bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro self‐setting properties, bioactivity, and antibacterial ability of a silicate‐based premixed bone cement
Authors: Xu Chen , Wen Yang , Zhou Yanling , Zhu Yaqin , Dou Yuandong , Huan Zhiguang , Chang Jiang
Published: October 2017

The clinical use of cements in root canal treatment needs the dentist to mix the powders and liquid phase thoroughly. The operation not only increases the surgery time but also compromises the performance of cement in case of inhomogeneous or insufficient mixing. To overcome those drawbacks, a premixed tricalcium silicate cement (C3S) was prepared by mixing tricalcium silicate/calcium chloride (C3S/CaCl2) composites with polyethylene glycol (PEG). It was found that the setting time could be modulated by changing the content of CaCl2 in the solid phase and the liquid to solid ratio (L/P). In addition, the premixed pastes retained the bioactivity of C3S, such as the ability to induce apatite formation in simulated oral fluid and to promote the proliferation and the alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Meanwhile, the injected pastes showed good antibacterial ability against Staphylococcus aureus. It is thus expected that the premixed C3S/CaCl2 pastes hold great promise as a new type of materials for dental application.
Pyroelectric performance of BaTi1‐xSnxO3 ceramics
Authors: Srikanth Keshavmurthy , Patel Satyanarayan , Vaish Rahul
Published: October 2017

In the present work, the pyroelectric properties of Sn‐doped BaTiO3 (BaTi1‐xSnxO3) were investigated. A significant increase in pyroelectric coefficient was observed for x = 0.05 composition and found to be 10 × 10−4 C/m2 K at 350 K. Further, the pyroelectric figure of merits (FOMs) for current responsivity (Fi), voltage responsivity (Fv), and energy harvesting (Fe and ) were calculated for all investigated samples. A large improvement in FOMs was achieved for x = 0.05 compared with undoped ceramic. BaTi1‐xSnxO3 (x = 0.05) was subjected to further pyroelectric analysis revealing an open‐circuit voltage of 0.6 V when it was exposed to temporal temperature gradient. The voltage and current were also measured across resistances 100 kΩ, 1 MΩ, and 5 MΩ. The results reveal that BaTi0.95Sn0.05O3 will be one of the potential lead‐free pyroelectric materials.
Prenatal Depression and Infant Temperament: The Moderating Role of Placental Gene Expression
Authors: Zhang Wei , Finik Jackie , Dana Kathryn , Glover Vivette , Ham Jacob , Nomura Yoko
Published: October 2017

Prior research has demonstrated the link between maternal depression during pregnancy (i.e., prenatal depression) and increased neurodevelopmental dysregulation in offspring. However, little is known about the roles of key hypothalamic–pituitary axis regulatory genes in the placenta modulating this association. This study will examine whether placental gene expression levels of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD11B2), glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), and mineralocorticoid receptor (NR3C2) can help elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking prenatal depression to infant temperament, particularly in infants with high negativity and low emotion regulation. Stored placenta tissues (N = 153) were used to quantify messenger ribonucleic acid levels of HSD11B2, NR3C1, and NR3C2. Assessments of prenatal depression and infant temperament at 6 months of age were ascertained via maternal report. Results found that prenatal depression was associated with increased Negative Affectivity (p < .05) after controlling for postnatal depression and psychosocial characteristics. Furthermore, the association between prenatal depression and Negative Affectivity was moderated by gene expression levels of HSD11B2, NR3C1, and NR3C2 such that greater gene expression significantly lessened the association between prenatal depression and Negative Affectivity. Our findings suggest that individual differences in placental gene expression may be used as an early marker of susceptibility or resilience to prenatal adversity.
Between inequality and sectarianism: who destroys generalised trust? The case of Lebanon
Authors: Alijla Abdalhadi
Published: October 2017

In 2015, a new wave of protests erupted in Lebanon. These protests were the result of a lengthy period of political instability in the country. The informality of the sectarian political system in Lebanon has reached the point where the country has not had a president for more than two years. The aim of this paper is to examine the influence of institutional conditions on the level of generalised trust in a divided society. The paper conducts a statistical analysis of the Arab Barometer Survey data. The paper argues that institutions, as well as perceived living conditions – including inequality, the feeling of safety, and the sense of insecurity – in divided societies, are an important source of social (generalised) trust in the long run. The paper suggests that institutions can also easily destroy generalised trust in such societies if they are designed ineffectively and prove to be unfair and unequal. This paper concludes that equal and fair public institutions are crucial in maintaining a high level of generalised trust.
Predictive model for the composition dependence of glassy dynamics
Authors: Guo Xiaoju , Mauro John C. , Allan Douglas C. , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: October 2017

The problem of glass relaxation is traditionally known as one of the most challenging problems in condensed matter physics, with important implications for several high‐tech applications of glass. In this study, we present a predictive model for the temperature, thermal history, and composition dependence of glassy relaxation dynamics. Our model enables, for the first time, the quantitative prediction of relaxation behavior for new glass compositions. Using the commercial Corning EAGLE XG® alkaline earth aluminosilicate glass as a reference, the model gives accurate predictions of the nonequilibrium viscosity for 4 other aluminosilicate glasses, covering both alkali‐free and alkali‐containing compositions, without any free fitting parameters. Using the composition‐dependent nonequilibrium viscosity model, only the measured values of the glass transition temperature and fragility are required to predict the nonequilibrium viscosity as a function of both temperature and thermal history. The range of glass transition temperatures of the 4 verification glasses covers about 200°C, while that of fragility values is about 6. As such, this work gives insights into the structural origin of nonequilibrium viscosity and can enable the future design of glass compositions with tailored relaxation behavior.
Resumption of intercourse, self‐reported decline in sexual intercourse and dyspareunia in women by mode of birth: A prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Triviño‐Juárez José‐Matías , Romero‐Ayuso Dulce , Nieto‐Pereda Beatriz , Forjaz Maria João , Oliver‐Barrecheguren Cristina , Mellizo‐Díaz Sonia , Avilés‐Gámez Beatriz , Arruti‐Sevilla Begoña , Criado‐Álvarez Juan‐José , Soto‐Lucía Consuelo , Plá‐Mestre Rosa
Published: October 2017

Aim

To evaluate the association between mode of birth and the resumption of sexual intercourse, self‐reported decline in sexual intercourse and dyspareunia in women at the 6th week and 6th month postpartum.

Background

Interest in the relationship between mode of birth and postpartum sexual functioning is increasing. However, previous findings are contradictory.

Design

Prospective, longitudinal, observational study.

Method

The participants comprised 552 healthy primiparous women aged 18–45 years who gave birth at a hospital between February 2013 ‐ April 2014. Interviews were performed at the hospital and via telephone at the 6th week and 6th month postpartum. We constructed multivariate logistic regression models to examine the relationship between mode of birth and resumption of intercourse, self‐reported decline in sexual intercourse and dyspareunia at the 6th week and 6th month postpartum.

Results

At the 6th week postpartum, forceps‐assisted birth, combination of episiotomy plus perineal tear and belonging to a higher socio‐economic status were related to a higher risk of non‐resumption of sexual intercourse, while breastfeeding was related to a higher probability of dyspareunia. At the 6th month postpartum, the likelihood of self‐reported decline in sexual intercourse was higher among women who screened positive for postpartum depression and a higher number of breastfeeding women reported a decline in sexual intercourse and dyspareunia. Furthermore, at the 6th month postpartum, women who reported the use of emergency services for a health problem had a higher risk of not having resumed intercourse and of experiencing dyspareunia.
Patient perspectives of maintaining dignity in Indonesian clinical care settings: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Asmaningrum Nurfika , Tsai Yun‐Fang
Published: October 2017

Aim

To gain an understanding towards the perspectives of hospitalized inpatients in Indonesia regarding maintaining dignity during clinical care.

Background

Dignity is a basic human right that is crucial for an individual's well‐being. Respect for a person as a valuable human is a concept that is comparable to treating a person with dignity. Maintaining patient's dignity is an ethical goal of nursing care. Nevertheless, the concept is highly dependent on cultural context. This issue has not been well studied in Indonesia.

Design

This study used a qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Thirty‐five participants were recruited by purposive sampling from medical to surgical wards of six public hospitals in Eastern Java, Indonesia. Data were collected in 2016 through individual face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews. Inductive content analysis was applied to the data.

Findings

Four major categories which described qualities of nursing care essential for maintaining a patient's dignity in clinical care settings were revealed: (1) responsiveness; (2) respectful nurse–patient relationships; (3) caring characteristics and (4) personalized service.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a cultural viewpoint of dignity for care recipients in Indonesia. The findings provide empirical support for linking dignified care and person‐centred care principles with regards to cultural sensitivity. Nurses must not only be clinically competent but also culturally competent. The ability to provide culturally competent care is important for nurses as a strategy to maintain patient dignity during hospitalized care.
Frataxin‐deficient neurons and mice models of Friedreich ataxia are improved by TAT‐MTScs‐FXN treatment
Authors: Britti Elena , Delaspre Fabien , Feldman Anat , Osborne Melissa , Greif Hagar , Tamarit Jordi , Ros Joaquim
Published: October 2017

Friedreich ataxia (FA) is a rare disease caused by deficiency of frataxin, a mitochondrial protein. As there is no cure available for this disease, many strategies have been developed to reduce the deleterious effects of such deficiency. One of these approaches is based on delivering frataxin to the tissues by coupling the protein to trans‐activator of transcription (TAT) peptides, which enables cell membranes crossing. In this study, we tested the efficiency of TAT‐MTScs‐FXN fusion protein to decrease neurodegeneration markers on frataxin‐depleted neurons obtained from dorsal root ganglia (DRG), one of the most affected tissues. In mice models of the disease, we tested the ability of TAT‐MTScs‐FXN to penetrate the mitochondria and its effect on lifespan. In DRG neurons, treatment with TAT‐MTScs‐FXN increased cell survival, decreased neurite degeneration and reduced apoptotic markers, such as α‐fodrin cleavage and caspase 9 activation. Also, we show that heat‐shock protein 60 (HSP60), a molecular chaperone targeted to mitochondria, suffered an impaired processing in frataxin‐deficient neurons that was relieved by TAT‐MTScs‐FXN addition. In mice models of the disease, administration of TAT‐MTScs‐FXN was able to reach muscle mitochondria, restore the activity of the succinate dehydrogenase and produce a significant lifespan increase. These results support the use of TAT‐MTScs‐FXN as a treatment for Friedreich ataxia.
Role of calcium‐binding protein regucalcin in regenerating rat liver
Authors: YAMAGUCHI MASAYOSHI
Published: October 2017

Regucalcin is a novel calcium‐binding protein which does not contain EF‐hand motif as a Ca2+‐binding domain. The organization of the rat regucalcin gene consists of seven exons and six introns. Its mRNA is mainly present in liver but slightly in kidney with a size of 1.8 kb. Hepatic regucalcin mRNA expression is stimulated by various factors including calcium, calcitonin, insulin, and oestrogen in rats. The mRNA is also expressed in hepatoma cells (Morris hepatoma and HepG2). Regucalcin plays a role in the maintenance of cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis in liver cells. Moreover, regucalcin has an inhibitory effect on Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent enzyme activation, protein kinase C activation, and many Ca2+‐activated enzymes, indicating a role in the regulation of the Ca2+‐signalling system. Recently, regucalcin has been demonstrated to regulate nuclear function in liver cells. Regucalcin can inhibit Ca2+‐activated nuclear DNA fragmentation in rat isolated liver nuclei. Furthermore, the liver nuclear DNA and RNA syntheses are inhibited by regucalcin. Such an effect of regucalcin is also seen in the nuclei of regenerating rat liver. The regucalcin mRNA level is increased in regenerating liver. These findings suggest that regucalcin plays a regulatory role in the suppression for overexpression of proliferative cells.
Hepatic stellate cell contraction is inhibited by lipo‐prostaglandin E1in vitro
Authors: WANG XIAN-EN , WATANABE SUMIO , OIDE HIROSUMI , HIROSE MIYOKO , ITATSU TOMOKO , OSADA TARO , TAKAZAKURA YOSHIRO , YOKOI YUKIO , SATO NOBUHIRO
Published: October 2017

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has been reported to have, experimentally and clinically, a protective effect against liver damage. This effect may result from the relaxation of hepatic stellate cells, whose contraction induces vasoconstriction of hepatic sinusoids. However, prostaglandins are unstable and a new drug delivery system is necessary to administer a sufficient amount of prostaglandin to achieve a protective effect in the liver. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of lipo‐prostaglandin E1 (lipo‐PGE1) which has a novel drug delivery system on the stellate cell contraction induced by endothelin‐1 in vitro. Lipo‐PGE1 inhibited endothelin‐1‐induced stellate cell contraction in concentrations of 10, 30 and 50 ng/mL. Therefore, lipo‐PGE1 may show a cytoprotective effect in the liver through the relaxation of stellate cells and an increase in the hepatic sinusoidal blood flow.
The role of gut‐derived bacterial toxins and free radicals in alcohol‐induced liver injury
Authors: THURMAN RONALD G , BRADFORD BLAIR U , IIMURO YUJI , KNECHT KATHRYN T , ARTEEL GAVIN E , YIN MING , CONNOR HENRY D , WALL CHANTAL , RALEIGH JAMES A , FRANKENBERG MORITZ V , ADACHI YUKITO , FORMAN DONALD T , BRENNER DAVID , KADIISKA MARIA , MASON RONALD P
Published: October 2017

Previous research from this laboratory using a continuous enteral ethanol (EtOH) administration model demonstrated that Kupffer cells are pivotal in the development of EtOH‐induced liver injury. When Kupffer cells were destroyed using gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) or the gut was sterilized with polymyxin B and neomycin, early inflammation due to EtOH was blocked. Anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α antibody markedly decreased EtOH‐induced liver injury and increased TNF‐mRNA. These findings led to the hypothesis that EtOH‐induced liver injury involves increases in circulating endotoxin leading to activation of Kupffer cells. Pimonidazole, a nitro‐imidazole marker, was used to detect hypoxia in downstream pericentral regions of the lobule. Following one large dose of EtOH or chronic enteral EtOH for 1 month, pimonidazole binding was increased significantly in pericentral regions of the liver lobule, which was diminished with GdCl3. Enteral EtOH increased free radical generation detected with electron spin resonance (ESR). These radical species had coupling constants matching α‐hydroxyethyl radical and were shown conclusively to arise from EtOH based on a doubling of the ESR lines when 13C‐EtOH was given. α‐Hydroxyethyl radical production was also blocked by the destruction of Kupffer cells with GdCl3. It is known that females develop more severe EtOH‐induced liver injury more rapidly and with less EtOH than males. Female rats on the enteral protocol exhibited more rapid injury and more widespread fatty changes over a larger portion of the liver lobule than males. Plasma endotoxin, ICAM‐1, free radical adducts, infiltrating neutrophils and transcription factor NFκB were approximately two‐fold greater in livers from females than males after 4 weeks of enteral EtOH treatment. Furthermore, oestrogen treatment increased the sensitivity of Kupffer cells to endotoxin. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that Kupffer cells participate in important gender differences in liver injury caused by ethanol.
Morphological comparison and functional reconstitution of rat hepatic parenchymal cells on various matrices
Authors: AWATA RYOICHI , SAWAI HIROSHI , IMAI KATSUYUKI , TERADA KUNIHIKO , SENOO HARUKI , SUGIYAMA TOSHIHIRO
Published: October 2017

Four types of materials, type I collagen coat (Coat), acid‐soluble type I collagen gel (Hardgel), pepsin‐treated acid‐soluble type I collagen gel (Softgel), and an extract of extracellular matrix of the murine Engelbreth‐Holm‐Swarm sarcoma (Matrigel), were used as matrices to culture rat hepatic parenchymal cells, and their morphological changes and adhesion were compared to the matrices by electron microscopic observations. Hepatic parenchymal cells cultured on Coat and Hardgel were extended and flattened, whereas cells cultured on Softgel and Matrigel assembled and formed aggregates. Such aggregates consisted of several hepatic parenchymal cells, with a recognizable bile duct‐like alveolus on the inside. Morphologically, the aggregates were more spherical on Matrigel and oval shaped on Softgel. Microvilli of the cell surface were parallel to the matrix on Matrigel, but invaded into the gel on Softgel. Subsequently, investigation into how these morphological features affected the liver‐specific functions, including secretion of albumin and induction of P450 by 3‐methylcholanthrene, demonstrated that a high level of liver function was maintained in a long‐term culture in hepatic parenchymal cells on Softgel. These results suggest that hepatic parenchymal cell interactions were stronger with Softgel than with Matrigel, and that Softgel appears to closely mimic the in vivo environment.
Regulation of stellate cell proliferation by lipopolysaccharide: Role of endogenous nitric oxide
Authors: KAWADA NORIFUMI , SEKI SHUICHI , KUROKI TETSUO , INOUE MASAYASU
Published: October 2017

We studied the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the proliferation of culture‐stimulated rat stellate cells. DNA synthesis as determined by [3H]‐thymidine incorporation was significantly suppressed by up to 52% compared with the control culture in the presence of LPS (> 5 ng/mL). Such an inhibitory effect of LPS was dramatically augmented in the presence of interferon‐γ (IFNγ). Lipopolysaccharide alone or in combination with IFNγ activated transcription factors AP‐1 and NF‐κB, and elicited nitric oxide (NO) production by stellate cells by inducing NO synthase. Inhibition of NO production by the addition of L‐arginine antagonists to the culture, partially cancelled such an inhibitory effect of LPS and/or IFNγ on DNA synthesis without affecting the activation of AP‐1 and NF‐κB and the NO synthase level. The cellular level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) increased in response to LPS and IFNγ, and dibutyryl cGMP or 8‐bromo‐cGMP inhibited the incorporation of [3H]‐thymidine in a dose‐dependent manner. These results indicate that LPS is potent in modulating stellate cell proliferation by some NO‐ and cGMP‐dependent mechanism.
Liver regeneration, liver cancers and cyclins
Authors: KITAMURA TSUNEO , WATANABE SUMIO , SATO NOBUHIRO
Published: October 2017

Accumulating evidence has revealed that malignant cell growth is regulated by complex mechanisms involved in genetic and epigenetic factors. Among human cancers, cancer in the liver (hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)) is characterized by the evidence that it is usually based on chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, in which the liver is persistently regenerating following hepatic injury. This raises the possibility that repeated hepatocyte proliferation may cause disorder of genes that are regulating the cell cycle in hepatocytes, thus causing HCC. In this article, recent studies focusing on liver regeneration and cancer are reviewed from the viewpoint of the cell cycle that is regulated by cyclin and the associated proteins.
Determining the amount of overstepping required to nucleate garnet during Barrovian regional metamorphism, Connecticut Valley Synclinorium
Authors: Wolfe Oliver M. , Spear Frank S.
Published: October 2017

The novel method of inclusion barometry coupled with the calculation of the required affinity for garnet nucleation is applied to three samples from the previously well‐characterized Connecticut Valley Synclinorium in central Vermont. Raman shifts for quartz inclusions record a range of maximum peak shifts of the quartz 464 cm−1 peak from 2.4 to 3.0 cm−1. Temperature of garnet nucleation was constrained by calculating mineral assemblage diagrams in the MnNCKFMASHT system and plotting the intersection of quartz inclusion in garnet barometry (QuiG, quartz‐in‐garnet) with Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry. Utilizing the intersection of Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry with QuiG barometry, garnet nucleation is inferred to have occurred within a P–T range of ~8.6–9.5 kbar and ~560–575°C. These P–T conditions for garnet nucleation are significantly higher than calculated equilibrium garnet‐in isograds for the three samples. Affinities for garnet nucleation were calculated as the difference between the free energy of a fictive garnet composition based on the matrix assemblage and the free energy of the nucleated garnet. The calculated nucleation affinity varied from 300 to 600 kJ/mol O for St–Ky grade samples. These results suggest that the assumption that metamorphism proceeds as a sequence of near‐equilibrium conditions cannot, in general, be made for regional metamorphic terranes. This body of work agrees with numerous recent studies showing that garnet‐producing reactions must be overstepped in order to for garnet to nucleate.
Symmetric asymptomatic reticular lesions of the skin
Authors: Barroso Fábio , Correia Joana , Loureiro Marília , Martins Esmeralda
Published: October 2017

See Answer
Pharmacokinetic interaction of green tea beverage containing cyclodextrins and high concentration catechins with P-glycoprotein substrates in LLC-GA5-COL150 cells in vitro and in the small intestine of rats in vivo
Authors: Oda Keisuke , Murakami Teruo
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Possible interaction of green tea beverage (GT) containing cyclodextrins and high concentration catechins, a drinking water, with P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates was examined in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Effects of GT on the uptake of rhodamine 123 by LLC-GA5-COL150 cells and intestinal efflux of rhodamine 123 from blood, intestinal absorption of quinidine from ileum loop and oral absorption of digoxin were examined in rats. Effects of GT and GT components on digoxin solubility were also examined.

Key findings

Green tea increased the uptake of rhodamine 123 by LLC-GA5-COL150 cells, suppressed the intestinal efflux of rhodamine 123 from blood and increased the absorption of quinidine in the ileum of rats. Also, GT increased the solubility of digoxin, and ingestion of GT significantly increased the oral absorption of digoxin given at a high dose in rats.

Conclusions

Green tea suppressed the P-gp-mediated efflux transport of hydrophilic compounds and increased the solubility of lipophilic compounds. Thus, GT may cause interaction with various P-gp substrates, due to the combined effects of catechins and cyclodextrins. Especially, cyclodextrin alone can cause interaction with various low-solubility compounds in vivo. In taking low-solubility drugs including low-solubility P-gp substrates, cyclodextrin-containing foods and beverages such as GT should be avoided.
Potent analogues of etiprednol dicloacetate, a second generation of soft corticosteroids
Authors: Bodor Nicholas , Zubovics Zoltán , Kurucz István , Sólyom Sandor , Bodor Erik
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Loteprednol etabonate (LE) is the first, highly successful soft corticosteroid (SC) designed using the ‘inactive metabolite’ approach, starting with ∆1-cortienic acid (d-CA). The next generation of SCs based on d-CA was etiprednol dicloacetate (ED). The 17α-dichloroacetyl function serves both as a unique pharmacophore and as the source of the molecule's softness. Highly potent SCs were designed based on a combination of ED and LE, introducing 6, 9 and 16 substituents in the molecule.

Methods

The new 6α, 9α, 16α and β 17α-dichloroacetyl 17β-esters were synthesized from the correspondingly substituted ∆1-cortienic acids. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using LPS-induced TNF α-release under various conditions to determine intrinsic activity vs. systemic biological stability. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was studied in the widely used ovalbumin-sensitized and ovalbumin-challenged Brown Norway rat model.

Key findings

The 6α or 9α-fluoro substitution produced highly potent corticosteroids, but the 17α-dichloroacetyl substituent provided ‘softness’ in all cases. Local application of these steroids will significantly reduce systemic activity, due to the facile hydrolytic deactivation of these molecules.

Conclusions

A 17α-dichloroacetyl derivative of fluticasone (FLU) is highly potent but much safer than the currently used propionate or furoate ester.
Environmental Renaissance Studies
Authors: Jones Gwilym
Published: October 2017

Recent developments in renaissance and early modern ecocriticism, since surveys by Karen Raber and Sharon O'Dair, have made the field discursive. Some critics maintain that ecocriticism, ecostudies or environmental studies must be self‐consciously activist and presentist. Others practise a more historicist approach, which is only implicitly activist, if at all. This article considers the recent environmental criticism of renaissance literature and Shakespeare – in its place on the spectrum of presentism and historicism – and argues that the field's discursiveness is a positive development, which will lead to a growth of ecocritical work in the period. Recent relevant work in environmental history is introduced and a case made for a greater engagement with it in literary ecocriticism.
Hepatitis A outbreak in Barcelona among men who have sex with men (MSM), January‐June 2017: A hospital perspective
Authors: Rodríguez‐Tajes Sergio , Perpiñán Elena , Caballol Berta , Lens Sabela , Mariño Zoe , Costa Josep , Vilella Anna , Pérez‐del‐Pulgar Sofía , Forns Xavier , Koutsoudakis George
Published: October 2017

Background & Aims

Acute hepatitis A is transmitted mainly via the faecal‐oral route and/or contaminated aliment. Furthermore, several outbreaks in the men who have sex with men (MSM) population classified hepatitis A as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). We aimed to clarify an ongoing hepatitis A outbreak in Barcelona with respect to patients’ characteristics and viral phylogenetic analysis.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed 46 cases of hepatitis A infection that were registered in our hospital between January and June 2017. We evaluated demographics data, risk factors, presenting symptoms, sexual orientation, comorbidities and further STD infections. The phylogenetic correlation of the current circulating viruses among them and other hepatitis A strains was assessed by sequencing of the VP1/P2A region.

Results

Most patients were male (44, 96%) with median age 33.5 years (range 28‐50). Thirty‐one (67%) were MSM and 18 (39%) required hospitalization. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that all patients were infected by hepatitis A subgenotype IA strains. Moreover, current strains comprised 3 distinct clusters, previously reported in ongoing outbreaks in the United Kingdom, Berlin and the Netherlands. However, these strains were phylogenetically diverse to those previously reported in Barcelona metropolitan region.

Conclusions

Ongoing hepatitis A outbreak in Barcelona affects primarily the MSM community and is phylogenetically linked to current hepatitis A outbreaks described in other European countries. As a result of the high admission rate, these outbreaks may impact the admission pattern of referral liver units. Control measures, for example vaccinations programs tailored to the MSM community, must be taken to control further spreading.
Executive summary for the Micronutrient Powders Consultation: Lessons Learned for Operational Guidance
Authors: Nyhus Dhillon Christina , Sarkar Danya , Klemm Rolf DW , Neufeld Lynnette M , Rawat Rahul , Tumilowicz Alison , Namaste Sorrel ML
Published: October 2017

Iron deficiency anaemia is estimated to be the leading cause of years lived with disability among children. Young children's diets are often inadequate in iron and other micronutrients, and provision of essential vitamin and minerals has long been recommended. With the limited programmatic success of iron drop/syrup interventions, interest in micronutrient powders (MNP) has increased. MNP are a mixture of vitamins and minerals, enclosed in single‐dose sachets, which are stirred into a child's portion of food immediately before consumption. MNP are an efficacious intervention for reducing iron deficiency anaemia and filling important nutrient gaps in children 6–23 months of age. As of 2014, 50 countries have implemented MNP programmes including 9 at a national level. This paper provides an overview of a 3‐paper series, based on findings from the “Micronutrient Powders Consultation: Lessons Learned for Operational Guidance” held by the USAID‐funded Strengthening Partnerships, Results, and Innovations in Nutrition Globally (SPRING) Project. The objectives of the Consultation were to identify and summarize the most recent MNP programme experiences and lessons learned for operationalizing MNP for young children and prioritize an implementation research agenda. The Consultation was composed of 3 working groups that used the following methods: deliberations among 49 MNP programme implementers and experts, a review of published and grey literature, questionnaires, and key informant interviews, described in this overview. The following articles summarize findings in 3 broad programme areas: planning, implementation, and continual programme improvement. The papers also outline priorities for implementation research to inform improved operationalization of MNP.
Experiences and lessons learned for planning and supply of micronutrient powders interventions
Authors: Schauer Claudia , Sunley Nigel , Hubbell Melgarejo Carrie , Nyhus Dhillon Christina , Roca Claudia , Tapia Gustavo , Mathema Pragya , Walton Shelley , Situma Ruth , Zlotkin Stanley , DW Klemm Rolf
Published: October 2017

Realistic planning for a nutrition intervention is a critical component of implementation, yet effective approaches have been poorly documented. Under the auspices of “The Micronutrient Powders Consultation: Lessons Learned for Operational Guidance,” 3 working groups were formed to summarize experiences and lessons across countries regarding micronutrient powders (MNP) interventions for young children. This paper focuses on programmatic experiences in the planning stages of an MNP intervention, encompassing assessment, enabling environment and adaptation, as well as considerations for supply. Methods included a review of published and grey literature, key informant interviews, and deliberations throughout the consultation process. We found that assessments helped justify adopting an MNP intervention, but these assessments were often limited by their narrow scope and inadequate data. Establishing coordinating bodies and integrating MNP into existing policies and programmes have helped foster an enabling environment and support programme stability. Formative research and pilots have been used to adapt MNP interventions to specific contexts, but they have been insufficient to inform scale‐up. In terms of supply, most countries have opted to procure MNP through international suppliers, but this still requires understanding and navigating the local regulatory environment at the earliest stages of an intervention. Overall, these findings indicate that although some key planning and supply activities are generally undertaken, improvements are needed to plan for effective scale‐up. Much still needs to be learned on MNP planning, and we propose a set of research questions that require further investigation.
Tournament ABC analysis of the western Palaearctic population history of an oak gall wasp, Synergus umbraculus
Authors: Stone Graham N. , White Sarah C. , Csóka György , Melika George , Mutun Serap , Pénzes Zsolt , Sadeghi S. Ebrahim , Schönrogge Karsten , Tavakoli Majid , Nicholls James A.
Published: October 2017

Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is a powerful and widely used approach in inference of population history. However, the computational effort required to discriminate among alternative historical scenarios often limits the set that is compared to those considered more likely a priori. While often justifiable, this approach will fail to consider unexpected but well‐supported population histories. We used a hierarchical tournament approach, in which subsets of scenarios are compared in a first round of ABC analyses and the winners are compared in a second analysis, to reconstruct the population history of an oak gall wasp, Synergus umbraculus (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) across the Western Palaearctic. We used 4,233 bp of sequence data across seven loci to explore the relationships between four putative Pleistocene refuge populations in Iberia, Italy, the Balkans and Western Asia. We compared support for 148 alternative scenarios in eight pools, each pool comprising all possible rearrangements of four populations over a given topology of relationships, with or without founding of one population by admixture and with or without an unsampled “ghost” population. We found very little support for the directional “out of the east” scenario previously inferred for other gall wasp community members. Instead, the best‐supported models identified Iberia as the first‐regional population to diverge from the others in the late Pleistocene, followed by divergence between the Balkans and Western Asia, and founding of the Italian population through late Pleistocene admixture from Iberia and the Balkans. We compare these results with what is known for other members of the oak gall community, and consider the strengths and weaknesses of using a tournament approach to explore phylogeographic model space.
Demographic inference from whole‐genome and RAD sequencing data suggests alternating human impacts on goose populations since the last ice age
Authors: Pujolar J. M. , Dalén L. , Hansen M. M. , Madsen J.
Published: October 2017

We investigated how population changes and fluctuations in the pink‐footed goose might have been affected by climatic and anthropogenic factors. First, genomic data confirmed the existence of two separate populations: western (Iceland) and eastern (Svalbard/Denmark). Second, demographic inference suggests that the species survived the last glacial period as a single ancestral population with a low population size (100–1,000 individuals) that split into the current populations at the end of the last glacial maximum with Iceland being the most plausible glacial refuge. While population changes during the last glaciation were clearly environmental, we hypothesize that more recent demographic changes are human‐related: (1) the inferred population increase in the Neolithic is due to deforestation to establish new lands for agriculture, increasing available habitat for pink‐footed geese, (2) the decline inferred during the Middle Ages is due to human persecution, and (3) improved protection explains the increasing demographic trends during the 20th century. Our results suggest both environmental (during glacial cycles) and anthropogenic effects (more recent) can be a threat to species survival.
Development and validation of a childhood self‐efficacy for functional constipation questionnaire
Authors: Santucci N. R. , Hyman P. E. , Karpinski A. , Rosenberg A. , Garguilo D. , Rein L. E. , Amado‐Feeley A. , Stoops E. , Herdes R. E. , van Tilburg M. A. L.
Published: October 2017

Background

Children with functional constipation fear painful bowel movements leading to stool withholding behavior. Self‐efficacy is the belief that an individual can accomplish a given goal. If children with constipation avoid defecation because they think that they are unable defecate comfortably, this low self‐efficacy may prevent treatment success. The aim of the current study was to develop and validate a constipation specific self‐efficacy scale.

Methods

The self‐efficacy for functional constipation questionnaire (SEFCQ) was developed by the authors and evaluated by 10 children and seven experts. Ninety‐nine healthy children and 122 children with functional constipation completed the SEFCQ and three other questionnaires measuring related constructs.

Key Results

Minor changes were made in wording based on feedback from experts and children. Factor analysis showed two scales, a 7 item Action scale (Cronbach's α = 0.88) and a 7 item Emotion scale (Cronbach α = 0.86). The SEFCQ total scale correlated positively with general self‐efficacy (r = .32, P < .001) and quality of life (r = .20; P < .01) and negatively with anxiety (r = −.15; P < .05). Scores on the SEFCQ were higher in children without functional constipation compared to those with functional constipation (53.33 + 3.38 vs 39.34 + 7.19, P < .001).

Conclusions & Inferences

We developed a constipation specific self‐efficacy questionnaire with good initial internal reliability, excellent face validity and adequate content validity. A low self‐efficacy for defecation, may make the child resist their physical urge to defecate and hence, the need for further studies to assess its effect on treatment outcomes.
Pollination systems involving floral mimicry of fruit: aspects of their ecology and evolution
Authors: Goodrich Katherine R. , Jürgens Andreas
Published: October 2017

Floral mimicry of nonfloral resources is found across many angiosperm families, with mimicry of varied models including carrion, dung, fungi, insects and fruit. These systems provide excellent models to investigate the role of visual and olfactory cues for the ecology and evolution of plant–animal interactions. Interestingly, floral mimicry of fruit is least documented in the literature, although ripe or rotting fruits play an important role as a food or brood site in many insect groups such as Diptera, Hymenoptera and Coleoptera, and frugivorous vertebrates such as bats and birds. In ecosystems where fruit represents a frequent, reliable resource (e.g. tropical forests), this form of floral mimicry could represent a common mimicry class with specialization possible along multiple axes such as fruit of different species, stages of ripeness and microbial colonization. In this review, we summarize current research on floral mimicry of fruit. We place this review in the context of floral mimicry of a broader spectrum of nonfloral resources, and we discuss conceptual frameworks of mimicry vs generalized food deception or pre‐existing sensory bias. Finally, we briefly review the specificity and complexity of fruit–insect ecological interactions, and we summarize important considerations and questions for moving forward in this field.
Selection and Exploitation of Macro‐Vertebrate Resources During the Upper Palaeolithic in Northern Spain. New Evidence from Coímbre Cave (Peñamellera Alta, Asturias)
Authors: Yravedra José , Álvarez‐Alonso David , Estaca Verónica , López‐Cisneros Pablo , Andrés‐Chaín Mirian , Arrizabalaga Álvaro , Jordá Pardo Jesús F. , Elorza Mikel , Iriarte‐Chiapusso Maria‐Jose , Sesé Carmen , Uzquiano Paloma
Published: October 2017

The exploitation of ungulates in the Cantabrian region during the Upper Palaeolithic is characterized by the appearance of progressively specialized hunting strategies, especially during the Magdalenian. This specialization focused on either Iberian ibex or red deer, depending on environmental or topographic features. Red deer, for instance, was hunted mostly on the plains while ibex and/or chamois was hunted in rocky and mountainous areas. Here we present new zooarchaeological and taphonomic evidence from Coímbre cave (northern Spain), a site located in the rugged region between the Picos de Europa and Sierra del Cuera (Asturias) which has evidence for specialized ibex hunting. We discuss the possible reasons for such a selective hunting pattern. While the predominance of mountain species such as Iberian ibex or chamois in the Magdalenian levels suggests prey selection based on topographic or environmental criteria, the predominance of large bovids in the Gravettian level could imply that other alternatives were available. We also provide evidence of a pattern of rabbit exploitation which is unusual by comparison with other Upper Palaeolithic sites of northern Spain, and which taphonomic evidence suggests was due to human activity.
Fields, Ritual and Religion: Holistic Approaches to the Rural Landscape in Long‐Term Perspective (c.1500 BC–AD 1086)
Authors: Ten Harkel Letty , Franconi Tyler , Gosden Chris
Published: October 2017

This paper discusses the relationship between agricultural activity and ritualized/religious practices in England from the middle Bronze Age to the early medieval period (c.1500 BC–AD 1086). It is written in the context of the ERC‐funded, Oxford‐based ‘English Landscapes and Identities project’ (EngLaId), which involved the compilation of an extensive spatial database of archaeological ‘monuments’, finds and other related data to chart change and continuity during this period. Drawing on this database alongside documentary and onomastic evidence, we analyze the changing relationship between fields, ritual and religion in England. We identify four moments of change, around the start of the middle Bronze Age (c.1500 BC), in the late Bronze Age (c.1150 BC), the late Iron Age (c.150 BC) and the middle/late Anglo‐Saxon period (c.800 AD). However, despite changes in both agricultural and ritual/religious practices during this extensive timeframe, a clear link between them can be observed throughout.
Lung function improvement and airways inflammation reduction in asthmatic children after a rehabilitation program at moderate altitude
Authors: Bersuch Eugen , Gräf Florian , Renner Ellen D. , Jung Andreas , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Lauener Roger , Roduit Caroline
Published: October 2017

Background

Rehabilitational programs at moderate altitude (1500‐2500 m) showed improvement of lung function and reduction in airways inflammation in asthmatic adults. Allergen avoidance was postulated as the major cause of these improvements.

Methods

Spirometries of 344 and fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurements (FeNO) of 124 asthmatic children and adolescents, staying in a rehabilitation hospital in Davos (1590 m) with at least 14 days between admission and discharge, were analyzed in association with atopic sensitization (skin‐prick testing and/or specific IgE), level of asthma control, and inhalative corticosteroid (ICS) dose.

Results

Pulmonary conditions improved significantly on average during the sojourn. Uncontrolled asthmatics benefited most with an absolute increase in predicted FEV1, MEF25, and MEF75 of 7.7%, 9.9%, and 12.7%, respectively (P < .001). FeNO decreased by 36.9 ppb for uncontrolled, by 26.9 ppb for partly controlled, and by 11.8 ppb for controlled asthmatics. In uncontrolled subjects, pulmonary improvement was comparable between patients with and without house dust mites (HDM) sensitization. Pulmonary improvements of pollen‐sensitized patients were not dependent on the season of the sojourn. For the group with constant ICS level, the absolute increase in FEV1 was 4.9% (P < .001) with a FeNO decreased by 32.7 ppb (P < .001). When the ICS dose was elevated by one GINA level, the absolute increase in FEV1 was slightly higher (6.6%, P < .001), with a FeNO decrease of 31.4 ppb (P < .001).

Conclusion

Inpatient rehabilitation at moderate altitude improved pulmonary conditions in asthmatic children and adolescents independent of sensitization status to HDM or pollen. A positive effect was also observed in patients without change in medication.
Inflammatory bowel disease in chronic granulomatous disease: An emerging problem over a twenty years' experience
Authors: Angelino Giulia , De Angelis Paola , Faraci Simona , Rea Francesca , Romeo Erminia Francesca , Torroni Filippo , Tambucci Renato , Claps Alessia , Francalanci Paola , Chiriaco Maria , Di Matteo Gigliola , Cancrini Caterina , Palma Paolo , D'Argenio Patrizia , Dall'Oglio Luigi , Rossi Paolo , Finocchi Andrea
Published: October 2017

Background

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency of phagocytes, characterized by life‐threatening infections and hyperinflammation. Due to survival improvement, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming increasingly relevant. Here, we report our 20 year experience.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinic, endoscopic, and histologic features, as well as the management of CGD‐IBD patients referred to the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy.

Results

Of 20 patients with CGD, 9 presented with CGD‐IBD at diagnosis and/or during follow‐up. Symptoms occurred at a median age of 16 years (range 3.2‐42), with a median delay of 6 months for endoscopic confirmation. Patients mainly complained of nonspecific diarrhea (55%), with discrepancy between symptom paucity and severe endoscopic appearance, mainly represented by extensive colonic involvement (44%). Histology revealed at least 2 characteristic features (epithelioid granulomas, pigmented macrophages, and increased eosinophils) in 78% of patients. Eight of 9 patients received oral mesalamine, and 5 required systemic steroids. One patient received azathioprine due to steroid dependence. No patient required biological therapy or surgery. Clinical remission was obtained in all patients, but the majority complained of mild relapses. Two episodes of severe infection occurred early after steroid therapy.

Conclusions

Penetrance of CGD‐IBD increases with age. Clinical manifestations may be subtle, and clinicians should have a low threshold to recommend endoscopy. Treatment with NSAIDs and/or steroids achieves a good response, but relapses usually occur. Infection surveillance is mandatory during treatment, to prevent opportunistic infections. A close collaboration between pediatric immunologists and gastroenterologists is pivotal, including combined follow‐up.