bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extrapulmonary Latent Tuberculosis Reactivation After Negative Screening Tests in a Liver Transplant Recipient
Authors: Gonzales Zamora Jose Armando , Patil Sanjeev , Murali Arvind R. , Hoehnen Sarah
Published: August 2017

Background

Posttransplant tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon complication following liver transplantation (LT). Given its high mortality, it is advocated to screen for latent TB with tuberculin skin test (TST), interferon γ release assay and/or chest radiography before LT.

Case Report

A 52-year-old Filipino gentleman was admitted with an 8-week history of abdominal pain, hematochezia, and weight loss. His pre-LT screening for latent TB with TST and chest radiography was negative. Colonoscopy revealed an ulcerated polypoid lesion in the terminal ileum. The cause of ulceration was histologically indeterminate. Because a lymphoproliferative disorder was suspected, a right hemicolectomy was done during which hard white studding was noted in the distal small bowel. Induration and a mass formation in the terminal ileum and the cecum were also seen. Histopathology showed necrotizing granulomas. Stain for acid–fast bacilli was negative. The strong suspicion for TB prompted us to obtain a chest computed tomography scan, which showed calcified perivascular and left hilar lymph nodes reflecting prior granulomatous disease. QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Test was positive. Treatment with standard anti-TB regimen was initiated. Two weeks later, cultures from intestinal tissue grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient reported a complete resolution of his symptoms at 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Chest computed tomography scan and interferon γ release assays in conjunction with TST and chest radiograph may improve the detection of latent TB in transplant candidates. Combining these tests to diagnose latent TB is a strategy that needs to be evaluated in future studies.
A Case of Primary Tuberculous Laryngitis in New York City
Authors: Osiro Stephen , Shaik Fatima , Salomon Nadim
Published: August 2017

Tuberculous laryngitis occurs in less than 1% of all tuberculosis cases. Patients usually present with dysphonia, but the insidious nature of the disease and the broad differential diagnoses often lead to missed or delayed diagnosis. In the United States, it is rare and regrettably requires several patient visits before the correct diagnosis is made. We report a case of primary tuberculous laryngitis from our hospital, which was successfully diagnosed and treated, but after a delay of more than 2 months. We emphasize that in patients presenting with prolonged dysphonia physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion, obtain a thorough epidemiologic history, and liaise with pathologists in order to correctly diagnose this disease.
Clinical Profile of Suspected H1N1 Influenza Patients and Predictor of Mortality in H1N1-Positive Patients
Authors: Saroch Atul , Ramadoss Ramu , Kumar Shailesh , Mathews Sujata , Taneja Rajesh Satyapal , Ali Mohammad , Rana Randeep
Published: August 2017

There were spurts of swine flu cases every year, even though the pandemic was over in August 2010. Most of the studies on swine flu pivoted around pandemic years 2009 to 2010. Here, through this retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India, we compared clinical characteristics between H1N1-positive and H1N1-negative patients admitted in years 2015 to 2016. Among H1N1-positive patients, variables were compared among survival and death groups. Among 122 suspected H1N1 patients, 30 were positive for H1N1 reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Symptom of rhinitis and low serum albumin were significantly more in H1N1-positive patients. Applying univariate analysis among H1N1-positive patients, respiratory rate, albumin level, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and Pao
2/fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio
2) ratio were statistically different between the survival and death groups. Further using simple logistic regression among H1N1-positive patients, Pao
2/Fio
2 less than or equal to 200 had an odds ratio of 9.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6–51.4), alanine transaminase level more than or equal to 40 U/L had an odds ratio of 7.3 (95% CI, 1.4–38.9), and albumin level less than or equal to 3.0 (gm/dl) had an odds ratio of 44.8 (95% CI, 4.0–497.4), and these were independently associated with death. After considering for causality/plausibility aspects, Pao
2/Fio
2 less than or equal to 200 had significant higher odds ratio of 12.3 (95% CI, 1.7–90.1) for death even if adjusted for age and sex. Hence, the value of Pao
2/Fio
2 at admission is a good predictor of mortality among H1N1-positive patients.
Behavior Characteristics and Risk Factors for Suicide Among the Elderly in Rural China
Authors: Liu Bao-Peng , Qin Ping , Jia Cun-Xian
Published: August 2017

We examine the characteristics of suicide behavior and associated risk factors in the elderly in rural China, compared with the nonelderly. Paired case-control design and psychological autopsy were used for subject recruitment and data collection. The included cases were 104 suicides of the elderly aged 60 years or older, 86 suicides of the nonelderly, and sex- and age-paired controls from the same villages. Although the characteristics of suicide behavior were similar between the two age groups of victims, the elderly who died by suicide had a greater tendency to experience negative life events and not live with a spouse. Suicide of the nonelderly was associated with family history of suicide, poor social support, and impulsivity. The influence of negative life events on the risk of suicide was greater in the elderly. Thus, efforts for suicide prevention must be tailored to the needs of specific age groups.
Postmortem Organ Weights at a South African Mortuary
Authors: Peddle Laura , Kirk Gavin Martin
Published: August 2017

Background

Weighing organs at autopsy provides objective evidence of pathology. Reference ranges must be locally applicable, accurate, and regularly defined.

Aims

The aims of this study were the generation of postmortem organ weight reference ranges for use in South African mortuaries, analysis of factors influencing organ weights, and comparison to international populations.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of autopsy reports from the Salt River medicolegal mortuary in Cape Town, South Africa, between 2013 and 2016. Disproportionate randomized stratified sampling was used to obtain sufficient cases from men and women; white, colored, and African racial groups; and decedents older and younger than 50 years. Observations from 1262 decedents older than 18 years dying traumatic on-scene deaths were recorded, excluding organs with macroscopic evidence of disease or destructive injury. Variables collected were sex, race, age, height, and body weight.

Results

Organ weights were modeled using multiple linear regression analysis. In general, sex, race, and weight are significant predictors. In general, organs from African and colored decedents weigh less than those from white decedents, and similarly pooled South African organs are smaller than those from international populations. Ideal organ weight reference ranges are proposed, and a smartphone application is offered, which calculates individualized prediction intervals.

Conclusions

This study provides postmortem organ weight data for a South African population.
11C-Methionine-Avid Plasmablastic Lymphoma
Authors: Annunziata Salvatore , Cuccaro Annarosa , Caldarella Carmelo , Leccisotti Lucia , Hohaus Stefan
Published: August 2017

A 73-year-old woman had a diagnosis of a plasmablastic lymphoma by the excision of the right parotid gland. Two years after the diagnosis, the patient underwent a whole-body 11C-methionine PET/CT in order to evaluate the amino acid avidity of a scalp metastasis and for plasmablastic lymphoma restaging. 11C-methionine uptake was detected in the scalp, in several bone sites, and in the cricoid cartilage. Plasmablastic lymphoma is a subtype of B-cell lymphoma with an aggressive behavior and a poor prognosis. 11C-methionine appears to be a promising tracer for paraprotein-producing neoplasms.
False-Positive Ventilation-Perfusion Studies Due to Nonembolic Pulmonary Artery Compromise
Authors: Alis Jonathan , Hulkower Miriam , Shmukler Anna , Chun Kwang J. , Freeman Leonard M.
Published: August 2017

Ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scans are highly sensitive in detecting clinically significant pulmonary embolisms; however, V/Q mismatches are not specific to pulmonary embolism alone, and other etiologies can cause false-positive results. We present 3 cases where the pulmonary vasculature was compromised, from either intraluminal narrowing or external compression, with resultant mismatches. This raises the importance of interpreting V/Q scan results in conjunction with a thorough medical/surgical history and careful analysis of the chest radiograph.
A minimal RNA ligand for potent RIG-I activation in living mice
Authors: Linehan Melissa M. , Dickey Thayne H. , Molinari Emanuela S. , Fitzgerald Megan E. , Potapova Olga , Iwasaki Akiko , Pyle Anna M.
Published: August 2017

We have developed highly potent synthetic activators of the vertebrate immune system that specifically target the RIG-I receptor. When introduced into mice, a family of short, triphosphorylated Stem Loop RNAs (SLRs) induces a potent interferon response and the activation of specific genes essential for antiviral defense. Using RNAseq, we provide the firstin-vivogenome-wide view of the expression networks that are initiated upon RIG-I activation. We observe that SLRs specifically induce type I interferons, subsets of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), and cellular remodeling factors. By contrast, poly(I:C), which binds and activates multiple RNA sensors, induces type III interferons and several unique ISGs. The short length (10-14 base pairs) and robust function of SLRs in mice demonstrate that RIG-I forms active signaling complexes without oligomerizing on RNA. These findings demonstrate that SLRs are potent therapeutic and investigative tools for targeted modulation of the innate immune system.
The effect of sonic hedgehog on motor neuron positioning in the spinal cord during chicken embryo development
Authors: Yang Ciqing , Li Xiaoying , Li Qiuling , Li Qiong , Li Han , Zhang Bichao , Lin Juntang
Published: August 2017

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a vertebrate homologue of the secretedDrosophilaprotein hedgehog, and is expressed by the notochord and the floor plate in the developing spinal cord. Shh provides signals relevant for positional information, cell proliferation, and possibly cell survival depending on the time and location of the expression. Although the role of Shh in providing positional information in the neural tube has been experimentally proven, the exact underlying mechanism still remains unclear. In this study, we report that overexpression of Shh affects motor neuron positioning in the spinal cord during chicken embryo development by inducing abnormalities in the structure of the motor column and motor neuron integration. In addition, Shh overexpression inhibits the expression of dorsal transcription factors and commissural axon projections. Our results indicate that correct location of Shh expression is the key to the formation of the motor column. In conclusion, the overexpression of Shh in the spinal cord not only affects the positioning of motor neurons, but also induces abnormalities in the structure of the motor column.
Bimodal Spindle Orientation Drives Tissue Regularity in a Proliferating Epithelium
Authors: Finegan Tara M. , Na Daxiang , Skeeters Austin V. , Dawney Nicole S. , Oakes Patrick W. , Fletcher Alexander G. , Bergstralh Dan T.
Published: August 2017

We investigated the relationship between proliferation and tissue topology in an epithelial tissue undergoing elongation. We found that cell division is not required for elongation of the earlyDrosophilafollicular epithelium, but does drive the tissue towards optimal geometric packing. To increase tissue regularity, cell divisions are oriented in the planar axis, along the direction of tissue expansion. Planar division orientation is governed by apico-cortical tension, which aligns with tissue expansion but not with interphase cell shape elongation. Hertwig’s Rule, which holds that cell elongation determines division orientation, is therefore broken in this tissue. We tested whether this observation could be explained by anisotropic activity of the conserved Pins/Mud spindle-orienting machinery, which controls division orientation in the apical-basal axis. We found that Pins/Mud does not participate in planar division orientation. Rather, tension translates into planar division orientation in a manner dependent on Canoe/Afadin, which links actomyosin to adherens junctions. These findings demonstrate that division orientation in different axes - apical-basal and planar - is controlled by distinct, independent mechanisms in a proliferating epithelium.

Summary Statement

Regularity in a proliferating epithelium requires cells to divorce division orientation from interphase shape, which they accomplish by using distinct mechanisms to orient divisions in the apical-basal and planar axes.
Research on light aircraft spinning properties
Authors: Cichocka Ewa
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The paper focuses on the evaluation of a light aircraft spin. The main purpose of this paper is to achieve reliable mathematical models of aircraft motion beyond stall conditions to subsequently predict spin properties based on calculation only. Another vitally significant objective is to verify whether the aerodynamic characteristics determined numerically are coherent with the wind tunnel measurements performed on the dynamically scaled aircraft models.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was carried out for two certified conventional light aircraft. The first part of the investigation is devoted to the verification of the simplified methods used to identify the aircraft recoverability from spinning steady-state turns and estimate the primary post-stall flight parameters. Then, the spin simulations were executed. The computational results were thereafter compared with the in-flight data recordings.

Findings

The study confirms the coincidence between the calculated spinning behaviour and the observed aircraft response during the flight tests. The mathematical models of aircraft spatial motion have been found to be credible for predicting spin properties. The simplified methods are reliable to determine the basic spin performance of light aircraft at the preliminary design stage, whereas the spin simulations enable recognition and comprehensive examination of all spin modes.

Practical implications

The outcomes of conducted calculation and comparisons of computational spin properties with flight test recordings have indicated that the qualitative assessment of spinning motion is enabled at each stage of the designing process.

Originality/value

The paper involves the comparison of the computational results with the recordings of spin in-flight tests and the correlation between calculated and experimentally obtained aerodynamics of light aircraft.
Turbulence modelling techniques for aeroelastic problems: results and comments from the Second AIAA Aeroelastic Prediction Workshop
Authors: Righi Marcello
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The quality of aeroelastic predictions strongly depends on the quality of aerodynamic predictions. At the boundary of a typical flight envelope, special flow conditions may arise, which challenge the conventional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach beyond reasonable limits.

Design/methodology/approach

Test Case 3 of the Second AIAA Aeroelastic Prediction Workshop is a representative test case, where the flow over a supercritical wing separates downstream of the shock waves and generates large turbulent lengthscales.

Findings

In this study, RANS predictions are compared to those obtained in this particular test case with the more sophisticated hybrid RANS–large eddy simulation (LES) approach, in particular with the Spalart–Allmaras–delayed detached eddy simulation model. Results are indeed closer to experimental data.

Originality/value

However, the costs associated with this approach are much higher. It is argued that adopting hybrid RANS–LES modelling is not a simple model switch.
Foraging traits modulate stingless bee community disassembly under forest loss
Authors: Lichtenberg Elinor M. , Mendenhall Chase D. , Brosi Berry
Published: August 2017

Anthropogenic land use change is an important driver of impacts to biological communities and the ecosystem services they provide. Pollination is one ecosystem service that may be threatened by community disassembly. Relatively little is known about changes in bee community composition in the tropics, where pollination limitation is most severe and land use change is rapid. Understanding how anthropogenic changes alter community composition and functioning has been hampered by high variability in responses of individual species. Trait‐based approaches, however, are emerging as a potential method for understanding responses of ecologically similar species to global change.

We studied how communities of tropical, eusocial stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) disassemble when forest is lost. These bees are vital tropical pollinators that exhibit high trait diversity, but are under considerable threat from human activities.

We compared functional traits of stingless bee species found in pastures surrounded by differing amounts of forest in an extensively deforested landscape in southern Costa Rica.

Our results suggest that foraging traits modulate competitive interactions that underlie community disassembly patterns. In contrast to both theoretical predictions and temperate bee communities, we found that stingless bee species with the widest diet breadths were less likely to persist in sites with less forest. These wide‐diet‐breadth species also tend to be solitary foragers, and are competitively subordinate to group‐foraging stingless bee species. Thus, displacement by dominant, group‐foraging species may make subordinate species more dependent on the larger or more diversified resource pool that natural habitats offer. We also found that traits that may reduce reliance on trees—nesting in the ground or inside nests of other species—correlated with persistence in highly deforested landscapes.

The functional trait perspective we employed enabled capturing community processes in analyses and suggests that land use change may disassemble bee communities via different mechanisms in temperate and tropical areas. Our results further suggest that community processes, such as competition, can be important regulators of community disassembly under land use change. A better understanding of community disassembly processes is critical for conserving and restoring pollinator communities and the ecosystem services and functions they provide.
The role of alcohol in identity construction among LGBT people: a qualitative study
Authors: Emslie Carol , Lennox Jemma , Ireland Lana
Published: August 2017

Research suggests that alcohol use and misuse are higher among lesbian, gay and bisexual than heterosexual populations, yet the social context of drinking in sexual minority communities has rarely been examined. To explore lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people's relationship with alcohol, we conducted seven focus groups (N = 33) with pre‐existing groups of friends and work colleagues (18 to 52 years) in Scotland, UK. We identified and analysed patterns in our data using thematic analysis. Respondents perceived heavy drinking as central to the commercial gay scene. Choice of drink and drinking vessel was an important part of identity construction. Respondents discussed the perception that gay men would drink alcopops and cocktails while lesbians would drink pints of beer. Even when stereotypes were dismissed as inaccurate, they were still thought to pressure people to drink ‘appropriately’. Respondents who did not identify as male or female, and those who used drag, were particularly aware of their choice of drink as a means to express identity or to challenge people's preconceptions about gender. Researchers developing interventions to reduce alcohol‐related harm in sexual minority populations need to take account of the central role of identity construction in LGBT drinking practices.
Modelling of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoate surface binding protein PhaP for rational mutagenesis
Authors: Zhao Hongyu , Yao Zhenyu , Chen Xiangbin , Wang Xinquan , Chen Guo‐Qiang
Published: August 2017

Phasins are unusual amphiphilic proteins that bind to microbial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) granules in nature and show great potential for various applications in biotechnology and medicine. Despite their remarkable diversity, only the crystal structure of PhaPAh from Aeromonas hydrophila has been solved to date. Based on the structure of PhaPAh, homology models of PhaPAz from Azotobacter sp. FA‐8 and PhaPTD from Halomonas bluephagenesis TD were successfully established, allowing rational mutagenesis to be conducted to enhance the stability and surfactant properties of these proteins. PhaPAz mutants, including PhaPAzQ38L and PhaPAzQ78L, as well as PhaPTD mutants, including PhaPTDQ38M and PhaPTDQ72M, showed better emulsification properties and improved thermostability (6‐10°C higher melting temperatures) compared with their wild‐type homologues under the same conditions. Importantly, the established PhaP homology‐modelling approach, based on the high‐resolution structure of PhaPAh, can be generalized to facilitate the study of other PhaP members.
The vasorelaxant effect of antidiabetic drug nateglinide via activation of voltage‐dependent K+ channels in aortic smooth muscle
Authors: Li Hongliang , Kim Hye Won , Shin Sung Eun , Seo Mi Seon , An Jin Ryeol , Jung Won‐Kyo , Ha Kwon‐Soo , Han Eun‐Taek , Hong Seok‐Ho , Bang Hyoweon , Choi Il‐Whan , Na Sung Hun , Park Won Sun
Published: August 2017

Aims

We investigated the vasorelaxant effect of nateglinide and its related mechanisms using phenylephrine (Phe)‐induced precontracted aortic rings.

Methods

Arterial tone measurement was performed in aortic smooth muscle.

Results

The application of nateglinide induced vasorelaxation in a concentration‐dependent manner. Pretreatment with the large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa) channel inhibitor paxilline, the inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channel inhibitor Ba2+, and ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channel inhibitor glibenclamide did not affect the vasorelaxant effect of nateglinide. However, pretreatment with the voltage‐dependent K+ (Kv) channel inhibitor 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) effectively reduced the vasorelaxant effect of nateglinide. Pretreatment with the Ca2+ inhibitor nifedipine and the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin did not change the vasorelaxant effect of nateglinide. Additionally, the vasorelaxant effect of nateglinide was not altered in the presence of an adenylyl cyclase, a protein kinase A, a guanylyl cyclase, or a protein kinase G inhibitor. The vasorelaxant effect of nateglinide was not affected by the elimination of the endothelium. In addition, pretreatment with a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L‐NAME, and a small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SKCa) channel inhibitor, apamin, did not change the vasorelaxant effect of nateglinide.

Conclusion

Nateglinide induced vasorelaxation via the activation of the Kv channel independent of other K+ channels, Ca2+ channels, intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), and the endothelium.
In aged primary T cells, mitochondrial stress contributes to telomere attrition measured by a novel imaging flow cytometry assay
Authors: Sanderson Sharon Lesley , Simon Anna Katharina
Published: August 2017

The decline of the immune system with age known as immune senescence contributes to inefficient pathogen clearance and is a key risk factor for many aged‐related diseases. However, reversing or halting immune aging requires more knowledge about the cell biology of senescence in immune cells. Telomere shortening, low autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction have been shown to underpin cell senescence. While autophagy has been found to control mitochondrial damage, no link has been made to telomere attrition. In contrast, mitochondrial stress can contribute to telomere attrition and vice versa. Whereas this link has been investigated in fibroblasts or cell lines, it is unclear whether this link exists in primary cells such as human lymphocytes and whether autophagy contributes to it. As traditional methods for measuring telomere length are low throughput or unsuitable for the analysis of cell subtypes within a mixed population of primary cells, we have developed a novel sensitive flow‐FISH assay using the imaging flow cytometer. Using this assay, we show a correlation between age and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in CD8+ T‐cell subsets, but not with autophagy. Telomere shortening within the CD8+ subset could be prevented in vitro by treatment with a ROS scavenger. Our novel assay is a sensitive assay to measure relative telomere length in primary cells and has revealed ROS as a contributing factor to the decline in telomere length.
Restoration of inland brackish vegetation by large‐scale transfer of coastal driftline material
Authors: Wolters Mineke , de Vries Saskia , Ozinga Wim A. , Bakker Jan P.
Published: August 2017

Question

Does large‐scale transfer of coastal driftline material enhance the establishment of inland brackish vegetation?

Location

The Klutenplas of 11 ha, a formerly reclaimed agricultural field, north coast of the Netherlands.

Methods

A large quantity of coastal driftline material of local origin was transferred to the restoration site in 2006 after top soil removal in 2005 leaving bare areas for control plots. A priori species composition of the driftline was analysed in a greenhouse germination study. Target species were assigned to saline and brackish ecological species groups and present and historic regional occurrences. Our procedure for selecting target species resulted in a list of 98 species characteristic of terrestrial salt and brackish ecological species groups. The establishment of plant species in the field was recorded annually from 2006 to 2009, with a final survey in 2012. A comparison between locations with and without driftline was made. The entire study site was grazed with sheep.

Results

Driftline material contained 39 species, including 26 target species. During the first 4 yr, the mean number of target species in the established vegetation of driftline plots was significantly higher than in control plots. When corrected for spontaneous occurrence by natural colonization in control plots, 44% of the target species in the established vegetation of driftline plots during the first 4 yr could be attributed to the transferred material. After 7 yr driftline and control plots converged to similar levels, probably as a result of dispersal by wind and animals.

Conclusions

Transfer of coastal driftline material enhanced the rate of establishment of inland brackish vegetation for at least the first 4 yr.
Quantifying edge influence on plant community structure and composition in semi‐natural dry grasslands
Authors: Labadessa Rocco , Alignier Audrey , Cassano Stefania , Forte Luigi , Mairota Paola
Published: August 2017

Aims

We investigated the influence of anthropogenic boundaries on semi‐natural grassland plant communities in terms of: (1) depth and magnitude of edge influence and (2) changes in plant community composition associated with boundary attributes.

Location

Alta Murgia, Puglia, southeast Italy.

Methods

Sampling sites were selected taking into account three boundary attributes thought to be most important in the study area, i.e. adjacent land use, presence/absence of stone wall at the patch boundary and occurrence of slope. Plant communities were surveyed along 40‐m transects perpendicular to the patch boundary. Each transect was divided in six plots at given distances from patch boundary. Data were collected related to a set of plant community descriptors referring to structure, composition, life history traits and ecological attributes. A novel methodology that relies on the definition of inner plots as relative interior habitat was introduced for assessment of the depth and magnitude of edge influence. DCA was then used to characterize edge communities.

Results

Significant edge influence on grassland plant communities was limited to the adjacent boundary (<2.5 m). For the majority of descriptors, magnitude of edge influence was higher in grasslands adjacent to crops rather than to roads, in sloping rather than flat edges, and in wall‐bounded rather than unbounded patches. Plant assemblages dominated by either ruderal species or xerothermic grassland species were, in all cases, associated with unbounded edges, while distinct assemblages were observed in wall‐bounded plots according to their different morphology. Wall‐bounded sloping edges were characterized by woodland species, whereas their non‐sloping analogues were associated with calcareous grassland species.

Conclusions

Our findings provide new insights into the influence of anthropogenic boundaries on semi‐natural dry grassland by assessing the depth and magnitude of edge influence, as well as the changes in composition of edge plant communities as a function of the combination of boundary attributes. While the method implemented enabled us to address many of the issues experienced in quantification of edge influence in herbaceous communities, it also allowed us to demonstrate the major role of boundary attributes in modulation of edge community patterns.
Counter‐mapping data science
Authors: Dalton Craig M. , Stallmann Tim
Published: August 2017

Counter‐mapping is a combination of critical ideas and practices for social change that offers a productive and promising approach for grassroots data science initiatives. Current information technologies collect, store, and analyze data with new degrees of size, speed, heterogeneity, and detail. While much work utilizing data science technologies is dedicated to generating profit or to national security, some data science projects explicitly attempt to facilitate new social relations, though with inconsistent results and consequences. This paper reviews counter‐mapping's particular combination of theory and practice as a potential point of reference for such initiatives. Counter‐mapping takes the tools of institutional map‐making at government agencies and corporations and applies them in situated, bottom‐up ways. Moreover, counter‐mapping's multiple theoretical approaches and polyglot practices offer a variety of inspirations and avenues for future work in identifying and realizing alternative, ideally better, possibilities. This paper defines counter‐mapping; outlines its multiple theorizations; briefly describes three relevant case studies, The Detroit Geographical Expedition and Institute, Mapping Police Violence, and the Counter‐Cartographies Collective; and concludes with a few hard‐learned considerations from counter‐mapping that are directly pertinent for data‐oriented projects focused on change.
Clinical and genetic features of 64 young male paediatric patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Wang Yi , Gong Chunxiu , Qin Miao , Liu Ying , Tian Yuanyuan
Published: August 2017

Context

The diagnosis of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) in prepuberty has always been challenging. Here, we aimed at studying the clinical and genetic features of paediatric CHH, especially the phenotype of hypospadias and dual defects (patients showing hypothalamic and/or pituitary defects and testicular hypoplasia), so as to have a better understanding of CHH.

Design

The clinical and genetic features of patients with CHH were analysed, and the relationships between hypospadias, dual defects and genetics were investigated.

Patients

Patients who visited Beijing Children's Hospital and were positively diagnosed with CHH.

Measurements

The collected data included sex hormones, MRI of the olfactory bulb, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) test and genetic testing. We analysed clinical features and genetic results, especially hypospadias and dual defects, and compared the stimulated testosterone (T) levels in patients with and without cryptorchidism.

Results

Sixty‐four patients were positively diagnosed, and forty‐seven (73.4%) had Kallmann syndrome (KS). Four patients (6.3%) had hypospadias, including 2 KS. Micropenis combined with cryptorchidism was the most common phenotype (39%). Approximately two‐third of patients showed a poor response to hCG; 15 cases were diagnosed with dual defects, and there were no significant differences between those with and without cryptorchidism. Twenty‐six cases (51%) of 51 patients were identified as having classical HH mutations, affecting 10 different genes, with oligogenic mutations in 5 cases (9.8%). The most common mutations were in PROKR2 (17.6%), FGFR1 (13.7%) and CHD7 (7.8%). The frequency of PROKR2 mutations was higher in dual HH when compared to other HH cases (6/15 vs 3/36, P = .021).

Conclusions

Micropenis and/or cryptorchidism can serve as important signs for the diagnosis of HH in paediatrics, and the coexistence of hypospadias does not exclude the diagnosis of CHH, including KS or normosmic isolated HH (nHH). Testicular function may be impaired earlier than expected, and PROKR2 mutations need to be evaluated to identify presumed dual defects.
An Evaluation of Marine Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas in the Context of Spatial Conservation Prioritization
Authors: McGowan Jennifer , Smith Robert J. , Di Marco Moreno , Clarke Rohan H. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: August 2017

Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) are sites identified as globally important for bird species conservation. Marine IBAs are one of the few comprehensive multi‐species datasets available for the marine environment, and their use in conservation planning will likely increase as countries race to protect 10% of their territorial waters by 2020. We tested 15 planning scenarios for Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone to guide best practice on integrating marine IBAs into spatial conservation prioritization. We found prioritizations based solely on habitat protection failed to protect IBAs, and prioritizations based solely on IBAs similarly failed to meet basic levels of habitat representation. Further, treating all marine IBAs as irreplaceable sites produced the most inefficient plans in terms of ecological representativeness and protection equality. Our analyses suggest that marine spatial planners who wish to use IBAs treat them like any other conservation feature by assigning them a specific protection target.
Direct evidence of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus infection pathway through the petiole‐shoot junction
Authors: Haňáčková Z. , Koukol O. , Čmoková A. , Zahradník D. , Havrdová L.
Published: August 2017

The symptoms of ash dieback caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus include wilting of the foliage followed by dieback of shoots, twigs and branches. Necroses in shoots are assumed to develop after infection through leaf petioles; however, clear evidence of this infection pathway has not yet been provided. Considering the multiple pathogen genotypes in dead ash petioles, we aimed to obtain a spatial overview of all H. fraxineus genotypes colonizing individual shoots and their corresponding petioles before leaf shedding to acquire precise information about the infection biology of H. fraxineus and its ability to cross the petiole‐shoot junction. Individual genotypes of H. fraxineus were characterized by the analysis of microsatellites using DNA extracted directly from petiole segments or cultures isolated from the segments. We detected 150 different multilocus genotypes in 10 analysed shoots and their respective petioles; the highest number of genotypes was eight for a single petiole and three for a single shoot. The genotypes of most shoot lesions were identical to particular genotypes from the proximal segments of petioles, implicating the main pathway of shoot infections. To test whether the amount of colonized substrate or intraspecific competition have an effect on successful infection, genotypes that reached the most proximal end of the petioles were scored for the number of invaded petiole segments and for the number of other H. fraxineus genotypes co‐occurring in the segments. However, the extent of colonization of the scored genotypes and intraspecific competition with other H. fraxineus strains did not influence pathogen success in entering the shoot. This study confirms that the majority of ash shoot infections are caused by genotypes of H. fraxineus originating from petioles. Compared to petioles, the frequency of shoot colonization as well as number of H. fraxineus genotypes in shoots was much lower.
European Stroke Organization guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis – endorsed by the European Academy of Neurology
Authors: Ferro J. M. , Bousser M.‐G. , Canhão P. , Coutinho J. M. , Crassard I. , Dentali F. , di Minno M. , Maino A. , Martinelli I. , Masuhr F. , Aguiar de Sousa D. , Stam J. ,   the European Stroke Organization
Published: August 2017

Background and purpose

Current guidelines on cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) diagnosis and management were issued by the European Federation of Neurological Societies in 2010. We aimed to update the previous European Federation of Neurological Societies guidelines using a clearer and evidence‐based methodology.

Method

We followed the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, formulating relevant diagnostic and treatment questions, performing systematic reviews and writing recommendations based on the quality of available scientific evidence.

Results

We suggest using magnetic resonance or computed tomographic angiography for confirming the diagnosis of CVT and not routinely screening patients with CVT for thrombophilia or cancer. We recommend parenteral anticoagulation in acute CVT and decompressive surgery to prevent death due to brain herniation. We suggest preferentially using low‐molecular‐weight heparin in the acute phase and not direct oral anticoagulants. We suggest not using steroids and acetazolamide to reduce death or dependency. We suggest using antiepileptics in patients with an early seizure and supratentorial lesions to prevent further early seizures. We could not make recommendations concerning duration of anticoagulation after the acute phase, thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy, therapeutic lumbar puncture, and prevention of remote seizures with antiepileptic drugs. We suggest that, in women who have suffered a previous CVT, contraceptives containing oestrogens should be avoided. We suggest that subsequent pregnancies are safe, but use of prophylactic low‐molecular‐weight heparin should be considered throughout pregnancy and puerperium.

Conclusions

Multicentre observational and experimental studies are needed to increase the level of evidence supporting recommendations on the diagnosis and management of CVT.
Impaired polymorphonuclear neutrophils in the oral cavity of edentulous individuals
Authors: Rijkschroeff Patrick , Loos Bruno G. , Nicu Elena A.
Published: August 2017

Oral health is characterized by functional oral polymorphonuclear neutrophils (oPMNs). Edentulism might be associated with a loss of oPMNs because these cells enter the oral cavity primarily through the gingival crevices. The main aim of this study was to investigate the numbers of oPMNs in rinse samples obtained from edentulous (n = 21) and dentate (n = 20) subjects. A second study aim was to investigate possible differences between oPMNs and peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (cPMNs). Apoptosis/necrosis and cell‐activation markers (CD11b, CD63 and CD66b) were analyzed using flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was determined either without stimulation (constitutive) or in response to 10 μM phorbol myristate acetate or Fusobacterium nucleatum. The edentulous subjects presented with lower oPMN counts and higher percentages of apoptotic/necrotic oPMNs compared with dentate subjects. Furthermore, oPMNs from edentulous donors expressed low levels of all three activation markers and low constitutive ROS. In contrast, oPMNs from dentate subjects expressed high levels of all three activation markers and a higher level of constitutive ROS than cPMNs. When challenged, oPMNs from edentulous subjects showed no upregulation in ROS production, whereas oPMNs from dentate subjects retained their ability to respond to stimulation. The functional characteristics of cPMNs were comparable between edentulous and dentate subjects. This study demonstrates that despite having functional cPMNs, edentulous subjects have low oPMN numbers that are functionally impaired.
Effect of a 12‐methacryloyloxy‐dodecyl‐pyridinium‐bromide–containing adhesive with different post types on the long‐term bond strength to dentin
Authors: de Faria Natália S. , Moura Luana K. B. , de Macedo Luciana M. D. , Colucci Vivian , Raucci‐Neto Walter , Messias Danielle C.
Published: August 2017

The use of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) inhibitors, such as 12‐methacryloyloxy‐dodecyl‐pyridinium‐bromide (MDPB), might improve the adhesion of glass‐fiber (GF) and polyfiber (PF) posts to root dentine. This study assessed the effect of an MDPB‐containing adhesive on the long‐term bond strength of GF or PF posts to bovine dentine. Bovine endodontically treated roots were randomly divided into six groups, according to the post type and adhesive system used, as follows: GF serrated post + MDBP‐free adhesive; GF serrated post + MDPB‐containing adhesive; GF smooth post + MDBP‐free adhesive; GF smooth post + MDPB‐containing adhesive; PF post + MDBP‐free adhesive; PF post + MDPB‐containing adhesive. Specimens were stored in water for 6 months, thermocycled (500 cycles wk−1), and submitted to the pull‐out test and failure pattern analysis. The cement–dentin interface was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The pull‐out data were analyzed usinganovaand Tukey's test (α= 0.05). No significant interaction between the type of post and the adhesive system was found. Polyfiber posts showed lower bond strength than GF posts, whether serrated or smooth, and the bond strength of the serrated and smooth GF posts was not significantly different. Adhesive failures were predominant in all groups. The type of retainer influenced the bond strength, and MDPB‐containing adhesive did not improve the long‐term bond strength of posts to dentine.
An improved vitrification protocol for equine immature oocytes, resulting in a first live foal
Authors: Ortiz‐Escribano N. , Bogado Pascottini O. , Woelders H. , Vandenberghe L. , De Schauwer C. , Govaere J. , Van den Abbeel E. , Vullers T. , Ververs C. , Roels K. , Van De Velde M. , Van Soom A. , Smits K.
Published: August 2017

Background

The success rate for vitrification of immature equine oocytes is low. Although vitrified‐warmed oocytes are able to mature, further embryonic development appears to be compromised.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare two vitrification protocols, and to examine the effect of the number of layers of cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte during vitrification of immature equine oocytes.

Study design

Experimental in vitro and in vivo trials.

Methods

Immature equine oocytes were vitrified after a short exposure to high concentrations of cryoprotective agents (CPAs), or a long exposure to lower concentrations of CPAs. In Experiment 1, the maturation of oocytes surrounded by multiple layers of cumulus cells (CC oocytes) and oocytes surrounded by only corona radiata (CR oocytes) was investigated. In Experiment 2, spindle configuration was determined for CR oocytes vitrified using the two vitrification protocols. In Experiment 3, further embryonic development was studied after fertilisation and culture. Embryo transfer was performed in a standard manner.

Results

Similar nuclear maturation rates were observed for CR oocytes vitrified using the long exposure and nonvitrified controls. Furthermore, a lower maturation rate was obtained for CC oocytes vitrified with the short exposure compared to control CR oocytes (P = 0.001). Both vitrification protocols resulted in significantly higher rates of aberrant spindle configuration than the control groups (P<0.05). Blastocyst development only occurred in CR oocytes vitrified using the short vitrification protocol, and even though blastocyst rates were significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.001), transfer of five embryos resulted in one healthy foal.

Main limitations

The relatively low number of equine oocytes and embryo transfer procedures performed.

Conclusions

For vitrification of immature equine oocytes, the use of 1) CR oocytes, 2) a high concentration of CPAs, and 3) a short exposure time may be key factors for maintaining developmental competence.
Eosinophils as putative therapeutic targets in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Simon Dagmar , Borradori Luca , Simon Hans‐Uwe
Published: August 2017

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal blistering skin disease and is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies directed against the hemidesmosomal proteins BP180 and BP230 that can be detected in the skin and serum of BP patients. Histologically, the dermal infiltration of eosinophils is obvious. The objective of this review was to present evidence that eosinophils play a key role in the pathogenesis of BP. Eosinophils, together with cytokines and chemokines regulating their production, recruitment and activation, are abundantly present in lesional skin, in blisters and in peripheral blood of patients with BP. Recently, using a cryosection model, eosinophils were demonstrated to induce dermal‐epidermal separation in the presence of BP antibodies. Thus, eosinophils and their products, as well as mediators regulating their function, present promising targets for the treatment of BP.
Manifestation of atopic dermatitis‐like skin in TNCB‐induced NC/Nga mice is ameliorated by topical treatment of substance P, possibly through blockade of allergic inflammation
Authors: Choi Hyeongwon , Kim Dong‐jin , Nam Seungwoo , Lim Sunki , Hwang Jae‐Sung , Park Ki Sook , Hong Hyun Sook , Shin Min Kyung , Chung Eunkyung , Son Youngsook
Published: August 2017

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense pruritus and eczematous lesion. In this study, topically applied substance P (SP) significantly alleviated AD‐like clinical symptoms in 2, 4, 6‐trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)‐induced dermatitis in NC/Nga mice. This effect was nullified by pretreatment of the neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK‐1R) antagonist CP99994. SP treatment significantly reduced the infiltration of mast cells and CD3‐positive T cells as well as inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), in AD‐like skin lesions and decreased the levels of IgE and thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine in serum. This SP‐induced alleviation of allergic inflammatory responses was also confirmed as reduced activation in the axillary lymph nodes (aLN) and spleen, suggesting the systemic effect of SP on immune responses in TNCB‐induced NC/Nga mice. Furthermore, SP‐mediated TSLP reduction was confirmed in human keratinocyte culture under pro‐inflammatory TNF‐α stimulation. Taken together, these results suggest that topically administered SP may have potential as a medication for atopic dermatitis.