bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of oral micronized progesterone in the prevention of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ashoush Sherif , El‐Kady Osama , Al‐Hawwary Gehan , Othman Ahmed
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Progesterone is becoming universally accepted for preventing recurrent spontaneous preterm delivery. There is, however, poor consensus on the effective types and doses of progesterone to be used. Despite the encouraging available research, the role of oral micronized progesterone has not yet been thoroughly investigated.

Material and methods

We randomized 212 singleton pregnancies with past history of spontaneous preterm delivery at <37 weeks, into a progesterone group (receiving 100 mg oral micronized progesterone, six‐hourly, starting at 14–18 weeks until 37 weeks or delivery) and an identical placebo group. The rate of spontaneous preterm delivery was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included gestational age at birth and admission to neonatal intensive care units.

Results

The progesterone group delivered at a later gestational age, and needed longer tocolysis‐to‐delivery intervals (35.4 weeks vs. 33.9 weeks, p = 0.01, and 87 days vs. 36 days, p < 0.001, respectively). The relative risk of spontaneous preterm delivery was 0.7 (95% confidence interval 0.54–0.92, p = 0.01), and the number needed‐to‐treat to prevent one case of spontaneous preterm delivery was 5 (95% confidence interval 3–20). The two groups had similar rates of operative delivery and postpartum complications. Progesterone was associated with mild maternal dizziness (29.1% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.002), somnolence (41.6% vs. 19.7%, p = 0.002), and vaginal dryness (20.8% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.03), lower neonatal mortality rates (7.3% vs. 25.2%, p < 0.001), and shorter neonatal intensive care unit admissions (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Oral micronized progesterone is effective in preventing spontaneous preterm delivery. The additional advantages of oral administration, affordability, and high safety profile make it worth recommending, at least for further research.
Using Smartphone‐Based Support Groups to Promote Healthy Eating in Daily Life: A Randomised Trial
Authors: Inauen Jennifer , Bolger Niall , Shrout Patrick E. , Stadler Gertraud , Amrein Melanie , Rackow Pamela , Scholz Urte
Published: September 2017

Background

Although many people intend to eat healthily, they often fail to do so. We report the first randomised trial testing whether smartphone‐based support groups can enhance healthy eating.

Methods

Adults (N = 203) were randomised to the support or control condition (information), and to one of two eating goals (increasing fruit and vegetable/decreasing unhealthy snack consumption). After baseline, participants received information on their assigned eating goal, and completed a 13‐day electronic diary. During Days 4–10, support participants were asked to support each other in achieving their eating goal in smartphone‐based groups. The primary outcome was daily servings of fruit/vegetables or unhealthy snacks. Maintenance of intervention effects was assessed on Days 11–13, and at 1‐month and 2‐month follow‐ups.

Results

Support participants showed a gradual increase in healthy eating over time, and ate 1.4 fruits and vegetables more, 95% CI [0.3, 2.6], or 0.8 unhealthy snacks less, 95% CI [−1.4, −0.2] than controls on Day 10. Most effects were not maintained at follow‐ups.

Conclusions

Smartphone‐based groups can promote fruit and vegetable consumption and decrease unhealthy snack intake. This study extends previous findings of the benefits of support groups, and sheds light on the temporal dynamics of behavior change.
Barriers to hepatitis C treatment in the era of direct‐acting anti‐viral agents
Authors: Lin M. , Kramer J. , White D. , Cao Y. , Tavakoli‐Tabasi S. , Madu S. , Smith D. , Asch S. M. , El‐Serag H. B. , Kanwal F.
Published: September 2017

Background

Direct‐acting anti‐virals (DAA) are safe, effective treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Suboptimal linkage to specialists and access to DAAs are the leading barriers to treatment; however, data are limited.

Aim

To determine predictors of follow‐up, receipt of DAAs, and reasons for the lack thereof.

Methods

We used clinical data from retrospective cohort of HCV‐infected patients with previously established HCV care in the US Department of Veterans Affairs to examine predictors of follow‐up in HCV clinics and DAA treatment (during 12/1/2013‐4/30/2015). We then conducted a structured review of medical charts of HCV patients to determine reasons for lack of follow‐up and treatment.

Results

We identified 84 221 veterans who were previously seen in HCV clinics during the pre‐DAA era. Of these, 47 165 (56.0%) followed‐up in HCV specialty clinics, 13 532 (28.7%) of whom received DAAs. Older age, prior treatment, presence of cirrhosis or HCC, HIV/HBV co‐infection and psychiatric illness were predictors of follow‐up. Alcohol/drug abuse and medical co‐morbidity were predictors of lack of treatment. Of the 905 prospectively recruited patients, 56.2% patients had a specialist visit and 28% received DAAs. Common reasons for lack of follow‐up were relocation (n = 148, 37.4%) and missed/cancelled appointments (n = 63, 15.9%). Reasons for lack of treatment included waiting for newer therapy (n = 99, 38.8%), co‐morbidities (n = 66, 25.9%) and alcohol/drug abuse (n = 63, 24.7%).

Conclusions

Half of patients with established HCV care were followed‐up in the DAA era and only 29% received DAAs. Targeted efforts focusing on patient and system‐levels may improve the reach of treatment with the new DAAs.
Obesity and frontal‐striatal brain structures in offspring of individuals with bipolar disorder: Results from the global mood and brain science initiative
Authors: Mansur Rodrigo B , McIntyre Roger S , Cao Bo , Lee Yena , Japiassú Letícia , Chen Kun , Lu Rui , Lu Weicong , Chen Xiaodong , Li Ting , Xu Guiyun , Lin Kangguang
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To compare frontal‐striatal brain volumes between offspring of individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy controls; to investigate the associations of body mass index (BMI) and age with brain volumes; and to assess the moderating effects of BMI and age on the relationship between risk status and structural brain differences.

Methods

We cross‐sectionally assessed structural regional and global brain volumes using magnetic resonance imaging and BMI among 53 BD offspring subjects, stratified by risk status, and 23 non‐BD offspring controls (aged 8‐28 years). Analyses of variance and covariance and linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations between BMI and measures of brain volume, as well as the interaction effects between age, BMI, and risk status on brain volumes.

Results

After adjusting for age, sex, and intracranial volume, higher BD risk status was associated with lower bilateral cerebellar cortical and right pars orbitalis volumes. Higher BMI was significantly associated with greater brain volumes in frontal and subcortical structures. A significant interaction effect between BMI and risk status was observed in right middle frontal volume. The moderating effect of BMI on brain volume was most robustly observed among subjects aged 14‐19 years and less robustly observed among those aged 20‐28 years; BMI and brain volumes were negatively correlated among subjects aged 8‐13 years.

Conclusions

Alterations in brain structures in individuals at risk for BD may be moderated by BMI. Obesity among individuals with a family history of BD may confer additional risk, particularly in mid‐adolescence.
‘A Desire so Close to the Hearts of all Latin Americans’: Utopian Ideals and Imperfections Behind Latin America's Nuclear Weapon Free Zone
Authors: MUSTO RYAN A.
Published: September 2017

In April 1969, Latin America implemented the first nuclear weapon free zone (NWFZ) in an inhabited region of the world. This article explores the creation of Latin America's NWFZ as a utopian impulse. It argues that various Latin American states used the utopian ideals of security, sovereignty, and socio‐economic prosperity to propel the region's denuclearisation forward. Those implementing these utopian ideals had to define the meaning of Latin America, nuclear weapons under a non‐proliferation agreement, and the denuclearisation of an inhabited region. The result was compromise forged from a collision of utopian ideals and dystopian geopolitics.
Biological hierarchies and the nature of extinction
Authors: Congreve Curtis R. , Falk Amanda R. , Lamsdell James C.
Published: September 2017

Hierarchy theory recognises that ecological and evolutionary units occur in a nested and interconnected hierarchical system, with cascading effects occurring between hierarchical levels. Different biological disciplines have routinely come into conflict over the primacy of different forcing mechanisms behind evolutionary and ecological change. These disconnects arise partly from differences in perspective (with some researchers favouring ecological forcing mechanisms while others favour developmental/historical mechanisms), as well as differences in the temporal framework in which workers operate. In particular, long‐term palaeontological data often show that large‐scale (macro) patterns of evolution are predominantly dictated by shifts in the abiotic environment, while short‐term (micro) modern biological studies stress the importance of biotic interactions. We propose that thinking about ecological and evolutionary interactions in a hierarchical framework is a fruitful way to resolve these conflicts. Hierarchy theory suggests that changes occurring at lower hierarchical levels can have unexpected, complex effects at higher scales due to emergent interactions between simple systems. In this way, patterns occurring on short‐ and long‐term time scales are equally valid, as changes that are driven from lower levels will manifest in different forms at higher levels. We propose that the dual hierarchy framework fits well with our current understanding of evolutionary and ecological theory. Furthermore, we describe how this framework can be used to understand major extinction events better. Multi‐generational attritional loss of reproductive fitness (MALF) has recently been proposed as the primary mechanism behind extinction events, whereby extinction is explainable solely through processes that result in extirpation of populations through a shutdown of reproduction. While not necessarily explicit, the push to explain extinction through solely population‐level dynamics could be used to suggest that environmentally mediated patterns of extinction or slowed speciation across geological time are largely artefacts of poor preservation or a coarse temporal scale. We demonstrate how MALF fits into a hierarchical framework, showing that MALF can be a primary forcing mechanism at lower scales that still results in differential survivorship patterns at the species and clade level which vary depending upon the initial environmental forcing mechanism. Thus, even if MALF is the primary mechanism of extinction across all mass extinction events, the primary environmental cause of these events will still affect the system and result in differential responses. Therefore, patterns at both temporal scales are relevant.
Comprehensive genomic profiling of lung cancer using a validated panel to explore therapeutic targets in East Asian patients
Authors: Liu Liping , Liu Jilong , Shao Di , Deng Qiuhua , Tang Hailing , Liu Zu , Chen Xuewei , Guo Fengming , Lin Yongping , Mao Mao , Kristiansen Karsten , Ye Mingzhi , He Jianxing
Published: September 2017

People of East Asian ethnicity have a different prevalence of and show unique clinical characteristics and tumor histology of oncogenic mutations. However, only limited studies have explored the landscape of genomic alterations in lung adenocarcinoma derived from Asian patients thus far. In this single‐center study, with an aim to elucidate the mutational profile of lung cancer in people of Chinese ethnicity and to use the obtained information to guide decision‐making for treatment, we employed a well‐validated assay to perform comprehensive genomic characterization of tumor specimens from 306 Chinese lung cancer patients. A total of 845 individual genomic alterations were found in 145 tumor‐related genes with a median of 2.8 alterations (range: 1–18) per sample. The most frequently mutated genes were EGFR (46.7%), TP53 (21.2%), ALK (12.1%; 8.8% of mutation and 3.3% of rearrangement) and KRAS (10.1%). Upon comparison with the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, we found that EGFR was mutated at a much higher frequency in our cohort than in Caucasians, whereas KRAS was only found in 10.1% of our Chinese patients. Clinically relevant genomic alterations were identified in 185 (60.5%) patients, including 50% in adenocarcinoma patients and 14% in squamous cell carcinoma patients. Our findings suggest that the Asian ethnicity is significantly different from the Caucasian ethnicity with regard to the presence of somatic driver mutations. Furthermore, we showed that the use of a comprehensive genotyping approach could help identify actionable genomic alterations that have potential impact on therapeutic decisions.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 5‐(4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)benzonitrile derivatives as xanthine oxidase inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Ting‐jian , Li Song‐ye , Zhang Yi , Wu Qing‐xia , Meng Fan‐hao
Published: September 2017

A series of 5‐(4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)benzonitrile derivatives (1a–p) was designed, synthesized, and identified as xanthine oxidase inhibitors with micromolar level potencies. Among them, the most promising compounds 1j and 1k were obtained with IC50 values of 8.1 and 6.7 μm, respectively. The Lineweaver–Burk plot revealed that compound 1k acted as a mixed‐type xanthine oxidase inhibitor. SAR analysis revealed that a carbon atom occupying the X3 position is not as effective as a nitrogen atom, and an iso‐pentyloxy or a cyclopentyloxy at the 2‐position of benzonitrile moiety will benefit the inhibitory potency. The basis of xanthine oxidase inhibition by 1k was rationalized by molecular modeling studies.
Predictors of visual outcome and the role of early vitrectomy in streptococcal endophthalmitis
Authors: Kurniawan Emil D , Rocke John R , Sandhu Sukhpal S , Allen Penelope J
Published: September 2017

Importance

Streptococcal endophthalmitis has devastating sequelae. This study aims to identify factors which may be targeted to optimize patient outcomes.

Background

This study investigated characteristics influencing visual outcomes and the role of early vitrectomy.

Design

Retrospective observational case series of consecutive patients was conducted.

Participants

All patients with a culture‐positive diagnosis of streptococcal endophthalmitis treated at a tertiary ophthalmology referral centre between July 1997 and February 2012 were included.

Methods

Patient records were reviewed and data collected on their presentation, examination, microbiology results, procedures and final outcome.

Main Outcome Measures

Visual acuity (VA) and enucleation/evisceration were measured.

Results

Of the 101 patients, 35.6% presented with a VA of hand movements and 42.6% with light perception (LP). Final VA was poor (6/60 or worse) in 77.6% and 24.7% were enucleated/eviscerated. Presenting VA of LP or worse (P = 0.008), no view of fundus (P = 0.001), large number of organisms (P < 0.001), recognition of Streptococcus on Gram stain (P = 0.010), heavy growth on culture (P < 0.001) and more intravitreal injections (P = 0.038) were significantly associated with poor visual outcome (6/60 or worse). Presenting VA of LP or worse (P = 0.042) and non‐viridans Streptococcus species (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with enucleation/evisceration. Fifteen patients (14.9%) had early vitrectomy within 48 h which was not associated with poor final VA or removal of the eye (P = 1.000).

Conclusions and Relevance

Early vitrectomy did not influence visual outcome in this cohort. Microbiology results were useful in predicting poor outcomes, and may allow clinicians to make early treatment decisions and provide prognostic information for patients.
Genomic disorders 20 years on—mechanisms for clinical manifestations
Authors: Harel T. , Lupski J.R.
Published: September 2017

Genomic disorders result from copy‐number variants (CNVs) or submicroscopic rearrangements of the genome rather than from single nucleotide variants (SNVs). Diverse technologies, including array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays, and more recently, whole genome sequencing and whole‐exome sequencing, have enabled robust genome‐wide unbiased detection of CNVs in affected individuals and in reportedly healthy controls. Sequencing of breakpoint junctions has allowed for elucidation of upstream mechanisms leading to genomic instability and resultant structural variation, whereas studies of the association between CNVs and specific diseases or susceptibility to morbid traits have enhanced our understanding of the downstream effects. In this review, we discuss the hallmarks of genomic disorders as they were defined during the first decade of the field, including genomic instability and the mechanism for rearrangement defined as nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR); recurrent vs nonrecurrent rearrangements; and gene dosage sensitivity. Moreover, we highlight the exciting advances of the second decade of this field, including a deeper understanding of genomic instability and the mechanisms underlying complex rearrangements, mechanisms for constitutional and somatic chromosomal rearrangements, structural intra‐species polymorphisms and susceptibility to NAHR, the role of CNVs in the context of genome‐wide copy number and single nucleotide variation, and the contribution of noncoding CNVs to human disease.
Fibroblast growth factor 22 is a novel modulator of depression through interleukin‐1β
Authors: Xu Yu‐Hao , Yu Ming , Wei Hong , Yao Shun , Chen Si‐Yuan , Zhu Xiao‐Lan , Li Yue‐Feng
Published: September 2017

Background and Aims

Emerging evidence shows that fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22) plays a critical role in the etiology of depression. However, the molecular mechanisms of FGF22 are not fully comprehended. Here, the effect of FGF22 in depression and its relationship with interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were investigated in clinical, animal, and cell experiments.

Methods

Serum from depressive patients was collected, and the levels of FGF22 and IL‐1β were analyzed by ELISA. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was established, and primary hippocampal neuronal cells were cultured to examine changes in FGF22 and IL‐1β levels in rat hippocampus.

Results

The results revealed a negative correlation between serum FGF22 levels and serum IL‐1β levels. The expression of IL‐1β in the CUMS rat hippocampus decreased, and the apoptosis of hippocampal cells improved after the injection of lentiviral vector‐mediated FGF22 (LV‐FGF22). Further tests in primary hippocampal neuronal cells also showed a reduction in IL‐1β and the cell apoptosis rate after treatment with FGF22.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results revealed that FGF22 plays a role in alleviating depression, which may be mediated by reduced expression of IL‐1β.
Venous anastomosis using a non‐penetrating vascular closure system in orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Wang Yuan , Xin Zhao , Pan Bing , Lv Shao‐cheng , Zhang Xing‐mao , Zhang Zhi‐hua , Li Li‐xin , Li Xian‐liang , He Qiang
Published: September 2017

Background

A non‐penetrating vessel closure system (VCS‐AnastoClip®) may facilitate vascular anastomosis. The purpose of this study is to explore the utilization of a non‐penetrating VCS in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Methods

From January 2015 to February 2017, patients who underwent OLT were divided into two groups, ie, those who underwent non‐penetrating VCS application for inferior vena cava (IVC) and portal vein (PV) reconstructions and those who underwent hand sewing for these purposes. Clinical data, venous anastomotic times, anhepatic phases, and the recovery of liver function were compared between the groups.

Results

One hundred and fifteen patients underwent OLT (63 in the VCS group and 52 in the suture group). No differences between the two groups were observed in the baseline characteristics. The venous anastomotic time and anhepatic phase in the VCS group were significantly shorter than those in the suture group (P < .01). The alanine transaminase and total bilirubin levels in the VCS group were comparable to those in the suture group (P = .39 and P = .06, respectively). The complication, mortality, and patency rates of the PV reconstructions did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions

In OLT, the reconstruction of the PV and IVC with a non‐penetrating VCS system is a safe alternative method that has the advantage of shortening the anastomotic time and the anhepatic phase compared to the results of conventional hand suturing. However, the use of this VCS system had no influence on the recovery of graft function.
Dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A pooled analysis of safety data from phase IIb/III clinical trials
Authors: Jabbour Serge , Seufert Jochen , Scheen Andre , Bailey Clifford J. , Karup Cathrina , Langkilde Anna M.
Published: September 2017

Aim

To evaluate the safety and tolerability of dapagliflozin, a highly selective sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Data were pooled from 13 placebo‐controlled trials of up to 24 weeks’ duration (dapagliflozin, n = 2360; placebo, n = 2295). Larger placebo‐/comparator‐controlled pools of 21 (≤208 weeks; dapagliflozin, n = 5936; control, n = 3403) and 30 trials (≥12 weeks; dapagliflozin, n = 9195; control, n = 4629) assessed the rare adverse events (AEs) of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and lower limb amputation, respectively.

Results

Over 24 weeks, the overall incidence of AEs and serious AEs (SAEs) was similar for dapagliflozin and placebo: 60.0% vs 55.7% and 5.1% vs 5.4%, respectively. Rates of hypoglycaemia, volume depletion AEs, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and fractures were balanced between the groups. Genital infections were more frequent with dapagliflozin (5.5%) vs placebo (0.6%) and renal function AEs occurred in 3.2% vs 1.8% of patients (the most common renal AE was decreased creatinine clearance: 1.1% vs 0.7%). In the 21‐study pool, 1 SAE of DKA and 3 AEs of ketonuria/metabolic acidosis occurred with dapagliflozin vs none with control; estimated combined incidence for these events was 0.03% (95% confidence interval 0.010‐0.089). In the 30‐study pool, lower limb amputation occurred in 8 (0.1%) and 7 (0.2%) patients receiving dapagliflozin and control, respectively.

Conclusion

The overall incidence rates of AEs and SAEs were similar in the dapagliflozin and placebo/control groups, including the incidence of hypoglycaemia, volume depletion, fractures, UTIs, amputations and DKA. Genital infections were more frequent with dapagliflozin than placebo.
Brentuximab vedotin in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma who are Ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant: A Germany and United Kingdom retrospective study
Authors: Bröckelmann Paul J. , Zagadailov Erin A. , Corman Shelby L. , Chirikov Viktor , Johnson Courtney , Macahilig Cynthia , Seal Brian , Dalal Mehul R. , Illidge Tim
Published: September 2017

Objective

Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an anti‐CD30 antibody‐drug conjugate licensed for the treatment of relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (rrHL) following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or at least two prior therapies when ASCT or multiagent chemotherapy is not an option. The objective of this study was to describe real‐world outcomes with BV in patients with rrHL considered ASCT ineligible or who refuse ASCT.

Methods

This was a retrospective medical chart review study that enrolled patients ≥18 years old who were initially diagnosed with HL between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2014, considered ASCT ineligible, and treated in routine care with BV for progressive disease after multidrug chemotherapy regimens. Clinical outcomes included best response to treatment, progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events.

Results

A total of 136 patients were included, with a median age of 70 years at initial HL diagnosis. The most common reasons for ASCT ineligibility were comorbidities (74%) and age (57%). Overall response rate was 74%, and PFS and OS were 15.1 and 17.8 months, respectively. Peripheral neuropathy was observed in 9.6% of patients.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide real‐world evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of BV in elderly or frail ASCT‐ineligible patients with rrHL in a real‐world setting.
Phylogenetic structure of regional angiosperm assemblages across latitudinal and climatic gradients in North America
Authors: Qian Hong , Sandel Brody
Published: September 2017

Aim

Phylogenetic structure of regional species assemblages is determined by environmental conditions and biogeographical history. Typically, assemblages are thought to become increasingly clustered at higher latitudes, because relatively few clades can tolerate low temperatures. However, numerous other patterns can produce phylogenetic structure. Here, we derive and test four hypotheses for phylogenetic structure of all angiosperms and five major angiosperm clades in North America. These are as follows: (a) angiosperms assemblages at higher latitudes are more phylogenetically clustered; (b) stronger phylogenetic clustering occurs in the drier climates of the west; (c) species are more closely related in the warm, dry southwest than in the cooler, wetter northwest; and (d) latitudinal patterns of phylogenetic structure in central North America are intermediate between those of the east and west.

Location

North America.

Major Taxa Studied

Angiosperms.

Methods

We divided North America into 65 regions across three longitudinal zones. We constructed a phylogeny based on the largest time‐calibrated species‐level mega‐tree of plants available. Two phylogenetic metrics were used to quantify phylogenetic structure of angiosperms as a whole and each major clade in each region and were related to four major climate variables using correlation and regression analyses.

Results

For all angiosperms, results were consistent with our four predictions, with increasing clustering in drier and colder conditions. In many cases, clustering was more strongly related to precipitation than to temperature. Patterns of phylogenetic structure were inconsistent among major angiosperm clades, although the sister clades malvids and fabids did show remarkably similar patterns of net relatedness index.

Main conclusions

The latitudinal temperature gradient has played an important role in assembling species of the continental pool into regional floras. However, other geographical and biogeographical processes are also influential. Extreme dry climate in the southwest has caused more phylogenetic clustering than extreme cold climate. The observed phylogenetic structure patterns are generally consistent with the tropical niche conservatism, acting along distinct gradients of environmental filtering.
Gel‐casting process‐derived 3D‐interconnected porous carbon/B4C preform for reaction‐bonded boron carbide composites
Authors: Xu Yufeng , Ru Hongqiang , Long Haibo , Zhao Jing , Wang Wei
Published: September 2017

A novel kind of 3D interconnected porous carbon‐bonded B4C preform with flexural strength of about 20MPa is fabricated by gel‐casting method. As the control, the B4C/C preforms via molding‐produced method are fabricated. The B4C/C preforms own the same carbon content and almost the same porosity with different molding method. Compared with the conventional compression molding‐produced B4C/C preform, the 3D‐interconnected porous carbon‐bonded boron carbide preforms afford three‐fold advantages in the fabrication of reaction‐bonded boron carbide (RBBC) composite via the liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) process, including induced formation of continuous SiC‐bonded boron carbide skeleton structure, a reduction in the size of residual silicon, and prevented the coarsening of ceramic grains as well. As a result, the RBBC composite fabricated by gel‐casting appears as a more refined structure resulting in enhanced mechanical properties: the Vickers hardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness of I‐GC composites fabricated from 3D‐interconnected porous carbon/B4C preforms are 19.4 ± 1.3 GPa, 389 ± 17 MPa, and 4.37 ± 0.1 MPa·m1/2, respectively, which are statistically higher than those of RBBC fabricated by the conventional compression molding‐produced B4C/C preform.
Effect of heat treatment on the surface chemical structure of glass: Oxygen speciation from in situ XPS analysis
Authors: Banerjee Joy , Bojan Vincent , Pantano Carlo G. , Kim Seong H.
Published: September 2017

Compositional changes in unleached and acid‐leached soda‐lime silicate surfaces were tracked with in‐vacuo heating and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Surface oxygen speciation was determined using a stoichiometry‐based algorithm via elemental composition, instead of the typical O 1s peak‐fitting approach. Accurate surface hydroxyl quantification is shown to require dehydration at temperatures near 200°C. On the unleached surface, no change in surface hydroxyl density (~2.5 OH/nm2) is observed in the temperature range of 200°C‐500°C after the initial dehydration. However, repolymerization in the network (non‐bridging oxygen→bridging oxygen) is observed due to volatilization of sodium. The acid‐leached surface undergoes sodium out‐diffusion from the bulk at sub‐Tg temperatures with laterally resolved inhomogeneity and shows a reduction in the concentration of hydroxyls from 4.5 OH/nm2 (200°C) to 3.2 OH/nm2 (500°C) accompanied by an increase in bridging oxygen. These results suggest that when [OH] > 2.5~3/nm2, vicinal OH undergo dehydroxylation with evolution of water, whereas when [OH] < 2.5/nm2, most OHs are non‐interacting and isolated (at temperatures below Tg). Furthermore, at temperatures exceeding 300°C, sodium has enough thermal energy to desorb in vacuum and diffuse from the bulk (depending on the abundance & local structure).
Differential expression of myometrial AP‐1 proteins during gestation and labour
Authors: Nadeem Lubna , Farine Tali , Dorogin Anna , Matysiak‐Zablocki Elzbieta , Shynlova Oksana , Lye Stephen
Published: September 2017

Preterm labour (PTL) is a leading cause of perinatal mortality and postnatal morbidity. Contractions of the uterine muscle (myometrium) that determine the onset of labour depend on the expression of contraction‐associated proteins (CAPs, i.e. connexin43) regulated by dimeric AP‐1 transcription factors. Here, we examined subcellular (by immunoblotting) and tissue expression (by immunohistochemistry) of myometrial AP‐1 proteins (cJUN, JUNB, JUND, cFOS, FOSB, FRA1, FRA2) throughout gestation and TL in different species (mouse, rat and human). To identify the critical AP‐1 members associated with preterm birth, we studied their expression in mouse model of ‘infectious’ (LPS‐induced) and ‘sterile’ (RU486‐induced) PTL. We found that (1) myometrial AP‐1 composition is preserved in vivo between different species (rodents and human) indicating that Fos/Jun heterodimer (i.e. FRA2/JUND) may be indispensable for labour initiation. (2) Our in vivo study using murine models of gestation shows that there is a similarity in the myometrial AP‐1 protein composition during TL and pathological PTL of different aetiology suggesting the involvement of similar molecular machinery in the induction of labour. (3) This study is first comprehensive protein analysis of seven AP‐1 members in human labouring versus non‐labouring myometrium, showing their cellular expression and tissue distribution in relation to labour status.
Negative pressure wound therapy promotes muscle‐derived stem cell osteogenic differentiation through MAPK pathway
Authors: Liu Hong , Zheng Xun , Chen Liang , Jian Chao , Hu Xiang , Zhao Yong , Li Zonghuan , Yu Aixi
Published: September 2017

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been revealed to be effective in the treatment of open fractures, although the underlying mechanism is not clear. This article aimed to investigate the effects of NPWT on muscle‐derived stem cell (MDSC) osteoblastic differentiation and the related potential mechanism. The cell proliferation rate was substantially increased in NPWT‐treated MDSCs in comparison with a static group for 3 days. There was no observable effect on the apoptosis of MDSC treated with NPWT compared with the control group for 3 days. The expression levels of HIF‐1α, BMP‐2, COL‐I, OST and OPN were increased on days 3, 7 and 14, but the expression level of Runx2 was increased on days 3 and 7 in the NPWT group. Pre‐treatment, the specific inhibitors were added into the MDSCs treated with NPWT and the control group. ALP activity and mineralization were reduced by inhibiting the ERK1/2, p38 and JNK pathways. The expression levels of Runx2, COL‐I, OST and OPN genes and proteins were also decreased using the specific MAPK pathway inhibitors on days 3, 7 and 14. There were no significant effects on the expression of BMP‐2 except on day 3. However, the expressions of the HIF‐1α gene and protein slightly increased when the JNK pathway was inhibited. Therefore, NPWT promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MDSCs through the MAPK pathway.
Goldspotted spinefootSiganus punctatus(Siganidae) age‐based reproductive life history and fisheries vulnerability
Authors: Rhodes K. , Hernandez‐Ortiz D. , Ioanis M. , Washington W. , Maxim S. , Olpet K. , Malakai S.
Published: September 2017

Between February 2015 and 2016, samples of the Indo‐Pacific goldspotted spinefootSiganus punctatuswere taken from local fish markets, feeding sites and nursery grounds on the main island of Pohnpei, Micronesia, to ascertain sexual pattern, reproductive seasonality, age, growth and mortality. Microscopic examinations of gonads identified two seasonal peaks in reproduction: February to May and September to December, with evidence of some spawning activity in most months. Ripe females were observed 4 days on either side of the new moon. Females first matured atc. 180 mm fork length (LF) and 1 year of age, which coincides with their entry into the fishery. Ninety five per cent of individuals were less than 3 years and the oldest fish were 8 years. To examine the species vulnerability to fishing, a tag‐and‐recapture study was conducted over 4 months in 2015 in a locally managed marine area and at an unprotected site. Findings suggest high residency and high vulnerability to fishing at shallow‐water feeding sites and restricted migration overall. The placement of marine protected areas within critical habitat appears to be an effective conservation strategy for this species, particularly when combined with gear and seasonal market restrictions during vulnerable life‐history phases.
Media use and psychosocial adjustment in children and adolescents
Authors: Limtrakul Nicha , Louthrenoo Orawan , Narkpongphun Atsawin , Boonchooduang Nonglak , Chonchaiya Weerasak
Published: September 2017

Aims

Currently, television and new forms of media are readily available to children and adolescents in their daily lives. Excessive use of media can lead to negative physical and psychosocial health effects. This study aimed to describe children's media use, including media multitasking, as well as the associations between media use and their psychosocial adjustment.

Methods

This study recruited 339 participants aged 10–15 years from an international school. The children and their care givers were asked to complete the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire independently to evaluate the psychosocial problems of the children.

Results

The mean age of the study participants was 12.4 ± 1.5 years, who were recruited from grades 5 to 9. Multitasking media use was reported in 59.3% of participants. The average total media exposure time was 7.0 h/day. The behavioural problem scores from self‐reports were greater with increased media use time. After adjusting for confounding variables, the school report and sleep problems were among the factors associated with the total behavioural problem scores from the multiple linear regression analysis (P = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively), whereas age and average total media exposure time were significantly associated with the prosocial behaviour scores reported by the children (P = 0.004 and 0.02, respectively). Multitasking media use was not significantly associated with the total difficulties scores or the prosocial behaviour scores in this study.

Conclusion

Increased media use time was significantly associated with decreased prosocial behaviour scores in children in this study. This can provide important information to parents regarding media use in children.
Temporal horizontal H‐figure sliding skin flap for central eyelid reconstructive surgery in dogs: a retrospective study
Authors: Giordano C. , Vercelli A. , Barsotti G.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To describe a modified H‐figure sliding skin flap for treating eyelid central neoplasms and to evaluate the cosmetic and functional results of this reconstructive blepharoplasty.

Material and methods

Eight dogs affected by eyelid neoplasia involving more than one‐third of the central part of the margin underwent an en bloc rectangular surgical removal of the neoplasia. Reconstructive surgery was performed using a temporal horizontal H‐figure sliding skin flap.

Results

At short‐term follow‐up visits, seven dogs showed no signs of ocular discomfort, whilst one exhibited mild blepharospasm and ocular discharge associated with partial necrosis of the flap. At the 60‐day follow‐up, all dogs showed good eyelid margin reconstruction and no signs of lagophthalmos or ocular discomfort. Secondary trichiasis was observed in one dog.

Clinical significance

The procedure allowed a well‐positioned, fully mobile eyelid. The secondary trichiasis observed in one dog did not cause evident ocular discomfort at 6‐month follow‐up.
Replacing Soybean Meal with Alternative Protein Sources in Diets for Pond‐raised Hybrid Catfish, ♀ Ictalurus punctatus × ♂ Ictalurus furcatus
Authors: Li Menghe H. , Bosworth Brian G. , Lucas Penelope M.
Published: September 2017

The present study investigated the replacement of soybean meal with combinations of two or three alternative protein sources in diets for pond‐raised hybrid catfish, ♀ Ictalurus punctatus × ♂ Ictalurus furcatus. Alternative protein sources evaluated included cottonseed meal, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), peanut meal, and porcine meat and bone meal (PMBM). Hybrid catfish fingerlings with a mean initial weight of 35 g/fish were stocked into 25 earthen ponds (0.04 ha) at a density of 14,826 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for 166 d. No significant differences were observed for total diet fed, net yield, weight gain, survival, carcass yield, fillet yield, or fillet proximate composition among dietary treatments. Results show soybean meal may be completely replaced by combinations of cottonseed meal and one or two other alternative protein sources including DDGS, peanut meal, and PMBM in the diet without markedly affecting production and processing characteristics and fillet proximate composition of pond‐raised hybrid catfish. These alternative diets may be used during foodfish production when prices are favorable.
Eye Movements During Visual Speech Perception in Deaf and Hearing Children
Authors: Worster Elizabeth , Pimperton Hannah , Ralph‐Lewis Amelia , Monroy Laura , Hulme Charles , MacSweeney Mairéad
Published: September 2017

For children who are born deaf, lipreading (speechreading) is an important source of access to spoken language. We used eye tracking to investigate the strategies used by deaf (n = 33) and hearing 5–8‐year‐olds (n = 59) during a sentence speechreading task. The proportion of time spent looking at the mouth during speech correlated positively with speechreading accuracy. In addition, all children showed a tendency to watch the mouth during speech and watch the eyes when the model was not speaking. The extent to which the children used this communicative pattern, which we refer to as social‐tuning, positively predicted their speechreading performance, with the deaf children showing a stronger relationship than the hearing children. These data suggest that better speechreading skills are seen in those children, both deaf and hearing, who are able to guide their visual attention to the appropriate part of the image and in those who have a good understanding of conversational turn‐taking.
Children concurrently wasted and stunted: A meta‐analysis of prevalence data of children 6–59 months from 84 countries
Authors: Khara Tanya , Mwangome Martha , Ngari Moses , Dolan Carmel
Published: September 2017

Children can be stunted and wasted at the same time. Having both deficits greatly elevates risk of mortality. The analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence and burden of children aged 6–59 months concurrently wasted and stunted. Data from demographic and health survey and Multi‐indicator Cluster Surveys datasets from 84 countries were analysed. Overall prevalence for being wasted, stunted, and concurrently wasted and stunted among children 6 to 59 months was calculated. A pooled prevalence of concurrence was estimated and reported by gender, age, United Nations regions, and contextual categories. Burden was calculated using population figures from the global joint estimates database. The pooled prevalence of concurrence in the 84 countries was 3.0%, 95% CI [2.97, 3.06], ranging from 0% to 8.0%. Nine countries reported a concurrence prevalence greater than 5%. The estimated burden was 5,963,940 children. Prevalence of concurrence was highest in the 12‐ to 24‐month age group 4.2%, 95% CI [4.1, 4.3], and was significantly higher among boys 3.54%, 95% CI [3.47, 3.61], compared to girls; 2.46%, 95% CI [2.41, 2.52]. Fragile and conflict‐affected states reported significantly higher concurrence 3.6%, 95% CI [3.5, 3.6], than those defined as stable 2.24%, 95% CI [2.18, 2.30]. This analysis represents the first multiple country estimation of the prevalence and burden of children concurrently wasted and stunted. Given the high risk of mortality associated with concurrence, the findings indicate a need to report on this condition as well as investigate whether these children are being reached through existing programmes.
Habitat use, but not gene flow, is influenced by human activities in two ecotypes of Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus)
Authors: Centeno‐Cuadros A. , Hulva P. , Romportl D. , Santoro S. , Stříbná T. , Shohami D. , Evin A. , Tsoar A. , Benda P. , Horáček I. , Nathan R.
Published: September 2017

Understanding the ecological, behavioural and evolutionary response of organisms to changing environments is of primary importance in a human‐altered world. It is crucial to elucidate how human activities alter gene flow and what are the consequences for the genetic structure of a species. We studied two lineages of the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) throughout the contact zone between mesic and arid Ecozones in the Middle East to evaluate the species' response to the growing proportion of human‐altered habitats in the desert. We integrated population genetics, morphometrics and movement ecology to analyse population structure, morphological variation and habitat use fromGPS‐ or radio‐tagged individuals from both desert and Mediterranean areas. We classified the spatial distribution and environmental stratification by describing physical–geographical conditions and land cover. We analysed this information to estimate patch occupancy and used an isolation‐by‐resistance approach to model gene flow patterns. Our results suggest that lineages from desert and Mediterranean habitats, despite their admixture, are isolated by environment and by adaptation supporting their classification as ecotypes. We found a positive effect of human‐altered habitats on patch occupancy and habitat use of fruit bats by increasing the availability of roosting and foraging areas. While this commensalism promotes the distribution of fruit bats throughout the Middle East, gene flow between colonies has not been altered by human activities. This discrepancy between habitat use and gene flow patterns may, therefore, be explained by the breeding system of the species and modifications of natal dispersal patterns.
Reliable differentiation of Pneumocystis pneumonia from Pneumocystis colonisation by quantification of Major Surface Glycoprotein gene using real‐time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Sharma Megha , Sharma Madhubala , Rawat Pankaj , Ghosh Anup , Venkatesan Lakshmishree , Aggarwal Ritesh , Singh Meenu , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: September 2017

A clear differentiation between pneumonia due toPneumocystis jiroveciiand “colonisation” is required for optimal case management. A quantification of fungal burden using major surface glycoprotein (MSG) gene‐based real‐timePCRwas undertaken for the same. Lower respiratory tract samples collected from 104 patients of clinically suspected Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) were subjected to quantitativePCRusingMSGgene. Based on whether or not the cases were treated forPCP, the efficacy ofqPCRto differentiate between “diseased” and “colonised” was evaluated. Standard curve of plasmid‐cloned gene and receiver operating characteristic curve defined a cut‐off of Ct ≤ 25 to diagnosePCPand Ct within 26‐39.3 range to depict colonisation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of theqPCRwas 100%, each for diagnosingPCP.MSG‐gene‐basedqPCRis a robust tool for the reliable differentiation of Pneumocystis pneumonia from colonisation.
CNS embryonal tumours: WHO 2016 and beyond
Authors: Pickles J. C. , Hawkins C. , Pietsch T. , Jacques T. S.
Published: September 2017

Embryonal tumours of the central nervous system (CNS) present a significant clinical challenge. Many of these neoplasms affect young children, have a very high mortality and therapeutic strategies are often aggressive with poor long‐term outcomes. There is a great need to accurately diagnose embryonal tumours, predict their outcome and adapt therapy to the individual patient's risk. For the first time in 2016, the WHO classification took into account molecular characteristics for the diagnosis of CNS tumours. This integration of histological features with genetic information has significantly changed the diagnostic work‐up and reporting of tumours of the CNS. However, this remains challenging in embryonal tumours due to their previously unaccounted tumour heterogeneity. We describe the recent revisions made to the 4th edition of the WHO classification of CNS tumours and review the main changes, while highlighting some of the more common diagnostic testing strategies.