bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potent immunogenicity in BRCA1‐mutated patients with high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Dai Ying , Sun Chengdu , Feng Yi , Jia Qingzhu , Zhu Bo
Published: June 2018

High‐grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs) were among the tumours with an unsatisfactory outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). It is imperative to develop feasible biomarker for identifying responsive candidates and guiding precise immunotherapy for HGSOC patients. Here, we analysed genomic data of patients with HGSOCs to depict their immunological phenotype of tumour microenvironment (TME) and figure out the major determinants of immunogenicity. In comparison with other solid tumours, we observed the lowest levels of PD‐L1, total mutation burden (TMB) and cytolytic molecules in HGSOCs. Surprisingly, TMB is not certainly positively related to tumour immune response as it failed to predict the response to ICIs in a considerable portion of patients in previous clinical trials. By a machine learning approach in search of biomarkers for immunotherapy implications for HGSOCs, we identified the ten most dominant factors determining the immunogenicity of HGSOCs. Interestingly, we found that BRCA1 mutated tumours presented a potent immunogenic phenotype, independent of TMB, meeting the criteria of both our dominant factors and the determinants of immunogenicity established before. Our findings provide evidence that BRCA1‐mutation may be served as a predictive biomarker in guiding ICI therapies for the patients with HGSOCs.
Environmental Considerations for Trauma‐Responsive Juvenile and Family Courts: A Review of the Literature with Recommendations for Practice
Authors: DeVault Alicia , Helfrick Vanessa A. , Marsh Shawn C. , Snider Katie M.
Published: June 2018

Juvenile and family courts serve some of our most vulnerable populations, many of whom have experienced some traumatic event. People suffering with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are known to be more sensitive to environmental stimuli, and many of the environmental conditions within courts can be challenging for those suffering traumatic stress. Trauma‐responsive practices help foster conditions of healing, which can benefit both the court user and those who work within the court. Research reviewed in this article demonstrates the likelihood of negative behavioral and emotional responses to specific environmental factors for people suffering PTSD and other stress reactions, and offers recommendations to minimize environmental stressors.
Parenting Styles and Juvenile Delinquency: Exploring Gendered Relationships
Authors: Tapia Mike , Alarid Leanne Fiftal , Clare Courtney
Published: June 2018

We use the NLSY97 dataset to examine the parenting‐delinquency relationship and how it is conditioned by parents’ gender, controlling for youths’ gender. Generally, neglectful and authoritarian parenting styles were associated with the highest levels of delinquency in youths. When the sample was split by parent gender, authoritarianism held up across both groups, but permissive and neglectful parenting was only significant for fathers. Independent of parenting style, boys have higher delinquency levels than girls. The strength and magnitude of this relationship is nearly identical in separate equations for mothers and fathers. Parental attachment was not a significant protective factor against delinquency for either mothers or fathers.
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW FOR GREEN PRODUCT TERM: FROM DEFINITION TO EVALUATION
Authors: Sdrolia Evangelia , Zarotiadis Grigoris
Published: June 2018

Nowadays, interest in corporate environmental strategies shifts from cleaner processes to the holistic nature of green products. The relevant literature argues that firms have the opportunity to pioneer through green product innovation, allowing them to differentiate and thus gain competitive advantage. Environmental burden of products during their entire life cycle is undeniable. Due to the weakness of the existing literature that inadequately addresses a commonly accepted green product definition, as well as the thereby caused inconclusive academic empirical results on firms' competitiveness, there are many cases of businesses greenwashing behavior. The overall contribution of this exploratory paper, on determining and evaluating the degree of greenness of a product, is twofold; first, starting with a systematic literature review, authors further contribute by proposing an integrative definition that addresses the so far existing terminological gap. Next, after reviewing the existing environmental assessment tools, authors based on the developed definition and in accordance to its dynamic dimension contribute to the existing methodology, as the paper reveals issues that need to be considered in the evaluation of green products.
Atrophied Brain Lesion Volume: A New Imaging Biomarker in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Dwyer Michael G. , Bergsland Niels , Ramasamy Deepa P. , Jakimovski Dejan , Weinstock‐Guttman Bianca , Zivadinov Robert
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Lesion accrual in multiple sclerosis (MS) is an important and clinically relevant measure, used extensively as an imaging trial endpoint. However, lesions may also shrink or disappear entirely due to atrophy. Although generally ignored or treated as a nuisance, this phenomenon may actually be an important stand‐alone imaging biomarker.

Therefore, we investigated the rate of brain lesion loss due to atrophy (atrophied lesion volume) in MS subtypes compared to baseline lesion volume and to new and enlarging lesion volumes, and evaluated the independent predictive value of this phenomenon for clinical disability.

METHODS

A total of 192 patients (18 clinically isolated syndrome, 126 relapsing‐remitting MS, and 48 progressive) received 3T magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 5 years. Lesions were quantified at baseline, and new/enlarging lesion volumes were calculated over the study interval. Atrophied lesion volume was calculated by combining baseline lesion masks with follow‐up SIENAX‐derived cerebrospinal fluid partial volume maps. Measures were compared between disease subgroups, and correlations with disability change (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]) were evaluated. Hierarchical regression was employed to determine the unique additive value of atrophied lesion volume.

RESULTS

Atrophied lesion volume was different between MS subtypes (P = .02), and exceeded new lesion volume accumulation in progressive MS (298.1 vs. 75.5 mm3). Atrophied lesion volume was the only significant correlate of EDSS change (r = .192 relapsing, r = .317 progressive, P < .05), and explained significant additional variance when controlling for brain atrophy and new/enlarging lesion volume (R2 .092 vs. .045, P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Atrophied lesion volume is a unique and clinically relevant imaging marker in MS, with particular promise in progressive MS.
Modified Equipoise Clasp: An Esthetic Option for Removable Dental Prostheses
Authors: Hajjaj Maher S.
Published: June 2018

The objective of this clinical report is to describe a fabrication technique for a modified Equipoise clasp‐retained removable dental prosthesis as an alternative esthetic clasp option when abutment teeth are visible during smiling or speaking. The use of surveyed crowns on abutment teeth with mesial reciprocating grooves, milled lingual ledges, and distobuccal undercuts facilitates the use of a modified Equipoise clasp, providing a viable treatment option in esthetically demanding cases.
Utilization and Selection in an Ancillaries Health Insurance Market
Authors: Kettlewell Nathan
Published: June 2018

I study two important aspects of the Australian private ancillaries health insurance (PAHI) market—moral hazard and self‐selection. PAHI covers out‐of‐hospital health services including dental, optometry, physiotherapy, and chiropractic. Using instrumental variables methods, I find evidence that PAHI increases utilization, particularly for dental, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, and acupuncture. I also find evidence of selection effects—both adverse and favorable. Several variables jointly predict a person's propensity to insure and to utilize health services. There is little evidence of self‐selection based on the joint probability of different health services, which has important implications for understanding the commercial success of PAHI.
Comparative studies of stenogamous behaviour in the mosquito Culex pipiens complex
Authors: Kim S. , Trocke S. , Sim C.
Published: June 2018

Understanding the processes of reproductive behaviour in mosquitoes is crucial for improving mating competitiveness and mating specificity for sterile insect release programmes. The Culex pipiens (Linneaus) (Diptera: Culicidae) forms pipiens and molestus (Forskål), two biotypes of the Cx. pipiens complex, are vectors for West Nile virus, St Louis encephalitis virus and lymphatic filariases. Hybridization of these biotypes is known to occur in nature, although form pipiens mates above ground in large spaces (eurygamy) and form molestus preferentially mates in small spaces (stenogamy) such as sewage tunnels. Hybridization may allow gene flow of biotype‐specific characteristics that are crucial in the disease transmission cycle. The present study examined and compared mating behaviours, insemination rates, fecundity and fertility in parental and F1 hybrids between Cx. pipiens f. pipiens and Cx. pipiens f. molestus in conditions of stenogamy. Unique mating behaviour sequences were identified in Cx. pipiens f. molestus, including tapping, mounting, co‐flying and copulation. Despite the considerably high insemination rates in hybrid crosses, fertility and fecundity rates were varied. This observation could suggest reproductive isolation in the hybrid zone. The study also documents a failure of heterospecific males to produce fertile eggs in Cx. pipiens f. pipiens females, which may be attributable to gametic incompatibilities and may represent an additional barrier to gene exchange.
A new species of Oberonia (Orchidaceae) from Western Ghats of Kerala, India
Authors: Prasad Kothareddy , Sudheshna Pemmu , Prabhukumar K. M.
Published: June 2018

A new Oberonia species, O. muthikulamensis (Orchidaceae), is described and illustrated from Muthikulam forest, Western Ghats of Kerala, India. It is compared with a closely morphologically similar species, O. sebastiana, endemic to Western Ghats.
Neither self‐reported atopy nor IgE‐mediated allergy are linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Nybacka S. , Öhman L. , Störsrud S. , Mybeck M. , Böhn L. , Wilpart K. , Winkvist A. , Bengtsson U. , Törnblom H. , Simrén M.
Published: June 2018

Background

Among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), atopic disease has been proposed as a common comorbidity increasing the IBS symptom burden. We therefore assessed the prevalence of self‐reported atopy among patients with IBS as compared to non‐IBS controls, and whether atopy and higher serum IgE levels were associated with increased IBS symptom severity.

Methods

Levels of total and specific IgE in serum were measured and questionnaires assessing the presence of atopic disease (ie, eczema, asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and pollen allergy), gastrointestinal symptom burden, food intolerance, somatic, and psychological symptoms were completed.

Key results

In total, 223 patients with IBS and 47 controls participated. Presence of atopic disease was reported in 55% of patients with IBS compared to 40% of controls (P = .07). IBS patients with atopic manifestations (N = 123) had higher total serum IgE levels (median 31 vs 16 kUA/L, P < .001) and higher prevalence of self‐reported food intolerance (28% vs 9%, P = .002) than non‐atopic IBS patients (N = 100), respectively, but no major difference in gastrointestinal or psychological symptom burden was noted. However, severe somatic symptoms were more common among atopic than non‐atopic patients with IBS (38% vs 27%, P = .028). We found no associations between self‐reported atopy and IBS symptom severity using linear regression models.

Conclusions & Inferences

Atopic disease is common in patients with IBS, but that is also true for subjects without IBS. The presence of atopic disease in IBS is associated with self‐reported food intolerance and somatic symptom severity, but unrelated to IBS symptom severity.
A pharmacological challenge predicts reversible rectal sensorimotor dysfunctions in women with fecal incontinence
Authors: Sharma M. , Feuerhak K. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Bharucha A. E.
Published: June 2018

Background

In order to understand the pathophysiology of rectal sensorimotor dysfunctions in women with fecal incontinence (FI) and rectal urgency, we evaluated the effects of a muscarinic antagonist and an adrenergic α2 agonist on these parameters.

Methods

Firstly, rectal distensibility and sensation were evaluated with a barostat and sinusoidal oscillation at baseline and after randomization to intravenous saline or atropine in 16 healthy controls and 44 FI patients. Thereafter, FI patients were randomized to placebo or clonidine for 4 wk; rectal compliance and sensation were revaluated thereafter. The effect of atropine and clonidine on rectal functions and the relationship between them were evaluated.

Results

At baseline, compared to controls, rectal capacity was lower (P = .03) while the mean pressure (P = .02) and elastance (P = .01) during sinusoidal oscillation were greater, signifying reduced distensibility, in FI. Compared to placebo, atropine increased (P ≤ .02) the heart rate in controls and FI and reduced (P = .03) the variability in rectal pressures during sinusoidal oscillation in controls. Clonidine increased rectal compliance (P = .04) and reduced rectal capacity (P = .03) in FI. The effects of atropine and clonidine on compliance (r = .44, P = .003), capacity (r = .34, P = .02), pressures during sinusoidal oscillation (r = .3, P = .057), pressure (r = .6, P < .0001), and volume sensory thresholds (r = .48, P = .003) were correlated.

Conclusions

The effects of atropine and clonidine on rectal distensibility and sensation were significantly correlated. A preserved response to atropine suggests that reduced rectal distensibility is partly reversible, mediated by cholinergic mechanisms, and may predict the response to clonidine, providing a pharmacological challenge.
Long‐term outcome of anorectal biofeedback for treatment of fecal incontinence
Authors: Mazor Y. , Ejova A. , Andrews A. , Jones M. , Kellow J. , Malcolm A.
Published: June 2018

Background

Long‐term outcome data for anorectal biofeedback (BF) for fecal incontinence (FI) is scarce. Our aims were to describe the long‐term symptom profile, quality of life, and need for surgery in FI patients following BF.

Methods

One hundred and eight consecutive female patients with FI who completed an instrumented BF course were identified for long‐term follow‐up. In 61 of 89 contactable patients, outcome measures were assessed at short‐term (end of BF), mid‐term (9 months median), and long‐term (7 years median) follow‐up after treatment.

Key Results

Long‐term response rate (50% or more reduction in FI episodes/wk compared to before BF and not requiring surgical intervention) was seen in 33/61 (54%) patients. Thirteen of these had complete continence. Improvement was seen at short, mid, and long‐term follow‐up for patients’ satisfaction and control of bowel function. In contrast, fecal incontinence severity index and quality of life measures, which improved in short and mid‐term, were no different from baseline by long‐term follow‐up. Patients classified as short‐term responders were far more likely to display a long‐term response compared to short‐term non‐responders (68% vs 18%, P < .001).

Conclusions & Inferences

Long‐term symptom improvement was observed in more than half of FI patients at 7 year post BF follow‐up. Quality of life improvements, however, were not maintained. Patients improving during the initial BF program have a high chance of long‐term improvement, while patients who do not respond to BF should be considered early for other therapies.
Diagnostic evaluation and management of culture‐negative cardiovascular implantable electronic device infections
Authors: Esquer Garrigos Zerelda , George Merit P. , Farid Saira , Abu Saleh Omar M. , Vijayvargiya Prakhar , Mahmood Maryam , Friedman Paul A. , Steckelberg James M. , DeSimone Daniel C. , Wilson Walter R. , Baddour Larry M. , Sohail M. Rizwan
Published: June 2018

Background

Culture‐negative (CN) cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections represent a significant management challenge for clinicians with no specific guidelines addressing this subgroup of patients. The aim of the current investigation is to report our institutional experience of CN CIED infections and propose a systematic approach to diagnostic evaluation and management of these complicated cases based on our observations.

Methods

We retrospectively screened all CIED infection cases at Mayo Clinic from 2005 through 2017. Using standardized criteria to define significant microbial growth, all patients with positive blood or pocket/device cultures were excluded.

Results

A total of 835 cases of CIED infection were screened, and of these, 47 (6%) met CN‐CIED infection criteria. Majority of patients (77%) in this cohort had received antimicrobial therapy prior to device cultures with a median duration of 8 days. The most common presentation was device pocket infection (81%). All patients underwent device removal. Route of antibiotics was switched from oral to parenteral and spectrum of activity expanded from initial therapy in 23% of patients despite negative cultures. Majority of patients (80%) were dismissed on parenteral therapy. Adverse events attributed to intravenous antibiotic therapy were documented in 63% of the cases. No recurrence was reported and 6‐month survival was 94.8%.

Conclusions

Pocket and device cultures in suspected CIED infections may be negative due to preextraction oral antibiotics. However, frequently these patients are managed with broad‐spectrum parenteral therapy postextraction.
Animals and Aztec religion: Keepers and cultivators of nature
Authors: Bassett Molly H.
Published: June 2018

Aztecs are known as formidable warriors and religious specialists, but they were also accomplished folkbiologists. Aztec priests, for example, employed specialized knowledge of the natural world in ritual activities. In the following, I highlight Aztec perceptions of a few key species as examples of animals' overall significance in pre‐ and post‐Contact Mesoamerican cultures. In particular, I examine the description of the jaguar in the Florentine Codex to ground an understanding of indigenous folkbiology after Contact. Then I introduce recent archeological findings that underscore the importance of birds and feathers in Aztec religion. Finally, I suggest that studying animals as a point of reference for indigenous adaptations to colonial life highlights creatures' cosmological agency. Each example demonstrates the centrality of animals in Aztec cosmology.
The longitudinal association between internalizing symptoms and academic achievement among immigrant and non‐immigrant children in Norway
Authors: Keles Serap , Olseth Asgeir Røyrhus , Idsøe Thormod , Sørlie Mari‐Anne
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to explore the longitudinal relation between internalizing symptoms and academic achievement, as two processes of children and youth development, among children in Norway, and whether having an immigrant background moderated this association. Data collected from 4,458 students in Norway in four waves over three years were analyzed with multi‐group latent growth curve modeling (LGM). Results showed that internalizing symptoms level remained unchanged over time both for immigrant and non‐immigrant children, while levels of academic achievement increased only for children of immigrants with both parents born outside of Norway. Further analyses supported a reciprocal relation between internalizing symptoms and academic achievement and revealed that the initial level of academic achievement predicted the rate of change in internalizing symptoms over time, but not vice versa. Moreover, immigrant background did not moderate the associations in the model, however, children of immigrants with both parents born abroad initially had lower levels of academic achievement, but showed an increase in academic achievement, compared to their non‐immigrant peers as well as to peers with one native‐born parent after controlling for gender and their grade at the first observation. The implications for policy and practice were discussed.
Learning from a lot: Empirical Bayes for high‐dimensional model‐based prediction
Authors: van de Wiel Mark A. , Te Beest Dennis E. , Münch Magnus M.
Published: June 2018

Empirical Bayes is a versatile approach to “learn from a lot” in two ways: first, from a large number of variables and, second, from a potentially large amount of prior information, for example, stored in public repositories. We review applications of a variety of empirical Bayes methods to several well‐known model‐based prediction methods, including penalized regression, linear discriminant analysis, and Bayesian models with sparse or dense priors. We discuss “formal” empirical Bayes methods that maximize the marginal likelihood but also more informal approaches based on other data summaries. We contrast empirical Bayes to cross‐validation and full Bayes and discuss hybrid approaches. To study the relation between the quality of an empirical Bayes estimator andp, the number of variables, we consider a simple empirical Bayes estimator in a linear model setting. We argue that empirical Bayes is particularly useful when the prior contains multiple parameters, which model a priori information on variables termed “co‐data”. In particular, we present two novel examples that allow for co‐data: first, a Bayesian spike‐and‐slab setting that facilitates inclusion of multiple co‐data sources and types and, second, a hybrid empirical Bayes–full Bayes ridge regression approach for estimation of the posterior predictive interval.
Non‐uniformity in pre‐insertional Achilles tendon is not influenced by changing knee angle during isometric contractions
Authors: Bogaerts S. , De Brito Carvalho C. , De Groef A. , Suetens P. , Peers K.
Published: June 2018

Achilles tendinopathy remains a prevalent condition among recreational and high‐level athletes. Mechanical loading has become the gold standard in managing these injuries, but exercises are often generic and prescribed in a “one‐size‐fits‐all” principle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of knee angle changes and different levels of force production on the non‐uniform behavior in the Achilles tendon during isometric contractions. It was hypothesized that a flexed knee position would lead to a more distinct non‐uniform behavior, due to greater differential loading of soleus vs gastrocnemius, and that this effect would be attenuated by higher levels of force production. Contrary to the hypotheses, it was found that the non‐uniform deformation, that is, superficial‐to‐deep variation in displacement with highest displacement in the deep layer, is consistently present, irrespective of the level of force production and knee angle (n = 19; mean normalized displacement ratio 6.32%, 4.88%, and 4.09% with extended knee vs 5.47%, 2.56%, and 6.01% with flexed knee, at 25%, 50%, and 75% MVC, respectively; P > .05). From tendon perspective, aside from the influence on muscle behavior, this might question the mechanical rationale for a change in knee angle during eccentric heel drops. Additionally, despite reaching high levels of plantar flexion force, the relative contribution of the AT sometimes appears to be decreased, potentially due to compensatory actions by agonist muscle groups. These results are relevant for optimizing AT rehabilitation as the goal is to reach specific local tendon loading.
Social forces and decision‐making by gatekeepers in arts organizations
Authors: Kordsmeier Gregory T.
Published: June 2018

Gatekeepers in arts organizations have an important role to play in determining which artistic works the public gets to experience. Performing arts organizations provide a good example of how these decisions made by gatekeepers necessarily delimit the art that the audiences will experience. This article catalogs the social forces that influence individual decision‐makers. Individual level forces like social background, embeddedness in social networks, and perceptions of the organization and organizational level forces like organizational structure, funding, and size all affect what they ultimately produce. This, in turn, allows us to better understand the work these companies produce form a sociological perspective.
Hyperrealism and Other Indigenous Forms of ‘Faking It with the Truth’
Authors: Biddle Jennifer L. , Lea Tess
Published: June 2018

This essay introduces Visual Anthropology Review’s Hyperrealism and Other Indigenous Forms of ‘Faking It with the Truth,’ a special collection of essays on new media art, ceremony, animation, sensory immersion, and other hyperreal interventions by Aboriginal and First Nations artists, curators, and academics. This essay introduces the contributing Indigenous and non‐Indigenous authors who are working across this emergent field of cultural production. Developing key concepts in critical dialogue with Indigenous practice‐based activism and history, it argues that works of the Indigenous hyperreal serve to challenge dominant frameworks of anthropology and canonical art theory. It provides historical and conceptual background for understanding the importance of these works as vital strategies of survival taking shape in neocolonial contexts across Indigenous territories of Australia and Turtle Island today.
“Tell me why, why, why”: A Critical Commentary on the Visuality of Settler Expectation
Authors: Simpson Audra
Published: June 2018

If we were to take the traditional, reified, thought‐to‐be‐disappearing subject of anthropological and governmental capture and erasure and flip the expectations that both structure and then attempt to govern this subject, what would we make of what they say or do or look? This commentary piece reflects on the decolonizing politics embedded within Indigenous cultural interventions, focusing in particular on two specific interventions: the “Desert Animations” traveling exhibition of experimentation in Central and Western Desert arts, and the Karrabing Indigenous Film Collective filmography.
Electric Beads: On Indigenous Digital Formalism
Authors: Garneau David
Published: June 2018

This essay considers whether Indigenous artists employ digital media differently than do non‐Indigenous artists. The article distinguishes works that are illusions that users wittingly pass through to engage the content, and sticky works in which users are encouraged to get caught up in the pleasures of the form. Through readings of the beading animations of Jon Corbett (Métis) and the sound art of Raven Chacon (Navajo), I propose that when they are expressing themselves as Indigenous, Indigenous artists always make representational work, however abstract or experimental. They refer to kinship and history, relations with the land, and the metaphysical.
THE WICKED PROBLEM OF OUR FAILING SOCIAL COMPACT
Authors: Rubens Jim
Published: June 2018

The United States is an outlier among nations in its failure to adopt robust climate policy. The underlying cause is not unique to the climate issue. Climate, like growing national debt, embodies a trade‐off between individual consumption now versus investment yielding long‐term societal gain. Over human history, social norms favoring one over the other wax and wane with the pervasiveness of transcendental values as embodied in personal virtue, social connectedness, spirituality, and religious faith. Over the past few decades, many indicators show that American social norms and extended cooperation have weakened. Given entrenched political corruption and continuing institutional failure to address multiple long‐term societal challenges, individuals are called upon personally to practice and to enforce pro‐social norms and to advance high‐leverage systemic changes, some identified in this article, which will allow extended cooperation to once again flourish.
RE‐ENVISIONING HOPE: ANTHROPOGENIC CLIMATE CHANGE, LEARNED IGNORANCE, AND RELIGIOUS NATURALISM
Authors: White Carol Wayne
Published: June 2018

In this essay, I introduce religious naturalism as one contemporary religious response to anthropogenic climate change; in so doing, I offer a concept of hope associated with the beauty of ignorance, of not knowing ourselves in the usual manner. Reframing humans as natural processes in relationship with other forms of nature, religious naturalism encourages humans’ processes of transformative engagement with each other and with the more‐than‐human worlds that constitute our existence. Hope in this context is anticipating what possibilities may occur when human organisms enact our evolutionary capacities as relational organisms who can love, engaging in multilayered processes of changing behaviors, values, and relationships that promote the betterment of myriad nature.
CLIMATE CHANGE, LAUDATO SI', CREATION SPIRITUALITY, AND THE NOBILITY OF THE SCIENTIST'S VOCATION
Authors: Fox Matthew
Published: June 2018

This exploration into spirituality and climate change employs the “four paths” of the creation spirituality tradition. The author recognizes those paths in the rich teachings of Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si' and applies them in considering the nobility of the scientist's vocation. Premodern thinkers often resisted any split between science and religion. The author then lays out the basic archetypes for recognizing the sacredness of creation, namely, the Cosmic Christ (Christianity); the Buddha Nature (Buddhism); the Image of God (Judaism); the “Primordial Man” (Hinduism), as well as the premodern universal teaching of “God as Beauty.” He addresses the subject of evil which deserves serious attention in the face of the realities posed by climate change and the resistance to addressing them. In the concluding section, the author speaks of a new Order of the Sacred Earth that was launched in fall 2017 to gather persons of whatever spiritual tradition or none to devote themselves to preserving Mother Earth.
THEOLOGY AND SCIENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL‐BEING
Authors: Watts Fraser
Published: June 2018

The approach to mental health and well‐being taken here illustrates the complementary perspectives approach and assumes that there are useful and intersecting contributions from science (including medicine) and from religion and spirituality. What counts as poor mental well‐being depends on the interaction of relatively objective criteria with culturally contingent value judgments. I then discuss theological perspectives on depression, including a consideration of sources of hope and tolerance of dysphoria, and argue that depression can be part of a spiritual journey. I then look at the relationship between psychosis and religion, including the work of Isabel Clarke, arguing that a spiritual approach to psychosis can complement a medical approach. Finally, I present a pastoral case study illustrating the interface between neurological and spiritual aspects of the sense of presence. A religious perspective can challenge and complement current assumptions about mental health in a potentially fruitful way.
Nanophotonic particle simulation and inverse design using artificial neural networks
Authors: Peurifoy John , Shen Yichen , Jing Li , Yang Yi , Cano-Renteria Fidel , DeLacy Brendan G. , Joannopoulos John D. , Tegmark Max , Soljačić Marin
Published: June 2018

New deep learning techniques may hold the key to solving intractable photonics problems.
Deconvolution of optical multidimensional coherent spectra
Authors: Richter Marten , Singh Rohan , Siemens Mark , Cundiff Steven T.
Published: June 2018

Techniques for deblurring images are adapted for optical multidimensional coherent spectra to reveal the underlying dynamics.
Identification and characterization of HIV-specific resident memory CD8
+
T cells in human lymphoid tissue
Authors: Buggert Marcus , Nguyen Son , Salgado-Montes de Oca Gonzalo , Bengsch Bertram , Darko Samuel , Ransier Amy , Roberts Emily R. , del Alcazar Daniel , Brody Irene Bukh , Vella Laura A. , Beura Lalit , Wijeyesinghe Sathi , Herati Ramin S. , Del Rio Estrada Perla M. , Ablanedo-Terrazas Yuria , Kuri-Cervantes Leticia , Sada Japp Alberto , Manne Sasikanth , Giles Josephine R. , Vartanian Shant , Huffman Austin , Sandberg Johan K. , Gostick Emma , Nadolski Gregory , Silvestri Guido , Canaday David H. , Price David A. , Petrovas Constantinos , Su Laura F. , Vahedi Golnaz , Dori Yoav , Frank Ian , Itkin Maxim G. , Wherry E. John , Deeks Steven G. , Naji Ali , Reyes-Terán Gustavo , Masopust David , Douek Daniel C. , Betts Michael R.
Published: June 2018

Current paradigms of CD8
+
T cell–mediated protection in HIV infection center almost exclusively on studies of peripheral blood, which is thought to provide a window into immune activity at the predominant sites of viral replication in lymphoid tissues (LTs). Through extensive comparison of blood, thoracic duct lymph (TDL), and LTs in different species, we show that many LT memory CD8
+
T cells bear phenotypic, transcriptional, and epigenetic signatures of resident memory T cells (T
RMs
). Unlike their circulating counterparts in blood or TDL, most of the total and follicular HIV-specific CD8
+
T cells in LTs also resemble T
RMs
. Moreover, high frequencies of HIV-specific CD8
+
T
RMs
with skewed clonotypic profiles relative to matched blood samples are present in LTs of individuals who spontaneously control HIV replication in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (elite controllers). Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis confirmed that HIV-specific T
RMs
are enriched for effector-related immune genes and signatures compared with HIV-specific non-T
RMs
in elite controllers. Together, these data indicate that previous studies in blood have largely failed to capture the major component of HIV-specific CD8
+
T cell responses resident within LTs.
Resident T cells stand up to HIV
Authors: Roan Nadia R.
Published: June 2018

HIV-specific resident memory T cells are abundant in lymphoid tissues of elite controllers and exhibit distinct functional properties. See related research article by

Buggert
et al
.
Artemisone and Artemiside Are Potent Panreactive Antimalarial Agents That Also Synergize Redox Imbalance in Plasmodium falciparum Transmissible Gametocyte Stages
Authors: Coertzen Dina , Reader Janette , van der Watt Mariëtte , Nondaba Sindisiwe H. , Gibhard Liezl , Wiesner Lubbe , Smith Peter , D'Alessandro Sarah , Taramelli Donatella , Wong Ho Ning , du Preez Jan L. , Wu Ronald Wai Keung , Birkholtz Lyn-Marie , Haynes Richard K.
Published: June 2018

The emergence of resistance toward artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) by the malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
has the potential to severely compromise malaria control. Therefore, the development of new artemisinins in combination with new drugs that impart activities toward both intraerythrocytic proliferative asexual and transmissible gametocyte stages, in particular, those of resistant parasites, is urgently required.
Identification of Surface Epitopes Associated with Protection against Highly Immune-Evasive VlsE-Expressing Lyme Disease Spirochetes
Authors: Batool Maliha , Caoili Salvador Eugenio C. , Dangott Lawrence J. , Gerasimov Ekaterina , Ionov Yurij , Piontkivska Helen , Zelikovsky Alex , Waghela Suryakant D. , Rogovskyy Artem S.
Published: June 2018

The tick-borne pathogenBorrelia burgdorferiis responsible for approximately 300,000 Lyme disease (LD) cases per year in the United States. Recent increases in the number of LD cases, in addition to the spread of the tick vector and a lack of a vaccine, highlight an urgent need for designing and developing an efficacious LD vaccine.
Intraocular pressure and myopia progression in Chinese children: the Anyang Childhood Eye Study
Authors: Li Shi-Ming , Iribarren Rafael , Li He , Kang Meng-Tian , Liu Luoru , Wei Shi-Fei , Stell William K. , Martin Gabriel , Wang Ningli
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To explore the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) at baseline and myopia progression in Chinese children from the Anyang Childhood Eye Study.

Design

Prospective school-based cohort study.

Methods

A total of 1558 grade 7 students completed the entire 2-year study. Ocular biometry, cycloplegic refractions and pneumotonometry were performed. Three years of follow-up have been completed for the children aged 12 years. The refractive groups and the tertiles of IOP were assessed by analysis of variance, to look for differences in mean values of spherical equivalent and IOP, respectively.

Results

The children’s mean baseline IOP was 15.87±3.42 mm Hg. Mean IOP was significantly higher in girls by 0.57 mm Hg (p=0.024). In the whole sample, there was a mean change in spherical equivalent of −1.05 D over 2 years. The baseline IOP was 15.69 mm Hg in those progressing 1 D or more vs 16.09 mm Hg for those progressing <1 D (p=0.022). In the myopic group, myopes progressing >1 D had mean IOP of 15.94 vs 16.42 mm Hg for those myopes progressing 1 D or less (p=0.024).

Conclusions

In this sample of Chinese children, myopia progression over 2 years was inversely related to IOP, suggesting that IOP had essentially no relationship with myopia progression in school children. The lower IOP in progressing myopic eyes may indicate more compliant sclerae.
Delayed surgical treatment of orbital trapdoor fracture in paediatric patients
Authors: Su Yun , Shen Qin , Bi Xiaoping , Lin Ming , Fan Xianqun
Published: June 2018

Background

Trapdoor fracture is a special type of orbital blowout fracture. Although early surgery is recommended, there still remain some patients delayed by various reasons. In this study, we analysed the clinical characteristics of delayed paediatric patients, especially those with different levels of ocular motility restriction before surgery.

Methods

Thirty patients (3 to 14 years old) who underwent delayed surgery for trapdoor fractures between January 2008 and September 2016 were enrolled. Their demographics, causes of injury and delay, clinical features, imaging data and follow-up information were collected.

Results

Muscular entrapment was found in 17 patients (group A) and soft-tissue entrapment in 13 patients (group B). 12 (7 in group A) presented with severe motility restriction and 18 (10 in group A) with mild restriction before surgery. 41.7% with severe restriction recovered after surgery, compared with 83.3% with mild restriction. Four (23.7%) in group A (all with severe restriction) and six (46.2%) in group B (half with severe restriction) presented with persistent diplopia.

Conclusions

Long recovery time and a high percentage of persistent diplopia are the main problems of delayed trapdoor fracture in children. A prompt surgery within 48 hours is strongly recommended in patients with muscular entrapment even if an urgent treatment is hard to achieve. So are patients with soft-tissue entrapment and significant motility restriction. In the other patients without such indications, even though some recovery might be possible in the long term, a prompt surgery right after diagnosis is still preferable regardless of the entrapped contents.
Evaluation of amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells for treatment-resistant moderate Crohn’s disease: study protocol for a phase I/II, dual-centre, open-label, uncontrolled, dose–response trial
Authors: Otagiri Shinsuke , Ohnishi Shunsuke , Miura Arisa , Hayashi Hiroshi , Kumagai Izumi , Ito Yoichi M , Katsurada Takehiko , Nakamura Shiro , Okamoto Rika , Yamahara Kenichi , Cho Kyu Yong , Isoe Toshiyuki , Sato Norihiro , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The medical treatment options for patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) are limited and patients resistant to those therapies are left requiring surgical operations that usually only achieve some symptomatic relief. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been shown to be effective for the treatment of CD, and we have demonstrated in animal experiments that human amnion-derived MSCs (AMSC) are a potential new therapeutic strategy. Therefore, we designed this study to investigate the safety and efficacy of AMSCs in patients with treatment-resistant CD.

Methods and analysis

This is the protocol for an ongoing phase I/II, dual-centre, open-label, uncontrolled, dose–response study. The estimated enrolment is 6–12 patients with treatment-resistant, moderate CD. A dose of 1.0×106cells/kg will be administered intravenously in the low-dose group at days 0 and 7. After confirming the safety of low-dose administration, a dose of 4.0×106cells/kg will be administered intravenously in the high-dose group on days 0 and 7. The primary endpoint will measure the occurrence of adverse events related to acute infusion toxicity, and secondary endpoints will include long-term adverse events and efficacy of AMSC administration.

Ethics and dissemination

The Institutional Review Board of Hokkaido University Hospital approved this study protocol (approval number H29-6). A report releasing study results will be submitted to an appropriate journal.

Discussion

This study is the first to investigate the safety and efficacy of AMSC use for CD treatment. Our results will advance studies on more efficient and convenient methods to overcome the limits of available CD treatments.

Trial registration number

UMIN000029841.
Putative biomarkers of vedolizumab resistance and underlying inflammatory pathways involved in IBD
Authors: Soendergaard Christoffer , Seidelin Jakob Benedict , Steenholdt Casper , Nielsen Ole Haagen
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Characterise the circulating inflammatory cytokine pattern among patients failing consecutive anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) and anti-integrin treatments to identify predictors of response.

Methods

A retrospective single-centre cohort study of 28 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving anti-integrin therapy (vedolizumab) subsequent to the failure of anti-TNF treatment was conducted. Blood samples were obtained immediately prior to initiation of vedolizumab therapy, and the response to treatment was evaluated after completion of the 14-week induction regimen. Multiplex ELISA was applied to quantify 47 preselected plasma proteins based on their putative involvement in the inflammatory process in IBD.

Results

Anti-TNF and vedolizumab non-responders (n=20) had significantly higher levels of circulating interleukin (IL)-6 than anti-TNF non-responders with subsequent response to vedolizumab (n=8): median 9.5 pg/mL versus 5.9 pg/mL, p<0.05. Following stratification by diagnosis, patients with Crohn’s disease who failed vedolizumab therapy (n=7) had higher soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) than responders (n=4): 153.0 pg/mL versus 45.5 pg/mL, p<0.01; sensitivity 100% (95% CI 59% to 100%), specificity 100% (95% CI 40% to 100%). Osteocalcin was higher among patients with ulcerative colitis responding to vedolizumab (n=4) compared with those not responding (n=13): 4219 pg/mL versus 2823 pg/mL, p=0.01; sensitivity 85% (95% CI 55% to 98%), specificity 100% (95% CI 40% to 100%).

Conclusions

Patients with IBD failing vedolizumab induction and anti-TNF therapy have persistent IL-6 pathway activity, which could be a potential alternative treatment target. sCD40L, osteocalcin and the IL-6 pathway activity might be predictors for response to vedolizumab.
Combined antihypertensive and statin therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension without complications: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Ying , Kuang Ze-Min , Feng Shu-Jun , Jiang Long , Chen Qiu-Xian , Ji Xiao-Yun , Cheng Wen-Li , Hu Hong-Juan
Published: June 2018

Introduction

High blood pressure (BP) affects over 40% of adults over the age of 25 worldwide and is the leading global risk factor for death or disability. Hypertension is also the most important risk factor for endovascular atherosclerosis, which, when combined with other cardiovascular risk factors, leads to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Statins are one of the most widely used drugs for the prevention of ASCVD. The recently announced study of Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation-3 suggests that cholesterol-lowering agents combined with antihypertensive therapy can prevent cardiovascular events and reduce the combined endpoint. We plan to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether combined antihypertensive and statin therapy is more beneficial than antihypertensive therapy alone in patients with hypertension without complications.

Methods and analysis

We will perform a comprehensive search for randomised controlled trials evaluating combined antihypertensive and statin therapy for the treatment of patients with hypertension. The following English electronic databases will be searched: The Cochrane Library, EMBASE and PubMed. Outcomes will be categorised as short-term (≤6 months) or long-term (>6 months). When evaluating the effects of combined antihypertensive and statin therapy, a short-term outcome is usually defined as a change in BP or lipid levels, while a long-term outcome is usually defined as cardiovascular benefits or risks. The data screening and extraction will be conducted by two different reviewers. The quality of the RCTs will be assessed according to the Cochrane handbook risk of bias tool.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not require ethics approval and the results of the meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-review journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017071935.
Participant experiences of two successful habit-based weight-loss interventions in Australia: a qualitative study
Authors: Cleo Gina , Hersch Jolyn , Thomas Rae
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Habit-based weight-loss interventions have shown clinically important weight loss and weight-loss maintenance. Understanding why habit-based interventions work is therefore of great value, but there is little qualitative evidence about the experiences of participants in such programmes. We explored the perspectives of individuals who completed two habit-based weight-management programmes, Ten Top Tips and Do Something Different.

Design

One-on-one, face-to-face, semistructured interviews were conducted and analysed thematically.

Setting

Participants from the community were interviewed at Bond University, Australia.

Participants

Using a maximum variation design, we recruited 15 participants (eight men, seven women) aged 39–69 years (mean 53.3 years, SD 10.3) with a range of education levels (no high school to university degree) and percentage weight change on the programmes (+4.0% to −10.4%).

Main outcome measures

(1) The general experience of participants who completed the Ten Top Tips or Do Something Different intervention, (2) whether and how the interventions affected the participants’ lifestyle postintervention, and (3) participants’ views regarding the acceptability and practical application of Ten Top Tips and Do Something Different.

Results

Participants reported positive experiences of the two programmes, both during and after the interventions. Participants particularly enjoyed the novelty of the interventions as they shifted focus from diet and exercise, to practical everyday habit changes. They also reported indirect health benefits such as increased energy levels, increased confidence and improved self-awareness. Accountability throughout the programmes and convenience of the interventions were identified as key themes and facilitators for weight-loss success.

Conclusions

This study offers insight into how and why habit-based interventions might work. Overall, Ten Top Tips and Do Something Different are practical and convenient to implement, and are viewed favourably by participants when compared with conventional lifestyle programmes for weight control.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12615000114549.