bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cohort Profile: The Swiss Eosinophilic Esophagitis Cohort Study (SEECS)
Authors: Safroneeva Ekaterina , Saner Catherine , Rossel Jean-Benoît , Golay Delphine , Pittet Valérie , Godat Sébastien , Diem Stefan , Aepli Patrick , Sawatzki Mikael , Borovicka Jan , Burgmann Konstantin , Juillerat Pascal , Netzer Peter , Sendensky Alexander , Hruz Petr , Girardin Marc , Biedermann Luc , Greuter Thomas , Vavricka Stephan , Michetti Pierre , Mueller Christoph , Straumann Alex , Schoepfer Alain M. ,   on behalf of the Swiss EoE Cohort Study Group
Published: January 2018

Background and Aims: The prospective, observational Swiss Eosinophilic Esophagitis Cohort Study (SEECS) was set up in 2015 with the following goals in mind: (1) to provide up-to-date epidemiologic data; (2) to assess the appropriateness of care; (3) to evaluate the psychosocial impact; and (4) to foster translational research projects. Data capture relies on validated instruments to assess disease activity and focuses on epidemiologic variables and biosamples (esophageal biopsies and blood specimens). An annual inclusion of 70 new patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) or proton pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE) is intended. We herein describe the SEECS cohort profile. Methods: The SEECS includes adult patients (age ≥18 years) with EoE or PPI-REE diagnosed according to published criteria. After inclusion, the patients are typically seen once a year for a clinical and endoscopic/histologic follow-up examination. Data are captured using validated questionnaires. Biosamples from patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and controls with a healthy esophagus are collected as well. Results: From January 2016 to July 2017, a total of 111 patients with EoE and 10 patients with PPI-REE were recruited. In addition, esophageal biopsies and blood samples from 11 patients with GERD and 20 controls with a healthy esophagus were collected. The mean age of the patients with EoE and those with PPI-REE was 39.6 ± 12.9 and 44.6 ± 15.6 years, respectively. A male predominance was found among both the patients with EoE (77.5%) and those with PPI-REE (70%). Concomitant allergic disorders were found in 79.3% of the patients with EoE and 90% of the patients with PPI-REE. At inclusion, the EoE patients were treated with the following therapeutic regimens: no therapy (0.9%), PPI (36%), swallowed topical corticosteroids (82.9%), elimination diets (15.3%), and esophageal dilation (19.8%). Conclusions: The SEECS is the first national cohort study of patients with EoE or PPI-REE. The SEECS will provide up-to-date epidemiologic data and foster translational research projects.
Micro Integral Membrane Protein (MIMP), a Newly Discovered Anti-Inflammatory Protein of Lactobacillus Plantarum, Enhances the Gut Barrier and Modulates Microbiota and Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Yin Mingming , Yan Xuebing , Weng Wenhao , Yang Yongzhi , Gao Renyuan , Liu Minfeng , Pan Cheng , Zhu Qi , Li Hao , Wei Qing , Shen Tongyi , Ma Yanlei , Qin Huanlong
Published: January 2018

Background/Aims: Recent studies have demonstrated that the manipulation of the gut microbiome represents a promising treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We previously identified micro integral membrane protein (MIMP) as the smallest domain of surface layer protein from Lactobacillus Plantarum. However, the therapeutic relevance of MIMP in IBD remains unknown. Methods: We initially employed a dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis model and evaluated the effect of MIMP on the inflammation response, intestinal barrier and gut microbiota using histological examination, Fluorescein isothiocyanate-Dextran detection and pyrosequencing analysis respectively. We then established peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and an epithelial CaCO-2 co-culture model to investigate the regulatory role of MIMP in inflammatory cytokines. The level changes of inflammatory cytokines were detected using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent and real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. The involved regulatory mechanisms were investigated mainly using dual luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Results: In the DSS-induced colitis model, we observed that MIMP intervention effectively improved the body weight loss, increased the colon length and decreased disease activity index. Consistently, the inflammation scores in the MIMP treatment group were significantly lower than those in the DSS treatment group. Furthermore, MIMP intervention was found to successfully neutralize DSS treatment by decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-23) and increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). Notably, the permeability assay demonstrated that the MIMP treatment group was remarkably lower than that in the DSS treatment group. We also showed that MIMP improved gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by DSS-induced inflammation. Additionally, in PBMCs and the CaCO-2 co-culture model, MIMP showed an obvious suppressive effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we revealed that MIMP could modulate inflammatory cytokine expression through the toll-like receptor 4 pathway and histone acetylation. Conclusions: Our results suggested that MIMP showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect through regulating the gut barrier, microbiota and inflammatory cytokines. MIMP may have translational relevance as clinically relevant therapy for IBD patients.
LINC00037 Inhibits Proliferation of Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells in an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Dependent Way
Authors: Gong Xiaohui , Du Xianjin , Xu Yong , Zheng Wenze
Published: January 2018

Background/Aims: LINC00037 has previously been reported to be up-regulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), however, the underlying mechanism remained unknown. In this study, we designed to investigate the functional role of LINC00037 in ccRCC Methods: LINC00037 knockdown and re-expressing 786-O and A498 cells were established. CCK8 assay and EdU assay were performed to evaluate the proliferation rates of ccRCC cells. Flow cytometry assay was performed to detect the cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Subcutaneous injection xenotransplantation mouse model was used to observe the role of LINC00037 in tumor growth in vivo. Mass spectrometry (MS) was performed to find the interacting partner of LINC00037 and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) was carried out to validate their interaction. Results: We found that knockdown of LINC00037 resulted in inhibited cell proliferation with activated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro. Over-expression of LINC00037 in LINC00037 knockdown cells restored and enhanced cell proliferation. In vivo mouse model indicated reduced tumor progression by LINC00037 depletion and promoted tumor progression by LINC00037 overexpression. LINC00037 could bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and increase the protein level of EGFR. Conclusion: LINC00037 could inhibit proliferation of ccRCC in an epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent way.
Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Calycosin Against Focal Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Wang Yong , Ren Qianyao , Zhang Xing , Lu Huiling , Chen Jian
Published: January 2018

Background/Aims: Emerging evidence suggests that autophagy plays important roles in the pathophysiological processes of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. Calycosin, an isoflavone phytoestrogen, possesses neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of calycosin against ischemia and reperfusion injury, as well as related probable mechanisms behind autophagy pathways. Methods: A cerebral ischemic and reperfusion injury model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Neurological scores, infarct volumes, and brain water content were assessed after 24 h reperfusion following 2 h ischemia. Additionally, the expression of the autophagy-related protein p62 and NBR1 (neighbor of BRCA1 gene 1), as well as Bcl-2, and TNF-α in rat brain tissues was measured by RT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: The results showed that calycosin pretreatment for 14 days markedly decreased infarct volume and brain edema, and ameliorated neurological scores in rats with focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. It was observed that levels of p62, NBR1 and Bcl-2 were greatly decreased, and levels of TNF-α significantly increased after ischemia and reperfusion injury. However, calycosin administration dramatically upregulated the expression of p62, NBR1 and Bcl-2, and downregulated the level of TNF-α. Conclusions: All data reveal that calycosin exerts a neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury, and the mechanisms maybe associated with its anti-autophagic, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory action.
Antibacterial Activity, Cytotoxicity, and the Mechanism of Action of Bacteriocin from Bacillus subtilis GAS101
Authors: Sharma Garima , Dang Shweta , Gupta Sanjay , Gabrani Reema
Published: January 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to purify and characterize bacteriocin from the soil isolate Bacillus subtilis GAS101, and to determine its antimicrobial as well as antibiofilm potential. The purified bacteriocin was further analyzed and evaluated for mammalian cell cytotoxicity and the possible mode of action. Material and Methods: Bacteriocin from B. subtilis GAS101 (an animal husbandry soil isolate) was partially purified and checked for antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The molecular weight of bacteriocin was determined using tricine SDS-PAGE gel. The stability of bacteriocin was investigated at various temperatures and pH levels, and its sensitivity towards 8 enzymes and 6 chemicals was determined. Cytotoxicity analysis was performed on a Vero cell line by a tetrazolium dye-based assay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of bacteriocin-treated bacteria was carried out to determine the possible mode of action. Results: Bacteriocin from B. subtilis GAS101 was a potential inhibitor of both the indicator organisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli), and had a molecular weight of approximately 6.5 kDa. An in situ gel assay showed a zone of inhibition corresponding to the estimated protein band size. Bacteriocin was stable and showed antibacterial activity in broad ranges of temperature (30–121°C) and pH (2–12). It was sensitive to 4 proteolytic enzymes, which indicated its proteinaceous nature. Bacteriocin showed > 70% cell viability on the mammalian Vero cell line. SEM depicted that the bacteriocin was able to disrupt the bacterial cell membrane as its probable mode of action. Conclusion: Thermostable and pH-tolerant bacteriocin from B. subtilis GAS101, of about 6.5 kDa, showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity.
Enhanced Redox State and Efficiency of Glucose Oxidation With miR Based Suppression of Maladaptive NADPH-Dependent Malic Enzyme 1 Expression in Hypertrophied Hearts
Authors: Lahey Ryan , Carley Andrew N. , Wang Xuerong , Glass Carley E. , Accola Kevin D. , Silvestry Scott , O’Donnell J. Michael , Lewandowski E. Douglas
Published: January 2018

Rationale:

Metabolic remodeling in hypertrophic hearts includes inefficient glucose oxidation via increased anaplerosis fueled by pyruvate carboxylation. Pyruvate carboxylation to malate through elevated ME1 (malic enzyme 1) consumes NADPH necessary for reduction of glutathione and maintenance of intracellular redox state.

Objective:

To elucidate upregulated ME1 as a potential maladaptive mechanism for inefficient glucose oxidation and compromised redox state in hypertrophied hearts.

Methods and Results:

ME1 expression was selectively inhibited, in vivo, via non-native miR-ME1 (miRNA specific to ME1) in pressure-overloaded rat hearts. Rats subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or Sham surgery received either miR-ME1 or PBS. Effects of ME1 suppression on anaplerosis and reduced glutathione (GSH) content were studied in isolated hearts supplied
13
C-enriched substrate: palmitate, glucose, and lactate. Human myocardium collected from failing and nonfailing hearts during surgery enabled RT-qPCR confirmation of elevated ME1 gene expression in clinical heart failure versus nonfailing human hearts (
P
<0.04). TAC induced elevated ME1 content, but ME1 was lowered in hearts infused with miR-ME1 versus PBS. Although Sham miR-ME1 hearts showed no further reduction of inherently low anaplerosis in normal heart, miR-ME1 reduced anaplerosis in TAC to baseline: TAC miR-ME1=0.034±0.004; TAC PBS=0.081±0.005 (
P
<0.01). Countering elevated anaplerosis in TAC shifted pyruvate toward oxidation in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Importantly, via the link to NADPH consumption by pyruvate carboxylation, ME1 suppression in TAC restored GSH content, reduced lactate production, and ultimately improved contractility.

Conclusions:

A maladaptive increase in anaplerosis via ME1 in TAC is associated with reduced GSH content. Suppressing increased ME1 expression in hypertrophied rat hearts, which is also elevated in failing human hearts, reduced pyruvate carboxylation thereby normalizing anaplerosis, restoring GSH content, and reducing lactate accumulation. Reducing ME1 induced favorable metabolic shifts for carbohydrate oxidation, improving intracellular redox state and enhanced cardiac performance in pathological hypertrophy.
CD301b/MGL2
+
Mononuclear Phagocytes Orchestrate Autoimmune Cardiac Valve Inflammation and Fibrosis
Authors: Meier Lee A. , Auger Jennifer L. , Engelson Brianna J. , Cowan Hannah M. , Breed Elise R. , Gonzalez-Torres Mayra I. , Boyer Joshua D. , Verma Mayank , Marath Aubyn , Binstadt Bryce A.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Valvular heart disease is common and affects the mitral valve (MV) most frequently. Despite the prevalence of MV disease (MVD), the cellular and molecular pathways that initiate and perpetuate it are not well understood.

Methods:

K/B.g7 T-cell receptor transgenic mice spontaneously develop systemic autoantibody-associated autoimmunity, leading to fully penetrant fibroinflammatory MVD and arthritis. We used multiparameter flow cytometry, intracellular cytokine staining, and immunofluorescent staining to characterize the cells in inflamed K/B.g7 MVs. We used genetic approaches to study the contribution of mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) to MVD in this model. Specifically, we generated K/B.g7 mice in which either CX3CR1 or CD301b/macrophage galactose
N
-acetylgalactosamine–specific lectin 2 (MGL2)–expressing MNPs were ablated. Using K/B.g7 mice expressing
Cx3Cr1
-Cre, we conditionally deleted critical inflammatory molecules from MNPs, including the Fc-receptor signal-transducing tyrosine kinase Syk and the cell adhesion molecule very late antigen–4. We performed complementary studies using monoclonal antibodies to block key inflammatory molecules. We generated bone marrow chimeric mice to define the origin of the inflammatory cells present in the MV and to determine which valve cells respond to the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Finally, we examined specimens from patients with rheumatic heart disease to correlate our findings to human pathology.

Results:

MNPs comprised the vast majority of MV-infiltrating cells; these MNPs expressed CX3CR1 and CD301b/MGL2. Analogous cells were present in human rheumatic heart disease valves. K/B.g7 mice lacking CX3CR1 or in which CD301b/MGL2-expressing MNPs were ablated were protected from MVD. The valve-infiltrating CD301b/MGL2
+
MNPs expressed tissue-reparative molecules including arginase-1 and resistin-like molecule α. These MNPs also expressed the proinflammatory cytokines TNF and interleukin-6, and antibody blockade of these cytokines prevented MVD. Deleting Syk from CX3CR1-expressing MNPs reduced their TNF and interleukin-6 production and also prevented MVD. TNF acted through TNF receptor–1 expressed on valve-resident cells to increase the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule–1. Conditionally deleting the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ligand very late antigen–4 from CX3CR1-expressing MNPs prevented MVD.

Conclusions:

CD301b/MGL2
+
MNPs are key drivers of autoimmune MVD in K/B.g7 mice and are also present in human rheumatic heart disease. We define key inflammatory molecules that drive MVD in this model, including Syk, TNF, interleukin-6, very late antigen–4, and vascular cell adhesion molecule–1.
Description of a new species of Caridina (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) from two Micronesian islands (Guam and Babeldaob)
Authors: DE MAZANCOURT VALENTIN , MARQUET GERARD , ROGERS D. CHRISTOPHER , KEITH PHILIPPE
Published: January 2018

During field trips to Guam and Babeldaob Islands in Micronesia, freshwater shrimps were sampled and assigned either to Caridina brachydactyla De Man, 1908 or C. mertoni J. Roux, 1911 (Decapoda: Atyidae), following previous inventories. In combining morphological data with a genetical analysis, it appeared that all the specimens belonged to a new species, Caridina variabilis sp. nov., here described with its distribution. The status of this new species is clarified and finally, neither C. brachydactyla, nor C. mertoni occur in these two islands. DNA sequences of 16S were obtained from the syntypes of C. mertoni.
A new species of small-eared shrew of the genus Cryptotis (Mammalia, Eulipotyphla, Soricidae) from the northernmost Peruvian Andes
Authors: ZEBALLOS HORACIO , PINO KATERYN , MEDINA CÉSAR E. , PARI ALEXANDER , CHÁVEZ DANIEL , TINOCO NICOLÁS , CEBALLOS GERARDO
Published: January 2018

The northernmost Peruvian Andes, a unique biogeographic region characterized by the confluence of multiple distinct ecosystems (i.e. Amazon basin, Pacific rainforest, the Sechura Desert, the northern and central Andes), is the southernmost geographic range limit of the South American shrews representing the genus Cryptotis. In the northernmost Peruvian Andes, two poorly known species have traditionally been reported (C. peruviensis and C. equatoris). Our study, based on molecular and morphologic traits, confirms the presence of C. peruviensis but also the occurrence of C. montivaga, based on specimens erroneously assigned to C. equatoris. Moreover, a new species of Cryptotis from the páramo and montane forests of the Tabaconas Namballe National Sanctuary near the Ecuadorian border is also described. It is a member of the thomasi group and is distinguished from other South American shrews by a unique set of morphological characters, including large body size, comparatively short tail, simple ectoloph of M3, and large PM4 post protocrista.
Transport by Lagrangian Vortices in the Eastern Pacific
Authors: Abernathey Ryan , Haller George
Published: January 2018

Rotationally coherent Lagrangian vortices (RCLVs) are identified from satellite-derived surface geostrophic velocities in the eastern Pacific (180°–130°W) using the objective (frame invariant) finite-time Lagrangian coherent structure detection method of Haller et al. based on the Lagrangian-averaged vorticity deviation. RCLVs are identified for 30-, 90-, and 270-day intervals over the entire satellite dataset, beginning in 1993. In contrast to structures identified using Eulerian eddy-tracking methods, the RCLVs maintain material coherence over the specified time intervals, making them suitable for material transport estimates. Statistics of RCLVs are compared to statistics of eddies identified from sea surface height (SSH) by Chelton et al. RCLVs and SSH eddies are found to propagate westward at similar speeds at each latitude, consistent with the Rossby wave dispersion relation. However, RCLVs are uniformly smaller and shorter-lived than SSH eddies. A coherent eddy diffusivity is derived to quantify the contribution of RCLVs to meridional transport; it is found that RCLVs contribute less than 1% to net meridional dispersion and diffusion in this sector, implying that eddy transport of tracers is mostly due to incoherent motions, such as swirling and filamentation outside of the eddy cores, rather than coherent meridional translation of eddies themselves. These findings call into question prior estimates of coherent eddy transport based on Eulerian eddy identification methods.
Examining the apocalyptic in Roberto Saviano’s Gomorra
Authors: Bellew R Shelton
Published: January 2018

This article examines the apocalyptic in Gomorra ( Saviano, 2006 ). Wu Ming 1 (2008) declared Saviano’s novel to be part of a new body of literature called the “New Italian Epic” based upon the narrative’s seven characteristics. Alessandro Dal Lago (2010) , on the other hand, does not think that Saviano’s work represents a new genre. For him, Ming’s sixth characteristic, the unidentified narrative object, has been the narrative technique of various historical authors such as Giovanni Verga (1978) and almost any work by Jorge Borges, just to name two. This technique is that of a composite narrator, which employs mimesis in combination with a diegetic narrative that alternates between being intradiegetic and extradiegetic according to the author’s whim. In assessing Gomorra, Dal Lago argues that there has always been literature that appears to tell an objective truth but that, in fact, represents the author’s subjective portrayal. He calls this writing style the “heroic rhetoric.” Dal Lago is correct in assessing this rhetorical style, but does not fully explain Saviano’s popular success. This article will review the apocalyptic literature to show how it applies to the narrative of Saviano’s prophetic voice in an eschatological context.
Exploring English as an International Language – Curriculum, Materials and Pedagogical Strategies
Authors: Xu Zhichang
Published: January 2018

The English language has been going through a dual process of globalization and nativization. The globalization of English renders the language into a global lingua franca and an international language, whereas the nativization of English diversifies it into varieties of English, namely, World Englishes. Such ‘glocalization’ of English has realistic implications for teaching English as an International Language (TEIL). English as an International Language (EIL) is more than a ‘language’ per se. It has increasingly been conceptualized as a framework or a paradigm, developed alongside the glocalization of English, and it is a multicultural way of thinking, doing and being. EIL recognizes English variation and varieties, and it is time to introduce EIL awareness, literacy, and competence into tertiary education. This article unpacks the assumptions and definitions of EIL, and explores the pedagogical implications of teaching EIL at a tertiary institution in Australia. In particular, this article reviews and examines an EIL unit titled ‘Exploring English as an International Language’ in terms of its curriculum, materials, and pedagogical strategies. It can be argued that TEIL is not only realistic, but also essential for university students who engage in communication in a variety of international contexts in today’s globalized world.
Depression Associated With Transitions Into and Out of Spousal Caregiving
Authors: Kaufman Jennifer E. , Lee Yeonjung , Vaughon Wendy , Unuigbe Aig , Gallo William T.
Published: January 2018

This study investigates depressive symptoms among spousal caregivers in three groups: those who become caregivers, those who continue care, and those who exit caregiving, compared with those who remain non-caregivers. We also examine depressive symptoms among widowed caregivers by length of bereavement. We use four waves of the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012), for a total of 43,262 observations. Findings show elevated levels of depressive symptoms for new caregivers, continuing caregivers, and exit caregivers. Among exit caregivers, symptoms were elevated when measured in the first 15 months after the spouse’s death but declined thereafter. These findings add to the evidence that spousal caregiving carries a risk for depression, and symptoms are likely to peak near the end of the caregiving episode. These results underscore the need to provide support to newly widowed individuals.
Complications of surgery for infectious lung cavities
Authors: Cortés-Julián Gildardo , Valencia Luis C. , Ríos-Pascual Silviano , de la Rosa-Abarroa Marco A , Guzmán-de Alba Enrique
Published: January 2018

Background

Infectious lung cavities are a common entity for the respiratory physician. Sometimes these lesions require surgical treatment, but surgery is challenging, and complications are common.

Methods

Patients with infectious lung cavities amenable to surgical treatment were included in a case-control study. The control group included patients with no complications. The cases group comprised patients with any of the following complications up to 90 days after surgery: death, persistence of hemoptysis, empyema, operative blood loss > 500 mL, vascular lesion requiring repair, massive transfusion (>5 units of packed red blood cells per 48 h) or reoperation for bleeding, postoperative mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay > 48 h, prolonged air leak, and persistent atelectasis. The potential risk factors for complications analyzed were demographic data, exposure to contaminants, comorbidities, preoperative embolization, surgical indication, spirometry results, and sputum test positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Results

Forty-five patients were included in the study and divided into 24 cases and 21 controls. We found a significant difference in the time to removal of chest tubes in favor of the noncomplicated cases (6.45 vs. 4.05 days, p = 0.030), and persistent active infection at the time of surgery tended to be a risk factor for complications (odds ratio = 6.6, 95% confidence interval: 0.7–60, p = 0.061).

Conclusion

The presence of persistent active infection at the time of surgery could be a risk factor for complications in resection surgery for infectious lung cavities.
Can community-based organisations deliver adequate agricultural information to farmers? Evidence from rural resources centres in Cameroon
Authors: Kenfack Essougong Urcil Papito , Fongang Fouepe Guillaume Hensel , Degrande Ann
Published: January 2018

Rural Resources Centres (RRCs) managed by community-based organisations, where farmers come together for training and demonstration, have been an innovative extension approach in Cameroon since 2006. This paper describes information flow in RRCs and farmers’ assessment of RRCs as information sources. All the RRCs in Cameroon were studied and 29 group interviews, involving 118 producers and 7 individual interviews with RRC managers, were performed. RRCs share information with several stakeholders including farmers, research institutions, and educational and religious institutions; and interpersonal channels are commonly used. Farmers and agricultural extension workers are the most important sources of information for RRCs. Farmers rank RRCs as their second best sources of information after fellow farmers. On average, each year, RRCs organise at least 40 training sessions for about 1777 participants. The themes are mainly agroforestry (29%), marketing (20%), group dynamics (20%) and post-harvest techniques (11%). The issue of funding the activities of the RRCs needs to be addressed, they need to be better structured, and their human resources increased and strengthened.
Representing African cities in Wikipedia
Authors: Luyt Brendan
Published: January 2018

The role played by representations in the lives of cities endows the study of their production and distribution in various media with importance. Today, the Internet, that amorphous network linking much of the world, is a powerful new media for the imagination of city spaces and hence in need of investigation. In this article, I focus on the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia, one of the most popular websites on the Internet. My aim is to explore the representations of two of the largest sub-Saharan African cities, Lagos and Kinshasa, in their respective Wikipedia articles. Wikipedia has been described as the encyclopaedia anyone can edit, suggesting that it is open to multiple perspectives on any particular topic. Given the history of how Africa in general has been either marginalized or conjured as an exotic or miserable “other” by much media work this potential for wider range of representations should not be overlooked. Does Wikipedia live up to its reputation in the case of Kinshasa and Lagos?
Visualizing the intercity railway network in Mainland China
Authors: Niu Fangqu , Li Jun
Published: January 2018

This study uses an equal population cartogram to plot the intercity railway network in Mainland China.
Distal Clavicular Osteochondral Autograft Augmentation for Glenoid Bone Loss: A Comparison of Radius of Restoration Versus Latarjet Graft
Authors: Kwapisz Adam , Fitzpatrick Kelly , Cook Jay B. , Athwal George S. , Tokish John M.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Bone loss in shoulder instability is a well-recognized cause of failure after stabilization surgery. Many approaches have been described to address glenoid bone loss, including coracoid transfer. This transfer can be technically difficult and has been associated with high complication rates. An ideal alternative to coracoid transfer would be an autologous source of fresh osteochondral graft with enough surface area to replace significant glenoid bone loss. The distal clavicle potentially provides such a graft source that is readily available and low-cost.

Purpose:

To evaluate distal clavicular autograft reconstruction for instability-related glenoid bone loss, specifically comparing the width of the clavicular autograft with the width of an ipsilateral coracoid graft as prepared for a Latarjet procedure. Further, we sought to compare the articular cartilage thickness of the distal clavicle graft with that of the native glenoid.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty-seven fresh-frozen cadaver specimens were dissected, and an open distal clavicle excision was performed. The coracoid process in each specimen was prepared as has been described for a classic Latarjet coracoid transfer. In each specimen, the distal clavicle graft was compared with the coracoid graft for size and potential of glenoid articular radius of restoration. The distal clavicle graft was also compared with the native glenoid for cartilage thickness.

Results:

In all specimens, the distal clavicle grafts provided a greater radius of glenoid restoration than the coracoid grafts ( P < .0001). On average, the clavicular graft was able to reconstruct 44% of the glenoid diameter, compared with 33% for the coracoid graft ( P < .0001). The articular cartilage of the glenoid was significantly thicker (1.4 mm thicker, P < .0001) than that of the distal clavicular autograft (average ± SD, 3.5 ± 0.6 mm vs 2.1 ± 0.8 mm, respectively). When specimens with osteoarthritis were excluded, this difference decreased to 0.97 mm when compared with the clavicular cartilage ( P = .0026).

Conclusion:

The distal clavicle autograft can restore a significantly greater glenoid bone deficit than the Latarjet procedure and has the additional benefit of restoring articular cartilage to the glenoid. The articular cartilage thickness of the distal clavicle is within 1.4 mm of that of the native glenoid.

Clinical Relevance:

The distal clavicular autograft may be a suitable option for reconstruction of instability-related glenoid bone loss. This graft provides a structural osteochondral autograft with a broader radius of reconstruction than that of a coracoid graft, is locally available, has minimal donor site morbidity, is anatomic, and provides articular cartilage.
Accuracy Between AJSM Author-Reported Disclosures and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments Database
Authors: Boddapati Venkat , Fu Michael C. , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Ranawat Anil S. , Zhen Wilson Y. , Dines Joshua S.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Inaccurate disclosures of physician and industry relationships in scientific reporting may create an asymmetry of information by hiding potential biases. The accuracy of conflict of interest disclosure in sports medicine research is unknown.

Purpose:

To compare author financial disclosures in published articles in 2016 in the American Journal of Sports Medicine ( AJSM) with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Open Payments Database (OPD) to determine the percentage of payments values and percentage of eligible authors with discrepancies.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; no level of evidence (nonclinical).

Methods:

All articles published in 2016 in AJSM were screened to identify eligible authors. On the basis of OPD reporting, physician authors affiliated with a US institution were included. Stated disclosures in AJSM publications for these authors were identified and compared with industry-reported payments on OPD.

Results:

A total of 434 authors were included in this study. Mean and median total payments per author per year were $76,941 and $1692, respectively. The most commonly received payment was for food and beverage (81.3% of authors), followed by travel and lodging (45.4%) and consulting (31.8%). Authors with higher total payments were less likely to be discrepant in their reporting—notably, authors earning >$500,000 had 16.1% of payment values with discrepancy, as opposed to 85.3% for those earning <$10,000 ( P < .001). First authors had a lower percentage of payment values with discrepancy (13.8%) versus middle authors (31.9%, P = .001). Finally, men had a lower percentage of payment values with discrepancy (418 authors, 22.3% of payment values with discrepancy) as compared with women (16 authors, 95.3%; P < .001). Regarding industry payments specifically requested on the AJSM disclosure form for authors (royalties, consulting, research payments, and ownership and investments), only 25.3% of authors had a discrepancy in these payment categories in aggregate.

Conclusion:

Discrepancies exist between disclosures reported by authors publishing in AJSM and what is reported in the OPD. Authors receiving lower total payments, middle authors, and women are more likely to have disclosure discrepancies. Additionally, industry research funding support and ownership interest are most likely to go unreported. However, this study did not assess whether authors with industry payments preferentially published studies pertaining to products from companies from which they received funding. As national registries such as the OPD are increasingly utilized, physicians may benefit from referencing such databases before submitting conflict of interest disclosures.
On-site estimation of total polyphenol in fresh tea leaf using near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Hazarika Ajanto K , Chanda Somdeb , Sabhapondit Santanu , Sanyal Sandip , Tamuly Pradip , Tasrin Sahnaz , Sing Dilip , Naskar Hemanta , Tudu Bipan , Bandyopadhyay Rajib
Published: January 2018

The quality of tea liquor primarily depends on the quality of inbound fresh leaves to a tea factory. We report here the development of an industrial set-up using diffuse reflectance near-infrared spectroscopy for quick and on-spot estimation of total polyphenol content, which is one of the major quality indicators of tea. In the inspection system, freshly plucked tea leaves are dried with a heating system designed in such a way that the moisture content is reduced to around 3–4%. The dried leaves are then ground and sieved through a 250 µm mesh. Samples thus produced are placed automatically before the near-infrared beam and assessment of total polyphenol is done instantaneously.
Application of the GRADE Approach in the Development of Guidelines and Recommendations in Genomic Medicine
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad , Boccia Stefania
Published: January 2018

A great deal of ambiguity exists in the development of guidelines for genomic applications used in clinical practice. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach has the potential to be applied in the guidelines and recommendations development process in genomics. Here, we discuss whether and how GRADE can be applied to address the challenges posed by the evidence-based guidelines and recommendations development process in genomics. To see how GRADE can complement to the current guidelines development in genomics, we compare and contrast GRADE with other approaches. GRADE differed from other methods by incorporating patient values and preferences and balance of consequences. We conclude that the groups trying to implement genomics into practice may gleam more information from applying the GRADE framework. However, it is not clear yet whether GRADE can address the issue of timeliness in terms of the differences between the time required for guidelines development and the rapid pace of genomics.
An improved DV-Hop localization with minimum connected dominating set for mobile nodes in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Kumar Gulshan , Rai Mritunjay Kumar , Saha Rahul , Kim Hye-jin
Published: January 2018

Localization is one of the key concepts in wireless sensor networks. Different techniques and measures to calculate the location of unknown nodes were introduced in recent past. But the issue of nodes’ mobility requires more attention. The algorithms introduced earlier to support mobility lack the utilization of the anchor nodes’ privileges. Therefore, in this article, an improved DV-Hop localization algorithm is introduced that supports the mobility of anchor nodes as well as unknown nodes. Coordination of anchor nodes creates a minimum connected dominating set that works as a backbone in the proposed algorithm. The focus of the research paper is to locate unknown nodes with the help of anchor nodes by utilizing the network resources efficiently. The simulated results in network simulator-2 and the statistical analysis of the data provide a clear impression that our novel algorithm improves the error rate and the time consumption.
Adaptive sensing scheme using naive Bayes classification for environment monitoring with drone
Authors: Ho Yao-Hua , Huang Yu-Te , Chu Hao-Hua , Chen Ling-Jyh
Published: January 2018

Environmental sensors are important for collecting data to understand environmental changes and analyze environmental issues. In order to effectively monitor environmental changes, high-density sensor deployment and evenly distributed spatial distance between sensors become the requirements and desired properties for such applications. In many applications, sensors are deployed in locations that are difficult and dangerous to reach (e.g. mountaintop or skyscraper roof). To collect data from those sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles are used to act as data mules to overcome the problem of collecting data in challenging environments. In this article, we extend the adaptive return-to-home sensing algorithm with a parameter-tuning algorithm that combines naive Bayes classification and binary search to adapt adaptive return-to-home sensing parameters effectively on the fly. The proposed approach is able to (1) optimize number of sensing attempts, (2) reduce oscillation of the distance for consecutive attempts, and (3) reserve enough power for drone to return-to-home. Our results show that the naive Bayes classification–enhanced adaptive return-to-home sensing scheme is able to avoid oscillation in sensing and guarantees return-to-home feature while behaving more cost-effective in parameter tuning than the other machine learning–based approaches.
Hormonal Contraception and Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: White Nicole D.
Published: January 2018

Contemporary hormonal contraception formulations contain lower doses of estrogen, have new synthetic progestin components, and provide novel methods of delivery that have not been studied extensively in relation to breast cancer risk. Given that hormonal contraception is the leading method of birth control in the United States, it is important to reevaluate risk using current formulations. Recent studies including contemporary hormonal contraception formulations will be described.
Medium-term follow-up of 149 mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasties and evaluation of prognostic factors influencing outcomes
Authors: Rosso Federica , Cottino Umberto , Olivero Matteo , Bonasia Davide Edoardo , Bruzzone Matteo , Rossi Roberto
Published: January 2018

Objective:

To evaluate the medium-term outcomes of a posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (PS-MB-TKA) and the role of different prognostic factors.

Methods:

Patients indicated for a primary cemented PS-MB-TKA between 2002 and 2010 were included and prospectively evaluated using the Knee Society Scoring System (KSS) and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee scores. The Knee Society Roentgenographic Evaluation form was used for the radiological evaluation. Different variables were collected and divided into patient- and surgery-related. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between these variables and implants outcomes and survivorship.

Results:

In total, 149 cases were included (67.8% female, average age 70.4 years, SD ±9.4). The patella was resurfaced in 12.1% of the cases. All the implants were cemented. The average follow-up was 87.3 months (SD ±21.2). Postoperatively, there was a statistically significant improvement in all the scores. The cumulative survival was 96.2% (SD ±0.02%). At the regression analysis, female gender was associated to worse satisfaction KSS (OR = 0.26), functional KSS (OR = 0.22), and HSS (OR = 0.37) scores. Patellar resurfacing and subsequent contralateral procedures were associated to better functional KSS score (OR = 4.13, OR = 2.21), as well as varus preoperative alignment (OR = 2.12). On contrary, valgus preoperative alignment was associated to worse objective KSS score (OR = 0.23). No variables were correlated to failure or presence of radiolucent lines.

Conclusion:

Good medium-term outcomes were obtained using PS-MB-TKA, with a cumulative survivorship of 96.5%. Female gender and valgus preoperative alignment were associated to worse objective and subjective outcomes. Conversely, patellar replacement, subsequent contralateral TKA, and varus preoperative alignment were associated to better functional outcomes.
Awareness of middle sacral artery pathway: A cadaveric study of the presacral area
Authors: Singhatanadgige Weerasak , Kang Daniel G , Wiranuwat Dol , Tanavalee Chotetawan , Yingsakmongkol Wicharn , Limthongkul Worawat
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

To assess the anatomic path of the middle sacral artery (MSA) at the presacral area and its relationship to the spinal midline during an axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLif) approach.

Methods:

Fifty human cadavers (25 males, 25 females) were used in this study. A transabdominal approach was used to expose the anterior aspect of the L5/S1 intervertebral disc and the presacral space. We measured the size and distance from the spinal midline at the following positions: (a) middle of the L5/S1 disc level, (b) 1 cm below the sacral promontory (SP), and (c) 2 cm below the SP. Each parameter was measured three times by two observers, and the mean value analyzed.

Results:

The MSA was present and originated from the left common iliac artery in all cadavers with a mean width of 2.14 mm. The position of the MSA in relation to the midline was most commonly on the left side (LS, 56%) followed by the right side (RS, 34%) and midline (ML, 10%). In the LS group, the distance from the midline is relatively constant in the three measured positions with a mean value of (a) 1.78 mm (range, 0–8.17 mm), (b) 2.08 mm (range, 0–7.10 mm), and (c) 2.06 mm (range, 0–9.76 mm). In the RS group, the distance from the midline increased from cephalad to caudad, with a mean value of (a) 1.44 mm (range, 0–9.64 mm), (b) 2.19 mm (range, 0–9.95 mm), and (c) 2.92 mm (range, 0–10.03 mm).

Conclusions:

Our study found the presacral anatomic path of the MSA was most commonly at the left of midline. In addition, the right-sided MSA variant had increasing distance from the midline along its anatomic path from cephalad to caudad. Our findings suggest an AxiaLif approach at the left of midline may place the MSA at greatest risk.
Chemohormonal Therapy in Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Survival Analysis of the Randomized Phase III E3805 CHAARTED Trial
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Christos E. , Chen Yu-Hui , Carducci Michael A. , Liu Glenn , Jarrard David F. , Hahn Noah M. , Shevrin Daniel H. , Dreicer Robert , Hussain Maha , Eisenberger Mario , Kohli Manish , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Picus Joel , Cooney Matthew M. , Garcia Jorge A. , DiPaola Robert S. , Sweeney Christopher J.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Docetaxel added to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) significantly increases the longevity of some patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Herein, we present the outcomes of the CHAARTED (Chemohormonal Therapy Versus Androgen Ablation Randomized Trial for Extensive Disease in Prostate Cancer) trial with more mature follow-up and focus on tumor volume.

Patients and Methods

In this phase III study, 790 patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer were equally randomly assigned to receive either ADT in combination with docetaxel 75 mg/m2for up to six cycles or ADT alone. The primary end point of the study was overall survival (OS). Additional analyses of the prospectively defined low- and high-volume disease subgroups were performed. High-volume disease was defined as presence of visceral metastases and/or ≥ four bone metastases with at least one outside of the vertebral column and pelvis.

Results

At a median follow-up of 53.7 months, the median OS was 57.6 months for the chemohormonal therapy arm versus 47.2 months for ADT alone (hazard ratio [HR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.89; P = .0018). For patients with high-volume disease (n = 513), the median OS was 51.2 months with chemohormonal therapy versus 34.4 months with ADT alone (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.79; P < .001). For those with low-volume disease (n = 277), no OS benefit was observed (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.55; P = .86).

Conclusion

The clinical benefit from chemohormonal therapy in prolonging OS was confirmed for patients with high-volume disease; however, for patients with low-volume disease, no OS benefit was discerned.
Frictions or Mental Gaps: What's Behind the Information We (Don't) Use and When Do We Care?
Authors: Handel Benjamin , Schwartzstein Joshua
Published: January 2018

Consumers suffer significant losses from not acting on available information. These losses stem from frictions such as search costs, switching costs, and rational inattention, as well as what we call mental gaps resulting from wrong priors/worldviews, or relevant features of a problem not being top of mind. Most research studying such losses does not empirically distinguish between these mechanisms. Instead, we show that most highly cited papers in this area presume one mechanism underlies consumer choices and assume away other potential explanations, or collapse many mechanisms together. We discuss the empirical difficulties that arise in distinguishing between different mechanisms, and some promising approaches for making progress in doing so. We also assess when it is more or less important for researchers to distinguish between these mechanisms. Approaches that seek to identify true value from demand, without specifying mechanisms behind this wedge, are most useful when researchers are interested in evaluating allocation policies that strongly steer consumers towards better options with regulation, traditional policy instruments, and defaults. On the other hand, understanding the precise mechanisms underlying consumer losses is essential to predicting the impact of mechanism policies aimed primarily at reducing specific frictions or mental gaps without otherwise steering consumers. We make the case that papers engaging with these questions empirically should be clear about whether their analyses distinguish between mechanisms behind poorly informed choices, and what that implies for the questions they can answer. We present examples from several empirical contexts to highlight these distinctions.