bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-ideologies of Textuality: Authorship, Plagiarism, Copyright
Authors: Perlman Marc
Published: May 2019

Few manifestations of intertextuality are better known than plagiarism and copyright infringement, yet few have been less studied by linguistic anthropologists. A variety of textual ideologies of plagiarism and copyright are evident in English composition pedagogy and intellectual-property law, some more and some less author-centric or committed to the values of individuality and originality. The tension between them is articulated in sophisticated arguments, in the course of which the disputants draw explicit attention to the ideological character of the debate, giving it a reflexive, meta-ideological cast. These lay ascriptions of ideology play a wider variety of roles than do ascriptions by linguistic anthropologists—for example, to delegitimize expansive copyright jurisprudence, ward off plagiarism accusations, and rally support for the cultural commons. To facilitate the analysis, a cognitive account of language ideology is developed along with notions of accentuation, focalization, and peripheralization that can be of use in the study of language ideology more generally.
Atomic source selection in space-borne gravitational wave detection
Authors: Loriani S , Schlippert D , Schubert C , Abend S , Ahlers H , Ertmer W , Rudolph J , Hogan J M , Kasevich M A , Rasel E M , Gaaloul N
Published: May 2019

Recent proposals for space-borne gravitational wave detectors based on atom interferometry rely on extremely narrow single-photon transition lines as featured by alkaline-earth metals or atomic species with similar electronic configuration. Despite their similarity, these species differ in key parameters such as abundance of isotopes, atomic flux, density and temperature regimes, achievable expansion rates, density limitations set by interactions, as well as technological and operational requirements. In this study, we compare viable candidates for gravitational wave detection with atom interferometry, contrast the most promising atomic species, identify the relevant technological milestones and investigate potential source concepts towards a future gravitational wave detector in space.
Morphological Ossicles of Sea Cucumber Paracaudina australis from Kenjeran Waters, Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Widianingsih Widianingsih , Hartati Retno , Zainuri Muhammad , Anggoro Sutrisno , Kusumaningrum Hermin Pancasakti , Mahendrajaya Robertus Triaji
Published: May 2019

This research aims to study morphological ossicles of sea cucumber Paracaudina australis which belongs to Ordo Molpadida and Family Caudinidae. Samples P australis were taken randomly from the Kenjeran Waters, Surabaya. Samples P. australis were preserved by alchohol 96% for studying ossicles. According the research result, the types of ossicles in dorsal and ventral were dominated by button, rod and eyeglasses shape. In the dorsal tissue and ventral tissue, there are no rod shape bone. Calcarious ring of P. australis conssists of 16 radial shapes and 12 interradial shapes. Ossicles shapes in the anterior tissue are more variety than in the posterior tissue. Its conclude that the eyeglasses shape and number 8 shape are dominant in all of tissue P. autralis.
Rendezvous of a continuous low-thrust cubesat with a satellite*
Authors: El Mabsout Badaoui , Claudé Pierre , Dudeck Michel
Published: May 2019

We give in this paper a new method optimizing continuously the direction of a low continuous thrust to have rendezvous of a cubesat with a given satellite. We study the rendezvous of a cubesat B, with a satellite A, on an elliptic orbit around the Earth. The cubesat B, with 3 kg mass and low-thrust motor, is on a circular orbit around the Earth. The rendezvous is obtained by making the coincidence between the angular momentum vector and the eccentricity vector of B respectively with those of A, then by adjusting the position of B, at the initial instant of thrusting or by convenient choice of this instant. The thrust acceleration is supposed to be constant. The thrust is continuous and its direction is continuously oriented to optimize the time necessary to make the coincidence between the two orbits. A numerical application is given where A is the satellite ‘Almasat-1’.
A link between heritable parasite resistance and mate choice in dung beetles
Authors: Buzatto Bruno A , Kotiaho Janne S , Assis Larissa A F , Simmons Leigh W
Published: May 2019

Parasites play a central role in the adaptiveness of sexual reproduction. Sexual selection theory suggests a role for parasite resistance in the context of mate choice, but the evidence is mixed. The parasite-mediated sexual selection (PMSS) hypothesis derives a number of predictions, among which that resistance to parasites is heritable, and that female choice favors parasite resistance genes in males. Here, we tested the PMSS hypothesis using the dung beetle Onthophagus taurus, a species that can be heavily parasitized by Macrocheles merdarius mites, which are known to affect adult survival. We investigated the heritability of resistance to M. merdarius, as well as whether female O. taurus impose a mating bias against males susceptible to mite infestation. Female choice for parasite resistance is difficult to disentangle from the possibility that females are simply choosing less parasitized males due to naturally selected benefits of avoiding contracting those parasites. This is especially likely for ectoparasites, such as mites. We tackled this problem by performing a mate choice trial first, and then measuring a male’s resistance to mite infestation. Resistance to mite infestation exhibited significant levels of additive genetic variance. Although we found no relationship between mating success and parasite resistance, males with greater resistance to infestation mated for longer. If females control copula duration, given that short copulations often result in mating failure, female choice could act on parasite resistance.
Geographical variation in Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris L., 1758) mandibles and the issue of subspecies-level organization: a failure of history?
Authors: Marr Melissa M , MacLeod Norman
Published: May 2019

Sciurus vulgaris is a widespread, highly polytypic tree squirrel species, under which a large number of subspecies have been described. This study tests the robustness of the current subspecific classification by using geometric morphometrics to quantify morphological variation in mandible shape, along with canonical variates analysis to test hypotheses of morphological distinctiveness. Patterns of mandible allometry were examined in eight out of 16 currently recognized subspecies. The significance of the discriminate functions was tested statistically, and the iterative jackknife procedure was applied to evaluate stability of the subspecies-specific discriminant functions. Applying criteria that focus on shape diagnosability, rather than mean group differences, indicates that most regional subspecific groupings show intergradations and continuity in mandible shape and size and that allometric effects on mandible shape are negligible. Evidence of a distinct subspecies confined to the Iberian Peninsula (Sciurus vulgaris infuscatus) and a discrete group originating from an extinct, 19th century population in Dorset, UK were identified based on these mandibular data. All other regional subspecific groupings were not diagnosably different. These results suggest that most red squirrel subspecies might represent non-diagnosable morphological variants whose taxonomic validity seems doubtful. More generally, our results highlight the importance of applying objective, quantitative and reproducible criteria to the issue of subspecies delimitation.
Body mass index and body composition in relation to 14 cardiovascular conditions in UK Biobank: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Larsson Susanna C , Bäck Magnus , Rees Jessica M B , Mason Amy M , Burgess Stephen
Published: May 2019

Aims

The causal role of adiposity for several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is unclear. Our primary aim was to apply the Mendelian randomization design to investigate the associations of body mass index (BMI) with 13 CVDs and arterial hypertension. We also assessed the roles of fat mass and fat-free mass on the same outcomes.

Methods and results

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with BMI and fat mass and fat-free mass indices were used as instrumental variables to estimate the associations with the cardiovascular conditions among 367 703 UK Biobank participants. After correcting for multiple testing, genetically predicted BMI was significantly positively associated with eight outcomes, including and with decreasing magnitude of association: aortic valve stenosis, heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, arterial hypertension, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and pulmonary embolism. The odds ratio (OR) per 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI ranged from 1.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.11; P = 2.6 × 10−3] for pulmonary embolism to 1.13 (95% CI 1.05–1.21; P = 1.2 × 10−3) for aortic valve stenosis. There was suggestive evidence of positive associations of genetically predicted fat mass index with nine outcomes (P < 0.05). The strongest magnitude of association was with aortic valve stenosis (OR per 1 kg/m2 increase in fat mass index 1.46, 95% CI 1.13–1.88; P = 3.9 × 10−3). There was suggestive evidence of inverse associations of fat-free mass index with atrial fibrillation, ischaemic stroke, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that higher BMI and particularly fat mass index are associated with increased risk of aortic valve stenosis and most other cardiovascular conditions.
Extent and spatial distribution of left atrial arrhythmogenic sites, late gadolinium enhancement at magnetic resonance imaging, and low-voltage areas in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: comparison of imaging vs. electrical parameters of fibrosis and arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Chen Juan , Arentz Thomas , Cochet Hubert , Müller-Edenborn Björn , Kim Steven , Moreno-Weidmann Zoraida , Minners Jan , Kohl Peter , Lehrmann Heiko , Allgeier Juergen , Trenk Dietmar , Hocini Meleze , Jais Pierre , Haissaguerre Michel , Jadidi Amir
Published: May 2019

Aims

Atrial fibrosis contributes to arrhythmogenesis in atrial fibrillation and can be detected by MRI or electrophysiological mapping. The current study compares the spatial correlation between delayed enhancement (DE) areas to low-voltage areas (LVAs) and to arrhythmogenic areas with spatio-temporal dispersion (ST-Disp) or continuous activity (CA) in atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and results

Sixteen patients with persistent AF (nine long-standing) underwent DE-magnetic resonance imaging (1.25 mm × 1.25 mm × 2.5 mm) prior to pulmonary vein isolation. Left atrial (LA) voltage mapping was acquired in AF and the regional activation patterns of 7680 AF wavelets were analysed. Sites with ST-Disp or CA were characterized (voltage, duration) and their spatial relationship to DE areas and LVAs <0.5 mV was assessed. Delayed enhancement areas and LVAs covered 55% and 24% (P < 0.01) of total LA surface, respectively. Delayed enhancement area was present at 61% of LVAs, whereas low voltage was present at 28% of DE areas. Most DE areas (72%) overlapped with atrial high-voltage areas (>0.5 mV). Spatio-temporal dispersion and CA more frequently co-localized with LVAs than with DE areas (78% vs. 63%, P = 0.02). Regional bipolar voltage of ST-Disp vs. CA was 0.64 ± 0.47 mV vs. 0.58 ± 0.51 mV. All 28 ST-Disp and 56 CA areas contained electrograms with prolonged duration (115 ± 14 ms) displaying low voltage (0.34 ± 0.11 mV).

Conclusion

A small portion of DE areas and LVAs harbour the arrhythmogenic areas displaying ST-Disp or CA. Most arrhythmogenic activities co-localized with LVAs, while there was less co-localization with DE areas. There is an important mismatch between DE areas and LVAs which needs to be considered when used as target for catheter ablation.
Low Dose of Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside Alleviated Dextran Sulfate Sodium–Induced Colitis, Mediated by CD169+ Macrophage Pathway
Authors: Xia Yuan , Tian Ling-min , Liu Yu , Guo Kang-Shun , Lv Min , Li Qiu-Ting , Hao Sheng-Yu , Ma Chun-Hong , Chen Yao-Xing , Tanaka Masato , Bai Wei-bin , Qiu Chun-Hong
Published: May 2019

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of the intestinal tract in which excessive activation of inflammatory response is correlated. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, widely existing in fruits and vegetables. However, the role of C3G has rarely been investigated in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)–induced colitis.

Methods

In an attempt to elucidate the possible mechanism of IBD and develop new efficient therapeutic methods for colitis, we evaluated the effects of C3G on DSS-induced colitis. DSS-induced colitic C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneal injected with 1ug C3G or phosphate buffer every 2 days, a total of 3 times; the changes in macrophages and regular T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Cytokines and chemokines were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The results showed that C3G treatment did not cause changes in body weight and colon length as much as those of DSS-treated mice only. Cytokine expression levels such as interleukin (IL)- 6, IL-1β, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ (IFN γ) in colons and mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs) from C3G-treated mice were lower than those from colitic mice. Meanwhile, C3G injection inhibited the decrease in CCL22 levels and Tregs induction in colitic mice. Furthermore, the activation of macrophages by LPS and increase of CD169+ cells induced by type I IFN could be inhibited by C3G directly in vitro.

Conclusions

The study is the first to demonstrate strong effects of C3G to alleviate DSS-induced colonic damage in mice. The effect of C3G on DSS-induced colitis clearly showed a decrease of CD169+ macrophages in both the colon and mLNs. An increase of CD169+ cells induced by type I IFN could be inhibited by C3G. All these data suggest that the role of C3G in colitic inflammation was mediated at least partially by CD169+ cells and the type I IFN pathway.
Von Uexküll Revisited: Addressing Human Biases in the Study of Animal Perception
Authors: Caves Eleanor M , Nowicki Stephen , Johnsen Sönke
Published: May 2019

More than 100 years ago, the biologist Jakob von Uexküll suggested that, because sensory systems are diverse, animals likely inhabit different sensory worlds (umwelten) than we do. Since von Uexküll, work across sensory modalities has confirmed that animals sometimes perceive sensory information that humans cannot, and it is now well-established that one must account for this fact when studying an animal’s behavior. We are less adept, however, at recognizing cases in which non-human animals may not detect or perceive stimuli the same way we do, which is our focus here. In particular, we discuss three ways in which our own perception can result in misinformed hypotheses about the function of various stimuli. In particular, we may (1) make untested assumptions about how sensory information is perceived, based on how we perceive or measure it, (2) attribute undue significance to stimuli that we perceive as complex or striking, and (3) assume that animals divide the sensory world in the same way that we as scientists do. We discuss each of these biases and provide examples of cases where animals cannot perceive or are not attending to stimuli in the same way that we do, and how this may lead us to mistaken assumptions. Because what an animal perceives affects its behavior, we argue that these biases are especially important for researchers in sensory ecology, cognition, and animal behavior and communication to consider. We suggest that studying animal umwelten requires integrative approaches that combine knowledge of sensory physiology with behavioral assays.
Risk to Nonparticipants in HIV Remission Studies With Treatment Interruption: A Symposium
Authors: Eyal Nir , Deeks Steven G
Published: May 2019

Ethical guidelines and recommendations for human subjects research typically focus on protecting the individuals who directly participate in that research. However, additional people, including sex partners of research participants, can also face harms and burdens from medical studies. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cure–related research, a persistent ethical and practical challenge surrounds the use of analytical antiretroviral treatment interruptions. The challenge is usually discussed in relation to risks to study participants, but serious dangers accrue to nonparticipants, including sex partners of study participants. This multidisciplinary supplement relays the risks for nonparticipating sex partners in HIV cure–related studies and addresses the ethical dilemmas raised by these studies, with recommendations for researchers, advocates, sponsors, and oversight bodies.
The importance of health insurance claims data in creating learning health systems: evaluating care for high-need high-cost patients using the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORNet)
Authors: Smith Maureen A , Vaughan-Sarrazin Mary S , Yu Menggang , Wang Xinyi , Nordby Peter A , Vogeli Christine , Jaffery Jonathan , Metlay Joshua P
Published: May 2019

Objective

Case management programs for high-need high-cost patients are spreading rapidly among health systems. PCORNet has substantial potential to support learning health systems in rapidly evaluating these programs, but access to complete patient data on health care utilization is limited as PCORNet is based on electronic health records not health insurance claims data. Because matching cases to comparison patients on baseline utilization is often a critical component of high-quality observational comparative effectiveness research for high-need high-cost patients, limited access to claims may negatively affect the quality of the matching process. We sought to determine whether the evaluation of programs for high-need high-cost patients required claims data to match cases to comparison patients.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study design with multiple measures of before-and-after health care utilization for 1935 case management patients and 3833 matched comparison patients aged 18 years and older from 2011 to 2015. EHR and claims data were extracted from 3 health systems participating in PCORNet.

Results

Without matching on claims-based health care utilization, the case management programs at 2 of 3 health systems were associated with fewer hospital admissions and emergency visits over the subsequent 12 months. With matching on claims-based health care utilization, case management was no longer associated with admissions and emergency visits at those 2 programs.

Discussion

The results of a PCORNet-facilitated evaluation of 3 programs for high-need high-cost patients differed substantially depending on whether claims data were available for matching cases to comparison patients.

Conclusions

Partnering with learning health systems to rapidly evaluate programs for high-need high-cost patients will require that PCORNet facilitates comprehensive and timely access to both electronic health records and health insurance claims data.
miR-146a and miR-196a-2 genes polymorphisms and its circulating levels in lung cancer patients
Authors: Mohamed Randa H , Pasha Heba F , Gad Doaa M , Toam Mostafa M
Published: May 2019

Recently, MicroRNAs polymorphisms and their serum expression have been linked to increase risk of various cancers. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of miR-146a and miR-196a-2 and their serum expression and lung cancer risk. One hundred and twenty lung cancer patients and 120 health controls were included in this study. Genotyping and expression for miR-146a and miR-196a-2 were performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism and quantitative real-time PCR. Individuals carrying miR-146a CG and CC genotypes had significantly increased risk for lung cancer than those carrying miR-146a GG genotype. MiR-146a expression significantly decreased in miR-146a CG and CC genotypes carriers as compared with GG genotype carriers. MiR-196a-2 CT and TT genotypes were significantly associated with increased lung cancer while the highest expression of MiR-196a-2 was detected in miR-196a-2 CC genotype carriers. Serum miR-146a was significantly decreased in lung cancer patients while serum miR-196a-2 expression was significantly increased in lung cancer patients. In conclusion, miR-146a and miR-196a-2 genes polymorphisms and their circulating levels were associated with lung cancer risk in Egyptians and may be helpful in early detection of lung cancer.
Minimally Important Differences for Interpreting EORTC QLQ-C30 Scores in Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Musoro Jammbe Z , Coens Corneel , Fiteni Frederic , Katarzyna Pogoda , Cardoso Fatima , Russell Nicola S , King Madeleine T , Cocks Kim , Sprangers Mirjam Ag , Groenvold Mogens , Velikova Galina , Flechtner Hans-Henning , Bottomley Andrew ,   EORTC Breast and Quality of Life Groups
Published: May 2019

Background

We aimed to estimate the minimally important difference (MID) for interpreting group-level change over time, both within a group and between groups, for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) scores in patients with advanced breast cancer.

Methods

Data were derived from two published EORTC trials. Clinical anchors (eg, performance status [PS]) were selected using correlation strength and clinical plausibility of their association with a particular QLQ-C30 scale. Three change status groups were formed: deteriorated by one anchor category, improved by one anchor category, and no change. Patients with greater anchor changes were excluded. The mean change method was used to estimate MIDs for within-group change, and linear regression was used to estimate MIDs for between-group differences in change over time. For a given QLQ-C30 scale, MID estimates from multiple anchors were triangulated to a single value via a correlation-based weighted average.

Results

MIDs varied by QLQ-C30 scale, direction (improvement vs deterioration), and anchor. MIDs for within-group change ranged from 5 to 14 points (improvement) and −14 to −4 points (deterioration), and MIDs for between-group change over time ranged from 4 to 11 points and from −18 to −4 points. Correlation-weighted MIDs for most QLQ-C30 scales ranged from 4 to 10 points in absolute values.

Conclusions

Our findings aid interpretation of changes in EORTC QLQ-C30 scores over time, both within and between groups, and for performing more accurate sample size calculations for clinical trials in advanced breast cancer.
Long-term variability of Swift J1753.5−0127: X-ray spectral–temporal correlations during state transitions
Authors: Bu Qingcui , Tao Lian , Lu Yu , Zhang Shuangnan , Zhang Liang , Huang Yue , Chen Li , Qu Jinlu , Ma Xiang
Published: May 2019

We studied the long-term evolution of the spectral–temporal correlated properties of the black hole candidate Swift J1753.5−0127 from the onset of its outburst until 2011 with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). The source stayed most of its lifetime during hard state, with occasionally transitioned to the hard intermediate state. Similar to typical black hole transients, Swift J1753.5−0127 traces a clear hard line in absolute rms–intensity diagram during the low hard state, with expected highest absolute rms, while shows a clear turn during the hard intermediate state, accompanied by lower absolute rms. Different from Cyg X-1, we found that frequency-dependent time lag increased significantly in the 0.02–3.2 Hz band during state transition in this source. The X-ray time lags in 0.02–3.2 Hz can therefore be used as indicators of state transition in this source. Type-C quasi-periodic oscillation frequency is positively related with its fractional rms and X-ray photon index, suggesting a moving inwards disc/corona scenario. We discussed the physical interpretation of our results in this paper.
BEERE: a web server for biomedical entity expansion, ranking and explorations
Authors: Yue Zongliang , Willey Christopher D , Hjelmeland Anita B , Chen Jake Y
Published: May 2019

BEERE (Biomedical Entity Expansion, Ranking and Explorations) is a new web-based data analysis tool to help biomedical researchers characterize any input list of genes/proteins, biomedical terms or their combinations, i.e. ‘biomedical entities’, in the context of existing literature. Specifically, BEERE first aims to help users examine the credibility of known entity-to-entity associative or semantic relationships supported by database or literature references from the user input of a gene/term list. Then, it will help users uncover the relative importance of each entity—a gene or a term—within the user input by computing the ranking scores of all entities. At last, it will help users hypothesize new gene functions or genotype–phenotype associations by an interactive visual interface of constructed global entity relationship network. The output from BEERE includes: a list of the original entities matched with known relationships in databases; any expanded entities that may be generated from the analysis; the ranks and ranking scores reported with statistical significance for each entity; and an interactive graphical display of the gene or term network within data provenance annotations that link to external data sources. The web server is free and open to all users with no login requirement and can be accessed at http://discovery.informatics.uab.edu/beere/.
APERO: a genome-wide approach for identifying bacterial small RNAs from RNA-Seq data
Authors: Leonard Simon , Meyer Sam , Lacour Stephan , Nasser William , Hommais Florence , Reverchon Sylvie
Published: May 2019

Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) regulate numerous cellular processes in all domains of life. Several approaches have been developed to identify them from RNA-seq data, which are efficient for eukaryotic sRNAs but remain inaccurate for the longer and highly structured bacterial sRNAs. We present APERO, a new algorithm to detect small transcripts from paired-end bacterial RNA-seq data. In contrast to previous approaches that start from the read coverage distribution, APERO analyzes boundaries of individual sequenced fragments to infer the 5′ and 3′ ends of all transcripts. Since sRNAs are about the same size as individual fragments (50–350 nucleotides), this algorithm provides a significantly higher accuracy and robustness, e.g., with respect to spontaneous internal breaking sites. To demonstrate this improvement, we develop a comparative assessment on datasets from Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica, based on experimentally validated sRNAs. We also identify the small transcript repertoire of Dickeya dadantii including putative intergenic RNAs, 5′ UTR or 3′ UTR-derived RNA products and antisense RNAs. Comparisons to annotations as well as RACE-PCR experimental data confirm the precision of the detected transcripts. Altogether, APERO outperforms all existing methods in terms of sRNA detection and boundary precision, which is crucial for comprehensive genome annotations. It is freely available as an open source R package on https://github.com/Simon-Leonard/APERO
Regulatory/inflammatory cellular response discrimination in operational tolerance
Authors: Carmona Priscila , Medina-Armenteros Yordanka , Cabral Amanda , Monteiro Sandra Maria , Gonçalves Fonseca Simone , Faria Ana Caetano , Lemos Francine , Saitovitch David , Noronha Irene L , Kalil Jorge , Coelho Verônica
Published: May 2019

Background

Antigen-specific cellular response is essential in immune tolerance. We tested whether antigen-specific cellular response is differentially modulated in operational tolerance (OT) in renal transplantation with respect to critical antigenic challenges in allotransplantation—donor antigens, pathogenic antigens and self-antigens.

Methods

We analysed the profile of immunoregulatory (REG) and pro-inflammatory (INFLAMMA) cytokines for the antigen-specific response directed to these three antigen groups, by Luminex.

Results

We showed that, in contrast to chronic rejection and healthy individuals, OT gives rise to an immunoregulatory deviation in the cellular response to donor human leucocyte antigen DR isotype peptides, while preserving the pro-inflammatory response to pathogenic peptides. Cellular autoreactivity to the N6 heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) peptide also showed a REG profile in OT, increasing IL4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13.

Conclusions

The REG shift of donor indirect alloreactivity in OT, with inhibition of interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, Interferon-γ and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, indicates that this may be an important mechanism in OT. In addition, the differential REG profile of cellular response to the Hsp60 peptide in OT suggests that REG autoimmunity may also play a role in human transplantation tolerance. Despite cross-reactivity of antigen-specific T cell responses, a systemic functional antigen-specific discrimination takes place in OT.
Cannabis Use Is Associated With Increased Risk of Cigarette Smoking Initiation, Persistence, and Relapse Among Adults in the United States
Authors: Weinberger Andrea H , Delnevo Cristine D , Wyka Katarzyna , Gbedemah Misato , Lee Joun , Copeland Jan , Goodwin Renee D
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Despite increasing use of cannabis, it is unclear how cannabis use is related to cigarette transitions. This study examined cannabis use and smoking initiation, persistence, and relapse over 1 year among a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Methods

Data were from US adults (≥18 years) who completed two waves of longitudinal data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study (Wave 1, 2013–2014; Wave 2, 2014–2015; n = 26 341). Logistic regression models were used to calculate the risk of Wave 2 incident smoking among Wave 1 never-smokers, smoking cessation among Wave 1 smokers, and smoking relapse among Wave 1 former smokers by Wave 1 cannabis use. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, and education.

Results

Among Wave 1 never-smokers, cannabis use was associated with increased odds of initiation of nondaily (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.50, 95% confidence limits [CL] = 4.02–7.55) and daily cigarette smoking (AOR = 6.70, 95% CL = 4.75–9.46) 1 year later. Among Wave 1 daily smokers, cannabis use was associated with reduced odds of smoking cessation (AOR = 0.36, 95% CL = 0.20–0.65). Among Wave 1 former smokers, cannabis use was associated with increased odds of relapse to daily and nondaily cigarette smoking (daily AOR = 1.90, 95% CL = 1.11–3.26; nondaily AOR = 2.33, 95% CL = 1.61–3.39).

Conclusions

Cannabis use was associated with increased cigarette smoking initiation, decreased smoking cessation, and increased smoking relapse among adults in the United States. Increased public education about the relationship between cannabis use and cigarette smoking transitions may be needed as cannabis use becomes more common among US adults.

Implications

As cannabis use increases in the United States and other countries, an evaluation of the relationships of cannabis use to other health-related behaviors (eg, cigarette smoking) is needed to understand the population-level impact of legalization. Little is known about associations between cannabis use and cigarette smoking transitions (1) using recent longitudinal data, (2) among adults, and (3) examining transitions other than smoking initiation (eg, smoking relapse). Our results suggest that among US adults, cannabis use was associated with increased cigarette smoking initiation among never-smokers, decreased cigarette smoking cessation among current smokers, and increased cigarette smoking relapse among former smokers.
Evaluating current definitions of low disease activity in psoriatic arthritis using ultrasound
Authors: Bosch Philipp , Husic Rusmir , Ficjan Anja , Gretler Judith , Lackner Angelika , Graninger Winfried B , Duftner Christina , Hermann Josef , Dejaco Christian
Published: May 2019

Objective

To evaluate low disease activity (LDA) cut-offs in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) using ultrasound.

Methods

Eighty-three PsA patients underwent clinical and ultrasound examinations at two visits. LDA was assessed using the Disease Activity index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA ⩽ 14), the Psoriatic ArthritiS Disease Activity Score (PASDAS ⩽ 3.2), the Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index ⩽ 4, the DAS28-CRP ⩽ 2.8 and the minimal disease activity criteria. Ultrasound was performed at 68 joints and 14 entheses. Minimal ultrasound disease activity (MUDA-j/e) was defined as a Power Doppler score ⩽ 1, respectively at joints, paratendinous tissue, tendons and entheses. A global ultrasound score was calculated by summing Grey Scale and Power Doppler information (GUIS-j/e).

Results

LDA was present in 33.7–65.0% at baseline and in 44.3–80.6% at follow-up, depending on the criteria used. MUDA-j/e was observed in 16.9% at baseline and in 30% at follow-up. GUIS-j/e was significantly higher in patients with moderate/high disease activity vs LDA according to DAPSA and PASDAS at baseline and DAPSA, PASDAS, Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index and minimal disease activity at follow-up. Patients in moderate/high disease activity had MUDA-j/e in 8.1–21.4% at baseline and in 8.3–20.0% at follow-up, depending on the applied clinical composite. MUDA-j/e patients with moderate/high disease activity had higher levels of pain and pain-related items than those with LDA.

Conclusion

The LDA cut-offs of DAPSA, PASDAS, Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index, minimal disease activity, but not DAS28-CRP are capable of distinguishing between high and low ultrasound activity. Pain and pain-related items are the main reason why PsA patients without signs of ultrasound inflammation are classified with higher disease activity.
Spinal-pelvic orientation: potential effect on the diagnosis of spondyloarthritis
Authors: Carvajal Alegria Guillermo , Deloire Lucile , Herbette Marion , Garrigues Florent , Gossec Laure , Simon Alexandre , Feydy Antoine , Reijnierse Monique , van der Heijde Désirée , Loeuille Damien , Claudepierre Pascal , Marhadour Thierry , Saraux Alain
Published: May 2019

Objective

To assess associations of spinal-pelvic orientation with clinical and imaging-study findings suggesting axial SpA (axSpA) in patients with recent-onset inflammatory back pain.

Methods

Spinal-pelvic orientation was assessed in DESIR cohort patients with recent-onset inflammatory back pain and suspected axSpA, by using lateral lumbar-spine radiographs to categorize sacral horizontal angle (<40° vs ⩾40°), lumbosacral angle (<15° vs ⩾15°) and lumbar lordosis (LL, <50° vs ⩾50°). Associations between these angle groups and variables collected at baseline and 2 years later were assessed using the χ2 test (or Fisher's exact) and the Mann–Whitney test. With Bonferroni’s correction, P < 0.001 indicated significant differences.

Results

Of 362 patients, 358, 356 and 357 had available sacral horizontal angle, lumbosacral angle and LL values, respectively; means were 39.3°, 14.6° and 53.0°, respectively. The prevalence of sacroiliitis on both radiographs and MRI was higher in the LL < 50° group than in the LL ⩾50° group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Clinical presentation and confidence in a diagnosis of axSpA did not differ across angle groups. No significant differences were identified for degenerative changes according to sacral horizontal angle, lumbosacral angle or LL.

Conclusion

Spinal-pelvic balance was not statistically associated with the clinical or imaging-study findings suggesting axSpA in patients with recent-onset inflammatory back pain.
The association of insomnia and sleep apnea with deployment and combat exposure in the entire population of US army soldiers from 1997 to 2011: a retrospective cohort investigation
Authors: Caldwell John A , Knapik Joseph J , Shing Tracie L , Kardouni Joseph R , Lieberman Harris R
Published: May 2019

Since 2001, the United States has been engaged in the longest and most expensive overseas conflict in its history. Sleep disorders, especially insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are common in service members and appear related to deployment and combat exposure, but this has not been systematically examined. Therefore, the incidence of clinically diagnosed insomnia and OSA from 1997 to 2011 in the entire population of US Army soldiers was determined and associations of these disorders with deployment and combat exposure examined. This observational retrospective cohort study linked medical, demographic, deployment, and combat casualty data from all active duty US Army soldiers serving from 1997 to 2011 (n = 1 357 150). The mediating effects of multiple known comorbid conditions were considered. From 2003 to 2011, there were extraordinary increases in incidence of insomnia (652%) and OSA (600%). Factors increasing insomnia risk were deployment (risk ratio [RR] [deployed/not deployed] = 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04–2.08) and combat exposure (RR [exposed/not exposed] = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.19–1.22). Risk of OSA was increased by deployment (RR [deployed/not deployed] = 2.14; 95% CI, 2.11–2.17), but not combat exposure (RR [exposed/not exposed] = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98–1.02). These relationships remained after accounting for other factors in multivariable analyses. A number of comorbid medical conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury mediated a portion of the association between the sleep disorders and deployment. It is essential to determine underlying mechanisms responsible for these very large increases in insomnia and OSA and introduce effective preventive measures.
Opioid Prescribing In-Hospital: Time for Innovative Approaches to Help Combat the Opioid Crisis
Authors: Parmar Gurjit , Ti Lianping , Nolan Seonaid
Published: May 2019

Inappropriate opioid prescribing has been well recognized as a major contributor to North America's current opioid epidemic. Despite this, hospitals have largely been overlooked as a potential setting responsible for the development and management of opioid use disorder. This commentary examines acute care settings as a risk environment associated with opioid use disorder and discusses several innovative strategies to address existing challenges in hospital environments.

La prescription d’opioïdes inappropriés a été largement reconnue comme étant l’une des principales causes de l’épidémie actuelle d’opioïdes en Amérique du Nord. Malgré cela, les hôpitaux ont été largement négligés en tant que cadre potentiel responsable du développement et de la gestion du trouble de l’usage des opioïdes (TLUO). Ce commentaire examine les établissements de soins de courte durée en tant qu’environnement de risque associé aux TLUO et examine plusieurs stratégies novatrices pour relever les défis existants en milieu hospitalier.
Morphologic Forms and Classification of Dermal Mitotic Figure Density in Primary Cutaneous Melanoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Marsch Amanda F. , McKee Ryan M. , Hinds Brian R.
Published: May 2019

New American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition staging parameters have removed mitotic rate as a stage T1 category criterion, but it remains embedded in the synopsis of primary cutaneous melanoma (CM). A paucity of data is available, characterizing atypical mitotic forms in CM. In this study, we classify the various morphologic forms of atypical mitoses, characterize mitotic figure density, and examine the correlation between atypical mitotic figures and Breslow depth. We performed a retrospective study of 185 thick (>0.8 mm) and thin (<0.8 mm) CM specimens. Metaphase mitotic figures represented the highest percentage of total mitotic figures in cases of thick melanoma (40%) and were the second most common in thin melanoma (18%). The average Breslow depth for melanoma harboring starburst mitoses was 2.85 mm, compared with the average Breslow depth of all thick melanoma cases, 1.88 mm. The average thickness of melanoma cases containing tripolar mitoses was 2.28 mm. Breslow depth correlated with the number of atypical mitotic figures in both thick and thin melanomas (the Pearson correlation test, r = +0.18,P< 0.01). Metaphase and prophase mitoses are a common finding in both thick and thin melanomas. Although atypical mitoses were indiscriminate, starburst and tripolar (ie, multipolar) mitoses were only inherent to cases of thick melanoma (stage T3). In sum, our study reveals a parallel relationship between the density of atypical mitotic figures and Breslow depth.
Suicide Attempt Resiliency in American Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo Youth in New Mexico
Authors: Fullerton Lynne , FitzGerald Courtney A. , Hall Meryn E. , Green Dan , DeBruyn Lemyra M. , Peñaloza Linda J.
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study was to identify whether positive relationships with adults at home, school, and in the community are protective for suicide among American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic, and Anglo adolescents. Using data from the New Mexico version of the 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey, we found that positive relationships with adults affected past-year suicide attempts differently in youth from the 3 groups. The final multivariable model for American Indian/Alaska Native youth included only positive relationships with adults in the home. Among Hispanic and Anglo youth, adults in the home and also in the community were protective.
Correlates Associated With Willingness to Start Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) in Jackson, Mississippi
Authors: Ward Lori M. , Bruce Marino A. , Thorpe Roland J. , Mena Leandro , Nunn Amy , Crosby Richard
Published: May 2019

Black men who have sex with men have the greatest risk for human immunodeficiency virus infection. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective prevention method. However, uptake in this group is extremely low. Data from a sample of 225 human immunodeficiency virus–negative young black men who have sex with men residing in Jackson, Mississippi, were analyzed to examine correlates associated with willingness to start PrEP. Consistent condom users for both insertive and receptive sex were more likely to be willing to start PrEP than inconsistent condom users. Heterogeneity among this high-risk population is an important consideration for future studies assessing PrEP uptake and evaluating prevention efforts.
Chronic Stress and Food Insecurity
Authors: Distel Laura M. L. , Egbert Amy H. , Bohnert Amy M. , Santiago Catherine DeCarlo
Published: May 2019

Low-income children of Mexican immigrants are at high risk for obesity. Drawing on a sample of 104 Mexican American children (Mage= 8.39 years; 61% female), this longitudinal study considered relations between food insecurity and chronic stress (ie, parent report and hair cortisol measurement) on body mass index (BMI) and examined whether stress moderated associations between food insecurity and BMI. Analyses revealed that undocumented status was associated with food insecurity and chronic stress but not when accounting for poverty. Food insecurity was only associated with higher BMI for children with the highest hair cortisol. Results suggest that chronic stress may impact body weight among food-insecure children.
Colorectal Cancer Screening in African American HOPE VI Public Housing Residents
Authors: Stone Ramona , Stone Jeffrey D. , Collins Tom , Barletta-Sherwin Elyse , Martin Olivia , Crosby Richard
Published: May 2019

This study explores whether colorectal cancer screening outreach via home visits and follow-up calls is effective among public housing African American residents. It reports on the proportion of returned Fecal Immunochemical Test kits, on the characteristics of study participants, and on their primary reasons for returning the kit. By conducting home visits and follow-up calls, our colorectal cancer–screening outreach resulted in a higher Fecal Immunochemical Test kit return rate than anticipated. Findings suggest that a more personalized outreach approach can yield higher colorectal cancer–screening rates among urban minority populations, which are at higher risk to be diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer.
Are We Prepared for the Inevitable? A Survey on Defining and Managing Failure in Face Transplantation
Authors: Lee Z-Hye , Lopez Christopher D. , Plana Natalie M. , Caplan Arthur L. , Rodriguez Eduardo D.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Facial transplantation (FT) experience has grown but success in this innovative and complex field has yet to be defined. The purpose of this study is to determine attitudes regarding the failures in FT and the appropriate management of these failures.

Methods:

An anonymous, 20-question survey elicited opinions regarding FT failure management. This survey was administered to attendees of 2 FT-focused national meetings. Demographics included sex, age, and personal/institutional FT experience. Attitudes related to FT recipient education, definition of FT failure, and management of complications were gathered.

Results:

Eighty of 271 attendees completed the survey (29.5%). Respondents were predominantly male (81.3%) and 50 years of age or younger (80.5%). Thirty-eight percentage previously performed an FT and 53.8% were a part of an institution with a vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA)-related Institutional Review Board (IRB). Respondents almost unanimously agreed it was “absolutely essential” to discuss possibility of FT failure (93.8%), mortality (91.1%), and treatment for chronic rejection (78.8%). However, uncertainty of failure rate existed, with 56.4% citing failure rate as unknown, 25.6% citing <25% and 18.0% citing >25%. 51.2% of those with direct FT experience lacked clear criteria for defining FT success or an institutional protocol for managing chronic rejection. 78.8% believed failed FT patients should be considered for retransplantation, but only about 25% cited functional concerns or esthetic dissatisfaction as appropriate indications.

Conclusion:

There is a lack of consensus regarding definition of FT failure and rates mortality amongst experts. Even institutions with FT experience lack protocols for managing chronic rejection. Expert consensus and institutional regulations surrounding these issues are warranted.
The Single Incision Minimally Invasive (SIMI) Neck Lift
Authors: Kaplan Jonathan L.
Published: May 2019

Background:

With the increased focus on the neck and chin in the era of selfies and social media, neck contouring continues to be an in-demand procedure. Full correction of the neck typically requires both submental and postauricular incisions, but the postauricular incisions can be unsightly and painful. This article introduces a viable alternative for the patient.

Methods:

A case series of appropriate candidates undergoing a novel neck lift technique (the single incision minimally invasive neck lift) is described. Participants include men and women with an age range of 30–70. The surgical technique incorporates shifting of the typical submental incision used in a full neck lift to a cervicomental incision, and when accompanied by wide undermining, the postauricular incisions are avoided entirely.

Results:

Among the 20 patients in this case study, photographs show that it is possible to achieve results commonly associated with a full neck lift but without the postauricular incisions typically associated with a full neck lift.

Conclusions:

The single incision minimally invasive neck lift allows the surgeon to offer an effective procedure for appropriate candidates who want to treat excess fat, a sagging platysma muscle and loose, misplaced skin in the submental region without postauricular incisions typically utilized in a traditional full neck lift.