bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germline mutations in DNA repair genes are associated with bladder cancer risk and unfavourable prognosis
Authors: Na Rong , Wu Yishuo , Jiang Guangliang , Yu Hongjie , Lin Xiaoling , Wang Meilin , Conran Carly A. , Fantus Richard J. , Zhang Ning , Liu Shenghua , Helfand Brian T. , Zheng Siqun L. , Isaacs William B. , Ding Qiang , Shen Zhoujun , Xu Jianfeng
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To perform a systematic evaluation of whether germline DNA repair gene mutations in bladder cancer (BCa) are associated with increased risk of BCa and aggressive disease.

Materials and Methods

Germline DNA from 98 patients with BCa was analysed for 54 DNA repair genes using a customized targeted sequencing panel. Population control data were obtained from the public databases the Exome Aggregation Consortium database and the Genome Aggregation Database. Mutation pathogenicity was annotated based on American College of Medical Genetics criteria, mutation frequencies in the general population and the ClinVar database. Mutation frequencies were compared based on case–control and case–case designs for disease risks, disease aggressiveness and outcomes.

Results

The frequency of pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline DNA repair gene mutations was 10.2% among patients with BCa. Within the subset of patients with carcinoma invading the bladder muscle, the frequency was 15.8%, ~2.4‐fold higher than in patients with non‐muscle invasive BCa (6.67%). The mutation frequency among patients with early‐onset disease (at age <45 years) was ~3‐fold higher than among those diagnosed after age 45 years (28.57% vs 8.79%). Mutation carriers had a significantly higher frequency of unfavourable clinical outcomes (disease recurrence or progression to metastatic BCa) than non‐carriers (50.0% vs 13.64%; P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Pathogenic and likely pathogenic mutations in DNA repair genes were associated with unfavourable prognosis of BCa.
“Life as Art”: Emerging Youth Networks in Hanoi and the Tree Hug Movement
Authors: Geertman Stephanie , Boudreau Julie‐Anne
Published: May 2018

Drawing on two years of fieldwork in Hanoi, this paper explores what it means to be young and politically engaged in a post‐reform communist city that has recently integrated into the global economy and international culture. We suggest that many young people's desire to assert more playful urban lifestyles and to live their “lives as art” contributed to their engagement in the Tree Hug Movement that swept Hanoi in the spring of 2015. Using interviews with youth who were active in the Tree Hug Movement and ethnographic observations of how young people succeeded in “being” in public spaces, this paper suggests that play can easily transform into politics. Looking at the intertwinement of digital and physical urban spaces, we note how youth mobilized the Tree Hug Movement by drawing upon the same non‐confrontational tactics that they first developed to carve out a space for themselves in urban public spaces: “quiet encroachment,” affective arguments, and conflict avoidance. This, we conclude, contributed to creating new forms of political engagement that can be observed elsewhere in the global urban world.
Distinguishing between irritated seborrheic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma in situ using BCL‐2 and IMP3 immunohistochemistry
Authors: Richey Justin D. , Deng April C. , Dresser Karen , O'Donnell Patrick , Cornejo Kristine M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Distinguishing an irritated seborrheic keratosis (ISK) from a squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) can occasionally be challenging, both histologically and clinically. The purpose of this study was to determine if an immunohistochemical profile of select markers can aid in differentiating these two entities.

Methods

We randomly selected and stained 103 ISK and 111 SCCIS for EGFR, IMP3, and BCL‐2. IMP3 staining was scored as negative or 0 (0% positive), 1+ (1%‐25% positive), 2+ (26%‐50% positive), and 3+ (>50% positive). BCL‐2 and EGFR were graded as either positive or negative.

Results

Sixty five out of 103 (63%) ISKs were positive for BCL‐2, none (0%) were positive for IMP3, and 18 (18%) were positive for EGFR. Fifteen out of 111 (14%) SCCISs were positive for BCL‐2, 26 (23%) were positive for IMP3, and 27 (24%) were positive for EGFR. BCL‐2 was moderately sensitive (63%) and specific (87%) in identifying ISK. IMP3 was specific (100%) but not sensitive (23%) for SCCIS.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the combination of IMP3 and BCL‐2 may be of diagnostic utility in distinguishing between ISK and SCCIS in daily clinical practice. EGFR immunohistochemistry did not appear to be useful in this setting.
Visual search and autism symptoms: What young children search for and co‐occurring ADHD matter
Authors: Doherty Brianna R , Charman Tony , Johnson Mark H , Scerif Gaia , Gliga Teodora ,   the BASIS Team
Published: May 2018

Superior visual search is one of the most common findings in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) literature. Here, we ascertain how generalizable these findings are across task and participant characteristics, in light of recent replication failures. We tested 106 3‐year‐old children at familial risk for ASD, a sample that presents high ASD and ADHD symptoms, and 25 control participants, in three multi‐target search conditions: easy exemplar search (look for cats amongst artefacts), difficult exemplar search (look for dogs amongst chairs/tables perceptually similar to dogs), and categorical search (look for animals amongst artefacts). Performance was related to dimensional measures of ASD and ADHD, in agreement with current research domain criteria (RDoC). We found that ASD symptom severity did not associate with enhanced performance in search, but did associate with poorer categorical search in particular, consistent with literature describing impairments in categorical knowledge in ASD. Furthermore, ASD and ADHD symptoms were both associated with more disorganized search paths across all conditions. Thus, ASD traits do not always convey an advantage in visual search; on the contrary, ASD traits may be associated with difficulties in search depending upon the nature of the stimuli (e.g., exemplar vs. categorical search) and the presence of co‐occurring symptoms.
Immune thrombocytopenia among patients with cancer and its response to treatment
Authors: Ayesh (Haj Yousef) Mahmoud H. , Alawneh Khaldoon , Zahran Deeb , Aldaoud Najla H. , Khader Yousef
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the rate of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in adult Jordanian patients diagnosed with cancer, to correlate this rate with the type of cancer and to assess the response of ITP in patients with cancer to treatment.

Methods

All adult patients aged 16 years or older who had been diagnosed with cancer at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) between September 2002 and October 2017 were included in this study. Their medical records were reviewed for the diagnosis of ITP.

Results

The total number of patients diagnosed with cancer at KAUH between September 2002 and October 2017 was 8318. The majority of patients had solid cancers (87.0%), and hematological cancers constituted 13%. Fifteen (0.2%) patients with cancer had ITP. ITP was significantly more common in patients with lymphomas (1.3%) than in patients with solid cancers (0.1%) (P < .005). In the multivariate analysis and after adjusting for age and gender, patients with lymphomas were 15.2 times more likely to be diagnosed with ITP than were patients with solid cancer.

Conclusions

Patients with lymphomas had higher rates of ITP than did patients with solid cancers. Treatment of ITP‐associated cancer may improve the platelets count.
Near‐threshold fatigue crack growth properties of wrought magnesium alloy AZ61 in ambient air, dry air, and vacuum
Authors: Karr U. , Schönbauer B.M. , Mayer H.
Published: May 2018

Environmental influences on near‐threshold fatigue crack growth in wrought magnesium alloy AZ61 were investigated. Fatigue tests were performed in ambient (humid) air, dry air, vacuum, and dry nitrogen gas at 19 kHz cycling frequency and load ratio R = −1. Threshold stress intensity factor amplitudes, Kth, determined for limiting growth rates below 5 × 10−13 m/cycle were 1.1 MPam1/2 in ambient air and 1.2 MPam1/2 in dry air. A much higher Kth of 1.9 MPam1/2 was measured in vacuum and dry nitrogen gas. This suggests oxygen to be the most detrimental constituent of ambient air that increases near‐threshold crack propagation rates and decreases Kth. The deleterious effect of humidity is comparatively small. Corrosive influences are effective at ultrasonic cycling frequency for growth rates below approximately 3 × 10−9 m/cycle. The crack propagation curves in ambient and dry air show a plateau‐like regime where the fracture mode changes from purely ductile to a mixed ductile and brittle mode. In vacuum and dry nitrogen gas, a ductile crack path is found for all investigated crack growth rates.
The effects of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from various substrates on the fermentation quality of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in Tibet
Authors: Wang Siran , Li Junfeng , Dong Zhihao , Chen Lei , Yuan Xianjun , Shao Tao
Published: May 2018

Eight lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from five naturally fermented silages of different ensilage materials on the Tibetan Plateau were characterized, and their effects on the silage quality of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) were studied. These LAB isolates were evaluated using morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. The eight isolated strains and one commercial inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum MTD‐1) were subsequently added to common vetch for ensiling 60 days. All the isolated strains (LW4, M1, WG27, O30, I2, LCG3, LCG9, CG35) could grow normally at 5–20°C, pH 3.5–6.0 and NaCl (3.0%, 6.5%), and they were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus by sequencing 16S rDNA. All the LAB inoculants improved the silage quality of common vetch, indicated by significantly (p < .05) higher lactic acid (LA) contents and ratios of lactic acid to acetic acid (LA/AA), and significantly (p < .05) lower pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N) contents. Strain LCG3 performed best among all LAB inoculants, indicated by the highest (p < .05) LA content and ratio of LA/AA, and the lowest (p < .05) pH and NH3–N content. Strain LCG3 is recommended as starter culture for common vetch silage.
Preservative efficacy of selected antimicrobials of natural origin in a cosmetic emulsion
Authors: Kočevar Glavač N. , Lunder M.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of 13 antimicrobial substances (11 substances of natural origin and two conventional preservatives as controls) at two concentrations in an o/w cosmetic emulsion.

Methods

Cosmetic formulations were analysed for total aerobic bacterial count and total combined yeast count according to the European Pharmacopoeia 8.0. Challenge tests were performed according to the ISO 11930 standard.

Results

The total aerobic bacterial count, the total combined yeast count and the total aerobic mesophilic microorganisms were below the acceptable limit for all cosmetic formulations. Challenge test criterion A was fulfilled by all antimicrobials of natural origin, except levulinic acid in the challenge test with Candida albicans, Lactobacillus ferment in the challenge test with C. albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and grapefruit seed extract in the challenge test with C. albicans. Phenoxyethanol and the combination of methylparaben and propylparaben were inefficient at the minimum studied concentrations.

Conclusion

The results offer important comparative data on the level of preservative efficacy within the group of antimicrobials of natural origin and in reference to some typical, widely used conventional preservatives. Further research must be encouraged regarding cosmetic over‐preservation.
3D‐printed model for hands‐on training in dental traumatology
Authors: Reymus M. , Fotiadou C. , Hickel R. , Diegritz C.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To assess the feasibility of creating a realistic model for hands‐on training in dental traumatology using 3D printing technology, and then to investigate the added value of working with the website dentaltraumaguide.org.

Methodology

With the use of special software applications, a model was designed based on the CBCT of the maxilla of a real patient that imitated several traumatic dental injuries. The model was reproduced using a stereolithographic printer to use the specimens in a hands‐on training course on dental traumatology for undergraduate students in their final year in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology in Munich, Germany. During the course, half of the participants had access to dentaltraumaguide.org, whereas the others did not. The students were then assessed according to their theoretical knowledge and practical performance in simulated treatment. These data were analysed by Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, unpaired t‐test and Mann–Whitney U test. Subsequently, the participants were asked to evaluate the model.

Results

The workflow for manufacturing a model of dental traumatology for training purposes was practical and relatively inexpensive. In the evaluation process, the model was considered to be highly realistic and useful during an instructive hands‐on training course. There were significant differences between the two groups in favour of using the dentaltraumaguide.org website.

Conclusions

3D printing technology offers new possibilities for training specific dental treatments that are currently difficult to imitate. The online platform dentaltraumaguide.org assisted students in correctly managing traumatic dental injuries.
Comparative nest survival of three sympatric loon species breeding in the Arctic
Authors: Uher‐Koch Brian D. , Koch Joshua C. , Wright Kenneth G. , Schmutz Joel A.
Published: May 2018

Identifying factors influencing nest survival among sympatric species is important for understanding and managing sources of variation in population dynamics of individual species. Three species of loons nest sympatrically in northern Alaska and differ in body size, life history characteristics, and population trends. We tested the effects of competition, nest site selection, and water level variations on nest survival of PacificGavia pacifica, yellow‐billedG. adamsii, and red‐throated loonsG. stellataon the Arctic Coastal Plain in Alaska. Although overall nest survival rates did not differ between species, the factors influencing nest survival varied. Nest site selection influenced nest survival for Pacific and yellow‐billed loons, with both species having high nest survival when nesting on islands and peninsulas, likely due to a reduction in access by terrestrial predators. However, on mainland shorelines, Pacific loons had lower nest survival than yellow‐billed loons, and used a higher proportion of vegetation mats for nest sites suggesting that their smaller body size makes them less adept at nest defense. Nest site selection did not influence nest survival of red‐throated loons corresponding to our result of no nest site preferences by this species. Initiation date had a strong influence on nest survival for Pacific and yellow‐billed loons with nests laid earlier having higher survival. Pacific and yellow‐billed loon nests were susceptible to flooding due to precipitation, which contrasted with red‐throated loons that nest on smaller lakes with lower water level variations. Competition did not affect nest survival for any of the species likely due to most territorial encounters occurring prior to incubation. The only influence we found on red‐throated loon nest survival was differences among years. Our results indicate that loons chose nest sites based on predation risk and that factors influencing breeding success of closely related species may differ under similar breeding conditions.
Migratory routes of red‐necked phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus breeding in southern Chukotka revealed by geolocators
Authors: Mu Tong , Tomkovich Pavel S. , Loktionov Egor Y. , Syroechkovskiy Evgeny E. , Wilcove David S.
Published: May 2018

The migration routes of red‐necked phalaropes breeding around the Bering Sea are poorly known, despite the fact that the Bering Sea could mark the boundary between the East Palearctic populations that winter in the Pacific Ocean around the East Indies and the West Nearctic populations that winter in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of South America. Geolocator data retrieved from two male phalaropes tagged in southern Chukotka, Far Eastern Russia, confirm that birds breeding in this region belong to the East Palearctic population and winter in the East Indies, suggesting that the division line with the West Nearctic population is farther to the east. The routes taken by the two phalaropes were almost entirely pelagic, totaling around 18 000–20 000 km round‐trip, with the birds continuously on the move during migration, rather than resident in any particular stopover site, contrary to most other migratory shorebirds.
Modelling broad‐scale wolverine occupancy in a remote boreal region using multi‐year aerial survey data
Authors: Ray Justina C. , Poley Lucy G. , Magoun Audrey J. , Chetkiewicz Cheryl‐Lesley B. , Meg Southee F. , Neil Dawson F. , Chenier Chris
Published: May 2018

Aim

We used data from aerial surveys of wolverine tracks collected in seven winters over a 10‐year period (2003–2012) within a 574,287 km2 study area to evaluate the broad‐scale pattern of wolverine occurrence across a remote northern boreal forest region, identifying areas of high and low occupancy.

Location

Northern Ontario, Canada.

Taxon

Wolverine (Gulo gulo Linnaeus, 1758).

Methods

We collected wolverine tracks and observations in 100‐km2 hexagonal survey units, making a total of 6,664 visits to 3,039 units, visiting each 1–9 times. We used hierarchical Bayesian occupancy modelling to model wolverine occurrence, and included covariates with the potential to affect detection and/or occupancy probability of wolverines.

Results

we detected wolverines on 946 visits, 14.2% of total visits. Probability of detecting a wolverine varied among years and between the two ecozones in the study area. Wolverine occupancy was negatively related to two important covariates, the geographical coordinate Easting and thawing degree‐days. A site occupancy probability map indicated that wolverine occupancy probabilities were highest, and standard error lowest, in the western and northern portions of the study area.

Main conclusions

The occupancy framework enabled us to use observation data from tracks of this elusive, wide‐ranging carnivore over a vast, remote area while explicitly considering detectability and spatial autocorrelation, yielding a map of probable wolverine distribution in northern Ontario that would not be possible using other methods of detection across a large region. With resource development pressures increasing in this globally significant region in the face of a changing climate, it is important to monitor changes in distribution of species like wolverines that have low population growth rates, large spatial requirements and sensitivity to human disturbance. This study demonstrates a relatively cost‐effective and non‐invasive alternative to monitoring based on wolverine harvest records, which have not been available since 2009 in Ontario due to changes in the provincial regulatory regime for this threatened species.
MiR‐149 sensitizes esophageal cancer cell lines to cisplatin by targeting DNA polymerase β
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Jiahui , Zhang Man , Zhang Wenwen , Li Min , Zang Wenqiao , Dong Ziming , Zhao Guoqiang
Published: May 2018

Human DNA polymerase β (polβ) is a small, monomeric protein essential for short‐patch base excision repair (BER). polβ plays an important role in the regulation of chemotherapy sensitivity in tumour cells. In this study, we determined that the expression levels of polβ mRNA and miR‐149 in tumour tissues were significantly higher than in adjacent non‐tumour tissues. We also found that the expression level of miR‐149 in EC tumour tissues was inverse to that of polβ expression. Bioinformatics analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay predicted that miR‐149 negatively regulates polβ expression by directly binding to its 3′UTR. CCK‐8 assay indicated that miR‐149 could enhance the anti‐proliferative effects of cisplatin in EC1 and EC9706 cell lines. Flow cytometry, caspase 3/7 activity, and immunofluorescence microscopy results indicated that miR‐149 could enhance the apoptotic effects of cisplatin in EC1 and EC9706 cell lines. We also showed that the expression of polβ lacking the 3′UTR sequence could override the proliferative and apoptotic functions of miR‐149, suggesting that miR‐149 negatively regulates polβ expression by binding to its 3′UTR. Surface plasmon resonance results also showed that miR‐149 could bind with wild‐type polβ. In addition, we identified a new variant of polβ (C1134G). In conclusion, this study confirms that miR‐149 may enhance the sensitivity of EC cell lines to cisplatin by targeting polβ, and that miR‐149 may be unable to regulate the C1134G variant of polβ. Based on these findings, potential drugs could be developed with a focus on enhanced sensitivity of EC patients to chemotherapy.
Which acne treatment has the best influence on health‐related quality of life? Literature review by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes
Authors: Chernyshov P.V. , Tomas‐Aragones L. , Manolache L. , Svensson A. , Marron S.E. , Evers A.W.M. , Bettoli V. , Jemec G.B. , Szepietowski J.C.
Published: May 2018

According to results of a recent literature search performed by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Forces (TF) on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes (QoL and PO) and Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (ARHS), most of the publications where health‐related (HR) QoL of acne patients was studied were clinical trials. Members of the EADV TF on QoL and PO decided to detect which acne treatment has the best influence on HRQoL of acne patients. A new literature search was organized to find publications on acne treatment where the HRQoL of patients was assessed as an outcome measure. From 186 papers with HRQoL assessment, 37 papers were included for further analysis. Our results revealed that oral isotretinoin had the best influence on HRQoL of acne patients. Several other treatment methods also showed good effects on the HRQoL of acne patients. Oral isotretinoin and norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol, topical clindamycin phosphate/benzoyl peroxide and adapalene/benzoyl peroxide showed significantly better effect on HRQoL than placebo. There is limited number of the high‐quality studies on acne treatment where HRQoL was assessed. Dermatology‐specific and acne‐specific instruments showed much better sensitivity to successful therapeutic intervention than generic HRQoL instruments. The most frequently used HRQoL instrument was the Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire.
Effects of calcium and sodium on ATP‐induced vasopressin release from rat isolated neurohypophysial terminals
Authors: Custer E. E. , Knott T. K. , Ortiz‐Miranda S. , Lemos J. R.
Published: May 2018

ATP receptors (P2X2, P2X3, P2X4 and P2X7) are found in neurohypophysial terminals (NHTs). These purinergic receptor subtypes are known to be cation selective. In the present study, we confirm that both sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) are permeable through these NHT purinergic receptors, although to varying degrees (91% vs 9%, respectively). Furthermore, extracellular calcium inhibits the ATP‐current magnitude. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the effects of extracellular Na+ vs Ca2+ on ATP‐induced vasopressin (AVP) release from populations of rat isolated NHTs. ATP (200 μmol L‐1) perfused exogenously for 2 minutes in Normal Locke's buffer caused an initial transient increase in AVP release followed by a sustained increase in AVP release that lasted for the duration of the ATP exposure. Replacing extracellular NaCl with N‐methyl‐d‐glucamine chloride had no apparent effect on the ATP‐induced transient increase in AVP release, although it abolished the sustained AVP release induced by ATP. Furthermore, removal of extracellular calcium resulted in no ATP‐induced transient increase in AVP release but had no effect on the delayed, sustained increase in AVP release. The ATP‐induced calcium‐dependent transient increase in AVP release was inhibited by >95% using 10 μmol L‐1 of the P2X purinergic receptor antagonist PPADS (pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2,4‐disulphonic acid), which is a dose sufficient to block P2X2 and P2X3 receptors but not P2X4 or P2X7 receptors. Interestingly, the ATP‐induced calcium‐independent, sodium‐dependent sustained increase in AVP release was not affected by 10 μmol L‐1 PPADS. The ATP‐induced calcium‐dependent transient increase in AVP release was not affected by the P2X7 receptor antagonist Brilliant Blue‐G (100 nmol L‐1). However, the ATP‐induced sodium‐dependent sustained AVP release was inhibited by 50%. Therefore, these results show that rat isolated NHTs exhibit a biphasic response to exogenous ATP that is differentially‐dependent on extracellular calcium and sodium. Furthermore, the initial transient release appears to be through P2X2 and/or P2X3 receptors and the sustained release is through a P2X7 receptor.
Using focused ethnography to explore and describe the process of nurses’ shift reports in a psychiatric intensive care unit
Authors: Salzmann‐Erikson Martin
Published: May 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore and describe the cultural routine of shift reports among nursing staff in a psychiatric intensive care unit and further to develop a taxonomic, thematic and theoretical understanding of the process.

Background

Lack of communication among healthcare staff is associated with risks for medical errors. Thus, handovers and shift reports are an essential and integral routine among nurses to pass on information about the patients’ health status. Previous studies within the field have highlighted the benefits of structured reporting tools. However, shift reports as a cultural activity within the nursing tradition have been given less attention, not the least in psychiatric care.

Methods

Focused ethnography was used. The data comprised 20 observational sessions. The observations ranged over a time span of 5 months and were conducted in a psychiatric intensive care unit in Sweden.

Results

The process of shift reports encompassed the following three phases: (a) getting settled, (b) giving the report and (c) engaging in the aftermath. The results demonstrate that the phases entail different cultural activities, which take place in different areas of the ward and that the level of formality varied.

Conclusions

Shift reports are not an isolated event with clear boundaries. The study enriches the understanding of shift reports as a “fuzzy process”. The individual phases were found to be tied to cultural connotations, such as activities, places and roles with certain meanings for staff members.

Relevance to clinical practice

The new insights are useful for nurses in overcoming an uncritical adoption of the biomedical tradition regarding pace and tone during shift reports. The reporting nurse has the potential to transform shift reports from a monologue with a foreclosed style to a more dialogical interaction with colleagues that focuses on the patients’ needs rather than the needs of staff.
Reliability and validity of the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale in paediatric neuromuscular diseases: A system for classification of chewing disorders
Authors: Serel Arslan S. , Aydın G. , Alemdaroğlu İ. , Tunca Yılmaz Ö. , Karaduman A. A.
Published: May 2018

Chewing disorders can be seen in children with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs), which may cause swallowing difficulties such as choking, retching and food stuck feeling in the throat. Due to these effects, it is important to determine chewing disorders early with appropriate assessment methods to plan appropriate therapies in NMDs. The aim of this study was to investigate reliability and validity of the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS) in children with NMDs. Age, sex and diagnosis were recorded. Children were asked to chew a standardised biscuit while video‐recording. Two physical therapists scored each video according to the KCPS. The correlation between the KCPS scores of 2 therapists was analysed for interobserver reliability. One therapist rescored the recordings after an interval of 2 weeks for intra‐observer reliability. The Pediatric Version of the Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI‐EAT‐10) was used for criterion‐based validity. Sixty‐eight children with a mean age of 8.34 ± 3.73 (min = 2.5, max = 14.5) years were included, of which 94.1% were male. Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale scores were found to be level 0 in 20 cases, level 1 in 35 cases, level 2 in 12 cases and level 3 in 1 case. A positive, very strong correlation was detected between 2 therapists (r = .93, P < .001) and between 2 examinations of 1 therapist (r = .83, P < .001). A good correlation between the KCPS and PEDI‐EAT‐10 was detected (r = .62, P < .001). Chewing function, especially food processing phase, deteriorated in children with NMDs. The KCPS could be used as a reliable and valid instrument in determining chewing performance level for children with NMDs.
A Multidimensional View of Legal Cynicism: Perceptions of the Police Among Anti-harassment Teams in Egypt
Authors: Boutros Magda
Published: May 2018

In Egypt in 2012, several anti-harassment groups were established to respond to an increase in sexual violence in public spaces and to the failure of the state to tackle the issue. Anti-harassment groups organized patrol-type intervention teams that operated during demonstrations or public celebrations to stop sexual assaults. This article examines how activists perceived the police in five anti-harassment groups between 2012 and 2014, and the role these perceptions played in groups' decisions about cooperating with the police, and on-the-ground strategies of action. I argue for a multidimensional view of legal cynicism that conceptualizes legal cynicism as composed of three dimensions: legitimacy (a sense that law enforcement agencies are not entitled to be deferred to and obeyed), protection (a perception that the law fails to protect rights and provide public safety), and threat (a perception that the law represents a threat). This approach helps uncover the various meanings that legal cynicism takes for different actors in different contexts, and how actors justify their strategies of action based on their specific perceptions of the police's legitimacy, protective role, and threat.
Effect of the three Enterococcus faecalis strains on apoptosis in MC3T3 cells
Authors: Li Yang , Tong Zhongchun , Ling Junqi
Published: May 2018

Objective

Osteoblast apoptosis is critical for the development and repairing of bone destruction in persistent apical periodontitis (PAP). Enterococcus faecalis is considered as a frequently isolated pathogen of PAP. This study aimed to explore the effect of E. faecalis on apoptosis in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells via an in vitro model.

Materials and Methods

MC3T3 cells were incubated with live clinically isolated strains of E. faecalis at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1,000:1 for 2 hr. Flow cytometry analysis using annexin V‐FITC and PI staining, JC‐1 staining and TUNEL assay were conducted to detect the apoptosis in the infected cells. Western blotting and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to determine the expression of caspase‐3, Bcl‐2 and Bax.

Results

The proliferation of the infected cells was inhibited. Decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and enhanced DNA fragmentation of the infected cells were observed. The relative expression of Bax and cleavage caspase‐3 was upregulated, and the expression of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐2/Bax was downregulated in the infected cells.

Conclusion

Together, the clinically isolated strains of E. faecalis can induce apoptosis in MC3T3 osteoblasts, which may be attributed to the regulation of interaction between members of the Bcl‐2 family.
High prevalence of anemia in 10‐month‐old breast‐fed Japanese infants
Authors: Kimura Masahiko , Kurozawa Youichi , Saito Yumi , Watanabe Hiroshi , Kobayashi Ayame , Taketani Takeshi
Published: May 2018

Background

Anemia in infancy is still prevalent in developing countries. Commercial iron‐fortified complementary foods or iron drops are not available in Japan, and breast‐fed infants have a higher risk of anemia. We studied anemia screening in 10‐month‐old infants to determine whether breast‐feeding is a risk factor for anemia.

Methods

Anemia screening was performed during regular health check for 10‐month‐old children at four local pediatric clinics in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Venous blood was obtained for complete blood count. The clinical characteristics of each child were obtained via questionnaire. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <11.0 g/dL. Children were categorized into anemia and no‐anemia groups, and univariate analysis was conducted on comparison of the clinical variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for anemia was performed to adjust for several clinical variables.

Results

We analyzed data in 325 children. On univariate analysis, anemia was associated with breast‐feeding, monthly bodyweight gain and gestational week. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, anemia was associated with feeding type and gestational week (OR of partial breast‐feeding and formula feeding, 0.446; 95%CI: 0.208–0.957; and 0.223; 95%CI: 0.075–0.660, respectively, compared with exclusive breast‐feeding, OR, 1.0; and gestational week, OR, 0.753; 95%CI: 0583–0.972).

Conclusion

Breast‐feeding is an important factor for anemia in 10‐month‐old Japanese infants. Breast‐fed infants after 6 months of age may need iron supplements or iron‐fortified complimentary foods.
Side effects and efficacy of renal sparing immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplantation—A single center matched cohort study
Authors: Leiskau Christoph , Rajanayagam Jeremy , Pfister Eva‐Doreen , Goldschmidt Imeke , Junge Norman , Karch André , Lerch Christian , Richter Nicolas , Lehner Frank , Schrem Harald , Baumann Ulrich
Published: May 2018

Immunosuppressive combination therapy with MMF can reduce CNI associated nephrotoxicity. We investigated effectiveness and safety of de novo MMF‐tacrolimus based immunosuppression after pLTx. Patients after pLTx receiving immunosuppression with MMF/tacrolimus (MMF/TAC) were compared to retrospectively selected age‐ and diagnosis‐matched patients with tacrolimus monotherapy (TAC) and cyclosporine/prednisolone therapy (CSA) (19 patients each, n = 57). Effectiveness, renal function and side effects were analyzed for 1 year after pLTx. Tacrolimus reduction in combination therapy (0.7 μg/L over the year) was lower than aspired (2 μg/L).

Acute BPAR occurred equally in MMF/TAC and TAC groups (31.6% each), being slightly higher in CSA group (42.1%; OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 0.42‐5.44; P = .5).

GFR deteriorated comparably in all 3 groups (P < .01 each) without significant differences between the groups. Septicemia was detected significantly more often in MMF/TAC (73.6%) than in TAC (31.6%) (OR 4.17; 1.07‐16.27; P = .04). EBV reactivation occurred more often in CSA patients (84.2%) than in MMF/TAC (47.4%; OR 5.16; 0.98‐27.19; P = .05) and TAC patients (52.6%; OR 8.16; 1.48‐44.89; P = .02) the same was true for other viral infections (47.4% (CSA) vs 15.8% (TAC); OR 4.21; 0.95‐18.55; P = .05). Our study does not provide additional evidence for a benefit of initial use of MMF/TAC over TAC regarding renal function, but raises concerns regarding a potentially increased risk of serious infections under MMF/TAC compared to TAC monotherapy at equivalent renal outcome; our study is, however, limited by the minor CNI reduction in combination therapy.
Expanded acceptance of acute exacerbation of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, including 7 additional cases with detailed clinical pathologic correlation
Authors: Miyamoto Atsushi , Sharma Amita , Nishino Michiya , Mino‐Kenudson Mari , Matsubara Osamu , Mark Eugene Jerome
Published: May 2018

Acute exacerbation is uncommonly diagnosed in patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and its pathologic features have received relatively little attention compared to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. We retrospectively studied 14 consecutive cases of histopathologically proven NSIP by surgical lung biopsy. The diagnosis of acute exacerbation was confirmed clinically. We analyzed whether four reported pathologic features, including organizing pneumonia lesion, alveolar hemorrhage, many fibroblastic foci, and focal hyaline membranes were present and suggestive of acute exacerbation of NSIP or not. Acute exacerbation in patients with NSIP was diagnosed in 8 cases, while the remaining 6 cases were diagnosed as clinically stable. Seven cases of organizing pneumonia lesion, 7 of alveolar hemorrhage, 6 of many fibroblastic foci, and 3 of focal hyaline membranes were identified as the main pathologic components in patients with acute exacerbation. Organizing pneumonia lesion and many fibroblastic foci were identified in 2 and 3 stable cases, respectively. Having more than two components was significantly associated with acute exacerbation. Evaluation of lung biopsies with NSIP for organizing pneumonia lesions, alveolar hemorrhage, many fibroblastic foci, and focal hyaline membranes may be useful to predict the possibility of acute exacerbation.
Diversity of Avr‐vnt1 and AvrSmira1 effector genes in Polish and Norwegian populations of Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Stefańczyk E. , Brylińska M. , Brurberg M. B. , Naerstad R. , Elameen A. , Sobkowiak S. , Śliwka J.
Published: May 2018

The oomycete Phytophthora infestans, the cause of late blight, is one of the most important potato pathogens. During infection, it secretes effector proteins that manipulate host cell function, thus contributing to pathogenicity. This study examines sequence differentiation of two P. infestans effectors from 91 isolates collected in Poland and Norway and five reference isolates. A gene encoding the Avr‐vnt1 effector, recognized by the potato Rpi‐phu1 resistance gene product, is conserved. In contrast, the second effector, AvrSmira1 recognized by Rpi‐Smira1, is highly diverse. Both effectors contain positively selected amino acids. A majority of the polymorphisms and all selected sites are located in the effector C‐terminal region, which is responsible for their function inside host cells. Hence it is concluded that they are associated with a response to diversified target protein or recognition avoidance. Diversification of the AvrSmira1 effector sequences, which existed prior to the large‐scale cultivation of plants containing the Rpi‐Smira1 gene, may reduce the predicted durability of resistance provided by this gene. Although no isolates virulent to plants with the Rpi‐phu1 gene were found, the corresponding Avr‐vnt1 effector has undergone selection, providing evidence for an ongoing ‘arms race’ between the host and pathogen. Both genes remain valuable components for resistance gene pyramiding.
Physical activity during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment: A systematic review
Authors: Niño Cruz Gloria Isabel , Ramirez Varela Andrea , da Silva Inácio Crochemore M. , Hallal Pedro Curi , Santos Iná S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Maternal physical activity (PA) during pregnancy could affect offspring's neurodevelopment. However, studies in humans in early childhood are scarce and show inconsistent results. We aimed to review the literature on the association between physical activity during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment.

Methods

LILACS, MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched for studies published since 1977. Original studies conducted in humans, without language, country, or study type restriction, were eligible. Information on the study methodology like study design, sample size, PA exposure and neurodevelopment assessment, covariates, and the effect measure were extracted from the selected articles.

Results

From 802 non‐duplicated titles initially located, 6 articles were selected and included (one randomised clinical trial and 5 cohort studies). The instruments used to measure PA during pregnancy and neurodevelopment varied between the studies. PA was self‐reported at different gestational ages and neurodevelopment was assessed prospectively in offspring aged 1‐8 years old. Only the randomised clinical trial found no effect of PA over offspring neurodevelopment. Cohort studies found a positive association between PA practice during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that leisure‐time physical activity practice may have positive association with language offspring's neurodevelopment in the age range of 18 from 60 months.
Tilapia lake virus: a threat to the global tilapia industry?
Authors: Jansen Mona Dverdal , Dong Ha Thanh , Mohan Chadag Vishnumurthy
Published: May 2018

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) is a recently described virus affecting wild and farmed tilapines. At present, it has been reported on three continents (Asia, Africa and South America) and the number of countries where the agent has been detected is likely to increase rapidly as a result of increased awareness, surveillance and availability of diagnostic methods. Any lack of openness regarding the TiLV status of a translocating live tilapia population destined for aquaculture may inadvertently contribute to the spread of the agent. Currently, there is no cure for viral diseases in aquaculture and while vaccines and selective breeding have proved successful in reducing the severity of some viral diseases, there are currently severe knowledge gaps relating to TiLV and no effective, affordable vaccines are yet available. This paper summarizes the published scientific information on TiLV and highlights important issues relating to its diagnosis, mitigation and control measures. While there have been no scientific studies on the socio‐economic impact of TiLV, it may pose a significant threat particularly to small‐scale fish farmers’ livelihoods and wild tilapine populations if left uncontrolled. To aid disease investigations, the authors propose case definitions for suspected and confirmed cases of TiLV infections.
Learning to balance on a slackline: Development of coordinated multi‐joint synergies
Authors: Mildren R. L. , Zaback M. , Adkin A. L. , Bent L. R. , Frank J. S.
Published: May 2018

Previous research has investigated synergies involved in locomotion and balance reactions; however, there is limited insight into the emergence of skilled balance control with practice of challenging tasks. We explored motor learning of tandem and single leg stance on an unstable surface—a slackline. Balance was tested in 10 naïve healthy adults at four time points: baseline, after one slackline practice session, after 1 week of practice, and 1 week following the final practice session. We recorded kinematics of the upper and lower arms bilaterally, trunk, and thigh and foot unilaterally while participants balanced in tandem and single leg stance on a slackline and narrow rigid beam (transfer task). When participants first attempted to stand on the slackline, they exhibited fast and frequent movements across all joints with actions along the frontal plane (particularly the hip) and fell after a short period (~3 seconds). Performance improved rapidly (fewer falls), and this was accompanied by dampened trunk and foot oscillations and the development of coordinated movement patterns with a progressive emphasis on more distal upper body segments. Continuous relative phase angles between joint pairs began to cluster around either 0° (indicating in‐phase movement) or 180° (indicating anti‐phase movement). Participants also began to demonstrate coordinated upper body synergies and performance improvements (fewer falls) on the transfer task, while a control group (n = 10) did not exhibit similar synergies or performance improvements. Our findings describe the emergence of coordinated movement synergies involving the upper body as healthy adults learn a challenging balance task.
Contemporary anarchist and anarchistic movements
Authors: Williams Dana M.
Published: May 2018

Although the period of highest activity for anarchist movements peaked in the early 1990s, such movement continues in the present. Contemporary antiauthoritarian movements are a product of the 1950s and New Left, as well as the USSR's demise. Antiauthoritarian movements are either explicitly anarchist or implicitly anarchist (thus, simply “antiauthoritarian,” “autonomist,” or “libertarian‐socialist”). Anarchist identity is diverse, although anchored around an opposition to dominant culture, institutions, and hierarchical norms. The values and goals pursued revolve around a principled adoption of horizontalism, direct action, antiauthoritarianism, decentralization, anticapitalism, and mutual aid. These anarchist movements are unique movements, yet they also run parallel to certain movements—in both the adoption of anarchist strategies and membership overlap—such as antifascist, global justice, and squatter movements. Confrontational and playful street tactics combine with strategies of reclamation of radically egalitarian space, in opposition to hierarchical society. Despite their association with violence, contemporary anarchist movements are fairly nonviolent; however, many anarchists do not disavow the selective use of violence. Thus, massive efforts of social control through police and mass media attempt to moderate, disrupt, and suppress anarchist movements.
How good is the evidence that soil‐applied biochar improves water‐holding capacity?
Authors: Atkinson C. J.
Published: May 2018

Biochar application to soil is suggested as a way of enhancing soil fertility by increasing the availability of nutrients and water. The former is perhaps better documented while the latter has less experimental support. This review critically investigates the recent literature which focuses on determining whether biochar induces increases in plant available water and that this provides part of the explanation for possible increases in crop yield. A number of studies suggest that biochar increases crop yields, and this is linked to the enhancement of soil water content and increased crop growth. However, many of these studies fail to fully consider if the measured biochar increases of 10–30% in soil water content were actually responsible for an increase in plant available water for crop growth. There is also limited evidence of increased crop yields when biochar is used in field experiments. While biochar soil application may increase soil water content, this appears to most likely occur with free draining coarsely textured sandy soils. As yet there is limited evidence that biochar improves soil water content in temperate soils and even less that it facilitates plant tolerance to drought stress. More recent literature shows the use of methods which quantify soil biochar changes with respect to plant water availability. However, despite some advances in our understanding of biochar's mode of action, there are still only a few studies which link increases in plant available water with increased crop yields, and particularly with respect to the longer term use and functionality of soil‐applied biochar.