bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of positive contrast radiography to identify synovial involvement in horses with traumatic limb wounds
Authors: Bryant H. A. , Dixon J. J. , Weller R. , Bolt D. M.
Published: June 2018

Background

The diagnostic value of positive contrast radiography in the work‐up of suspected synovial infection in horses with limb wounds near synovial structures has yet to be systematically evaluated.

Objectives

To determine the specificity, sensitivity and positive and negative predictive values of positive contrast radiography for identification of synovial infection in a population of horses with limb wounds.

Study design

Retrospective case study comparing the performance of positive contrast radiography to the gold standard of synovial fluid cytology in horses presenting with limb wounds in the vicinity of synovial structures.

Methods

Case records of horses presenting to the Royal Veterinary College Equine Hospital between 2010 and 2015 with limb wounds that may have compromised adjacent synovial structures were analysed. Synovial fluid cytology results were used to categorise synovial structures in infected and noninfected groups. Positive contrast radiography results were compared between infected and noninfected groups and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated.

Results

Fifty horses with 66 synovial structures were included in the study. Positive contrast radiography had a high specificity (86.4%), but only a moderate sensitivity (59.1%) for the identification of synovial infection. In addition, a low positive predictive value (68.4%) and high negative predictive value (80.9%) were observed in this population of horses.

Main limitations

Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values may differ between different synovial structures and cases. Different conclusions may be drawn from the results in a single population. Sensitivity and specificity of positive contrast radiography may also be influenced by different techniques used by examiners and by inherent characteristics of individual cases.

Conclusions

Positive contrast radiography should be used for the investigation of potential synovial infection in horses with limb wounds, particularly if no synovial fluid sample for laboratory analysis can be obtained. However, it appears that positive contrast radiography is best used in combination with other tests to ensure that a correct and timely diagnosis is made.
The Added Value of Studying Embodied Responses in Couple Therapy Research: A Case Study
Authors: Laitila Aarno , Vall Berta , Penttonen Markku , Karvonen Anu , Kykyri Virpi‐Liisa , Tsatsishvili Valeri , Kaartinen Jukka , Seikkula Jaakko
Published: June 2018

This article reports on the added value of embodied responses identified through sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in couple therapy research. It focuses on moments of change and the timing of therapeutic interventions or therapeutic moves in a couple therapy session. The data for this single‐case study comprise couple therapy process videotapes recorded in a multi‐camera setting, and measurements of participants’ SNS activity. The voluntary participants were a marital couple in their late thirties and two middle‐aged male psychotherapists. The division into topic segments showed how the key issue of seeking help, which was found to comprise three separate components, was repeatedly dealt with in the session. SNS activity showed different degrees of synchronization between the couple, between the therapists, and between the couple and therapists during the dialogue pertaining to these three components. The issue of timing emerged as a complex, even ambivalent, phenomenon. Arousal in the therapists was in line with their therapeutic activity, whereas in the clients it was more anticipatory. The approach used here rendered visible some of the intensity that therapeutic dialogue can generate when dealing with issues of relationship change in the couple context and showed how this intensity can be dialogically regulated in the therapeutic system.
Deuterium‐reinforced linoleic acid lowers lipid peroxidation and mitigates cognitive impairment in the Q140 knock in mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Hatami Asa , Zhu Chunni , Relaño‐Gines Aroa , Elias Chris , Galstyan Arpine , Jun Michael , Milne Ginger , Cantor Charles R. , Chesselet Marie‐Francoise , Shchepinov Mikhail S.
Published: June 2018

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease which has no effective treatment and is characterized by psychiatric disorders, motor alterations, and dementia, with the cognitive deficits representing a devastating aspect of the disorder. Oxidative stress and elevated levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products are found in mouse models and patients with HD, suggesting that strategies to reduce LPO may be beneficial in HD. In contrast with traditional antioxidants, substituting hydrogen with deuterium at bis‐allylic sites in polyunsaturated fatty acids (D‐PUFA) decreases the rate‐limiting initiation step of PUFA autoxidation, a strategy that has shown benefits in other neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we investigated the effect of D‐PUFA treatment in a knock‐in mouse model of HD (Q140) which presents motor deficits and neuropathology from a few months of age, and progressive cognitive decline. Q140 knock‐in mice were fed a diet containing either D‐ or H‐PUFAs for 5 months starting at 1 month of age. D‐PUFA treatment significantly decreased F2‐isoprostanes in the striatum by approximately 80% as compared to H‐PUFA treatment and improved performance in novel object recognition tests, without significantly changing motor deficits or huntingtin aggregation. Therefore, D‐PUFA administration represents a promising new strategy to broadly reduce rates of LPO, and may be useful in improving a subset of the core deficits in HD.
The polypeptide N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 4 exhibits stage‐dependent expression in colorectal cancer and affects tumorigenesis, invasion and differentiation
Authors: Yan Xialin , Lu Jishun , Zou Xia , Zhang Sen , Cui Yalu , Zhou Leqi , Liu Feng , Shan Aidong , Lu Jiaoyang , Zheng Minghua , Feng Bo , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2018

The aberrant expression of mucin‐type O‐glycosylation plays important roles in cancer malignancy. The polypeptide N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (ppGalNAc‐Ts) are a family of conserved enzymes that initiate the mucin‐type O‐glycosylation in cells. In human, consistent up‐ or down‐regulation of ppGalNAc‐Ts expression during cancer development has been frequently reported. Here, we provide evidence that ppGalNAc‐T4 shows a stage‐dependent expression at the different stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the 62 pair‐matched tumor/normal tissues. In detail, ppGalNAc‐T4 expression is significantly induced at stage I and II but not at stage III and IV. Overexpression of ppGalNAc‐T4 in CRC cells enhances colony formation and sphere formation suggesting an important role of ppGalNAc‐T4 in tumorigenesis. Conversely, knockdown of ppGalNAc‐T4 in CRC cells increases the cell migration and invasion, and leads to an epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐like transition. Further analysis suggests that loss of ppGalNAc‐T4 contributes to the dedifferentiation of CRC and high expression of ppGalNAc‐T4 correlates to a good prognosis of patients. Taken together, our results not only demonstrate a stage‐dependent expression of ppGalNAc‐T4 in CRC progression, but also suggest that such stage‐dependent expression may contribute to the tumorigenesis at the early stage and promote cell migration and invasion at the advanced stage.
Aura in Cluster Headache: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: de Coo Ilse F. , Wilbrink Leopoldine A. , Ie Gaby D. , Haan Joost , Ferrari Michel D.
Published: June 2018

Background

Aura symptoms have been reported in up to 23% of cluster headache patients, but it is not known whether clinical characteristics are different in participants with and without aura.

Methods

Using validated web‐based questionnaires we assessed the presence and characteristics of attack‐related aura and other clinical features in 629 subjects available for analysis from an initial cohort of 756 cluster headache subjects. Participants who screened positive for aura were contacted by telephone for confirmation of the ICHD‐III criteria for aura.

Results

Typical aura symptoms before or during cluster headache attacks were found in 44/629 participants (7.0%) mainly involving visual symptoms (61.4%). Except for lower alcohol consumption and higher prevalence of frontal pain in participants with aura, no differences in clinical characteristics were found compared with participants without aura.

Conclusion

At least 7.0% of the participants with cluster headache in our large cohort reported typical aura symptoms, which most often involved visual symptoms. No major clinical differences were found between participants with and without aura.
Stable HIV‐1 reservoirs on dolutegravir maintenance monotherapy: the MONODO study
Authors: Sculier D , Doco‐Lecompte T , Yerly S , Metzner KJ , Decosterd LA , Calmy A
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Dolutegravir (DTG) is a highly effective integrase inhibitor with a strong genetic resistance barrier and a potential role in simplified HIV maintenance treatment. We assessed the feasibility of DTG maintenance monotherapy and measured HIV reservoirs on DTG monotherapy.

Methods

An interventional, open‐label, single‐arm study including eight virologically suppressed HIV‐1‐infected patients switched to DTG 50 mg once daily for 24 weeks was performed. HIV‐1 RNA levels in plasma and cerebrospinal and seminal fluids were measured at baseline and week 24, as well as HIV‐1 DNA in peripheral cells and DTG concentrations in these compartments.

Results

HIV‐1 RNA remained undetectable in all samples of blood, cerebrospinal fluid and sperm throughout the 24 weeks, except for one cerebrospinal fluid sample with a value of 28 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL at week 24. One patient discontinued the study because of a neurological side effect. There was no change in the mean HIV‐1 DNA level between baseline and week 24. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid DTG concentrations reached therapeutic levels in all patients in these two compartments.

Conclusions

In this small sample of carefully selected patients, HIV‐1 reservoirs were well controlled on DTG monotherapy over a period of 24 weeks. Viral suppression was also maintained throughout follow‐up.
Switching to abacavir versus use of a nucleoside‐sparing dual regimen for HIV‐infected patients with tenofovir‐associated renal toxicity
Authors: Casado JL , Santiuste C , Vivancos MJ , Monsalvo M , Moreno A , Perez‐Elías MJ , del Rey JM , Moreno S
Published: June 2018

Objectives

We investigated the reversibility of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)‐associated renal decline and tubular dysfunction using different antiretroviral strategies.

Methods

A successive evaluation of renal [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)] and tubular (phosphataemia, proteinuria, albuminuria, phosphaturia, uricosuria, glycosuria and tubular proteinuria) parameters was performed in 231 patients, before and after switching from TDF to abacavir (n = 60), using dual therapy (n = 49), or continuing the same regimen including TDF (n = 122).

Results

In a successive evaluation after a median of 8.86 months, or less time if treatment was switched (4.8 months vs. 13.3 months to second evaluation; P < 0.01), a significant improvement in eGFR (median change +0.3 vs. −2.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 in patients who did not discontinue TDF; P = 0.04) and tubular dysfunction (median change −40% vs. +30%, respectively; P < 0.01) was observed. Lineal regression showed that age (β = −0.14; P = 0.04), previous eGFR decline (β = –0.42; P < 0.01), and time on TDF (β = −0.19; P = 0.04) were associated with impaired eGFR recovery. There were no differences in eGFR slopes between patients using abacavir instead of TDF and those using a dual therapy, who showed similar improvement in proteinuria (−22% vs. −19%, respectively), phosphaturia (+10.1% vs. +9.4%, respectively), and urinary beta‐2‐microglobulin (−9% vs. −15%, respectively; P > 0.1 for all), although patients receiving the dual regimen were more heavily pretreated. A eGFR decrease (−6.17 mL/min/1.73 m2) was observed in patients taking dolutegravir or rilpivirine, but with similar improvement to that observed in the rest of switching patients in tubular abnormalities.

Conclusions

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate discontinuation was associated with a rapid and significant improvement in eGFR and tubular abnormalities, regardless of whether abacavir or dual therapy was chosen. Switching to a regimen that included dolutegravir and/or rilpivirine was associated with a eGFR decrease without differences in the rate of tubular dysfunction improvement in comparison with the rest of patients who discontinued tenofovir.
Evolution of transmitted HIV‐1 drug resistance and viral subtypes circulation in Italy from 2006 to 2016
Authors: Rossetti B , Di Giambenedetto S , Torti C , Postorino MC , Punzi G , Saladini F , Gennari W , Borghi V , Monno L , Pignataro AR , Polilli E , Colafigli M , Poggi A , Tini S , Zazzi M , De Luca A ,   the Antiviral Response Cohort Analysis (ARCA) Collaborative Group
Published: June 2018

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the evolution of transmitted HIV‐1 drug resistance (TDR) prevalence in antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve patients from 2006 to 2016.

Methods

HIV‐1 sequences were retrieved from the Antiviral Response Cohort Analysis (ARCA) database and TDR was defined as detection of at least one mutation from the World Health Organization (WHO) surveillance list.

Results

We included protease/reverse transcriptase sequences from 3573 patients; 455 had also integrase sequences. Overall, 68.1% of the patients were Italian, the median CD4 count was 348 cells/μL [interquartile range (IQR) 169–521 cells/μL], and the median viral load was 4.7 log10 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL (IQR 4.1–5.3 log10 copies/mL). TDR was detected in 10.3% of patients: 6% carried mutations to nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), 4.4% to nonnucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), 2.3% to protease inhibitors (PIs), 0.2% to integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and 2.1% to at least two drug classes. TDR declined from 14.5% in 2006 to 7.3% in 2016 (P = 0.003): TDR to NRTIs from 9.9 to 2.9% (P = 0.003) and TDR to NNRTIs from 5.1 to 3.7% (P = 0.028); PI TDR remained stable. The proportion carrying subtype B virus declined from 76.5 to 50% (P < 0.001). The prevalence of TDR was higher in subtype B vs. non‐B (12.6 vs. 4.9%, respectively; P < 0.001) and declined significantly in subtype B (from 17.1 to 8.8%; P = 0.04) but not in non‐B subtypes (from 6.1 to 5.8%; P = 0.44). Adjusting for country of origin, predictors of TDR were subtype B [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for subtype B vs. non‐B 2.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.93–4.39; P < 0.001], lower viral load (per log10 higher: AOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.75–0.99; P = 0.03), site in northern Italy (AOR for southern Italy/island vs. northern Italy, 0.61; 95% CI 0.40–0.91; P = 0.01), and earlier calendar year (per 1 year more recent: AOR 0.95; 95% CI 0.91–0.99; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

The prevalence of HIV‐1 TDR has declined during the last 10 years in Italy.
High endemism of mosquitoes on São Tomé and Príncipe Islands: evaluating the general dynamic model in a worldwide island comparison
Authors: Loiseau Claire , Melo Martim , Lee Yoosook , Pereira Hugo , Hanemaaijer Mark J. , Lanzaro Gregory C. , Cornel Anthony J.
Published: June 2018

The archipelago of São Tomé and Príncipe is a major centre of endemism for vertebrates but, to date, arthropods remain poorly studied, with the exception of mosquitoes due to their medical and economic relevance. Previous studies, over 20 years old, recorded 26 species of mosquitoes for São Tomé and 14 for Príncipe, of which six and two were endemic to each island respectively.

We collected mosquito larvae and adults on both islands and found three species as a first record, putting the number of mosquito species collected at least once on São Tomé at 29 and 15 for Príncipe. We compared the mosquito richness on São Tomé and Príncipe islands to 71 other oceanic islands represented within 20 archipelagoes worldwide.

We used the general dynamic model of oceanic island biogeography and the associated ATT2(for Area+Time+Time2) model to explain two different metrics: (i) the richness of the single‐island endemics and (ii) the richness of archipelago endemics. We also included other island characteristics in our model, such as isolation and latitude.

Our data compilation and comparative analyses revealed an overall low richness of endemic mosquitoes on islands, with the highest number of single‐island endemics found on São Tomé Island.

As predicted, we found a positive relationship between our two richness metrics and the general dynamic model ATT2, although the model with the area (A) alone also explained endemic richness. Isolation was also predictor of mosquito diversification.
Religiosity, monitoring and consumer self‐control
Authors: Minton Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2018

The studies herein build on the monitoring model of self‐control to examine how consumers’ religiosity influences their perceived monitoring by self, others, and God, and then how this monitoring influences consumption behavior in situations with surplus versus depleted self‐control resources. Study 1 finds that consumers higher in religiosity whose self‐control resources have been depleted (not depleted) report greater (lesser) self‐monitoring for behaviors that are deemed as high (low) in regulation importance. The opposite pattern of effects was observed for consumers lower in religiosity (or not at all religious). Additionally, self‐monitoring (but not monitoring by others or by God) mediates this relationship. Study 2 results show that religiosity's relationship with consumers’ self‐controlled behaviors is moderated by priming monitoring by self or others (but not monitoring by God) as well as self‐control depletion. These results provide novel insight that monitoring by God may not be influential, regardless of depletion level, and as a result likely should not be integrated into marketer tactics desiring to increase consumers’ self‐controlled behaviors.
Phenolics release kinetics in sugared and sugar‐free chewing gums: microencapsulated pomegranate peel extract usage
Authors: Palabiyik Ibrahim , Toker Omer Said , Konar Nevzat , Gunes Recep , Güleri Tuba , Alaşalvar Hamza , Çam Mustafa
Published: June 2018

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the potential of sugared and sugar‐free chewing gum as a functional food with the addition of microencapsulated pomegranate peel extract (MEPPE) at different amounts. Application of certain chewing times (0, 1, 3 and 5 min) to MEPPE‐incorporated gums resulted in a higher release rate of punicalagin and ellagic acid from sugar‐free gum matrix than sugared gum matrix (P < 0.05). According to exponential rise model, sugared and sugar‐free gums could release 38.3% and 75.6% of ellagic acid, 82.5% and 94.8% of punicalagin depending on the chewing time, respectively. Incorporation of MEPPE did not cause significant changes in quality parameters of chewing gum such as colour and texture. Therefore, the results indicated that chewing gum could be used as a carrier for bioactive compounds and depending on the bulk sweetener used was an effective factor in the release kinetics.
The transformer2 gene of the pumpkin fruit fly, Bactrocera tau (Walker), functions in sex determination, male fertility and testis development
Authors: Thongsaiklaing Thanaset , Nipitwattanaphon Mingkwan , Ngernsiri Lertluk
Published: June 2018

The insect transformer2 (tra2) gene has a prevalent role in cooperating with the sex‐determining gene transformer (tra) to direct female differentiation. Here, we report the identification and characterization of Btau‐tra2, the tra2 orthologue of the pumpkin fruit fly, Bactrocera tau, an invasive agricultural pest. The Btau‐tra2 gene produces three transcript variants. However, only two transcripts can be examined; one is present at all developmental stages in the soma and germline of both sexes and the other one is specific to the embryo and the germline. Knocking down the function of Btau‐tra2 produced a male‐biased sex ratio and some intersexes. Consistent with a role in sex determination, the obtained intersexual and male sterility phenotypes express a mix of male and female splice variants of the tra and doublesex (dsx) orthologues, indicating that Btau‐tra2 has a conserved splicing regulatory function and acts together with/upstream of tra and dsx. In addition, some males obtained from the knock down are fertile but their fertilities are extremely reduced. Moreover, almost all surviving RNA interference (RNAi) males harbour testes having some defects in their external morphologies. Most notably, the body size of a few surviving RNAi flies was two‐to threefold increased with respect to the normal size. Our findings suggest that Btau‐tra2 is involved in male fertility and may also have an unprecedented role in body size control besides its conserved role in sex determination.
Design of tailored biodegradable implants: The effect of voltage on electrodeposited calcium phosphate coatings on pure magnesium
Authors: Horynová Miroslava , Remešová Michaela , Klakurková Lenka , Dvořák Karel , Ročňáková Ivana , Yan Shaokun , Čelko Ladislav , Song Guang‐Ling
Published: June 2018

Magnesium, as a biodegradable metal, offers great potential for use as a temporary implant material, which dissolves in the course of bone tissue healing. It can sufficiently support the bone and promote the bone healing process. However, the corrosion resistance of magnesium implants must be enhanced before its application in clinical practice. A promising approach of enhancing the corrosion resistance is deposition of bioactive coating, which can reduce the corrosion rate of the implants and promote bone healing. Therefore, a well‐designed substrate‐coating system allowing a good control of the degradation behavior is highly desirable for tailored implants for specific groups of patients with particular needs. In this contribution, the influence of coating formation conditions on the characteristics of potentiostatically electrodeposited CaP coatings on magnesium substrate was evaluated. Results showed that potential variation led to formation of coatings with the same chemical composition, but very different morphologies. Parameters that mostly influence the coating performance, such as the thickness, uniformity, deposits size, and orientation, varied from produced coating to coating. These characteristics of CaP coatings on magnesium were controlled by coating formation potential, and it was demonstrated that the electrodeposition could be a promising coating technique for production of tailored magnesium‐CaP implants.
Greatly enhanced photocurrent in inorganic perovskite [KNbO3]0.9[BaNi0.5Nb0.5O3‐σ]0.1 ferroelectric thin‐film solar cell
Authors: Chen Jian , Pei Weijie , Chen Guang , Zhang Qingfeng , Lu Yinmei , Huang Haitao , Li Mingkai , He Yunbin
Published: June 2018

Inorganic perovskite [KNbO3]0.9[BaNi0.5Nb0.5O3‐σ]0.1 (KBNNO) ferroelectric thin films with narrow band gap (1.83 eV) and high room‐temperature remnant polarization (Pr = 0.54 μC/cm2) was grown successfully on the Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Ferroelectric solar cells with a basic structure of ITO/KBNNO/Pt were further prepared based on these thin films, which exhibited obvious external‐poling dependent photovoltaic effects. When the devices were negatively poled, the short‐circuit current and open‐circuit voltage were both significantly higher than those of the devices poled positively. This is attributed to enhanced charge separation under the depolarization field induced by the negative poling, which is superimposed with the built‐in field induced by the Schottky barriers at the interfaces between KBNNO and the two electrodes. When a poling voltage of ‐1 V was applied, the device showed a short‐circuit current as high as 27.3 μA/cm2, which was by two orders of magnitude larger than that of the KBNNO thick‐film (20 μm) devices reported previously. This work may inspire further exploration for lead‐free inorganic perovskite ferroelectric photovoltaic devices.
Exposure to elevated carbon dioxide does not impair short‐term swimming behaviour or shelter‐seeking in a predatory coral‐reef fish
Authors: Raby Graham D. , Sundin Josefin , Jutfelt Fredrik , Cooke Steven J. , Clark Timothy D.
Published: June 2018

Adult bluespotted rockcod Cephalopholis cyanostigma, a coral‐reef grouper, were acclimated to either ambient (mean ± s.d. 406 ± 21 μatm; 1 atmos = 101325 Pa) or high pCO2 (945 ± 116 μatm) conditions in a laboratory for 8–9 days, then released at the water surface directly above a reef (depth c. 5 m) and followed on video camera (for 191 ± 21 s) by scuba divers until they sought cover in the reef. No differences were detected between groups in any of the six measured variables, which included the time fish spent immobile after release, tail beat frequency during swimming and the time required to locate and enter the protective shelter of the reef.
Lead Toxicity in Older Adults
Authors: Vig Elizabeth K. , Hu Howard
Published: June 2018

Recent studies have shown that lead, even at relatively low levels of exposure, has the potential to harm not only the young and the occupationally‐exposed, but also older people. Because they have been alive for a longer period of time, older adults have had more potential exposures to lead. They may have been exposed to lead while working in unregulated occupations, or they may have encountered more lead in the environment on a daily basis. Several large epidemiological studies have found that older people have higher blood and bone lead levels than younger adults. Additionally, sporadic clusters of acute lead exposure among older adults as a result of activities such as ceramic glaze hobby work and consumption of moonshine whiskey continue to be reported.

After lead enters the body, it circulates in the blood reaching the soft tissues and bone. Researchers have learned that lead can hibernate within bone for decades. Although lead within bone is of uncertain toxicity to bone tissue, conditions of bone resorption, such as osteoporosis, can cause bone lead to reenter the bloodstream where it can then re‐expose the soft tissue, and, potentially, exert delayed deleterious effects.

Evidence is emerging that blood and bone lead levels, reflecting relatively modest exposures, are associated with hypertension, renal insufficiency, and cognitive impairment. Medical treatments that now exist to slow the rate of bone resorption may maintain lead within bones. On‐going studies evaluating the relationship between body lead stores and both cognitive and renal impairment, as well as the potential modifying effect of bone resorption, will help determine whether bone resorption should be retarded specifically to preserve organ function.

Physicians should be aware of potential past and present lead exposures among their older patients. Ongoing lead exposure should be prevented. In the future, treatment of osteoporosis may be undertaken not only to improve bone health but also to prevent mobilization of bone lead stores and subsequent toxicity.
Perinatal outcomes following labor induction with dinoprostone in pregnancies with borderline amniotic fluid index at term: A clinical observation study
Authors: Yin Heng , Zhao Lei , Lin Ying , Wang Ying , Hu Yaping , Sun Guoqiang , Xiao Mei
Published: June 2018

Aim

To compare perinatal outcomes of dinoprostone for induced labor in pregnancies with a borderline versus normal amniotic fluid index (AFI) at term, and to investigate the related factors affecting outcomes of cesarean section.

Methods

The retrospective study was carried out in Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital with singleton pregnancies of 37–42 weeks’ gestation from January to August 2016. A total of 992 subjects were divided into two groups: borderline AFI group (n =125) with 5 < AFI ≤ 8 and normal AFI group (n = 867) with 8 < AFI ≤ 24.

Results

Time to delivery (P =0.004) and use of oxytocin augmentation (P = 0.011) were significantly lower in pregnancies with borderline AFI. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of delivery mode, time to onset of labor, fetal distress, Apgar scores, meconium‐stained amniotic fluid, birth weight, or incidences of admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Gestational hypertension and birth weight were the major factors affecting outcomes of cesarean section in the borderline group (odds ratio [OR] = 13.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96–94.49, P =0.008 and OR = 1.003, 95% CI 1.001–1.005, P =0.001, respectively). Maternal age (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.06–1.19, P < 0.001), parity (OR = 7.57, 95% CI 3.05–18.76, P < 0.001), biparietal diameter (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.91, P = 0.021), and meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.12–2.17, P = 0.009) were related factors in the normal group.

Conclusion

The perinatal outcomes of dinoprostone for induced labor are comparable between the two groups. Gestational hypertension and birth weight are factors related to outcomes of cesarean section in the borderline group.
Low-flow ischaemia and reperfusion in rat hearts: energetic of stunning and cardioprotection of genistein
Authors: Colareda Germán A , Consolini Alicia E
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Low-flow ischemia (LFI) is consequent to coronary disease and produces cardiac stunning during reperfusion (R). Energetic performance and mechanisms of Ca2+ handling during LFI/R are not known. Moreover, cardioprotection of the phytoestrogen genistein (Gen) remains to be demonstrated in LFI/R. The aim was to study the mechanisms of the stunning consequent to LFI/R and the effects of Gen on both sexes.

Methods

Rat ventricles were perfused inside a calorimeter to measure maximal pressure development (P) and total heat rate (Ht) before and during exposition to LFI/R. The mechanisms of stunning were evaluated with selective drugs.

Key findings

Female hearts (FH) developed higher postischemic contractile recovery (PICR) and muscle economy (P/Ht) than males (MH). Cardioprotection was sensitive to blockade of mKATP channels, UCam and NOS. Perfusion of 20 μmol/l Gen reduced PICR and P/Ht during LFI/R in FH, and dysfunction was increased by mNCX blockade with mPTP opening. However, intraperitoneal 5 mg/kg Gen (Gen-ip) was cardioprotective in both sexes, and the beneficial effect of Gen-ip was blocked by 100 μmol/l 5-HD.

Conclusions

FH are more protected than MH against the LFI/R dysfunction, which involves mitochondrial Ca2+ loss; Gen-ip was more cardioprotective in MH than in FH, mainly by activation of the mKATP channels.
Efficacy and safety of once daily liraglutide versus twice daily exenatide in type 2 diabetic patients in Qatar: an observational study
Authors: Jassim Zainab , Elajez Reem , Khudair Imran , Al Anany Rasha , Al-Adawi Rana Moustafa
Published: June 2018

Objective

Compare efficacy and safety of liraglutide (1.8 mg subcutaneous once daily) and exenatide (10 mcg subcutaneous twice daily) in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes at 26 and 52 weeks.

Method

A retrospective observation study of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes patients who took liraglutide or exenatide in addition to their anti-diabetic medications. This study was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation, the predominant public healthcare organization in Qatar. The primary outcome was the change in haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) after 26 and 52 weeks.

Key finding

Two hundred and two patients were included in this study (liraglutide 98, exenatide 114). There was no significant HbA1C change observed between two groups at either 26 or 52 weeks (P = 0.23 and 0.40 respectively). However, more patients in the liraglutide group achieved HbA1C ≤7% at week 26. Liraglutide reduced the mean Fasting blood glucose (FBG) more than exenatide at week 26 and 52. Although both medications were associated with some benefits in other studied variables at a certain point (e.g. weight losses, blood pressure), neither of them were able to show a significant change from baseline. No patients in either group reported drug-related side effects (e.g. nausea and vomiting) or episodes of hypoglycaemia during the treatment period.

Conclusions

Exenatide and liraglutide resulted in similar glycaemic effects (HbA1C and fasting plasma glucose changes) in patients with type 2 diabetes who were sub-optimally controlled with other anti-diabetic therapy. However, this study supports the effectiveness of both medications for weight reduction at both endpoints. A prospective large-scale study is recommended to overcome the study limitations.
The Powerful Other: How Divine Control Shapes the Relationship Between Personal Control and Psychological Distress
Authors: Schieman Scott , Bierman Alex , Upenieks Laura
Published: June 2018

In the sociological study of mental health, the sense of personal control represents a core psychological resource, but some studies document a curvilinear association between personal control and depressive symptoms. This body of research is largely secular in orientation, even though research also demonstrates that some individuals believe in an involved and engaged Powerful Other (e.g., God). We evaluate if such beliefs moderate the relationship between personal control and depression. Using data from the 2005 Work, Stress, and Health Study in the United States (N = 1,791), we first demonstrate that the sense of personal control has an overall curvilinear association with depression, in line with previous research. Then, we document that divine control beliefs modify this association such that the curvilinear association is found primarily among individuals with low levels of divine control. By contrast, among those who more strongly endorse divine control, we observe no relationship between personal control and depression. We situate our findings in the differing and complicated perspectives on the implications of religious beliefs for psychological resources and well‐being.
Aspiration Strain and Mental Health: The Education‐Contingent Role of Religion
Authors: DeAngelis Reed T. , Ellison Christopher G.
Published: June 2018

This study examines whether dimensions of religious involvement (i.e., perceived divine control, private religious practices, and religious social integration) buffer associations between aspiration strain and mental health outcomes (i.e., psychological distress, loneliness, and optimism). We also test three‐way interactions to determine whether the stress‐buffering effects of religious involvement are amplified among undereducated persons. We test our hypotheses with cross‐sectional survey data from Vanderbilt University's Nashville Stress and Health Study (2011–2014), a probability sample of non‐Hispanic white and black adults from Davidson County, Tennessee (n = 1,252). Results from multivariate regression models confirmed: (1) aspiration strain was positively associated with psychological distress and loneliness, and negatively associated with optimism; and (2) religious involvement attenuated these associations, but only for respondents with less than or equal to a high school education. We discuss the implications and limitations of our findings and outline avenues for future research.
Training Dogs to Feel Good: Embodying Well‐being in Multispecies Relations
Authors: Porter Natalie
Published: June 2018

Social science concepts of well‐being are largely premised on notions of a common humanity with shared physical needs and broadly legible experiences of the world. While medical anthropologists have interrogated ideas of universal bodily subjectivities, articulations of well‐being across species boundaries remain underexplored. This article offers a conceptualization of well‐being that attends to species difference. Drawing on ethnographic research with an animal rescue organization, I argue that in the context of partially connected bodily experiences, rescue workers navigate distinctions between dogs’ internal feelings and external actions, and they train their bodies alongside dogs’ bodies to cultivate canine well‐being. A multispecies perspective complicates ideals of autonomy and self‐actualization long associated with well‐being and opens up avenues for considering well‐being as an intercorporeal relationship conditioned in unequal bodies and embodied interactions.
The next British empire
Authors: El‐Enany Nadine
Published: June 2018

Nostalgia for Britain's imperial past is fuelling a dangerous white supremacist mindset that we all need to be vigilant against
Phytophthora infestans RXLR effector SFI5 requires association with calmodulin for PTI/MTI suppressing activity
Authors: Zheng Xiangzi , Wagener Nadine , McLellan Hazel , Boevink Petra C. , Hua Chenlei , Birch Paul R. J. , Brunner Frédéric
Published: June 2018

Pathogens secrete effector proteins to interfere with plant innate immunity, in which Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) signalling plays key roles. Thus far, few effectors have been identified that directly interact with CaM for defence suppression. Here, we report that SFI5, an RXLR effector from Phytophthora infestans, suppresses microbe‐associated molecular pattern (MAMP)‐triggered immunity (MTI) by interacting with host CaMs.

We predicted the CaM‐binding site in SFI5 using in silico analysis. The interaction between SFI5 and CaM was tested by both in vitro and in vivo assays. MTI suppression by SFI5 and truncated variants were performed in a tomato protoplast system.

We found that both the predicted CaM‐binding site and the full‐length SFI5 protein interact with CaM in the presence of Ca2+. MTI responses, such as FRK1 upregulation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation were suppressed by truncated SFI5 proteins containing the C‐terminal CaM‐binding site but not by those without it. The plasma membrane localization of SFI5 and its ability to enhance infection were also perturbed by loss of the CaM‐binding site.

We conclude that CaM‐binding is required for localization and activity of SFI5. We propose that SFI5 suppresses plant immunity by interfering with immune signalling components after activation by CaMs.
EMR, a cytosolic‐abundant ring finger E3 ligase, mediates ER‐associated protein degradation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Park Joung Hun , Kang Chang Ho , Nawkar Ganesh M. , Lee Eun Seon , Paeng Seol Ki , Chae Ho Byoung , Chi Yong Hun , Kim Woe Yeon , Yun Dae‐Jin , Lee Sang Yeol
Published: June 2018

Investigation of the endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation (ERAD) system in plants led to the identification of ERAD‐mediating RING finger protein (EMR) as a plant‐specific ERAD E3 ligase from Arabidopsis. EMR was significantly up‐regulated under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions.

The EMR protein purified from bacteria displayed high E3 ligase activity, and tobacco leaf‐produced EMR mediated mildew resistance locus O‐12 (MLO12) degradation in a proteasome‐dependent manner.

Subcellular localization and coimmunoprecipitation analyses showed that EMR forms a complex with ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme 32 (UBC32) as a cytosolic interaction partner. Mutation of EMR and RNA interference (RNAi) increased the tolerance of plants to ER stress. EMR RNAi in the bri1‐5 background led to partial recovery of the brassinosteroid (BR)‐insensitive phenotypes as compared with the original mutant plants and increased ER stress tolerance.

The presented results suggest that EMR is involved in the plant ERAD system that affects BR signaling under ER stress conditions as a novel Arabidopsis ring finger E3 ligase mainly present in cytosol while the previously identified ERAD E3 components are typically membrane‐bound proteins.
Impact of high‐grade atrioventricular block and cumulative frequent pacing on atrial arrhythmias
Authors: Wali Eisha , Deshmukh Amrish , Bukari Abdallah , Broman Michael , Aziz Zaid , Beaser Andrew , Upadhyay Gaurav , Nayak Hemal M. , Tung Roderick , Ozcan Cevher
Published: June 2018

Background

The relationship between high‐grade atrioventricular block (HGAVB) with cumulative frequent pacing and risk of atrial arrhythmias (AAs) has not been well characterized. We hypothesized HGAVB and pacing may have significant impact on incidence and prevalence of AAs by modulating atrial substrate.

Objective

To determine impact of HGAVB and pacing on AAs including atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter (AFL), and atrial tachycardia (AT).

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent dual‐chamber pacemaker implantation for HGAVB from 2005 to 2011 at the University of Chicago were included. AAs and percent of pacing were detected through device interrogation. Patients’ data were collected from electronic medical records and clinic visits.

Results

A total of 166 patients (mean age 71 ± 15 years; 54% female, 56% African American) were studied. AF was documented in 27% of patients before pacemaker implantation. During a mean 5.8 ± 2.2 years of follow‐up, 47% had device‐detected AF, 10% AFL, and 26% AT. New‐onset AF was documented in 40 of the 122 patients without prior AF (33%). Continuous (≥ 99%) right ventricular pacing was associated with significantly decreased AF prevalence (34% vs 59%, P = 0.005), and correlated with lower incidence (26% vs 41%, P = 0.22). Pacing suppressed AF in 14% of patients with baseline AF; those patients had lower atrial pacing (3.2% vs 45%, P < 0.0001). Left atrial dilation was the only independent predictor of AF with frequent pacing (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

HGAVB is associated with high incidence and prevalence of AAs with and without pacing. Cumulative frequent (≥99%) ventricular pacing reduces risk of AF in patients with HGAVB.
First record of Cyanobacteria in Cambrian Orsten deposits of Sweden
Authors: Castellani Christopher , Maas Andreas , Eriksson Mats E. , Haug Joachim T. , Haug Carolin , Waloszek Dieter
Published: June 2018

The Swedish Cambrian ‘Orsten’‐type fossil sites have yielded diverse secondarily phosphatized three‐dimensionally preserved microfossils, mainly of arthropod affinities. Similar material has also been recorded from Canada, theUK, Poland, Siberia, China and Australia. Only one other non‐arthropod group, the Cycloneuralia, is commonly reported from any of these sites, leading to the general assumption that ‘Orsten’‐type preservation is largely restricted to animals with a chitin‐containing cuticle. We describe here secondarily phosphatized, originally unmineralized, thread‐shaped fossils etched out of Cambrian ‘Orsten’‐type deposits from theAgnostus pisiformisBiozone of the Alum Shale Formation in Sweden. These fossils strikingly resemble specimens previously described from Precambrian deposits, with at least two different morphotaxa identified (Siphonophycus kestronSchopf andOscillatoriopsis longaTimofeev & Hermann) as well as the modernOscillatoria. This leads us to interpret the new fossils as unbranched, uniseriate filamentous cyanobacteria. Our morphological investigations, combined with morphometrics, allow grouping the specimens assigned toO. longainto two size classes, suggesting an even higher diversity within the ‘Orsten’ assemblages. The lack of cyanobacterial material in any sample younger than theA. pisiformisBiozone indicates that rather drastic changes occurred in the environment, that is, substrate conditions on the Alum Shale seafloor. This coincided with a significant change in the composition of the trilobite communities and onset of the globally recognized Steptoean Positive Isotope Carbon Excursion (SPICE) in Scandinavia.
Atypical maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis showing a nevus spilus‐like lesion
Authors: Ahn Hye‐Jin , Park Hyoung‐Jin , Jeong Ki‐Heon , Park Yong‐Koo , Lee Mu‐Hyoung
Published: June 2018

A 13‐year‐old Korean girl presented with a 7‐year history of a pruritic, light‐brown patch containing multiple 0.2‐ to 0.5‐cm brownish‐to‐reddish maculopapules on the left anterior chest. When her skin was rubbed, the lesion became itchy and red. Histopathologic evaluation demonstrated marked dense dermal infiltration of mast cells. We report a rare case of atypical maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis with clinical features similar to those of nevus spilus.
Divided or kissing nevus of the penis: A new case with dermoscopic findings
Authors: Armengot‐Carbó Miquel , Rodrigo‐Nicolás Beatriz , Botella‐Estrada Rafael
Published: June 2018

We report on a child with a divided or kissing nevus of the penis with benign symmetric globular pattern on dermoscopic examination that evolved into a globular‐reticular pattern after 1 year of follow‐up. Divided nevus of the penis is exceedingly rare, with only four cases with dermoscopic findings reported to date. Dermoscopy seems to be useful when deciding on the most appropriate management of these cases.
Nutrition imbalance in Chinese chronic kidney disease children
Authors: Wang Ke , Jiang Yeping , Lai Yuting , Shen Ying
Published: June 2018

Background

Nutrition imbalance is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) children. This study evaluated the nutrition status of CKD children at different stages using bioimpedance analysis (BIA) compared with anthropometry.

Methods

Fifty‐five CKD children at stages III, IV, V and 19 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were recruited. Fat, protein and mineral composition on BIA were analyzed together with anthropometry for height, weight and body mass index (BMI). Biochemistry was also checked in CKD children.

Results

Of the CKD children, 23.6%, 10.9% and 56.3% were underweight, overweight/obese and stunted, respectively. On BIA, 52.7%, 70.9%, 14.5% and 40.0% of the CKD children had protein reduction, fat reduction, fat enhancement and mineral reduction, respectively. Growth retardation and nutrition reduction became remarkable at stages IV and V. Approximately 65% of healthy‐weight children had nutrition reduction. In the underweight and healthy‐weight groups, fat reduction rates were higher than protein reduction rate. In the overweight/obese group, fat enhancement was most notable. Mineral reduction was less remarkable.

Conclusions

The nutrition imbalance in CKD children on BIA correlated well with anthropometry and disease process, supporting BIA as an auxiliary diagnosis tool.
Influence of i.v. lipid emulsion on lipoprotein subclass in preterm infants
Authors: Suganuma Hiroki , Ikeda Naho , Ohkawa Natsuki , Shoji Hiromichi , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: June 2018

Background

Lipid emulsions given i.v. are normally rapidly metabolized by apoprotein recruited from high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) particles in the blood. Very low‐birthweight infants (VLBWI), however, have a low rate of lipid clearance from the blood, and therefore lipid emulsions must be given carefully to minimize the risk of hyperlipidemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of i.v. lipid emulsion on lipoprotein subclass profile in VLBWI during the early postnatal period.

Methods

Forty‐six VLBWI who had been given different doses of lipid emulsion in the first few days after birth were enrolled in the present study. Triglyceride and cholesterol content of each lipoprotein subclass was measured at 3 weeks after birth, and their correlation with the total dose of lipid emulsion was calculated.

Results

There was no correlation between the total dose of lipid emulsion and the triglyceride and cholesterol content in any subclasses of very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL). There was a significant negative correlation between the total dose of lipid emulsion and the triglyceride content in very large (P < 0.05, r = −0.32), large (P < 0.01, r = −0.47) and medium HDL (P < 0.05, r = −0.34) particles; and the cholesterol content in large (P < 0.01, r = −0.47) and medium HDL (P < 0.01, r = −0.4) particles.

Conclusion

Lipid emulsion influenced the triglyceride and cholesterol content of HDL particles in VLBWI, suggesting that lipid emulsion can affect lipid metabolism in this infant population in the early postnatal period.