bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of vitamin D in food allergy
Authors: Poole Ashlyn , Song Yong , Brown Helen , Hart Prue H. , Zhang Guicheng (Brad)
Published: March 2018

Food allergies are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in young children. Epidemiological evidence from the past decade suggests a role of vitamin D in food allergy pathogenesis. Links have been made between variations in sunlight exposure, latitude, birth season and vitamin D status with food allergy risk. Despite the heightened interest in vitamin D in food allergies, it remains unclear by which exact mechanism(s) it acts. An understanding of the roles vitamin D plays within the immune system at the cellular and genetic levels, as well as the interplay between the microbiome and vitamin D, will provide insight into the importance of the vitamin in food allergies. Here, we discuss the effect of vitamin D on immune cell maturation, differentiation and function; microbiome; genetic and epigenetic regulation (eg DNA methylation); and how these processes are implicated in food allergies.
Both children and adult patients with difficult‐to‐treat atopic dermatitis have high prevalences of concomitant allergic contact dermatitis and are frequently polysensitized
Authors: Boonstra M. , Rustemeyer T. , Middelkamp‐Hup M.A.
Published: March 2018

Background

Concomitant allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has been described as a possible cause of atopic dermatitis (AD) becoming difficult‐to‐treat. However, contact sensitization in this patient group has barely been studied.

Objective

To study the occurrence of ACD in a population of difficult‐to‐treat AD children and adults.

Methods

Clinical and patch test information of 48 patients with difficult‐to‐treat AD unresponsive to conventional outpatient treatments was gathered retrospectively. We studied prevalence and relevance of common allergens, performed dynamic patch test analysis and assessed occurrence of polysensitization.

Results

In 48 patients with difficult‐to‐treat AD, 75% (n = 36/48) had a concomitant contact allergy, and 39% (n = 14/36) of these patients were polysensitized. ACD and polysensitization prevalences were equal amongst children and adults. The most frequent and relevant reactions were seen against wool alcohols, surfactants cocamidopropyl betaine and dimethylaminopropylamine, bichromate and fragrance mix I. Dynamic pattern analysis showed these reactions to be mostly allergic and not irritative of nature.

Conclusion

Difficult‐to‐treat AD patients frequently suffer from concomitant (multiple) contact allergies, and this may be a reason why the AD turns into a difficult‐to‐treat disease. Awareness of this phenomenon is necessary, as pragmatic implementation of allergen avoidance strategies may be helpful in getting disease control in this population.
Hybridization could be a common phenomenon within the highly diverse lizard genus Liolaemus
Authors: Olave Melisa , Avila Luciano J. , Sites Jack W. , Morando Mariana
Published: March 2018

Hybridization is likely to occur more often between closely related taxa that have had insufficient time to diverge to the point of reproductive incompatibility; hybridization between deeply divergent lineages is rare. In squamate reptiles, hybridization has been proposed as a possible explanation for the extensive paraphyly observed in mitochondrial gene trees in several species complexes of the South American lizard genus Liolaemus. One of the best‐documented cases is within the L. boulengeri and L. rothi complexes, which diverged ~5.5 million years ago. Here, we describe a comprehensive study for approaching the hybridization hypothesis between these lizard species complexes. We explored the level of gene tree discordance using the novel ‘extra lineage contribution’ statistics (XLC, presented in this study) that quantifies the level of gene tree discordance contribution per individual within a species. We included molecular data (12 nuclear and two mitochondrial genes) from 127 individuals, and results of a coalescent model‐based analysis show that the most likely explanation for the gene tree‐species tree discordance is interspecific hybridization. Our best‐supported hypothesis suggests current and past hybridization between L. rothi (rothi complex) and L. tehuelche (boulengeri complex), and independently between L. rothi and L. boulengeri and L. telsen (boulengeri complex). The hybrid descendants are characterized by intermediate phenotypes between the parental species, but are more similar to L. rothi in body size. We discuss the possible role of hybridization in Liolaemus evolution.
Do parasites and antioxidant availability affect begging behaviour, growth rate and resistance to oxidative stress?
Authors: Maronde Lea , Losdat Sylvain , Richner Heinz
Published: March 2018

Early‐life trade‐offs faced by developing offspring can have long‐term consequences for their future fitness. Young offspring use begging displays to solicit resources from their parents and have been selected to grow fast to maximize survival. However, growth and begging behaviour are generally traded off against self‐maintenance. Oxidative stress, a physiological mediator of life‐history trade‐offs, may play a major role in this trade‐off by constraining, or being costly to, growth and begging behaviour. Yet, despite implications for the evolution of life‐history strategies and parent–offspring conflicts, the interplay between growth, begging behaviour and resistance to oxidative stress remains to be investigated. We experimentally challenged wild great tit (Parus major) offspring by infesting nests with a common ectoparasite, the hen flea (Ceratophyllus gallinae), and simultaneously tested for compensating effects of increased vitamin E availability, a common dietary antioxidant. We further quantified the experimental treatment effects on offspring growth, begging intensity and oxidative stress. Flea‐infested nestlings of both sexes showed reduced body mass during the first half of the nestling phase, but this effect vanished short before fledging. Begging intensity and oxidative stress of both sexes were unaffected by both experimental treatments. Feeding rates were not affected by the experimental treatments, but parents of flea‐infested nests fed nestlings with a higher proportion of caterpillars, the main source of antioxidants. Additionally, female nestlings begged significantly less than males in control nests, whereas both sexes begged at similar rates in vitamin E‐supplemented nests. Our study shows that a parasite exposure does not necessarily affect oxidative stress levels or begging intensity, but suggests that parents can compensate for negative effects of parasitism by modifying food composition. Furthermore, our results indicate that the begging capacity of the less competitive sex is constrained by antioxidant availability.
Detecting the effect of bisphosphonates during osteoporosis treatment on jawbones using multidetector computed tomography: The OSTEOSYR project
Authors: Barngkgei Imad , Khattab Razan
Published: March 2018

Aim

The aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to investigate the effects of bisphosphonates (BP), prescribed for osteoporosis, on jawbones using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Methods

Fifty‐three women who had dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry examination were scanned by MDCT. Both the cortical and the trabecular parts of the alveolar and the cortical bones were compared between BP users and non‐BP users using a number of radiological measurements. Linear regression was used for the statistical analysis.

Results

The cortical part of the basal bone of the mandible revealed a significant increase in the BP group (.001 > P‐value ≤ .026) after using BP for 5 years. No alternations were observed in the trabecular part of the basal bone or in the cortical or trabecular parts of the alveolar bone over the same duration.

Conclusions

The use of BP as a treatment for osteoporosis for 5 years increased the thickness of the cortex of the basal bone of the mandible, as detected by MDCT. The other parts of the jawbones showed no influence by BP for such a purpose, as detected on MDCT images. Accordingly, models (equations) for predicting the alternations in the inferior cortex of the mandible induced by BP therapy during osteoporosis have been suggested.
Life Cycle Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Marine Fuels: A Case Study of Saudi Crude Oil versus Natural Gas in Different Global Regions
Authors: El‐Houjeiri Hassan , Monfort Jean‐Christophe , Bouchard Jessey , Przesmitzki Steven
Published: March 2018

The understanding of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions dimension in discussing the future of marine fuels makes it important to advance the current life cycle assessment (LCA) practice in this context. Previous LCA studies of marine fuels rely on general LCA models such as GREET and JEC well‐to‐wheels study. These models do not fully capture the various methane losses in the fuel supply chain. The primary goal of this LCA study is to compare the GHG emissions of heavy fuel oil and marine gas oil produced from Saudi crude oil to liquefied natural gas (LNG) in different global regions. A sensitivity analysis was performed to show how results may vary with non‐Saudi crudes. A secondary goal was to advance LCA of marine fuels by utilizing, for the first time, a set of bottom‐up engineering models that enable detailed analysis of specific oil and gas projects worldwide. The results show particular cases where LNG use in marine applications has a significant countereffect in terms of climate change compared to conventional marine fuels produced from a low‐carbon‐intensity crude oil. When the results are calculated based on a 20‐ versus 100‐year methane global warming potential, LNG appears noncompetitive for climate impact in marine applications.
Arabidopsis thaliana NOP10 is required for gametophyte formation
Authors: Li Lin‐Xiao , Liao Hong‐Ze , Jiang Li‐Xi , Tan Qing , Ye De , Zhang Xue‐Qin
Published: March 2018

The female gametophyte is crucial for sexual reproduction of higher plants, yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying its development. Here, we report that Arabidopsis thaliana NOP10 (AtNOP10) is required for female gametophyte formation. AtNOP10 was expressed predominantly in the seedling and reproductive tissues, including anthers, pollen grains, and ovules. Mutations in AtNOP10 interrupted mitosis of the functional megaspore during early development and prevented polar nuclear fusion in the embryo sacs. AtNOP10 shares a high level of amino acid sequence similarity with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) NOP10 (ScNOP10), an important component of the H/ACA small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particles (H/ACA snoRNPs) implicated in 18S rRNA synthesis and rRNA pseudouridylation. Heterologous expression of ScNOP10 complemented the mutant phenotype of Atnop10. Thus, AtNOP10 influences functional megaspore mitosis and polar nuclear fusion during gametophyte formation in Arabidopsis.
Sexual Portrait of Couples Seeking Relationship Therapy
Authors: Péloquin Katherine , Byers E. Sandra , Callaci Melissa , Tremblay Nadine
Published: March 2018

This study sought to provide information about the sexual well‐being of 298 mixed‐sex couples seeking relationship therapy and determined the extent to which problems with sexual functioning and dyadic adjustment of both partners are associated with sexual satisfaction. Partners completed measures of dyadic adjustment, sexual satisfaction, and sexual functioning. Thirty percent of couples reported a clinically significant sexual problem. Compared to their male partners, the women were more likely to report a sexual problem as well as lower dyadic adjustment, sexual satisfaction, and overall sexual functioning. Path analysis indicated that relationship adjustment uniquely predicted individuals' own sexual satisfaction; problems in sexual functioning uniquely predicted own and partner sexual satisfaction. Findings underscore the need to address sexual problems in relationship therapy.
ESTIMATING INFLATION RISK PREMIA USING INFLATION‐LINKED BONDS: A REVIEW
Authors: Kupfer Alexander
Published: March 2018

This paper provides an overview of studies that estimate the inflation risk premium using inflation‐linked bond (ILB) yields. I categorize existing studies, outline their research designs and compare their estimates for the inflation risk premium. Furthermore, the importance of accounting for ILB illiquidity and an overview of existing ILB liquidity proxies are demonstrated. A discussion of current literature developments, such as the zero lower bound, and an outline for future research directions conclude the paper.
Gambling and Delay Discounting in Japanese Students
Authors: Hiraoka Kyoichi
Published: March 2018

The present study examined the relationship between gambling behavior and delay discounting with Japanese residents. Japanese university students were selected into pathological gambler and non‐gambling control groups using a Japanese version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen. In a discounting task, participants chose individually between a large delayed reward and a smaller immediate reward with varied delays. The discounting rate (k‐value) and the area under the curve were significantly higher and smaller, respectively, for the gambler group than for the control group. These findings show that Japanese gamblers discount delayed rewards more steeply than non‐gambling controls, as has been found in U.S. residents.
Clinical safety of percutaneous ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of adrenal gland lesions in 19 dogs
Authors: Sumner J. A. , Lacorcia L. , Rose A. M. , Woodward A. P. , Carter J. E.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To evaluate the safety of fine‐needle aspiration of adrenal gland lesions in dogs and to characterise the risks in a subset of patients with cytologically or histopathologically diagnosed phaeochromocytoma.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective review of medical records of dogs that underwent percutaneous ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of adrenal gland lesions between August 2014 and December 2016. Nineteen dogs were identified, with three undergoing bilateral adrenal gland aspiration and one dog undergoing aspiration twice, yielding 23 cytology samples in total. Data collected included signalment, concurrent medical conditions, current medications, blood pressure and heart rate before adrenal fine‐needle aspiration, imaging characteristics of the adrenal gland lesions and any clinically apparent procedure‐related complications.

Results

Phaeochromocytoma was diagnosed in nine of 19 dogs, including one dog with bilateral phaeochromocytoma. One dog developed ventricular tachycardia following aspiration of an adrenal gland lesion cytologically consistent with a phaeochromocytoma.

Clinical Significance

Percutaneous ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of adrenal gland lesions appears to be relatively safe, even in phaeochromocytoma, but further data are required to lend more weight to this finding. Minimally invasive aspirates could be considered as part of the diagnostic algorithm in the investigation of an incidentally detected adrenal gland lesion of uncertain clinical significance.
CT findings in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in five dogs
Authors: Schiborra F. , Scudder C. J. , Littler R. M. , Lamb C. R. , McConnell J. F. , Maddox T. W.
Published: March 2018

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is a rare disease in dogs. It is primarily reported in cavalier King Charles spaniels and miniature dachshunds with suspected underlying immunodeficiency. This case series reports the findings in five dogs (four cavalier King Charles spaniels and one Bedlington terrier) with confirmed P. carinii pneumonia. Thoracic (CT) revealed ground glass opacity of the pulmonary parenchyma with a diffuse or multifocal distribution. The severity of this pattern was variable. Less consistent imaging findings included parenchymal bands, bronchial dilation and signs consistent with pulmonary hypertension. Four dogs recovered well with treatment and there was resolution of CT abnormalities in all dogs with follow‐up.
Robust Regression on Stationary Time Series: A Self‐Normalized Resampling Approach
Authors: Akashi Fumiya , Bai Shuyang , Taqqu Murad S.
Published: March 2018

This article extends the self‐normalized subsampling method of Bai et al. (2016) to the M‐estimation of linear regression models, where the covariate and the noise are stationary time series which may have long‐range dependence or heavy tails. The method yields an asymptotic confidence region for the unknown coefficients of the linear regression. The determination of these regions does not involve unknown parameters such as the intensity of the dependence or the heaviness of the distributional tail of the time series. Additional simulations can be found in a supplement. The computer codes are available from the authors.
Nanda‐bangshochchhed and Hariraj: Re‐configuring Politics and the Private Mind in Two Bengali Adaptations of Hamlet
Authors: Sarkar Abhishek
Published: March 2018

My essay will examine how two nineteenth‐century Bengali adaptations of Hamlet negotiate the Shakespearean text and try to re‐configure its approach towards politics and the private mind. The two Bengali plays in question are (i) Nanda‐bangshochchhed (“The Destruction of the Nanda Dynasty”; published 1873) by Lakshminarayan Chakraborty, a text that was sparingly staged and is yet to gain adequate recognition as a case of Shakespearean appropriation; and (ii) Hariraj by Nagendranath Chaudhury (first staged in 1897), commercially the most successful adaptation of any Shakespeare play in the nineteenth‐century Bengali theatre. The major point of departure for the first play is the question of political intrigue – which is to a large extent upstaged in the Shakespearean original by the focus on Hamlet's subjectivity. The first play curiously amalgamates the mythos of Hamlet with suggestions of a semi‐legendary past, especially as derivable from the classical Sanskrit play Mudrarakshasa (4th–8th century CE). Accordingly, the Fortinbras‐equivalent of the play is Nanda's half‐brother Chandragupta (identifiable as the historical Chandragupta Maurya, 340–298 BCE), and it has references to the historical figures of Rakshasa, Chanakya and even Alexander the Great. Similarly, the second play, which is set in a pseudo‐historical Hindu state, greatly emphasizes elements of political and sexual conspiracy. It shows the Gertrude‐equivalent as a Lady Macbeth‐like figure who conspires with her lover to kill her husband, later plans against her son Hariraj, and commits suicide when the monstrosity of the crime dawns on her. Thus, the plays revise the dominant reading of Hamlet as a tragedy of deeply interiorized suffering, and alert one to the political catastrophe attendant upon the extinction of Hamlet's family line. These two Bengali adaptations choose to show the Hamlet‐figure as subject to the contingencies of a communal existence, which are not always filtered through his consciousness. However, these two plays, which incidentally embody early attempts in Bengali at adapting the tragic to the received aesthetic repertoire of India, also evoke at key moments Hamlet's celebrated contemplativeness and engage on indigenous terms with a Western model of staging interiority.
A case of bilateral internal carotid artery dissection in young adult with cranial nerve IX and X palsies
Authors: Sasaki Ryo , Yamashita Toru , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Shang Jingwei , Sato Kota , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Abe Koji
Published: March 2018

Internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection is a major cause of cerebral infarction in young adult and usually presents cervical pain and headache, but rarely presents cranial nerve palsy. Here, we report a case of rare bilateral ICA dissections in young adult with cranial nerve IX and X palsies as initial symptom. He presented dysarthria and nasal voice at an early stage, followed by a small brain infarction. The cranial nerve palsy was improved in parallel with the improvement of ICA stenosis and dilatation. It is important to know that cranial nerve palsy can be one of the symptoms of ICA dissection for appropriate treatment.
Association between interleukin 8‐receptor gene (CXCR1 and CXCR2) polymorphisms and urinary tract infection: Evidence from 4097 subjects
Authors: Han Shi‐Sheng , Lu Yan , Chen Min , Xu Yan‐Qiu , Wang Yi
Published: March 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between interleukin‐8 receptor polymorphisms and urinary tract infection (UTI) susceptibility.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Web of Science up to 5 November 2017 to select appropriate studies that focused on C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 1 and/or 2 (CXCR1, CXCR2) polymorphisms with susceptibility to UTI. Eight case‐control studies including 2085 patients with UTI and 2012 controls were enrolled in this study. Seven studies of CXCR1 rs2234671 and two studies of rs3138086 were included in the meta‐analyses. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were synthesized using fixed‐effects or random‐effects model according to heterogeneity.

Results

No significant correlations were found between CXCR1 rs2234671 and rs3138086 polymorphisms and UTI susceptibility. However, subgroup analysis showed that rs2234671 was associated with an increased risk of UTI under allelic comparisons (C vs. G, OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.07–3.55), heterozygous model (GC vs. GG, OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.06–3.50), and dominant model (GC + CC vs. GG, OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.07–3.69) in children, especially in paediatric patients with acute pyelonephritis (allelic, OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.28–4.60; heterozygous, OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.24–4.62; dominant, OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.26–4.88). Furthermore, these results remained the same after eliminating paediatric patients with vesicoureteral reflux.

Conclusion

CXCR1 rs2234671 polymorphism might be associated with an increased risk of UTI in children.
Successful treatment with steroid and cyclosporine A in a patient with immunoglobulin A–proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits
Authors: Sato Keisuke , Makabe Shiho , Iwabuchi Yuko , Kojima Kaori , Sato Masayo , Kataoka Hiroshi , Moriyama Takahito , Taneda Sekiko , Tsuchiya Ken , Nitta Kosaku , Mochizuki Toshio
Published: March 2018

We report a case of glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) A deposits as a form of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) caused by monoclonal immunoglobulins without blood disorders in a 41‐year‐old woman. She developed lower leg oedema and was hospitalized because of nephrotic syndrome. Serum and urine were negative for M protein, and the free light chain κ/λ ratio was within the normal range. Renal histopathological findings included mesangial proliferation, endocapillary cell proliferation, and a double‐contour appearance of the capillary walls. Immunofluorescent staining indicated IgA and C3 deposits on the mesangium and capillary walls. Only λ chain and IgA1 deposits were noted. Fine granular sub‐endothelial deposits with no specific structure were observed under electron microscopy. The patient was diagnosed with IgA–proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits (IgA‐PGNMID). The patient had decreased urine protein and sediment erythrocytes after she underwent two rounds of steroid pulse therapy and oral steroid therapy, but proteinuria and haematuria still remained. Four months later, the patient was administered 50 mg/day cyclosporine (CsA), and proteinuria and haematuria dramatically decreased. Only a few case reports have been published on IgA‐PGNMID. This case is rare in that the patient achieved successful treatment using a combination of steroids and CsA.
Key questions and challenges in angiosperm macroevolution
Authors: Sauquet Hervé , Magallón Susana
Published: March 2018

Contents

Summary
1170

I.
Introduction
1170

II.
Six key questions
1172

III.
Three key challenges
1177

IV.
Conclusions
1181

Acknowledgements
1182

References
1183

The origin and rapid diversification of angiosperms (flowering plants) represent one of the most intriguing topics in evolutionary biology. Despite considerable progress made in complementary fields over the last two decades (paleobotany, phylogenetics, ecology, evo‐devo, genomics), many important questions remain. For instance, what has been the impact of mass extinctions on angiosperm diversification? Are the angiosperms an adaptive radiation? Has morphological evolution in angiosperms been gradual or pulsed? We propose that the recent and ongoing revolution in macroevolutionary methods provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore long‐standing questions that probably hold important clues to understand present‐day biodiversity. We present six key questions that explore the origin and diversification of angiosperms. We also identify three key challenges to address these questions: (1) the development of new integrative models that include diversification, multiple intrinsic and environmental traits, biogeography and the fossil record all at once, whilst accounting for sampling bias and heterogeneity of macroevolutionary processes through time and among lineages; (2) the need for large and standardized synthetic databases of morphological variation; and (3) continuous effort on sampling the fossil record, but with a revolution in current paleobotanical practice.
The RecQ‐like helicase HRQ1 is involved in DNA crosslink repair in Arabidopsis in a common pathway with the Fanconi anemia‐associated nuclease FAN1 and the postreplicative repair ATPase RAD5A
Authors: Röhrig Sarah , Dorn Annika , Enderle Janina , Schindele Angelina , Herrmann Natalie J. , Knoll Alexander , Puchta Holger
Published: March 2018

RecQ helicases are important caretakers of genome stability and occur in varying copy numbers in different eukaryotes. Subsets of RecQ paralogs are involved in DNA crosslink (CL) repair. The orthologs of AtRECQ2, AtRECQ3 and AtHRQ1, HsWRN, DmRECQ5 and ScHRQ1 participate in CL repair in their respective organisms, and we aimed to define the function of these helicases for plants.

We obtained Arabidopsis mutants of the three RecQ helicases and determined their sensitivity against CL agents in single‐ and double‐mutant analyses.

Only Athrq1, but not Atrecq2 and Atrecq3, mutants proved to be sensitive to intra‐ and interstrand crosslinking agents. AtHRQ1 is specifically involved in the repair of replicative damage induced by CL agents. It shares pathways with the Fanconi anemia‐related endonuclease FAN1 but not with the endonuclease MUS81. Most surprisingly, AtHRQ1 is epistatic to the ATPase RAD5A for intra‐ as well as interstrand CL repair.

We conclude that, as in fungi, AtHRQ1 has a conserved function in DNA excision repair. Additionally, HRQ1 not only shares pathways with the Fanconi anemia repair factors, but in contrast to fungi also seems to act in a common pathway with postreplicative DNA repair.
Self‐reported skin concerns: An epidemiological study of community‐dwelling older people
Authors: Cowdell Fiona , Dyson Judith , Long Judith , Macleod Una
Published: March 2018

Aim

To identify the frequency and impact of self‐reported skin concerns in community‐dwelling older people.

Background

Globally, the population is getting older and it is essential to develop effective interventions to promote healthy ageing. Skin change with age is inevitable and renders this often neglected organ more vulnerable to damage and breakdown; this can be costly to individuals and society. Maintenance of skin health in older people presents a health challenge that has yet to be fully understood or addressed.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, self‐reported questionnaire survey in England. Patients registered with participating general practices (n = 3), aged ≥70 years, living in their own homes and able to give informed consent (n = 3,359) were sent a letter of invitation to a free health and care assessment, and 1116 responded.

Results

When asked “do you have any concerns about your skin?”, 16.5% (n = 183) said yes. Of this group, the most common concerns were dry skin 80.7% (n = 146), itching 56.9% (n = 103) and aged appearance 61% (n = 113). Itch, dry skin and inflammation were rated as most bothersome. There was a significant association between the dry skin and itch χ2(1) = 6.9, p < .05.

Conclusion

Many community‐dwelling older people suffer from skin concerns predominantly dry skin and itching that is often bothersome.

Implications for practice

Skin health assessment is often absent in routine consultations with community‐dwelling older people. Dry, itchy skin is prevalent and can be simply managed with low‐cost interventions. This has the potential to reduce suffering and maintain or improve skin barrier function. Nurses and other health professionals should therefore routinely assess and advise on skin health care for this population.
Frailty as a predictor of negative outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Mlynarska Agnieszka , Mlynarski Rafal , Golba Krzysztof S.
Published: March 2018

Aim

To assess the prevalence of frailty among patients who had cardiac resynchronization as well as the influence of frailty on the main endpoints during follow‐up.

Methods

The study included 156 patients (aged 74.33 ± 6.75; 27 W) with diagnosed heart failure who were hospitalized for the implantation of a cardiac resynchronization device. The Tilburg Frailty Indicator questionnaire was used to evaluate frailty syndrome.

Results

Frailty syndrome was diagnosed in 75.64% of patients who were included. The average value of frailty for the whole group was 6.21 ± 1.94, for the physical domain 4.29 ± 1.32, for the psychological domain 1.40 ± 1.04, and for the social domain 0.51 ± 0.57. During the follow‐up period, 5.7% of the patients died, and the mortality rate was not statistically higher (P  =  0.5795) among patients who were diagnosed with frailty syndrome (6.78%) compared to robust patients (2.63%). Analysis of the complications and first electrical storm episodes demonstrated that these events did not occur in patients with no identifiable frailty syndrome. These occurred at a rate of 4.24% (complications) and 2.54% (electric storm) in patients with frailty syndrome.

Conclusions

Frailty syndrome can be an important predictor of negative outcomes in patients with heart failure who undergo cardiac resynchronizations.
Safety and efficacy of apixaban versus warfarin in patients with end‐stage renal disease: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai , Thongprayoon Charat , Tanawuttiwat Tanyanan , Kaewput Wisit , Pachariyanon Pavida , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: March 2018

Background

At the present, apixaban is the only nonvitamin K oral anticoagulant approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use with patients with creatinine clearance <15 mL/min or end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the recommendations are based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data and there was lack of clinical trial evidence. We aimed to assess safety and efficacy of apixaban in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or ESRD.

Methods

Databases were searched through November 2017. Studies that reported incidence or odd ratios of bleeding complications or thromboembolic events in the use of apixaban in patients with CKD stage 4–5 or ESRD on dialysis were included. Effect estimates from the individual study were extracted and combined using random‐effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird.

Results

Five studies were included into the analysis consisting of 43,850 patients in observational cohort studies. The majority of patients (87%) used apixaban for atrial fibrillation. The pooled estimated incidence of any bleeding complications on apixaban was 17.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.0%–23.0%). Compared to warfarin, apixaban was significantly associated with reduced risk of major bleeding (pooled odds ratio [OR], 0.42; 95% CI, 0.28–0.61). In studies in ESRD patients on dialysis, the pooled OR of major bleeding was 0.27 (95% CI, 0.07–0.95). There was no significant difference in risk of thromboembolic events in advanced CKD or ESRD patients on apixaban versus vitamin K antagonists (pooled OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.23–1.39).

Conclusions

Among patients with advanced CKD and ESRD, the use of apixaban was associated with lower risk of major bleeding compared to warfarin, and was found to be relatively effective with no excess risk of thromboembolic events.
Long‐term follow‐up of Chagas heart disease patients receiving an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator for secondary prevention
Authors: Pavão Maria Licia Ribeiro Cury , Arfelli Elerson , Scorzoni‐Filho Adilson , Rassi Anis , Pazin‐Filho Antônio , Pavão Rafael Brolio , Marin‐Neto J. Antonio , Schmidt André
Published: March 2018

Background

Chagas heart disease (CHD) is a dilated cardiomyopathy characterized by malignant ventricular arrhythmias and increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Much controversy exists concerning the efficacy of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICDs) in CHD because of mixed results observed. We report our long‐term experience with ICDs for secondary prevention in CHD, with the specific aim of assessing the results in groups with preserved or depressed global left ventricular function.

Methods

111 patients (75 males; 60 ± 12 years) were followed for 1,948 ± 1,275 days after ICD. Time to death was the primary outcome; LVEF ≤ 45% the exposure; and age, gender, and ICD therapy delivery the potential confounders. We used time‐to‐event methods and Cox proportional models for analysis, censoring observations at time of death or at 5‐year follow‐up in survivors.

Results

Seventy‐two percent of the patients presented at least one sustained ventricular arrhythmia requiring appropriate therapy, and only three patients received inappropriate therapy. Death occurred in 50 (45%) patients, with an annual mortality rate of 8.4%, mostly due to refractory heart failure or noncardiac causes. Unadjusted survival rates were significantly distinct between patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 45% (26 deaths), 50.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.2%–63.2%) when compared to patients with LVEF > 45% (10 deaths), 77.6% (95% CI: 62.3%–87.3%, P < 0.01). After adjusting for confounders, low LVEF (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.2, 95% CI: 2.3–11.6), age (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07), and female gender (HR: 3.97, 95% CI: 1.85–8.54) were independently associated with the outcome.

Conclusions

ICDs successfully aborted life‐threatening arrhythmias in CHD patients. Impaired left ventricular function predicted higher mortality in CHD patients with an ICD for secondary prevention of SCD.
An exceptionally preserved Jurassic skink suggests lizard diversification preceded fragmentation of Pangaea
Authors: Tałanda Mateusz
Published: March 2018

The present distribution of lizards is usually explained as a result of relatively recent global events, i.e. faunal turnovers or exchanges within and between particular continents mostly connected with glaciations and land‐bridges. However, today's disjunct distribution of the North American Xantusiidae and African Cordyliformes (close relatives of skinks) does not fit generally accepted biogeographical patterns. A new, exquisitely preserved specimen of the Late Jurassic lizard Ardeosaurus brevipes from the Solnhofen area, Germany sheds some light on the problem. A posterior projection of its parietal is known only in the Dibamidae, Gekkota and Scincoidea, taxa representing first branches on the molecular tree of lizards. The projection of the parietal is proposed to be an apomorphy of the Squamata that was lost in the common ancestor of Lacertoidea and Toxicofera (snakes, anguimorphs and iguanians). This implies a basalmost position of A. brevipes on the Squamata tree. The location of the supratemporal such as in A. brevipes characterizes all the Scincoidea and some geckos, but most geckos lack osteoderms, which are common in Scincoidea. This makes A. brevipes the oldest known crown‐member of this lineage. Moreover, this indicates that the main groups of modern lizards were already present in the Jurassic. Ancestors of Cordyliformes migrated to Gondwana in the Late Jurassic together with dinosaurs, prior to the Cretaceous separation of this ancient continent.
Transgenic expression of plastidic glutamine synthetase increases nitrogen uptake and yield in wheat
Authors: Hu Mengyun , Zhao Xueqiang , Liu Qian , Hong Xia , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yingjun , Sun Lijing , Li Hui , Tong Yiping
Published: March 2018

The plastidic glutamine synthetase isoform (GS2) plays a key role in nitrogen (N) assimilation. We introduced TaGS2‐2Abpro::TaGS2‐2Ab, the favourable allele of TaGS2‐2A in the winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) variety Ji5265. Transgenic expression of TaGS2‐2Ab significantly increased GS2 abundance and GS activity in leaves. Two consecutive field experiments showed the transgenic lines had higher grain yield, spike number, grain number per spike and 1000‐grain weight than did the wild type under both low N and high N conditions. Analysis of N use‐related traits showed that transgenic expression of TaGS2‐2Ab increased root ability to acquire N, N uptake before and after flowering, remobilization of N to grains and N harvest index. Measurement of chlorophyll content and net photosynthesis rate in flag leaves during grain filling stage revealed that the transgenic lines had prolonged leaf functional duration as compared with the wild type. These results suggest that TaGS2 plays important role in N use, and the favourable allele TaGS2‐2Ab is valuable in engineering wheat with improved N use efficiency and grain yield.
Further analysis of barley MORC1 using a highly efficient RNA‐guided Cas9 gene‐editing system
Authors: Kumar Neelendra , Galli Matteo , Ordon Jana , Stuttmann Johannes , Kogel Karl‐Heinz , Imani Jafargholi
Published: March 2018

Microrchidia (MORC) proteins comprise a family of proteins that have been identified in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They are defined by two hallmark domains: a GHKL‐type ATPase and an S5‐fold. In plants, MORC proteins were first discovered in a genetic screen for Arabidopsis thaliana mutants compromised for resistance to a viral pathogen. Subsequent studies expanded their role in plant immunity and revealed their involvement in gene silencing and genome stabilization. Little is known about the role of MORC proteins of cereals, especially because knockout (KO) mutants were not available and assessment of loss of function relied only on RNAi strategies, which were arguable, given that MORC proteins in itself are influencing gene silencing. Here, we used a Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9)‐mediated KO strategy to functionally study HvMORC1, one of the current seven MORC members of barley. Using a novel barley RNA Pol III‐dependent U3 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) promoter to drive expression of the synthetic single guide RNA (sgRNA), we achieved a very high mutation frequency in HvMORC1. High frequencies of mutations were detectable by target sequencing in the callus, the T0 generation (77%) and T1 generation (70%–100%), which constitutes an important improvement of the gene‐editing technology in cereals. Corroborating and extending earlier findings, SpCas9‐edited hvmorc1‐KO barley, in clear contrast to Arabidopsis atmorc1 mutants, had a distinct phenotype of increased disease resistance to fungal pathogens, while morc1 mutants of either plant showed de‐repressed expression of transposable elements (TEs), substantiating that plant MORC proteins contribute to genome stabilization in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants.
Post‐hematopoietic stem cell transplant hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis or an impostor: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Vatsayan Anant , Pateva Irina , Cabral Linda , Dalal Jignesh , Abu‐Arja Rolla
Published: March 2018

HLH occurring after HSCT is a relatively rare disease. Many conditions may mimic or trigger HLH in post‐HSCT period (eg, cytokine release syndrome, engraftment syndrome, graft rejection/failure, acute graft‐vs‐host disease, infections systemic inflammatory response syndrome/sepsis, and thrombotic microangiopathy). Moreover, this period is usually marked by febrile illness, cytopenia, and a “cytokine storm” leading to elevation of inflammatory biomarkers like ferritin and sCD25. These parameters overlap with the diagnostic criteria for HLH. Such confounding factors make the management of post‐HSCT HLH quite challenging. We illustrate this critical issue with case report of a patient who was diagnosed with HLH after allogeneic HSCT for tAML. He received MP and CsA for HLH but VP‐16 was not administered due to fear of severe myelosuppression. Fortunately, he responded well to treatment and remains in remission to date. We recommend caution while using HLH‐94/HLH‐2004 guidelines for the diagnosis and management of post‐HSCT HLH. In this article, we pinpoint these issues with a brief review of all the pediatric cases and clinical studies of post‐HSCT HLH along with a critical evaluation of its various diagnostic criteria. Finally, based on the limitations of current diagnostic criteria, we suggest a need for formulating disease‐specific diagnostic criteria for post‐HSCT HLH.
Winch on Understanding Other People
Authors: Richter Duncan
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to identify the main points that Peter Winch makes, or reminders that he offers, about understanding ourselves and others. It would no doubt be possible to construct a theory out of these ideas, but I try to avoid giving the impression that Winch does so. Instead, the most Wittgensteinian approach to the subject is, as Winch does, to describe, remind and thereby clarify, without putting forward any kind of questionable hypothesis. Winch's work brings out the fact that understanding people is importantly connected to both wisdom and practical being in tune with others, but identical with neither.
Levels of Value Integration in Federal Agencies' Mission and Value Statements: Is Open Government a Performance Target of U.S. Federal Agencies?
Authors: Piotrowski Suzanne , Rosenbloom David H. , Kang Sinah , Ingrams Alex
Published: March 2018

The Barack Obama administration advanced open government initiatives to make federal administration more open, accountable, and responsive to citizens. Yet a question remains whether federal administrators took notice. This article examines changes in the extent to which U.S. federal agencies have integrated the three core principles of open government—transparency, public participation, and collaboration—into their performance planning. By analyzing 337 annual performance plans of 24 major federal agencies from fiscal years 2001 to 2016, the authors found that, overall, the level of integration of open government into performance planning has been trending higher since the early 2000s. During the Obama presidency, integration initially rose sharply but later declined. Findings also show that agencies' stated core values regarding open government are not consistently integrated into their performance plans. The implications of these findings for incorporating democratic‐constitutional values into holistic performance management are considered.
Seeking the perfect oyster shell: a brief review of current knowledge
Authors: Mizuta Darien Danielle , Wikfors Gary H.
Published: March 2018

Current trends in the seafood market indicate increased demand for within‐shell oysters, associated with increasing popularity of oyster bars. As this specialized, demanding market increases globally, there is strong incentive to improve quality. In this context, the manipulation of oyster shell traits through aquaculture as a means of improving oyster quality is timely and promising in terms of marketing. Several oyster shell characteristics, most especially shape, measured as length (L), width (W) and depth (D), result from a combination of three factors: genetics, environmental condition to which the oyster is exposed and husbandry practices. Although breeding programmes have targeted several important commercial traits, selection for shell traits has not been widely performed. Additionally, accumulated knowledge of the effects of environmental conditions and farming methods on shell characteristics exists at a local level, but as such, it is not always validated with scientific data. The existing local knowledge and practices, however, are of extreme importance for the improvement and adaptation of the farming sector to market demands. Current knowledge about the genetic, environmental and husbandry effects on shell and related aquaculture practices for manipulation of shell appearance and robustness in commercially important oysters of the Genus Crassostrea is compiled here. As the topic has not been well documented in the academic field, information from scientific articles was complemented by technical reports and commercial sources. A combination of aquaculture practices is needed to produce oysters of acceptable shape, thickness, cleanliness and colour, although suitable shell characteristics may vary with different markets.
Russia and the polar marine environment: The negotiation of the environmental protection measures of the mandatory Polar Code
Authors: Bognar Dorottya
Published: March 2018

The International Maritime Organization's Polar Code aims at enhancing polar marine environmental protection from vessel‐source pollution. Russia, the largest Arctic coastal State will play an important role in the Code's implementation and further development. This article analyses Russia's positions and decision‐making mode during the negotiations of the Code's environmental measures. Looking at three issue areas – establishment of special areas, discharge ban of oil and oily mixtures, and reception facilities – it is evident that Russia's environmental interests took a backseat to economic concerns and zero‐sum outlook. Further, Russia's negotiating strategy was dominated by bargaining, rather than arguing, which could have produced better understanding among the negotiating parties. There was a disconnect between Russia's aims and the Code's goals, and between Russia's chosen strategy and the strategy from which its proposals could benefit most. This suggests that the Code's implementation and future development could face further challenges from Russia.
Simultaneous Inference for Misaligned Multivariate Functional Data
Authors: Olsen Niels Lundtorp , Markussen Bo , Raket Lars Lau
Published: March 2018

We consider inference for misaligned multivariate functional data that represents the same underlying curve, but where the functional samples have systematic differences in shape. We introduce a class of generally applicable models where warping effects are modelled through non-linear transformation of latent Gaussian variables and systematic shape differences are modelled by Gaussian processes. To model cross-covariance between sample co-ordinates we propose a class of low dimensional cross-covariance structures that are suitable for modelling multivariate functional data. We present a method for doing maximum likelihood estimation in the models and apply the method to three data sets. The first data set is from a motion tracking system where the spatial positions of a large number of body markers are tracked in three dimensions over time. The second data set consists of longitudinal height and weight measurements for Danish boys. The third data set consists of three-dimensional spatial hand paths from a controlled obstacle avoidance experiment. We use the method to estimate the cross-covariance structure and use a classification set-up to demonstrate that the method outperforms state of the art methods for handling misaligned curve data.