bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging mass spectrometry for novel insights into contact allergy – a proof‐of‐concept study on nickel
Authors: Malmberg Per , Guttenberg Thomas , Ericson Marica B. , Hagvall Lina
Published: November 2017

Background

In spite of extensive regulation to limit exposure, nickel remains the main cause of contact allergy in the general population. More detailed knowledge on the skin uptake of haptens is required. So far, no method exists for the visualization of this clinically relevant hapten and its distribution in the skin.

Objectives

To show, in terms of a proof of concept, that imaging mass spectrometry [time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS)] can be applied for investigation of the penetration and distribution of nickel in human skin.

Method

Full‐thickness human skin obtained from breast reduction surgery was exposed to nickel sulfate (5% in deionized water) for 24 h in Franz‐type diffusion cells. Biopsies were obtained from nickel‐treated samples and control (deionized water). The tissue was sliced, and analysed with ToF‐SIMS, generating high‐resolution images of ion distribution in the epidermis and upper dermis.

Results

The skin layers could be discerned from the ToF‐SIMS data, particularly on the basis of the collagen signal. Nickel ions were localized to the stratum corneum and upper epidermis.

Conclusions

This is the first time that ToF‐SIMS has been applied to trace the distribution of a hapten in human skin. Proof of principle was shown for nickel, and the technique can, in the future, be expanded for investigation of the skin distribution of clinically relevant sensitizers in general.
INEQUALITY IN MORTALITY OVER THE LIFE COURSE: WHY THINGS ARE NOT AS BAD AS YOU THINK
Authors: Currie Janet M.
Published: November 2017

Recent research shows increasing inequality in mortality among middle‐aged and older adults. But this is only part of the story. Inequality in mortality among young people has fallen dramatically in the United States converging to almost Canadian rates. Increases in public health insurance for U.S. children, beginning in the late 1980s, are likely to have contributed. (JEL D63, I18, I38, J1, J3, J18)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS—INEQUALITY IN MORTALITY OVER THE LIFE COURSE: WHY THINGS ARE NOT AS BAD AS YOU THINK
Authors: Currie Janet M.
Published: November 2017

Inequality in mortality over the life course: Why things are not as bad as you think. (JEL D63, I18, I38, J1, J3, J18)
Improving evolutionary decision tree induction with multi‐interval discretization
Authors: Saremi Mehrin , Yaghmaee Farzin
Published: November 2017

Decision trees are a widely used tool for pattern recognition and data mining. Over the last 4 decades, many algorithms have been developed for the induction of decision trees. Most of the classic algorithms use a greedy, divide‐and‐conquer search method to find an optimal tree, whereas recently evolutionary methods have been used to perform a global search in the space of possible trees. To the best of our knowledge, limited research has addressed the issue of multi‐interval decision trees. In this paper, we improve our previous work on multi‐interval trees and compare our previous and current work with a classic algorithm, ie, chi‐squared automatic interaction detection, and an evolutionary algorithm, ie, evtree.

The results show that the proposed method improves on our previous method both in accuracy and in speed. It also outperforms chi‐squared automatic interaction detection and performs comparably to evtree. The trees generated by our method have more nodes but are shallower than those produced by evtree.
The prognostic significance of frailty compared to peak oxygen consumption and B‐type natriuretic peptide in patients with advanced heart failure
Authors: Moayedi Yasbanoo , Duero Posada Juan G. , Foroutan Farid , Goldraich Livia A. , Alba Ana C. , MacIver Jane , Ross Heather J.
Published: November 2017

Frailty assessment has become an integral part of the evaluation of potential candidates for heart transplantation and ventricular assist device (HTx/VAD). The impact of frailty, as a heart failure risk factor or to identify those who will derive the greatest benefit with HTx/VAD remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the independent prognostic relevance of frailty assessment from peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) or B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) on mortality in patients referred for advanced heart failure therapies. Frailty was measured using modified Fried frailty criteria. In 201 consecutive patients, during a median follow‐up of 17.5 months (IQR 11‐29.2), there were 25 (12.4%) deaths. One‐year survival was 100%, 94%, and 78% in nonfrail, prefrail, and frail patients, respectively (log rank P = .0001). Frailty was associated with a twofold increase risk of death (HR 2.01, P < .0001, 95% CI 1.42‐2.84). When adjusted for BNP or peak VO2, frailty was not associated with a significant risk of all‐cause death. However, when peak VO2 is stratified into two categories (≥12 mL/kg/min vs <12 mL/kg/min), frailty was associated with increased mortality in patients with a lower peak VO2 (HR 1.72, P = .006).
Sampling of wide local excision specimens in cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Fives Cassie , Heffron Cynthia C. B. B.
Published: November 2017

Background

Wide local excisions (WLEs) are frequently undertaken in the management of cutaneous melanoma; however, there is a considerable variability in their macroscopic sampling. The aim of our study was to establish evidence‐based guidelines for the macroscopic handling of these specimens with a subsequent review of the impact on our service.

Methods

The study group of 128 cases with initial biopsy and subsequent WLE in our institution in 2010 were identified by a computer‐generated search. From analysis of this group, guidelines for macroscopic sampling were derived with a repeat search performed in 2012.

Results

Residual melanoma was detected only in those cases in which the original specimen had clear margins of ≤1 mm or with a pigmented lesion. A 32% increase in case numbers was noted over this period with a reduction of 6.2% in block numbers. Average block numbers per case were reduced by 2.3 (30.7%).

Conclusions

We have shown that for WLE specimens with no evidence of a macroscopic lesion and clear margins on original biopsy, little is to be gained from extensive sampling. In these cases we recommend a maximum of 3 blocks per case. Reduction in sampling based on this evidence would result in saving valuable laboratory resources.
Cross‐border migration and initiation of others into drug injecting in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Rafful Claudia , Melo Jason , Medina‐Mora María Elena , Rangel Gudelia , Sun Xiaoying , Jain Sonia , Werb Dan
Published: November 2017

Introduction and Aims

Efforts to prevent injection drug use (IDU) are increasingly focusing on the role that people who inject drugs (PWID) play in facilitating the entry of others into this behaviour. This is particularly relevant in settings experiencing high levels of IDU, such as Mexico’s northern border region, where cross‐border migration, particularly through forced deportation, has been found to increase a range of health and social harms related to injecting.

Design and Methods

PWID enrolled in a prospective cohort study in Tijuana, Mexico, since 2011 were interviewed semi‐annually, which solicited responses on their experiences initiating others into injecting. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted at the Preventing Injection by Modifying Existing Responses (PRIMER) baseline, with the dependent variable defined as reporting ever initiating others into injection. The primary independent variable was lifetime deportation from the USA to Mexico.

Results

Among 532 participants, 14% (n = 76) reported initiating others into injecting, the majority of participants reporting initiating acquaintances (74%, n = 56). In multivariable analyses, initiating others into injecting was independently associated with reporting living in the USA for 1–5 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22–4.79, P = 0.01], and methamphetamine and heroin injection combined (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI 1.11–12.17, P = 0.03). Deportation was not independently associated with initiating others into injecting.

Discussion and Conclusions

The impact of migration needs to be considered within binational programming seeking to prevent the expansion of epidemics of injecting and HIV transmission among mobile populations residing in the Mexico–USA border region.
Incidence and predictors of mental health disorder diagnoses among people who inject drugs in a Canadian setting
Authors: Reddon Hudson , Pettes Tyler , Wood Evan , Nosova Ekaterina , Milloy MICHAEL‐JOHN , Kerr Thomas , Hayashi Kanna
Published: November 2017

Introduction and Aims

Limited attention has been given to the predictors of mental health diagnoses among people who inject drugs (PWID) in community settings. Therefore, we sought to longitudinally examine the prevalence, incidence and predictors of mental disorder diagnosis among a community‐recruited cohort of PWID.

Design and Methods

Data were derived from two prospective cohort studies of PWID (VIDUS and ACCESS) in Vancouver, Canada between December 2005 and May 2015. We used multivariable extended Cox regression to identify factors independently associated with self‐reported mental disorder diagnosis during follow‐up among those without a history of such diagnoses at baseline.

Results

Among the 923 participants who did not report a mental disorder at baseline, 206 (22.3%) reported a first diagnosis of a mental disorder during follow‐up for an incidence density of 4.29 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.72–4.91] per 100 person‐years. In the multivariable analysis, female sex [adjusted hazards ratio (AHR) = 1.74, 95% CI 1.29–2.33], experiencing non‐fatal overdose (AHR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.38–3.94), accessing any drug or alcohol treatment (AHR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.24–2.27), accessing any community health or social services (AHR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.02–2.28) and experiencing violence (AHR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.12–2.29) were independently associated with a mental disorder diagnosis at follow‐up.

Discussion and Conclusions

We observed a high prevalence and incidence of mental disorders among our community‐recruited sample of PWID. The validity and implication of these diagnoses for key substance use and public health outcomes are an urgent priority.
Extinct, obscure or imaginary: The lizard species with the smallest ranges
Authors: Meiri Shai , Bauer Aaron M. , Allison Allen , Castro‐Herrera Fernando , Chirio Laurent , Colli Guarino , Das Indraneil , Doan Tiffany M. , Glaw Frank , Grismer Lee L. , Hoogmoed Marinus , Kraus Fred , LeBreton Matthew , Meirte Danny , Nagy Zoltán T. , Nogueira Cristiano de C. , Oliver Paul , Pauwels Olivier S. G. , Pincheira‐Donoso Daniel , Shea Glenn , Sindaco Roberto , Tallowin Oliver J. S. , Torres‐Carvajal Omar , Trape Jean‐Francois , Uetz Peter , Wagner Philipp , Wang Yuezhao , Ziegler Thomas , Roll Uri
Published: November 2017

Aim

Small geographic ranges make species especially prone to extinction from anthropogenic disturbances or natural stochastic events. We assemble and analyse a comprehensive dataset of all the world's lizard species and identify the species with the smallest ranges—those known only from their type localities. We compare them to wide‐ranging species to infer whether specific geographic regions or biological traits predispose species to have small ranges.

Location

Global.

Methods

We extensively surveyed museum collections, the primary literature and our own field records to identify all the species of lizards with a maximum linear geographic extent of <10 km. We compared their biogeography, key biological traits and threat status to those of all other lizards.

Results

One in seven lizards (927 of the 6,568 currently recognized species) are known only from their type localities. These include 213 species known only from a single specimen. Compared to more wide‐ranging taxa, they mostly inhabit relatively inaccessible regions at lower, mostly tropical, latitudes. Surprisingly, we found that burrowing lifestyle is a relatively unimportant driver of small range size. Geckos are especially prone to having tiny ranges, and skinks dominate lists of such species not seen for over 50 years, as well as of species known only from their holotype. Two‐thirds of these species have noIUCNassessments, and at least 20 are extinct.

Main conclusions

Fourteen per cent of lizard diversity is restricted to a single location, often in inaccessible regions. These species are elusive, usually poorly known and little studied. Many face severe extinction risk, but current knowledge is inadequate to properly assess this for all of them. We recommend that such species become the focus of taxonomic, ecological and survey efforts.
Soldier‐biased gene expression in a subterranean termite implies functional specialization of the defensive caste
Authors: Wu Tian , Dhami Gurpreet K. , Thompson Graham J
Published: November 2017

In a termite colony, reproduction is typically monopolized by a small number of sexuals that are supported by reproductively altruistic soldiers and workers. We expect caste differentiation to be associated with clear‐cut differences in gene expression, and for these differences to reflect caste function and development. Here, we use RNA‐Sequencing to compare the gene expression profiles of sexual nymphs and two non‐reproductive helper castes (i.e., workers and soldiers) of the Eastern subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes. We found that of n = 93 genes that are strictly expressed as a function of caste, a majority (78%) show a soldier‐specific pattern. This conspicuous soldier‐bias in genome‐wide expression suggests that this defensively specialized caste is functionally well‐differentiated from both the reproductive and the other non‐reproductive caste of this species, despite a shared developmental program with workers. Gene ontology analysis supports the notion of functional specialization by soldiers, as soldier‐biased gene sets are enriched for novel biological processes. Whether this pattern reflects ancient or more recent bouts of selection for caste novelty at the gene‐regulatory level is not known, but because soldiers are sterile and thus have no direct fitness, any selection for novelty must have been mediated indirectly, through reproducing relatives.
LUCAS Soil, the largest expandable soil dataset for Europe: a review
Authors: Orgiazzi A. , Ballabio C. , Panagos P. , Jones A. , Fernández‐Ugalde O.
Published: November 2017

Soil is a non‐renewable resource that requires constant monitoring to prevent its degradation and promote its sustainable management. The ‘Land Use/Cover Area frame statistical Survey Soil’ (LUCAS Soil) is an extensive and regular topsoil survey that is carried out across the European Union to derive policy‐relevant statistics on the effect of land management on soil characteristics. Approximately 45 000 soil samples have been collected from two time‐periods, 2009–2012 and 2015. A new sampling series will be undertaken in 2018, with new measurements included. The organization for the 2018 sampling campaign represents an opportunity to summarize past LUCAS Soil achievements and present its future objectives. In 2009–2012 and 2015, LUCAS Soil surveys targeted physicochemical properties, including pH, organic carbon, nutrient concentrations and cation exchange capacity. Data from 2009–2012 (ca. 22 000 points) and derived output (more than 20 maps) are available freely from the European Soil Data Centre website. Analyses of samples collected during 2015 are ongoing and data will be available at the end of 2017. In the 2018 LUCAS Soil sampling campaign, additional properties, including bulk density, soil biodiversity, specific measurements for organic‐rich soil and soil erosion will be measured. Here we present the current dataset (LUCAS Soil 2009–2012 and 2015), its potential for reuse and future development plans (LUCAS Soil 2018 and over). LUCAS Soil represents the largest harmonized open‐access dataset of topsoil properties available for the European Union at the global scale. It was developed as an expandable resource, with the possibility to add new properties and sampling locations during successive sampling campaigns. Data are available to the scientific community and decision makers, thus contributing to both research and the development of the land‐focused policy agenda.

Highlights

LUCAS Soil consists of soil physicochemical and biological properties data from Europe.

Harmonized and open‐access dataset allowing inclusion of soil in large‐scale inter‐disciplinary assessments.

LUCAS Soil has a broad pool of users from scientists to policy makers, and applications from map validation to modelling.

LUCAS Soil confirms the need for open‐access and a large‐scale dataset for soil properties.
Controversies in therapy of infections caused by Rhodococcus equi in foals
Authors: Giguère S. , Cohen N. D.
Published: November 2017

Pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi is one of the most important causes of disease and death in foals. R. equi can also be cultured from a large variety of extrapulmonary sites of infection. In the absence of an effective vaccine, ultrasonographic screening for early detection of pulmonary lesions has become routine practice at many farms endemic for pneumonia caused by R. equi. Consequently, the most frequently recognised form of R. equi infection at such farms is a subclinical form in which foals develop sonographic evidence of peripheral pulmonary consolidation or abscessation without necessarily manifesting clinical signs. Evidence exists that not all foals with ultrasonographic lesions will progress to develop clinical signs, and treating a large proportion of foals based on subclinical ultrasonographic findings has been linked to emergence of macrolide‐ and rifampin‐resistant R. equi at a horse farm. Selectively treating only those foals with larger lesion scores and monitoring foals with daily physical inspections and weekly thoracic ultrasonography offers an approach that could decrease antimicrobial drug use without significantly increasing mortality. Current evidence continues to support the combination of rifampin with a macrolide (azithromycin, clarithromycin or erythromycin) for treating clinical infections caused by R. equi despite recently described pharmacological interactions between these drugs. When infection with a macrolide‐resistant isolate is confirmed, limited effective alternatives exist.
How cognitive and affective aspects can influence the outcome of the group decision‐making process
Authors: Carneiro João , Martinho Diogo , Marreiros Goreti , Novais Paulo
Published: November 2017

Supporting group decision‐making when the decision makers are spread around the world is a complex process. The mechanisms of automated negotiation, such as argumentation, can be used in Ubiquitous Group Decision Support Systems (UbiGDSS) to help decision makers find a solution based on their preferences. However, the decision‐making process is much more than just a simple criteria and alternative analysis. There are many cognitive and affective issues that affect the outcome, and these issues should not be ignored; otherwise, the quality of the decision could be compromised. In this paper, we detail an UbiGDSS architecture and explore 2 cognitive and affective methods that are essential to the group decision‐making process. We explain how agents can reason about self‐expertise and other decision makers' credibility, and how agents can verify and react to tendencies throughout the decision‐making process. We intend agents to achieve higher quality and more consensual decisions. In any simulation environment that we tested, agents that analysed credibility, expertise, and/or analysed tendencies always achieved a higher consensus compared to agents that used neither of the proposed methods. Likewise, agents that used neither of the proposed methods or only performed tendencies analysis obtained the worst average satisfaction levels for each simulation environment.
Population pharmacokinetics of oral baclofen at steady‐state in alcoholic‐dependent adult patients
Authors: Chevillard Lucie , Sabo Naomi , Tod Michel , Labat Laurence , Chasport Céline , Chevaleyre Céline , Thibaut Florence , Barré Jérôme , Azuar Julien , Questel Franck , Vorspan Florence , Bloch Vanessa , Bellivier Frank , Granger Bernard , Barrault Camille , Declèves Xavier
Published: November 2017

Baclofen has been proposed for few years to help treating alcohol dependence at higher doses than those used in neurology. Baclofen pharmacokinetics has been previously well described at low oral or intravenous doses but remains poorly investigated with such high oral doses. We here describe dose regimens of baclofen in 143 alcohol‐dependent patients treated with steady‐state oral doses of baclofen. Plasma baclofen levels were measured in blood samples using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. One hundred and forty‐nine baclofen concentrations were sampled 30 min to 15 h after the last dose, and baclofen pharmacokinetics was determined using population pharmacokinetics approach. Our population, whose average age and BMI were 51.5 years and 25.5 kg/m2, respectively, was composed of two‐thirds of men. Daily baclofen doses ranged from 15 to 250 mg and 26% were higher than 120 mg. A one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination allowed to determine mean values for clearance (CL/F), volume of distribution (V/F) and absorption rate constant at 8.0 L/h, 44.5 L and 2.23 h−1, respectively. Inter‐individual variability on CL/F and V/F was 27.4 and 86% for the parameters. None of the demographic and biological covariates significantly decreased inter‐individual variability. A proportional relationship between oral dose and plasma baclofen exposure indicated a linear pharmacokinetics of baclofen even at doses over 120 mg/day. Our large population study evidenced a linear pharmacokinetics of oral baclofen even at high daily doses with an inter‐individual variability of baclofen exposure that could not be explained by demographic and biological data.
Ergotamine Use and Overuse in Taiwan: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Chu‐Ling , Yeh Yi‐Chun , Chen Yen‐Yu
Published: November 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern of ergotamine prescription and overuse in Taiwan.

Background

Ergotamine is a frequently prescribed medication for the treatment of migraine, although excessive use may lead to medication‐overuse headache.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study by using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005 in Taiwan. Patients enrolled in the study were between the ages of 18 and 80 years, received at least two prescriptions of ergotamine, and follow‐up for more than 1 year at outpatient clinics during 1999 to 2013. Each ergotamine prescription was converted into a defined daily dose (DDD) and patients were sorted into two groups: occasional users, having fewer than 3 consecutive months of use, and regular users, with 3 consecutive months of use or more. Regular users were further divided into overusers (DDDs ≥ 10 per month) and non‐overusers.

Results

A total of 41,023 migraine patients were enrolled in the study; 5803 patients were classified as regular users, with 859 of those being overusers. Of the ergotamine overusers, around 698/859 (82%) continued to use, and 443/859 (52%) remained overusers of ergotamine in the subsequent year after the index date. The most frequently prescribed prophylactic medications were propranolol and flunarizine, which were prescribed in 30.4% and 20.0% of overuse patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Ergotamine overuse remains common in Taiwan, while prophylactic medicine is still underutilized. More education on ergotamine‐overuse headache is needed to improve awareness.
Molecular characterization of Helicobacter pylori resistance to rifamycins
Authors: Hays Constantin , Burucoa Christophe , Lehours Philippe , Tran Cong Tri , Leleu Anaïs , Raymond Josette
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Antibiotic resistance is a major contributing factor in treatment failure of Helicobacter pylori eradication. Rifabutin (RB) is a rescue treatment and rifampicin (RP) is used to screen RB resistance in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of rifamycins resistance and to determine the mutations in the rpoB gene conferring resistance to discuss the current break point.

Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility to RP was first determined by E‐test for 1015 H. pylori isolates. RP and RB MICs were then determined by agar dilution method for strains with MIC of RP > 1 mg/L, and the rpoB gene was sequenced.

Results

Overall, 54 of 1015 strains exhibited a RP MIC > 1 mg/L by agar dilution method. Among these 54 strains, 10 had MICs of RP > 4 mg/L and RB ≥ 1 mg/L. They all carried at least one mutation in the rpoB gene at codons 530, 538, 540, 525 in the RP resistance‐determining region (RRDR). Implication of the mutation L547F was confirmed by site‐directed mutagenesis experiment. In contrast, among the 44 H. pylori isolates with a MIC of RP comprised between 2 and 4 mg/L, only 4 of 44 (9%) strains exhibited a mutation in rpoB, but outside RRDR (codons 470, 499, 636, or 657). For 31 of 44 tested strains, the RB MICs were ≤0.064 mg/L.

Conclusion

These results suggest that H. pylori isolates should be classified as resistant to RP for MICs > 4 mg/L. We considered that the optimal cut off for RB was ≥0.125 mg/L. We report a new mutation responsible for rifamycins, resistance, L547F.
Usefulness of serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein in children with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Umetsu Shuichiro , Inui Ayano , Sogo Tsuyoshi , Komatsu Haruki , Fujisawa Tomoo
Published: November 2017

Background

Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) is a novel serum marker of hepatic fibrosis in adults with chronic hepatitis C. However, it remains unclear whether serum WFA+‐M2BP levels are associated with the progression of liver histology in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

Methods

Twenty‐eight children and adolescents with pediatric‐onset PSC (male : female patient ratio, 20:8; median age at diagnosis, 9 years) were enrolled in this study. The relation between serum WFA+‐M2BP levels and clinical characteristics was retrospectively evaluated. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine whether serum WFA+‐M2BP levels could be a reliable marker to identify PSC patients with advanced liver histology.

Results

According to the Ludwig classification of liver histological stage, 28 patients were classified into the four stages. The WFA+‐M2BP level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), and hyaluronic acid correlated significantly with liver histological stage. Moreover, WFA+‐M2BP showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) with autoimmune hepatitis overlap, AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ‐glutamyltransferase, total bilirubin, immunoglobulin G, APRI, and hyaluronic acid. A ROC analysis was undertaken to distinguish the patients with advanced stage disease (stage 3–4) from those with early stage disease (stage 0–2). It showed that WFA+‐M2BP yielded the highest area under the ROC curve value (0.898) among four surrogate makers (APRI, 0.850; Fibrosis‐4 index, 0.806; and AST/ALT ratio, 0.802). Moreover, WFA+‐M2BP yielded the highest sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value among the four markers.

Conclusions

Serum WFA+‐M2BP levels are useful to identify patients with advanced liver histology in pediatric PSC.
Potential effect of recombinant thrombomodulin on ischemia–reperfusion liver injury in rats
Authors: Kimura Koichi , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Inokuchi Shoichi , Itoh Shinji , Motomura Takashi , Mano Yohei , Toshima Takeo , Harada Noboru , Harimoto Norifumi , Ikegami Toru , Soejima Yuji , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: November 2017

Aim

Liver ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a severe complication of liver surgery. However, the responsible molecular mechanism remains unclear. High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is released from the nuclei of cells and behaves as a damage‐associated molecular pattern. The aim of this study is to reveal the roles of HMGB1 and the effects of recombinant thrombomodulin (rTM) in I/R liver injury.

Methods

Rats underwent partial hepatic ischemia followed by reperfusion, and changes in HMGB1 were assessed. Recombinant thrombomodulin was used as an inhibitor of HMGB1.

Results

In rats with I/R injury, the HMGB1 level significantly decreased in the liver tissue and significantly increased in the serum after surgery (P < 0.001 for both). No difference in the HMGB1 level in the hepatocytes was observed between the rTM(−) group and rTM(+) group after surgery. Conversely, the serum HMGB1 level was significantly lower in the rTM(+) group than the rTM(−) group after surgery (P < 0.001). The levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 in the liver tissue 24 h after surgery were significantly lower in the rTM(+) group than the rTM(−) group (P < 0.001). The plasma alanine aminotransferase level at 24 h after surgery of the rTM(+) group was significantly decreased after surgery compared with that of the rTM(−) group (P < 0.001). The necrotic area of the liver tissue 24 h after surgery was significantly smaller in the rTM(+) group than the rTM(−) group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Recombinant thrombomodulin can serve as a treatment for I/R liver injury by inhibiting HMGB1.
Hospital‐based routine HIV testing in high‐income countries: a systematic literature review
Authors: Elgalib A , Fidler S , Sabapathy K
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To produce a summary of the published evidence of the barriers and facilitators for hospital‐based routine HIV testing in high‐income countries.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for studies, which described the offer of HIV testing to adults attending emergency departments (EDs) and acute medical units (AMUs) in the UK and US, published between 2006 and 2015. Other high‐income countries were not included, as their guidelines do not recommend routine testing for HIV. The main outcomes of interest were HIV testing uptake, HIV testing coverage, factors facilitating HIV screening and barriers to HIV testing. Fourteen studies met the pre‐defined inclusion criteria and critically appraised using mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT).

Results

HIV testing coverage ranged from 9.7% to 38.3% and 18.7% to 26% while uptake levels were high (70.1–84% and 53–75.4%) in the UK and US, respectively. Operational barriers such as lack of time, the need for training and concerns about giving results and follow‐up of HIV positive results, were reported. Patient‐specific factors including female sex, old age and low risk perception correlated with refusal of HIV testing. Factors that facilitated the offer of HIV testing were venous sampling (vs. point‐of‐care tests), commitment of medical staff to HIV testing policy and support from local HIV specialist providers.

Conclusions

There are several barriers to routine HIV testing in EDs and AMUs. Many of these stem from staff fears about offering HIV testing due to the perceived lack of knowledge about HIV. Our systematic review highlights areas which can be targeted to increase coverage of routine HIV testing.
Raising the bar for the next generation of biological atlases: using existing data to inform the design and implementation of atlas monitoring
Authors: Mccabe Jennifer D. , Anich Nicholas M. , Brady Ryan S. , Zuckerberg Benjamin
Published: November 2017

Selecting a sampling design to monitor multiple species across a broad geographical region can be a daunting task and often involves tradeoffs between limited resources and the accurate estimation of population abundance and occurrence. Since the 1950s, biological atlases have been implemented in various regions to document the occurrence of plant and animal species. As next‐generation atlases repeat original surveys, investigators often seek to raise the rigour of atlases by incorporating species abundances. We present a repeatable framework that incorporates existing monitoring data, hierarchical modelling and sampling simulations to augment existing atlas occurrence and breeding status maps with a secondary sampling of species abundances. Using existing information on three bird species with varying abundance and detectability, we evaluated several sampling scenarios for the 2nd Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas. In general, we found that most sampling schemes produced accurate mean statewide abundance estimates for species with medium to high abundance and detection probability, but estimates varied significantly for species with low abundance and low detection probability. Our approach provided a statewide point‐count sampling design that: provided precise and unbiased abundance estimates for species of varied prevalence and detectability; ensured suitable spatial coverage across the state and its habitats; and reduced spending on total survey costs. Our framework could benefit investigators conducting atlases and other broad‐scale avian surveys that seek to add systematic, multi‐species sampling for estimating density and abundance across broad geographical regions.
Antioxidant activity of blueberry anthocyanin extracts and their protective effects against acrylamide‐induced toxicity in HepG2 cells
Authors: Li Xuenan , Liu Huangyou , Lv Lingzhu , Yan Haiyang , Yuan Yuan
Published: November 2017

In this study, the antioxidant activities of blueberry anthocyanin extracts from ten blueberry varieties were evaluated based on the methods of scavenging activities for DPPH radicals, ABTS radicals, hydroxyl radicals and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Among the ten blueberry varieties, Polaris had the highest antioxidant abilities and the largest amounts of anthocyanins identified by HPLC‐MS. The protective effects of anthocyanin extracts from Polaris (AEP) against acrylamide (AA)‐induced toxicity in HepG2 cell models were also evaluated due to the neurotoxic, genotoxic and potentially carcinogenic effects of AA. The protective effects of AEP on the damage of HepG2 cells were explored from the aspects of cell viability, T‐SOD and CAT activity and MDA level. The AEP (5, 10, 20 μg mL−1) could significantly increase cell viability (P < 0.01) and inhibit AA‐induced cytotoxicity. Polaris also markedly promoted the activity of SOD, CAT and inhibited MDA level. The results showed that AEP had strong antioxidant activities, presenting high protective effects against AA‐induced cell damage in HepG2 cell models.
Different interleukin‐17‐secreting Toll‐like receptor+ T‐cell subsets are associated with disease activity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ferreira Thais B. , Hygino Joana , Wing Ana Cristina , Kasahara Taissa M. , Sacramento Priscila M. , Camargo Solange , Rueda Fernanda , Alves‐Leon Soniza V. , Alvarenga Regina , Vasconcelos Claudia Cristina , Agrawal Anshu , Gupta Sudhir , Bento Cleonice A. M.
Published: November 2017

Signalling through Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) may play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present study, the expression of TLR‐2, ‐4 and ‐9 was significantly higher on CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells from MS patients compared to healthy individuals. Following in‐vitro activation, the proportion of interleukin (IL)‐17+ and IL‐6+ CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells was higher in the patients. In addition, the proportion of IFN‐γ‐secreting TLR+ CD8+ T‐cells was increased in MS patients. Among different IL‐17+ T‐cell phenotypes, the proportion of IL‐17+ TLR+ CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells producing IFN‐γ or IL‐6 were positively associated with the number of active brain lesions and neurological disabilities. Interestingly, activation of purified CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells with ligands for TLR‐2 (Pam3Csk4), TLR‐4 [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] and TLR‐9 [oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN)] directly induced cytokine production in MS patients. Among the pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), Pam3Csk4 was more potent than other TLR ligands in inducing the production of all proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, IL‐6, IFN‐γ, IL‐17 and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) levels produced by Pam3Csk4‐activated CD4+ cells were directly associated with disease activity. A similar correlation was observed with regard to IL‐17 levels released by Pam3Csk4‐stimulated CD8+ T‐cells and clinical parameters. In conclusion, our data suggest that the expansion of different T helper type 17 (Th17) phenotypes expressing TLR‐2, ‐4 and ‐9 is associated with MS disease activity, and reveals a preferential ability of TLR‐2 ligand in directly inducing the production of cytokines related to brains lesions and neurological disabilities.
Heat stress during seed development affects forage brassica (Brassica napus L.) seed quality
Authors: Rashid M. , Hampton J. G. , Rolston M. P. , Khan K. M. , Saville D. J.
Published: November 2017

In two consecutive seasons, forage rape (Brassica napus L.) plants were exposed to short periods (240°C hr) of heat stress (30°C day/25°C night) during seed filling (80% seed moisture content = S1), at physiological maturity (50% seed moisture content = S2) and at both S1 plus S2 (=S3) in a Biotron before being returned to the field until seed harvest. Seeds were hand harvested at 14% seed moisture content and their quality assessed by measuring germination, seed vigour (using the accelerated ageing and conductivity tests) and seed mass (as determined by thousand seed weight). Heat stress at both S1 and S2 caused a small (<10%) but significant reduction in germination in both seasons. There was a significant heat stress timing interaction in the first but not the second season. Reductions in germination were a result of increased abnormal seedling production not seed death. All three heat stress treatments significantly reduced seed vigour, with S3>S2>S1. Seed mass was reduced by heat stress at S1 but not at S2. Variable seed vigour in high‐germinating New Zealand‐produced forage rapeseed lots is most likely explained by short periods of heat stress during seed development.
Exogenous 6‐benzyladenine improves antioxidative system and carbon metabolism of summer maize waterlogged in the field
Authors: Ren B. , Zhang J. , Dong S. , Liu P. , Zhao B.
Published: November 2017

A field experiment was performed to study the effects of spraying exogenous 6‐benzyladenine (6‐BA) after waterlogging for 6 days at the third leaf stage and the sixth leaf stage on the activities of key enzymes in carbon metabolism, leaf gas exchange parameters, fluorescent characteristic, antioxidant enzymes activities and MDA content of summer maize hybrids Denghai605 (DH605) and Zhengdan958 (ZD958), in order to illuminate the regulations of exogenous spraying 6‐BA to antioxidative system and carbon metabolism of waterlogged summer maize. Results showed that exogenous application of 6‐BA effectively alleviated the adverse effects of waterlogging on carbon metabolism by improving photosynthetic characteristics and the activities of RuBPCase (in the range of 48%–81%) and PEPCase (in the range of 14%–46%). Treatments with spraying exogenous 6‐BA resulted in significant and substantial increases in net photosynthetic rate (around 49%) and ΦPSII (around 16%) compared to those of waterlogging treatments. In addition, spraying 6‐BA effectively alleviated waterlogging damages on antioxidative enzyme activity and decreased MDA content, delaying leaf senescence, resulted in significant and substantial (around 19%) increases in grain yield. Visibly, spraying exogenous 6‐BA effectively alleviated waterlogging damages on antioxidative system and carbon metabolism of summer maize, resulting in yield increase in waterlogged maize.
Explicit and implicit attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities: The role of contact and participant demographics
Authors: Murch Aidan J. , Choudhury Tanveen , Wilson Michelle , Collerton Eleanor , Patel Maya , Scior Katrina
Published: November 2017

Background

Intellectual disability research has concentrated on self‐reported explicit attitudes with little focus on implicit attitudes. Such attitudes are evaluations which occur with or without conscious awareness, respectively. This investigation examined participants’ (N = 234) attitudes towards individuals with intellectual disabilities with reference to participants’ gender, age, level of education, frequency of contact and closeness.

Method

UK adults completed explicit (ATTID) and implicit attitude (ST‐IAT) measures, and provided demographics via an online survey.

Results

Participant demographics predicted explicit attitudes—with differing cognitive, affective and behavioural associations. Contact frequency was most significant. Implicit attitudes were not predicted, evidencing implicit–explicit attitude differences.

Conclusions

The results encourage more implicit–explicit attitude relationship research regarding disability. The associations between demographics, contact and implicit attitudes should be explored further. Research should question whether implicit attitudes reflect participants’ true beliefs—denoting less importance to demographics—or whether they reflect wider societal values rather than individuals’ attitudes.
Agricultural intensification during the Late Holocene rather than climatic aridification drives the population dynamics and the current conservation status ofMicrotus cabrerae, an endangered Mediterranean rodent
Authors: Garrido‐García José Antonio , Nieto‐Lugilde Diego , Alba‐Sánchez Francisca , Soriguer Ramón C.
Published: November 2017

Aim

Disentangling the relative importance of climatic and anthropogenic factors is crucial in conservation biology but problematic using short‐term data only. Long‐term (palaeobiological) data are thus increasingly being used to understand taxon history and to identify potential status and baseline (pre‐anthropogenic) conditions, which in turn allows the optimization of species conservation plans. We combined species distribution models (SDMs) with current and palaeo‐occurrences ofMicrotus cabrerae, a threatened Mediterranean rodent, to circumvent the limitations of the palaeorecord (e.g. spatio‐temporal bias), to characterize this rodent's history (potential status and baseline conditions) since the Mid‐Holocene (~6,000 yr BP), and to determine the relative importance of climatic and anthropogenic factors in its decline.

Location

Historic distributional range ofM. cabrerae(Iberian Peninsula andSEFrance).

Methods

We used generalized linear models (GLMs) to study the effects of four climatic (temperature and precipitation seasonality, minimum temperature, aridity) and four anthropogenic variables (human influence index, surface area of irrigated crops, rain‐fed crops and pastures) on the species’ current distribution. Then, we used an ensemble ofSDMs to estimate its current and Mid‐Holocene potential distributions based only on climate variables, and validated model projections against current and palaeo records. Finally, suitability maps were analysed to study the species’ range dynamics during the Late Holocene.

Results

Microtus cabrerae's current distribution is constrained by both climatic and anthropogenic variables. Temperature and precipitation seasonality—but not aridity or minimum temperature—play an important positive role in constraining its distribution, but agriculture is the main human activity that affects it negatively. Climatic changes during the Late Holocene probably led to an expansion of its distribution without fragmentating its range.

Main conclusions

Contrary to previous hypotheses, under natural conditions,M. cabreraeshould be in an expansive phase of its taxon cycle. Yet, its potential and current conservation status is negatively affected by agricultural habitat destruction, suggesting that conservation strategies should aim to control agricultural intensification.
Independent predictors of effective blood pressure control in patients with hypertension on drug treatment in Brazil
Authors: Costa Filho Francisco Flavio , Timerman Ari , Saraiva Jose Francisco Kerr , Magalhaes Carlos Costa , Pinto Ibraim Masciarelli F. , Oliveira Gustavo B. F. , Mattos Antonio Cordeiro , Avezum Alvaro
Published: November 2017

Population assessment of effective blood pressure (BP) control is fundamental for reducing the global burden of hypertension, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The authors evaluated the effectiveness of BP control and determined independent predictors associated with effective control among patients with hypertension on drug treatment in a large cross‐sectional study performed in two metropolitan areas in Brazil's southeast region. A total of 43 647 patients taking antihypertensive treatment were identified. Less than half of the patients (40.9%) had controlled BP (systolic BP <140 mm Hg and diastolic BP <90 mm Hg). Independent predictors of BP control were age, eating fruit daily, physical activity, previous cardiovascular disease, male sex, diabetes mellitus, ethnicity, and obesity. Simple variables associated with BP control may be utilized for knowledge translation strategies aiming to reduce the burden of hypertension.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) enhances glomerular endothelial cells activation mediated by anti‐myeloperoxidase antibody‐positive IgG
Authors: Sun Xiao‐Jing , Chen Min , Zhao Ming‐Hui
Published: November 2017

Cumulating evidences suggested an important role of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) and its receptors in regulating endothelial barrier integrity. Our previous study revealed that the circulating S1P levels and renal expression of S1PRs correlated with disease activity and renal damage in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV). This study investigated the role of S1P and its receptors in myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐ANCA‐positive IgG‐mediated glomerular endothelial cell (GEnC) activation. The effect of S1P on morphological alteration of GEnCs in the presence of MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG was observed. Permeability assay was performed to determine endothelial monolayer activation in quantity. Both membrane‐bound and soluble ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 levels were measured. Furthermore, antagonists and/or agonists of various S1PRs were employed to determine the role of different S1PRs. S1P enhanced MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG‐induced disruption of tight junction and disorganization of cytoskeleton in GEnCs. S1P induced further increase in monolayer permeability of GEnC monolayers in the presence of MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG. S1P enhanced MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG‐induced membrane‐bound and soluble ICAM‐1/VCAM‐1 up‐regulation of GEnCs. Soluble ICAM‐1 levels in the supernatants of GEnCs stimulated by S1P and MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG increased upon pre‐incubation of S1PR1 antagonist, while pre‐incubation of GEnCs with the S1PR1 agonist down‐regulated sICAM‐1 level. Blocking S1PR2‐4 reduced sICAM‐1 levels in the supernatants of GEnCs stimulated by S1P and MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG. Pre‐incubation with S1PR5 agonist could increase sICAM‐1 level in the supernatants of GEnC stimulated by S1P and MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG. S1P can enhance MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG‐mediated GEnC activation through S1PR2‐5.