bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European consensus statement on phenotypes of pustular psoriasis
Authors: Navarini A.A. , Burden A.D. , Capon F. , Mrowietz U. , Puig L. , Köks S. , Kingo K. , Smith C. , Barker J.N. ,   the ERASPEN Network
Published: June 2017

Pustular psoriasis (PP) is a group of inflammatory skin conditions characterized by infiltration of neutrophil granulocytes in the epidermis to such an extent that clinically visible sterile pustules develop. Because of clinical co‐incidence, PP is currently grouped with psoriasis vulgaris (PV). However, PP and PV are phenotypically different, respond differently to treatments and seem to be distinct on the genetic level. In contrast to PV, the phenotypes of PP are not well defined. Descriptions of each form of PP are discordant among standard dermatology textbooks [Saurat Dermatologie 2016, Rook's Dermatology 2016, Fitzpatrick's 2012 and Braun‐Falco 2012], encumbering the collection of phenotypically well‐matched groups of patients as well as clinical trials. The European Rare and Severe Psoriasis Expert Network (ERASPEN) was founded to define consensus criteria for diagnosis, deeply phenotype large groups of PP patients, analyse the genetics and pathophysiology and prepare for prospective clinical trials. This work reviews historical aspects of these conditions, new genetic findings and presents our initial considerations on the phenotypes of PP and a consensus classification of clinical phenotypes that will be used as a baseline for further, prospective studies of PP. Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is defined as primary, sterile, macroscopically visible pustules on non‐acral skin (excluding cases where pustulation is restricted to psoriatic plaques). GPP can occur with or without systemic inflammation, with or without PV and can either be a relapsing (>1 episode) or persistent (>3 months) condition. Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) is characterized by primary, persistent (>3 months), sterile, macroscopically visible pustules affecting the nail apparatus. Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) has primary, persistent (>3 months), sterile, macroscopically visible pustules on palms and/or soles and can occur with or without PV.
Use of clinical guidelines in cardiology practice in Sudan
Authors: Elsadig Hwaida , Weiss Marjorie , Scott Jenny , Laaksonen Raisa
Published: June 2017

Rationale, aims, and objective

The aim of this study was to explore the views of prescribers in cardiology in Sudan about the use of guidelines in clinical practice and the extent to which guidelines whether national or international can be adopted in clinical practice in Sudan.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with the consultants in 2 of the main cardiac hospitals in Sudan. This was followed by a survey amongst the doctors in the hospitals to examine the views of a larger population of prescribers about the matter investigated.

Results

Twelve consultants were interviewed, and 47 prescribers (60%) replied to the questionnaire that followed. Most doctors relied on foreign guidelines to prescribe for their patients. The doctors acknowledged the limitation of using foreign guidelines in Sudan. A number of doctors were not in favour of following any guidelines, as they perceived that the practice in Sudan does not allow implementation of guidelines.

Conclusion

The prescribers in Sudan had to rely on guidelines made in foreign countries if they want to get the benefit of evidence‐based medicine to their patients, but they had to find a way to adapt these guidelines to their patients and to the health care system they are working within. However, it is not known if this adaptation of foreign guidelines is providing the benefits intended or is risking evidence‐based medicine.
Biorefining of filter tea factory by‐products: Classical and ultrasound‐assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from wild apple fruit dust
Authors: Naffati Abdulhakim , Vladić Jelena , Pavlić Branimir , Vidović Senka
Published: June 2017

In this study, two methods of extraction (classical and ultrasound assisted) have been applied to utilize the wild apple fruit dust‐by product from a filter tea factory. According to the results obtained, the total phenols content in the wild apple fruit dust ranged from 777.003 to 1,148.030 mg GAE/100 g of investigated material. These results indicate the high potential for utilization of wild apple fruit dust in terms of extraction and production of extracts with a high concentration of phenolic constituents. For optimization of a more efficient method of extraction, in this case ultrasound‐assisted, a response surface methodology was applied. Temperature and time interaction proved to be the most dominant and highly significant factor for the extraction of total phenolics from this kind of raw material. On the other hand, linear terms of temperature and the interaction of time and ultrasonic power had a significant effect on the extraction of total flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained was particularly high: in the range of .0211 to .0279 mg/mL.

Practical applications

This is a new manuscript exploring possibility of utilization of wild apple by‐product/waste (“apple fruit dust”) obtained during the production of fruit filter tea in filter tea industry. Possibility of wild apple dust biorefining was observed through investigation of classical (CE) and ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE). Based on results of extraction yield, and extracted total phenols and total flavonoids, obtained in CE, most favorable extraction solvent was selected for further processing. Results are presenting a great value of such new by‐products (much higher in comparison to those well presented in literature) and also advantage of used and investigated extraction techniques which could be used for its processing.
An evaluation of the feasibility and validity of a patient‐administered malnutrition universal screening tool (‘MUST’) compared to healthcare professional screening in an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) outpatient clinic
Authors: Keetarut K. , Zacharopoulou‐Otapasidou S. , Bloom S. , Majumdar A. , Patel P. S.
Published: June 2017

Background

Malnutrition is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is associated with poor health outcomes. Despite this, screening for malnutrition in the outpatient‐setting is not routine and research in the area is limited. The present study aimed to evaluate whether agreement between malnutrition screening completed by patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) could be achieved by comparing patient self‐administered ‘MUST’ (‘MUST’‐P) with HCP administered ‘MUST’ (‘MUST’‐HCP) in a single tertiary IBD outpatient clinic.

Methods

We conducted a feasibility and validity study on adult outpatients with IBD. We collected anthropometric, nutritional and clinical data from patients. All patients completed ‘MUST’‐P using a self‐administered questionnaire, followed by ‘MUST’‐HCP. ‘MUST’‐P was timed and feedback on ease‐of‐use was obtained. The risk of malnutrition was classified as low (score = 0), medium (score = 1) and high (score ≥ 2) and agreement was tested using kappa statistics (κ).

Results

Eighty patients were recruited (Crohn's disease: n = 49, ulcerative colitis: n = 29, unclassified: n = 2), with a mean (SD) age of 39.9 (15.1) years (51.2% were males). Seventy‐one (92%) of patients found ‘MUST’‐P either easy or very easy. The mean (SD) time to complete ‘MUST’‐P was 3.1  (1.8) min (range 1–10 min). Sixty‐eight (85%) of patients were at low risk of malnutrition when screened by the HCP. There was moderate agreement (κ = 0.486, P < 0.001) between ‘MUST’‐P and ‘MUST’‐HCP, with 100% agreement in scoring for medium‐ and high‐risk categories.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggests that self‐screening using ‘MUST’ could be effectively used in an IBD outpatient clinic to identify those at medium and high risk of malnutrition. The patient friendly version of ‘MUST’ (‘MUST’‐P) was considered quick and easy to use by patients. Implementation of self‐screening with ‘MUST’ could improve the nutritional management of IBD patients.
Are energy and protein requirements met in hospital?
Authors: Pullen K. , Collins R. , Stone T. , Carter H. , Sadler H. , Collinson A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Malnutrition is a problem within hospitals, which impacts upon clinical outcomes. The present audit assesses whether a hospital menu meets the energy and protein standards recommended by the British Dietetic Association's (BDA) Nutrition and Hydration Digest and determines the contribution of oral nutrition supplements (ONS) and additional snacks.

Methods

Patients in a UK South West hospital were categorised as ‘nutritionally well’ or ‘nutritionally vulnerable’ in accordance with their Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool score. Energy and protein content of food selected from the menu (‘menu choice’), menu food consumed (‘hospital intake’) and total food consumed including snacks (‘overall intake’) were calculated and compared with the standards.

Results

In total, 93 patients were included. For ‘nutritionally well’ patients (n = 81), energy and protein standards were met by 11.1% and 33.3% (‘menu choice’); 7.4% and 22.2% (‘hospital intake’); and 14.8% and 28.4% (‘overall intake’). For ‘nutritionally vulnerable’ patients (n = 12), energy and protein standards were met by 0% and 8.3% (‘menu choice’); 0% and 8.3% (‘hospital intake’); and 8.3% and 16.7% (‘overall intake’). Ten percent of patients consumed ONS. Patients who consumed hospital snacks (34%) were more likely to meet the nutrient standards (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

The present audit demonstrated that most patients are not meeting the nutrient standards recommended by the BDA Nutrition and Hydration Digest. Recommendations include the provision of energy/protein‐dense snacks, as well as menu, offering ONS where clinically indicated, in addition to training for staff. A food services dietitian is ideally placed to lead this, forming a vital link between patients, caterers and clinical teams.
Renewable Energy and Carbon Management in the Cradle‐to‐Cradle Certification: Limitations and Opportunities
Authors: Niero Monia , Olsen Stig I. , Laurent Alexis
Published: June 2017

As part of the Cradle to Cradle® (C2C) certification program, the C2C certification criterion, Renewable Energy and Carbon Management (RE&CM), focuses on use of electricity from renewable energy (RE) and direct greenhouse gas offsets in the manufacturing stage and, to a limited extent, on the cradle to gate only at the highest level of certification. The aim of this study is to provide decision makers with a quantified overview of possible limitations of that C2C certification requirement and potential gains by introducing a full life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective to the scheme. Scenario analysis was used to perform an LCA of an aluminum can system representing different levels of the C2C certification criterion, RE&CM, considering different strategies to achieve 100% RE in the manufacturing stage. The adoption of a broader life cycle RE perspective was considered through the implementation of electricity from renewable sources from cradle to grave. Our results show that compliance with the current RE&CM certification framework offers limited benefits, that is, significant reduction for climate change, but negligible reductions for other environmental impacts (e.g., particulate matter and acidification). However, increasing the share of RE in the primary aluminum production from a full life cycle perspective can greatly increase the environmental benefits brought up by the C2C certification not only for climate change, but also for the broader range of impact categories. In our striving toward environmental sustainability, which often cannot be approximated by climate‐change impacts alone, we therefore recommend decision makers in industries to combine the C2C certification with LCA when they define strategies for the selection of RE and raw materials suppliers.
The Nexus of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Biodiversity Impacts from Urban Metabolism
Authors: Singh Shweta , Kennedy Christopher
Published: June 2017

Methodology is developed for linking the urban metabolism (UM) to global environmental stresses on the carbon (C) cycle, nitrogen (N) cycle, and biodiversity loss. UM variables are systematically mapped to the drivers of carbon, nitrogen, and biodiversity impacts. Change in mean species abundance is used as metric of biodiversity loss, by adopting the dose‐response relationships from the GLOBIO model. The main biodiversity drivers related to UM included here are land‐use change (LUC) and atmospheric N deposition. The methodology is demonstrated by studying the nexus for Shanghai in 2006, based on energy and soybean consumption. Results for Shanghai show a strong nexus between C, N, and biodiversity impact due to electricity consumption and energy used in manufacturing industries and construction. Prioritization of the shift away from coal energy will therefore lead to lowering the urban growth impact on all three dimensions. Road transportation, domestic aviation, and the metal industry impact only the C footprint highly, whereas district energy impacts only biodiversity loss highly, showing a weak nexus. Among the global impacts of soybean consumption in Shanghai on biodiversity loss (due to LUC only), the highest impact occurs in Uruguay (0.52%) followed by Brazil (0.05%) and Argentina (0.02%). The local impact on biodiversity loss (i.e., within China) of soybean consumption in Shanghai is 1.03%. However, the methodology and results are limited due to the partial inclusion of drivers, a carbon footprint based on carbon dioxide emissions only, and limitations of biodiversity loss models. Potential to overcome methodological limitations is discussed.
Wii‐based exercise program to improve physical fitness, motor proficiency and functional mobility in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Silva V. , Campos C. , Sá A. , Cavadas M. , Pinto J. , Simões P. , Machado S. , Murillo‐Rodríguez E. , Barbosa‐Rocha N.
Published: June 2017

Background

People with Down syndrome (DS) usually display reduced physical fitness (aerobic capacity, muscle strength and abnormal body composition), motor proficiency impairments (balance and postural control) and physical functional limitations. Exergames can be an appealing alternative to enhance exercise engagement and compliance, whilst improving physical fitness and motor function. This study aims to analyse the effects of a Wii‐based exercise program on physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency of adults with DS.

Methods

Twenty‐seven adults with DS were randomly allocated to an experimental group (Wii; n = 14) or control group (n = 13). Participants in the experimental group completed a 2‐month Wii‐based exercise program, with three 1‐h sessions per week that included training games for aerobic endurance, balance and isometric strength. Participants completed assessments regarding anthropometric measures, physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency.

Results

Mixed ANOVA analysis showed a significant group by time interaction for aerobic endurance, explosive leg power and flexibility. Independent samples t‐test for change scores indicated significant between‐group differences favouring the experimental group regarding speed of limb movement, trunk strength and functional mobility, as well as a trend towards significance on body weight. Mann–Whitney's U test for change scores demonstrated between‐group differences favouring the experimental group for visceral fat as well as running speed and agility. Large within‐group effect sizes were observed for explosive leg power (d = 1.691), body weight (d = 1.281), functional mobility (d = 1.218), aerobic endurance (d = 1.020), speed of limb movement (d = 0.867) and flexibility (d = 0.818) in the experimental group.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that Wii‐based exercise can be an effective tool to improve physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency of adults with DS, including crucial measures such as aerobic capacity and lower limb strength. Exergames using Wii Fit or other equipment can be appealing alternatives for adults with DS to engage in regular physical activity, preventing sedentary behaviour and decreasing the risk to develop cardiovascular diseases.
Maternal antibodies against tetanus toxoid do not inhibit potency of antibody responses to autologous antigen in newborn rhesus monkeys
Authors: Veazey Ronald S. , Lu Yingjie , Xu Huanbin , Ziani Widade , Doyle‐Meyers Lara A. , Ratterree Marion S. , Wang Xiaolei
Published: June 2017

Background

Our previous study suggested newborns have competent immune systems with the potential to respond to foreign antigens and vaccines. In this study, we examined infant immune responses to tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination in the presence of maternal antibody to TT.

Methods

We examined changes in plasma levels of tetanus toxoid‐specific IgG1 (anti‐TT IgG1) in a total of eight infant rhesus macaques from birth through 6 months of age using a commercial Monkey Anti‐TT IgG1 ELISA kit.

Results

A significant correlation between anti‐TT IgG1 levels in vaccinated dams and their paired newborn infants was detected in control (non‐vaccinated) infants as previously reported. Maternal anti‐TT IgG1 levels declined rapidly within 1 month of birth in non‐vaccinated infants (n=4). In four infants vaccinated with TT at birth, we found two had rapid and robust antibody responses to vaccination. Interestingly, the other two first showed declining TT antibody levels for 2 weeks followed by increasing levels without additional vaccine boosts, indicating all four had good antibody responses to primary TT vaccination at birth, despite the presence of high levels of maternal antibodies to TT in all four infants.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that newborn macaques have competent immune systems that are capable of generating their own primary antibody responses to vaccination, at least to tetanus antigens. Maternal antibodies thus do not significantly impair antibody response to the vaccination, even when received on the day of birth in infant rhesus macaques.
Past, present and future of epigenetics in brain sexual differentiation
Authors: Forger N. G.
Published: June 2017

Sexual differentiation has long been considered “epigenetic”, although the meaning of that word has shifted over time. Here, we track the evolution of ideas about epigenetics in sexual differentiation, and identify principles that have emerged from recent studies. Experiments manipulating a particular epigenetic mechanism during neonatal life demonstrate a role for both histone acetylation and DNA methylation in the development of sex differences in the brain and behaviour of rodents. In addition, hormone‐dependent sex differences in the number of neurones of a particular phenotype may be programmed by differences in DNA methylation early in life. Genome‐wide studies suggest that many effects of neonatal testosterone on the brain methylome do not emerge until adulthood, and there may be sex biases in the use of epigenetic marks that do not correlate with differences in gene expression. In other words, even when the transcription of a gene does not differ between males and females, the epigenetic underpinnings of that expression may differ. Finally, recent evidence suggests that sex differences in epigenetic marks may primarily serve to make gene expression more similar in males and females. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding sex differences in susceptibility to disease, and point to recent conceptual and technical advances likely to influence the field going forward.
Closure of the vertebral canal in human embryos and fetuses
Authors: Mekonen Hayelom K. , Hikspoors Jill P. J. M. , Mommen Greet , Kruepunga Nutmethee , Köhler S. Eleonore , Lamers Wouter H.
Published: June 2017

The vertebral column is the paradigm of the metameric architecture of the vertebrate body. Because the number of somites is a convenient parameter to stage early human embryos, we explored whether the closure of the vertebral canal could be used similarly for staging embryos between 7 and 10 weeks of development. Human embryos (5–10 weeks of development) were visualized using Amira 3D® reconstruction and Cinema 4D® remodelling software. Vertebral bodies were identifiable as loose mesenchymal structures between the dense mesenchymal intervertebral discs up to 6 weeks and then differentiated into cartilaginous structures in the 7th week. In this week, the dense mesenchymal neural processes also differentiated into cartilaginous structures. Transverse processes became identifiable at 6 weeks. The growth rate of all vertebral bodies was exponential and similar between 6 and 10 weeks, whereas the intervertebral discs hardly increased in size between 6 and 8 weeks and then followed vertebral growth between 8 and 10 weeks. The neural processes extended dorsolaterally (6th week), dorsally (7th week) and finally dorsomedially (8th and 9th weeks) to fuse at the midthoracic level at 9 weeks. From there, fusion extended cranially and caudally in the 10th week. Closure of the foramen magnum required the development of the supraoccipital bone as a craniomedial extension of the exoccipitals (neural processes of occipital vertebra 4), whereas a growth burst of sacral vertebra 1 delayed closure until 15 weeks. Both the cranial‐ and caudal‐most vertebral bodies fused to form the basioccipital (occipital vertebrae 1–4) and sacrum (sacral vertebrae 1–5). In the sacrum, fusion of its so‐called alar processes preceded that of the bodies by at least 6 weeks. In conclusion, the highly ordered and substantial changes in shape of the vertebral bodies leading to the formation of the vertebral canal make the development of the spine an excellent, continuous staging system for the (human) embryo between 6 and 10 weeks of development.
Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire–Revised for women with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Fan Yijun , Huang Zhaohui , Zhang Dazhao , Chang Jun , Jia Yun , He Shuihong , Wei Bing
Published: June 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Illness Perception Questionnaire–Revised (IPQ‐R) in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

A total of 256 patients with SUI and 76 patients with myoma of the uterus were recruited to complete the Chinese IPQ‐R. For the reliability, the key tests included Cronbach's α coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficients. For the validity, the key tests included factor analysis, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and the Student's t‐test.

Results

Cronbach's α values ranged from 0.68 to 0.90 for each subscale and the intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.80 to 0.94. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the seven‐factor structure as proposed by the original IPQ‐R fit the data poorly. Although removal of three items improved the model's fit, the goodness‐of‐fit statistics were still below acceptable standards. We identified an acceptable seven‐factor solution from the 38 items on Illness Beliefs using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), which accounted for 68.12% of the variance. For the concurrent validity, Consequences and Emotional Representation both had good correlations with anxiety and depression (r = 0.52–0.62) and better quality of life (r = 0.58–0.73). The inter‐correlation coefficient of the seven factors ranged from 0.05 to 0.59, suggesting acceptable discriminant validity. There were significant differences on the scale scores of Disease Identity (t = 9.39, P < 0.01), Timeline–Acute/Chronic (t = 3.69, P < 0.01), Consequences (t = 4.53, P < 0.01), Illness Coherence (t = 7.73, P < 0.01), Timeline–Cyclical (t = 6.48, P < 0.01), Emotional Representation (t = 6.40, P < 0.01), and Cause (t = 4.29, P < 0.01) between the patients with SUI and with myoma of the uterus, which also indicated acceptable discriminant validity.

Conclusion

The findings of this study supported the Chinese IPQ‐R as being a reliable and valid tool for measuring illness perception among patients with SUI.
Immunosurveillance profile of oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral epithelial dysplasia through dendritic and T‐cell analysis
Authors: Pellicioli Ana Carolina Amorim , Bingle Lynne , Farthing Paula , Lopes Márcio Ajudarte , Martins Manoela Domingues , Vargas Pablo Agustin
Published: June 2017

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) can arise from potentially malignant disorders, such as leukoplakia. The immune system plays an important role recognizing tumour precursor cells. However, due to immuno‐editing mechanisms cancer cells are able to escape immune system surveillance.

Objective

To evaluate the profile of dendritic (Langerhans and plasmacytoid) and T cells in OSCC and oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and correlate these findings with clinical data.

Materials and Methods

Fifty cases of OSCC and 48 of OED were immunostained for CD1a and CD83 dendritic Langerhans cells (DLC), CD303 plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and CD8 followed by quantitative analysis.

Results

Analysis revealed a significant decrease in the number of mature CD83 DLC in OSCC compared with OED. CD303 positivity was significantly increased in the OSCC group when compared to OED. CD8‐positive lymphocytes were significantly decreased in OSCC compared with OED lesions. No statistical correlation was found with clinical data.

Conclusion

The number of mature dendritic cells (DC) was decreased in OSCC compared with OED lesions suggesting that either these cells might have migrated to lymph nodes to present the tumour antigens and activate the immune system or cytokines secreted by the tumour microenvironment are inhibiting the adequate maturation of DLC. The numbers of pDC were significantly increased in the OSCC group compared with the OED group. This suggests they may play an important role in the defence against tumours although it is not clear whether this is promoting or inhibiting malignant progression.
Implications of HCV RNA level at week 4 of direct antiviral treatments for hepatitis C
Authors: Johnson K. , Green P. K. , Ioannou G. N.
Published: June 2017

We aimed to determine whether the HCV viral load after four weeks of treatment (W4VL) with direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) predicts sustained virologic response (SVR) in a real‐world clinical setting. We identified 21 095 patients who initiated DAA‐based antiviral treatment in the national Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system from 01/01/2014 to 06/30/2015. Week 4 viral load was categorized as undetectable, detectable below quantification (DBQ), detectable above quantification (DAQ) with viral load ≤42 IU/mL and DAQ with viral load >42 IU/mL. Week 4 viral load was undetectable in 36.1%, detectable below quantification in 45.6%, DAQ ≤42 in 9.3%, DAQ >42 in 9.1%. Detectable above quantification was much more common and undetectable week 4 viral load much less common when tested with the Abbott RealTime HCV assay vs the Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan Version 2 assay. Compared to patients with undetectable week 4 viral load (SVR=93.5%), those with detectable below quantification (SVR=91.8%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.79, P‐value=.001), DAQ ≤42 (SVR=90.0%, AOR 0.63, P‐value<.001) and DAQ >42 (SVR=86.2%, AOR 0.52, P‐value<.001) had progressively lower likelihood of achieving SVR after adjusting for baseline characteristics and treatment duration. Among genotype 1‐infected patients who were potentially eligible for 8‐week sofosbuvir/ledipasvir monotherapy, we did not find evidence that treatment for 12 weeks instead of 8 weeks was associated with higher SVR, even among those with detectable above quantification. In summary, DBQ and DAQ W4VL are very common in real‐world practice, contrary to what was reported in clinical trials, and strongly predict reduced SVR across genotypes and clinically relevant patient subgroups. Whether and how week 4 viral load results should influence treatment decisions requires further study.
The right to the truth in international law: The significance of Strasbourg's contributions
Authors: Panepinto Alice M.
Published: June 2017

The concept of a right to the truth is increasingly utilised in different settings to empower victims and societies to find out about past abuses linked to conflict or authoritarianism. Since the last comprehensive study of this topic in 2006, there has been little attempt to draw together the advancements of fragmented practices. Recent developments in European human rights call for a fresh analysis of the right to the truth as a freestanding principle linked to, but separate from, the state duty to investigate. This paper takes stock of the more recent evolutions of the right to the truth and contributes to its independent conceptualisation. The first part investigates whether there is growing consistency between the Inter-American and European human rights systems around the contours of the right to the truth, as linked to survivors’ right to know the past and to access justice (make claims) as an individual and collective matter. The second part broadens the discussion to the status of the right to the truth under international law in light of the ECHR jurisprudence, and considers whether the available legal categories are suited to its formalisation.
Muscle microcirculation alterations and relation to dipping status in newly diagnosed untreated patients with arterial hypertension—A pilot study
Authors: Tzanis Georgios , Dimopoulos Stavros , Manetos Chris , Koroboki Eleni , Manios Efstathios , Vasileiadis Ioannis , Zakopoulos Nikolaos , Nanas Serafim
Published: June 2017

Objective

The importance of abnormalities observed in the microcirculation of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) is being increasingly recognized. The authors aimed to evaluate skeletal muscle microcirculation in untreated, newly diagnosed hypertensive patients with NIRS, a noninvasive method that evaluates microcirculation.

Methods

We evaluated 34 subjects, 17 patients with AH (13 males, 49±13 years, BMI: 26±2 kg/m2) and 17 healthy controls (12 males, 49±15 years, BMI: 25±3 kg/m2). The thenar muscle StO2 (%) was measured by NIRS before, during and after 3‐minutes vascular occlusion to calculate OCR (%/min), EF (%/min), and RHT (minute). The dipping status of hypertensive patients was assessed.

Results

The RHT differed between AH patients and healthy subjects (2.6±0.3 vs 2.1±0.3 minutes, P<.001). Dippers had higher EF than nondippers (939±280 vs 710±164%/min, P=.05).

Conclusions

The study suggests an impaired muscle microcirculation in newly diagnosed, untreated AH patients.
Identification of major loci and genomic regions controlling acid and volatile content in tomato fruit: implications for flavor improvement
Authors: Bauchet Guillaume , Grenier Stéphane , Samson Nicolas , Segura Vincent , Kende Aniko , Beekwilder Jules , Cankar Katarina , Gallois Jean‐Luc , Gricourt Justine , Bonnet Julien , Baxter Charles , Grivet Laurent , Causse Mathilde
Published: June 2017

Plant metabolites are important to world food security due to their roles in crop yield and nutritional quality.

Here we report the metabolic profile of 300 tomato accessions (Solanum lycopersicum and related wild species) by quantifying 60 primary and secondary metabolites, including volatile organic compounds, over a period of 2 yr. Metabolite content and genetic inheritance of metabolites varied broadly, both within and between different genetic groups.

Using genotype information gained from 10 000 single nucleotide polymorphism markers, we performed a metabolite genome‐wide association mapping (GWAS) study. We identified 79 associations influencing 13 primary and 19 secondary metabolites with large effects at high resolution. Four genome regions were detected, highlighting clusters of associations controlling the variation of several metabolites. Local linkage disequilibrium analysis and allele mining identified possible candidate genes which may modulate the content of metabolites that are of significant importance for human diet and fruit consumption.

We precisely characterized two associations involved in fruit acidity and phenylpropanoid volatile production. Taken together, this study reveals complex and distinct metabolite regulation in tomato subspecies and demonstrates that GWAS is a powerful tool for gene‐metabolite annotation and identification, pathways elucidation, and further crop improvement.
Root apical meristem diversity in extant lycophytes and implications for root origins
Authors: Fujinami Rieko , Yamada Toshihiro , Nakajima Atsuko , Takagi Shoko , Idogawa Ai , Kawakami Eri , Tsutsumi Maiko , Imaichi Ryoko
Published: June 2017

Root apical meristem (RAM) organization in lycophytes could be a key to understanding the early evolution of roots, but this topic has been insufficiently explored. We examined the RAM organization of lycophytes in terms of cell division activities and anatomies, and compared RAMs among vascular plants.

RAMs of 13 species of lycophytes were semi‐thin‐sectioned and observed under a light microscope. Furthermore, the frequency of cell division in the RAM of species was analyzed using thymidine analogs.

RAMs of lycophytes exhibited four organization types: type I (Lycopodium and Diphasiastrum), II (Huperzia and Lycopodiella), III (Isoetes) and RAM with apical cell (Selaginella). The type I RAM found in Lycopodium had a region with a very low cell division frequency, reminiscent of the quiescent center (QC) in angiosperm roots. This is the first clear indication that a QC‐like region is present in nonseed plants.

At least four types of RAM are present in extant lycophytes, suggesting that RAM organization is more diverse than expected. Our results support the paleobotanical hypothesis that roots evolved several times in lycophytes, as well as in euphyllophytes.
Adaptive root foraging strategies along a boreal–temperate forest gradient
Authors: Ostonen Ivika , Truu Marika , Helmisaari Heljä‐Sisko , Lukac Martin , Borken Werner , Vanguelova Elena , Godbold Douglas L. , Lõhmus Krista , Zang Ulrich , Tedersoo Leho , Preem Jens‐Konrad , Rosenvald Katrin , Aosaar Jürgen , Armolaitis Kęstutis , Frey Jane , Kabral Naima , Kukumägi Mai , Leppälammi‐Kujansuu Jaana , Lindroos Antti‐Jussi , Merilä Päivi , Napa Ülle , Nöjd Pekka , Parts Kaarin , Uri Veiko , Varik Mats , Truu Jaak
Published: June 2017

The tree root–mycorhizosphere plays a key role in resource uptake, but also in the adaptation of forests to changing environments.

The adaptive foraging mechanisms of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) and fine roots of Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris and Betula pendula were evaluated along a gradient from temperate to subarctic boreal forest (38 sites between latitudes 48°N and 69°N) in Europe. Variables describing tree resource uptake structures and processes (absorptive fine root biomass and morphology, nitrogen (N) concentration in absorptive roots, extramatrical mycelium (EMM) biomass, community structure of root‐associated EcM fungi, soil and rhizosphere bacteria) were used to analyse relationships between root system functional traits and climate, soil and stand characteristics.

Absorptive fine root biomass per stand basal area increased significantly from temperate to boreal forests, coinciding with longer and thinner root tips with higher tissue density, smaller EMM biomass per root length and a shift in soil microbial community structure. The soil carbon (C) : N ratio was found to explain most of the variability in absorptive fine root and EMM biomass, root tissue density, N concentration and rhizosphere bacterial community structure.

We suggest a concept of absorptive fine root foraging strategies involving both qualitative and quantitative changes in the root–mycorrhiza–bacteria continuum along climate and soil C : N gradients.
Minimal configuration of body surface potential mapping for discrimination of left versus right dominant frequencies during atrial fibrillation
Authors: Rodrigo M. , Climent A.M. , Liberos A. , Fernández‐Aviles F. , Atienza F. , Guillem M.S. , Berenfeld O.
Published: June 2017

Background

Ablation of drivers maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF) has been demonstrated as an effective therapy. Drivers in the form of rapidly activated atrial regions can be noninvasively localized to either left or right atria (LA, RA) with body surface potential mapping (BSPM) systems. This study quantifies the accuracy of dominant frequency (DF) measurements from reduced‐leads BSPM systems and assesses the minimal configuration required for ablation guidance.

Methods

Nine uniformly distributed lead sets of eight to 66 electrodes were evaluated. BSPM signals were registered simultaneously with intracardiac electrocardiograms (EGMs) in 16 AF patients. DF activity was analyzed on the surface potentials for the nine leads configurations, and the noninvasive measures were compared with the EGM recordings.

Results

Surface DF measurements presented similar values than panoramic invasive EGM recordings, showing the highest DF regions in corresponding locations. The noninvasive DFs measures had a high correlation with the invasive discrete recordings; they presented a deviation of <0.5 Hz for the highest DF and a correlation coefficient of >0.8 for leads configurations with 12 or more electrodes.

Conclusions

Reduced‐leads BSPM systems enable noninvasive discrimination between LA versus RA DFs with similar results as higher‐resolution 66‐leads system. Our findings demonstrate the possible incorporation of simplified BSPM systems into clinical planning procedures for AF ablation.
Factors affecting dance exercise performance in students at a special needs school
Authors: Ito Yukiko , Hiramoto Izumi , Kodama Hideya
Published: June 2017

Background

In Japan, dance exercise has been introduced as a compulsory element of health and physical education, but there is a considerable discrepancy in the levels of performance among students with intellectual disability (ID) at special needs schools. The aim of this study was therefore to identify the factors affecting the performance of dance exercise in students with ID.

Methods

A 4 month dance exercise program was implemented for junior high school students at a special needs school, and the performance of 32 students at 22 sessions was assessed quantitatively according to calorie use during exercise and performance proficiency score. The measures were compared according to gender, age, body mass index, diagnosis, and development quotient (DQ) score.

Results

Performance in many students improved with repetition and reached the highest attainment level at around the third month. Male gender and older age had a significant positive impact on calorie use, whereas diagnosis of Down syndrome and higher DQ score had a significant positive impact on proficiency score. Four students with poor performance were all female students with autism.

Conclusion

This study provides some possible explanations for differences in the levels of dance performance among students with ID.
Genetic screening of FecB, FecXGand FecXI mutations and their linkage with litter size in Barki and Rahmani sheep breeds
Authors: El‐Seedy AS , Hashem NM , El‐Azrak KM , Nour El‐Din ANM , Ramadan TA , Taha TA , Salem MH
Published: June 2017

Contents

Characterization of fecundity genes offers the opportunity to improve production efficiency, and the consequent increase in litter size in livestock industry, through utilizing them in breeding programs. The main objective of this study was to detect the BMPR‐IB, BMP15 and GDF9 gene mutations and to investigate whether these mutations are associated with litter size in Egyptian sheep breeds. To achieve this goal, 73 adult ewes representing Barki (n = 33) and Rahmani (n = 40) breeds were used. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) screening approach was used to detect the presence of FecB, FecXG and FecXI mutations in the two selected breeds. Results of this study showed that the three different candidate gene mutations, namely FecB, FecXG and FecXI are not present among these selected populations of the Egyptian breeds. Further studies regarding other mutations and/or other genes, which may influence ovulation rate, should be carried out to determine the type and mode of inheritance of such genes in Egyptian sheep breeds.
Comparison of two skin imaging analysis instruments: The VISIA® from Canfield vs the ANTERA 3D®CS from Miravex
Authors: Linming F. , Wei H. , Anqi L. , Yuanyu C. , Heng X. , Sushmita P. , Yiming L. , Li L.
Published: June 2017

Background

The skin imaging analysis instruments are widely used to record and measure the surface and subsurface skin conditions. The main aim of this study is to reveal the differences and correlations in measuring wrinkle, skin texture, coloration/evenness, vascular features, and pore between two commercially available instruments.

Methods

Twenty‐eight subjects were enrolled in the study. A 2*2 cm cardboard was used to make sure the two instruments analyze the same area. Pictures were taken and analyzed by the VISIA® from Canfield and the ANTERA 3D® CS from Miravex, in sequence.

Results

The spot, ultraviolet spot, brown spot, red area, texture values measured with VISIA® were positively correlated with age, while the pore and wrinkle values showed no significance. The wrinkle, texture, melanin, hemoglobin, pore index, pore volume values measured with ANTERA 3D® had a significantly positive correlation with age. The spot, brown spot values from VISIA® were positively correlated with the melanin value from ANTERA 3D®. Texture value measured with the two instruments revealed positive linear correlation. Strong correlation was found between the red area value from VISIA®and the hemoglobin value from ANTERA 3D®. Ultraviolet spot from VISIA® showed no linear correlation with the melanin value from ANTERA 3D®. Neither of the wrinkle and pore measured with the two instruments showed linear correlation.

Conclusions

ANTERA 3D® relies on multidirectional illumination obtained by LEDs of different wavelengths from different directions which make it advanced at the qualitative evaluation of various dermatologic conditions. Compared with VISIA®, ANTERA 3D® is more sensitive in the assessment of wrinkle and it may also be available to evaluate the aging‐related enlarged pore.
Ichthyosis fetalis in a cross‐bred lamb
Authors: Câmara Antonio Carlos Lopes , Borges Pedro Augusto Cordeiro , Paiva Silvano Alves , Pierezan Felipe , Soto‐Blanco Benito
Published: June 2017

Background

Ichthyosis is a dermatological disease characterized by varying degrees of generalized hyperkeratosis and alopecia. Two congenital forms of ichthyosis are recognized in animals: fetalis (IF) and congenita. The disease occurs rarely in cattle, swine, dogs, chickens and a goat; it has not been reported in sheep.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To provide clinical, laboratory and pathological assessments of a case of IF in a cross‐bred lamb.

Animals

A male cross‐bred lamb.

Results

Physical examination revealed apathy, fever, ectropion and eclabium. Generalized thickening and scaling of the skin was noted; this was most severe on the face, ears, inner thighs, limbs and perineum. Deep fissures and wounds were present on the hind limbs and forelimbs. The lamb was monitored for 75 days. During this period, lesions progressed and occasionally obstructed the nostrils and increasingly made it difficult for the lamb to flex major limb joints. Postmortem findings included severe epidermal thickening, multiple subcutaneous abscesses, ectropion and corneal scars. Histological findings revealed diffuse orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, follicular keratosis, irregular epidermal hyperplasia and atrophy of the sebaceous glands. Serum vitamin A concentration was within the normal range for the species.

Conclusions and clinical importance

This case report describes a case of presumptive ichthyosis fetalis in a lamb. Greater awareness by practitioners is required for this disease to be included in the differential diagnosis of dermatopathies in this species.
Performance of the invasive Eupatorium catarium and Ageratum conyzoides in comparison with a common native plant under varying levels of light and moisture
Authors: Huang Qiaoqiao , Shen Yide , Li Xiaoxia , Fan Zhiwei , Li Shaoliang , Liu Yan
Published: June 2017

Invasive alien plants are often found to be more plastic than the natives, which enable the former to outperform the native plants under some, or in a wide range, of environmental conditions. In addition, their performance under non‐competitive conditions might not predict their performance under competitive conditions. The performance of the recent invader, Eupatorium catarium, was compared with that of a historical invader, Ageratum conyzoides, and a common native plant, Vernonia cinerea, under varying levels of light and moisture with and without competition. When grown alone and in response to decreases in light levels, E. catarium and V. cinerea were more plastic in their root‐to‐shoot ratio than A. conyzoides, while V. cinerea was more plastic in its specific leaf area (SLA) than E. catarium and A. conyzoides. Eupatorium catarium was more plastic than A. conyzoides and V. cinerea in the SLA in response to the drought treatment. However, these differences in trait plasticities did not lead to a difference in biomass production under each light and moisture treatment combination. When E. catarium was competing with either A. conyzoides or V. cinerea, the interacting species also did not differ in their biomass production and relative interaction intensity under each light and moisture treatment combination. These results indicate that the two invasive species and the native plant do not differ in their performance under relatively low soil nutrient conditions, regardless of the moisture, light and competition treatments that are imposed. Therefore, E. catarium and A. conyzoides cannot outperform V. cinerea under low nutrient conditions, regardless of the light and water availability.
Correlations of multiplicative functions and applications
Authors: Klurman Oleksiy
Published: June 2017

We give an asymptotic formula for correlations$$\begin{eqnarray}\mathop{\sum }_{n\leqslant x}f_{1}(P_{1}(n))f_{2}(P_{2}(n))\cdots f_{m}(P_{m}(n)),\end{eqnarray}$$where$f,\ldots ,f_{m}$are bounded ‘pretentious’ multiplicative functions, under certain natural hypotheses. We then deduce several desirable consequences. First, we characterize all multiplicative functions$f:\mathbb{N}\rightarrow \{-1,+1\}$with bounded partial sums. This answers a question of Erdős from$1957$in the form conjectured by Tao. Second, we show that if the average of the first divided difference of the multiplicative function is zero, then either$f(n)=n^{s}$for$\operatorname{Re}(s)<1$or$|f(n)|$is small on average. This settles an old conjecture of Kátai. Third, we apply our theorem to count the number of representations of$n=a+b$, where$a,b$belong to some multiplicative subsets of$\mathbb{N}$. This gives a new ‘circle method-free’ proof of a result of Brüdern.