bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver and cholestatic parameters as prognostic biomarkers of in‐hospital MACE in patients with STEMI
Authors: Huseynov Aydin , Baumann Stefan , Becher Tobias , Koepp Johanna , Lang Siegfried , Jabbour Claude , Behnes Michael , Borggrefe Martin , Akin Ibrahim
Published: July 2016

Background

Liver and cholestatic parameters are increased in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of these parameters to predict in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients after STEMI.

Materials and methods

Blood samples of patients with STEMI, who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stent implantation, were retrospectively analysed and correlated with in‐hospital events.

Results

The study population consisted of 847 consecutive patients (62·4 ± 13·43 years; 73·8% male). The total in‐hospital MACE rate was 9·8%, driven by death of any cause (8·4%). The Mann–Whitney U‐test revealed that liver and cholestatic parameters (alanine transaminase P < 0·0001, aspartate transaminase P < 0·0001, alkaline phosphatase (AP) P < 0·0001, gamma‐glutamyl transferase P = 0·0006 and total bilirubin P = 0·0023) were significantly higher in the MACE group. Further logistic regression analyses confirmed the correlation between MACE and all five laboratory markers, even after adjustment for age and heart enzymes. Logistic regression model revealed AP to be the best predictor for worth outcome (OR 1·0188; 95% CI 1·0118–1·0258; P < 0·0001).

Conclusion

Liver and cholestatic parameters are elevated in patients after STEMI. Increased AP is associated with in‐hospital event rates.
Multisystemic Therapy®: Clinical Overview, Outcomes, and Implementation Research
Authors: Henggeler Scott W. , Schaeffer Cindy M.
Published: July 2016

Multisystemic therapy (MST) is an evidence‐based treatment originally developed for youth with serious antisocial behavior who are at high risk for out‐of‐home placement and their families; and subsequently adapted to address other challenging clinical problems experience by youths and their families. The social‐ecological theoretical framework ofMSTis presented as well as its home‐based model of treatment delivery, defining clinical intervention strategies, and ongoing quality assurance/quality improvement system. With more than 100 peer‐reviewed outcome and implementation journal articles published as of January 2016, the majority by independent investigators,MSTis one of the most extensively evaluated family based treatments. Outcome research has yielded almost uniformly favorable results for youths and families, and implementation research has demonstrated the importance of treatment and program fidelity in achieving such outcomes.
The Impact of Couple Therapy on Service Utilization among Military Veterans: The Moderating Roles of Pretreatment Service Utilization and Premature Termination
Authors: Madsen Joshua W. , Tomfohr‐Madsen Lianne M. , Doss Brian D.
Published: July 2016

Couple therapy reduces relational and individual distress and may affect utilization of other health services, particularly among higher service utilizers. Although average decreases in service utilization are predicted among recipients of couple therapy, low utilizers of services may appropriately increase use. The relationship between couple therapy and service utilization was examined among a sample of 179 U.S. military veterans who received treatment in Veterans Affairs (VA) specialty couple therapy clinics. Consistent with hypotheses, overall mental and physical health visits decreased from the 12 months preceding couple therapy to the 12 months following treatment. Moderator analyses showed that decreases were greatest among individuals who were rated by their therapist as having completed a full course of couple therapy, suggesting that change was attributable to intervention. Pretreatment service utilization also moderated observed change—higher utilizers’ use of services decreased substantially, whereas lower utilizers’ slightly increased. Cost analyses revealed that the estimated per person mean cost in our sample decreased by $930.33 in the year following compared to the year prior to couple therapy, as per 2008VAcost data. As service utilization data were only available for one partner and only for 1 year posttherapy, the true magnitude of this effect may be underestimated. Our findings are relevant to policy makers as they demonstrate that couple therapy reduces average service utilization and associated costs and addresses calls for analyses of cost effectiveness of systemic interventions.
Changes in nociceptin/orphanin FQ levels in rat brain regions after acute and chronic cannabinoid treatment in conjunction with the development of antinociceptive tolerance
Authors: Ulugol Ahmet , Topuz Ruhan D. , Gunduz Ozgur , Kizilay Gulnur , Karadag Hakan C.
Published: July 2016

It has been indicated that acute and chronic morphine administrations enhance nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) levels in the brain, which might play role in the development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of morphine. Accordingly, N/OFQ receptor (NOP) antagonists have been shown to prevent the development of antinociceptive tolerance to morphine. Our aim is to observe whether cannabinoids, similarly to opioids, enhance N/OFQ levels in pain‐related brain regions and whether antagonism of NOP receptors attenuates the development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of cannabinoids. Hot plate and Tail flick tests are used to assess the antinociceptive response in Sprague‐Dawley rats. N/OFQ levels are measured in cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus, periaqueductal gray, nucleus raphe magnus and locus coeruleus of rat brains using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Within 9 days, animals became completely tolerant to the antinociceptive effect of the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212‐2 (2, 4, 6 mg/kg, i.p.). Chronic administration of JTC‐801, a NOP receptor antagonist, at a dose that exerted no effect on its own (1 mg/kg, i.p.), attenuated development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of WIN 55,212‐2 (4 mg/kg, i.p.). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry results showed that N/OFQ levels significantly increased in amygdala, periaqueductal gray, nucleus raphe magnus and locus coeruleus of rat brains when WIN 55,212‐2 was combined with JTC‐801. We hypothesize that, similar to opioids, chronic cannabinoid + NOP antagonist administration may enhance N/OFQ levels and NOP receptor antagonism prevents development of tolerance to cannabinoid antinociception.
Protective effects of PF‐4708671 against N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid‐induced retinal damage in rats
Authors: Hayashi Ikumi , Aoki Yuto , Ushikubo Hiroko , Asano Daiki , Mori Asami , Sakamoto Kenji , Nakahara Tsutomu , Ishii Kunio
Published: July 2016

We previously demonstrated that rapamycin, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), protects against N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid (NMDA)‐induced retinal damage in rats. Rapamycin inhibits mTOR activity, thereby preventing the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6, which is a downstream target of S6 kinase. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether PF‐4708671, an inhibitor of S6 kinase, protects against NMDA‐induced retinal injury. Intravitreal injection of NMDA (200 nmol/eye) caused cell loss in the ganglion cell layer and neuroinflammatory responses, such as an increase in the number of CD45‐positive leukocytes and Iba1‐positive microglia. Surprisingly, simultaneous injection of PF‐4708671 (50 nmol/eye) with NMDA significantly attenuated these responses without affecting phosphorylated S6 levels. These results suggest that PF‐4708671 and rapamycin likely protect against NMDA‐induced retinal damage via distinct pathways. The neuroprotective effect of PF‐4708671 is unlikely to be associated with inhibition of the S6 kinase, even though PF‐4708671 is reported to be a S6 kinase inhibitor.
Propofol attenuates high glucose‐induced superoxide anion accumulation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Wang Jiaqiang , Jiang Hui , Wang Jing , Zhao Yanjun , Zhu Yun , Zhu Minmin
Published: July 2016

Perioperative hyperglycemia is a common clinical metabolic disorder. Hyperglycemia could induce endothelial apoptosis, dysfunction, and inflammation, resulting in endothelial injury. Propofol is a widely used anesthetic drug in clinical settings. Our previous studies indicated that propofol attenuated high glucose‐induced endothelial apoptosis, dysfunction, and inflammation via inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. However, the mechanisms by which propofol reduces high glucose‐induced endothelial ROS accumulation are still obscure. In this study, we examined how propofol attenuates high glucose‐induced endothelial ROS accumulation. Compared with 5 mm glucose treatment, 15 mm glucose upregulated the expression of pin‐1, phosphatase A2 (PP2A), p66shc and mitochondrial p66shc expression, increased p66shc‐Ser36 phosphorylation, and accumulation. More importantly, although propofol had no effect on 15 mm glucose‐induced p66shc‐Ser36 phosphorylation and pin‐1 expression, propofol could downregulated PP2A expression and p66shc expression in whole‐cell and mitochondrion, resulting in the reduction of accumulation. Moreover, we demonstrated that the antioxidative effect of propofol was similar to that of calyculin A, an inhibitor of PP2A. In contrast, FTY720, an activator of PP2A, antagonized the effect of propofol. Our data indicated that the antioxidative effect of propofol was achieved by downregulating PP2A expression, resulting in the inhibition of p66shc‐Ser36 dephosphorylation and mitochondrial p66shc expression.
Climate change impacts and adaptive strategies: lessons from the grapevine
Authors: Mosedale Jonathan R. , Abernethy Kirsten E. , Smart Richard E. , Wilson Robert J. , Maclean Ilya M. D.
Published: July 2016

The cultivation of grapevines for winemaking, known as viticulture, is widely cited as a climate‐sensitive agricultural system that has been used as an indicator of both historic and contemporary climate change. Numerous studies have questioned the viability of major viticulture regions under future climate projections. We review the methods used to study the impacts of climate change on viticulture in the light of what is known about the effects of climate and weather on the yields and quality of vineyard harvests. Many potential impacts of climate change on viticulture, particularly those associated with a change in climate variability or seasonal weather patterns, are rarely captured. Key biophysical characteristics of viticulture are often unaccounted for, including the variability of grapevine phenology and the exploitation of microclimatic niches that permit successful cultivation under suboptimal macroclimatic conditions. We consider how these same biophysical characteristics permit a variety of strategies by which viticulture can adapt to changing climatic conditions. The ability to realize these strategies, however, is affected by uneven exposure to risks across the winemaking sector, and the evolving capacity for decision‐making within and across organizational boundaries. The role grape provenance plays in shaping perceptions of wine value and quality illustrates how conflicts of interest influence decisions about adaptive strategies within the industry. We conclude by considering what lessons can be taken from viticulture for studies of climate change impacts and the capacity for adaptation in other agricultural and natural systems.
Savanna woody encroachment is widespread across three continents
Authors: Stevens Nicola , Lehmann Caroline E. R. , Murphy Brett P. , Durigan Giselda
Published: July 2016

Tropical savannas are a globally extensive biome prone to rapid vegetation change in response to changing environmental conditions. Via a meta‐analysis, we quantified savanna woody vegetation change spanning the last century. We found a global trend of woody encroachment that was established prior the 1980s. However, there is critical regional variation in the magnitude of encroachment. Woody cover is increasing most rapidly in the remaining uncleared savannas of South America, most likely due to fire suppression and land fragmentation. In contrast, Australia has experienced low rates of encroachment. When accounting for land use, African savannas have a mean rate annual woody cover increase two and a half times that of Australian savannas. In Africa, encroachment occurs across multiple land uses and is accelerating over time. In Africa and Australia, rising atmospheric CO2, changing land management and rainfall are likely causes. We argue that the functional traits of each woody flora, specifically the N‐fixing ability and architecture of woody plants, are critical to predicting encroachment over the next century and that African savannas are at high risk of widespread vegetation change.
Effects of repetitive photodynamic therapy using indocyanine green for acne vulgaris
Authors: Seo Hyun‐Min , Min Hyung‐Geun , Kim Hee‐Joong , Shin Jong‐Hun , Nam Sang‐Ho , Han Kwang‐Soo , Ryu Joung‐Ho , Oh Jeong‐Joon , Kim Ji Young , Lee Kwang‐Joon , Lee Seung Jae , Kim Han‐Saem , Kim Jung‐In , Song Min‐Kyu , Kim Won‐Serk
Published: July 2016

Background

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a photosensitizer recently introduced for the treatment of acne.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using ICG in subjects with acne vulgaris and to evaluate whether there was a difference in the efficacy of ICG‐PDT between different numbers of treatment.

Materials and methods

Subjects with acne on the face were included. ICG lotion (0.1%) was applied for 30 minutes, and a long pulse diode laser was used. Three or five treatments per subject were performed over 2 weeks. Acne lesion counts and Leeds revised acne grades were evaluated at baseline and 2 weeks after the last treatment.

Results

In total, 47 subjects completed the study. After both three and five ICG‐PDT sessions, a significant reduction in acne lesions and significant improvement in Leeds revised acne grades were found in all treated subjects compared to baseline. In the subjects receiving five ICG‐PDT sessions, the reduction of papules/pustules was greater than in the subjects receiving three ICG‐PDT sessions (P < 0.01, respectively). However, there was no significant change in the count of nodules/cysts, although it is a negative trend (P = 0.066). Adverse effects were minimal.

Conclusion

ICG‐PDT using long‐pulsed diode laser can be a safe and effective tool for acne vulgaris. Moreover, repetitive treatments of five can cause further improvement of inflammatory acne lesions.
Febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha–Habermann disease in an 8‐year‐old boy responding to methotrexate
Authors: Alratrout Jehad , Alshammasi Fatima , Ansari Naseem
Published: July 2016

Background

Febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha‐Habermann disease (FUMHD) is a rare fulminant variant of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) characterized by a rapidly progressive course with predominant ulceronecrotic lesions associated with fever and systemic manifestations. First described by Degos in 1966, it carries a high morbidity and is potentially fatal. The exact pathogenesis is not clear, but it is proposed to be the result of hypersensitivity reaction to an infection.

Methods

Here we report the case of an 8‐year‐old boy with FUMHD in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

Results

The patient presented with pyrexia, fatigue, arthralgia, and worsening of his already existing skin lesions of PLEVA. There was an extensive painful erythematous maculopapular rash, some lesions ulcerated and necrotic, involving the face, trunk, limbs, and flexures. A diagnosis of FUMHD was made based on clinical and histological features. The skin lesions responded extremely well to oral methotrexate, with almost complete healing after 4 weeks.

Conclusions

We describe a rare variant of PLEVA, namely FUMHD, in an 8‐year‐old boy who showed a remarkably favorable response to methotrexate, as manifested by near total clearance of the skin lesions without scarring or hyperpigmentation.
Outbreak of hirame rhabdovirus infection in cultured spotted sea bass Lateolabrax maculatus on the western coast of Korea
Authors: Seo H‐G , Do J W , Jung S H , Han H‐J
Published: July 2016

In this study, we determined the cause of a disease outbreak in spotted sea bass, Lateolabrax maculatus reared in culture cages on the western coast of Korea in 2013. The major signs in the diseased fish exhibited were haemorrhaging on the membranes of the abdomen, gastrointestinal organs and opercular gills, as well as an enlarged spleen. No external morphological signs of infection were visible, except for a darkening in colour. No parasites or pathological bacteria were isolated from the diseased fish; however, epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells inoculated with tissue homogenates from the diseased fish showed cytopathic effects (CPEs). Virus particles in the EPC cells were bullet‐shaped, 185–225 nm long and 70–80 nm wide, characteristic of Rhabdoviridae. Polymerase chain reaction analyses of homogenized tissues from the diseased fish and supernatants of cell cultures with CPEs indicated specific, 553‐bp‐long fragments corresponding to the matrix protein gene of the hirame rhabdovirus (HIRRV). Phylogenetically, the HIRRV phosphoprotein gene of spotted sea bass was more closely related to phosphoproteins from Chinese and Polish HIRRV strains than from other Korean strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report of HIRRV infection in cultured spotted sea bass.
Depigmentation during vitiligo activity spares epithelial grafted areas
Authors: Awad Sherif Shoukry
Published: July 2016

Background

Vitiligo is a depigmenting disease characterized by episodes of stability and activity without a fixed sequence, and active phases demonstrate immune attacks toward vulnerable melanocytes. Epithelial grafts were introduced to treat recalcitrant vitiligo patches aiming to provide new generations of melanocytes.

Aims

The aim of study was to evaluate the possible permanency of succeeded epithelial grafts during a coming activity episode.

Methods

This study included 20 nonsegmental vitiligo cases. They were epithelial grafted, success was maintained with the use of UV sessions for a year, and further follow‐up was allowed until new phases of activity developed.

Results

The grafted areas, in all cases, were spared during the activity episodes in spite of the development of new depigmented lesions in other parts of skin neighboring the grafted areas or in remote sites.

Conclusion

The permanency of epithelial grafts in spite of disease reactivity is a good sign and magnifies the value of surgical approaches in management of vitiligo. New genetically different melanocytes should have been provided and were able to resist the new immune attacks in spite of the yielding of other skin melanocytes.
The Material Turn in the History of Life Science
Authors: Guerrini Anita
Published: July 2016

The “material turn” or the history of things has become a prominent focus in the history of life science of the long eighteenth century. The reassessment of eighteenth‐century science since the 1990s has given particular prominence to medicine and the life sciences. Eighteenth‐century anatomists and naturalists studied, collected, imitated, and represented many kinds of natural things, from the human body to trees. This article considers a variety of new approaches to material culture, museums, and collecting among historians of science since 2000, focusing on natural history and anatomy. The historiography of objects invokes a sensory history of seeing and touching, and a global history of movement across time, place, and culture.
Accuracy of elastography point quantification and steatosis influence on assessing liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Conti Fabio , Serra Carla , Vukotic Ranka , Fiorini Erica , Felicani Cristina , Mazzotta Elena , D'Errico Antonietta , Verucchi Gabriella , Lenzi Marco , Andreone Pietro
Published: July 2016

Background & Aims

Elastography point quantification is a novel non‐invasive method for the assessment of liver fibrosis by measuring liver stiffness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of elastography point quantification for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis and to assess impact of steatosis on liver stiffness measurement, in a cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods

In this single‐centre cross‐sectional study, 211 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C, scheduled for liver biopsy, were examined with the elastography point quantification technology. On the same day, all patients underwent clinical examination, laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasound.

Results

The best cut‐offs of liver stiffness measurement were 6.16 kPa for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis (≥S3) and 6.79 kPa for advanced fibrosis (≥S4). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.831 (CI: 0.773–0.880) for significant fibrosis, and 0.954 (CI: 0.916–0.978) for advanced fibrosis. Among patients within the same fibrosis stages (S0–S2 and S3–S6; S0–S3 and S4–S6), mean liver stiffness measurement values were similar in patients with steatosis (≥10% at liver biopsy or detected by ultrasound) compared to those without. Discordance between elastography point quantification and histology were affected by the presence of BMI>30 kg/m2 (P=.047, CI: 0.136–0.988 and P=.020, CI: 0.083–0.812 respectively).

Conclusions

In patients with chronic hepatitis C, elastography point quantification is an accurate non‐invasive method for the diagnosis of significant and advanced fibrosis. The presence of obesity is a risk factor for misclassification of significant and advanced liver fibrosis.
Can a Higher Inflation Target Reduce Inflation Volatility?
Authors: Karras Georgios
Published: July 2016

This paper investigates the relationship between inflation and inflation volatility. Using monthly data from 1913 to 2013, the results show that U.S. inflation and its volatility have been positively correlated when inflation exceeds a certain value, but negatively correlated when inflation is below this threshold. The evidence also suggests that inflation volatility is minimized between annual inflation rates of 1 and 3.6%, which includes both the 2% inflation target of many central banks, and the 3.5% break point predicted by the New Keynesian model of Coibionet al. (), but not the 4% inflation target recommended by Ball () and Krugman ().
Creation of a protective pulmonary bioshield against inhaled organophosphates using an aerosolized bioscavenger
Authors: Rosenberg Yvonne J. , Fink James B.
Published: July 2016

In addition to the global use of organophosphate (OP) pesticides for agriculture, OP nerve agents and pesticides have been employed on battlefields and by terrorists (e.g., a recent sarin attack in Syria). These occurrences highlight the need for an effective countermeasure against OP exposure. Human butyrylcholinesterase (HuBChE) is a leading candidate, but injection of the high doses required for protection present pharmacokinetic challenges. An aerosolized recombinant form (aer‐rHuBChE) that can neutralize inhaled OPs at the portal of entry has been assessed for its efficacy in protecting macaques against respiratory toxicity following inhalation exposure to the pesticide paraoxon (aer‐Px). While protection in macaques has been demonstrated using the MicroSprayer® delivery device, administration to humans will likely employ a vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN). Compared to the 50–70% lung deposition achieved in adult humans with a VMN, deposition in macaques is <5%, an initial major obstacle to demonstrating protection. Such problems have been partly overcome by using a more efficient modified VMN and proportionally higher doses, which together generate an effective rHuBChE pulmonary bioshield and protect against high levels of inhaled Px.
Tissue injury and repair following cutaneous exposure of mice to sulfur mustard
Authors: Joseph Laurie B. , Composto Gabriella M. , Heck Diane E.
Published: July 2016

In mouse skin, sulfur mustard (SM) is a potent vesicant, damaging both the epidermis and the dermis. The extent of wounding is dependent on the dose of SM and the duration of exposure. Initial responses include erythema, pruritus, edema, and xerosis; this is followed by an accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes in the tissue, activation of mast cells, and the release of mediators, including proinflammatory cytokines and bioactive lipids. These proinflammatory mediators contribute to damaging the epidermis, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands and to disruption of the epidermal basement membrane. This can lead to separation of the epidermis from the dermis, resulting in a blister, which ruptures, leading to the formation of an eschar. The eschar stimulates the formation of a neoepidermis and wound repair and may result in persistent epidermal hyperplasia. Epidermal damage and repair is associated with upregulation of enzymes generating proinflammatory and pro‐growth/pro‐wound healing mediators, including cyclooxygenase‐2, which generates prostanoids, inducible nitric oxide synthase, which generates nitric oxide, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2, and galectin‐3. Characterization of the mediators regulating structural changes in the skin during SM‐induced tissue damage and wound healing will aid in the development of therapeutic modalities to mitigate toxicity and stimulate tissue repair processes.
Perioperative management in children with chronic pain
Authors: Brooks Meredith R. , Golianu Brenda
Published: July 2016

Children with chronic pain often undergo surgery and effective perioperative management of their pain can be challenging. Identification of the pediatric chronic pain patient preoperatively and development of a perioperative pain plan may help ensure a safer and more comfortable perioperative course. Successful management usually requires multiple different classes of analgesics, regional anesthesia, and adjunctive nonpharmacological therapies. Neuropathic and oncological pain can be especially difficult to treat and usually requires an individualized approach.
Cultural Validation and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Geriatric Pain Measure in the Elderly
Authors: Dursun Gulsah , Bektas Hicran
Published: July 2016

Background

Many pain problems and untreated pain are known to adversely affect the quality of life of the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Geriatric Pain Measure (GPM) in the elderly.

Methods

This research was carried out on 244 elderly who were recruited from a university hospital. Content validity, criterion validity, and factorial construct validity were used to test the validity stages; internal consistency and item analysis were used to determine the reliability of the Turkish GPM.

Results

For content validity, the Kendall goodness‐of‐fit correlation test was performed (Kendall's W = 0.275, P = 0.07). The criterion validity of the GPM was determined by item analysis based on the differences between averages of upper–lower group item scores that were significant (t = 38.597, P < 0.005). According to the factor analysis results of the scale, factor loadings were significant, with standardized loadings ranging from 0.40 to 0.87. Cronbach's alpha was found to be reliable for the total scale (0.85), and subscale alpha coefficients ranged from 0.67 to 0.93. The item analysis of the scale showed that all of the correlations between the items of the scale were significant.

Conclusions

The Turkish version of the GPM was found to be a reliable and valid tool to measure the quality and severity of pain in the elderly.
Tacrolimus‐associated hemolytic uremic syndrome in a pediatric heart transplant recipient
Authors: Gray James M. , Ameduri Rebecca K.
Published: July 2016

HUS is a well‐known entity primarily associated with bacterial infection and is characterized by a classic triad of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and kidney injury. Its atypical form has been associated with calcineurin inhibitors and has been extensively discussed in renal transplantation. We present a case of tacrolimus‐associated HUS in a pediatric heart transplant recipient, which we believe to be previously unreported in the literature.
Liver transplantation for biliary atresia: A nationwide investigation from 1996 to 2013 in mainland China
Authors: Wan Ping , Xu Dongwei , Zhang Jianjun , Li Qigen , Zhang Ming , Chen Xiaosong , Luo Yi , Shen Conghuan , Han Longzhi , Xia Qiang
Published: July 2016

We investigated the overall situation of LT for BA in mainland China and analyzed their survival outcomes based on data from CLTR. Between January 1996 and December 2013, 509 liver transplants for BA were performed in mainland China and were included in this study. Patients' median age was 9.6 months (range: 4.8–175.2 months). KP was previously performed in 194 cases (38.1%). Grafts from living donors were used in 380 cases (74.7%). Era I (1996.1–2010.12) and era II (2011.1–2013.12) comprised 151 cases (29.7%) and 358 cases (70.3%), respectively. Twenty‐five centers had performed at least one liver transplant for children with BA. Centers from Shanghai (197 cases), Tianjin (143 cases) and Beijing (81 cases) involved 82.7% of the 509 cases. One‐ and five‐yr graft survival rates were 84.7% and 72.6%, respectively. Split grafts, center volume <20, GRWR ≥4.0%, and steroid‐free immunosuppression regimen were independent risk factors for graft survival. In conclusion, the dramatic expansion of pediatric liver transplant programs in mainland China has enabled improved survival for those children affected by this devastating disease. However, screening of BA in neonates should be emphasized throughout the country to enhance early referrals for KP.
High affinity anti‐BSEP antibodies after liver transplantation for PFIC‐2 – Successful treatment with immunoadsorption and B‐cell depletion
Authors: Kubitz Ralf , Dröge Carola , Kluge Stefanie , Stindt Jan , Stross Claudia , Häussinger Dieter , Flechtenmacher Christa , Wenning Daniel , Teufel Ulrike , Schmitt Claus Peter , Engelmann Guido
Published: July 2016

PFIC due to BSEP mutations (PFIC type 2) often necessitates OLT. It has recently been recognized that some PFIC‐2 patients develop phenotypic disease recurrence post‐OLT due to the appearance of anti‐BSEP antibodies. Here, we describe a boy who became cholestatic four yr after OLT during modification of immunosuppression. Canalicular antibody deposits were detected in biopsies of the transplant and antibodies specifically reacting with BSEP were identified at high titers in his serum. These antibodies bound extracellular epitopes of BSEP and inhibited BS transport and were assumed to cause disease recurrence. Consequently, anti‐BSEP antibody depletion was pursued by IA and B‐cell depletion by anti‐CD20 antibodies (rituximab) along with a switch of immunosuppression. This treatment resulted in prolonged relief of symptoms. Depletion of pathogenic anti‐BSEP antibodies causing AIBD after OLT in PFIC‐2 patients should be considered as a central therapeutic goal.
The Paris Agreement: A New Step in the Gradual Evolution of Differential Treatment in the Climate Regime?
Authors: Maljean‐Dubois Sandrine
Published: July 2016

Among international environmental agreements, the early climate regime gave the best illustration of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The principle has been frequently invoked in the delicate negotiations on the future climate regime, and its role has gradually evolved. The 2010 Cancún Agreements promoted a type of self‐differentiation which tended to blur the distinction between developing and developed countries. In the post‐2020 negotiations, the notion of intended nationally determined contributions to be communicated by each party took this approach further. However, differentiation was still at the core of discussions. The Paris Agreement represents a fine balance between the requirements of differentiation and ambition. Differentiation has grown both in flexibility and adaptability. The Agreement marks a decisive step forward in the gradual blurring of country categories, and better takes into account diverse national circumstances, capabilities and vulnerabilities, all of which are by their very nature changing over time.
Linear and Conic Programming Estimators in High Dimensional Errors-in-variables Models
Authors: Belloni Alexandre , Rosenbaum Mathieu , Tsybakov Alexandre B.
Published: July 2016

We consider the linear regression model with observation error in the design. In this setting, we allow the number of covariates to be much larger than the sample size. Several new estimation methods have been recently introduced for this model. Indeed, the standard lasso estimator or Dantzig selector turns out to become unreliable when only noisy regressors are available, which is quite common in practice. In this work, we propose and analyse a new estimator for the errors-in-variables model. Under suitable sparsity assumptions, we show that this estimator attains the minimax efficiency bound. Importantly, this estimator can be written as a second-order cone programming minimization problem which can be solved numerically in polynomial time. Finally, we show that the procedure introduced by Rosenbaum and Tsybakov, which is almost optimal in a minimax sense, can be efficiently computed by a single linear programming problem despite non-convexities.
Identification, Response, and Referral of Suicidal Youth Following Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Authors: Ewell Foster Cynthia J. , Burnside Amanda N. , Smith Patricia K. , Kramer Anne C. , Wills Allie , A. King Cheryl
Published: July 2016

Gatekeeper training is a public health approach to suicide prevention that encourages community members to identify those at risk for suicide, respond appropriately, and refer for clinical services. Despite widespread use, few studies have examined whether training results in behavior change in participants. This study employed a naturalistic pre–post design to follow 434 participants in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, finding small but significant increases in self‐reported identification of at‐risk youth, some helpful responses to youth, and numbers of youth referred to treatment from pre‐test to 6‐ to 9‐month follow‐up. Changes in active listening and helping behaviors meant to support treatment referrals (such as convincing a youth to seek treatment) were not observed over time. Additional analyses explored predictors of self‐reported skill utilization including identification as a “natural helper” and attitudes about suicide prevention.
Stable patients and patients with advanced disease: consensus definitions to support sustained scale up of antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Waldrop Greer , Doherty Meg , Vitoria Marco , Ford Nathan
Published: July 2016

Objective

As guidelines are evolving towards recommending starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in all HIV‐positive individuals irrespective of clinical and immunological status, HIV programmes will be challenged to manage an increasingly diverse set of patient needs. To support global guideline recommendations for differentiated service delivery, WHO developed consensus definitions for two distinct patient populations: patients presenting with advanced disease and patients who are stable on ART.

Methods

An expert panel consisting of 73 respondents from 28 countries across all six WHO regions supported the development of these definitions. The panel included clinicians, researchers, programme managers, technical advisors and patient group representatives.

Results

Patients presenting with advanced disease at presentation to care were defined as CD4 count <200 CD4 cells/mm3 or WHO Stage III & IV defining illness. Patients stable on ART were defined as those who were receiving ART for at least 1 year with no adverse drug reactions requiring regular monitoring, no current illnesses or pregnancy, a good understanding of lifelong adherence, and evidence of treatment success. Treatment success was defined as two consecutive undetectable viral load measures or, in the absence of viral load monitoring, rising CD4 counts or CD4 counts above 200 cells/mm3 and an objective adherence measure.

Conclusions

Patients who are stable on ART should be offered a less intensive care package that can lead to improved outcomes while saving resources, including less frequent clinic visits, out‐of‐clinic drug refills and reduced laboratory monitoring. This will allow for clinic resources to be directed towards reducing morbidity and mortality among patients presenting with advanced disease.
Impact of ART on the fertility of HIV‐positive women in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Yeatman Sara , Eaton Jeffrey W. , Beckles Zosia , Benton Lorna , Gregson Simon , Zaba Basia
Published: July 2016

Objective

Understanding the fertility of HIV‐positive women is critical to estimating HIV epidemic trends from surveillance data and to planning resource needs and coverage of prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission services in sub‐Saharan Africa. In the light of the considerable scale‐up in antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage over the last decade, we conducted a systematic review of the impact of ART on the fertility outcomes of HIV‐positive women.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, Popline, PubMed and African Index Medicus. Studies were included if they were conducted in sub‐Saharan Africa and provided estimates of fertility outcomes (live births or pregnancies) among women on ART relative to a comparison group.

Results

Of 2070 unique references, 18 published papers met all eligibility criteria. Comparisons fell into four categories: fertility of HIV‐positive women relative to HIV‐negative women; fertility of HIV‐positive women on ART compared to those not yet on ART; fertility differences by duration on ART; and temporal trends in fertility among HIV‐positive women. Evidence indicates that fertility increases after approximately the first year on ART and that while the fertility deficit of HIV‐positive women is shrinking, their fertility remains below that of HIV‐negative women. These findings, however, were based on limited data mostly during the period 2005–2010 when ART scaled up.

Conclusions

Existing data are insufficient to characterise how ART has affected the fertility of HIV‐positive women in sub‐Saharan Africa. Improving evidence about fertility among women on ART is an urgent priority for planning HIV resource needs and understanding HIV epidemic trends. Alternative data sources such as antenatal clinic data, general population cohorts and population‐based surveys can be harnessed to understand the issue.
Dacryops of the Third Eyelid in a cat
Authors: Sritrakoon Natthanet , Maneesaay Phudit , Karntip Winyu , Thayananuphat Aree
Published: July 2016

A 9‐month‐old female Domestic Short‐haired cat was presented with a mass of three‐month duration at the base of the third eyelid of the right eye (OD). Fine‐needle aspiration was carried out at another clinic, revealing clear fluid. The mass soon reformed, and the cat was referred. Ophthalmic examination revealed a pale‐pink, smooth, oval mass under the conjunctiva on the anterior aspect of the third eyelid. Surgical removal of the mass was performed. Histopathology revealed a large dilated cyst together with a number of small cysts lined by simple cuboidal, and low squamous epithelium with some secretory cells. Dacryops of the third eyelid lacrimal gland was diagnosed. The eye healed uneventfully after surgery, and no recurrence was seen during one year of follow‐up.
Comparison between Pentacam‐HR and optical coherence tomographycentral corneal thickness measurements in healthy feline eyes
Authors: Cleymaet Allison M. , Hess Ann M. , Freeman Kate S.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To measure the central corneal thickness (CCT) in healthy feline eyes with Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam, Pentacam®‐HR) and to compare these values with those obtained with spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT, Optovue®iVue).

Animals studied

Thirty one sedated Domestic Short‐haired cats.

Procedures

Two repeatedCCTmeasurements were obtained from both eyes using Pentacam measured at the pupil center and corneal apex (CCTpupilandCCTapex) and usingSD‐OCT(CCTOCT). Agreement between the imaging modalities forCCTand intradevice repeatability was evaluated with Bland–Altman analysis. Mixed modeling was used to test for a difference between methods.

Results

The calculated mean ± SD CCTwasCCTOCT = 584.93 ± 39.05 μm,CCTpupil = 608.25 ± 47.26 μm, andCCTapex = 606.41 ± 44.18 μm. There was a statistically significant difference betweenCCTOCTvs.CCTpupil(P < 0.0007) andCCTOCTvs.CCTapex(P < 0.0003) (n = 59 eyes). The 95% limits of agreement (LoA) forCCTOCTvs.CCTpupilwas (–89.57 μm, 40.04 μm) and forCCTOCTvs.CCTapexwas (−79.62 μm, 33.79 μm) (n = 59 eyes). 95% LoA between repeatedCCTmeasurements bySD‐OCTwas (−10.23 μm, 9.32 μm) and by Pentacam was (−22.66 μm, 18.30 μm) at pupil and (−15.81 μm, 16.17 μm) at corneal apex (n = 11 eyes).

Conclusions

SD‐OCTand Pentacam provide excellentCCTmeasurement repeatability. Pentacamapexis our recommended clinical setting for use of the Pentacam. The level of agreement betweenSD‐OCTand Pentacam forCCTis good.
Bigger is better: Improved nature conservation and economic returns from landscape-level mitigation
Authors: Kennedy Christina M. , Miteva Daniela A. , Baumgarten Leandro , Hawthorne Peter L. , Sochi Kei , Polasky Stephen , Oakleaf James R. , Uhlhorn Elizabeth M. , Kiesecker Joseph
Published: July 2016

Landscape-level mitigation provides cost-effective conservation and can be used to promote sustainable development.
Human-caused Indo-Pacific warm pool expansion
Authors: Weller Evan , Min Seung-Ki , Cai Wenju , Zwiers Francis W. , Kim Yeon-Hee , Lee Donghyun
Published: July 2016

The recent observed expansion of the Indo-Pacific warm pool is robustly attributed to anthropogenic greenhouse gas increases.
Giant nonreciprocal emission of spin waves in Ta/Py bilayers
Authors: Kwon Jae Hyun , Yoon Jungbum , Deorani Praveen , Lee Jong Min , Sinha Jaivardhan , Lee Kyung-Jin , Hayashi Masamitsu , Yang Hyunsoo
Published: July 2016

A strong nonreciprocal spin wave emission is realized using Ta/Py bilayers for switch and logic applications.
Subatomic deformation driven by vertical piezoelectricity from CdS ultrathin films
Authors: Wang Xuewen , He Xuexia , Zhu Hongfei , Sun Linfeng , Fu Wei , Wang Xingli , Hoong Lai Chee , Wang Hong , Zeng Qingsheng , Zhao Wu , Wei Jun , Jin Zhong , Shen Zexiang , Liu Jie , Zhang Ting , Liu Zheng
Published: July 2016

Vertical piezoelectricity in atomic thin materials could have applications in sensors and microelectromechanical devices.
In situ pneumococcal vaccine production and delivery through a hybrid biological-biomaterial vector
Authors: Li Yi , Beitelshees Marie , Fang Lei , Hill Andrew , Ahmadi Mahmoud Kamal , Chen Mingfu , Davidson Bruce A. , Knight Paul , Smith Randall J. , Andreadis Stelios T. , Hakansson Anders P. , Jones Charles H. , Pfeifer Blaine A.
Published: July 2016

A disease-specific, hybrid vector is developed for pneumococcal disease vaccine.
Multilocus Sequence Analysis of Close Relatives Vibrio anguillarum and Vibrio ordalii
Authors: Steinum Terje M. , Karataş Süheyla , Martinussen Nora Tandstad , Meirelles Pedro M. , Thompson Fabiano L. , Colquhoun Duncan J.
Published: July 2016

The genetic heterogeneity of the close relatives
Vibrio anguillarum
and
Vibrio ordalii
, both serious pathogens of fish causing extensive losses in aquaculture, was studied. Eight housekeeping genes, i.e.,
atpA
,
ftsZ
,
gapA
,
gyrB
,
mreB
,
rpoA
,
topA
, and
pyrH
, were partially sequenced in 116 isolates from diverse fish species and geographical areas. The eight genes appear to be under purifying selection, and the genetic diversity in the total data set was estimated to be 0.767 ± 0.026. Our multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) scheme identified several widespread clonal complexes and resolved the isolates, for the most part, according to serotype. Serotype O2b isolates from diseased cod in Norway, Ireland, and Scotland were found to be extremely homogeneous. Horizontal gene transfer appears to be fairly common within and between clonal complexes. Taken together, MLSA and
in silico
DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) calculations suggest that some isolates previously characterized as
V
.
ordalii
, i.e., 12B09, FF93, FS144, and FS238, are in fact
V. anguillarum
isolates. The precise taxonomic situation for two isolates from Atlantic cod that display several traits consistent with
V. ordalii
, i.e., NVI 5286 and NVI 5918, and a single environmental strain that was previously considered to represent
V. ordalii
, i.e., FF167, is less clear.

IMPORTANCE
It is still being debated whether
V. anguillarum
and
V
.
ordalii
represent separate bacterial species. Our study addresses this issue and elucidates the degree of genetic variability within this group of closely related bacteria, based on a substantial number of isolates. Our results clearly illustrate the existence of different populations among putative
V
.
ordalii
isolates. On the basis of additional full-length genomic analysis, we conclude that most environmental isolates previously identified as
V
.
ordalii
lie firmly within the species
V. anguillarum
. While
bona fide
fish-pathogenic
V
.
ordalii
isolates display a very close genetic relationship with
V. anguillarum
, they combine a clearly divergent evolutionary pattern with clear phenotypic differences. The study also highlights the need for further characterization of fish-pathogenic isolates from the northern Atlantic region that share phenotypic characteristics with
V. ordalii
but are genetically closer to
V. anguillarum
. The retention of taxonomic distinctions between the phenotypically different groups of bacteria is of practical advantage to microbial ecologists and veterinarians.