bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrids between chum Oncorhynchus keta and pink Oncorhynchus gorbuscha salmon: age, growth and morphology and effects on salmon production
Authors: Zhivotovsky L. A. , Tochilina T. G. , Shaikhaev E. G. , Pogodin V. P. , Malinina T. V. , Gharrett A. J.
Published: August 2016

Mature hybrids between chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta and pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, which were identified by an intermediate colour pattern, were caught at the Kurilsky Hatchery, Iturup Island, Russia. Most of them were female and 3 years old (a partial freshwater year and 2 marine years), which is intermediate between the ages of maturity of the parental species. The hybrids exceed both parental species in the rate of growth, are large in size and robust and might successfully compete for mating in the wild or be chosen for artificial reproduction. The ratio of the scale length over width, R, is oblate (R < 1), whereas scales of the parental species are prolate (R > 1). From scale analyses, the c.v. in body size of hybrid females at the second marine year is twice that of O. keta, which suggests developmental instability in the hybrid. A dynamic model predicted that continuing hybridization at a low rate does not produce a substantial hybrid load due to selection against advanced‐generation hybrids and backcrosses. A high hybridization rate, however, may be an additional risk for genetic management and should be taken into account in programmes of artificial reproduction of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp., although such hybrids might have commercial use in confined production systems.
Biochemical Quality Changes During Iced Storage of Indian Octopus (Cistopus indicus)
Authors: Manimaran Uthaman , Jeya Shakila Robinson , Sivaraman Balasubramannian , Shalini Rajendran , Jeyasekaran Geevaretnam , Shanmugam S.A.
Published: August 2016

Indian octopus (Cistopus indicus), in whole, gutted and deskinned forms were analyzed for the changes in biochemical quality characteristics during storage in contact and noncontact with ice. Whole and gutted octopus held in contact with ice was sensorially acceptable for 7 and 9 days, respectively. Deskinned octopus was of good quality until day 12, due to sharp decline in autolytic activity on day 3 itself. Non protein nitrogen (NPN) and α‐amino nitrogen (α‐AN) decreased several folds during storage. Water soluble ammoniacal nitrogen (WSAN) increased exponentially during storage and it correlated well with the sensory characteristics. Total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N) increased during storage but did not reach the maximum EU permissible limit. Deskinned octopus chilled in contact with ice had comparatively high α‐AN, but low WSAN and TVB‐N than whole and gutted octopus. Hence, the shelf life of octopus can be improved by gutting and deskinning followed by chilling in contact with ice.

Practical Applications

Now‐a‐days the processing industry faces severe problems due to the rapid spoilage and off‐odor development of chilled and frozen octopus, which has led to frequent rejection of commodities by the importing countries. This study indicated that water soluble ammoniacal nitrogen could serve as a good biochemical index to assess the spoilage status of the chilled octopus processed in different forms. It was also found that deskinning of octopus increased the shelf life of octopus and reduced spoilage significantly.
Agronomic Qualitative Viability of Spent Pleurotus Substrate and its Mixture with Wheat Bran and a Commercial Supplement
Authors: Picornell‐Buendía María Raquel , Pardo‐Giménez Arturo , De Juan‐Valero José Arturo
Published: August 2016

In this study the agronomic viability of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm., is studied by reusing the spent substrates previously used in crops of the same mushrooms. After the physical and chemical characterization of the substrates, we have evaluated the qualitative production parameters in one growing season. As base material, the experiment was arranged with wheat straw (WS) and spent Pleurotus substrate (SPS) to generate prepared substrates, alone and mixed with different proportions of wheat bran (WB) and the commercial supplement Calprozime®. With the substrates supplemented with 300 g of WB + 120 g Calprozime®, we obtained generally higher ash (8.43%) and protein contents (24.75%) in the mushrooms. These substrates also achieved acceptable breaking strength values (Bs) (182.25 N) and compression energy (CE) (944.63 mJ) in the harvested mushrooms. In turn, these substrates promote lightness (60.31) and yellow‐blue (b*) (12.93) chromaticity of the harvested mushrooms. Consequently, these composts degraded by Pleurotus ostreatus formulations could be a low cost substrate, selective and balanced nutrient for the growth and development of the oyster mushrooms.

Practical Applications

Substrates supplemented with 300 g of wheat bran (WB) + 120 g Calprozime® could be integrated through new formulations and methodologies while lowering production costs and reducing the environmental impact of unusual waste. Spent Pleurotus substrate (SPS) is considered to be environmentally unfriendly, undesirable, and presents a solid waste disposal problem for mushroom growers. If SPS could be easily available at a low cost it could be integrated into new formulations and methodologies, diminish the environmental impact of the waste produced during mushroom cultivation, limit the grower's dependence on straw, and decrease the environmental impact of its overgrowing accumulation.
Comparison of menstrual disorders in hospital nursing staff according to shift work pattern
Authors: Albert‐Sabater Josep Amílcar , Martínez José Miguel , Baste Valborg , Moen Bente E. , Ronda‐Perez Elena
Published: August 2016

Aim and objective

To assess the association between work in a rotating shift schedule and menstruation characteristics among nurse staff in a prospective study.

Background

Rotating shifts have been linked to alterations in the reproductive cycle. In the case of menstrual alterations, the conclusions are not clear.

Design

Prospective epidemiological study with follow‐up over four months.

Method

All the female nurse staff (<40 years) in a hospital were interviewed, collecting sociodemographic and employment information. They were given a menstrual diary to keep a record of their shifts and characteristics of their menstruation (duration, amount of blood, dysmenorrhoea). They had two types of shifts: (1) Rotating shift schedule (two mornings, two afternoons, one night and two days off) including morning shifts (8:00–15:00), afternoon/evening shifts (15:00–22:00) and night shifts (22:00–8:00), and (2) Day shift schedule including morning shifts (8:00–15:00) and/or afternoon/evening shifts (15:00–22:00). The crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were calculated using logistic generalised estimating equations (GEE) taking into account the correlations of multiple cycles per worker.

Results

One hundred and thirteen workers on the rotating shift and 75 on the day shift participated, and information from 730 menstrual cycles were obtained. There were no differences in prolonged duration, dysmenorrhoea, prolonged duration dysmenorrhoea and excessive bleeding among nurses on rotating shift compared to those on the day shift. For prolonged duration of menstruation, workers with more than five years on the rotating shift showed a slightly lower (nonsignificant) risk compared with those with <5 years.

Conclusions

Nurse staff on the rotating shift did not show increased risk of having menstrual disorders comparing with day staff.

Relevance to clinical practice

Shifts with short rotation cycles and a progressive sequence do not appear to cause menstrual disorders in nurse staff who work rotating shifts.
The Combined Effect of Enterprise Risk Management and Diversification on Property and Casualty Insurer Performance
Authors: Ai Jing , Bajtelsmit Vickie , Wang Tianyang
Published: August 2016

In a well‐designed enterprise risk management (ERM) program, the firm integrates risk management into the strategic planning process, addressing strategic, financial, operational, and hazard risks under a single overarching process. This is particularly important to large financial firms, such as property and casualty (P&C) insurers, which face a diverse set of risks. Using a sample of P&C insurers with S&P ERM quality ratings from 2006 to 2013, we find that the quality of a firm's ERM is a significant determinant of P&C insurer performance and that, for firms with high‐quality ERM programs, product line diversification has a significant positive effect on performance.
Health Beliefs and Breast Cancer Screening in Rural Appalachia: An Evaluation of the Health Belief Model
Authors: VanDyke Santana D. , Shell Madelynn D.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This study explored the role of the Health Belief Model in predicting breast cancer screening among women in rural Appalachia. Health beliefs (perceived susceptibility to breast cancer, severity of breast cancer, and benefits and barriers to screening) were used to predict health behavior (mammogram frequency).

Method

A total of 170 women aged 18‐78 were recruited at a free health clinic in central Appalachia. Women completed surveys that assessed demographic characteristics, mammogram frequency, and perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits and barriers to mammography.

Findings

Consistent with expectations, women with objectively elevated risks for breast cancer (history of abnormal mammograms or family history of breast cancer) perceived themselves to be at higher risk for breast cancer, and those with a history of abnormal mammograms were more likely to receive mammograms regularly. In addition, older women expected their prognosis to be marginally poorer following a diagnosis, perceived greater benefits and fewer barriers to mammography, and were significantly more likely to receive mammograms regularly. Consistent with the Health Belief Model, fewer perceived barriers to mammography predicted greater mammogram frequency. However, the model was not fully supported because perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits to mammography did not predict mammogram frequency.

Conclusions

Results highlight the importance of reducing real and perceived barriers to screening in order to improve mammography rates among rural populations.
Trajectories of sleep problems from childhood to adolescence: a population‐based longitudinal study from Norway
Authors: Sivertsen Børge , Harvey Allison G. , Pallesen Ståle , Hysing Mari
Published: August 2016

The aim of the current study was to assess the development and stability of sleep problems from childhood to late adolescence. This was a longitudinal cohort study of 2026 children, who completed three comprehensive health surveys, at age 7–9, 11–13 and 16–19 years. Data on difficulties with initiating and/or maintaining sleep (DIMS: assessed using a single item) and time in bed (TIB) were collected at all three waves, while insomnia assessed in line with the DSM‐5 criteria and sleep duration were also assessed in the last wave. Negative binomial regression analyses were used to examine prospective associations. Sleep problems in 7–9‐year‐old children were found to persist into late adolescence for approximately one‐third of the participants, both with regard to DIMS and short TIB. Children having chronic DIMS at the first two waves had nearly twice the risk of fulfilling the DSM‐5 criteria later for insomnia in late adolescence [adjusted relative risk RR: 1.91]. Short TIB at age 11–13 was also associated with increased risk of subsequent short sleep duration (adjusted RR: 1.32) and TIB (adjusted RR: 1.40). These findings have important implications for practitioners and families. Although the majority of children will outgrow their problems once they reach late adolescence, the results also demonstrate that sleep problems are likely to become chronic for one in every third child with a sleep problem early in life. Given the many negative consequences of insomnia in adulthood, these findings call for increased awareness of childhood sleep problems as a public health concern.
Acute Sinus Node Dysfunction after Atrial Ablation: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Management
Authors: KILLU AMMAR M. , FENDER ERIN A. , DESHMUKH ABHISHEK J. , MUNGER THOMAS M. , ARAOZ PHILIP , BRADY PETER A. , CHA YONG‐MEI , PACKER DOUGLAS L. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. , NOSEWORTHY PETER A. , MULPURU SIVA K.
Published: August 2016

Background

Many patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (Aflutter) have concomitant sinus node dysfunction (SND). Ablation may result in injury to the sinus node complex or its blood supply resulting in sinus arrest and need for temporary pacing. We sought to characterize patients who develop acute SND (ASND) during/immediately after AF/Aflutter ablation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of AF/Aflutter ablation patients between January 1, 2010 and February 28, 2015 to characterize those who required temporary pacemaker (TPM) implantation due to ASND (sinus arrest, sinus bradycardia <40 beats/min, or junctional rhythm with hemodynamic compromise) following atrial ablation.

Results

Of 2,151 patients, eight patients (<0.5%) with ASND manifesting as sinus arrest (n = 2), severe sinus bradycardia (n = 2), and junctional rhythm with hemodynamic compromise (n = 4) were identified (all male, age 66 ± 9.9 years, 4/8 [50%] persistent AF). AF ablation was performed in four, atypical Aflutter in one, and AF/Aflutter in three patients. The ablation set consisted of: pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (n = 6), roof line ablation (n = 6), mitral annulus‐left inferior PV line ablation (n = 5), left atrial appendage‐mitral annulus ablation (n = 1), cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (n = 5), and isolation or ablation near the superior vena cava (SVC, n = 4). Patients with peri‐SVC ablation were more likely to develop ASND (P = 0.03). All patients received TPM; six received permanent pacemaker before discharge, performed 3.5 days postablation (range 2–6 days). At 3‐month device interrogation, all patients were atrially paced >50%.

Conclusion

ASND is a rare complication of atrial ablation. It may be more common when peri‐SVC ablation is performed and may necessitate permanent pacemaker implantation.
Multiple‐line cross QTL mapping for grain yield and thousand kernel weight in triticale
Authors: Liu Wenxin , Leiser Willmar L. , Reif Jochen C. , Tucker Matthew R. , Losert Dominik , Weissmann Sigrid , Hahn Volker , Maurer Hans Peter , Würschum Tobias
Published: August 2016

Grain yield and its component trait thousand kernel weight are important traits in triticale breeding programmes. Here, we used a large mapping population of 647 doubled haploid lines derived from four families to dissect the genetic architecture underlying grain yield and thousand kernel weight by multiple‐line cross QTL mapping. We identified 3 QTL for grain yield and 13 for thousand kernel weight which cross‐validated explained 5.2% and 48.2% of the genotypic variance, respectively. Both traits showed a positive phenotypic correlation, and we found two QTL overlapping between them. Full two‐dimensional epistasis scans revealed epistatic QTL for both traits, suggesting that epistatic interactions contribute to their genetic architecture. Based on QTL identified in our results, we conclude that the potential for marker‐assisted selection is limited for grain yield but more promising for thousand kernel weight.
Proteomic maps of subcellular protein fractions of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri, the vector of citrus huanglongbing
Authors: Lu Zhanjun , Hu Hao , Killiny Nabil
Published: August 2016

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is an insect vector that transmits the bacterial pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) associated with the destructive citrus disease, citrus huanglongbing (HLB). Currently, D. citri is the major target in HLB management, although insecticidal control and disruption of the D. citri–CLas interactions both face numerous challenges. The present study reports the subcellular proteomic profiles of D. citri, encompassing the three main subcellular protein fractions: cytosol, mitochondria and microsomes. After optimization, subcellular proteins of both high and low abundance are obtained by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE). A total of 1170 spots are detected in the 2‐DE gels of the three subcellular fractions. One hundred and sixty‐four differentially expressed proteins are successfully identified using liquid chromatography‐dual mass spectroscopy. An efficient protocol for subcellular protein fractionation from D. citri is established and a clear protein separation is achieved with the chosen protein fractionation protocol. The identified cytosolic proteins are mainly metabolic enzymes, whereas a large portion of the identified proteins in the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions are involved in ATP biosynthesis and protein metabolism, respectively. Protein–protein interaction networks are predicted for some identified proteins known to be implicated in pathogen–vector interactions, such as actin, tubulin and ATP synthase, as well as insecticide resistance, such as the cytochrome P450 superfamily. The findings should provide useful information to help identify the mechanism responsible for the CLas–D. citri interactions and eventually contribute to D. citri control.
Disinfection and Mechanistic Insights of Escherichia coli in Water by Bismuth Oxyhalide Photocatalysis
Authors: Sherman Ilana , Gerchman Yoram , Sasson Yoel , Gnayem Hani , Mamane Hadas
Published: August 2016

This study demonstrates the potential of a new BiOCl0.875Br0.125 photocatalyst to disinfect Escherichia coli in water under simulated solar irradiation. Photocatalytic efficiency was examined for different photocatalyst loadings, solar wavelengths, exposure times, photocatalyst concentration × contact time (Ct) concept and with the use of scavengers. To elucidate the inactivation mechanism, we examined DNA damage, membrane damage, lipid peroxidation and protein release. Both photolysis and photocatalysis were negligible under visible irradiation, but enhanced photocatalytic activity was observed under solar UVA (λ > 320 nm) and UVB (λ > 280 nm), with 1.5 and 3.6 log inactivation, respectively, after 40 min of irradiation. The log inactivation vs Ct curve for E. coli by UVA/BiOCl0.875Br0.125 was fairly linear, with Ct = 10 g L−1 × min, resulting in 2 log inactivation. Photocatalytic treatment led to membrane damage, but without lipid peroxidation. Accordingly, protein was released from the cells after UVA or UVA/BiOCl0.875Br0.125 treatment. Photocatalysis also increased endonuclease‐sensitive sites vs photolysis alone, by an unknown mechanism. Finally, E. coli inactivation was not influenced by the addition of tert‐butanol or l‐histidine, implying that neither hydroxyl radicals nor singlet oxygen reactive species are involved in the inactivation process.
Asthma and diabetes: Does treatment with metformin improve asthma?
Authors: Forno Erick
Published: August 2016

See article, page 1210
Biting Back at Malaria: Assessing Health‐service Providers' Compliance with Treatment Guidelines
Authors: Paloyo Alfredo , Reichert Arndt
Published: August 2016

Non‐compliance with established medical treatment guidelines can have dire consequences for public health and economic well‐being. Based on the Demographic and Health Surveys, we examine malaria‐treatment practices of various health‐care providers in sub‐Saharan Africa, where more than 90% of malaria‐induced deaths occur. We estimate each provider's likelihood (i) to comply with guidelines to administer (effective) antimalarial drugs and (ii) to relieve children of fever—a symptom of malaria—after having had a fever episode within the previous two weeks. Our results indicate that, relative to self‐medication, seeking treatment at most providers is positively associated with taking an antimalarial drug and negatively associated with using only ineffective chloroquine. Non‐traditional healers are also associated with fever relief.
Dynamic chromatin changes associated with de novo centromere formation in maize euchromatin
Authors: Su Handong , Liu Yalin , Liu Yong‐Xin , Lv Zhenling , Li Hongyao , Xie Shaojun , Gao Zhi , Pang Junling , Wang Xiu‐Jie , Lai Jinsheng , Birchler James A. , Han Fangpu
Published: August 2016

The inheritance and function of centromeres are not strictly dependent on any specific DNA sequence, but involve an epigenetic component in most species. CENH3, a centromere histone H3 variant, is one of the best‐described epigenetic factors in centromere identity, but the chromatin features required during centromere formation have not yet been revealed. We previously identified two de novo centromeres on Zea mays (maize) minichromosomes derived from euchromatic sites with high‐density gene distributions but low‐density transposon distributions. The distribution of gene location and gene expression in these sites indicates that transcriptionally active regions can initiate de novo centromere formation, and CENH3 seeding shows a preference for gene‐free regions or regions with no gene expression. The locations of the expressed genes detected were at relatively hypomethylated loci, and the altered gene expression resulted from de novo centromere formation, but not from the additional copy of the minichromosome. The initial overall DNA methylation level of the two de novo regions was at a low level, but increased substantially to that of native centromeres after centromere formation. These results illustrate the dynamic chromatin changes during euchromatin‐originated de novo centromere formation, which provides insight into the mechanism of de novo centromere formation and regulation of subsequent consequences.
A method to enhance the use of interaural time differences for cochlear implants in reverberant environments
Authors: Monaghan Jessica J. M. , Seeber Bernhard U.
Published: August 2016

The ability of normal-hearing (NH) listeners to exploit interaural time difference (ITD) cues conveyed in the modulated envelopes of high-frequency sounds is poor compared to ITD cues transmitted in the temporal fine structure at low frequencies. Sensitivity to envelope ITDs is further degraded when envelopes become less steep, when modulation depth is reduced, and when envelopes become less similar between the ears, common factors when listening in reverberant environments. The vulnerability of envelope ITDs is particularly problematic for cochlear implant (CI) users, as they rely on information conveyed by slowly varying amplitude envelopes. Here, an approach to improve access to envelope ITDs for CIs is described in which, rather than attempting to reduce reverberation, the perceptual saliency of cues relating to the source is increased by selectively sharpening peaks in the amplitude envelope judged to contain reliable ITDs. Performance of the algorithm with room reverberation was assessed through simulating listening with bilateral CIs in headphone experiments with NH listeners. Relative to simulated standard CI processing, stimuli processed with the algorithm generated lower ITD discrimination thresholds and increased extents of laterality. Depending on parameterization, intelligibility was unchanged or somewhat reduced. The algorithm has the potential to improve spatial listening with CIs.
Spherical wave reflection in layered media with rough interfaces: Three-dimensional modeling
Authors: Pinson Samuel , Cordioli Julio , Guillon Laurent
Published: August 2016

In the context of sediment characterization, layer interface roughnesses may be responsible for sound-speed profile measurement uncertainties. To study the roughness influence, a three-dimensional (3D) modeling of a layered seafloor with rough interfaces is necessary. Although roughness scattering has an abundant literature, 3D modeling of spherical wave reflection on rough interfaces is generally limited to a single interface (using Kirchhoff-Helmholtz integral) or computationally expensive techniques (finite difference or finite element method). In this work, it is demonstrated that the wave reflection over a layered medium with irregular interfaces can be modeled as a sum of integrals over each interface. The main approximations of the method are the tangent-plane approximation, the Born approximation (multiple reflection between interfaces are neglected) and flat-interface approximation for the transmitted waves into the sediment. The integration over layer interfaces results in a method with reasonable computation cost.
Spatially selective depletion of tumor-associated regulatory T cells with near-infrared photoimmunotherapy
Authors: Sato Kazuhide , Sato Noriko , Xu Biying , Nakamura Yuko , Nagaya Tadanobu , Choyke Peter L. , Hasegawa Yoshinori , Kobayashi Hisataka
Published: August 2016

CD25-targeted near-infrared photoimmunotherapy depletes T
regs
and promotes tumor regression.
ABCC1 confers tissue-specific sensitivity to cortisol versus corticosterone: A rationale for safer glucocorticoid replacement therapy
Authors: Nixon Mark , Mackenzie Scott D. , Taylor Ashley I. , Homer Natalie Z. M. , Livingstone Dawn E. , Mouras Rabah , Morgan Ruth A. , Mole Damian J. , Stimson Roland H. , Reynolds Rebecca M. , Elfick Alistair P. D. , Andrew Ruth , Walker Brian R.
Published: August 2016

Corticosterone is as effective as cortisol for ACTH suppression but lacks metabolic adverse effects.
Airway architect Adam33 in asthma
Authors: Bhattacharya Mallar
Published: August 2016

Soluble Adam33 induces airway remodeling in mice and is necessary for airway hyperresponsiveness.
Triple threat to colorectal cancer
Authors: Thomas Susan Napier
Published: August 2016

Combination photo-, gene, and chemotherapies work synergistically to abrogate tumors and prevent recurrence.
Disease Severity and Immune Activity Relate to Distinct Interkingdom Gut Microbiome States in Ethnically Distinct Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Authors: Mar Jordan S. , LaMere Brandon J. , Lin Din L. , Levan Sophia , Nazareth Michelle , Mahadevan Uma , Lynch Susan V.
Published: August 2016

Significant gut microbiota heterogeneity exists among ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, though the clinical implications of this variance are unknown. We hypothesized that ethnically distinct UC patients exhibit discrete gut microbiotas with unique metabolic programming that differentially influence immune activity and clinical status. Using parallel 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer 2 sequencing of fecal samples (UC, 30; healthy, 13), we corroborated previous observations of UC-associated bacterial diversity depletion and demonstrated significant
Saccharomycetales
expansion as characteristic of UC gut dysbiosis. Furthermore, we identified four distinct microbial community states (MCSs) within our cohort, confirmed their existence in an independent UC cohort, and demonstrated their coassociation with both patient ethnicity and disease severity. Each MCS was uniquely enriched for specific amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism pathways and exhibited significant luminal enrichment of the metabolic products of these pathways. Using a novel
ex vivo
human dendritic cell and T-cell coculture assay, we showed that exposure to fecal water from UC patients caused significant Th2 skewing in CD4
+
T-cell populations compared to that of healthy participants. In addition, fecal water from patients in whom their MCS was associated with the highest level of disease severity induced the most dramatic Th2 skewing. Combined with future investigations, these observations could lead to the identification of highly resolved UC subsets based on defined microbial gradients or discrete microbial features that may be exploited for the development of novel, more effective therapies.

IMPORTANCE
Despite years of research, the etiology of UC remains enigmatic. Diagnosis is difficult and the patient population heterogeneous, which represents a significant barrier to the development of more effective, tailored therapy. In this study, we demonstrate the clinical utility of the gut microbiome in stratifying UC patients by identifying the existence of four distinct interkingdom pathogenic microbiotas within the UC patient population that are compositionally and metabolically distinct, covary with clinical markers of disease severity, and drive discrete CD4
+
T-cell expansions
ex vivo
. These findings offer new insight into the potential value of the gut microbiome as a tool for subdividing UC patients, opening avenues to the development of more personalized treatment plans and targeted therapies.
Penicilliumkeratitis in a HIV-infected patient
Authors: Anutarapongpan Orapin , Thanathanee Onsiri , Suwan-apichon Olan
Published: August 2016

A 36-year-old HIV-positive man presented with symptoms of redness, blurred vision and foreign body sensation in his right eye for 3 months. The slit lamp examination revealed deep stromal infiltration with a feathery margin in an otherwise minimal anterior chamber reaction. A corneal scraping was negative. Confocal microscopy demonstrated an abnormal large hyper-reflective oval shape in the corneal stroma. Corneal infiltration did not show improvement after topical, intrastromal and intracameral antifungal treatment. Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty was performed to eradicate the infection. Corneal button culture and histopathological results confirmed the diagnosis ofPenicillium marneffeikeratitis. No recurrent infection occurred after corneal transplantation. This appears to be the first report ofP. marneffeikeratitis in an HIV-infected patient. Although it is an uncommon condition, it should be one of the differential diagnoses in an HIV-infected patient presenting with keratitis.
Laryngeal histoplasmosis
Authors: Ansari Hina A , Saeed Noora , Khan Nazoora , Hasan Naba
Published: August 2016

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection, having interesting synonyms such as Cave disease, Darling's disease, Ohio Valley disease, reticuloendotheliosis, Spelunker's lung and Caver's disease. The aetiological agent is a dimorphic fungus,Histoplasma capsulatum, causing chronic granulomatous disease. The route of transmission is by inhalation of dust particles from soil contaminated by excrement of birds or bats, harbouring the small spores or microconidia, which is considered the infectious form of fungus. The spectrum of illness ranges from subclinical infection of the lung to progressive disseminated disease. The major bulk of histoplasmosis infections are asymptomatic or present with mild influenza like illness and involve immunocompetent individuals. However, the immunocompromised or immunodeficient cases have disseminated/haematogenous infections with multiple organs involved and are usually fatal unless treated immediately. Laryngeal involvement is associated with the disseminated form of the disease. Histoplasmosis of larynx is a rare entity and poses diagnostic difficulty to otolaryngologists because clinically it may be mistaken for malignancy. We report an unusual case of laryngeal histoplasmosis in a man aged 60 years who presented with provisional diagnosis of tuberculosis/malignancy.
Professional golfers’ hips: prevalence and predictors of hip pain with clinical and MR examinations
Authors: Dickenson Edward , Ahmed Imran , Fernandez Miguel , O'Connor Philip , Robinson Philip , Campbell Robert , Murray Andrew , Warner Martin , Hutchinson Charles , Hawkes Roger , Griffin Damian
Published: August 2016

Aims

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hip pain in professional golfers, comparing the lead (left hip in right-handed golfer) and trail hips, and to establish what player characteristics predicted hip symptoms.

Methods

Male elite professional golf players were invited to complete questionnaires and undergo clinical and MR examinations while attending the Scottish Hydro Challenge 2015. Questionnaires determined player demographics, self-reported hip pain and an International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT12) score (hip-related quality of life). Clinical examinations determined hip range of motion and the presence of a positive impingement test. MR scans determined the presence of labral pathology and player hip morphology with measures of α angle (cam), acetabular depth (pincer) and femoral neck antetorsion.

Results

A total of 109 (70% of tournament field) of players completed questionnaires, 73 (47%) underwent clinical examination and 55 (35%) underwent MR examination. 19.3% of players reported of hip pain. 11.9% of lead and 9.1% of trail hips were painful (p=0.378), iHOT12 scores were lower in the lead (94.1) compared to the trail hip (95.3) (p=0.007). Stepwise multiple linear regression modelling was able to predict 20.7% of the variance in iHOT12 scores with mean α angles between 12 and 3 o'clock, and increasing age-significant variables (R2=0.207, p<0.001; β=−0.502, p<0.001 and β=−0.399, p=0.031, respectively).

Conclusions

19.3% of male professional golfers reported hip pain. The presence of an increasing α angle and increasing age were significant predictors of reduced hip-related quality of life.
Impaired fasting glucose is associated with increased severity of subclinical coronary artery disease compared to patients with diabetes and normal fasting glucose: evaluation by coronary computed tomographic angiography
Authors: Gurudevan Swaminatha , Garg Pankaj , Malik Shaista , Khattar Ramni , Saremi Farhood , Hecht Harvey , DeMaria Anthony , Narula Jagat
Published: August 2016

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate the severity of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with asymptomatic impaired fasting glucose (IFG) compared to those with diabetes mellitus (DM) and normal fasting glucose (NFG), as measured by coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA).

Design

Subjects were divided into three groups: NFG (<100 mg/dL), IFG (100–125 mg/dL) and DM. Coronary artery calcium on non-contrast CT and plaque analysis on CCTA were performed.

Setting

University hospital, single centre.

Participants

216 asymptomatic participants prospectively underwent CCTA for the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Atherosclerotic plaque burden in IFG compared to NFG patients.

Results

2664 segments were analysed in 120 NFG, 44 IFG and 52 DM participants. The mean calcium scores were 178±395, 259±510 and 414±836 for NFG, IFG and DM, respectively (p=0·037). The mean plaque burdens in the NFG, IFG and DM groups were 0.31±0.45, 0.50±0.69 and 0.68±0.69, respectively (p=0·0007). A greater proportion of patients with DM (19/52, 36.5%) and IFG (13/44, 29.5%) had obstructive CAD compared to those with NFG (16/120, 13.3%) (p=0.0015). The number of segments with severe disease was significantly higher in the DM (60/637, 9.4%) and IFG (42/539, 7.8%) groups compared to that in the NFG group (34/1488, 2.3%) (p=0.0001).

Conclusions

(1) IFG and DM have significantly higher, but comparable, calcium scores, plaque burden and obstructive CAD compared to NFG in asymptomatic individuals. (2) Pending corroboration by other reports, more intensive efforts may be devoted to the evaluation and treatment of patients with IFG.
Assessment of the extent of unpublished studies in prognostic factor research: a systematic review of p53 immunohistochemistry in bladder cancer as an example
Authors: Sekula Peggy , Pressler Julia B , Sauerbrei Willi , Goebell Peter J , Schmitz-Dräger Bernd J
Published: August 2016

Objectives

When study groups fail to publish their results, a subsequent systematic review may come to incorrect conclusions when combining information only from published studies. p53 expression measured by immunohistochemistry is a potential prognostic factor in bladder cancer. Although numerous studies have been conducted, its role is still under debate. The assumption that unpublished studies too harbour evidence on this research topic leads to the question about the attributable effect when adding this information and comparing it with published data. Thus, the aim was to identify published and unpublished studies and to explore their differences potentially affecting the conclusion on its function as a prognostic biomarker.

Design

Systematic review of published and unpublished studies assessing p53 in bladder cancer in Germany between 1993 and 2007.

Results

The systematic search revealed 16 studies of which 11 (69%) have been published and 5 (31%) have not. Key reason for not publishing the results was a loss of interest of the investigators. There were no obviously larger differences between published and unpublished studies. However, a meaningful meta-analysis was not possible mainly due to the poor (ie, incomplete) reporting of study results.

Conclusions

Within this well-defined population of studies, we could provide empirical evidence for the failure of study groups to publish their results that was mainly caused by loss of interest. This fact may be coresponsible for the role of p53 as a prognostic factor still being unclear. We consider p53 and the restriction to studies in Germany as a specific example, but the critical issues are probably similar for other prognostic factors and other countries.
Evidence for validity of a national physician and patient-reported, cross-sectional survey in China and UK: the Disease Specific Programme
Authors: Babineaux S M , Curtis B , Holbrook T , Milligan G , Piercy J
Published: August 2016

Objective

Diabetes represents a significant challenge for Chinese healthcare providers. Healthcare decision-making is generally based on many data sources, including randomised controlled and real-world studies; however, good-quality data from Chinese diabetes patients are scarce. We performed an initial validation to assess the representativeness of one source of real-world data—the Diabetes Adelphi Disease Specific Programme (DSP) in China.

Setting

China, UK.

Participants

The Chinese DSP included 2060 patients with previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) sampled by 200 physicians. The reference Chinese population comprised 238 639 patients with previously diagnosed T2DM. The UK DSP contained 1481 patients with T2DM sampled by 125 physicians; the reference UK population comprised 289 patients with diabetes.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The primary outcome was comparison of unweighted China DSP and reference data for sex, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), patients achieving glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c)<7%, total cholesterol, coronary heart disease and dyslipidaemia. The secondary outcome was comparison of weighted UK DSP and reference data for BMI, BP, mean HbA1c, total cholesterol, smoking and insulin status.

Results

Comparison of unweighted China DSP and reference data revealed statistical equivalence for BMI, systolic BP, proportion of patients achieving HbA1c<7%, total cholesterol, coronary heart disease and dyslipidaemia. Sex, age, diabetes duration, diastolic BP and mean HbA1clevel were not equivalent, although differences were generally small. Weighting of data did not substantially affect the results. A similar pattern was observed for UK data.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that the methodology used for the China and UK parts of the Diabetes DSP produces representative samples that are comparable with other independent sources of patient treatment outcomes data, which may ultimately inform public health decision-making. Although this method could be used in other countries, the current validation applies to UK and China. Further research is required for other countries.
Occupational Therapy in HomEcare Re-ablement Services (OTHERS): results of a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Whitehead Phillip J , Walker Marion F , Parry Ruth H , Latif Zaid , McGeorge Ian D , Drummond Avril E R
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of an intervention targeted at activities of daily living (ADL), delivered by an occupational therapist, in homecare reablement.

Design

Feasibility parallel group RCT.

Setting

Single-site local authority homecare reablement service.

Participants

People referred for homecare reablement with ability to consent. Exclusion criteria were as follows: inability to speak English, receiving other community therapy services, needing two or more to assist transfer and receiving end-of-life care.

Control

‘Usual care’ was 6 weeks of homecare reablement delivered by social care workers (no routine health professional input).

Intervention

A targeted ADL programme, delivered by an occupational therapist incorporating goal setting, teaching/practising techniques, equipment/adaptations and provision of advice/support. This was in addition to usual care.

Outcome measures

Aspects of feasibility including eligibility, recruitment, intervention delivery, attrition and suitability and sensitivity of outcome measures. Participant outcomes were personal and extended ADL, quality of life, falls and use of health and social care services.

Results

30 participants were recruited, 15 to each arm, which was 60% of those eligible. Data from 22 (73%) were analysed at 6 months. Of the 15 participants, 13 (86%) received the intervention and were able to set one or more ADL goals. There were improvements from baseline in both groups, although overall improvements were greater in the occupational therapy (OT) intervention group. The biggest threat to feasibility was a change in service configuration during the trial, involving additional occupational therapy input, affecting usual care and recruitment.

Conclusions

Despite the service reconfiguration, it was feasible to recruit and retain participants, deliver the intervention and collect outcome data that were responsive to change. The choice of primary outcome measure remains unclear. A further powered study is feasible and warranted; however, the design will require careful consideration because of ongoing national changes in service configurations.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN21710246; Results.
Pilot study to investigate the feasibility of the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOME FAST) to identify older Malaysian people at risk of falls
Authors: Romli Muhammad Hibatullah , Mackenzie Lynette , Lovarini Meryl , Tan Maw Pin
Published: August 2016

Objective

The relationship between home hazards and falls in older Malaysian people is not yet fully understood. No tools to evaluate the Malaysian home environment currently exist. Therefore, this study aimed to pilot the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOME FAST) to identify hazards in Malaysian homes, to evaluate the feasibility of using the HOME FAST in the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) study and to gather preliminary data about the experience of falls among a small sample of Malaysian older people.

Design

A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted.

Setting

An urban setting in Kuala Lumpur.

Participants

26 older people aged 60 and over were recruited from the control group of a related research project in Malaysia, in addition to older people known to the researchers.

Primary outcome measure

The HOME FAST was applied with the baseline survey for the MELoR study via a face-to-face interview and observation of the home by research staff.

Results

The majority of the participants were female, of Malay or Chinese ethnicity and living with others in a double-storeyed house. Falls were reported in the previous year by 19% and 80% of falls occurred at home. Gender and fear of falling had the strongest associations with home hazards. Most hazards were detected in the bathroom area. A small number of errors were detected in the HOME FAST ratings by researchers.

Conclusions

The HOME FAST is feasible as a research and clinical tool for the Malaysian context and is appropriate for use in the MELoR study. Home hazards were prevalent in the homes of older people and further research with the larger MELoR sample is needed to confirm the validity of using the HOME FAST in Malaysia. Training in the use of the HOME FAST is needed to ensure accurate use by researchers.
Metformin for endometrial hyperplasia: a Cochrane protocol
Authors: Clement Naomi S , Oliver Thomas R W , Shiwani Hunain , Saner Juliane R F , Mulvaney Caroline A , Atiomo William
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Endometrial hyperplasia is a precancerous lesion of the endometrium, commonly presenting with uterine bleeding. If managed expectantly, it frequently progresses to endometrial carcinoma, rates of which are increasing dramatically worldwide. However, the established treatment for endometrial hyperplasia (progestogens) involves multiple side effects and leaves the risk of recurrence. Metformin is the most commonly used oral hypoglycaemic agent in type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has also been linked to the reversal of endometrial hyperplasia and may therefore contribute to decreasing the prevalence of endometrial carcinoma without the fertility and side effect consequences of current therapies. However, the efficacy and safety of metformin being used for this therapeutic target is unclear and, therefore, this systematic review will aim to determine this.

Methods and analysis

We will search the following trials and databases with no language restrictions: Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Specialised Register; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; EMBASE; EBSCO Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature; PubMed; Google Scholar; ClinicalTrials.gov; the WHO International Trials Registry Platform portal; OpenGrey and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS). We will include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of use of metformin compared with a placebo or no treatment, conventional medical treatment (eg, progestogens) or any other active intervention. Two review authors will independently assess the trial eligibility, risk of bias and extract appropriate data points. Trial authors will be contacted for additional data. The primary review outcome is the regression of endometrial hyperplasia histology towards normal histology. Secondary outcomes include hysterectomy rate; abnormal uterine bleeding; quality of life scores and adverse reactions to treatments.

Ethics and dissemination

Dissemination of the completed review will be through the Cochrane Library as well as through presenting the results at appropriate conferences.
Short-term and long-term effects of GDP on traffic deaths in 18 OECD countries, 1960–2011
Authors: Dadgar Iman , Norström Thor
Published: August 2016

Background

Research suggests that increases in gross domestic product (GDP) lead to increases in traffic deaths plausibly due to the increased road traffic induced by an expanding economy. However, there also seems to exist a long-term effect of economic growth that is manifested in improved traffic safety and reduced rates of traffic deaths. Previous studies focus on either the short-term, procyclical effect, or the long-term, protective effect. The aim of the present study is to estimate the short-term and long-term effects jointly in order to assess the net impact of GDP on traffic mortality.

Methods

We extracted traffic death rates for the period 1960–2011 from the WHO Mortality Database for 18 OECD countries. Data on GDP/capita were obtained from the Maddison Project. We performed error correction modelling to estimate the short-term and long-term effects of GDP on the traffic death rates.

Results

The estimates from the error correction modelling for the entire study period suggested that a one-unit increase (US$1000) in GDP/capita yields an instantaneous short-term increase in the traffic death rate by 0.58 (p<0.001), and a long-term decrease equal to −1.59 (p<0.001). However, period-specific analyses revealed a structural break implying that the procyclical effect outweighs the protective effect in the period prior to 1976, whereas the reverse is true for the period 1976–2011.

Conclusions

An increase in GDP leads to an immediate increase in traffic deaths. However, after the mid-1970s this short-term effect is more than outweighed by a markedly stronger protective long-term effect, whereas the reverse is true for the period before the mid-1970s.