bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arterial immune protein expression demonstrates the complexity of immune responses in Kawasaki disease arteritis
Authors: Cameron S A , White S M , Arrollo D , Shulman S T , Rowley A H
Published: July 2017

A more complete understanding of immune-mediated damage to the coronary arteries in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) is required for improvements in patient treatment and outcomes. We recently reported the transcriptional profile of KD coronary arteritis, and in this study sought to determine protein expression of transcriptionally up-regulated immune genes in KD coronary arteries from the first 2 months after disease onset. We examined the coronary arteries of 12 fatal KD cases and 13 childhood controls for expression of a set of proteins whose genes were highly up-regulated in the KD coronary artery transcriptome: allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF1), interleukin 18 (IL-18), CD74, CD1c, CD20 (MS4A1), Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR-7) and Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1). Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence studies were performed to evaluate protein expression and co-localization, respectively. AIF1 was expressed transmurally in KD arteritis and localized to macrophages and myeloid dendritic cells. CD74, which interacts with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II on antigen-presenting cells, localized to the intima-media. CD1c, a marker of myeloid dendritic cells, was expressed in a transmural pattern, as were IL-18 and CD20. ZBP1 and TLR-7 were up-regulated compared to controls, but less highly compared to the other proteins. These findings provide evidence of antigen presentation and interferon response in KD arteritis. In combination with prior studies demonstrating T lymphocyte activation, these results demonstrate the complexity of the KD arterial immune response.
Complement and contact system activation in acute congestive heart failure patients
Authors: Suffritti C , Tobaldini E , Schiavon R , Strada S , Maggioni L , Mehta S , Sandrone G , Toschi-Dias E , Cicardi M , Montano N
Published: July 2017

Recent experimental data indicate a pathogenic role of complement activation in congestive heart failure (CHF). The aim of this study was to evaluate contact and complement systems activation in patients hospitalized for an acute episode of CHF. Forty-two of 80 consecutive patients admitted at our hospital with confirmed diagnosis of acute CHF were enrolled. They underwent blood sampling within 24 h from admission (T0) and at clinical stability (T1). Patients were stratified for ejection fraction (EF) based on echocardiographic test. We measured plasma levels of C3, C4, sC5b-9 and cleaved high molecular weight kininogen (contact activation marker). At T1, C3 levels increased significantly compared to T0 (97 ± 2 versus 104 ± 3% of total pooled plasma, P < 0·01). Classifying patients according to EF, only patients with preserved EF presented a significant increase of C3 from T0 to T1 (99 ± 3 versus 108 ± 4%, P = 0·03). When the sample was stratified according to clinical outcome, C3 (98 ± 3 versus 104 ± 4%, P = 0·03) and sC5b-9 levels (204 ± 10 versus 230 ± 11 ng/ml, P = 0·03) were increased in patients who had positive outcome after hospitalization. CHF patients with preserved EF and positive outcome after hospitalization showed higher levels of sC5b-9 in the T1 period compared with T0 (211 ± 14 versus 243 ± 14 ng/ml, P = 0·04). Our results suggest that the complement system reacts differently if CHF occurs with preserved or reduced EF. This finding is interesting if we consider the difference in epidemiology, pathogenesis and possible therapeutic approaches of these two clinical entities.
Whole‐exome sequencing is a valuable diagnostic tool for inherited peripheral neuropathies: Outcomes from a cohort of 50 families
Authors: Hartley T. , Wagner J.D. , Warman‐Chardon J. , Tétreault M. , Brady L. , Baker S. , Tarnopolsky M. , Bourque P.R. , Parboosingh J.S. , Smith C. , McInnes B. , Innes A.M. , Bernier F. , Curry C.J. , Yoon G. , Horvath G.A. , Bareke E. , Gillespie M. ,   FORGE Canada Consortium,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium, Majewski J. , Bulman D.E. , Dyment D.A. , Boycott K.M.
Published: July 2017

The inherited peripheral neuropathies (IPNs) are characterized by marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity and include relatively frequent presentations such as Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease and hereditary motor neuropathy, as well as more rare conditions where peripheral neuropathy is associated with additional features. There are over 250 genes known to cause IPN‐related disorders but it is estimated that in approximately 50% of affected individuals a molecular diagnosis is not achieved. In this study, we examine the diagnostic utility of whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in a cohort of 50 families with 1 or more affected individuals with a molecularly undiagnosed IPN with or without additional features. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in genes known to cause IPN were identified in 24% (12/50) of the families. A further 22% (11/50) of families carried sequence variants in IPN genes in which the significance remains unclear. An additional 12% (6/50) of families had variants in novel IPN candidate genes, 3 of which have been published thus far as novel discoveries (KIF1A, TBCK, and MCM3AP). This study highlights the use of WES in the molecular diagnostic approach of highly heterogeneous disorders, such as IPNs, places it in context of other published neuropathy cohorts, while further highlighting associated benefits for discovery.
A new equation to predict peak VO2 in obese patients during cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Authors: Barbosa Alan Carlos Brisola , Sperandio Evandro Fornias , Gonze Bárbara de Barros , Spina Giovanna Domingues , Arantes Rodolfo Leite , Gagliardi Antônio Ricardo de Toledo , Romiti Marcello , Dourado Victor Zuniga
Published: July 2017

We aimed to develop an equation to predict peak VO2 in obese subjects undergoing CPET. In addition, we evaluated and compared three published equations. We randomized 346 obese subjects undergoing CPET into a group for developing the equation (n = 272) and a group for cross‐validation (n = 74), compared through the Bland and Altman method. Height, sex and age were responsible for 85·5% of total variability of the peak VO2. Additional 1% and 0·7% of the variability were, respectively, explained by physical inactivity and diabetes. The equation devised was as follows: The mean difference between the estimated and measured peak VO2 was 7 ml min−1, with a 23·9% bias. Published equations overestimated the peak VO2 by 35·3%, 49·1% and 46·2% bias. The equation developed in this study performed better in predicting peak VO2 in obese adults improving ramp protocol design and CRF evaluations in obese subjects.
Wholesale Price Auctions for Dual Sourcing under Supply Risk
Authors: Huang He , Li Zhipeng , Xu Hongyan
Published: July 2017

Wholesale price bids commonly occur in procurement auctions where dual sourcing is usually employed to mitigate supply risks. When at most two winners are required, unreliable wholesale price bidders face the unique trade‐off between unit margin and quantity allocation that depends on both winners' bids and the reliabilities. Motivated by above facts and considerations, we investigate several auction formats accommodating wholesale price bids for dual sourcing under newsvendor market, with unreliable suppliers possessing private costs. Generalized first‐price auction (GFA) is designed under known cost distribution, while generalized English auction (GEA) and optimal auction with learning (OAL) are examined under unknown distribution. Through a preannounced allocation rule to curb the bidding behavior, both GFA and OAL balance information rent and quantity allocation and generate various diversification degrees. Information asymmetry under GFA depresses the quantity proportion for high‐cost winner, because he charges higher unit information rent than low‐cost winner does. In contrast, two winners in GEA collude at the same price and thus split the order quantity evenly. The full diversification possibly enables GEA to generate higher service level than GFA under high supply risk, although the expected output quantity of GEA is always lower. Regarding the practical requirement for auction format choice, when the costs of implementation and distribution acquisition are not negligible, the previous analysis suggests that the favorable format is driven from GFA or OAL to GEA, as supply risk or the number of bidders increases, or as retail price exceeds a threshold. We also extend to multisourcing cases and examine the impacts of salvage and lost sale on auction format choice.
An intelligent system to monitor refrigeration devices
Authors: Kužnar Damjan , Piltaver Rok , Gradišek Anton , Gams Matjaž , Luštrek Mitja
Published: July 2017

Refrigeration systems have been a vital component of our lives for more than a century. Apart from storing food, they are used to store sensitive goods such as pharmaceutical products or reactive chemicals. The deterioration of the refrigeration system performance due to aging or malfunction directly affects the quality of stored goods. Therefore, an early detection of deviation in performance is an important task. This paper presents a system that monitors operation of refrigeration devices and alerts the user to possible irregularities in the operation run. The emphasis is on recognition of gradual changes of performance that indicate upcoming hardware problems. The system consists of 2 modules: human‐defined expert rules and machine learning. The machine‐learning module learns to recognize abnormal behaviour of devices automatically. Furthermore, it can distinguish between different abnormal events and allow the user to classify some of the types as normal, so that they not longer raise an alarm. The machine learning was evaluated by comparing its recognition of abnormal events and classification accuracy of such events to the performance of a human operator. The system can in principle be adapted to any electronic device that periodically applies some system for sustaining a predefined quality (e.g., temperature).
A comparison in product‐value potential in four treatment strategies for food waste and faeces – assessing composting, fly larvae composting and anaerobic digestion
Authors: Lalander Cecilia , Nordberg Åke , Vinnerås Björn
Published: July 2017

Municipalities are expected to provide solid waste management, which is funded by tax revenue or/and waste treatment fees. In many low‐ and middle‐income countries, municipalities struggle to provide an adequate level of service, and in these places, the informal sector plays a major role in the collection and treatment of solid waste. In contrast to the plastic and metal fraction, the organic fraction is not managed by the informal sector, primarily because it has low or no financial value and treatment would cost more than the possible revenue. If the organic fraction could be converted to valuable products, the treatment could bear its own cost and this could act as an incentive to collect and treat this fraction. In this study, the potential product value generated through four treatment strategies treating food waste and faeces was compared in a Swedish context: (i) thermophilic composting; (ii) black soldier fly treatment (BSF treatment); (iii) anaerobic digestion (AD); and (iv) BSF treatment followed by AD (BSF + AD). In order to assess the AD strategies, the biomethane potentials of the substrates were assessed. Food waste had the highest biomethane potential, while BSF‐treated faeces had the lowest (417 and 188 NmL g VS−1, respectively). Thermophilic composting yielded the lowest value product (organic fertilizer; 26 € t−1 treated food waste) and BSF treatment + AD the highest total value of products (animal feed, vehicle gas and organic fertilizer; 215 € t−1 treated food waste). The treatment costs were not taken into account here; the total value gives an indication of the cost margin for the different strategies studied. In places with an existing AD plant, BSF treatment + AD strategy is the most economically viable. In places where no such plant exists, BSF treatment is likely to be the most economically favourable treatment.
Generation of biallelic F0 mutants in medaka using the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Sawamura Rie , Osafune Natsumi , Murakami Takahiro , Furukawa Fumiya , Kitano Takeshi
Published: July 2017

Several animal models generated by genome editing methods develop somatic mosaic mutations including wild‐type genome sequence in F0 generation because it is difficult to use editing tools at the one‐cell stage. Producing complete knockout animals quickly is a great advantage in determining the function of target genes. This study investigated the generation of F0 knockout medaka using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. To determine whether this editing system induced mutations in the medaka genome at the one‐cell stage, recombinant Cas9 protein, tracrRNA and crRNA for dead end (dnd), which is essential for germ cell development, were injected into one‐cell stage embryos of olvas‐DsRedExpress transgenic medaka. This allowed germ cells to be visualized by DsRed fluorescence. Genomic DNA extracted from embryos at the one‐cell stage was analyzed by sequencing. Predictably, biallelic mutated sequence patterns in the target sites of dnd were found in the injected embryos. To investigate the phenotypes of the mutated fish, fluorescent and histological observations of germ cells were carried out using fry and adults. The mutations resulted in a complete loss of germ cells, suggesting loss of function of dnd in the injected embryos. Therefore, this system appears to be extremely effective for the production of F0 knockout medaka.
Did Investors Herd during the Financial Crisis? Evidence from the US Financial Industry
Authors: Humayun Kabir M.
Published: July 2017

We examine the herding behavior of investors in the US financial industry, especially commercial banks, S&Ls, investment and insurance firms during global financial crisis of 2008 towards own sub‐sector and market consensus using augmented cross sectional absolute deviation of returns (CSAD) model. After distinguishing between fundamental and non‐fundamental information, we find a greater influence of global financial crisis on spurious herding for commercial and investment banks, and such herding increases in the down market and with conditional volatility of returns, but adverse herding is prevalent among investors during normal period in response to fundamental information. We also find that herding intensity on fundamental information is relatively high with market consensus for all financial institutions except insurance firms in high volatility regime, and intentional herding is only significant and limited to S&Ls and investment banks in high volatility regime. Our findings suggest limited spillover effects of herding when investors face non‐fundamental information.
A simple concept for covering pressure sores: wound edge‐based propeller perforator flap
Authors: Kelahmetoglu Osman , Van Landuyt Koenraad , Yagmur Caglayan , Sommeling Casper E , Keles Musa K , Tayfur Volkan , Simsek Tekin , Demirtas Yener , Guneren Ethem
Published: July 2017

We present a new surgical modification to allow propeller perforator flaps to cover pressure sores at various locations. We used a propeller perforator flap concept based on the detection of newly formed perforator vessels located 1 cm from the wound margin and stimulated by the chronic inflammation process.

Between January 2009 and January 2017, 33 wound edge‐based propeller perforator flaps were used to cover pressure sores at various locations in 28 patients. In four cases more than one flap was used on the same patient. The patients comprised 18 males and 10 females with a mean age of 41·25 (range, 16–70) years.

All patients underwent follow‐up for 0–12 months. The mean follow‐up duration was 5·03 months. Venous congestion was observed in three flaps that were rotated by 180° (9·1%). However, there was a significant difference between flaps rotated by 90° and 180° according to the complication rate (P = 0·034). Out of 33 flaps, 29 flaps healed uneventfully. Patients were able to sit and lie on their flaps three weeks after surgery.

In our study, we were able to obtain satisfying final results using these novel flaps.
Remarkable piezoelectricity and stable high‐temperature dielectric properties of quenched BiFeO3–BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Li Qiang , Wei Jianxin , Tu Tinglong , Cheng Jinrong , Chen Jianguo
Published: July 2017

Effects of quenching process on dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of 0.71BiFeO3−0.29BaTiO3 ceramics with Mn modification (BF–BT−xmol%Mn) were investigated. The dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of BF–BT−xmol%Mn were improved by quenching, especially to the BF–BT−0.3 mol%Mn ceramics. The dielectric loss tanδ of quenched BF–BT−0.3 mol%Mn ceramics was only 0.28 at 500°C, which was half of the slow cooling one. Meanwhile, the remnant polarization Pr of quenched BF–BT−0.3 mol%Mn ceramics increased to 21 μC/cm2. It was notable that the piezoelectric constant d33 of quenched BF–BT−0.3 mol%Mn ceramics reached up to 191 pC/N, while the TC was 530°C, showing excellent compatible properties. The BF–BT−xmol%Mn system ceramics showed to obey the Rayleigh law within suitable field regions. The Rayleigh law results indicated that the extrinsic contributions to the dielectric and piezoelectric responses of quenched BF–BT−xmol%Mn ceramics were larger than the unquenched ceramics. These results presented that the quenched BF–BT−xmol%Mn ceramics were promising candidates for high‐temperature piezoelectric devices.
A kind of bilayer structure ceramic scintillators designed for phoswich detectors
Authors: Hu Zewang , Chen Xiaopu , Ding Dongzhou , Cao Maoqing , Shi Yun , Kou Huamin , Chen Haohong , Xie Tengfei , Wu Lexiang , Pan Yubai , Li Jiang
Published: July 2017

The phoswich detectors can determine the location of nuclear interactions with the matrix and it is an effective approach to improve the spatial resolution at the edge of the field of view in positron emission tomography. In this study, we proposed a kind of bilayer structure garnet ceramic scintillators for phoswich detectors. Bilayer Pr:LuAG/Ce:LuAG ceramic scintillations with different thickness ratio were fabricated through solid‐state reaction and vacuum sintering without further cutting or stacking process. The phase, microstructure, fluorescence, and scintillation properties were characterized and studied. The decay time of the Pr:LuAG layer was about 21.8 ns while that of the Ce:LuAG layer was 58.6 ns. Different 5d‐4f emission bands of 290‐450 and 475‐700 nm were observed in the Pr:LuAG layer and Ce:LuAG layer, respectively. These two features meet the basic requirements of phoswich detectors. Separation of interactions with γ‐ray in different layers has achieved in the pulse height spectra. These properties reveal that this kind of multilayer structure garnet ceramic scintillators have potential application value in the field of phoswich detectors.
Boosting the photovoltaic performance of Zn2SnO4‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells by Si doping into Zn2SnO4
Authors: Asemi Morteza , Ghanaatshoar Majid
Published: July 2017

In the present work, Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles were doped with silicon to improve their electrical and optical properties by the conventional solid‐state reaction method. The results showed that the minimum electrical resistivity of about 0.09 Ωcm was obtained for Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles with 3% Si doping. The decrease in the electrical resistivity can be attributed to the insertion of Si+4 atoms into the Zn+2 and/or Sn+4 sites and also the formation of more oxygen vacancies in the Zn2SnO4 lattice. The formation of the more oxygen vacancy defect states in Si‐doped Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles was verified by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The efficiency of a dye‐sensitized solar cell based on 3% Si‐doped Zn2SnO4 was significantly better, by about 81%, compared to that of a cell based on the undoped Zn2SnO4. The enhancement in the efficiency can be ascribed to the facilitation of electron transport throughout a photoelectrode due to increase in the charge carrier concentration which was caused by Si doping.
Environmental conditions for Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) take‐off
Authors: Tomaseto A. F. , Miranda M. P. , Moral R. A. , de Lara I. A. R. , Fereres A. , Lopes J. R. S.
Published: July 2017

Environmental factors that influence flight activity of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) may have implications for Huanglongbing spread and management. In this work, four studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental conditions on D. citri take‐off. In the first, insects were transferred to sweet orange seedlings and confined inside an acrylic cage to verify the take‐off periodicity and the effect of environmental factors on this process. In the second, take‐off temperature threshold was estimated by recording the number of insects that initiated flight from a platform when subjected to gradual temperature increases from 15 to 39°C. In the other studies, we evaluated the effect of different photoperiods and temperature regimes (third study) and of constant temperatures (fourth study) on the propensity for D. citri flight. Insects were confined in clear plastic bottle cages with tubes of 50 ml placed on the cab, to collect emerged adults that initiated flights. Results showed that a small portion of the tested population (maximum 10%) tends to take off from plants and this behaviour is more prevalent in the afternoon (14:00–16:00 h), coinciding with daytimes of lower humidity and higher thermal amplitude. Adults that were submitted to lower temperatures (18°C) and short light periods (10 h) showed less propensity to flight. In contrast, at constant 27°C, the insects were more prone to flight, and this result was confirmed when individuals were submitted to increases in temperature, indicating that 27.14°C is the take‐off temperature threshold of D. citri. Results show that temperature plays an important role in the flight activity of D. citri and suggest that control measures of the insect may be more effective in the morning and in temperatures below 27°C, when the probability to take off from a host is lower.
Reciprocity in autistic and typically developing children and adolescents with and without mild intellectual disabilities
Authors: Backer van Ommeren T. , Koot H. M. , Begeer S.
Published: July 2017

The assessment of autism in individuals with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) is complicated because of the overlap between autistic traits and intellectual limitations. Impaired social emotional reciprocity is a core diagnostic criterion for autism. However, it is unknown whether reciprocal behaviour differs between MID individuals with or without an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study explored differences in reciprocal behaviour of 35 children and adolescents with MID (intelligence quotient 50–85): 15 with ASD (ASD‐MID) and 20 with typical development (TD‐MID) using the Interactive Drawing Test (IDT). ASD‐MID participants showed a lower quality of reciprocal behaviour compared with TD‐MID participants. The difference in quality of reciprocal behaviour between ASD‐MID and TD‐MID participants was not significantly related with Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test scores and thus not attributable to verbal capacity. The IDT is likely to reflect the child's inclination to display reciprocal behaviour in everyday situations, as its scale scores were meaningfully associated with the level of social cognition assessed with the Social Responsiveness Scale. Thus, the IDT seems well suited for measuring impairments in reciprocal behaviour in children and adolescents with MID.
Survival of the fetus during maternal thoracotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass for infective endocarditis
Authors: Luo Li , Sun Qiulei , Chen Liping , Ying Demei , Wu Xiaohua , Chen Zhengqiong
Published: July 2017

Infective endocarditis (IE) during pregnancy is a rare but serious condition. Cardiopulmonary bypass during pregnancy has a high rate of fetal morbidity and mortality. We here report the case of a 22‐year‐old pregnant woman with confirmed IE. Multiple large cardiac valve vegetations, severe aortic valve regurgitation, and hemodynamic compromise were observed. With full implementation of fetal monitoring and protection strategies, open heart surgery was performed at 31.4 weeks’ gestation to aid survival, followed by an elective cesarean delivery at 34.4 weeks. As of the 3‐month follow‐up, both the mother and infant were in good health. This shows that a fetus can survive maternal thoracotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass with proper perioperative management, which means that this technique does not need to be excluded from consideration in the treatment of IE complicating pregnancy.
Preventive effect of human papillomavirus vaccination on the development of uterine cervical lesions in young Japanese women
Authors: Tanaka Hidenori , Shirasawa Hiromitsu , Shimizu Dai , Sato Naoki , Ooyama Noriaki , Takahashi Osamu , Terada Yukihiro
Published: July 2017

Aim

To examine the effect that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has had in Akita Prefecture, by comparing cervical cytology results from women aged 20–24 years with or without HPV vaccination.

Methods

We examined cervical cytology results from 2425 subjects who underwent cervical cancer screening under the jurisdiction of the Akita Foundation for Healthcare between January 2014 and October 2016. We compared the prevalence of cytologic abnormalities among women aged 20–24 years with or without HPV vaccination.

Results

The rate of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US) or worse was 0.242% (1/413) with HPV vaccination, and 2.04% (41/2012) without HPV vaccination. Overall, the prevalence of abnormal cytology results was significantly lower in women aged 20–24 years who had received an HPV vaccination than in those who had not (P = 0.011). The reduction in the rate of abnormal cervical cytology results by HPV vaccination was 88.1%.

Conclusion

Within a 4‐year–5‐year period following vaccination, women aged 20–24 years who received an HPV vaccination had significantly lower rates of abnormal cervical cytology results than those who did not receive the vaccine.
Curative effect of 1.88‐mg and 3.75‐mg gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist on stage III–IV endometriosis: Randomized controlled study
Authors: Tang Huiru , Wu Ruifang , Li Xiaohong , Zhou Yanqiu , Liu Zhihong , Wang Chun , Chen Yun , Zhang Fangting
Published: July 2017

Aim

To compare the therapeutic effect of 1.88‐mg and 3.75‐mg gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) in the treatment of stage III–IV endometriosis after laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

Fifty patients with stage III–IV endometriosis diagnosed on laparoscopy were randomized into two groups according to GnRHa dose. Sex hormone level, symptoms of estrogen deficiency and lumbar vertebrae bone density were compared and analyzed between the two groups.

Results

Bone density was decreased in both groups at 20 weeks after treatment, and the degree of bone density loss in the full‐dose group (5.6%) was higher than in the half‐dose group (1.2%; P < 0.05). Surgery combined with the 3.75‐mg GnRHa or with the 1.88‐mg GnRHa relieved the degree of dysmenorrhea, although one case of light dysmenorrhea occurred in each group, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) after resumption of menstruation. Both groups had symptoms of perimenopause at 8 weeks after treatment (P > 0.05), but change in Kupperman score with time differed between the groups. At 16, 20 weeks after treatment, the symptoms of perimenopause in the half‐dose group were improved, and Kupperman score was lower than at 8 weeks after treatment. In the full‐dose group, however, Kupperman score was higher than at 8 weeks after treatment and higher than in the half‐dose group (P < 0.05). After treatment, follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone both decreased in both groups (P < 0.05), but there was no difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Estradiol (E2) in the full‐dose group was significantly lower than in the half‐dose group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The 1.88‐mg GnRHa treatment can be used in III–IV endometriosis patients after laparoscopic surgery, to reduce perimenopausal symptoms, significantly improve bone loss, and achieve a good clinical effect.
Effect of vaginal progesterone in tocolytic therapy during preterm labor in twin pregnancies: Secondary analysis of a placebo‐controlled randomized trial
Authors: Hernandez Wagner R. , Francisco Rossana P.V. , Bittar Roberto E. , Gomez Ursula T. , Zugaib Marcelo , Brizot Maria L.
Published: July 2017

Aim

Our aim was to investigate the effect of the prophylactic use of vaginal progesterone on the latency period from the initiation of tocolytic therapy to delivery in twin pregnancies with preterm labor.

Methods

This study was a secondary analysis of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of twin pregnancies in mothers who were exposed to a 200 mg vaginal progesterone ovule or a placebo ovule daily from 18 to 34 weeks gestation. Patients who were administered tocolysis with Atosiban because of preterm labor were included. The latency from tocolysis to delivery, mean gestational age at delivery and the rates of delivery within 48 h and within seven days were compared between progesterone and placebo groups.

Results

The analysis included 27 women in the progesterone group and 30 in the placebo group. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Overall, there were no differences in the latency period to delivery (17.54 ± 13.54 days and 21.58 ± 13.52 days; P = 0.289), rates of delivery within 48 h (14.8% and 6.7%; P = 0.40) or within seven days (29.64% and 23.3%; P = 0.76) or mean gestational age at delivery (32.53 ± 3.33 and 34.13 ± 2.87; P = 0.08) between the progesterone and placebo groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Prophylactic use of 200 mg of vaginal progesterone does not influence the latency to delivery in women with twin pregnancies treated with tocolysis because of preterm labor.
Risk Factors of Lower Urinary Tract Syndrome among Ketamine Users
Authors: CHEN I‐Chun , LEE Ming‐Huei , CHEN Wei‐Chih , HU Tsung‐Ching , LIN Hsiu‐Ying
Published: July 2017

Objective

This study investigated the risk factors of ketamine associated‐lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as duration of use, dosage of ketamine, co‐occurring substance use of other psychoactive drugs, comorbidities, and depression.

Methods

This study was a cross‐sectional survey. LUTS was assessed with the O'Leary symptom and problem index (OSPI) scores. We included the comorbidities of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) as comorbid factors. Depression was evaluated based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5). Duration of use, dosage of ketamine and the OSPI scores were subjected to log transformation because of the skewed distribution.

Result

Among 143 participating ketamine users, 25 (17.5%) had LUTS. Duration of ketamine use was significantly positively correlated with OSPI scores (adjusted β [95% CI], 0.21 [0.06–0.35] in log‐log model), which equaled a 10% increase in months of ketamine‐use increased OSPI scores by 2.02 %. Female and depression were significantly associated OSPI scores (adjusted β [95% CI], 0.20 [0.03–0.37], 0.49 [0.29–0.70], respectively in the log‐linear model), with OSPI scores being 1.22 times higher in female, and 1.63 times higher in ketamine users with depression. Dosage of use was not significantly associated with OSPI scores (adjusted β [95% CI], 0.04 [−0.12 to 0.20], P = 0.64 in log‐log model), likewise with comorbid diseases (adjusted β [95% CI], 0.07 [−0.08 to 0.21], P = 0.36 in log‐linear model).

Conclusion

Depression and longer duration of exposure to ketamine are significantly associated with the development of LUTS among ketamine users. Early evaluation and intervention of depression should be considered in patients of ketamine‐associated LUTS.
Effect of Climatic Parameters on Acute Urinary Retention Incidence
Authors: LEE Kwang Suk , KOO Kyo Chul , LEE Seung Hwan , CHO Kang Su , HONG Chang-Hee , CHUNG Byung Ha
Published: July 2017

Objectives

We investigated the effect of daily climatic parameters on spontaneous acute urinary retention (sAUR) and evaluated the risk factors for refractory/recurrent AUR.

Methods

A total of 4194 patients older than 40 years were diagnosed with AUR in the emergency department at Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul, from January 2007 to May 2016. To evaluate climatic parameters at sAUR onset, we included individuals living in the area around the hospital. We excluded patients with fever, who did not return to the hospital after the AUR episode or with AUR occurring within 2 weeks following admission for surgery or chemotherapy.

Results

Among 818 patients living in the two districts around the hospital, winter and October had the highest seasonal and monthly rates of sAUR development, respectively, and sAUR incidence increased with age. Daily temperature range and mean wind speed were significant risk factors for sAUR development. Several daily climatic parameters had seasonal effects on sAUR incidence. Over a mean follow‐up of 0.98 years, 122 patients (14.9%) developed refractory/recurrent AUR. Transitional zone index (TZI; HR = 1.03; P = 0.002) and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) at the time of sAUR (HR = 1.01; P = 0.030) were significant predictors of refractory/recurrent AUR. Benign prostate hyperplasia medication and transurethral prostatectomy after sAUR were not risk factors for refractory/recurrent AUR.

Conclusions

Cold temperature provoked sAUR in patients with higher age and International Prostate Symptom Score. Patients with higher TZI and PSA level at the time of sAUR had a greater risk of developing refractory/recurrent AUR.
Symptom fluctuations, self‐esteem, and cohesion during group cognitive behaviour therapy for early psychosis
Authors: Lecomte Tania , Leclerc Claude , Wykes Til
Published: July 2017

Group cohesion has been linked to positive changes in self‐esteem and in symptoms during group psychotherapy in people with psychosis. These changes may be linked to changes in symptoms as fluctuations in self‐esteem have been linked to symptom fluctuations.

Objective

We aimed to determine the relationship between these three factors – group cohesion, self‐esteem, and symptoms – during group cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis (GCBTp). We hypothesized that group cohesion would precede changes in symptoms and self‐esteem and that improvements in self‐esteem would precede improvements in symptoms.

Design

This is an uncontrolled longitudinal study recruiting from a convenience sample within two early psychosis clinics.

Methods

Sixty‐six individuals from first episode of psychosis treatment programmes participated in this study and received 24 sessions of a validated GCBTp protocol. Participants answered a brief questionnaire at the end of each session, measuring their group cohesion, self‐esteem, and perception of their symptoms as worse, same, or better than usual.

Results

Orthogonal polynomial contrasts for time effects were estimated with a mixed model for repeated measures with a random cluster effect and revealed a quartic trend regarding changes in symptoms over the 24 sessions. Self‐esteem, symptoms, and group cohesion were strongly linked during a given session. Also, self‐esteem changes predicted changes in symptoms up to two sessions later, and symptoms changes predicted self‐esteem changes at the next session. Group cohesion preceded improvements in both self‐esteem and symptoms; self‐esteem also predicted improvements in group cohesion.

Conclusion

These results suggest that self‐esteem and symptoms influence each other during therapy, with improvements in one leading to improvements in the other. Group cohesion also appears to be an essential prerequisite to positive changes in self‐esteem and symptoms during GCBTp.

Practitioner points

This study emphasizes the interrelation between self‐esteem improvements and symptom improvements, with improvements in one leading to improvements in the other, during group CBT for psychosis.

Group cohesion, in this study, is a predictor of self‐esteem and symptom improvements, suggesting that a special attention should be given to developing a strong alliance and group cohesion early on during CBT for psychosis.
The world looks better together: How close others enhance our visual experiences
Authors: BOOTHBY ERICA J. , SMITH LEIGH K. , CLARK MARGARET S. , BARGH JOHN A.
Published: July 2017

People derive a number of benefits from sharing experiences with close others. However, most research on this topic has been restricted to forms of sharing involving explicit socializing, including verbal communication, emotion expression, and behavioral interaction. In two studies, these complexities were eliminated to find out whether merely experiencing visual stimuli (photographs) simultaneously with a close other—without communicating—enhances people's evaluations of those stimuli relative to coexperiencing the same stimuli with a stranger or alone. Compared to when viewers were alone, visual scenes were enhanced (better liked and seen as more real) when coexperienced with a close other and were liked less when coexperienced with a stranger. Implications for close relationships are discussed.
Belonging to and in the Shale Gas Fields. A Case‐Study of the Noordoostpolder, the Netherlands
Authors: Köhne Michiel , Rasch Elisabet Dueholm
Published: July 2017

This article analyses how belonging becomes articulated in relation to large‐scale extractive projects. It does so through an ethnographic analysis of the construction of belonging expressed in languages of valuation (the meanings that people give to natural resources discursively and in practice) in the Noordoostpolder, the Netherlands. Belonging is understood to encompass ‘feeling at home in a place’ and the political processes through which belonging becomes a discursive resource (the politics of belonging). We conclude that the ways people position themselves toward shale gas extraction are both rooted in how they give meaning to and interact with their environment and embedded in local history and ideas of political agency and voice. Only those elements of belonging that are considered objective or useful as a policy solution are used as a discursive resource in mobilisation against shale gas. The article is based on 2,5 years of ethnographic fieldwork.
A novel HLA class II allele, HLA‐DQB1*03:73
Authors: Zheng J. W. , Xie J. H. , Sun Y. , Jiang Y. Q. , Xiang D.
Published: July 2017

The HLA‐DQB1*03:73 allele differs from DQB1*03:01:01:01 by 1 nucleotide substitution at position 209.
Belatacept conversion in an HIV‐positive kidney transplant recipient following anti‐thymocyte globulin induction
Authors: Kuten Samantha A. , Patel Samir J. , Baru Ashvin , Gaber A. Osama , Crutchley Rustin D. , Ramanathan Venkataraman , Knight Richard J.
Published: July 2017

Herein, we describe a case of early belatacept conversion in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive kidney transplant recipient in an effort to improve suboptimal graft function and avoid drug interactions following anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) administration. We observed improvement in renal function without HIV disease progression or opportunistic infections. Donor‐specific antibodies appeared shortly after conversion but cleared without intervention. This case highlights belatacept as a means to improve renal function and avoid significant drug interactions even following ATG induction.
Art Education as Folding and Unfolding of Things
Authors: Komatsu Kayoko
Published: July 2017

This paper pays attention to the meaning of things in educational space. Students learn not only from words but also things with which they interact in the learning process. Especially in art education various things such as materials, tools, art works are indispensable. This paper tries to analyze the process of both creation and appreciation of art in the viewpoint of folding and unfolding of things. The methodology is the hermeneutic approach to the relationship between art works and viewers, materials or tools and their users, and created image and creators. In creating art works the process of unfolding things which means the interaction with materials and the learning of skills and tools can emerge only by folding the image of the creator into the things. On the other hand, it is important for appreciation to receive the image of art works by developing it freely in the inner world. As in the case of creation, appreciation needs both folding a new meaning and unfolding the multilayered art works. In conclusion both creation and appreciation of art are so complicated processes that need a high degree of intelligence. Art education can be regarded as the process of fostering intelligence as well as sensibility.
Numerical solution of neutral functional-differential equations with proportional delays
Authors: Sakar Mehmet Giyas
Published: July 2017

In this paper, homotopy analysis method is improved with optimal determination of auxiliary parameter by use of residual error function for solving neutral functional-differential equations (NFDEs) with proportional delays. Convergence analysis and error estimate of method are given. Some numerical examples are solved and comparisons are made with the existing results. The numerical results show that the homotopy analysis method with residual error function is very effective and simple.
Low-field rheo-NMR: A novel combination of NMR relaxometry with high end shear rheology
Authors: Ratzsch Karl-Friedrich , Friedrich Christian , Wilhelm Manfred
Published: July 2017

Time-domain NMR is a well known tool for assessing the molecular dynamics in soft matter by measuring the excitation and subsequent decay of 1H nuclear magnetization. It is widely used, e.g., to quantify the composition of heterogeneous soft matter systems like semicrystalline polymers or emulsions. Further applications, known from academic research and industrial application, include measuring the moisture content in solids, the residual magnetic dipolar coupling for quantifying molecular motion in crosslinked systems, or diffusometry. We report the integration of a permanent magnet based pulsed NMR spectrometer into a modern, commercially available high-end shear rheometer. The setup allows for the first time to simultaneously conduct time-domain 1H NMR and steady shear or dynamic rheological measurements on one sample and to directly correlate the results from both, without concerns about differences in the sample history or temperature calibration. Moreover, the new in-situ combination allows the full usage of the rheometer to apply nonlinear deformation, under steady shear or large amplitude oscillatory shear, and directly measure the effect on the time evolution of the sample properties. This publication introduces the technical setup of this novel instrument combination and describes the shear induced crystallization of polyolefins to demonstrate its capabilities. Further potential applications are outlined.
Systemic pan-AMPK activator MK-8722 improves glucose homeostasis but induces cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Myers Robert W. , Guan Hong-Ping , Ehrhart Juliann , Petrov Aleksandr , Prahalada Srinivasa , Tozzo Effie , Yang Xiaodong , Kurtz Marc M. , Trujillo Maria , Gonzalez Trotter Dinko , Feng Danqing , Xu Shiyao , Eiermann George , Holahan Marie A. , Rubins Daniel , Conarello Stacey , Niu Xiaoda , Souza Sandra C. , Miller Corin , Liu Jinqi , Lu Ku , Feng Wen , Li Ying , Painter Ronald E. , Milligan James A. , He Huaibing , Liu Franklin , Ogawa Aimie , Wisniewski Douglas , Rohm Rory J. , Wang Liyang , Bunzel Michelle , Qian Ying , Zhu Wei , Wang Hongwu , Bennet Bindu , LaFranco Scheuch Lisa , Fernandez Guillermo E. , Li Cai , Klimas Michael , Zhou Gaochao , van Heek Margaret , Biftu Tesfaye , Weber Ann , Kelley David E. , Thornberry Nancy , Erion Mark D. , Kemp Daniel M. , Sebhat Iyassu K.
Published: July 2017

Hitting a dozen enzymes with one drug

The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) controls cellular energy status. AMPK is activated when energy levels fall. This stimulates adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-generating pathways that promote glucose uptake and inhibits ATP-consuming pathways associated with glucose synthesis. In principle, these effects would be beneficial in metabolic diseases, including diabetes. Pharmacological activation of AMPK has been challenging, however, because in mammals, the enzyme exists as 12 distinct complexes. Myers
et al.
describe an orally available compound (MK-8722) that activates all 12 complexes (see the Perspective by Hardie). In animal models, MK-8722 ameliorated diabetes, but it also caused enlargement of the heart. MK-8722 may be a useful tool compound for laboratory research on AMPK function.

Science
, this issue p.
507
; see also p.
455
Draft Whole-Genome Assemblies of Drug-Resistant Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae from the Philippines
Authors: Roa Marylette B. , Liles Veni R. , Torres Brian Carlmichael , Klinzing David Charles , Lagamayo Evelina , Navoa-Ng Josephine , Daroy Maria Luisa G.
Published: July 2017

Here, we report the draft assemblies of 11 clinical isolates of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
that are resistant to cephalosporins, carbapenems, and/or colistin. The assemblies ranged from 5.37 Mbp to 5.70 Mbp in size. Several plasmid sequences were present, and resistance genes spanning multiple classes of antibiotics were predicted.
Draft Genome Sequences of Seven Streptococcus agalactiae Strains Isolated from Camelus dromedarius at the Horn of Africa
Authors: Rothen Julian , Schindler Tobias , Pothier Joël F. , Younan Mario , Certa Ulrich , Daubenberger Claudia , Pflüger Valentin , Jores Joerg
Published: July 2017

We present draft whole-genome sequences of seven
Streptococcus agalactiae
strains isolated from
Camelus dromedarius
in Kenya and Somalia. These data are an extension to the group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) pangenome and might provide more insight into the underlying mechanisms of pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance of camel GBS.
First Draft Genome for a Burkholderia mallei Isolate Originating from a Glanderous Mule from Brazil
Authors: Girault G. , Woudstra C. , Martin B. , Vorimore F. , Lucia de Assis Santana V. , Fach P. , Madani N. , Laroucau K.
Published: July 2017

Burkholderia mallei
is the etiological agent of glanders. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Burkholderia mallei
strain 16-2438_BM#8 that was isolated from a mule found dead in Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. It is the first available genomic sequence from a strain isolated on the American continent.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus casei Strain Z11, Isolated from a Human Adult Intestinal Biopsy Sample
Authors: Marcial-Coba Martín S. , Marshall Ian P. G. , Schreiber Lars , Nielsen Dennis S.
Published: July 2017

Several
Lactobacillus casei
strains are used as probiotics.
L. casei
strain Z11, isolated from a human colon biopsy sample, has been suggested as a probiotic candidate based on promising properties
in vitro
. Here, we present a 2.74-Mbp high-quality draft genome sequence for this strain.
De Novo
Whole-Genome Sequence of
Pantoea latae
Strain AS1, Isolated from
Zamia floridana
Rhizosphere in Central Florida, USA
Authors: Lata Pushpa , Govindarajan Subramaniam S. , Qi Feng , Li Jian-Liang , Maurya Santosh K. , Sahoo Malaya K.
Published: July 2017

Pantoea latae
strain AS1 was isolated from the rhizophere of a cycad,
Zamia floridana
, in central Florida, USA. Here, we report the
de novo
whole-genome sequence of this strain, which consists of a total of 83 contigs spanning 4,960,415 bp, with a G+C content of 59.6%, and comprising 4,527 predicted coding sequences.