bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factor analysis of comprehensive evaluation on rural built environment changes in China under multi-index panel data
Authors: Chen Chuan , Ao Yibin , Wang Yan
Published: June 2018

China’s rural areas have developed rapidly in the past 10 years, with remarkable changes in built environment. Nonetheless, the built environment in China’s rural areas has not been investigated. This study preliminarily explores an index system of China’s rural built environment, analyzes developing trends of rural built environment from a macro-perspective, and uses factor analysis to evaluate comprehensive level of rural built environment under multi-index panel data. A total of 24 samples were selected, including the entire China and the provinces (municipalities), by collecting and sorting a series of rural data from statistical yearbooks. Results show that rural built environment in China presents dynamic fluctuations, and the distribution of public factors presents irregular changes. Moreover, the overall ranking of built environmental scores in different provinces does not match the level of economic development, whereas the rural energy and ecological environment are relatively steady. These findings coincide with the current stage and policies of rural urbanization and new rural construction in China. China’s rural areas are rapidly developing, but the level and rate of development of each province is different. This study suggests that the government should first ensure the continuous promotion of projects that satisfy the needs of people’s livelihood in the next step of rural construction.
State civil disobedience: A republican perspective
Authors: Michelsen Danny
Published: June 2018

The article deals with the question of whether or under which circumstances it is reasonable to interpret some forms of illegal state action as civil disobedience and whether republican political theory can make a difference to the justification of those actions. It is argued that the theory of freedom as non-domination and the interpretation of the right to participation as the “right of rights” in a legitimate state provide a better justificatory scheme for cases in which developing or emerging countries break international trade laws for the purpose of protecting constitutional rights than Rawls’ theory of civil disobedience, because it takes the problem of power asymmetries in international relations and the status of social rights more seriously. However, these republican standards do not offer different practical solutions for a specific type of state disobedience, humanitarian intervention, because transferring the standards of non-domination and the fundamental right to participation to international relations would lead to a “maximalist” interpretation of human rights, which would undermine the function of such interventions as an instrument of last resort against oppressive governments.
Efficiency for Lives, Equality for Everything Else: How Allocation Preference Shifts Across Domains
Authors: Li Meng , Colby Helen A. , Fernbach Philip
Published: June 2018

The allocation of scarce public resources such as transplant organs and limited public funding involves a trade-off between equality—equal access and efficiency—maximizing total benefit. The current research explores how preferences shift when allocation decisions involve human lives versus when they do not. Fifteen experiments test this question using a variety of allocation scenarios including allocation of lifesaving medical aid, money, road construction, vaccines, and other resources. The results consistently show an increased preference for efficiency, when the allocation involves saving human lives, and equality, when the allocation involves outcomes with other consequences. We found no preference shift when stakes were manipulated in allocations where lives were not on the line, suggesting that the effect cannot be explained by lifesaving resources simply being higher stakes. These findings suggest a unique preference for efficiency for allocations involving life-and-death consequences that has implications for designing and conveying public resource allocation policies.
How Gender Identity and Transgender Status Affect Perceptions of Attractiveness
Authors: Mao Jessica M. , Haupert M. L. , Smith Eliot R.
Published: June 2018

Can a perceiver’s belief about a target’s transgender status (distinct from gender nonconforming appearance) affect perceptions of the target’s attractiveness? Cisgender, heterosexual men and women ( N = 319) received randomly assigned labels (cisgender cross-gender, transgender man, transgender woman, or nonbinary) paired with 48 cross-sex targets represented by photos and rated the attractiveness and related characteristics of those targets. The gender identity labels had a strong, pervasive effect on ratings of attraction. Nonbinary and especially transgender targets were perceived as less attractive than cisgender targets. The effect was particularly strong for male perceivers, and for women with traditional gender attitudes. Sexual and romantic attraction are not driven solely by sexed appearance; information about gender identity and transgender status also influences these assessments. These results have important implications for theoretical models of sexual orientation and for the dating lives of transgender people.
Face-Inversion Effect on Disgust Evoked by a Cluster of Dots
Authors: Furuno Manami , Sakurai Yuri , Imaizumi Shu , Koyama Shinichi
Published: June 2018

A cluster of dots such as lotus seed pods evokes extremely strong disgust when it is placed on human and animal skins. However, few empirical studies have examined the role of the background image, such as skin, in the generation of disgust. In this study, we investigated whether the orientation of background faces influences the disgust evoked by the dot pattern. The participants were asked to evaluate disgust to an upright, inverted, or phase-scrambled face image with or without a cluster of dots on it and then complete a questionnaire measuring trypophobia proneness (Trypophobia Questionnaire). The results suggested that disgust was intensified by the background faces, especially by the upright faces. The intensification of disgust in the upright face was correlated positively with the Trypophobia Questionnaire scores. The results indicated a face-inversion effect on the disgust to the dot pattern, suggesting a significant role of the background image.
Determinants of hospitalizations for pneumonia among Finnish drug users
Authors: Olubamwo Olubunmi O , Onyeka Ifeoma N , Aregbesola Alex , Ronkainen Kimmo , Tiihonen Jari , Föhr Jaana , Kauhanen Jussi
Published: June 2018

Objective:

The study examined the determinants of being hospitalized for pneumonia in a large cohort of drug users.

Methods:

Information of 4817 clients seeking treatment for illicit drug use was linked with the Finnish hospital discharge register to identify those who were hospitalized with main/primary diagnoses of pneumonia during 1997–2013. Cox regression models were used to examine the association between age, gender, homelessness, and route of drug administration of the primary drug at initial clinical consultation and pneumonia hospitalization. Findings were presented as adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

There were 354 persons diagnosed with pneumonia, with a total of 522 hospitalizations at the end of 2013. The univariate Cox models revealed that being over 44 years of age, male gender, homelessness, and intravenous drug use at initial clinical consultation increased the risk of being hospitalized for pneumonia. In the fully adjusted multivariate model, being over 44 years was the strongest factor independently associated with pneumonia hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.56–4.57, p < 0.001), followed by homelessness (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.38–2.22, p < 0.001) and intravenous drug use (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.59, p = 0.041). Of the 354 clients hospitalized for pneumonia, 31.9% ( n = 113) were rehospitalized within 30 days of being discharged. One-third of the reasons for the 30-day rehospitalization were pneumonia-related.

Conclusion:

Vaccination, measures addressing housing instability, safe injecting and good hygienic practices, and treating underlying drug use problems could help to reduce morbidity for pneumonia in this cohort.
Onset of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis is not influenced by current relapsing multiple sclerosis therapies
Authors: Coret Francisco , Pérez-Miralles Francisco C , Gascón Francisco , Alcalá Carmen , Navarré Arantxa , Bernad Ana , Boscá Isabel , Escutia Matilde , Gil-Perotin Sara , Casanova Bonaventura
Published: June 2018

Background

Disease-modifying therapies are thought to reduce the conversion rate to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Objective

To explore the rate, chronology, and contributing factors of conversion to the progressive phase in treated relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients.

Methods

Our study included 204 patients treated for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis between 1995 and 2002, prospectively followed to date. Kaplan–Meier analysis was applied to estimate the time until secondary progressive multiple sclerosis conversion, and multivariate survival analysis with a Cox regression model was used to analyse prognostic factors.

Results

Relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients were continuously treated for 13 years (SD 4.5); 36.3% converted to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis at a mean age of 42.6 years (SD 10.6), a mean time of 8.2 years (SD 5.2) and an estimated mean time of 17.2 years (range 17.1–18.1). A multifocal relapse, age older than 34 years at disease onset and treatment failure independently predicted conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis but did not influence the time to reach an Expanded Disability Status Scale of 6.0.

Conclusions

The favourable influence of disease-modifying therapies on long-term disability in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis is well established. However, the time to progression onset and the subsequent clinical course in treated patients seem similar to those previously reported in natural history studies. More studies are needed to clarify the effect of disease-modifying therapies once the progressive phase has been reached.
Cladribine: Off-label disease modification for people with multiple sclerosis in resource-poor settings?
Authors: Mao Zhifeng , Álvarez-Gonzalez César , De Trane Stefania , Yildiz Ozlem , Albor Christo , Doctor Gabriel , Soon Derek , Pepper George , Turner Benjamin P , Marta Monica , Mathews Joela , Giovannoni Gavin , Baker David , Schmierer Klaus
Published: June 2018

Background

A considerable number of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) live in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where lack of resource adversely affects access to effective disease-modifying treatment.

Objective

The objective of this commentary is to propose a useful cost-effective disease-modifying treatment option for pwMS in LMIC with potential high efficacy and high convenience to the pwMS and treating physician. Viewpoint: We propose using generic 2-chloro-2’-deoxyadenosine (cladribine), a small molecule licensed for treatment of people with hairy cell leukaemia, as a solution of this significant equity imbalance. Cladribine has been shown in phase II and III trials to be a highly effective disease-modifying treatment for pwMS, and its adverse effect profile is comparable with any DMT currently licensed in high-income economies where an oral preparation has recently been licensed by the European Medicines Agency.

Conclusion

Our viewpoint takes into account experience we have gathered over the past three years in the use of generic cladribine to treat pwMS. Whilst here we focus on MS, there is significant potential for use of cladribine in other conditions that could benefit from its mechanism of action.
Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase 1 and Phosphorylated Axonal Neurofilament Heavy Chain in Infants Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Preliminary Assessment as Potential Biomarkers of Brain Injury
Authors: Lee Timothy , Chikkabyrappa Sathish M. , Reformina Diane , Mastrippolito Amanda , Chakravarti Sujata B. , Mosca Ralph S. , Shaw Gerry , Malhotra Sunil P.
Published: June 2018

Background:

There are no reliable markers to assess brain injury in neonates following cardiac surgery. We examine ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCHL1) and phosphorylated axonal neurofilament heavy chain (pNF-H), neuronal-specific biomarkers released following axonal and cortical injury, in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA).

Methods:

Twenty-six patients younger than three months were prospectively enrolled (CPB only, n = 12 and DHCA, n = 14). Healthy newborns (n = 22) served as the control. Blood samples were collected preoperatively and postoperatively upon intensive care unit admission (hour 0) and subsequently at 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours. Serum was tested for UCHL1 and pNF-H using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Concomitant arterial blood gas, lactate, and cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring were performed.

Results:

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase 1 showed a significant rise at 0 hours in the DHCA group compared to baseline (74.9 ± 13.7 pg/mL vs 33.9 ± 37.3 pg/mL, P < .0001). Levels returned to baseline at 12 hours. There was an early rise in UCHL1 at 0 hours in the CPB group, P = .09. Phosphorylated axonal neurofilament heavy chain was decreased at 0 hours in both the CPB and DHCA groups compared to baseline, P = .06. There was no difference between control and baseline levels of UCHL1 ( P = .9) or pNF-H ( P = .77). Decreased NIRS was observed in the DHCA group at 0 hours (57.3 ± 10.5) versus baseline (64.2 ± 12.3), but not significant ( P = .21). There was no correlation between biomarkers and NIRS at 0 hours.

Conclusion:

A rapid rise in UCHL1 levels was observed in the DHCA group, suggesting that it may be a marker for acute brain injury. Follow-up with neurodevelopmental studies is ongoing.
Kawashima by Fenestrated Hemi-Fontan for Palliation Following Prior Stage I Norwood Operation
Authors: Zablah Jenny E. , Ross Michael , Wilson Neil , Fonseca Brian , Mitchell Max B.
Published: June 2018

Single ventricle patients with interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC) and azygos continuation to the superior vena cava (SVC) are typically palliated with a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS), known as the Kawashima operation in this setting. Because the volume of venous blood directed to the pulmonary arteries is substantially greater in the presence of interrupted IVC, Kawashima procedures are commonly delayed to older age compared to other single ventricle patients undergoing BCPS. We report two young infant single ventricle patients with interrupted IVC and azygos continuation to the SVC who underwent stage I Norwood procedures for initial palliation. In both cases, a fenestrated hemi-Fontan procedure achieved successful Kawashima circulations.
Rotational Thromboelastometry Rapidly Predicts Thrombocytopenia and Hypofibrinogenemia During Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Scott John P. , Niebler Robert A. , Stuth Eckehard A. E. , Newman Debra K. , Tweddell James S. , Bercovitz Rachel S. , Benson D. Woodrow , Cole Regina , Simpson Pippa M. , Yan Ke , Woods Ronald K.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Thrombocytopenia and hypofibrinogenemia during neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) contribute to bleeding and morbidity. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a viscoelastic assay with a rapid turnaround time. Data validating ROTEM during neonatal cardiac surgery remain limited. This study examined perioperative hemostatic trends in neonates treated with standardized platelet and cryoprecipitate transfusion during CPB. We hypothesized that ROTEM would predict thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, and the correction thereof.

Methods:

Forty-four neonates undergoing CPB were included in this prospective observational study. Blood samples were obtained at Baseline, On CPB, Post-CPB, and Postoperative. The ROTEM analysis included extrinsically activated (Extem) and fibrinogen-specific (Fibtem) assays. Platelet-specific thromboelastometry (Pltem) values were calculated. Platelet and cryoprecipitate transfusion was initiated prior to termination of CPB.

Results:

Platelet count and Extem amplitude decreased significantly On CPB ( P < .0001), increased significantly Post-CPB ( P < .0001), and Postoperative values were not significantly different from Baseline. Extem amplitude at 10 minutes (A10) > 46.5 mm (AUC = 0.941) and Pltem A10 > 37.5 mm [area under curve (AUC) = 0.960] predicted platelet count > 100 × 103/μL, and they highly correlated with platelet count ( R = 0.89 and R = 0.90, respectively). Fibrinogen concentration and Fibtem amplitude decreased significantly On CPB ( P ≤ .0001) and normalized after cryoprecipitate transfusion. Fibtem A10 > 9.5 mm predicted fibrinogen >200 mg/dL (AUC = 0.817), but it correlated less well with fibrinogen concentration ( R = 0.65).

Conclusions:

ROTEM analysis during neonatal cardiac surgery is sensitive and specific for thrombocytopenia and hypofibrinogenemia, identifying deficits within 10 minutes. Platelet and cryoprecipitate transfusion during neonatal CPB normalizes platelet count, fibrinogen level, and ROTEM amplitudes.
Role of Negative Pressure Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Sternal Wound Infections After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Copeland Hannah , Newcombe Jennifer , Yamin Feras , Bhajri Khaled , Mille Vanessa Ayer , Hasaniya Nahidh , Bailey Leonard , Razzouk Anees J.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Sternal wound infections after pediatric cardiac surgery are uncommon but can be morbid.

Methods:

We describe an institutional protocol for complicated sternal wounds utilizing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).

Participants:

A retrospective chart review (2001-2013) of 4,028 pediatric cardiac operations in 3,264 patients less than 18 years of age.

Results:

Fifty-three patients (1.62%; 53/3,264) were diagnosed with clinical sternal wound infections. There were 27 (50.9%) males and 26 (49.1%) females. Thirty-seven (69.8%) patients received antibiotics and/or debridement; sixteen (30.2%) patients had more complicated infections requiring NPWT and/or HBO therapy. The time to heal for wounds treated with HBO and HBO + NPWT was a mean of 43.75 (±24.27) days (range: 21-98 days; median: 35 days). Among all infected patients, the time from diagnosis of the infection to resolution of the infection for all survivors was 7 to 98 days (mean: 26.41 days; median: 21 days). Forty-eight (90.6%) patients completely healed their wounds, and 45 (84.9%) patients are currently alive. Thirty-eight patients had a cyanotic cardiac diagnosis and 15 had an acyanotic cardiac diagnosis. The most common bacteria isolated from the blood or wound cultures was Staphylococcus aureus. Six of 53 patients died. Causes of death are as follows: three from respiratory failure, one from sepsis, one from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and one from exsanguination leading to cardiac arrest

Conclusions:

Complicated sternal wound infections after pediatric cardiac surgery refractory to antibiotic therapy and/or debridement can be successfully treated with NPWT and/or HBO therapy.
Cultural Competence: Facilitating Indigenous Voices Within Health Promotion Competencies
Authors: Hicks Karen Anne
Published: June 2018

Indigenous voices must inform health promotion strategies aiming to address significant and persistent Indigenous health inequities. Consequently, Indigenous knowledge and practice must inform capacity development tools such as health promotion competencies. To ensure Indigenous voices are heard, culturally appropriate consultations must be undertaken. This article analyzes the consultation process undertaken to develop the 2012 Aotearoa/New Zealand health promotion competency framework. Analysis was undertaken to identify aspects within the consultation process that facilitated participation by Māori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa/New Zealand. This qualitative research study was undertaken with health promotion practitioners involved in the consultation process; data were obtained from individual semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings demonstrate that using culturally appropriate consultative approaches, and integrating Māori values within the consultation process, resulted in a culturally competent framework. Findings can inform future consultation processes undertaken with Māori alongside Indigenous populations and culturally diverse populations globally.
An Investigation Into the Effect of Dynamic Assessment on the EFL Learners’ Process Writing Development
Authors: Rashidi Nasser , Bahadori Nejad Zahra
Published: June 2018

The present study was undertaken to explore the practicality and the effect of dynamic assessment on L2 writing ability of Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. To this end, 17 EFL learners divided into two groups, participated in this article. Then, dynamic assessment procedure was done in three steps, topic-choice, idea-generation, and macro-revising. All these steps ran with the mediation of the teacher and also the learners together. The results of the study indicated that dynamic assessment significantly influenced participants’ scores, enhanced their writing ability, and illustrated that experimental group’s dynamic assessment scores were generally higher than the control group’s scores. The results of the learners’ interview assured that dynamic assessment could improve the learners’ EFL process writing and their writing confidence. It also elevated their motivation in their writing ability.
Health Literacy Deficits Found Among Educated, Insured University Employees
Authors: Karl Joyce I. , McDaniel Jodi C.
Published: June 2018

Evidence has consistently shown that low/limited health literacy (HL) is associated with negative health consequences and higher costs for individuals and society. To generate internal data for employee training and health/wellness programming, an HL assessment of 120 university employees was conducted using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS), a valid and reliable clinical screening tool that asks individuals to interpret a nutrition label. Sociodemographic data were collected and time to administer the NVS tool was also measured. Even in this employed, well-educated sample (mean years of formal education was 16.6 years), 17% had scores indicating limited or possibly limited HL. Findings have implications for occupational training and health providers and programs. Even a well-educated workforce benefits from addressing HL challenges or situational issues with universal strategies. This project supports initiatives to assist employees better navigate, understand, and use health information and services to improve their health.
Examining the Effectiveness of Huff Model in Store Performance Assessment
Authors: Singla Vikas , Rai Harpreet
Published: June 2018

Huff model and its variants have been used extensively in location decision making. This study has compared two versions of Huff model of location decision making in their appropriateness to analyze sales performance of selected shopping center. The sales have been estimated by using original Huff model given by David L. Huff (1964, Journal of Marketing, 28, 34–38) and modified version of it is suggested by Li and Liu in 2012 ( Applied Geography, 32, 591–600). The modified version considered the effects of agglomeration and competition on similar stores. But the selected stores were standalone stores. In this study instead, a famous shopping mall consisting of cluster of stores, which create bundling effect and provide more choices to customers, has been used to understand the effectiveness of discussed two versions of Huff model. The results were obtained for different agglomeration and competition factors in case of modified Huff model. These different factors were found to have significant influence on estimation of sales suggesting utmost care in their selection. Overall modified version was found to be more suitable in fulfilling the objective.
Acetabular revision using a Kerboull-type reinforcement device through direct anterior approach
Authors: Tamaki Tatsuya , Ninomiya Taishi , Jonishi Kurato , Miura Yoko , Oinuma Kazuhiro , Shiratsuchi Hideaki
Published: June 2018

Background:

The direct anterior approach has gained popularity in total hip arthroplasty (THA) over the past decade. However, there are few reports that describe the use of this approach for cases of complex revision. The purpose of this study was to report the surgical procedure and early clinical results of acetabular revision in the presence of bone defects using a Kerboull-type reinforcement device through the direct anterior approach.

Methods:

Eleven patients who had undergone acetabular reconstruction using a Kerboull-type reinforcement device for aseptic or septic loosening bone defects were enrolled. All procedures were performed using the direct anterior approach on a standard operating table. The mean age was 71.8 years, the mean period from initial surgery to revision THA was 14.5 years, and the mean follow-up period was 19.8 months.

Results:

The Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device with cemented cup combined with allogenic femoral head bone grafts was used in all hips. The mean operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 148 min and 743 g, respectively. None of the patients required allogeneic blood transfusion. One patient required revision surgery 11 months postoperatively because of device displacement. No other major or minor orthopedic complications were observed.

Conclusion:

The direct anterior approach allows for less invasive acetabular reconstruction using a Kerboull-type reinforcement device.
ADAP deficiency impairs megakaryocyte polarization with ectopic proplatelet release and causes microthrombocytopenia
Authors: Spindler Markus , van Eeuwijk Judith M. M. , Schurr Yvonne , Nurden Paquita , Nieswandt Bernhard , Stegner David , Reinhold Annegret , Bender Markus
Published: June 2018

Key Points

ADAP deficiency in mice leads to microthrombocytopenia caused by a reduced platelet life span and ectopic (pro)platelet release. Lack of ADAP in MKs impairs demarcation membrane system polarization and podosome formation.
Evolution of a chemosensitive core-binding factor AML into an aggressive leukemia with eosinophilic differentiation
Authors: Xiao Wenbin , Yabe Mariko , Offin Michael , Khattar Pallavi , Baik Jeeyeon , Daley Ryan J. , Pappacena Jeremy J. , Roshal Mikhail , Zhang Yanming , Tallman Martin S. , Cai Sheng F.
Published: June 2018

Key Points

Core-binding factor AML can evolve from good-risk disease into aggressive disease through the gain of additional genomic aberrations. In this unique case, an AML patient died of hypereosinophilic syndrome with solid organ infiltration of differentiated eosinophils.
ClC-2 knockdown prevents cerebrovascular remodeling via inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Lu Jingjing , Xu Feng , Zhang Yingna , Lu Hong , Zhang Jiewen
Published: June 2018

Background

Mishandling of intracellular chloride (Cl−) concentration ([Cl−]i) in cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells is implicated in several pathological processes, including hyperplasia and remodeling. We investigated the effects of ClC-2-mediated Cl− efflux on the proliferation of human brain vascular smooth muscle cells (HBVSMCs) induced by angiotensin II (AngII).

Methods

Cell proliferation and motility were determined using the CCK-8, bromodeoxyuridine staining, wound healing and invasion assays. ClC-2, PCNA, Ki67, survivin and cyclin D1 expression, and β-catenin and GSK-3β phosphorylation were examined using western blotting. Histological analyses were performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and α-SMA staining.

Results

Our results showed that AngII-induced HBVSMC proliferation was accompanied by a decrease in [Cl−]i and an increase in ClC-2 expression. Inhibition of ClC-2 by siRNA prevented AngII from inducing the efflux of Cl−. AngII-induced HBVSMC proliferation, migration and invasion were significantly attenuated by ClC-2 downregulation. The inhibitory effects of ClC-2 knockout on HBVSMC proliferation and motility were associated with inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, as evidenced by inhibition of β-catenin phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, and decrease of GSK-3β phosphorylation and survivin and cyclin D1 expression. Recombinant Wnt3a treatment markedly reversed the effect of ClC-2 knockdown on HBVSMC viability. An in vivo study revealed that knockdown of ClC-2 with shRNA adenovirus ameliorated basilar artery remodeling by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in AngII-treated mice.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that blocking ClC-2-mediated Cl− efflux inhibits AngII-induced cerebrovascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Our data indicate that downregulation of ClC-2 may be a viable strategy in the prevention of hyperplasia and remodeling of cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells.
Undeclared animal species in dry and wet novel and hydrolyzed protein diets for dogs and cats detected by microarray analysis
Authors: Ricci Rebecca , Conficoni Daniele , Morelli Giada , Losasso Carmen , Alberghini Leonardo , Giaccone Valerio , Ricci Antonia , Andrighetto Igino
Published: June 2018

Background

Although the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) stated that labels must be accurate and provide detailed information on the ingredients, mislabeling of pet food has been documented by several authors. This phenomenon is of particular concern when related to products used as elimination diets for the diagnosis of adverse food reaction (AFR) in dogs and cats because the presence of undeclared ingredients may negatively interfere with the trial and prevent the veterinarian from making an appropriate diagnosis. The aim of this study was to shed light upon the problem of contamination and mislabeling in both dry and wet novel protein diets (NPDs) and hydrolyzed protein diets (HPDs) using a microarray-based commercial kit which tests for the presence of 19 animal species.

Results

Of the 40 analyzed products (9 dry NPDs, 22 wet NPDs, 6 dry HPDs and 3 wet HPDs), ten presented a content that correctly matched the label, while five did not contain the declared animal species, twenty-three revealed the presence of undeclared animal species, and two had a vague label that did not allow the evaluation of its accuracy. The most frequently contaminants identified in both dry and wet pet foods were pork, chicken and turkey. The presence of undeclared animal species was higher in dry than wet pet foods; furthermore, a lower number of contaminating animal species was identified in HPDs than NPDs (4 vs 10), and a lower number of contaminated HPDs (6 out of 9, 67%) than contaminated NPDs was detected (24 out of 31, 77%). Thirteen out of 14 brands tested presented at least one mislabeled product.

Conclusions

Mislabeling seems to be a widespread issue in pet foods used as elimination diets. Contamination can occur in all types of products used for the purpose, although dry NPDs are the main issue. Due to the high risk of contamination, particular attention should be given to both the selection of raw material suppliers and the production process.
Maternal daily work hours affect nutritional status of children in Northern Ghana
Authors: Garti Humphrey , Ali Zakari , Garti Helene Akpene
Published: June 2018

Background

Data on the effect of maternal daily work hours on child nutritional status is scarce in Ghana. Such data may be important in defining maternal employment policies for improved child nutrition. This study therefore sought to determine the effect of maternal daily work hours on the nutritional status of farmer and public service mothers in the northern region of Ghana.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted among 320 mothers with children 6–59 months. Maternal daily work hours and dietary intake of children were assessed with a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of children were also taken to classify child nutritional status. The association between maternal daily work hours and child nutritional status was determined using both bivariate analysis and multivariate regression modelling.

Results

Majority of the children (45.1%) were aged between their second and third birthdays. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight were 17.8, 8.1, and 10.3% respectively. Only stunting (p = 0.031) associated significantly with maternal employment and was higher among children of farmers (22.1%) compared to public servants (12.8%). Even though maternal age (p = 0.035), minimum dietary diversity (p = 0.040), non-consumption of legumes (p = 0.031) and other vegetables (p = 0.006) associated with stunting at bivariate level, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only maternal daily work hours had significant effect on stunting. Compared to mothers who worked above 6 h a day, those who worked only a maximum of 4 h were 5.4 times more likely to have stunted children [AOR = 5.375; 95% CI (1.751–16.502); p = 0.003].

Conclusion

Present study results show that maternal daily work hours could be an important determinant of child stunting in northern region of Ghana.
Insulin signaling modulates border cell movement in Drosophila oogenesis
Authors: Sharma Aditi , Halder Sudipta , Felix Martina , Nisaa Khairun , Deshpande Girish , Prasad Mohit
Published: June 2018

As collective cell migration is intimately involved in different aspects of metazoan development, molecular mechanisms underlying this process are being explored in a variety of developmental contexts. Border cell (BC) migration during Drosophila oogenesis has emerged as an excellent genetic model for studying collective cell migration. BCs are of epithelial origin but acquire partial mesenchymal characteristics before migrating as a group towards the oocyte. Here, we report that insulin signaling modulates collective BC movement during Drosophila oogenesis. Supporting the involvement of Insulin pathway, we demonstrate that compromising Insulin-like Receptor (InR) levels in BCs, inhibits their migration. Furthermore, we show that canonical Insulin signaling pathway components participate in this process. Interestingly, visualization of InR-depleted BC clusters, using time-lapse imaging, revealed a delay in detachment of BC clusters from the surrounding anterior follicle cells and altered protrusion dynamics. Lastly, based on genetic interactions between InR, the polarity determinant, par-1 and a regulatory subunit of Drosophila Myosin (spaghetti squash), we propose that Insulin signaling likely influences par-1 activity to engineer border cell detachment and subsequent movement via Drosophila Myosin.
Embryonic growth rate affects telomere attrition: an experiment in a wild bird
Authors: Vedder Oscar , Verhulst Simon , Zuidersma Erica , Bouwhuis Sandra
Published: June 2018

High growth rate is associated with a short lifespan, but the physiological basis for this trade-off is not well known. Telomere length predicts individual lifespan and in this study we investigated whether embryonic growth rate, manipulated using incubation temperature, affects erythrocyte telomere length in a wild bird species, the common tern (Sterna hirundo). A 1oC lower incubation temperature decreased growth rate by 5%, without affecting size at hatching. The slower growth was associated with 147 base pairs longer telomere length at hatching. If carried through to adulthood, this effect would correspond with an approximately 3 year longer lifespan. Our results thus suggest that an effect of growth rate on lifespan may be mediated by telomere dynamics, or a physiological process reflected by telomere length.
A review on radiomics and the future of theranostics for patient selection in precision medicine
Authors: Keek Simon A , Leijenaar Ralph TH , Jochems Arthur , Woodruff Henry C
Published: June 2018

The growing complexity and volume of clinical data and the associated decision-making processes in oncology promote the advent of precision medicine. Precision (or personalised) medicine describes preventive and/or treatment procedures that take individual patient variability into account when proscribing treatment, and has been hindered in the past by the strict requirements of accurate, robust, repeatable and preferably non-invasive biomarkers to stratify both the patient and the disease. In oncology, tumour subtypes are traditionally measured through repeated invasive biopsies, which are taxing for the patient and are cost and labour intensive. Quantitative analysis of routine clinical imaging provides an opportunity to capture tumour heterogeneity non-invasively, cost-effectively and on large scale. In current clinical practice radiological images are qualitatively analysed by expert radiologists whose interpretation is known to suffer from inter- and intra-operator variability. Radiomics, the high-throughput mining of image features from medical images, provides a quantitative and robust method to assess tumour heterogeneity, and radiomics-based signatures provide a powerful tool for precision medicine in cancer treatment. This study aims to provide an overview of the current state of radiomics as a precision medicine decision support tool. We first provide an overview of the requirements and challenges radiomics currently faces in being incorporated as a tool for precision medicine, followed by an outline of radiomics’ current applications in the treatment of various types of cancer. We finish with a discussion of possible future advances that can further develop radiomics as a precision medicine tool.
Identification and removal of sequencing artifacts produced by mispriming during reverse transcription in multiple RNA-seq technologies
Authors: Shivram Haridha , Iyer Vishwanath R.
Published: June 2018

The quality of RNA sequencing data relies on specific priming by the primer used for reverse transcription (RT-primer). Nonspecific annealing of the RT-primer to the RNA template can generate reads with incorrect cDNA ends and can cause misinterpretation of data (RT mispriming). This kind of artifact in RNA-seq based technologies is underappreciated and currently no adequate tools exist to computationally remove them from published data sets. We show that mispriming can occur with as little as two bases of complementarity at the 3′ end of the primer followed by intermittent regions of complementarity. We also provide a computational pipeline that identifies cDNA reads produced from RT mispriming, allowing users to filter them out from any aligned data set. Using this analysis pipeline, we identify thousands of mispriming events in a dozen published data sets from diverse technologies including short RNA-seq, total/mRNA-seq, HITS-CLIP, and GRO-seq. We further show how RT mispriming can lead to misinterpretation of data. In addition to providing a solution to computationally remove RT-misprimed reads, we also propose an experimental solution to completely avoid RT-mispriming by performing RNA-seq using thermostable group II intron derived reverse transcriptase (TGIRT-seq).
ΚΛΙΝΙΚΑΙ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΣΕΙΣ & ΑΙΤΙΟλΟΓΙΚΑΙ ΕΡΕΥΝΑ! ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΜΟΛΥΣΜΑΤΙΚΗΣ ΠΑΡΑΠΑΗΓΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΙΠΠΟΥ
Authors: ΜΑΤΘΑΙΑΚΗΣ ΕΜΜ. Α.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT
ΚΛΙΝΙΚΑΙ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΣΕΙΣ & ΑΙΤΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΑΙ ΕΡΕΥΝΑΙ ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΜΟΛΥΣΜΑΤΙΚΗΣ ΠΑΡΑΠΛΗΓΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΙΠΠΟΥ
Authors: ΜΑΤΘΑΙΑΚΗΣ ΕΜΜ. Α.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΤΡΟΦΙΚΑΙ ΤΟΞΙΝΩΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΛΟΙΜΩΞΕΙΣ
Authors: ΤΑΡΛΑΖΗΣ Κ. , ΧΡΙΣΤΟΔΟΥΛΟΥ Θ.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΑΥΤΟΠΛΑΣΤΙΚΗ ΔΕΡΜΑΤΟΣ ΕΙΣ ΗΜΙΟΝΟΝ
Authors: ΤΡΙΑΝΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΣ
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΙΠΠΟΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΗ ΚΑΙ ΝΤΟΠΑΡΙΣΜΑ ΔΡΟΜΟΝΩΝ ΙΠΠΩΝ
Authors: ΜΑΝΙΑΤΑΚΗΣ Ι. Σ.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΕΠΙΖΩΟΤΙΚΗ ΛΕΜΦΑΓΓΕΪΤΙΣ
Authors: ΣΠΑΗΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΑΔENΩMATΩΔHΣ ΠΝΕΥΜΟΝΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΠΡΟΒΑΤΟΥ ( JΑAGSIEKTE )
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΟΔΟΥΛΟΥ Θ. , ΤΑΡΛΑΤΖΗΣ Κ.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
H ΤΕΛΕΥΤΑΙΑ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΕΠΙΖΩΟΤΙΑ ΑΦΘΩΔΟΥΣ ΠΥΡΕΤΟΥ ΕΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΙ
Authors: ΣΠΑΗΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΠΕΡΙ ΤΩΝ ΔΗΛΗΤΗΡΙΑΣΕΩΝ ΕΚ ΤΟΥ ΦΥΤΟΥ MERCURIALIS ANNUA
Authors: ΜΑΚΡΙΔΗΣ Ι.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΕΞΙΔΡΩΜΑΤΙΚΗ ΠΕΡΙΤΟΝΙΤΙΣ ΕΙΣ ΙΠΠΟΝ ΚΑΤΟΠΙΝ ΕΚΤΟΜΗΣΕΩΣ, ΙΑΘΕΙΣΑ ΔΙΑ ΛΑΠΑΡΑΤΟΜΙΑΣ
Authors: ΠΑΠΑΔΑΝΙΗΛ ΣΩΚΡΑΤΗΣ Κ.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
H ΣΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ ΘΕΣΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΜΕΘΟΔΟΥ KELLNER ΕΝ ΤΗ ΔΙΑΤΡΟΦΗ
Authors: ΚΑΛΑΪΣΑΚΗΣ Π.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
One Environmental Health: an emerging perspective in toxicology
Authors: Pérez Adam , Pierce Wise Sr. John
Published: June 2018

The One Environmental Health research approach, a subspecialty of the One Health initiative, focuses on toxic chemicals. Distinct disciplines work together to give a holistic perspective of a health concern through discrete disciplines, including, but not limited to, public health and the medical and veterinary sciences. In this article, we illustrate the concept of One Environmental Health with two case studies. One case study focuses on alligators and contributions to the field of endocrine disruption. The other case study focuses on whales and contributions to understanding carcinogenic metals. Both studies illustrate how the health of sentinel organisms has the potential to inform about the health of humans and the ecosystem.
Who and why do researchers opt to publish in post-publication peer review platforms? - findings from a review and survey of F1000 Research
Authors: Kirkham Jamie , Moher David
Published: June 2018

Background:  Preprint servers and alternative publication platforms enable authors to accelerate the dissemination of their research.  In recent years there has been an exponential increase in the use of such servers and platforms in the biomedical sciences, although little is known about who, why and what experiences researchers have with publishing on such platforms.  In this article we explore one of these alternative publication platforms, F1000 Research, which offers immediate publication followed by post-publication peer review. 

Methods: From an unselected cohort of articles published between 13th July 2012 and 30th November 2017 in F1000 Research, we provided a summary of who and what was published on this platform and calculated the percentage of published articles that had been indexed on a bibliographic database (PubMed) following successful post-publication peer review.  We also surveyed corresponding authors to further understand the rationale and experiences of those that have published using this platform.      

Results: A total of 1865 articles had been published in the study cohort period, of which 80% (n=1488) had successfully undergone peer review and were indexed on PubMed within a minimum period of six months since first publication. Nearly three-quarters of articles passed the peer review process with their initial submission.  Survey responses were received from 296 corresponding authors. Open access, open peer review and the speed of publication were the three main reasons why authors opted to publish with F1000 Research.    

Conclusions: Many who published with F1000 Research had a positive experience and indicated that they would publish again with this same platform in the future.  Nevertheless, there remained some concerns about the peer review process and the quality of the articles that were published.
Surveillance and Epidemiology of Drug Resistant Infections Consortium (SEDRIC): Supporting the transition from strategy to action
Authors: Fukuda Keiji , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Okeke Iruka N. , Shetty Nandini , van Doorn Rogier , Feasey Nicholas A. , Chiara Francesca , Zoubiane Ghada , Jinks Tim , Parkhill Julian , Patel Jean , Reid Stuart W.J. , Holmes Alison H. , Peacock Sharon J. ,   Surveillance and Epidemiology of Drug Resistant Infections Consortium (SEDRIC)
Published: June 2018

In recognition of the central importance of surveillance and epidemiology in the control of antimicrobial resistance and the need to strengthen surveillance at all levels, Wellcome has brought together a new international expert group SEDRIC (Surveillance and Epidemiology of Drug Resistant Infections Consortium). SEDRIC aims to advance and transform the ways of tracking, sharing and analysing rates of infection and antimicrobial resistance, burden of disease, information on antimicrobial use, opportunities for preventative measures such as vaccines, and contamination of the environment. SEDRIC aims to strengthen the availability of information needed to monitor and track risks, including an evaluation of access to, and utility of data generated by pharma and research activities, and will support the translation of surveillance data into interventions, changes in policy and more effective practices. Ways of working will include the provision of independent scientific analysis, advocacy and expert advice to groups, such as the Wellcome Drug Resistant Infection Priority Programme. A priority for SEDRIC’s first Working Group is to review mechanisms to strengthen the generation, collection, collation and dissemination of high quality data, together with finding more effective and creative uses of existing data and proxy measures, and linking such approaches to existing in-country capabilities. SEDRIC will also promote the translation of technological innovations into public health solutions.
Ophthalmic signs in Ugandan adults with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis: A nested analysis of the ASTRO-CM cohort
Authors: Atherton Rachel R , Ellis Jayne , Cresswell Fiona V , Rhein Joshua , Boulware David R
Published: June 2018

Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected persons, accounting for 15% of AIDS-related deaths. Visual disturbance is commonly reported, and a wide range of ophthalmic signs may be present on examination. There is limited published literature to date describing the range and incidence of ophthalmic signs in HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. Nested within the Adjunctive Sertraline for the Treatment of HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis (ASTRO-CM) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01802385), we conducted an observational study of 696 Ugandan adults with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.

Patients were screened for visual disturbance and ophthalmic signs at initial presentation and at follow-up appointments over 18 weeks. Assessment comprised simple clinical history and basic examination and required no specialist equipment.

More than a quarter of our cohort demonstrated ocular signs or symptoms, which were observed throughout the study period.  A broad range of ocular signs were demonstrated: these included neurological signs (10.9%), localized ocular pathology (4.5%), and evidence of concurrent systemic disease (12.9%).

The range of signs observed demonstrates the complexities of case management in patients with advanced HIV and cryptococcosis and also the importance of basic ocular examination in low resource settings.

There remains an urgent need for studies conducting comprehensive ocular examination in patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis; these studies should include formal assessment of visual acuity, slit lamp examination and dilated indirect ophthalmoscopy. Prospective studies should investigate whether there is a correlation between reported visual disturbance and objective signs, in order to further clarify the underlying mechanisms and to guide effective diagnosis, follow-up and management.