bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunological Analysis and Generation of Dendritic Cells From Lavage Fluid Obtained by Cell‐Free and Concentrated Ascites Reinfusion Therapy
Authors: Ogasawara Masahiro , Miyashita Mamiko , Iida Michio , Fukuhara Takashi
Published: June 2017

Cell‐free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) is an effective treatment for patients with refractory ascites. Cellular components such as cancer cells and blood cells are removed and discarded. The aim of this study was to investigate the alteration of immune cells in lavage fluid and the generation of dendritic cells (DCs) from lavage fluid obtained by CART. Flow cytometry analysis showed a trend toward immunosuppression and impairment in innate immunity in lavage fluid. Immature DCs with downregulation of CD14 and increased antigen‐uptake were generated by culturing monocytes obtained from lavage fluid with GM‐CSF and IL4. Following the culture with proinflammatory mediators, mature DCs with upregulation of CD83 and potent ability of T cell activation were induced. There were no significant phenotypical or functional differences between these DCs and DCs derived from peripheral blood, indicating lavage fluid might be employed for an alternative cellular source for the generation of DCs.
Influence of sedimentation in the absence of macrograzers on recruitment of an annual population of Macrocystis pyrifera in Metri Bay, Chile
Authors: Muth Arley F. , Henríquez‐Tejo Eduardo A. , Buschmann Alejandro H.
Published: June 2017

The effects of sedimentation and substrate orientation on algal and sessile invertebrate assemblages were tested on an annual population of Macrocystis pyrifera in Metri Bay, southern Chile. In the laboratory, M. pyrifera zoospores were seeded on Crepipatella fecunda shells, the primary substrate for M. pyrifera in this system. The seeded shells were deployed at Metri Bay inside cages and were orientated vertically and horizontally under two sedimentation regimes (bottom and suspended). Due to differences in grazer accessibility and the species present between the sedimentation treatments, grazers (>1 cm) were excluded. We followed sporophyte development of M. pyrifera and the natural recruitment of other algal and invertebrate species. Sedimentation rates were significantly higher in the cages attached to the bottom compared to suspended cages (P < 0.001). In total M. pyrifera and three additional algal genera were detected and all algal recruits showed significantly greater recruitment on the horizontally orientated substrate compared to the vertical substrate. Macrocystis pyrifera sporophytes were present only on the horizontal, suspended (less sedimentation) treatment. In contrast, Ulva and Ectocarpus spp. also occurred in the horizontal, high sediment treatment. Invertebrate recruitment (amphipods, barnacles and spirorbids) dominated the vertically oriented shells regardless of sedimentation. Results indicate that high sedimentation negatively affected the development of M. pyrifera sporophytes while other opportunistic species were able to recruit under these conditions.
Omalizumab prevents anaphylaxis and improves symptoms in systemic mastocytosis: Efficacy and safety observations
Authors: Broesby‐Olsen S. , Vestergaard H. , Mortz C. G. , Jensen B. , Havelund T. , Hermann A. P. , Siebenhaar F. , Møller M. B. , Kristensen T. K. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. ,   Mastocytosis Centre Odense University Hospital (MastOUH)
Published: June 2017

Background

Patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM) may suffer from mast cell (MC) mediator‐related symptoms insufficiently controlled by conventional therapy. Omalizumab is an established treatment in other MC‐driven diseases, but experiences in SM are limited.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in SM.

Methods

In our patient cohort, we evaluated all SM patients treated with omalizumab. A physician global assessment of type and severity of symptoms was performed at baseline, at 3 and 6 months and at latest follow‐up. Quality of life was assessed by visual analogue scale. S‐tryptase and KIT D816V allele burden were monitored.

Results

A total of 14 adult SM patients (10 ISM, 2 BMM, 1 SSM, and 1 ASM‐AHN) received omalizumab with a median duration of 17 months (range: 1‐73 months). One patient was excluded due to concomitant cytoreductive therapy. In the remaining 13 patients, we observed a significant reduction in symptoms, with complete symptom control in five (38.5%), major response in three (23.1%), and a partial response in three (23.1%) patients, whereas two patients (15.4%) withdrew due to subjective side‐effects at first dose. The treatment was most effective for recurrent anaphylaxis and skin symptoms, less for gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Patient‐reported quality of life showed significant improvement. No significant changes in s‐tryptase/KIT D816V allele burden were observed. No severe adverse events were recorded.

Conclusions

Omalizumab appears to be a promising treatment option in SM, effectively preventing anaphylaxis and improving chronic MC mediator‐related symptoms, insufficiently controlled by conventional therapy. Controlled studies are needed to substantiate findings.
Quantitative disease progression model of α‐1 proteinase inhibitor therapy on computed tomography lung density in patients with α‐1 antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Tortorici Michael A. , Rogers James A. , Vit Oliver , Bexon Martin , Sandhaus Robert A. , Burdon Jonathan , Chorostowska‐Wynimko Joanna , Thompson Philip , Stocks James , McElvaney Noel G. , Chapman Kenneth R. , Edelman Jonathan M.
Published: June 2017

Aims

Early‐onset emphysema attributed to α‐1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is frequently overlooked and undertreated. RAPID‐RCT/RAPID‐OLE, the largest clinical trials of purified human α‐1 proteinase inhibitor (A1‐PI; 60 mg kg–1 week–1) therapy completed to date, demonstrated for the first time that A1‐PI is clinically effective in slowing lung tissue loss in AATD. A posthoc pharmacometric analysis was undertaken to further explore dose, exposure and response.

Methods

A disease progression model was constructed, utilizing observed A1‐PI exposure and lung density decline rates (measured by computed tomography) from RAPID‐RCT/RAPID‐OLE, to predict effects of population variability and higher doses on A1‐PI exposure and clinical response. Dose–exposure and exposure–response relationships were characterized using nonlinear and linear mixed effects models, respectively. The dose–exposure model predicts summary exposures and not individual concentration kinetics; covariates included baseline serum A1‐PI, forced expiratory volume in 1 s and body weight. The exposure–response model relates A1‐PI exposure to lung density decline rate at varying exposure levels.

Results

A dose of 60 mg kg–1 week–1 achieved trough serum levels >11 μmol l–1 (putative ‘protective threshold’) in ≥98% patients. Dose–exposure–response simulations revealed increasing separation between A1‐PI and placebo in the proportions of patients achieving higher reductions in lung density decline rate; improvements in decline rates ≥0.5 g l–1 year–1 occurred more often in patients receiving A1‐PI: 63 vs. 12%.

Conclusion

Weight‐based A1‐PI dosing reliably raises serum levels above the 11 μmol l–1 threshold. However, our exposure–response simulations question whether this is the maximal, clinically effective threshold for A1‐PI therapy in AATD. The model suggested higher doses of A1‐PI would yield greater clinical effects.
Subglacial blowouts in western Canada: insights into extreme meltwater pressures and hydrofracturing
Authors: Broughton Paul L.
Published: June 2017

This study interprets deformations of indurated 10s of metres thick bedrock strata by subglacial meltwater pressures at maximum levels, resulting in types of hydrodynamic structures not previously recognized. The structures provide insights into the range of extreme pressures possible with the backup of meltwaters sufficient to deform multi‐metre thick indurated beds, unlike elsewhere. Subglacial meltwater flows into the subsurface below the 50–100 m thick bitumen platform aquiclude of the Cretaceous Athabasca Oil Sands deposit were driven by the hydraulic head of the 1.5‐km‐thick Laurentide Ice Sheet. These meltwaters over‐pressured the regional Devonian aquifer waters, but the low permeability of the aquifer below the site of the Muskeg River Mine was insufficient to accommodate the voluminous influxes of subglacial meltwater. The resulting meltwater flows backed‐up, resulting in elevating aquifer pressures to maximum levels along the margins of the underlying Devonian Keg River reef mound and within water‐saturated Cretaceous sand beds offset to the east. The meltwater pressure build to extreme levels hydrofractured strata at sites along the margins of the Keg River mound preconditioned by dissolution‐induced subsidence in underlying salt beds. Release of the confining pressure upon withdrawal of the Laurentide Ice Sheet resulted in 45‐m‐high open blowout structures that punctured the bitumen platform at sites above the northern margin of the Keg River mound. Other blowout chimney sites above the southern margin of the mound were plugged because of insufficient pressure build to clear vents of all ejecta. Concurrently, pressured meltwater flows along the eastern margin resulted in dykes that cross‐cut and buckled Devonian limestone beds. Some dykes extended into overlying water‐saturated unconsolidated Cretaceous sand beds, channelling pressured water and hydroplastic mudflows that dissipated the extreme meltwater flow pressures and prevented puncturing of the overlying bitumen platform. These unusual deformation structures in western Canada resulted from catastrophic failure of hydrofractured rock zones responding to extreme meltwater pressures, in contrast to unconsolidated sediment deformations resulting from only moderately elevated meltwater pressures commonly observed elsewhere.
Impacts of media on sexual behaviour and relationships among youth in foster care
Authors: Albertson Katie M. , Moreno Megan A. , Garrison Michelle M. , Evans Yolanda N. , Ahrens Kym R.
Published: June 2017

Youth in foster care (YFC) are at high risk of negative reproductive and other health outcomes and may be especially vulnerable to negative impacts of media due to early adversity and a lack of stable caregiver relationships. The aim of this project was to explore how access and exposure to media impacts YFC in order to inform future research in this realm and promote resilience in this understudied population. We conducted semistructured interviews with YFC ages 15–21 (n = 22) and focus groups with foster caregivers (n = 86). We used thematic analysis to analyse data for themes related to media. Youth and caregivers described four main themes: (a) impacts of media on youth norms and attitudes, (b) impacts of media on youth behaviour, (c) impacts of youth exposure to pornography, and (d) caregiver monitoring and mediation of media. Data from this study indicate that media has unique, important effects on YFC norms and behaviours, including sexual behaviours. Foster caregivers encounter multiple barriers to monitoring and mediating media use for YFC. Further research is needed to explore differential effects of media on YFC versus non‐YFC in order to develop effective interventions and mitigate potential negative effects of media.
Retrospective evaluation of the efficacy and safety of belatacept with thymoglobulin induction and maintenance everolimus: A single‐center clinical experience
Authors: Wojciechowski David , Chandran Sindhu , Yang Joshua Y. C. , Sarwal Minnie M. , Vincenti Flavio
Published: June 2017

Belatacept use has been constrained by higher rates of acute rejection. We hypothesized that belatacept with low‐dose rATG and initial mycophenolate maintenance with conversion to everolimus at 1 month post‐transplant ± corticosteroids would improve efficacy and maintain safety. Retrospective single‐center analysis of the first 44 low immunologic risk kidney transplant recipients treated with this regimen. The cohort was 59% male, mean age at transplant of 57 years. Diabetes was the most common cause of ESRD (39%). The mean 1‐year eGFR was 61.4 (SD 18.4) mL/min/1.73 m2. There were five acute cellular rejections (11.4%) that occurred in patients who had changed from everolimus to mycophenolate mofetil due to side effects. Thirty‐two percent developed BK viremia and 12% developed CMV viremia. There were no cases of PTLD. A novel belatacept regimen with rATG induction and maintenance everolimus demonstrated a low acute rejection rate and maintained an excellent 1‐year eGFR.
Impact of early conversion from cyclosporin to everolimus on left ventricular mass index: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Krishnan Anoushka , Teixeira‐Pinto Armando , Chan Doris , Chakera Aron , Dogra Gursharan , Boudville Neil , Irish Ashley , Morgan Kelly , Phillips Jessica , Wong Germaine , Lim Wai H.
Published: June 2017

This is an 18‐month prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to compare the effect of early conversion from cyclosporin to everolimus/mycophenolic acid (E‐MPA) between 3 and 4 months post‐transplant to cyclosporin/mycophenolic acid (CsA‐MPA) on left ventricular mass index (LVMI) at 3 and 18 months post‐transplant (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), viral infection, and adverse events. Twenty‐four patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to E‐MPA or CsA‐MPA groups. There were no significant differences in mean (SD) LVMI at 3 (51.6±18.5 vs 53.7±15.7 g/m2.7) and 18 months (52.7±16.3 vs 51.7±16.8 g/m2.7) between CsA‐MPA and E‐MPA groups. The incidence of viral infections was reduced in E‐MPA compared to CsA‐MPA treatment groups (8% vs 50%, P=.02), but the incidences of acute rejection, adverse events, and drug discontinuation were similar between groups. There was an overall increase in eGFR with time (0.04 log‐ mL/min/1.73 m2 per 6 months, P=.012) but no significant difference between the two groups across time (0.11 log‐ mL/min/1.73 m2, P=.311). Immunosuppressive regimen comprising early conversion from cyclosporine to everolimus was not associated with a regression of LVMI, but a lower risk of viral infections was observed.
Cyclic AMP‐regulated opposing and parallel effects of serotonin and dopamine on phototaxis in the Marmorkrebs (marbled crayfish)
Authors: Shiratori Chihiro , Suzuki Nanoka , Momohara Yuto , Shiraishi Kyosuke , Aonuma Hitoshi , Nagayama Toshiki
Published: June 2017

Phototactic behaviours are observed from prokaryotes to amphibians and are a basic form of orientation. We showed that the marbled crayfish displays phototaxis in which the behavioural response reversed from negative to positive depending on external light conditions. Animals reared in a 12‐L/12‐D light cycle showed negative phototaxis during daytime and positive phototaxis during night‐time. Animals reared under constant light conditioning showed negative phototaxis during day‐ and night‐time, while animals reared under constant dark conditioning showed positive phototaxis during day‐ and night‐time. Injection of serotonin leads to a reversal of negative to positive phototaxis in both light/dark‐reared and light/light‐reared animals while injection of dopamine induced reversed negative phototaxis in dark/dark‐reared animals. Four hours of dark adaptation were enough for light/dark‐reared animals to reverse phototaxis from negative to positive. Injection of a serotonin 5HT1 receptor antagonist blocked the reverse phototaxis while serotonin 5HT2 receptor antagonists had no effects. Similarly, dark/dark‐reared animals reversed to showing negative phototaxis after 4 h of light adaptation. Injection of a dopamine DA1 receptor antagonist blocked this reverse phototaxis, while dopamine DA2 receptor antagonists had no effects. Injection of a cAMP analogue into light/dark‐reared animals blocked reverse phototaxis after dark adaptation, while adenylate cyclase inhibitor in dark/dark‐reared animals blocked reverse phototaxis after light adaptation. These results strongly suggest that serotonin mediates positive phototaxis owing to decreased cAMP levels, while dopamine‐mediated negative phototaxis occurs due to increased cAMP levels. Supporting this, the ratio of serotonin to dopamine in the brain was much higher in dark/dark‐reared than light/dark‐reared animals.
Clinical characterization of dystonia in adult patients with Huntington's disease
Authors: van de Zande N. A. , Massey T. H. , McLauchlan D. , Pryce Roberts A. , Zutt R. , Wardle M. , Payne G. C. , Clenaghan C. , Tijssen M. A. J. , Rosser A. E. , Peall K. J.
Published: June 2017

Background and purpose

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, neurodegenerative movement disorder, typically characterized by chorea. Dystonia is also recognized as part of the HD motor phenotype, although little work detailing its prevalence, distribution, severity and impact on functional capacity has been published to date.

Methods

Patients (>18 years of age) were recruited from the Cardiff (UK) HD clinic, each undergoing a standardized videotaped clinical examination and series of functional assessment questionnaires (Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale, Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale and modified version of the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale). The presence and severity of dystonia were scored by four independent neurologists using the Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale and Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale. Statistical analysis included Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon test, anova and calculation of correlation coefficients where appropriate.

Results

Forty‐eight patients [91% (48/53)] demonstrated evidence of dystonia, with the highest prevalence in the left upper limb (n = 44, 83%), right upper limb most severely affected and eyes least affected. Statistically significant positive correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between dystonia severity and increasing HD disease stage and motor disease duration. Deterioration in functional capacity also correlated with increasing dystonia severity. No significant relationship was observed with age at motor symptom onset or CAG repeat length.

Conclusions

We report a high prevalence of dystonia in adult patients with HD, with worsening dystonia severity with increasing HD disease stage and motor disease duration. The recognition and management of dystonic symptoms in routine clinical practice will aid overall symptomatic treatment and functional improvement.
Using Search Engines to Investigate Shared Migraine Experiences
Authors: Burns Sara M. , Turner Dana P. , Sexton Katherine E. , Deng Hao , Houle Timothy T.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To investigate migraine patterns in the United States using Google search data and utilize this information to better understand societal‐level trends. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate time‐series relationships between migraines and social factors.

Background

Extensive research has been done on clinical factors associated with migraines, yet population‐level social factors have not been widely explored. Migraine internet search data may provide insight into migraine trends beyond information that can be gleaned from other sources.

Methods

In this longitudinal analysis of open access data, we performed a time‐series analysis in which about 12 years of Google Trends data (January 1, 2004 to August 15, 2016) were assessed. Data points were captured at a daily level and Google's 0‐100 adjusted scale was used as the primary outcome to enable the comparison of relative popularity in the migraine search term. We hypothesized that the volume of relative migraine Google searches would be affected by societal aspects such as day of the week, holidays, and novel social events.

Results

Several recurrent social factors that drive migraine searches were identified. Of these, day of the week had the most significant impact on the volume of Google migraine searches. On average, Mondays accumulated 13.31 higher relative search volume than Fridays (95% CI: 11.12‐15.51, P ≤ .001). Surprisingly, holidays were associated with lower relative migraine search volumes. Christmas Day had 13.84 lower relative search volumes (95% CI: 6.26‐21.43, P ≤ .001) and Thanks giving had 20.18 lower relative search volumes (95% CI: 12.55‐27.82, P ≤ .001) than days that were not holidays. Certain novel social events and extreme weather also appear to be associated with relative migraine Google search volume.

Conclusions

Social factors play a crucial role in explaining population level migraine patterns, and thus, warrant further exploration.
“Part of the Team”: Mapping the outcomes of training patients for new roles in health research and planning
Authors: Shklarov Svetlana , Marshall Deborah A. , Wasylak Tracy , Marlett Nancy J.
Published: June 2017

Background

A patient research internship (Patient and Community Engagement Research program—PaCER) was created to support a provincial commitment by Alberta Health Services’ Strategic Clinical Networks™ to find new ways to engage patients in a new interdisciplinary organization to support evidence‐informed improvements in clinical outcomes across the health system.

Objective

Implement and test a new research method and training curriculum to build patient capacity for engagement in health through peer‐to‐peer research.

Design

Programme evaluation using Outcome Mapping and the grounded theory method.

Setting and Participants

Twenty‐one patients with various chronic conditions completed one year of training in adapted qualitative research methods, including an internship where they designed and conducted five peer‐to‐peer inquiries into a range of health experiences.

Main Outcome Measures

Outcomes were continually monitored and evaluated using an Outcome Mapping framework, in combination with grounded theory analysis, based on data from focus groups, observation, documentation review and semi‐structured interviews (21 patient researchers, 15 professional collaborators).

Results

Key stakeholders indicated the increased capacity of patients to engage in health‐care research and planning, and the introduction and acceptance of new, collaborative roles for patients in health research. The uptake of new patient roles in health‐care planning began to impact attitudes and practices.

Conclusions

Patient researchers become “part of the team” through cultural and relationship changes that occur in two convergent directions: (i) building the capacity of patients to engage confidently in a dialogue with clinicians and decision makers, and (ii) increasing the readiness for patient engagement uptake within targeted organizations.
Effects of socio‐demographic factors on laundry behaviours in Europe and their implications on sustainability
Authors: Alborzi Farnaz , Schmitz Angelika , Stamminger Rainer
Published: June 2017

The continuing rise of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is leading to catastrophic damage in many parts of the world over the coming decades unless GHG emissions can be controlled quickly. The objective of reducing GHG emissions can only be accomplished when all the sectors contributing to GHG emission act responsibly. The contribution of the household to GHG emission was 19.6% in the European Union (EU) in 2013. The energy consumption for laundry washing in the EU, estimated at 24.2 TWh/year, is a substantial share of household energy use. As the use phase of the washing machine is the dominant stage where the environmental impact occurs, this paper addresses some of the EU consumers’ washing and drying behaviour in the laundry process. Information on consumers’ behaviour regarding the laundry process was collected by a semi‐representative survey in eleven EU countries in 2015, including more than 5,000 participants. The main outcome of the study is that consumers’ behaviour regarding the laundry process differs substantially between the EU countries. Moreover, socio‐demographic characteristics of households affect the overall sustainability profile of the laundry process.
Which priority indicators to use to evaluate nursing care performance? A discussion paper
Authors: Dubois Carl‐Ardy , D'amour Danielle , Brault Isabelle , Dallaire Clémence , Déry Johanne , Duhoux Arnaud , Lavoie‐Tremblay Mélanie , Mathieu Luc , Karemere Hermès , Zufferey Arnaud
Published: June 2017

Aims

A discussion of an optimal set of indicators that can be used on a priority basis to assess the performance of nursing care.

Background

Recent advances in conceptualization of nursing care performance, exemplified by the Nursing Care Performance Framework, have revealed a broad universe of potentially nursing‐sensitive indicators. Organizations now face the challenge of selecting, from this universe, a realistic subset of indicators that can form a balanced and common scorecard.

Design

Discussion paper drawing on a systematic assessment of selected performance indicators.

Data sources

Previous works, based on systematic reviews of the literature published between 1990 ‐ 2014, have contributed to the development of the Nursing Care Performance Framework. These works confirmed a robust set of indicators that capture the universe of content currently supported by the scientific literature and cover all major areas of nursing care performance. Building on these previous works, this study consisted in gathering the specific evidence supporting 25 selected indicators, focusing on systematic syntheses, meta‐analyses and integrative reviews.

Implications for nursing

This study has identified a set of 12 indicators that have sufficient breadth and depth to capture the whole spectrum of nursing care and that could be implemented on a priority basis.

Conclusions

This study sets the stage for new initiatives aiming at filling current gaps in operationalization of nursing care performance. The next milestone is to set up the infrastructure required to collect data on these indicators and make effective use of them.
Phylogenetic relatedness of co‐occurring waterbird communities: a test of Darwin's competition‐relatedness hypothesis
Authors: Sebastián‐González Esther , Green Andy J.
Published: June 2017

The competition–relatedness hypothesis of Darwin states that competition is greater among species that are phylogenetically closely‐related, and such species will tend to appear in separate communities (i.e. the species within communities will be phylogenetically overdispersed). Many studies have tested (and mainly refuted) this hypothesis for plant and bacterial communities. Results for the few studies with avian species are not conclusive. We tested Darwin's hypothesis for waterbirds using a set of open, artificial fish ponds in Doñana, south‐western Spain, that provide relatively homogeneous habitat where competition is likely to be intense. Monthly counts of 38 ponds (for 11 months, i.e. 418 censuses) recorded 76 bird species. Darwin's hypothesis predicted that species appearing in the same pond would be less related phylogenetically than expected if species occurred randomly across ponds and months according to the structure of the overall community across the entire pond complex. However, the waterbird community did not show a predominantly overdispersed pattern, suggesting that interspecific competition among phylogenetically related species was not the main force structuring communities. In contrast, the proportion of clustered communities was higher than expected throughout the annual cycle, indicating that related waterbirds tend to co‐occur on the same site, probably because they have similar microhabitat preferences. Clustering patterns were mainly driven by abundant and closely related duck species, and also by shorebirds. However, few individual pond communities remained significantly different from random after correction for multiple testing. Furthermore, the probability of co‐occurrence of a given species pair was negatively related to the phylogenetic distance between them. In conclusion, our study shows waterbird communities are mainly phylogenetically clustered or random, and do not support the competition‐relatedness hypothesis.
The association between the clinical diversity of psoriasis and depressive symptoms: the HUNT Study, Norway
Authors: Modalsli E.H. , Åsvold B.O. , Snekvik I. , Romundstad P.R. , Naldi L. , Saunes M.
Published: June 2017

Background

While a number of observational hospital‐based studies have reported an association between psoriasis and depression, less is known about the clinical diversity of psoriasis and depressive symptoms.

Objective

To investigate the associations of inverse psoriasis, psoriasis severity and psoriasis duration with depressive symptoms in a general population.

Methods

We linked data from the population‐based third Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3) to the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD) and Statistics Norway. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Associations between psoriasis and depressive symptoms (HADS ≥ 8) were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

Among 37 833 participants in HUNT3, we found a weak association between any psoriasis and the prevalence of depressive symptoms [fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97–1.28]. The association with depressive symptoms was stronger when psoriasis was characterized by inverse anatomical distribution (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02–1.70), requirement of systemic psoriasis medication (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.00–2.17) or long disease duration (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.09–1.64). Conversely, when there was no inverse psoriasis distribution, no requirement of systemic medication, or shorter disease duration, psoriasis was not meaningfully associated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Overall, depressive symptoms do not seem to be a major concern among subjects with psoriasis in a general Norwegian population. However, among subjects with inverse anatomical distribution, requirement of systemic psoriasis medication or long disease duration, depressive symptoms may be particularly important to address when evaluating the burden of psoriasis.
Pulmonary co‐infections by Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus in non‐HIV patients: A report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Markantonatou Anthi‐Marina , Ioakimidou Aliki , Arvaniti Kostoula , Manou Eleni , Papadopoulos Vassilios , Kiriklidou Parthena , Samaras Konstantinos , Kioumi Anna , Vyzantiadis Timoleon‐Achilleas
Published: June 2017

Pneumocystis jirovecii is the causative agent of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP), a common and often life‐threatening opportunistic infection in HIV‐infected patients. However, non‐HIV, immunocompromised patients are at risk of PcP as well, whereas the mortality appears to be higher among these patients. Pneumocystis co‐infections with other microorganisms are less frequent and only sparse reports of combined PcP and invasive pulmonary fungal infections exist in the literature, especially in the non‐HIV patients. Two cases of pulmonary co‐infections by P. jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus are presented. Both patients were non‐HIV infected, the first one was suffering from crescentic IgA nephropathy under immunosuppressive treatment and the second from resistant non‐Hodgkin lymphoma under chemotherapy. Both patients were treated with intravenous trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) combined with voriconazole. The first patient showed gradual clinical improvement while the outcome for the second patient was unfavourable. In addition, a literature review of the previous published cases of co‐infection by P. jirovecii and other fungi in non‐HIV patients was performed. Our target was to provide comprehensive information on this kind of infections, highlighting the importance of clinical suspicion.
Breastfeeding and the risk of childhood asthma: A two‐stage instrumental variable analysis to address endogeneity
Authors: Sharma Nivita D.
Published: June 2017

Background

Several explanations for the inconsistent results on the effects of breastfeeding on childhood asthma have been suggested. The purpose of this study was to investigate one unexplored explanation, which is the presence of a potential endogenous relationship between breastfeeding and childhood asthma. Endogeneity exists when an explanatory variable is correlated with the error term for reasons such as selection bias, reverse causality, and unmeasured confounders. Unadjusted endogeneity will bias the effect of breastfeeding on childhood asthma.

Methods

To investigate potential endogeneity, a cross‐sectional study of breastfeeding practices and incidence of childhood asthma in 87 pediatric patients in Georgia, the USA, was conducted using generalized linear modeling and a two‐stage instrumental variable analysis. First, the relationship between breastfeeding and childhood asthma was analyzed without considering endogeneity. Second, tests for presence of endogeneity were performed and having detected endogeneity between breastfeeding and childhood asthma, a two‐stage instrumental variable analysis was performed. The first stage of this analysis estimated the duration of breastfeeding and the second‐stage estimated the risk of childhood asthma.

Results

When endogeneity was not taken into account, duration of breastfeeding was found to significantly increase the risk of childhood asthma (relative risk ratio [RR]=2.020, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.143‐3.570]). After adjusting for endogeneity, duration of breastfeeding significantly reduced the risk of childhood asthma (RR=0.003, 95% CI: [0.000‐0.240]).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that researchers should consider evaluating how the presence of endogeneity could affect the relationship between duration of breastfeeding and the risk of childhood asthma.
Selection of soybean elite cultivars based on phenotypic and genomic characters related to lodging tolerance
Authors: Liu Zhangxiong , Li Huihui , Fan Xuhong , Huang Wen , Yang Jiyu , Zheng Yuhong , Wen Zixiang , Li Yinghui , Wang Dechun , Wang Shuming , Qiu Lijuan
Published: June 2017

Soybean lodging can result in serious yield reduction. Detecting the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with lodging tolerance for their further application in marker‐assisted selection (MAS) has the potential to enhance soybean breeding efficiency. In this study, a genome‐wide association analysis (GWAS) was performed to identify soybean accessions that could potentially be used to produce lodging‐tolerant varieties, based on the comprehensive evaluation of lodging scores (LS) obtained for the parental cultivar “Tokachi nagaha” and its 137 derived cultivars. Results showed that genotype, environment and genotype × environment interaction significantly influenced LS. Of the 31 significant SNPs identified, 22 were consistently detected in two or more environments and 27 SNPs were located in or close to agronomically important QTL mapped by linkage analysis. Best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) of LS tend to decrease with the elite alleles contained by accessions increasing. Some excellent accessions, with lower BLUPs and Di (stability coefficients) values and more elite alleles, were selected. This study contributed to understand the genetic mechanism of lodging, providing genetic and phenotypic information for MAS.
Multiple sub‐solid nodules: Different or just more?
Authors: Miller Alistair R.
Published: June 2017

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A Bayesian Spatiotemporal Model to Estimate Long-Term Exposure to Outdoor Air Pollution at Coarser Administrative Geographies in England and Wales
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sabyasachi , Sahu Sujit K.
Published: June 2017

Estimation of long-term exposure to air pollution levels over a large spatial domain, such as the mainland UK, entails a challenging modelling task since exposure data are often only observed by a network of sparse monitoring sites with variable amounts of missing data. The paper develops and compares several flexible non-stationary hierarchical Bayesian models for the four most harmful air pollutants, nitrogen dioxide and ozone, and PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter, in England and Wales during the 5-year period 2007–2011. The models make use of observed data from the UK's automatic urban and rural network as well as output of an atmospheric air quality dispersion model developed recently especially for the UK. Land use information, incorporated as a predictor in the model, further enhances the accuracy of the model. Using daily data for all four pollutants over the 5-year period we obtain empirically verified maps which are the most accurate among the competition. Monte Carlo integration methods for spatial aggregation are developed and these enable us to obtain predictions, and their uncertainties, at the level of a given administrative geography. These estimates for local authority areas can readily be used for many purposes such as modelling of aggregated health outcome data and are made publicly available alongside this paper.
Non-Newtonian end-effects in standard oilfield rheometers
Authors: Lac Étienne , Parry Andrew
Published: June 2017

We have conducted computational fluid dynamics simulations of the flow in standard oilfield Couette rheometer cells (often referred to as Fann rheometers), in order to calculate the correction factor linking torque measurements to wall shear stress in the annular gap between the rheometer rotor and the stator. Our results show that for visco-plastic fluids, correction factors required for a correct determination of rheological parameters are significantly larger than the values estimated for Newtonian liquids and vary with the imposed shear rate. We have developed an inversion method which dynamically includes shear-rate-dependent correction factors. Results are validated with synthetic data, as well as capillary tube experiments.
Egyptian mummy DNA, at last
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: June 2017

First mummy genomes show that past conquests left little mark on ancient Egyptian DNA.
Data Check: Critics challenge NIH finding that bigger labsaren't necessarily better
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: June 2017

Agency-backed analysis led to policy move to cap grant support for big labs.
Poisons, antidotes, and selfish genes
Authors: Phadnis Nitin
Published: June 2017

Genes masquerade as essential to development to ensure their transmission
A Small Viral PPxY Peptide Motif To Control Antiviral Autophagy
Authors: Montespan Charlotte , Wiethoff Christopher M. , Wodrich Harald
Published: June 2017

Autophagy is an essential metabolic program that is also used for clearing intracellular pathogens. This mechanism, also termed selective autophagy, is well characterized for invasive bacteria but remains poorly documented for viral infections. Here we highlight our recent work showing that endosomolytic adenoviruses trigger autophagy when entering cells. Our study revealed how adenoviruses exploit a capsid-associated small PPxY peptide motif to manipulate the autophagic machinery to prevent autophagic degradation and to promote endosomal escape and nuclear trafficking.
Differential Innate Immune Signaling in Macrophages by Wild-Type Vaccinia Mature Virus and a Mutant Virus with a Deletion of the A26 Protein
Authors: Kasani Siti Khadijah , Cheng Huei-Yin , Yeh Kun-Hai , Chang Shu-Jung , Hsu Paul Wei-Che , Tung Shu-Yun , Liang Chung-Tiang , Chang Wen
Published: June 2017

The Western Reserve (WR) strain of mature vaccinia virus contains an A26 envelope protein that mediates virus binding to cell surface laminin and subsequent endocytic entry into HeLa cells. Removal of the A26 protein from the WR strain mature virus generates a mutant, WRΔA26, that enters HeLa cells through plasma membrane fusion. Here, we infected murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) with wild-type strain WR and the WRΔA26 mutant and analyzed viral gene expression and cellular innate immune signaling. In contrast to previous studies, in which both HeLa cells infected with WR and HeLa cells infected with WRΔA26 expressed abundant viral late proteins, we found that WR expressed much less viral late protein than WRΔA26 in BMDM. Microarray analysis of the cellular transcripts in BMDM induced by virus infection revealed that WR preferentially activated type 1 interferon receptor (IFNAR)-dependent signaling but WRΔA26 did not. We consistently detected a higher level of soluble beta interferon secretion and phosphorylation of the STAT1 protein in BMDM infected with WR than in BMDM infected with WRΔA26. When IFNAR-knockout BMDM were infected with WR, late viral protein expression increased, confirming that IFNAR-dependent signaling was differentially induced by WR and, in turn, restricted viral late gene expression. Finally, wild-type C57BL/6 mice were more susceptible to mortality from WRΔA26 infection than to that from WR infection, whereas IFNAR-knockout mice were equally susceptible to WR and WRΔA26 infection, demonstrating that the ability of WRΔA26 to evade IFNAR signaling has an important influence on viral pathogenesis
in vivo
.

IMPORTANCE
The vaccinia virus A26 protein was previously shown to mediate virus attachment and to regulate viral endocytosis. Here, we show that infection with strain WR induces a robust innate immune response that activates type 1 interferon receptor (IFNAR)-dependent cellular genes in BMDM, whereas infection with the WRΔA26 mutant does not. We further demonstrated that the differential activation of IFNAR-dependent cellular signaling between WR and WRΔA26 not only is important for differential host restriction in BMDM but also is important for viral virulence
in vivo
. Our study reveals a new property of WRΔA26, which is in regulating host antiviral innate immunity
in vitro
and
in vivo
.
Hospital-Associated Infections
Authors: Babady N. Esther
Published: June 2017

Hospital-associated infection (HAI) in immunocompromised patients can result in high rates of morbidity and mortality. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are especially worrisome because of the limited choice of remaining antibiotics available when a patient becomes colonized or infected with an MDRO. It is therefore important that immunocompromised patients be cared for in an environment that limits the risk for acquiring infections. However, with healthcare being increasingly delivered in settings other than the traditional inpatient hospital wards, a bigger effort will need to be set forth to prevent or rapidly diagnose HAI. The last few years have seen a significant increase in the number of singleplex and multiplex molecular assays for the detection of many of the organisms responsible for HAI, but more is needed as infections caused by organisms likeLegionella pneumophilaandAspergillusspecies are still diagnosed with methods that have relatively low yield and are slow to provide actionable results. Finally, the use of novel techniques for outbreak investigations will provide new information on transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings and allow stronger, evidence-based recommendations to be developed for prevention of HAIs in the immunocompromised host.
Gastrointestinal Infections
Authors: Alby Kevin , Nachamkin Irving
Published: June 2017

Gastrointestinal infections in the immunocompromised host are caused by the common bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic agents that also cause infections in the immunocompetent host. Of special consideration is that immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk for infection or disease severity and by pathogens not seen in the competent host. This chapter reviews the various agents, risk factors, and diagnostic approaches to detect gastrointestinal infections in this patient population.
Volume guaranteed? Accuracy of a volume-targeted ventilation mode in infants
Authors: Farrell Olivia , Perkins Elizabeth J , Black Don , Miedema Martijn , Paul Joel Don , Pereira-Fantini Prue M , Tingay David Gerald
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Volume-targeted ventilation (VTV) is widely used and may reduce lung injury, but this assumes the clinically set tidal volume (VTset) is accurately delivered. This prospective observational study aimed to determine the relationship between VTset, expiratory VT (VTe) and endotracheal tube leak in a modern neonatal ­volume-targeted ventilator (VTV) and the resultant partial arterial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) relationship with and without VTV.

Design

Continuous inflations were recorded for 24 hours in 100 infants, mean (SD) 34 (4) weeks gestation and 2483 (985) g birth weight, receiving synchronised mechanical ventilation (SLE5000, SLE, UK) with or without VTV and either the manufacturer’s V4 (n=50) or newer V5 (n=50) VTV algorithm. The VTset, VTe and leak were determined for each inflation (maximum 90 000/infant). If PaCO2 was sampled (maximum of 2 per infant), this was compared with the average VTe data from the preceding 15 min.

Results

A total of 7 497 137 inflations were analysed. With VTV enabled (77 infants), the VTset−VTe bias (95% CI) was 0.03 (−0.12 to 0.19) mL/kg, with a median of 80% of VTe being ±1.0 mL/kg of VTset. Endotracheal tube leak up to 30% influenced VTset−VTe bias with the V4 (r2=−0.64, p<0.0001; linear regression) but not V5 algorithm (r2=0.04, p=0.21). There was an inverse linear relationship between VTe and PaCO2 without VTV (r2=0.26, p=0.004), but not with VTV (r2=0.04, p=0.10), and less PaCO2 within 40–60 mm Hg, 53% versus 72%, relative risk (95% CI) 1.7 (1.0 to 2.9).

Conclusion

VTV was accurate and reliable even with moderate leak and PaCO2 more stable. VTV algorithm differences may exist in other devices.
Transcriptomic Perspectives on Neocortical Structure, Development, Evolution, and Disease
Authors: Lein Ed S. , Belgard T. Grant , Hawrylycz Michael , Molnár Zoltán
Published: June 2017

The cerebral cortex is the source of our most complex cognitive capabilities and a vulnerable target of many neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Transcriptomics offers a new approach to understanding the cortex at the level of its underlying genetic code, and rapid technological advances have propelled this field to the high-throughput study of the complete set of transcribed genes at increasingly fine resolution to the level of individual cells. These tools have revealed features of the genetic architecture of adult cortical areas, layers, and cell types, as well as spatiotemporal patterning during development. This has allowed a fresh look at comparative anatomy as well, illustrating surprisingly large differences between mammals while at the same time revealing conservation of some features from avians to mammals. Finally, transcriptomics is fueling progress in understanding the causes of neurodevelopmental diseases such as autism, linking genetic association studies to specific molecular pathways and affected brain regions.