bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of anti‐Müllerian hormone in two rat models of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Du Dan‐Feng , Li Xue‐Lian , Zheng Sai‐Hua
Published: October 2016

Aim

Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are two to three times higher in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the mechanism of increased AMH levels in PCOS remains unclear. The purpose of our experiment was to investigate a change in AMH levels in two kinds of commonly used rat models and to determine an ideal model for future research of AMH in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Methods

Thirty female Sprague Dawley rats were treated using two modeling methods: implantation of a levonorgestrel silastic implant or injection with sodium prasterone sulfate plus human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Rats in the control group were implanted with a blank silastic stick. Serum steroid concentrations, ovarian morphology and ovarian expression of AMH and AMH‐receptor II (RII) proteins were determined and their correlations were studied.

Results

The results from the levonorgestrel and hCG group were closer to those displayed by human PCOS patients than the sodium prasterone sulfate and hCG group. Ovarian local expression of AMH and AMH‐RII was increased in these both models compared with the control group; however, an elevation of serum AMH concentration was not observed (12.53 ± 0.99 ng/ml and 13.22 ± 1.09 ng/ml vs 16.30 ± 0.98 ng/ml).

Conclusion

The levonorgestrel and hCG model is more suitable for the study of PCOS in puberty.
Rupture of the cervix during pregnancy after cervical pessary insertion for preventing preterm birth
Authors: Kalinka Jaroslaw , Jasinska Elwira Agata , Laudanski Piotr , Bitner Adam
Published: October 2016

We present a rare case of a complication after pessary insertion during pregnancy due to short cervix. A woman in the 35th week of gestation was admitted to the Department of Perinatology due to preterm labor. The patient's history revealed cervical pessary insertion during the 29th week of pregnancy due to a cervix of 18 mm in length. Because of threatened preterm labor, the pessary was removed. After pessary removal, a rupture of the cervix was diagnosed. Because of active labor and cervical rupture, a cesarean section was performed and a healthy newborn was delivered. After cesarean section the cervical rupture was sutured. Five days after the operation, the patient underwent surgery again due to a necrotically changed part of the cervix. This part of the cervix was removed. We present this case to emphasize that cervical pessaries can cause serious complications during pregnancy. Clinicians should take this into consideration before qualifying patients for pessary insertion.
Navigating Institutional Complexity: The Production of Risk Culture in the Financial Sector
Authors: Palermo Tommaso , Power Michael , Ashby Simon
Published: October 2016

Following the financial crisis, financial sector organizations faced increased pressures to reform their ‘risk cultures’. In this paper, we argue that the emergence of regulatory and managerial attention to risk culture is symptomatic of pressures to redefine the fundamental ends of financial institutions and to rebalance the pre‐crisis emphasis on a logic of opportunity and risk‐taking with a logic of precaution and risk control. Based on the analysis of normative practitioner texts and on extended contact with regulators, advisers and corporate actors in the UK financial sector over four years, we show how this initial complexity ofendsis translated into uncertainty and conflict about themeansthrough which risk culture might become an object amenable to intervention. On this basis, we contribute to the growing literature on ‘institutional complexity’ by showing how organizational actors address conflicting pressures aboutbothends and means, and by discussing some key implications of their simplification strategies. Our analysis also contributes to recent studies of ‘means‐ends decoupling’, showing how means, ends and the object of intervention itself – risk culture – co‐evolve as they are reconstructed by organizational actors via their everyday practices.
The Role of Ethnicity in School‐Based Obesity Intervention for School‐Aged Children: A Pilot Evaluation
Authors: Karczewski Sabrina A. , Carter Jocelyn S. , DeCator Draycen D.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Rates of obesity have risen disproportionately for ethnic minority youth in the United States. School‐based programs may be the most comprehensive and cost‐effective way to implement primary prevention in children. In this study we evaluated the effect of a school‐based obesity prevention on the outcome of body mass index percentile (BMI%), with baseline weight class and ethnicity examined as moderators.

METHODS

Participants (N = 125), ages 7‐11 (56% female) from 4 urban, low‐income, ethnic minority (58% black, 42% Latino) schools were recruited. Two schools received the Urban Initiatives Work to Play health intervention, and 2 demographically matched schools served as wait‐list controls.

RESULTS

Hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyze the independent and interactive effects of key variables on BMI%. An interaction between intervention status and ethnicity revealed Latino youth in the intervention had lower BMI% than those in the control group. Participation did not cause BMI% outcomes to decrease for black participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates the intervention is effective, but that the effectiveness varies across ethnicity. Interventions can be made more efficient and cost‐effective by targeting youth of a common ethnicity that has shown empirical responsiveness to certain program elements.
Verbal Bullying Changes Among Students Following an Educational Intervention Using the Integrated Model for Behavior Change
Authors: Naidoo Saloshni , Satorius Benn K. , de Vries Hein , Taylor Myra
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Bullying behavior in schools can lead to psychosocial problems. School‐based interventions are important in raising student awareness, developing their skills and in planning to reduce bullying behavior.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial, using a school‐based educational intervention to reduce verbal bullying, was conducted among grade 10 students in 16 urban and rural schools in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa in 2013. Baseline and postintervention questionnaires, developed using the Integrated Model for Behavior Change theoretical model, were used to assess changes in verbal bullying.

RESULTS

Postintervention there were reduced verbal bullying experiences. Improved social norms and awareness of verbal bullying were associated with reduced verbal bullying experiences and behavior. Although less likely to bully others verbally, girls were more likely to experience verbal bullying. Students with no living father were more likely to bully others verbally.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings indicate that a school‐based intervention can positively impact on verbal bullying experiences and behavior.
Food Literacy at Secondary Schools in Australia
Authors: Ronto Rimante , Ball Lauren , Pendergast Donna , Harris Neil D.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Food literacy can encourage adolescents to develop healthy dietary patterns. This study examined home economics teachers' (HET) perspectives of the importance, curriculum, self‐efficacy, and food environments regarding food literacy in secondary schools in Australia.

METHODS

A 20‐item cross‐sectional survey was completed by 205 HETs. The survey focused on the importance of aspects of food literacy, HETs' self‐efficacy, and attitudes toward food literacy and schools' food environments. Data were analyzed descriptively, and associations between participants' demographic characteristics and perceptions were investigated by chi‐square analyses.

RESULTS

HETs rated aspects of food literacy including preparing and cooking food, knowing about healthy foods and food safety and hygiene practices as very important. They indicated animal welfare, where food comes from, and plan and manage time for food shopping to be the least important aspects of food literacy. HETs reported that students' involvement in food literacy activities resulted in healthier diets and improved food practices, but the schools' food environments are not comprehensively supportive of food literacy.

CONCLUSIONS

HETs report that food literacy is very important for adolescents to learn. The focus is more on microaspects in comparison to macroaspects of food literacy. Schools' food environments are ideally positioned to shape dietary intake of adolescents but their potential is not being realized.
Propolis modulates miRNAs involved in TLR-4 pathway, NF-κB activation, cytokine production and in the bactericidal activity of human dendritic cells
Authors: Conti Bruno J , Santiago Karina B , Cardoso Eliza O , Freire Paula P , Carvalho Robson F , Golim Marjorie A , Sforcin José M
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells, essential for recognition and presentation of pathogens to T cells. Propolis, a resinous material produced by bees from various plants, exhibits numerous biological properties, highlighting its immunomodulatory action. Here, we assayed the effects of propolis on the maturation and function of human DCs.

Methods

DCs were generated from human monocytes and incubated with propolis and LPS. NF-κB and cytokines production were determined by ELISA. microRNA's expression was analysed by RT-qPCR and cell markers detection by flow cytometry. Colony-forming units were obtained to assess the bactericidal activity of propolis-treated DCs.

Key findings

Propolis activated DCs in the presence of LPS, inducing NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 production. The inhibition of hsa-miR-148a and hsa-miR-148b abolished the inhibitory effects on HLA-DR and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The increased expression of hsa-miR-155 may be correlated to the increase in TLR-4 and CD86 expression, maintaining LPS-induced expression of HLA-DR and CD40. Such parameters may be involved in the increased bactericidal activity of DCs against Streptococcus mutans.

Conclusion

Propolis modulated the maturation and function of DCs and may be useful in the initial steps of the immune response, providing a novel approach to the development of DC-based strategies and for the discovery of new immunomodulators.
Is it nutrients, food items, diet quality or eating behaviours that are responsible for the association of children's diet with sleep?
Authors: Khan Mohammad K. A. , Faught Erin L. , Chu Yen Li , Ekwaru John P. , Storey Kate E. , Veugelers Paul J.
Published: October 2016

Both diet quality and sleep duration of children have declined in the past decades. Several studies have suggested that diet and sleep are associated; however, it is not established which aspects of the diet are responsible for this association. Is it nutrients, food items, diet quality or eating behaviours? We surveyed 2261 grade 5 children on their dietary intake and eating behaviours, and their parents on their sleep duration and sleep quality. We performed factor analysis to identify and quantify the essential factors among 57 nutrients, 132 food items and 19 eating behaviours. We considered these essential factors along with a diet quality score in multivariate regression analyses to assess their independent associations with sleep. Nutrients, food items and diet quality did not exhibit independent associations with sleep, whereas two groupings of eating behaviours did. ‘Unhealthy eating habits and environments’ was independently associated with sleep. For each standard deviation increase in their factor score, children had 6 min less sleep and were 12% less likely to have sleep of good quality. ‘Snacking between meals and after supper’ was independently associated with sleep quality. For each standard deviation increase in its factor score, children were 7% less likely to have good quality sleep. This study demonstrates that eating behaviours are responsible for the associations of diet with sleep among children. Health promotion programmes aiming to improve sleep should therefore focus on discouraging eating behaviours such as eating alone or in front of the TV, and snacking between meals and after supper.
Effects of cellulose derivative hydrocolloids on pasting, viscoelastic, and morphological characteristics of rice starch gel
Authors: Sun Jing , Zuo Xiao‐Bo , Fang Sheng , Xu Hua‐Neng , Chen Jie , Meng Yue‐Cheng , Chen Tao
Published: October 2016

Effects of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) on the pasting, viscoelastic, and morphological properties of rice starch gel were studied. The addition of CMC increased the peak and trough viscosities, while decreased the final and setback viscosities of rice starch. The peak and trough viscosities of rice starch gel were only little affected by the addition of HPMC. The dynamic viscoelastic result showed that the addition of CMC significantly increased the values of storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″), while reduced the value of tanδ as compared to the control sample. Only a small increase in values of G′ and G″ was observed in the case of HPMC. The rice starch gel with CMC addition exhibited higher resistances to the stress and produced a stronger gel network. The creep recovery data were well fitted by a four‐element Burger's model. Furthermore, the morphological characteristics were in agreement with the finding of rheological results. It was concluded that the addition of CMC and HPMC modified the rheology of rice starch gel in different ways and interacted under different models based on their molecular structures.

Practical applications

Gluten‐free foods such as rice cake are essential for people who suffer from celiac disease which is a digestive disorder caused by the consumption of grains containing gluten. The use of CMC and HPMC represents the most widespread approach used to mimic gluten in the manufacture of gluten‐free breads based on rice starch, due to their structure‐building and water‐binding properties. Therefore, it is necessary and crucial to investigate the physical‐chemical properties such as pasting and rheological properties of the rice starch with these hydrocolloids. In addition, a better understanding of the interactions of CMC and HPMC on the rice starch could provide additional tools for selection of gluten free recipes with improved rheological and textural properties.
Real‐world effectiveness for 12 weeks of ledipasvir–sofosbuvir for genotype 1 hepatitis C: the Trio Health study
Authors: Tapper E. B. , Bacon B. R. , Curry M. P. , Dieterich D. T. , Flamm S. L. , Guest L. E. , Kowdley K. V. , Lee Y. , Tsai N. C. , Younossi Z. M. , Afdhal N. H.
Published: October 2016

Early data regarding the “real‐world” experience with novel therapies for hepatitis C (HCV) are encouraging. Data are still limited, however, regarding real‐world rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) for ledipasvir–sofosbuvir (LDV‐SOF), particularly for patients with prior treatment failure. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1597 patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV who were treated using 12 weeks of the following regimens LDV‐SOF±ribavirin (RBV) (n=1521 without RBV, n=76 with RBV). The primary outcome was SVR‐determined at 12 weeks in an intention‐to‐treat design. Prescription according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved labelling (adding RBV for patients with cirrhosis and treatment failure) was assessed in multivariate models. The study population was aged 60 years on average (range 19‐89), 60% male, 50% Caucasian, 43% cared for at an academic centre and 30% cirrhotic. Overall, LDV‐SOF resulted in a 94% SVR rate. Only 44 (2.9%) patients relapsed. LDV‐SOF+RBV yielded SVR in 97% with 0 viral relapses. While cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia were associated with lower odds of SVR, in a multivariable regression model, only treatment at an academic centre and prescriptions contrary to FDA labelling were significantly associated with lower SVR—odds ratios, 0.56 95% CI (0.35‐0.87) and 0.29 95% CI(0.12‐0.68), respectively. The real‐world experience with LDV‐SOF mirrors the SVR rates observed in clinical trials. Efforts to promote prescription within FDA recommendations are warranted.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Disinfectant Footmats for the Reduction of Bacterial Contamination on Footwear in a Large Animal Veterinary Hospital
Authors: Hornig K.J. , Burgess B.A. , Saklou N.T. , Johnson V. , Malmlov A. , Van Metre D.C. , Morley P.S. , Byers S.R.
Published: October 2016

Background

Infection control is critical to providing high‐quality patient care. Many veterinary teaching hospitals (VTHs) utilize footbaths or footmats at entrances and key control points throughout the facility to decrease trafficking of pathogenic microorganism on contaminated footwear.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare efficacy of 4 disinfectants used in footmats for decreasing bacterial contamination of footwear in a large animal hospital.

Animals

A single adult dairy cow was housed in a stall for 4 days to facilitate stall contamination with fecal material.

Methods

Overboots were experimentally contaminated with organic material in a standardized manner. Each boot was randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments (no treatment, or exposure to 1 of 4 disinfectants: an accelerated peroxygen [AHP], a peroxygen [VIRKON], a quaternary ammonium [QUAT], and a phenolic disinfectant [PHENOLIC]) by stepping on a soaked footmat and collecting samples from boot soles. Generalized linear modeling was used to analyze differences in bacterial counts.

Results

Reductions in colony‐forming units (CFUs) on treated boots ranged from no detectable reduction to 0.45 log10and varied by disinfectant. Percentage reductions in total bacterial counts generally were larger (albeit still modest) forAHPandQUATdisinfectants (range 37–45%) and smallest for thePHENOLIC(no detectable reduction).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In general, use of disinfectant footmats was associated with significant reductions in viable bacteria on overboots—albeit with variable efficacy. Footmats may be useful adjuncts to cleaning and disinfection programs for decreasing trafficking of microorganisms throughoutVTHs but should not be considered as a sole prevention method.
Real life Egyptian experience of efficacy and safety of Simeprevir/Sofosbuvir therapy in 6211 chronic HCV genotype IV infected patients
Authors: Eletreby Rasha , Elakel Wafaa , Said Mohamed , El Kassas Mohamed , Seif Sameh , Elbaz Tamer , El Raziky Maissa , Abdel Rehim Siham , Zaky Samy , Fouad Rabab , Gamal Eldeen Hadeel , Abdo Mahmoud , Korany Mohamed , Yosry Ayman , El Serafy Magdy , El‐Sayed Manal Hamdy , ElShazly Yehia , Waked Imam , Doss Wahid , Esmat Gamal
Published: October 2016

Background & Aims

Major changes have emerged during the last few years in the therapy of chronic HCV. Several direct acting antiviral agents have been developed showing potent activity with higher rates of sustained virological response, even in difficult‐to‐treat patients. This study explores real life experience concerning efficacy, safety and possible predictors of response for the first cohort of Egyptian patients with chronic HCV genotype IV treated with Sofosbuvir/Simprevir combination therapy.

Methods

This real life study recruited the first (6211) chronic HCV genotype IV Egyptian patients, who received antiviral therapy in viral hepatitis specialized treatment centres affiliated to the National committee for control of viral hepatitis. All enrolled patients received 12 weeks course of daily combination of sofosbuvir (400 mg) and simeprevir (150 mg). Patients were closely monitored for treatment safety and efficacy.

Results

Overall sustained virological response 12 rate was 94.0% while the end of treatment response rate was 97.6%. sustained virological response 12 rates in easy and difficult‐to‐treat groups were 96% and 93% respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant association of low albumin (<3.5), cirrhosis and Fib‐4 score (>3.25) with treatment failure. Fatal adverse events occurred in 23/6211 cases (0.37%) due to liver cell failure adverse events or SAEs leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 97 patients (1.6%).

Conclusion

Sofosbuvir/Simeprevir combination is an effective and well tolerated regimen for patients with chronic HCV genotype IV.
Dietary patterns by cluster analysis in pregnant women: relationship with nutrient intakes and dietary patterns in 7‐year‐old offspring
Authors: Freitas‐Vilela Ana Amélia , Smith Andrew D. A. C. , Kac Gilberto , Pearson Rebecca M. , Heron Jon , Emond Alan , Hibbeln Joseph R. , Castro Maria Beatriz Trindade , Emmett Pauline M.
Published: October 2016

Little is known about how dietary patterns of mothers and their children track over time. The objectives of this study are to obtain dietary patterns in pregnancy using cluster analysis, to examine women's mean nutrient intakes in each cluster and to compare the dietary patterns of mothers to those of their children. Pregnant women (n = 12 195) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children reported their frequency of consumption of 47 foods and food groups. These data were used to obtain dietary patterns during pregnancy by cluster analysis. The absolute and energy‐adjusted nutrient intakes were compared between clusters. Women's dietary patterns were compared with previously derived clusters of their children at 7 years of age. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to evaluate relationships comparing maternal and offspring clusters. Three maternal clusters were identified: ‘fruit and vegetables’, ‘meat and potatoes’ and ‘white bread and coffee’. After energy adjustment women in the ‘fruit and vegetables’ cluster had the highest mean nutrient intakes. Mothers in the ‘fruit and vegetables’ cluster were more likely than mothers in ‘meat and potatoes’ (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 2.00; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.69–2.36) or ‘white bread and coffee’ (OR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.87–2.53) clusters to have children in a ‘plant‐based’ cluster. However the majority of children were in clusters unrelated to their mother dietary pattern. Three distinct dietary patterns were obtained in pregnancy; the ‘fruit and vegetables’ pattern being the most nutrient dense. Mothers' dietary patterns were associated with but did not dominate offspring dietary patterns.
Determinants of age‐specific undernutrition in children aged less than 2 years—the Bangladesh context
Authors: Choudhury Nuzhat , Raihan Mohammad Jyoti , Sultana Sabiha , Mahmud Zeba , Farzana Fahmida Dil , Haque Md Ahshanul , Rahman Ahmed Shafiqur , Waid Jillian L. , Chowdhury Ahmed Mushtaque Raza , Black Robert E. , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: October 2016

Globally, undernutrition affects nearly half of all children aged less than 5 years. It is more prominent in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study aimed to identify the age‐specific risk factors for different categories of undernutrition among Bangladeshi children aged less than 2 years. Data of 10,291 children aged less than 2 years were collected between October 2011 to November 2013 through the Food Security Nutritional Surveillance Project in Bangladesh. Simple logistic regression established bivariate relationships between the categories of undernutrition and the relevant risk factors. Multiple logistic regression constructed the age‐specific regression models depicting the independent association and effect size of the risk factors contributing to the various categories of undernutrition among study population. Stunting was prevalent among 30.9% of the study children, whereas 9.7% were wasted and 24.9% were underweight. Being a male child, increase in age, maternal body mass index and education, and household food insecurity were the strongest predictors for all categories of undernutrition in terms of effect size. Our study shows that the different categories of childhood undernutrition have different age‐specific risk factors. Maternal body mass index and household food insecurity were the common age‐specific risk factors for all categories of undernutrition. We expect our findings to enhance the existing evidence base for the risk factors of undernutrition among children aged less than 2 years.
Genetics of host–parasite interactions: towards a comprehensive dissection of Drosophila resistance to viral infection
Authors: Magalhães Sara , Sucena Élio
Published: October 2016

One of the major challenges in evolutionary biology is to unravel the genetic basis of adaptation. This issue has been gaining momentum in recent years with the accelerated development of novel genetic and genomic techniques and resources. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Cogni et al. (2016) address the genetic basis of resistance to two viruses in Drosophila melanogaster using a panel of recombinant inbred lines with unprecedented resolution allowing detection of rare alleles and/or alleles of small effect. The study confirms the role of previously identified genes of major effect and adds novel regions with minor effect to the genetic basis of Drosophila resistance to the Drosophila C virus or the sigma virus. Additional analyses reveal the absence of cross‐resistance and of epistasis between the various genomic regions. This detailed information on the genetic architecture of host resistance constitutes an important step towards the understanding of both the physiology of antiviral immunity and the evolution of host–parasite interactions.
Mosquitoes host communities of bacteria that are essential for development but vary greatly between local habitats
Authors: Coon Kerri L. , Brown Mark R. , Strand Michael R.
Published: October 2016

Mosquitoes are insects of interest because several species vector disease‐causing pathogens to humans and other vertebrates. We previously reported that mosquitoes from long‐term laboratory cultures require living bacteria in their gut to develop, but development does not depend on particular species of bacteria. Here, we focused on three distinct but interrelated areas of study to better understand the role of bacteria in mosquito development by studying field and laboratory populations ofAedes aegypti,Aedes albopictusandCulex quinquefasciatusfrom the southeastern United States. Sequence analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons showed that bacterial community composition differed substantially in larvae from different collection sites, whereas larvae from the same site shared similarities. Although previously unknown to be infected byWolbachia, results also indicated thatAe. aegyptifrom one field site hosted a dual infection. Regardless of collection site or factors likeWolbachiainfection, however, each mosquito species required living bacteria in their digestive tract to develop. Results also identified several concerns in using antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial community in larvae in order to study its developmental consequences. Altogether, our results indicate that several mosquito species require living bacteria for development. We also hypothesize these species do not rely on particular bacteria because larvae do not reliably encounter the same bacteria in the aquatic habitats they develop in.
Large‐scale molecular genetic analysis in plant‐pathogenic fungi: a decade of genome‐wide functional analysis
Authors: Motaung Thabiso E. , Saitoh Hiromasa , Tsilo Toi J.
Published: October 2016

Plant‐pathogenic fungi cause diseases to all major crop plants world‐wide and threaten global food security. Underpinning fungal diseases are virulence genes facilitating plant host colonization that often marks pathogenesis and crop failures, as well as an increase in staple food prices. Fungal molecular genetics is therefore the cornerstone to the sustainable prevention of disease outbreaks. Pathogenicity studies using mutant collections provide immense function‐based information regarding virulence genes of economically relevant fungi. These collections are rich in potential targets for existing and new biological control agents. They contribute to host resistance breeding against fungal pathogens and are instrumental in searching for novel resistance genes through the identification of fungal effectors. Therefore, functional analyses of mutant collections propel gene discovery and characterization, and may be incorporated into disease management strategies. In the light of these attributes, mutant collections enhance the development of practical solutions to confront modern agricultural constraints. Here, a critical review of mutant collections constructed by various laboratories during the past decade is provided. We used Magnaporthe oryzae and Fusarium graminearum studies to show how mutant screens contribute to bridge existing knowledge gaps in pathogenicity and fungal–host interactions.
Morphology and phylogeny reveal a novel hydnoid taxon from India: Mycorrhaphoides stalpersii gen. and sp. nov
Authors: Hembrom M. E. , Das Kanad , Nilsson R. Henrik , Parihar Arvind , Baghela Abhishek , Mehta Nikita , Singh S. K. , Hallenberg Nils
Published: October 2016

Mycorrhaphoides gen. nov. and Mycorrhaphoides stalpersii sp. nov. are described and defined based on morphological details and phylogenetic inference of a hydnoid macrofungus collected in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah (India). It is characterized by stipitate basidiomata with duplex context in stipe, presence of multi‐clamped septa, and smooth and hyaline cystidia.
Impact of symptom burden and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) on esophageal motor diagnoses
Authors: Reddy C. A. , Patel A. , Gyawali C. P.
Published: October 2016

Background

High‐resolution manometry (HRM) categorizes esophageal motor processes into specific Chicago Classification (CC) diagnoses, but the clinical impact of these motor diagnoses on symptom burden remain unclear.

Methods

Two hundred and eleven subjects (56.8±1.0 years, 66.8% F) completed symptom questionnaires (GERDQ, Mayo dysphagia questionnaire [MDQ], visceral sensitivity index, short‐form 36, dominant symptom index, and global symptom severity [GSS] on a 100‐mm visual analog scale) prior to HRM. Subjects were stratified according to CC v3.0 and by dominant presenting symptom; contraction wave abnormalities (CWA) were evaluated within “normal” CC. Symptom burden, impact of diagnoses, and HRQOL were compared within and between cohorts.

Key Results

Major motor disorders had highest global symptom burden (P=.02), “normal” had lowest (P<.01). Dysphagia (MDQ) was highest with esophageal outflow obstruction (P=.02), but reflux symptoms (GERDQ) were similar in CC cohorts (P=ns). Absent contractility aligned best with minor motor disorders. Consequently, pathophysiologic categorization into outflow obstruction, hypermotility, and hypomotility resulted in a gradient of decreasing dysphagia and increasing reflux burden (P<.05 across groups); GSS (P=.05) was highest with hypomotility and lowest with “normal” (P=.002). Within the “normal” cohort, 33.3% had CWA; this subgroup had symptom burden similar to hypermotility. Upon stratification by symptoms, symptom burden (GSS, MDQ, HRQOL) was most profound with dysphagia.

Conclusions and Inferences

Chicago Classification v3.0 diagnoses identify subjects with highest symptom burden, but pathophysiologic categorization may allow better stratification by symptom type and burden. Contraction wave abnormalities are clinically relevant and different from true normal motor function. Transit symptoms have highest yield for a motor diagnosis.
The socioeconomics of genetically modified biofortified crops: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: De Steur Hans , Wesana Joshua , Blancquaert Dieter , Van Der Straeten Dominique , Gellynck Xavier
Published: October 2016

Building upon the growing interest and research on genetically modified (GM) biofortification, its socioeconomic potential has been increasingly examined. We conducted two systematic reviews and meta‐analyses to provide comprehensive evidence of consumers’ willingness to pay (11 economic valuation studies, 64 estimates) and cost‐effectiveness/benefits (five economic evaluation studies, 30 estimates). Worldwide, consumers were willing to pay 23.9% more for GM biofortified food crops. Aside from crop and design‐related differences, information provision was deemed crucial. Positive information (nutrition and GM benefits) is associated with the highest consumer willingness to pay, compared with negative, objective, and conflicting GM information, especially when negative information was mentioned last. This health intervention would reduce the aggregated micronutrient deficiency burden in Asia (15.6 million disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs)) by 12.5–51.4%, at a low cost of USD 7.9–27.8 per DALY in a pessimistic and optimistic scenario, respectively. Given that GM biofortified crops could tackle hidden hunger in a cost‐effective and well‐accepted way, its implementation is worth pursuing. A case study on folate biofortification further elaborates on the importance of socioeconomic research and the determinants of their market potential.
Metabolically healthy obesity across the life course: epidemiology, determinants, and implications
Authors: Phillips Catherine M.
Published: October 2016

In recent years, different subphenotypes of obesity have been described, including metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), in which a proportion of obese individuals, despite excess body fat, remain free of metabolic abnormalities and increased cardiometabolic risk. In the absence of a universally accepted set of criteria to classify MHO, the reported prevalence estimates vary widely. Our understanding of the determinants and stability of MHO over time and the associated cardiometabolic and mortality risks is improving, but many questions remain. For example, whether MHO is truly benign is debatable, and whether risk stratification of obese individuals on the basis of their metabolic health status may offer new opportunities for more personalized approaches in diagnosis, intervention, and treatment of diabetes remains speculative. Furthermore, as most of the research to date has focused on MHO in adults, little is known about childhood MHO. In this review, we focus on the epidemiology, determinants, stability, and health implications of MHO across the life course.
Management of patients with ocular manifestations in vesiculobullous disorders affecting the mouth
Authors: Hansen MS , Klefter ON , Julian HO , Lynge Pedersen AM , Heegaard S
Published: October 2016

Pemphigoid and pemphigus diseases as well as Stevens–Johnson syndrome present as vesiculobullous disorders of the skin and may additionally involve both the oral cavity and the ocular surface. Ocular involvement ranges from mild irritation and dry eye disease to chronic conjunctivitis, symblepharon, eyelid malposition, ocular surface scarring and severe visual loss. In addition to diagnostic assessments, ophthalmologists must treat the dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction components of these diseases using a stepladder approach, including eyelid hygiene and lubricants. Topical anti‐inflammatory therapy is used to treat acute inflammatory exacerbations of the ocular surface, but it cannot prevent scarring alone. Intralesional antimetabolite therapy can cause regression of conjunctival pathology in selected cases. Hence, patients with vesiculobullous disorders should be managed by a multidisciplinary team representing ophthalmology, dermatology, otolaryngology, oral medicine and pathology, internal medicine and intensive care. Systemic treatments including corticosteroids, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil help control inflammation. Intravenous immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis and targeted antibody therapy can be used in selected, severe and treatment‐resistant cases. Local surgical management may include debridement of pseudomembranes, lysis of symblepharon, amniotic and mucous membrane grafting as well as reconstructive procedures. Prospective, multicentre, international studies are recommended to further support evidence‐based practice.
Pain, Perceived Injustice, and Pain Catastrophizing in Chronic Pain Patients in Ireland
Authors: Margiotta Fabio , Hannigan Ailish , Imran Ather , Harmon Dominic Colman
Published: October 2016

Chronic pain is a public health concern affecting 20% to 30% of the population of Western countries. Psychological risk factors can worsen chronic pain patients. Themes of perceived injustice (PI) and pain catastrophizing are related to poor clinical outcomes. Particularly, perceived injustice has not been assessed systematically in patients at their first presentation in chronic pain clinics in Ireland. This study aims to assess the Injustice Experience Questionnaire (IEQ)'s internal consistency in the Irish population, assess PI in patients attending a chronic pain clinic in Ireland using the IEQ, investigate pain catastrophizing through the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and its relationship with IEQ scores, and explore their relationships with self‐reported Numeric Pain Rating Scale. One hundred adult patients were randomly selected from those attending the clinic for the first time. Eighty completed the IEQ (mean age 49 years, ranged 22 to 90 years; 59% female). The internal consistency of the IEQ was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93). Twenty‐six patients (33%) had IEQ scores classified as severe. Patients whose cause of pain was trauma or road traffic accidents were more likely to have clinically severe scores than all other causes of pain (47% vs. 23%, P = 0.03). This has clinical consequences and may have legal implications. Pain catastrophizing scores were strongly correlated with IEQ (r = 0.60, P < 0.001). The correlation between IEQ and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale was weak (r = 0.25, P = 0.048). The results suggest that the IEQ may provide an additional tool to assess psychological contributors in problematic chronic pain patients and to institute targeted therapies to improve clinical outcomes.
Coupled response of stomatal and mesophyll conductance to light enhances photosynthesis of shade leaves under sunflecks
Authors: Campany Courtney E. , Tjoelker Mark G. , von Caemmerer Susanne , Duursma Remko A.
Published: October 2016

Light gradients within tree canopies play a major role in the distribution of plant resources that define the photosynthetic capacity of sun and shade leaves. However, the biochemical and diffusional constraints on gas exchange in sun and shade leaves in response to light remain poorly quantified, but critical for predicting canopy carbon and water exchange. To investigate the CO2 diffusion pathway of sun and shade leaves, leaf gas exchange was coupled with concurrent measurements of carbon isotope discrimination to measure net leaf photosynthesis (An), stomatal conductance (gs) and mesophyll conductance (gm) in Eucalyptus tereticornis trees grown in climate controlled whole‐tree chambers. Compared to sun leaves, shade leaves had lower An, gm, leaf nitrogen and photosynthetic capacity (Amax) but gs was similar. When light intensity was temporarily increased for shade leaves to match that of sun leaves, both gs and gm increased, and An increased to values greater than sun leaves. We show that dynamic physiological responses of shade leaves to altered light environments have implications for up‐scaling leaf level measurements and predicting whole canopy carbon gain. Despite exhibiting reduced photosynthetic capacity, the rapid up‐regulation of gm with increased light enables shade leaves to respond quickly to sunflecks.
Parasites, microbiota and metabolic disease
Authors: Bhattacharjee S. , Kalbfuss N. , Prazeres da Costa C.
Published: October 2016

Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in diseases that are ascribed to alter metabolism eventually resulting in conditions including obesity, type‐2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Of the many factors to which this rise has been attributed, including diet, physical activity and inflammation, several studies have correlated these disease states with alterations in gut microbiota. Simultaneously, studies have demonstrated the ability of parasites to alter microbial communities within their shared niche, leading to alterations in inflammatory processes. However, very few reports have addressed how these changes to the microbiome may be a mechanism by which parasites influence not only inflammation but also metabolic states. In this review, we attempt to draw parallels between the three capacious topics and examine the interrelationship between them.
A case of giant cell‐rich solitary fibrous tumor in the external auditory canal
Authors: Yuzawa Sayaka , Tanikawa Satoshi , Kunibe Isamu , Nishihara Hiroshi , Nagashima Kazuo , Tanaka Shinya
Published: October 2016

We present a rare case of giant cell‐rich solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) arising at the left external auditory canal in a 31‐year‐old woman. The tumor was well‐circumscribed and composed of spindle‐shaped cells with abundant collagenous bands. Scattered multinucleate giant cells were observed, some of which lined pseudovascular spaces. Although a focal mild‐hypercellular area was observed, mitoses were rare and necrosis was absent. Interstitial mast cells were scattered, especially in the hypercellular area. Immunohistochemically, CD34, vimentin, and Bcl‐2 presented diffuse positivity. Moreover, both mononuclear spindle cells and multinucleate cells showed nuclear STAT6 positivity, while NAB2‐STAT6 fusion gene could not be detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using formalin‐fixed specimen. These findings suggest the pathological diagnosis of giant cell‐rich SFT, previously known as giant cell angiofibroma, which is a rare variant of SFT with multinucleate giant cells and occurs predominantly in orbital region. Although giant cell‐rich SFTs of extra‐orbital sites have been reported, to our knowledge, this is the first case arising in the external auditory canal. Giant cell‐rich SFT should be considered as a differential diagnosis of spindle cell lesion with multinucleate giant cells, and STAT6 immunohistochemistry should be performed to distinguish this rare tumor from other mesenchymal neoplasms.
Law, Politics, and the Quality of Government in Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Nwachukwu Jacinta C.
Published: October 2016

This article examines interconnections between law, politics, and the quality of government in Africa. We investigate whether African democracies enjoy relatively better government quality (GQ) compared to their counterparts with more autocratic inclinations. The empirical evidence is based on instrumental variable two‐stage least squares and fixed effects with data from 38 African countries for the period 1994‐2010. Political regimes of democracy, polity, and autocracy are instrumented with income levels, legal origins, religious dominations, and press freedom to account for the GQ dynamics of corruption control, government effectiveness, voice and accountability, political stability, regulation quality, and the rule of law. Findings show that democracy has an edge over autocracy while the latter and polity overlap. As a policy implication, democracy once initiated should be accelerated to edge the appeals of authoritarian regimes.

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Necrotrophic behaviour of Erwinia amylovora in apple and tobacco leaf tissue
Authors: Sobiczewski P. , Iakimova E. T. , Mikiciński A. , Węgrzynowicz‐Lesiak E. , Dyki B.
Published: October 2016

An important issue related to the epidemiology of fire blight, a devastating disease of apples and pears, is how its causal agent, the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, survives and disseminates in the environment. Almost no information is available on the possibility of this pathogen overwintering as a necrotroph. In this study, bacterial survival in dead apple and tobacco (a non‐host) leaf tissues was addressed. In necrotized leaves collected 5, 6, 7 and 8 months following shoot inoculation of apple trees, viable E. amylovora cells were present in over 50% of samples from the midrib and in over 10% of samples from lateral veins, but were never found in parenchyma. Using a PCR‐based method, pathogen DNA was detected in more than 50% of samples that were found to be free of viable cells by conventional plating out. However, PCR analysis was insufficient to distinguish between the DNA of viable and dead bacteria. Sugars appropriate for bacterial growth were found in dead apple leaves. In spot‐inoculated attached apple and tobacco leaves, a remarkable increase in the bacterial population was observed in lesions that developed as a hypersensitive response (HR). As in other necrotrophic interactions, bacterial proliferation was associated with massive hydrogen peroxide production and progression toward plant cell death. The results indicate that E. amylovora has an ability to survive as a semi‐necrotroph or necrotroph, which allows for overwintering in dead apple leaves.
Transformation of plastids in soil‐shaded lowermost hypocotyl segments of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) during a 60‐day cultivation period
Authors: Kakuszi Andrea , Solymosi Katalin , Böddi Béla
Published: October 2016

The maintenance but substantial transformation of plastids was found in lowermost hypocotyl segments of soil‐grown bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Magnum) during a 60‐day cultivation period. Although the plants were grown under natural light–dark cycles, this hypocotyl segment was under full coverage of the soil in 5–7 cm depth, thus it was never exposed to light. The 4‐day‐old plants were fully etiolated: amyloplasts, occasionally prolamellar bodies, protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) and protochlorophyll (Pchl) were found in the hypocotyls of these young seedlings. The 633 and 654 nm bands in the 77 K fluorescence emission spectra indicated the presence of Pchlide and Pchl pigments. During aging, both the Pchlide and Pchl contents increased, however, the Pchl to Pchlide ratio gradually increased. In parallel, the contribution of the 654 nm form decreased and in the spectra of the 60‐day‐old samples, the main band shifted to 631 nm, and a new form appeared with an emission maximum at 641 nm. The photoactivity had been lost; bleaching took place at continuous illumination. The inner membranes of the plastids disappeared, the amount of starch storing amyloplasts decreased. These data may indicate the general importance of plastids for plant cell metabolism, which can be the reason for their maintenance. Also the general heterogeneity of plastid forms can be concluded: in tissues not exposed to light, Pchl accumulating plastids develop and are maintained even for a long period.