bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yield enhancement by short‐term imposition of severe water deficit in the vegetative growth stage of grain sorghum
Authors: Adams C. B. , Erickson J. E.
Published: May 2017

Water deficit is generally thought to negatively impact crop yields, including grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), but a small body of literature reports changes in crop physiology and growth in plants with short‐term imposition of water deficit during vegetative development that could lead to increased yield. In a replicated and repeated pot experiment in which water deficit was imposed for 10‐day periods in grain sorghum plants that were otherwise well‐watered, we tested the hypothesis that relatively severe, short‐term water deficit imposed during early vegetative development could enhance grain sorghum yield. The results showed that severe water deficit (~30% of control ET) imposed during two vegetative periods enhanced grain yield compared to continuously well‐watered plants by 21% (p = .0356). Grain yield was correlated with average grain weight, grain number per head and shoot‐to‐root ratio. Yield enhancement was associated with a substantial shift in resource partitioning, as water deficit reduced root mass (p = .0032), stem/leaf mass (p < .0001) and total biomass (p = .0005), resulting in a 60% increase in harvest index. Imposition of water stress during vegetative growth in sorghum can increase grain yield.
Paclobutrazol improves salt tolerance in quinoa: Beyond the stomatal and biochemical interventions
Authors: Waqas M. , Yaning C. , Iqbal H. , Shareef M. , Rehman H. , Yang Y.
Published: May 2017

Quinoa is gaining importance on global scale due to its excellent nutritious profile and environmental stress‐enduring potential. Its production decreases under high salt stress but can be improved with paclobutrazol application. This study showed involvement of some potential protective mechanisms in root and leaf tissues of quinoa plants treated with paclobutrazol (PBZ) against high salinity. The treatment levels were based on preliminary experiments, and it was found that salt stress (400 mm NaCl) markedly reduced growth and photosynthetic pigments while PBZ (20 mg/L) application significantly improved these attributes. Stomata density and aperture declined on adaxial and abaxial surfaces of leaves due to salinity. Paclobutrazol application significantly improved the stomatal density on both surfaces of leaves. Concentration of proline and soluble sugars increased in root and leaf tissues under salinity, which was more obvious in PBZ‐treated plants. Salinity stress induced the oxidative damage by increasing lipid peroxidation (MDA) level in roots and more specifically in leaf tissues. However, PBZ treatments ameliorated the drastic effects of salinity and markedly reduced oxidative damage in salt‐stressed quinoa plants. Enhanced activity of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) was triggered by PBZ application, more pronounced in leaf than root tissues. Based on these findings, we conclude that PBZ application improves the salt tolerance in quinoa by activation of the above‐mentioned physiological and biochemical mechanisms specifically in leaves.
Reduced growth in wild juvenile sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka infected with sea lice
Authors: Godwin S. C. , Dill L. M. , Krkošek M. , Price M. H. H. , Reynolds J. D.
Published: May 2017

Daily growth rings were examined in the otoliths of wild juvenile sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka to determine whether infection by ectoparasitic sea lice Caligus clemensi and Lepeophtheirus salmonis was associated with reduced host body growth, an important determinant of survival. Over 98% of the sea lice proved to be C. clemensi and the fish that were highly infected grew more slowly than uninfected individuals. Larger fish also grew faster than smaller fish. Finally, there was evidence of an interaction between body size and infection status, indicating the potential for parasite‐mediated growth divergence.
Microanatomical diversification of the zona pellucida in aplochelioid killifishes
Authors: Thompson A. W. , Furness A. I. , Stone C. , Rade C. M. , Ortí G.
Published: May 2017

This study investigates zona pellucida (ZP) ultrastructure in fertilized eggs of annual killifishes (suborder Aplocheiloidei), a group of highly specialized fishes that are able to survive desiccation for several weeks to months before they hatch. Little is known about ZP or chorionic ultrastructure sustaining these life‐history modes, so scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to describe this trait in a large number of aplocheiloids with a focus on the family Rivulidae and the genus Hypsolebias. New images of ZP ultrastructure for 52 aplocheiloid species are provided, more than doubling the number characterized thus far. The evolution of chorionic structure within this group is studied using these new data. Characters were coded into a morphological matrix and optimized onto a consensus phylogeny to assess phylogenetic signal and reconstruct ancestral character states. Although ZP characters seem highly homoplastic and exhibit a large amount of structural convergence among lineages, aplocheiloid killifishes have evolved a number of unique structures associated with the chorion. Some annual species seem to have lost long filaments because eggs are deposited in the soil instead of being adhered to aquatic plants.
Hemoglobin Concentration Influences N‐Terminal Pro B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Hospitalized Older Adults with and without Heart Failure
Authors: Lelli Diana , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Pedone Claudio
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between hemoglobin and N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentration in hospitalized older adults with or without a diagnosis of heart failure (HF).

Design

Cross‐sectional study based on retrospective hospital records review.

Setting

Geriatric acute care ward.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older (N = 226; mean age 81.1), with (n = 104) and without (n = 122) a diagnosis of HF.

Measurements

Information was collected on demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and laboratory and echocardiographic data. The relationship between hemoglobin and NT‐proBNP was evaluated using linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

A negative association was found between NT‐proBNP and hemoglobin (β = −0.226, P < .001). The regression coefficient was −0.114 (P = .04) in the subsample with HF and −0.191 (P < .001) in the subsample without HF. After adjustment for potential confounders, the inverse association between hemoglobin and NT‐proBNP was confirmed in the whole sample (β = −0.182, P < .001), in those with HF (β = −0.136, P = .007), and in those without HF (β = −0.165, P = .003).

Conclusion

Hemoglobin concentration should be taken into account in the interpretation of NT‐proBNP in hospitalized older adults, especially those without HF.
Reduced muscle strength in ether lipid‐deficient mice is accompanied by altered development and function of the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Dorninger Fabian , Herbst Ruth , Kravic Bojana , Camurdanoglu Bahar Z. , Macinkovic Igor , Zeitler Gerhard , Forss‐Petter Sonja , Strack Siegfried , Khan Muzamil Majid , Waterham Hans R. , Rudolf Rüdiger , Hashemolhosseini Said , Berger Johannes
Published: May 2017

Inherited deficiency in ether lipids, a subgroup of phospholipids whose biosynthesis needs peroxisomes, causes the fatal human disorder rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata. The exact roles of ether lipids in the mammalian organism and, therefore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease are still largely enigmatic. Here, we used glyceronephosphate O‐acyltransferase knockout (Gnpat KO) mice to study the consequences of complete inactivation of ether lipid biosynthesis and documented substantial deficits in motor performance and muscle strength of these mice. We hypothesized that, probably in addition to previously described cerebellar abnormalities and myelination defects in the peripheral nervous system, an impairment of neuromuscular transmission contributes to the compromised motor abilities. Structurally, a morphologic examination of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in diaphragm muscle at different developmental stages revealed aberrant axonal branching and a strongly increased area of nerve innervation in Gnpat KO mice. Post‐synaptically, acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters colocalized with nerve terminals within a widened endplate zone. In addition, we detected atypical AChR clustering, as indicated by decreased size and number of clusters following stimulation with agrin, in vitro. The turnover of AChRs was unaffected in ether lipid‐deficient mice. Electrophysiological evaluation of the adult diaphragm indicated that although evoked potentials were unaltered in Gnpat KO mice, ether lipid deficiency leads to fewer spontaneous synaptic vesicle fusion events but, conversely, an increased post‐synaptic response to spontaneous vesicle exocytosis. We conclude from our findings that ether lipids are essential for proper development and function of the NMJ and may, therefore, contribute to motor performance.

image

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 463.
Anti‐adhesive effects of a newly developed two‐layered gelatin sheet in dogs
Authors: Torii Hiroko , Takagi Toshitaka , Urabe Mamoru , Tsujimoto Hiroyuki , Ozamoto Yuki , Miyamoto Hiroe , Ikada Yoshihito , Hagiwara Akeo
Published: May 2017

Aim

Adhesion after pelvic surgery causes infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and ileus or abdominal pain. The materials currently available for clinical use are insufficient. The purpose of this study was to develop an anti‐adhesive material that overcomes the limitations of conventional anti‐adhesive agents.

Methods

The adhesion prevention effects of three methods – a two‐layered sheet composed of gelatin film and gelatin sponge, Seprafilm and INTERCEED – were evaluated in 37 dogs. Anti‐adhesive effects were investigated macroscopically and microscopically in a cauterized uterus adhesion model. Cell growth on the materials in vitro using human peritoneal mesothelial cells, fibroblasts and uterine smooth muscle cells were also evaluated.

Results

The two‐layered gelatin sheet had significantly superior anti‐adhesive effects compared to the conventional materials (Seprafilm and INTERCEED). A single‐cell layer of mature mesothelium formed three weeks after surgery in the gelatin group. Peritoneum regeneration in the Seprafilm and INTERCEED groups was delayed and incomplete in the early phase. Little inflammation around the materials occurred and cell growth was significantly proliferated with the gelatin sheet.

Conclusion

The anti‐adhesive effects of a two‐layered gelatin sheet were superior to conventional agents in a cauterized canine uterus model, demonstrating early regeneration of the peritoneum, little inflammation and material endurance. The newly developed two‐layered gelatin sheet is a useful option as an anti‐adhesive agent for deeply injured and hemorrhagic sites.
Utility of the maximum standardized uptake value on positron emission tomography for predicting therapeutic effect in recurrent gynecological malignancies: A preliminary study
Authors: Matsumoto Hironori , Kobayashi Yoichi , Dozono Kei , Nishigaya Yoshiko , Shibuya Hiromi , Momomura Mai , Iwashita Mitshutoshi
Published: May 2017

Aim

The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of primary tumors in positron emission tomography can be used to predict prognosis in various cancers, but its significance in recurrent tumors remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the utility of the SUVmax for predicting therapeutic effects in recurrent gynecological malignancies.

Methods

From February 2012 to July 2014, patients with recurrent gynecological cancer who were treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy were enrolled in this study. The SUVmax of recurrent lesions before treatment were compared to the therapeutic effects.

Results

Fifty patients with recurrent gynecological cancer were enrolled. The mean SUVmax was significantly higher in patients with stable disease/progressive disease than in patients who achieved complete remission/partial remission (13.24 ± 9.78 vs 8.61 ± 5.34, P = 0.039). In patients who were administered chemotherapy, the SUVmax was significantly higher in those with stable disease/progressive disease than in those who achieved complete remission/partial remission (13.24 ± 9.78 vs 8.61 ± 5.34, P = 0.0392) as well as those administered radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiation therapy (18.15 ± 3.25 vs 11.33 ± 3.98, P = 0.0073). In ovarian cancer patients administered chemotherapy, when the cut‐off value of the SUVmax was set as 6.94, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting therapeutic effects were 0.75 and 0.846, respectively.

Conclusion

Although the number of enrolled cases was small, our study revealed that the SUVmax in recurrent gynecological tumors might predict therapeutic effects. If the SUVmax is relatively high, multimodal therapy, including surgical removal, should be considered.
The cellular character of liquefaction degeneration in oral lichen planus and the role of interferon gamma
Authors: Liu Yuan , Liu Guicai , Liu Qing , Tan Jun , Hu Xin , Wang Jinjin , Wang Qintao , Wang Xinwen
Published: May 2017

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a T‐cell‐mediated chronic inflammatory oral mucosal disease of unknown etiology, and liquefaction degeneration in the basal keratinocytes is one of the specific histological changes. However, the understanding of liquefaction degeneration is still very limited, and how does it affect the prognosis of LP is largely unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to clarify the intrinsic change behind the liquefaction degeneration in lichen planus and to evaluate the effect of the OLP‐typical cytokine, IFN‐γ, on these changes.

Materials and Methods

Biopsies were collected from patients with OLP; immunochemistry staining was performed to analyze E‐cadherin, vimentin, CK19, β1 integrin, nestin, STAT1, and STAT3 expression. Primary oral epithelial cells were cultured in vitro, and 20 ng/mL IFN‐γ was applied to assay the effect on epithelial cells.

Results

E‐cadherin expression was decreased but vimentin expression was increased in the OLP epithelial cells that undergo liquefaction degeneration, showing the typical epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) alteration. In vitro research showed that the OLP‐typical cytokine, IFN‐γ, possesses EMT‐inducing ability, and the primary oral epithelial cells stimulated by IFN‐γ acquired some properties of cancer stem cells, expressing more β1 integrin, α6 integrin, and nestin. In addition, the major downstream mediator of IFN‐γ receptor, STAT1, was expressed more intensive and extensive with the malignant transition of OLP.

Conclusion

Liquefaction degeneration in oral lichen planus is an EMT phenomenon, the IFN‐γ may be the main inducer, and IFN‐γ signaling might be implicated in malignant transition of OLP.
Genetics of Hereditary Ataxia in Scottish Terriers
Authors: Urkasemsin G. , Nielsen D.M. , Singleton A. , Arepalli S. , Hernandez D. , Agler C. , Olby N.J.
Published: May 2017

Background

Scottish Terriers have a high incidence of juvenile onset hereditary ataxia primarily affecting the Purkinje neuron of the cerebellar cortex and causing slowly progressive cerebellar dysfunction.

Objective

To identify chromosomal regions associated with hereditary ataxia in Scottish Terriers.

Animals

One hundred and fifty‐three Scottish Terriers were recruited through the Scottish Terrier Club of America.

Materials and Methods

Prospective study. Dogs were classified as affected if they had slowly progressive cerebellar signs. When possible, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological evaluation of the brain were completed as diagnostic aids. To identify genomic regions connected with the disease, genome‐wide mapping was performed using both linkage‐ and association‐based approaches. Pedigree evaluation and homozygosity mapping were also performed to examine mode of inheritance and to investigate the region of interest, respectively.

Results

Linkage and genome‐wide association studies in a cohort of Scottish Terriers both identified a region on CFA X strongly associated with the disease trait. Homozygosity mapping revealed a 4 Mb region of interest. Pedigree evaluation failed to identify the possible mode of inheritance due to the lack of complete litter information.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

This finding suggests that further genetic investigation of the potential region of interest on CFA X should be considered in order to identify the causal mutation as well as develop a genetic test to eliminate the disease from this breed.
Theoretical calculations of bite force in billfishes
Authors: Habegger M. L. , Huber D. H. , Lajeunesse M. J. , Motta P. J.
Published: May 2017

Bite force is one of the most utilized performance measures due to its association with feeding and consequently fitness. Due to their large size and the concomitant increase in the adductor muscles it is expected that apex predators may rely on high biting performance allowing for increased dietary breadth. Billfish are apex marine predators characterized by the extreme elongation of the upper jaw bones forming a rostrum. This structure has been shown to facilitate prey capture and processing, but little is known as to whether this elongated structure has had an effect on biting performance in this group of enigmatic fishes. The goal of this study was to investigate bite force among five billfish species differing in size and rostrum morphology, and to determine the relationship between bite force and cranial anatomy. Because prey processing is partially decoupled from the oral jaws in these fishes, we hypothesized that bite force will be relatively low in billfishes compared to other fish, and that mass specific bite force will be inversely proportional to rostrum length. Anterior and posterior values of bite force ranged from 29 to 330 N and 99 to 1361 N, respectively among billfish species. Although absolute bite forces reached high values, mass specific bite force was among the lowest recorded for cartilaginous and bony fishes. Contrary to our hypothesis, rostrum length was not a predictor of bite force. The evolution of this novel structure, however, has been demonstrated to have a role in feeding, and the relatively low bite force in billfishes may indicate a lack of dependence on this performance metric for prey capture and processing.
Computer-Assisted Legal Linguistics: Corpus Analysis as a New Tool for Legal Studies
Authors: Vogel Friedemann , Hamann Hanjo , Gauer Isabelle
Published: May 2017

Law exists solely in and through language. Nonetheless, systematical empirical analysis of legal language has been rare. Yet, the tides are turning: After judges at various courts (including the US Supreme Court) have championed a method of analysis calledcorpus linguistics, the Michigan Supreme Court held in June 2016 that this method “is consistent with how courts have understood statutory interpretation.” The court illustrated how corpus analysis can benefit legal casework, thus sanctifying twenty years of previous research into the matter. The present article synthesizes this research and introduces computer-assisted legal linguistics (CAL2) as a novel approach to legal studies. Computer-supported analysis of carefully preprocessed collections of legal texts lets lawyers analyze legal semantics, language, and sociosemiotics in different working contexts (judiciary, legislature, legal academia). The article introduces the interdisciplinary CAL2research group (www.cal2.eu), its Corpus of German Law, and other related projects that make law more transparent.
Buffering the Uneven Impact of the Affordable Care Act: Immigrant‐serving Safety‐net Providers in New Mexico
Authors: Getrich Christina M. , García Jacqueline M. , Solares Angélica , Kano Miria
Published: May 2017

We conducted a study in early 2014 to document how the initial implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affected health care provision to different categories of immigrants from the perspective of health care providers in New Mexico. Though ACA navigators led enrollment, a range of providers nevertheless became involved by necessity, expressing concern about how immigrants were faring in the newly configured health care environment and taking on advocacy roles. Providers described interpreting shifting eligibility and coverage, attending to vulnerable under/uninsured patients, and negotiating new bureaucratic barriers for insured patients. Findings suggest that, like past efforts, this recent reform to the fragmented health care system has perpetuated a condition in which safety‐net clinics and providers are left to buffer a widening gap for immigrant patients. With possible changes to the ACA ahead, safety‐net providers’ critical buffering roles will likely become more crucial, underscoring the necessity of examining their experiences with past reforms.
Timing of food introduction and development of food sensitization in a prospective birth cohort
Authors: Tran Maxwell M. , Lefebvre Diana L. , Dai David , Dharma Christoffer , Subbarao Padmaja , Lou Wendy , Azad Meghan B. , Becker Allan B. , Mandhane Piush J. , Turvey Stuart E. , Sears Malcolm R. ,   the CHILD Study Investigators
Published: May 2017

Background

The effect of infant feeding practices on the development of food allergy remains controversial. We examined the relationship between timing and patterns of food introduction and sensitization to foods at age 1 year in the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) birth cohort study.

Methods

Nutrition questionnaire data prospectively collected at age 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were used to determine timing of introduction of cow's milk products, egg, and peanut. At age 1 year, infants underwent skin prick testing to cow's milk, egg white, and peanut. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the impact of timing of food exposures on sensitization outcomes, and latent class analysis was used to study patterns of food introduction within the cohort.

Results

Among 2124 children with sufficient data, delaying introduction of cow's milk products, egg, and peanut beyond the first year of life significantly increased the odds of sensitization to that food (cow's milk adjOR 3.69, 95% CI 1.37‐9.08; egg adjOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.25‐2.80; peanut adjOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.07‐3.01). Latent class analysis produced a three‐class model: early, usual, and delayed introduction. A pattern of delayed introduction, characterized by avoidance of egg and peanut during the first year of life, increased the odds of sensitization to any of the three tested foods (adjOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.26‐2.49).

Conclusions

Avoidance of potentially allergenic foods during the first year of life significantly increased the odds of sensitization to the corresponding foods.
Relationship between maternal depression and bonding failure: A prospective cohort study of pregnant women
Authors: Ohara Masako , Okada Takashi , Kubota Chika , Nakamura Yukako , Shiino Tomoko , Aleksic Branko , Morikawa Mako , Yamauchi Aya , Uno Yota , Murase Satomi , Goto Setsuko , Kanai Atsuko , Masuda Tomoko , Ando Masahiko , Ozaki Norio
Published: May 2017

Aim

Although the association between maternal depression and bonding failure during pregnancy and after delivery has been investigated, the causal relationships remain unclear.

Methods

A total of 751 women (mean [SD] age, 32.1 [4.4] years) completed the Mother–Infant Bonding Questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale during early pregnancy before week 25 (T1), during late pregnancy around week 36 (T2), and at 5 days after delivery (T3). We created a structural regression model to clarify the relationships between depressive mood and bonding failure during pregnancy and at 5 days after delivery. The model was tested with structural equation modeling.

Results

Our non‐recursive model fit the data well, and we found that: (i) during T2, bonding failure predicted depressive mood (P < 0.01, r = 0.23); (ii) at T3, bonding failure predicted depressive mood (P < 0.05, r = 0.31); (iii) during T1, depressive mood was correlated with bonding failure (P < 0.01, r = 0.45); (iv) depressive mood during T1 predicted depressive mood during T2 (P < 0.01, r = 0.58); (v) depressive mood during T2 predicted depressive mood at T3 (P < 0.01, r = 0.45); (vi) bonding failure during T1 predicted bonding failure during T2 (P < 0.01, r = 0.84); and (vii) bonding failure during T2 predicted bonding failure at T3 (P < 0.01, r = 0.44). The determinant coefficients of depressive mood and bonding failure at T3 were 0.41 and 0.28, respectively.

Conclusion

Our large‐scale cohort study indicates that bonding failure predicts depressive mood during pregnancy and 5 days after delivery. These findings suggest that protection and support for pregnant women with depressive mood and bonding failure may prevent both issues during pregnancy and the early stage after delivery.
Atenolol Versus Propranolol for Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas During the Proliferative Phase: A Retrospective Noninferiority Study
Authors: Bayart Cheryl B. , Tamburro Joan E. , Vidimos Allison T. , Wang Lu , Golden Alex B.
Published: May 2017

Background/Objectives

The nonselective beta‐blocker propranolol is the current criterion standard for treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) and the first therapy that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for the condition, but concern about adverse effects, such as bronchospasm, hypoglycemia, and sleep disturbances, has sparked interest in the use of alternative agents such as the selective β1 antagonist atenolol. Our aim was to compare the efficacy and adverse effect profiles of atenolol with those of propranolol in the treatment of IHs in a retrospective noninferiority trial.

Methods

Twenty‐seven children with IHs treated with atenolol according to the Cleveland Clinic foundation's standardized clinical assessment and management plan (SCAMP) met inclusion criteria and were compared with a matched group of 53 children with IHs treated with propranolol. Three reviewers assessed response to therapy using a modified version of the previously validated Hemangioma Activity Score (HAS).

Results

The mean change in HAS was −2.94 ± 1.20 for patients treated with atenolol and −2.96 ± 1.42 for those treated with propranolol. There was no statistically significant difference in pre‐ and posttreatment modified HAS scores between the two groups (p = 0.60). There was no significant difference in the overall rate of adverse effects (p = 0.10), although 11% of patients treated with propranolol experienced reactive airway symptoms, whereas this was not seen in any of the patients treated with atenolol.

Conclusion

Our study supports previous findings that atenolol is at least as effective as propranolol for treatment of IHs and poses less risk of bronchospasm. Our SCAMP proposes guidelines for dosing and monitoring parameters.
Fibroadenoma in adolescent females after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Tanaka N. , Ueno T. , Takama Y. , Yamanaka H. , Tazuke Y. , Bessho K. , Okuyama H.
Published: May 2017

Breast FA is the most common breast tumor diagnosed in young women. Female renal transplant recipients on CsA have an increased risk of developing FA. However, reports of FA after LDLT have not been described. Our objectives were to determine the incidence of FA, analyze risk factors for FA, and evaluate treatment strategies in adolescent females after LDLT. A total of 18 female patients aged 10‐19 years who underwent LDLT and survived at least one year after transplantation were enrolled in our study. The incidence of FA was 11.1%. To determine pre‐ or post‐transplant conditions that are associated with FA after transplantation, the patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of FA: FA group (n=2) and non‐FA group (n=16). There were no differences in mean age at LDLT, mean age at breast evaluation, and mean duration between transplantation and breast evaluation between the two groups. However, there was a difference in the immunosuppressive regimen between the two groups. The FA group was maintained on CsA, whereas the non‐FA group was maintained on tacrolimus. CsA might be implicated in FA development in adolescent females after LDLT.
A case of ulcerative colitis with squamous cell carcinomas and multiple foci of squamous dysplasia
Authors: Yokoyama Yasuyuki , Wada Ryuichi , Yamada Takeshi , Uchida Eiji , Naito Zenya
Published: May 2017

Squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) in ulcerative colitis (UC) is rare. A 38 year‐old Japanese woman, who suffered from left‐sided UC for 18 years, underwent total colectomy due to SqCCs in the rectum and the sigmoid colon. They were well differentiated SqCC, and metastasis was found in the paracolic lymph nodes. Multiple small foci of squamous dysplasia (SD) were noted in the rectal mucosa. Glandular dysplasia was not found. TP53 was not detected in SD. Approximately 40% of cells were immunostained with TP53 in SqCC, however no mutation was found in TP53 gene. Human papilloma virus and Epstein Barr virus were negative in SD and SqCCs. The patient is free of the disease at one and half years after surgery and chemotherapy. SD may be a precursor of SqCC. It appeared that TP53 does not play a vital role in the development of SqCCs in the current case. Careful attention should be paid to SD in UC patients. Viral infection may need to be examined. The pathogenesis of SqCC in patients of UC needs to be elucidated.
Use of protocatechuic acid as the sole antioxidant in the base medium for in vitro culture of ovine isolated secondary follicles
Authors: Menezes VG , Santos JMS , Macedo TJS , Lins TLBG , Barberino RS , Gouveia BB , Bezerra MÉS , Cavalcante AYP , Queiroz MAA , Palheta RC , Matos MHT
Published: May 2017

Contents

This study evaluated the effect of the protocatechuic acid (PCA) as the sole antioxidant in the base medium for in vitro culture of ovine secondary follicles. Secondary follicles (200‐230 μm) were isolated and cultured in α‐minimal essential medium supplemented with BSA, insulin, glutamine and hypoxanthine (α‐MEM: antioxidant‐free medium) or α‐MEM also added by transferrin, selenium and ascorbic acid (α‐MEM+: with antioxidant) or α‐MEM added by PCA (56.25; 112.5; 225; 450; or 900 μg/ml). Moreover, after culture, oocytes were matured and the chromatin configuration and DNA fragmentation were evaluated. After 12 days, the treatment containing 56.25 μg/ml PCA showed higher percentage of normal follicles than control medium or the other treatments (p < .05), except for 900 μg/ml PCA (p > .05). The antrum formation was significantly higher in treatments containing 56.25, 112.5 or 900 μg/ml PCA, compared to the α‐MEM and similar (p > .05) to the other treatments. The rates of fully grown oocytes (≥110 μm) were similar (p > .05) among all treatments containing PCA and α‐MEM+, and those were superior (p < .05) than α‐MEM, except for 450 μg/ml PCA (p > .05). GSH levels and mitochondrial activity were higher (p < .05) in α‐MEM+ than in α‐MEM and similar (p > .05) to all PCA treatments. The rates of meiotic resumption and DNA fragmentation were similar (p > .05) among α‐MEM+ and 56.25 μg/ml PCA. In conclusion, PCA at 56.25 μg/ml as the sole antioxidant added to the medium for ovine isolated secondary follicle culture maintains follicular survival, GSH and active mitochondria levels, meiotic developmental competence and DNA integrity of cultured oocytes.
Oocyte viability and cortical activation under different salt solutions in Prochilodus lineatus (Teleostei: Prochilodontidae)
Authors: Ribeiro DC , Chagas JMA , Bashiyo‐Silva C , Costa RS , Veríssimo‐Silveira R , Ninhaus‐Silveira A
Published: May 2017

Contents

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of five salt solutions in the maintenance of morphological features of cortical alveolus, hydration and fertilization capacity of Prochilodus lineatus oocytes. For this purpose, five saline solutions were tested: Ringer's solution, Ringer's lactate solution, Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), Hank's balanced salt solution without calcium (HBSS without calcium) and solution for salmonid eggs. Oocytes were maintained for 2 hr in saline solution with controlled temperature subsequently evaluated for hydration, cortical activation and fertilization ability. In the evaluation of the fertilization ability, two controls were used: C1—fertilized oocytes after extrusion—and C2—oocytes kept in ovarian fluid and fertilized after 2 hr.

There was a significant reduction in the viability of oocytes C2 (28.8% ± 12.9%) compared to C1 (65.3% ± 26.7%), and no significant differences were found between treatments HBSS and HBSS without calcium and C2. Only HBSS and HBSS without calcium maintained the non‐activated state of the gametes, with a fertilization rate of 16.4% ± 6.7% and 5.6% ± 2.3%, respectively; however, they did not extend the viability of oocytes, such that they continued to undergo degradation during the storage period, similar to oocytes retained only in ovarian fluid.
Tuberculosis in China: A longitudinal predictive model of the general population and recommendations for achieving WHO goals
Authors: Xu Kaijin , Ding Cheng , Mangan Connor J. , Li Yiping , Ren Jingjing , Yang Shigui , Wang Bing , Ruan Bing , Sheng Jifang , Li Lanjuan
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge. China accounts for more than 10% of the global TB burden, and effective modelling of TB trends remains limited.

Methods

We used data drawn primarily from two Chinese nation‐wide cross‐sectional epidemiological surveys combined with data from China's National Disease Reporting Network to construct an eight‐state Markov model that simulates TB prevalence. By adjusting the relevant parameters, we evaluated which characteristics have the greatest bearing upon prevalence and efficacy of the response measures.

Results

If current trends continue, the prevalence of TB in China will enter an 8‐year period of decline from approximately 390 to 200 cases per 100 000 population and stabilize at 163 cases per 100 000 population, which is a figure well above the World Health Organization (WHO) goal of eliminating TB by 2050. We find that the proportion of notified cases in the population, the rate of progression from latent to active and the overall treatment success rate are the chief factors affecting disease progression.

Conclusion

We suggest a 90‐90‐90 strategy, wherein the proportion of notified cases in the population reaches 90%, the risk of progression from latent to active is decreased by 90% compared with the current level and the overall treatment success rate is increased to 90%. This strategy could reduce TB prevalence to less than 10 cases per 100 000 population within 5 years and to 1.77 cases per 100 000 population within 50 years.
Bayesian Quantile Impairment Threshold Benchmark Dose Estimation for Continuous Endpoints
Authors: Wheeler Matthew W. , Bailer A. John , Cole Tarah , Park Robert M. , Shao Kan
Published: May 2017

Quantitative risk assessment often begins with an estimate of the exposure or dose associated with a particular risk level from which exposure levels posing low risk to populations can be extrapolated. For continuous exposures, this value, the benchmark dose, is often defined by a specified increase (or decrease) from the median or mean response at no exposure. This method of calculating the benchmark dose does not take into account the response distribution and, consequently, cannot be interpreted based upon probability statements of the target population. We investigate quantile regression as an alternative to the use of the median or mean regression. By defining the dose–response quantile relationship and an impairment threshold, we specify a benchmark dose as the dose associated with a specified probability that the population will have a response equal to or more extreme than the specified impairment threshold. In addition, in an effort to minimize model uncertainty, we use Bayesian monotonic semiparametric regression to define the exposure–response quantile relationship, which gives the model flexibility to estimate the quantal dose–response function. We describe this methodology and apply it to both epidemiology and toxicology data.
Modeling Precheck Parallel Screening Process in the Face of Strategic Applicants with Incomplete Information and Screening Errors
Authors: Song Cen , Zhuang Jun
Published: May 2017

In security check systems, tighter screening processes increase the security level, but also cause more congestion, which could cause longer wait times. Having to deal with more congestion in lines could also cause issues for the screeners. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Precheck Program was introduced to create fast lanes in airports with the goal of expediting passengers who the TSA does not deem to be threats. In this lane, the TSA allows passengers to enjoy fewer restrictions in order to speed up the screening time. Motivated by the TSA Precheck Program, we study parallel queueing imperfect screening systems, where the potential normal and adversary participants/applicants decide whether to apply to the Precheck Program or not. The approved participants would be assigned to a faster screening channel based on a screening policy determined by an approver, who balances the concerns of safety of the passengers and congestion of the lines. There exist three types of optimal normal applicant's application strategy, which depend on whether the marginal payoff is negative or positive, or whether the marginal benefit equals the marginal cost. An adversary applicant would not apply when the screening policy is sufficiently large or the number of utilized benefits is sufficiently small. The basic model is extended by considering (1) applicants' parameters to follow different distributions and (2) applicants to have risk levels, where the approver determines the threshold value needed to qualify for Precheck. This article integrates game theory and queueing theory to study the optimal screening policy and provides some insights to imperfect parallel queueing screening systems.
Tracking and Analyzing Individual Distress Following Terrorist Attacks Using Social Media Streams
Authors: Lin Yu‐Ru , Margolin Drew , Wen Xidao
Published: May 2017

Risk research has theorized a number of mechanisms that might trigger, prolong, or potentially alleviate individuals' distress following terrorist attacks. These mechanisms are difficult to examine in a single study, however, because the social conditions of terrorist attacks are difficult to simulate in laboratory experiments and appropriate preattack baselines are difficult to establish with surveys. To address this challenge, we propose the use of computational focus groups and a novel analysis framework to analyze a social media stream that archives user history and location. The approach uses time‐stamped behavior to quantify an individual's preattack behavior after an attack has occurred, enabling the assessment of time‐specific changes in the intensity and duration of an individual's distress, as well as the assessment of individual and social‐level covariates. To exemplify the methodology, we collected over 18 million tweets from 15,509 users located in Paris on November 13, 2015, and measured the degree to which they expressed anxiety, anger, and sadness after the attacks. The analysis resulted in findings that would be difficult to observe through other methods, such as that news media exposure had competing, time‐dependent effects on anxiety, and that gender dynamics are complicated by baseline behavior. Opportunities for integrating computational focus group analysis with traditional methods are discussed.
Considering economic stress and empathic traits in predicting prosocial behaviors among U.S. Latino adolescents
Authors: Davis Alexandra N. , Carlo Gustavo , Streit Cara , Crockett Lisa J.
Published: May 2017

The goal of the current study was to examine two competing models focusing on the roles of empathy‐related traits in the relation between economic stress and prosocial behaviors. First, we examined the mediating roles of perspective taking and empathic concern in the association between economic stress and adolescents’ prosocial behaviors. Second, we examined the moderating role of perspective taking in the association between economic stress and empathic concern, as well as the links between empathic concern and prosocial behaviors. Participants consisted of 307 (46.2% girls; M age = 15.05) U.S. Latino adolescents (77.5% U.S. Mexicans) and their primary caregivers (87.9% mothers). Primary caregivers reported on family‐level economic stress, and adolescents reported on their own perspective taking, empathic concern, and their tendency to engage in six forms of prosocial behaviors. Results demonstrated support for the moderating role of perspective taking on the link between economic stress and empathic concern, which in turn, was associated with multiple forms of helping behaviors. Economic stress was also directly associated with selfless and selfish helping behaviors. The discussion focuses on the multiple roles of empathic traits in understanding the links between economic stress and prosocial outcomes in U.S. Latino youth.
Comparison between point and long‐gage FBG‐based strain sensors during a railway bridge load test
Authors: Torres Górriz B. , Rinaudo P. , Calderón García P. A.
Published: May 2017

Strain is a key parameter in laboratory and bridge load testing. The selection of a strain sensor depends on several factors, including the aim of the test and the specimen material. The application of the right sensor is vital to obtain accurate readings, especially in the case of heterogeneous materials such as concrete. This paper focuses on long‐gage and point fiber Bragg grating‐based strain sensors and their possible applications on concrete elements. First, strain sensors are described, after which long‐gage and point fiber Bragg grating strain sensors are compared in a concrete specimen test, a concrete column test and static and dynamic load tests on a concrete railway bridge. Results show that although it is advisable to use long‐gage sensors when monitoring heterogeneous materials, there are some particular cases were both sensors type can provide accurate strain measurements.
Polymorphism at residue 156 of the new HLA‐A*02:683 allele suggests immunological relevance
Authors: Duygu B. , Matern B. M. , Groeneweg M. , Voorter C. E. M. , Tilanus M. G. J.
Published: May 2017

HLA‐A*02:683 is most similar to 4 different HLA‐A*02 subtypes with a single nucleotide difference.
Child sexual exploitation: a guide for obstetricians and gynaecologists
Authors: Gilmore Katherine , Mitchell Laura , Tenant‐Flowers Melinda , Rogstad Karen
Published: May 2017

Key content

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a child protection issue and can affect any young person. Healthcare professionals play a key role in identifying both those who are victims of exploitation, and also those at risk. The General Medical Council considers that all doctors have a responsibility for child protection.

Obstetricians and gynaecologists may come across victims of CSE in a range of clinical settings, but practitioners may not feel confident that they have sufficient training to recognise victims or potential victims or indeed what course of action to take if they do.

This article provides training in both of these aspects by introducing Spotting the Signs (a questionnaire‐based tool to help detect CSE) and by highlighting appropriate referral pathways, including the vital role of joint working and information sharing.

Learning objectives

Understand what is meant by CSE.

Understand the risk factors for victims of CSE.

Develop a working knowledge of a validated tool to enable healthcare workers to recognise potential cases of CSE.

Understand what to do if you suspect CSE.
Beyond the subterranean energy regime? Fuel, land use and the production of space
Authors: Huber Matthew T , McCarthy James
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we argue that energy should be seen as a critical aspect of changing historical regimes in the social production of space. We suggest the common definition of energy as the ‘capacity to do work’ ignores key aspects of the space required for energy in the first place (particularly the concept of power density). Articulating the basic spatial concept of power density with a historical–geographical materialist understanding of energy regimes, we argue that industrial capitalism is defined by an intensive vertical reliance upon subterranean stocks of energy that require relatively little surface land to harness. Previous modes of production were characterised by a more ‘horizontal’ reliance upon extensive territory (e.g. forests) to meet fuel needs. While attentive to the spatialities of overall energy complexes, we focus in particular on how the spatialities of energy sources affect the production of space in major and distinctive ways. Drawing from environmental and economic history, we argue the use of fossil fuels ushered in a ‘subterranean energy regime’ that not only relied on underground stocks of energy, but substantially relieved the societal demand for land‐based and spatially extensive sources of fuel (i.e. wood and other organic sources). The use of subterranean fuel (first coal) not only powered machines, but revolutionised ‘heat‐process’ industries like iron smelting that dramatically expanded the steel and other metal industries; thus, transforming the built environment. We then consider the spatial and land‐use implications of a transition away from this subterranean regime to renewable energy sources (solar and wind). A return to the surface for energy would not be biological as in pre‐industrial times, but industrial in the sense that these systems require industrial production. Moreover, the spatially extensive nature of such energy technologies should raise important political questions about existing land‐use patterns and livelihoods, particularly in rural areas.
Feline large granular lymphocyte lymphoma: An Italian Society of Veterinary Oncology (SIONCOV) retrospective study
Authors: Finotello R. , Vasconi M. E. , Sabattini S. , Agnoli C. , Giacoboni C. , Annoni M. , Dentini A. , Bettini G. , Guazzi P. , Stefanello D. , Bottero E. , Mesto P. , Marinelli R. , De Feo C. , Marconato L.
Published: May 2017

Feline large granular lymphocyte (LGL) lymphoma is an uncommon subtype of lymphoma characterized by a grave prognosis and scarce response to chemotherapy. There are limited reports on clinico‐pathological and prognostic factors. One‐hundred and 9 cats with newly diagnosedLGLlymphoma that underwent initial staging (including hematology, serum biochemistry, thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound), and followed‐up were retrospectively evaluated.LGLlymphoma was localized within the gastrointestinal tract with or without extra‐intestinal involvement in 91.7% of the cases, and at extra‐gastrointestinal sites in 8.3%. Symptoms were frequent. Anemia (31.2%) and neutrophilia (26.6%) were commonly observed, and 14 (12.8%) cats had neoplastic circulating cells. Frequent biochemistry abnormalities included elevatedALT(39.4%) and hypoalbuminemia (28.4%). Twenty (54.1%) of 37 cats had elevated serumLDH. Treatment varied among cats, and included surgery (11%), chemotherapy (23%), corticosteroids (38.5%) and no treatment (27.5%). Median time to progression (MTTP) was 5 days, and median survival time (MST) 21 days.MSTwas significantly shorter in the case of substage b, circulating neoplastic cells, lack of chemotherapy administration, and lack of treatment response. A small subset of cats (7.3%) survived more than 6 months, suggesting that a more favorable clinical course can be found amongLGLlymphoma patients.