bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contraceptive use and reproductive intentions among women requesting contraceptive counseling
Authors: Skogsdal Yvonne Rosalie Elisabeth , Karlsson Jan Åke , Cao Yang , Fadl Helena Elisabeth , Tydén Tanja Adele
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Limited attention has been paid to the use of contraception in relation to women's family planning intentions. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of contraception during the most recent intercourse as well as the reproductive intentions of Swedish‐speaking women requesting contraceptive counseling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross‐sectional baseline survey in a randomized controlled trial regarding reproductive life planning (before randomization). Women requesting contraceptive counseling answered questions about contraception and whether they wanted to have children/more children in the future.

Results

In total, 1946 women participated: 33.7% (n = 656) parous and 65.7% (n = 1279) nulliparous. The majority, 87.1% (n = 1682), had used contraception during their latest intercourse; 64.6% (n = 1239) used short‐acting reversible contraception, 22.8% (n = 443) used long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC), and 12.9% (n = 251) had not used any contraception. A combined oral contraceptive was more common among nulliparous and LARC among parous. Among all women, 64.8% (n = 1253) intended to have children/more children in the future, among parous women 35.7% (n = 220) and among nulliparous 80.0% (n = 1033). Among women who did not intend to have children/more children, 22.6% (n = 60) of parous and 10% (n = 8) of nulliparous had not used contraceptives during their most recent intercourse.

Conclusions

Women did not always use contraceptives that were suitable for their reproductive intentions. Questioning women who request contraceptive counseling about their pregnancy intention can give healthcare providers better opportunities for individualized counseling.
Health‐related quality of life in women with endometriosis, compared with the general population and women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Verket Nina J. , Uhlig Till , Sandvik Leiv , Andersen Marit H. , Tanbo Tom G. , Qvigstad Erik
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Women with endometriosis have reduced health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). However, comparisons to the general population and other patient groups are lacking.

Material and methods

The present cross‐sectional questionnaire study included 157 women with endometriosis, 156 women from the general population, and 837 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). During a period from 2012 to 2013, women aged 18‐45 years were recruited from the Norwegian Endometriosis Association and from a random sample of women residing in Oslo, Norway. HRQoL data from women with RA were included from a survey conducted in 2009 among patients of the Oslo Rheumatoid Arthritis Register. The Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) questionnaire was used to measure HRQoL.

Results

Compared with the control group, the endometriosis group had significantly reduced mean scores for all SF‐36 scales. The difference was largest for the scale bodily pain with a mean score of 47.6 in the endometriosis group vs 81.5 in the control group. Compared with the RA group, the endometriosis group had significantly reduced mean scores for the three SF‐36 scales vitality, social functioning, and mental health. The mean scores of these scales in the endometriosis group were 33.4, 62.7, and 66.3, respectively, vs 42.7, 68.8, and 72.6 in the RA group.

Conclusions

Women with moderate to severe endometriosis seem to have overall impaired HRQoL compared with women from the general population, and poorer mental HRQoL compared with women with RA.
Comparison of dienogest and progesterone effects on uterine contractility in the extracorporeal perfusion model of swine uteri
Authors: Oppelt Patricia G. , Weber Meike , Mueller Andreas , Boosz Alexander , Hoffmann Inge , Raffel Nathalie , Lotz Laura , Beckmann Matthias W. , Dittrich Ralf
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Endometriosis is associated with hyperperistalsis and dysperistalsis in the uterus, and it has been shown that progesterone leads to a decrease in uterine contractility. The synthetic gestagen dienogest is often administered in women who are receiving conservative treatment for endometriosis, and it may be the treatment of choice. The present study investigated the effects of dienogest on uterine contractility in comparison with the known inhibitory effect of progesterone.

Material and methods

Eighty swine uteri were examined using an established extracorporeal perfusion model. The uteri were perfused for at least 4 hours with progesterone, dienogest, or a modified Krebs‐Ringer solution as the control group, with uterine contractions being measured using an intrauterine microchip catheter. The amplitude and frequency of contractions and the area under the curve (AUC), reflecting overall contractility, were measured at two separate locations (the isthmus and fundus).

Results

Progesterone led to a significant decrease in the amplitude of uterine contractions and to reduced overall pressure (AUC) at the isthmus and fundus. Dienogest led to a significant decrease in the amplitude of contractions and overall pressure (AUC) in the area of the isthmus, but the decrease near the fundus was not significant. The frequency of uterine contractions was not influenced by either progesterone or dienogest.

Conclusions

These results confirm the known inhibitory effect of progesterone on uterine contractility (relative to amplitude of contractions and overall contractility), affecting the whole organ. Perfusion of the uterus with dienogest also led to a general decrease in uterine contractility similar to the effect of progesterone.
Development of a standardized chart review method to identify drug‐related hospital admissions in older people
Authors: Thevelin Stefanie , Spinewine Anne , Beuscart Jean‐Baptiste , Boland Benoit , Marien Sophie , Vaillant Fanny , Wilting Ingeborg , Vondeling Ariel , Floriani Carmen , Schneider Claudio , Donzé Jacques , Rodondi Nicolas , Cullinan Shane , O'Mahony Denis , Dalleur Olivia
Published: July 2018

Aims

We aimed to develop a standardized chart review method to identify drug‐related hospital admissions (DRA) in older people caused by non‐preventable adverse drug reactions and preventable medication errors including overuse, underuse and misuse of medications: the DRA adjudication guide.

Methods

The DRA adjudication guide was developed based on design and test iterations with international and multidisciplinary input in four subsequent steps: literature review; evaluation of content validity using a Delphi consensus technique; a pilot test; and a reliability study.

Results

The DRA adjudication guide provides definitions, examples and step‐by‐step instructions to measure DRA. A three‐step standardized chart review method was elaborated including: (i) data abstraction; (ii) explicit screening with a newly developed trigger tool for DRA in older people; and (iii) consensus adjudication for causality by a pharmacist and a physician using the World Health Organization‐Uppsala Monitoring Centre and Hallas criteria. A 15‐member international Delphi panel reached consensus agreement on 26 triggers for DRA in older people. The DRA adjudication guide showed good feasibility of use and achieved moderate inter‐rater reliability for the evaluation of 16 cases by four European adjudication pairs (71% agreement, κ = 0.41). Disagreements arose mainly for cases with potential underuse.

Conclusions

The DRA adjudication guide is the first standardized chart review method to identify DRA in older persons. Content validity, feasibility of use and inter‐rater reliability were found to be satisfactory. The method can be used as an outcome measure for interventions targeted at improving quality and safety of medication use in older people.
Conditional survival of patients with small renal masses undergoing active surveillance
Authors: Petros Firas G. , Venkatesan Aradhana M. , Kaya Diana , Ng Chaan S. , Fellman Bryan M. , Karam Jose A. , Wood Christopher G. , Matin Surena F.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To determine conditional survival for patients with small renal masses (SRMs) undergoing active surveillance (AS).

Materials and Methods

Patients were enrolled in a prospective AS protocol at our institution between May 2005 and January 2016. Patients with SRMs ≤4 cm with serial cross‐sectional imaging available in‐house for review were included. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and modelled via Cox proportional hazards models. The primary endpoints analysed were the conditional probability of survival and tumour growth over time. Landmark analysis was used to evaluate survival outcomes beyond the 2‐year mark after the initial scan. The relative conditional survival of patients on AS was compared to those undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN) using inverse probability of treatment weighting.

Results

A total of 272 patients were included in this analysis. The mean initial SRM size was 1.74 ± 0.77 cm, and the mean mass size closest to the 2‐year mark was 1.97 ± 0.83 cm. The likelihood of continued survival to 5 years improved after the 2‐year landmark. Patients with masses <3 cm who survived the first 2 years on AS had a 0.84–0.85 chance of surviving to 5 years, and if they survived 3 years, the probability of surviving to 5 years improved to 0.91. A slow tumour growth (β: 0.12; P < 0.001) with parallel growth rates was found for tumours <3 cm. Patients on AS and those who underwent PN had similar OS for ~7 years, beyond which PN demonstrated a trend of lower risk of death compared with AS (hazard ratio 0.57; P = 0.07).

Conclusions

The conditional survival probability of patients with SRMs <3 cm on AS increased after 2 years. This information may prove useful to urologists and patients who are considering continuing AS vs intervention after the first 2 years on AS.
Regulators of the transsulfuration pathway
Authors: Sbodio Juan I , Snyder Solomon H , Paul Bindu D
Published: July 2018

The transsulfuration pathway is a metabolic pathway where transfer of sulfur from homocysteine to cysteine occurs. The pathway leads to the generation of several sulfur metabolites, which include cysteine, GSH and the gaseous signalling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Precise control of this pathway is critical for maintenance of optimal cellular function and, therefore, the key enzymes of the pathway, cystathionine β‐synthase and cystathionine γ‐lyase, are regulated at multiple levels. Disruption of the transsulfuration pathway contributes to the pathology of several conditions such as vascular dysfunction, Huntington's disease and during ageing. Treatment with donors of hydrogen sulfide and/or stimulation of this pathway have proved beneficial in several of these disorders. In this review, we focus on the regulation of the transsulfuration pathway pertaining to cysteine and H2S, which could be targeted to develop novel therapeutics.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Chemical Biology of Reactive Sulfur Species. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.4/issuetoc
Dual role of nitrergic neurotransmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in controlling cardiovascular responses to emotional stress in rats
Authors: Barretto‐de‐Souza Lucas , Adami Mariane B , Benini Ricardo , Crestani Carlos C
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose

The aim of the present study was to assess the interaction of nitrergic neurotransmission within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) with local glutamatergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission in the control of cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats.

Experimental Approach

Interaction with local noradrenergic neurotransmission was evaluated using local pretreatment with the selective α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist WB4101 before microinjection of the NO donor NOC‐9 into the BNST. Interaction with glutamatergic neurotransmission was assessed by pretreating the BNST with a selective inhibitor of neuronal NOS (nNOS), Nω‐propyl‐L‐arginine (NPLA) before local microinjection of NMDA. The effect of intra‐BNST NPLA microinjection in animals locally pretreated with WB4101 was also evaluated.

Key Results

NOC‐9 reduced the heart rate (HR) and blood pressure increases evoked by restraint stress. These effects of NOC‐9 on HR, but not in blood pressure, was inhibited by pretreatment of BNST with WB4101. NMDA enhanced the restraint‐evoked HR increase, and this effect was abolished following BNST pretreatment with NPLA. Administration of NPLA to the BNST of animals pretreated locally with WB4101 decreased the HR and blood pressure increases induced by restraint.

Conclusion and Implications

These results indicate that inhibitory control of stress‐evoked cardiovascular responses by nitrergic signalling in the BNST is mediated by a facilitation of local noradrenergic neurotransmission. The present data also provide evidence of an involvement of local nNOS in facilitatory control of tachycardia during stress by NMDA receptors within the BNST.
Exosomal zinc transporter ZIP4 promotes cancer growth and is a novel diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Jin Haoyi , Liu Peng , Wu Yunhao , Meng Xiangli , Wu Mengwei , Han Jiahong , Tan Xiaodong
Published: July 2018

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers with rapid disease progression. Further elucidation of its underlying molecular mechanisms and novel biomarkers for early detection is necessary. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that are released by multiple cell types acting as message carriers during intercellular communication and are promising biomarker candidates. However, the role of pancreatic cancer cell‐derived exosomes in cancer progression and the application of these vesicles as novel diagnostic biomarkers have not been fully studied. In this study, we found that PC‐1.0 (a highly malignant pancreatic cell line) cell‐derived exosomes could be taken up by and enhance PC‐1 (a moderately malignant pancreatic cell line) cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. We identified ZIP4 as the most upregulated exosomal protein in PC‐1.0 cells from our proteomic analysis. In vitro and in vivo (a subcutaneous BALB/c nude mouse model) studies showed that exosomal ZIP4 can significantly promote pancreatic cancer growth. Using clinical blood samples, we compared the diagnostic values of serum exosomal ZIP4 levels between malignant pancreatic cancer patients (n = 24) and benign pancreatic disease patients (n = 32, AUC = .89), and between biliary disease patients (n = 32, AUC = .8112) and healthy controls (n = 46, AUC = .8931). In conclusion, exosomal ZIP4 promotes cancer growth and is a novel diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer.
Heterogeneity of tumor lymphangiogenesis: Progress and prospects
Authors: Hu Xueting , Luo Jincai
Published: July 2018

Lymphangiogenesis and increased expression of lymphangiogenic growth factors are associated with high rates of lymph node (LN) metastasis and with poor prognosis in some, but not all, solid tumors. In addition to its involvement in metastasis, lymphangiogenesis has been shown to have other roles in tumor pathogenesis, such as the niche function of tumor stem cells and regulatory functions of antitumor immune responses. In contrast, evidence has accumulated that tumor‐induced lymphangiogenesis displays the heterogeneity in gene signature, structure, cellular origins and functional plasticity. This review summarizes the advances in the research on the heterogeneity of tumor lymphangiogenesis and discusses how it may contribute to functional complexity and multiplicity of lymphangiogenesis in tumor progression.
Five‐day regimen of azacitidine for lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (refractory anemia or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts): A prospective single‐arm phase 2 trial
Authors: Morita Yasuyoshi , Maeda Yasuhiro , Yamaguchi Terufumi , Urase Fumiaki , Kawata Shuhei , Hanamoto Hitoshi , Tsubaki Kazuo , Ishikawa Jun , Shibayama Hirohiko , Matsumura Itaru , Matsuda Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2018

Although azacitidine is the first‐line drug for higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients, its efficacy for lower‐risk MDS remains unestablished. Therefore, we conducted a prospective study to examine the efficacy and safety of a 5‐day regimen of azacitidine (AZA‐5) for lower‐risk MDS. The primary endpoint was hematological improvement (HI) after 4 courses of therapy. A total of 51 patients with lower‐risk MDS based on the French‐American‐British (FAB) classification (44 patients with refractory anemia [RA] and 7 patients with refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts [RARS]) were enrolled from 6 centers in Japan. The median age was 75 years (range: 51‐88). These patients received AZA‐5 (75 mg/m2; once daily for 5 sequential days). The median number of AZA‐5 courses was 8 (range: 1‐57), and 45 patients (88.2%) received more than 4 courses. HI and transfusion independency were seen in 24 patients (47.1%) and 11 patients (39.2%), respectively. A total of 11 patients (21.6%) achieved complete remission or marrow remission. WT1 mRNA levels were not significantly correlated with therapy response. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 26 (51.0%) and 11 (21.5%) patients, respectively. Nonhematological grade 3 or 4 adverse events were observed in 9 patients (17.6%). Together, these results indicate that AZA‐5 is feasible and effective for lower‐risk MDS patients as well as for higher‐risk MDS patients.
Criterion learning—A neglected aspect of training in cytopathology?
Authors: Evered Andrew
Published: July 2018

Cytology involves difficult visual discriminations and requires practitioners to learn how to set a diagnostic threshold (criterion). The scarcity of research in the field has led to non‐standardised and idiosyncratic approaches to the way the skill is taught. Cytology training programmes may be missing the opportunity to teach practitioners how to optimise criterion in order to get the right balance between sensitivity and specificity.
Not all tendon swellings are giant cell tumours
Authors: Sathiah Prasath , Dehuri Priyadarshini , Gochhait Debasis
Published: July 2018

Tendon xanthomas are rare; however, they can be easily diagnosed if one is aware of the typical bilateral symmetrical presentation and cytomorphology. These patients need medical intervention after evaluation of the lipid profile.
Proenkephalin for the early detection of acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Breidthardt Tobias , Jaeger Cedric , Christ Andreas , Klima Theresia , Mosimann Tamina , Twerenbold Raphael , Boeddinghaus Jasper , Nestelberger Thomas , Badertscher Patrick , Struck Joachim , Bergmann Andreas , Hartmann Oliver , Kalbermatter Stefan , Marenzi Giancarlo , Mueller Christian
Published: July 2018

Background

The early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an unmet clinical need. Proenkephalin (PENK) might improve the early detection of AKI.

Methods

One hundred and eleven hospitalized CKD patients undergoing radiographic contrast procedures were enrolled. PENK was measured in a blinded fashion at baseline (before contrast media administration) and on day 1 (after contrast media administration). The potential of PENK levels to predict contrast‐induced AKI was the primary endpoint.

Results

Baseline creatinine and baseline PENK were similar in AKI and no‐AKI patients. In AKI patients, day 1 PENK (198 pmol/L vs 121 pmol/L, P < 0.01) was significantly higher compared to no‐AKI patients. The area under the curve (AUC) for the prediction of AKI by day 1 PENK was 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70‐0.87, similar to serum creatinine: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.61‐0.95. Delta PENK was significantly higher in AKI compared to no‐AKI patients (53 pmol/L vs 1 pmol/L, P < 0.01). The AUC for the prediction of AKI by delta PENK was high (0.92, 95%CI 0.82‐1.00) and remained high for creatinine‐blind AKI (0.94, 95% CI: 0.87‐0.97).

Conclusion

Delta PENK levels improve the early detection of contrast‐induced AKI in CKD patients over serial creatinine sampling. Delta PENK accelerates the detection of creatinine‐blind AKI by 24 hours.
Aspirin in primary prevention for patients with diabetes: Still a matter of debate
Authors: Bonaventura Aldo , Liberale Luca , Montecucco Fabrizio
Published: July 2018

Background

Patients with diabetes are at high cardiovascular (CV) risk due to an exaggerated platelet activation and aggregation. In the first 2000s low‐dose aspirin was first recommended for primary prevention, but then re‐discussed.

Methods

This short narrative review, based on the material searched for and obtained via PubMed up to February 2018, aims at clarifying this controversial topic.

Results

The JPAD2 study has been designed to evaluate the occurrence of any CV event in a cohort of patients with diabetes and concluded that low‐dose aspirin did not influence the risk for CV events while increasing the risk for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Reasons for this result can be found in the role of diabetic platelets, which are known to be hyperreactive, thus producing intensified adhesion, activation, and aggregation. In this setting, other associated metabolic conditions can concur to enhance platelet adhesion and activation. Aspirin resistance has been often considered a guilty actor, although many mechanisms have been mistaken for true aspirin resistance, such as patient poor compliance, inadequate dosing, drug interactions, and high‐platelet turnover. However, the mere presence of diabetes is not likely to give a net benefit for CV protection with respect to GI bleeding.

Conclusion

It appears advisable to follow current guidelines addressing first of all classical risk factors and evaluate aspirin therapy in primary prevention only for patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes at increased CV risk and no risk for GI bleeding. Anyway, additional clinical trials are needed to address the current topic.
The effect of immediate controlled forces on periodontal healing of teeth replanted after short dry time in dogs
Authors: de Gregorio Cesar , Cohenca Nestor , Romano Fabio , Pucinelli Carolina M. , Cohenca Nathalie , Romero Martin , Lucisano Marilia P. , Assed Bezerra da Silva Raquel , Assed Bezerra da Silva Lea
Published: July 2018

Background/Aim

The extra‐alveolar dry period and storage medium in which a tooth is kept prior to replantation remain critical factors affecting the survival and repair potential of the periodontal ligament in avulsed teeth. When replantation is not immediate, replacement root resorption (RRR) is the most common complication. The aim of this histological study was to evaluate the effect of immediate controlled‐orthodontic forces in periodontal healing of replanted teeth in a canine model.

Material and Methods

Sixty maxillary and mandibular premolar roots were endodontically treated in vivo and subsequently hemisected and extracted. Roots were replanted after an extraoral dry time of 20 minutes and randomly assigned to two experimental groups: Group 1: root was stabilized with a flexible and passive bracket/stainless steel wire splint for 2 weeks; Group 2: root was stabilized with a flexible bracket/NiTi wire splint activated with orthodontic elastics for 2 weeks. After 4 months, the dogs were euthanized, and all specimens were processed for histology and microscopically evaluated.

Results

The mean percentage of RRR for Group 2 was 3.17 compared with 12.13 in Group 1. Eighty‐three percent of specimens from Group 2 exhibited similar healing to the negative control group, compared to 60.5% of the specimens from Group 1. No statistical difference was found in periodontal healing between experimental groups.

Conclusion

Immediate application of mild and controlled orthodontic forces was not detrimental to the periodontal healing of teeth replanted after 20 minutes extraoral dry time, although no significant improvement on periodontal healing was observed.
Oral and maxillofacial trauma in motorcyclists in an Iranian subpopulation
Authors: Mosaddad Seyed Ali , Gheisari Rasoul , Erfani Maryam
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims

Road traffic accidents are considered a major cause of oral and maxillofacial trauma. Given that many traumatic injuries and deaths involve motorcyclists, the aim of this study was to investigate this vulnerable group in terms of oral and maxillofacial injuries following accidents.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 330 patients with oral and maxillofacial injuries at Shahid Rajaee Hospital in Shiraz, Iran, from April to September 2017. A questionnaire with questions regarding age, gender, helmet use, and driver's license was completed for all the patients and their injury type (including dental injuries). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi‐squared test with a significance level of 95%.

Results

Of the 330 patients, 291 (88.2%) were male and 39 (11.8%) were female. There were 283 (85.75%) patients aged 21‐30 years, and their mean age was 27.2 ± 6.5. Most of them (287, 87%) had not been wearing helmets at the time of the accident. Dental injuries were observed in 168 (50.9%) of the patients. Uncomplicated crown fractures were diagnosed in 25.4% of the patients, luxation injuries in 23.2%, and avulsion in 18.9%. Only 19.9% of the patients under the age of 25 had suffered facial injuries.

Conclusion

Most injuries in motorcycle accidents were dental trauma in men due to not wearing a helmet. Dental injuries had the highest frequency of damage.
Impacts of dietary amino acid composition and microbial presence on preference and performance of immatureLucilia sericata(Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Rhinesmith‐Carranza Jennifer , Liu Wenqi , Tomberlin Jeffery K. , Longnecker Michael , Tarone Aaron M.
Published: July 2018

1. As primary colonisers of ephemeral resources, the common green bottle fly,Lucilia sericata, must exercise efficient resource exploitation strategies to maximise fitness. Foraging incurs costs, so the efficient evaluation of resources is essential for individuals relying on fragmented patches whose dissimilarity may result in fitness consequences for offspring. Thus, selective pressures between carrion‐using insects and carrion‐associated microbes are expected to occur.

2. Microbes play a pivotal role in adult fly assessment of resources via production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) resulting from the breakdown of essential amino acids. If one assumes that chemoreception of these VOCs provides public information regarding the corresponding essential amino acids, the resulting effects on maternal decision‐making could impact larval resource exploitation.

3. The essential amino acids phenylalanine, methionine, valine, and tryptophan, the corresponding VOCs of which are known fly attractants, were used to construct imbalanced diets with and without antimicrobial treatment to investigate the impact of suboptimal food sources on larvalL. sericata.

4. The results of this study demonstrate that both amino acid composition and microbial presence influence behaviour, with larvae displaying a preference for untreated diets lacking methionine and a complete reversal in preference for antimicrobial‐treated diets. This interaction between diet and antimicrobial treatment indicates that the presence of microbes that produce essential amino acids may impact larval resource utilisation strategies. This investigation into larval performance on diets deficient in amino acids that provide important VOC cues to maternal flies provides a stepping stone for dissecting larval behavioural strategies on ephemeral resources when faced with limited choices.
Erysiphe deutziae causing powdery mildew on Deutzia parviflora var. amurensis in China
Authors: Nguyen Vanninh , Guan Guanxiu , Zhao Fengyun , Tang Shurong , Li Yu , Liu Shuyan
Published: July 2018

Deutzia parviflora var. amurensis is a common ornamental shrub in the Hydrangeaceae. In July and September 2017, powdery mildew infections were first noticed on this shrub in Yichun, China. Powdery mildew colonies on leaves and nonlignified stems were conspicuous, especially when the plants were growing in shade. Based on morphological characteristics and sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the pathogen was identified as Erysiphe deutziae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by E. deutziae on Deutzia parviflora var. amurensis in China.
Clinical characteristics and analysis of treatment result in children with Ph‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Poland between 2005 and 2017
Authors: Zawitkowska Joanna , Lejman Monika , Zaucha‐Prażmo Agnieszka , Drabko Katarzyna , Płonowski Marcin , Bulsa Joanna , Romiszewski Michał , Mizia‐Malarz Agnieszka , Kołtan Andrzej , Derwich Katarzyna , Karolczyk Grażyna , Ociepa Tomasz , Ćwiklińska Magdalena , Trelińska Joanna , Owoc‐Lempach Joanna , Niedźwiecki Maciej , Kiermasz Aleksandra , Kowalczyk Jerzy
Published: July 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics and outcome of children diagnosed with Ph+ ALL.

Material and Methods

A total of 2591 newly diagnosed ALL children were treated in Poland between the years 2005 and 2017. Of those, 44 were diagnosed with Ph(+) ALL. The patients were treated according to protocols: ALL IC‐BFM 2002 and 2009 (26 patients), EsPhALL (12 patients), initially ALL IC‐BFM and then EsPhALL (6 patients).

Results

The median of follow‐up in the observed group was 3 years. Overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) of Ph+ ALL group were 0.73 and 0.64. OS and EFS of patients after HSCT were 0.78 and 0.66, while without HSCT were 0.6 and 0.6, P = 0.27 and 0.63. OS was 0.8 for patients treated with chemotherapy plus imatinib and 0.61 for chemotherapy alone, P = 0.22, while EFS was 0.66 (imatinib therapy) and 0. 61 (without imatinib), P = 0.41.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that adding imatinib to intensive chemotherapy seems to improve outcome. However, this study was limited by a small number of patients and a variety of chemotherapy regimens with or without imatinib.
From microhabitat to ecosystem: identifying the biophysical factors controlling soil CO2 dynamics in a karst shrubland
Authors: Lopez‐Canfin C. , Sánchez‐Cañete E. P. , Serrano‐Ortiz P. , López‐Ballesteros A. , Domingo F. , Kowalski A. S. , Oyonarte C.
Published: July 2018

The soil CO2 efflux (Fs) remains the least constrained component of the terrestrial carbon cycle; its estimates are still largely uncertain, mainly because of its considerable variation related to the many factors that interact over different temporal and spatial scales. Therefore, our aims were to: (i) identify the biophysical factors that control the soil CO2 molar fraction (χs) and characterize their time‐frequency patterns in a karst shrubland, (ii) explore χs variation with soil cover type (microhabitat) and (iii) estimate Fs at the ecosystem scale. Continuous measurements of aboveground variables, including net CO2 exchanges at the ecosystem level, were compared with pedoclimatic variables collected from four microhabitats (Festuca scariosa (Lag.) Asch. & Graebn., Hormathophylla spinosa (L.) P. Küpfer, Genista pumila (Hervier) Vierh. and bare soil). The microhabitat‐scale controlling factors of χs were identified by a top‐down statistical analysis, and time‐frequency patterns were analysed by wavelet spectral decomposition. Finally, Fs was upscaled from the microhabitat to the ecosystem scale by considering the spatial heterogeneity of ground cover. We determined that in addition to soil water content and temperature, which are traditionally used to predict χs or Fs, the wind (friction velocity) can also have a significant effect. Furthermore, the sensitivity of χs to the main factors identified here varied with microhabitat and season. Over a year, Fs upscaled to the ecosystem level and its uncertainty was 175 ± 13 g C m−2 compared with 155 ± 8 g C m−2 estimated from ecosystem respiration. These results provide new insight into mechanisms of soil CO2 production and transport that question and can improve models traditionally used to quantify ecosystem CO2 emissions.

Highlights

Explored the variation of soil CO2 in relation to its biophysical controlling factors.

Used a top‐down statistical analysis and a wavelet time‐frequency decomposition.

Identified controlling factors of soil CO2 dynamics: soil water content, temperature, wind, microhabitat and season.

Provides new insight into soil CO2 production and transport, and improves CO2 emission modelling.
Mathematical modelling of water and solute movement in ridged versus flat planting systems
Authors: Duncan S. J. , Daly K. R. , Sweeney P. , Roose T.
Published: July 2018

We compared water and solute movement between a ridge and furrow geometry and that of flat soil with a mathematical model. We focused on the effects of two physical processes: root water uptake and pond formation on the soil surface. The mathematical model describes the interaction between solute transport, water movement and surface pond depth. Numerical simulations were used to determine how solutes of varying mobility and rates of degradation penetrated into the two soil geometries over a growing season. Both the ridge and furrow or flat soil geometries could reduce solute leaching, but this depended on several factors. Rain immediately after a solute application was a key factor in determining solute penetration into soil. In cases with delayed rain after a solute application, solutes in ridge and furrow geometries collected adjacent to the root system, resulting in reduced solute penetration compared to the flat soil geometry. In contrast, substantial rain immediately after a solute application resulted in ponding where water infiltration acted as the dominant transport mechanism. This resulted in increased solute penetration in the ridge and furrow geometry compared to the flat soil geometry.

Highlights

We studied solute movement controlled by ponding in ridge and furrow and flat fields.

We found the ridged soil could impede or increase leaching compared to the flat soil.

Solute hot‐spots formed in ridge and furrow soil because of root water uptake.

Time between solute application and rainfall is a key factor for solute penetration.
Tree genotype and seasonal effects on soil properties and biogeochemical functioning in Mediterranean pine forests
Authors: Pérez‐Izquierdo L. , Saint‐André L. , Santenoise P. , Buée M. , Rincón A.
Published: July 2018

In forests, intraspecific genetic variation in trees can affect the entire ecosystem, which in turn depends on the different processes occurring through space and time in soil. We hypothesized that, in addition to the effect of the local site, tree genotype and season would have an effect on the properties and functions of the edaphic environment. We studied soils beneath different genotypes of Pinus pinaster Ait. (Atlantic, Mediterranean and African) in 45‐year‐old common gardens in spring and autumn. The pH, organic matter, nutrients and infrared spectroscopy, together with enzyme activities, were determined and used to evaluate the soil properties and biogeochemical functioning. In addition to strong site effects, tree genotype and seasonal effects were detected on soil properties and functions. Both were major controlling factors of microbially mediated functioning, especially processes related to the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles. In general, the soil environment beneath the Atlantic trees was different from that under the Mediterranean and African genotypes, with differences in raw infrared spectra and increased activities of enzymes involved in hemicellulose degradation and N mobilization. Regarding the season, the largest soil humidity (RH), electric conductivity (EC), and N and potassium (K) concentrations, coupled with the smallest phosphorus (P) concentration and C:N ratios, were detected in autumn. Degradation of C peaked in autumn, whereas P and N mobilization usually peaked in spring. Our results showed that, beyond local site effects, there were detectable effects of tree genotype and season in Mediterranean forest soils, which governed microbially mediated processes that might have relevant functional consequences at the ecosystem level.

Highlights

Tree genotype and season shape the features and functioning of Mediterranean forest soils.

Tree genotype, season and site effects on soil are identified separately under field conditions.

Intraspecific genetic variation of trees defines soil properties and functioning.

Tree genotype and season are key regulators of the edaphic environment in Mediterranean forests.
Professional occupation and the risk of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Darweesh S. K. L. , Ikram M. K. , Faber M. J. , de Vries N. M. , Haaxma C. A. , Hofman A. , Koudstaal P. J. , Bloem B. R. , Ikram M. A.
Published: July 2018

Background and purpose

Creativity in Parkinson's disease (PD) is strongly related to dopaminergic activity and medication. We hypothesized that patients with PD, including those who are in the pre‐diagnostic phase of PD, are prone to choose highly structured ‘conventional’ professional occupations and avoid highly creative ‘artistic’ occupations.

Methods

At baseline of the population‐based Rotterdam Study, we asked 12 147 individuals aged ≥45 years about their latest occupation and categorized occupations according to the RIASEC model. Participants underwent baseline and follow‐up (median 11 years) examinations for PD. We determined associations of artistic (versus any other occupation) and conventional (versus any other occupation) occupations with PD. Additionally, we pooled our results with a recently published case–control study (Radboud Study).

Results

At baseline, conventional occupations were common [n = 4356 (36%)], whereas artistic occupations were rare [n = 137 (1%)]. There were 217 patients with PD, including 91 with prevalent PD and 126 with incident PD. The risk of PD varied substantially across occupational categories (chi‐square, 14.61; P = 0.01). The penalized odds ratio (OR) of artistic occupations for PD was 0.19 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.00–1.31; P = 0.11], whereas the OR of conventional occupations for PD was 1.23 (95% CI, 0.95–1.66; P = 0.10). The direction and magnitude of ORs were similar in cross‐sectional and longitudinal subsamples. Pooled ORs across the Rotterdam and Radboud Studies were 0.20 (95% CI, 0.08–0.52; P < 0.001) for artistic and 1.23 (95% CI, 0.92–1.67; P = 0.08) for conventional occupations.

Conclusions

The risk of PD varies substantially by choice of professional occupation. Our findings suggest that dopaminergic degeneration affects choice of occupation, which may start in the pre‐diagnostic phase of PD.
Core circadian clock gene expression in human dental pulp‐derived cells in response to L‐mimosine, hypoxia and echinomycin
Authors: Janjić Klara , Kurzmann Christoph , Moritz Andreas , Agis Hermann
Published: July 2018

Core circadian clock genes set the pace for a wide range of physiological functions, including regeneration. The role of these genes and their regulation in the dental pulp, in particular under hypoxic conditions, is unknown. Here we investigated if core clock genes are expressed in human dental pulp‐derived cells (DPC) and if their expression is modulated by the hypoxia mimetic agent, L‐mimosine (L‐MIM), hypoxia or echinomycin. Dental pulp‐derived cells in monolayers and spheroids were treated with L‐MIM, hypoxia or echinomycin. mRNA levels of the core circadian clock genes were analysed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and their protein levels were analysed by western blot. All core clock genes and proteins were produced in DPC monolayer and spheroid cultures. The expression of cryptochrome circadian regulators and period circadian regulators was reduced by L‐MIM, hypoxia and echinomycin at mRNA, but not at protein levels. Time course experiments indicated that modulations were based on alterations in overall mRNA levels of core circadian clock genes. Our results suggest a potential role of the core circadian clock in the response of dental pulp to hypoxia. Future studies need to consider that regulation of the core circadian clock at mRNA levels might not be paralleled by modulation of protein levels.
Altered circadian rhythms and oscillation of clock genes and sirtuin 1 in a model of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Wallace Eli , Wright Samantha , Schoenike Barry , Roopra Avtar , Rho Jong M. , Maganti Rama K.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Circadian rhythms are affected in many neurological disorders. Although sleep disturbances are known in epilepsy, data on circadian rhythm disturbances in epilepsy are sparse. Here, we examined diurnal and circadian rest‐activity and sleep‐wake patterns in Kcna1‐null mice, which exhibit spontaneous recurrent seizures and are a model of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Furthermore, we sought to determine whether seizures or aberrant oscillation of core clock genes and a regulator, sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), is associated with disrupted rhythms.

Methods

We used passive infrared actigraphy to assess rest‐activity patterns, electroencephalography for seizure and sleep analysis, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting to evaluate expression of clock genes and Sirt1 in Kcna1‐null and wild‐type mice.

Results

Epileptic Kcna1‐null animals have disrupted diurnal and circadian rest‐activity patterns, tending to exhibit prolonged circadian periods. Electroencephalographic analysis confirmed disturbances in sleep architecture, with more time spent awake and less asleep. Although all epileptic mice manifested disrupted diurnal and circadian rest‐activity patterns, we found no correlation between actual seizure burden and degree of sleep disruption. However, we found attenuated oscillations of several clock genes (ie, Clock, Bmal1, Per1, and Per2) and diurnal Sirt1 mRNA in the anterior hypothalamus.

Significance

Attenuated oscillation of several core clock genes correlates with, and may underlie, aberrant diurnal and circadian rest‐activity and sleep‐wake patterns observed in Kcna1‐null mice. This could contribute to late complications in epilepsy, such as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Sirt1 may represent a useful therapeutic target for rescuing circadian clock gene rhythmicity and sleep patterns in epilepsy.
Health science libraries in Sweden: new directions, expanding roles
Authors: Haglund Lotta , Roos Annikki , Wallgren‐Björk Petra
Published: July 2018

Librarians in Sweden are facing huge challenges in meeting the demands of their organisations and users. This article looks at four key areas: coping with open science/open access initiatives; increasing demands from researchers for support doing systematic reviews; understanding user experiences in Swedish health science libraries; and the consequences of expanding roles for recruitment and continuing professional development. With regard to changing roles, there is an increasing shift from the generalist towards the expert role. The authors raise the issue as to how to prepare those new to the profession to the changing environment of health science libraries.
Optimal search strategies for identifying moderators and predictors of treatment effects in PubMed
Authors: Tummers Marcia , van Hoorn Ralph , Levering Charlotte , Booth Andrew , van der Wilt Gert Jan , Kievit Wietske
Published: July 2018

Background

Treatment effects differ across patients. To guide selection of treatments for patients, it is essential to acknowledge these differences and identify moderators or predictors. Our aim was to generate optimal search strategies (commonly known as filters) for PubMed to retrieve papers identifying moderators and predictors of treatment effects.

Methods

Six journals were hand‐searched for articles on moderators or predictors. Selected articles were randomly allocated to a development and validation set. Search terms were extracted from the development set and tested for their performance. Search filters were created from combinations of these terms and tested in the validation set.

Results

Of 4407 articles, 198 were considered to be relevant. The most sensitive filter in the development set ‘(“Epidemiologic Methods” [MeSH] OR assign* OR control*[tiab] OR trial*[tiab]) AND therapy*[sh]’ yielded in the validation set a sensitivity of 89% [88%–90%] and a specificity of 80% [79%–82%].

Conclusions

The search filters created in this study can help to efficiently retrieve evidence on moderators and predictors of treatment effect. Testing of the filters in multiple domains should reveal robustness across disciplines. These filters can facilitate the retrieval of evidence on moderators and predictors of treatment effects, helping the implementation of stratified or personalised health care.
Morphology and tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes in high‐stage, high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma correlated with long‐term survival
Authors: Darb‐Esfahani Silvia , Kolaschinski Ivonne , Trillsch Fabian , Mahner Sven , Concin Nicole , Vergote Ignace , Van Nieuwenhuysen Els , Achimas‐Cadariu Patriciu , Glajzer Joanna , Woopen Hannah , Wienert Stefan , Taube Eliane T , Stanske Mandy , Kulbe Hagen , Denkert Carsten , Sehouli Jalid , Braicu Elena I
Published: July 2018

Aims

Advanced‐stage ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is a poor‐prognosis cancer; however, a small and poorly characterised subset of patients shows long‐term survival. We aimed to establish a cohort of HGSC long‐term survivors for histopathological and molecular analysis.

Methods and results

Paraffin blocks from 151 patients with primary FIGO III/IV HGSC and progression‐free survival (PFS) >5 years were collected within the Tumorbank Ovarian Cancer (TOC) Network; 77 HGSC with a PFS <3 years were used as a control group. A standardised analysis of histological type and morphological features was performed. Ki67 index, tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and major histocompatibility complex expression (MHC1/2) were determined by immunohistochemistry. A total of 117 of 151 tumours (77.5%) in the long‐term survivor group fulfilled the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria of HGSC after review, and of these, 83 patients (70.9%) fulfilled all clinical criteria for inclusion into our cohort. Tumours of long‐term survivors had significantly higher CD3+ and CD8+ TILs and were more frequently positive for MHC2 than controls (P = 0.004, P = 0.025, P = 0.048). However, there were also long‐term survivors (up to 20%) with low TILs or low MHC expression. TILs and MHC had no impact on survival in long‐term survivors. Morphological and Ki67 analysis revealed no differences between long‐term survivors and controls.

Conclusions

HGSC from long‐term survivors have higher‐level T cell infiltration and antigen‐presentation capacity; however, this is not a prerequisite for an excellent prognosis. Histopathological criteria are not capable to identify these patients. Further extensive clinical and molecular characterisation of this enigmatic subgroup is ongoing to understand the reasons of long‐term survival in HGSC.