bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of psychosocial reserve capacity in anxiety and depression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zamora‐Racaza Geraldine , Azizoddin Desiree R. , Ishimori Mariko L. , Ormseth Sarah R. , Wallace Daniel J. , Penserga Ester G. , Sumner Lekeisha , Ayeroff Julia , Draper Taylor , Nicassio Perry M. , Weisman Michael H.
Published: March 2017

Aim

To examine the relationship between reserve capacity measures and anxiety/depression among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from Southern California (SoCal), United States and Manila, Philippines.

Methods

A total of 235 participants with SLE completed self‐reported scales to assess anxiety/depression and psychosocial reserve capacity measures (self‐esteem, optimism, personal mastery/coping skills, social support), socioeconomic status (SES) data, and Mexican SLE Disease Activity Index. Statistical analyses included independent sample t‐tests, Chi‐square, and point‐biserial and Pearson correlations.

Results

Overall, participants from Manila reported lower SES than SoCal participants. Over half of Manila and SoCal participants (69% and 59.1%, respectively) reported high anxiety scores. SoCal participants had higher depression scores than Filipinos (66%, 27%, respectively, P < 0.001) despite appearing to be more resilient by exhibiting higher scores for all reserve capacity measures (P < 0.001). Participants with low self‐esteem scores from both groups had higher anxiety and depression scores. SoCal participants who reported lower optimism, lower personal mastery and lower social support were more anxious and depressed, while Filipinos low on these three variables reported less depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Reduced psychosocial reserve capacity in individuals leads to vulnerabilities that may ultimately result in greater disease burden and psychological distress. Low self‐esteem, optimism, coping and social support were associated with depression and low self‐esteem was associated with anxiety for both groups. Despite the Filipino cohort's lower reserve capacity and SES, Filipino patients exhibited less depression than their SoCal counterparts, suggesting that other factors may protect them from experiencing depression.
Effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on disease severity in patients with psoriasis: A systematic review
Authors: Upala Sikarin , Yong Wai Chung , Theparee Talent , Sanguankeo Anawin
Published: March 2017

Aim

Many randomized controlled trials have been performed on the efficacy and mechanism of action of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) on psoriasis. However, contradictory results have been obtained. This study wants to assess the effects of n‐3 PUFAs on the severity of psoriasis.

Methods

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for all randomized controlled trials and prospective observational studies comparing the efficacy of n‐3 PUFAs versus control in adult patients with psoriasis. The primary outcome was psoriasis severity as measured by the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score.

Results

The initial search yielded 732 articles, 720 of which were excluded. The data of the 12 remaining studies were extracted. Some studies found that n‐3 PUFAs were associated with improvements in the PASI score, erythema, scaling, itching, area involved and infiltration. However, some studies did not find reduction in scaling, erythema, area involved or thickness in the treatment group.

Conclusion

It is still inconclusive whether use of n‐3 PUFAs in patients with psoriasis is associated with improvements in severity of psoriasis and other outcomes.
Systematic review: interferon‐free regimens for patients with HCV‐related Child C cirrhosis
Authors: Guarino M. , Morisco F. , Valvano M. R. , Ippolito A. M. , Librandi M. , Andriulli N. , Greco M. , Amoruso A. , Iacobellis A. , Niro G. , Caporaso N. , Andriulli A.
Published: March 2017

Background

It is unclear whether the efficacy and long‐term outcome of treating patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive cirrhosis with the new protease inhibitors will extend to those with Child C cirrhosis.

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of the interferon‐free regimens in Child C cirrhotic patients with HCV infection.

Methods

A systematic Medline search was conducted to retrieve studies describing the treatment of Child C patients with direct‐acting agents. Citations from identified studies were cross‐referenced and abstracts from European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) meetings were checked. Extracted data were evaluated using a meta‐analysis to calculate a weighted response rate.

Results

Seven full‐text records and two conference abstracts were retained for analysis from the 649 records identified. Data from an Italian real‐life trial were also interrogated. Information on treatment outcome was available for 228 of the 240 Child C patients evaluated in the 10 trials. Overall, the weighted mean sustained virological response (SVR12) was 74.9% (95% CI: 65.6–82.4%). Neither duration of treatment (24 or 12 weeks), nor addition of ribavirin influenced these rates. The weighted SVR12 was 65.4% (95% CI: 46.8–80.2) after sofosbuvir/simeprevir, 76.0% (95% CI: 54.4–89.3%) after sofosbuvir/daclatasvir and 83.0% (95% CI: 73.4–89.6) after sofosbuvir/ledipasvir. Some studies did not provide information on the rate of post‐treatment relapse or functional improvement. However, in those studies that did provide such data, a relapse was documented in 12.1% of patients and an improvement of ≥2 points on the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score in 61.1% of patients.

Conclusion

The improvement in MELD scores strongly suggests HCV‐positive patients with Child C cirrhosis should be treated with these agents.
Hippocampal α7 nicotinic ACh receptors contribute to modulation of depression‐like behaviour in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Mineur Yann S , Mose Tenna N , Blakeman Sam , Picciotto Marina R
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose

Clinical studies have identified links between cholinergic signalling and depression in human subjects. Increased cholinergic signalling in hippocampus also increases behaviours related to anxiety and depression in mice, which can be reversed by ACh receptor antagonists.

Experimental Approach

As the α7 subunit of the nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) is highly expressed in hippocampus, we determined whether blocking α7 nAChRs could reverse the effects of increased ACh signalling in anxiety‐ and depression‐related behaviours in mice.

Key Results

Administration of the α7 nAChR agonist GTS‐21 had no effect in tail suspension or forced swim tests. Conversely, the α7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA) induced significant antidepressant‐like effects in male mice in these paradigms, consistent with previous studies, but this was not observed in female mice. MLA also decreased physostigmine‐induced c‐fos immunoreactivity (a marker of neuronal activity) in hippocampus. Local knockdown of α7 nAChRs in hippocampus had no effect on its own but decreased a subset of depression‐like phenotypes induced by physostigmine in male mice. Few effects of α7 nAChR knockdown were observed in depression‐like behaviors in female mice, possibly due to a limited response to physostigmine. There was no significant effect of hippocampal α7 nAChR knockdown on anxiety‐like phenotypes in male mice. However, a modest increase in anxiety‐like behavior was observed in female mice infused with a scrambled control vector in response to physostigmine administration, that was not seen after a7 nAChR knockdown in the hippocampus.

Conclusions and Implications

These results suggest that ACh signalling through α7 nAChRs in the hippocampus contributes to regulation of a subset of depression‐like behaviours when ACh is increased, as can occur under stressful conditions. These studies also provide evidence for sex differences that may be relevant for treatments of mood disorders based on cholinergic signalling.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.11/issuetoc
Exposure of adolescent mice to 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone increases the psychostimulant, rewarding and reinforcing effects of cocaine in adulthood
Authors: López‐Arnau R , Luján M A , Duart‐Castells L , Pubill D , Camarasa J , Valverde O , Escubedo E
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose

3,4‐Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a synthetic cathinone with powerful psychostimulant effects. It selectively inhibits the dopamine transporter (DAT) and is 10–50‐fold more potent as a DAT blocker than cocaine, suggesting a high abuse liability. The main objective of the present study was to assess the consequences of an early (adolescence) MDPV exposure on the psychostimulant, rewarding and reinforcing effects induced by cocaine in adult mice.

Experimental Approach

Twenty‐one days after MDPV pretreatment (1.5 mg·kg−1, s.c., twice daily for 7 days), adult mice were tested with cocaine, using locomotor activity, conditioned place preference and self‐administration (SA) paradigms. In parallel, dopamine D2 receptor density and the expression of c‐Fos and ΔFosB in the striatum were determined.

Key Results

MDPV treatment enhanced the psychostimulant and conditioning effects of cocaine. Acquisition of cocaine SA was unchanged in mice pretreated with MDPV, whereas the breaking point achieved under a progressive ratio programme and reinstatement after extinction were higher in this group of mice. MDPV decreased D2 receptor density but increased ΔFosB expression three‐fold. As expected, acute cocaine increased c‐Fos expression, but MDPV pretreatment negatively influenced its expression. ΔFosB accumulation declined during MDPV withdrawal, although it remained elevated in adult mice when tested for cocaine effects.

Conclusion and Implications

MDPV exposure during adolescence induced long‐lasting adaptive changes related to enhanced responsiveness to cocaine in the adult mice that seems to lead to a higher vulnerability to cocaine abuse. This particular behaviour correlated with increased expression of ΔFosB.
Representation of local urban forestry issues in Canadian newspapers: Impacts of a major ice storm
Authors: Conway Tenley M. , Jalali Murtaza A.
Published: March 2017

Key Messages

Local news coverage of urban forests in three Ontario newspapers frames trees as providers of both ecosystem services and disservices.

Local coverage differed between newspapers in municipalities with and without other urban forest actors present.

A major ice storm shifted how newspapers covered urban forests, increasing the number of themes represented in each article and relative frequency of ecosystem disservice themes.
Feasibility of a polyethylene glycol‐derived polymer as retinal patch to seal retinal breaks during vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a prospective, in vivo pilot study in a porcine model
Authors: Hubschman Jean Pierre , Govetto Andrea , Farajzadeh Matthew , Sato Tatsuhiko , Askari Syed , Glasgow Ben
Published: March 2017

Background

This is a pilot study to test a polyethylene glycol‐derived polymer used as a retinal patch to seal retinal breaks during pars plana vitrectomy in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a porcine model.

Methods

Sixteen eyes from eight pigs were assigned to two study groups (12 eyes) and one control group (four eyes). In all study groups, the polymer was used in vivo, during pars plana vitrectomy, to seal the break of a surgically induced rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Eyes in study groups were filled with balanced saline solution at the end of the surgery. In the control group, the polymer was not used and the eyes underwent standard rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair with pars plana vitrectomy. All eyes underwent fundus examination at day 3, week 1 and week 2 after surgery. All eyes from all groups were enucleated and processed for qualitative histological evaluation.

Results

Intraoperatively, the polymer showed good adherence and compliance to the retina. At week 1, retina was attached in all cases. The polymer was visible with indirect ophthalmoscopy up to week 1. At week 2, the polymer was no longer visible. Histologically, a mild histiocytic reaction was noticed in the retinas of four out of 12 study eyes (33.3%). In the control eyes, non‐specific inflammatory signs of retinal inflammation were reported in two out of four eyes (50%).

Conclusions

This study provides initial data to support the use of this polymer as a promising alternative to standard endo‐tamponade agents. Its safety and biocompatibility need to be further assessed.
Relationship between method of anastomosis and anastomotic failure after right hemicolectomy and ileo‐caecal resection: an international snapshot audit
Authors:   The 2015 European Society of Coloproctology collaborating group
Published: March 2017

Aim

The anastomosis technique used following right‐sided colonic resection is widely variable and may affect patient outcome. This study aimed to assess the association between leak and anastomosis technique (stapled vs handsewn).

Method

This was a prospective, multicentre, international audit including patients undergoing elective or emergency right hemicolectomy or ileo‐caecal resection operations over a 2‐month period in early 2015. The primary outcome measure was the presence of anastomotic leak within 30 days of surgery, determined using a prespecified definition. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to assess the association between leak and anastomosis method, adjusting for patient, disease and operative cofactors, with centre included as a random‐effect variable.

Results

This study included 3208 patients, of whom 78.4% (n = 2515) underwent surgery for malignancy and 11.7% (n = 375) underwent surgery for Crohn's disease. An anastomosis was performed in 94.8% (n = 3041) of patients, which was handsewn in 38.9% (n = 1183) and stapled in 61.1% (n = 1858). Patients undergoing handsewn anastomosis were more likely to be emergency admissions (20.5% handsewn vs 12.9% stapled) and to undergo open surgery (54.7% handsewn vs 36.6% stapled). The overall anastomotic leak rate was 8.1% (245/3041), which was similar following handsewn (7.4%) and stapled (8.5%) techniques (P = 0.3). After adjustment for cofactors, the odds of a leak were higher for stapled anastomosis (adjusted OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.04–1.95; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Despite being used in lower‐risk patients, stapled anastomosis was associated with an increased anastomotic leak rate in this observational study. Further research is needed to define patient groups in whom a stapled anastomosis is safe.
An approach on defining competency in evidence‐based dentistry
Authors: Marshall T. A. , Straub‐Morarend C. L. , Guzman‐Armstrong S. , McKernan S. C. , Marchini L. , Handoo N. Q. , Cunningham M. A.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Assessment of evidence‐based dentistry (EBD) knowledge and behaviour is hampered by lack of explicit competency criteria. This void impedes instructional design and assessment of student growth during the educational process.

Methods

Knowledge and cognitive domains supporting educational objectives in a pre‐doctoral dental programme were identified for each level of the EBD five‐step process. We articulated educational objectives with behavioural expectations for each level of skill acquisition at each step of the EBD process. Outcome evaluation criteria identify students’ progressive level of skill acquisition from novice to expert.

Results

The educational objectives, type of knowledge, and nature of the cognitive process supporting these objectives are presented for each step of the EBD process. For example, educational objectives of the “Ask” step include (i) to construct a question from the patient presentation and knowledge limitations that addresses the clinical problem and (ii) to articulate the Problem, Intervention/Exposure, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) components. Achievement of these objectives requires both factual information regarding the PICO format and the cognitive process of understanding. Educational outcome criteria consistent with a competent clinician include clear articulation of the PICO with identifiable pieces that relate to the clinical situation.

Discussion

Assessment strategies for progression towards EBD competency are limited due to the complexity associated with evaluating EBD knowledge and behaviours. To evaluate performance, the EBD academic community must define competency expectations for entry into unsupervised general dental practice.

Conclusion

This framework offers measurable outcome evaluation criteria to initiate a conversation with academic peers regarding current gaps in EBD assessment.
Agency and the GED: Personae and Artifacts in the Figured World of a Literacy Welcome Center
Authors: LaDousa Chaise , Baldrige Ana
Published: March 2017

The GED test has served as a mechanism for granting high school equivalency in the United States for decades, and some states have funded tutorial services because they have imagined the GED to be a means for getting a job or increasing one's wages. Based on field research conducted in literacy welcome centers in a small city in Upstate New York, we argue that teachers’ and students’ discursive reflections show that they attain agency in multiple ways during participation in tutorials. On the one hand, students build and hone their skills required for successful testing. On the other hand, teachers embody the caring disposition that the world inhabited by the students lacks. We argue that the GED and its practice exams are artifacts that only partly account for the agency of teachers and students, and, when reflected on by an administrator, erase crucial aspects of that agency.
Ecotypic differentiation under farmers' selection: Molecular insights into the domestication of Pachyrhizus Rich. ex DC. (Fabaceae) in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Delêtre Marc , Soengas Beatriz , Vidaurre Prem Jai , Meneses Rosa Isela , Delgado Vásquez Octavio , Oré Balbín Isabel , Santayana Monica , Heider Bettina , Sørensen Marten
Published: March 2017

Understanding the distribution of crop genetic diversity in relation to environmental factors can give insights into the eco‐evolutionary processes involved in plant domestication. Yam beans (Pachyrhizus Rich. ex DC.) are leguminous crops native to South and Central America that are grown for their tuberous roots but are seed‐propagated. Using a landscape genetic approach, we examined correlations between environmental factors and phylogeographic patterns of genetic diversity in Pachyrhizus landrace populations. Molecular analyses based on chloroplast DNA sequencing and a new set of nuclear microsatellite markers revealed two distinct lineages, with strong genetic differentiation between Andean landraces (lineage A) and Amazonian landraces (lineage B). The comparison of different evolutionary scenarios for the diversification history of yam beans in the Andes using approximate Bayesian computation suggests that Pachyrhizus ahipa and Pachyrhizus tuberosus share a progenitor‐derivative relationship, with environmental factors playing an important role in driving selection for divergent ecotypes. The new molecular data call for a revision of the taxonomy of Pachyrhizus but are congruent with paleoclimatic and archeological evidence, and suggest that selection for determinate growth was part of ecophysiological adaptations associated with the diversification of the P. tuberosus–P. ahipa complex during the Mid‐Holocene.
Advances on creep–fatigue damage assessment in notched components
Authors: Barbera D. , Chen H. , Liu Y.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the extended Direct Steady Cyclic Analysis method (eDSCA) within the Linear Matching Method Framework (LMMF) is combined with the Stress Modified Ductility Exhaustion method and the modified Cavity Growth Factor (CGF) for the first time. This new procedure is used to systematically investigate the effect of several load parameters including load level, load type and creep dwell duration on the creep–fatigue crack initiation process in a notched specimen. The results obtained are verified through a direct comparison with experimental results available in the literature demonstrating great accuracy in predicting the crack initiation life and the driving mechanisms. Furthermore, this extensive numerical study highlighted the possible detrimental effect of the creep–ratchetting mechanism on the crack growth process. This work has a significant impact on structural integrity assessments of complex industrial components and for the better understanding of creep–fatigue lab scale tests.
Impact of arteriovenous fistula cannulation on the quality of dialysis
Authors: Elias Michelle , Nnang‐Obada Erika , Charpentier Bernard , Durrbach Antoine , Beaudreuil Severine
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Adequate hemodialysis directly improves health. Puncturing an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and the amount of blood recirculation greatly affect the quality of dialysis. Few studies have assessed the method to cannulate a fistula and its influence on efficiency of hemodialysis.

Methods: This prospective pilot study included 14 patients with end‐stage renal failure receiving regular intermittent hemodialysis. Patients received three consecutive treatments with both needles directed upstream then three consecutive treatments with the venous needle directed upstream and the arterial needle directed downstream. With both techniques, the distance between the needles was kept constant at 2.5 cm. Recirculation rate and Kt/V ratio were measured during each treatment using thermodilution and a diascan Fresenius generator.

Findings: The 14 patients received 84 hemodialysis sessions: i.e., 8 (57.1%) males and 6 (42.8%) females, mean age 62.3 ± 15.57 years. Results showed that mean recirculation rates and Kt/V did not significantly differ between the two techniques.

Discussion: Because no significant difference was found between the two techniques, the direction of insertion of needles should be decided upon on a case‐by‐case basis depending on the anatomy of the AVF and the feasibility of the puncture.
Assessing Students in Human‐to‐Agent Settings to Inform Collaborative Problem‐Solving Learning
Authors: Rosen Yigal
Published: March 2017

In order to understand potential applications of collaborative problem‐solving (CPS) assessment tasks, it is necessary to examine empirically the multifaceted student performance that may be distributed across collaboration methods and purposes of the assessment. Ideally, each student should be matched with various types of group members and must apply the skills in varied contexts and tasks. One solution to these assessment demands is to use computer‐based (virtual) agents to serve as the collaborators in the interactions with students. This article proposes a human‐to‐agent (H‐A) approach for formative CPS assessment and describes an international pilot study aimed to provide preliminary empirical findings on the use of H‐A CPS assessment to inform collaborative learning. Overall, the findings showed promise in terms of using a H‐A CPS assessment task as a formative tool for structuring effective groups in the context of CPS online learning.
Alterations in microRNA expression profiles in inflamed and noninflamed ascending colon mucosae of patients with active Crohn's disease
Authors: Wu Lu Yi , Ma Xiao Peng , Shi Yin , Bao Chun Hui , Jin Xiao Ming , Lu Yuan , Zhao Ji Meng , Zhou Ci Li , Chen Dai , Liu Hui Rong
Published: March 2017

Background and Aim

The microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of the terminal ileum, sigmoid colon, and rectal mucosa of adult patients with active Crohn's disease (CD) have been previously reported. The purpose of this study was to identify dysregulated miRNAs in the mucosa of the ascending colon.

Methods

Biopsy tissue samples were taken from the mucosae of inflammatory (iCD) or noninflammatory (niCD) areas of the ascending colons of adult patients with active CD. miRNA and mRNA expression profiles were detected using microarray analyses. miRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) demonstrating significant differences were validated via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Luciferase reporter genes were used to measure two miRNAs inhibition of potential target genes in human 293T cells in vitro.

Results

Compared with the healthy control group, the ascending colon miRNA expression profiles revealed that 43 miRNAs were significantly upregulated and 35 were downregulated in the iCD group. The mRNA expression profiles indicated that 3370 transcripts were significantly differentially expressed in the ascending colon, with 2169 upregulated and 1201 downregulated mRNAs in the iCD group, and only 20 miRNAs demonstrated significant differential expression in the niCD group. In contrast, nearly 100 miRNAs significantly varied between the iCD and niCD groups. Finally, luciferase reporter gene assays showed that hsa‐miR‐16‐1 directly regulated the human C10orf54 gene and that they were negatively correlated.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs were related to immune inflammation and intestinal flora. The data provide preliminary evidence that the occurrence of CD involves the inhibition of C10orf54 expression by hsa‐miR‐16‐1.
Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases regulate cell division and development in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Liu Caifeng , Wu Qiao , Liu Weiwei , Gu Zongyin , Wang Wenjing , Xu Ping , Ma Hong , Ge Xiaochun
Published: March 2017

Root organogenesis involves cell division, differentiation and expansion. The molecular mechanisms regulating root development are not fully understood. In this study, we identified poly(adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs) as new players in root development. PARP catalyzes poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation of proteins by repeatedly adding ADP‐ribose units onto proteins using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as the donor. We found that inhibition of PARP activities by 3‐aminobenzomide (3‐AB) increased the growth rates of both primary and lateral roots, leading to a more developed root system. The double mutant of Arabidopsis PARPs, parp1parp2, showed more rapid primary and lateral root growth. Cyclin genes regulating G1‐to‐S and G2‐to‐M transition were up‐regulated upon treatment by 3‐AB. The proportion of 2C cells increased while cells with higher DNA ploidy declined in the roots of treated plants, resulting in an enlarged root meristematic zone. The expression level of PARP2 was very low in the meristematic zone but high in the maturation zone, consistent with a role of PARP in inhibiting mitosis and promoting cell differentiation. Our results suggest that PARPs play an important role in root development by negatively regulating root cell division.
Difference in release kinetics of unwashed and washed platelet‐released supernatants from bone substitute materials: the impact of platelet preparation modalities
Authors: Knoop C. , Edelmayer M. , Janjić K. , Pensch M. , Fischer M. B. , Gruber R. , Agis H.
Published: March 2017

Background and objective

In regenerative dentistry, platelet preparations are applied to stimulate bone healing and periodontal regeneration. Here, we pursue a strategy where bone substitutes are used as carriers for platelet‐released supernatants. The mitogenic capacity and release kinetics of loaded bone substitutes were assessed.

Material and Methods

Platelet‐released supernatants of washed platelets (washed PRS) and platelet‐released supernatants of unwashed platelets (unwashed PRS) were lyophilized onto the bone substitutes deproteinized bovine bone mineral, hydroxyapatite and β‐tricalcium phosphate. Scanning electron microscopy images were taken. Supernatants of bone substitutes were collected at hours 1, 3, 6, 24, and 48 and medium was replaced. We evaluated the protein content with the bicinchoninic acid assay and the effect on proliferation using bioassays with human periodontal fibroblasts. Release of growth factors from the loaded bone substitutes was measured based on the platelet‐derived growth factor isoform (PDGF‐BB) and thrombin immunoassays. Furthermore, we assessed DNA and RNA content of washed PRS and unwashed PRS.

Results

Unwashed PRS showed higher total protein concentrations than washed PRS, while the concentration of PDGF‐BB, thrombin, DNA, RNA and their mitogenic effect was not significantly different. The bone substitute materials adsorbed protein over time but no significant changes in overall appearance was found. Supernatants collected from unwashed PRS‐loaded bone substitute after 1 h induced a potent mitogenic response in periodontal fibroblasts. This pro‐mitogenic capacity of the supernatants decreased over the observation period. Supernatants of washed PRS‐loaded bone substitutes did not induce a substantial mitogenic effect. Levels of PDGF‐BB, thrombin and protein were higher in supernatants of unwashed PRS‐loaded bone substitutes than of washed PRS‐loaded bone substitutes.

Conclusion

Bone substitutes loaded with unwashed PRS, but not bone substitutes loaded with washed PRS show continuously declining release kinetics. These data suggest that plasma components in platelet preparations can modify the release kinetics profile.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of HCV clearance
Authors: Gauthiez Emeline , Habfast‐Robertson Ines , Rüeger Sina , Kutalik Zoltan , Aubert Vincent , Berg Thomas , Cerny Andreas , Gorgievski Meri , George Jacob , Heim Markus H. , Malinverni Raffaele , Moradpour Darius , Müllhaupt Beat , Negro Francesco , Semela David , Semmo Nasser , Villard Jean , Bibert Stéphanie , Bochud Pierre‐Yves ,   the Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study
Published: March 2017

While hepatitis C exemplifies the role of host genetics in infectious diseases outcomes, there is no comprehensive overview of polymorphisms influencing spontaneous and/or treatment‐induced hepatitis C virus clearance. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of host polymorphisms associated with these phenotypes. Literature search was conducted using combinations of keywords in three databases. Studies were reviewed and relevant data systematically extracted for subsequent meta‐analyses. Polymorphisms from candidate gene studies were tested in two cohorts of HCV‐infected patients with available genomic data. The literature search yielded 8'294 citations, among which 262 studies were selected. In the meta‐analysis of 27 HLA studies, the most significant associations with spontaneous hepatitis C virus clearance included DQB1*02, DQB1*03, DRB1*04 and DRB1*11. In the meta‐analysis of 16 studies of KIR genes and their HLA‐ligands, KIR2DS3 was associated with both spontaneous and treatment‐induced clearance, and the HLA‐C2 ligand with failure to spontaneously clear the virus. In a pooled analysis of 105 candidate genes and two genome‐wide association studies, we observed associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms from nine genes (EIF2AK2, IFNAR2, ITPA, MBL2, MX1, OASL, SPP1, TGFB1, TNK2) with response to interferon‐based therapy. Meta‐analysis of 141 studies confirmed the association of IFNL3/4 polymorphisms with spontaneous and treatment‐induced hepatitis C virus clearance, even in previously underpowered groups, such as hepatitis C virus genotypes 2/3‐infected patients. This study may contribute to a better understanding of hepatitis C virus immunopathogenesis and highlights the complex role of host genetics in hepatitis C virus clearance.
Health Behaviour Convergence: Evidence from Fractional (Long Memory) Convergence and British Microdata
Authors: Apergis Nicholas
Published: March 2017

This paper uses a fractional methodology to assess convergence in terms of differences in health quality measures, based on six primary criteria, across the English regions. Hence, it uses the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing database and the retrospective interviews from 16,894 participants, aged 50+, with data from three waves–2004/5, 2006/7 and 2008/9, to establish that health quality is characterized by divergences across six health quality criteria. When the overall sample is differentiated through income, education and employment, the evidence favors convergence, indicating that certain socioeconomic factors impose a uniform behavioral attitude of the population toward health quality criteria.
Revegetation rewilds the soil bacterial microbiome of an old field
Authors: Gellie Nicholas J. C. , Mills Jacob G. , Breed Martin F. , Lowe Andrew J.
Published: March 2017

Ecological restoration is a globally important and well‐financed management intervention used to combat biodiversity declines and land degradation. Most restoration aims to increase biodiversity towards a reference state, but there are concerns that intended outcomes are not reached due to unsuccessful interventions and land‐use legacy issues. Monitoring biodiversity recovery is essential to measure success; however, most projects remain insufficiently monitored. Current field‐based methods are hard to standardize and are limited in their ability to assess important components of ecosystems, such as bacteria. High‐throughput amplicon sequencing of environmental DNA (metabarcoding of eDNA) has been proposed as a cost‐effective, scalable and uniform ecological monitoring solution, but its application in restoration remains largely untested. Here we show that metabarcoding of soil eDNA is effective at demonstrating the return of the native bacterial community in an old field following native plant revegetation. Bacterial composition shifted significantly after 8 years of revegetation, where younger sites were more similar to cleared sites and older sites were more similar to remnant stands. Revegetation of the native plant community strongly impacted on the belowground bacterial community, despite the revegetated sites having a long and dramatically altered land‐use history (i.e. >100 years grazing). We demonstrate that metabarcoding of eDNA provides an effective way of monitoring changes in bacterial communities that would otherwise go unchecked with conventional monitoring of restoration projects. With further development, awareness of microbial diversity in restoration has significant scope for improving the efficacy of restoration interventions more broadly.
Does fiscal policy affect the monetary transmission mechanism? A monetary theory of production (MTP) response to the new consensus macroeconomics (NCM) perspective
Authors: Fontana Giuseppe , Pacella Andrea , Realfonzo Riccardo
Published: March 2017

Drawing on the contributions of Augusto Graziani to the so‐called monetary theory of production, this article aims to show that an accommodative monetary policy—as defended in the new consensus macroeconomics theory and supported by current practice around the world—has the maximum effect in stimulating aggregate demand and income when it is implemented in conjunction with a coordinated discretionary fiscal policy that boosts the demand for and the supply of loans via the reduction of the liquidity risk and the insolvency risk. As a result, the potentially beneficial effects of the traditional Keynesian fiscal multiplier are significantly amplified.
Astrocyte activation and capillary remodeling in modified bilateral common carotid artery occlusion mice
Authors: Song Jiangman , Nan Di , He Qihua , Yang Lu , Guo Huailian
Published: March 2017

Objective

The cerebral ischemia leads to brain dysfunction with neuron degeneration and responses from astrocytes and vessels. The aim of this study was to study the changes of astrocyte and microvessel in modified BCCAO mice.

Methods

Adult transgenic Tie2‐GFP mice were subjected to modified BCCAO operation and cranial window implantation. CBF and neurological injury were examined after ischemia. Astrocytes and vessels were investigated by two‐photon laser‐scanning microscope and confocal laser‐scanning microscope in vivo.

Results

The CBF decreased to approximately 40% of the baseline in the ischemic mice (P<.05). The neuron damage was explicit after the cerebral ischemia (P<.05), while no significant impairment of the motor and cognitive function was detected (P>.05). The density of astrocyte and volume of the astrocyte soma was increased significantly after ischemia (P<.01). Meanwhile, the mean distance between the penetrating artery and the nearest astrocyte soma decreased significantly (P<.01). Besides, the increased diameter of capillary and change of vessel arrangement were observed.

Conclusion

The cerebral ischemia was successfully induced by this modified BCCAO model. Astrocyte activation and the capillary remodeling, including dilution of capillary and tortuosity, were observed in this model.
Responsibility for implicit bias
Authors: Holroyd Jules , Scaife Robin , Stafford Tom
Published: March 2017

Research programs in empirical psychology from the past two decades have revealed implicit biases. Although implicit processes are pervasive, unavoidable, and often useful aspects of our cognitions, they may also lead us into error. The most problematic forms of implicit cognition are those which target social groups, encoding stereotypes or reflecting prejudicial evaluative hierarchies. Despite intentions to the contrary, implicit biases can influence our behaviours and judgements, contributing to patterns of discriminatory behaviour. These patterns of discrimination are obviously wrong and unjust. But in remedying such wrongs, one question to be addressed concerns responsibility for implicit bias. Unlike some paradigmatic forms of wrongdoing, such discrimination is often unintentional, unendorsed, and perpetrated without awareness; and the harms are particularly damaging because they are cumulative and collectively perpetrated. So, what are we to make of questions of responsibility? In this article, we outline some of the main lines of recent philosophical thought, which address questions of responsibility for implicit bias. We focus on (a) the kind of responsibility at issue; (b) revisionist versus nonrevisionist conceptions of responsibility as applied to implicit bias; and (c) individual, institutional, and collective responsibility for implicit bias.
A case of primary aldosteronism caused by unilateral multiple adrenocortical micronodules presenting as muscle cramps at rest: The importance of functional histopathology for identifying a culprit lesion
Authors: Ito Atsushi , Yamazaki Yuto , Sasano Hironobu , Matsubara Daisuke , Fukushima Noriyoshi , Tamba Mio , Tabata Kenichi , Ashizawa Kentaro , Takei Akihito , Koizumi Masaru , Sakuma Yasunaru , Sata Naohiro , Oshiro Hisashi
Published: March 2017

Unilateral multiple adrenocortical micronodules (UMNs) constitute a rare subset of primary aldosteronism (PA) characterized by the hypersecretion of aldosterone derived from multiple small nodules in the zona glomerulosa of the unilateral adrenal grand. This case study describes a 49‐year‐old man with PA and UMNs who presented with muscle cramps at rest due to hypokalemia. The patient had a 6‐year history of hypertension treated with antihypertensive drugs. Imaging studies revealed bilateral adrenal nodules as large as 5 mm. Adrenal venous sampling confirmed unilateral PA; therefore, the patient underwent the removal of the affected adrenal gland. Macroscopically, the removed adrenal gland exhibited irregular adrenocortical thickening accompanied by ill‐defined, adrenocortical macronodules as large as 6 mm. The zona glomerulosa was histologically hyperplastic. However, an immunohistochemistry test of the steroidogenic enzymes revealed that these macronodules and the hyperplastic glomerular layer tested negative for CYB11B2. Moreover, we observed adrenocortical micronodules as large as 0.5 mm that tested immunohistochemically positive for CYP11B2 and HSD3B2 but negative for CYP17A1 and CYP11B1. Thus, UMNs were diagnosed. This case instructively indicates that a grossly or histologically detectable nodular lesion is not necessarily a culprit lesion for PA. Therefore, functional histopathology is indispensable for the correct subclassification of PA.
Blood Pressure Management in Hemodialysis Patients: What We Know And What Questions Remain
Authors: Miskulin Dana C. , Weiner Daniel E.
Published: March 2017

Despite having thousands of blood pressure (BP) readings on individual dialysis patients over the course of a year, our knowledge about the optimal assessment of BP, the mechanisms underlying hypertension and its management remain incomplete. Observational studies reveal that BP is lower at home than when measured in the dialysis unit. However, we do not know if using home vs. in‐center measurements to guide treatment decisions improves BP control and/or clinical outcomes. Moreover, a recent US study suggests that typical hemodialysis patients are unlikely to adhere to home monitoring over the long term. Volume excess is one of probably many factors mediating hypertension in this population. A randomized clinical trial of aggressively challenging dry weight in patients without overt signs of fluid overload was shown to reduce BP, but there was an increase in vascular access thrombosis and intradialytic hypotension episodes. Long‐term studies have not been done; thus, we do not know whether “squeezing dry weight” as a means to control BP is of more benefit than harm. Daily or prolonged nocturnal dialysis consistently has been shown to lower BP. To what extent this is a result of enhanced solute clearance vs. removal of excess volume is not clear. Use of bioimpedance or relative blood volume monitoring to guide fluid management has been tested in small studies, but more data are needed to determine whether their use impacts clinical outcomes. Well‐designed clinical trials to determine whether a specific antihypertensive drug class is of benefit, independent of BP lowering, are lacking. The BP target that optimizes outcomes HD patients is also unknown. Observational studies consistently show poorer survival with predialysis BP <140/90 mmHg, although such studies likely are confounded by low BP due to cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities. In this review, we discuss what is known and the questions that remain regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, etiology, and management of hypertension in hemodialysis patients.
Residual Kidney Function: Implications in the Era of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Shafi Tariq , Mullangi Surekha , Toth‐Manikowski Stephanie M. , Hwang Seungyoung , Michels Wieneke M.
Published: March 2017

The association of residual kidney function (RKF) with improved outcomes in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients is now widely recognized. RKF provides substantial volume and solute clearance even after dialysis initiation. In particular, RKF provides clearance of nonurea solutes, many of which are potential uremic toxins and not effectively removed by conventional hemodialysis. The presence of RKF provides a distinct advantage to incident dialysis patients and is an opportunity for nephrologists to individualize dialysis treatments tailored to their patients’ unique solute, volume, and quality of life needs. The benefits of RKF present the opportunity to personalize the management of uremia.
Assessment of propulsive pin force and oar angle time‐series using functional data analysis in on‐water rowing
Authors: Warmenhoven J. , Cobley S. , Draper C. , Harrison A. J. , Bargary N. , Smith R.
Published: March 2017

The graphical presentation of the propulsive force applied at the pin plotted relative to the horizontal angle of the oar has been used practically in on‐water rowing for the qualitative assessment of skill. How the pattern is related to performance variables has not been well identified, particularly for highly trained sculling athletes. Bivariate functional principal components analysis (bfPCA) was used on force‐angle data to identify the main modes of variance in curves representing twenty‐seven female rowers of different competition levels (national level and international level), rowing at 32 strokes per minute in a single scull boat. Discriminant function analysis showed moderate classification of rowers using force‐angle graphs across both sides of the boat, with rate of force development identified as a potentially important characteristic for international rowers. Additionally for the bow‐side, spending less time in the first half of the drive phase was also identified as an important feature for international rowers. Multiple linear regression of scores from the bfPCAs showed that a more pronounced front‐peaked profile was associated with a higher average boat velocity. The results of this demonstrate that different characteristics of the force‐angle graph may be associated with different metrics of performance.
Close Call: Race and Gender in Encounters with the Police by Black and Latino/a Youth in New York City
Authors: Rengifo Andres F. , Pater Morgan
Published: March 2017

Police stops and other forms of intense policing practices involve a disproportionate number of minority persons, particularly youth. While studies have shown that these encounters are not well received, there is a paucity of research on the specific exchanges and citizen responses that unfold in the context of these stops. We address these issues drawing on interviews with 43 black and Latino/a youth in New York City. More specifically, we collate narratives of police stops and other encounters to document how different forms of microaggressions by law enforcement unfold across incidents, and how race and gender shape exposure to specific markers of hostility and violence, as well as the interpretation of these events and associated responses. Analyses reveal that microaggressions tied to the ascription of criminality were more frequently mentioned in the context of police stops, while others signaling inferiority appeared anchored in a more diverse set of encounters. We note contrasting strategies across race and gender to make sense of these interactions and relate these considerations to broader issues of racial and gender inequality.
HLA‐A*11:256Q, a novel HLA‐A*11 variant, detected in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang K. L. , Ng J. , Lazaro A. , Lin P. Y.
Published: March 2017

Nucleotide deletions from residues 409 to 417 of HLA‐A*11:02:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐A*11:256Q.
Geographic exposure risk of variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease in US blood donors: a risk‐ranking model to evaluate alternative donor‐deferral policies
Authors: Yang Hong , Huang Yin , Gregori Luisa , Asher David M. , Bui Travis , Forshee Richard A. , Anderson Steven A.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD) has been transmitted by blood transfusion (TTvCJD). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends deferring blood donors who resided in or traveled to 30 European countries where they may have been exposed to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) through beef consumption. Those recommendations warrant re‐evaluation, because new cases of BSE and vCJD have markedly abated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The FDA developed a risk‐ranking model to calculate the geographic vCJD risk using country‐specific case rates and person‐years of exposure of US blood donors. We used the reported country vCJD case rates, when available, or imputed vCJD case rates from reported BSE and UK beef exports during the risk period. We estimated the risk reduction and donor loss should the deferral be restricted to a few high‐risk countries. We also estimated additional risk reduction by leukocyte reduction (LR) of red blood cells (RBCs).

RESULTS

The United Kingdom, Ireland, and France had the greatest vCJD risk, contributing approximately 95% of the total risk. The model estimated that deferring US donors who spent extended periods of time in these three countries, combined with currently voluntary LR (95% of RBC units), would reduce the vCJD risk by 89.3%, a reduction similar to that achieved under the current policy (89.8%). Limiting deferrals to exposure in these three countries would potentially allow donations from an additional 100,000 donors who are currently deferred.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis suggests that a deferral option focusing on the three highest risk countries would achieve a level of blood safety similar to that achieved by the current policy.