bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Effects of Medicare's Bundled Payment for Care Improvement Program for Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Martin Brook I. , Lurie Jon D. , Farrokhi Farrokh R. , McGuire Kevin J. , Mirza Sohail K.
Published: September 2017

Study Design.

Retrospective analysis of Medicare claims linked to hospital participation in the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation's episode-based Bundled Payment for Care Improvement (BPCI) program for lumbar fusion.

Objective.

To describe the early effects of BPCI participation for lumbar fusion on 90-day reimbursement, procedure volume, reoperation, and readmission.

Summary of Background Data.

Initiated on January 1, 2013, BPCI's voluntary bundle payment program provides a predetermined payment for services related to a Diagnosis-Related Group-defined “triggering event” over a defined time period. As an alternative to fee-for-service, these reforms shift the financial risk of care on to hospitals.

Methods.

We identified fee-for-service beneficiaries over age 65 undergoing a lumbar fusion in 2012 or 2013, corresponding to the years before and after BPCI initiation. Hospitals were grouped based on program participation status as nonparticipants, preparatory, or risk-bearing. Generalized estimating equation models adjusting for patient age, sex, race, comorbidity, and hospital size were used to compare changes in episode costs, procedure volume, and safety indicators based on hospital BPCI participation.

Results.

We included 89,605 beneficiaries undergoing lumbar fusion, including 36% seen by a preparatory hospital and 7% from a risk-bearing hospital. The mean age of the cohort was 73.4 years, with 59% women, 92% White, and 22% with a Charlson Comorbidity Index of 2 or more. Participant hospitals had greater procedure volume, bed size, and total discharges. Relative to nonparticipants, risk-bearing hospitals had a slightly increased fusion procedure volume from 2012 to 2013 (3.4% increase vs. 1.6% decrease, P = 0.119), did not reduce 90-day episode of care costs (0.4% decrease vs. 2.9% decrease, P = 0.044), increased 90-day readmission rate (+2.7% vs. −10.7%, P = 0.043), and increased repeat surgery rates (+30.6% vs. +7.1% points, P = 0.043).

Conclusion.

These early, unintended trends suggest an imperative for continued monitoring of BPCI in lumbar fusion.

Level of Evidence: 3
Bone Density Development of the Temporal Bone Assessed by Computed Tomography
Authors: Takahashi Kuniyuki , Morita Yuka , Ohshima Shinsuke , Izumi Shuji , Kubota Yamato , Horii Arata
Published: September 2017

Hypothesis:

The temporal bone shows regional differences in bone development.

Background:

The spreading pattern of acute mastoiditis shows age-related differences. In infants, it spreads laterally and causes retroauricular swelling, whereas in older children, it tends to spread medially and causes intracranial complications. We hypothesized that bone maturation may influence the spreading pattern of acute mastoiditis.

Methods:

Eighty participants with normal hearing, aged 3 months to 42 years, participated in this study. Computed tomography (CT) values (Hounsfield unit [HU]) in various regions of the temporal bone, such as the otic capsule (OC), lateral surface of the mastoid cavity (LS), posterior cranial fossa (PCF), and middle cranial fossa (MCF), were measured as markers of bone density. Bone density development curves, wherein CT values were plotted against age, were created for each region. The age at which the CT value exceeded 1000 HU, which is used as an indicator of bone maturation, was calculated from the development curves and compared between the regions.

Results:

The OC showed mature bone at birth, whereas the LS, PCF, and MCF showed rapid maturation in early childhood. However, there were significant regional differences in the ages of maturation: 1.7, 3.9, and 10.8 years for the LS, PCF, and MCF, respectively.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first report to show regional differences in the maturation of temporal bone, which could partly account for the differences in the spreading pattern of acute mastoiditis in individuals of different ages.
Postinfection Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Downs Ian A. , Aroniadis Olga C. , Kelly Libusha , Brandt Lawrence J.
Published: September 2017

Postinfection irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is a diarrheal disease that develops after infectious gastroenteritis (IGE). Profound alterations in the microbiota accompany IGE yet only 10% of IGE patients progress to PI-IBS. This review explores research linking IGE severity, psychological comorbidity, PI-IBS, and the microbiome in various patient populations. Selective pressures caused by inflammation and increased gastrointestinal motility during gastroenteritis can alter intestinal bacterial phyla including Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. More specifically, classes such asBacteroidesandClostridiaare differentially abundant in many PI-IBS patients. Altered microbiota may perpetuate a cycle of enteric and systemic inflammation, potently activating neural afferent signaling in the enteric nervous system and causing pain and diarrhea in PI-IBS patients. Altered production of microbial metabolites, for example short chain fatty acids, may have enteric and systemic effects on the host. Longitudinal sampling to characterize changes in the microbiota’s genetic, metabolic, and transcriptional activities over time from IGE to PI-IBS may enable improved diagnosis and classification of PI-IBS cases into subtypes, allowing for targeted antibiotic, probiotic, and prebiotic treatments. PI-IBS is a heterogenous and largely organic disease marked by specific alterations in functions of the microbiota and is an important model for studying microbial influences on intestinal, neurological, and psychological host functions.
Evaluation of the Post Orthognathic Surgery Satisfaction: a Comparative Cross-Sectional Study of Patients Class II and III
Authors: Pereira Rafael Martins Afonso , Souza Gustavo Mota Mascarenhas de , Rocha Vanessa Alvares de Castro , Morimoto Susana , Tedesco Tamara Kerber , Mello-Moura Anna Carolina Volpi
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to analyze the degree of postoperative satisfaction regarding facial and dental esthetics, masticatory and respiratory function, and psychosocial factors in patients with dentofacial deformity Class II compared with Class III. The patients were divided into 2 groups with 50 patients in Group 1 (Class II) and 30 patients in Group 2 (Class III). Assessing the degree of postoperative satisfaction, the authors did not observe a significant difference between the groups in terms of improvements in the aesthetic and functional aspects and the psychological impact of the treatment. It can be concluded that regardless of the type of dentofacial changes, the treatment well indicated and conducted, results in significant positive effects on patients lives, both aesthetically and in the function, and psychosocial great benefit.
Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) promotes cardiac differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via activating ERK1/2 signaling
Authors: Zhang Fenxi , Wang Congrui , Lin Juntang , Wang Xianwei
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims

The differentiation efficiency of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) is low in vivo after transplantation. Therefore, it is necessary to look for effective reagents for enhancing cardiac differentiation of BM‐MSCs. It has been reported that cardiac differentiation of stem cells depends on the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling. Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) is a potent reagent for ERK1/2 activation. This indicates that ox‐LDL may be a potential reagent to stimulate cardiac differentiation of stem cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of ox‐LDL on cardiac differentiation of BM‐MSCs and its relationship with ERK1/2 signaling.

Methods

BM‐MSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow, cultured in DMEM supplemented with 15% FBS, and passaged up to the 3rd passage. Following culture with 5 μg/mL ox‐LDL for 3 weeks, the cardiac differentiation of the 3rd passage BM‐MSCs was identified by immunostaining, Western blotting, and RT‐PCR assays for measuring the expression of cardiac‐specific markers. To further explore the role of ERK1/2 signaling in cardiac differentiation of BM‐MSCs, we simultaneously exposed BM‐MSCs to ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and ox‐LDL, and identified the cardiac differentiation again.

Results

The expressions of cardiac‐specific markers including α‐cardiac actin, α‐MHC, β‐MHC, ANP, and BNP were markedly increased in BM‐MSCs following treatment with ox‐LDL (P < .05), which indicates a directional differentiation of BM‐MSCs to cardiac cells. Further, ox‐LDL could also activate ERK1/2 in BM‐MSCs, and application of U0126 markedly inhibited ox‐LDL‐induced cardiac transformation of BM‐MSCs.

Conclusions

Ox‐LDL induces cardiac differentiation of BM‐MSCs via activation of ERK1/2 signaling.
Monoacylglycerol signalling and ABHD6 in health and disease
Authors: Poursharifi Pegah , Madiraju Sri Ramachandra Murthy , Prentki Marc
Published: September 2017

Lipid metabolism dysregulation underlies chronic pathologies such as obesity, diabetes and cancer. Besides their role in structure and energy storage, lipids are also important signalling molecules regulating multiple biological functions. Thus, understanding the precise lipid metabolism enzymatic steps that are altered in some pathological conditions is helpful for designing better treatment strategies. Several monoacylglycerol (MAG) species are only recently being recognized as signalling lipid molecules in different tissues. Recent studies indicated the importance of the ubiquitously expressed serine hydrolase α/β‐hydrolase domain 6 (ABHD6), which is a MAG hydrolase, in regulating signalling competent MAG in both central and peripheral tissues. The central and peripheral function of the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, which is a 2‐MAG, and its breakdown by both ABHD6 and classical MAG lipase has been well documented. ABHD6 and its substrate MAG appear to be involved in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes including insulin secretion, adipose browning, food intake, neurotransmission, autoimmune disorders, neurological and metabolic diseases as well as cancer. Diverse cellular targets such as mammalian unc13‐1 (Munc13‐1), PPARs, GPR119 and CB1/2 receptors, for MAG‐mediated signalling processes have been proposed in different cell types. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge regarding ABHD6/MAG signalling and its possible therapeutic implications.
Relationship between family history of type 2 diabetes and serum FGF21
Authors: Davis Greggory R. , Deville Tiffany , Guillory Joshua , Bellar David , Nelson Arnold G.
Published: September 2017

Background

Determining predictive markers for the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly in young individuals, offers immense potential benefits in preventative medicine. Previous research examining serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in humans has revealed equivocal relationships with clinical markers of metabolic dysfunction. However, it is unknown to what extent, if any, first‐degree family history of T2D (mother or father of the participant diagnosed with T2D) level affects serum FGF21 levels. The aim of this study was to determine whether in healthy individuals with FH+ (n = 18) and without FH‐ (n = 17) a family history of T2D affects serum FGF21.

Materials and methods

Fasting serum and clinical, metabolic and anthropometric measures were determined using a cross‐sectional design.

Results

Differences between groups for FGF21 were not significant (FH+ = 266 pg/mL ± 51·4, FH = 180 pg/mL ± 29; Z = 0·97, P = 0·33). Adiponectin values were lower in FH+ (8·81 μg/mL ± 2·14) compared to FH‐ (10·65 μg/mL ± 1·44; F = 8·83, P = 0·01). Resistin was negatively correlated with FGF21 for all participants (r = −0·38, P = 0·03), but no other clinical, metabolic, or serum markers were predictive for serum FGF21 in FH+ or FH‐.

Conclusions

Serum FGF21 is not significantly different between FH+ and FH‐ in young, healthy individuals. Based upon the data of this pilot study, it is unclear whether serum FGF21 can be used as a stand‐alone predictive marker for T2D in healthy subjects.
Pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma remains a diagnostic challenge using frozen sections: a clinicopathological analysis of 59 cases
Authors: Yang Cheng‐Han , Lee Li‐Yu
Published: September 2017

Aims

Using intraoperative frozen sections to diagnose pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma is always challenging. However, an accurate diagnosis is needed to guide surgical management and prevent unnecessary treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the most frequently misdiagnosed histological patterns and evaluate the potential diagnostic pitfalls of using frozen sections.

Methods and results

We reviewed retrospectively 59 cases of sclerosing pneumocytoma that underwent an intraoperative frozen section examination. All original frozen section slides and permanent section slides were reviewed. The rate of accurate diagnosis using frozen sections was 44.1%, the deferral rate was 15.3% and 10 cases (16.9%) were misdiagnosed as malignancy. A solid‐predominant pattern is misdiagnosed more frequently than other growth patterns. We also summarised the five major diagnostic pitfalls, including hypercellularity, glandular spaces, desmoplasia‐like sclerosis, cellular atypia and coagulative necrosis.

Conclusions

In addition to evaluating the tumour circumscription and identifying the various growth patterns, we propose that the key to avoiding a misdiagnosis is to recognise the dual‐cell populations in a tumour, i.e. cuboidal surface cells and stromal round cells.
Guidelines on radiographic imaging as part of root canal treatment: a systematic review with a focus on review imaging after treatment
Authors: Mahasneh S. A. , Horner K. , Cunliffe J. , Al‐Salehi S. , Sengupta A. , AlHadidi A.
Published: September 2017

Aim

To identify guidelines on endodontics which make recommendations relating to post‐root canal treatment radiological review imaging, to make an objective assessment of their quality using the AGREE tool and to examine the evidence cited in support of their recommendations.

Methodology

The primary sources to identify published guidelines were MEDLINE (Ovid®) and EMBASE. The search aim was to identify guidelines pertaining to the post‐root canal treatment follow‐up recommendations published from 1946 with the final search date being 26 June 2016. The primary search was supplemented by searching Internet search engines and several websites that might have guidelines. The guidelines obtained from the search end‐result were assessed for quality and scientific evidence using the AGREE II instrument. Similarities and differences in the recommendations were identified.

Results

Thirty guidelines were identified, seven of which met the inclusion criteria. Two guidelines used and clearly described the methods for obtaining scientific evidence from which the recommendations were set. The recommendations varied, particularly as regards the timing of the first review radiograph. Some guidelines lacked supporting evidence.

Conclusions

The recommendations for post‐root canal treatment radiographic follow‐up varied amongst the identified guidelines. However, the methodology for obtaining the scientific evidence was poorly described in most of the guidelines. Guideline development groups should use the AGREE II instrument as a guide to produce higher quality guidelines.
Ultrasound ciliary plasty to treat glaucoma: efficacy and safety results on 152 patients
Authors: Aptel F. , Rouland J.F.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Ultrasound Ciliary Plasty (UCP) procedure using Focused ultrasound with second generation probe on a consecutive series of 152 glaucoma patients.

Methods

Prospective clinical series of 169 eyes of 152 patients with primary and secondary open angle or angle closure glaucoma treated between April 2015 and September 2016 in 2 University Hospitals. Procedures were conducted with second generation therapy probe comprising 6 piezoelectric transducers, with 8 seconds exposure time per transducer (standard protocol). Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed before the procedure, and at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after. Primary outcome was IOP reduction compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were success rate (defined as IOP reduction from baseline ≥20% and IOP >5 mmHg without adding medication compared to baseline), vision‐threatening complications, hypotensive medication use, complications, and re‐interventions.

Results

No major intra‐ or post‐operative complications occurred. Ocular exam did not reveal lesions of ocular structures other than ciliary body and no or few signs of anterior chamber inflammation. Semi‐mydriasis was observed on fifteen eyes, reduced or resolved in a few weeks/months. Intraocular pressure was significantly reduced from a mean preoperative value of 27.1 ± 9.3 mmHg (3.1 hypotensive medications) to a mean value of 19.1 ± 7.6 mmHg (3.2 hypotensive medications) at last follow‐up, corresponding of a mean IOP reduction of 27%. Nineteen patients were re‐treated using focused ultrasound, 7 patients were considered as failure and treated by filtering surgery, and 8 patients with Diode laser cyclo‐destructive procedure.

Conclusions

Ultrasound Ciliary Plasty using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is an effective method to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.
The New Common Agricultural Policy: Ηow do Member States Respond to Flexibility?
Authors: Henke Roberto , Benos Theo , De Filippis Fabrizio , Giua Mara , Pierangeli Fabio , Pupo D'Andrea Maria Rosaria
Published: September 2017

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a core policy of the European Union (EU), representing 40 per cent of the EU budget and a cornerstone of the integration process. Due to the path dependency that defined its evolution, it had always been a rather homogeneous and centralized policy. For the first time, the 2014–20 reform endowed Member States with the possibility to tailor the direct payments of the CAP along different fields of flexibility and thereby better address their national needs. This article examines these national choices in terms of the discontinuity they impose on the centralized policy model, showing that they reduced the policy inertia associated to the historical processes in place at the EU level, along a new national path dependency re‐shaping the CAP implementation. The flexibility introduced by the 2014–20 reform was particularly embraced by Member States that had been penalized by the ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ historical archetype.
Impact of ixekizumab on facial psoriasis and related quality of life measures in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis patients: 12‐week results from two phase III trials
Authors: Paul C. , Guenther L. , Torii H. , Sofen H. , Burge R. , Lin C.Y. , Potts Bleakman A. , Mallbris L. , Poulin Y.
Published: September 2017

Background

Facial psoriasis was reported in 17–68% of patients with psoriasis and shown to have a negative impact on patients’ personal and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Objectives

To explore the association of facial psoriasis with patients’ HRQoL and to assess the relationship between ixekizumab (IXE) and improvement in facial psoriasis and changes in HRQoL.

Methods

This work reports the combined results of two phase III multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, active‐comparator trials in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. Patients received placebo, etanercept (ETN; 50 mg twice weekly) or IXE [80 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) or every 2 weeks (Q2W)] for up to 12 weeks following an initial 160‐mg dose. HRQoL parameters were analysed based on facial psoriasis status at baseline using analysis of covariance models. Improvement was assessed as percentage of patients with no facial psoriasis.

Results

The combined database included 1133 patients with facial psoriasis and 1437 without. Patients treated with IXE whose facial psoriasis cleared had improved Dermatology Life Quality Index 0.1 responses (P < 0.01) compared with patients with facial psoriasis at Week 12. At Week 12, clearance of facial psoriasis compared with the presence of facial psoriasis was independently associated with significantly better improvement in Psoriasis Skin Appearance Bothersomeness scores in the IXE Q2W treatment group (P < 0.01). At Week 12, facial clearance and overall Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) improvement were observed in significant numbers of patients treated with IXE compared with ETN and placebo. Facial psoriasis clearance at Week 12 in patients treated with IXE or ETN was positively associated with PASI75 and PASI90 achievement.

Conclusion

Facial psoriasis had a larger negative impact on HRQoL than no facial psoriasis. Facial psoriasis clearance was associated with improved HRQoL. Significantly more IXE‐treated patients had rapid facial clearance vs. ETN and PBO, which led to better clinical outcomes.
Pregnant substance abusers in voluntary and coercive treatment in Norway: Therapists’ reflections on change processes and attachment experiences
Authors: Myra Siv M , Ravndal Edle , Torsteinsson Vigdis W , Øfsti Anne KS
Published: September 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore therapists’ discourses on treatment processes, when working with pregnant substance abusers in voluntary and coercive treatment, and looking for the clinical implications of these discourses.

Background

Treatment of substance use disorder faces many challenges. One is pregnancy and motherhood, which are vulnerable and complex processes. The literature emphasises lack of optimal and knowledge‐based treatment for this group.

Design

The study follows a Foucauldian inspired discourse analysis.

Method

Forty therapists from four different residential units in Norway, offering both voluntary and coercive treatment of pregnant women with substance use disorders, were interviewed in focus groups. The semi‐structured interview schedule focused on exploring how therapists’ discourses on change processes and relationship experiences informed their clinical practice.

Results

How to start “healthy” attachment processes between the pregnant woman and the unborn child was the dominant discourse among the therapists. Another important theme was coercion, and whether that as a contextual frame was negative or positive in creating attachment between mother and child. Other discourses were varieties of understanding attachment when the mothers had difficulties with substance abuse, the mothers’ own attachment histories, and social and cultural challenges.

Conclusion

Systematic work with attachment issues between the pregnant woman and her unborn child was the dominant perspective of nearly all the therapists. The contextual factors in the lives of the women were less prioritised, even though they are of decisive importance for the relationship between mother and child.

Relevance to clinical practice

Treatment professionals need to focus more on the discursive dilemmas encountered in the relation between substance use disorders and the unborn child.
Effects of an individualised nutritional education and support programme on dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and nutritional status of older adults living alone
Authors: Ahn Jeong‐Ah , Park JeeWon , Kim Chun‐Ja
Published: September 2017

Aims and objectives

The effects of an individualised nutritional education and support programme on dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and nutritional status of 71 older adults living alone were examined.

Background

Although a regular dietary meal plan is recommended for improving nutritional status of older adults living alone, little research is done in this field in Korea.

Design

A pre‐ and post‐test controlled quasi‐experimental design was used at public health centres.

Methods

The intervention group participated in an intensive nutritional education and support programme once a week for 8 weeks with dietary menus provided by home visiting nurses/dieticians; control group received usual care. Dietary habits and nutritional knowledge were assessed using structured questionnaires; nutritional intake status was analysed using Computer Aided Nutritional Analysis Program 5.0.

Results

The mean age of participants was 77.6 years, and 81.7% of the participants were women. At 8 weeks, there were significant interactions of group by time for dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and selected nutritional status of protein, iron and vitamins of B2 and C. Changes over time in the mean score of dietary habits and nutritional knowledge were significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group. The percentages of normal nutrition intake of protein, iron and vitamins A and C in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group at 8 weeks.

Conclusions

Nutritional education and support programme positively impacted dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and selected nutritional status in older adults living alone, and we highlight the need for community‐based nutritional education and counselling programmes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Older adults living alone in a community have relatively poor nutritional status and thus require tailored nutritional intervention according to objective nutritional analysis. It is necessary to link visiting nurses with dieticians in the community to manage effective nutritional programme continuously.
Important factors affecting the choice of an oral anticoagulant may be missed in database studies
Authors: Aarnio E. , Huupponen R. , Korhonen M. J.
Published: September 2017

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Dr. Gundlund et al.
The Different Resistance of Two Astragalus Plants to UV‐B Stress is Tightly Associated with the Organ‐specific Isoflavone Metabolism
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Jia , Wang Yu , Abozeid Ann , Tian Dong‐Mei , Zhang Xiao‐ning , Tang Zhong‐Hua
Published: September 2017

In this work, the changes in isoflavone levels and the expression of genes involved in their biosynthesis were studied in two Astragalus by UPLC‐MS and real‐time PCR after 10 days of UV‐B treatment (λmax = 313 nm, 804 J m−2). Isoflavones were significantly induced by UV‐B irradiation. The influence might be activated by the regulation of these target genes. Our results indicate that (1) the resistance of Astragalus membranaceus might not be as good as Astragalus mongholicus in the enhanced UV‐B radiation environment; (2) the enhanced accumulation of calycosin and calycosin‐7‐glucoside with UV‐B treatment in roots of A. mongholicus might be derived from formononetin which is synthesized in the leaves; (3) the glycosylation process could be stimulated and activated by the enhanced UV‐B radiation in both A. mongholicus and A. membranaceus. In other words, glycosylation of isoflavones might play a crucial role for two Astragalus plants in response to UV‐B stress. Overall, this study offered a feasible elicitation strategy to understand the accumulation pattern of isoflavone in A. mongholicus and A. membranaceus, and also provided a reference for the changes in isoflavone levels of Astragalus in UV‐B enhanced environment in the future.
Integrated control of fusarium head blight and deoxynivalenol mycotoxin in wheat
Authors: Shah L. , Ali A. , Yahya M. , Zhu Y. , Wang S. , Si H. , Rahman H. , Ma C.
Published: September 2017

Fusarium head blight (FHB), a devastating disease that affects wheat, is caused by a complex of Fusarium species. The overall impact of Fusarium spp. in wheat production arises through the combination of FHB and mycotoxin infection of the grain harvested from infected wheat spikes. Spike infection occurs during opening of flowers and is favoured by high humidity or wet weather accompanied with warm temperatures. Available possibilities for controlling FHB include the use of cultural practices, fungicides and biological approaches. Three cultural practices are expected to be of prime importance in controlling FHB and the production of mycotoxins: soil preparation method (deep tillage), the choice of the preceding crop in the rotation and the selection of appropriate cultivar.
The “Family” Section in Current Elementary Social Studies Textbooks in China
Authors: Zhao Weiju , Zhang Zhiping , Liu Juan
Published: September 2017

Family is the essential unit of society as well as the pupils’ cradle for growing up. It is particularly significant to help pupils understand “family”, then form a scientific concept of the family and develop a positive family sentiment. In the current primary school textbooks of “Morality and Life (Society)” (version of the People Education Press) “family” is an important theme. The textbooks embody the basic “student-oriented” idea of the new curriculum concept. And the contents are derived from life which are integrated with other disciplines that shows a sense of comprehensiveness. Yet the textbooks have certain limitations and deficiencies as well. For instance, the contents involving the family types lack variety; some activities introduced lack operability.
Zika Virus Infects Human Sertoli Cells and Modulates the Integrity of the
In Vitro
Blood-Testis Barrier Model
Authors: Siemann David N. , Strange Daniel P. , Maharaj Payal N. , Shi Pei-Yong , Verma Saguna
Published: September 2017

Confirmed reports of Zika virus (ZIKV) in human seminal fluid for months after the clearance of viremia suggest the ability of ZIKV to establish persistent infection in the seminiferous tubules, an immune-privileged site in the testis protected by the blood-testis barrier, also called the Sertoli cell (SC) barrier (SCB). However, cellular targets of ZIKV in human testis and mechanisms by which the virus enters seminiferous tubules remain unclear. We demonstrate that primary human SCs were highly susceptible to ZIKV compared to the closely related dengue virus and induced the expression of alpha interferon (IFN-α), key cytokines, and cell adhesion molecules (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [VCAM-1] and intracellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1]). Furthermore, using an
in vitro
SCB model, we show that ZIKV was released on the adluminal side of the SCB model with a higher efficiency than in the blood-brain barrier model. ZIKV-infected SCs exhibited enhanced adhesion of leukocytes that correlated with decreases in SCB integrity. ZIKV infection did not affect the expression of tight and adherens junction proteins such as ZO-1, claudin, and JAM-A; however, exposure of SCs to inflammatory mediators derived from ZIKV-infected macrophages led to the degradation of the ZO-1 protein, which correlated with increased SCB permeability. Taken together, our data suggest that infection of SCs may be one of the crucial steps by which ZIKV gains access to the site of spermatozoon development and identify SCs as a therapeutic target to clear testicular infections. The SCB model opens up opportunities to assess interactions of SCs with other testicular cells and to test the ability of anti-ZIKV drugs to cross the barrier.

IMPORTANCE
Recent outbreaks of ZIKV, a neglected mosquito-borne flavivirus, have identified sexual transmission as a new route of disease spread, which has not been reported for other flaviviruses. To be able to sexually transmit for months after the clearance of viremia, ZIKV must establish infection in the seminiferous tubules, the site of spermatozoon development. However, little is known about the cell types that support ZIKV infection in the human testis. Currently, there are no models to study mechanisms of virus persistence in the seminiferous tubules. We provide evidence that ZIKV infection of human Sertoli cells, which are an important component of the seminiferous tubules, is robust and induces a strong antiviral response. The use of an
in vitro
Sertoli cell barrier to describe how ZIKV or inflammatory mediators derived from ZIKV-infected macrophages compromise barrier integrity will enable studies to explore the interactions of other testicular cells with Sertoli cells and to test novel antivirals for clearing testicular ZIKV infection.
Hickam's dictum: Myasthenia Gravis presenting concurrently with Graves' disease
Authors: Sehgal Shekhar , Rebello Roshan , Wolmarans Louise , Elston Marianne
Published: September 2017

We present two patients with Graves’ disease and concurrent myasthenia gravis. The impact of the dual diagnosis on the clinical course and the potential for a delayed diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is discussed. Patient 1, a 28-year-old man was diagnosed with Graves’ disease following his second respiratory arrest. His history was strongly suggestive of a second pathology. Patient 2, a 66-year-old Cantonese woman with established Graves’ disease presented with thionamide-related neutropaenia. Examination revealed bilateral ptosis and right lateral rectus palsy. Both patients had thyrotoxicosis secondary to Graves’ disease with concurrent myasthenia gravis. Although neuromuscular weakness is common in Graves’ disease, coexisting myasthenia gravis (MG) is rare and can cause profound morbidity. Ocular signs in both diseases may cause diagnostic confusion although ptosis suggests coexisting MG. In both cases, the thyrotoxicosis delayed the diagnosis of MG.
Nasogastric tube knotting: a rare and potentially overlooked complication among healthcare professionals
Authors: Chavda Vijay , Alhammali Tariq , Farrant Joanna , Naidu Leena , El-Rabaa Saleem
Published: September 2017

Nasogastric tube placement is a common procedure performed in surgical and medical specialities. The occurrence of knot formation is perhaps one of the least well-recognised complications associated with its usage. We present a case of nasogastric tube knotting to remind colleagues of this rare but important complication. A 75-year-old woman with adhesional bowel obstruction was admitted under the general surgery team. A wide bore nasogastric tube was inserted for drainage and decompression. Although placement of the tube was deemed to be successful, there was no drainage of gastric content evident. On removal of the ‘non-functioning’ tube a simple knot was seen at its proximal end. A further nasogastric tube was placed and the patient’s symptoms resolved with conservative management. Nasogastric tube knotting is a rare and often overlooked complication with the potential to cause significant trauma on tube removal if unrecognised.
Daycare attendance and respiratory tract infections: a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Schuez-Havupalo Linnea , Toivonen Laura , Karppinen Sinikka , Kaljonen Anne , Peltola Ville
Published: September 2017

Objective

We explored the burden of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in young children with regard to day-care initiation.

Design

Longitudinal prospective birth cohort study.

Setting and methods

We recruited 1827 children for follow-up until the age of 24 months collecting diary data on RTIs and daycare. Children with continuous daycare type and complete data were divided into groups of centre-based daycare (n=299), family day care (FDC) (n=245) and home care (n=350). Using repeated measures variance analyses, we analysed days per month with symptoms of respiratory tract infection, antibiotic treatments and parental absence from work for a period of 6 months prior to and 9 months after the start of daycare.

Results

We documented a significant effect of time and type of daycare, as well as a significant interaction between them for all outcome measures. There was a rise in mean days with symptoms from 3.79 (95% CI 3.04 to 4.53) during the month preceding centre-based daycare to 10.57 (95% CI 9.35 to 11.79) at 2 months after the start of centre-based daycare, with a subsequent decrease within the following 9 months. Similar patterns with a rise and decline were observed in the use of antibiotics and parental absences. The start of FDC had weaker effects. Our findings were not changed when taking into account confounding factors.

Conclusions

Our study shows the rapid increase in respiratory infections after start of daycare and a relatively fast decline in the course of time with continued daycare. It is important to support families around the beginning of daycare.
Robust Image Segmentation Method for Cotton Leaf Under Natural Conditions Based on Immune Algorithm and PCNN Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Kong Fantao , Zhai Zhifen , Wu Jianzhai , Han Shuqing
Published: September 2017

In the actual cotton planting environment, rapid change of light within a day, reflection from different backgrounds and different weather conditions can affect the imaging of cotton. Therefore, the crop object segmentation is difficult. Images which were captured in 12 natural scenes during cotton planting, including three weather conditions, such as sunny, cloudy and rainy and four soil cover conditions, such as white mulch film, black mulch film, straw and bare soil were regarded as the research objects. This paper presents the cotton leaf segmentation method based on Immune algorithm and pulse coupled neural networks (PCNN). First, 17 color components of white mulch film, black mulch film, straw, bare soil and cotton under the conditions of sunny, cloudy and rainy days were analyzed by using statistical method. Three high feasible and anti-light color components were selected by histogram statistical with mean gray value. Second, the optimal parameters of PCNN model and the optimal number of iterations were determined by using immune algorithm optimization theory, and the method in this paper was tested by using 1200 cotton images which were captured under 12 natural scenes. Finally, the test results showed that this method can distinguish cotton target region from soil and other background regions. Meanwhile, for reflection of mulch film, crop shadow, dark light, complex background, noise, etc. which are often appeared in natural scene, four image segmentation methods of Otsu algorithm, [Formula: see text]-Means algorithm, FCM algorithm and PCNN were compared with the proposed method in this paper. The segmentation result showed that the proposed method has good resistance to change of light and complex background. The average [Formula: see text] of the proposed method is 6.5%, significantly lower than that of other four methods and the performance is better than other four methods. This method can segment cotton images in different weather conditions and different backgrounds accurately under complex natural conditions. It will contribute to the subsequent growth status determination and pest diagnosis of cotton.
A Hazy Image Database with Analysis of the Frequency Magnitude
Authors: Wang Shuhang , Tian Yu , Pu Tian , Wang Patrick , Perner Petra
Published: September 2017

Image haze removal has been extensively studied, but there has been no such an image database regarding the haze level. It is not convenient for readers to verify the assumptions or priors that are supposed to be useful for haze removal, and meanwhile, it is not fair to compare the performance of haze removal methods, which are effective for images with different haze levels. To solve this problem, we built a database consisting of more than 3464 images of different kinds of outdoor scenes. The images of the database are grouped into four classes regarding the haze level. Along with the database, we also observe a frequency magnitude prior, i.e. the frequency magnitude decreases with the increasing haze level, which can be used as a prior to develop haze removal methods. Our purpose is to help develop image haze removal methods, as well as verify existing statistical priors and discover new ones that can be used for image processing.
EFFECT OF TRANSITION METAL DOPING ON MAGNETIZATION AND SPIN TRANSPORT OF DOMAIN WALL MADE BY NICKEL ATOMIC CHAIN
Authors: ZHANG Y. , YAN X. H. , GUO Y. D. , XIAO Y.
Published: September 2017

Based on density functional theory and nonequilibrium Green’s function method, we study the magnetic order and collinear/noncollinear spin transport of 180[Formula: see text] domain wall (DW) made by transition metal (TM)-doped Ni atomic chain. The results show that the TM doping reproduces characteristic features depending on the type of TM elements, the number of dopants and the initial magnetization distribution. In the collinear magnetization, which is obtained from the initial condition of abrupt DW, the two dopants show symmetric features while the single dopant presents a varying magnetic moment on the TM dopant when the number of 3d electrons of dopant increases. As the magnetization is noncollinear (spiral-like), the magnetization becomes complicated. For instance, the rotation sense of magnetization changes from clockwise to counter-clockwise for some TM dopants. In addition, the transmission of doped Ni chain shows two scattering mechanisms, i.e. electronic scattering due to quasi-bound state and due to the spin-flip scattering. Our results reported here provide considerable insights into the doping effect on magnetization and spin transport of atomic-scale DW.
Insulin sensitivity, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and testosterone in adult male and female rats after maternal-neonatal separation and environmental stress
Authors: Raff Hershel , Hoeynck Brian , Jablonski Mack , Leonovicz Cole , Phillips Jonathan M. , Gehrand Ashley L.
Published: September 2017

Care of premature infants often requires parental and caregiver separation, particularly during hypoxic and hypothermic episodes. We have established a neonatal rat model of human prematurity involving maternal-neonatal separation and hypoxia with spontaneous hypothermia prevented by external heat. Adults previously exposed to these neonatal stressors show a sex difference in the insulin and glucose response to arginine stimulation suggesting a state of insulin resistance. The current study used this cohort of adult rats to evaluate insulin resistance [homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)], plasma adipokines (reflecting insulin resistance states), and testosterone. The major findings were that daily maternal-neonatal separation led to an increase in body weight and HOMA-IR in adult male and female rats and increased plasma leptin in adult male rats only; neither prior neonatal hypoxia (without or with body temperature control) nor neonatal hypothermia altered subsequent adult HOMA-IR or plasma adiponectin. Adult male-female differences in plasma leptin were lost with prior exposure to neonatal hypoxia or hypothermia; male-female differences in resistin were lost in the adults that were exposed to hypoxia and spontaneous hypothermia as neonates. Exposure of neonates to daily hypoxia without spontaneous hypothermia led to a decrease in plasma testosterone in adult male rats. We conclude that neonatal stressors result in subsequent adult sex-dependent increases in insulin resistance and adipokines and that our rat model of prematurity with hypoxia without hypothermia alters adult testosterone dynamics.
Uninephrectomy and apical fluid shear stress decrease ENaC abundance in collecting duct principal cells
Authors: Ernandez T. , Udwan K. , Chassot A. , Martin P.-Y. , Feraille E.
Published: September 2017

Acute nephron reduction such as after living kidney donation may increase the risk of hypertension. Uninephrectomy induces major hemodynamic changes in the remaining kidney, resulting in rapid increase of single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and fluid delivery in the distal nephron. Decreased sodium (Na) fractional reabsorption after the distal tubule has been reported after uninephrectomy in animals preserving volume homeostasis. In the present study, we thought to specifically explore the effect of unilateral nephrectomy on epithelial Na channel (ENaC) subunit expression in mice. We show that γ-ENaC subunit surface expression was specifically downregulated after uninephrectomy, whereas the expression of the aldosterone-sensitive α-ENaC and α1-Na-K-ATPase subunits as well as of kidney-specific Na-K-Cl cotransporter isoform and Na-Cl cotransporter were not significantly altered. Because acute nephron reduction induces a rapid increase of single-nephron GFR, resulting in a higher tubular fluid flow, we speculated that local mechanical factors such as fluid shear stress (FSS) were involved in Na reabsorption regulation after uninephrectomy. We further explore such hypothesis in an in vitro model of FSS applied on highly differentiated collecting duct principal cells. We found that FSS specifically downregulates β-ENaC and γ-ENaC subunits at the transcriptional level through an unidentified heat-insensitive paracrine basolateral factor. The primary cilium as a potential mechanosensor was not required. In contrast, protein kinase A and calcium-sensitive cytosolic phospholipase A2were involved, but we could not demonstrate a role for cyclooxygenase or epoxygenase metabolites.
The Clinical Values of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 Levels in Blood and Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Altas Ayfer , Kuzu Fatih , Arpaci Dilek , Unal Mustafa , Can Murat , Barut Figen , Kokturk Furuzan , Ilikhan Sevil Uygun , Bayraktaroglu Taner
Published: September 2017

Aim.Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a potent mitogen for many cells. IGF-1 plays a role in the pathogenesis of various tumors with its mutagenic and antiapoptotic properties. The aim of this study was to determine both the serum and intranodular levels of IGF-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in patients with nodular thyroid diseases.Materials and Methods.In this study, 80 subjects who performed fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) were required in order to investigate the effects of serum and intranodular IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the pathogenesis of nodules. After performing FNAB, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were determined in blood and aspiration samples.Results.The serum levels of IGF-1 (232.8 ± 12.9 ng/ml) and IGFBP-3 (4.8 μg/ml) were found significantly higher than that of the intranodular IGF-1 (39.1 ng/ml) and intranodular IGFBP-3 levels (0.173 μg/ml) (p<0.01). Intranodular levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were higher in subjects with multinodular thyroid gland than those of subjects with solitary nodules (p=0.043). A positive correlation between the nodule size and the serum IGFBP-3 levels was detected (p=0.042,r=0.23).Conclusion.This study demonstrated the possible role of both IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the growth and the formation of multinodularity of thyroid nodules.
Complementary Variety: When Can Cooperation in Uncertain Environments Outperform Competitive Selection?
Authors: Hilbert Martin
Published: September 2017

Evolving biological and socioeconomic populations can sometimes increase their growth rate by cooperatively redistributing resources among their members. In unchanging environments, this simply comes down to reallocating resources to fitter types. In uncertain and fluctuating environments, cooperation cannot always outperform blind competitive selection. When can it? The conditions depend on the particular shape of the fitness landscape. The article derives a single measure that quantifies by how much an intervention in stochastic environments can possibly outperform the blind forces of natural selection. It is a multivariate and multilevel measure that essentially quantifies the amount of complementary variety between different population types and environmental states. The more complementary the fitness of types in different environmental states, the proportionally larger the potential benefit of strategic cooperation over competitive selection. With complementary variety, holding population shares constant will always outperform natural and market selection (including bet-hedging, portfolio management, and stochastic switching). The result can be used both to determine the acceptable cost of learning the details of a fitness landscape and to design multilevel classification systems of population types and environmental states that maximize population growth. Two empirical cases are explored, one from the evolving economy and the other one from migrating birds.