bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proton MR Spectroscopy in Patients with Nonlesional Insular Cortex Epilepsy Confirmed by Invasive EEG Recordings
Authors: Aitouche Yasmine , Gibbs Steve A. , Gilbert Guillaume , Boucher Olivier , Bouthillier Alain , Nguyen Dang Khoa
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent studies suggest that a nonnegligible proportion of drug‐resistant epilepsy surgery candidates have an epileptogenic zone that involves the insula. We aimed to examine the value of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) in identifying patients with insular cortex epilepsy.

METHODS

Patients with possible nonlesional drug‐refractory insular epilepsy underwent a voxel‐based 1H‐MRS study prior to an intracranial electroencephalographic (EEG) study. Patients were then divided into two groups based on invasive EEG findings: the insular group with evidence of insular seizures and the noninsular group with no evidence of insular seizures. Sixteen age‐matched healthy controls were also scanned for normative data.

RESULTS

Twenty‐two epileptic patients were recruited, 12 with insular seizures and 10 with extra‐insular seizures. Ipsilateral and contralateral insular N‐acetyl‐aspartate concentrations ([NAA]) and NAA/Cr ratios were found to be similar in both patient groups. No significant differences in [NAA] or NAA/Cr ratios were found between the insular group, noninsular group, and healthy controls. [NAA] and NAA/Cr asymmetry indices correctly lateralized the seizure focus in only 16.7% and 0% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary findings suggest that 1H‐MRS fares poorly in identifying patients with nonlesional insular epilepsy.
Personality Traits as Patterns of Meaning Assignment Tendencies
Authors: Kreitler Shulamith
Published: March 2017

Objective

The purpose is to present a new conception about the nature of personality traits based on the Kreitler Meaning System. The major constructs of the meaning system are referent, meaning value, meaning unit, and meaning variables characterizing the meaning unit. The individual's meaning profile is the set of meaning variables the individual uses as assessed by the Test of Meanings. Personality traits are defined as patterns of meaning assignment tendencies.

Method

After introducing the meaning system, the article describes the new conception of personality traits and presents the example of extraversion. Correlation coefficients of four different extraversion scales with the meaning profiles are analyzed.

Results

The findings enable defining the meaning profile of extraversion and validating it in view of the information available about extraoversion.

Conclusions

Implications of the new conception are providing insight into the structure, nature, and dynamics of a trait, a factor, or a cluster of traits; comparing traits; validating traits; describing interactions between traits; assessing traits by the Test of Meanings; assessing traits and anti‐traits; identifying traits; classifying traits; describing traits in interaction with other tendencies; and applying interventions for modifying traits. Applications concerning attitudes, cognitive performance, emotions, defenses, coping, and psychopathology are presented.
Helicid alleviates pain and sleep disturbances in a neuropathic pain‐like model in mice
Authors: Zhang Meng‐Qi , Wang Tian‐Xiao , Li Rui , Huang Zhi‐Li , Han Wu‐Jian , Dai Xiao‐Chang , Wang Yi‐Qun
Published: March 2017

Natural helicid (4‐formylphenyl‐O‐β‐d‐allopyranoside), a main active constituent from seeds of the Chinese herb Helicia nilagirica, has been reported to exert a sedative, analgesic and hypnotic effect, and is used clinically to treat neurasthenic syndrome, vascular headaches and trigeminal neuralgia. In the current study, mechanical allodynia tests, electroencephalograms, electromyogram recordings and c‐Fos expression in neuropathic pain‐like model mice of partial sciatic nerve ligation were used to investigate the effect of helicid on neuropathic pain and co‐morbid insomnia. Our results showed that helicid at a dose of 100, 200 or 400 mg kg−1 could increase the mechanical threshold by 2.5‐, 2.8‐ and 3.1‐fold for 3 h after administration, respectively. Helicid at 200 and 400 mg kg−1 given at 07:00 hours increased the amount of non‐rapid eye movement sleep in a 3‐h period by 1.27‐ and 1.35‐fold in partial sciatic nerve ligated mice. However, helicid (400 mg kg−1) given at 21:00 hours did not change the sleep pattern in normal mice. Immunohistochemical study showed that helicid (400 mg kg−1) administration could reverse the increase of c‐Fos expression in the neurons of the rostral anterior cingulate cortex and tuberomammillary nucleus, and the decrease of c‐Fos expression in the ventrolateral preoptic area caused by partial sciatic nerve ligation. These results indicate that helicid is an effective agent for both neuropathic pain and sleep disturbances in partial sciatic nerve ligated mice.
Pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur sodium in equine pregnancy
Authors: Macpherson M. L. , Giguère S. , Pozor M. A. , Runcan E. , Vickroy T. W. , Benson S. A. , Troedsson M. H. T. , Hatzel J. N. , Larson J. , vanden Berg E. , Kelleman A. A. , Sanchez L. C. , LeBlanc M. M.
Published: March 2017

Eleven pregnant pony mares (D270‐326) were administered ceftiofur sodium intramuscularly at 2.2 mg/kg (n = 6) or 4.4 mg/kg (n = 5), once daily. Plasma was obtained prior to ceftiofur administration and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hr after administration. Eight pony mares were re‐enrolled in the study at least 3 days from expected foaling to ensure steady‐state concentrations of drug at the time of foaling. Mares were administered ceftiofur sodium (4.4 mg/kg,IM) daily until foaling. Parturition was induced using oxytocin 1 hr after ceftiofur sodium administration. Allantoic and amniotic fluid, plasma, and colostrum samples were collected at time of foaling. Serial foal plasma samples were obtained. Placental tissues were collected. Desfuroylceftiofur acetamide (DCA) concentrations were measured in samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mean (±SD) peak serum concentrations ofDCAwere 3.97 ± 0.50 μg/ml (low dose) and 7.45 ± 1.05 μg/ml (high dose). Terminal half‐life was significantly (p = .014) shorter after administration of the low dose (2.91 ± 0.59 hr) than after administration of the high dose (4.10 ± 0.72 hr). The mean serum concentration ofDCAfrom mares at time of foaling was 7.96 ± 1.39 μg/ml. The meanDCAconcentration in colostrum was 1.39 ± 0.70 μg/ml.DCAconcentrations in allantoic fluid, amniotic fluid, placental tissues, and foal plasma were below the limit of quantification (<0.1 μg/ml) and below the minimum inhibitory concentration of ceftiofur against relevant pathogens. These results infer incomplete passage ofDCAacross fetal membranes after administration of ceftiofur sodium to normal pony mares.
miR‐320a regulates high mobility group box 1 expression and inhibits invasion and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lv Guixiang , Wu Mingjuan , Wang Meijie , Jiang Xiaochen , Du Jingli , Zhang Kaili , Li Dongliang , Ma Ning , Peng Yahui , Wang Lujing , Zhou Lingyun , Zhao Weiming , Jiao Yufei , Gao Xu , Hu Zheng
Published: March 2017

Background & Aims

Several studies have shown that miR‐320a induces apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, and affects cell cycle progression as a tumour suppressor in many cancers. However, the involvement of miR‐320a in the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown.

Methods

Endogenous miR‐320a and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expressions were assayed by real‐time PCR. Luciferase activities were measured using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay system. Western blots were used to determine the protein expressions of HMGB1, MMP2, and MMP9. Invasion and metastasis of tumour cells were, respectively, evaluated by the transwell invasion assay and the wound healing assay.

Results

The expression of miR‐320a was significantly decreased in 24 of 32 (75%) HCC tissues and associated with the invasion and metastasis of HCC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that HMGB1 was a direct target of miR‐320a and there was a significant negative correlation between miR‐320a and HMGB1 expression in HCC. Ectopic expression or inhibition of miR‐320a potently regulated the invasion and metastasis of HCC cells in HMGB1‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

Our results showed that miR‐320a was involved in the invasion and metastasis by targeting HMGB1 and had an anti‐metastasis effect in HCC.
A note on endogenous competition mode with managerial‐unionized firms
Authors: Meccheri Nicola , Fanti Luciano
Published: March 2017

We analyse the endogenous choice of the competition mode (price vs. quantity) in a duopoly model with managerial delegation and unionized labor markets. Depending on the unions' relative bargaining power and the degree of product differentiation, the set of possible outcomes proves to be very rich, including alternatively a unique quantity or price equilibrium as well as multiple asymmetric‐type equilibria.
Hydrolysis of peptidoglycan is modulated by amidation of meso‐diaminopimelic acid and Mg2+ in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Dajkovic Alex , Tesson Benoit , Chauhan Smita , Courtin Pascal , Keary Ruth , Flores Pierre , Marlière Christian , Filipe Sérgio R. , Chapot‐Chartier Marie‐Pierre , Carballido‐Lopez Rut
Published: March 2017

The ability of excess Mg2+ to compensate the absence of cell wall related genes in Bacillus subtilis has been known for a long time, but the mechanism has remained obscure. Here, we show that the rigidity of wild‐type cells remains unaffected with excess Mg2+, but the proportion of amidated meso‐diaminopimelic (mDAP) acid in their peptidoglycan (PG) is significantly reduced. We identify the amidotransferase AsnB as responsible for mDAP amidation and show that the gene encoding it is essential without added Mg2+. Growth without excess Mg2+ causes ΔasnB mutant cells to deform and ultimately lyse. In cell regions with deformations, PG insertion is orderly and indistinguishable from the wild‐type. However, PG degradation is unevenly distributed along the sidewalls. Furthermore, ΔasnB mutant cells exhibit increased sensitivity to antibiotics targeting the cell wall. These results suggest that absence of amidated mDAP causes a lethal deregulation of PG hydrolysis that can be inhibited by increased levels of Mg2+. Consistently, we find that Mg2+ inhibits autolysis of wild‐type cells. We suggest that Mg2+ helps to maintain the balance between PG synthesis and hydrolysis in cell wall mutants where this balance is perturbed in favor of increased degradation.
Abundance estimation of gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) calves from shore‐based surveys undertaken near Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, 2004–2006
Authors: Pérez‐Puig Héctor , Heckel Gisela , Breiwick Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2017

Gray whale calf abundance was estimated from shore‐based surveys near Ensenada, Baja California, during their northbound migration. Over the course of 129 effort‐days (756.5 observation hours), 162 calves were counted, comprising 42, 41, and 79 calves in 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. To estimate the number of undetected calves during the observation periods in 2006, detection probabilities were estimated by simultaneous and independent counts using a Huggins model. The detection probabilities ranged from 0.655 to 0.997. The number of calves estimated during effort periods were divided by their estimated detection probabilities, while the total number of calves were estimated by fitting a generalized additive model (GAM) to the passage rate (whales/h) and effort (time) data. The final gray whale calf abundance estimates were 451 (95% CI = 430, 513), 253 (95% CI= 245, 308), and 442 (95% CI = 396, 510) calves for 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. The estimates were lower than those reported for Piedras Blancas, California, during the same years, with one possible reason being that an important number of cow/calf pairs migrate too far from shore (>10 km) to be detected from the observation site used in this research.
On the Persistence of the Genealogical in Contemporary Theology
Authors: Bergem Ragnar M.
Published: March 2017

There is a persistence of genealogical discourse in a certain strand of contemporary theology. Opting for the genealogical shapes the theological task of remembrance and engagement with the historical tradition in important, but also problematic, ways. In this article I discuss how genealogical discourse was appropriated by theology, and then uncover its implicit assumptions and tendencies. Analysing some encounters between theological genealogies and various Hegelian thinkers, I draw a contrast between Nietzschean genealogy and Hegelian ‘phenomenology’. This comparison brings to light some fundamental ways in which the genealogical might distort theological writing and practice.
Extracellular matrix in the CNS induced by neuropathogenic viral infection
Authors: Watanabe Rihito , Kakizaki Masatoshi
Published: March 2017

During the early phase of infection with an extremely neurovirulent murine coronavirus, cl‐2, the ER‐TR7 antigen (ERag)‐positive fibers (ERfibs) associated with laminin and collagen III show a rapid increase in expression levels in the meninges, followed by an appearance of the antigens in the ventricle and brain parenchyma. Then, cl‐2 invades the ventricle and ventricular wall along the newly assembled ERfibs after infection, using them as a pathway from the meninges, the initial site of infection. In the lymph nodes and spleen, ERag is mainly produced by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs), which play a key role in nursing the ERfibs to form a fibroblastic reticular network (FRN). The FRN functions as a conduit system to transfer antigens, cytokines or leukocytes in the lymphoid organs. In the brain parenchyma, astrocytes were found to produce the main components of mature ERfibs, such as collagen, laminin and ERag, which have been identified in the lymphoid organs. The producibility of these extracellular matrices (ECMs) by astrocytes was further confirmed by primary brain cultures, which disclosed the dissociation of laminin and ERag production, and the close association of ERag production with that of collagen, forming a fibrous structure. The pattern of ECM production in vitro indicated the process of forming mature ERfibs in the brain, that is, fibers made of collagen fibers and ERag are wrapped by laminin prepared as a sheet structure. In addition, the brain parenchymal cells that produce interferon β after infection in spite of their residence away from the sites of viral invasion were surrounded by ERfibs, which were closely associated with astrocytic fibers. These findings indicate that astrocytes play a central role in forming the astrocytic reticular network (ARN) in the brain parenchyma, as FRCs do to form FRN in the lymphoid organs.
Nominalist Realism*
Authors: Jones Nicholas K.
Published: March 2017

This paper explores the impact of quantification into predicate position on the metaphysics of properties, arguing that two familiar debates about properties are fundamentally altered by recasting them in a second‐order setting. Two theories of properties are outlined, differing over whether the existence of properties is expressed using first‐order or second‐order quantifiers. It is argued that the second‐order theory: (a) provides good reason to regard debate about the locations of properties as contentless; (b) resolves debate about whether properties are particulars or universals in favour of universals.
Have we finally opened the door to understanding Septoria tritici blotch disease in wheat?
Authors: Solomon Peter S.
Published: March 2017

This article is a Commentary on Zhong et al., 214: 619–631.
Changes in the chloroplastic CO2 concentration explain much of the observed Kok effect: a model
Authors: Farquhar Graham D. , Busch Florian A.
Published: March 2017

Mitochondrial respiration often appears to be inhibited in the light when compared with measurements in the dark. This inhibition is inferred from the response of the net CO2 assimilation rate (A) to absorbed irradiance (I), changing slope around the light compensation point (Ic). We suggest a model that provides a plausible mechanistic explanation of this ‘Kok effect’.

The model uses the mathematical description of photosynthesis developed by Farquhar, von Caemmerer and Berry; it involves no inhibition of respiration rate in the light. We also describe a fitting technique for quantifying the Kok effect at low I.

Changes in the chloroplastic CO2 partial pressure (Cc) can explain curvature of A vs I, its diminution in C4 plants and at low oxygen concentrations or high carbon dioxide concentrations in C3 plants, and effects of dark respiration rate and of temperature. It also explains the apparent inhibition of respiration in the light as inferred by the Laisk approach.

While there are probably other sources of curvature in A vs I, variation in Cc can largely explain the curvature at low irradiance, and suggests that interpretation of day respiration compared with dark respiration of leaves on the basis of the Kok effect needs reassessment.
The ecology of human microbiota: dynamics and diversity in health and disease
Authors: Karkman Antti , Lehtimäki Jenni , Ruokolainen Lasse
Published: March 2017

Social welfare, better health care, and urbanization have greatly improved human health and well‐being. On the other hand, Western societies suffer from the downsides of the elevated standard of living. Among other factors, the Western diet (poor in dietary fiber), lack of contact with natural biodiversity, and excessive antibiotic use are known to be associated with the increase in chronic inflammatory disorders. Limited exposure to microbial biodiversity, in combination with severe lifestyle‐related disturbances to commensal microbial communities, especially during early life, is changing the diversity and composition of human microbiota. In this review, we try to promote and apply ecological theory to understand the dynamics and diversity of human commensal microbiota. In this context, we explore the changes in the microbiota that are relevant to human health, especially in light of the rise of chronic inflammatory disorders. We try to elucidate the underlying ecological mechanisms behind these disorders and provide potential solutions for their avoidance.
Meeting nutritional needs in the first 1000 days: a place for small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements
Authors: Adu‐Afarwuah Seth , Lartey Anna , Dewey Kathryn G.
Published: March 2017

The first 1000 days of life is marked by intense metabolic activity and tissue deposition. The increased nutritional needs during this period, and the challenges to meeting them, are often not understood or appreciated. Here, we describe the nutritional needs during the first 1000 days, highlight the challenges to meeting these needs in developing countries, outline intervention strategies, and examine the consumption of small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements (SQ‐LNS) as a promising strategy. In low‐income settings, the challenge to meeting nutritional needs during the first 1000 days is worsened by overreliance on cereal‐based diets of low nutrient density and high prevalence of infections and infestations. Dietary diversification is the ideal long‐term solution to nutritional deficiencies, but difficulties with obtaining adequate amounts of iron, zinc, and certain vitamins may still remain. Several other interventions are available, but applying them is often fraught with challenges, including cost and contextual factors limiting efficacy. Evidence suggests that SQ‐LNS supplementation may help reduce inadequate gestational weight gain and promote fetal and child growth and development in some populations. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of SQ‐LNS and other fortified products in different contexts and within integrated programs that address other determinants of maternal and child undernutrition.
Scaling up flammability from individual leaves to fuel beds
Authors: Grootemaat Saskia , Wright Ian J. , van Bodegom Peter M. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: March 2017

Wildfires play an important role in vegetation composition and structure, nutrient fluxes, human health and wealth, and are interlinked with climate change. Plants have an influence on wildfire behaviour and predicting this feedback is a high research priority. For upscaling from leaf traits to wildfire behaviour we need to know if the same leaf traits are important for the flammability of 1) individual leaves, and 2) multiple leaves packed in fuel beds. Based on a conceptual framework, we hypothesised that fuel packing properties, through airflow limitation, would overrule the effects of individual leaf morphology and chemistry.

To test this hypothesis we compared the results of two experiments, respectively addressing individual leaf flammability and monospecific fuel bed flammability of 25 perennial species from eastern Australia.

Across species, fuel bed packing ratio and bulk density scaled negatively with fire spread and positively with maximum temperature and burning time. Species with ‘curlier’ leaves, higher specific leaf area, lower tannin concentrations and lower tissue density promoted faster fire spread through fuel beds.

We found that species with shorter individual leaf ignition times had a faster fire spread, shorter burning times and lower temperatures in fuel beds. Leaf traits that affect the flammability of individual leaves (e.g. specific leaf area), continue to do so even when packed in fuel beds.

While previous studies have focused on either flammability of individual plant particles or fire behaviour in fuel beds, this is the first time that an overarching combination of the two approaches was made for a wide range of species. Our findings provide a better understanding of fuel bed flammability based on interspecific variation in morphological and some chemical leaf traits. This can be a first step in linking leaf traits to fire behaviour in the field.
Rare FBXO18 variations and risk of schizophrenia: Whole‐exome sequencing in two parent‐affected offspring trios followed by resequencing and case–control studies
Authors: Hoya Satoshi , Watanabe Yuichiro , Hishimoto Akitoyo , Nunokawa Ayako , Inoue Emiko , Igeta Hirofumi , Otsuka Ikuo , Shibuya Masako , Egawa Jun , Sora Ichiro , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: March 2017

Aim

Rare variations are suggested to play a role in the genetic etiology of schizophrenia; to further investigate their role, we performed a three‐stage study in a Japanese population.

Methods

In the first stage, we performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) of two parent‐affected offspring trios. In the second stage, we resequenced the FBXO18 coding region in 96 patients. In the third stage, we tested rare non‐synonymous FBXO18 variations for association with schizophrenia in two independent populations comprising a total of 1376 patients and 1496 controls.

Results

A rare frameshift variation (L116fsX) in the FBXO18 gene was recurrently identified by WES in both trios. Resequencing FBXO18 coding regions, we detected three rare non‐synonymous variations (V15L, L116fsX, and V1006I). However, there were no significant associations between these rare FBXO18 variations and schizophrenia in the case–control study.

Conclusion

Our present study does not provide evidence for the contribution of rare non‐synonymous FBXO18 variations to the genetic etiology of schizophrenia in the Japanese population. However, to draw a definitive conclusion, further studies should be performed using sufficiently large sample sizes.
Atopic Dermatitis in Israeli Adolescents from 1998 to 2013: Trends in Time and Association with Migraine
Authors: Shreberk‐Hassidim Rony , Hassidim Ayal , Gronovich Yoav , Dalal Adam , Molho‐Pessach Vered , Zlotogorski Abraham
Published: March 2017

Background

Recent data have shown an increasing occurrence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children and adolescents, as well as in adults. Most of the epidemiologic research on AD is limited to pediatric and youth populations and is based on self‐reported questionnaires.

Methods

A nationwide, population‐based, cross‐sectional retrospective study of adolescents with AD was performed to estimate its prevalence, trends, and association with demographic factors and comorbidities. The study included all Israeli teens going through medical evaluation as part of the assessment before being conscripted into the military from 1998 to 2013.

Results

A total of 1,187,757 adolescents were included in the study population, with an overall prevalence of AD of 0.64% in boys and 0.9% in girls. Over the study period, the prevalence of AD steadily increased, especially in the mild disease group. A greater risk of AD was found in subjects with high predicted socioeconomic status (male: odds ratio [OR] 1.14 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.11, 1.16]; female: OR 1.08, [95% CI 1.05, 1.10]) and Israeli‐born subjects (male: OR 1.34 [95% CI 1.21, 1.48]; female: OR 1.12 [95% CI 1.01, 1.23]). Allergic conditions such as asthma, conjunctivitis, and contact dermatitis were more prevalent in subjects with AD. There was a significantly higher prevalence of migraine in patients with AD (male: OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.18, 1.54]; female: OR 1.51 [95% CI 1.30, 1.74]).

Conclusion

This large cross‐sectional study demonstrates the increasing prevalence of AD in adolescents and its relation to other allergic diseases and migraine. It is hoped that greater awareness of the distinctive epidemiologic characteristics of this population will lead to better recognition and management of the disease and its comorbidities.
Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma Presenting as Hydrops Fetalis
Authors: Sobrino‐Fernández Elena , Campos‐Domínguez Minia , Gregorio‐Hernández Rebeca , Huerta‐Aragonés Jorge , Beléndez‐Bieler Cristina , Lancharro‐Zapata Ángel , Franco‐Fernández María Luisa , Bernardo‐Atienza Belén , Sánchez‐Luna Manuel
Published: March 2017

We describe the case of a 33‐week preterm infant who developed nonimmune hydrops fetalis secondary to a kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE). The tumor was successfully treated with vincristine, prednisone, ticlopidine, and aspirin. KHE can be an unusual cause of hydrops fetalis; in such cases, diagnosis can be challenging since generalized edema can obscure KHE.
Dermoscopic Findings of an Unusual Acral Nevus on the Hand of a Child
Authors: Liebman Tracey N. , Diakow Marla N. , Glick Sharon A.
Published: March 2017

Distinguishing benign acral nevi from small early acral melanomas may be challenging in certain cases. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive imaging technique that can help clinicians better visualize deeper lesion structures and thus more easily differentiate benign nevi from melanoma. We report the case of a 13‐year‐old girl with a changing dark brown to black macule with a central papular component on the volar surface of the right third finger. Dermoscopy revealed asymmetrically distributed irregular black blotches on a bluish‐black background. Histopathology revealed a traumatized compound melanocytic nevus. Certain melanocytic nevi, although histologically benign, may not conform to the limited selection of reassuring benign dermoscopic patterns. Nevi in children are often dynamic and have a high likelihood of dermoscopic change.
Menkes Disease Mimicking Child Abuse
Authors: Droms Rebecca J. , Rork Jillian F. , McLean Riley , Martin Madelena , Belazarian Leah , Wiss Karen
Published: March 2017

Althouygh Menkes disease has well‐recognized neurologic, developmental, and cutaneous features, the initial presentation may resemble child abuse. We describe a 5‐month‐old boy with multiple fractures indicative of nonaccidental trauma who was ultimately diagnosed with Menkes disease. Copper deficiency leads to connective tissue abnormalities and may result in subdural hematomas, wormian bones, cervical spine defects, rib fractures, and spurring of the long bone metaphyses. Several of these findings, including fractures and subdural hematomas, may be misinterpreted as child abuse.
Afebrile Kawasaki disease with coronary artery dilatation
Authors: Yoshino Atsunori , Tanaka Risa , Takano Tadamasa , Oishi Tsutomu
Published: March 2017

Herein we describe the cases of two afebrile patients who were thought to have Kawasaki disease (KD). Patient 1 was a 7‐month‐old‐Japanese girl. She presented with bulbar conjunctival injection, diarrhea, skin erythema, and redness around the bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) inoculation site. Thirteen days after the first symptoms, ultrasonic cardiogram (UCG) showed dilatations of the bilateral coronary arteries (CA). The dilatations had completely resolved 5 months later. Patient 2 was a 13‐month‐old Japanese boy. He first presented with bulbar conjunctival injection and redness around the BCG inoculation site. Twenty‐two days after the first symptoms, UCG indicated bilateral and peripheral CA dilatations. The mild dilatations of the proximal CA remained. Although fever is the principal symptom of KD, some incomplete KD patients may be afebrile. Although it is difficult to diagnose these patients as having KD, redness at the BCG inoculation site may be a clue to the diagnosis.
Microangiopathic antiphospholipid antibody syndrome due to anti‐phosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex IgM antibody
Authors: Senda Yumi , Ohta Kazuhide , Yokoyama Tadafumi , Shimizu Masaki , Furuichi Kengo , Wada Takashi , Yachie Akihiro
Published: March 2017

Herein we describe a case of microangiopathic antiphospholipid syndrome (MAPS) due to anti‐phosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex (aPS/PT) IgM antibody successfully treated with rituximab. A significant correlation was observed between the clinical course and the aPS/PT IgM antibody titer, which can rise earlier before the appearance of clinical symptoms. Rituximab can be safely and effectively used for MAPS. Although detection of only aPS/PT IgM antibody is rare, aPS/PT IgM antibody might be associated with the pathogenesis of MAPS and might be a useful marker of disease activity.
Mortality after Inpatient Treatment for Severe Pneumonia in Children: a Cohort Study
Authors: Ngari Moses M. , Fegan Greg , Mwangome Martha K. , Ngama Mwanajuma J. , Mturi Neema , Scott John Anthony Gerard , Bauni Evasius , Nokes David James , Berkley James A.
Published: March 2017

Background

Although pneumonia is a leading cause of inpatient mortality, deaths may also occur after discharge from hospital. However, prior studies have been small, in selected groups or did not fully evaluate risk factors, particularly malnutrition and HIV. We determined 1‐year post‐discharge mortality and risk factors among children diagnosed with severe pneumonia.

Methods

A cohort study of children aged 1–59 months admitted to Kilifi County Hospital with severe pneumonia (2007–12). The primary outcome was death <1 year after discharge, determined through Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System (KHDSS) quarterly census rounds.

Results

Of 4184 children (median age 9 months) admitted with severe pneumonia, 1041 (25%) had severe acute malnutrition (SAM), 267 (6.4%) had a positive HIV antibody test, and 364 (8.7%) died in hospital. After discharge, 2279 KHDSS‐resident children were followed up; 70 (3.1%) died during 2163 child‐years: 32 (95% confidence interval (CI) 26, 41) deaths per 1000 child years. Post‐discharge mortality was greater after admission for severe pneumonia than for other diagnoses, hazard ratio 2.5 (95% CI 1.2, 5.3). Malnutrition, HIV status, age and prolonged hospitalisation, but not signs of pneumonia severity, were associated with post‐discharge mortality. Fifty‐two per cent (95% CI 37%, 63%) of post‐discharge deaths were attributable to low mid‐upper arm circumference and 11% (95% CI 3.3%, 18%) to a positive HIV test.

Conclusions

Admission with severe pneumonia is an important marker of vulnerability. Risk stratification and better understanding of the mechanisms underlying post‐discharge mortality, especially for undernourished children, are needed to reduce mortality after treatment for pneumonia.
Association of Shorter Height with Increased Risk of Ischaemic Placental Disease
Authors: Ogawa Kohei , Morisaki Naho , Saito Shigeru , Sato Shoji , Fujiwara Takeo , Sago Haruhiko
Published: March 2017

Background

Although adult height is inversely related with the risk of chronic disease, the association between maternal height and ischaemic placental disease remains unclear.

Methods

We used the national, multicentre Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology perinatal database to assess the risk of preeclampsia, placental abruption, and small for gestational age (SGA) births (birthweight < 10th percentile), which together constitute the syndrome ‘ischaemic placental disease’, in relation to self‐reported height in 218 412 women with no underlying diseases before pregnancy, who delivered singletons in 2005–11. Height was categorised into quartiles as well as considered in linear terms, and its effect on each outcome was estimated using multivariable log binomial regression adjusted for the maternal characteristics.

Results

The risk of preeclampsia, placental abruption, and SGA birth was inversely related to maternal height. In the adjusted model, mothers in the lowest quartile for height (<155 cm) were at higher risk of preeclampsia (relative risk (RR) 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25, 1.45), placental abruption (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07, 1.34), and SGA (RR 1.96, 95% CI 1.90, 2.03) compared with mothers in the highest quartile (>162 cm). When the association between height and outcomes was considered in linear terms, each 5 cm decrement in height was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09, 1.14), placental abruption (RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01, 1.09), and SGA birth (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.28, 1.31).

Conclusion

Shorter height was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, placental abruption, and SGA birth.
Influence of thylakoid membrane lipids on the structure of aggregated light‐harvesting complexes of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana and the green alga Mantoniella squamata
Authors: Schaller‐Laudel Susann , Latowski Dariusz , Jemioła‐Rzemińska Małgorzata , Strzałka Kazimierz , Daum Sebastian , Bacia Kirsten , Wilhelm Christian , Goss Reimund
Published: March 2017

The study investigated the effect of the thylakoid membrane lipids monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) on the structure of two algal light‐harvesting complexes (LHCs). In contrast to higher plants whose thylakoid membranes are characterized by an enrichment of the neutral galactolipids MGDG and DGDG, both the green alga Mantoniella squamata and the centric diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana contain membranes with a high content of the negatively charged lipids SQDG and PG. The algal thylakoids do not show the typical grana–stroma differentiation of higher plants but a regular arrangement. To analyze the effect of the membrane lipids, the fucoxanthin chlorophyll protein (FCP) complex of T. pseudonana and the LHC of M. squamata (MLHC) were prepared by successive cation precipitation using Triton X‐100 as detergent. With this method, it is possible to isolate LHCs with a reduced amount of associated lipids in an aggregated state. The results from 77 K fluorescence and photon correlation spectroscopy show that neither the neutral galactolipids nor the negatively charged lipids are able to significantly alter the aggregation state of the FCP or the MLHC. This is in contrast to higher plants where SQDG and PG lead to a strong disaggregation of the LHCII whereas MGDG and DGDG induce the formation of large macroaggregates. The results indicate that LHCs which are integrated into thylakoid membranes with a high amount of negatively charged lipids and a regular arrangement are less sensitive to lipid‐induced structural alterations than their counterparts in membranes enriched in neutral lipids with a grana–stroma differentiation.
An Insurance Market Simulation With Both Adverse and Advantageous Selection
Authors: Chen Leon , Jaiprakash Puneet
Published: March 2017

The theory of adverse selection predicts that high‐risk individuals are more likely to buy insurance than low‐risk individuals if asymmetric information regarding individuals’ risk type is present in the market. The theory of advantageous selection predicts the opposite—a negative relationship between insurance coverage and risk type can be obtained when hidden knowledge in other dimensions (e.g., the degree of risk aversion) is present in addition to the risk type. Using the heterogeneity of insurance buyers in either risk type or risk aversion, we first introduce a classroom‐based insurance market simulation game to show that adverse selection and advantageous selection can coexist. We then explain the underlying concepts using two methods: a mathematical framework based on expected utility theory and an empirical framework based on the results of the game itself. The game is easy to implement, reinforces textbook concepts by providing students a hands‐on experience, and supplements current textbooks by bringing their content up to date with current research.
Symbolic Representation and Classification of Supersymmetric Evolutionary Equations
Authors: Tian Kai , Wang Jing Ping
Published: March 2017

We extend the symbolic representation to the ring of supersymmetric differential polynomials, and demonstrate that operations on the ring, such as the super derivative, Fréchet derivative, and super commutator, can be carried out in the symbolic way. Using the symbolic representation, we classify scalar λ‐homogeneous supersymmetric evolutionary equations with nonzero linear term when for arbitrary order and give a comprehensive description of all such integrable equations.
Cultural family beliefs, maternal sacrifice, and adolescent psychological competence in Chinese poor single‐mother families
Authors: Leung Janet T. Y.
Published: March 2017

Research on cultural family beliefs and family processes as protective factors of adolescent development is severely lacking in the Chinese culture. Based on 432 Chinese single‐mother families living in poverty in Hong Kong, the relationships among Chinese cultural beliefs of familism, adolescent perceived maternal sacrifice, and psychological competence (indexed by a clear and healthy identity, cognitive competence, and a positive future outlook) were examined. Results showed that adolescents' perceived maternal sacrifice mediated the influence between maternal Chinese cultural beliefs of familism and the psychological competence of adolescents raised in poor single‐mother families in Hong Kong. The present study underscores the importance of cultural family beliefs and parental sacrifice on nurturing adolescent psychological competence in Chinese single‐mother families living in poverty, which contributes to the construction of a family resilience model applicable to Chinese communities.
More with Less? Fiscal Decentralisation, Public Health Spending and Health Sector Performance
Authors: Arends Helge
Published: March 2017

Decentralisation is considered a panacea for deficient public sector performance by many. However, recent trends of health sector recentralisation in several OECD countries suggest the opposite. Taking on a cross‐country perspective, I examine two hypotheses, namely that decentralisation leads to an increase in public health spending (H1) and to poor health sector outcomes (H2). The evidence I present suggests that decentralising spending tends to lead to larger public health sectors and to poorer health sector outcomes. However, decentralising tax authority has no effect on the size of the health sector and may actually have a positive effect on health sector performance. The broader lesson is that while general fiscal decentralisation research tends to imply that its conclusions are valid for all policy areas in a similar way, sector‐specific insights can reveal a more nuanced view on the consequences of fiscal decentralisation.
The embodiment of sorcery: Supernatural aggression, belief and envy in a remote Aboriginal community
Authors: Burbank Victoria
Published: March 2017

Anthropologists have long attempted to come to grips with Indigenous Australian sorcery beliefs and especially with the idea that acts with no understandable efficacy bring about illness and death. In this ethnographic interpretation of sorcery beliefs in the remote community of Numbulwar, I follow those few who have attempted to find a link between these apparently harmless acts and real physiological consequences, arguing that the fear of sorcery that pervades Numbulwar contributes directly to the stress of daily life and indirectly to the premature morbidity and mortality of too many lives. Belief is posited as the mechanism whereby the human stress response is activated to a harmful extent, a process in which the projection of envious feelings may often be critical.
Detection of a novel HLA‐A*30 variant, A*30:109, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lin P. Y.
Published: March 2017

One nucleotide substitution at residue 488 of HLA‐A*30:01:02 results in a novel allele, HLA‐A*30:109.
Joint effects of climate variability and socioecological factors on dengue transmission: epidemiological evidence
Authors: Akter Rokeya , Hu Wenbiao , Naish Suchithra , Banu Shahera , Tong Shilu
Published: March 2017

Objective

To assess the epidemiological evidence on the joint effects of climate variability and socioecological factors on dengue transmission.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, a detailed literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Peer‐reviewed, freely available and full‐text articles, considering both climate and socioecological factors in relation to dengue, published in English from January 1993 to October 2015 were included in this review.

Results

Twenty studies have met the inclusion criteria and assessed the impact of both climatic and socioecological factors on dengue dynamics. Among those, four studies have further investigated the relative importance of climate variability and socioecological factors on dengue transmission. A few studies also developed predictive models including both climatic and socioecological factors.

Conclusions

Due to insufficient data, methodological issues and contextual variability of the studies, it is hard to draw conclusion on the joint effects of climate variability and socioecological factors on dengue transmission. Future research should take into account socioecological factors in combination with climate variables for a better understanding of the complex nature of dengue transmission as well as for improving the predictive capability of dengue forecasting models, to develop effective and reliable early warning systems.
CT‐derived indices of canine osteosarcoma‐affected antebrachial strength
Authors: Garcia Tanya C. , Steffey Michele A. , Zwingenberger Allison L. , Daniel Leticia , Stover Susan M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To improve the prediction of fractures in dogs with bone tumors of the distal radius by identifying computed tomography (CT) indices that correlate with antebrachial bone strength and fracture location.

Study design

Prospective experimental study.

Animals

Dogs with antebrachial osteosarcoma (n = 10), and normal cadaver bones (n=9).

Methods

Antebrachia were imaged with quantitative CT prior to biomechanical testing to failure. CT indices of structural properties were compared to yield force and maximum force using Pearson correlation tests.

Results

Straight beam failure (Fs), axial rigidity, curved beam failure (Fc), and craniocaudal bending moment of inertia (MOICrCd) CT indices most highly correlated (0.77 > R > 0.57) with yield and maximum forces when iOSA‐affected and control bones were included in the analysis. Considering only OSA‐affected bones, Fs, Fc, and axial rigidity correlated highly (0.85 > R > 0.80) with maximum force. In affected bones, the location of minimum axial rigidity and maximum MOICrCd correlated highly (R > 0.85) with the actual fracture location.

Conclusions

CT‐derived axial rigidity, Fs, and MOICrCd have strong linear relationships with yield and maximum force. These indices should be further evaluated prospectively in OSA‐affected dogs that do, and do not, experience pathologic fracture.
Molecular phylogeny of Malenchus and Filenchus (Nematoda: Tylenchidae)
Authors: Qing Xue , Decraemer Wilfrida , Claeys Myriam , Bert Wim
Published: March 2017

The family Tylenchidae is phylogenetically important to understanding early‐branching Tylenchomorpha and to assess soil ecosystems. In this study, we focus on Malenchus and Filenchus as representatives of the Tylenchidae. Samples collected worldwide result in 58 new sequences, and light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy provide details on morphological features. For the first time, comprehensive morphological data are evaluated in the context of a molecular framework, thus highlighting the phylogenetic and evolutionary complexity of this structurally minimalistic group. Results show that the genus Filenchus is polyphyletic in both the 18S and 28S rDNA phylogeny, while Malenchus is polyphyletic and monophyletic in the 28S rDNA and the 18S rDNA, respectively. Ultrastructural study demonstrates specific aspects of lateral cuticular incisures, cuticular layering and the amphideal fovea are surprisingly congruent with the obtained molecular phylogenies, while classical characteristics such as cuticle annulations are evolutionary highly plastic and mosaic in distribution. The study also reveals the shortage of D2/D3 domain in 28S rDNA as a phylogenetic marker for early‐branching Tylenchomorpha.
Cryptic species and colonization processes in Ophryotrocha (Annelida, Dorvilleidae) inhabiting vertebrate remains in the shallow‐water Mediterranean
Authors: Taboada Sergi , Leiva Carlos , Bas Maria , Schult Nancy , McHugh Damhnait
Published: March 2017

Over the past several years, there has been growing interest in how bones of decaying mammals are colonized in the marine seabed. One of the most common opportunistic taxa occurring worldwide on bones is dorvilleid polychaetes of the genus Ophryotrocha. In a recent study in the Mediterranean, Ophryotrocha puerilis and Ophryotrocha alborana were two of the most abundant species occurring in experimentally deployed bones. These species have direct development and this makes them a suitable model to study the mechanisms and processes allowing organisms lacking a dispersive larval phase to colonize new substrates. Here, we address the colonization processes at the molecular level for populations of O. puerilis and O. alborana on experimentally deployed mammal bones in the shallow‐water Mediterranean collected over a year at 3‐month intervals. High genetic distances between some of the O. puerilis organisms collected indicated the occurrence of at least two cryptic sibling species (O. puerilis ‘Shallow’ and O. puerilis ‘Deep’) apart from O. puerilis sensu stricto. This was corroborated with phylogenetic analyses using an alignment of three concatenated genes (COI, 16S, H3) and with species delimitation analyses using COI. The haplotype network inferred from COI sequences for O. puerilis ‘Shallow’ showed a few common haplotypes shared between the two trimesters analysed and several other less represented haplotypes only present in one trimester. Thus, colonization of these experimental bones may have been achieved by a few organisms that arrived to the bones and were able to reseed, and by several individuals arriving to the experimental bones and not persisting across time. In contrast, the haplotype network for O. alborana revealed that none of the haplotypes present in three different trimesters were shared, suggesting that the populations arriving at the bones during each trimester were totally replaced by new individuals during the subsequent trimesters. Our study suggests that different species of shallow‐water Ophryotrocha occurring in the Mediterranean may have different patterns of substrate colonization despite sharing similar life histories.