bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health‐related quality of life in children and adolescents: Current normative data, determinants and reliability on proxy‐report
Authors: Meyer Michael , Oberhoffer Renate , Hock Julia , Giegerich Tobias , Müller Jan
Published: May 2016

Aim

Health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) is a multidimensional concept including self‐reported measures of physical and mental health. Throughout the last decades, HrQoL has become a more and more important outcome measure not only in clinical conditions. This study evaluates current HrQoL of healthy children and adolescents, determinants of HrQoL, and the agreement between self‐ and proxy‐report.

Methods

From April 2012 to July 2013, we prospectively examined 530 healthy children (13.2 ± 2.1 years, 236 girls) and their parents on their childrens HrQoL using the KINDL‐R self‐report questionnaire and the parent's proxy‐report. Data was compared to the established reference value from 2007 and the agreement of self‐ and parent's proxy‐report was assessed by calculation of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

In general, the HrQoL improved compared to references in both children's (104.5 ± 12.6 % of predicted reference value, P < .001) and parent's proxy‐report (104.3 ± 12.3 % of predicted reference value, P < .001). HrQoL declined with proceeding age (r = −.247, P < .001) but was not associated with BMI (r = −.035, P = .420). There was good accordance between children's reported HrQoL and the parent's proxy‐report (ICC: .774). Only in the domains ‘self‐esteem’ (ICC: .558) and ‘Emotional well‐being’ (ICC: .612) the agreements were moderate.

Conclusions

HrQoL perception has increased throughout the past 10 years and worsens with increasing age. Moreover, the parent's proxy‐report of the KINDL‐R questionnaire is a good supplementary method to provide additional information regarding to children's HrQoL.
Parental state anxiety correlates with preoperative anxiety in Chinese preschool children
Authors: Cui Xulei , Zhu Bo , Zhao Jing , Huang Yuguang , Luo Ailun , Wei Jing
Published: May 2016

Aim

Preoperative anxiety in children is largely dependent on age and is influenced by anxiety level in parents. The current study compared the level of preoperative anxiety in preschool children versus school‐aged children and its relationship with the state and trait anxiety of the parents.

Methods

This study included 54 preschool children (2–5 years of age) and 48 school‐age children (6–12 years) scheduled to receive ear, nose and throat, plastic or ophthalmologic surgeries. Preoperative anxiety of children was assessed in the holding area immediately prior to the surgery using a modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m‐YPAS). Compliance with anaesthesia induction was assessed using an Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC). The state and trait anxiety of the parent who accompanied the child was assessed using a State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire.

Results

Both m‐YPAS and ICC scores were higher in preschool children than in school‐age children with significant correlation between the two measures. The STAI‐S score of parents was higher in the preschool group than in the school‐age group. No significant difference was found in STAI‐T score between the two age groups. Children's m‐YPAS score correlated with parental STAI‐T score in both groups (rho = 0.297, P = 0.029 and rho = 0.338, P = 0.019, respectively) but only with STAI‐S score in the preschool group (rho = 0.400, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Both preschool children and their parents are more anxious than school‐age dyads prior to surgery. The anxiety level of the children correlates with state anxiety of the parents in preschool children but not in school‐age children.
Exogenous melatonin improved potassium content in Malus under different stress conditions
Authors: Li Chao , Liang Bowen , Chang Cong , Wei Zhiwei , Zhou Shasha , Ma Fengwang
Published: May 2016

Melatonin mediates many physiological processes in plants. We investigated its role in regulating growth, potassium uptake, and root system architecture under three types of stress: salinity or a deficiency of all nutrients in Malus hupehensis Rehd., as well as a K deficiency in Malus rockii Rehd. Each treatment caused a reduction in growth rates and disrupted the absorption of potassium. However, pretreatment with 0.1 μmol/L melatonin significantly alleviated such inhibitions. The addition of melatonin also upregulated genes for antioxidant enzymes involved in the ascorbate–glutathione cycle (MdcAPX, MdDHAR1, MdDHAR2, MdMDHAR, and MdcGR) and helped decrease the accumulation of H2O2 while improving the expression of K transporters and genes for the CBL1–CIPK23 pathway. These results indicated that melatonin can regulate the ROS signal and activate the CBL1–CIPK23 pathway to regulate the expression of a potassium channel protein gene, thereby promoting the absorption of potassium ions. Our findings demonstrate that inducing melatonin production is an important mechanism for plant defenses that can serve as a platform for possible applications in agricultural or related fields of research.
The Relationship between the Psychology of Religion and Buddhist Psychology
Authors: Kato Hiroki
Published: May 2016

The psychology of religion and Buddhist psychology have deep historical connections. However, there has been a lack of discourse between these fields of study. Therefore this paper focuses on the relationship between the psychology of religion and Buddhist psychology as well as the history and research trends of each field. Recently, studies on the psychology of religion and Buddhist psychology have attracted attention based on the concepts of “spirituality” and “mindfulness.” Moreover, there have been a number of psychotherapeutic techniques developed that are based on mindfulness meditation. The relationship between the psychology of religion and Buddhist psychology is complex and often the subject of confusion. The complexity results from the fact that Buddhism could be seen as an alternative to psychology in the analysis of the mind; and moreover, Buddhism also contains aspects of psychotherapy that bring peace of mind.
Market Power of the Input Supplier, Technology Transfer and Consumer Welfare
Authors: Cao Jiyun , Mukherjee Arijit
Published: May 2016

It is believed that market power of the input supplier, charging a linear price, is detrimental for the consumers since it creates the double marginalisation problem. We show that this view may not be true if the final goods producers can adopt strategies to reduce rent extraction by the input supplier. Market power of the input supplier may encourage a final goods producer either to license its technology to a competitor with a cost advantage or to adopt a less distortionary technology licensing contract. Both these effects may create higher consumer welfare under market power of the input supplier compared to a competitive input market.
Evaluation of the effects of iodized salt on the mental development of preschool‐aged children: a cluster randomized trial in northern Ethiopia
Authors: Aboud Frances E. , Bougma Karim , Lemma Tizita , Marquis Grace S.
Published: May 2016

A cluster randomized effectiveness trial was used to examine the effects on mental development of introducing iodized salt to children 4 to 6 years of age in Ethiopia, where there were reportedly high levels of iodine deficiency. Sixty district clusters were randomized to receive iodized salt early at their markets with assistance from regular salt distributors or later as introduced by market forces. At pre‐ and post‐iodization, 1602 children were given cognitive/language tests (namely School Readiness, WPPSI verbal reasoning, WPPSI Matrix reasoning), and mothers were interviewed concerning demographics, nutrition and health. Children's weight, height, urine and a blood sample were taken. Analyses of covariance, adjusting for clustering and baseline levels were conducted. Urinary iodine concentrations were significantly higher at endline in the intervention children than controls though both medians were above threshold. Overall, less than 5% were anemic. There were no significant main effect differences between groups on the cognitive/language tests, but there were effect modifiers, namely mother's education, child's sex and diet. For example, the intervention group performed better on the school readiness test than controls if their mothers had attended school, but not otherwise. In conclusion, the data are consistent with negative findings from studies where children 6 to 12 years were supplemented with an iodine capsule, indicating that the benefits of iodine, in salt or capsule form, for brain development may be restricted to children under 3 years. Yet, benefits may be tied to those with more educational resources or may compensate for conditions of disadvantage.
Adaptation to climate through flowering phenology: a case study in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Burgarella Concetta , Chantret Nathalie , Gay Laurène , Prosperi Jean‐Marie , Bonhomme Maxime , Tiffin Peter , Young Nevin D. , Ronfort Joelle
Published: May 2016

Local climatic conditions likely constitute an important selective pressure on genes underlying important fitness‐related traits such as flowering time, and in many species, flowering phenology and climatic gradients strongly covary. To test whether climate shapes the genetic variation on flowering time genes and to identify candidate flowering genes involved in the adaptation to environmental heterogeneity, we used a large Medicago truncatula core collection to examine the association between nucleotide polymorphisms at 224 candidate genes and both climate variables and flowering phenotypes. Unlike genome‐wide studies, candidate gene approaches are expected to enrich for the number of meaningful trait associations because they specifically target genes that are known to affect the trait of interest. We found that flowering time mediates adaptation to climatic conditions mainly by variation at genes located upstream in the flowering pathways, close to the environmental stimuli. Variables related to the annual precipitation regime reflected selective constraints on flowering time genes better than the other variables tested (temperature, altitude, latitude or longitude). By comparing phenotype and climate associations, we identified 12 flowering genes as the most promising candidates responsible for phenological adaptation to climate. Four of these genes were located in the known flowering time QTL region on chromosome 7. However, climate and flowering associations also highlighted largely distinct gene sets, suggesting different genetic architectures for adaptation to climate and flowering onset.
L‐fucose influences chemotaxis and biofilm formation in Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Dwivedi Ritika , Nothaft Harald , Garber Jolene , Xin Kin Lin , Stahl Martin , Flint Annika , van Vliet Arnoud H. M. , Stintzi Alain , Szymanski Christine M.
Published: May 2016

Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are zoonotic pathogens once considered asaccharolytic, but are now known to encode pathways for glucose and fucose uptake/metabolism. For C. jejuni, strains with the fuc locus possess a competitive advantage in animal colonization models. We demonstrate that this locus is present in > 50% of genome‐sequenced strains and is prevalent in livestock‐associated isolates of both species. To better understand how these campylobacters sense nutrient availability, we examined biofilm formation and chemotaxis to fucose. C. jejuni NCTC11168 forms less biofilms in the presence of fucose, although its fucose permease mutant (fucP) shows no change. In a newly developed chemotaxis assay, both wild‐type and the fucP mutant are chemotactic towards fucose. C. jejuni 81‐176 naturally lacks the fuc locus and is unable to swim towards fucose. Transfer of the NCTC11168 locus into 81‐176 activated fucose uptake and chemotaxis. Fucose chemotaxis also correlated with possession of the pathway for C. jejuni RM1221 (fuc+) and 81116 (fuc‐). Systematic mutation of the NCTC11168 locus revealed that Cj0485 is necessary for fucose metabolism and chemotaxis. This study suggests that components for fucose chemotaxis are encoded within the fuc locus, but downstream signals only in fuc + strains, are involved in coordinating fucose availability with biofilm development.
American Learners’ Comprehension of Russian Textual Humor
Authors: SHARDAKOVA MARIA
Published: May 2016

Over the past decade, second language (L2) humor has attracted scholarly attention as both a means and a goal of L2 development. Much of this research, however, has focused on oral communication, whereas virtually no studies address humor as an aspect of reading comprehension. This exploratory study combines these two areas of inquiry, examining how L2 learners of Russian negotiate textual humor. In particular, the study addresses the role of textual properties (genre and humorousness), and the effects of proficiency on learners’ ability to apprehend and appreciate textual humor. The findings suggest that learner comprehension is dynamic and often partial (cf. Bell,), depending on familiarity with genre conventions and linguistic devices signaling humorous intent. The study also found that different stages of humor comprehension required discrete sets of knowledge: Detection, for example, relies on L2 linguistic knowledge, whereas understanding hinges largely on native cultural beliefs. Comparison of both groups suggested that the differences between learners and native speakers were both quantitative and qualitative. The role of proficiency was more complex than expected and primarily evidenced in the accuracy (rather than frequency) of humor recognition independent of text properties. The article concludes with pedagogical suggestions and outlines future research areas.
Intercession as Political Ministry: Re‐Interpreting the Priesthood of All Believers
Authors: de Graaff Guido
Published: May 2016

This paper seeks to develop a distinctly civic understanding of ‘the priesthood of all believers’ by highlighting its intercessory character. First, in conversation with Christof Gestrich and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I will draw out the vicarious and representative dimensions of a priestly ministry that is rooted in Christ's atoning intercession. I will then show how this understanding of the general priesthood opens up interesting opportunities for dialogue with Danielle Allen's account of ‘sacrifice’ as a core democratic practice. Not only will her proposal help me refine my account of Christian priestly existence, but the latter will also amplify some Christological resonances in Allen's proposal.
Disease models for the development of therapies for lysosomal storage diseases
Authors: Xu Miao , Motabar Omid , Ferrer Marc , Marugan Juan J. , Zheng Wei , Ottinger Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2016

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of rare diseases in which the function of the lysosome is disrupted by the accumulation of macromolecules. The complexity underlying the pathogenesis of LSDs and the small, often pediatric, population of patients make the development of therapies for these diseases challenging. Current treatments are only available for a small subset of LSDs and have not been effective at treating neurological symptoms. Disease‐relevant cellular and animal models with high clinical predictability are critical for the discovery and development of new treatments for LSDs. In this paper, we review how LSD patient primary cells and induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cellular models are providing novel assay systems in which phenotypes are more similar to those of the human LSD physiology. Furthermore, larger animal disease models are providing additional tools for evaluation of the efficacy of drug candidates. Early predictors of efficacy and better understanding of disease biology can significantly affect the translational process by focusing efforts on those therapies with the higher probability of success, thus decreasing overall time and cost spent in clinical development and increasing the overall positive outcomes in clinical trials.
Effect of a thin‐neck pacifier on primary dentition: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wagner Y. , Heinrich‐Weltzien R.
Published: May 2016

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate changes in occlusal characteristics in the primary dentition that occur after introducing a thin‐neck pacifier (TNP) to children with previously diagnosed pacifier‐associated anterior open bite (AOB) and increased overjet.

Setting and Sample Population

Department of Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, Jena University Hospital, Germany. Subjects were 86 children (mean age 20.3 months) with a pacifier‐associated open bite or overjet ≥2 mm.

Material & Methods

Randomized controlled trial. Subjects were randomly assigned: group I (n = 28), intervention group using a TNP; group II (n = 30), control group, using a conventional or physiological pacifier; and group III (n = 28), intervention group, Gold standard, weaned off pacifier. Participants were re‐examined after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months by an operator, blinded for the treatment.

Results

After 12 months data for 63 children (mean age 33.1 months) were analyzed (I: n = 24; II: n = 22; III: n = 17). There was a significant difference between the groups regarding mean overjet (group I: 2.7 ± 0.5 mm, group II: 3.2 ± 0.7 mm, group III: 2.4 ± 0.5 mm, Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.002) and AOB (group I: −1.2 ± 0.3 mm, group II: −2.2 ± 0.3 mm, group III: −0.8 ± 0.8 mm, Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.001). The differences between group I and II regarding increased overjet (3.1 ± 0.2 mm vs. 3.6 ± 0.3 mm, Mann–Whitney, p < 0.001) and extent of AOB (−1.2 ± 0.3 mm vs. −2.2 ± 0.3 mm, Mann–Whitney, p < 0.001) were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Use of TNP resulted in better clinical measurements for in overjet and overbite compared with the continuing use of conventional or physiological pacifiers.
Seeking support in response to social and achievement stressors: A multivenue analysis
Authors: RIFE SEAN C. , KERNS KATHRYN A. , UPDEGRAFF JOHN A.
Published: May 2016

Social support is the subject of much research, but comparatively little attention has been paid to support seeking. Moreover, what research exists on support seeking has primarily addressed in‐person support seeking, despite the proliferation of new support venues (e.g., Facebook, websites, etc.). This article uses a daily diary methodology to examine the support‐seeking behavior men (N = 41) and women (N = 97) exhibit in response to various types of stressors. Results indicate that (a) in‐person support seeking remains the most popular form; (b) compared to achievement stressors, social stressors are more likely to result in emotional support seeking rather than instrumental support seeking; and (c) men may engage in more support seeking than has been previously suggested by the literature, particularly in electronic venues.
Influence of Donor on the Sensing Performance of a Series of Through‐Bond Energy Transfer‐Based Two‐photon Fluorescent Cu2+ Probes
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Jin , Wang Xin , Zhou Yong , Wang Chuan‐Kui
Published: May 2016

Optical properties of a series of molecular two‐photon fluorescent Cu2+ probes containing the same acceptor (rhodamine group) are analyzed using time‐dependent density functional theory in combination with analytical response theory. Special emphasis is placed on evolution of the probes' optical properties in the presence of Cu2+. In this study, the compound with naphthalene as the donor is shown to be excellent ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor, whereas the compound with quinoline derivative as the donor shows off/on‐typed colorimetric fluorescent response. For the compound with naphthalimide derivative as the donor, changing the connection between the donor and acceptor can efficiently prevent the fluorescent quenching of the probe both in the absence and presence of Cu2+. The donor moiety and the connection between donor and acceptor are thus found to play dominant roles on sensing performance of these probes. Moreover, distributions of molecular orbitals involved in the excitation and emission of the probes are analyzed to explore responsive mechanism of the probes. The through‐bond energy transfer process is theoretically demonstrated. Our results are used to elucidate the available experimental measurements. This work is helpful to understand the relationships of structure with optical properties for the studied probes.
Chemiexcitation Efficiency of Intermolecular Electron‐transfer Catalyzed Peroxide Decomposition Shows Low Sensitivity to Solvent‐cavity Effects
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , de Souza Sergio P. , Bartoloni Fernando H. , Augusto Felipe A. , Baader Wilhelm J.
Published: May 2016

Intermolecular chemically initiated electron exchange luminescence (CIEEL) systems are known to possess low chemiluminescence efficiency; whereas, the corresponding intramolecular transformations are highly efficient. As the reasons for this discrepancy are not known, we report in this work our studies of the solvent‐cavity effect on the efficiency of two intermolecular CIEEL systems, the catalyzed decomposition of diphenoyl peroxide and of a relatively stable 1,2‐dioxetanone derivative, spiro‐adamantyl‐1,2‐dioxetanone. The results indicate a very low medium viscosity effect on the quantum yields of these systems, a priori not compatible with these bimolecular transformations, showing also that their low efficiency cannot be due to solvent‐cavity escape of intermediate radical ion pairs. In addition, the solvent‐cage effect on the CIEEL efficiency, after the occurrence of the initial electron transfer, proved also to be very low, indicating the intrinsic low viscosity effect on the chemiexcitation step. Therefore, it is concluded that the low efficiency of these systems is intrinsic to the chemiexcitation step and cannot be improved by medium viscosity effects, being possibly due to sterical hindrance on charge‐transfer complex formation in the initial step of the CIEEL.
Passive heat treatment of sweet basil crops suppresses white mould and grey mould
Authors: Elad Y. , Rav David D. , Israeli L. , Fogel M.
Published: May 2016

Sweet basil white mould (BWM, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) and grey mould (BGM, Botrytis cinerea) are important diseases in Israel and other basil‐growing regions. The impact of microclimate on BWM and BGM and on plant sensitivity to these diseases was studied. Disease incidence was evaluated in three field experiments, each consisting of 10–12 polyethylene‐covered tunnels. BWM and BGM incidences were correlated with air temperature, relative humidity (RH) and soil temperature data. The incidence of BWM was negatively correlated with high (above >25 or >30 °C) air temperatures, RH > 50% and RH > 75% and high (>21 or >24 °C) soil temperatures. BGM incidence was negatively correlated with high (>25 °C) air temperatures and high (>21 or >24 °C) soil temperatures, and positively correlated with RH >65% or >75%. Shoots harvested from plants grown in the walk‐in tunnels were inoculated with S. sclerotiorum or B. cinerea under controlled conditions. Severity of BWM and BGM on those shoots was negatively correlated with tunnel air temperatures of >25 and >30 °C and soil temperatures >18 °C. Thus, high temperatures were related to reduced disease incidence and to reduced sensitivity to the pathogens. Experiments involving potted plants revealed that heating only the root zone suppresses canopy susceptibility to BWM and BGM. These findings indicate that the effect of high greenhouse temperatures involves an indirect systemic effect that renders the host less susceptible to disease. This effect was also observed in harvested shoots that were no longer at the high temperatures, and the effect was systemic.
Is it Safe to Disagree?
Authors: Hirvelä Jaakko
Published: May 2016

This paper offers a new account of the epistemic significance of disagreement which is grounded in two assumptions; (i) that knowledge is the norm of belief and, (ii) that the safety condition is a necessary condition for knowledge. These assumptions motivate a modal definition of epistemic peerhood, which is much easier to operate on than the more traditional definitions of epistemic peerhood. The modal account of the epistemic significance of disagreement yields plausible results regarding cases of disagreement. Furthermore, it is able to tap into the intuitions that have motivated the conformist and the nonconformist positions and it locates a fruitful middle‐ground between these two conflicting positions. It will be shown that the conformist is correct in that cases of real peer disagreement force us to suspend our judgment. The reason for this is that in cases of real peer disagreement our beliefs fail to be safe. The nonconformist, on the other hand, is right in that disagreement in itself does not have any epistemic power. It is only by the grace of nature that we gain knowledge. The fact that someone disagrees with you does not mean that you do not have knowledge.
Are integrated impact assessments the way forward for mainstreaming in the European Union?
Authors: Smismans Stijn , Minto Rachel
Published: May 2016

This article assesses the utility of impact assessments (IAs) as an effective tool for mainstreaming. Specifically, it analyses whether the European Union's (EU's) system of integrated impact assessments (IIAs) contributes to the realization of six mainstreaming objectives defined in the EU treaties. The article first studies whether the legal framework for the EU's system of IIAs makes it a viable tool for mainstreaming. It then proceeds with an empirical analysis of 35 IAs to assess the extent to which mainstreaming objectives are taken into account in practice. The analysis shows that all six mainstreaming objectives have a place within the IIA system, but the system does not ensure systematic consideration of them. There is considerable variation across mainstreaming agendas, as well as across Directorates‐General. The article concludes that the IIA system is no panacea for mainstreaming, and proposes changes to the institutional framework to improve its mainstreaming potential.
Hidden Obesity in Dialysis Patients: Clinical Implications
Authors: Abramowitz Matthew K. , Sharma Deep , Folkert Vaughn W.
Published: May 2016

While body‐mass index (BMI) is used to diagnose obesity in the general population, its application in the end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) population is fraught with difficulty. A major limitation is its inability to distinguish muscle mass from fat mass, thereby leading to misclassification of individuals with poor muscle mass but excess adipose tissue as non‐obese (i.e. BMI <30 kg/m2). As muscle wasting is common among ESRD patients, this is an important problem. A substantial proportion of ESRD patients have levels of BMI in the normal range, yet excess adiposity based on other measures. The importance of this “hidden” obesity remains to be determined, but it must be recognized in order for obesity interventions to be appropriately targeted and tested in the ESRD population.
Quantitatively Oriented Forms of Journalism and Their Epistemology
Authors: Splendore Sergio
Published: May 2016

The contemporary availability of data and the growing possibility of their processing have also influenced the journalistic field. Several global news companies have embraced and enhanced forms of data use. This article provides an overview of research and analysis on the journalistic use of data. It discusses three broad definitions of data, computational, and automated journalism. It then debates their epistemological implications at each stage of news production (access, processing, and editing). Finally, it outlines factors that influence their future implication, focusing on education.
How Does Family Policy ‘Work’? Job Context, Flexibility, and Maternity Leave Policy
Authors: Dengate Jennifer L.
Published: May 2016

Using evidence from Canada and the United States, I review the literature on workplace flexibility and one‐size‐fits‐all federal maternity leave policy as it relates to maternal job context. The literature suggests that job variation is central to accessing work–family policy due to differences in job characteristics, demands, and overriding workplace norms. As a result, the opportunities for and consequences of flexibility and leave vary significantly between high and low wage employment contexts. Accordingly, the evidence suggests that policy development would benefit from taking job context into account.
Anti‐HI can cause a severe delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction with hyperhemolysis in sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Ibanez Clara , Habibi Anoosha , Mekontso‐Dessap Armand , Chadebech Philippe , Chami Btissam , Bierling Philippe , Galactéros Frédéric , Rieux Claire , Nataf Joëlle , Bartolucci Pablo , Peyrard Thierry , Pirenne France
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) is a life‐threatening condition in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients that is frequently complicated by hyperhemolysis. Antibodies resulting from antigen disparity between donors of European ancestry and patients of African ancestry are common, but situations involving antibodies not classically of clinical significance are also encountered. Anti‐HI is generally considered to be an innocuous naturally occurring antibody.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We describe two cases of hyperhemolysis with anti‐HI and provide details of the reported cases.

RESULTS

Both SCD patients were polyimmunized and belonged to blood group B. They developed anti‐HI that was reactive at 37°C, after the transfusion of group O red blood cell units matched for all known and produced antibodies classically considered to be clinically significant. Both patients developed DHTR with hyperhemolysis. In the first case, a pregnant woman, a second transfusion was unavoidable and the patient died from cardiac arrest. The state of the second patient improved without the need for further transfusion.

CONCLUSION

Three other cases of DHTR with anti‐HI have been described in the literature in SCD patients. The two additional cases reported here definitively demonstrate that anti‐HI is dangerous in SCD patients. As a result, ABO‐identical matching (including A1 status) must be considered in SCD patients with anti‐HI.
Hematologic reference intervals for Xenopus tropicalis with partial use of automatic counting methods and reliability of long‐term stored samples
Authors: Maxham Lily A. , Forzán María J. , Hogan Natacha S. , Vanderstichel Raphaël V. , Gilroy Cornelia V.
Published: May 2016

Background

The African frog, Xenopus tropicalis, is widely used in biomedical and toxicologic research. Reference intervals (RI) for hematologic variables, valuable to research and health status assessment, have not been established.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to determine hematologic RI of X tropicalis, and establish whether automated cell counting can facilitate routine hematologic assessment in frogs.

Methods

Blood from 41 adult healthy X tropicalis was collected via cardiac puncture, and diluted in Natt–Herrick solution. Complete WBC, RBC, and thrombocyte counts (hemocytometry), differential WBC counts (Wright–Giemsa‐stained smears), PCV (centrifugation), total protein (refractometry), and automated total cell counts (WBC + RBC + thrombocytes, Sysmex particle counting) were determined. Concordance correlation coefficients calculated the agreement between total cell counts obtained by hemocytometry and automated particle counting, and between total cell counts at collection and after 2 years of storage.

Results

Leukocyte morphology was similar to other amphibians and mammals. PCV was similar to other frogs; RBC counts were higher, and MCV was lower than in other frog species. Neutrophils were the most numerous WBC. Agreement was good between hemocytometry and automated cell counts. Subtracting the hemocytometer WBC and thrombocyte counts from the automated total cell count reliably yielded the RBC count. Cellular integrity evaluated 2 years post collection was good, and automated counts were not clinically different from counts at collection.

Conclusion

We provide hematologic RI for X tropicalis, suggest how automated cell counts may facilitate hematologic assessments of frogs, and establish that blood in Natt–Herrick solution is stable 2 years post collection.
Retrospective evaluation of the effects of administration of tetrastarch (hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4) on plasma creatinine concentration in dogs (2010–2013): 201 dogs
Authors: Yozova Ivayla D. , Howard Judith , Adamik Katja‐Nicole
Published: May 2016

Objective

To determine changes in creatinine concentrations following the administration of 6% tetrastarch (hydroxyethyl starch [HES] 130/0.4) compared to crystalloids (CRYSs) in critically ill dogs.

Design

Retrospective case series (2010–2013).

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Two hundred and one dogs admitted to the intensive care unit with initial plasma creatinine concentrations not exceeding laboratory reference intervals (52–117 μmol/L [0.6–1.3 mg/dL]) and receiving either CRYSs alone (CRYS group,n= 115) or HES with or without CRYSs (HES group,n= 86) for at least 24 hours.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Creatinine concentrations at admission to the intensive care unit (T0), and 2–13 days (T1) and 2–12 weeks (T2) after initiation of fluid therapy were analyzed. Creatinine concentrations were analyzed as absolute values and as the maximum percentage change from T0 to T1 (T1max%) and from T0 to T2 (T2max%), respectively.

Creatinine concentrations were available for 192 dogs during T1 and 37 dogs during T2. The median cumulative dose of HES was 86 mL/kg (range, 12–336 mL/kg). No difference was detected between the groups for age, gender, body weight, and length of hospitalization. Outcome was significantly different between the HES (66% survived) and the CRYS (87% survived) groups (P= 0.014). No significant difference was detected between groups for creatinine concentrations at T0, T1, T2, T1max%, or T2max%. No significant difference was detected between the groups for T1max% creatinine in dogs subclassified as having systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis.

Conclusions

HES administration in this canine population did not result in increased creatinine concentrations compared to administration of CRYSs. Further studies are needed to establish the safety of HES in critically ill dogs.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—A CASE OF SPONTANEOUS HEPATIC PORTAL VEIN GAS IN AN 11‐MONTH‐OLD WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER
Authors: Cartwright Jennifer A. , Breheny Craig , Major Alison C. , Hill Tracy L. , Gow Adam G.
Published: May 2016

An 11‐month‐old female entire West Highland White Terrier presented for chronic diarrhea with acute deterioration in demeanor and progression to systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography identified colonic ulceration and secondary mucosal gas. Suspected hepatic portal vein gas and hepatic parenchyma gas were also visualized. The patient was stabilized and managed for ulcerative colitis. Based on endoscopic biopsies, the dog was diagnosed with severe, chronic, pyogranulomatous colitis. On repeat ultrasonographic evaluation the portal vein and hepatic gas had resolved but the patient deteriorated and was ultimately euthanized due to sepsis.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—IDIOPATHIC HYOID MALFORMATION IN AN 8‐YEAR‐OLD WELSH SECTION D HORSE
Authors: Dixon Jonathon , Biggi Marianna , O'Brien Etienne J. O. , Farr Ricky , Witte Thomas H.
Published: May 2016

An 8‐year‐old gelding was evaluated for intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) at exercise. Standing laterolateral radiographs demonstrated an abnormal crossed appearance of the stylohyoid bones. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed abnormal positioning of the left stylohyoid bone and articulations with both the left thyrohyoid and ceratohyoid bones. Surgical treatment consisted of combined left ceratohyoidectomy and thyrohyoidectomy. Postoperatively the patient's presenting complaint resolved completely, with the horse returning to full work. Standing laterolateral radiographs should be obtained prior to laryngeal or hyoid surgery to rule out hyoid anomalies, which could result in surgical failure or subsequent hyoid fracture.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—TRAUMATIC ABOMASITIS CAUSED BY FOREIGN BODIES IN A COW
Authors: Constant Caroline , Francoz David , Babkine Marie , Desrochers André
Published: May 2016

A 2‐year‐old Holstein cow presented with a history of colic signs of 3 days’ duration that had not responded to routine medical therapy. Physical examination findings were consistent with tachycardia and colic. Ultrasonographic examination of the abomasum revealed a thin hyperechoic line producing a cone shadow. Radiography of the cranial abdomen revealed two radiopaque objects within the abomasum. Right paracostal laparotomy and abomasotomy permitted palpation and manual removal of two metallic foreign bodies and a small quantity of gravel. The animal recovered well after surgery and no signs of colic were observed. Her appetite and rumination were also improved.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: May 2016

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from July 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Redfame Publishing appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period.   Abdul Azim Akhtar Ali Massoud Amb. J. Morales Anna Maria Mouza Begoña Montero-Fleta Daniele Schilirò Deirdre M. Warren Dr. Benedict Chico AGOHA Elke Weik Imran Ali Sandano Jangraiz Khan JEHU ONYEKWERE NNAJI, Julia M. Mack K.O. Aramide, Katja Eman Linda Chernus Luigia Simona Sica MANZOOR KHAN AFRIDI, Maria Virginia G AguilarMatthew Dabros Mei-Se Chien Michael Brooks MUTABAZI Placide Ombretta Caldarice Parveen Kaur Patricia Wiener Paula Hanasz Priyono Rachita Shrivastava Roy Raymond Chan Remigiusz Kijak Seyyedeh Mina Hamedi Hamedi, Zitha Mokomane     James Young Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science Studies Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://ijsss.redfame.com
Dynamic vocal fold parameters with changing adduction in ex-vivo hemilarynx experiments
Authors: Döllinger Michael , Berry David A. , Kniesburges Stefan
Published: May 2016

Ex-vivo hemilarynx experiments allow the visualization and quantification of three-dimensional dynamics of the medial vocal fold surface. For three excised human male larynges, the vibrational output, the glottal flow resistance, and the sound pressure during sustained phonation were analyzed as a function of vocal fold adduction for varying subglottal pressure. Empirical eigenfunctions, displacements, and velocities were investigated along the vocal fold surface. For two larynges, an increase of adduction level resulted in an increase of the glottal flow resistance at equal subglottal pressures. This caused an increase of lateral and vertical oscillation amplitudes and velocity indicating an improved energy transfer from the airflow to the vocal folds. In contrast, the third larynx exhibited an amplitude decrease for rising adduction accompanying reduction of the flow resistance. By evaluating the empirical eigenfunctions, this reduced flow resistance was assigned to an unbalanced oscillation pattern with predominantly lateral amplitudes. The results suggest that adduction facilitates the phonatory process by increasing the glottal flow resistance and enhancing the vibrational amplitudes. However, this interrelation only holds for a maintained balanced ratio between vertical and lateral displacements. Indeed, a balanced vertical-lateral oscillation pattern may be more beneficial to phonation than strong periodicity with predominantly lateral vibrations.
Effects of Upright and Recumbent Cycling on Executive Function and Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation in Young Healthy Men
Authors: Faulkner James , Lambrick Danielle , Kaufmann Sebastian , Stoner Lee
Published: May 2016

Background:

The purpose of this study was to assess the acute effects of posture (upright vs recumbent) during moderate-intensity cycle exercise on executive function and prefrontal cortex oxygenation in young healthy adults.

Methods:

Seventeen physically active men (24.6 ± 4.3 years) completed 2 30-minute submaximal exercise tests (conditions: upright and recumbent cycle ergometry). Executive function was assessed using the “color” and “word” Stroop task, preexercise (resting) and postexercise. Regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) to the prefrontal cortex was continuously monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Results:

Significant improvements in executive function (Stroop color and word tasks) were observed after 30 minutes of exercise for both upright and recumbent cycling (P < .05). However, there were no differences in executive function between cycling conditions (P > .05). A significant increase in rSO2 was recorded immediately postexercise compared with preexercise for both conditions (P < .05), with a trend (P = .06) for higher peak rSO2 following recumbent cycling compared with upright cycling (81.9% ± 6.5% cf 79.7% ± 9.3%, respectively).

Conclusions:

Although submaximal cycling exercise acutely improves cognitive performance and prefrontal oxygenation, changes in cognition are not perceived to be dependent on body posture in young, healthy men.
Does Gender Moderate the Direct and Indirect Relationships Between Different Sources of Social Support and Adolescents’ Physical Activity?
Authors: Chen Han , Dai Jun
Published: May 2016

Background:

Using the social cognitive theory, this study aims to examine how gender moderates the direct and indirect relationships of various sources of social support on Chinese adolescents’ physical activity (PA).

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted. The final data includes 396 students (55.8% are boys) who were randomly selected from 2 middle schools and 4 high schools in Fuzhou city located in southeast China. Family support, peer support, and self-efficacy (SE) were measured using validated questionnaires. Participants’ PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. A bootstrapping method was used to determine and compare the direct and indirect effects of social support on PA across genders.

Results:

Peer support had no direct effect on PA; rather, peer support indirectly influenced PA through SE. Gender did not moderate this mediating effect. In addition, family support had neither a direct nor an indirect effect on PA via SE, and gender did not moderate these effects.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that peer support played a more important role than family support on study participants’ PA indirectly through SE. SE also has a similar indirect effect across genders.
Programming Native CRISPR Arrays for the Generation of Targeted Immunity
Authors: Hynes Alexander P. , Labrie Simon J. , Moineau Sylvain
Published: May 2016

The adaptive immune system of prokaryotes, called CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated genes), results in specific cleavage of invading nucleic acid sequences recognized by the cell’s “memory” of past encounters. Here, we exploited the properties of native CRISPR-Cas systems to program the natural “memorization” process, efficiently generating immunity not only to a bacteriophage or plasmid but to any specifically chosen DNA sequence.

IMPORTANCE
CRISPR-Cas systems have entered the public consciousness as genome editing tools due to their readily programmable nature. In industrial settings, natural CRISPR-Cas immunity is already exploited to generate strains resistant to potentially disruptive viruses. However, the natural process by which bacteria acquire new target specificities (adaptation) is difficult to study and manipulate. The target against which immunity is conferred is selected stochastically. By biasing the immunization process, we offer a means to generate customized immunity, as well as provide a new tool to study adaptation.
Suppression of Antitumor Immune Responses by Human Papillomavirus through Epigenetic Downregulation of CXCL14
Authors: Cicchini Louis , Westrich Joseph A. , Xu Tao , Vermeer Daniel W. , Berger Jennifer N. , Clambey Eric T. , Lee Denis , Song John I. , Lambert Paul F. , Greer Robert O. , Lee John H. , Pyeon Dohun
Published: May 2016

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are causally associated with multiple human cancers. Previous studies have shown that the HPV oncoprotein E7 induces immune suppression; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To understand the mechanisms by which HPV deregulates host immune responses in the tumor microenvironment, we analyzed gene expression changes of all known chemokines and their receptors using our global gene expression data sets from human HPV-positive and -negative head/neck cancer and cervical tissue specimens in different disease stages. We report that, while many proinflammatory chemokines increase expression throughout cancer progression,
CXCL14
is dramatically downregulated in HPV-positive cancers. HPV suppression of
CXCL14
is dependent on E7 and associated with DNA hypermethylation in the
CXCL14
promoter. Using
in vivo
mouse models, we revealed that restoration of
Cxcl14
expression in HPV-positive mouse oropharyngeal carcinoma cells clears tumors in immunocompetent syngeneic mice, but not in
Rag1
-deficient mice. Further,
Cxcl14
reexpression significantly increases natural killer (NK), CD4
+
T, and CD8
+
T cell infiltration into the tumor-draining lymph nodes
in vivo
.
In vitro
transwell migration assays show that
Cxcl14
reexpression induces chemotaxis of NK, CD4
+
T, and CD8
+
T cells. These results suggest that
CXCL14
downregulation by HPV plays an important role in suppression of antitumor immune responses. Our findings provide a new mechanistic understanding of virus-induced immune evasion that contributes to cancer progression.

IMPORTANCE
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are causally associated with more than 5% of all human cancers. During decades of cancer progression, HPV persists, evading host surveillance. However, little is known about the immune evasion mechanisms driven by HPV. Here we report that the chemokine
CXCL14
is significantly downregulated in HPV-positive head/neck and cervical cancers. Using patient tissue specimens and cultured keratinocytes, we found that
CXCL14
downregulation is linked to
CXCL14
promoter hypermethylation induced by the HPV oncoprotein E7. Restoration of Cxcl14 expression in HPV-positive cancer cells clears tumors in immunocompetent syngeneic mice, but not in immunodeficient mice. Mice with
Cxcl14
reexpression show dramatically increased natural killer and T cells in the tumor-draining lymph nodes. These results suggest that epigenetic downregulation of
CXCL14
by HPV plays an important role in suppressing antitumor immune responses. Our findings may offer novel insights to develop preventive and therapeutic tools for restoring antitumor immune responses in HPV-infected individuals.