bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Patterns of Melanoma in Asians
Authors: Chan Karen Kar-Wun , Chan Richie Chiu-Lung , Ho Ronnie Siu-Lun , Chan Jimmy Yu-Wai
Published: January 2016

Background

Malignant melanoma is a relatively common malignancy in the West, but has a significantly lower incidence in Asians. Stark contrast in clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis has been observed between the 2 populations, yet data are limited. Here, we evaluate 106 Asian patients from a tertiary referral center in Hong Kong during an 11-year period. The purpose of this study was to collectively review all types of melanomas to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of this poorly understood condition in an Asian population.

Methods

A total of 106 patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma from 2002 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, clinical presentations, pathological subtypes, treatments, and survival outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Cutaneous melanomas dominated with 46 (43.4%) cases, followed by mucosal (39.6%), ocular (9.4%), and melanomas of unknown primary (7.5%); 43.3% patients presented in stage I, 36.7% in stage II, 18.9% in stage III, and 1.1% in stage IV. Acral lentiginous melanoma was the commonest subtype of cutaneous melanomas (60.9%). When types of melanomas were reviewed collectively, the median overall survival, disease-specific survival, and recurrence-free survival were 37, 45, and 48 months, respectively. Cutaneous melanoma had the best median overall survival of 59 months, followed by ocular melanoma (58 months), mucosal melanoma (18 months), and melanoma of unknown primary (2 months). Similar patterns were observed for disease-specific survival and recurrence-free survival.

Conclusions

Melanoma among Asians remains poorly understood. There is a clear distinction in the clinical patterns between Asians and whites and the difference is not solely accounted for by the lower incidence of cutaneous melanoma. Certain subtypes, such as mucosal melanoma and is acral lentiginous melanoma, seemed to have disproportionately high incidences. Further studies are warranted to elucidate these observations. The poor survival outcomes reflected the need for better awareness and understanding of the condition by both the general public and the physicians.
Proposal for a Standard Format for Neurophysiology Data Recording and Exchange
Authors: Stead Matt , Halford Jonathan J.
Published: January 2016

The lack of interoperability between information networks is a significant source of cost in health care. Standardized data formats decrease health care cost, improve quality of care, and facilitate biomedical research. There is no common standard digital format for storing clinical neurophysiologic data. This review proposes a new standard file format for neurophysiology data (the bulk of which is video-electroencephalographic data), entitled the Multiscale Electrophysiology Format, version 3 (MEF3), which is designed to address many of the shortcomings of existing formats. MEF3 provides functionality that addresses many of the limitations of current formats. The proposed improvements include (1) hierarchical file structure with improved organization; (2) greater extensibility for big data applications requiring a large number of channels, signal types, and parallel processing; (3) efficient and flexible lossy or lossless data compression; (4) industry standard multilayered data encryption and time obfuscation that permits sharing of human data without the need for deidentification procedures; (5) resistance to file corruption; (6) facilitation of online and offline review and analysis; and (7) provision of full open source documentation. At this time, there is no other neurophysiology format that supports all of these features. MEF3 is currently gaining industry and academic community support. The authors propose the use of the MEF3 as a standard format for neurophysiology recording and data exchange. Collaboration between industry, professional organizations, research communities, and independent standards organizations is needed to move the project forward.
Cognitive Event-Related Potentials in Patients With Adenoid Hypertrophy: A Case–Control Pilot Study
Authors: N. Thabit Mohamed , Elnady Hassan M. , S. Badawy Badawy , Mahmoud Hamza A.
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

Children with adenoid hypertrophy commonly have sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep-disordered breathing is associated with various neurocognitive problems. The aim of this study was to assess the cognitive function in those patients using cognitive event-related potentials.

Methods:

Twenty-three patients with moderate to severe adenoid hypertrophy were compared with 20 healthy controls. The intelligence quotient was performed for all study participants. The latencies of the N200, P300 peaks and the amplitudes of the N200/P300 components of event-related potentials were recorded. The above variables were measured at baseline for both patients and control groups and 2 months after adenoidectomy for the patient group.

Results:

There was no significant difference between patients and controls regarding full intelligence quotient scales. P300 latency was significantly prolonged in patient group compared with the healthy controls. Moreover, postoperative P300 latency was significantly reduced compared with the preoperative P300 latency. Postoperative P300 latency was not statistically different from healthy controls' data.

Conclusions:

P300 latency delay may reflect some sort of cognitive impairment in patients with adenoid hypertrophy. This delay was reversible after adenoidectomy. Event-related potentials may help for assessment of cognitive functions in patients with adenoid hypertrophy.
Can women detect cues to ovulation in other women's faces?
Authors: Lobmaier Janek S. , Bobst Cora , Probst Fabian
Published: January 2016

Recent research suggests that men find portraits of ovulatory women more attractive than photographs of the same women taken during the luteal phase. Only few studies have investigated whether the same is true for women. The ovulatory phase matters to men because women around ovulation are most likely to conceive, and might matter to women because fertile women might pose a reproductive threat. In an online study 160 women were shown face pairs, one of which was assimilated to the shape of a late follicular prototype and the other to a luteal prototype, and were asked to indicate which face they found more attractive. A further 60 women were tested in the laboratory using a similar procedure. In addition to choosing the more attractive face, these participants were asked which woman would be more likely to steal their own date. Because gonadal hormones influence competitive behaviour, we also examined whether oestradiol, testosterone and progesterone levels predict women's choices. The women found neither the late follicular nor the luteal version more attractive. However, naturally cycling women with higher oestradiol levels were more likely to choose the ovulatory woman as the one who would entice their date than women with lower oestradiol levels. These results imply a role of oestradiol when evaluating other women who are competing for reproduction.
‘Neo-Europe’ and its ecological consequences: the example of systematic degradation in Australia's inland fisheries
Authors: Alleway Heidi K. , Gillanders Bronwyn M. , Connell Sean D.
Published: January 2016

The antiquity of human impact on ecosystems is increasingly understood, though the arrival of settlers to new lands remains a defining period. Colonization of the ‘neo-Europes’, a reference from the discipline of history, precipitated changes in aquatic ecosystems through modification of waterways and introductions of non-native species. We considered historical fisheries and fish market records from South Australia (1900–1946) against contemporary production statistics (1987–2011). Native inland species historically contributed large quantities to the market but have deteriorated such that fishing is now limited, and conservation regulations exist. This pattern mirrors the demand-driven transition from freshwater to marine fisheries in Europe; hence, we propose that this pattern was predicated on societal expectations and that European settlement and introduction of non-native fishes led to systematic overexploitation and degradation of native inland fisheries species in Australia, representing a further consequence of neo-European colonization to ecology. Accurate interpretation of ecological change can ensure more appropriate management intervention. Concepts, such as neo-Europe, from alternative disciplines can inform the recognition and evaluation of patterns at regional and global scales.
Origami tubes with reconfigurable polygonal cross-sections
Authors: Filipov E. T. , Paulino G. H. , Tachi T.
Published: January 2016

Thin sheets can be assembled into origami tubes to create a variety of deployable, reconfigurable and mechanistically unique three-dimensional structures. We introduce and explore origami tubes with polygonal, translational symmetric cross-sections that can reconfigure into numerous geometries. The tubular structures satisfy the mathematical definitions for flat and rigid foldability, meaning that they can fully unfold from a flattened state with deformations occurring only at the fold lines. The tubes do not need to be straight and can be constructed to follow a non-linear curved line when deployed.
The cross-section and kinematics of the tubular structures can be reprogrammed by changing the direction of folding at some folds.
We discuss the variety of tubular structures that can be conceived and we show limitations that govern the geometric design. We quantify the global stiffness of the origami tubes through eigenvalue and structural analyses and highlight the mechanical characteristics of these systems. The two-scale nature of this work indicates that, from a local viewpoint, the cross-sections of the polygonal tubes are reconfigurable while, from a global viewpoint, deployable tubes of desired shapes are achieved. This class of tubes has potential applications ranging from pipes and micro-robotics to deployable architecture in buildings.
Asymmetric competition causes multimodal size distributions in spatially structured populations
Authors: Velázquez Jorge , Allen Robert B. , Coomes David A. , Eichhorn Markus P.
Published: January 2016

Plant sizes within populations often exhibit multimodal distributions, even when all individuals are the same age and have experienced identical conditions. To establish the causes of this, we created an individual-based model simulating the growth of trees in a spatially explicit framework, which was parametrized using data from a long-term study of forest stands in New Zealand. First, we demonstrate that asymmetric resource competition is a necessary condition for the formation of multimodal size distributions within cohorts. By contrast, the legacy of small-scale clustering during recruitment is transient and quickly overwhelmed by density-dependent mortality. Complex multi-layered size distributions are generated when established individuals are restricted in the spatial domain within which they can capture resources. The number of modes reveals the effective number of direct competitors, while the separation and spread of modes are influenced by distances among established individuals. Asymmetric competition within local neighbourhoods can therefore generate a range of complex size distributions within even-aged cohorts.
Morphology predicts species' functional roles and their degree of specialization in plant–frugivore interactions
Authors: Dehling D. Matthias , Jordano Pedro , Schaefer H. Martin , Böhning-Gaese Katrin , Schleuning Matthias
Published: January 2016

Species' functional roles in key ecosystem processes such as predation, pollination or seed dispersal are determined by the resource use of consumer species. An interaction between resource and consumer species usually requires trait matching (e.g. a congruence in the morphologies of interaction partners). Species' morphology should therefore determine species' functional roles in ecological processes mediated by mutualistic or antagonistic interactions. We tested this assumption for Neotropical plant–bird mutualisms. We used a new analytical framework that assesses a species's functional role based on the analysis of the traits of its interaction partners in a multidimensional trait space. We employed this framework to test (i) whether there is correspondence between the morphology of bird species and their functional roles and (ii) whether morphologically specialized birds fulfil specialized functional roles. We found that morphological differences between bird species reflected their functional differences: (i) bird species with different morphologies foraged on distinct sets of plant species and (ii) morphologically distinct bird species fulfilled specialized functional roles. These findings encourage further assessments of species' functional roles through the analysis of their interaction partners, and the proposed analytical framework facilitates a wide range of novel analyses for network and community ecology.
Global patterns in threats to vertebrates by biological invasions
Authors: Bellard C. , Genovesi P. , Jeschke J. M.
Published: January 2016

Biological invasions as drivers of biodiversity loss have recently been challenged. Fundamentally, we must know where species that are threatened by invasive alien species (IAS) live, and the degree to which they are threatened. We report the first study linking 1372 vertebrates threatened by more than 200 IAS from the completely revised Global Invasive Species Database. New maps of the vulnerability of threatened vertebrates to IAS permit assessments of whether IAS have a major influence on biodiversity, and if so, which taxonomic groups are threatened and where they are threatened. We found that centres of IAS-threatened vertebrates are concentrated in the Americas, India, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. The areas in which IAS-threatened species are located do not fully match the current hotspots of invasions, or the current hotspots of threatened species. The relative importance of biological invasions as drivers of biodiversity loss clearly varies across regions and taxa, and changes over time, with mammals from India, Indonesia, Australia and Europe are increasingly being threatened by IAS. The chytrid fungus primarily threatens amphibians, whereas invasive mammals primarily threaten other vertebrates. The differences in IAS threats between regions and taxa can help efficiently target IAS, which is essential for achieving the Strategic Plan 2020 of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Two Japanese siblings affected with Chikungunya fever with different clinical courses: Imported infections from the Cook Islands
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Akachi Shigehiro , Ando Katsuhiko , Nomura Tatsuma , Yamanaka Keiichi , Mizutani Hitoshi
Published: January 2016

Two Japanese siblings visited the Cook Islands on business and stayed for 2 months. The sister developed a high fever, arthralgia, erythema and leg edema on the day after returning to Japan. The brother also developed neck and joint pain on the day following the sister's onset. Subsequently, his erythematous lesions spread over his whole body. Chikungunya virus was detected from the sister's blood and urine by specific reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, but not in the brother's samples. Retrospectively, his history of Chikungunya fever was confirmed by the presence of the anti‐Chikungunya virus immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibodies using the specific enzyme‐linked immunoassay. In Japan, no autochthonous case of Chikungunya fever was reported previously. We should give attention to the imported infectious diseases for epidemic prevention. This report warns about the danger of the imported infectious diseases, and also suggests that covering the topic of infectious disease in the world is critical to doctors as well as travelers.
Recurrent neutrophilic dermatosis of the face: A report of two cases and review of the published work
Authors: Maki Tomoko , Yanaba Koichi , Ishiuji Yozo , Umezawa Yoshinori , Asahina Akihiko , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: January 2016

Recurrent neutrophilic dermatosis of the face is a disease that is morphologically and histopathologically compatible with Sweet's syndrome, but is distributed on the face without fever, laboratory abnormalities or associated disorders. At present, it is unclear whether our cases belong to the chronic and mild variant of Sweet's syndrome or are independent entities. Here, we present two cases of recurrent neutrophilic dermatosis of the face with good response to systemic corticosteroids or potassium iodine, as well as those of cases reported in the published work.
Even therapeutic antimicrobial use in animal husbandry may generate environmental hazards to human health
Authors: Cabello Felipe C. , Godfrey Henry P.
Published: January 2016

The potential negative impact for human health of veterinary use of antimicrobials in prophylaxis, metaphylaxis and growth promotion in animal husbandry was first established in the 1960s and 1970s. Determination of the molecular structure of antimicrobial resistance plasmids at that time explained the ability of antimicrobial resistance genes to disseminate among bacterial populations and elucidated the reasons for the negative effects of antimicrobials used in food animals for human health. In this issue of Environmental Microbiology, Liu et al. (2016) show that even therapeutic use of antimicrobials in dairy calves has an appreciable environmental microbiological footprint. We discuss the negative implications of this footprint for human health and the possibility they may lead to calls for increased regulation of veterinary antimicrobial use in terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Time‐dependent Expression of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 after Rats Skeletal Muscle Contusion and Their Application to Determine Wound Age
Authors: Yu Tian‐shui , Li Zhuang , Zhao Rui , Zhang Yan , Zhang Zhen‐hua , Guan Da‐wei
Published: January 2016

The ability to determine vitality and estimate the survival period after a wound is critical in routine forensic practice. The mRNA levels of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 were examined using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR to determine the age of a wound. Furthermore, the colocalization of them with Macrophage Marker, respectively, was detected by double immunofluorescence, and a standardized rat model of skeletal muscle contusion was established. In the antemortem contused groups, a large number of macrophages showed positive staining for MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2, and the expression of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 mRNA increased sharply at 3 days postinjury, with relative quantities of 5.75 and 2.98. No samples in the other groups showed relative quantities of >5.75 and 2.98; therefore, relative quantities exceeding 5.75 and 2.98 were strongly indicated 3 days after contusion. In addition, there was a significant decrease in the relative quantity in the postmortem contused groups, indicating that they were useful for diagnosing vitality.
Screening Test for Shed Skin Cells by Measuring the Ratio of Human DNA to Staphylococcus epidermidisDNA
Authors: Nakanishi Hiroaki , Ohmori Takeshi , Hara Masaaki , Takahashi Shirushi , Kurosu Akira , Takada Aya , Saito Kazuyuki
Published: January 2016

A novel screening method for shed skin cells by detecting Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), which is a resident bacterium on skin, was developed. Staphylococcus epidermidis was detected using real‐time PCR. Staphylococcus epidermidis was detected in all 20 human skin surface samples. Although not present in blood and urine samples, S. epidermidis was detected in 6 of 20 saliva samples, and 5 of 18 semen samples. The ratio of human DNA to S. epidermidisDNA was significantly smaller in human skin surface samples than in saliva and semen samples in which S. epidermidis was detected. Therefore, although skin cells could not be identified by detecting only S. epidermidis, they could be distinguished by measuring the S. epidermidis to human DNA ratio. This method could be applied to casework touch samples, which suggests that it is useful for screening whether skin cells and human DNA are present on potential evidentiary touch samples.
Enhancement of Nutraceutical Bioavailability using Excipient Nanoemulsions: Role of Lipid Digestion Products on Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids and Phenolics from Mangoes
Authors: Liu Xuan , Bi Jinfeng , Xiao Hang , McClements David Julian
Published: January 2016

The ability of excipient nanoemulsions to increase the bioaccessibility of different kinds of nutraceuticals (phenolics and carotenoids) in mangoes was studied. Oil‐in‐water excipient nanoemulsions containing small digestible lipid nanoparticles (d < 200 nm) were prepared using different oil phases: medium chain triglycerides (MCT) and long‐chain triglycerides (LCT). These nanoemulsions were then mixed with pureed mango and passed through a simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT): mouth, stomach, and small intestine. Carotenoid bioaccessibility decreased in the following order: LCT nanoemulsions > MCT nanoemulsions > buffer solution, which was attributed to differences in the solubilization capacity of the mixed micelles generated in the intestinal fluids. The digestion products of LCT formed mixed micelles with hydrophobic domains large enough to accommodate the carotenoids, whereas those of MCT did not. Excipient emulsions had much less effect on phenolic bioaccessibility, which may be because phenolics are smaller more polar molecules and are therefore more easily solubilized in aqueous intestinal fluids. These results highlight the potential of excipient nanoemulsions in boosting the bioavailability of lipophilic bioactive agents in fruits and vegetables.
Preparation and Characterization of Nanocomposites from Whey Protein Concentrate Activated with Lycopene
Authors: Pereira Rafaela Corrêa , de Deus Souza Carneiro João , Borges Soraia Vilela , Assis Odílio Benedito Garrido , Alvarenga Gabriela Lara
Published: January 2016

The production and characterization of nanocomposites based on whey protein concentrate (WPC) and montmorilonite (MMT) incorporated with lycopene as a functional substance is presented and discussed as an alternative biomaterial for potential uses in foodstuff applications. A full factorial design with varying levels of MMT (0% and 2% in w/w) and lycopene (0%, 6%, and 12% in w/w) was used. Color, light transmission, film transparency, moisture, density, solubility, water vapor permeability, and antioxidant activity of the resulting materials were evaluated. Results indicated that lycopene and MMT nanoparticles were successfully included in WPC films using the casting/evaporation method. Inclusion of 2% w/w of MMT in the polymeric matrix significantly improved barrier property against water vapor. Lycopene, besides its good red coloring ability, provided to the films antioxidant activity and UV‐vis light protection. These findings open a new perspective for the use of materials for bioactive packaging applications.
An ecological model organism flies into the genomics era
Authors: Santure Anna W.
Published: January 2016

Despite the very rapid ‘genomicization’ of the field of Molecular Ecology in recent years, there have been relatively few annotated whole‐genome assemblies of nonmodel organisms published. Instead, molecular ecologists have more frequently utilized next‐generation sequencing technologies to develop genome‐wide markers or to generate transcriptome data. Whole‐genome assemblies are more expensive and require considerable computational resources and bioinformatic expertise. However, the availability of an annotated genome offers exciting opportunities to address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution that are difficult to address with moderate sets of markers or by transcriptome sequencing. Such questions include elucidating the roles of natural and sexual selection in shaping diversity, determining the roles of regulatory and protein‐coding change in the evolution of traits, and determining the genomic architecture of sex‐specific trait variation. Arguably, these questions are most tractable – and most interesting – in well‐characterized species for which there is already some knowledge of natural and sexual selection, and of the traits that are most likely to link to fitness. In this issue, Mueller et al. () present the assembly and annotation of the genome of the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), a model ecological species. In addition, by sequencing the transcriptome of male and female blue tits, the authors identify and annotate sex‐biased gene expression and conclude that noncoding RNA genes are likely to play a significant role in sex‐biased expression. By making their assembly and annotation publically available and accessible via a genome browser, Mueller et al. () offer exciting possibilities for further research into the genomic basis of adaptation, and investigation of the roles of natural and sexual selection, in this well‐studied ecological model species.
Rapid versus non‐rapid cycling bipolar II depression: response to venlafaxine and lithium and hypomanic risk
Authors: Lorenzo‐Luaces L. , Amsterdam J. D. , Soeller I. , DeRubeis R. J.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To examine the safety and effectiveness of antidepressant versus mood stabilizer monotherapy in rapid versus non‐rapid cycling bipolar II disorder.

Method

Subjects ≥18 years old with bipolar II depression (n = 129) were randomized to double‐blind venlafaxine or lithium carbonate monotherapy for 12 weeks. Responders (n = 59) received continuation monotherapy for six additional months.

Results

Rapid cycling did not affect frequency of response or change over time in depressive symptoms. Rapid cycling status did not affect frequency of depressive relapse or sustained treatment response. Rapid cyclers were more likely to experience hypomanic symptoms (P = 0.005) during continuation monotherapy; however, rates were similar in venlafaxine (17.6%) and lithium (42.9%) (P = 0.31).

Conclusion

Rapid cycling status may not be associated with an increased risk of diminished response or greater depressive relapse during venlafaxine, relative to lithium monotherapy, in bipolar II subjects. Additional randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Periodontal treatment and glycaemic control in patients with diabetes and periodontitis: an umbrella review
Authors: Botero JE , Rodríguez C , Agudelo‐Suarez AA
Published: January 2016

Background

Studies suggest that non‐surgical periodontal treatment improves glycaemic control in patients with diabetes and periodontitis. The aim of this umbrella review is to summarize the effects of periodontal treatment on glycaemic control in patients with periodontitis and diabetes.

Methods

A systematic review of systematic reviews with or without meta‐analysis published between 1995 and 2015 was performed. Three independent reviewers assessed for article selection, quality and data extraction.

Results

Thirteen (13) systematic reviews/meta‐analysis were included for qualitative synthesis. A reduction (0.23 to 1.03 percentage points) in the levels of HbA1c at 3 months after periodontal intervention was found. This reduction was statistically significant in 10/12 meta‐analysis. One review with sufficiently large samples found a non‐significant reduction (−0.014 percentage points; 95% CI −0.18 to 0.16; p = 0.87). Only three studies separated the use of adjunctive antibiotics and found a reduction of 0.36 percentage points but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Highly heterogeneous short‐term studies with small sample size suggest that periodontal treatment could help improve glycaemic control at 3 months in patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontitis. However, longer term studies having sufficient sample size do not provide evidence that periodontal therapy improves glycaemic control in these patients.
Application of Controlled Shear Stresses on the Erythrocyte Membrane as a New Approach to Promote Molecule Encapsulation
Authors: Casagrande Giustina , Arienti Flavio , Mazzocchi Arabella , Taverna Francesca , Ravagnani Fernando , Costantino MariaLaura
Published: January 2016

Human red blood cells (RBCs) have a remarkable capacity to undergo reversible membrane swelling. Resealed erythrocytes have been proposed as carriers and bioreactors to be used in the treatment of various diseases. This work is aimed at developing a setup allowing the encapsulation of test molecules into erythrocytes by inducing reversible pore formation on the RBC membrane through the application of controlled mechanical shear stresses. The designed setup consists of two reservoirs connected by a glass capillary. Each reservoir is connected to a compressor; during the tests, the reservoirs were in turn pressurized to promote erythrocyte flow through the capillary. The setup was filled with a suspension of erythrocytes, phosphate buffer, and FITC–dextran. Dextran was chosen as the diffusive molecule to check membrane pore dimensions. Samples of the suspension were withdrawn at scheduled times while the setup was operating. Flow cytometry and stereo‐optical microscopy analyses were used to evaluate the erythrocyte dextran uptake. The setup was shown to be safe, well controlled, and adjustable. The outcomes of the experimental tests showed significant dextran uptake by RBCs up to 8%. Microscopy observations highlighted the formation of echinocytes in the analyzed samples. Erythrocytes from different donors showed different reactions to mechanical stresses. The experimental outcomes proved the possibility to encapsulate test molecules into erythrocytes by applying controlled mechanical shear stresses on the RBC membrane, encouraging further studies.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange—Does Age Matter? A Single‐Center Study
Authors: Brunetta Gavranić Bruna , Bašić‐Jukić Nikolina , Kes Petar
Published: January 2016

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal blood purification technique designed for the removal of substances with large molecular weight from the plasma. However, it is not commonly performed in children and the elderly because of concern of potential complications. The Department of Nephrology at Zagreb University Hospital Centre's database (8335 procedures, 981 patients) was retrospectively analyzed from 1982 to 2011 to record indications, applications, and safety of TPE use in children (≤18 years), adults (>18 and <65 years), and elderly patients (≥65 years). Indications, blood access, replacement fluid, and anticoagulation during TPE differed among age groups. Significantly more complications were recorded in the youngest and eldest patients compared with the adults (12.2% and 12.7% vs. 9.9%, respectively), while the severity of complications did not differ significantly among the age groups. Our results indicate that TPE may be performed relatively safely in all age groups when the patients’ differences are acknowledged prior to prescribing the procedure.
Nutrition and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants: a systematic review
Authors: Chan Stephanie H.T. , Johnson Mark J. , Leaf Alison A. , Vollmer Brigitte
Published: January 2016

A systematic review with meta‐analysis was carried out to investigate the effects of increased nutritional intake, via either macronutrient or multinutrient intervention, during the neonatal period on neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants born at <32 weeks of gestation or weighing <1501 g at birth.

Conclusion

Although the relationship remains unclear, increased early nutrition may reduce neurodevelopmental impairment in this group of infants. Future research should focus on using standardised nutritional interventions and an agreed neurodevelopmental assessment battery.
Interleukin (IL)-17-producing pathogenic T lymphocytes co-express CD20 and are depleted by rituximab in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Alunno A , Carubbi F , Bistoni O , Caterbi S , Bartoloni E , Di Benedetto P , Cipriani P , Giacomelli R , Gerli R
Published: January 2016

Compelling evidence suggests that interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-17-producing cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). We investigated phenotypical and functional effects of the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab (RTX) on circulating and glandular IL-17-producing T cells in pSS. RTX is able to deplete glandular IL-17+ CD3+CD4–CD8– double-negative (DN) and CD4+ Th17 cells as well as circulating IL-17+ DN T cells. A fraction of glandular and circulating IL-17+ DN cells and CD4+ T helper type 17 (Th17) cells co-expresses CD20 on the cell surface explaining, at least in part, such depletive capacity of RTX. The exposure to RTX does not rescue the in-vitro corticosteroid resistance of IL-17+ DN T cells. Our results support further the therapeutic role in pSS of RTX that, despite its B cell specificity, appears able to also hamper IL-17-producing T cells in this disease.
The Influence of Apical Aneurysm on Left Ventricular Geometry and Clinical Outcomes: 3‐Year Follow‐Up Using Echocardiography
Authors: Jung Mi‐Hyang , Youn Ho‐Joong , Jung Hae Ok
Published: January 2016

Background

Left ventricular apical aneurysm (LVAA) is a serious complication associated with myocardial infarction. However, the effects of a previously formed LVAA on long‐term left ventricular (LV) geometry and clinical outcomes have not been fully evaluated.

Methods

From January 2009 to May 2015, we retrospectively identified 70 patients (mean age, 66 ± 12 years; males, 72.9%) with an LVAA due to ischemia. These patients were classified into two groups according to the initial apical conicity ratio (ACR): large LVAA group (ACR ≥ 1.5, n = 40) and small LVAA group (ACR < 1.5, n = 30). An adverse outcome was defined as a composite of fatal arrhythmia, embolic infarction, and readmission due to heart failure.

Results

The ACR significantly decreased over the first month and then increased after 1 and 3 years of follow‐up. The other examined echocardiographic indexes did not exhibit temporal changes. During the follow‐up period (median 1138 days), the large LVAA group experienced a lower event‐free survival (P = 0.016). In a multivariate Cox model, the presence of a large LVAA (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 2.795, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.118–6.986, P = 0.028) and the initial LV ejection fraction (EF) (adjusted HR = 0.964, 95% CI = 0.932–0.997, P = 0.034) were independent predictors of adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that LVAAs undergo a dynamic process and that large LVAAs are associated with adverse outcomes. Our results suggest that the ACR could be helpful for predicting adverse outcomes in patients with apical aneurysm.
The adaptive potential of subtropical rainbowfish in the face of climate change: heritability and heritable plasticity for the expression of candidate genes
Authors: McCairns R. J. Scott , Smith Steve , Sasaki Minami , Bernatchez Louis , Beheregaray Luciano B.
Published: January 2016

Whilst adaptation and phenotypic plasticity might buffer species against habitat degradation associated with global climate change, few studies making such claims also possess the necessary and sufficient data to support them. Doing so requires demonstration of heritable variation in traits affecting fitness under new environmental conditions. We address this issue using an emerging aquatic system to study adaptation to climate change, the crimson‐spotted rainbowfish (Melanotaenia duboulayi), a freshwater species from a region of eastern Australia projected to be affected by marked temperature increases. Captive born M. duboulayi of known pedigree were used to assess the long‐term effects of contemporary and 2070‐projected summer temperatures on the expression of genes previously identified in a climate change transcriptomics (RNA‐Seq) experiment. Nearly all genes responded to increasing temperature. Significant additive genetic variance explained a moderate proportion of transcriptional variation for all genes. Most genes also showed broad‐sense genetic variation in transcriptional plasticity. Additionally, molecular pathways of candidate genes co‐occur with genes inferred to be under climate‐mediated selection in wild M. duboulayi populations. Together, these results indicate the presence of existing variation in important physiological traits, and the potential for adaptive responses to a changing thermal environment.
Using volatiles in magma to decipher subglacial eruption dynamics
Authors: Owen Jacqueline
Published: January 2016

Eruptions beneath ice sheets and glaciers can generate hazardous ash plumes and powerful meltwater floods, as demonstrated by the recent Icelandic eruptions at Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 and at Grímsvötn in 2011. A key scientific objective for volcanologists is to better understand the factors controlling subglacial eruptions, but the eruptions are mostly hidden beneath ice that is often hundreds of metres thick, thereby preventing direct observation. New approaches are therefore needed to reconstruct the factors driving explosive activity and the response of the overlying ice. The dissolved volatile content, preserved in glassy volcanic rock, offers a useful means of reconstructing palaeo‐ice thicknesses. However, for subglacial rhyolite at least, there seems to be little or no correlation between loading pressure and eruptive style. Instead, there is a strong correlation between the pre‐eruptive volatile content, degassing path and eruptive behaviour. It seems that the style of many subglacial eruptions is controlled by the same mechanisms as subaerial eruptions, with explosivity strongly influenced by degassing and magmatic fragmentation.
Adoption of the Gold Standard and Real Exchange Rates in the Core and Periphery, 1870–1913
Authors: Mollick Andre Varella
Published: January 2016

In this paper I estimate the speed of adjustment to shocks to real effective exchange rates (REERs) during the gold standard years. Adoption of the gold standard by the United States in 1879 resulted in all four core countries (France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States) being fully committed to gold. I use the concept of half‐life (HL) to measure the time it takes for a deviation from purchasing power parity (PPP) to dissipate by 50%. Relative to the years 1870–1913, between 1880 and 1913 the half‐lives of REERs in core countries decrease from between 4.4 and 5.2 years to between 3.1 and 3.4 years, with similar declines across dynamic panels. Combined with evidence elsewhere that interest rates adjusted quickly, the evidence herein suggests that adjustment in goods markets was faster following adoption of the gold standard.
Metazoan parasites ofBrama australisfrom southern Chile: a tool for stock discrimination?
Authors: Oliva M. E. , Espinola J. F. , Ñacari L. A.
Published: January 2016

The metazoan parasites of 403 specimens of the southern ray's breamBrama australisfrom three localities in southern Chile (Lebu 36° 70′ S; 73° 40′ W, Calbuco 41° 50′ S; 73° 08′ W and Punta Arenas 53° 10′ S; 70° 50′ W) were recorded. More than 23 400 parasite specimens belonging to 12 taxa were registered. Metazoan parasites were dominated by the copepodHatschekia conifera, constituting 97% of the total number of parasites; the larval cestodeHepatoxylon trichiuriwas the second most important parasite (2·1% of the total number of parasites). The remaining 10 species constituted <1% of the metazoan parasites. Parasitological evidence, based on univariate and multivariate analysis, does not support the existence of discrete stocks in the studied zone.
Group discussions with structured reminiscence and a problem‐based method as an intervention to prevent depressive symptoms in older people
Authors: Djukanović Ingrid , Carlsson Jörg , Peterson Ulla
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the effect of group discussions, in which structured reminiscence and a problem‐based method were used, on depressive symptoms, quality of life and self‐rated health among older people.

Background

Depressive symptoms in older people have a considerable impact on self‐rated health and quality of life, with a high rate of co‐morbidity and mortality. As the ageing population is growing, late‐life depression is becoming an important public health problem and there is a need to find preventive interventions to avert unnecessary suffering.

Design

The study was quasi‐experimental, with a one‐group pretest–post‐test design and follow‐up after one year.

Methods

Initially, a questionnaire was sent to the total population of 55–80‐year‐old retirees in a community in the northeast of Sweden, (n = 679). The questionnaire concerned demographics and covered areas such as health, depression and quality of life. The intervention consisted of group discussions where structured reminiscence and a problem‐based method were used. The participants (n = 18) met 10 times under the guidance of a group‐leader, a registered nurse educated in the method. Each session had different themes with a focus on positive memories but also on the present situation and the future. Parametric, nonparametric tests and content analysis were used.

Results

Participants evaluated the intervention positively, showed a decrease in depressive symptoms, an increase in self‐rated health and experienced an increased autonomy. No long‐ lasting effect was seen.

Conclusion

Group discussions where structured reminiscence and a problem‐based method are used might be an option to prevent depressive symptoms in older people.

Relevance to clinical practice

This method might provide an opportunity for older people with depressive symptoms to improve their quality of life, however, to maintain the positive outcome the intervention should probably be continuous.
Effects of expiratory muscle strength training on oropharyngeal dysphagia in subacute stroke patients: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Park J. S. , Oh D. H. , Chang M. Y. , Kim K. M.
Published: January 2016

Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) involves forcible blowing as a means of generating high expiratory pressure, against adjustable resistance. EMST has recently been introduced as a potential treatment for dysphagia. This study was performed to investigate the effects of EMST on the activity of suprahyoid muscles, aspiration and dietary stages in stroke patients with dysphagia. Twenty‐seven stroke patients with dysphagia were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group performed EMST with a 70% threshold value of maximal expiratory pressure, using an EMST device, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The placebo group trained with a sham device. The EMST regime involved 5 sets of 5 breaths through the EMST device for a total of 25 breaths per day. Activity in the suprahyoid muscle group was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG). Further, the penetration–aspiration scale (PAS) was used to assess the results of the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). In addition, dietary stages were evaluated using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). The experimental group exhibited improved suprahyoid muscle group activity and PAS results, when compared to the placebo group. Following intervention, statistical analysis indicated significant differences in measured suprahyoid muscle activity (P = 0·01), liquid PAS outcomes (P = 0·03) and FOIS results (P = 0·06), but not semisolid type PAS outcomes (P = 0·32), between the groups. This study confirms EMST as an effective treatment for the development of suprahyoid muscle activity in stroke patients with dysphagia. Additionally, improvements in aspiration and penetration outcomes were observed.
The pharmacokinetics of DPH after the administration of a single intravenous or intramuscular dose in healthy dogs
Authors: Sanchez A. , Valverde A. , Sinclair M. , Mosley C. , Singh A. , Mutsaers A. J. , Hanna B. , Gu Y. , Johnson R.
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of diphenhydramine (DPH) in healthy dogs following a single i.v. or i.m. dose. Dogs were randomly allocated in two treatment groups and received DPH at 1 mg/kg, i.v., or 2 mg/kg, i.m. Blood samples were collected serially over 24 h. Plasma concentrations of DPH were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed with the commercially available software. Cardio‐respiratory parameters, rectal temperature and effects on behaviour, such as sedation or excitement, were recorded. Diphenhydramine Clarea, Vdarea and T1/2 were 20.7 ± 2.9 mL/kg/min, 7.6 ± 0.7 L/kg and 4.2 ± 0.5 h for the i.v. route, respectively, and Clarea/F, Vdarea/F and T1/2 20.8 ± 2.7 mL/kg/min, 12.3 ± 1.2 L/kg and 6.8 ± 0.7 h for the i.m. route, respectively. Bioavailability was 88% after i.m. administration. No significant differences were found in physiological parameters between groups or within dogs of the same group, and values remained within normal limits. No adverse effects or changes in mental status were observed after the administration of DPH. Both routes of administration resulted in DPH plasma concentrations which exceeded levels considered therapeutic in humans.
Alkalinity and Hardness: Critical but Elusive Concepts in Aquaculture
Authors: Boyd Claude E. , Tucker Craig S. , Somridhivej Benjaporn
Published: January 2016

Total alkalinity and total hardness are familiar variables in aquatic animal production. Aquaculturists—both scientists and practitioners alike—have some understanding of the two variables and of methods for adjusting their concentrations. The chemistry and the biological effects of alkalinity and hardness, however, are more complex than generally realized or depicted in the aquaculture literature. Moreover, the discussions of alkalinity and hardness—alkalinity in particular—found in water chemistry texts are presented in a rigorous manner and without explanation of how the two variables relate to aquaculture. This review provides a thorough but less rigorous discussion of alkalinity and hardness specifically oriented toward aquaculture. Alkalinity and hardness are defined, their sources identified, and analytical methods explained. This is followed by a discussion of the roles of the two variables in aquaculture, including their relationships with carbon dioxide, pH, atmospheric pollution, ammonia, and other inorganic nitrogen compounds, phytoplankton communities, trace metals, animal physiology, and clay turbidity. Liming and other practices to manage alkalinity and hardness are explained. Changes in alkalinity and hardness concentrations that occur over time in aquaculture systems are discussed. Emphasis is placed on interactions among alkalinity, hardness, water quality, and aquacultural production.
Revisiting the cell biology of the acyl‐ACP:phosphate transacylase PlsX suggests that the phospholipid synthesis and cell division machineries are not coupled in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Sastre Diego Emiliano , Bisson‐Filho Alexandre , de Mendoza Diego , Gueiros‐Filho Frederico J.
Published: January 2016

PlsX is a central enzyme of phospholipid synthesis in bacteria, converting acyl‐ACP to acyl‐phosphate on the pathway to phosphatidic acid formation. PlsX has received attention because it plays a key role in the coordination of fatty acid and phospholipid synthesis. Recently, PlsX was also suggested to coordinate membrane synthesis with cell division in Bacillus subtilis. Here, we have re‐investigated the cell biology of PlsX and determined that the enzyme is uniformly distributed on the membrane of most cells, but occasionally appears as membrane foci as well. Foci and homogenous patterns seem freely interconvertible but the prevalence of the uniform staining suggests that PlsX does not need to localize to specific sites to function correctly. We also investigated the relationship between PlsX and the divisome. In contrast to previous observations, PlsX's foci showed no obvious periodicity of localization and did not colocalize with the divisome. Furthermore, depletion of PlsX did not affect cell division if phospholipid synthesis is maintained by an alternative enzyme. These results suggest that coordination between division and membrane synthesis may not require physical or functional interactions between the divisome and phospholipid synthesis enzymes.