bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cut‐point for Ki‐67 proliferation index as a prognostic marker for glioblastoma
Authors: Wong Eugene , Nahar Najmun , Hau Eric , Varikatt Winny , Gebski Val , Ng Thomas , Jayamohan Jayasingham , Sundaresan Puma
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Ki‐67 proliferation index (Ki‐67 index) is used to quantify cell proliferation during histopathological assessment of various tumors including glioblastoma (GB).

Aim

We aimed to assess correlation between Ki‐67 index and overall survival in patients with GB and determine a cut‐point for Ki‐67 index that predicts for poorer survival.

Method

Records of adult patients diagnosed with GB on histopathological specimens at a tertiary cancer center in Sydney between 1 January 2002 and 30 July 2012 were retrieved. Specimens of these patients were examined for quantification of Ki‐67 staining by two independent pathologists. Patient, disease, treatment, and survival data were collected from hospital and cancer care service records. Statistical analysis was performed using proportional hazards models, Kaplan–Meier curves, and the minimum P‐value approach.

Result

Of the eligible 71 patients, 58% were males with median age of 58 (range 18–87). Seventy‐three percent of patients were of ECOG performance status 0–1. There was a statistically significant correlation between Ki‐67 index and overall survival. In patients with Ki‐67 > 22% (n = 36), 5‐year survival was approximately 30% compared to 5% in those with Ki‐67 ≤ 22% (n = 35; log‐rank P‐value = 0.04; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.53; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.29–0.97).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a positive correlation between Ki‐67 index and overall survival in patients with GB. Percentage staining of Ki‐67 < 22% appears to predict for poorer survival in GB.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis using mobile technology with real‐world data: The MASK observational pilot study
Authors: Bousquet J. , Devillier P. , Arnavielhe S. , Bedbrook A. , Alexis‐Alexandre G. , van Eerd M. , Murray R. , Canonica G. W. , Illario M. , Menditto E. , Passalacqua G. , Stellato C. , Triggiani M. , Carreiro‐Martins P. , Fonseca J. , Morais Almeida M. , Nogueira‐Silva L. , Pereira A. M. , Todo Bom A. , Bosse I. , Caimmi D. , Demoly P. , Fontaine J. F. , Just J. , Onorato G. L. , Kowalski M. L. , Kuna P. , Samolinski B. , Anto J. M. , Mullol J. , Valero A. , Tomazic P. V. , Bergmann K. C. , Keil T. , Klimek L. , Mösges R. , Shamai S. , Zuberbier T. , Murphy E. , McDowall P. , Price D. , Ryan D. , Sheikh A. , Chavannes N. H. , Fokkens W. J. , Kvedariene V. , Valiulis A. , Bachert C. , Hellings P. W. , Kull I. , Melen E. , Wickman M. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Eller E. , Haahtela T. , Papadopoulos N. G. , Annesi‐Maesano I. , Bewick M. , Bosnic‐Anticevich S. , Cruz A. A. , De Vries G. , Gemicioglu B. , Larenas‐Linnemann D. , Laune D. , Mathieu‐Dupas E. , O'Hehir R. E. , Pfaar O. , Portejoie F. , Siroux V. , Spranger O. , Valovirta E. , VandenPlas O. , Yorgancioglu A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Large observational implementation studies are needed to triangulate the findings from randomized control trials as they reflect “real‐world” everyday practice. In a pilot study, we attempted to provide additional and complementary insights on the real‐life treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) using mobile technology.

Methods

A mobile phone app (Allergy Diary, freely available in Google Play and Apple App stores) collects the data of daily visual analog scales (VAS) for (i) overall allergic symptoms, (ii) nasal, ocular, and asthma symptoms, (iii) work, as well as (iv) medication use using a treatment scroll list including all medications (prescribed and over the counter (OTC)) for rhinitis customized for 15 countries.

Results

A total of 2871 users filled in 17 091 days of VAS in 2015 and 2016. Medications were reported for 9634 days. The assessment of days appeared to be more informative than the course of the treatment as, in real life, patients do not necessarily use treatment on a daily basis; rather, they appear to increase treatment use with the loss of symptom control. The Allergy Diary allowed differentiation between treatments within or between classes (intranasal corticosteroid use containing medications and oral H1‐antihistamines). The control of days differed between no [best control], single, or multiple treatments (worst control).

Conclusions

This study confirms the usefulness of the Allergy Diary in accessing and assessing everyday use and practice in AR. This pilot observational study uses a very simple assessment (VAS) on a mobile phone, shows novel findings, and generates new hypotheses.
Nestin expression in primary and metastatic uveal melanoma – possible biomarker for high‐risk uveal melanoma
Authors: Djirackor Luna , Shakir Dilem , Kalirai Helen , Petrovski Goran , Coupland Sarah E.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Nestin, a member of the intermediate filament protein family, has been described as a putative cancer stem cell marker (CSC) in uveal melanoma and poor prognostic factor in a variety of tumours, including cutaneous melanoma. In this study, we examined the expression of nestin in primary (PUM) and metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) samples, and correlated the findings with histological, clinical and survival data.

Methods

Nestin expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 141 PUM and 26 MUM samples; 11 PUM cases were matched with their corresponding metastases. The percentage of tumour cells expressing nestin was scored by three independent observers. Statistical analysis of all data was performed with SPSS.

Results

Nestin expression was identified in both the cytoplasm and membrane of UM cells. Increased expression of nestin in PUM samples was associated with known poor prognostic parameters, including epithelioid cell morphology (p < 0.001), closed loops (p = 0.001), higher mitotic count (p < 0.001), monosomy 3 (p = 0.007) and chromosome 8q gain (p < 0.001). Primary uveal melanoma (PUM) with nestin expression levels above a cut‐off value of 10% [as determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis] was associated with a significantly reduced survival time (Log‐rank, p = 0.002). In MUM, a higher percentage of nestin‐positive tumour cells combined with poor prognostic markers in the PUM led to a shorter survival time following the development of metastases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, increased nestin expression in PUM is a predictor of a tumour phenotype associated with metastatic progression and reduced survival time at onset of metastasis.
Conservative therapy for chalazia: is it really effective?
Authors: Wu Albert Y , Gervasio Kalla A , Gergoudis Kellie N , Wei Chen , Oestreicher James H , Harvey John T
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To assess the within‐treatment efficacy of hot compresses (HC), HC plus tobramycin (Tobrex) and HC plus tobramycin/dexamethasone (Tobradex) for chalazia treatment.

Methods

Design: Multicentre, randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01230593). Setting: Two clinical sites in New York and two clinical sites in Ontario. Study Population: A total of 149 patients with one or more chalazia on separate eyelids randomly assigned to receive HC (n = 50), HC plus tobramycin (n = 50) or HC plus tobramycin/dexamethasone (n = 49). Intervention: 4–6 weeks of assigned treatment. Patients were measured for chalazion horizontal width and surveyed for pain and treatment satisfaction levels. Main outcome measures: Primary outcome was complete resolution (100% size reduction). Secondary outcomes were size change in millimetres and patient reported pre‐ and post‐treatment pain and satisfaction levels.

Results

In the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) population, complete resolution occurred in 36 (18%) lesions total, 13 (21%) treated with HC, 12 (16%) with HC plus tobramycin and 11 (18%) with HC plus tobramycin/dexamethasone, with no significant difference between them (p = .78). Individually by paired t‐test, there were statistically significant post‐treatment mean size differences: HC 1.20 mm (p < 0.001), HC plus tobramycin 1.69 mm (p < .001) and HC plus tobramycin/dexamethasone 1.54 mm (p < 0.001), but no significant difference between them (p = .61). Lesions that completely resolved had a statistically significant lower pretreatment duration (1.5 months) compared to lesions that did not completely resolve (2.2 months) (p = .04).

Conclusion

Hot compresses (HC) alone or in combination with tobramycin or tobramycin/dexamethasone drops and ointment are all effective first‐line treatment options for chalazia. However, physicians may consider moving directly to the use of more invasive therapies, such as incision and curettage or steroid injections, for chalazia that have been present for more than 2 months, as older lesions are less likely to resolve with conservative therapies alone.
Pimasertib‐associated ophthalmological adverse events
Authors: van Dijk Elon H.C. , Kruit Wim H.J. , Jager Martine J. , Luyten Gregorius P.M. , Vingerling Johannes R. , Boon Camiel J.F.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To analyse ophthalmological adverse events associated with mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibition with pimasertib treatment for metastatic cutaneous melanoma (CM).

Methods

In this prospective observational, cohort‐based, cross‐sectional study, eight patients treated with the MEK inhibitor pimasertib received a complete ophthalmic examination. This included Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study best‐corrected visual acuity, visual field testing, colour vision testing, slit‐lamp examination, applanation tonometry, indirect ophthalmoscopy, digital colour fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). In selected cases, fluorescein angiography was performed.

Results

Serous subretinal fluid (SRF) developed in all patients, within a time frame of 9–27 days after the start of treatment. The fovea was involved in six of eight patients (75%). None of the patients with foveal SRF [excluding a patient who developed a bilateral retinal vein occlusion (RVO)] experienced visual symptoms. Subretinal fluid (SRF) decreased or resolved in all patients, despite continuation of study medication in six of eight patients (75%). Complaints in the CM patient (13%) consisted of experiencing a dark fleck in the inferior part of the visual field of the right eye 1 week after the start of treatment, due to an RVO. Subsequent intravitreal bevacizumab treatment resulted in functional and anatomical improvement.

Conclusion

Patients with metastatic CM who are treated with the MEK inhibitor pimasertib are at high risk of development of ocular adverse events including serous retinopathy and possibly RVO, stressing the need of adequate ophthalmological follow‐up including OCT during administration of pimasertib, despite the fact that SRF generally does not lead to ophthalmological complaints.
New Trends in Internal Migration in China: Profiles of the New‐generation Migrants
Authors: Zhao Liqiu , Liu Shouying , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2018

Three decades since the first wave of rural–urban migration, the new generation of migrant workers has become the main force of internal migration in China. The present paper comprehensively explores the profiles of the new generation of migrant workers in urban China. We find that the “new generation” migrants are more educated and skilled, and are likely to work in manufacturing and service industries than in the construction industry. Moreover, they tend to allocate more time to non‐farm activities and have more months away from home per year in urban areas. In contrast to their predecessors, they tend to migrate to urban areas with their spouses, consume more in urban areas and send less money back home. Our findings suggest that the differences in features between the new generation of rural migrants and urban residents have become smaller and the integration of rural migrants into urban China has taken place gradually.
Dual‐hormone artificial pancreas: benefits and limitations compared with single‐hormone systems
Authors: Peters T. M. , Haidar A.
Published: January 2018

Technological advances have made the artificial pancreas a reality. This has the potential to improve the lives of individuals with Type 1 diabetes by reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia, achieving better overall glucose control, and enhancing quality of life. Both single‐hormone (insulin‐only) and dual‐hormone (insulin and glucagon) systems have been developed; however, a focused review of the relative benefits of each artificial pancreas system is needed. We reviewed studies that directly compared single‐ and dual‐hormone systems to evaluate the efficacy of each system for preventing hypoglycaemia and maintaining glycaemic control, as well as their utility in specific situations including during exercise, overnight and during the prandial period. We observed additional benefits with the dual‐hormone artificial pancreas for reducing the risk of hypoglycaemic events overall and during exercise over the study duration. The single‐hormone artificial pancreas was sufficient for maintenance of euglycaemia in the overnight period and for preventing late‐onset post‐exercise hypoglycaemia. Future comparative studies of longer duration are required to determine whether one system is superior for improving mean glucose control, eliminating severe hypoglycaemia, or improving quality of life.
How Well Does the Sum Score Summarize the Test? Summability as a Measure of Internal Consistency
Authors: Goeman J. J. , De Jong N. H.
Published: January 2018

Many researchers use Cronbach's alpha to demonstrate internal consistency, even though it has been shown numerous times that Cronbach's alpha is not suitable for this. Because the intention of questionnaire and test constructers is to summarize the test by its overall sum score, we advocate summability, which we define as the proportion of total test variation that is explained by the sum score. This measure is closely related to Loevinger's H. The mathematical derivation of summability as a measure of explained variation is given for both scale and dichotomously scored items. Using computer simulations, we show that summability performs adequately and we apply it to an existing productive vocabulary test. An open‐source tool to easily calculate summability is provided online (https://sites.google.com/view/summability).
Using Evidence‐Centered Design to Create a Special Educator Observation System
Authors: Johnson Evelyn S. , Crawford Angela , Moylan Laura A. , Zheng Yuzhu
Published: January 2018

The evidence‐centered design framework was used to create a special education teacher observation system, Recognizing Effective Special Education Teachers. Extensive reviews of research informed the domain analysis and modeling stages, and led to the conceptual framework in which effective special education teaching is operationalized as the ability to effectively implement evidence‐based practices for students with disabilities. In the assessment implementation stage, four raters evaluated 40 videos and provided evidence to support the scores assigned to teacher performances. An inductive approach was used to analyze the data and to create empirically derived, item‐level performance descriptors. In the assessment delivery stage, four different raters evaluated the same videos using the fully developed rubric. Many‐facet Rasch measurement analyses showed that the item, teacher, lesson, and rater facets achieved high psychometric quality. This process can be applied to other content areas to develop teacher observation systems that provide accurate evaluations and feedback to improve instructional practice.
Guillain−Barré syndrome in a local area in Japan, 2006–2015: an epidemiological and clinical study of 108 patients
Authors: Matsui N. , Nodera H. , Kuzume D. , Iwasa N. , Unai Y. , Sakai W. , Miyazaki Y. , Yamazaki H. , Osaki Y. , Mori A. , Furukawa T. , Tsukamoto‐Miyashiro A. , Shimatani Y. , Yamasaki M. , Izumi Y. , Kusunoki S. , Arisawa K. , Kaji R.
Published: January 2018

Background and purpose

Many epidemiological studies of Guillain−Barré syndrome (GBS) and Fisher syndrome (FS) have been conducted in Europe and America. In contrast, epidemiological studies are rare in Asia where the GBS subtypes differ from those in Western countries. This study was undertaken to clarify the incidence of GBS and FS in a local area in Japan as well as their seasonal trends.

Method

Seventy‐one GBS and 37 FS patients were recorded from 2006 to 2015 in an area of approximately 1.5 million inhabitants in Japan. The incidence, seasonal trends and clinical features of GBS and FS were examined.

Results

The incidence rate of GBS was 0.42 cases per 100 000 person‐years and that of FS was 0.22 cases per 100 000 person‐years. The incidence of GBS increased with age and FS affected predominantly patients aged from 45 to 64 years old. There was some seasonal clustering of acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and FS in spring and summer, but it was not significant. AMAN and FS patients had a high frequency of preceding infection (AMAN, 68% gastrointestinal infection; FS, 65% upper respiratory infection). Antecedent respiratory infection was significantly associated with FS as an outcome. Serum antibodies to ganglioside GM1 were detected in 71% of AMAN patients and antibodies to GQ1b were detected in 81% of FS patients.

Conclusions

Our study offers evidence of a lower incidence of GBS and a higher incidence of FS in a local area in Japan than in Western countries.
Nuthatch uses tool in London park
Authors: Rutz Christian , Deans Simon
Published: January 2018

Here, we report an observation of a Eurasian nuthatch Sitta europaea foraging with a tool in a public park in Greater London, UK. This record is of significance, as it provides the first photographic evidence (to our knowledge) of nuthatch tool use, reveals an unusually wide phylogenetic and geographic distribution of tool behaviour within the Sittidae, and constitutes a rare example of animal tool use in an urban environment. To improve our understanding of nuthatch tool behaviour, we are building a global database of relevant anecdotal field observations—submissions are most welcome.
Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation meeting, May 2016: Progress towards the diagnosis, treatment and cure of primary cicatricial alopecias
Authors: Sundberg John P. , Hordinsky Maria K. , Bergfeld Wilma , Lenzy Yolanda M. , McMichael Amy J. , Christiano Angela M. , McGregor Tracy , Stenn Kurt S. , Sivamani Raja K. , Pratt Craig Herbert , King Lloyd E.
Published: January 2018

Primary cicatricial alopecias (PCAs) are a group of skin diseases in which there is progressive and permanent destruction of hair follicles followed by replacement with fibrous tissue. Unfortunately, by the time patients seek clinical evaluation of their hair loss, the skin is already inflamed and/or scarred, so there is little hope for a return to their normal hair growth pattern. Clinical and basic science investigations are now focusing on three forms of human PCA: lichen planopilaris (LPP), frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). Transcriptome, lipidome and other new technologies are providing new insight into the pathogenesis of some of these diseases that are being validated and further investigated using spontaneous and genetically engineered mouse models.
‘Stick with your own kind, or hang with the locals?’ Implications of shoaling strategy for tropical reef fish on a range‐expansion frontline
Authors: Smith Shannen M. , Fox Rebecca J. , Booth David J. , Donelson Jennifer M.
Published: January 2018

Range shifts of tropical marine species to temperate latitudes are predicted to increase as a consequence of climate change. To date, the research focus on climate‐mediated range shifts has been predominately dealt with the physiological capacity of tropical species to cope with the thermal challenges imposed by temperate latitudes. Behavioural traits of individuals in the novel temperate environment have not previously been investigated, however, they are also likely to play a key role in determining the establishment success of individual species at the range‐expansion forefront. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of shoaling strategy on the performance of juvenile tropical reef fishes that recruit annually to temperate waters off the south east coast of Australia. Specifically, we compared body‐size distributions and the seasonal decline in abundance through time of juvenile tropical fishes that shoaled with native temperate species (‘mixed’ shoals) to those that shoaled only with conspecifics (as would be the case in their tropical range). We found that shoaling with temperate native species benefitted juvenile tropical reef fishes, with individuals in ‘mixed’ shoals attaining larger body‐sizes over the season than those in ‘tropical‐only’ shoals. This benefit in terms of population body‐size distributions was accompanied by greater social cohesion of ‘mixed’ shoals across the season. Our results highlight the impact that sociality and behavioural plasticity are likely to play in determining the impact on native fish communities of climate‐induced range expansion of coral reef fishes.
Identification of dementia using standard clinical assessments by primary care physicians in Japan
Authors: Noda Hiroyuki , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Ikeda Ai , Asada Takashi , Iso Hiroyasu
Published: January 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to develop a way of identifying dementia using clinical assessments made by primary care physicians under the existing medical care system in Japan.

Methods

A total of 623 people aged ≥65 years underwent standard clinical assessments by primary care physicians under the long‐term‐care insurance program to determine their grade of activities of daily living related to dementia. To examine the validity of the diagnosis, neuropsychiatrists carried out further diagnosis of dementia for all the participants. We regarded the dementia patients who received care for disability under the long‐term care insurance program as having disabling dementia.

Results

Multivariable odds ratio (95% confidence interval) in single‐grade increments of the activity was 2.1 (1.7–2.5) for dementia and 2.8 (2.2–3.4) for disabling dementia. The grades ≥I and ≥IIa were near the upper‐left corner in the receiver operating characteristic curves. Setting the cut‐off point at grades ≥I or ≥IIa yielded a higher integrated discrimination improvement, suggesting a major improvement in reducing misclassification by using these cut‐off points. When we used grades ≥I as the cut‐off point, the sensitivity (95% confidence limits) was 65% (58–72%) and the specificity was 93% (91–96%) for dementia, and the corresponding values in grades ≥IIa were 54% (47–62%) and 96% (94–97%). The corresponding values for disabling dementia were 83% (76–90%), 92% (90–95%), 73% (65–80%) and 96% (94–97%).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that selection of grades ≥I or ≥IIa as the cut‐off point would reduce instances of misclassification in the identification of dementia and disabling dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 738–744
Impacts of Methane on Carbon Dioxide Storage in Brine Formations
Authors: Soltanian Mohamad R. , Amooie Mohammad A. , Cole David R. , Darrah Thomas H. , Graham David E. , Pfiffner Susan M. , Phelps Tommy J. , Moortgat Joachim
Published: January 2018

In the context of geological carbon sequestration (GCS), carbon dioxide (CO2) is often injected into deep formations saturated with a brine that may contain dissolved light hydrocarbons, such as methane (CH4). In this multicomponent multiphase displacement process, CO2 competes with CH4 in terms of dissolution, and CH4 tends to exsolve from the aqueous into a gaseous phase. Because CH4 has a lower viscosity than injected CO2, CH4 is swept up into a ‘bank’ of CH4‐rich gas ahead of the CO2 displacement front. On the one hand, this may provide a useful tracer signal of an approaching CO2 front. On the other hand, the emergence of gaseous CH4 is undesirable because it poses a leakage risk of a far more potent greenhouse gas than CO2 if the cap rock is compromised. Open fractures or faults and wells could result in CH4 contamination of overlying groundwater aquifers as well as surface emissions. We investigate this process through detailed numerical simulations for a large‐scale GCS pilot project (near Cranfield, Mississippi) for which a rich set of field data is available. An accurate cubic‐plus‐association equation‐of‐state is used to describe the non‐linear phase behavior of multiphase brine‐CH4‐CO2 mixtures, and breakthrough curves in two observation wells are used to constrain transport processes. Both field data and simulations indeed show the development of an extensive plume of CH4‐rich (up to 90 mol%) gas as a consequence of CO2 injection, with important implications for the risk assessment of future GCS projects.
Self‐Esteem and Ethics: A Phenomenological View
Authors: Bortolan Anna
Published: January 2018

This paper aims to provide an account of the relationship between self‐esteem and moral experience. In particular, drawing on feminist and phenomenological accounts of affectivity and ethics, I argue that self‐esteem has a primary role in moral epistemology and moral action. I start by providing a characterization of self‐esteem, suggesting in particular that it can be best understood through the phenomenological notion of “existential feeling.” Examining the dynamics characteristic of the so‐called “impostor phenomenon” and the experience of women who are involved in abusive relationships, I then claim that self‐esteem fundamentally shapes the way in which self and others are conceived, and the ethical demands and obligations to which they are considered to be subjected. More specifically, I argue that low self‐esteem—which in the experience of women may be rooted in particular assumptions regarding gender roles and stereotyping—can hinder autonomy, make it difficult to question other people's evaluative perspectives and behaviors, and attribute to others responsibility for their actions.
High prevalence of reduced thrombin generation and/or decreased platelet response in women with unexplained heavy menstrual bleeding
Authors: Eising H. P. , Roest M. , de Groot P. G. , Huskens D. , Konings J. , Urbanus R. T. , de Laat B. , Remijn J. A.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a condition that affects 20%‐30% of women of reproductive age. HMB has a multifactorial pathophysiology, which is incompletely understood. HMB symptoms are very common in patients with established haemostasis defects, likewise, women with heavy menstrual bleeding have a higher prevalence of impaired Von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels and function, thrombocytopenia, impaired platelet function and impaired coagulation. The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of impaired platelet function, impaired coagulation and reduced VWF activity in patients with HMB.

Methods

We have used thrombin generation (TG), a flow cytometry‐based platelet function test and a flow cytometry‐based VWF function test to study haemostasis in 58 women (median age: 48.4 years, range 40‐60 years) with HMB. In addition, we determined VWF antigen levels and VWF ristocetin co‐factor activity in platelet‐poor plasma. Reference ranges of platelet function were measured in whole blood of 123 healthy volunteers, while reference ranges of TG were determined in platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) of 126 healthy volunteers.

Results

Fourteen (24%) patients with HMB had impaired platelet function and 17 (29.3%) patients had impaired coagulation. Five patients (8.6%) had both impaired platelet function and impaired coagulation. Only 2 (3.4%) patients had an impaired VWF function or levels; one of them was in combination with impaired coagulation.

Conclusion

Our approach in women with HMB using a high precision platelet function test in combination with thrombin generation showed impaired coagulation or impaired platelet function in more than 40% of the patients.
A Panel Study of Immigrants’ Overeducation and Earnings in Australia
Authors: Wen Le , Maani Sholeh A.
Published: January 2018

The recent literature on overeducation has provided divergent results on whether or not overeducation bears an earnings penalty. In addition, few studies have considered overeducation among immigrants. This article uses panel data analyses to investigate the match between education and occupation and resulting earnings effects for immigrants from English‐Speaking and Non‐English Speaking Backgrounds, relative to the native‐born population in Australia. Based on nine years of longitudinal data, the panel approach addresses individual heterogeneity effects (motivation, ability, and compensating differentials) that are crucial in overeducation analysis. First, we find that immigrants have significantly higher incidence rates of overeducation than the native‐born. This probability increases, rather than diminishes, once we control for unobserved correlated effects. Second, based on panel fixed effects analyses there is no penalty for overeducation for ESB immigrants. However, NESB immigrants receive a lower return to required and overeducation compared to the other groups after controlling for individual heterogeneity.
Importance of B cells to development of regulatory T cells and prolongation of tissue allograft survival in recipients receiving autologous bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Gorczynski Reginald M. , Farrokhi Kaveh , Gorczynski Christopher , Sadozai Hassan , Zhu Fang , Khatri Ismat
Published: January 2018

We previously showed that congenic bone marrow transplantation (BMTx) post myeloablation augmented tissue allograft survival in association with increased regulatory T (Treg) cells of both host and bone marrow donor origin. Regulatory B (Breg) cells can also modulate T‐cell immunity and B cells may be implicated in the development of Treg cells. Accordingly, we explored the effect of B‐cell depletion in vivo on augmented graft survival post BMTx. C57BL/6 mice received BALB/c skin allografts followed 7 days later by myeloablation using cyclophosphamide and busulphan. Mice then received T‐cell‐depleted bone marrow from CD45.1 congenic donors, and ongoing immunosuppression with rapamycin (to day 28 after BMTx). Control mice received cyclophosphamide and busulphan followed by rapamycin, but not congenic bone marrow. At different times post BMTx, mice received B‐cell‐depleting antibody treatment, and the effect on both skin graft survival, and induction of Treg cells was assessed. BMTx resulted in significantly prolonged skin graft survival versus control mice, in association with attenuated donor‐specific alloreactivity relative to controls, increased splenic Treg cells and significantly diminished anti‐donor IgG. In mice receiving infusion of B‐depleting antibodies for 12 days from day 15 post BMTx, both graft survival and Treg cell activity were diminished, particularly for functional Treg cells of donor origin. Adoptive transfer of Breg cells from mice harvested at 15 days post BMTx prolonged survival in naive transplanted mice and increased Treg cell levels. Thus, autologous BMTx augmentation of graft survival is dependent in part upon a population of Breg cells that can modulate the function of donor‐derived Treg cells.
Management of morning hypertension: a consensus statement of an Asian expert panel
Authors: Wang Ji‐Guang , Kario Kazuomi , Chen Chen‐Huan , Park Jeong‐Bae , Hoshide Satoshi , Huo Yong , Lee Hae‐Young , Li Yan , Mogi Masaki , Munakata Masanori , Park Sungha , Zhu Dingliang
Published: January 2018

Morning blood pressure (BP) surge is an important aspect of hypertension research. Morning BP monitoring could be a clinically relevant concept in the therapeutic management of hypertension and in the prevention of cardiovascular complications by defining and treating morning hypertension. Because antihypertensive medication is often taken in the morning, uncontrolled morning BP during the trough effect hours could be a hallmark of inadequate choice of antihypertensive regimen, such as the use of short‐ or intermediate‐acting drugs, underdosing of drugs, or no use or underuse of combination therapy. To improve the management of hypertension in general and morning hypertension in particular, long‐acting antihypertensive drugs should be used in appropriate, often full dosages and in proper combinations. The clinical usefulness of antihypertensive drugs with specific mechanisms for morning BP or split or timed dosing of long‐acting drugs in controlling morning BP remains under investigation.
Amelioration of colitis through blocking lymphocytes entry to Peyer's patches by sphingosine‐1‐phosphate lyase inhibitor
Authors: Shirakabe Kazuhiko , Higashiyama Masaaki , Furuhashi Hirotaka , Takajo Takeshi , Maruta Koji , Okada Yoshikiyo , Kurihara Chie , Watanabe Chikako , Komoto Shunsuke , Tomita Kengo , Nagao Shigeaki , Miura Soichiro , Saruta Masayuki , Hokari Ryota
Published: January 2018

Background and Aim

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor 1, a therapeutic target of the S1P1 agonist FTY720, plays a crucial role in lymphocyte migration and is expressed in several cells including naïve T lymphocytes and endothelial cells. 2‐Acetyl‐4‐tetrahydroxybutyl imidazole (THI), an inhibitor of S1P lyase, exhibits immunomodulatory activity through increasing the S1P concentration in the secondary lymphoid organs, but its effects on colitis remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify how THI affects colitis and migration of naïve T lymphocytes in Peyer's patches (PPs).

Methods

The effect of THI on gut immunity was investigated by analyzing the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced murine colitis model, lymphocyte components in thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDLs), and microscopic movement of TDLs in PPs.

Results

2‐Acetyl‐4‐tetrahydroxybutyl imidazole ameliorated DSS‐induced colitis histologically by causing a significant decrease in colonic lymphocyte infiltration and expression of mucosal pro‐inflammatory cytokines. THI suppressed the inflow of naïve T lymphocytes into the thoracic duct. Microscopic observation of PPs in control animals revealed that many TDLs egressed to the stroma and migrated to lymph capillaries after attaching to the high endothelial venules (HEVs). THI or FTY720 treatment in recipient animals blocked lymphocyte egression from the HEVs to the stroma.

Conclusions

This is the first study to clarify the ameliorating effects of THI on DSS‐induced colitis. Microscopic observations demonstrated the involvement of HEVs in the egression of S1P‐dependent gut‐tropic T lymphocytes to lymph capillaries. This S1P lyase inhibitor might become a novel immunosuppressant for inflammatory bowel disease therapy by blocking infiltration of lymphocytes through HEVs into the stroma in PPs.
Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain intensity during application of carboxytherapy in patients with cellulite: A randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Sadala Adria Y. , Machado Aline F. P. , Liebano Richard E.
Published: January 2018

Background

Carboxytherapy may generate local pain that is considered the main limiting factor in clinical practice. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is widely used in the control of acute pain; however, the effect of TENS on pain relief during carboxytherapy has not been studied to date.

Aims

To assess the effect of TENS on pain intensity during carboxytherapy in patients with cellulite in the gluteal region.

Patients/Methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted with 84 patients, 18‐44 years of age, who had moderate cellulite in the gluteal region, according to Cellulite Severity Scale, but never received carboxytherapy. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: active TENS, placebo TENS, and control group. For the intervention, skin depressions with cellulite were outlined, and the gluteal area to be treated was defined. The subcutaneous injection of CO2 was performed using 0.30 × 13 mm‐needles at a 45° angle, with a controlled flow rate of 100 mL/min maintained for 1 minute at each puncture site. The parameters for TENS were as follows: frequency of 100 Hz and pulse duration of 200 μs; TENS intensity was adjusted until the patient reported strong paresthesia. The visual numeric pain rating scale was used to assess pain intensity after each puncture.

Results

The active TENS group reported lower pain intensity compared to the placebo TENS (P < .0001) and control (P < .0001) groups.

Conclusions

Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) was effective in reducing pain intensity during carboxytherapy in patients with cellulite in the gluteal region.
Comparing Mental Health of US Children of Immigrants and Non‐Immigrants in 4 Racial/Ethnic Groups
Authors: Kim JaHun , Nicodimos Semret , Kushner Siri E. , Rhew Isaac C. , McCauley Elizabeth , Vander Stoep Ann
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

To compare the mental health status of children of immigrant (COI) and non‐immigrant (NI) parents and to determine whether differences in mental health status between COI and NI vary across 4 racial/ethnic groups.

METHODS

We conducted universal mental health screening of 2374 sixth graders in an urban public school district. To screen, we administered well‐validated adolescent depression and disruptive behavior problem questionnaires. We evaluated associations between child mental health, parent immigration status, and race/ethnicity using binomial regression.

RESULTS

Among Asian American/Pacific Islanders and Latinos, COI had significantly higher depression and disruptive behavior scores compared to NI. For Blacks/African Americans, children of NI parents had significantly higher disruptive behavior scores compared to COI. For European Americans, scores of COI and NI did not differ and were relatively low.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that how the emotional health of COI is faring relative to children of NI depends on the child's race/ethnicity.
Race, Sex, and Discrimination in School Settings: A Multilevel Analysis of Associations With Delinquency
Authors: Chambers Brittany D. , Erausquin Jennifer Toller
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Adolescence is a critical phase of development and experimentation with delinquent behaviors. There is a growing body of literature exploring individual and structural impacts of discrimination on health outcomes and delinquent behaviors. However, there is limited research assessing how school diversity and discrimination impact students' delinquent behaviors. In response, the purpose of this study was to assess if individual‐ and school‐level indicators of discrimination and diversity were associated with student delinquent behaviors among African American and White students.

METHODS

We analyzed Wave I (1994‐1995) data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Our analysis was limited to 8947 African American and White students (73% White, 48% male, and 88% parent ≥ high school education). We used multilevel zero‐inflated negative binomial regression to test the association of individual‐ and school characteristics and discrimination with the number of self‐reported delinquent behaviors.

RESULTS

Race, sex, perceived peer inclusion, and teacher discrimination were predictors of students' delinquent behaviors. The average school perceived peer inclusion and percentage of African Americans in teaching roles were associated with delinquent behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study highlight the potential for intervention at the interpersonal and school levels to reduce delinquency among African American and White students.
Effects of connectivity on animal‐dispersed forest plant communities in agriculture‐dominated landscapes
Authors: Mony Cendrine , Abadie Juliet , Gil‐Tena Assu , Burel Francoise , Ernoult Aude
Published: January 2018

Questions

How does connectivity affect animal‐dispersed plant assemblages in woodlots of agriculture‐dominated landscapes? Is this effect dependent on zoochorous dispersal modes?

Location

Long‐Term Socio‐Ecological Research (LTSER) site of “Zone Atelier Armorique” (ca. 150 km2), Brittany, western France.

Methods

We sampled 26 small post‐agricultural woodlots embedded in an agricultural matrix (1–7 ha). We assessed the connectivity of each woodlot using habitat reachability metrics (i.e. Proportion of Total Potential Dispersal Flux in the Landscape) calculated along a range of dispersal distances from 100 to 1,500 m. This metric was based on graph theory and was calculated as a function of landscape matrix permeability to animal movement (i.e. seed plant dispersal vectors). We analysed the composition of plant assemblages in the core and margins of woodlots. We calculated the proportion of species richness and cover of zoochorous species within these assemblages and for specific zoochorous modes (i.e. epi‐, endo‐ and dys‐zoochorous species). We analysed the effects of Proportion of Total Potential Dispersal Flux at different dispersal distances and woodlot sizes on the functional dispersal structure of the plant community using linear models.

Results

We demonstrated that overall plant zoochorous assemblages only depend on woodlot size in the range of dispersal distances tested. The proportion of richness of zoochorous species within the community increased with habitat size. Connectivity influenced only the relative proportions of the different zoochorous modes, except for the dys‐zoochorous group, which was primarily influenced by woodlot size. Both epi‐zoochorous and endo‐zoochorous species were impacted by the interaction between connectivity and woodlot area. Connectivity increased the proportion of epi‐zoochorous species richness and the proportion of endo‐zoochorous cover in assemblages in large woodlots. These effects were detected at short dispersal distances. Our results were supported in both total and core plant assemblages.

Conclusion

This study indicates that both habitat isolation and decrease in habitat size contribute towards shaping the functional structure of the plant community, but they act at different levels of dispersal mode. Our results suggest that in these fragmented landscapes long‐distance dispersal has been lost either because of the selection of small‐sized animal movements or of the rareness of plant species needing large habitat size. Maintaining woodlot connectivity in the woodland surroundings seems to be sufficient to preserve short‐distance dispersal, although a more thorough restoration of landscape connectivity is necessary to recover the functional composition of the community with the whole set of dispersal patterns.
Evolution of resistance to chytridiomycosis is associated with a robust early immune response
Authors: Grogan Laura F. , Cashins Scott D. , Skerratt Lee F. , Berger Lee , McFadden Michael S. , Harlow Peter , Hunter David A. , Scheele Ben C. , Mulvenna Jason
Published: January 2018

Potentiating the evolution of immunity is a promising strategy for addressing biodiversity diseases. Assisted selection for infection resistance may enable the recovery and persistence of amphibians threatened by chytridiomycosis, a devastating fungal skin disease threatening hundreds of species globally. However, knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the natural evolution of immunity to chytridiomycosis is limited. Understanding the mechanisms of such resistance may help speed‐assisted selection. Using a transcriptomics approach, we examined gene expression responses of endangered alpine tree frogs (Litoria verreauxii alpina) to subclinical infection, comparing two long‐exposed populations with a naïve population. We performed a blinded, randomized and controlled exposure experiment, collecting skin, liver and spleen tissues at 4, 8 and 14 days postexposure from 51 wild‐caught captively reared infection‐naïve adult frogs for transcriptome assembly and differential gene expression analyses. We analysed our results in conjunction with infection intensity data, and the results of a large clinical survival experiment run concurrently with individuals from the same clutches. Here, we show that frogs from an evolutionarily long‐exposed and phenotypically more resistant population of the highly susceptible alpine tree frog demonstrate a more robust innate and adaptive immune response at the critical early subclinical stage of infection when compared with two more susceptible populations. These results are consistent with the occurrence of evolution of resistance against chytridiomycosis, help to explain underlying resistance mechanisms, and provide genes of potential interest and sequence data for future research. We recommend further investigation of cell‐mediated immunity pathways, the role of interferons and mechanisms of lymphocyte suppression.
Connections and Collaboration—Celebrating the Contributions of Barbara Gray
Authors: Purdy Jill , Kish‐Gephart Jennifer , Labianca Giuseppe (Joe) , Ansari Shaz
Published: January 2018

In July 2017, Dr. Barbara Gray was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the IACM during its 30th annual conference in Berlin, Germany. In this tribute article, we celebrate Barbara's unique and varied contributions to our understanding of conflict and collaboration. We highlight multiple aspects of Barbara's scholarly work including research on (a) intergroup conflict and organizational change, (b) power and conflict dynamics, (c) frames and framing, and (d) shared meanings and institutional theory approaches to conflict and conflict resolution. In reviewing this work, we recognize Barbara's lifelong concern for social justice and environmental sustainability, her pioneering use of qualitative methods, and her ongoing commitment to the development of young scholars.
Proliferative leukoplakia: Proposed new clinical diagnostic criteria
Authors: Villa A , Menon RS , Kerr AR , De Abreu Alves F , Guollo A , Ojeda D , Woo SB
Published: January 2018

Objective

We aimed to characterize proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) from a clinical and histopathological standpoint and suggest an updated classification.

Subjects and Methods

Records of patients seen at three oral medicine centers with a clinical diagnosis of PVL were reviewed for clinical and histopathological features and malignant transformation (MT).

Results

There were 42 patients (median age: 69 years [range: 36–88]; 35 females). 12.2% were current smokers. Family history of cancer was present in 43.7% of patients. Partial demarcation of lesion margins was present in 31.3% of lesions, followed by verrucous (27.5%), smooth (22.7%) erythematous (22.3%), and fissured (18.3%) appearance. Large and contiguous and multisite and non‐contiguous lesions comprised 57.1% (24/42) and 35.7% (15/42) of PVL cases, respectively. 19.1% had prominent erythema (erythroleukoplakia). The most common histopathological diagnosis at first visit was hyperkeratosis without dysplasia (22/42; 56.4%). MT occurred in 71.4% patients after a median of 37 months [range: 1–210] from initial visit; erythroleukoplakia exhibited MT in 100% of cases.

Conclusion

The generic term “proliferative leukoplakia (PL)” may be more appropriate than PVL because 18.3% were fissured and 22.7% erythematous. We also propose the term proliferative erythroleukoplakia to more accurately describe the subset of PL with prominent erythema, which had the highest MT rate.