bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NIHAO – XI. Formation of ultra-diffuse galaxies by outflows
Authors: Di Cintio Arianna , Brook Chris B. , Dutton Aaron A. , Macciò Andrea V. , Obreja Aura , Dekel Avishai
Published: October 2016

We address the origin of ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs), which have stellar masses typical of dwarf galaxies but effective radii of Milky Way-sized objects. Their formation mechanism, and whether they are failed L⋆ galaxies or diffuse dwarfs, are challenging issues. Using zoom-in cosmological simulations from the Numerical Investigation of a Hundred Astrophysical Objects (NIHAO) project, we show that UDG analogues form naturally in dwarf-sized haloes due to episodes of gas outflows associated with star formation. The simulated UDGs live in isolated haloes of masses 1010–11 M⊙, have stellar masses of 107–8.5 M⊙, effective radii larger than 1 kpc and dark matter cores. They show a broad range of colours, an average Sérsic index of 0.83, a typical distribution of halo spin and concentration, and a non-negligible H i gas mass of 107 − 9 M⊙, which correlates with the extent of the galaxy. Gas availability is crucial to the internal processes which form UDGs: feedback-driven gas outflows, and subsequent dark matter and stellar expansion, are the key to reproduce faint, yet unusually extended, galaxies. This scenario implies that UDGs represent a dwarf population of low surface brightness galaxies and should exist in the field. The largest isolated UDGs should contain more H i gas than less extended dwarfs of similar M⋆.
Outcomes With Cerclage Alone Compared With Cerclage Plus 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate
Authors: Stetson Bethany , Hibbard Judith U. , Wilkins Isabelle , Leftwich Heidi
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the differences in perinatal outcomes among women with a prior preterm birth who received cerclage compared with cerclage plus 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate.

METHODS:

Women with transvaginal cerclage placement and a prior delivery between 16 and 36 weeks of gestation were identified over a 10-year period (July 2002 to May 2012) in this retrospective cohort study. Exclusion criteria were delivery at another institution, abdominal cerclage, multiple gestations, and major fetal anomalies. Maternal demographics, gestational age at cerclage, gestational age at delivery, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM), and birth weight were compared between women with a cerclage and cerclage plus 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate. The primary outcome was delivery at less than 24 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS:

Of the 411 women who had a cerclage, 260 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 171 received a cerclage alone and 89 received cerclage plus 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate. The two groups were not different with respect to maternal demographics and gestational age at cerclage. There was a significant difference among those who received indomethacin at the time of cerclage, betamethasone administration, and history of a loop electrosurgical excision procedure–cold knife cone and cerclage. Delivery at less than 24 weeks of gestation occurred in 6% of women receiving both 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate and cerclage compared with 16% in the cerclage only group (odds ratio [OR] 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.78, P=.01). In the multivariate analysis controlling for indomethacin use, prior cerclage, and loop electrosurgical excision procedure–cold knife cone there was a 73% reduction in delivery in the combined treatment group compared with cerclage alone (adjusted OR 0.26, P=.02). A multivariant analysis was conducted with correction for indomethacin at the time of cerclage, prior cerclage, and loop electrosurgical excision procedure–cold knife cone and cerclage surgery. Even after controlling for significant variables, there remained a 73% reduction in delivery at less than 24 weeks of gestation in the cerclage plus 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate cohort (adjusted OR 0.26, P=.02).

CONCLUSION:

Women receiving transvaginal cerclage plus 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate had a 69% relative reduction in delivery at less than 24 weeks of gestation when compared with women receiving cerclage alone. We found no difference in overall preterm delivery or preterm PROM. In this cohort, compared with cerclage alone, the likelihood of a viable neonate improves with both treatments.
Observed Rate of Down Syndrome in Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Sparks Teresa N. , Norton Mary E. , Flessel Monica , Goldman Sara , Currier Robert J.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the observed incidence of Down syndrome in twins compared with that expected based on maternal age–matched singletons, which is the current clinical approach.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective review of California Prenatal Screening Program participants with expected delivery dates between July 1995 and December 2012. Cases confirmed prenatally or postnatally with a genetic imbalance leading to phenotypic Down syndrome (trisomy 21, mosaic trisomy 21, or translocations) were included. Pregnancies conceived with ovum donation and women older than 45 years were excluded. We compared the observed Down syndrome incidence per pregnancy for twins with expected incidence by extrapolating from singleton data and expected zygosity as is the current clinical approach. This extrapolation assumes that monozygotic pregnancies have equivalent Down syndrome risk per pregnancy relative to maternal age–matched singletons and dizygotic pregnancies have twice the risk of at least one affected fetus. Zygosity for affected cases was presumed to be monozygotic with Down syndrome concordance and dizygotic with Down syndrome discordance. Counts were compared using cumulative Poisson distributions.

RESULTS:

Of 77,279 twin pregnancies, 182 (0.2%) had at least one fetus with Down syndrome confirmed by karyotype. The ratio of observed-to-expected Down syndrome incidence per pregnancy was 33.6%, 75.2%, and 70.0% for monozygotic, dizygotic, and all twins, respectively (P<.001 for all comparisons). Considering maternal age subgroups and twin zygosity, a significantly lower-than-expected Down syndrome incidence was seen for women aged 25 to 45 years with monozygotic pregnancies and overall for women aged 25 to 45 years with dizygotic pregnancies.

CONCLUSION:

The observed incidence of Down syndrome in twin pregnancies is lower than expected, most notably for monozygotic pregnancies and with increasing maternal age. Risk-based counseling can strongly affect women's choices regarding testing and management during pregnancy, so an understanding of the true Down syndrome risk in twin gestations is crucial.
Parent Perspectives on Their Mobile Technology Use: The Excitement and Exhaustion of Parenting While Connected
Authors: Radesky Jenny S. , Kistin Caroline , Eisenberg Staci , Gross Jamie , Block Gabrielle , Zuckerman Barry , Silverstein Michael
Published: October 2016

Objective:

Parent use of mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) while around their young children may be associated with fewer or more negative parent-child interactions, but parent perspectives regarding this issue have not been explored. We aimed to understand parent views regarding their mobile device use to identify actionable targets of potential intervention.

Method:

We conducted 35 in-depth semi-structured group and individual interviews with English-speaking caregivers of children 0 to 8 years old, purposively sampled from diverse ethnic backgrounds, educational levels, and employment statuses. Following thematic saturation, results were validated through expert triangulation and member checking.

Results:

Participants included 22 mothers, 9 fathers, and 4 grandmothers; 31% were single parents, 43% nonwhite race/ethnicity, and 40% completed high school or less. Participants consistently expressed a high degree of internal tension regarding their own mobile technology use, which centered around 3 themes relevant to intervention planning: (1) Cognitive tensions (multitasking between work and children, leading to information/role overload), (2) emotional tensions (stress-inducing and reducing effects), and (3) tensions around the parent-child dyad (disrupting family routines vs serving as a tool to keep the peace).

Conclusion:

Caregivers of young children describe many internal conflicts regarding their use of mobile technology, which may be windows for intervention. Helping caregivers understand such emotional and cognitive responses may help them balance family time with technology-based demands.
The Combination of Resveratrol and High-Fluence Light Emitting Diode-Red Light Produces Synergistic Photobotanical Inhibition of Fibroblast Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis: A Novel Treatment for Skin Fibrosis
Authors: Mamalis Andrew , Jagdeo Jared
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Skin fibrosis is a debilitating condition that significantly impacts patient quality of life. Ultraviolet phototherapy is currently used to treat several diseases featuring skin fibrosis. High-fluence light-emitting diode–generated red light (HF-LED-RL) does not cause DNA damage associated with skin cancer, and it is generally regarded as safe, portable, and cost-effective. Early clinical observations suggest that LED-generated light may possess antifibrotic effects, although these findings are largely unexplored. Previously published research demonstrated that HF-LED-RL decreases fibroblast proliferation and collagen in vitro.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to compare the combination effects of HF-LED-RL alone with HF-LED-RL in combination with resveratrol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It is hypothesized that resveratrol, an active ingredient in red wine, a potent antioxidant scavenger of reactive oxygen species, and an inhibitor of collagen production, may synergistically decrease fibroblast proliferation and collagen production when combined with HF-LED-RL.

RESULTS

In this study, evidence is provided that resveratrol combined with HF-LED-RL acts synergistically to decrease fibroblast proliferation and procollagen 1A1 production, and this represents a new potential therapeutic modality that is termed the “photobotanical” effect due to the combined light and botanical properties observed.

CONCLUSION

The study, discovery, and use of photobotanical combinations may usher in new therapeutics or phototherapy adjuvants for the treatment of dermatologic diseases.
Efficacy of Zofenopril Compared With Placebo and Other Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Previous Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Pooled Individual Data Analysis of 4 Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled, Prospective Studies
Authors: Borghi Claudio , Omboni Stefano , Reggiardo Giorgio , Bacchelli Stefano , Degli Esposti Daniela , Ambrosioni Ettore ,   on behalf of the SMILE Working Project
Published: October 2016

In the Survival of Myocardial Infarction Long-term Evaluation (SMILE) 1, 3, and 4 studies, early administration of zofenopril in acute myocardial infarction showed to be prognostically beneficial versus placebo or ramipril. The SMILE-2 showed that both zofenopril and lisinopril are safe and showed no significant differences in the incidence of major cardiovascular (CV) complications. In this pooled analysis of individual data of the SMILE studies, we evaluated whether the superior efficacy of zofenopril is maintained also in patients with ≥1 CV risk factor (CV+, n = 2962) as compared to CV− (n = 668). The primary study end point was set to 1-year combined occurrence of death or hospitalization for CV causes. The risk of CV events was significantly reduced with zofenopril versus placebo either in the CV+ (−37%; hazard ratio: 0.63; 95% confidence interval: 0.51–0.78;P= 0.0001) or in the CV− group (−55%; hazard ratio: 0.45; 0.26–0.78;P= 0.004). Also, the other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduced the risk of major CV outcomes, though the reduction was not statistically significant versus placebo (CV+: 0.78; 0.58–1.05;P= 0.107; CV−: 0.71; 0.36–1.41;P= 0.334). The benefit was larger in patients treated with zofenopril than other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, with a statistically significant difference for CV+ (0.79; 0.63–0.99;P= 0.039) versus CV− (0.62; 0.37–1.06;P= 0.081). In conclusion, zofenopril administered to patients after acute myocardial infarction has a positive impact on prognosis, regardless of the patient's CV risk profile.
Effect of Gua sha therapy on perimenopausal syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Meng Fang , Duan Pei-bei , Zhu Junya , Lou Qing-qing , Fang Zhao-hui , An Hong-li , Liu Lan-ying , Hu Yue , Hu Qian
Published: October 2016

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Gua sha therapy on perimenopausal symptoms, quality of life, and serum female hormones in participants with perimenopausal syndrome.

Methods:

A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in China. Eighty women with perimenopausal syndrome were recruited and randomized into an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group received 15-minute Gua sha treatment sessions once a week plus conventional treatment for 8 weeks, whereas participants in the control group received conventional treatment alone. The primary outcome was the change in perimenopausal symptoms and quality of life as obtained through the modified Kupperman Index (KI) and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life. The secondary outcome was the change of serum female hormones including estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone.

Results:

Seventy-five out of 80 participants (93.8%) completed the study—38 in the intervention group and 37 in the control group. The baseline levels of demographic and outcome measurements were comparable between the two groups. After eight sessions of intervention, the reduction in the total modified KI score was, however, 16.32 ± 4.38 in the intervention group and 11.46 ± 5.96 in the control group, with a difference of 4.86 ± 6.15 (P < 0.01) between the two groups. Also the reductions of hot flash/sweating, paresthesia, insomnia, nervousness, melancholia, fatigue, and headache were greater in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The reduction in the total Menopause-Specific Quality of Life score was 17.87 ± 3.84 in the intervention group and 13.62 ± 7.40 in the control group, with a difference of 4.46 ± 7.52 (P < 0.01) between the two groups. And the scores for vasomotor, psychosocial, and physical domains in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in serum estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone between the two groups.

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that Gua sha therapy was effective and safe in relieving perimenopausal symptoms and improving the quality of life in participants with perimenopausal syndrome. The therapy may serve as a promising, effective, nondrug treatment for perimenopausal syndrome in clinical work. Additional research is needed to better understand its effectiveness and examine its mechanism for treating perimenopausal syndrome.
THE SPECTRUM OF AMALRIC TRIANGULAR CHOROIDAL INFARCTION
Authors: Nemiroff Julia , Phasukkijwatana Nopasak , Vaclavik Veronika , Nagiel Aaron , Holz Eric R. , Sarraf David
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To describe the multimodal imaging findings, including optical coherence tomography angiography analysis, and spectrum of etiologies associated with Amalric triangular choroidal infarction.

Methods:

This study is a multicenter, retrospective, observational case series review of the clinical and multimodal imaging findings for six patients with Amalric triangular choroidal infarction.

Results:

Six patients (10 eyes) with Amalric triangular choroidal infarction were enrolled. Patients' ages ranged from 7 years to 90 years (mean 54 years, median 60 years). Wedge-shaped or triangular areas of choroidal ischemia were evident with fluorescein angiography in all patients and with indocyanine green angiography in one patient. Optical coherence tomography angiography demonstrated choriocapillaris flow reduction that colocalized with outer retinal structural abnormalities with en face optical coherence tomography and corresponded with the triangular zones of choroidal infarction identified with fluorescein angiography in one patient. Etiologies included giant cell arteritis in three cases: traumatic carotid dissection, traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage, and malignant hypertension secondary to lupus-associated nephropathy.

Conclusion:

The Amalric triangular syndrome of choroidal infarction can occur as a result of a spectrum of etiologies, especially giant cell arteritis. Infarction is evident on traditional angiography in all cases. Optical coherence tomography angiography may provide a simple noninvasive tool to evaluate choroidal ischemia.
INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS OF ZIV-AFLIBERCEPT FOR THE TREATMENT OF A PATIENT WITH MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION
Authors: Andrade Gabriel Costa de , Dias João Rafael de Oliveira , Maia André , Farah Michel Eid , Mitne Somaia , Rodrigues Eduardo Büchele
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To describe the visual, tomographic, and electroretinographic findings in a patient with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion who was submitted to three consecutive intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept.

Methods:

The patient underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, as well as optical coherence tomography and full-field electroretinography at baseline and 90 days after the first injection.

Results:

The best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/400 to 20/40, and the central retinal thickness decreased from 791 μm to 198 μm after three consecutive intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept. Full-field electroretinography showed an increase in cone amplitude and decrease in rod amplitude. No adverse side effects were observed after injections.

Conclusion:

Intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept showed both effectiveness and safety in the treatment of a patient with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion. The observed anatomic (by ophthalmic examination, optical coherence tomography) and functional (best-corrected visual acuity, full-field electroretinography) improvements and lack of serious adverse side effects demonstrates the potential of intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept for the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.
CONCOMITANT MACULAR HOLE AND CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY AFTER BLUNT EYE TRAUMA
Authors: Tekin Kemal , Citirik Mehmet , Atalay Muhammed , Teke Mehmet Yasin
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To report concomitant macular hole and central serous chorioretinopathy after blunt trauma.

Methods:

Case presentation. A 31-year-old man presented with a complaint of a reduction in visual acuity and blurred vision in the right eye after blunt eye trauma. The patient did not have a history of any systemic disorders and drug administration.

Results:

On ocular examination, best corrected visual acuity was 2/20 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. His intraocular pressures were 14 mmHg right eye and 13 mmHg left eye by applanation tonometry. Dilated fundus examination of the right eye showed macular hole and serous macular detachment, whereas the left eye was completely normal. Optical coherence tomography confirmed the full-thickness macular hole and subretinal fluid in the right eye, and ink-blot leakage pattern was determined in fundus fluorescein angiography. The patient was followed up without systemic therapy. Three months later, the vision was 10/20 in the right eye with completely closed macular hole and complete resolution of subretinal fluid.

Conclusion:

This is the first case which describes concomitant macular hole and central serous chorioretinopathy after blunt eye trauma. This presentation demonstrates that macular hole and central serous chorioretinopathy can be developed after blunt trauma. Both pathology may result with spontaneous closure of macular hole and spontaneous resolution of subretinal fluid within 3 months.
Tarsal Glandular Hyperplasia in Pachydermoperiostosis and Implications for Ptosis Correction
Authors: Silva Marlos R. L. , Baccega Adriano , Duarte Ana Filipa , Chahud Fernando , Cruz Antonio Augusto V.
Published: October 2016

Pachydermoperiostosis is a rare genetic disease that causes major bone and skin changes. Severe ptosis is a prominent finding in this peculiar condition. We report here 2 patients with typical features of pachydermoperiostosis. Their tarsal plates were enlarged and infiltrated by sebaceous gland tissue. One patient also displayed diffuse intratarsal lacrimal gland hyperplasia. As far as we know, this is the first report of ectopic lacrimal tissue in pachydermoperiostosis. Tarsal and skin morphologic changes should be addressed during ptosis correction in these patients.
Right Ventricular Failure Post LVAD Implantation Corrected with Biventricular Support: An In Vitro Model
Authors: Shehab Sajad , Allida Sabine M. , Davidson Patricia M. , Newton Phillip J. , Robson Desiree , Jansz Paul C. , Hayward Christopher S.
Published: October 2016

Right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with high mortality. Management remains limited to pharmacologic therapy and temporary mechanical support. Delayed right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support after LVAD implantation is associated with poorer outcomes. With the advent of miniaturized, durable, continuous flow ventricular assist device systems, chronic RVAD and biventricular assist device (BiVAD) support has been used with some success. The purpose of this study was to assess combined BiVAD and LVAD with delayed RVAD support within a four-elemental mock circulatory loop (MCL) simulating the human cardiovascular system. Our hypothesis was that delayed continuous flow RVAD (RVAD) would produce similar hemodynamic and flow parameters to those of initial BiVAD support. Using the MCL, baseline biventricular heart failure with elevated right and left filling pressures with low cardiac output was simulated. The addition of LVAD within a biventricular configuration improved cardiac output somewhat, but was associated with persistent right heart failure with elevated right-sided filling pressures. The addition of an RVAD significantly improved LVAD outputs and returned filling pressures to normal throughout the circulation. In conclusion, RVAD support successfully restored hemodynamics and flow parameters of biventricular failure supported with isolated LVAD with persistent elevated right atrial pressure.
Iodine Status and Growth In 0–2‐Year‐Old Infants With Cow's Milk Protein Allergy
Authors: Thomassen Rut Anne , Kvammen Janne Anita , Eskerud Mari Borge , Júlíusson Pétur Benedikt , Henriksen Christine , Rugtveit Jarle
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

The aim of the present article was to investigate iodine status and growth in cow's milk protein allergic infants and to identify potential predictors of iodine status and growth.

Methods:

Fifty‐seven infants under 2 years of age were included in an observational cross‐sectional study. Two spot urine samples were collected and analyzed for iodine, together with a 3‐day food record and a food frequency questionnaire. Urine iodine concentrations were compared with the WHO cut‐off values for iodine deficiency. Measurements of weight, length, and head circumference at birth and study inclusion were converted to standard deviation scores. Subgroup analyses were performed on different feeding patterns, according to weaning status.

Results:

Median age was 9 months. Median urinary iodine concentration was 159 ug/L. One third of the children had urine iodine concentrations indicating iodine deficiency. Infants who were mainly breastfed were at highest risk and 58% were classified as deficient. Dietary factors positively associated with iodine excretion were intake of enriched baby cereals and meeting the dietary requirement for iodine. Stunting was present in 5%. Underweight and wasting was frequent at 11% and this was associated with food refusal and poor appetite, but not with iodine status. Growth failure was detected among boys.

Conclusions:

The present study suggests that cow's milk protein allergy children have high prevalence of iodine deficiency and poor growth, however the 2 conditions were not associated. The subgroup of mainly breastfed infants was at higher risk of iodine deficiency compared to weaned infants. Subjects with feeding problems had increased risk of malnutrition.
Elevated Serum Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies in Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Le Fevre Anna K. , Walker Marjorie M. , Hadjiashrafy Amir , Bhatia Rani , Mattes Joerg , Talley Nicholas J. , Nightingale Scott
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

This study compared the clinical and histopathological characteristics of children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and elevated anti‐transglutaminase (TTG Ab) with those with EoE and normal TTG Ab titres.

Methods:

Single‐center chart and blinded histopathological review of patients diagnosed with EoE for a 4‐year period, who had esophageal and duodenal biopsies taken at time of endoscopy, and TTG Ab measured within 6 months of biopsy. Patients with histology‐proven CD were excluded.

Results:

Elevated TTG Ab was present in 19/34 (54%) of the study cohort, representing 23% of all patients diagnosed with EoE during the study period. Eight had titers >6× upper limit of normal (ULN) and 4 had >10× ULN. TTG Ab‐positive patients were classified as having either potential CD with (n = 3, 16%) and without lymphocytic duodenosis (LD; n = 12, 63%), and no CD (n = 4, 21%) on human leukocyte antigen typing. There was an increase in duodenal eosinophils in patients with elevated TTG Ab (P = 0.01), which remained when patients with LD were excluded (P = 0.018). Of 19 patients with EoE and elevated TTG Ab, 5 responded to elimination diet involving exclusion of wheat, including 2 with a sole wheat trigger and TTG Ab >10× ULN that were CD‐associated human leukocyte antigen‐negative.

Conclusions:

Serum TTG Ab was elevated in almost one‐quarter of our total EoE cohort, and at least 20% of these patients did not have potential CD, suggesting EoE is a heterogeneous disease with differing immune mechanisms activated in some patients. These findings also support routine esophageal biopsy during upper endoscopy in children with elevated TTG Ab.
Correlation of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C‐Reactive Protein With Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity
Authors: Alper Arik , Zhang Lucy , Pashankar Dinesh S.
Published: October 2016

We aimed to examine correlation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) with diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and with clinical, endoscopic, histological, and radiographic disease activity during follow‐up. We reviewed charts of 135 children with inflammatory bowel disease and correlated their ESR and CRP values with disease activity in various encounters during 5 years. Normal ESR and CRP values were observed in up to 28% of children with Crohn disease and 42% of children with ulcerative colitis at diagnosis, respectively. Correlation of ESR and CRP with Crohn disease clinical, endoscopic, and histologic activity during follow‐up depended on their value at diagnosis and mode of analysis (continuous or dichotomous). Both markers were not useful in predicting clinical, endoscopic, or histologic ulcerative colitis disease activity and radiographic small bowel Crohn disease during follow‐up.
A Systematic Review of the Factors Influencing Ethnic Minority Women’s Cervical Cancer Screening Behavior
Authors: Chan Dorothy N.S. , So Winnie K.W.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Cervical cancer can be prevented by effective screening using Papanicolaou tests, but the utilization rate is lower among ethnic minorities than in the general population. Understanding the factors influencing minorities’ use of such screening can aid the design of an appropriate intervention to increase their uptake rate.

Objective:

The aims of this study were to examine the factors that influence ethnic minority women in using cervical cancer screening and the similarities and differences in associated factors across different groups and to explore the interrelationships between the factors identified.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus, Scopus, PsycINFO, and PubMed. Furthermore, 1390 articles were retrieved, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Critical appraisal was performed by means of a quality assessment tool. The findings were summarized in tabular and narrative forms.

Results:

The findings showed that certain factors commonly affected ethnic minority women’s screening behavior, including knowledge, attitude and perceptions, physician’s recommendation, quality of care and service, language, and acculturation. Culture-related factors, religion, and acculturation exhibited close interrelationships with the attitude and perceptions factor, resulting in behavioral change.

Conclusions:

The review sheds light on how common or unique are the factors across ethnic minorities and how these factors interact to influence behavior. Further studies are warranted to develop and test empirically a comprehensive model leading to a better understanding of the interrelationships between multiple factors.

Implications for Practice:

The model should be useful in informing policy makers about appropriate resource allocation and in guiding the development of culturally relevant programs to increase screening uptake.
‘Omics Approaches in Breast Cancer Research and Clinical Practice
Authors: Kalita-de Croft Priyakshi , Al-Ejeh Fares , McCart Reed Amy E. , Saunus Jodi M. , Lakhani Sunil R.
Published: October 2016

Our understanding of the natural history of breast cancer has evolved alongside technologies to study its genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomics landscapes. These technologies have helped decipher multiple molecular pathways dysregulated in breast cancer. First-generation ‘omics analyses considered each of these dimensions individually, but it is becoming increasingly clear that more holistic, integrative approaches are required to fully understand complex biological systems. The ‘omics represent an exciting era of discovery in breast cancer research, although important issues need to be addressed to realize the clinical utility of these data through precision cancer care. How can the data be applied to predict response to molecular-targeted therapies? When should treatment decisions be based on tumor genetics rather than histology? And with the sudden explosion of “big data” from large ‘omics consortia and new precision clinical trials, how do we now negotiate evidence-based pathways to clinical translation through this apparent sea of opportunity? The aim of this review is to provide a broad overview of ‘omics technologies used in breast cancer research today, the current state-of-play in terms of applying this new knowledge in the clinic, and the practical and ethical issues that will be central to the public discussion on the future of precision cancer care.
Endometrial Endometrioid Carcinoma With Large Cystic Growth Configuration and Deceptive Pattern of Invasion Associated With Abundant Nodular Fasciitis-like Stroma: A Unique Hitherto Unreported Histology in Endometrioid Carcinoma
Authors: Švajdler Marián , Michal Michael , Dubinský Pavol , Švajdler Peter , Ondič Ondrej , Michal Michal
Published: October 2016

We describe a case of an unusual endometrial endometrioid carcinoma occurring in a 67-year-old woman. The tumor involved uterine corpus as well as lower uterine segment and presented as polypoid tumor protruding through the cervical orifice. Microscopically, the tumor was characterized by broad zones of cytologically bland fibromyxoid stroma resembling nodular fasciitis, showing vaguely nodular architecture. Neoplastic glands were characterized by interconnected elongated slit-like and large cystic profiles, mostly lined by flattened epithelium with variable squamous differentiation, whereas typical columnar endometrioid cells were only focally present. Voluminous nodules of the stroma produced phyllodes-like appearance of the tumor. The tumor showed some resemblance to the microcystic, elongated, and fragmented (MELF) glands growth pattern, but in contrast with MELF pattern, where fibromyxoid change occurs focally, in the presented case abundant myofibroblastic proliferation was present throughout the tumor and the neoplastic glands showed anastomosing “large cystic” rather than “small cystic” profiles. Some of the neoplastic glands presented almost complete or complete squamous differentiation, with relatively bland-looking squamous cells and no hint of endometrioid differentiation, which resulted in initial misdiagnosis of Müllerian adenofibroma. We believe that nodular fasciitis-like pattern represents yet undescribed, and diagnostically challenging pattern of invasion in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma.
Outcome Evaluation after 2023 Nipple-Sparing Mastectomies: Our Experience
Authors: De Vita Roy , Zoccali Giovanni , Buccheri Ernesto Maria , Costantini Maurizio , Botti Claudio , Pozzi Marcello
Published: October 2016

Background:

Although quadrantectomy and lumpectomy help diminish the psychological and physical devastation inflicted, mastectomy is still elected in 20 to 30 percent of breast cancers. Although initially inciting controversy over heightened risk of local recurrences, recent studies maintain that nipple-sparing mastectomy can be used in any patient qualifying for total mastectomy and also improves aesthetic and psychologic outcomes. The manner in which mastectomy influences reconstructive implant outcomes has been documented by several groups. This report details the authors’ experience performing nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate implant-based breast reconstruction, focusing attention on patient characteristics and aspects of surgical mastectomy that influence reconstruction outcomes. The aim of the study was to examine various issues, such as surgical access, mode of tissue dissection, and flap thickness, clearly linked to development of complications and poor results.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted, analyzing patients with breast cancer. An external three-surgeon panel served to generate average scores for predefined parameters. Based on total scores, outcomes were designated excellent, good, moderate, or poor.

Results:

The authors’ cohort included 1647 patients. Overall, 2023 nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed, including bilateral procedures in 376 patients. After a minimum follow-up period of 12 months, the authors’ cohort was stratified by scored outcomes. Significant impact of body mass index, skin incision, flap thickness, and grade of ptosis has been demonstrated.

Conclusions:

The authors’ data suggest that proper patient selection and well-executed operations are mandatory to limit complications. They also indicate that aesthetic outcome is clearly dependent on surgical proficiency and some patient characteristics.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Extinction intensity, selectivity and their combined macroevolutionary influence in the fossil record
Authors: Payne Jonathan L. , Bush Andrew M. , Chang Ellen T. , Heim Noel A. , Knope Matthew L. , Pruss Sara B.
Published: October 2016

The macroevolutionary effects of extinction derive from both intensity of taxonomic losses and selectivity of losses with respect to ecology, physiology and/or higher taxonomy. Increasingly, palaeontologists are using logistic regression to quantify extinction selectivity because the selectivity metric is independent of extinction intensity and multiple predictor variables can be assessed simultaneously. We illustrate the use of logistic regression with an analysis of physiological buffering capacity and extinction risk in the Phanerozoic marine fossil record. We propose the geometric mean of extinction intensity and selectivity as a metric for the influence of extinction events. The end-Permian mass extinction had the largest influence on the physiological composition of the fauna owing to its combination of high intensity and strong selectivity. In addition to providing a quantitative measure of influence to compare among past events, this approach provides an avenue for quantifying the risk posed by the emerging biodiversity crisis that goes beyond a simple projection of taxonomic losses.
Extinction debt from climate change for frogs in the wet tropics
Authors: Fordham Damien A. , Brook Barry W. , Hoskin Conrad J. , Pressey Robert L. , VanDerWal Jeremy , Williams Stephen E.
Published: October 2016

The effect of twenty-first-century climate change on biodiversity is commonly forecast based on modelled shifts in species ranges, linked to habitat suitability. These projections have been coupled with species–area relationships (SAR) to infer extinction rates indirectly as a result of the loss of climatically suitable areas and associated habitat. This approach does not model population dynamics explicitly, and so accepts that extinctions might occur after substantial (but unknown) delays—an extinction debt. Here we explicitly couple bioclimatic envelope models of climate and habitat suitability with generic life-history models for 24 species of frogs found in the Australian Wet Tropics (AWT). We show that (i) as many as four species of frogs face imminent extinction by 2080, due primarily to climate change; (ii) three frogs face delayed extinctions; and (iii) this extinction debt will take at least a century to be realized in full. Furthermore, we find congruence between forecast rates of extinction using SARs, and demographic models with an extinction lag of 120 years. We conclude that SAR approaches can provide useful advice to conservation on climate change impacts, provided there is a good understanding of the time lags over which delayed extinctions are likely to occur.
Structured free-water clusters near lubricating surfaces are essential in water-based lubrication
Authors: Hou Jiapeng , Veeregowda Deepak H. , de Vries Joop , Van der Mei Henny C. , Busscher Henk J.
Published: October 2016

Water-based lubrication provides cheap and environmentally friendly lubrication and, although hydrophilic surfaces are preferred in water-based lubrication, often lubricating surfaces do not retain water molecules during shear. We show here that hydrophilic (42° water contact angle) quartz surfaces facilitate water-based lubrication to the same extent as more hydrophobic Si crystal surfaces (61°), while lubrication by hydrophilic Ge crystal surfaces (44°) is best. Thus surface hydrophilicity is not sufficient for water-based lubrication. Surface-thermodynamic analyses demonstrated that all surfaces, regardless of their water-based lubrication, were predominantly electron donating, implying water binding with their hydrogen groups. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that Ge crystal surfaces providing optimal lubrication consisted of a mixture of –O and =O functionalities, while Si crystal and quartz surfaces solely possessed –O functionalities. Comparison of infrared absorption bands of the crystals in water indicated fewer bound-water layers on hydrophilic Ge than on hydrophobic Si crystal surfaces, while absorption bands for free water on the Ge crystal surface indicated a much more pronounced presence of structured, free-water clusters near the Ge crystal than near Si crystal surfaces. Accordingly, we conclude that the presence of structured, free-water clusters is essential for water-based lubrication. The prevalence of structured water clusters can be regulated by adjusting the ratio between surface electron-donating and electron-accepting groups and between –O and =O functionalities.
On asymmetric generalized solitary gravity–capillary waves in finite depth
Authors: Gao T. , Wang Z. , Vanden-Broeck J.-M.
Published: October 2016

Generalized solitary waves propagating at the surface of a fluid of finite depth are considered. The fluid is assumed to be inviscid and incompressible and the flow to be irrotational. Both the effects of gravity and surface tension are included. It is shown that in addition to the classical symmetric waves, there are new asymmetric solutions. These new branches of solutions bifurcate from the branches of symmetric waves. The detailed bifurcation diagrams as well as typical wave profiles are presented.
ssHMM: Extracting intuitive sequence-structure motifs from high-throughput RNA-binding protein data
Authors: Heller David , Vingron Martin , Krestel Ralf , Ohler Uwe , Marsico Annalisa
Published: October 2016

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play important roles in RNA post-transcriptional regulation and recognize target RNAs via sequence-structure motifs. To which extent RNA structure influences protein binding in the presence or absence of a sequence motif is still poorly understood. Existing RNA motif finders which produce informative motifs and simultaneously capture the relationship between primary sequence and different RNA secondary structures are missing. We developed ssHMM, an RNA motif finder that combines a hidden Markov model (HMM) with Gibbs sampling to learn the joint sequence and structure binding preferences of RBPs from high-throughput data, such as CLIP-Seq sequences, and visualizes them as a graph. Evaluations on synthetic data showed that ssHMM reliably recovers fuzzy sequence motifs in 80 to 100% of the cases. It produces motifs with higher information content than existing tools and is faster than other methods on large datasets. Examples of new sequence-structure motifs identified by ssHMM for uncharacterized RBPs are also discussed. ssHMM is freely available on Github athttps://github.molgen.mpg.de/heller/ssHMM.
Cultural perceptions of online learning: transnational faculty perspectives
Authors: Jayatilleke Buddhini Gayathri , Gunawardena Charlotte
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how university academics from three different cultural and linguistic backgrounds perceived their own cultural context and how it influences on online learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The views of 30 faculty members from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Mauritius who engaged in a six-week professional development online course were gathered through a self-reflection questionnaire, posts on an asynchronous discussion forum and personal self-reflections in journal entries. Content analysis of three asynchronous discussion forums indicated the emergence of categories and themes related to traditional culture and the impact of culture on online learning that were triangulated with questionnaire data and journal entries.

Findings

Cultural perceptions of Sri Lankans and Pakistanis showed similar patterns in their recognition that their cultures exhibit characteristics of high power distance, collectivism and feminine values, while there were no definite dimensional perspectives from the Mauritians. The inability to define their own cultural context using bi-polar dimensions may reflect the sociocultural context of Mauritius. While these frameworks may explain more traditional cultures like those in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, they are unlikely to be useful to define cultural characteristics when the society is diverse, multiethnic, multicultural and multilingual like Mauritius.

Research limitations/implications

This study was based on a small sample of participants from three ethnic origins and cannot be generalized. It has generated questions for further research.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for accounting for culture in designing and delivering online courses.

Originality/value

This study will benefit instructional designers/curriculum designers/teachers to design culturally sensitive and culturally adaptive online courses.
Understanding emotionally involved publics
Authors: Kim Jeesun , Jin Yan
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interplay of crisis type and felt involvement as well as product category on publics’ anger toward the company and empathy for the victims.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an experiment based on a 2 (crisis type: accident vs transgression) × 2 (publics’ felt crisis involvement: high vs low) × 2 (product category in crisis: food-related vs technology-related) mixed design.

Findings

Differential main effects on emotions were detected in different consumer product crises. One of the most interesting findings in this study was the main effects of high felt involvement over low felt involvement in strong feelings of anger toward a company and empathy for the victims in both food- and technology-related crisis situations. There was an interaction effect between crisis type and product category on feelings of anger toward a company. Participants in the food-related crisis condition reported more anger when exposed to a transgression crisis than an accident crisis.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to study other important crisis emotions and to measure them with multiple items instead of a single item. It would be useful to find out what combinations among crisis variables would produce interaction effects to better understand how different publics’ emotions are inducted and processed in different crisis situations.

Practical implications

The role of felt involvement on public emotions may not be product category specific, but rather be affectively influential across different product categories. From the standpoint of crisis management practice, the main contribution of the present study is to provide empirical evidence that crisis communication managers could use the level of publics’ felt crisis involvement to better predict publics’ emotions that are likely to be felt and displayed in crisis situations.

Originality/value

This study investigates the crisis-generated discrete emotions as a function of crisis type and felt involvement. Felt involvement should be considered as an important construct due to its potential consequences on publics’ emotions and their behaviors beyond perceptions of crisis responsibility. Crisis response messages should be strategically developed with a consideration of the interplay of crisis type, publics’ felt involvement, and product categories.