bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of retinal layer thickness in diabetic macular oedema treated with ranibizumab or triamcinolone
Authors: Prager Sonja G. , Lammer Jan , Mitsch Christoph , Hafner Julia , Pemp Berthold , Scholda Christoph , Kundi Michael , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula , Kriechbaum Katharina
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To evaluate detailed changes in retinal layer thickness in spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) images during a 1‐year follow‐up of patients treated for diabetic macula oedema (DME).

Methods

Post hoc analysis of retinal layer thickness changes applying the automated layer segmentation of SD‐OCT images in eyes with DME that were randomly assigned to receive pro re nata (PRN) treatment with either 0.5 mg ranibizumab or 8 mg triamcinolone. In each patient, seven retinal layers were segmented in 49 scans covering a 20° × 20° area of the macula at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. Changes in individual layer thickness were correlated with visual acuity (VA) and compared between treatment arms.

Results

Twenty‐five patients (seven female, 60.2 ± 15.1 years) were evaluated. Thickness decrease of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) was associated with a gain in VA over 12 months (r > 0.54; p < 0.05). Decrease in ganglion cell layer (GCL) and GCL+IPL thickness pooled for nasal Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) subfields correlated with VA as follows: ranibizumab r = 0.74 (GCL) and r = 0.63 (GCL+IPL); and triamcinolone r = 0.45 (GCL) and r = 0.46 (GCL+IPL).

Conclusion

In DME therapy, reduction in RNFL thickness may have a considerable impact on retinal function, unrelated to the type of pharmacological treatment. Precise morphologic quantification of neurosensory layers by SD OCT offers new insight into disease pathology and therapeutic targets.
Extreme air pollution as a focusing event: A case study of the ‘Airpocalypse’ in Beijing, January 2013
Authors: Schwabe Julian
Published: October 2017

Sudden events of crisis (‘focusing events’) trigger intense media reporting, which in turn can prompt political decision‐makers to respond with an adjustment of existing policies. As such, focusing events can potentially lead to long‐term policy change on a certain issue. This article explores the sudden and intense period of air pollution in Beijing in January 2013 as a focusing event. The episode, which international media referred to as ‘Airpocalypse’, triggered widespread discussion and policy adjustments that can be assumed to have accelerated the control of air pollution in China. The ‘Airpocalypse’ was not the first event of intense air pollution in Beijing, but the only one which seemingly caused lasting sociopolitical changes. The aim of this article is to explore the underlying situational factors that enabled the ‘Airpocalypse’ to be more relevant than other events of severe air pollution. This paper argues that a combination of historically high pollution, improved access to information, increasing government willingness to address the issue, and the ability of media to more openly discuss air pollution created a public pressure situation to which the government was prompted to respond in a stronger way than during previous events of heavy air pollution.
Berberine attenuates hepatic steatosis and enhances energy expenditure in mice by inducing autophagy and fibroblast growth factor 21
Authors: Sun Yixuan , Xia Mingfeng , Yan Hongmei , Han Yamei , Zhang Feifei , Hu Zhimin , Cui Aoyuan , Ma Fengguang , Liu Zhengshuai , Gong Qi , Chen Xuqing , Gao Jing , Bian Hua , Tan Yi , Li Yu , Gao Xin
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose

Berberine, a compound from rhizome coptidis, is traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal infections, such as bacterial diarrhoea. Recently, berberine was shown to have hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects. We investigated the mechanisms by which berberine regulates hepatic lipid metabolism and energy expenditure in mice.

Experimental Approach

Liver‐specific SIRT1 knockout mice and their wild‐type littermates were fed a high‐fat, high‐sucrose (HFHS) diet and treated with berberine by i.p. injection for five weeks. Mouse primary hepatocytes and human HepG2 cells were treated with berberine and then subjected to immunoblotting analysis and Oil Red O staining.

Key Results

Berberine attenuated hepatic steatosis and controlled energy balance in mice by inducing autophagy and FGF21. These beneficial effects of berberine on autophagy and hepatic steatosis were abolished by a deficiency of the nutrient sensor SIRT1 in the liver of HFHS diet‐fed obese mice and in mouse primary hepatocytes. SIRT1 is essential for berberine to potentiate autophagy and inhibit lipid storage in mouse livers in response to fasting. Mechanistically, the berberine stimulates SIRT1 deacetylation activity and induces autophagy in an autophagy protein 5‐dependent manner. Moreover, the administration of berberine was shown to promote hepatic gene expression and circulating levels of FGF21 and ketone bodies in mice in a SIRT1‐dependent manner.

Conclusions and Implications

Berberine acts in the liver to regulate lipid utilization and maintain whole‐body energy metabolism by mediating autophagy and FGF21 activation. Hence, it has therapeutic potential for treating metabolic defects under nutritional overload, such as fatty liver diseases, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Design and synthesis of 9H‐fluorenone based 1,2,3‐triazole analogues as Mycobacterium tuberculosis InhA inhibitors
Authors: Suresh Amaroju , Srinivasarao Singireddi , Agnieszka Napiórkowska , Ewa Augustynowicz‐Kopeć , Alvala Mallika , Lherbet Christian , Chandra Sekhar Kondapalli Venkata Gowri
Published: October 2017

We prepared fifty various 9H‐fluorenone based 1,2,3‐triazole analogues varied with NH, –S–, and –SO2– groups using click chemistry. The target compounds were characterized by routine analytical techniques, 1H, 13CNMR, mass, elemental, single‐crystal XRD (8a) and screened for in vitro antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Rv strain and two “wild” strains Spec. 210 and Spec. 192 and MIC50 was determined. Further, the compounds were evaluated for MTB InhA inhibition study as well. The final analogues exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 52.35 to >295 μm. Among the –NH– analogues, one compound 5p (MIC 58.34 μm), among –S– containing analogues four compounds 8e (MIC 66.94 μm), 8f (MIC 74.20 μm), 8g (MIC 57.55 μm), and 8q (MIC 56.11 μm), among –SO2– containing compounds one compound 10p (MIC 52.35 μm) showed less than MTB MIC 74.20 μm: Compound 4‐(((9H‐fluoren‐9‐yl)sulfonyl)methyl)‐1‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole (10p) was found to be the most active compound with 73% InhA inhibition at 50 μm; it inhibited MTB with MIC 52.35 μm. Further, 10f and 10p were docked to crystal structure of InhA to know binding interaction pattern. Most active compounds were found to be non‐cytotoxic against HEK 293 cell lines at 50 μm.
A Survey on Multimodal Medical Data Visualization
Authors: Lawonn K. , Smit N.N. , Bühler K. , Preim B.
Published: October 2017

Multi‐modal data of the complex human anatomy contain a wealth of information. To visualize and explore such data, techniques for emphasizing important structures and controlling visibility are essential. Such fused overview visualizations guide physicians to suspicious regions to be analysed in detail, e.g. with slice‐based viewing. We give an overview of state of the art in multi‐modal medical data visualization techniques. Multi‐modal medical data consist of multiple scans of the same subject using various acquisition methods, often combining multiple complimentary types of information. Three‐dimensional visualization techniques for multi‐modal medical data can be used in diagnosis, treatment planning, doctor–patient communication as well as interdisciplinary communication. Over the years, multiple techniques have been developed in order to cope with the various associated challenges and present the relevant information from multiple sources in an insightful way. We present an overview of these techniques and analyse the specific challenges that arise in multi‐modal data visualization and how recent works aimed to solve these, often using smart visibility techniques. We provide a taxonomy of these multi‐modal visualization applications based on the modalities used and the visualization techniques employed. Additionally, we identify unsolved problems as potential future research directions.
Global value chains and traditional supply chains: Evidence from Guatemala
Authors: Dürr Jochen
Published: October 2017

Global value chains have been at the centre of recent research, but traditional supply chains have been given much less attention. However, quantitative data on both chain types is scarce. Therefore, it remains unclear how much smallholders, formal and informal sectors in traditional and global value chains contribute to gross domestic product (GDP), employment generation and income distribution. This article, by using a broad primary data set of 28 value chains in Guatemala, evidences that traditional chains contribute substantially to the national economy and that the income generated is much more equally distributed than in global value chains.
Do Technological and Course‐Related Variables Impact Undergraduates’ Perceived Favorability and Willingness to Recommend Online/Hybrid Business Courses?
Authors: Blau Gary , Drennan Rob B. , Karnik Satyajit , Kapanjie Darin
Published: October 2017

Lower teaching evaluations can affect students’ willingness to recommend an online course. To maintain online course quality, it is important to keep the “integrity” of a course, that is, offer to the extent possible, the same content and learning outcomes in an online course as the face‐to‐face (F2F) equivalent. This study explored the impact of background, technological, and course‐related variables on perceived favorability of online (versus F2F) courses and willingness to recommend courses using two independent “mixed course format” samples of business undergraduates, that is, simultaneously taking online/hybrid and F2F courses. Participants were recruited based on their enrollment in at least one online or hybrid course. A complete data sample of 259 students filled out an online survey in the Fall 2015 semester, followed by a second independent sample of 269 students in the Spring 2016 semester. Hierarchical regression results showed that after controlling for background variables, one course‐related variable (instructor effectiveness) and one technological‐related (perceived ease of use) consistently explained perceived favorability of online (versus F2F) courses across both samples. For the willingness to recommend courses, after controlling for background variables, both course‐related variables (instructor effectiveness and student motivation) and the perceived favorability of the online course were each significant across both samples.
The leapfrogging opportunity: The role of education in sustainable development and climate change mitigation
Authors: Sarabhai Kartikeya , Vyas Purvi
Published: October 2017

Recognising that the current paradigm of development which is fossil fuel based and high on consumption and waste is not a viable option for the future, developing countries need to take an alternative path towards sustainable development. All too often, they merely imitate solutions which are already being discarded in the West. The confidence levels in their own traditions and good practices are often low. With the knowledge which is available today, it is possible to leapfrog from low levels of development to sustainable development without going through conventional fossil fuel‐based economies. Education plays a key role in this transition. This article gives three examples—the Bus Rapid Transit System, the adoption of decentralised solar energy systems, and a large scale adoption of renewable energy—of how education plays a vital role in this process.
Measuring residual renal function for hemodialysis adequacy: Is there an easier option?
Authors: Davenport Andrew
Published: October 2017

Most patients starting hemodialysis (HD) have residual renal function. As such, there has been increased interest in starting patients with less frequent and shorter dialysis session times. However, for this incremental approach to be successful, patients require regular monitoring of residual renal function, so that as residual renal function declines, the amount of HD is appropriately increased. Currently most dialysis centers rely on interdialytic urine collections. However, many patients find these inconvenient and there may be marked intrapatient variability due to compliance issues. Thus, alternative markers of residual renal function are required for routine clinical practice. Currently three middle sized molecules; cystatin C, β2 microglobulin, and βtrace protein have been investigated as potential endogenous markers of glomerular filtration. Although none is ideal, combinations of these markers have been proposed to provide a more accurate estimation of glomerular clearance, and in particular cut offs for minimal residual renal function. However, in patients with low levels of residual renal function it remains unclear as to whether the benefits of residual renal function equally apply to glomerular filtration or tubular function.
A Mayo Clinic 13‐year investigation of the syndrome of rapid onset ESRD among renal transplant recipients: An analysis of the implications of renal allograft biopsy results
Authors: Onuigbo Macaulay Amechi , Agbasi Nneoma
Published: October 2017

Introduction: We first described the syndrome of rapid onset end stage renal disease (SORO‐ESRD), acute yet irreversible renal failure, in 2010.

Objective: The impact of SORO‐ESRD renal allograft survival remains speculative and we plan to study this question.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of individual adult patient‐level serum creatinine trajectories of ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis for >90 days at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 2001–2013.

Results: Of 1461 ESRD patients, 149 (10%) patients including 13 renal transplant recipients (RTRs) satisfied the diagnosis of SORO‐ESRD ‐ 4 males, 9 females, 12 Caucasians/one other, age 45 (18–83) years. Serum creatinine was 1.4 (0.8–1.7) mg/dL in the last year before hemodialysis initiation. Initial hemodialysis access was a dialysis catheter in all 13 patients. AKI precipitating SORO‐ESRD followed acute rejection (4), postoperative (2), tubulo‐interstitial nephritis (2), unknown (2), infection/sepsis (1), contrast nephropathy (1), BKV nephropathy (1), and cardio‐renal syndrome (1). Renal allograft survival was 1469 (277–4939) days (4 years). Renal allograft biopsies were available in 9/14 (69%) RTRs ‐ Four showed acute rejection, two of which followed interruption of immunosuppression, three revealed acute tubular necrosis and four others also showed chronic transplant glomerulopathy. Time on hemodialysis was 856 (129–1630) days (2.4 years). 5/13 RTRs with SORO‐ESRD (38%) died ‐ 3 (60%) following cardiac arrest, 2 (40%) after stopping hemodialysis. 4/13 (31%) were re‐transplanted in the period of this study.

Conclusion: SORO‐ESRD contributed significantly to late renal allograft loss and return to hemodialysis with 100% initial dialysis catheter rate. Potentially preventable causes of AKI leading to SORO‐ESRD were identified. The application of experience gained from such studies would help reduce late renal allograft loss and the need for re‐transplantation. This would further help reduce the yawning gap between need and availability of donor kidney organs both here in the United States and around the world. Larger studies are warranted.
Gluten‐free bakery and pasta products: prevalence and quality improvement
Authors: Gao Yupeng , Janes Marlene E. , Chaiya Busarawan , Brennan Margaret A. , Brennan Charles S. , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: October 2017

An increasing demand of gluten‐free (GF) products is caused by a growing number of diagnosed coeliacs and a consumption trend to eliminate allergenic proteins from diet. Driven by the rapidly growing market, comprehensive understanding ofGFproducts is necessary. The purpose of this review was to concisely present an overview of various approaches to improve physicochemical and sensory qualities ofGFbread, cake/muffin and pasta/noodle products. Some novel techniques used inGFproducts were discussed in this review. These techniques included the use of different alternative flours (includingGFcereals, pseudo‐cereals, legume flours, fruit and vegetable powders and seafood powders), functional ingredients (including hydrocolloids and gums, emulsifiers, proteins and dietary fibres) and optimal processing (pretreated flour, infrared–microwave combination baking and extrusion cooking). Some recent novel technologies including transgenesis, enzymolysis and fermentation that have been used onGFproducts were also discussed.
Effect of in vitro‐simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the stability and antioxidant activity of blueberry polyphenols and their cellular antioxidant activity towards HepG2 cells
Authors: Jiao Xinyao , Li Bin , Zhang Qi , Gao Ningxuan , Zhang Xiuyan , Meng Xianjun
Published: October 2017

In this study we investigated the influence of in vitro‐simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of polyphenols from blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). Total phenolic, anthocyanin, and flavonoid content was determined, and extract and digesta compositions were analysed by HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The phenolic compounds were relatively stable under a gastric environment, whereas polyphenols and anthocyanins were unstable under an intestinal environment. The bioaccessibility of polyphenol, anthocyanin, and flavonoid was greatly decreased after the intestinal digestion, and the recoveries were only 13.93%, 1.95%, and 15.68% (the IN sample), respectively. Polyphenolic profile alteration occurred during in vitro‐simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Changes of phenolic compound antioxidant activity during digestion correlated with polyphenol, flavonoid, and caffeic acid concentrations. Digested extract cellular antioxidant activity was lower than non‐digested extract activity (P < 0.05). Polyphenol dose–response correlations with cellular antioxidant activity were observed. These results indicated that in vitro‐simulated gastrointestinal digestion significantly impact polyphenols and their antioxidant activity.
Effect of extrusion conditions on iron stability and physical and textural properties of corn snacks enriched with soybean ferritin
Authors: Makowska Agnieszka , Zielińska‐Dawidziak Magdalena , Niedzielski Przemysław , Michalak Michał
Published: October 2017

Soybean sprouts cultured in 20 mm FeSO4 were introduced into corn snacks (1.75–3.50%) to supplement iron. The effect of extrusion process on the ferritin iron stability and on product quality was studied. Iron stability in these fortified snacks depended mainly on feed moisture levels, with the best results seen when the feed moisture and temperature were 12% and 110 °C, respectively. Lower feed moisture was beneficial to hardness, expansion ratio and bulk density, while lower temperature increased snack hardness and density, while worsening the expansion ratio. The snacks’ water absorption was strongly and directly dependent on the temperature, while their solubility mainly depended inversely on feed moisture. All of the variables tested altered the colour of the snacks. The conditions that were best for producing the ferritin‐fortified snacks – 12% feed moisture, and temperature equal than or less to 140 °C – may yield a product with the desired quality features.
The biology of natural killer cells during sepsis
Authors: Guo Yin , Patil Naeem K. , Luan Liming , Bohannon Julia K. , Sherwood Edward R.
Published: October 2017

Natural killer (NK) cells are large granular lymphocytes largely recognized for their importance in tumour surveillance and the host response to viral infections. However, as the major innate lymphocyte population, NK cells also coordinate early responses to bacterial infections by amplifying the antimicrobial functions of myeloid cells, especially macrophages, by production of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). Alternatively, excessive NK cell activation and IFN‐γ production can amplify the systemic inflammatory response during sepsis resulting in increased physiological dysfunction and organ injury. Our understanding of NK cell biology during bacterial infections and sepsis is mostly derived from studies performed in mice. Human studies have demonstrated a correlation between altered NK cell functions and outcomes during sepsis. However, mechanistic understanding of NK cell function during human sepsis is limited. In this review, we will review the current understanding of NK cell biology during sepsis and discuss the challenges associated with modulating NK cell function during sepsis for therapeutic benefit.
Front‐Running and Market Quality: An Evolutionary Perspective on High Frequency Trading
Authors: Hens Thorsten , Lensberg Terje , Schenk‐Hoppé Klaus Reiner
Published: October 2017

We study front‐running by high‐frequency traders (HFTs) in a limit order model with continuous trading. The model describes an evolutionary equilibrium of low‐frequency traders who compete in portfolio management services by offering investment styles. The introduction of front‐runners inflicts heavy losses on speculators, while leaving passive investors relatively unscathed. This encourages investment in the market portfolio and markedly reduces overall turnover. Speculative trading persists despite its lower profitability. By most measures, market quality is not affected to any significant extent by front‐running HFTs.
Self‐propagating mechanosynthesis of HfB2 nanoparticles by a magnesiothermic reaction
Authors: Jalaly Maisam , Gotor Francisco J. , Sayagués María J.
Published: October 2017

A mechanically induced self‐sustaining reaction (MSR) was used to synthesize hafnium diboride nanoparticles. Along this route, magnesium was selected as a robust reducing agent for co‐reduction in boron and hafnium oxides in a combustive manner. Combustion occurred after a short milling period of 12 minutes. The hafnium diboride nanoparticles had a polygonal faceted morphology and were 50‐250 nm in diameter. The assessment of the processing mechanism revealed that the initial combustive reduction in B2O3 to elemental B by Mg was the major step for progressing the overall reaction. After that, HfO2 can be reduced to elemental Hf, followed by the synthesis of HfB2 phase.
Reducing radiation exposure during procedures performed in the electrophysiology laboratory
Authors: Thibault Bernard , Macle Laurent , Mondésert Blandine , Dubuc Marc , Shohoudi Azadeh , Dyrda Katia , Guerra Peter G. , Rivard Léna , Roy Denis , Talajic Mario , Khairy Paul
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Expert societies recently published strong recommendations to reduce the exposure of patients and staff to ionizing radiation (IR) during interventional and electrophysiology (EP) procedures. However, adherence to these guidelines remains difficult and the impact of implementing such recommendations is poorly characterized.

Methods and results

We conducted a single‐center cohort study to quantify radiation exposure over time in three EP laboratories at the Montreal Heart Institute during 5,546 consecutive procedures from 2012 to 2015 by 11 primary operators. Overall, 2,618 (47.2%) procedures were catheter‐based and 2,928 (52.8%) were device interventions. Interventions to reduce radiation exposure included educational initiatives to raise awareness (i.e., limiting cine acquisition, patient position, table height), slower frame rate, lower radiation dose per pulse, collimation, and integration with 3‐D mapping systems and/or MediGuide technology. An 85% reduction in IR exposure was observed from 2012 to 2015, with the mean dose‐area‐product (DAP) decreasing from 7.65 ± 0.05 Gy·cm2 to 1.15 ± 0.04 Gy·cm2 (P < 0.001). This was true for catheter‐based procedures (mean DAP 16.99 ± 0.08 to 2.00 ± 0.06 Gy·cm2, P < 0.001) and device interventions (mean DAP 4.18 ± 0.06 to 0.64 ± 0.05 Gy·cm2, P < 0.001). The median effective dose of IR recorded per quarter by 282 cervical dosimeters on EP staff decreased from 0.57 (IQR 0.18, 1.03) mSv in 2012 to 0.00 (IQR 0.00, 0.19) mSv in 2015, P < 0.001.

Conclusion

Enforcing good clinical practices with simple measures and low‐dose fluoroscopy settings are highly effective in reducing IR exposure in the EP lab. These promising results should encourage other EP labs to adopt similar protective measures.
Irisin inhibits high glucose‐induced endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and exerts a dose‐dependent bidirectional effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Liu Xue , Mujahid Haroon , Rong Bing , Lu Qing‐hua , Zhang Wei , Li Peng , Li Na , Liang Er‐shun , Wang Qi , Tang Dong‐qi , Li Nai‐lin , Ji Xiao‐ping , Chen Yu‐guo , Zhao Yu‐xia , Zhang Ming‐xiang
Published: October 2017

Emerging evidence indicates that irisin provides beneficial effects in diabetes. However, whether irisin influences the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the potential role and mechanism of action of irisin in diabetes‐induced myocardial dysfunction in mice. Type 1 diabetes was induced in mice by injecting streptozotocin, and the diabetic mice were administered recombinant r‐irisin (low or high dose: 0.5 or 1.5 μg/g body weight/day, I.P.) or PBS for 16 weeks. Irisin treatment did not alter blood glucose levels in the diabetic mice. However, the results of echocardiographical and histopathological assays indicated that low‐dose irisin treatment alleviated cardiac fibrosis and left ventricular function in the diabetic mice, whereas high‐dose irisin failed to mitigate the ventricular function impairment and increased collagen deposition. The potential mechanism underlying the effect of low‐dose irisin involved irisin‐mediated inhibition of high glucose‐induced endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT); conversely, high‐dose irisin treatment enhanced high glucose‐induced MMP expression by stimulating MAPK (p38 and ERK) signalling and cardiac fibroblast proliferation and migration. Low‐dose irisin alleviated DCM development by inhibiting high glucose‐induced EndMT. By contrast, high‐dose irisin disrupted normal MMP expression and induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation and migration, which results in excess collagen deposition. Thus, irisin can inhibit high glucose‐induced EndMT and exert a dose‐dependent bidirectional effect on DCM.
Omega‐3 supplementation associated with improved parent‐rated executive function in youth with mood disorders: secondary analyses of the omega 3 and therapy (OATS) trials
Authors: Vesco Anthony T. , Young Andrea S. , Arnold L. Eugene , Fristad Mary A.
Published: October 2017

Background

Improvements in executive functioning (EF) may lead to improved quality of life and lessened functional impairment for children with mood disorders. The aim was to assess the impact of omega‐3 supplementation (Ω3) and psychoeducational psychotherapy (PEP), each alone and in combination, on EF in youth with mood disorders. We completed secondary analyses of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Ω3 and PEP for children with depression and bipolar disorder.

Methods

Ninety‐five youths with depression or bipolar disorder not otherwise specified/cyclothymic disorder were randomized in 12‐week RCTs. Two capsules (Ω3 or placebo) were given twice daily (1.87 g Ω3 total daily, mostly eicosapentaenoic acid). Families randomized to PEP participated in twice‐weekly 50‐min sessions. Analyses assess impact of interventions on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) parent‐report Global Executive Composite (GEC) and two subscales, Behavior Regulation (BRI) and Metacognition (MI) Indices. Intent‐to‐treat repeated measures ANOVAs, using multiple imputation for missing data, included all 95 randomized participants. Trials were registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01341925 & NCT01507753.

Results

Participants receiving Ω3 (aggregating combined and monotherapy) improved significantly more than aggregated placebo on GEC (p = .001, d = .70), BRI (p = .004, d = .49), and MI (p = .04, d = .41). Ω3 alone (d = .49) and combined with PEP (d = .67) each surpassed placebo on GEC. Moderation by attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity was nonsignificant although those with ADHD showed nominally greater gains. PEP monotherapy had negligible effect.

Conclusions

Decreased impairment in EF was associated with Ω3 supplementation in youth with mood disorders. Research examining causal associations of Ω3, EF, and mood symptoms is warranted.
Association of CDKN2A/CDKN2B with inflammatory bowel disease in Koreans
Authors: Lee Ho‐Su , Lee Soo Bin , Kim Byoung Mok , Hong Myunghee , Jung Seulgi , Hong Jeonghoon , Baek Jiwon , Han Buhm , Oh Seak Hee , Kim Kyung Mo , Park Sang Hyoung , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Ye Byong Duk , Song Kyuyoung
Published: October 2017

Background and Aim

CDKN2A/CDKN2B locus on 9p21 is reported to be associated with various diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Significant downregulation of CDKN2B‐AS1 in inflamed colon tissue of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases was reported in Europeans. This study aimed to confirm the suggestive association of CDKN2A/CDKN2B with IBD identified in our recent genome‐wide association study (GWAS).

Methods

We examined the association of CDKN2A/CDKN2B locus with IBD in an additional sample of 574 IBD cases and 542 controls, totaling 4068 cases and 8074 controls. In silico study was performed at various levels for functional annotation of the causal variant. Co‐localization of the GWAS association signals and the corresponding expression quantitative trait loci in IBD‐related tissues was evaluated using eCAVIAR.

Results

An expanded GWAS showed genome‐wide significant association of rs3731257 at 9p21 with IBD (odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval = 1.12–1.22, Pcombined = 5.68 × 10−9) and Crohn's disease (odds ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.15–1.28, Pcombined = 8.85 × 10−9) in the Korean population. Co‐localization study suggested that both CDKN2B‐AS1 and CDKN2A might be functionally associated with the locus in the small intestine.

Conclusions

rs3731257 in CDKN2A/CDKN2B is an IBD‐susceptible locus in Koreans, with a suggestive role for small intestine‐specific gene regulation. Our findings suggested that alterations of the CDKN2A/CDKN2B locus could affect the pathophysiology of IBD.
Prediction of disease progression in Miller Fisher and overlap syndromes
Authors: Verboon Christine , van Berghem Heleen , van Doorn Pieter A. , Ruts Liselotte , Jacobs Bart C.
Published: October 2017

Patients with Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) may have a relatively mild clinical course or progress to Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) with limb weakness (MFS‐GBS overlap syndrome). Other variants in this spectrum are GBS with ophthalmoparesis and Bickerstaff's Brainstem encephalitis (BBE). To compare the clinical course of MFS and overlap syndromes and to identify predictors of disease progression. In a prospective study of 170 patients with GBS and variant forms, 37 (22%) had a MFS, MFS‐GBS overlap syndrome, ophthalmoplegic GBS or BBE. The clinical, serological, and electrophysiological features were compared. Twenty‐three patients presented with MFS, of which 10 (43%) developed limb weakness (MFS‐GBS overlap syndrome). All these transitions occurred in the first week after onset of symptoms. There were no differences in the clinical, electrophysiological and serological features at entry between MFS and MFS‐GBS. Twelve patients had ophthalmoplegic GBS and the disease severity at nadir and outcome was worse than in the patients with a MFS‐GBS overlap syndrome. No early predictors for progression from MFS to MFS‐GBS overlap syndrome were found. All transitions occurred in the first week. This finding implicates that all patients with MFS need careful monitoring for at least 1 week.
LINGUISTIC STRUCTURES AND ECONOMIC OUTCOMES
Authors: Mavisakalyan Astghik , Weber Clas
Published: October 2017

Linguistic structures have recently started to attract attention from economists as determinants of economic phenomena. This paper provides the first comprehensive review of this nascent literature and its achievements so far. First, we explore the complex connections between language, culture, thought and behaviour. Then, we summarize the empirical evidence on the relationship between linguistic structures and economic and social outcomes. We follow up with a discussion of data, empirical design and identification. The paper concludes by discussing implications for future research and policy.
Differential Pricing in Intermediate Good Markets
Authors: Li Youping
Published: October 2017

This paper studies differential pricing by an upstream monopolist whose cost to supply the intermediate good differs across buyers in the downstream. It is shown that, different from demand‐based price discrimination, cost‐based differential pricing shifts production efficiently. If total output (and consumer welfare) is weakly increased under differential pricing as opposed to uniform pricing, as is true for weakly convex final market demand functions, social welfare is strictly improved. The analysis is extended to the case in which both the upstream monopolist's cost to serve the downstream firms and the downstream firms’ cost to produce the final good differ.
The Value of Collusion with Endogenous Capacity and Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Paha Johannes
Published: October 2017

Collusion has often been alleged in industries where long‐lived capacity investments are important. This article develops a computational duopoly model with capacity investments, demand shocks and either competitive or collusive pricing. It shows that allowing for endogenous capacity investments can sometimes make collusion less valuable than competition and that it can change the normal relationships between the profitability of collusion and both the discount rate and industry‐wide demand shocks.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Shows Corpus Callosum Differences between High‐Grade Gliomas and Metastases
Authors: Cho Nicholas S. , Jenabi Mehrnaz , Arevalo‐Perez Julio , Brennan Nicole , Young Robert J. , Karimi Sasan , Holodny Andrei I. , Peck Kyung K.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The corpus callosum (CC) has an important role in regulating interhemispheric transfer and is thought to be instrumental in contralateral brain reorganization in patients with brain tumors, as suggested by a previous study reporting callosal differences between language dominance groups through diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) characteristics. The purpose of this study was to explore the structural differences in the CC between high‐grade gliomas (HGGs) and metastatic tumors (METs) using the DTI characteristics of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and axial diffusivity (AD).

METHODS

HGG (n = 30) and MET (n = 20) subjects with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans including DTI were retrospectively studied. The tumor and CC were segmented using the 3‐dimensional T1‐weighted scans to determine their volumes. The region of interest (ROI; mean volume of the ROI = 3,090 ± 464 mm3) of the body of the CC was overlaid onto the DTI parametric maps to obtain the averaged FA, MD, and AD values.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the distributions of FA and MD values between the two patient groups (mean FA for HGG/MET = .691/.646, P < .05; mean MD for HGG/MET = mm2/second, P < .01), while there was no correlation between the DTI parameters and the anatomical volumes.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that there is more contralateral brain reorganization in HGG patients than MET patients and that neither the tumor nor callosal volume impact the degree of contralateral brain reorganization.
Treatment of human polyomavirus‐7‐associated rash and pruritus with topical cidofovir in a lung transplant patient: Case report and literature review
Authors: Smith Shane D. B. , Erdag Gulsun , Cuda Jonathan D. , Rangwala Sophie , Girardi Nicholas , Bibee Kristin , Orens Jonathan B. , Prono Maria Dioverti , Toptan Tuna , Loss Manisha J.
Published: October 2017

Human polyomavirus‐7‐associated rash and pruritus (PVARP) is a chronic superficial viral skin infection, which primarily impacts immunocompromised individuals. We report on a case of PVARP in a lung transplant recipient. Our patient developed symptoms 13 years after being on his immunosuppressive regimen, with an insidious course of progressive gray lichenification with marked islands of sparing and quality of life‐altering pruritus. Treatment for PVARP is not established; however, topical cidofovir combined with immunomodulation may offer sustained therapeutic benefit.
Incidence and clinical profile of tuberculosis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Agrawal Narendra , Aggarwal Mukul , Kapoor Jyotsna , Ahmed Rayaz , Shrestha Anjan , Kaushik Meena , Bhurani Dinesh
Published: October 2017

Background

Patients post allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) are expected to be at high risk of tuberculosis (TB) owing to underlying immunosuppression. We conducted a retrospective study in patients post alloSCT for clinical features and factors associated with TB.

Methods

Records of all patients transplanted from January 1, 2012 until December 31, 2015 were reviewed. Diagnosis of TB was considered if Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured from clinical samples or acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) were demonstrated on histopathology/smears. A presumptive TB diagnosis was considered in the presence of signs and symptoms suggestive of TB with epithelioid cell granulomas, without AFB.

Results

In 175 eligible patients, TB was detected in 5 patients (pulmonary = 4, lymph node = 1), with incidence of 2.84% at median of 258 (157‐639) days after transplantation. Cumulative incidence rate of TB among the patients undergoing alloSCT was calculated to be 1.9/100 person‐years. Median duration of symptoms was 20 days till diagnosis was confirmed. All patients were started on four‐drug anti‐tubercular therapy (ATT) with clinical/radiological response in all. Two patients developed hepatotoxicity (transaminitis, n = 1; hyperbilirubinemia, n = 1) following ATT. Presence of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) (P = .008) and steroid‐refractory GVHD (P = .001) was found to be significantly associated with TB.

Conclusion

TB should be suspected in patients with unexplained fever post alloSCT. Active GVHD and ongoing immunosuppression/steroids are possible risk factors. Early diagnosis and treatment can salvage most patients. Hepatotoxicity following ATT is a potential concern.
Anemia as very late‐onset cytomegalovirus disease after kidney transplantation
Authors: Hernández‐Gallego Román , Cerezo Isis , Robles Nicolás Roberto , Barroso Sergio , Romanciuc Adrián , Cubero Juan José
Published: October 2017

Very late‐onset cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease after solid organ transplantation is not associated with classic risk factors; therefore, it does not follow a pattern of predictable appearance. A high index of suspicion is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. Anemia has multiple etiologies among kidney transplanted recipients, and CMV could be one of them. We report the case of a kidney recipient with anemia refractory to treatment which proved to be secondary to extremely late CMV digestive disease.
A modified Maquet‐tibial tuberosity advancement technique for treatment of canine cranial cruciate ligament disease: Short term outcome and complications
Authors: Retallack Lauren M. , Daye R. Mark
Published: October 2017

Objective

To describe and report the outcomes of a novel modified Maquet‐tibial tuberosity advancement (mTTA) technique in dogs with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture, compared to a traditional tibial tuberosity advancement (tTTA) technique.

Study design

Descriptive report and retrospective clinical cohort study.

Sample population

Dogs (n = 70) treated via tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA).

Methods

Medical records (2013‐2015) of dogs treated for CCL rupture via TTA were reviewed for: signalment, findings on physical examination, procedure (tTTA or mTTA), radiographs, complications, and outcome. Radiographs were retrospectively evaluated for patellar tendon thickness, evidence of tibial crest fractures, and implant placement. Intraoperative and postoperative complications and outcome were compared between procedures.

Results

A total of 70 cases met inclusion criteria, 35 of each procedure (tTTA or mTTA). The mTTA procedure was successfully performed with good clinical and radiographic outcomes. The only difference in outcomes detected between groups is that dogs were more lame 2 weeks after tTTA than mTTA group.

Conclusion

The mTTA technique represents a safe, repeatable alternative to the tTTA, with similar outcome and complication rates.
The Strategies of Staging the Choices of Degrees of Formalization of Business Activities in Cameroon
Authors: Modeste Abaté André , Maurice Fouda Ongodo , Nina Pelagie Pene Zongabiro
Published: October 2017

The objective of this work is to highlight the strategies of formalization and the development of activities base on the analysis of the path of the formalization of the activities of six entrepreneurs in Cameroon. The study used live recitation of entrepreneurs obtained through a semi-direct interview that focuses on three main questions including: the circumstances of the engagement in an entrepreneurship carrier, the legal status of the activities and the evolution of the activities. The results revealed that despite the accumulation capacity of entrepreneurs, they continue to act in an informal manner by convenience and opportunism. This study, therefore dissociates with the established idea that small business entrepreneurs do not have strategic abilities. In fact, the results show that entrepreneurs in the informal sector have strategic abilities that enable them to put in place and at some level strategies of formalization that can guarantee good performance and reduce constraints towards the development of their activities.
Extractives and Sustainable Community Development: A Comparative Study of Women’s Livelihood Assets in the Americas
Authors: Franco Isabel B. , Kunkel Titi
Published: October 2017

The world has experienced a rapid growth in the mining industry due to increased demand for minerals. However, this situation has given rise to complexities in resource regions, compromising how women sustain their livelihoods. With increasing deregulation and globalization of the world economy, the livelihoods of women in resource-rich regions deserve special attention. Women in communities adjacent to extractive operations commonly experience a loss of livelihood options. Using case studies, this paper compares the livelihoods of women in two resource regions, Risaralda in Colombia and an Indigenous community in Nemiah Valley of British Columbia in Canada. This paper argues that the extractive industry should engage with women to enhance their assets and help them forge more sustainable livelihood options. The paper also makes recommendations to stakeholders on how livelihood assets can be enhanced to benefit women in resource development regions.
Study on the Characteristics of Flow and Heat Transfer of Polymeric-Fluid-Based Cu Nanofluids
Authors: Cai Weihua , Li Yongyao , Wang Yue , Zheng Xin , Zhu Mengsheng
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we propose a new fluid: drag-reducing-fluid-based nanofluids (DRFBN), i.e., nanoparticles are added into polymer aqueous solution. In order to investigate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of this new fluid, the Reynolds stress turbulence model and equivalent viscosity model are used in the simulations. Wall shear stress and Nusselt number (Nu) are chosen to represent the effects of drag reduction and heat enhancement respectively. The numerical studies mainly focus on the effects of different parameters on wall shear stress and Nu. The results show that comparison with water flow, DRFBN flow still has remarkable drag-reducing effect; comparison with polymer aqueous solution flow, DRFBN flow has some improvement on heat transfer. Therefore, DRFBN has duel effects: drag reduction and heat transfer enhancement. Besides, it is found that the parameters of nanoparticle volume fraction, Reynolds number and drag-reducing parameter have remarkable effects on wall shear stress and Nu of DRFBN flow.
Investigation on the Influence of Surface Roughness on the Moment Coefficient in a Rotor-Stator Cavity With Centripetal Through-Flow
Authors: Hu Bo , Brillert Dieter , Dohmen Hans Josef , Benra Friedrich-Karl
Published: October 2017

In radial pumps and turbines, the leakage flow (centripetal through-flow) is quite common from the outer radius of the impeller to the impeller eye, which has major impact on frictional torque. There is still an uncertainty on the impact of surface roughness on the moment coefficient. Part of the 2D Daily&Nece diagram where the flow is categorized into four regimes is extended into 3D with the third axis of through-flow coefficient by distinguishing the profiles of tangential velocity. After classifying the flow regimes with respect to the centripetal through-flow, two correlations are developed to predict the impact of the axial gap, the global Reynolds number, the through-flow coefficient and the surface roughness on the moment coefficient according to the experimental results for both regime III and regime IV. Using the proposed equations for the moment coefficient, the influence of the centripetal through-flow and surface roughness can be better considered when designing radial pumps and turbines.