bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensity modulated radiation therapy after extra‐pleural pneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma is feasible without fatal pulmonary toxicity and provides good survival
Authors: Jhavar Sameer , Pruszynski Jessica , Gowan Alan , Boyle Teresa , Deb Niloyjyoti , Patel Mehul
Published: March 2017

Aim

To analyze patterns of failure, toxicity, relapse‐free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients treated with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy following extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP).

Methods

We reviewed 18 charts of patients with MPM from 2005 to 2014 who underwent EPP followed by hemithoracic intensity‐modulated radiation therapy. Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy dose delivery adhered to published lung dose constraints. Kaplan‐Meier curves were used to assess the RFS and OS. Median survival times are reported for both RFS and OS.

Results

Median age was 65 years (range: 40—76 years). Chemotherapy was administered in four neo‐adjuvant and seven adjuvant patients. Pathological American Joint Committee on Cancer stages II, III, IV, surgical margin, lympho‐vascular space, pericardium, and chest wall involvement were seen in 3, 12, 3, 9, 7, 12 and 3 patients, respectively. The majority of the patients received 45 Gy in 25 fractions. The mean lung dose was 7.14 Gy (range: 5 Gy–9.3 Gy). The mean V20 was 2.23%. At a median follow‐up of 3 years, eight patients were alive (44%); 10 experienced relapse (56%). Median RFS and OS were 24.4 months (95% CI: >16.3 months) and 38.2 months (95% CI: 17.4–78.1 months), respectively. Acute toxicities were fatigue, dermatitis, nausea, esophagitis/dysphagia, cough, and dyspnea on exertion. No grade III, IV, or fatal pulmonary toxicities were observed.

Conclusion

Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy following EPP for MPM resulted in RFS and OS comparable to the published literature without significant toxicity.
Essential Medicines List Implementation Dynamics: A Case Study Using Brazilian Federal Medicines Expenditures
Authors: Magarinos‐Torres Rachel , Lynd Larry David , Luz Tatiana Chama Borges , Marques Paulo Eduardo Potyguara Coutinho , Osorio‐de‐Castro Claudia Garcia Serpa
Published: March 2017

The aim was to analyse the implementation dynamics of the essential medicines list (EML). We used the government expenditures on medicines and Brazil as a case study. Drug purchases were considered as a proxy for utilization. The essential medicines (EMs) expenditures were followed over time by Brazilian National EMLs life‐time and defined by broad therapeutic categories and by specific medicines. Brazil increased the number of the medicines during the last four editions of Brazilian National EMLs and the federal government expenditures on them. The EML implementation dynamics changed the distribution of expenditures on EMs. We identified a common set of 404 EMs present in all four editions of the Brazilian National EMLs. There was a proportional decrease in expenditures on anti‐infectives for systemic use, blood and blood‐forming organs and alimentary tract and metabolism, and increase in expenditures on antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents. The expenditures distribution per specific medicines revealed that a small set of EMs was responsible for 50% or more of expenditures considering Brazilian National EML life‐time for all four periods. The increase in expenditures on EMs in Brazil was a consequence of the newer medicines incorporated over time in the Brazilian National EMLs. The use of the medicines expenditures as a source of data and the definition of an EML life‐time permitted follow‐up of the implementation dynamics of different versions of the Brazilian National EMLs. Our results have implications for policymakers and stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the role EMLs play in health system sustainability and in the provision of the most beneficial heath care.
Safety and benefits of interventions to increase folate status in malaria‐endemic areas
Authors: Verhoef Hans , Veenemans Jacobien , Mwangi Martin N. , Prentice Andrew M.
Published: March 2017

For decades, folic acid has routinely been given to prevent or treat anaemia in children, pregnant women and people with sickle cell disease. However, there is no conclusive evidence that folate deficiency anaemia constitutes a public health problem in any of these groups. Industrial flour fortification is recommended and implemented in many countries to combat neural tube defects. Dietary folates or folic acid can antagonise the action of antifolate drugs that play a critical role in the prevention and treatment of malaria. Randomised trials have shown that folic acid supplementation increases the rate of treatment failures with sulfadoxine‐pyrimethamine. The efficacy of antifolate drugs against Plasmodium is maximized in the absence of exogenous folic acid, suggesting that there is no safe minimum dose of ingested folic acid. We here review the safety and benefits of interventions to increase folate status in malaria‐endemic countries. We conclude that formal cost‐benefit analyses are required.
Treating Philadelphia chromosome/BCR‐ABL1 positive patients with Glivec (Imatinib mesylate): 10 years’ experience at Patan Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Kayastha Gyan K. , Ranjitkar Nora , Gurung Radha , KC Raj K. , Karki Sanjit , Shrestha Roshan , Thapa Raj K. , Rajbhandari Piyush , Poudyal Buddhi , Acharya Paras , Roberts David J. , Hayes Bruce , Zimmerman Mark , Basnyat Buddha , Mansfield Aaron
Published: March 2017

The Glivec International Patient Assistance Programme makes Glivec (Imatinib mesylate) available to Philadelphia chromosome/BCR‐ABL1 positive patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in Lower and Middle Income Countries (LMIC). We have established a large cohort of 211 CML patients who are eligible for Imatinib, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thirty‐one patients were lost to follow‐up. We report on 180 CML patients with a median age of 38 years (range 9–81). Of these 180 patients, 162 underwent cytogenetic testing and 110 were investigated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. One hundred and thirty‐nine of the 180 patients (77·2%) had at least one optimal response. Taken together, our cohort has a 95% overall survival rate and 78% of the patients were still taking Glivec at a median time of 48·8 months (range 3–140 months). The number of patients who actually failed therapy, as defined by the LeukaemiaNet 2013 criteria, was 39 (21·7%). While our cohort has some differences with those in North America or Europe, we have shown Glivec is effective in inducing an optimal response in our patients in Nepal and that it is possible to deliver a clinical service for CML patients using tyrosine kinase inhibitors in resource‐poor settings.
Increasing experience of ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract for patients with Crohn's disease: what have we learned?
Authors: Kamiński J. P. , Zaghiyan K. , Fleshner P.
Published: March 2017

Aim

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) has been proposed as a treatment of trans‐sphincteric fistula in perianal Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study was to look at our experience of the LIFT procedure in CD patients on long‐term follow‐up. Specifically, we aimed to determine the fistula healing rate after the LIFT procedure after more than 12 months follow‐up and to identify any prognostic factors.

Method

Retrospective study of patients with trans‐sphincteric Crohn's fistula tracts treated with the LIFT procedure between January 2011 and October 2015. Complete fistula healing as well as clinical outcomes were analysed.

Results

Data were available for 23 patients. After a median follow‐up of 23 months, LIFT site healing was 48%. Patients with healed LIFT had a median follow‐up time of 10.5 months, while patients with failed LIFT had a median follow‐up time of 31 months (P = 0.04). Median time to failure was 9 months for patients with follow‐up > 1 year. Most patients failed within 1 year (9/12; 75%) of the procedure. In multi‐site CD, the LIFT procedure was more likely to be successful in those with small bowel disease (P = 0.04) compared with colonic disease (P = 0.02). Other factors such as preoperative use of biological therapies, presence of a seton, previous repair attempts, fistula position, type or number of fistulas, multiple fistula tracts, smoking status and other associated perianal disease did not appear to influence LIFT healing rates.

Conclusion

The LIFT procedure offers reasonable long‐term success in the treatment of perianal trans‐sphincteric fistulas associated with CD. LIFT is more likely to fail in patients with concurrent colonic CD than in patients with small bowel CD.
Alkaline phosphatase and prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Ndrepepa Gjin , Xhepa Erion , Braun Siegmund , Cassese Salvatore , Fusaro Massimiliano , Schunkert Heribert , Kastrati Adnan
Published: March 2017

Background

The evidence on the association between alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the association of ALP with the risk of mortality or coronary events in patients with CAD.

Materials and methods

The study included 5540 patients with angiography‐proven CAD treated with catheter‐based coronary revascularization. Baseline ALP measurements were available for analysis in all patients. Patients were divided into three groups: a group with an ALP activity in the 1st tertile (ALP ≤ 65·5 U/L; n = 1855), a group with an ALP activity in the 2nd tertile (ALP > 65·5 to 85·7 U/L; n = 1839) and a group with an ALP in the 3rd tertile (ALP > 85·7 U/L; n = 1846). The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality at 3‐year follow‐up.

Results

All‐cause deaths (number [Kaplan–Meier estimates]) occurred in 443 patients: 117 (7·2%), 130 (8·1%) and 196 deaths (11·8%) among patients of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd ALP tertiles (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1·33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1·19 to 1·50; P < 0·001, calculated per tertile increment in the ALP activity). After adjustment in multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, ALP was independently associated with the risk of all‐cause mortality (adjusted HR = 1·33 [1·18–1·51], P < 0·001, calculated per unit increment in log ALP). The multivariable model for all‐cause mortality with baseline variables without ALP had a C statistic of 0·820 [0·797–0·843] which increased to 0·825 [0·804–0·849] after ALP inclusion; delta C statistic 0·005 [0·001–0·011]; P < 0·001.

Conclusions

In patients with CAD, elevated ALP activity was independently associated with the risk of 3‐year all‐cause mortality.
Influence of multiple global change drivers on terrestrial carbon storage: additive effects are common
Authors: Yue Kai , Fornara Dario A. , Yang Wanqin , Peng Yan , Peng Changhui , Liu Zelin , Wu Fuzhong
Published: March 2017

The interactive effects of multiple global change drivers on terrestrial carbon (C) storage remain poorly understood. Here, we synthesise data from 633 published studies to show how the interactive effects of multiple drivers are generally additive (i.e. not differing from the sum of their individual effects) rather than synergistic or antagonistic. We further show that (1) elevatedCO2, warming, N addition, P addition and increased rainfall, all exerted positive individual effects on plant C pools at both single‐plant and plant‐community levels; (2) plant C pool responses to individual or combined effects of multiple drivers are seldom scale‐dependent (i.e. not differing from single‐plant to plant‐community levels) and (3) soil and microbial biomass C pools are significantly less sensitive than plant C pools to individual or combined effects. We provide a quantitative basis for integrating additive effects of multiple global change drivers into future assessments of the C storage ability of terrestrial ecosystems.
On the use of the peak stress method to assess the linear elastic and the fatigue notch factors of notched components under tension
Authors: Meneghetti G. , Zappalorto M.
Published: March 2017

A simple method is proposed, which allows the theoretical stress concentration factor at a rounded notch tip to be assessed from the fictitious stress value arising at the tip of the corresponding pointed V‐notch. Such a stress value suffices to be determined by a finite element analysis carried out using a mesh pattern with a constant average element size, d, strictly related to the actual root radius, ρ, and the opening angle, 2α, of the radiused notch. The relevant expression linking d to ρ and 2α is obtained in closed form and the accuracy of the proposed method is discussed versus the results of a number of finite element analyses carried out on notched plates under tension.

Eventually, the possibility of using the peak stress directly as a strength parameter is explored, and an example related to the fatigue strength of welded joints is provided to support this idea.
Internet use patterns and Internet addiction in children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Bozkurt H. , Özer S. , Şahin S. , Sönmezgöz E.
Published: March 2017

Background

There are no data regarding the Internet addiction (IA) rates and patterns in youth with obesity.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the prevalence and patterns of IA in children and adolescents with obesity. The relationship between IA and body mass index (BMI) was also investigated.

Methods

Study includes 437 children and adolescents with age ranging from 8 to 17 years: 268 with obesity and 169 with healthy controls. The Internet addiction scale (IAS) form was administered to all participants. The obesity group also completed a personal information form including Internet usage habits and goals. Linear regression analysis was utilized to assess the contributions of Internet use habits and goals to BMI in the obesity group and IAS scores to BMI in both groups.

Results

A total of 24.6% of the obese children and adolescents were diagnosed with IA according to IAS, while 11.2% of healthy peers had IA (p < 0.05). The mean IAS scores for the obesity group and the control group were 53.71 ± 25.04 and 43.42 ± 17.36, respectively (p < 0.05). The IAS scores (t = 3.105) and spending time more than 21 h week−1 on the Internet (t = 3.262) were significantly associated with increased BMI in the obesity group (p < 0.05). Other Internet habits and goals were not associated with BMI (p > 0.05). The IAS scores (t = 8.719) were also found to be associated with increased BMI in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that obese children and adolescents were found to have higher IA rates than their healthy peers, and the results indicate an association between IA and BMI.
Divine Immutability, Divine Action and the God–World Relation
Authors: Duby Steven J.
Published: March 2017

In his thought‐provoking critique of classical Christian theism, Isaak Dorner argues that a traditional understanding of God's immutability precludes any diversity in God's action and presence in the world. Dorner reasons that the view of God developed in scholastic thought entails a ‘uniform’ divine causality in which God cannot act in new and distinct ways according to the various circumstances of his creatures. This sort of critique elicits the question of whether God's immutability, if taken to include his pure actuality, flattens out his action such that he is no longer truly engaged in the lives of his creatures. In this article, I propose that a development of the virtual distinction found in scholastic theology proper will enable us to integrate (1) the pure actuality of God and (2) what we may call the formal and temporal diversity of God's action pro nobis that confirms his authentic involvement in the world. Unfolding the explanatory power of the virtual distinction will require considering its relationship to the concept of God's pure actuality and analyzing different aspects of divine action in which the diversity of that action might be located.
Dramatic resolution of disseminated pyoderma gangrenosum associated with monoclonal gammopathy after therapy with bortezomib and dexamethasone
Authors: Velasco‐Tamariz Virginia , Carreño‐Tarragona Gonzalo , Tous‐Romero Fátima , Gil‐de la Cruz Elena , Martín‐Clavero Estela , Rivera‐Díaz Raquel
Published: March 2017

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon inflammatory and ulcerative skin disorder, which is commonly associated with systemic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and haematological malignancies. It is widely stated that control of the underlying diseases may lead to resolution of PG. However, standard of care dictates that patients suffering with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance or smouldering multiple myeloma (MM) should not receive therapy unless they progress to symptomatic MM. Here, we report a woman in her 40s with a disseminated corticodependent PG, resistant to any treatment attempted, including anti‐tumoral necrosis factor (TNF) therapy in which bortezomib–dexamethasone regimen results in dramatic healing of all lesions in only a month. This case supports the belief that treatment of the underlying monoclonal gammopathy could be necessary when PG presents as an aggressive, non‐responding skin disease.
International Capital Flows into the European Private Equity Market
Authors: Imad'Eddine Gael , Schwienbacher Armin
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we explore the relationship between institutional investors and funds managers, a relatively little studied field in private equity. We study this relationship within the context of international investment flows. We address the following question: When building risk‐return exposure to European private companies, which US limited partners (LPs) are more likely to invest in US funds investing in European targets as opposed to in European funds investing locally? We build our research using a two‐level analysis. We first look at which US LPs are more likely to invest in funds focusing on Europe (regardless of whether a US or European fund) to identify the active global players. And second, using only the subsample of LPs investing in Europe‐focused funds, we study which types of LPs are more likely to provide capital to European funds investing locally as opposed to US funds with a European focus. We find that financial institutions with facilities in Europe, such as banks and insurance companies, are more prone to invest directly in European funds. This is consistent with the transaction cost hypothesis whereby LPs may benefit from lower costs to access valuable information to screen European funds. The presence of local facilities may further capture size effects. We also find that pension funds often invest directly in European funds although those funds do not possess local facilities in Europe. This may be due to their larger size that drives them to invest abroad or their increased experience in investing in private equity.
Symmetry‐breaking in branching epithelia: cells on micro‐patterns under flow challenge the hypothesis of positive feedback by a secreted autocrine inhibitor of motility
Authors: Martin Kimberly C. , Yuan Xiaofei , Stimac Gregory , Bannerman Kieran , Anderson Jamie , Roy Chloe , Glykofrydis Fokion , Yin Huabing , Davies Jamie A.
Published: March 2017

Branching morphogenesis of epithelia involves division of cells into leader (tip) and follower (stalk) cells. Published work on cell lines in culture has suggested that symmetry‐breaking takes place via a secreted autocrine inhibitor of motility, the inhibitor accumulating more in concave regions of the culture boundary, slowing advance of cells there, and less in convex areas, allowing advance and a further exaggeration of the concave/convex difference. Here we test this hypothesis using a two‐dimensional culture system that includes strong flow conditions to remove accumulating diffusible secretions. We find that, while motility does indeed follow boundary curvature in this system, flow makes no difference: this challenges the hypothesis of control by a diffusible secreted autocrine inhibitor.
The feasibility and acceptability of a population‐level antenatal risk factor survey: Cross‐sectional pilot study
Authors: Price Anna MH , Bryson Hannah E , Mensah Fiona , Kemp Lynn , Bishop Lara , Goldfeld Sharon
Published: March 2017

Aim

Australian data on the prevalence and distribution of antenatal risk factors are scarce. This study aimed to investigate (i) the feasibility and acceptability of an antenatal risk factor survey collected in public settings and (ii) whether the survey risk factors co‐occur with more sensitive risk factors that are privately asked by clinicians.

Methods

Design and setting: study‐designed survey linked with clinician‐collected risk factors. Participants: pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at two Victorian hospitals. Measures: (i) study‐designed survey: young pregnancy, no support, poor/fair/good general health, anxious mood, not finishing high school, no income, long‐term illness, living without another adult, not employed, never had a job and proxy poverty measures; (ii) Clinician‐collected data: smoking, alcohol/marijuana/drug use, domestic violence, social issues, history of mental health problems and depression symptoms. Analyses: (i) feasibility and acceptability were assessed through survey completion. Each item was assessed for whether they discriminated risk; dichotomised into risk versus no risk; with a total count calculated. (ii) Co‐occurrence was assessed by examining how the risk factor count agreed with clinician‐collected items.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐six of 186 (89%) eligible women completed the survey; 139 of 166 (84%) consented to linking clinician‐collected data. The high response and zero missing data demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. Of women with linked data, 92 of 139 (66%) had ≥1 survey risk factor and 30 of 139 (22%) had ≥3; 36 of 139 (26%) had at least one co‐occurring clinician‐collected risk factor.

Conclusions

This survey provides a simple, rapid approach to gathering antenatal risk data publicly. It may be a helpful addition to clinicians’ standard history collection.
Modeling Virtual Design and Construction Implementation Strategies Considering Lean Management Impacts
Authors: Mandujano María G. , Mourgues Claudio , Alarcón Luis F. , Kunz John
Published: March 2017

Virtual design and construction (VDC) implementation remains a challenge as companies lack understanding of the implementation strategies and their relation with other important improvement efforts such as lean management. This article presents a performance modeling methodology that allows companies to assess VDC implementation strategies, including lean management as a moderator. The methodology is based on a conceptual model of the implementation variables that influence project performance and a mathematical method that uses partial least squares to explain the relationships among the multiple variables. The methodology was tested using data from an existing survey to identify the variables and quantify the relationships. A significant finding is that using lean as a moderator strengthens the connection between strategies and allows a better performance on companies. The results are exploratory but provide interesting insights into VDC implementation strategies and provide evidence of the methodology's power.
Diminished disease progression rate in a chronic kidney disease population following the replacement of dietary water source with quality drinking water: A pilot study
Authors: Siriwardhana Edirisinghe Arachchige Ranga Iroshanie Edirisinghe , Perera Ponnamperuma Aratchige Jayasumana , Sivakanesan Ramiah , Abeysekara Tilak , Nugegoda Danaseela Bandara , Weerakoon Kosala , Siriwardhana Dunusingha Asitha Surandika
Published: March 2017

Aim

Environmental toxin/s is alleged to be the contributory factor for the chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka. The potential of drinking water as a medium for the nephrotoxic agents in the affected subjects has been comprehensively discoursed in the recent past. The present study was aimed to assess the effect of replacing the habitual drinking water on the kidney function of CKDu patients residing in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka:

Methods

An interventional study was carried out to assess the disease progression rate of a CKDu population whose habitual drinking water was replaced by bottled spring water certified by Sri Lanka Standard (SLS) for a period of 18 month along with a population of CKDu patients who continued with their usual drinking water. Kidney function of subjects in both groups were monitored in terms of blood pressure, serum creatinine, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary protein at 6 months intervals during the intervention and follow up periods.

Results

Diminished disease progression rate was observed in CKDu patients in the intervention group when compared with the non‐ intervention group based on serum creatinine, Hb, estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary protein levels. Extensive interventional studies are required to generalize effect of drinking water on CKDu population.

Conclusion

The habitual drinking water is likely to be a contributory factor towards the progression of the disease.
Mapping of homoeologous chromosome exchanges influencing quantitative trait variation in Brassica napus
Authors: Stein Anna , Coriton Olivier , Rousseau‐Gueutin Mathieu , Samans Birgit , Schiessl Sarah V. , Obermeier Christian , Parkin Isobel A.P. , Chèvre Anne‐Marie , Snowdon Rod J.
Published: March 2017

Genomic rearrangements arising during polyploidization are an important source of genetic and phenotypic variation in the recent allopolyploid crop Brassica napus. Exchanges among homoeologous chromosomes, due to interhomoeologue pairing, and deletions without compensating homoeologous duplications are observed in both natural B. napus and synthetic B. napus. Rearrangements of large or small chromosome segments induce gene copy number variation (CNV) and can potentially cause phenotypic changes. Unfortunately, complex genome restructuring is difficult to deal with in linkage mapping studies. Here, we demonstrate how high‐density genetic mapping with codominant, physically anchored SNP markers can detect segmental homoeologous exchanges (HE) as well as deletions and accurately link these to QTL. We validated rearrangements detected in genetic mapping data by whole‐genome resequencing of parental lines along with cytogenetic analysis using fluorescence in situ hybridization with bacterial artificial chromosome probes (BAC‐FISH) coupled with PCR using primers specific to the rearranged region. Using a well‐known QTL region influencing seed quality traits as an example, we confirmed that HE underlies the trait variation in a DH population involving a synthetic B. napus trait donor, and succeeded in narrowing the QTL to a small defined interval that enables delineation of key candidate genes.
Genome‐wide association study discovered candidate genes of Verticillium wilt resistance in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Li Tinggang , Ma Xuefeng , Li Nanyang , Zhou Lei , Liu Zheng , Han Huanyong , Gui Yuejing , Bao Yuming , Chen Jieyin , Dai Xiaofeng
Published: March 2017

Verticillium wilt (VW), caused by infection by Verticillium dahliae, is considered one of the most yield‐limiting diseases in cotton. To examine the genetic architecture of cotton VW resistance, we performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using a panel of 299 accessions and 85 630 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected using the specific‐locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF‐seq) approach. Trait–SNP association analysis detected a total of 17 significant SNPs at P < 1.17 × 10–5 (P = 1/85 630, –log10P = 4.93); the peaks of SNPs associated with VW resistance on A10 were continuous and common in three environments (RDIG2015, RDIF2015 and RDIF2016). Haplotype block structure analysis predicted 22 candidate genes for VW resistance based on A10_99672586 with a minimum P‐value (–log10P = 6.21). One of these genes (CG02) was near the significant SNP A10_99672586 (0.26 Mb), located in a 372‐kb haplotype block, and its Arabidopsis AT3G25510 homologues contain TIR‐NBS‐LRR domains that may be involved in disease resistance response. Real‐time quantitative PCR and virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) analysis showed that CG02 was specific to up‐regulation in the resistant (R) genotype Zhongzhimian2 (ZZM2) and that silenced plants were more susceptible to V. dahliae. These results indicate that CG02 is likely the candidate gene for resistance against V. dahliae in cotton. The identified locus or gene may serve as a promising target for genetic engineering and selection for improving resistance to VW in cotton.
Rapid urine antibody test for Helicobacter pylori infection in adolescents
Authors: Okuda Masumi , Mabe Katsuhiro , Lin Yingsong , Chaochen Wang , Taniguchi Yohei , Kato Mototsugu , Kikuchi Shogo
Published: March 2017

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with gastric cancer; thus, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Given that H. pylori infection in adolescents or young adults has few symptoms, screening tests are necessary for this population. In this study, the accuracy of the rapid urine H. pylori antibody (u‐HpAb) test was evaluated and compared with that of urine and serum H. pylori enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (u‐HpELISA and s‐HpELISA, respectively) in junior high school students.

Methods

All 1,225 students attending the junior high schools in Sasayama City were invited to participate in this study. Urine and blood samples were assayed for anti‐H. pylori immunoglobulin G antibodies, and rapid u‐HpAb was performed by three investigators independently. When all investigators were in agreement, the test was confirmed as positive or negative. Non‐concordance was defined as undetermined.

Results

In total, 187 students participated in this study and provided both urine and blood samples. Three students had undetermined rapid u‐HpAb. Excluding these results, the positivity rate of rapid u‐HpAb was 3.3% (6/184), whereas that for u‐HpELISA and s‐HpELISA was 4.8% (10/187) and 5.9% (11/187), respectively. Using s‐HpELISA and u‐HpELISA as the standards, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of rapid u‐HpAb were 85.7%, 100%, 100%, and 99.4%, respectively, excluding the undetermined rapid u‐HpAb results.

Conclusions

Rapid urine‐HpAb test had excellent specificity but relatively low sensitivity.
A rare, potentially life‐threatening presentation of passenger lymphocyte syndrome
Authors: Gniadek Thomas J. , McGonigle Andrea M. , Shirey R. Sue , Brunker Patricia A. , Streiff Michael , Philosophe Benjamin , Bloch Evan M. , Ness Paul M. , King Karen E.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Passenger lymphocyte syndrome occurs when donor lymphocytes are transplanted with a solid organ and produce alloantibodies that react with antigens on the recipient's red blood cells (RBCs). Typically, passenger lymphocyte syndrome presents as immunoglobulin G antibody‐mediated, extravascular hemolytic anemia with reticulocytosis. Often, the donor was alloimmunized before transplantation.

CASE REPORT

A 34‐year‐old Group O, D+ man with a negative antibody screen received a liver transplant from a Group O, D− donor. Twenty Group O, D+ RBC units were transfused on Postoperative Days (PODs) 0 through 2. On POD 7, the patient developed anemia, a weakly positive antibody screen, and a positive direct antiglobulin test with anti‐D in the eluate. After POD 8, a D− transfusion protocol was initiated. Despite laboratory evidence of hemolysis, two initial peripheral blood smears showed no increase in schistocytes or spherocytes, the reticulocyte count was depressed, and a marrow biopsy revealed erythroid hyperplasia. Eventually, anemia resolved after a period of medication non‐compliance; however, a positive direct antiglobulin test persisted to the last follow‐up date (POD 233).

RESULTS

Other potential causes of aplastic anemia were investigated, but no alternative cause was found. History excluded passive anti‐D. D+, LW− cells were reactive, excluding anti‐LW. Genotyping showed no evidence of a partial D genotype. Chart review revealed that the liver donor had a history of anti‐D. A diagnosis of passenger lymphocyte syndrome was reached.

CONCLUSION

Although antibody‐mediated hemolytic anemia has been reported to cause reticulocytopenia in the presence of marrow erythroid hyperplasia, this report of passenger lymphocyte syndrome causing a similar post‐transplant anemia in association with reticulocytopenia is noteworthy.
Trends in age and red blood cell donation habits among several racial/ethnic minority groups in the United States
Authors: Yazer Mark H. , Vassallo Ralph , Delaney Meghan , Germain Marc , Karafin Matthew S. , Sayers Merlyn , van de Watering Leo , Shaz Beth H. ,   on behalf of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

To meet the needs of a diverse patient population, an adequate supply of red blood cells (RBCs) from ethnic/racial minority donors is essential. We previously described the 10‐year changes in minority blood donation in the United States. This study describes donation patterns by donor status, age, and race/ethnicity.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Data on the age and the number of unique black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and white RBC donors were obtained from eight US blood collectors for 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2015. Donors self‐identified their race/ethnicity. First‐time (FT) and repeat (R) donors were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

Overall, for both FT and R donor groups, whites constituted the majority of unique donors (FT 66.7% and R 82.7%) and also donated the greatest proportion of RBC units (FT 66.6% and R 83.8%). Donors less than 20 years old comprised the greatest proportion of FT donors for all racial/ethnic groups (39.2%) and had the highest mean number of RBC donations per donor (1.12) among FT donors. Conversely, R donors less than 20 years old had some of the lowest mean number of RBC donations per donor (1.55) among R donors, whereas R donors at least 60 years old had the highest mean (1.88). Year by year, the percentage of FT donors who were less than 20 years old increased for all race/ethnicities. For R donors, whites were more frequently older, while Hispanics/Latinos and Asians were younger.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater efforts to convert FT donors less than 20 years into R donors should be undertaken to ensure the continued diversity of the blood supply.
X-ray analysis of metamorphic InxGa1-xAs/InyGa1-yAs superlattices on GaAs (001) substrates
Authors: Althowibi Fahad A. , Ayers John E.
Published: March 2017

The authors present a detailed x-ray dynamical diffraction analysis of metamorphic InxGa1-xAs/InyGa1-yAs superlattices grown epitaxially on GaAs (001) substrates. The x-ray rocking curve analysis was conducted for a number of hkl reflection profiles, including 004, 115, 026, and 117, assuming Cu kα1 radiation, by using the mosaic crystal model for dynamical diffraction. The authors show that the threading dislocation density in the superlattice can be estimated from nondestructive x-ray rocking curve measurements, by observing the superlattice peak widths.
Cohort profile for the Nurture Observational Study examining associations of multiple caregivers on infant growth in the Southeastern USA
Authors: Benjamin Neelon Sara E , Østbye Truls , Bennett Gary G , Kravitz Richard M , Clancy Shayna M , Stroo Marissa , Iversen Edwin , Hoyo Cathrine
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Childcare has been associated with obesity in children in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, although some observed no association. Few studies have focused on care during infancy, a period when children may be especially vulnerable.

Participants

The Nurture Study is an observational birth cohort designed to assess longitudinal associations of childcare and the presence of multiple caregivers on infant adiposity and weight trajectories throughout the first year of life. We examine as potential mediators feeding, physical activity, sleep and stress. We completed recruitment in 2015. Of the 860 women who enrolled during pregnancy, 799 delivered a single live infant who met our inclusion criteria. Of those, 666 mothers (77.4%) agreed to participate in the study for themselves and their infants.

Findings to date

Among the 666 women in the study, 472 (71%) identified as black, 127 (19%) as white, 7 (1%) as Asian or Asian American, 6 (1%) as Native American and 49 (7%) as other race or more than one race; 43 (7%) identified as Hispanic/Latina. Just under half (48%) had a high school diploma or less, 61% had household incomes <$20 000/year and 59% were married or living with a partner. The mean (SD) infant gestational age was 41.28 weeks (2.29) and birth weight for gestational age z-score was −0.31 (0.93). Just under half (49%) of infants were females, 69% received some human milk and 40% were exclusively breast fed at hospital discharge. Data collection began in 2013, is currently underway, and is scheduled to conclude in late 2016.

Future plans

Results will help assess the magnitude of associations between childcare in infancy and subsequent obesity. Findings will also inform intervention and policy efforts to improve childcare environments and help prevent obesity in settings where many infants spend time.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov,NCT01788644.
Assessing the potential clinical impact of reciprocal drug approval legislation on access to novel therapeutics in the USA: a cohort study
Authors: Larochelle Matthieu , Downing Nicholas S , Ross Joseph S , David Frank S
Published: March 2017

Objective

To quantify the potential effect of reciprocal approval legislation on access to clinically impactful therapeutics in the USA.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

New therapeutics approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA) and/or Health Canada between 2000 and 2010.

Main outcome measures

Characteristics of new therapeutics approved by the EMA and/or Health Canada before the FDA, including mechanistic novelty, likely clinical impact, size of the affected population and FDA review outcome.

Results

From 2001 to 2010, 282 drugs were approved in the USA, Europe or Canada, including 172 (61%) first approved in the USA, 24 (9%) never approved in the USA, and 86 (30%) approved in the USA after Europe and/or Canada. Of the 110 new drugs approved in Europe and/or Canada before the USA, 37 (34%) had a novel mechanisms of action compared with drugs already approved by the FDA, but only 10 (9%) were for conditions lacking alternate available therapies in the USA at the time of ex-US approval—of which the majority (9/10; 90%) were indicated for rare diseases. 12 of the 37 agents with novel mechanisms of action approved first in Europe and/or Canada (32%) had their initial FDA submissions rejected for safety reasons—including 2 drugs that were ultimately withdrawn from the market in Europe due to safety concerns.

Conclusions

If enacted, reciprocal approval legislation would most likely benefit only a small number of US patients receiving treatment for rare diseases, and the benefit may be somewhat mitigated by an increased exposure to harms.
Exact algebraic separability criterion for two-qubit systems
Authors: Fujikawa Kazuo , Oh C. H.
Published: March 2017

A conceptually simpler proof of the separability criterion for two-qubit systems, which is referred to as “Hefei inequality” in literature, is presented. This inequality gives a necessary and sufficient separability criterion for any mixed two-qubit system unlike the Bell-CHSH inequality that cannot test the mixed-states such as the Werner state when regarded as a separability criterion. The original derivation of this inequality emphasized the uncertainty relation of complementary observables, but we show that the uncertainty relation does not play any role in the actual derivation and the Peres–Hodrodecki condition is solely responsible for the inequality. Our derivation, which contains technically novel aspects such as an analogy to the Dirac equation, sheds light on this inequality and on the fundamental issue to what extent the uncertainty relation can provide a test of entanglement. This separability criterion is illustrated for an exact treatment of the Werner state.
Dynamic Software Product Line Engineering: A Reference Framework
Authors: Bashari Mahdi , Bagheri Ebrahim , Du Weichang
Published: March 2017

Runtime adaptive systems are able to dynamically transform their internal structure, and hence their behavior, in response to internal or external changes. Such transformations provide the basis for new functionalities or improvements of the non-functional properties that match operational requirements and standards. Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) has introduced several models and mechanisms for variability modeling and management. Dynamic software product lines (DSPL) engineering exploits the knowledge acquired in SPLE to develop systems that can be context-aware, post-deployment reconfigurable, or runtime adaptive. This paper focuses on DSPL engineering approaches for developing runtime adaptive systems and proposes a framework for classifying and comparing these approaches from two distinct perspectives: adaptation properties and adaptation realization. These two perspectives are linked together by a series of guidelines that help to select a suitable adaptation realization approach based on desired adaptation types.
Linear Buckling Analysis of Perforated Cold-Formed Steel Storage Rack Columns by Means of the Generalised Beam Theory
Authors: Casafont M. , Bonada J. , Pastor M. M. , Roure F. , Susín A.
Published: March 2017

The investigation attempts to adapt a beam finite element procedure based on the Generalized Beam Theory (GBT) to the analysis of perforated columns. The presence of perforations is taken into account through the use of two beam elements with different properties for the non-perforated and perforated parts of the member. Each part is meshed with its corresponding finite element and, afterwards, they are linked by means of constraint equations. Linear buckling analyses on steel storage rack columns are carried out to demonstrate how the proposed procedure should be applied. Some practical issues are discussed, such as the GBT deformation modes to be included in the analyses, or the optimum finite element discretization. The resulting buckling loads are validated by comparison with the values obtained in analyses performed using shell finite element models. Finally, it is verified that the buckling loads produced with the proposed method are rather accurate.
Optimal insider control of stochastic partial differential equations
Authors: Draouil Olfa , Øksendal Bernt
Published: March 2017

We study the problem of optimal insider control of an SPDE (a stochastic evolution equation) driven by a Brownian motion and a Poisson random measure. Our optimal control problem is new in two ways:

(i) The controller has access to inside information, i.e. access to information about a future state of the system. (ii) The integro-differential operator of the SPDE might depend on the control.

In the first part of the paper, we formulate a sufficient and necessary maximum principle for this type of control problem, in two cases:

The control is allowed to depend both on time [Formula: see text] and on the space variable [Formula: see text]. The control is not allowed to depend on [Formula: see text].

In the second part of the paper, we apply the results above to the problem of optimal control of an SDE system when the inside controller has only noisy observations of the state of the system. Using results from non-linear filtering, we transform this noisy observation SDE inside control problem into a full observation SPDE insider control problem.

The results are illustrated by explicit examples.
Nonlinear Dynamics of a Prey–Predator Model Using Precise and Imprecise Harvesting Phenomena with Biological Parameters
Authors: Vijaya S. , Rekha E. , Jayamal Singh J.
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the nonlinear dynamics of a one-prey and one-predator harvesting model with precise in nature as well as imprecise in biological phenomena parameters. We derived the conditions for boundedness, the equilibrium point, and stability analysis. Both precise and imprecise models showed stable, unstable, and saddle-point states. The stability analysis revealed the existence of biological and bionomic equilibria. In this study, we found the optimal harvesting policy for both prey and predator species. Finally, numerical experiments were performed with various parameter values to observe the variation of equilibrium states.
Estimating the implicit component of visuomotor rotation learning by constraining movement preparation time
Authors: Leow Li-Ann , Gunn Reece , Marinovic Welber , Carroll Timothy J.
Published: March 2017

During sensorimotor adaptation, implicit error-driven learning can be isolated from explicit strategy-driven reaiming by subtracting self-reported aiming directions from movement directions, or by restricting movement preparation time. Here, we compared the two methods. Restricting preparation times did not eliminate re-aiming but was sufficient to suppress reaiming during adaptation with widely distributed targets. The self-report method produced a discrepancy in implicit learning estimated by subtracting aiming directions and implicit learning measured in no-feedback trials.
Representation of individual forelimb muscles in primary motor cortex
Authors: Hudson Heather M. , Park Michael C. , Belhaj-Saïf Abderraouf , Cheney Paul D.
Published: March 2017

Stimulus-triggered averaging (StTA) of forelimb muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity was used to investigate individual forelimb muscle representation within the primary motor cortex (M1) of rhesus macaques with the objective of determining the extent of intra-areal somatotopic organization. Two monkeys were trained to perform a reach-to-grasp task requiring multijoint coordination of the forelimb. EMG activity was simultaneously recorded from 24 forelimb muscles including 5 shoulder, 7 elbow, 5 wrist, 5 digit, and 2 intrinsic hand muscles. Microstimulation (15 µA at 15 Hz) was delivered throughout the movement task and individual stimuli were used as triggers for generating StTAs of EMG activity. StTAs were used to map the cortical representations of individual forelimb muscles. As reported previously (Park et al. 2001), cortical maps revealed a central core of distal muscle (wrist, digit, and intrinsic hand) representation surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped proximal (shoulder and elbow) muscle representation. In the present study, we found that shoulder and elbow flexor muscles were predominantly represented in the lateral branch of the horseshoe whereas extensors were predominantly represented in the medial branch. Distal muscles were represented within the core distal forelimb representation and showed extensive overlap. For the first time, we also show maps of inhibitory output from motor cortex, which follow many of the same organizational features as the maps of excitatory output.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY While the orderly representation of major body parts along the precentral gyrus has been known for decades, questions have been raised about the possible existence of additional more detailed aspects of somatotopy. In this study, we have investigated this question with respect to muscles of the arm and show consistent features of within-arm (intra-areal) somatotopic organization. For the first time we also show maps of how inhibitory output from motor cortex is organized.