bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cationic porphyrin@SPION nanospheres as multifunctional anticancer therapeutics: magnetic targeting, photodynamic potential and bio-safety research
Authors: Zhao Ping , Liu Min-Chao , Madanayake Thushara W. , Reena Chawla , Zheng Min , Cheng Zhen-Feng , Huang Yu-Min , Wang Xia-Hong
Published: October 2016

Porphyrin@SPION nanospheres are described as pH-controllable, multifunctional photosensitizations with delivery bio-safety.
Synthesis and evaluation of polyaspartic acid/furfurylamine graft copolymer as scale and corrosion inhibitor
Authors: Shi Shuchen , Zhao Xiaowei , Wang Qian , Shan Huiting , Xu Ying
Published: October 2016

A novel scale and corrosion inhibitor, polyaspartic acid/furfurylamine graft copolymer (PASP/FA), was synthesized using maleic anhydride, urea, and furfurylamine (FA) as raw materials. PASP/FA exhibits excellent inhibition performance.
Efficient asymmetric biosynthesis of (R)-(−)-epinephrine in hydrophilic ionic liquid-containing systems
Authors: Xu Zhiqun , Wu Qiao , Yang Meixia , Wang Shuai , Wang Zhenshou , Xu Xiaoping
Published: October 2016

Acinetobacter sp. UN-16 cell biocatalytic process with [HOOCEMIM]NO3 is very promising for efficient preparation of (R)-(−)-epinephrine.
Novel ibuprofenate- and docusate-based ionic liquids: emergence of antimicrobial activity
Authors: Frizzo Clarissa P. , Wust Keli , Tier Aniele Z. , Beck Thaíssa S. , Rodrigues Leticia V. , Vaucher Rodrigo A. , Bolzan Leandro P. , Terra Silvio , Soares Felix , Martins Marcos A. P.
Published: October 2016

Six new ionic-liquid-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (IL-APIs) were prepared and their molecular structures characterized.
Membraneless flow battery leveraging flow-through heterogeneous porous media for improved power density and reduced crossover
Authors: Suss M. E. , Conforti K. , Gilson L. , Buie C. R. , Bazant M. Z.
Published: October 2016

A novel membraneless flow battery architecture, which leverages flow-through heterogeneous porous media, yields improved power density and reduced crossover.
An activatable fluorescent probe with an ultrafast response and large Stokes shift for live cell bioimaging of hypochlorous acid
Authors: Liu Feng , Tang Ying , Kuang Yongqing , Pan Dan , Liu Xianjun , Yu Ru-Qin , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: October 2016

A novel “turn-on” fluorescent probe for high selectivity, rapid detection and imaging of HOCl based on the protection of carbaldehyde with 2-mercaptoethanol.
The opposite effects of sodium and potassium cations on water dynamics
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Chen Hailong , Wu Tianmin , Jin Tan , Pan Zhijun , Zheng Junrong , Gao Yiqin , Zhuang Wei
Published: October 2016

Water rotational dynamics in NaSCN and KSCN solutions at a series of concentrations are investigated using femtosecond infrared spectroscopy and theory.
Paper reinforced with regenerated cellulose: a sustainable and fascinating material with good mechanical performance, barrier properties and shape retention in water
Authors: Zhang Weihua , Jing Zhijiao , Shan Youna , Ge Xuesong , Mu Xindong , Jiang Yijun , Li Hui , Wu Pingwei
Published: October 2016

Here, we fabricated new cellulosic composites with excellent mechanical performance, especially the wet strength. Interestingly, the as-synthesized composite paper showed water-responsive shape retention.
A solution-processed silicon oxide gate dielectric prepared at a low temperature via ultraviolet irradiation for metal oxide transistors
Authors: Seul Hyeon Joo , Kim Hyun-Gwan , Park Man-Young , Jeong Jae Kyeong
Published: October 2016

A facile route for the preparation of a solution-processed silicon oxide dielectric from perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) at a low temperature (≤150 °C) is proposed.
Spatially dependent diffusion coefficient as a model for pH sensitive microgel particles in microchannels
Authors: Pieprzyk S. , Heyes D. M. , Brańka A. C.
Published: October 2016

Solute transport and intermixing in microfluidic devices is strongly dependent on diffusional processes. Brownian Dynamics simulations of pressure-driven flow of model microgel particles in microchannels have been carried out to explore these processes and the factors that influence them. The effects of a pH-field that induces a spatial dependence of particle size and consequently the self-diffusion coefficient and system thermodynamic state were focused on. Simulations were carried out in 1D to represent some of the cross flow dependencies, and in 2D and 3D to include the effects of flow and particle concentration, with typical stripe-like diffusion coefficient spatial variations. In 1D, the mean square displacement and particle displacement probability distribution function agreed well with an analytically solvable model consisting of infinitely repulsive walls and a discontinuous pH-profile in the middle of the channel. Skew category Brownian motion and non-Gaussian dynamics were observed, which follows from correlations of step lengths in the system, and can be considered to be an example of so-called “diffusing diffusivity.” In Poiseuille flow simulations, the particles accumulated in regions of larger diffusivity and the largest particle concentration throughput was found when this region was in the middle of the channel. The trends in the calculated cross-channel diffusional behavior were found to be very similar in 2D and 3D.
Fire, people and ecosystem change in Pleistocene Australia
Authors: Johnson Christopher N.
Published: October 2016

Since the 1960s, Australian scientists have speculated on the impact of human arrival on fire regimes in Australia, and on the relationship of landscape fire to extinction of the Pleistocene megafauna of Australia. These speculations have produced a series of contrasting hypotheses that can now be tested using evidence collected over the past two decades. In the present paper, I summarise those hypotheses and review that evidence. The main conclusions of this are that (1) the effects of people on fire regimes in the Pleistocene were modest at the continental scale, and difficult to distinguish from climatic controls on fire, (2) the arrival of people triggered extinction of Australia’s megafauna, but fire had little or no role in the extinction of those animals, which was probably due primarily to hunting and (3) megafaunal extinction is likely to have caused a cascade of changes that included increased fire, but only in some environments. We do not yet understand what environmental factors controlled the strength and nature of cascading effects of megafaunal extinction. This is an important topic for future research.
Malay English intonation
Authors: Mat Nayan Noor , Setter Jane
Published: October 2016

This paper presents the findings of a study on the intonational features in ten proficient Malay Speakers of English (MSEs), focusing on a distinct rising tone (the Cooperative Rise, CR). Using Brazil’s (1985) Discourse Intonation as a framework for analysis, the CR discourse function differs from the rise and fall-rise of Standard Southern British English (SSBE). The CR is a referring tone used to provide extra emphasis on important information and create a more cooperative and supportive tone. The form and function of the CR are examined in relation to SSBE and other varieties of World Englishes. The results indicate that duration and pitch range of the CR are significantly different from the standard rise.
Argumentation-based literary translation quality assessment
Authors: Kharmandar Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2016

This study correlates argumentation, translation, and literature to construct a new model for assessing the quality of translated literature. Literary translation is described as being compatible with the rhetorical stream of argumentation studies, while the study rests on the overriding notion of ethics of difference in argumentative cross-cultural and translational encounters. The model incorporates ethics of difference and interpretive act, pragma-dialectical contributions of scheme/structure and rhetorical/dialectical situations, and aesthetic features including figures of speech and (sub)genres of literature. Application of the model to an English translation of a classical poem (a Rumi’s allegory) shows that the model can be systematically applied to quality assessment of translated literature (and literary genres e.g. plays, novels, audiovisual/cinematic products, etc.). Considering the implications and suggestions for further research, the study can progressively develop into a literary or cross-linguistic subgenre of argumentation theory, with implications for comparative literature, philosophy of meaning, translation theory, and dialectical hermeneutics.
Maneuvering strategically in a press conference to diminish political responsibility for a critical event
Authors: Demir Yeliz
Published: October 2016

It is an essential requirement of democracy that politicians provide account of their words and actions to the public. However, being able to account is especially important when a politician or the party he/she is representing is assumed responsible for a critical event that has undesirable consequences for the public. Under such a condition, political press conferences serve as an instrument for a politician to justify the position of the government by means of argumentation. By adopting the pragma-dialectical framework, this paper sets out to explain how a politician maneuvers strategically in a press conference for the purpose of diminishing political responsibility when his party which is in charge of the government is assumed responsible for a critical event. The paper draws its data from the political press conference held by Erdoğan, a former Prime Minister of Turkey, following the mine accident that took place in Soma, Turkey, in 2014.
A socio-historical account of the formation of the creole language of Antigua
Authors: Galarza Ballester Maria Teresa
Published: October 2016

The present paper constructs a socio-historically oriented account of Antiguan Creole (hereafter AC) formation based on the chronology, demographics, economy, and origin and distribution of the population groups of colonial Antigua. During the first decades after the establishment of the colony in the mid seventeenth century until the end of that century, Antigua based its economy on small holdings not dependent on slave labor, where contact among different linguistic groups was so close and direct as to create a second language variety (hereafter L2). By the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, the demographic make-up changed radically as sugar became the dominant crop, enslaved peoples were massively imported, and a plantation economy dominated the island’s affairs. It is during this period that segregation increased, creating a gap between groups of European and African origin, which resulted in a process of restructuring that created a more divergent form of the earlier L2. Thus I argue that AC formation involved both the pre-plantation and the plantation phases, so the creolization process was not completed until the importation of slaves stopped and the balance between the locally-born and the foreign-born population shifted in favor of the former. Furthermore, I survey the language groups that may have been available during both phases and argue that AC formation was modeled on its lexifier during the first decades of its existence but its formation continued afterwards adopting more substrate traits. Therefore, moderate superstrate and substrate positions account for AC formation.
Language variation and dimensions of prestige in Belizean Kriol
Authors: Salmon William , Gómez Menjivar Jennifer
Published: October 2016

This paper provides a preliminary report on attitudes toward varieties of Belizean Kriol in coastal Belize. We used a verbal-guise test with 141 participants, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data in Belize City and Punta Gorda, and we found that the variety of Kriol spoken in Belize City is rated more highly in general along several dimensions than the variety spoken in Punta Gorda. We also found that BC Kriol was rated more highly by male participants from both test sites. This paper is the first installment of an ongoing project, which investigates the linguistic prestige system(s) in place with respect to Kriol by region and among individual ethnic groups in Belize.
Bodily state and metaphors relating toho, ‘body’, in Akan
Authors: Agyekum Kofi
Published: October 2016

This paper addresses metaphorical extensions ofho, which means ‘body’ in Akan, a Ghanaian language. In Akan, as in many other languages, body part expressions and bodily functions have extended meanings that still relate to the basic sense of the words. Expressions derived fromhoare used to talk about emotions and character traits, perhaps more extensively and pervasively than equivalent lexis in English. The data for this study are taken from interviews, questionnaires, an Akan dictionary, Akan literature, the Akan Bible and recorded materials from radio discussions. The paper supports claims in the literature that there is a strong relationship between people’s conceptual, environmental, and cultural experiences and their linguistic systems.
Affect as a hinge
Authors: Hokkanen Sari , Koskinen Kaisa
Published: October 2016

Affect, understood here as embodied meaning-making, offers one useful point of departure in studying translation as an activity that involves both cognitive and social processes, because it functions as a hinge between subjective understandings and social environments. We approach affects related to translating with the theoretical framework of the translator’s experiencing self, defined here as the perception that translators have of themselves, based on lived and embodied experience. In other words, we suggest that the study of affect in relation to translating should pay attention to translators’ own processes of meaning-making. Since the processes of human meaning-making, including self-construction, have been argued to rest upon narrative practice, we furthermore argue for a narrative approach to studying affects. We illustrate the methodological opportunities provided by a narrative approach to affect with three cases deriving from three different research projects.
Differential Predictors of Adult versus Juvenile Distributions of Two Coastal Pelagic, Surf Zone Fishes along the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Schrandt Meagan N. , Gregalis Kevan C. , Powers Sean P.
Published: October 2016

As coastal human populations increase and offshore fishery regulations become more stringent in the northern Gulf of Mexico, nearshore fisheries may be subjected to increased exploitation. Spanish Mackerel Scomberomorus maculatus and Florida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus are two nearshore, coastal migratory pelagic species vulnerable to undergoing changes in fishing pressure; however, information is incomplete in regards to understanding their current distributions and movement patterns, both of which are important for effective fishery management. We used a 2‐year (2011–2012) gill‐net and seine survey to assess surf zone distributions of Spanish Mackerel and Florida Pompano in the northern Gulf of Mexico (Horn Island, Mississippi, to Pensacola, Florida). Unbiased catch‐per‐unit‐effort estimates (by the delta method) were greatest in Alabama and during spring months. Lowest catches occurred during the warm summer months. Overall, subadult–adult Spanish Mackerel presence could be predicted (using a delta‐lognormal general linear model) by geographic area, beach habitat, and depth. Florida Pompano presence could be predicted by month and beach habitat. For both species, the abundance could not be predicted by any of the examined variables. Juvenile Florida Pompano presence, contrastingly, could be predicted by month and salinity, and abundance by month and water temperature. Both species had spatiotemporal variability in distribution and catch rates, but beach habitat appeared to be a better predictor for subadults and adults of both species, whereas month and salinity were better predictors for juvenile Florida Pompano catches. Greater catches generally corresponded with proposed migration patterns but also suggest that individuals, at least temporarily, leave the surf zone during the day in the warm summer months. Furthermore, although legal‐sized individuals of both species can co‐occur in the surf zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico, the increase in Spanish Mackerel presence with depth suggests that Spanish Mackerel fisheries could potentially move further offshore to avoid user conflict with Florida Pompano fisheries.

Received March 16, 2016; accepted August 1, 2016 Published online October 14, 2016
Multiple Passages of Grunt Fin Cells Persistently Infected with Red Seabream Iridovirus (RSIV) at 15ºC or 30ºC to Yield Uninfected Cells
Authors: Oh So-Young , Nishizawa Toyohiko
Published: October 2016

Red seabream iridovirus (RSIV), a member within genus Megalocytivirus (Iridoviridae), causes serious economic losses to marine fish aquaculture industry in East Asia. In this study, we established a Blue Striped Grunt Haemulon sciurus fin (grunt fin; GF) cell line persistently infected with RSIV (PI-GFRSIV) by subculturing GF cells that survived RSIV inoculation. PI-GFRSIV cells were morphologically indistinguishable from naive GF cells. They could stably produce RSIV at approximately 104.9 ± 0.5 genomes per microliter after 24 passages over 18 months. The optimum temperature to produce RSIV in PI-GFRSIV cells was 25°C. These cells also produced RSIV at 15, 20, and 30°C with multiple subcultures. The amount of RSIV yielded from PI-GFRSIV cells decreased gradually by multiple subculturing at 15°C or 30°C. Red seabream iridovirus was no longer detected from PI-GFRSIV cells after subcultures at these temperatures. These PI-GFRSIV cells freed from RSIV infection exhibited a level of RSIV productivity similar to those of naive GF cells after inoculation with RSIV. Therefore, we consider that these PI-GFRSIV cells were no longer infected with RSIV after multiple subculturing at 15°C or 30°C.

Received October 15, 2015; accepted June 27, 2016Published online October 13, 2016
Laboratory-scale production of (S)-reticuline, an important intermediate of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, using a bacterial-based method
Authors: Matsumura Eitaro , Nakagawa Akira , Tomabechi Yusuke , Koyanagi Takashi , Kumagai Hidehiko , Yamamoto Kenji , Katayama Takane , Sato Fumihiko , Minami Hiromichi
Published: October 2016

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a group of plant secondary metabolites that have been identified as targets for drug discovery because of their diverse pharmaceutical activities. Well-known BIAs are relatively abundant in plants and have therefore been extensively studied. However, although unknown BIAs are also thought to have valuable activities, they are difficult to obtain because the raw materials are present at low abundance in nature. We have previously reported the fermentative production of an important intermediate (S)-reticuline from dopamine using Escherichia coli. However, the yield is typically limited. Here, we improved production efficiency by combining in vivo tetrahydropapaveroline production in E. coli with in vitro enzymatic synthesis of (S)-reticuline. Finally, 593 mg of pure (S)-reticuline was obtained from 1 L of the reaction mixture. Because this bacterial-based method is simple, it could be widely used for production of (S)-reticuline and related BIAs, thereby facilitating studies of BIAs for drug discovery.
Diagnostic Test Accuracy in Childhood Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Bayesian Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Schumacher Samuel G. , van Smeden Maarten , Dendukuri Nandini , Joseph Lawrence , Nicol Mark P. , Pai Madhukar , Zar Heather J.
Published: October 2016

Evaluation of tests for the diagnosis of childhood pulmonary tuberculosis (CPTB) is complicated by the absence of an accurate reference test. We present a Bayesian latent class analysis in which we evaluated the accuracy of 5 diagnostic tests for CPTB. We used data from a study of 749 hospitalized South African children suspected to have CPTB from 2009 to 2014. The following tests were used: mycobacterial culture, smear microscopy, Xpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid Inc.), tuberculin skin test (TST), and chest radiography. We estimated the prevalence of CPTB to be 27% (95% credible interval (CrI): 21, 35). The sensitivities of culture, Xpert, and smear microscopy were estimated to be 60% (95% CrI: 46, 76), 49% (95% CrI: 38, 62), and 22% (95% CrI: 16, 30), respectively; specificities of these tests were estimated in accordance with prior information and were close to 100%. Chest radiography was estimated to have a sensitivity of 64% (95% CrI: 55, 73) and a specificity of 78% (95% CrI: 73, 83). Sensitivity of the TST was estimated to be 75% (95% CrI: 61, 84), and it decreased substantially among children who were malnourished and infected with human immunodeficiency virus (56%). The specificity of the TST was 69% (95% CrI: 63%, 76%). Furthermore, it was estimated that 46% (95% CrI: 42, 49) of CPTB-negative cases and 93% (95% CrI: 82; 98) of CPTB-positive cases received antituberculosis treatment, which indicates substantial overtreatment and limited undertreatment.
Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and the Incidence of Hypertension in a Mediterranean Cohort: The Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra Project
Authors: Mendonça Raquel de Deus , Lopes Aline Cristine Souza , Pimenta Adriano Marçal , Gea Alfredo , Martinez-Gonzalez Miguel Angel , Bes-Rastrollo Maira
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Some available evidence suggests that high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with a higher risk of obesity. Collectively, this association and the nutritional characteristics of UPFs suggest that UPFs might also be associated with hypertension.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated the relationship between UPF consumption and the risk of hypertension in a prospective Spanish cohort, the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra project. We included 14,790 Spanish adult university graduates who were initially free of hypertension at baseline who were followed for a mean of 9.1 years (SD, 3.9 years; total person-years: 134,784). UPF (industrial formulations of chemical compounds which, beyond substances of common culinary use such as salt, sugar, oils, and fats, include substances also derived from foods but not used in culinary preparations) consumption was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative 136-item food-frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hypertension incidence.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 1,702 incident cases of hypertension were identified. Participants in the highest tertile of UPF consumption had a higher risk of developing hypertension (adjusted HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06, 1.37; P for trend = 0.004) than those in the lowest tertile after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large prospective cohort of Spanish middle-aged adult university graduates, a positive association between UPF consumption and hypertension risk was observed. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our results.
Localized structural frustration for evaluating the impact of sequence variants
Authors: Kumar Sushant , Clarke Declan , Gerstein Mark
Published: October 2016

Population-scale sequencing is increasingly uncovering large numbers of rare single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in coding regions of the genome. The rarity of these variants makes it challenging to evaluate their deleteriousness with conventional phenotype–genotype associations. Protein structures provide a way of addressing this challenge. Previous efforts have focused on globally quantifying the impact of SNVs on protein stability. However, local perturbations may severely impact protein functionality without strongly disrupting global stability (e.g. in relation to catalysis or allostery). Here, we describe a workflow in which localized frustration, quantifying unfavorable local interactions, is employed as a metric to investigate such effects. Using this workflow on the Protein Databank, we find that frustration produces many immediately intuitive results: for instance, disease-related SNVs create stronger changes in localized frustration than non-disease related variants, and rare SNVs tend to disrupt local interactions to a larger extent than common variants. Less obviously, we observe that somatic SNVs associated with oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) induce very different changes in frustration. In particular, those associated with TSGs change the frustration more in the core than the surface (by introducing loss-of-function events), whereas those associated with oncogenes manifest the opposite pattern, creating gain-of-function events.
Finding Agency in Adversity: Applying the Refugee Convention in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change
Authors: Scott Matthew
Published: October 2016

This article argues that, as individuals are already applying for refugee status in the context of disasters and climate change, a robust understanding of why disasters happen and how different groups are affected, combined with a principled methodology for determining such claims, are critical aspects of the anxious scrutiny that each claim should receive. The limitations of the “hazards” paradigm, which is shown to be dominant in international refugee law, are highlighted. Adopting the “social” paradigm developed within the field of disaster risk reduction, the argument is advanced that an understanding of disasters as social phenomena within which existing patterns of discrimination contribute to differential impacts, provides a sharper lens with which to consider eligibility for refugee status.

The article argues that recent case-law from the New Zealand Immigration and Protection Tribunal reflects an awareness of the social paradigm, and the methodology for determining such claims is described and largely endorsed. It concludes by identifying sources of country of origin information that can help to address some of the evidentiary challenges claimants may face, and argues that the risk assessment under refugee law is more generous than the “immediacy” requirement identified by the New Zealand Immigration and Protection Tribunal in relation to complementary protection claims.
Anticytokine autoantibodies in infection and inflammation: an update
Authors: Barcenas-Morales Gabriela , Jandus Peter , Döffinger Rainer
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

Concise overview of the field of anticytokine autoantibodies with a focus on recent developments.

Recent findings

Advances in particular in the analysis of autoantibodies to IFNγ, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and type I IFN are presented. The target epitope for anti-IFNγ autoantibodies has been found to have high homology to a protein from Aspergillus suggesting molecular mimicry as a mechanism of breaking self-tolerance. A treatment strategy using a recombinant, epitope-depleted version of IFNγ is suggested. Autoantibodies to GM-CSF are associated with disseminated Crytococcus and Nocardia infections thus expanding the spectrum of associated diseases beyond pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Detailed analysis of anti-GM-CSF autoantibody clones derived from pulmonary alveolar proteinosis patients show evidence of high somatic mutation suggesting T cell-dependent affinity maturation; full GM-CSF neutralization is achieved by synergistic binding of antibodies targeting various distinct noncross-reactive epitopes and leading to antigen sequestration and Fc-mediated clearance. Single mAbs in contrast may lead to higher GM-CSF bioavailability. Anti type I IFN-specific autoantibodies derived from autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type I patients are of extreme high affinity and negatively correlate with the incidence of type I diabetes and may be thus considered to be protective. Hypomorphic severe combined immune deficiency may be associated with complex anticytokine patterns and the emergence of anti type I IFN autoantibodies correlates with severe viral infection histories.

Anticytokine autoantibodies may cause susceptibility to infections. In autoimmune/autoinflammatory conditions, anticytokine autoantibodies may be protective or promote disease.
No! When the immunologist becomes a virologist: Norovirus – an emerging infection in immune deficiency diseases
Authors: Hartono Stella , Bhagia Amrita , Joshi Avni Y.
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

Norovirus infection is an emerging chronic infection in immunocompromised hosts. The aim of this review is to discuss the pathophysiology of Norovirus infection and explore mechanistic models for chronic infection/shedder state, especially in patients with immune deficiency diseases.

Recent findings

Chronic Norovirus infection is increasingly associated with enteropathy associated with both primary and secondary immune deficiency diseases. There is an ongoing debate in the immune deficiency community whether it is truly a causative agent for the enteropathy or it is an innocent bystander.

We describe the historic aspects of Norovirus infection, its immunology and viral structure and the basis for preventive and vaccination strategies.

We also postulate in this review a disease model in immune deficiency subjects which creates a milieu for it to become a chronic and explore newer frontiers for disease modification and prevention.

Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in general population but the factors that lead to its persistence in patients with immune deficiency need further holistic studies. This should include host assessment, microbiome signatures, and viral pathogenic factors assessment.
Performance-Intensity Function and Aided Improvement in Individuals With Late-Onset Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Mathai Jijo Pottackal , Yathiraj Asha
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

The purpose of the study was to explore the effect of intensity on speech perception in individuals with late-onset auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) by obtaining their performance-intensity (PI) function. Additionally, the study investigated the effect of PI function on aided speech perception. It was hypothesized that speech perception abilities of individuals with ANSD vary with intensity and may provide information regarding their aided performance.

Design:

A factorial research design was used to obtain the PI function and aided performance. Thirty individuals with late-onset ANSD in the age range of 14 to 42 years were evaluated. All the participants had bilateral mild to moderately-severe symmetrical hearing loss and were naive hearing aid users. A PI function was obtained for each participant for phonemically-balanced words. Further, aided performance was evaluated for binaural digital hearing aids fitted using the National Acoustic Laboratories-Non-linear 1 method.

Results:

It was found that the sensation level at which maximum word recognition scores were obtained varied across the participants. However, the majority of the participants had maximum scores below 30 dB SL. A large number of participants had a rollover PI function where the word recognition scores deteriorated with increase in presentation level. However, a few individuals demonstrated improvement in word recognition scores with increase in presentation level. Rollover index calculated from the PI function clearly demarcated those who had improved speech perception with hearing aids from those who did not. It was found that those with a rising pattern had aided speech identification scores that were significantly higher than their unaided scores. No such difference was found in those with a rollover. Further, aided benefit calculated by obtaining the difference between the aided and unaided scores was significantly higher in those with a rising PI function than those with a rollover function.

Conclusions:

The word recognition scores of individuals with ANSD varied with sensation level. This implies that obtaining the word recognition scores at a single presentation level may not accurately represent the speech perception abilities of those with ANSD. Further, a PI function helps differentiate those individuals with ANSD who benefit from hearing aids from those who do not.
Vasculitis in the autoinflammatory diseases
Authors: Peleg Hagit , Ben-Chetrit Eldad
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

This article addresses the prevalence and relationship between autoinflammatory diseases and vasculitis.

Recent findings

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are a group of syndromes characterized by episodes of unprovoked inflammation due to dysregulation of the innate immune system. Despite the common occurrence of rashes and other skin lesions in these diseases, vasculitis is reported in only a few. On the other hand, neutrophilic dermatoses are more prevalent. Large vessel vasculitis is reported in patients with Behcet's and Blau's syndromes. Small and medium size vasculitides are reported in familial Mediterranean fever mainly as Henoch-Schonlein purpura and polyarteritis nodosa, respectively. It is rarely described in hyper IgD with periodic fever syndrome, cryopyrin associated periodic syndromes, TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome, deficiency of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and pyoderma gangrenosum and acne syndrome. In most AID where bones and skin are mainly involved (CRMO, Majeed syndrome, Cherubism and DITRA) – vasculitis has not been described at all. In AID small vessel vasculitis affects mainly the skin with no involvement of internal organs.

In AID, neutrophilic dermatoses are more common and prominent than vasculitis. This may reflect a minor role for interleukin-1 in the pathogenesis of vasculitis. The rarity of vasculitis in AID suggests that in most reported cases its occurrence has been probably coincidental rather than being an integral feature of the disease.
Anticitrullinated protein antibodies: origin and role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: England Bryant R. , Thiele Geoffrey M. , Mikuls Ted R.
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

This article reviews recent literature on the origin and pathogenic role of anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Recent findings

ACPAs and ACPA-immune complexes interact with immune cells to facilitate articular inflammation. Findings from recent in vitro and in vivo studies are congruent with epidemiologic observations in RA supporting a pathogenic role of ACPAs.

ACPAs target proteins/peptides with citrullinated epitopes and serve as informative RA biomarkers. ACPAs are generated within synovium and possibly at extra-articular sites prior to disease onset. Proximate to RA onset, critical qualitative and quantitative changes to ACPAs occur that drive proinflammatory responses. Unable to induce arthritis alone, the administration of ACPAs enhances the development and severity of inflammation in mice when a mild synovitis is already present. In vitro studies have elucidated several possible mechanisms linking ACPA to disease progression including: first, activation of inflammatory cells by ACPA-immune complexes; second, ACPA-mediated neutrophil cell death producing neutrophil extracellular traps, which drives inflammation and autoimmunity by releasing citrullinated autoantigen; and finally, direct binding of ACPAs to osteoclasts and resulting osteoclastogenesis. Together, these recent investigations have begun to elucidate the different mechanisms by which ACPAs may be directly pathogenic in RA.
Buttock Reconstruction in Sarcoma Surgery: An Esthetic Sigmoidplasty Closure for Large Circular Defects Using Double Opposing Skin Flaps
Authors: Nel Corné P.G. , Daya Mahendra
Published: October 2016

Background:

Large defects arising from extirpation surgery of buttock sarcomas requiring adjuvant radiotherapy are best closed with flap surgery. The traditional solutions are derived from an approach to pressure sores, which were designed for the ischial, sacral, or trochanteric areas, and have now been adapted for true buttock defects. This invariably destroys the esthetics of the buttock. We describe a novel technique of sigmoidplasty, which preserves most of the esthetic features.

Methods:

We report on a retrospective review of 11 consecutive buttock sarcomas managed at our institution between 2009 and 2014, focusing on those for which the described reconstruction method was used (N = 5).

Results:

The immediate outcome was very good. In 1 patient, partial loss of 1 of the flaps and the management thereof resulted in a minor contour deformity. In general, the buttock volume was significantly decreased but the shape was preserved. This was obtained without secondary donor defect and with minimal contour irregularity. Long-term follow-up remained pleasing, and all patients were satisfied with the outcomes.

Conclusions:

The described technique of buttock defect closure satisfies the oncoplastic principles of tumor surgery with the added benefit of superior esthetics. We suggest that it is a versatile adjunct to the reconstructive surgeon’s armamentarium for buttock reconstruction after sarcoma excision, particularly when the gluteal artery perforator systems are unavailable.
Peony-Glycyrrhiza Decoction for Antipsychotic-Related Hyperprolactinemia in Women With Schizophrenia
Authors: Man Sui Cheung , Li Xian-Bin , Wang Huai-Hai , Yuan Hai-Ning , Wang Hua-Ning , Zhang Rui-Guo , Tan Qing-Rong , Wong Hei Kiu , McAlonan Grainne M. , Wang Chuan-Yue , Zhang Zhang-Jin
Published: October 2016

Objectives

An herbal preparation called peony-glycyrrhiza decoction (PGD) may have the potential in reducing antipsychotic-related hyperprolactinemia (hyperPRL). This double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study aimed to reevaluate the efficacy of PGD against antipsychotic-related hyperPRL.

Methods

Ninety-nine schizophrenic women who were under antipsychotic therapy and had symptomatic hyperPRL were randomly assigned to additional treatment with placebo (n = 50) or PGD (n = 49, 45 g/d) for 16 weeks. The severity of hyperPRL, psychosis, and abnormal involuntary movements was assessed at baseline and weeks 8 and 16 using standard instruments including the Prolactin Related Adverse Event Questionnaire. Blood levels of prolactin (PRL) and related pituitary and sex hormones were measured at the same time points.

Results

Peony-glycyrrhiza decoction treatment produced a significantly greater reduction of the Prolactin Related Adverse Event Questionnaire score at weeks 8 and 16 and a greater improvement on abnormal involuntary movements at end point compared with placebo, without altering the severity of psychosis. The group treated with PGD showed significantly higher proportion of having overall improvement on hyperPRL symptoms (χ2 = 4.010, P = 0.045) and menstrual resumption (χ2 = 4.549, P = 0.033) at week 8 than placebo. Serum PRL levels were similar in the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Peony-glycyrrhiza decoction is effective in reducing antipsychotic-related hyperPRL and abnormal involuntary movement symptoms, but no reduction in blood PRL concentrations was observed. The underlying mechanisms of PGD's effects need further investigation (trial registration of NCT01852331 at www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Rib fractures in trauma patients: does operative fixation improve outcome?
Authors: Majak Peter , Næss Pål A.
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

Renewed interest in surgical fixation of rib fractures has emerged. However, conservative treatment is still preferred at most surgical departments. We wanted to evaluate whether operative treatment of rib fractures may benefit severely injured patients.

Recent findings

Several studies report a reduction in mechanical ventilation time, ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, pneumonia, need for tracheostomy, pain and costs in operatively treated patients with multiple rib fractures compared with patients treated nonoperatively. Although patient selection and timing of the operation seem crucial for successful outcome, no consensus exists. Mortality reduction has only been shown in a few studies. Most studies are retrospective cohort and case–control studies. Only four randomized control trials exist.

Conservative treatment, consisting of respiratory assistance and pain control, is still the treatment of choice in the vast majority of patients with multiple rib fractures. In selected patients, operative fixation of fractured ribs within 72 h postinjury may lead to better outcome. More randomized control trials are needed to further determine who benefits from surgical fixation of rib fractures.
Extraintestinal Manifestations of Celiac Disease
Authors: Jericho Hilary , Sansotta Naire , Guandalini Stefano
Published: October 2016

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the gluten‐free diet (GFD) on extraintestinal symptoms in pediatric and adult celiac populations at the University of Chicago.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of the University of Chicago Celiac Center clinic charts from January 2002 to October 2014. Demographics, serologic testing, intestinal biopsies, and extraintestinal symptoms at presentation, 12, 24, and >24 months were recorded. Extraintestinal symptoms included abnormal liver enzymes, arthralgia/arthritis, dermatitis herpetiformis, alopecia, fatigue, headache, anemia, stomatitis, myalgias, psychiatric disorders, rashes, seizures, neuropathy, short stature, delayed puberty, osteoporosis, and infertility.

Results:

A total of 737 patients with biopsy‐confirmed celiac disease or skin biopsy–confirmed dermatitis herpetiformis were included. Patients lost to follow‐up, or with insufficient data were excluded leaving 328 patients (157 pediatrics younger than 18 years). For pediatrics, the female to male ratio was 2:1 and the mean age at diagnosis was 8.9 years. For adults, 4:1 and 40.6 years old. Extraintestinal symptom rates were similar in children (60%) and adults (62%). Short stature (33%), fatigue (28%), and headache (20%) were most common in children. Iron deficiency anemia (48%), fatigue (37%), and headache/psychiatric disorders (24%) were common in adults. Children had faster/higher rates of symptom resolution compared with adults. Twenty‐eight percent of children with unresolved short stature on a GFD were found to have other comorbidities.

Conclusions:

Children and adults with celiac disease have similar rates of extraintestinal manifestations. In children short stature, fatigue, and headache were most common, whereas anemia, fatigue, and headache/psychiatric disorders were most common in adults. Children on a strict GFD showed faster and higher rates of symptom resolution as compared to adults. Unresponsive children with short stature must be assessed for comorbidities.
Prevalence of Malnutrition and Feeding Difficulties in Children With Esophageal Atresia
Authors: Menzies Jessica , Hughes Jennifer , Leach Steven , Belessis Yvonne , Krishnan Usha
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

Growth and feeding problems have been described in children with esophageal atresia (EA). Ongoing gastrointestinal and respiratory complications such as Gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal dysmotility, strictures, and respiratory infections may contribute. The aim of the study was to document the prevalence of malnutrition and feeding difficulties and examine predictive factors, which may influence feeding and growth in children attending a multidisciplinary EA clinic in Sydney, Australia.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 75 children, ages 0 to 16 years, who attended a multidisciplinary EA clinic between 2011 and 2014. Data on demographics, comorbidities, nutrition, and mealtime behaviors were collected from their initial clinic appointment. Factors that may affect on growth and mealtime behaviors were identified and analyzed.

Results:

Nine percent of children were malnourished and 9% were stunted. Infants, children with prior fundoplication, at risk of aspiration, or those who had surgery in the first year of life additional to EA repair were significantly more likely to be malnourished (P < 0.05). Fifty‐four percent of children required texture modification at their meals, with parental concern being the most common reason. Younger children were less likely to be eating age‐appropriate textures (P = 0.04) which improved after 5 years of age.

Conclusions:

Poor growth and inability to manage age‐appropriate textures are often present in children with EA, particularly in the younger years. This highlights the need for early intervention in a specialist multidisciplinary EA clinic in which dietetics and speech pathology are available.
Spermatorrhea and Loss of Libido Induced by Topiramate: First Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Wu Mengqian , Hao Nanya , Zhou Dong
Published: October 2016

Background

Topiramate (TPM) is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug used for a variety of clinical conditions, including migraine prophylaxis and mood disorders. Spermatorrhea accompanied by loss of libido severely lowers quality of life for men, but had never been reported as a possible adverse effect of TPM.

Case Presentation

Here, we present a case of a 39-year-old Chinese man who was diagnosed with partial epilepsy and treated with TPM (100 mg/d). Eleven days after initiating TPM treatment, he began to experience spermatorrhea every 2 to 3 days, accompanied by loss of libido, lack of energy, lassitude, irascibility, weakness, poor appetite, frequent urination, and nocturia. The symptoms continued for 2 months. After withdrawal of TPM, symptoms disappeared and did not recur.

Conclusions

This is the first case report of TPM-induced spermatorrhea and loss of libido in China. Spermatorrhea and loss of libido are probably rare adverse effects of TPM treatment. When these symptoms occur in a patient taking TPM, the possibility that they are adverse effects to this drug should be considered, and switching the patient to a different drug may be a good option. The underlying mechanism by which TPM induces spermatorrhea may be related to increased serotonin level, and loss of libido may be related to changes in serotonin and hormone levels.