bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐leaf plants in the Gesneriaceae: Natural mutants of the typical shoot system
Authors: Kinoshita Ayaka , Tsukaya Hirokazu
Published: December 2018

The aerial part of seed plants is called the shoot, which is composed of stems, leaves, and axial buds. These are produced by indeterminate activity in the shoot apical meristem (SAM), whereas the morphogenesis of leaves depends on determinate activity of leaf meristems. However, one‐leaf plants in the Gesneriaceae family (eudicots) do not have a typical SAM and do not produce new organs when in the vegetative phase. Instead, they have one cotyledon whose growth is indeterminate. This peculiar development is supported by the groove meristem, which corresponds to the canonical SAM, and the basal meristem, which corresponds to the typical leaf meristem. However, the former does not produce any organ and the latter is active indeterminately. Gene expression and physiological analyses have been conducted in an effort to determine the molecular nature of this peculiar organogenesis. This review summarizes the current understanding of the development of one‐leaf plants to provide future perspectives in this field of research.
Learning from the rubble: the case of Christchurch, New Zealand, after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes
Authors: Bakema Melanie M. , Parra Constanza , McCann Philip
Published: December 2018

Learning after a disaster is crucial in creating more resilient places. However, many societies are repeatedly overwhelmed by disasters. This can be because of missed opportunities to learn in post‐disaster settings or because of actions implemented that seem to be highly relevant to recovery in the short term, but potentially constrain aspirations in the longer term. This paper assesses learning processes among state and non‐state actors and the ways in which these are bridged and scaled up to wider improvements in governance. Aiming to enrich understanding of post‐disaster learning, it explores different actors’ response actions after the earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2010 and 2011. On the one hand, ‘learning by doing’ is occurring, yet, on the other hand, systemic learning is hindered by mismatches between top‐down steering and bottom‐up initiatives. The study concludes that better linking and synergising of learning processes among different levels is vital for enhancing resilience in post‐disaster societies.
You say you want a (Rose) Revolution? The effects of Georgia's 2004 market reforms
Authors: Lawson Robert , Grier Kevin , Absher Samuel
Published: December 2018

After Georgia declared its independence from the Soviet Union, it experienced civil war and strife for more than a decade. In late 2003, the peaceful Rose Revolution installed a new government that began a series of radical market‐liberal reforms. However, the effectiveness of these reforms was controversial. We offer a rigorous evaluation of these reforms via the synthetic control method which creates a credible counterfactual. Compared to the synthetic controls, we find that the reforms enacted after the Rose Revolution led to significant improvements in Georgia's social and economic development, albeit with temporary side effects and argue that this case provides some support for the effectiveness of rapid, multidimensional reform.
Local and regional climate variables driving spring phenology of tortricid pests: a 36 year study
Authors: Pak Damie , Biddinger David , Bjørnstad Ottar N.
Published: December 2018

1. Insect phenology is driven by local climate variables, most notably temperature. Increased warming has been linked to advancements in critical phenophases such as the spring flight of reproductive adults in the mid‐Atlantic region of the U.S.A.

2. Local climate is governed by the fluctuations of large‐scale climate oscillations. In the northern hemisphere, both the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Arctic Oscillation (AO) control the local autumn and winter severity. Low NAO and AO indices are associated with colder autumns and winters, which can delay spring phenology.

3. In this study, 36 years of data from experimental fruit orchards in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, were used to run partial least‐squares regressions in order to determine the climate variables related to the spring phenology of five tortricid pest species.

4. The phenology of the tortricid pests did not advance, even though there was evidence of warming at the research site.

5. Spring temperatures were found to be the most significant climate variables in determining the timing of the spring flights. However, autumn–winter temperatures were also important.

6. For the NAO and the AO, it was found that these oscillations affected the tortricid moths by influencing autumn–winter conditions. The oscillations of the NAO and AO can obscure long‐term changes in phenology.

7. These findings suggest that the inclusion of large‐scale climate oscillations can provide important insights into how climate conditions can influence insect phenology, and presents an opportunity for improving the ability to forecast spring emergence.
Prolonged status epilepticus: Early recognition and prediction of full recovery in a 12‐year cohort
Authors: Sutter Raoul , Semmlack Saskia , Kaplan Peter W. , Opić Petra , Marsch Stephan , Rüegg Stephan
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Early identification of patients who are at risk of prolonged status epilepticus (SE) and patients with high chances of full recovery despite prolonged SE may urge clinicians to intensify treatment rather than to withdraw care. We aimed to develop prediction models based on readily available clinical parameters to predict prolonged SE at seizure onset and to identify patients with high chances for full recovery.

Methods

From 2005 to 2016, all adult SE patients treated at the University Hospital Basel, a Swiss medical care center, were included. Multivariable Poisson regression was performed to identify predictors of prolonged SE (defined as SE for >12, >24, and >48 hours) and return to baseline from prolonged SE. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curves (AUROC) for prediction models was calculated.

Results

Of 467 patients, the median age was 66.7 years and mortality was 12%. Relative risk (RR) for death was 1.06 (P < 0.0001) with every SE day. In multivariable analysis, nonconvulsive SE with coma, SE severity score ≥3, and acute brain lesions at SE onset independently predicted prolonged SE with an AUROC of 0.68 for >12, 0.67 for >24, and 0.72 for >48 hours of SE. Absence of nonconvulsive SE with coma and a decreasing Charlson comorbidity index were independent predictors for return to baseline in prolonged SE with an AUROC of 0.82 and 0.76 following cross‐validation. Both associations remained significant despite adjustments for determinants of adverse outcome, such as anesthetics and vasopressors (nonconvulsive SE with coma RR = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07‐0.86; comorbidity index RR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.76‐0.99).

Significance

Although our data indicate that identification of prolonged SE at seizure onset is unreliable, timely recognition of patients with high chances of good outcome despite prolonged SE is promising on the basis of comorbidities, type of SE, and level of consciousness. Further external validation of this prediction model is needed.
Neurocognition in childhood epilepsy: Impact on mortality and complete seizure remission 50 years later
Authors: Sillanpää Matti , Saarinen Maiju M. , Karrasch Mira , Schmidt Dieter , Hermann Bruce P.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To study associations of the severity of impairment in childhood neurocognition (NC) with long‐term mortality and complete seizure remission.

Methods

A population‐based cohort of 245 subjects with childhood onset epilepsy was followed up for 50 years (median = 45, range = 2‐50). Childhood NC before age 18 years was assessed as a combination of formal intelligence quotient scores and functional criteria (school achievement, working history, and psychoneurological development). Impaired NC was categorized with respect to definitions of intellectual functioning in International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (R41.83, F70‐F73). The outcome variables, defined as all‐cause mortality and 10‐year terminal remission with the 5 past years off medication (10YTR), were analyzed with Cox regression models.

Results

Of the 245 subjects, 119 (49%) had normal childhood NC, whereas 126 (51%) had various degrees of neurocognitive impairment. During the 50‐year observation period, 71 (29%) of the subjects died, 13% of those with normal and 44% of those with impaired NC. The hazard of death increased gradually in line with more impaired cognition, reaching significance in moderate, severe, and profound impairment versus normal NC (hazard ratio [Bonferroni corrected 95% confidence interval] = 3.3 [1.2‐9.2], 4.2 [1.2‐14.2], and 5.5 [2.4‐12.3], respectively). The chance for 10YTR was highest among subjects with normal NC (61%), whereas none of those with profound impairment reached 10YTR. In the intermediate categories, the chance was, however, not directly related to the increasing severity of impairment.

Significance

The severity of neurocognitive impairment during childhood shows a parallel increase in the risk of death. In comparison with normal NC, subjects with lower childhood NC are less likely to enter seizure remission. However, normal NC does not guarantee complete remission or prevent premature death in some individuals with childhood onset epilepsy.
Two main focal seizure patterns revealed by intracerebral electroencephalographic biomarker analysis
Authors: Gnatkovsky Vadym , Pelliccia Veronica , de Curtis Marco , Tassi Laura
Published: December 2018

Objective

Long‐term recording with intracerebral electrodes is commonly utilized to identify brain areas responsible for seizure generation (epileptogenic zone) and to tailor therapeutic surgical resections in patients with focal drug‐resistant epilepsy. This invasive diagnostic procedure generates a wealth of data that contribute to understanding human epilepsy. We analyze intracerebral signals to identify and classify focal ictal patterns.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed stereo‐electroencephalographic (EEG) data in a cohort of patients either cryptogenic (magnetic resonance imaging negative) or presenting with noncongruent anatomoelectroclinical data. A computer‐assisted method based on EEG signal analysis in frequency and space domains was applied to 467 seizures recorded in 105 patients submitted to stereo‐EEG presurgical monitoring.

Results

Two main focal seizure patterns were identified. P‐type seizures, typical of neocortex, were observed in 73 patients (69.5%), lasted 22 ± 13 seconds (mean +SD), and were characterized by a sharp‐onset/sharp‐offset transient superimposed on low‐voltage fast activity (126 ± 19 Hz). L‐type seizures were observed in 43 patients (40.9%) and consistently involved mesial temporal structures; they lasted longer (93 ± 48 second), started with 116 ± 21 Hz low‐voltage fast activity superimposed on a slow potential shift, and terminated with large‐amplitude, periodic bursting activity. In 23 patients (21.9%), the L‐type seizure was preceded by a P seizure. Spasmlike and unclassifiable EEG seizures were observed in 11.4% of cases.

Significance

The proposed computer‐assisted approach revealed signal information concealed to visual inspection that contributes to identifying two principal seizure patterns typical of the neocortex and of mesial temporal networks.
Serum amyloid A in equine health and disease
Authors: Witkowska‐Piłaszewicz O. D. , Żmigrodzka M. , Winnicka A. , Miśkiewicz A. , Strzelec K. , Cywińska A.
Published: December 2018

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is the major acute phase protein in horses. It is produced during the acute phase response (APR), a nonspecific systemic reaction to any type of tissue injury. In the blood of healthy horses, SAA concentration is very low, but it increases dramatically with inflammation. Due to the short half‐life of SAA, changes in its concentration in blood closely reflect the onset of inflammation and, therefore, measurement of SAA useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease and response to treatment. Increases in SAA concentration have been described in equine digestive, reproductive and respiratory diseases and following surgical procedures. Moreover, SAA has proven useful for detection of some subclinical pathologies that can disturb training and competing in equine athletes. Increasing availability of diagnostic tests for both laboratory and field use adds to SAA's applicability as a reliable indicator of horses’ health status. This review article presents the current information on changes in SAA concentrations in the blood of healthy and diseased horses, focussing on clinical application of this biomarker.
Anchovy distribution off Peru in relation to abiotic parameters: A 32‐year time series from 1985 to 2017
Authors: Castillo Ramiro , Dalla Rosa Luciano , García Diaz Walter , Madureira Lauro , Gutierrez Mariano , Vásquez Luís , Koppelmann Rolf
Published: December 2018

Oceanographic and hydroacoustic data were obtained by theInstituto del Mar del Peru(IMARPE) during 72 cruises off the Peruvian coast between 1985 and 2017 to determine the ranges of the abiotic parameters influencing the anchovy (anchoveta) distribution and to observe the effect of the 1997–1998 El Niño event. The hydroacoustic data show a high seasonal variability in anchoveta distribution related to differences of environmental parameters as well as changes in distribution after the very strong El Niño event in 1997–1998. Geostatistic variograms were used to describe the seasonal variability and generalized additive models (GAMs) with a Tweedie distribution were applied to study the relationships between anchoveta and oceanographic parameters. The dependent variable was the value for anchoveta obtained from echosounder (nautical area scattering coefficient [NASC] of anchoveta) and the tested covariates were temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen at the sea surface; distance to the coast; year, latitude–longitude; and Oceanic Niño Index 1 + 2. The results show a high variability of anchoveta with seasonal differences in its distribution. Preferred abiotic conditions (temperature, salinity, oxygen) of anchoveta were 17.6–23.7°C, 32.30–35.14, and 5.9–8.7 ml/L in summer and 14.5–18.8°C, 34.81–35.12, and 5.2–6.3 ml/L in winter. The values in autumn and spring were intermediate and are considered as in transition. The anchoveta were detected at higher values after the 1997–1998 El Niño event, probably influenced by reduced standing stocks of congener fish species and by the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) or by a changes in climate.
Trade‐offs between carbon stocks and biodiversity in European temperate forests
Authors: Sabatini Francesco Maria , de Andrade Rafael Barreto , Paillet Yoan , Ódor Péter , Bouget Christophe , Campagnaro Thomas , Gosselin Frédéric , Janssen Philippe , Mattioli Walter , Nascimbene Juri , Sitzia Tommaso , Kuemmerle Tobias , Burrascano Sabina
Published: December 2018

Policies to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss often assume that protecting carbon‐rich forests provides co‐benefits in terms of biodiversity, due to the spatial congruence of carbon stocks and biodiversity at biogeographic scales. However, it remains unclear whether this holds at the scales relevant for management, and particularly large knowledge gaps exist for temperate forests and for taxa other than trees. We built a comprehensive dataset of Central European temperate forest structure and multi‐taxonomic diversity (beetles, birds, bryophytes, fungi, lichens, and plants) across 352 plots. We used Boosted Regression Trees (BRTs) to assess the relationship between above‐ground live carbon stocks and (a) taxon‐specific richness, (b) a unified multidiversity index. We used Threshold Indicator Taxa ANalysis to explore individual species’ responses to changing above‐ground carbon stocks and to detect change‐points in species composition along the carbon‐stock gradient. Our results reveal an overall weak and highly variable relationship between richness and carbon stock at the stand scale, both for individual taxonomic groups and for multidiversity. Similarly, the proportion of win‐win and trade‐off species (i.e., species favored or disadvantaged by increasing carbon stock, respectively) varied substantially across taxa. Win‐win species gradually replaced trade‐off species with increasing carbon, without clear thresholds along the above‐ground carbon gradient, suggesting that community‐level surrogates (e.g., richness) might fail to detect critical changes in biodiversity. Collectively, our analyses highlight that leveraging co‐benefits between carbon and biodiversity in temperate forest may require stand‐scale management that prioritizes either biodiversity or carbon in order to maximize co‐benefits at broader scales. Importantly, this contrasts with tropical forests, where climate and biodiversity objectives can be integrated at the stand scale, thus highlighting the need for context‐specificity when managing for multiple objectives. Accounting for critical change‐points of target taxa can help to deal with this specificity, by defining a safe operating space to manipulate carbon while avoiding biodiversity losses.
Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β protects liver against ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase‐mediated autophagy
Authors: Kong Defu , Hua Xiangwei , Qin Tian , Zhang Jianjun , He Kang , Xia Qiang
Published: December 2018

Aim

Autophagy has been found to play an important role in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Our previous study has also clarified that rictor deficiency aggravated hepatic I/R injury by suppressing autophagy. Here, we explore whether autophagy participates in glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)‐mediated cytoprotection in liver I/R.

Methods

Mice were treated with SB216763 to inhibit GSK3β before being subjected to hepatic I/R. Liver injury was evaluated by liver and blood samples. Autophagy was measured by detecting expression of microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain‐3B (LC3B) II and autophagy protein 5 (ATG‐5), as well as the number of autophagosomes by transmission electron microscope. Primary hepatocytes pretreated with SB216763 for 2 h were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation to induce autophagy. The lactate dehydrogenase level was used to evaluate cell death and survival. Autophagy inhibitors and 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor were given in vivo or in vitro.

Results

SB216763 significantly increased the number of autophagosomes and the protein levels of LC3B II and ATG‐5 in liver I/R models, which was accompanied by a decline of hepatic necrosis and apoptosis. Consistent with the in vivo study, autophagy and cytoprotection were induced by the inhibition of GSK3β in the in vitro study. Moreover, pretreatment with autophagy inhibitors attenuated the cytoprotective role of autophagy in the GSK3β‐treated liver I/R models. Further analysis showed that pretreatment with an AMPK inhibitor increased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity, decreased autophagy, and abrogated GSK3β‐ mediated liver protection.

Conclusion

Autophagy was induced by GSK3β inhibition through the AMPK/mTOR pathway and could substantially ameliorate liver I/R injury. Therefore, our findings strongly renew the therapeutic value of the GSK3β/autophagy axis in hepatic I/R injury.
Non‐urothelial carcinomas of the bladder
Authors: Park Sanghui , Reuter Victor E , Hansel Donna E
Published: December 2018

Non‐urothelial carcinomas involving the bladder are uncommon and often diagnostically challenging. These carcinomas may show squamous, adenocarcinomatous or neuroendocrine features, with immunohistochemical stains aiding the diagnosis in only a subset of cases. The clinical history in non‐urothelial bladder carcinomas is important, given that the differential diagnosis often includes secondary involvement of the bladder by direct extension or metastasis from carcinomas at other sites. This paper will review non‐urothelial carcinomas in each of these three morphological categories, emphasising recent changes in diagnostic grouping and challenges in the histopathological diagnosis. Review of bladder cancers with squamous morphology will include discussion of conventional squamous cell carcinoma and verrucous carcinoma and their distinction from urothelial carcinoma with extensive squamous differentiation. Bladder carcinomas with adenocarcinomatous change will include primary bladder adenocarcinoma, urachal adenocarcinoma and tumours of Müllerian type. Finally, neuroendocrine neoplasms of the bladder, including well‐differentiated neuroendocrine tumour and neuroendocrine carcinomas, will be discussed. Associated surface findings, risk factors and prognostic features will be described.
New and emerging renal entities: a perspective post‐WHO 2016 classification
Authors: Trpkov Kiril , Hes Ondřej
Published: December 2018

Renal tumours include a heterogeneous and diverse spectrum of neoplasms. Recent advances in this field have significantly improved our understanding of the morphological, immunohistochemical, molecular, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of renal tumours, which led to the new Vancouver classification of renal neoplasia and the new World Health Organization (WHO) classification of renal cell tumours. This review aims to summarise the new information and evidence on several new and emerging/provisional renal entities, which were mostly generated after the recent classification of renal neoplasia. We include in this review the following new and emerging/provisional renal entities: succinate dehydrogenase‐deficient renal cell carcinoma, thyroid‐like follicular carcinoma of the kidney, anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement‐associated renal cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinomas with prominent smooth muscle stroma, fumarate hydratase‐deficient renal cell carcinoma, biphasic squamoid papillary renal cell carcinoma, eosinophilic solid and cystic renal cell carcinoma, atrophic kidney‐like renal cell carcinoma, clear cell renal cell carcinoma with giant cells and emperipolesis, Warthin‐like papillary renal cell carcinoma, and low‐grade oncocytic renal tumour (CD117‐negative; cytokeratin 7‐positive). Some of these entities, such as succinate dehydrogenase‐deficient renal cell carcinoma, have already been recognised as new entities in the WHO classification, and some have been recognised as provisional/emerging entities. However, we include in this review several additional entities that, on the basis of the published evidence, also warrant this designation. We hope that this review will ease the navigation through this complex and evolving field, and will inform and stimulate new studies and discussions.
Staging of bladder cancer
Authors: Magers Martin J , Lopez‐Beltran Antonio , Montironi Rodolfo , Williamson Sean R , Kaimakliotis Hristos Z , Cheng Liang
Published: December 2018

Urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a heterogeneous disease with multiple possible treatment modalities and a wide spectrum of clinical outcome. Treatment decisions and prognostic expectations hinge on accurate and precise staging, and the recently published American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging Manual, 8th edition, should be the basis for staging of urinary bladder tumours. It is unfortunate that the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) 8th edition failed to incorporate new data which is considered in the AJCC 8th edition. Thus, the AJCC 8th edition is the focus of this review. Several critical changes and clarifications are made by the AJCC 8th edition relative to the 7th edition. Although the most obvious changes in the 8th edition are in the N (i.e. perivesical lymph node involvement now classified as N1) and M (i.e. M1 is subdivided into M1a and M1b) categories, several points are clarified in the T category (e.g. substaging of pT1 should be attempted). Further optimisation, however, is required. No particular method of substaging pT1 is formally recommended. In this review, these modifications are discussed, as well as points, which require further study and optimisation.
Grading of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Delahunt Brett , Eble John N , Egevad Lars , Samaratunga Hemamali
Published: December 2018

Grading of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been recognised as a prognostic factor for almost 100 years. Numerous grading systems have been proposed, initially focusing upon a constellation of cytological features and more recently on nuclear morphology. It has been recommended that grading of RCC should be based upon nucleolar prominence/eosinophilia for grades 1–3, while grade 4 requires nuclear anaplasia (including tumour giant cells, sarcomatoid differentiation and/or rhabdoid morphology). The grading system was adopted formally by the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) and subsequently by the World Health Organisation (WHO), being designated the WHO/ISUP grading classification in the fourth edition of the WHO classification tumours of the urinary system and male genital organs (2016). This grading system has been validated for both clear cell and papillary RCC. Validation studies for chromophobe RCC failed to demonstrate a correlation between grade and outcome for both the superseded Fuhrman grading system and the WHO/ISUP grading classification, and it has been recommended that these tumours not be graded. The WHO/ISUP system has been incorporated into the structured reports of the International Cancer Collaboration on Cancer Reporting for both clear cell and papillary RCC. It is also noted that other types of RCC may be graded, but it must be emphasised in the report that this is for descriptive and diagnostic purposes, and not outcome prediction. More recent studies have shown the incorporation of the presence of tumour necrosis into RCC grading to improve outcome prediction, and this has been validated in several studies.
Datasets for the reporting of neoplasia of the testis: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting
Authors: Berney Dan M , Comperat Eva , Feldman Darren R , Hamilton Robert J , Idrees Muhammad T , Samaratunga Hemamali , Tickoo Satish K , Yilmaz Asli , Srigley John R
Published: December 2018

We here describe the development of an evidence‐based cancer dataset by an International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting expert panel for the reporting of primary testicular neoplasia, and present the ‘required’ and ‘recommended’ elements to be included in the pathology report, as well as a commentary. This dataset encompasses the updated 2016 World Health Organisation classification of urological tumours, the results of an International Society of Urological Pathology consultation, and also staging with our preferred method: the American Joint Committee on Cancer version 8. Implementation of this dataset will facilitate consistent and accurate data collection between different cohorts, facilitate research, and hopefully result in improved patient management.
Renal cell carcinoma staging: pitfalls, challenges, and updates
Authors: Williamson Sean R , Taneja Kanika , Cheng Liang
Published: December 2018

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is unusual among cancers in that it often grows as a spherical, well‐circumscribed mass. Increasing tumour size influences the pathological pT stage category within pT1 and pT2, with cutoffs of 40, 70 and 100 mm; however, with increasing size also comes a sharp increase in the likelihood of renal sinus or renal vein tributary invasion, such that clear cell RCC rarely reaches 70 mm without invading one of these. To clarify some previous challenges in assigning tumour stage, the American Joint Committee on Cancer 2016 tumor–node–metastasis classification has removed the requirements than vein invasion be recognised grossly and that vein walls contain muscle for the diagnosis of vein invasion. Renal pelvis invasion has also been added as an additional route to pT3a. Multinodularity or finger‐like extensions from a renal mass should be viewed with great suspicion for the possibility of vein or renal sinus invasion, and, as tumour size increases to over 40–50 mm, thorough sampling of the renal sinus interface should always be undertaken. With increasing interest in adjuvant therapy in renal cancer, the pathologist's role in RCC staging will continue to be an important prognostic parameter and a tool for selection of patients for enrolment in clinical trials.
An overview of translational prostate cancer cohorts for prognostic and predictive studies
Authors: Tolkach Yuri , Kristiansen Glen
Published: December 2018

The aim of this review is to describe the characteristics of patient cohorts commonly used for translational biomarker research in prostate cancer and to outline the most prominent contemporary cohorts which serve as a source of prognostic and predictive biomarkers. A non‐systematic review of the literature was performed to identify and summarise well‐characterized translational prostate cancer cohorts that provide state‐of‐the‐art characterization of (i) primary and (ii) metastatic and castration‐resistant prostate cancer. The main advantages and features of these cohorts are a substantial number of patients, unique patient groups, comprehensive genetic characterisation of tumours using multi‐omics/next‐generation sequencing approaches, high‐quality control standards and fully or partially open data for the research community. This overview includes the contemporary cohorts which serve as a rich source of new targets for prognostic and predictive biomarkers as well as a reference database for validation of known biomarkers, therefore representing the cohorts whose impact extends over the current state of biomarker research into the near future (5–10 years).
Consumerism in online health information search and self‐tracking devices
Authors: Ertiö Titiana , Räsänen Pekka
Published: December 2018

The Internet hosts a plethora of health information and has become a popular source users turn to when looking up information. Nonetheless, the existence of this wealth of online health information generates challenges related to access and user skills. Whereas previous studies surveyed a cross‐section of users, our aim is to complement them with a population‐level study. We use nationally representative data collected by Statistics Finland between 2006 and 2016 to investigate the extent to which online health information search and use of self‐tracking devices associate with social, economic and demographic factors. We have used descriptive statistics and logistic regressions to show that, in 2016, disparities still existed in how Finns make use of the health information found online as well as appropriate new devices such as self‐tracking devices. The population level of this study aids us in understanding the degree of adoption of new technologies used by different demographics. We show that, despite having access to the Internet, certain factors influence actual usage negatively. Looking forward, a key limitation of our study is a lack of measures to determine how these demographics use health information to adjust their behaviour. In the Nordic context, important research implications relate to the persisting digital divides in health technology adoption.
“Mum, did you just leave that tap running?!” The role of positive pester power in prompting sustainable consumption
Authors: O’Neill Claire , Buckley Joan
Published: December 2018

This paper offers novel insights on the socio‐structural factors that sustain (or break) everyday behaviours in the home. Specifically, the adoption of sustainable consumption in the home as influenced by Green‐School children is explored. The findings presented are derived from surveys with Green‐School (Eco‐School) children and in‐depth interviews with their parents. The process of sustainable consumption adoption in the home, in the context of the Green‐Schools programme, is explored with an aim to understand if, and how, Green‐School children affect behaviours in the home. The findings enlighten our understanding of not only how environmental education programmes are reconciling the Dominant Social Paradigm with the New Environmental Paradigm, but also in terms of how sustainable consumption in the home, such as recycling and water and energy conservation, are initiated and reinforced by children through their use of positive pester power.
The importance of diagnostic imaging of mycetoma in the foot
Authors: Guerra‐Leal Jesús D. , Medrano‐Danés Luis A. , Montemayor‐Martinez Alberto , Pérez‐Rodríguez Edelmiro , Luna‐Gurrola César E. , Arenas‐Guzman Roberto , Salas‐Alanís Julio C.
Published: December 2018

Background

Mycetoma is a chronic, localized infection caused by fungi and bacteria. It usually affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bone of exposed areas with deformity of the affected limb, ulcers, and fistula; however, pain is not severe, therefore the patient comes late to hospital for care.

Objective

To establish the diagnosis of mycetoma in the foot by imaging and identify the principal radiological signs.

Materials and Methods

Six patients with foot mycetoma were evaluated with plain x‐ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance (MR) after confirming the diagnosis by histopathology and culture.

Results

All patients presented the MR “dot‐in‐circle” sign; four presented “punched out” bone lesions on plain x‐ray. The six patients had fistulas, ulceration, a seropurulent exudate, edema, and a foot deformity. Four patients had N. brasiliensis infection with positive anti‐Nocardia IgG antibodies, and only half presented bone lesions.

Conclusion

Characteristic findings were foot deformity, edema, bone lesions, ulcers, fistulas and the presence of the “dot‐in‐circle” sign. We recommend a comprehensive study of patients with plain x‐ray and MR.
Generation of a function affect model for residents with advanced dementia
Authors: Chang Esther , Edenborough Michel , Nicholls Daniel , Johnson Amanda , Brownhill Suzanne , Simard Joyce
Published: December 2018

Aims and objectives

This article presents the generation of a model of care encompassing “function” and “affect” based on findings from a 2011 research project aimed at improving care delivery for people with advanced dementia. Objectives were to provide comprehensive and sustainable care, honouring and respecting the person.

Background

Dementia is a debilitating, progressive, and terminal disease with a trajectory ranging from approximately 3 to 16 years, yet attention to end‐of‐life care, promoting comfort, alleviating suffering, and maximizing quality of life is frequently overlooked for people living in the advanced stages of the disease.

Methods

The research project from which the model was drawn used a three‐phase mixed methods approach at three residential aged care facilities (nursing homes) providing high care in New South Wales, Australia. Thematic analysis was elicited from focus group discussions with staff, family members, and carers of residents.

Findings

Themes describe distinct dimensions of a model of care: “function” (dedication, designation, and deliberation) and “affect” (the personal outcomes revealed in relaxation, stimulation, and transformation).

Conclusion

Reframing nursing practice from task and disease orientation to person centred and relationship focused is essential in meeting the complete needs of people with advanced dementia. This transformational model of care may be useful in adapting to other end‐of‐life care settings.
Fiscal Pressure of Migration and Horizontal Fiscal Inequality: Evidence from Indian Experience
Authors: Chakraborty Pinaki , Garg Shatakshi
Published: December 2018

This article examines the patterns and trends in inter‐State migration across the Indian States and observes that along with the demographic factors, migration is also affected by the fiscal profile of States. Controlling for the economic prosperity of States as reflected in their per capita Net State Domestic Product and the nature of fiscal policy stance, econometric estimation using the gravity model suggests that level of vertical federal transfers and its horizontal distribution is an important determinant of the pattern of inter State migration. To correct for the extant horizontal fiscal inequality across the Indian States, the article suggests a relatively more progressive transfer system and a developmental fiscal policy stance at the State level to reduce the pressure of out‐migration to prosperous regions of the country.
RAG gene defects at the verge of immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation
Authors: Villa Anna , Notarangelo Luigi D.
Published: December 2018

Mutations of the recombinase activating genes (RAG) in humans underlie a broad spectrum of clinical and immunological phenotypes that reflect different degrees of impairment of T‐ and B‐cell development and alterations of mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance. Recent studies have shown that this phenotypic heterogeneity correlates, albeit imperfectly, with different levels of recombination activity of the mutant RAG proteins. Furthermore, studies in patients and in newly developed animal models carrying hypomorphic RAG mutations have disclosed various mechanisms underlying immune dysregulation in this condition. Careful annotation of clinical outcome and immune reconstitution in RAG‐deficient patients who have received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has shown that progress has been made in the treatment of this disease, but new approaches remain to be tested to improve stem cell engraftment and durable immune reconstitution. Finally, initial attempts have been made to treat RAG deficiency with gene therapy.
Primary immunodeficiencies reveal the essential role of tissue neutrophils in periodontitis
Authors: Silva Lakmali M. , Brenchley Laurie , Moutsopoulos Niki M.
Published: December 2018

Periodontitis is a common human inflammatory disease. In this condition, microbiota trigger excessive inflammation in oral mucosal tissues surrounding the dentition, resulting in destruction of tooth‐supporting structures (connective tissue and bone). While susceptibility factors for common forms of periodontitis are not clearly understood, studies in patients with single genetic defects reveal a critical role for tissue neutrophils in disease susceptibility. Indeed, various genetic defects in the development, egress from the bone marrow, chemotaxis, and extravasation are clearly linked to aggressive/severe periodontitis at an early age. Here, we provide an overview of genetic defects in neutrophil biology that are linked to periodontitis. In particular, we focus on the mechanisms underlying Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency‐I, the prototypic Mendelian defect of impaired neutrophil extravasation and severe periodontitis.
Emerging insights into human health and NK cell biology from the study of NK cell deficiencies
Authors: Mace Emily M. , Orange Jordan S.
Published: December 2018

Human NK cells are innate immune effectors that play a critical roles in the control of viral infection and malignancy. The importance of their homeostasis and function can be demonstrated by the study of patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), which are part of the family of diseases known as inborn defects of immunity. While NK cells are affected in many PIDs in ways that may contribute to a patient's clinical phenotype, a small number of PIDs have an NK cell abnormality as their major immunological defect. These PIDs can be collectively referred to as NK cell deficiency (NKD) disorders and include effects upon NK cell numbers, subsets, and/or functions. The clinical impact of NKD can be severe including fatal viral infection, with particular susceptibility to herpesviral infections, such as cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, and Epstein‐Barr virus. While NKD is rare, studies of these diseases are important for defining specific requirements for human NK cell development and homeostasis. New themes in NK cell biology are emerging through the study of both known and novel NKD, particularly those affecting cell cycle and DNA damage repair, as well as broader PIDs having substantive impact upon NK cells. In addition, the discovery of NKD that affects other innate lymphoid cell (ILC) subsets opens new doors for better understanding the relationship between conventional NK cells and other ILC subsets. Here, we describe the biology underlying human NKD, particularly in the context of new insights into innate immune cell function, including a discussion of recently described NKD with accompanying effects on ILC subsets. Given the impact of these disorders upon human immunity with a common focus upon NK cells, the unifying message of a critical role for NK cells in human host defense singularly emerges.
Affected family member coping with a relative with alcohol and/or other drug misuse: A cross‐sectional survey questionnaire
Authors: McCann Terence V. , Stephenson John , Lubman Dan I.
Published: December 2018

Families have a crucial role supporting a relative with alcohol and/or other drug misuse, but the role has adverse implications for family members’ coping, which in turn, affects their ability and willingness to support the relative. The aim of this study was to assess the coping behaviours of affected family members of relatives with alcohol and/or other drug misuse and to assess if there was a relationship between the level of coping and family member type and support‐giving experience. A cross‐sectional survey design was used, and 90 respondents completed the questionnaire. Results suggest the following associations: that ‘Other’ family members made more frequent use of maladaptive coping strategies than intimate partners (P = 0.012); family members whose role had a negative effect on their physical health made more frequent use of maladaptive coping strategies than those whose role did not have this effect (P = 0.014); and family members whose role had a negative effect on their ability to socialise used maladaptive coping strategies more often than those whose role did not have this effect (P = 0.003). Engaged and tolerant‐inactive maladaptive coping strategies had a significantly greater adverse influence on family members’ physical health and/or socialising than withdrawal coping strategies. Affected family members should be supported to use adaptive coping strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of their support‐giving role and to sustain them in this crucial support‐giving role. Family and friends, mental health nurses, and other clinicians in the alcohol and other drug field have an important role in supporting family members in this context.
Erosive tooth wear among preschool children in Hong Kong
Authors: Duangthip Duangporn , Chen Kitty Jieyi , Gao Sherry Shiqian , Lussi Adrian , Lo Edward Chin Man , Chu Chun Hung
Published: December 2018

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of erosive tooth wear among 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children in Hong Kong and to determine the effect of socio‐economic factors, dental habits, and oral hygiene on their dental erosive wear status.

Methods

Stratified random sampling was adopted. Their parents were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their children's backgrounds. A single examiner evaluated the children for erosive tooth wear using Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) criteria. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between erosive wear and the children's socio‐economic factors, dental habits, and oral hygiene.

Results

1204 children participated in this study. Prevalence of erosive tooth wear (BEWE score > 0) was 14.9%. Among these, 153 children (12.8%) had initial wear, 21 children (1.8%) had distinct tooth loss, and five (0.4%) had severe erosive wear. Prevalence of erosive wear among the 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐year‐old children was 10.7%, 15.0%, and 17.7%, respectively. Increasing age, the low education of mother and high plaque scores were risk factors of erosive wear (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Prevalence of erosive tooth wear is low among preschool children in Hong Kong. The erosive tooth wear prevalence increased with increasing age, lower education of mother, and poorer oral hygiene.
Effects of sintering process on the structural, dielectric, and optical absorption properties of KNbO3‐based ceramics
Authors: Gennari Ronaldo C. , Lang Rossano , Eiras José A. , Lente Manuel H.
Published: December 2018

The influence of the sintering temperature and the dwell time on the structural, optical, and dielectric properties of [KNbO3]0.8[Ba(Ni0.5Nb0.5)O3−δ]0.2 ceramics (KBNNO) was systematically investigated. X‐ray diffraction measurements of the ceramic bodies sintered at different temperatures indicated that all samples presented a cubic‐like structure. However, the results remarkably revealed that both the sintering temperature and the dwell time are crucial factors that must be taken into account for “tuning” the optical response of the KBNNO ceramics. It was concluded that fine distortions in the (Nb,Ni)O6 octahedral site, induced by sintering temperature and dwell time, promoted subtle changes in the local crystal field and, consequently, in the optical properties of the KBNNO. The mechanisms responsible for the observed spectral features of KBNNO were discussed by considering absorbance spectra of NiNb2O6 ceramics and allowed ligand‐field transitions. The comparison between both optical spectra revealed a notable similarity between them. Since the octahedral site in KBNNO is equivalent to the nickel columbite structure, it was inferred that the spectral behavior is mainly driven by the same two contributions: one major associated to a distorted octahedral configuration and one minor related to spin‐orbit coupling effects. In accordance with X‐ray diffraction data, the temperature dependence of the dielectric properties corroborated that the KBNNO present a cubic‐like phase in the whole temperature range investigated.
Crystal structure and microwave dielectric properties of La2(Zr1−xTix)3(MoO4)9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) ceramics
Authors: Zhang Yunhui , Wu Haitao
Published: December 2018

La2(Zr1−xTix)3(MoO4)9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) ceramics were prepared by the traditional solid‐state reaction method. XRD analysis showed that La2(Zr1−xTix)3(MoO4)9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) ceramics belonged to a trigonal system. Based on the chemical bond theory, the consequences of bond energy, bond ionicity, lattice energy, and thermal expansion coefficient of ceramics on microwave dielectric properties were discussed. As Ti4+ addition was increased, the reduction in dielectric constant was ascribed to the fact that the polarizability of Ti4+ is smaller than Zr4+, and the downward trend was related to the bond ionicity. Besides, the tendency of Q·f value depended on the packing fraction and the lattice energy. The improvement in τf value, the increase in bond energy, and the decrease in the coefficient of thermal expansion were all correlated. The far‐infrared spectra implied that the absorptions of structural phonon oscillation were the main reason for the maximum polarization contribution. La2(Zr0.92Ti0.08)3(MoO4)9 ceramics sintered at 750°C for 4 hours exhibited the best dielectric properties (εr = 10.33, Q·f = 80 658 GHz, and τf = 3.48 ppm/°C).