (1974 to April 2018), Pubmed (1966 to April 2018), CINAHL (1982 to April 2018), JBI (The Joanna Briggs Institute) (1996 to April 2018), CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) (1979 to April 2018), CBM (SinoMed) (1982 to April 2018), and Wanfang Data (1900 to April 2018) were searched.

Review Methods

Six outcome indicators were utilized for the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation. Two reviewers selected trials, evaluated the quality, and extracted data. Meta‐analysis was performed by using the RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Eight studies recruited 414 elderly patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation resulted in significantly improved exercise capacity and quality of life in elderly people but with no influence on oxygen saturation compared with the control group.

Conclusion

There is a need to provide more detailed pulmonary rehabilitation programs for elderly patients with COPD.
Climate Change Scenario Analysis for Public Market Investors
Authors: Clark Casey
Published: July 2019

Academic studies suggest that market participants are demanding higher risk premiums for carbon‐intensive assets, but that natural disasters have yet to be efficiently priced into the market. And as a consequence, asset owners and investors are less than fully informed about the evidence of climate change uncovered by the scientific community. The author assesses the exposure to climate risk of Rockefeller Capital's ‘Ocean Strategy,” an actively managed global equity portfolio, by using three publicaly available climate change scenario analysis tools: (1) Paris Agreement Capital Transition Assessment (PACTA); The Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI), and (3) Carbon Tracker's 2 Degrees of Separation.
Immediate and carry‐over effects of insect outbreaks on vegetation growth in West Greenland assessed from cells to satellite
Authors: Prendin Angela Luisa , Carrer Marco , Karami Mojtaba , Hollesen Jørgen , Bjerregaard Pedersen Nanna , Pividori Mario , Treier Urs A. , Westergaard‐Nielsen Andreas , Elberling Bo , Normand Signe
Published: June 2019

Aim

Tundra ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate change, and climate–growth responses of Arctic shrubs are variable and altered by microsite environmental conditions and biotic factors. With warming and drought during the growing season, insect‐driven defoliation is expected to increase in frequency and severity with potential broad‐scale impacts on tundra ecosystem functioning. Here we provide the first broad‐scale reconstruction of spatio‐temporal dynamics of past insect outbreaks by assessing their effects on shrub growth along a typical Greenlandic fjord climate gradient from the inland ice to the sea.

Location

Nuuk Fjord (64°30′N/51°23′W) and adjacent areas, West Greenland.

Taxa

Great brocade (Eurois occulta L.) and grey willow (Salix glauca L.).

Methods

We combined dendro‐anatomical and remote sensing analyses. Time series of ring width (RW) and wood‐anatomical traits were obtained from chronologies of >40 years established from 153 individuals of S. glauca collected at nine sites. We detected anomalies in satellite‐based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) related to defoliation and reconstructed past changes in photosynthetic activity across the region.

Results

We identified outbreaks as distinctive years with reduced RW, cell‐wall thickness and vessel size, without being directly related to climate but matching with years of parallel reduction in NDVI. The two subsequent years after the defoliation showed a significant increase in RW. The reconstructed spatio‐temporal dynamics of these events indicate substantial regional variation in outbreak intensity linked to the climate variability across the fjord system.

Main conclusions

Our results highlight the ability of S. glauca to cope with severe insect defoliation by changing carbon investment and xylem conductivity leading to high resilience and rapid recovery after the disturbance. Our multiproxy approach allows us to pinpoint biotic drivers of narrow ring formation and to provide new broad‐scale insight on the C‐budget and vegetation productivity of shrub communities in a widespread arctic ecosystem.
Empirical or microbiologically guided systemic antimicrobials as adjuncts to non‐surgical periodontal therapy? A systematic review
Authors: Nibali Luigi , Koidou Vasiliki P. , Hamborg Thomas , Donos Nikos
Published: June 2019

Background

It is unclear whether patients with specific subgingival microbiological profiles benefit more from adjunctive systemic antibiotics.

Aims

To answer the question: “What is the clinical benefit in periodontitis patients taking adjunctive systemic antimicrobials to non‐surgical therapy, depending on pre‐treatment detection of periodontopathogenic bacteria?”

Materials and methods

A search was conducted in four electronic databases for randomized controlled trials reporting clinical outcomes following adjunctive antibiotic therapy for patients divided by baseline microbiological profiles.

Results

The initial search resulted in 643 papers, reduced to five after screening and author contact. Four of these studies were suitable for a fixed effects two‐stage individual participant data meta‐analysis adjusted for baseline data. Collectively, adjunctive amoxicillin and metronidazole yielded superior clinical results (measured as reduction of PPDs) compared to placebo. No significant differences were detected for the effect of adjunctive antibiotics by the detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans on PPDs ≥ 5 mm (WMD = 1.16, 95% CI [−5.37, 7.68], I2 = 37.8%) or other clinical outcomes. All included studies had low risk of bias.

Conclusion

There is no evidence to suggest that baseline detection of periodontopathogenic bacteria should be used as criterion for prescribing adjunctive antibiotics, although only limited information on microbial data and specific antimicrobials was available for analysis.
Effects of predator exposure on baseline and stress‐induced glucocorticoid hormone concentrations in pumpkinseedLepomis gibbosus
Authors: Gallagher Austin J. , Lawrence Michael J. , Jain‐Schlaepfer Sofia M. R. , Gilmour Kathleen M. , Wilson Alexander D. M. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: June 2019

We compared baseline and maximal cortisol concentrations between predator exposure and prey blood samples in pumpkinseedLepomis gibbosus, captured using a standardised fishing event underneath ospreyPandion haliaetusnests and away from osprey nests. We did not detect differences in cortisol or glucose between sites. These findings suggest that predictable sources of predation risk may not confer stress‐related costs in teleosts.
α‐synuclein oligomers and fibrils: a spectrum of species, a spectrum of toxicities
Authors: Alam Parvez , Bousset Luc , Melki Ronald , Otzen Daniel E.
Published: June 2019

This review article provides an overview of the different species that α‐synuclein aggregates can populate. It also attempts to reconcile conflicting views regarding the cytotoxic roles of oligomers versus fibrils. α‐synuclein, while highly dynamic in the monomeric state, can access a large number of different assembly states. Depending on assembly conditions, these states can interconvert over different timescales. The fibrillar state is the most thermodynamically favored due to the many stabilizing interactions formed between each monomeric unit, but different fibrillar types form at different rates. The end distribution is likely to reflect kinetic partitioning as much as thermodynamic equilibra. In addition, metastable oligomeric species, some of which are on‐pathway and others off‐pathway, can be populated for remarkably long periods of time. Chemical modifications (phosphorylation, oxidation, covalent links to ligands, etc.) perturb these physical interconversions and invariably destabilize the fibrillar state, leading to small prefibrillar assemblies which can coalesce into amorphous states. Both oligomeric and fibrillar species have been shown to be cytotoxic although firm conclusions require very careful evaluation of particle concentrations and is complicated by the great variety and heterogeneity of different experimentally observed states. The mechanistic relationship between oligomers and fibrils remains to be clarified, both in terms of assembly of oligomers into fibrils and potential dissolution of fibrils into oligomers. While oligomers are possibly implicated in the collapse of neuronal homeostasis, the fibrillar state(s) appears to be the most efficient at propagating itself both in vitro and in vivo, pointing to critical roles for multiple different aggregate species in the progression of Parkinson’s disease (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/page/journal/14714159/homepage/virtual_issues.htm).

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This article is part of the Special Issue “Synuclein”.
Effect of an aerobic exercise session combined with abdominal radiofrequency on lipolytic activity in women: Randomized control trial
Authors: Noites Andreia , Vale Ana Luísa , Pereira Ana Sofia , Morais Andreia , Vilarinho Rui , Carvalho Paulo , Amorim Manuela , Moreira Teresa , Mendonça Adriana
Published: June 2019

Background

Abdominal adiposity is a cardiovascular risk factor; it is assumed that the combination of radiofrequency and physical exercise may decrease this excess of adipose tissue.

Purpose

To understand whether an aerobic physical exercise session associated with abdominal radiofrequency increases the level of lipolytic activity.

Methodology

The study analyzes the effect of a combined aerobic exercise session with radiofrequency. Participants were 30 healthy female volunteers, aged 18‐28 years, randomly assigned to an experimental group and placebo group. They were characterized by a sociodemographic questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Food Frequency Questionnaire. The groups performed an abdominal radiofrequency session followed by moderate aerobic exercise, assessing glycerol concentration and lipid profile values before and after the intervention. In the experimental group, a percentage of potency was used that allowed to maintain the temperature between 40º C and 42º C to the epidermis. In the placebo group, the power of the radiofrequency was 0 Watt. To compare results, Student's t test was used for a significance level of 0.05.

Results

There were no significant changes in glycerol concentrations between groups (P > 0.05). There were no changes in the lipid profile of both groups after the intervention (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The association of exercise with radiofrequency did not present an increased effect on lipolytic activity when compared to the isolated exercise. The application of this technique is a safe intervention.